October 16, 2026
Lexington News
Second Sunday season kicks off
The 2026 Second Sunday season got off to a successful start on June 14 with the theme, “Art for the Ages.”
Man sentenced for child sex crimes
Lafayette County Prosecuting Attorney Kristen Hillbrener announces that Jose Zuniga, 44, of Lexington, Missouri pled guilty on June 1, 2026, to four counts of the unclassified felony of Statutory Sodomy, four counts of the class A felony of Sexual Exploitation of a Child and one count of the class B felony of Possession of Child Pornography.
A quiet confidence
Father’s Day morning found me reflecting on the people who show us how to navigate life. I have been fortunate all my life to have such a father. I realize not everyone does, but it could be a mother, a grandparent, a teacher, or a friend. And they may appear in different seasons of our lives.
Higginsville man sentenced to prison
James Looney, 43, Higginsville, was sentenced to serve time in the Missouri Department of Corrections on June 15, 2026. The sentencing followed his guilty plea to the class D felony of Possession of Child Pornography, the class E felony of Tampering with Physical Evidence, the class E felony of Sexual Contact with a Student, the class B misdemeanor of Sexual Misconduct in the First Degree and the class C misdemeanor of Sexual Misconduct in the Third Degree on May 18, 2026. The case was previously set for jury trial in May. The defendant’s plea allowed the child victims to not have to testify during a trial. The State was represented by Lafayette County Prosecuting Attorney, Kristen Ellis Hilbrenner, at both the plea and sentencing hearing.
Great pitching propels Excelsior Springs to state title
The Excelsior Springs Tigers Baseball team definitely proved that good pitching wins Baseball games, as the Tigers did not allow a single run in their two games in the State Final Four Baseball Tournament, and they scored just enough runs to win the Class 4 State Championship, on June 3 and 4 at the Ozark Mountain Sports Complex in Ozark.
Lexington’s Madonna of the Trail honored for America 250
A new marker has been placed at Lexington’s Madonna of the Trail monument as a part of the America 250 initiative to honor the courage, sacrifice and vision of our Revolutionary War Patriots: “This marker commemorates the men and women who achieved American independence. These Patriots, each believing in the noble cause of liberty, fought valiantly to found a new nation, 1775-1783. Dedicated in 2026 by Missouri State Society Daughters of the American Revolution, in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.”
DARing to cook
These ladies were young, “Junior” members of the Lafayette-Lexington Chapter of the DAR when “Missouri Juniors DARing to Cook Book!” was published about 50 years ago. In honor of America’s 250th, each week leading up to July 4 we will publish one of their recipes and one of the quotes sprinkled among the pages of the book. Enjoy! ——— BEEF SUPPER
Eastridge named to Dean’s List at Graceland University
The honor roll lists for Graceland University’s 2026 spring term have been announced, and Karissa Eastridge of Lexington has been named to the Dean’s List.
2026 Missouri Farm Families
The University of Missouri Extension has announced the 2026 Missouri Farm Families. These families will be recognized during the Missouri State Fair on Monday, Aug. 17 as part of the Missouri Farm Bureau/Farm Family Day.
Juneteenth schedule announced
The Lafayette County Juneteenth Foundation Board proudly announces its agenda for the 2026 Juneteenth Celebration to be held Friday, June 26 through Sunday, June 28.