COVID-19 Fraud graphic

Seven charged in connection with COVID-relief fraud scheme involving at least 80 fraudulent loan applications

Seven individuals across two states were charged in an indictment unsealed for their alleged participation in a scheme to obtain approximately $16 million in forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Amir Aqeel, 52, and Pardeep Basra, 51, both of […]

Manhunt graphic

Stolen vehicle, armed carjacking and multi-county pursuit end with suspects in custody

On Tuesday morning, November 17, 2020, Chillicothe dispatch was alerted of a pursuit by the Linn County Sheriff attempting to stop a specific vehicle allegedly involved in a residential burglary in Linn County on Tuesday morning. A vehicle pursuit was reportedly in progress on Highway 36 in Linn County traveling westbound toward Livingston County. The […]

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 […]

Sex Offender

Livingston County Sheriff’s Department checks sex offenders to ensure compliance of “Halloween Law”

Livingston County Sheriff Steve Cox reports his office checked area registered sex offenders on Halloween and found a few violations of what he called the “Halloween Law.” A Missouri statute says sex offenders are required to avoid Halloween-related contact with children, remain inside their residences from 5 o’clock to 10:30 unless required to be somewhere […]

BTC Bank

BTC Bank announces the launch of “Funding Futures” fundraising campaign

A BTC Bank non-profit organization, BTC Area Youth Benefit Corporation, has announced the launch of the Funding Futures fundraising campaign. The pandemic has limited the corporation’s ability to host its typical fundraising events this year. The corporation hopes to raise $20,000 during Funding Futures, so it can continue to fulfill the financial needs of youth […]