St. Columban to Host Lent Meals

St. Columban Catholic Church in Chillicothe has announced the return of its popular Lent fish fries, with dine-in service available this year. The events will take place on March 28, and April 4 from 5-7 p.m. at Bishop Hogan Memorial School. Community members are encouraged to mark their calendars and enjoy a delicious meal while supporting the church.

Farmers Market Meeting Set for March 27

The Chillicothe Farmers Market is gearing up for another successful season with an upcoming new member and annual meeting on March 27 at 5:30 p.m. at the Chillicothe Health Center. This meeting will serve as an opportunity for current and prospective vendors to plan for the 2025 market season, discuss market policies, and welcome new members interested in selling their products.

Operating since 1987, the Chillicothe Farmers Market has been a staple of the community, providing fresh, locally grown produce and handmade goods. The market takes place every Saturday at 8 a.m. from May through October, rain or shine, at the west side of the Livingston County Courthouse Square in downtown Chillicothe.

Those interested in becoming vendors for the upcoming season are encouraged to attend the meeting to learn more about the application process and expectations for market participation. The Chillicothe Farmers Market continues to support local farmers, artisans, and small businesses while offering the community access to high-quality, fresh products. For more information, vendors and community members are encouraged to attend the meeting to connect with market organizers.

Livingston County Library Hosts March Writer’s Circle for Creative Minds

The Livingston County Library is inviting aspiring writers and seasoned storytellers alike to gather for an evening of inspiration and creativity at The Writer’s Circle on March 27, at 6 p.m. The event will take place in the Courtroom at the Livingston County Library, located at 450 Locust Street in Chillicothe.

Designed as a space for writers to explore ideas, share their work, and find motivation, The Writer’s Circle welcomes participants at all stages of their creative journeys. Whether attendees are polishing an existing story or simply looking for a spark to begin writing, this event offers the setting to develop ideas and connect with others who share a passion for the written word.

The March gathering encourages writers to “chase down that golden idea” and take advantage of a supportive and engaging environment. Organizers emphasize that creativity isn’t just about luck—it’s about practice, perseverance, and community. The Livingston County Library encourages all writers to join the session, share their stories, and explore new creative opportunities.

Concert in the Church set for March 30

A special musical event is set to take place in Chillicothe as St. Columban Church hosts “Concert in the Church” on March 30 at 3 p.m. The performance will feature an ensemble of talented musicians, including Doug Rioth, Father Ryan Koster, and Zeb Yoko, presenting a selection of music for the harp, violin, and cello.

The concert offers attendees a chance to experience the beauty of classical and sacred music in the serene atmosphere of the historic St. Columban Church. With its rich acoustics and elegant setting, the church provides the perfect venue for an afternoon of inspiring and soothing melodies.

Admission to the concert is free.

For more information, those interested can call 660-646-0190.

Spring-A-Palooza Returns to Chillicothe with Vendors, Food, and Fun

The Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for Spring-A-Palooza 2025, a lively vendor festival set to take place on Saturday, April 5, at the Grand River Area YMCA. The event will run from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and promises a full day of shopping, food, and entertainment for all ages.

This annual festival will feature unique vendors, handcrafted goods, delicious food, and family-friendly activities. Whether visitors are searching for one-of-a-kind treasures, indulging in local eats, or simply enjoying a fun outing with loved ones, Spring-A-Palooza offers something for everyone.

Cameron Cemetery Association to Meet

The Cameron Cemetery Association of Livingston County Missouri will hold it’s spring meeting on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Hale City Hall. The meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. All interested parties are invited to attend.

Champagne & Diamonds Fundraiser Set for April 12 in Chillicothe

The North Central Missouri Children’s Advocacy Center is hosting its annual Champagne & Diamonds fundraiser on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 5 p.m. at the Chillicothe Elks Lodge. This event aims to support the center’s mission of assisting children and families in need while providing attendees with an elegant evening of entertainment.

Guests can purchase individual tickets for $30, couples tickets for $50, or opt for sponsorship packages ranging from $250 to $500. Sponsorship levels include VIP tables, multiple tickets, and added perks such as champagne. All sponsorships come with published acknowledgments in event materials.

