​​Weston • Platte County • Missouri

Thurs., Sept. 11, a crowd of about 30 people met at the Weston Historical Museum to hear the museum’s latest program spotlighting the revitalization of Weston during the late 1970s and 1980s. Jeff Elsea, a respected local businessman and long-time resident, shared first-hand accounts about the pivotal era that reshaped Weston’s future.
Weston has experienced ups and downs many times over its 188-year history — from being a self-sufficient community with stores providing everything for daily living to a point where residents needed to leave town to buy a greeting card.  

-- Weston Historical Museum Program Celebrates Town’s Remarkable Revitalization

-- Celtic Ranch Celebrates 20 Years

The Weston Chronicle

The Celtic Ranch is celebrating 20 years on Weston’s Main Street, Saturday, September 20. Everyone is invited to attend.
Begun by Terry Kast and her husband, Jeff Nunn at 404 Main Street in about 2005, the business has grown and evolved, weathered a pandemic and transitioned to new ownership in the two decades since.
Terry credits Divine Providence, timing and a little Irish luck for her journey from corporate sales to small business owner. As she considered a location for her store, she felt drawn to Weston. “The vibe of the place felt right with O’Malley’s Pub just off Main Street and McCormick’s Distillery outside of town. Even the twin spires of Holy Trinity Catholic Church inspired my decision.” Not to mention, 404 Main Street was available to rent for a very reasonable sum. She found camaraderie with other Main Street shop owners as well as moral and financial support from The Bank of Weston.
“So many friends, neighbors, business associates and family members pitched in to support this endeavor,” she recalls. They became the first of many loyal and dedicated customers eager to shop the imported clothing, jewelry and accessories from Ireland and the British Isles.
The Celtic Ranch theme was a natural outgrowth of Terry’s love of horses, country lifestyle and deep affinity for all things Celtic - particularly Irish and Scottish. “What is a more perfect fit than an Irish sweater with jeans and boots?”
A significant transformation for the shop began in 2018 with the addition of the Whiskey Snug, a high-end tasting lounge that now features two levels with over 1,000 bottles of whiskey/whisky, gin, bourbon, rye and liqueur.
Terry sold the business in 2023 to her Amazon Manager, Teresa Kastens, General Manager, Renz Pros and Sales Manager, Cara Welliver. All are dedicated to continuing to build on the successful brand they now lead. Cara said, “It will always be Terry’s baby, but we are now taking the teenager to college. We are so grateful for our customers. The are like family to us and the reason that we’re still here. We look forward to spending the day with everyone who finds this place to be as special as we do.”
To honor the 20th anniversary on Saturday, September 20th, all regularly priced items (in-store and online) are 20% off. Chat with owners, past and present, during the Founder’s Reception starting at 11:00 am, then enjoy appetizers and happy hour specials from noon to 2:00 pm. Enjoy a piece of cake and spin the prize wheel. Celtic Ranch hours are 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, The Whiskey Snug is open 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. All are invited to post a photo of themselves with a vintage Celtic Ranch shirt, their first or favorite purchase or to share a favorite memory on social media. Use #CelticRanch20.

--Chris Kendall Appointed Platte County Treasurer

Christopher Kendall, of Farley, was appointed as the Platte County Treasurer by Gov. Mike Kehoe Friday, September 12.
Mr. Kendall has served as the interim Platte County Treasurer since March 17, 2025. He was appointed as interim Treasurer by the Platte County Commission, but the decision to make the appointment official is made by the governor.
The previous Treasurer, Rob Willard, was reelected to a four year term in 2024, then resigned in March, 2025. Mr. Kendall was appointed to the unexpired term, but will have to run for election in 2026, the next general election. If he chooses to do so and is successful, he would have to run for reelection in 2028.
Mr. Kendall said he had no plans for changes to the office. “I really just want to continue to build on what we have been able to accomplish over the past six months that I served as interim. With my permanent appointment I want to know the individuals employed at the various organizations we serve, including cities, schools, road districts, and other entities, in addition to the various county offices we serve.

Kendall is a lifelong Platte County resident with a distinguished career spanning over 30 years in finance, accounting, and leadership. 
Currently he works part-time as Controller for the American International Charolais Association (AICA), a nonprofit dedicated to registering and promoting Charolais cattle nationwide. 
Prior to AICA, Kendall worked as a Client Business Consultant and Project Manager for Paladin FS, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in IT banking contracts. 

His career began at the Westin Hotel Company in Kansas City as an Assistant Controller, followed by various roles at First National Bank of Platte County, Clayco State Bank, Farley State Bank, and Strunk.
Kendall earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1989 and enhanced his expertise through advanced training in investment and asset/liability management, as well as a three-year graduate school of banking program. He also holds a Master of Ministry from Colorado Theological Seminary (2017).
Kendall has served as Pastor of Salem Christian Church near Weston, Missouri, since 2015, leading church operations, providing spiritual guidance, and partnering with local charities. He has also worked as a substitute teacher for the West Platte R-II School District. 
Kendall’s leadership extends to roles such as Treasurer for the West Platte Booster Club and Friends of the Canto Chorale, as well as an elected Farley Special Road District Commissioner. His volunteer efforts include coaching youth sports, advising the West Platte FCA, and serving as a camp counselor for the Nationwide Youth Roundup in Colorado.

For all of our news in full, please see this week's print and/or e-edition of the Weston Chronicle

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