The Grundy County Commission approved an employee classification change and accepted a resignation involving Grundy County Ambulance on December 29th. The employee classification change involved Sarah Crosson. She completed her paramedic training/certification to allow for the change. The resignation was from Emergency Medical Technician Lilly Simmons. Ambulance Director Steve Tracy and Billing Clerk Beth Leeper […]
The Gallatin Board of Aldermen approved an ordinance approving the city budget at a meeting Monday evening. Anticipated revenues for the fiscal year ending December 31st, 2021 are $5,413,717.67, and expected expenditures total $5,227,634.53. That leaves an anticipated surplus of $186,083.14. The ordinance will go into effect on January 1st. The board also approved resolutions […]
The struggle is real for Missouri when it comes to a constant shortage of K-12 public school teachers. The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) wants to ramp up its teacher workforce by seizing the opportunity in a relevant setting. Dr. Paul Katnik, the assistant commissioner of the Office of Educator Quality, says […]
The Fixing Access to Rural Missouri Bridge Program will replace 41 bridges primarily in Northern Missouri. The $26 million design-build project was enabled by receipt of a $20.7 million federal grant under the Competitive Highway Bridge Program. The Missouri Department of Transportation reports design-build is a delivery method that includes hiring one contracting team to […]
The North Central Missouri College Board of Trustees heard various reports the evening of December 22nd. Multiple reports involved information on the COVID-19 pandemic. Dean of Instruction Mitch Holder filled in for Vice President of Academic Affairs Doctor Tristan Londre. Holder reported students were appreciative of the on-campus experience during the fall semester. He is […]
Missouri’s next state budget year that begins in July is expected to have a revenue decline of about 419 million dollars. Senate Majority Floor Leader Caleb Rowden of Columbia thinks the projection of state revenue is very conservative. He says budget leaders are viewing the state’s finances through a two-year lens this time around because […]
The superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announces Major Lance M. MacLaughlin is being promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel effective January 1, 2021, and will serve as the assistant superintendent. In addition to acting in the superintendent’s absence and at his request, Lieutenant Colonel MacLaughlin has direct oversight over the Professional Standards […]
Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway today released an audit of the City of Raytown, located in Jackson County. The audit was completed after citizens petitioned for a review of the city’s finances and operations. In response to the audit, the city has committed to making changes to address the findings. “Citizens requested this audit for […]
Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway released a report on the Jackson County government’s handling of payroll and personnel. The audit, part of an independent review of county government finances, found issues with the allocation of different funds to pay salaries and with the handling of vehicle allowances. The report gave a rating of “fair.” “Our […]
Governor Mike Parson announced an additional $10.1 million for the A+ scholarship program, including $4.9 million in CARES Act funding and $5.2 million in supplemental funding to be proposed in the Governor’s recommended budget. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused more students to utilize the A+ program than originally anticipated in the state’s budget. As a […]
Gallatin Public Works Director Mark Morey reported at the Gallatin Board of Aldermen meeting on December 14th on repairs to two water leaks. He said one was located on East Berry Street, and the other was repaired on Cedar Street. Crews had tried to locate the leak on Cedar Street but were unsuccessful. Rural Water […]
The Grundy County Commission approved COVID-19 fund allocations on December 15th and received several fiscal year 2021 budget proposals. COVID-19 Relief Fund approved expenses included for the Jewett Norris Library of $6,122.44, Grundy County $19,052.42, the Senior Tax Board $432.37, the Families and Friends of the Developmentally Disabled $9,181.97, the Sunnyview Nursing Home of $103,605.56, […]
The 101st General Assembly of the Missouri legislature begins January 6th with members being sworn in. Seventh District State Representative Rusty Black of Chillicothe will begin his third term. Black reports he has asked to remain on the Budget Committee. He has also asked to continue to be the Appropriations Chair for Education and the […]
The Trenton R-9 Board of Education approved a scholarship recipient and grant requests during a meeting on Google Meet the evening of December 8th. Carly Spencer was named as the John T. Belcher Scholarship recipient. Four essays were submitted for the $250 scholarship. She will go on to compete at a regional level for a […]
About $76 million in federal money will be heading to Missouri’s k-12 schools, once Governor Mike Parson signs the supplemental budget bill. House Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith, R-Carthage, says the $1.27 billion supplemental budget includes $75.6 million for school nutrition services. “i.e., paying for meals in k-12 education,” Smith says. “So this […]
The Grundy County Commission has released a preliminary schedule as it works to prepare the 2021 budget. Budget appointments planned for the morning of December 15th include Coroner Dewayne Slater at 8:30, Prosecuting Attorney Kelly Puckett at 9 o’clock, Public Administrator Jill Eaton at 9:30, and Assessor Kathy Veatch at 10 o’clock. Judge Thomas Alley […]
The Grundy County Commission Tuesday morning, December 1st approved allocating funding to repair the Muddy Creek Bridge on 28th Street. The county portion totals $49,510. Trenton City Administrator Ron Urton last week presented a tabulation of bids for repairs. Shannon Howe from the Howe Company and Urton will meet with the commission Tuesday morning, December […]
The Missouri Senate is expected to vote on the proposed one-point-two billion supplemental budget Tuesday in Jefferson City. The Senate Appropriations Committee will hold a Tuesday afternoon hearing at 1 in the Senate chamber, and committee chairman Dan Hegeman, R-Cosby, will outline the bills at that time. The full Senate will convene Tuesday […]
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 […]
The Gallatin Board of Aldermen approved an ordinance on November 23rd establishing rules related to multiple-unit commercial structures to be billed for utility cost of service. City Clerk Hattie Rains explains the ordinance provides a definition and acknowledges that multiple units within the same commercial structure would have to adhere to additional cost of service […]
