News Flash

The City of Lebanon will host a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, to discuss a proposal to formally rename Elm Street to Route 66. The hearing will take place in the Stanley H. Allen Council Chambers at City Hall.

The proposal is being considered in honor of the upcoming centennial of Historic Route 66. City officials noted the change would simplify signage, enhance economic development opportunities, and make it easier to promote tourism destinations along the corridor.

“I believe this name change can provide significant benefits to Lebanon as a whole, but we need to hear from the people most directly affected by this proposed change,” said Troy Schulte, Lebanon City Administrator.

The formal name change would require all residents and property owners along Elm Street to update their individual addresses and some business signage. Community members and property owners are encouraged to attend the meeting to share their opinions and concerns.

Following the public hearing, the City Council may consider formal legislation to officially change the street name.

Public Works crews with the City of Lebanon will be active throughout the community this week, focusing on street maintenance, electric reliability, and utility improvements. City of Lebanon business offices are closed Monday, Jan. 19, in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Emergency services remain available.

Street Division

Maintenance Crews

• Completing miscellaneous concrete repairs in various areas of the city.
• Sweeping streets in Ward 1.

Construction Crews

• Continuing work on the Mountrose stormwater project.

Drivers are asked to watch for crews, equipment, and temporary traffic control and to slow down in work zones to help keep everyone safe.

Electric Division

Electric crews will be working across multiple areas of the city this week to improve reliability, support new development, and maintain safe service.

Maintenance Crews

• Installing new electric service on Cherry Blossom Circle, Brice Street, and Pierce Street.
• Setting new temporary electric services on Emmy Avenue.
• Repairing and replacing streetlights on Emmy Avenue, Fowler Road, Glenridge Street, and Rolling Hills Road.
• Responding to electric outages as they occur throughout the week.

Construction Crews

• Jan. 20–21: Installing new primary and secondary wire, setting transformers, and installing streetlights in the subdivision along Matthew Street.

Residents may notice brief disruptions during this work. Crews appreciate the public’s patience as these improvements are completed.

Substation Crews

Performing equipment upgrades and system testing at Substation Number 3 to support a new system project and future load growth.

Water and Environmental Services

• Installing utilities in the Mountrose area and the Aero Landing subdivision across from the airport.
• Repairing water leaks as they are identified.
• Cleaning sewer lines in the Beck Lane and Ivey Lane area.
• Inspecting manholes in the Crescent Drive, Millcreek Road, and Fairfax Drive areas.

Periodic lane restrictions may be required near active utility work. Motorists should use caution when traveling in these areas.

Stay Connected

The City of Lebanon offers several easy ways to stay informed and report concerns:

• Visit LebanonMissouri.org to access Truman, the City’s virtual assistant, available 24/7.
• Text “hello” to 844-771-INFO to get started.
• Use the Report a Concern tool on the City website to submit issues directly to staff.

For project updates, reminders, and behind-the-scenes looks at City work, follow @CityOfLebanonMO on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and Nextdoor.

The City of Lebanon will kick off its yearlong celebration of America’s 250th anniversary with a free community concert featuring Diamond Rio on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Kenneth E. Cowan Civic Center.

The concert is the first of several events planned throughout the year by the City of Lebanon’s America 250 Commission, a City-led initiative chaired by Mayor Jared Carr. The celebration will include community events, historical recognitions, and family-friendly activities marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Admission to the concert is free, with tickets available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis.

Doors will open at 4:00 p.m., followed by welcome remarks and local community acts beginning at 5:00 p.m. Diamond Rio will take the stage at 7:00 p.m.

Diamond Rio is a Grammy Award–winning country music group and Grand Ole Opry member, known for hits such as “Meet in the Middle,” “One More Day,” “How Your Love Makes Me Feel,” and “Beautiful Mess.” With decades of success and multiple industry awards, the band remains one of the most respected groups in country music.

“This concert is about celebrating our community while recognizing an important moment in our nation’s history,” said Mayor Jared Carr. “As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary throughout the year, we wanted to start with an event that brings people together for an evening of family and fun. This concert is just the beginning.”

The concert will be held indoors at the Kenneth E. Cowan Civic Center. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early.

Additional details, including parking, accessibility information, and updates on future America 250 events, will be available at www.lebanonmissouri.org and www.visitlebanonmo.org.

EVENT DETAILS

What: Diamond Rio – Free Community Concert

When: Saturday, April 25, 2026

Where: Kenneth E. Cowan Civic Center, Lebanon, Missouri

Cost: Free

Tickets: Available at the door

Sidney Fredrick Wilson V was arrested July 31st and charged with the murders of 21-year-old Reagan Lynn Wilson and her unborn son, Silas, who were shot at their Lebanon home earlier this summer. He faces charges of first-degree murder for both victims and armed criminal action. He is being held without bond at the Laclede County Jail.

Lebanon police responded to a report of a shooting at 11:37 p.m. June 5 in the 700 block of North Adams Avenue. Officers found Reagan Wilson with gunshot wounds at the residence. She was pregnant at the time of the shooting.

Reagan was pronounced dead shortly after the incident, and her baby, Silas, died June 13, 2025.

"Our entire team mourns the loss of this young mother and child. Our team and our partners are disgusted by this loss of life and will relentlessly pursue justice for Reagan and her child,” said Chief Harrison.

“We are grateful to the Laclede County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol, FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the ATF for their assistance,” Harrison said. He also thanked Gov. Mike Kehoe's Relentless Pursuit Team for coordinating the arrest.

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Lebanon Police Department at 417-532-3131 or submit tips anonymously through the online tip system at www.lebanonmissouri.org.

It’s a “New Day For Gasconade,” as Lebanon Police Department has increased patrols in Gasconade Park and the surrounding neighborhood with a clear mission: to reclaim the park for families, residents, and law-abiding visitors. This is a valued public space, and the department is committed to restoring and maintaining an environment that is safe, clean, and welcoming for everyone.

Officers are available to serve the community and encourage positive interaction with the public. At the same time, the department is taking a zero-tolerance approach to unlawful and disrespectful behavior.

Individuals who engage in public alcohol consumption, illegal drug use, or sleeping in public spaces will face enforcement action under city ordinances. Likewise, offenses such as loud music, littering, graffiti, vandalism, or possession of vandalism tools will be met with strict penalties.

The department is also using park cameras to monitor activity and assist with investigations.

“We want residents to feel safe and welcome in Gasconade Park and the surrounding neighborhood. If you see an officer, don’t hesitate to say hello—we’re here to serve,” said Lebanon Police Chief Jerry Harrison. “But we’re also ready to put an immediate stop to illegal activity, and the message is clear: break the law in Gasconade Park, expect to be held accountable.”

It’s a New Day For Gasconade, and the City of Lebanon will be doing even more in the coming weeks to make this space better for everyone.

To report suspicious activity or request more information, contact the Lebanon Police Department at (417) 532-3131.