MU Extension to offer free, virtual class Dining With Diabetes
2026-03-16 10:00 - 2026-04-06 12:00 UTC
University of Missouri (MU) Extension is offering a healthy cooking class for individuals with diabetes. This free, virtual class called Dining with Diabetes will show participants how to make meals that are healthy, easy to prepare, and tasty. Recipes will be demonstrated.
Participants will also learn up-to-date information on nutrition, meal planning, and exercise and how to understand common diabetes-related medical tests. Recipes and a workbook will be provided for each participant.
The Dining with Diabetes course meets four consecutive weeks on Mondays, March 16, March 23, March 30, and April 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The classes will be held virtually, with a Zoom link provided upon registration. The program is free, thanks to the Department of Health and Senior Services. To register, call Rachel Livesay at 816-324-3147, email rachellivesay@missouri.edu, or register online at https://pears.io/events/mu/4223/. Space is limited so register soon.

St. Patrick’s Day special to raise funds for Activities Fund
2026-03-17 11:00 - 13:30
Pleasant View Nursing Home will have a special event to raise funds for the Activities Fund. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Tuesday, March 17, with a Reuben, chips, and pickle spear for $12. Orders can be picked up at Pleasant View Nursing Home, 470 Rainbow Drive, Rock Port, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. RSVP to 660-744-6252 (and ask for Amy or Connie) to have an order ready to go when you arrive.

Spring sports to begin in Atchison County
2026-03-18 16:30 - 2026-03-30 16:00
Spring sports are starting up this week. Rock Port will participate in a baseball jamboree, hosted by East Atchison, Wednesday, March 18, at the Tarkio baseball field. The first game begins at 4:30 p.m. Both boys’ golf teams will compete at Mound City at 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 25. The EA Wolves’ first track meet will be Thursday, March 26, at Worth County at 3:30 p.m. and the Blue Jays’ first track meet will be Monday, March 30, at 4 p.m. at Mound City. Have a great season!

Fairfax R-3 to hold Parent/Teacher Conferences March 19
2026-03-19 12:30 - 15:00
Fairfax R-3 School District will hold parent/teacher conferences Thursday, March 19. Walk-in conferences will be held from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. in the teachers’ classrooms and those who have appointments will meet with teachers from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. If you wish to make an appointment, please call ahead of time at 660-686-2421 as teachers will only be in the building after 3:00 p.m. if they have a conference scheduled.
School will dismiss early on Thursday, March 19, and there will not be school on Friday, March 20 (it will be a teacher work day).

Fairfax Methodist Church Fish & Chicken Fry
2026-03-21 17:00 - 19:00
The Fairfax Methodist Church will have a fish and chicken fry Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Fairfax Community Room in the fire station. Serving will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. (or until they run out of food). The menu will include fish, chicken, fries, baked beans, coleslaw, and homemade desserts. Takeout will be available. Free-will donations will be accepted.
All proceeds will support the church’s partnership with Growing Hope Globally and the agricultural project they are sponsoring in Honduras.

Atchison County Battle of the Books
2026-03-25 15:30 - 18:00
Teams of fourth through sixth graders from all three school districts in Atchison County will vie for title of champion and the most knowledgeable of the 12 Mark Twain Award books they are quizzed about at Battle of the Books, Wednesday, March 25, at 4 p.m. at The Curnutt Center on the Tarkio Tech campus. Snacks and prizes will be handed out to the participants.

