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New funds and strategy may boost “massive task” of reducing lead exposure for Missouri kids

(Missouri Independent) – It’s clear that lead exposure is a problem for Missouri’s children. An estimated 4.5% have elevated levels of lead in their blood, more than almost any other state in the country. What’s far more difficult is figuring out where children are getting exposed to lead, said Carlton Waterhouse, President Joe Biden’s pick for […]

Moderna and J&J COVID-19 booster shots now being administered to eligible Missourians

Following federal guidance issued from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has amended the state’s standing orders for Moderna and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine administration for those who are eligible for a booster shot. For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the […]

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Audio: New program kicks off soon to help Missouri teachers create better classroom environment

Some Missouri middle and high school teachers will be participating in an upcoming virtual program designed to create a more positive learning environment. Dr. Christi Bergin, with the University of Missouri, says a group of researchers will discuss prosocial behavior techniques – to boost student outcomes and reduce teacher stress. She says the practices are […]

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USDA Invests $15 million to construct a regional water distribution system in Northwest Missouri

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Missouri Acting State Director D Clark Thomas announced that the USDA is investing an additional $15,018,000 to Great Northwest Wholesale Water Commission for the development of a regional water distribution system. This funding brings USDA’s total investment for this project to $46,945,210. “Some areas of rural Missouri suffer significantly […]

Coronavirus Update

Three area health departments report on new COVID-19 cases

The Livingston County Health Center reports four COVID-19 cases have been added since October 6th, making the total 2,342. There are 17 active cases. The Sullivan County Health Department October 8th confirmed four additional COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 1,199. Seventeen cases were active. The Putnam County Health Department reports 12 COVID-19 cases have […]

Student Loan Application (Photo by Nick Youngson via Creative Commons)

Democrats’ vision for free community college would boost undocumented students

(Missouri Independent) – The massive economic policy package Democrats are trying to muscle through Congress could open the door to free community college for undocumented immigrants. But that lifeline for many people now denied access to higher education could also reignite controversies in Republican-leaning states over immigration and federal overreach. The provision on immigrants was […]

Black Silo Foundation Donations photo

Black Silo Foundation presents check to participating charities

The Black Silo Foundation presented a check for $12,829 to participating charities on September 28, 2021. The donation came from the proceeds of the Mid-America Music Festival. This year’s festival supported Camp Rainbow, the Green Hills Animal Shelter, and the North Central Missouri Children’s Advocacy Center.  The Black Silo Foundation has donated more than $25,000 […]

Coronavirus Update

Two health departments report on COVID-19 cases, two health departments to offer vaccine clinics

Nine COVID-19 cases were added in Linn County since September 21st. The health department on September 28 reported 1,862 total cases. The number of active cases had decreased by nine to 14. Three COVID-19-related hospitalizations were reported for Linn County. The Sullivan County Health Department September 28 confirmed three additional COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 1,186. […]