August 27, 2026
Lexington News
Arredondo joins Recruit Class
The Missouri State Highway Patrol announces that 39 recruits signed their final offers at General Headquarters, Jefferson City on March 28 to join the 126th Recruit Class. The class began their training at the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy on April 20, and will conclude with a graduation in October.
Capitol Report
I am proud to and honored to serve you. I have a dedicated team of Jennifer and Lisa working with me to listen to your questions, concerns and help every day.
Dobson graduates from Patrol Academy
A total of 19 troopers graduated from the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy on April 10. The ceremony took place at 10 a.m. at the Patrol Academy’s gymnasium. The 125th Recruit Class reported to the Academy on January 5. The new troopers will report to duty in their assigned troops on April 27.
Volunteers celebrated
Lafayette Regional Health Center’s Auxiliary met last week to celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Week. This incredible group of ladies volunteer countless hours assisting with various projects around the facility. They also manage the gift shop, the proceeds of which benefit the Auxiliary’s education scholarship and support LRHC’s various community engagement projects, including the food drive, diaper drive and personal hygiene initiative.
3D heart sculpture
Mike Elder, local artist, recently attended the Kansas City 2026 Parade of Hearts event in Overland Park. Mike is shown standing next to the 3D heart sculpture he designed and made, titled “Bee” Part of the KC Hive. There are 150 heart sculptures by various artists being placed all around the KC metro area.
LCHD announcement
The Lafayette County Health Department will be closed Tuesday, May 5 from 8 a.m.-noon for staff development/training. The Health Department will be open from noon-5 p.m. that day. All services are provided on a non-discriminatory basis.
Fitzgibbon Hospital files for bankruptcy
Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall, a trusted independent rural hospital which has served Saline County and the surrounding area for more than 100 years, announced last week that it has voluntarily filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and has secured a partner for sale of the facility.
Highway 13 Butterfly Trail
MU Extension Field Specialist Missouri Highway 13 extends nearly the full length of the state, running from Bethany near the Iowa border to Branson at the Arkansas state line.
Couple’s Civil War letters reveal terrors, trials of war
Henry Clay Fike and Lucy Cimbaline Fike wrote their way through a civil war that tested both their nation and their marriage.
