(Missouri Independent) – From statehouses to Congress, Republicans have launched into a fight against the teaching of “critical race theory,” which just a year ago was a niche academic term. Experts in critical race theory say it’s about acknowledging how racial disparities are embedded in U.S history and society, and the concept is being mischaracterized […]
Tag: bin
Missouri Governor says federal unemployment programs have given public incentive to stay out of the workforce
Saying that there’s a labor shortage across Missouri, Governor Mike Parson (R) has issued a directive to the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to end all federal pandemic-related unemployment benefits. Missouri’s House Democratic Leader is blasting the decision. Governor Parson made the announcement during a Tuesday afternoon briefing at the Statehouse in Jefferson […]
Missouri man sentenced to 21 years in prison without parole for leading meth conspiracy
A Missouri man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in leading a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in southwestern Missouri. Nathen D. Libertus, 31, of Stella, Missouri, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 21 years in federal prison without parole. On May 20, 2020, Libertus pleaded guilty to participating […]
North Central Missouri Board of Trustees address lengthy agenda at latest meeting on Tuesday
The North Central Missouri Board of Trustees received a consolidated budget update on May 25, 2021. The 2021-2022 budget projection includes total operating revenue of $11,111,547. With auxiliary operations of $12,151,045, the total consolidated income is projected at $13,262,592. Revenues include $7,433,078 for tuition and fees and $2,939,169 in state appropriations. The budget projection also […]
Governor Parson appoints first black woman, Judge Robin Ransom, to the Missouri Supreme Court
Governor Mike Parson has appointed the Honorable Robin Ransom as the next Judge of the Supreme Court of Missouri. She will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Laura Denvir Stith in early March. “Appointing a judge to the Supreme Court of Missouri is an important duty that I do not take […]
Trenton City Council approves purchase of police cars, East 28th Street Bridge proposal rejected
The Trenton City Council took action Monday night on several topics including the adoption of three ordinances as recommended by the Trenton Utility Committee from last week. Toward the end of the council meeting, the discussion focused on what the city can do, if anything, to enforce the cleanup of property at 601 Jefferson Street. […]
USDA expands aquaculture disaster assistance to include fish raised for food
In response to catastrophic aquaculture losses due to major winter storms that hit states along the U.S. Gulf Coast in February, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced a policy change that makes food fish, and other aquatic species eligible for the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees and Farm-raised […]
Southwest Honkys gang member sentenced to 25 years in Missouri prison for meth conspiracy
A Fair Grove, Missouri, man who is a member of the Southwest Honkys violent prison gang was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a drug-trafficking conspiracy in which investigators intercepted a shipment of nearly 9.5 kilograms of methamphetamine. William F. Jones, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to […]
MU Extension offers new “WITS Workout” at Grand River Multipurpose Center in Chillicothe
Did you know that social connectedness and intellectual engagement are two lifestyle factors that contribute to your brain’s health? The University of Missouri Extension in Livingston County offers a “Wits Workout” pilot program developed by the University of Illinois Extension. This program has two main goals—to provide purposeful opportunities to engage intellectually and increase socialization […]
Attempted robbery at Bank of Kirksville thwarted after multiple agencies respond
An attempted bank robbery in Kirksville on May 18th led to the arrest of a 30-year-old Kirksville man. According to the Kirksville Police Department, officers responded to the Bank of Kirksville at 214 South Franklin Street. Officers were informed the suspect might be armed with explosives. A Highway Patrol trooper was nearby and responded, making […]
North Central Missouri College Ag Club elects officers for 2021-2022
The North Central Missouri College AG Club/PAS chapter has elected officers for the 2021-22 school year. Elected to offices are. President: Abby Dobbins; Brunswick, MO Secretary: Taylor Hileman; Grain Valley, MO 1st VP: Bryce Wolf; Mooresville, MO VP – Recruiting: Makayla Eads; Lathrop, MO VP – Activities: Jamie Mathis; Lawson, MO Student Representative: Jared Meisberger; […]
Free testing aims to curb STIs that went unchecked as COVID spread in Missouri
(Missouri Independent) – As the case counts of the novel coronavirus began to tick up last March across Missouri, providers who offer tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) found their resources were being pulled in two directions. Swabs were in short supply as they became needed for COVID-19 testing. Contact tracers, who reach out to […]
Audio: Key bills passed in the final day or days of the Missouri Legislature’s session
Another session of the Missouri Legislature has come and gone. Of the 1,559 House bills and 689 Senate bills filed this time around, 69 bills will make it to Gov. Mike Parson’s desk. Here are some key bills left up to the governor to sign or veto: Missouri lawmakers vote to pump up […]
Missouri leads 22 state coalition defending Arkansas’ down syndrome abortion law
A coalition of 22 states, led by Missouri and Attorney General, Eric Schmitt, filed an amicus brief in support of an Arkansas law that would prohibit abortions solely based on a prenatal Down Syndrome diagnosis. Leslie Rutledge v. Little Rock Planning Services and can be found at this link. “Those with Down Syndrome bring […]
Missouri’s Governor Parson abandons plans to implement voter-approved Medicaid expansion
(Missouri Independent) – Missouri will not expand Medicaid coverage to working-age adults on July 1 because lawmakers refused to include funding for the health care program in the state budget, Gov. Mike Parson announced Thursday. In a news release, Parson said the state was withdrawing documents submitted to the federal government necessary to add the approximately 275,000 […]
Prison official pleads guilty to accepting bribes to smuggle contraband to inmates
A North Carolina man pleaded guilty to a bribery and smuggling scheme. He abused his position as a prison official to funnel drugs and other contraband into Caledonia Correctional Institution. According to court documents, Ollie Rose III, 62, of Pleasant Hill, worked as a case manager at Caledonia Correctional Institution, a state prison in Halifax […]
Newtown-Harris Board of Education approve 2021-2022 salary schedule
The Newtown-Harris R-3 Board of Education approved the 2021-2022 salary schedule May 10t. It is the same salary schedule as for the 2020-2021 school year, which Superintendent Doctor Lucas McKinnis notes has a base salary of $31,000 for a first-year teacher with a bachelor’s degree. The salary schedule is expected to change after further review […]
Missouri lawmakers pass bill limiting local health orders, banning vaccine passports
(Missouri Independent) – As the state of Missouri battles its second year of the novel coronavirus’ spread, lawmakers on Wednesday sent to the governor’s desk a bill that aims to rein in local public health orders and ban vaccine passports. The provisions were included in House Bill 271, which deals with local government transparency. It grew […]
18 graduates recognized at Vicki Wheeler Honors Brunch
In addition to NCMC Commencement on Saturday, the Vicki Wheeler Honors brunch recognized eighteen (18) NCMC graduates for their accomplishments. The Outstanding Student Award is given to only one student in each degree program annually. The faculty selects students based on academic merits, campus involvement, and leadership in the classroom. The honors brunch is named […]
Princeton City Council approves contract for bands and change order for water project
The Princeton City Council on Monday, May 10, approved service contracts for bands and a change order for a water project. City Clerk Cory Willett reports one service contract was for the Country Buddies for $900 for the citywide garage sales this past weekend. The other was for the Point of No Return for $1,000 for […]