As 2017 draws to a close, the Fulton Sun presents our Year in Review, highlighting important events covered in Callaway County this year. The series will continue the rest of the year.
Illustrious persons such as U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, journalist Jon Meacham and Retired Gen. David Petraeus spoke to residents and college students, a historical document authored by a former British prime minister was discovered, and changes at school districts and government organizations took place.
Jan. 1
Unemployment rate in county is 1.5 less than state's ranking.
Sarah Wisdom will be new school superintendent in New Bloomfield.
Jan. 3
Corrections Department inmates donate vegetables to SERVE Inc. food pantry.
Casey's General Store expands parking, pumps in south Fulton.
Jan. 4
Missouri law cracks down on child abusers, becomes more specific.
Two arrested for Stephens burglary.
Winter fishing is popular with residents.
Jan. 5
New Bloomfield mayor, police chief announce resignations.
Holts Summit man convicted as sex offender, sentenced to 90 years.
Fulton Rotary sponsors first blood drive.
Jan. 6
William Woods University's "horse keepers" tend their steeds during winter break.
Filing period for April election nears.
Jan. 8
New playground to open at Missouri School for the Deaf.
Center for Faith and Service at Westminster College offers safe spaces.
Jan. 10
Inauguration of Gov. Eric Greitens takes place in Jefferson City.
Area infant killed, three hurt in early morning collision.
Jan. 11
Callaway County 2017 budget of $16,747,061 approved; is $447,341 higher than in 2016.
County's school superintendents work toward student work-readiness goals.
Holts Summit municipal board approves financing for new sewer facility.
Jan. 12
Two killed in crash on U.S. 54 near Holts Summit. One of the cars was going the wrong direction, officers said.
Callaway County commissioners consider major sewer project, discuss with engineering firm and others.
Clean Water Commission have tie vote on permit for hog farrowing/CAFO in Callaway County.
Jan. 13
Road crews brace for slippery weather as icy winter storm is predicted.
Use of eggs by fourth-grade students illustrate humanity's commonality.
William Woods Uni plans to participate in national Ghostlight Project, an act of unity preceding presidential inauguration.
Jan. 17
Tax season is approaching, and local professionals prepare.
Tai-chi classes offered in Holts Summit.
Jan. 15
Kingdom Christian Academy's new administrator Kevin Browne takes on job of his life.
SERVE, Our House, social services keeping people warm and fed in advent of winter storm.
Jan. 18
FastLane station in Kingdom City is demolished. New store will include Dairy Queen, hot food, dog park and more.
Julia Thieret, eighth-grade student from South Callaway, wins spelling bee competition.
Fulton man Paul Langewisch, former bank president, dies in bicycling accident.
Jan. 19
William Woods' Mike Westerfield presented with Leadership Award for efforts with community, Callaway Chamber of Commerce.
Kingdom City's town hall renovations completed.
Jan. 20
Women's Business Center has productive first few months of operations.
Farm and Fowl exhibit comes to Art House.
Software error causes county budget mistake.
State House passes "right-to-work" bill; goes to Senate.
Jan. 22
President Trump inaugurated. Callaway residents react; some hope he will "inspire us."
WWU professor Craig Bruce Smith speaks of President George Washington and honor as he saw it.
Chefs prepare to go toe-to-toe in American Cancer Society chili cook off.
Jan. 24
Former Fulton resident Jeff White gets dream job with Kansas City Chiefs.
Re-Made for a Purpose celebrates growth and expansion.
Jan. 25
Tanglewood Golf rate increase discussed at Fulton city meeting.
Archery takes off at Holts Summit's Orion Archery.
Jan. 26
McKinnon family builds eco-friendly home in Fulton.
Fulton city officials redefine snow policy; take possession of new trash/recycling truck.
Jan. 27
Callaway Chamber of Commerce launches new website with help of WWU students.
Cherry Hill Dental plans new Fulton practice.
Mouse race event to raise money for local cancer patient.
Jan. 29
Local bail bond agent John Johnson describes his job duties, followed in his father's career footsteps.
Fulton man arrested on felony child abuse charges, given $50,000 bond.
