Farmer Publishing

Retirement reception for Casey Martin and Jayne Martin
2026-06-25 13:00 - 15:00 UTC
A retirement reception will be held Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the Tarkio R-I Superintendent’s office for retiring teachers Casey Martin and Jayne Martin. Stop by from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. to congratulate them and wish them well in their future endeavors.

Atchison County Library announces Dinosaur Summer Reading Program
2026-06-22 09:00 - 2026-06-25 11:30
The Atchison County Library is preparing for an exciting and educational summer as it hosts its annual Summer Reading Program, inspired by the 2026 national theme, “Unearth a Story.”
The program will take place from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, June 22-25 at the Tarkio Library. The library’s summer program will feature a wide variety of activities designed to encourage creativity, learning, and exploration. Children participating can look forward to dinosaur-themed crafts, STEM activities, outdoor play, and engaging reading experiences centered around prehistoric life and uncovering hidden stories from the past.
One of the highlights of the week will take place on Tuesday, with the Dino Encounters show! The kids will be introduced to and learn about different dinosaurs that were all found in North America. Through the use of audience participation, realistic dinosaur puppets, music, humor and special effects, Dino Encounters teaches audiences about geological time periods, species adaptation, prehistoric environments, the scientific method, and much more! Audiences will get to meet and interact with realistic dinosaur puppets.
Due to anticipated attendance numbers, all children must be pre-registered to participate. Registration will not be accepted at the door, and the deadline to register is June 15. Register online at youseemore.com/acl or by calling any of the library branches.
The Atchison County Library encourages families to register early and join in a week filled with reading, exploration, science, imagination, and dinosaur-sized fun.

Native American pottery program in Brownville
2026-06-20 13:00 - 16:00
George Neubert, former director of Sheldon Museum, will present “Southwest Native American Pottery” at The Antiquarium in Brownville, Nebraska, Saturday, June 20, at 1:00 p.m. This program will explore the history, physical technique, and artistic expressions representing tribal identity and spiritual connection to the earth. Attendees will view select pieces from the Flatwater Folk Art Museum. Refreshments will be provided. This program is made possible by the Sherwood Foundation and is sponsored by Brownville Education Center for Arts and Humanities. It is open and free to the public. The Antiquarium is located at 309 Water Street.

Tarkio Rodeo Parade
2026-06-20 13:00 - 14:00
The Tarkio Rodeo Parade will take place on Main Street Saturday, June 20, at 1:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to come out and watch or participate if you want. Registration and lineup for parade participants begins at 12:15 p.m. at 9th and Elm streets. Businesses, churches, organizations, horseback riders and wagon owners, tractor drivers, classic car owners, and rodeo fans are encouraged to decorate themselves and their entries and join the fun.

Lakota culture and care of Mother Earth
2026-06-20 10:00 - 12:00
The Brownville Fine Arts Association will present the first program of the 2026 season Speakers Series this Saturday, June 20, at the Schoolhouse Art Gallery in Brownville, Nebraska. The program will begin at 10:00 a.m.
Mary M. Hines is the author of “Who Cries for Mother Earth.” She is a writer and poet who has won numerous awards including an Independent Publisher Book Award in Visionary Fiction, a Next Generation Indie Book Award, and a National Telly Award. Hines grew up in the Black Hills of South Dakota, and her ancestry and writing are based on the Lakota ways as were gratefully taught to her by a Medicine Man from the Sicangu Lakota tribe. Her purpose in writing and speaking is to help conservation efforts to save Mother Earth.
“This presentation discusses the relationship between Lakota culture and stewardship of the land, according to Humanities Nebraska. “Most Native Americans have a deep connection to the natural world. The Lakota spiritual principle of “Mitakuye Oyasin” or “All my Relations” means we are all connected to each other, to all species of animals and plants, and all life – including Mother Earth and Father Sky. The program explores why more understanding of Lakota culture and spiritual beliefs might help us all open ourselves to new thinking about how to become better stewards of our beautiful planet Earth.”
The program is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by Humanities Nebraska and Brownville Fine Arts Association. The Schoolhouse Art Gallery is located at 427 Main Street in Brownville.

