July 12, 2026
Higginsville Advance
In the Shadow of the Flag, by Tom Brand
I’ve crossed that parking lot hundreds of times. It’s the same route on the same stretch of pavement, focused on my car as I walk. Most days it’s just another small transition between work and whatever waits on the other side of the day. But one day recently, the timing was different.
Higginsville Habilitation Center Welcomes Cameron Hope
Higginsville Habilitation Center has welcomed Cameron Hope as its new assistant superintendent, bringing with him a steady presence, a heart for service, and years of experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs.
Kempfe family vacations to Branson to celebrate 54th anniversary
Douglas and Mary Kempfe of Alma, Julie Ravasini of Lee’s Summit and Jamie Kempfe of Gardner, Kan., traveled to Branson on Sunday afternoon, June 21. On Monday, they enjoyed visiting the Top of the Rock and enjoyed visiting the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum, Chapel of the Ozarks and Jack’s Cabin at Top of the Rock. In the evening, they enjoyed visiting with Gary and Glenda Riekhof, who live close by in Blue Eye. Tuesday, the group enjoyed visiting Dogwood Canyon Nature Park and visiting with Doug and Lori Tuepker, who live in Branson. In the evening, they attended the Haygoods Musical Show. Wednesday, the group saw the live play, “David.” Doug and Mary enjoyed the trip very much. Two of their daughters planned the trip to help their parents celebrate their 54th wedding anniversary, which was on June 25, the day after they returned home.
Odessa man sentenced for possession of child sexual abuse material
William Mort, 32, of Odessa, appeared before Judge Josh Taylor, in the Lafayette County Circuit Court and entered pleas of guilty to six counts of the Class B Felony of Possession of Child Pornography. Lafayette County Prosecutor, Kristen Ellis Hilbrenner, represented the State at the plea and sentencing. By pleading guilty the defendant admitted to possessing moving images or videos of obscene materials involving children under the age of eighteen as participants in sexually explicit conduct.
St. Luke UCC hosting picnic
St. Luke UCC in Grand Pass will hold its annual church picnic on Wednesday, July 15 from 6-9 p.m. Everyone is invited to come and share in the games, opportunity quilt drawing, the dunk tank, and lots of food, along with ice cream and homemade cakes and pies.
DDCC Warns Of A Scam Utilizing The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Name/Image
MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL News Release For further information please contact: Sgt. Bradley Germann 573-526-6122 June 23, 2026
2026 Miss Corder Pageant Winners
The 2026 Corder Picnic Miss Corder Pageant was held on Friday evening, June
VFW Post 4288 hosts 4th Annual Car Show
VFW Post 4288 in Corder, Missouri, held their 4th annual Car Show on 20 June 2026, at the Corder Park.
Tennis Courts Receive Much Needed Resurfacing Project
For the first time in several years, the Fairground Park Tennis Courts have been refurbished with the help from a major grant from the United States Tennis Association, along with $3,000.00 from the Kansas City area USTA chapter these grants total around $35,000.00. Additional help with funding is available by splitting the cost with Lafayette County C-1, a memorial of $10,000.00 from the Frances Fitzgerel family, and donations from community partners such as the Higginsville Rotary Club ($5,000.00), Higginsville Lions Club ($2,000.00), and a couple more private donations as well.