Chillicothe Constitution-Tribune

08/07/2026

Patriotic Exhibit Showcases Local Artists at Cultural Corner Reception

By Angie Hutschreider
CHILLICOTHE — Patriotic pride and local artistic talent will take center stage during the Cultural Corner Art Guild & Gallery's Patriotic Exhibit, which will be celebrated with an artist reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 7 at the gallery, 424 Locust St.

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet many of the featured artists while enjoying wine and refreshments during the evening reception. The exhibit showcases a wide variety of artistic mediums, including textiles, woodworking, ceramics, fiber art, oil paintings, watercolor paintings and mixed media.

Executive Director Kay Burton said the exhibit is unlike any other.

"It is truly a unique event and exhibit," Burton said.

Among the featured artists is Johanne Blackburn, whose heartfelt watercolor collection, "Les Plumes," pays tribute to the lives lost during the devastating flash flooding at Camp Mystic in Kerr County, Texas, on July 4, 2025.

The series features a watercolor feather honoring each victim of the tragedy. Blackburn will be available during the reception to visit with guests and discuss the inspiration behind her work.

The patriotic exhibit also highlights the work of several area artists.

Woodworker Dale Baldwin is displaying handcrafted pieces, including several unique creations designed using electrical currents that create intricate patterns in the wood.

Ranae Lee, a Livingston County resident, is exhibiting an original oil painting titled "Mourning Glory." Created entirely from inspiration, the painting depicts an American flag appearing in the clouds above the Statue of Liberty and a soldier.

Burton described the piece as "beautiful and inspiring."

Local artist Jennifer Robison created the mixed media painting "George Washington, Father of Liberty" in just one week. The portrait is among several patriotic-themed works featured in the exhibit.

Ceramic artwork by Laurinda Davison is also on display and available for purchase, while Mary Dusenbury is showcasing fiber art pieces. Vernon Norris contributed a hand-carved eagle walking stick, demonstrating traditional craftsmanship, and Ludlow resident Marj Locker is exhibiting an acrylic clock painting.

Additional artists featured in the exhibit include Bekah Anderson, Jolette Boyer and several other local and regional artists, offering visitors an opportunity to experience a broad range of creative styles and techniques.

The Cultural Corner Art Guild & Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Community members are encouraged to attend the reception, meet the artists and explore the patriotic-themed collection celebrating both American spirit and local artistic talent.

By Angie Hutschreider CHILLICOTHE — Patriotic pride and local artistic talent will take center stage during the Cultural Corner Art Guild & Gallery’s Patriotic Exhibit, which will be celebrated with an artist reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 7 at the gallery, 424 Locust St. Visitors will have the...

08/06/2026

Donoho Siblings Turn Community Shoe Drive Into Growing Mission to Help Chillicothe Children

More than 200 pairs of shoes will help Chillicothe children walk into school and the holiday season with confidence thanks to a community service project created by twin siblings Hope and Howie Donoho.

The 17-year-old Chillicothe High School seniors founded Giving Hearts and Soles last year after learning that shoes were one of the greatest needs among students in the Chillicothe R-II School District. What began as a Christmas shoe drive has since expanded into a year-round effort that also provides footwear before the start of the school year.

“Our mom, Lendy Donoho, is a middle school counselor at Chillicothe, so we simply asked her what kids throughout our school district needed most,” the twins said. “She talked to all of the other counselors and they all agreed that shoes were something every kid needed at all age levels.”

That conversation inspired the siblings to launch Giving Hearts and Soles, a nonprofit community service project aimed at ensuring children have properly fitting shoes when they need them most.

For the full story, go to:

More than 200 pairs of shoes will help Chillicothe children walk into school and the holiday season with confidence thanks to a community service project created by twin siblings Hope and Howie Donoho.

08/04/2026

It’s Election Day! Polling places are open until 7 p.m.

08/03/2026

'Legacy of Dreams’ Celebrates Jerry Litton’s Enduring Impact

By Angie Hutschreider

CHILLICOTHE — Standing room only. That simple description captured the overwhelming response Sunday as more than 300 people filled the Litton Agri-Science Learning Center to celebrate the life, vision and enduring legacy of Congressman Jerry Litton during the “Legacy of Dreams” 50th-Anniversary commemoration.

The event honored a man, which many speakers said transformed Missouri agriculture, inspired generations of leaders and whose influence continues to be felt half a century after his death.

Visitors toured the Litton Agri-Science Learning Center, viewed a display of Litton’s beloved Charolais cattle and enjoyed musical performances by Jamie Pauls, Marylou Vandeventer and Scott Rule. The afternoon program featured former elected officials, university leaders and longtime friends.

The anniversary commemorated the events of Aug. 3, 1976, when Litton, his wife Sharon, daughter Linda, son Scott, family friend and pilot Paul Rupp Jr., and Rupp’s son, Paul Rupp III, were killed when their plane crashed shortly after takeoff from the Chillicothe Municipal Airport. The family was enroute to Kansas City to celebrate Litton’s Democratic primary victory in the U.S. Senate race.

While the tragedy ended a promising political career, speaker after speaker emphasized that Litton’s vision has continued to shape Missouri through the work of the Jerry Litton Family Memorial Foundation and its leadership development programs.

