Chillicothe Constitution-Tribune

06/05/2026

Chillicothe Area Arts Council Announces June Lineup for Merry Hearts Dances

Music, dancing and community fellowship will continue throughout June as the Chillicothe Area Arts Council hosts its monthly Merry Hearts dance series at the Grand River Multipurpose Center. The organization recently announced a full schedule of weekend evening events designed to provide entertainment and social opportunities for area residents.

The June lineup begins June 5 with an Open Mic Karaoke night, giving attendees the opportunity to showcase their singing talents in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Live music returns June 12 with a performance by Midnight Country, followed by J.D. & the Fitzpickers on June 19. The month concludes June 26 with entertainment by Len Audsley.

All events will be held from 7-9:30 p.m. at the Grand River Multipurpose Center, located at 607 U.S. Business 36 in Chillicothe. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Admission for dance nights is $10 per person, while karaoke nights are $3. Organizers encourage attendees to bring a favorite snack to share along with a nonalcoholic beverage.

The Merry Hearts dances have become a popular gathering place for community members, offering an opportunity to enjoy live entertainment, socialize with friends and meet new people in a welcoming environment.
The June schedule follows the group’s May events and continues the Arts Council’s efforts to provide accessible arts and entertainment opportunities for residents of all ages throughout the local area.

06/04/2026

Hale Citywide Garage Sales Set for June 6

Residents and visitors are invited to take part in the Hale Citywide Garage Sales on Sat., June 6, with a full day of shopping, food, and community activities planned at the Hale Community Hall.

The citywide event also offers vendors the opportunity to set up booth space both inside and outside the community hall. Organizers say booth space is free, though spots are limited and available on a first-come basis. Those interested in reserving a space can contact Nicholas Wilson at 660-383-3860.

In addition to garage sale shopping throughout the day, a freewill donation bake sale will begin at 7 a.m. in the community hall kitchen, offering homemade treats for early shoppers.

The day will wrap up with a potato and salad bar hosted by the Hale Library Museum from 4-7 p.m. at the community hall. The meal will also be offered for a freewill donation following the day’s sales and cleanup.

06/04/2026

Trucks, Tractors & Horsepower Set to Roar Into County Fairgrounds June 5

The sounds of roaring engines, spinning tires and cheering crowds will once again fill the air at the Livingston County Fairgrounds as the Livingston County 4-H and FFA Fair Truck and Tractor Pull gets underway Fri., June 5. The event is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Litton Ag Science Center, located off Highway 190 on the Livingston County Fairgrounds grounds.

The event promises an evening packed with high-powered competition featuring some of the region’s top truck and tractor pullers. Organizers are preparing for a full slate of classes spread across two tracks and two sleds, allowing fans to enjoy continuous action throughout the evening.

The event is co-sanctioned by the Northwest Missouri Tractor Pullers Association (NWMTPA), the Interstate Pullers Association (IFPA) and the Professional Pulling League (PPL), bringing together competitors from multiple organizations for a diverse lineup of pulling classes.

The truck and tractor pull is a crowd favorite for fair supporters, farmers, and motorsports enthusiasts, drawing competitors and spectators from across Missouri and neighboring states. Participants spend countless hours building, tuning and maintaining their machines in pursuit of a single goal — pulling the weighted sled farther than the competition.

Fans attending this year’s event will see everything from farm stock tractors to highly modified diesel trucks and super stock machines designed specifically for pulling competition.

Track 1 will feature Limited Light Super Stock Tractors, Pro Farm Tractors, Limited Pro Diesel Trucks, 8,500 Limited Pro, 4.1 Limited Pro Stock Tractors, 5,500/5,700 Combo Classics and the 10,500 Super Field class.

Track 2 will include the 6,500 Non-Turbo class, 11,500 Farm Stock, 8,500 Pro Field A Pump, 6,200 Pro Street 4x4, 12,500 Farm Stock, 9,500 Pro Farm and Super Street Diesel competition.

Each class brings its own unique style of competition. Farm stock classes showcase tractors and trucks that remain closer to their agricultural roots, while limited pro and super stock divisions feature highly modified engines capable of producing massive horsepower. The result is a night filled with everything from precision driving and strategy to raw power and dramatic displays of speed and strength.

