Lexington News

Life-casting program set

Probably not too many people are familiar with the art form of life-casting. Mid-Missouri Artists (MMA) member Reggie Ferguson will present the Thursday, May 28, program on this topic. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Warrensburg Community Center, Arts and Crafts room. All MMA programs are free and open to the public.

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Check Your Tax Refund Status

In the 2026 tax filing season, the Missouri Department of Revenue has processed more than three million tax returns, issuing over 1.8 million refunds totaling more than one billion dollars. By statute, the department has 45 days from the date of mailing to process and issue the individual refund before interest is due. Currently, 93% of taxpayers file electronically, which significantly reduces refund turnaround time. Returns sent by mail can take up to six weeks to process, while electronically filed returns typically take about six days.

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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! ——— CHOCOLATE APPLESAUCE CAKE Janice Parris, Lafayette-Lexington Chapter DAR

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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.

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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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