The Vandalia Leader

06/17/2026

Judging a chili competition can be daunting. The nine judges in this year’s contest were quiet and serious as they circled the judging table, which was loaded with samples. Clipboard in one hand and a plastic spoon in the other, they tasted, then tasted some more and then made a decision on which sample they thought was the best.
Rep. Chad Perkins, R-40, who has been judging this competition in Clarksville for at least 20 years, said it was tough deciding which one to pick. Each competitor is judged in three categories—home style, chili verde and traditional red. The judges were provided with sour cream as a palate cleanser between competitors.

By Stan Schwartz Judging a chili competition can be daunting. The nine judges in this year’s contest were quiet and serious as they circled the… Login to continue reading Login Sign up for complimentary access Sign Up Now Close

06/17/2026

The Vandalia Area Chamber of Commerce is inviting the community to enjoy a summer of live music with its “Summer Sound Waves 2026” concert series, a three-night celebration of regional talent set in Railroad Park.
The concerts will take place on the fourth Friday of June, July, and August, with each evening beginning at 5:30 p.m. The event is free, making it accessible for families and visitors looking for an evening of entertainment. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and relax on the grass while enjoying the performances.

By Brandie Gay The Vandalia Area Chamber of Commerce is inviting the community to enjoy a summer of live music with its “Summer Sound Waves… Login to continue reading Login Sign up for complimentary access Sign Up Now Close

06/16/2026

The Van-Far R-I School District honored the achievements of its student-athletes during the annual Spring Sports Awards Ceremony, recognizing standout performances in baseball, golf, and track and field. Coaches praised not only athletic excellence but also academic success and dedication throughout the season.

06/11/2026

Missouri is postponing its plan to prohibit the use of federal food aid to purchase candy, prepared desserts and sugary drinks until Feb. 15, 2027, after grocers warned they needed clearer guidance to enforce the new restrictions at the checkout.
The delay will allow the Missouri Department of Social Services to develop educational materials to explain the changes to Missourians and a “comprehensive product identification list” so that grocers across the state can implement the changes consistently, according to an announcement from the department.

By Steph QuinnMissouri Independent Missouri is postponing its plan to prohibit the use of federal food aid to purchase candy, prepared desserts and sugary drinks… Login to continue reading Login Sign up for complimentary access Sign Up Now Close

06/11/2026

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Frequent rain and unseasonably cool weather this May are creating favorable conditions for tar spot to develop in Missouri cornfields in June.
“We’ve detected tar spot in June in each of the last three years, and I anticipate the same for 2026,” says University of Missouri Extension plant pathologist Mandy Bish.

06/10/2026

Three kittens hidden away inside a van belonging to the Pike County Agency for Developmental Disabilities returning from Vandalia to Bowling Green Thursday, proved elusive.
“When they (the drivers) discovered they were under there, they called my office,” said Bowling Green Code Enforcement officer Tony Windmiller. He dispatched Animal Control Officer Reid LaFave to retrieve the furry critters.

By Stan Schwartz Three kittens hidden away inside a van belonging to the Pike County Agency for Developmental Disabilities returning from Vandalia to Bowling Green… Login to continue reading Login Sign up for complimentary access Sign Up Now Close

06/10/2026

The Van-Far Fire Protection District has strengthened its ability to respond to emergencies with the recent acquisition of a 2000 Freightliner/Pierce pumper tanker, donated by the Boone County Fire Protection District.
The newly acquired apparatus features a 1,500-gallon water capacity and was originally custom built in Appleton, Wis., specifically for Boone County service. According to VFFPD board member Mark Woodward, the truck is ideally suited for rural firefighting operations in Missouri.

By Brandie Gay The Van-Far Fire Protection District has strengthened its ability to respond to emergencies with the recent acquisition of a 2000 Freightliner/Pierce pumper… Login to continue reading Login Sign up for complimentary access Sign Up Now Close

06/07/2026

The new art installation is already transforming a quiet corner of campus into a colorful gathering place and a symbol of Lion pride.
Just days before crossing the graduation stage this month, art students Sloan Rogers and Cassidy Allarah Steele completed one final project at East Texas A&M University—a mural designed to remind students they belong. Rogers is originally from Vandalia.

By Kristen SegarA&M Marketing and Communications The new art installation is already transforming a quiet corner of campus into a colorful gathering place and a… Login to continue reading Login Sign up for complimentary access Sign Up Now Close

06/07/2026

MEXICO—Residents will soon notice that the properties which housed the former hospital facility, Stribling House, and the old Public Health Building are being demolished. According to the Government Heathcare Committee, this project is necessary for the community based on the following reasons.
• When former hospital owners allowed the Certificate of Need and the licensure with the state of Missouri to lapse, this moved the aging structure to be held to today’s codes and standards under the state. Any of the grandfathering granted to the building when it had a license is gone.

MEXICO—Residents will soon notice that the properties which housed the former hospital facility, Stribling House, and the old Public Health Building are being demolished. According… Login to continue reading Login Sign up for complimentary access Sign Up Now Close

06/07/2026

It’s National Bathroom Reading Week. The first full week in June is set aside to commemorate the educational value of bathroom “literature.”
This excludes phone browsing—we’re talking print media.
I don’t know about your family, but “War and Peace” has never topped our tank. No encyclopedias. Not a single book with an index.

It’s National Bathroom Reading Week. The first full week in June is set aside to commemorate the educational value of bathroom “literature.” This excludes phone… Login to continue reading Login Sign up for complimentary access Sign Up Now Close