Fuzzy's Rodeo Ride
2026-06-20 09:30 - 13:00
Joy and Kenny “Fuzzy” Clapp are once again hosting their rodeo ride. Riders will meet at the Clapps’ home northeast of Tarkio (27081 160th Street). Around 9:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, June 20, everyone will ride their horses and mules or wagons to the Tarkio Rodeo grounds. The Clapps will furnish lunch. The riders will take part in the parade and then ride back to the Clapps’ home for a potluck supper. There is plenty of room on the property for camping for those who want to stay Friday and Saturday nights. All riders and wagons are welcome.

Bicycle Rodeo
2026-06-20 09:00 - 11:00
The Atchison County Health Department, with assistance from local law enforcement and MU Extension employees, is sponsoring a bicycle rodeo Saturday, June 20, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Farmers State Bank parking lot on Main Street in Tarkio. Children up to age 14 are invited to bring their bicycles and take part in a bike inspection, where their brakes, tires, handlebars, chains, etc. will be checked, and an obstacle course, where they will learn proper hand signals and bicycle rules of the road. A free helmet will be given to each child who participates. Parents or an adult must accompany the child.

14th Annual Doug Summa Memorial Car Show
2026-06-20 08:00 - 13:00
The Slo-Rollers of Northwest Missouri group is sponsoring the 14th annual Doug Summa Memorial Car Show. It will be held at the Doug Summa Memorial Park in Tarkio (3rd and Pine streets by the Community Building) Saturday, June 20. Registration for vehicles will be held from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m. with the participants invited to take part in the Tarkio Rodeo Parade at 1:00 p.m. on Main Street. Lunch will be provided at the car show by Atchison County University of Missouri Extension. Trophies for the car show will be presented following the parade. In case of rain, the show will be held on Main Street. For questions, contact Marvin Cooper at 660-744-3760.

Liberty Theatre to present Disney’s “Descendants: The Musical” this month
2026-06-19 19:00 - 2026-06-28 14:30
Rehearsals are in full swing at the Liberty Theatre for Disney’s “Descendants: The Musical.”
Area actors, actresses, and musicians will showcase their talent in the musical, based on the popular Disney Channel Original Movies. It is packed with comedy, adventure, Disney characters, and hit songs.
Music Theatre International says, “Imprisoned on the Isle of the Lost – home of the most infamous villains who ever lived – the teenaged children of Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Jafar, and Cruella De Vil have never ventured off the island . . . until now. When the four troublemakers are sent to attend prep school alongside the children of beloved Disney heroes, they have a difficult choice to make: should they follow in their parents’ wicked footsteps or learn to be good?”
Performances of “Descendants: The Musical” will be Friday and Saturday, June 19 and 20, at 7:00 p.m.; Sunday, June 21, at 2:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, June 26 and 27, at 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, June 28, at 2:30 p.m. The Liberty Theatre is located inside the Atchison County Memorial Building, 417 S. Main, Rock Port, Missouri.

32nd Annual Tarkio Rodeo
2026-06-19 18:00 - 22:00
The 32nd annual Tarkio Rodeo, now in its fourth year as a PRCA rodeo, will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 19 and 20, at the Tarkio Rodeogrounds, located south of the intersection of Hwy. 136 and 1st Street (east of the Tarkio Community Building). Concessions will be available.
Sign-up for Mutton Bustin’ will begin at 6:00 p.m. each night. Participants will ride at 6:30 p.m. and during the rodeo.

