Cece Larson, left, was crowned Little Miss Firecracker during the 4th of July festivities at the Rock Port City Park. She is the daughter of Betsy and Derek Larson. Beau Beatty, right, is this year’s Little Mr. Firecracker. He is the son of Ashtyn and Trevor Beatty. Lane Lewis, center, is the son of Thea and Treyton Lewis. He was awarded Best Hair. (See page 10 for more 4th of July pictures.)
Veterans from around the county gathered to ride on the float for the 4th of July Parade.
The American Legion Color Guard, with members from around the county, brought the Stars and Stripes up Main Street.
The Rock Port Band entertained everyone at the 4th of July Parade in Rock Port.
Ladies of the Allen-Schiffern Legion Auxiliary had a float on the parade.
Chief Scott Jones leads the way for Rock Port Fire Department.
Ryker Driskell drove a Farmall A and did a great job in the parade.
The Fairfax Fire Department was represented well in the parade.
Citizens Bank & Trust President Brock Nuckolls and his daughter, Kinsley, show their support in the Rock Port 4th of July Parade.
The Tarkio Fire Department took part in the parade.
Lane and Leo Goins make a big haul of candy during the parade.
Chris Stevens tosses some candy as he represents the Westboro Fire Department.
The Rock Port High School Band sponsored the baby contest this year. In addition to first, second, and third places, children also received special individual awards. Babies in the 0-6 months group, from left to right, were: Delanie Palmer, daughter of Jamie Lansdown and Dillan Palmer, Most Laid Back; Ace Barnhart, son of Jayden and James Barnhart, 2nd; Hazel Wennihan, daughter of Macie Hale and Braiden Wennihan, 1st; Miles Erdman, son of Madison and Jacob Erdman, Cutest Nose; Caimon Sloop, son of Paige and Jeremy Sloop, Sleepiest; Ellie Lewis, daughter of Thea and Treyton Lewis, Best Eyes; and Wren McGuire, daughter of Abby and Jason McGuire, 3rd.
Babies in the 7-12 months group, from left to right, included: Andi Seiter, daughter of Michelle and Luke Seiter, Biggest Bow; Maeve Pankau, daughter of Samona and Justin Pankau, Most Vocal; Bodhi Sloop, son of Hailey and Nathan Sloop, Most Active; Sophie Wood, daughter of Tasha Gronniger and Hayden Wood, 1st; Maddyn Jones, daughter of Taya and Tyler Jones, 2nd; Lindy Larson, daughter of Betsy and Derek Larson, 3rd; Brystal Cook, daughter of Ashley and Adam Cook, Most Relaxed; and Hallie Beatty, daughter of Ashtyn and Trevor Beatty, Best Outfit.
Children in the 1-2 years group, from left to right, included: Bray Baughman, son of Brooklynn and Josh Baughman, Over It; Kashtyn Pritt, son of Stevie Pritt, Best Laugh; Everley McKenney, daughter of Melody McGinness and Jacob McKenney, 3rd; Emmalin Gronniger, daughter of Tasha Gronniger, 1st; Mia Erdman, daughter of Madison and Jacob Erdman, 2nd; Delilah Holmes, daughter of Harlee Pritt and Trevor Holmes, Best Eyes; and Levi Beatty, son of Ashtyn and Trevor Beatty, Best Hair.
Children in the 3-4 years group, from left to right, were: Maverick Palmer, son of Jamie Lansdown and Dillan Palmer, Best Smile; Franki Seiter, daughter of Michelle and Luke Seiter, 3rd; Chet Sloop, son of Paige and Jeremy Sloop, 2nd; Penelope Hale, daughter of McKenzie and Trevor Hale, 1st; and River Lewis, daughter of Thea and Treyton Lewis, Best Outfit.
Rock Port business Lola’s Paw Spa, owned by Taya and Tyler Jones, was recognized for having the best float during the 4th of July parade.
As 2025 marked the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, Kenneth Greenley has worked hard to build a display at the Atchison County Memorial Building.
The winners of the painted rock scavenger hunt were, from left to right: Garrik Burns, Jayce Degerald, Anthony Masonbrink, and Jet Masonbrink.
The winners of the Color Run were, from left to right; Kipton Waigand, Caylee Lair, and Keely Bredensteiner.
Ivy Daugherty and Autumn Lingerfelt work on their dance moves for the dance off.
Maren Garst hit the jackpot in the parachute drop and shows her mom all she collected.
Wrigsley Alitz gets some help from mom Madison with a slice of pizza.
Dayton Murry of Tarkio, Missouri, was crowned king of the BBQ Cook-Off on July 3.
The Old Fogies team won the 2026 Young vs Old Softball Tournament. Players, from left to right, are: Jordan Shrader, Troy Cook, Brett Johnson, Traci Davis, Caylee Lair, Madison Alitz, Emily Begovic, Trystan Lair, Jeff Jakub, Clay Vogler, and Ransom Lair.
Team Hit & Quit took first place in the volleyball tournament. Team members, from left to right, are: Tyler and Taya Jones, Emily Davis, Drew Ellison, Kelcie Gaines, Dalton Jones, and Dylan Davis.
Nate and Hailey Sloop, along with their kids, enjoy some shade at the park on the 4th of July.
Atchison County celebrated the nation’s 250th anniversary with fireworks, a parade, and other 4th of July activities.
