Rise and Shine! Hardee's Closing Their Doors, Updated Election Filings and Winter Outreach Today at YMCA.

Written on 12/17/2025

Sarah Hampton

"Take chances, make mistakes. That's how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail in order to practice being brave." – Mary Tyler Moore.

Rise and Shine! Hardee's Closing Their Doors, Updated Election Filings and Winter Outreach Today at YMCA.

The news that our local Hardee’s is closing this Saturday is about more than a restaurant shutting its doors. For several members of our community, it means an unexpected loss of income just days before the holidays. These are neighbors who rely on steady hours to pay rent, buy groceries, and make Christmas happen for their families.

When a long-standing business closes, the impact ripples outward. Employees lose jobs, families feel financial strain, and the community loses a familiar gathering place. For some, Hardee’s was a first job. For others, it was dependable work in a tough economy. Its closure is a reminder of how closely connected our local businesses and our neighbors truly are.

As a community, moments like this call for empathy and support. Checking in on one another, sharing job leads, and choosing to support other local businesses can make a real difference. Small actions add up, especially at a time of year that is already emotionally and financially demanding.

Our thoughts are with the employees affected by this closure. Lebanon has always shown strength in looking out for its own, and that spirit matters now more than ever.

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Here is an updated list of people who have filed to run in the April 7, 2026 Election.

We will bring you updates as we have them.

City Attorney:
Douglas B. Kinde

City Council Ward 1:
Jeff Stokes
Jaret Scharnhorst
Randy Haefner
Jeremy A. Goforth

City Council Ward 2:
Joe Berkich
Sheila Mitchell

City Council Ward 3:
Jeff Mutchler

City Council Ward 4:
Chuck Jordan
School Board :
Jina Richardson
Charlie Darnell
Mary Russell
Craig Blair

For the County- available for filing:
Bennett Spring Fire- 6 Year Term
Lebanon Special #1 Road District- 3 Year Term – Steve Murrell
Conway Special #2 Road District -3 Year Term
Phillipsburg Special #3 Road District -3 Year Term