Library to host author Jason Offutt in next speaker series
2026-06-18 18:00 - 19:00
Join the Atchison County Library for an exciting evening with author Jason Offutt Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Tarkio Resource Center! This free event is open to the public. Bring a friend and join the library staff and Jason for an unforgettable evening!
Jason Offutt’s work spans the strange, the suspenseful, and the darkly hilarious. He is best known for his paranormal nonfiction exploration “Chasing American Monsters,” but his writing also includes science fiction, humor, and other fascinating works that keep readers turning pages. In addition to being an accomplished author, Jason teaches journalism at Northwest Missouri State University, where he inspires the next generation of storytellers.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to meet a versatile and engaging writer, hear about his experiences, and learn more about the worlds of paranormal nonfiction, science fiction, and humor.

Atchison County Traveling Day Camp
2026-06-15 08:00 - 2026-06-19 16:00
Atchison County Traveling Day Camp will be back again this summer! The Good News Church in Tarkio, Missouri, will be the host for this year’s Traveling Day Camp through Heartland Camps as they bring a Christ-centered day camp experience to our communities.
This year’s camp will be the week of June 15-19. (Note: the wrong dates were listed in the February 26 issue.) Students who will have completed K-6 for the 2025-2026 school year are encouraged to register. There is no fee to attend this camp. Camp hours are daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Registration is open now, and space is limited to 84 campers. Go online to heartlandcamps.org/atchison-county and then just click on the “register here” button. You can also scan the QR code at the end of this article. For more information, call The Good News Church at 660-736-4602 or email twchurch@tarkio.net.
This camp is brought to you by the partnership of Fairfax Methodist Church, Good News Church of Tarkio, Rock Port United Methodist Church, and Westboro Methodist Church.

No Hunger Summer
2026-06-09 07:30 - 2026-06-18 12:00
No Hunger Summer will run through June 18 at the Rock Port School at 600 S. Nebraska. Breakfast will be served from 7:45 to 8:15 a.m. and lunch is 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Monday through Friday. All children under 18 eat free; adults coming with a child are $2. For more information or to volunteer to serve, contact Steve Waigand at steve.waigand@rpbluejays.com.

Pickleball players wanted
2026-06-08 18:00 - 19:00
The tennis courts in Tarkio have recently been refinished and with that, so has the pickleball court. If you are interested in playing in a pickleball league, please meet at the court at 6:00 p.m. Monday, June 8. If you don’t know how to play, but want to, don’t worry. There are players who will teach you! The courts are located at the intersection of Hwy. 59 and Maple Street in Tarkio.
Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the United States.
Pickleball attracts players for a number of reasons. In addition to promoting socialization and serving as a generally entertaining activity, pickleball offers a number of health benefits. Pickleball is a great cardiovascular workout and also helps to improve lung function and can strengthen the heart. Also, because pickleball is played on a smaller court than a regulation tennis court, it can be easier on players’ joints since it doesn’t require covering as much ground.

Mobile Food Pantry in Rock Port
2026-06-08 10:00 - 12:00
The next Second Harvest mobile food pantry in Atchison County will be Monday, June 8, 2026, at Rock Port High School, 600 S. Nebraska Street in Rock Port, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Vehicles should drive east on Calhoun Street along the north side of the school. Supplies are limited, but the food is free to the public until noon or supplies run out. There are no income guidelines.

Fairfax Community VBS
2026-06-08 08:00 - 2026-06-12 12:00
Fairfax Community Vacation Bible School will be held Monday through Friday, June 8-12, at the Fairfax Methodist Church. Registration begins Monday at 8:15 a.m. Breakfast starts at 8:30 a.m. each day and each day’s session will end after lunch at noon. Kids in grades kindergarten through 5th are invited to attend. For more information, call Sam O’Riley at 660-623-0062.

Middle Earth Reunion
2026-06-07 16:00 - 19:00
Head on down to The Grainery on Sunday, June 7, for a Middle Earth reunion concert. From 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., enjoy the blast-from-the-past music performed by Jason Riley, Ed Daniels, Mike Logan, and Chris Jones. The Grainery is located at 119 3rd Street in Tarkio.