Little Jays’ Preschool registration and screening
2026-03-26 08:00 - 2026-04-02 15:00
Rock Port R-II Little Jays’ Preschool registration for the 2026-27 school year is underway.
Children registering in the 4-year-old full day preschool must be 4 years old on or before July 31, 2026, to be eligible for the full day program. Parents/guardians can register their child for preschool online at www.rockport.k12.mo.us or stop by the elementary office by Friday, March 6. If there are more students registered than spots in the full day classroom (20), a drawing will occur for the available spots on March 10 and placements will be communicated to parents.
In-district students currently enrolled in the 3-year-old preschool program will have a spot in the 4-year-old classroom next year. Please complete the registration form as well. School employee children and students with special education services will be reserved spots. Students outside the district will be placed on a waiting list.
Once preschool spots are determined, the school will reach out to gather additional information, including birth certificate, social security card, and current immunization records. If you have any questions, please contact the Rock Port Elementary office at 744-6294.
Children registering in the 3-year-old half day preschool must be 3 years old on or before July 31, 2026, to be eligible for the half day program. Parents/guardians can register their child for preschool online at www.rockport.k12.mo.us or stop by the elementary office by Friday, March 6. If there are more students registered than spots in the half day classroom (10 for 8:00-11:00 a.m. session, 10 for 12:30-3:30 p.m. session), a drawing will occur on March 10, and placements will be communicated to parents.
In-district students who do complete the 3-year-old preschool program will have a spot in the 4-year-old classroom the following school year. School employee children and students with special education services will be reserved spots. Students outside the district will be placed on a waiting list.
Once preschool spots are determined, the school will reach out to gather additional information, including birth certificate, social security card, and current immunization record. If you have any questions, please contact the Rock Port Elementary office at 744-6294.
Preschool Screenings
Rock Port R-II preschool screenings (for 3- and 4-year-olds) will be held on March 26 and 27 at the school. Any early preschool child currently living in the Rock Port R-II School District is encouraged to be screened. To schedule an appointment, please contact the Rock Port Elementary office at 660-744-6294.
Rock Port R-II Kindergarten Registration and Screening
Pre-registration for the 2026-27 kindergarten class has begun.
To be eligible for kindergarten, a child must be five years of age on or before July 31, 2026. If you have a child or know of a child who will be of kindergarten age, please pick up a pre-registration form at the Rock Port Elementary office. These forms need to be returned to the office by Friday, March 6, so the school can schedule kindergarten screening appointments.
Kindergarten screening will be held on April 1 and 2. The kindergarten teachers will contact all pre-registered children with screening information.
If you have any questions, please contact the Rock Port Elementary office at 660-744-6294.

Tarkio R-I to host legislative forum
2026-03-26 17:30 - 20:00
Tarkio R-I invites the public to a Legislative Issues Impacting Rural Education Forum Thursday, March 26, at 5:30 p.m. in the Tarkio High School Auditorium. The session topics and speakers will include: Diversion of funds from public education to private urban schools and charter schools – Mr. Duane Martin, Ed Counsel; and Impact of potential funding changes on local school districts – Mr. John Rhinehart, LJ Hart and Mrs. Nancy Greeley, DESE.
Issues currently being voted on in Missouri legislative sessions will have a very negative affect on Atchison County’s success in providing above average education to our children if passed and could cause major changes to how our schools are run.

Rock Port R-II winter athletic banquet
2026-03-26 18:30 - 20:30
Rock Port R-II School will hold its 2025-26 winter athletic banquet Thursday, March 26, at 6:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Each family is asked to bring a side dish. Paper goods and drinks will be provided by the Rock Port Booster Club.

Tarkio R-I Early Childhood/Pre-K Screenings
2026-03-27 08:00 - 15:00
Spring screening for Early Childhood/Pre-K is March 27, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Tarkio Elementary. Call the Tarkio Elementary office at 660-736-4177 to schedule a time. Kids’ Korner students will be taken to the screening from class.

March Madness Matball Tournament
2026-03-27 18:30 - 20:30
The Rock Port High School chapter of FBLA is hosting a March Madness Matball Tournament Friday, March 27, at 6:30 p.m. in the north gym. Registration is open to anyone who wants to play and there are no age requirements. Teams of eight players are needed and it’s $5 per person. Registration forms are available in the high school office or view the form online on the Rock Port R-II Facebook page.

Rock Port Community Easter Egg Hunt
2026-03-28 10:00 - 11:00
New Horizons will host the Rock Port Community Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 28, at 10:00 a.m. at the city park. Pictures with the Easter Bunny will be from 9:30 to 9:55 a.m. and the hunt will start promptly at 10:00 a.m. (Not one minute after – arrive early!). Age categories will be: 2 years old & under, 3 years old through preschool, kindergarten & 1st grade, 2nd & 3rd grades, and 4th & 5th grades.

Fairfax Easter Egg Hunt
2026-03-28 13:00 - 14:00
The Fairfax Easter Egg Hunt will be held Saturday, March 28, at 1:00 p.m. in the city park.
If you would like to donate treats, an Easter account has been set up at Farmers State Bank. Candy and prize donations may be left there as well or delivered to Amanda Agnew.
All eggs will have candy and non-edible treats inside. A limited supply of sugar-free candy will also be available. Many eggs in the 0-1 section will be filled with teething treats like Gerber puffs and yogurt drops.
For more information contact Amanda Agnew at 660-623-0779.

“Romantic Gardens” at the Fairfax Prom
2026-03-28 15:00 - 16:30
Fairfax High School juniors and seniors and their dates will enjoy a “Romantic Gardens” Prom this Saturday, March 28. The public is invited to come take pictures of all the promgoers at a promenade in the FHS Gym beginning at 3:00 p.m.
Following the promenade, the students will head to Mozingo Lake Event Center in Maryville, Missouri, for the prom pictures, dinner and dance. The prom photographer will be Ken Miller and the dj will be Bob Russell. Besides dancing, the students will also be able to use the golf simulator at the event center. Following the dance, an after prom event will take place at Bearcat Lanes and the Hangar in Maryville.