Admission for the event is $20, while children age 10 and younger will be admitted free. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to secure seating and experience the sights and sounds of the pull before competition begins.

In addition to providing entertainment for the community, the event also supports the Livingston County 4-H and FFA Fair, helping continue youth agricultural programs that have long been a cornerstone of the county fair tradition.

Track sponsors for the event include Brotherton Truck & Trailer Repair, Ruoff Farms & Trucking LLC, Big Yield Agriculture and Gabe Jeffries. Packer sponsors include Minnick Seeds, Aaron Minnick, CT Summers and Pepsi.

Whether attendees come to watch diesel trucks dig into the track, tractors battle for every extra foot of distance or simply enjoy a summer evening at the fairgrounds, organizers expect another action-packed night of horsepower and hometown entertainment.

For additional information about the Truck and Tractor Pull or the 2026 Livingston County 4-H and FFA Fair, call 660-247-2636.

The sounds of roaring engines, spinning tires and cheering crowds will once again fill the air at the Livingston County Fairgrounds as the Livingston County 4-H and FFA Fair Truck and Tractor Pull gets underway Fri., June 5. The event is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Litton Ag Science Cent...

06/03/2026

Chillicothe Council Approves Changes to Nuisance and Dangerous Dog Hearing Procedures

The Chillicothe City Council has approved amendments to two city ordinances designed to provide greater flexibility when handling nuisance and dangerous dog cases. The changes affect the city’s ordinance governing nuisances, dangerous buildings and w**d abatement, as well as the ordinance regulating vicious dogs.

Both amendments received unanimous approval from the council and are intended to streamline the hearing process used when violations occur. Under the updated ordinances, hearings may now be conducted by the mayor or a designated representative. Previously, they were to be led by the City Administrator, a position that was recently and unexpectedly vacated by Roz Frampton.

City officials said the revisions were recommended following a review by city attorney, Robert Cowherd, and are intended to ensure hearings can be conducted in a timely and efficient manner.

While the amendments alter the hearing process, they do not change the city’s existing standards regarding nuisance properties, dangerous structures, overgrown vegetation or animals deemed a threat to public safety. Property owners and pet owners will continue to be subject to the same regulations and enforcement procedures already established by city code.

Nuisance ordinances are among the primary tools municipalities use to address conditions that can negatively affect neighborhoods, property values and public safety. These cases can include abandoned or unsafe buildings, excessive w**ds and vegetation, debris accumulation and other property maintenance concerns. Dangerous dog ordinances provide a framework for investigating complaints, conducting hearings and determining what actions may be necessary when an animal is believed to pose a risk to residents.

City officials indicated the amendments are administrative in nature but will provide additional options for scheduling and conducting hearings when ordinance violations require review. The changes are expected to improve efficiency while maintaining due process protections for individuals involved in the proceedings.

Council members approved both ordinance amendments without opposition.

The Chillicothe City Council has approved amendments to two city ordinances designed to provide greater flexibility when handling nuisance and dangerous dog cases. The changes affect… Login to continue reading Login Sign up for complimentary access Sign Up Now Close

06/03/2026

Altar Society to Host Salad Lunch June 4
The St. Ann’s Altar Society of St Columban Catholic Church is hosting a Salad Luncheon on June 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Chillicothe Elks Lodge, 401 Harvester Road, in Chillicothe.
Tickets for the Salad Luncheon are available for $15 and can be purchased from any St. Ann’s Altar Society member, Lauhoff Jewelry or the St Columban Catholic Church rectory at 1111 Trenton Street in Chillicothe Tuesday - Friday 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Tickets are also available at the door of the Elks Lodge on June 4.
Salad Luncheon Cookbooks, with over 300 recipes, will also be available at a Special price of only $10 at the luncheon.

06/02/2026

Chillicothe Woman Charged After Loaded Handgun Allegedly Left at High School

A 25-year-old Chillicothe woman has been charged with a felony after authorities allege, she inadvertently brought a loaded handgun onto school property and left it behind following a school event at Chillicothe High School.