Spaghetti Dinner to raise funds for matching grant
2026-06-07 11:30 - 13:00
The Fairfax Improvement Foundation and Fairfax Kiwanis Club are hoping to raise $100,000 with the help of a matching grant by June 15, 2026. In addition to other fundraising efforts, a spaghetti dinner will be held this Sunday, June 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Fairfax R-3 Cafeteria. A free will donation will be accepted.

Linden Christian Church to hold annual Cowboy Church
2026-06-07 09:00 - 12:00
The Linden Christian Church will hold its annual Cowboy Church service Sunday, June 7, 2026. Sunday School is at 9:00 a.m., with church meetin’ at 10:00 a.m.
Cowboys, cowgirls, everyone country at heart, and horse riders are welcome. There will be hay bales fer sittin’ or bring your own lawn chair for the meetin’ (outdoors, weather permittin’). Chuckwagon chow, trail ride and other fun games will follow the preachin’.
The church is located at 17191 165th Street, Rock Port, Missouri. For more information contact Tony McKenney at 660-744-4042.

Get hooked on fishing with MDC Free Fishing Days June 6 and 7
2026-06-06 08:00 - 2026-06-07 20:00
Want some free fun that gets family and friends outside in nature? Get hooked on fishing with the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Free Fishing Days June 6 and 7. During Free Fishing Days, anyone may fish in the Show-Me State without having to buy a fishing permit, trout permit, or trout park daily tag.
Free Fishing Days is an annual MDC event that takes place statewide during the Saturday and Sunday following the first Monday in June.
Aside from not needing permits, other fishing regulations remain in effect, such as limits on size and number of fish an angler may keep. Special permits may still be required at some county, city, or private fishing areas. Trespass laws remain in effect on private property.
Conservation makes Missouri a great place to fish, and Free Fishing Days encourages people to sample Missouri’s abundant fishing opportunities. Missouri has more than a million acres of surface water, and most of it provides great fishing. More than 200 different fish species are found in Missouri, with more than 20 of them being game fish for the state’s more than 1.1 million anglers.
For information on Missouri fishing regulations, fish identification, and more, get a copy of MDC’s 2026 Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations, available where permits are sold, or online at mdc.mo.gov/about-us/about-regulations/summary-missouri-fishing-regulations.
Want to learn to fish? MDC’s Discover Nature – Fishing Program provides a series of free lessons throughout the state. All fishing gear is provided. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/fishing/discover-nature-fishing.
Need fishing gear? MDC works with numerous libraries and other locations around the state to loan fishing gear for free. Loaner gear includes fishing poles and simple tackle box with hooks, sinkers, and bobbers. Worms, minnows, or other bait are not provided. Find MDC Rod and Reel Loaner Program locations at mdc.mo.gov/fishing/get-started-fishing/rod-reel-loaner-locations.
MDC’s free MO Fishing app can help anglers find the best places to fish in Missouri, access regulation information, identify fish by species, and more. Anglers can also buy, store, and show fishing permits right on their mobile devices. MO Fishing is available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/mobile-apps/mo-fishing.
MDC is committed to accessibility at all its nature centers, regional facilities, and conservation areas. To request ADA accommodation for participation in MDC programs, visit mdc.mo.gov/accessibility.

Heads or Tails Flea Market
2026-06-06 08:00 - 2026-06-07 16:00
All American Campground & RV Park just west of I-29 in Rock Port, Missouri, is hosting the Heads or Tails Flea Market Saturday and Sunday, June 6 and 7, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This large outdoor flea market will be held at the campground, located at 1409 U.S. Highway 136 West.

