Higginsville Advance News

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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EMT-B

An Emergency Medical Technician–Basic (EMT-B) in Missouri serves as a vital first responder within the state’s emergency medical services (EMS) system, providing immediate care to patients in urgent and life-threatening situations. EMT-Basics are often the first healthcare professionals to arrive on scene, whether responding to 911 calls, traffic accidents, medical emergencies, or natural disasters. Their role is centered on stabilizing patients, preventing further injury, and preparing individuals for transport to medical facilities. In Missouri, EMT-Basics must complete a state-approved training program that typically includes classroom instruction, hands-on skills training, and clinical or field experience. Coursework covers essential topics such as patient assessment, airway management, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), bleeding control, shock management, and basic trauma care. After completing training, candidates must pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam and meet state licensing requirements through the Missouri Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. On the job, EMT-Basics perform a wide range of duties under established protocols and medical direction. They assess patients’ conditions by checking vital signs, observing symptoms, and gathering medical histories. Based on their findings, they provide appropriate care, such as administering oxygen, controlling bleeding, immobilizing fractures, assisting with certain medications (like epinephrine auto-injectors or inhalers), and performing CPR or using an automated external defibrillator (AED). They also ensure safe and efficient transport of patients to hospitals, continuously monitoring conditions en route. Missouri EMT-Basics often work for ambulance services, fire departments, or hospital-based EMS units. Their work environment can be unpredictable and physically demanding, requiring long hours, rapid decision-making, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. They frequently collaborate with paramedics, nurses, physicians, and law enforcement personnel to provide coordinated patient care. Beyond technical skills, EMT-Basics must possess strong communication and interpersonal abilities. They interact with patients and families during stressful moments, offering reassurance while gathering critical information. Compassion, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity are essential traits in effectively serving Missouri’s diverse communities. Overall, an EMT-Basic in Missouri plays a crucial role in the healthcare system, acting as a frontline caregiver who bridges the gap between emergency scenes and definitive medical treatment. Their quick actions and sound judgment can make a significant difference in patient outcomes, often saving lives in the process.

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Missouri Paramedics

Missouri paramedics represent the highest level of prehospital emergency medical care within the state’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system. Trained to respond rapidly to life-threatening situations, they possess a broad and advanced skill set that allows them to assess, stabilize, and manage patients in a wide variety of emergency environments. Their role bridges the gap between basic emergency care and hospital-based treatment, often making critical decisions that directly impact patient outcomes.A Missouri paramedic is educated in advanced patient assessment, which goes beyond simply identifying symptoms. They are trained to perform detailed physical examinations, interpret vital signs in complex contexts, and recognize subtle indicators of serious conditions such as stroke, myocardial infarction, or respiratory failure. This clinical judgment enables them to prioritize care, determine the severity of a patient’s condition, and initiate appropriate interventions quickly.One of the defining abilities of a paramedic is advanced airway management. In situations where a patient cannot breathe adequately on their own, paramedics can perform procedures such as endotracheal intubation, ensuring a secure airway and proper oxygen delivery. They are also skilled in using adjuncts like supraglottic airways and providing mechanical ventilation when necessary. These interventions are critical in trauma cases, cardiac arrest, and severe medical emergencies.Missouri paramedics are also authorized to administer a wide range of medications under standing protocols or medical direction. These include drugs for pain management, cardiac stabilization, allergic reactions, seizures, and more. For example, they can deliver epinephrine during anaphylaxis, administer naloxone in opioid overdoses, and provide cardiac medications during arrhythmias. Their pharmacological knowledge ensures that medications are used safely and effectively in high-pressure situations. Cardiac care is another central component of their capabilities. Paramedics are trained to interpret electrocardiograms (ECGs), recognize life-threatening arrhythmias, and perform interventions such as defibrillation and synchronized cardioversion. In cardiac arrest scenarios, they lead advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) efforts, coordinating chest compressions, airway management, and medication administration to maximize the chances of survival. Trauma care is equally important in their scope of practice. Missouri paramedics are equipped to manage severe injuries resulting from accidents, falls, or violence. They can control bleeding, stabilize fractures, manage shock, and prepare patients for rapid transport to trauma centers. Their ability to make quick decisions in chaotic environments is essential to preventing further injury and improving outcomes. In addition to technical skills, paramedics must excel in communication and teamwork. They coordinate with other first responders, such as firefighters and law enforcement, and relay critical patient information to hospital staff. Clear communication ensures continuity of care from the scene to the emergency department.

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