Erin Grace Sackrey was charged June 1 with a summons filed June 2 in Livingston County Associate Court with one count of unlawful use of a weapon by carrying a loaded firearm into a school, a Class E felony under Missouri law. Court records indicate the charge stems from an incident that occurred April 7, 2026 at Chillicothe High School.

According to a probable cause statement filed by Livingston County Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Lewis, a night custodian discovered a purse while cleaning the Performing Arts Center following a second-grade spring program held earlier that evening. The purse had reportedly been left behind a seat in the PAC and was taken to the school’s front office after it was found. Authorities were notified after a handgun was discovered inside the purse.

Deputies responded to the school at approximately 8:30 p.m. and examined the purse, which had been placed in the secretary’s office. Investigators reported finding a black R***r LCP .380-caliber semi-automatic handgun inside a zippered compartment. According to court documents, the firearm contained four rounds in the magazine and one round in the chamber.

While inventorying the purse, deputies located identification belonging to Sackrey and obtained contact information through the Chillicothe Police Department. Authorities later contacted her by telephone and requested that she meet with investigators at the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office.

According to court records, Sackrey told authorities she had not yet realized the purse was missing and agreed to meet with investigators the following day.

During an interview on April 8, Sackrey allegedly acknowledged ownership of both the purse and the firearm. Investigators reported that she told them she had attended the second-grade spring program involving her boyfriend’s daughter and inadvertently left her purse behind after the event.

The probable cause statement indicates Sackrey possessed a concealed carry permit but stated she did not realize Missouri law prohibits carrying a firearm onto school property. Deputy Lewis noted in the report that while a permit is not required to carry a concealed firearm in Missouri, state law still restricts fi****ms on school property and ignorance of the law is not a defense. According to investigators, Sackrey said she routinely carried the firearm in her purse and had forgotten it was there.

The probable cause statement further states that several high school FFA students were scheduled to be in the Performing Arts Center the following morning before the purse was discovered. Authorities noted there was a significant risk that a student could have located the firearm had school staff not found the purse first.

Investigators stated Sackrey did not indicate any intent to harm the school or its occupants and did not make any threats. The report notes that she cooperated with investigators, admitted bringing the firearm onto school property by carrying it in her purse, and acknowledged ownership of the weapon.

The firearm was seized as evidence during the investigation. According to the probable cause statement, the weapon and other property from the purse were later returned to Sackrey after approximately $170 in fees and costs were paid.

Livingston County Prosecuting Attorney Brian Keedy filed the felony complaint June 1. Court records show attorney Michael Paul Koenig has entered an appearance on Sackrey’s behalf and filed a request for discovery.

A criminal summons was issued June 2. Sackrey is scheduled to make her initial appearance at 9 a.m. July 8 before Associate Circuit Judge Michael Richard Leamer in the second-floor associate courtroom of the Livingston County Courthouse.

Under Missouri law, a Class E felony is punishable by up to four years in the custody of the Missouri Department of Corrections, confinement in a county jail or other authorized institution for up to one year, a fine of up to $10,000, or a combination of imprisonment and a fine.

As with all criminal cases, the charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Sackrey has no other prior criminal history.

A 25-year-old Chillicothe woman has been charged with a felony after authorities allege, she inadvertently brought a loaded handgun onto school property and left it behind following a school event at Chillicothe High School. Erin Grace Sackrey was charged June 1 with a summons filed June 2 in Living...

06/02/2026

Beta Zeta Sorority Plans Weekend Garage Sale to Support CHS Scholarships

Shoppers looking for bargains and a way to give back will have the chance to do both during an upcoming garage sale hosted by Beta Zeta Sorority. The fundraiser is set for Fri., June 5, from 5-8 p.m., and Sat., June 6, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. The sale will take place at 809 Thompson Drive in Chillicothe.

Organizers say the event will feature a wide variety of items as members work to declutter their homes, offering everything from household goods to clothing and more. Proceeds from the sale will go toward scholarships for Chillicothe High School students. Cash donations will also be accepted during the event.

