Dr. Alex Garza of the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force

Video: ‘The virus is winning’: Health officials call for statewide mask mandate in Missouri

(Missouri Independent) – Missouri Gov. Mike Parson needs to issue a statewide mask mandate and “safer-at-home” policy to prevent the state’s health system from becoming overwhelmed, Dr. Alex Garza, the incident commander of the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force, said Friday. “Unfortunately, as has been painfully obvious to even a casual observer, we are […]

Linda Crooks Header image

Mayor Linda Crooks receives Missouri Community College Association Distinguished Alumni Award

Mayor Linda Crooks, from Trenton, Mo, was recently recognized by the Missouri Community College Association for her outstanding alumni support of North Central Missouri College and Missouri community colleges. Linda received the 2020 Distinguished Alumni award at the statewide MCCA convention held virtually November 11-13, 2020. This award is prestigiously selected and given annually to […]

School Bus

Missouri schools allowed to relax COVID-19 quarantine rules if both people properly wearing masks

Governor Mike Parson and state education director Margie Vandeven have loosened the guidelines for making students and staff quarantine after exposure to someone with COVID-19 if both people were properly wearing masks. Vandeven explained at a press conference Thursday: “Under the updated guidance, proper mask-wearing may now prevent individuals from being identified as close contacts in […]

Community Resource Center of Chillicothe

Community Resource Center in Chillicothe to participate in #GivingTuesday

The Community Resource Center is responding to meet the needs of homeless and low-income individuals and families in Livingston County and the surrounding area. #GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and their world. #GivingTuesday will kick off the generosity season this year by inspiring […]

Budget news graphic

Missouri House gives initial approval to $1.2 billion supplemental budget

The Missouri House voted Tuesday to give preliminary approval to a proposed $1.27 billion supplemental budget, a supplemental that is the reason for the special session. The supplemental budget includes funding for school nutrition programs, job training grants, $1 million for witness protection funding, and money for child support payments. Governor Mike Parson (R) called […]

COVID-19 Vaccine Generic Graphic

“Missouri is fully prepared to start vaccinating people in December,” DHSS promises, including transporting long-term care patients

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Director told Missouri legislators that the state is “fully prepared to start vaccinating people in December” if the Pfizer vaccine for COVID-19 is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Randal Williams updated the House Special Committee on Disease Control and Prevention on how a vaccine would […]

Christmas Parade

Chillicothe Holiday Parade Grand Marshal announced

The 74th Annual Chillicothe Chamber Holiday Parade “Home for the Holidays”, presented by the Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce, is sponsored by Hedrick Medical Center and HyVee. “2020 has been an unprecedented year but being able to carry out one of Chillicothe’s favorite traditions has provided a small bit of normalcy,” stated Crystal Narr, Executive […]

Stop (Child) (Sexual) abuse

Kids reported abuse at schools where Missouri has no oversight. Lawmakers want to change that

(Missouri Independent) – Despite dozens of students coming forward sharing allegations of abuse they suffered at Christian reform schools across Missouri, the state Department of Social Services said Monday that they have no oversight over such facilities. That’s because they’re unlicensed — and allowed to be under a Missouri law that exempts facilities operated by religious organizations. […]

Childcare Center from Unsplash website

‘Won’t be able to survive’: Childcare centers serving low-income Missourians face closure

(Missouri Independent) – Cortaiga Collins doesn’t know how much longer her childcare center will survive. Only about a dozen children have been attending regularly amid the pandemic. Under normal circumstances, she used to serve as many as 100.  She’s already had to reduce the hours that Good Shepherd Preschool and Infant/Toddler Center in St. Louis […]