COVID-19 Fraud graphic

Man pleads guilty to obtaining over $700,000 in COVID-19 relief using fraud scheme

A Washington man pleaded guilty today to perpetrating a scheme to fraudulently obtain COVID-19 relief guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Nicholas L. McQuaid, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s […]

Veterans and services news graphic

109 veterans have died of COVID-19 in Missouri veterans homes since September 1

The Missouri Veterans Commission’s Veterans Homes continue to fight COVID-19, and according to spokesman Jamie Melchert, they are continuing daily testing using PCR and antigen testing; training on the proper use of PPE and enhanced PPE; cleaning and disinfecting and enhanced training in these areas; infection control inspections and additional training; additional supervision, including from […]

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 […]

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 […]

Grundy County Courthouse Trenton Missouri

Grundy County Commission approves snow removal bid; participates in conference call regarding design of 911 system

The Grundy County Commission on Tuesday, October 27th approved a bid for snow removal and Coronavirus Relief Fund allocations. Chris and Danny Gott will provide snow removal services at the courthouse, prosecuting attorney’s office, and law enforcement center. The bid included $500 per occasion of snow removal and $125 when the ice melt application is solely […]

Carrollton Missouri Fire Department

Carrollton approved for federal loan and grant that benefits Carrollton Fire Department

Carrollton has been approved for a federal loan and grant totaling nearly $25,000 that will benefit the Carrollton Fire Department. USDA Rural Development for Missouri has announced that the USDA is investing over $2.3 million to modernize fire department trucks, engines, and equipment in eight rural Missouri communities. Funds will be provided to Carrollton Leasing […]

North Central Missouri Mental Health Center

Counselors available for support during pandemic through North Central Missouri Mental Health Center

The North Central Missouri Mental Health Center has COVID-19 counselors available to provide support and resources to anyone struggling with the pandemic. Free services include individual and group counseling, development, presentation, and distribution of educational materials, community networking and support, and assessments, referrals, and resource. Ask for a crisis counselor by contacting the North Central […]

Veterans Affairs website

Veterans Affairs offers debt relief to Veterans impacted by natural disasters

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced the commitment to extend debt relief to Veterans adversely impacted by natural disasters. The department recognizes Veterans and beneficiaries are negatively impacted by the wildfires and hurricanes prompting the offering of financial debt relief. “Veterans and their families should be focused on their health and safety during the […]