“A Nation Unassailable” on display in Brownville
2026-06-05 18:00 - 19:00
The Brownville Fine Arts Association will kick off its summer season art exhibition schedule with Tokeya Waci U (Comes Dancing First).
His show is described as “a modern look into what has always been.” Tokeya Waci U describes his work as a reflection of modern style Native American Ledger art and he traditionally uses its main purpose of having a visual reference to reflect the teachings that one would hear from their elders. He is a member of the Oglala Lakota and Haliwa-Saponi tribes. Tokeya Waci U said, “My inspiration comes from old teachings from childhood stories that I’ve either read in books or have been told by elders in my tribe(s).”
A reception and program, free and open to the public, will be held Friday, June 5, at 6:00 p.m. at the Schoolhouse Art Gallery, 427 Main Street in Brownville, Nebraska. The show ends on June 28.
The Schoolhouse Art Gallery is open Thursday, Friday, and Sunday from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. To schedule another time, call 402-414-2082.

First Christian Church to host “Mountain Movers”
2026-06-05 17:00 - 2026-06-06 09:30
The First Christian Church, Rock Port, Missouri, will host its third annual women’s conference Friday, June 5, and Saturday, June 6. All women are invited to this free event, “Mountain Movers – Walking in the Power.” The doors will open Friday night at 5:00 p.m. with dinner at 5:30 p.m. Saturday morning, the doors will open at 9:30 a.m. Brunch and a fried chicken lunch will be served Saturday.
“Mountain Movers” will have three powerful speaker sessions, worship, and a breakout session led by Kailea Nauman.
Cara Starns, a published author and powerful speaker from Kentucky, will be Friday night’s speaker to kick off the conference.
Christy Hoagland will lead worship Saturday morning. Over the past decade, she has ministered to the incarcerated, the homeless, to those in addiction and recovery, beside hospital beds and in her living room.
The conference will close with Scott Schaefer, who is an anointed speaker.
There will be vendors to buy goodies and door prizes as well. The conference ends at 3:00 p.m.
Come to Mountain Movers as they talk about Walking in Power and what that truly looks like in a believer’s life! Bring a friend and be ready to worship our King Jesus!
To register, visit Mountain Movers on Facebook, or contact First Christian Church, 660-744-2486 or firstchristian@rpt.coop. First Christian Church is located at 501 S. Market, Rock Port.

Blanchard Grocery Handouts
2026-06-04 17:00 - 19:00
Residents living in and around Blanchard, Missouri/Iowa, are encouraged to attend a free grocery handout the first Thursday of every month starting June 4. From 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Blanchard City Hall, 116 Main Street in Blanchard, Iowa, the Blanchard Forward Foundation (BFF) Garden & Grocery will be handing out free meat, eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, and other pantry staples to local residents. There are no income requirements, no applications, and no costs required.

Summer Sitter Course
2026-06-04 09:00 - 11:00
Looking for a fun and educational opportunity for your child this summer? The Atchison County Health Department is hosting a Summer Sitter Course Thursday, June 4, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Health Center in Tarkio. This course is designed to help young babysitters build confidence and learn important skills including safety tips, basic first aid, childcare basics, and what to do in emergency situations. Class size is limited so call now to reserve your spot – 660-736-4121. This class is open to youth going into 6th grade and up.

