Higginsville Advance News

Lafayette County Welcomes New Director of Finance
The Husker Nation welcomed a new addition to our team this week, Kristi Johnson. Kristi is taking on the responsiblities as the Director of Finance at Central office. She comes to our district with much experience and enthusiasm.

Tina Myrick Retires as Librarian
After 29 years of dedicated service, Tina Myrick has retired as librarian of the Robertson Memorial Library.

Welcome June !!!
June has arrived with sunshine (and a little rain), celebration and summer traditions. As the calendar turns to June, our community will begin welcoming one of the busiest and most celebrated months of the year. June brings the o_cial start of summer, longer days, family gatherings, vacations, fairs, festivals and many meaningful observances that have become part of our traditions. An important celebration begins our month with the observance of Flag Day on June 14, which honors the adoption of the United States ag in 1777. Another meaningful June observance is Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19. Juneteenth commemoraes the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas ally learned they were free - more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued. Juneteenth is now recognized as a federal holiday and serves as a time to reect on freedom, history and equality of America. One of the biggest events in June is the st day of summer, known as the Summer Solstice, which usually falls around June 20 or 21. It is the longest day of the year, giving us more daylight hours to enjoy outdoor activities. June is also known for honoring fathers during Father's Day, celebrated this year on Sunday June 21st. June is recognized as Pride Month, a time dedicated to supporting and recognizing the LGBTQ+ community. Pride Month traces its roots back to 1969 and the Stonewall uprising in New York City, which became an important moment in the movement for equal rights and acceptance. June is also recognized as National Dairy Month, celebrating the hardworking dairy farmers who help feed us. In agricultural communities (such as ours), June remains an important month for farming as crops continue growing and producers prepare for the busy summer season.

Jamie Hoyt received the “Best Short Screenplay” award at the Red Dirt Film Festival in Oklahoma
Ever since she heard the story of Lexington’s Minnie Mae Talbott — who on June 8, 1919 was sworn in as the first elected female sheriff in U.S. history — filmmaker and screenwriter Jamie Hoyt has been inspired by her strength and courage.
MSHP Memorial Day Report
The Missouri State Highway Patrol , a Division of the Department of Public Safety, reports eight traffic fatalities, zero Drownings, and zero Boating fatalities over Memorial Day holiday Colonel Michael A. Turner, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, provides the following preliminary statistics related to the Memorial Day holiday: Eight people died and 99 were injured in 234 traffic crashes during the 2026 Memorial Day holiday counting period, which began at 6 p.m.
The John Knox Village East News
Higginsville, MO, June 1 st , 2026

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.