For the full story, go to:
https://www.chillicothenews.com/legacy-of-dreams-celebrates-jerry-littons-enduring-impact/

08/03/2026

Scott Rule performing God Bless America at the end of the formal program at the Litton Legacy of Dreams event today.

08/01/2026

Four Constitutional Amendments Could Shape Missouri’s Future

By Angie Hutschreider

From taxes and conservation funding to election rules and local government, Aug. 4 ballot asks voters to decide major constitutional changes.

With no major contested local races, County Clerk and Election Authority Sherry Parks is estimating 35% voter turnout, which she said is “optimistic”.

The proposed ambulance tax is the biggest “local” issue Livingston County voters will face.

When Missouri voters head to the polls on Aug. 4, they won’t just be choosing candidates. They’ll also decide four proposed constitutional amendments that could affect everything from state parks and property assessments to citizen-led ballot initiatives and Missouri’s tax system.

From taxes and conservation funding to election rules and local government, Aug. 4 ballot asks voters to decide major constitutional changes.

07/31/2026

Chillicothe Theatre Company Brings “Arsenic and Old Lace” to PAC Aug 8-9

Summer may be drawing to a close, but a unique opportunity is about to open at the Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center. The adult community theatre group, Chillicothe Theatre Company, will present “Arsenic and Old Lace” on August 8-9 on the main stage in the PAC.

“Arsenic and Old Lace,” was written by Joseph Kesselring in 1941 and follows two spinster sisters who believe it is a charity to help lonely old men pass on to their heavenly reward. Their nephew Mortimer uncovers their practice, but is met with difficulties from a brother who is a serial killer and a brother who thinks he is Teddy Roosevelt. Popularized by the Cary Grant film in 1944, this play is a mixture of humor, love, and surprise.

Lisa Rule, Chillicothe High School drama instructor, is directing this summer play, and she said the group has been in rehearsal since mid-June. “We really have a wonderful cast for this show, and they have been working diligently throughout the summer. I have wanted to direct this show for several years, and I am excited for our community to see what we have prepared.”

The spinsters, Abby and Martha Brewster, are played by Ronni Clark and Sue Bachman. The three Brewster brothers are played by Father Ryan Koster, Dustin Rennells and Mark Warren. Reverend Harper and his daughter Elaine are played by Dr. Bruce Brodmerkle and Kasey Peyton. Dr. Einstein is played by Ben Davis. The local police are played by Brooks Sturm, Matt Sturm and Brenda Ponting. Dr. Gibbs is played by Dave Rogers.

“Many in our cast are veterans with a love for the craft, but we are joined by some new folks as well–it’s a delightful mix,” Rule said.

Shows will be presented Saturday, August 8 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, August 9 at 1 p.m. at the Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 for all ages and are available at the door or at Lauhoff Jewelry and Community Press.

Summer may be drawing to a close, but a unique opportunity is about to open at the Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center. The adult community theatre group, Chillicothe Theatre Company, will present “Arsenic and Old Lace” on August 8-9 on the main stage in the PAC.

07/30/2026

Artist Honors Camp Mystic Flood Victims Through Watercolor Memorial

By Angie Hutschreider

The Cultural Corner Art Guild & Gallery, 424 Locust St., Chillicothe, is featuring a heartfelt watercolor exhibit - Les Plumes - by artist Johanne Blackburn that pays tribute to the lives lost during the devastating flash flooding at Camp Mystic in Kerr County, Texas, on July 4, 2025.

Using watercolors, Blackburn created a series of feather paintings, each is designed to look like a peacock feather, with each feather representing one of the victims who died in the unprecedented flooding. The deeply personal collection serves as a memorial to the campers and counselors whose lives were cut short in the tragedy.

Cultural Corner Art Guild & Gallery Executive Director Kay Burton said Blackburn painted the two larger feathers in honor of camp counselors Chloe Childress, 18, and Katherine Ferruzzo, 19, who lost their lives while trying to save campers. Another feather is dedicated to Cile Steward, whose body has not been recovered. Two additional feathers honor 8-year-old twins Hanna Lawrence and Rebecca Lawrence, who also perished in the flood. The other feathers are in memory of a child, though not a specific one.

Blackburn said she hopes the artwork not only helps memorialize those who were lost but also provides comfort to their families.

"Her long-term plan is to turn the paintings into box prints, with proceeds benefiting the Heaven's 27 Foundation and the Texas Rangers Foundation," Burton said. "Ultimately, she hopes the families see the artwork created in memory of their daughters."

Blackburn will be available to meet visitors during an artist reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7, at the Cultural Corner Art Guild & Gallery. Her artwork will remain on display through Aug. 7.

The Cultural Corner Art Guild & Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

See comments for a video tour of the exhibit.

By Angie Hutschreider The Cultural Corner Art Guild & Gallery, 424 Locust St., Chillicothe, is featuring a heartfelt watercolor exhibit – Les Plumes – by artist Johanne Blackburn that pays tribute to the lives lost during the devastating flash flooding at Camp Mystic in Kerr County, Texas, on Ju...

07/30/2026

Thank you to everyone who came to wish Paul well in his retirement and to everyone who sent well wishes!

07/29/2026

We hope to see you today as we celebrate Paul!

Come help us honor Paul and his commitment to this community!