Tonight’s ‘Light the Night’ Event Set for PTSD Awareness in Chillicothe
The Roy L. Burkett VFW #858 Auxiliary is hosting a special PTSD awareness event, Light the Night, on Friday, June 27, from 7:30-9 p.m. at the LICOVA Veteran’s Building, located at 909 N. Washington Street in Chillicothe.
This event is designed to support individuals living with PTSD, honor those who have lost their battle, and offer encouragement to those yet to be diagnosed. The west side of the building will be lit in green in recognition of PTSD awareness, and informational materials and veteran resources will be available onsite.
Organizers hope the event will foster community understanding and healing through shared experiences. All are welcome to attend and reminded that no one walks this journey alone.
Absentee Ballots Available
Absentee ballots are now available in the Livingston County Clerk’s office for the August 5 Special Election. Anyone needing to vote absentee may contact the county clerk’s office to inquire about the process. Regular office hours are 8:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. The last day to register to vote is Wednesday, July 9. The last day to request an absentee ballot to be mailed is Wednesday, July 23. The county clerk’s office will also be open Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Special arrangements for absentee voting can be made by calling the Livingston County Clerk’s office at 660-646-8000 x 3.
Chillicothe’s Fireworks Display Set to Light Up the Sky July 5
Get ready to celebrate with a bang—Chillicothe’s annual fireworks display is returning Saturday, July 5, at the south end of town at dark.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and the whole family for an evening under the stars. The event serves as a highlight of the summer and is made possible by generous local sponsors and organizations whose support keeps the celebration alive year after year.
Sourdough Skills on the Rise at Livingston County Library’s July 7 Baking Workshop
If the smell of freshly baked bread makes your heart rise like dough in a warm kitchen, then mark your calendar for July 7 at 6 p.m.—because Livingston County Library is hosting “Sourdough Bread with Dee,” a hands-on class perfect for anyone ready to roll up their sleeves and get kneading.
Held at the library’s Main Branch, this one-hour workshop will guide attendees through the entire sourdough-making process. Instructor Dee will demonstrate how to create and care for your own sourdough starter, shape your dough like a pro, and bake rustic, golden loaves from the comfort of home. The session is ideal for both beginners and experienced bakers wanting to refine their skills.
And there’s an added treat—one lucky participant will take home a live sourdough starter to continue baking right away.
Space is limited and filling fast, so early registration is encouraged. To reserve a spot, call the library at 660-646-0547 or stop by the front desk.
First Baptist Church in Chillicothe to Host “Magnified” VBS Next Week
The First Baptist Church of Chillicothe is inviting area youth to take a closer look at God’s creation this summer during its upcoming Vacation Bible School, themed “Magnified: Discovering the Bigness of God in the Smallest of Things.”
The program will run from July 7-11, offering a week of fun and faith-filled activities for children entering Pre-K through sixth grade. Each evening session will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the church.
Children will explore Bible stories, hands-on crafts, music, and interactive lessons that bring the theme of Psalm 34:3 to life. The goal of the week is to help kids discover God’s greatness by focusing on the often-overlooked details in the world around them.
Sign-ups are already open and families can register online at fbchilli.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2952478.
Organizers encourage early registration to help prepare materials and ensure every child has a spot in the summer adventure.
Game Night Returns to LivCo Library July 10 with Phase 10 Fun
Get ready to shuffle up and deal—Game Night is returning to the Livingston County Library on July 10, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The monthly event, held in the library’s basement at 450 Locust Street in Chillicothe, will feature the classic card game Phase 10.
Open to all ages and skill levels, this free event invites participants to enjoy a relaxed evening of laughter, light competition, and community connection. Whether you’re a seasoned Phase 10 strategist or just learning the rules, everyone is welcome at the table.
No registration is required, and guests are encouraged to come and go as they please. It’s the perfect low-pressure way to unwind, meet new people, and maybe even flex your card-playing skills. Attendees are encouraged to bring a friend—or make one when they arrive—and, most importantly, not to forget their game face.