Beta Zeta is a philanthropic organization based in Chillicothe that supports several local and charitable efforts, including scholarships, holiday assistance, and support for cancer patients.

06/01/2026

Early Morning Fire Causes Extensive Damage to Chillicothe Home; Lightning Suspected

An early morning house fire caused extensive damage to a residence on Country Club Drive Mon., June 1, though no injuries were reported.

The Chillicothe Fire Department was dispatched at 4:33 a.m. to 1812 Country Club Drive following a report of a possible structure fire. Firefighters arrived approximately five minutes later and found heavy smoke coming from the eaves of the home.

According to the fire department, the homeowner was standing at the front door when crews arrived and was safely accounted for. The homeowner was not injured.

Firefighters quickly located the fire on the back side of the roof and soffit area and began an interior attack. Crews were able to contain the blaze to the attic and roof before successfully extinguishing it, preventing the fire from spreading further throughout the residence.

Approximately 1,000 gallons of water were used during firefighting operations.

Despite crews containing the fire, the home sustained extensive damage to the interior, exterior, attic, and roof areas. No injuries or fatalities were reported as a result of the incident.

Firefighters remained on scene for approximately two hours and 20 minutes before clearing the location shortly before 7 a.m.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though officials said lightning from the overnight storms may have been a contributing factor.

An early morning house fire caused extensive damage to a residence on Country Club Drive Mon., June 1, though no injuries were reported. The Chillicothe Fire Department was dispatched at 4:33 a.m. to 1812 Country Club Drive following a report of a possible structure fire. Firefighters arrived approx...

05/31/2026

J-Turn Intersection Planned for U.S. 36 and Mitchell Avenue as MoDOT Looks to Improve Safety

Changes could be coming to one of Chillicothe’s busiest intersections as the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) plans safety improvements at the intersection of U.S. Highway 36 and Mitchell Avenue.

The project is currently under consideration for construction as early as 2027 or 2028 and would convert the existing intersection into a J-turn configuration.

J-turns are designed as an alternative to traditional intersections on four-lane divided highways. Instead of motorists crossing multiple high-speed lanes to reach opposing traffic lanes, drivers turn right first, merge with traffic and then use a designated U-turn area to travel in the intended direction.

While the design can require drivers to travel slightly farther, transportation officials say it often takes the same amount of time or less than waiting for an opening to cross busy highways.

The goal of the design is to reduce serious crashes, particularly right-angle collisions and left-turn crashes that frequently occur when drivers cross fast-moving traffic.

According to MoDOT, J-turn intersections eliminate or greatly reduce the need for drivers to cross high-speed lanes to reach opposing traffic.

State data has shown significant safety improvements at existing Missouri J-turn locations. MoDOT reported studies of 47 J-turn intersections found an overall crash reduction of 40 percent. Fatal and injury crashes decreased by 74 percent.

Changes could be coming to one of Chillicothe’s busiest intersections as the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) plans safety improvements at the intersection of U.S. Highway 36 and Mitchell Avenue.

05/30/2026

Chillicothe Theatre Company Receives Missouri Humanities Grant for Youth Theatre Literacy Program

The Chillicothe Theatre Company has received grant funding from Missouri Humanities that will help launch a new youth theatre literacy program planned for January 2027. The volunteer-led community theatre organization announced it was awarded the grant as part of its efforts to expand educational opportunities for youth while continuing to grow local theatre programming.

The theatre company organization operates entirely through volunteers and relies heavily on community support, ticket sales and fundraising efforts to sustain productions. The Missouri Humanities grant will support the company’s youth theatre initiative, which leaders said is being developed as a literacy-focused program centered around theatre education.

In addition to the state funding, local organizations have stepped forward to help match the grant and establish support for the program and future productions. Those recognized included the FM & Gladys McCall Foundation, the Juckette Foundation through its Director’s Pick program, and Junior Sorosis of Chillicothe in memory of Evelyn Graves and her longtime support of the arts.

The Chillicothe Theatre Company has received grant funding from Missouri Humanities that will help launch a new youth theatre literacy program planned for January 2027. The volunteer-led community theatre organization announced it was awarded the grant as part of its efforts to expand educational op...