Area Sports and Education

The Licking Wildcats Track and Field teams brought their best to the Class 2 District 5 Championship meet on Saturday, May 9. The Lady Wildcats brought home the title of first place as a team at the meet, and two boys relay teams set new school records. For the Lady Wildcats, results were as follows:…

The 2026 Licking FFA Chapter Banquet was held Friday, May 1, at the Sherman Hill Fieldhouse. The ceremony was led by the 2025-26 Chapter Officers, and at the end of the evening, the 2026-27 Chapter Officers were inducted. After the opening ceremony, a dinner was served to members, their families and guests. Then the ceremony…

The Licking High School Softball Lady Wildcats made their Senior Night extra sweet with a win over Ellington, 16-3. Seniors Mya Rinne and Hannah Payne were recognized after the game. Letters were read which had been written by two teammates to the seniors, and after a few tears were wiped away, Coach Jeremy Rinne spoke…

Nine Licking High School band and choir students performed at the MSHSAA State Solo and Small Ensemble Music Festival, which was held on Saturday, May 2, in Columbia. Winning gold medals were Gwendolyn Campbell, with a vocal solo, and the Ladies Sextet, composed of Gwendolyn Campbell, Josephine Gifford, Lillian Godi, Reece Lozoya, Kylee Rinne and…

The Music Department for the Licking R-8 School District presented their Spring Music Concert at the Sherman Hill Field House on Sunday afternoon, April 26. Performing were the Licking Elementary School fifth and sixth grade singers, Beginner Band, the High School band and concert choir, the Cat’s Meow, and three ensembles who advanced to the…

Baseball Senior Night was held on Tuesday, April 21, after the varsity-only contest between the Licking Wildcats and the Laquey Hornets. The game ended early, with an 18-3 victory for the home team Wildcats. Senior Isaac Rinne, son of Jarad and Delaney Rinne, and Karson Walker, son of Willie and Carla Walker, were recognized for…

Art students at Licking High School and middle school art students exhibited their work in the hallways of the Sherman Hill Field House last week, with an Open House on Thursday, April 23, and with the exhibit continuing through Sunday afternoon’s Spring Concert. Artwork utilizing many different mediums was included in the Art Show, including…

The Licking R-8 Board of Education held their regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Monday, April 13, 2026, at the Office of the Superintendent. The consent agenda was approved by the board, including a review of financials. Financials included expenses for mold inspections at the daycare building, some of which will be reimbursed by insurance, and…