Stop the Human Trafficking

17 illicit massage businesses in Missouri shut down for alleged sex and human trafficking

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt announced an update to his office’s efforts to evict illicit massage businesses through the Hope Initiative. Since launching the initiative, 10 additional illicit massage businesses have either been evicted, are in the process of being evicted, or their eviction is likely.  “Human trafficking is a global scourge that affects millions […]

First shipment of COVID vaccines arrive in Missouri

Governor Mike Parson announced that the first shipments of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines have arrived in Missouri. The Food and Drug Administration issued an Emergency Use Authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on Friday, December 11, confirming its safety and effectiveness.  “Today is an exciting day for Missouri as we have received the first of many […]

Chillicothe Department of Conservation Sign

Department of Conservation closes Chillicothe and St. Joseph offices to the public due to rising COVID-19 concerns

The Missouri Department of Conservation has closed the St. Joseph and Chillicothe offices to the public due to rising COVID-19 concerns. MDC staff will still be able to answer phone calls to those offices. Sales of 2021 Natural Events Calendars will continue if arrangements by phone are made for contactless pickup outside the buildings. MDC […]

Black Bear Photo Courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation

Missouri Conservation Commission approves Missouri Department of Conservation bear hunting framework

The Missouri Conservation Commission recently gave final approval to the Missouri Department of Conservation for the state’s first black bear hunting season framework. The Commission finalized the hunting season framework and related regulations at its December 11 open meeting in Jefferson City. The approved framework limits any future bear hunting to areas of southern Missouri […]

State Representative Rusty Black

Audio: Seventh District State Representative Rusty Black on the upcoming 101st General Assembly and COVID-19

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 […]

Crime and Courts

Grundy County, Division One, court news for Thursday, December 10, 2020

Several defendants received a sentence with others receiving probation following appearances Thursday in Division One of the Grundy County Circuit Court. Trenton resident Christopher James Warren pleaded guilty to felony drug possession/synthetic cannabinoid as of November 20th. Warren was sentenced to five years with the department of corrections. Another charge was dismissed. Polo resident Julie […]

Governor Mike Parson

Governor Parson’s Bicentennial Inaugural Committee announces inaugural events

Governor Michael L. Parson’s Bicentennial Inaugural Committee announced initial plans for an Inaugural Prayer Service and the Inauguration Ceremony in January of 2021. “To kick off Missouri’s bicentennial, we will celebrate our state’s rich heritage with a historic Bicentennial Inauguration,” said Teresa Parson, First Lady of Missouri and co-chair of the inaugural committee. “The strong […]

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Website

Audio: CDC and Missouri officials begin work on first-ever COVID-19 study within K-12 schools

The CDC continues its work in Missouri to help local K-12 schools and public health leaders review current COVID-19 measures. Schools participating in the first-of-its-kind pilot project are being identified in St. Charles, St. Louis, and Greene Counties. During a Missouri Board of Education meeting this week, State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education spokeswoman […]

Traffic Alert or Bridge Open or Road Open graphic version 2

Grand River Bridge on Highway 65 in Livingston County now open to two-way traffic

The bridge over the Grand River on Livingston County U.S. Route 65, just south of Chillicothe, is now open to two-way traffic. The Missouri Department of Transportation contracted with Radmacher Brothers Excavating Co. to rehabilitate the bridge’s deck or driving surface. This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, […]