Year in Review 2025: Schuyler County Times

In the tight-knit towns of Schuyler County, 2025 unfolded with familiar charm and quiet determination. Whether it was school pride, community service, or longstanding traditions, local residents once again showed what it means to come together and make a difference close to home.

As we reflect on the first half of the year, these moments serve as more than milestones—they’re a testament to the values that define life in Schuyler County. From classroom accomplishments to community improvements, here’s a look back at the stories that shaped our year from January through June.

January 2025

Several Schuyler County elected officials were sworn into office on December 29.

Bettie Herbert, a resident at the Schuyler County Nursing Home, celebrated her 101st birthday.

Northeast Missouri Senator Cindy O’Laughlin became the first woman to lead the Missouri Senate.

Mike Kehoe was sworn in as the 58th Governor of Missouri.

Chloe Buckallew was named to Graceland University’s Fall 2024 President’s List.

Truman State University announced Academic Honor Rolls. Schuyler County students on the President’s List included Sylvia Harding of Greentop. Named to the Vice President’s List was Kelsey Cohagen of Lancaster.

Kyra Cullers was named to the Missouri State University’s Fall 2024 Dean’s List.

TMJ Treatment became available at Memphis Medical Services.

Karen Poe RN, Family Nurse Practitioner provided an educational program for TOPS at the Schuyler County Library in Lancaster on January 30.

A fire damaged a shed at Schuyler County R-1 Schools.

The Schuyler County Boys Basketball team won third place at the North Shelby Tournament.

Iowa State University announced its fall 2024 Dean’s List. Recognized from Schuyler County was Emma Frederick.

February 2025

A free public Sunshine Law Training returned to Northeast Missouri on January 29.

Rylynn Crabtree and Elliott Sevits were crowned the Schuyler County R-1 High School Court Warming Queen and King for 2025.

A Schuyler County woman, Kimberly Jean Martin, was charged with felony theft in a $41K bank fraud case. Individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The Schuyler County Council on Aging received $245,000 in NAP Tax Credits for the new Nutrition Center.

Scotland County Hospital honored longtime employees, Donna Small, LPN, and Carrie Hamner, PT with service pins.

The Schuyler R-1 FBLA students qualified for State. Mason Oliver secured 4th place in Introduction to Financial Math, qualifying him for state, and placed 5th in Word Processing. Carter Hoffmeyer took 2nd in Cyber Security. Drake Spurgeon placed 1st in Impromptu Speaking and 4th in Financial Math. Jarrett Groseclose placed 2nd in Sales Presentation and Job Interview. Madelyn Sapp placed 4th in Word Processing and 5th in Introduction to Public Speaking.

Schuyler R-1 Board approved facility upgrades. The board approved a $40,047.41 contract with Lancaster Lumber for a new football/men’s restroom facility.

March 2025

Dr. Kelsey Davis-Humes participated in the annual Missouri Academy of Family Physicians Advocacy Day in Jefferson City.

The Schuyler County Council on Aging secured funding approval for the Nutrition Site project.

A fire caused major damage to The Cheese Post in Downing, MO.

The Schuyler County Varsity Rams traveled to Paris, MO on March 8 for the Lewis & Clark Conference Scholar Bowl tournament. The team claimed their third straight conference title.

Dr. Jeff Davis served as Master of Ceremonies at Physician Advocacy Day on March 5.

Schuyler County received Agri – Ready County Designation from Missouri Farmers Care. This designation highlights the county’s commitment to promoting agricultural development, boosting economic growth, and supporting educational initiatives that enhance agricultural literacy.

Schuyler R-1 held their annual Daddy Daughter Dance on March 22.

The Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education announced that Andrea Graham, RDN, LDN, CDCES, achieved Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist status by passing the exam.

April 2025

Schuyler County voters were to decide on Use Tax, 911 Fee, and local officials on the April 8 ballot.

Interim Schuyler County Recorder Shayna Groseclose was sworn into office by Judge Kelly Lovekamp.

After 28 years, Shannon Smith retired as a Conservation Agent.

The Schuyler Scholar Bowl Rams won the district title. This is the third year in a row they have won districts.

A case of measles was confirmed in Missouri in the county of Taney.

Longtime KMEM broadcaster Rick Fischer passed away at the age of 66. Rick Fischer was one of Northeast Missouri’s most recognized and beloved radio personalities.

The Unionville License Office was closed temporarily.

Several Schuyler FBLA members traveled to the State Leadership Conference in Springfield.

May 2025

Judges from the First Judicial Circuit honored retiring Judge Rick Roberts with a plaque presentation.

The Schuyler County Courthouse added new benches and picnic tables with a grant awarded by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Claudia Dixon of Coatsville was named to Columbia College Spring 2025 Semester Dean’s List.

The Schuyler Scholar Bowl finished second at state.

Brenna Whitlow was awarded a $500 NEMR scholarship.

Schuyler County R-1 High School celebrated the achievements of 36 graduating seniors during its commencement ceremony on May 18. The Salutatorian was Parker Dabney, and the Valedictorian was Drake Spurgeon.

The VFW Post 4958 presented Young American Awards to Schuyler County R-1 School District’s Kindergarten and First Grade Classes.

Demolition continued on the north side of Lancaster Square.

June 2025

Mr. and Mrs. Bill Lawrence celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on June 12.

Brody Swindler won the 2025 Missouri State Agri-Science Fair in the Social Science category, Division 3.

Chloe Buckallew graduated from Graceland University with a Bachelor of Arts (Business Management).

Northwest announced their Spring 2025 Honor Roll list. The President’s List included Weston L. Byrn and Bailie J. Atkinson. The Academic’s List included Kelsey A. Tallman, Rebecca K. Davenport, and Madison L. Blackorby.

Truman State University announced the Academic Honor Rolls. The Vice President’s List included Sylvia Harding.

The Schuyler County Historical Society aimed to raise funds for a new roof on the W.P. Hall Museum located in Lancaster, MO. The Schuyler County Historical Society Hometown Kitchen cookbooks are available for a $20 donation.

Contractor crews were to start work on a sidewalk (ADA) improvement project in Schuyler and Adair counties.

Aurora Grace Harris graduated high school June 1, 2025.

The State Patrol flagged two Schuyler County School buses in their annual inspection.

Schuyler County 4-H members qualified for the National 4-H Hippology contest. Adalyn placed 2nd in the Senior division, Brynlee placed 5th in the Senior division, and Lydia placed 5th in the Junior division.

Emma Frederick of Lancaster graduated from Iowa State with a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture.

Mizzou released the Spring 2025 Dean’s List. Those earning a place were Hayden Dixon, Nate Leslie, Allie Lanham, Ashlyn Laws, Ava Akers, Mariah Buckallew, Gavin Veatch, and Haylee Burns.

Lancaster Chapter E P.E.O. presented the P.E.O Scholarship to Lydia Melvin, a Schuyler R-1 graduate.

SchuA Schuyler County man, Wayne Junior Gregory was charged in an alleged vehicular assault on a deputy and a police dog. Individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Seal coat work was scheduled to begin on U.S. Route 136 in Clark, Scotland, and Schuyler counties.