Chula Community Garage Sales
Chula is clearing out the closets and firing up the yard signs—because it’s almost time for the annual Chula Community-Wide Garage Sales! Set for Thursday, July 11 through Friday, July 12, the two-day bargain blitz runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and promises treasure-hunting fun for all ages.
Hosted at the Chula Community Center, located at 625 Mansur Street, the event invites area residents to join in by holding their own sales throughout the town. It’s not just about shopping—it’s a community tradition. Locals can register their sale with the center, and organizers will promote the addresses and create a map of participating households to guide eager deal-seekers.
Don’t have your own sale? You can still contribute. The Community Center is accepting donated items to sell during the event for a free-will donation. It’s a great way to declutter while supporting a beloved community space.
Back-to-School Bonanza Returns to Chillicothe July 29 with Free Supplies for Local Students
Livingston County families are invited to participate in the 17th Annual Back-to-School Bonanza, hosted by MU Extension in Livingston County. The event is set for July 29, 2025, at the Family Life Center of Calvary Baptist Church in Chillicothe. Distribution will take place in two sessions: from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and again from 3-6 p.m.
The event is open to all Livingston County students entering kindergarten through 12th grade.
New this year, the event will feature a Community Resource Fair in collaboration with Bright Futures Chillicothe. Families can explore helpful services, gather valuable information, and connect with local support programs, all in one place.
Participation is limited to Livingston County residents, and pre-registration is required. The deadline to register is Sunday, July 13. Time slots are available in 15-minute increments and are limited to 20 families per slot. To sign up, families can visit bit.ly/ChilliB2SB2025.
For questions or assistance with registration, contact the Livingston County MU Extension at 660-646-0811.
LivCo Democratic Club to Host Community Forum with Congressional Candidate Josh Smead
Residents are invited to attend an open community forum hosted by the Livingston County Democratic Club on July 15, from 5-6:30 p.m. The event will take place on the second floor of the Livingston County Library in Chillicothe.
The featured guest speaker will be Josh Smead, candidate for U.S. Congress representing Missouri’s 6th District. Smead will share his vision, answer questions, and engage with community members on issues important to the region.
Organizers emphasize that the forum is open to the public and welcome all who are interested in learning more about the upcoming election and the candidate’s platform. The event aims to foster civic engagement and encourage open dialogue between residents and those seeking to represent them in Washington.
Iris Bulb Exchange and Sale Set for July 19
The Iris Bulb Exchange and Sale returns to Chillicothe on Sat., July 19, 2025, at 2 p.m. The event will be held in the grassy field of the former Dewey Elementary School, located at 905 Dickinson St.
Participants are asked to bring their own tables and chairs, and to prepare by taking photos of their irises in bloom ahead of time. These pictures will help other growers know what colors or varieties they’re selecting during the exchange.
There are two ways to participate. One option is the bulb-for-bulb exchanges with fellow growers seeking new colors or varieties. The other is to buy or sell bulbs, with most bulbs expected to be priced around 50 cents each, though rarer varieties may go for slightly more. Organizers ask that pricing remains fair to keep the spirit of the event light-hearted.
Volunteers Wanted to Prep “Out of the Darkness” Walk for Suicide Prevention
Area residents are invited to take part in the “Out of the Darkness” Walk for suicide prevention on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2025. The event will be held at Grand River Technical School in Chillicothe, Missouri, with the site opening at noon.
Organized in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the walk aims to raise awareness, honor those lost to suicide, and offer hope and connection to anyone affected by mental health struggles.
Local organizers are currently seeking support from the community to help make the event meaningful and visible. Volunteers are encouraged to assist with placing yard signs, distributing flyers, or suggesting public locations for informational materials and awareness coasters.
Those interested in helping or seeking more information can contact: Sarah Caselman at 816-439-1568; Connie Yarbrough at 660-973-0932; or Stacey Yarbrough at 660-240-1491.
Registration for the walk is available online at afsp.org/Livingston. All are welcome to attend, and the event is open to individuals, families, organizations, and teams. Together, the community will walk to shine a light on mental health, support those who are struggling, and help prevent suicide.