Community invited to hear Presbyterian Church’s Easter music program
2026-03-29 10:30 - 11:30
The Tarkio Presbyterian Church Choir and Bell Choir will present a program of Easter music during the worship service at 10:30 a.m. on Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026. Everyone is invited to come worship and enjoy the beautiful music! The church is located at 700 Maple Street in Tarkio, Missouri.

Roast Beef Dinner in Fairfax
2026-03-29 11:30 - 13:00
The Fairfax Methodist Men will hold a roast beef dinner Sunday, March 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (or until they run out of food) at the Fairfax Methodist Church, located at 305 N. Broadway in Fairfax, Missouri. Dine in or carry-out delicious roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, salad, rolls, and desserts for a free-will donation. Money raised will go toward the Methodist Men’s projects. Call 660-686-3314 for local deliveries.

Baccalaureate for THS Class of 2026
2026-03-29 18:00 - 20:00
Baccalaureate for the Tarkio High School Class of 2026 has been set for Sunday, March 29 (Palm Sunday) at the Good News Church in Tarkio. Dinner for the seniors and their immediate family only will begin at 6 p.m. The community is invited to attend the service at 7 p.m.

Rock Port Elementary Scholastic Book Fair
2026-03-30 08:00 - 2026-04-02 15:30
Rock Port Elementary School will host the Scholastic Book Fair Monday, March 30, through Thursday, April 2, 2026. This event will feature the newest got-to-read books, best-selling series, and favorite characters that students love. Plus, every purchase supports the Rock Port R-II School District.
Scholastic also offers an online shopping option. Shop in the comfort of your own home while earning rewards for the school. Go to the online fair at: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/rockportelementaryschool and click “Shop Now.” The online fair can also be accessed through the Rock Port R-II webpage. Shop online March 30 through April 12. Books purchased online will be mailed directly to your address.
Book Fair eWallet is the easy way for students to shop the fair cash-free, worry-free, and independently. It’s easy for families to set up from the Rock Port R-II Facebook page. Family members can add funds with a credit card, use their Scholastic eGift balance, or invite others to contribute. Funds are available immediately and additional funds can be added at any time.
You can also contribute to Share the Fair, the giving program that benefits students at Rock Port R-II School who need help buying new books.

MDC will discuss morels and more during upcoming virtual program
2026-03-31 18:30 - 20:30
Morel mushroom season has finally arrived and what better way to celebrate than to learn more about these and other fungi?
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will host a virtual morel hunting program from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 31. MDC staff will discuss the life cycle of mushrooms, habitat and locations for where to look as well as rules and regulations.
Register for the March 31 program at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/215411.
Can’t make the March 31 program? Staff are hosting a second, condensed version on Tuesday, April 7, from 12:00 noon to 12:30 p.m. Register at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/215412.
This virtual series is open to all ages. Registration is required.
Check out “A Guide to Missouri’s Edible and Poisonous Mushrooms” for more information about Missouri mushrooms at mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/mo_nature/downloads/page/MushroomGuide.pdf.
Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding virtual and in-person programs throughout the year. A listing of these programs may be found at mdc.mo.gov/events.

Holy Week services at First Lutheran
2026-04-02 19:00 - 2026-04-05 10:30
First Lutheran Church in Rock Port will be hosting Holy Week and Easter Services this week. Maundy Thursday services will be held on Thursday, April 2, at 7 p.m. at the church. Easter services will take place Sunday, April 5, at 10:30 a.m. Devon Sons will officiate. The church is located at 801 S. Market Street.

Burkeys to reopen farmers market in Tarkio
2026-04-03 08:00 - 2026-09-26 17:00
The farmers market operated by Richard and Helen Burkey in Tarkio will open for the 2026 season starting in April. The market is located at the Burkey residence, right before the curve as you head south out of Tarkio at 20564 U.S. Hwy. 59 (use the north driveway). They will be open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
The Burkeys have purchased a refrigerated truck, which will keep the food that needs to stay cool fresh. As the fruit and vegetable seasons progress, the Burkeys will be selling watermelons, cantaloupes, cabbages, tomatoes, and peaches. They also have average to large sized, farm fresh eggs gathered daily. Besides eggs, fruits and vegetables, the Burkeys also plan to have fishing equipment and antiques for sale on the property. For more information, call or text 660-528-3011 or 660-528-2481.