Jan. 31
Colleges in Fulton respond to Trump's immigration travel ban suspending entry of all refugees to the U.S. for 120 days, and bans Muslims for specific countries.
Mumps case diagnosed at William Woods.
Feb. 1
New Bloomfield Elem students learn importance of healthy teeth.
Westminster president Benjamin Akande promises international students shelter in gathering prompted by Trump's executive order restricting people from some Muslim countries from entering the United States.
Feb. 2
Fulton Rotary Club members ask woman to teach them about her Muslim faith.
Students at Fulton High have personal development day, learn some of life's basic lessons.
Feb. 3
South Callaway teacher Sgt. Jeremy Gerling leaves for Kuwait as part of National Guard.
Charles Kimball, professor, noted author and international resource, speaks at Westminster about issues affecting the Middle East during the fifth C.S. Lewis Legacy Lecture.
Feb. 5
In the series "A Week of Love," Fulton Sun profiles Earl and Pat O'Rourke, a couple married for 65 years.
Central Missouri Community Action gathers about 40 people to talk about services and how to better serve Callaway County.
Lengthy standoff ends in safe arrest, police said.
Feb. 7
Clifford Holt, crossing guard at New Bloomfield schools, safely guides children since the 1980s.
Future Farmers of America students at North Callaway High School offer work services for donations.
Feb. 8
Callaway nuclear plant December inspection finds small "low safety" violation.
Westminster, WWU students raise refugee awareness with "I Welcome Refugees" fundraiser.
Feb. 9
Route UU bridge closing for reconstruction; 12 bridges will be closed this year, MoDOT officials state.
Five arrested after old Carver School broken into, damaged.
Feb. 10
Westminster officials announce journalist Jon Meacham, Ret. General David H. Petraus will speak April 1 at Churchill Fellows Weekend.
Fulton woman Diane Branch creates sweet treats at Sweet Temptations shop.
Holts Summit to pursue demolition grant for unsafe buildings.
Feb. 12
Larry M. Doyle, former educator and consultant, to be featured guest at 112th Kingdom of Callaway Supper.
SERVE gathers toiletry items for area's homeless residents.
Feb. 14
Lt. Col. Sandy Karsten, former Callaway County trooper, becomes superintendent of Missouri Highway Patrol, describes her career.
Police investigate social media post between Fulton High School teacher and 17-year-old student.
Feb. 15
Karen Helmrich buys Blatner building, opens Unkamen jewelry business there.
Immigration attorney Miha Britt lectures at William Woods, said historical context makes her work even more important.
Feb. 17
Clothes Cupboard relocates to Jefferson Street location after building woes.
Two women charged with kidnapping, assault, held with no bond.
Feb. 18
The world erupts over discovery of Winston Churchill document supporting the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe. Tim Riley, director of the National Churchill Museum in Fulton, finds the 11-page essay, written in 1939, in the museum's archives.
Feb. 19
Kingdom of Callaway Supper Settler's Award goes to Pastor Bobby Washington, who is also a beloved coach.
Westminster speaker Jackson Katz tells students violence against women is a male problem. The author and filmmaker said men need to step up and end this culture of violence.
Feb. 21
Fulton VFW is talk of the town with $225,000 jackpot in drawing.
Missouri Job Center office to open at 510 Market St., Fulton.
Professor Steve Hageman discusses roots of mass incarceration of African Americans to William Woods group at Equality Matters symposium.
Feb. 22
"Many people - one heart" is message of Kunama Mtendaji, a drummer, singer and dancer from St. Louis who performed at the Callaway County Library in Fulton.
Callaway Youth Expo receives Distinguished Service Award.
57th annual Auxvasse Loafer's Week kicking off. Lots of peanut shells on the floor.
Feb. 23
VFW jackpot goes unwon: New amount is $275,197.
CARDV - the Coalition Against Rape and Domestic Violence - helps residents find new paths through domestic violence and more.
Feb. 24
Event raises money for Middle River Cemetery work.
Our House receives new mattresses after donation made.
Callaway County Courthouse ramps up security at entrance.
Feb. 26
Bank Star One sale to Central Bank approved.
Feb. 28
North Callaway schools going to four-day student schedule.
Callawegians wonder when their elected (national) officials will visit.