Champagne & Diamonds is a 21-and-over event, offering attendees an opportunity to enjoy a night out while contributing to a crucial local cause. Proceeds will help the advocacy center’s efforts in providing essential services to children who have experienced abuse or trauma.

Community members are encouraged to secure their tickets in advance. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Amanda White at awhite@ncmokids.org or call 660-359-2874. The North Central Missouri Children’s Advocacy Center relies on community support to continue its work, and this event plays a significant role in fundraising efforts.

Southwest School Preschool (Pre-K) & Kindergarten Enrollment

Southwest School will conduct the annual Preschool (Pre-K) and Kindergarten Screenings on Tuesday, April 1 and Wednesday, April 2, 2025, from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Children who will be attending Kindergarten or Preschool (Pre-K) this fall will be given the Dial 4 Developmental Indicators for the Assessment of Learning test. The district will also screen the children’s hearing and vision. Families in the Southwest School District who have 4-year old children and are interested in their children attending preschool (Pre-K) must have their children take part in this screening process. Screening results are part of the criteria to determine placement in the Southwest Blended Preschool (Pre-K) morning session.

Please contact Tonya Carter, Secretary, at 738-4433 to set up an appointment.

To be eligible for kindergarten, children must be five years old before August 1, 2025. To be eligible for Preschool (Pre-K), children must be 4 years old before August 1, 2025. Parents are required to bring the child’s birth certificate, immunization records and verification of residency for enrollment, unless they have already given this information to the school.

If a child is currently enrolled in Preschool or Kindergarten at Southwest, there is no need to schedule an appointment.

Chillicothe Elementary to Host Kindergarten Parent Orientation

Chillicothe Elementary School is inviting parents of incoming kindergarten students to a Kindergarten Parent Orientation for the 2025-26 school year. The event will take place on Monday, April 14, in the CES Cafeteria, with two available sessions either at 4-5 p.m. or 6-7 p.m.

The orientation is designed to help parents prepare for their child’s transition into kindergarten. Topics will include classroom expectations, transportation, and general school procedures. Parents are encouraged to bring their incoming kindergartener, but they should make arrangements for siblings, as supervision will not be provided for additional children.

The CES staff looks forward to welcoming families and providing important information for the upcoming school year. For more details, parents can contact Chillicothe Elementary School at 660-240-3315.

Livingston County Democrat Club to Meet

The Livingston County Democrats Club will meet on April 15 at the Livingston County Library from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Chamber & GRTS Team Up for Career Fair Set for April 24

The Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce and Grand River Technical School are teaming up to host the 2025 Career Connections: Job & Resource Fair. Scheduled for April 24, the event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at the Jenkins Expo Center in Chillicothe.

The fair is open to all job seekers and students interested in connecting with local and regional employers. Designed to link talent with opportunity, the event offers attendees immediate access to hiring prospects, career exploration, and the chance to build long-term professional connections. Employers from various industries will be on-site to network, recruit talent, and share insights about workforce opportunities.

Employers interested in participating can register for a booth by April 18, 2025 by contacting the Chamber.

FosterAdopt Connect to Host Softball Tourney

The Sliding Home Softball Tournament is set to bring excitement and camaraderie to Chillicothe this spring. Organized by FosterAdopt Connect Chillicothe, the co-ed softball event will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, starting at 9 a.m. at Danner Park, located at 1798 Litton Road in Chillicothe.

This annual tournament invites teams from Chillicothe and surrounding areas to step up to the plate for a day of friendly competition, community spirit, and support for a meaningful cause. Teams are encouraged to register early to secure their spots and review the tournament rules through the provided online forms.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for local businesses and individuals looking to contribute to this exciting event. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit FosterAdopt Connect, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families in the foster care system.

Event organizers are excited to welcome participants, spectators, and supporters to join in the fun. For additional information about registration or sponsorship opportunities, contact Danielle Parker at danielle.parker@fosteradopt.org or call 660-225-0059. Don’t miss this opportunity to slide into spring with a day of softball and community fun.