August 26, 2026
Higginsville Advance News
Blackburn resident is HHC Employee of the Month
The Higginsville Habilitation Center April 2026 Team Member of the Month was Anna Hunter of Blackburn. She was selected because she is a very hard-working person that goes above and beyond in what she does. HHC recently started EHR (Electronic Health Record) and during this process Anna was very helpful, making sure everyone knew what they were doing, working many days in a row and being available. If someone needs assistance, they can ask her and she doesn’t mind taking the time to go over it making sure they understand. She also does things like working overtime and coming in at undesirable hours to help with coverage (hours like 2 a.m.). She has been flexible with people coming in to do things even when she doesn’t have to and she communicates well. She makes sure everyone knows if she will not be attending something or if something needs to be rescheduled.
Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce Announces New Executive Director
The Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the selection of Jill Nienhiser as its new Executive Director. Nienhiser was selected based on her strong leadership and management experience, community engagement, and vision for the future. As Executive Director, Nienhiser will oversee Chamber operations, membership engagement, community relations, partnerships, and strategic initiatives supporting the Lexington community. The position also provides oversight and coordination related to the Chamber’s affiliated operations. Nienhiser brings over 25 years of experience in consulting and working with commercial, nonprofit, and governmental organizations, along with a strong commitment to collaboration, community growth, and organizational leadership. Nienhiser said, 'I grew up in Lexington and have enjoyed being back. I'm excited to take on this new role helping to promote local businesses and community events. I look forward to meeting business owners and anyone interested in helping our town flourish.' Nienhiser will officially begin the role on June 1, 2026.
Camden Man Sentenced for Robbery
On May 11, 2026, Louis Patti, 42, of Camden, Missouri, appeared before the Honorable Judge Josh Taylor in the Circuit Court of Saline County and was sentenced to serve 20 years for Robbery in the First Degree and 12 years for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. Patti had previously pled guilty to these charges after requesting a change of venue, which took the case from Lafayette County to Saline County. Representing the State at the plea and sentencing hearing was Lafayette County Prosecuting Attorney, Kristen Ellis Hilbrenner.
Higginsville Board of Aldermen Meeting
The Board of Aldermen met on May 18th, 2026. The following is the City Administrator’s board meeting update. Full copies of complete report are available at City Hall.
Attorney General announces resolution to litigation following gas line explosion
Attorney General Catherine Hanaway recently announced that her office has resolved litigation with Liberty Utilities, a gas company that failed to properly mark a gas line in Lexington, leading to the death of a child, numerous injuries, and the destruction of a home. The State’s litigation, separate from any private actions filed by the victims of the explosion, concluded with a consent judgment requiring Liberty Utilities to pay the maximum civil penalty of $30,000 for violating the Missouri Underground Facility Safety and Damage Prevention Act and to engage in a remapping process of their gas lines to prevent future tragedies. “No enforcement action or monetary penalty can undo the heartbreak of losing a child and a home, but it can drive change,” said Attorney General Hanaway. “Missourians deserve to trust that the utilities serving them will do so responsibly. My office is committed to enforcing accountability and safety improvements on behalf of ratepayers.” In April 2025, Liberty Utilities falsely told an excavator that all its gas pipelines had been properly marked at a Lexington job site. Relying on that assurance, the contractor began excavation work and struck an unmarked gas main. Natural gas leaked into the community for hours before it ignited, leveling a home and injuring an entire family, resulting in the death of a minor.
What’s New With Parkinson’s At John Knox Village East
Higginsville, MO, May 25th, 2026 – We see more and more people suffering from the effects of Parkinson’s Disease every day at John Knox Village East. According to the National Institutes of Health, Parkinson's disease is rapidly increasing and is currently the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disorder in the world, outpacing even Alzheimer's Disease. Parkinson’s Disease is a neuro-degenerative disease caused by impaired neuro transmitter chemical receptors and/or neuro transmitter chemical production in the brain. Parkinson’s patients typically present with shuffling gait, tremors, slowed movement, rigid muscles, speech slurring and monotone voice quality. Changes in handwriting can also occur where the writing appears cramped and small. People can also act out in dreams, experience increased urination, trouble smelling and problems with thinking and memory. Causes of Parkinson’s Disease can include family history, lifestyle and environmental factors. There are some factors that are thought to influence the occurrence of Parkinson’s Disease. Aerobic exercise has been linked to a lower occurrence of Parkinson’s Disease, as has consumption of caffeine. Use of medicines like Ibuprofen and statins has also been shown to lower the risk of the disease. For some time, our therapy department at John Knox Village East has been certified in a program called LSVT BIG! & LOUD! which is geared specifically to help those with Parkinson’s Disease or other neurological disorders that include symptoms of muscle rigidity, soft speech or small muscle movements. This program encourages BIG movements outside of your “bubble” with the arms and legs while also encouraging deep breathing and LOUD voice exercises. These exercises help combat the disease’s normal progression of muscle deterioration and rigidity, shuffling gait, soft voice and swallowing difficulty. Some exercises include sumo squats, boxing movements, as well as breath control and voice volume exercises. If you or a loved one is newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s or has been coping with a diagnosis for quite some time, seek out professionals with this certification to help manage the progression of these diseases. We’d be happy to explore options with you.
City of Corder Board of Aldermen Meeting
Minutes from the Regular Meeting on April 14, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Lafayette County Health Department earns full accreditation through 2030
The Lafayette County Health Department Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that the Lafayette County Health Department (LCHD) has earned full accreditation through March 30, 2030, from the Missouri Institute for Community Health (MICH). This achievement reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality public health services and advancing the health and well-being of the community it serves.
Veach Celebrates 40 years of Service
On May 13th, Sherri Veach was celebrated for her 40 years of dedicated service as a student transportation driver/director. Honored by her coworkers (at Echo Ride), her family and friends gathered for a fish fry where she was presented with gifts and recognized for the care and commitment she has shown her students since the beginning of her career.