The Clay County Bicentennial Commission kicked off the 200th anniversary with a get-together of city officials, chambers of commerce, civic organizations and businesses at Corbin Mill in Liberty on Thursday, Feb. 24.

In addition to the first party, the bicentennial commission is planning celebration events in June and another for later in the year. The June event will include a public unearthing of a previously buried time capsule and burying of a new time capsule. Commission endorsed activities and other details can be found on the county’s website.

“The bicentennial commission’s primary mission will be to meet and advise the county commission on bicentennial festivities; however, the new commission will also work in conjunction with other interested local parties and brainstorm community-driven ways to honor Clay County’s rich history and heritage,” states a release issued by the Clay County Commission, the appointing authority for this board.

The new commission is comprised of Clay County residents as shown above including Jane Wiegand, Katie Steele Danner, Jane Putnam, Terri Welk, Dr. Cecilia Robinson, Julie Sola, and Bob Martin. Not pictured are Gerri Spencer and Tony Reinhardt. Each were sworn in to a two-year term in May of 2021.

Katie serves as the Executive Director for the Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation, Inc.. She is a graduate of the Challenge Class of 1993.