Governor Mike Parson announced that the first shipments of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines have arrived in Missouri. The Food and Drug Administration issued an Emergency Use Authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on Friday, December 11, confirming its safety and effectiveness. “Today is an exciting day for Missouri as we have received the first of many […]
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Director of Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services attends White House task force meeting on Operation Warp Speed
President Donald Trump and the White House Coronavirus Task Force invited a small group of private business, state, and health care leaders to the White House to brief them on Operation Warp Speed, the COVID-19 vaccine production and distribution project started earlier this year. Dr. Randall Williams, director of the Missouri Department of Health and […]
Grant City woman who assisted man charged with murder faces numerous charges of her own
A Grant City woman has been charged with abandonment of a corpse related to the death of Melissa Lynn Chapman. 50-year-old Kimberly Sue Henry Tinkle also faces two felony counts of hindering the prosecution of a felony and one count of tampering with physical evidence in a felony prosecution. A probable cause statement from Highway […]
Denver, Missouri man admits murdering woman during court appearance, sentenced to 30-years in prison
A Denver, Missouri man was sentenced December 10th to 30 years in the Department of Corrections on felony murder—second degree. Worth County Prosecuting Attorney Janet Wake Larrison reports 39-year-old Jeremiah Searles was sentenced after pleading guilty to killing Melissa Chapman. A news release says Searles admitted to striking Chapman in the head with part of […]
Grundy County Health Department and Health Officer Elizabeth Gibson issues “Public Health Order”
The Grundy County Health Department and Health Officer Elizabeth Gibson have issued a Public Health Order requiring face coverings or masks to be worn to prevent or limit the spread of COVID-19. The order goes into effect on December 11th. Gibson notes the intent of the order is to create safer environments for all residents […]
Grundy County Commission to consider mask order after meeting with numerous health professionals
Representatives from Wright Memorial Hospital, the Grundy County Health Department, and Grundy County Ambulance discussed a possible mask order with the Grundy County Commission the morning of December 8th. Wright Memorial Chief Nursing Officer Catherine Hamilton said she does not think communities understand the stresses on hospital staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. She explained there […]
On a vote of five to three, mask mandate for Trenton is defeated; health department director authorized to sign 60-day mask order
On what turned out to be a split vote, the Trenton City Council on Monday night defeated a request to have a mask or face covering mandate due to the spread of COVID-19 within Trenton. On a roll call, which is usual for an ordinance, there were three votes in favor and five votes against. […]
Missouri State Auditor issues report on Clay County Collector as part of citizen-initiated audit
State Auditor Nicole Galloway released an audit of the Clay County Collector’s office. The report, which gave an overall rating of “good,” is the fourth released as part of an ongoing audit of Clay County that was initiated through a citizen petition. Previously released audits of the County Clerk, Recorder, and Public Administrator gave the […]
Arkansas project manager sentenced to two years in prison in connection with COVID-19 relief fraud
A project manager employed by a major retailer was sentenced to 24 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for fraudulently seeking more than $8 million in forgivable loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. […]
Missouri authorities report 13 DNA hits after sending in untested rape kits to lab
Thirteen (13) more CODIS (DNA) “hits” have been returned as untested sexual assault kits continue to be tested and uploaded to CODIS, which stands for Combined DNA Index System. The hits, like the first round of hits, are from the Southwest Missouri extended area. Those untested sexual assault kits were inventoried and shipped to the […]
Audio: Missouri Senator Josh Hawley says he’ll vote no on the National Defense Authorization Act
Missouri Republican Senator Josh Hawley plans to vote against the annual bill that authorizes funding for the U.S. military. The Kansas City Star reports that Hawley announced his intention on Wednesday to vote against the $740 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) following a veto threat from President Donald Trump. Hawley said he […]
Missouri state auditor releases 2020 property tax rates review
Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway has released her office’s annual review of local property tax rates. The State Auditor’s Office reviews rates to determine whether the rates are compliant with state law and to monitor rate adjustments to ensure revenue neutrality, as required by law. The office does not make recommendations on property tax rates […]
Grundy County authorities report the arrest of two men from Galt
The Grundy County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of a Galt man on felony assault charge first degree or attempts to cause serious physical injury or special victim. Sheriff Rodney Herring arrested 23-year-old Shandon Levi Gann at his parent’s home on December 2nd. He is to be held without bond, and he is scheduled for […]
Law enforcement takes action against approximately 2,300 money mules in crackdown on money laundering
The U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and six other federal law enforcement agencies announced the completion of the third annual Money Mule Initiative, a coordinated operation to disrupt the networks through which transnational fraudsters move the proceeds of their crimes. Money mules are individuals who assist fraudsters by receiving […]
GRM Networks distributes more than $5.4 million in capital credits to member-owners
The GRM Networks Board of Directors has authorized the return of approximately $3.5 million in patronage capital credits to its member-owners. This includes $2.8 million paid to members with service in 1997 and 1998 and $700,000 paid to members with service in 2019. This year, GRM Networks has also returned more than $2 million to […]
State auditor says fund transfers, budgeting process in Jackson County left taxpayers in the dark
Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway today released a report on Jackson County government focusing on budgeting and funds transfers which found that more can be done to ensure transparency in county spending. The audit was completed at the request of the Jackson County Legislature and the recommendation of the county executive. “Jackson County taxpayers deserve […]
Chillicothe authorities investigate fire on Clay Street
Early Sunday morning, at 3:57, am, Chillicothe Police Officers and the Chillicothe Fire Department responded to the 400 block of Clay Street to a report of a structure fire. Sergeant Jeremy Stephens reported it was discovered an unknown person had set ablaze, some leaves and trash on the front deck of what was called an […]
Trenton Police Department warning of scam involving imposters pretending to be government personnel
The Trenton Police Department warns of a government impostor scam happening in Trenton. The police say a caller claims he is from the government, and your social security number was suspended due to being connected with fraud or other criminal activity. The caller wants you to call a number where someone else will ask for […]
Grundy County authorities report one arrest for failure to appear in court
The Grundy County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of a Harrisonville man in Jackson County on November 24th on a capias warrant on failure to appear in court. Thirty-year-old Kevin Michael Miller’s original charges were tampering with a motor vehicle—first degree, stealing—all other property, and delivery of a controlled substance except 35 grams or less […]
With no statewide mandate in Missouri, more local governments are requiring masks
(Missouri Independent) – In early July, the Columbia City Council passed an ordinance requiring everyone over 10 years old to wear a face mask when in close contact with someone from outside their household. Since that vote, a requirement for face masks has been in every health order issued for the city of 123,000 by the Columbia-Boone […]