The Vandalia Leader

09/16/2026

Mexico, Mo. – Michael and Pam Jennings and family of Laddonia were among the Missouri families honored at the 69th annual Missouri Farm Family Day on August 17 during the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia.
The Jennings family was chosen as the Audrain County Missouri Farm Family by University of Missouri Extension and the Audrain County Farm Bureau. The family includes twins Clayton and Callie Jennings.

Mexico, Mo. – Michael and Pam Jennings and family of Laddonia were among the Missouri families honored at the 69th annual Missouri Farm Family Day… Login to continue reading Login Sign up for complimentary access Sign Up Now Close

09/15/2026

VANDALIA, Mo. — The Vandalia City Council will hold a special meeting to consider an agreement that could determine the next step for the proposed Railroad Park renovation project.
At its Sept. 8 meeting, the Board of Aldermen voted to schedule the special meeting to allow City Attorney Amy Rost to review the Rual Morris Charitable Foundation’s $500,000 award letter to the Vandalia Area Historical Society and the requirements associated with the funding.
IMPORTANT LOCATION CHANGE: The special meeting will be held at the Modern Maturity Building, 104 E. Joe St., at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16.

VANDALIA, Mo. — The Vandalia City Council will hold a special meeting to consider an agreement that could determine the next step for the proposed… Login to continue reading Login Sign up for complimentary access Sign Up Now Close

09/15/2026

The Van-Far High School cross country teams have enjoyed a strong start to the 2026 season, earning team championships at both the Salisbury Invitational and their home meet while seeing several athletes bring home individual medals.
At the Salisbury meet on Sept. 1, the Van-Far boys captured the team title, finishing first out of 11 complete teams behind a pair of medal-winning performances from Garrett Hopke and Slade Keller.

09/12/2026

At the Missouri State Fair, Greenley and Anniston Curtis of Thompson chose to make an impact beyond the showring by donating their market hogs through Missouri Farmers Care Foundation’s Hogs for Hunger, a pillar of the Drive to Feed Kids. Greenley and Anniston are members of the F&L Hustlers 4-H Club in Agri-Ready Designated Audrain County.
Greenley and Anniston joined fellow Missouri 4-H and FFA exhibitors in helping provide nutritious pork to families experiencing food insecurity across the state.

At the Missouri State Fair, Greenley and Anniston Curtis of Thompson chose to make an impact beyond the showring by donating their market hogs through… Login to continue reading Login Sign up for complimentary access Sign Up Now Close

09/10/2026

JEFFERSON CITY, MO — A Missouri resident confirmed to have measles was reported to have boarded a Chicago-bound train—Train 318—at the station in Sedalia, Mo., on Aug. 27. The individual is not a Pettis County resident and was only traveling through the Sedalia train station enroute to their intended destination. Available details of this possible measles exposure have been extremely limited thus far, and more information will be provided if it becomes available.
All individuals with possible exposures should watch for the symptoms of measles for 21 days from the date of exposure and contact their local public health agency if symptoms appear. People who think they have measles should isolate themselves and call their health care provider before arriving to be tested. It is important to let the provider know of the concern for measles and to get instructions on how to come to the office for diagnosis without exposing other people to the virus.

09/09/2026

The Arthur Center recently expanded into Fulton, Mo., said Karrie Ferrari, the communications director.
“We have been super busy and growing in lots of ways,” she added about the integrated community health provider.
“Our history is deeply rooted in behavioral health, but I think a lot of times people aren’t aware of all the services that we provide,” she said.
It offers primary care, which includes imaging. There’s pediatrics, Dental, optometry, women’s health, mental health, substance use, residential services, pharmacy and service navigation.

By Stan Schwartz The Arthur Center recently expanded into Fulton, Mo., said Karrie Ferrari, the communications director. “We have been super busy and growing in… Login to continue reading Login Sign up for complimentary access Sign Up Now Close

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day! Today, we celebrate the hard work, dedication & contributions of workers throughout our communities.

We are especially grateful to our readers & advertisers for your continued support. Thank you for being part of what we do.

Have a safe and enjoyable holiday!

09/07/2026

The Vandalia Area Chamber of Commerce recognized Nicole’s Old & New Oasis as its August Business of the Month, honoring local business owner Nicole McConnell for her dedication to providing affordable merchandise and outstanding customer service.
Nicole opened the store in April 2025, taking over ownership from her father, Warren Nation. Since stepping into the role, she has worked hard to refresh and improve the business, cleaning up the store, reorganizing inventory, and bringing in a wide variety of new merchandise.

09/06/2026

The Van-Far Fire Protection District has strengthened its emergency response capabilities with the purchase of two matching rescue squad trucks that will be stationed in Farber and Vandalia, providing enhanced rescue services across the district.
On Aug. 19, 2026, fire department members traveled to Jefferson City to participate in an auction of retired Missouri Department of Natural Resources Emergency Response vehicles. Missouri DNR auctioned six retired 2008 Ford F-550 rescue trucks that were built by Precision Fire Apparatus in Camdenton, Mo.

09/04/2026

Van-Far Alumni and Friends board members met Aug. 27 and completed arrangements for their annual reunion event.
This year alumni, school personnel and friends are invited to gather at the Family Life Center—First Baptist church—following the Prairie Days parade on Saturday, Sept. 26, to visit, learn more about the association and enjoy memories stirred up while browsing Van-Far yearbooks provided by the area historical society.
https://www.vandalialeader.com/2026/09/04/van-far-alumni-arrange-reunion-during-prairie-days/