COVID-19 or Coronavirus Update

Three area health departments report on new cases of COVID-19

The Grundy County Health Department reports 46 new COVID-19 cases since December 10th, raising the total to 1,950. Fifty cases are active. More than 100 COVID-19 cases have been added since December 1st. Seventy-seven percent of those cases were unvaccinated. The Grundy County Health Department notes studies have shown that vaccines are effective against severe […]

Grundy R-5 School

Grundy R-5 Board of Education approves insurance quote, reviews grant and approves bus routes

The Grundy County R-5 Board of Education on December 14th approved an insurance quote for Missouri United School Insurance Council general liability coverage for the district. The cost for the standard policy is $37,804. A $4 million umbrella policy was also approved at $1,536. The board approved the Return to Instruction Plan and the test […]

School buses wait Tuesday outside Thomas Hart Benton Elementary School in Columbia (Photo Credit Rudi Keller Missouri Independent

Confusion around COVID ruling swirls as two Missouri school districts end semester early

(Missouri Independent) – As a growing number of Missouri school districts drop COVID mitigation measures under threat from Attorney General Eric Schmitt, at least two closed the doors on their fall semester early due to large numbers of staff and students out sick. Meanwhile, local public health departments said Tuesday they still have not heard […]

Prison Sentence News Graphic

Missouri man sentenced to 9 years in prison for conspiracy to steal 1,400 cell phones in dozens of burglaries

A Missouri man was sentenced in federal court for his role in a $1 million conspiracy to steal more than 1,400 cell phones in dozens of commercial burglaries across several states, as well as for obstruction of justice. Bryan C. Kirkendoll II, also known as “B Boy” and “Blockboy,” 32, of Kansas City, was sentenced […]

Newtown-Harris School Website

Newtown-Harris Board of Education approves changes to COVID-19 policy at Monday meeting

The Newtown-Harris R-3 Board of Education approved changes to the COVID-19 policy on December 13th. The changes specifically involved shorter quarantine periods. The board also reapproved the Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan. The 2020-2021 audit was approved. Superintendent Doctor Lucas McKinnis reports there were no findings or recommendations, and the […]

Grand River Valley Choir and Orchestra

Audio: Grand River Valley Choir and Orchestra to feature winter concert on December 11

The Grand River Valley Choir and Orchestra will have a winter concert on December 11, 2021, with “Joy to the World” to be performed in the Trenton High School Performing Arts Center at 3 pm.  Doors will open at 2:30. Choir Conductor Linda Arnold:     Orchestra Director Buddy Hannaford acknowledges that most of the […]

Audio: Live Nativity set for Friday, December 12 at Sunnyview Nursing Home

A live nativity will be held outdoors on the grounds of Sunnyview Nursing Home in Trenton. The free event will start on December 12th at 5:30 in the evening. Spokesperson Cindy Jennings acknowledges that the Trenton High School Vespers service starts at the First Baptist Church at 5 pm, and supper at Sunnyview is also […]

Judge with gavel at desk

Judge Daniel Green: Local health orders tied To COVID-19 are illegal

(AP) — A Missouri judge ruled that local health orders imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the state are illegal and should be lifted. Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green ruled that orders such as quarantines and business closures violate the Missouri Constitution’s separation of powers clause affecting the executive, legislative and judicial […]

Fire Safety News Graphic

Thanksgiving begins a period of higher fire risk as friends and relatives gather to celebrate the holidays

More Missourians are expected to travel and gather together this year for larger Thanksgiving and holiday celebrations after a quieter holiday season in 2020 because of COVID-19. State Fire Marshal Tim Bean is advising folks to reduce the risk of fires as we enter the five-week period of elevated fire hazards. “Thanksgiving begins a five-week […]

Photo of Trenton High School building with the sign "Trenton High School" or THS

Trenton High School Marching Band concludes season with awards and honors

The Trenton High School Marching Band season concluded with some awards and honors for the student musicians. Information was provided by THS Director of Instrumental Music, Anthony Webb. Honored for outstanding performance at each grade level was Brady Tobias among freshmen; Victor Markell for the sophomore class; Gabriel Gamble among juniors; and Donnie Gilbertson for […]

Empire District Liberty Utilities Company

Empire gas customers in north Missouri to see price of natural gas double

To reflect estimated changes in the wholesale cost of natural gas as well as a change in the company’s Actual Cost Adjustment (ACA) factor, natural gas customers of The Empire District Gas Company d/b/a Liberty (Empire) will see natural gas rates change under a filing that takes effect on December 1, 2021. The ACA factor […]

Youth Explosion graphic

NCMC Baptist Student Union to sponsor NextGen Youth Explosion at Ketcham Center

Music, praise, and worship will be held at a NextGen Youth Explosion in Trenton on November 18th. The North Central Missouri College Campus Baptist Student Union will sponsor the event at the Ketcham Community Center. Doors will open at 7 p.m., and the event will start at 7:30. Christi Taylor from Dallas, Texas will be […]

Newtown-Harris School Website

Newtown-Harris Board of Education adopts new COVID-19 policies; dates announced for Thanksgiving break and other events

Several action items were approved at a Friday night meeting of the Newtown-Harris R-3 Board of Education. The board re-approved the “Safe Return to In-Person instruction and Continuity of Services Plan.”  The “Test to Stay” option for students and staff was approved regarding those who are exposed to COVID-19 but not COVID-19 positive. Inclement weather […]

Grundy R-5 School

Grundy R-5 Board of Education approves policy updates; announces dates of holiday break and Christmas Concert

Board candidate filing dates have been set for the Grundy R-5 School District subject to the regular election on April 5, 2022. The filing period opens on December 7 and closes on December 28, as stipulated in the new state law. Candidate filing at the school office in Galt can be done from 7:30 to […]

Pleasant View R-6 School

Pleasant View R-6 School District sets candidate filing dates; announces dates and times of upcoming activities

Board candidate filings in the Pleasant View R-6 School District will occur from December 7 through the 28. According to the school, board terms of Danny Westcott and Laurie Frisbie expire with the election in April 2022. During a Board of Education meeting on Thursday night, it was noted school officials are looking to get […]

Governor Mike Parson

Governor Parson touts benefits of moving to, living in and doing business in Missouri

Governor Mike Parson celebrated Missouri’s strong economic position as the number of Missourians on unemployment decreases, businesses continue to invest and expand in Missouri, and the state earns several economic recognitions.  “Throughout the pandemic, we took a balanced approach that protected the health and safety of Missourians without sacrificing their livelihoods,” Governor Parson said. “We didn’t […]

Porch Pirates or package theft

Audio: Porch pirates are on the prowl for holiday packages left on doorsteps in Missouri

‘Tis the season for thieving. With the calendar turned to November and the holidays coming up, Missouri law enforcement agencies are reminding people who purchase items online to make sure they have a safe area where the package can be delivered. Grant Bissell, with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, says porch pirates could come to […]

Doyle Dykes

Audio: Musical Weekend in Chillicothe to feature public performances and Master Classes from Doyle Dykes and Andy Leftwich

National recording artists Doyle Dykes and Andy Leftwich will appear at events in Chillicothe the weekend of November 20th and 21st. The Musical Weekend is presented by the Chillicothe Area Arts Council. In a recent interview on KTTN, Dykes said he has loved guitar since he was a child. He grew up in a church, […]