(Missouri Independent) – Republicans in the Missouri House finalized their plan to block funding for voter-approved Medicaid expansion on Thursday, giving final approval to its version of the state’s budget and sending it to the Senate. What happens next remains unclear. House Democratic Leader Crystal Quade said she’s confident the Senate will restore the $1.9 […]
When the power goes out, the clock starts ticking on the safety of your refrigerated and frozen foods. Meats, seafood, ice cream, cut produce and even leftover pizza can become susceptible to foodborne contaminants in just a few hours, said Londa Nwadike, food safety extension specialist for the University of Missouri and Kansas State University. […]
Law enforcement reports a pursuit took place on the morning of April 1. A minivan was reported stolen from the 300 block of Madison Street in Chillicothe; however, the vehicle eluded law enforcement. The Chillicothe Police Department notes the driver attempted to assault law enforcement with the vehicle. The Daviess County Sheriff’s Office was involved […]
A Chillicothe woman accused of operating an illegal daycare out of a home had her bond amended in the Associate Division of Livingston County Circuit Court on March 29th. Online court information shows 24-year-old Jessica Maurine Busker’s bond was amended to own recognizance posting pending making bond in Greene and Warren counties. No bond was […]
A man and a woman accused of operating an illegal daycare out of a home and having unsanitary living conditions have been charged in Livingston County. Twenty-four-year-old Jessica Maurine Busker of Chillicothe and 21-year-old Cloyce Oliver Wollard (no address given) have each been charged with six counts of felony first degree endangering the welfare of […]
Jeffrey W. Huff, a corporal in the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Troop A, has been named Missouri State Employee of the Month for March for the care and compassion he demonstrated while responding to a teenager experiencing suicidal thoughts. Huff became eligible for the state recognition after being named Department of Public Safety Sworn Employee […]
A free webinar about prairie chickens will show live video from a camera focused on a lek at the Dunn Ranch Prairie of Harrison County. Speakers will discuss the history of prairie chickens on Missouri’s native grasslands during the webinar on April 9th from 7 to 8 o’clock in the morning. Missouri Department of Conservation […]
(Missouri Independent) – Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt officially jumped into the GOP primary for the U.S. Senate on Wednesday, making him the second major Republican hopeful seeking to replace Roy Blunt. Schmitt’s decision comes after former Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens jumped into the race earlier this week. Both made their announcements on Fox News. “Washington, D.C., needs more […]
(Missouri Independent) – Missouri Senate leadership pulled a bill vital for funding the state’s Medicaid program from floor debate Tuesday after adopting an amendment barring the use of public money for common contraceptive treatments. The amendment, sponsored by Republican Sen. Paul Wieland, could endanger the state’s entire Medicaid program by eliminating a health care service required by federal […]
The head of the Missouri Department of Social Services is scheduled to appear before a panel of lawmakers Wednesday about the agency’s handling of abuse investigations within boarding schools. The Missouri House Special Committee on Government Oversight has called a Wednesday afternoon hearing to question the department’s acting director, Jennifer Tidball. The Kansas City Star has […]
(Missouri Independent) – President Joe Biden on Tuesday urged the U.S. Senate to immediately pass legislation to close loopholes on background checks for guns and to ban assault weapons, following a mass shooting that killed 10 at a Colorado supermarket. “This should not be a partisan issue,” Biden said. “This is an American issue.” Biden’s […]
A bill soon headed to the state Senate restricts a controversial use of punishment in public schools. The Missouri House has initially passed Eureka Republican Dottie Bailey’s bill to define and prohibit the use of “restraint” and “seclusion” of public school students. The bill allows the use of seclusion rooms, and restraint is […]
The Blue Award has been presented to six Chesterfield Police Department officers for their role in rescuing a man from a burning vehicle back in September 2020. “Missouri’s law enforcement serves their communities with bravery and honor, and their sacrifices for their fellow man should be recognized and celebrated. Each day, law enforcement and first […]
Governor Mike Parson has announced a new coronavirus vaccination phase will open on March 29 – earlier than originally anticipated. During a Capitol press conference today, Parson says Missouri is well ahead of schedule in its vaccination plan. “The federal government has informed us that COVID-19 vaccine allotments to Missouri are projected to increase significantly […]
A Bethany man arrested by the Highway Patrol in Harrison County on March 18th at 1:16 in the morning faces four charges. Online court information shows 26-year-old Randall May has been charged with the felonies of driving while intoxicated and endangering the welfare of a child creating substantial risk—first degree—first offense—no sexual contact. He has […]
Chillicothe Police School Resource Officer Eric Menconi says he has talked with law enforcement officers, school officials, and health professionals about everyday issues children face. About 70% of the conversations occurred because of incidents in which a student was found using alcohol, tobacco products, or other illicit drugs. He notes the most common problem is […]
The Highway Patrol reports the arrest of a Bethany man in Harrison County on March 18th at 1:16 in the morning on several allegations. Twenty-six-year-old Randall May was accused of felony driving while intoxicated, three counts of felony endangering the welfare of a child, speeding 86 miles per hour in a 70 zone, and no […]
Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and 16 of his colleagues reintroduced the Protect and Serve Act, legislation that would create federal penalties for individuals who deliberately target local, state, or federal law enforcement officers with violence. In 2020, more than 300 officers were shot in the line of duty and 47 officers were shot and killed, including […]
Webmasters note: This article is a commentary by Tim Gibbons of the Missouri Independent. Tim Gibbons is communications director for the Missouri Rural Crisis Center, a statewide farm and rural organization dedicated to preserving family farms and promoting stewardship of the land and environmental integrity. The comments in the article are those of the author, […]
(Missouri Independent) – President Joe Biden’s massive pandemic stimulus law pumps a welcome infusion of federal aid into state and local government coffers — but one brief section is raising questions about whether states are barred from cutting their own taxes if they accept the federal help. The Senate added language to the COVID-19 relief package […]
