Linn County Leader

06/03/2026

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 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...

06/02/2026

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.

To read the full story go to:

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 Livings...

06/02/2026

According to a post on social media, a water main break is affecting the Marceline R-V schools.
A boil order is in place until further notice.

School officials ask that students attending summer school, athletic camps, and weight training to bring a water bottle this evening and tomorrow.

Extra bottled water will be available for summer school students during the school day.

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.

https://www.chillicothenews.com/early-morning-fire-causes-extensive-damage-to-chillicothe-home-lightning-suspected/

05/31/2026

A Summary: The Constitutional Amendments on Missouri’s Aug. 4 Ballot

Missouri voters will weigh in on four constitutional amendments during the Aug. 4, 2026, primary election, with measures addressing conservation funding, county government operations, citizen-led constitutional changes and the future of Missouri’s tax structure.

The proposals were placed on the August ballot and could result in changes affecting state funding programs, election procedures and taxation if approved by voters.

https://www.linncountyleader.com/a-summary-the-constitutional-amendments-on-missouris-aug-4-ballot/

05/30/2026

Browning Betterment Association Seeking Food Vendors for July Fundraising Event

Local groups looking for a way to raise money while serving up crowd favorites may soon have an opportunity as the Browning Betterment Association begins preparing for a community event scheduled for July 24-25, 2026.

It was recently announced they are seeking local food vendors and organizations interested in operating food booths during the event weekend. The association is encouraging clubs, churches, civic organizations and community groups to participate as a fundraiser.

The organizers hope to fill the park with a variety of food options ranging from burgers and barbecue to hot dogs, lemonade stands, desserts and other specialty treats.

The event is being promoted as a chance for organizations to generate funds while also supporting the local community and adding to the festival atmosphere. The goal of the event is to create a weekend that brings together local food, community involvement and fundraising opportunities in one place.

Groups interested in participating are encouraged to contact Amy Hoerrmann for additional information and vendor reservation details at 660-734-1897.

https://www.linncountyleader.com/browning-betterment-association-seeking-food-vendors-for-july-fundraising-event/

05/30/2026

2026 Chillicothe Mudcats Open on Road Sunday

Home opener next Wednesday

Season No. 24 for the Chillicothe Mudcats’ college-level, summer, wood-bat baseball team is set to begin Sunday in southwest Missouri.

As the team observes this summer the 25th anniversary of its forming, on the field, the Fish will start by facing the same opponent they initiated their inaugural 2002 season against – the Nevada Griffons, although this meeting will be on the Griffons’ Lyons Field Sunday at 7 p.m., rather than in Chillicothe, and it will be between members of the MINK League. While the Mudcats always have performed in the MINK League, in 2002, Nevada – only about 20-30 minutes from the Kansas state line – still was part of the Jayhawk League comprised almost exclusively of Kansas-based teams.

The last time the Mudcats played, they lost at home to Nevada in the first round of the 2025 MINK playoffs after the Fish had stood third and Nevada sixth in the 7-teams league’s final regular-season standings.

Sunday’s, Monday’s and Tuesday’s evening games at Nevada, along with all of the Mudcats’ games this season – as has been the case throughout Fish history – will be broadcast live locally on KCHI Radio. This summer’s home games will be videostreamed on YouTube with a dedicated announcer through the team’s website. In addition to the KCHI broadcasts, video coverage of the games at Nevada will be available at www.nevadamotv.com.

While Sunday’s game will be the Mudcats’ 2026 opener, the Griffons had an opening league series at Carroll, Iowa, this past Monday through Wednesday.

https://www.linncountyleader.com/2026-chillicothe-mudcats-open-on-road-sunday/

By PAUL STURMLCL Sports [email protected] Home opener next Wednesday Season No. 24 for the Chillicothe Mudcats’ college-level, summer, wood-bat baseball team is set to begin… Login to continue reading Login Sign up for complimentary access Sign Up Now Close

05/29/2026

05/29/2026

Backyard Collapse in Brookfield Uncovers Hidden Coal Shaft

What began as a small depression in a Brookfield backyard quickly turned into something much larger. It wasn’t a sinkhole. And it wasn’t a gem.

The homeowner who will remain anonymous first noticed a sunken area Saturday evening, May 23, 2026.. By Sunday, the ground had dropped several feet. By Mon., May 25, 2026, the area had fully collapsed, revealing what state officials later identified as an abandoned coal shaft beneath the property.

The opening measures approximately 12 feet across and extends an estimated 69 feet underground — nearly the height of a five- to six-story building. The big hole is in Fairview Heights on Hillside Drive in Brookfield. It is estimated to be roughly 15 yards from the home according to a neighbor.

The discovery has renewed interest in Brookfield’s underground mining history and the lingering effects left behind decades after coal operations ended. Brookfield was once home to multiple underground coal mines operating from the late 1800s through the early 1900s. Historical mine maps show shafts and tunnel systems beneath portions of the area, with mining activity extending toward Bucklin and other nearby communities.

“I figured it was something to do with the mines,” said nearby neighbor Jason Stanfield. “It was wild when I first seen it. My mind was blown away. One minute it was a small hole. The next time I looked at it, I couldn’t even see the bottom.”

So what causes something like this to suddenly collapse more than a century later?

Officials say the exact trigger is not always known, but several factors are believed to contribute. Many older mines relied on timber supports underground. Over decades those supports can rot, weaken or fail entirely. As underground spaces lose structural stability, the earth above can begin settling.

For the full story, go to:
https://www.linncountyleader.com/backyard-collapse-in-brookfield-uncovers-hidden-coal-shaft/

05/27/2026

Oasis Tutoring Seeking Volunteers for Summer and Upcoming School Year Programs

Adults age 55 and older looking for an opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life are being invited to volunteer with Oasis Tutoring as the program expands opportunities in Brookfield.
Tutoring coordinator Jane Frizzell recently announced volunteer openings for reading and math tutoring programs scheduled this summer at the Brookfield Public Library, with the program expected to begin in mid-June and continue through the end of July.
In addition to the summer sessions, organizers are also seeking tutors for the 2026-2027 school year at both the Brookfield Public Library and Father McCartan Memorial School.
Oasis Tutoring is an intergenerational mentoring program designed for volunteers ages 50 and older. The program pairs volunteers with elementary-age students to provide one-on-one support aimed at building reading and math skills while also helping students gain confidence.
The adult reading tutors are matched with students in kindergarten through third grade, while the newer math tutoring component will pair volunteers with students in kindergarten through second grade.
Volunteers meet with students one day each week during the summer program, and training is provided. The initiative focuses on providing individual attention to help children experience success while creating meaningful connections between generations.
Those interested in volunteering or learning more about the program can contact tutoring coordinator Jane Frizzell by email at [email protected] or by phone at 660-383-2996. Additional information about the program is available at tutoring.oasisnet.org.