Fairfax Ministerial Alliance hosting Holy Week Services
2026-04-03 12:00 - 2026-04-05 07:30
The Fairfax Ministerial Alliance is hosting Holy Week Services. A Community Good Friday Service will be held at 12 noon on Friday, April 3, at the Fairfax Baptist Church. The Methodist Church will provide the message.
The alliance is also hosting a Community Sunrise Easter Service at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 5, at the Fairfax Methodist Church. The Presbyterian Church will provide the message. A light breakfast will follow the service.
Everyone is invited to attend both services!

Celebrate Easter with a basket and donate to nursing home
2026-04-03 13:30 - 15:00
Pleasant View Nursing Home and Bank Midwest in Rock Port, Missouri, are selling Easter baskets made by the nursing home residents to raise money for their activity fund. The baskets will be stuffed with an Easter cup, bubbles, DIY craft, candy-filled Easter eggs, a stuffed animal, and other goodies. Baskets are $12 each.
The Easter Bunny will be visiting Pleasant View on Friday, April 3, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. to deliver the baskets and take pictures with children. If you are unable to pick up your basket during those hours, you can pick it up on that day from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Orders are due by Friday, March 20. Only cash or checks will be accepted and checks should be made payable to Pleasant View Activity Fund.

Easter Egg Hunt After Dark
2026-04-03 20:30 - 21:00
The Tarkio Parks & Recreation Board members invite everyone to the much-loved Easter Egg Hunt After Dark. This year’s event will take place at 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 3, on the front lawn of Rankin Hall in Tarkio. Be sure to wear head lamps and bring flashlights as not all the eggs glow.
The Easter Bunny will be on hand for photos before and after the hunt. Following the hunt, please empty the contents of the eggs into your baskets and then return the eggs to the totes set up on the grounds. For more information, visit the Tarkio Parks and Recreation Facebook page.

Amy Houts to speak at Tarkio branch of Atchison County Library
2026-04-06 10:00 - 11:00
The Atchison County Library invites the public to attend its next speaker series featuring author Amy Houts. Amy, an award-winning author of more than 100 picture books, cookbooks, articles, and poetry, will speak at 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 6, at the Tarkio branch.
Amy was inspired to write for children when she was a graduate assistant in the early childhood education department at Northwest Missouri State University. Besides writing, she also creates board games. Stop by the library and listen to Amy speak, purchase a book, and have her sign your copy!

Tarkio R-I Kindergarten Screenings
2026-04-08 08:00 - 15:00
Spring screening for children entering kindergarten at Tarkio R-I in the fall of 2026 will be held April 8, 2026. Call the office to schedule an appointment for a time between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Joy Seekers returns
2026-04-09 10:00 - 11:00
Following a winter break, Joy Seekers grief support group will reconvene Thursday, April 9, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Rock Port United Methodist Church. The group meets the second Thursday of each month led by Dianna Carpenter, and is open to anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one.
In addition to regular meetings, guest speakers are featured periodically, and occasional excursions are also enjoyed. Past outings have included Lauritzen Gardens in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and the Southeast Nebraska Cancer Memorial Gardens in Humboldt, Nebraska. Joy Seekers provides a confidential, empathetic environment for bereaved individuals to share their experiences and challenges, while fostering comfort and hope to navigate grief. It seeks to improve well-being through fellowship, fun, and faith. Grief shared is grief divided. Joy Seekers looks forward to seeing you!

Tarkio Spring Rummage Sale
2026-04-10 08:00 - 2026-04-11 15:00
The Spring Rummage Sale will be Friday, April 10, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, April 11, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Tarkio Legion Building at 3rd and Broad streets. Donations can be dropped off at the legion building March 30 and 31 and April 1-3 and 6-8 from 1-4 p.m. For more information, call Barb Hines (660-254-2787), KC Hines (660-623-9297), or Linda Payton (660-623-9399).

Hurst Greenery open house
2026-04-11 09:00 - 17:00
Hurst Greenery, located at 30208 150th Street in rural Westboro, Missouri, will host its open house Saturday, April 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Come check out the geranium special or grab a hanging basket, tomatoes, peppers, or cucumbers. If you tell Blake the best joke, you will get a free 4 inch plant as well (the joke has to be one he can pass on to his grandkids).
The greenhouses are located six and two-thirds miles north and east of Tarkio. Take Route O east of Tarkio and then turn when you see the sign.

Ralph Greer Pancake Feed
2026-04-12 11:00 - 13:00
The Ralph Greer American Legion Post #49 will host its pancake feed Sunday, April 12. Stop by the Atchison County Memorial Building on Main Street in Rock Port from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and enjoy a delicious breakfast for lunch while donating to a good cause.
