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 […]

Trenton Convention and visitors bureau

Five percent lodging tax discussed at meeting of Trenton Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Trenton Convention and Visitors Bureau tabled several items at a meeting on November 11th. One regarded changes and adjustments to the ordinance involving the 5% lodging tax for funding the visitors’ bureau. President Cara McClellan says the organization is seeking City Attorney Tara Walker’s guidance for clarification on the ordinance before adopting bylaws. There […]

State of Missouri with Flag Background

Missouri receives national “Innovation In State Government” award for professional development

The National Association of State Chief Administrators (NASCA) awarded one of four 2020 Innovations in State Government Awards to Missouri, the state’s first time receiving the award. Missouri was recognized for its distinctiveness and innovation in the “Personnel Best Practices” category for its professional development transformation. Criteria included program innovation, transferability to other state governments, […]

Coronavirus News Graphic

Ridgeway R-5 School District implements virtual instruction

The Ridgeway R-5 School District will implement virtual instruction based on the guidance of the Harrison County Health Department, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. In a letter, Superintendent Jonnie Beavers said no students will be permitted inside the building from November 13th through November 19th as […]

Stop (Child) (Sexual) abuse

Kids reported abuse at schools where Missouri has no oversight. Lawmakers want to change that

(Missouri Independent) – Despite dozens of students coming forward sharing allegations of abuse they suffered at Christian reform schools across Missouri, the state Department of Social Services said Monday that they have no oversight over such facilities. That’s because they’re unlicensed — and allowed to be under a Missouri law that exempts facilities operated by religious organizations. […]

City of Trenton Website

Trenton City Council approves repairs for 19-year old fire truck; approves health insurance rates for 2021

Trenton City Council on Monday night authorized more repairs to a 19-year-old fire department truck. The council also accepted the employee health insurance rates for next year. Fire Chief Brandon Gibler told the council the American LaFrance white fire truck was taken to an Oak Grove business to diagnose repairs that are needed to the […]

Coronavirus News Graphic

Grundy County reports COVID-19 related death; Princeton School District to use website to report COVID related cases

The Grundy County Health Department announces another COVID-19-related death, bringing the total to 17. Twenty-five new COVID-19 cases were added November 2nd through 4th for a total of 388. Ten of the cases were added on November 4th. Two hundred ninety cases have been confirmed, and 98 are probable. Forty-eight are active. The Princeton R-5 […]

BTC Bank

BTC Bank announces the launch of “Funding Futures” fundraising campaign

A BTC Bank non-profit organization, BTC Area Youth Benefit Corporation, has announced the launch of the Funding Futures fundraising campaign. The pandemic has limited the corporation’s ability to host its typical fundraising events this year. The corporation hopes to raise $20,000 during Funding Futures, so it can continue to fulfill the financial needs of youth […]

Hy-Vee Logo

Hy-Vee to offer free drive-thru breakfast for veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day

Hy-Vee announced the start of Homefront Round-Up, its annual fundraiser in which the company teams up with customers to raise money to support veterans, active-duty military members, and their families. The fundraiser will be held November 1–15 at more than 275 Hy-Vee stores across its eight-state region. In its eighth year, Hy-Vee Homefront Round Up […]