Tarkio Rotary Club to host 24th annual golf tournament
2026-06-02 07:00 - 13:00
The 24th annual Tarkio Rotary Golf Tournament will be played at the Tarkio Golf Course Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m. and tee time is at 8:00 a.m. Up to 72 participants are expected to enjoy the friendly competition and lunch provided by Hy-Vee and sponsored by Rogers Pharmacy.
The four-person scramble format tournament results will be flighted following the completion of 18 holes and prizes will be awarded to the top two teams in each flight. All participants will receive a favors bag including a sleeve of logo golf balls sponsored by Tarkio Technology Institute, as well as buy ups and mulligans as part of their entry fees.
Hole prizes will be awarded to various participants following the announcement of the tournament results. Hole prizes will include two longest drive holes, two longest putt holes, and two closest to the pin holes.
Dixon Golf will be conducting “games within the game” on holes #6 and #7. For a fee of $10 and $20 respectively, golfers can win valuable prizes on each hole. A drawing for a driver valued at $350 will be held following the tournament. A hole-in-one contest will also be sponsored by Colfax Farmers Mutual Insurance on hole #8. The fees for these games help Rotary raise additional funds and adds to the fun of the tournament for all.
Hole sponsorships and team entry forms are available on the bulletin board at the Tarkio Golf Club or from any Rotary Club member. Cart rentals are available by calling the Tarkio Golf Club at 660-736-4776 to reserve a cart.
The Tarkio Rotary Club appreciates all who have generously donated awards, prizes, sponsorships or their time to participate in this year’s tournament. The proceeds from the tournament will be used to support area youth scholarships, activities and community projects of the club this year.

Pickleball players wanted
2026-06-01 18:00 - 19:00
The tennis courts in Tarkio have recently been refinished and with that, so has the pickleball court. If you are interested in playing in a pickleball league, please meet at the court at 6 p.m. Monday, June 1. If you don’t know how to play, but want to, don’t worry. There are players who will teach you! The courts are located at the intersection of Hwy. 59 and Maple Street in Tarkio.

St. John’s Lutheran Church will host True North Vacation Bible School
2026-06-01 08:30 - 2026-06-05 18:00
St. John’s Lutheran Church in rural Westboro, Missouri, will be hosting Vacation Bible School Monday, June 1, through Friday, June 5, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. for children ages 3 (potty trained) through 12 years. The VBS program will take place at St. John’s on Friday, June 5, at 6:00 p.m.
During the week, the kids will go on the ultimate Alaskan adventure where northern lights glow over majestic mountains, racing rivers, and glistening glaciers. As the kids trek the tundra, they’ll explore how easy it is to lose sight of what’s true in our wild world today. Pointing them toward Jesus, True North VBS shows them that He is a faithful friend we can always trust. He’s our True North!
If you are interested in helping that week or in signing your child(ren) up, text Baleigh Heits at 660-253-0704 or Maddi Cotton at 660-853-1157. They are excited to go on this Alaskan adventure!

RPHS Alumni Banquet
2026-05-30 13:30 - 17:00
The Rock Port High School Alumni Banquet will be held Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the high school gym. Honor class pictures will be taken at 1:45 p.m. (oldest to youngest). Light refreshments and bottled water will be served. Free-will donations will be taken at the door. No reservations are required.
This year’s honor classes are: 70 year – Class of 1956, 60 year – Class of 1966, 50 year – Class of 1976, 40 year – Class of 1986, 30 year – Class of 1996, 25 year – Class of 2001, 20 year – Class of 2006, 10 year – Class of 2016, Graduates – Class of 2026. All RPHS alumni and guests are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Members of the Alumni Banquet Committee are: Lynn (Bailey) Hunter, Marlene (Walter) Demott, Malisa (Groff) Linthicum, Jennifer (Umbarger) Vogler, and Eric Chamberlain. They look forward to seeing you at this year’s banquet!

NodawaySaysNo.org to hold community meeting
2026-05-26 18:00 - 20:00
A community meeting, sponsored by NodawaySaysNo.org, will be held on Tuesday, May 26, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. This event is open to the public and will be held at the Maryville Community Center, West Court, at 1407 N. Country Club Road, Maryville, Missouri. Panelists will present the impacts of AI data centers on communities regarding land ownership, financial tax breaks given to developers, environmental concerns, water and power usage, health effects, and transparency concerns among elected city and county officials.
NodawaySaysNo.org consists of concerned citizens seeking answers about the proposed AI data center in southern Nodaway County. Visit the organization’s website for further information at https://nodawaysaysno.org/.
Community members are encouraged to attend this meeting as well as the Maryville City Council and Nodaway County Commission meetings.
