Americans of all ages are experiencing increased social isolation and loneliness in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the National Institute on Aging, nearly 14 million older adults in the U.S. live alone and are especially vulnerable during this time. Their research has linked social isolation and loneliness to higher risks for a variety of […]
Tag: crisis
Small farmers markets share strategies at April 30 roundtable
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As summer approaches, Missouri’s estimated 240 farmers’ markets are struggling with how they will comply with COVID-19-related restrictions. Regarded by many as vital and vibrant community hubs, farmer’s markets will need to rethink how to work with their vendors and still serve a public hungry for locally grown food. To help with […]
Audio: Governor Parson says unemployment insurance fund cannot help all Missourians seeking benefits
More Missourians than ever before are out of work. Since the coronavirus started creeping its way into the state’s economy in mid-March, more than 339,000 people have requested unemployment aid. That’s nearly double the number of jobless claims filed in all of 2019. During his coronavirus briefing, Governor Parson says he does not think the […]
Audio: Supplemental budget passed by Missouri lawmakers expands Medicaid and funding for child care
One of the Missouri House Budget Committee’s senior members says the six-point-two billion dollar supplemental budget approved by the Legislature on Wednesday expands Medicaid to those impacted by the coronavirus and are below the poverty level. Versailles GOP State Representative David Wood chairs the Appropriations subcommittee on social services. The budget contains funding […]
Farmers face unique safety risks during COVID-19
Farmers and ranchers face unique safety risks as COVID-19 continues to spread. The predicted peak of the COVID-19 outbreak likely will hit as spring planting season shifts into high gear, says Rusty Lee, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in agronomy. Physical distancing becomes difficult as farmers receive seed and chemical deliveries, Lee says. Shipments […]
Need grows as 4-H Feeding Missouri drive enters final weeks
In the final month of the second annual 4-H Feeding Missouri statewide food drive, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have put unprecedented demand on food banks and pantries across the state. “With school and workplace closures, many vulnerable families will face an even greater risk of food insecurity,” said Lupita Fabregas, director of the […]
State of Missouri recruiting medical personnel to boost COVID-19 response across state
Additional medical professionals are needed by hospitals across Missouri to help meet the challenges posed by COVID-19. To supplement the state’s current health care workforce, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency, and the Missouri Department of Economic Development’s Missouri One Start Division are teaming up to recruit medical professionals not currently […]
Grants available to help local public safety agencies address COVID-19
Public safety agencies in the Western District of Missouri are eligible for more than $3.2 million in Department of Justice grants announced today to aid their response to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation, will allow eligible state and local and […]
Audio: Trenton sales taxes already trailing but what happens during the Coronavirus crisis
Shopping habits and the business climate are the driving forces for sales tax revenue, especially for local communities. The city of Trenton collects on five different local sales taxes – each for a specific purpose as we review in our news stories each month. With one more month left in the current fiscal year, Trenton […]
North Central Missouri Mental Health Center offices to remain closed until May 1, 2020
North Central Missouri Mental Health Center offices will remain closed to consumers and the public through May 1st to protect consumers and staff. The offices were originally planned to be closed through Friday. Consumer activities will continue to be conducted by telehealth or telephone services. Requests for medication refills will be addressed and completed as […]
Governor Parson mobilizes National Guard in Missouri’s fight against COVID-19
Gov. Mike Parson has signed an executive order to begin having Missouri National Guard members aid in the state’s battle against COVID-19. In a press release, Parson says soldiers will help to provide more immediate resources to Missourians and enhance the state’s ability to overcome the global pandemic. Parson made the decision after conferring with […]
Missouri man allegedly planning hospital bombing dies after FBI confrontation
The FBI says a man shot and killed Tuesday in Belton, near Kansas City, was the subject of a monthslong domestic terrorism investigation and was actively planning a bombing. KMBC-TV in Kansas City reports agents were attempting to arrest Timothy Wilson, 36, in Belton. Wilson, who was armed with a weapon, was injured and taken […]
Audio: Missouri grocers working with attorney general to prevent gouging during pandemic
Missouri’s attorney general is teaming up with the Missouri Grocers Association (MGA), to protect you from any potential price-gouging during the COVID-19 outbreak. State Rep. Dan Shaul, R-Imperial, heads the 1,300 member MGA. He told the attorney general’s office last week that there will be upward price pressure on some commodities, due to the rapid sale […]
Attorney General issues cease and desist letter to Missouri man price gouging on N95 masks
Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt issued a cease and desist letter to a Springfield area man who was confirmed, after investigation, to be selling N95 masks at inflated prices in the Springfield area. Attorney General Schmitt’s office opened an investigation in response to a report of possible price gouging by a report from TV station […]
Governor Parson requests Federal Disaster Declaration for Missouri in response to COVID-19
Governor Mike Parson has requested that President Donald J. Trump approved a major disaster declaration for the entire state of Missouri to provide federal assistance for state and local COVID-19 pandemic preparedness and emergency response efforts. In the request filed Tuesday, Governor Parson said the pandemic is of such severity and magnitude that an effective […]
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) remains operating in Missouri during COVID-19 crisis
The Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, known as WIC, remains in operation in Missouri. Local agencies continue to support current participants and to enroll new participants who may now be income-eligible due to the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak. Given the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to control […]
Trenton City Council meets via video conference; declares “State of Emergency” in Trenton
Meeting for the first time using internet technology, the Trenton City Council Monday night declared a “State of Emergency” within the city of Trenton and ordered certain measures to protect public life, health, safety, and property to limit the spread of the coronavirus or Covid-19 – the disease creating the emergency. Essentially, five members of […]
U.S. Attorney urges the public to report suspected COVID-19 fraud
U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison urges the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud hotline (1-866-720-5721) or writing to the NCDF email address at [email protected]. The Department of Justice is committed to preventing, pursuing, prosecuting, and punishing individuals and businesses that take advantage of […]
Grundy County Health Department to prioritize services around COVID-19 response
The Grundy County Health Department is open regular business hours but will alter the provision of office services to prioritize COVID-19 response and protect the health of its employees. Please do not come to our office if you are ill. The Grundy County Health Department is not testing for COVID-19. The health department reminds all […]