COVID-19 could put the Missouri Transportation Department and the traveling public in a major bind this winter. At a legislative committee hearing, MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna says his department has a shortfall of more than 400 plow truck drivers and heavy equipment operators. He says the shortage could grow this winter. McKenna says […]
It is almost harvest time on the Gottman farms in rural northeastern Missouri. Trees blushed with shades of scarlet, saffron, and sage edge mouse-brown soybean fields. The air is crisp; the sky a palette of blues. From the combine cab, Tim Gottman will remember his gentle-hearted son’s birthday on Sept. 27. Toby would have been […]
The 2020-21 application for the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant is open, with more eligible institutions, and 15 new eligible program areas. Grant recipients can now spend their funds at Missouris non-profit private, as well as public, colleges, and universities. Fast Track, a state financial aid program, provides tuition assistance to adults over 25 years […]
The Missouri Board of Education has voted today in favor of the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) $8.5 billion proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning next July. The plan is a slim increase over the current budget year – about $26.8 million. “FY22 almost certainly will be a challenging revenue year, […]
The economic picture is brightening for both Missouri and the Midwest. Creighton University’s August survey of supply managers and business leaders across the nine-state region finds the financial situation slowly improving. Economist Ernie Goss of Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska says the survey’s leading economic indicator for the region climbed. “The index from that survey […]
The Livingston County Library Board of Trustees announces the opening of the Lillian DesMarias Youth Library. A soft opening will be set for Monday, September 14, 2020, with doors opening at 9:00 a.m. The hours of the new youth library are currently set to match the hours of the main branch and are as follows: […]
The Missouri Conservation Commission recently approved a proposed hunting framework by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) for a potential future black bear season in Missouri. The Commission approved the framework at its Sept. 4 open meeting in Jefferson City and is asking for final public input Oct. 16 through Nov. 14. If the season […]
The Missouri Senate passed five special session bills about crime in the wee hours of Thursday morning. Members spent more than 16 hours on the legislation with the most time being consumed by House Bill 2. It deals with the admissibility of certain witness statements. The slowdown came when Sen. Bob Onder, R- Lake St. […]
With the cancellation of the Northwest Missouri State Fair, the large pumpkin growing contest held by the University of Missouri Extension in Harrison County has been moved to September 26, 2020. The contest will coincide with the Harrison County 175th Anniversary celebration. Cash prizes will be available for the three heaviest pumpkins. Pumpkin Judging will […]
Two Missourians are on the first season of the CBS television show Tough As Nails. U.S. Marine Corps veteran Kelly Murphy of west-central Missouri’s Warrensburg and St. Louis roofer Lee Marshall are on the show that has allowed them to earn cash by using their bare hands. The show, centering around blue-collar challenges, is an […]
Weigh, test, and sample hay before buying or selling says University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Eldon Cole. Beef producers rely on good-quality hay to boost profits. “Unfortunately, our hay production is not always the greatest quality,” Cole says. “The category we excel in is ‘other grass hay’ – specifically, cool-season grass or mostly fescue. […]
Captain Matthew C. Walz, director of the Water Patrol Division, will retire on September 1, 2020, after over 30 years of service. Walz was appointed to the Missouri State Water Patrol on April 30, 1990, as a communications operator. He entered the Water Patrol Academy on January 2, 1994. After graduating, Walz was assigned to […]
America’s first female county clerk has been inducted into the Hall of Famous Missourians. A bronze bust of Annie White Baxter of southwest Missouri’s Carthage joins 47 others in the esteemed hall already showcasing journalist Walter Cronkite, radio host Rush Limbaugh, and the 33rd U.S. President – Harry Truman. They line the third floor of […]
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is partnering with the Grundy Electric Cooperative on a project to benefit wildlife habitat and reduce power line right-of-way maintenance costs. Private property owners are also a voluntary partner. MDC’s Wires Over Wildlife (WOW) program provides expertise and cost-share money for converting overgrown brush and trees under electrical distribution […]
A west-central Missouri GOP congresswoman says this week’s 2020 Republican National Convention in Charlotte will focus on optimism. While U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler, R-Harrisonville, isn’t a delegate this year, she’s excited about the convention. “And looking at the great American heroes that we have in our local communities, and how we together collectively have made this the […]
Awards were presented to North Central Missouri College faculty/staff in recognition of their years of service and exemplary accomplishments. NCMC recognized Linda Brown, Registrar for 35 years of service at North Central Missouri College. Linda received a standing ovation and a tree will be planted on campus in honor of her years of service to […]
Operational changes intended to help the financially troubled U.S. Postal Service save money aren’t going over well with some small-business owners in Missouri and other states. Recent modifications, including the end of overtime for workers, have led to numerous reports of delays, both in personal and commercial mail and package delivery. John McHugh, chairman of […]
Missouri is in the market for more K-12 substitute teachers during the COVID-19 time. The level of need varies around the state depending on the district, grade, subject, and region. According to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the number of candidates preparing to become full-time teachers has been declining steadily over […]
Pursuing their silver screen dreams in an age of pandemic, 4-H youth from 17 states — including eight from Missouri — gathered online the first weekend of August for FilmFest 4-H. Now in its 10th year, this national film festival celebrated its decade-long run with the film industry workshops and youth-produced films it is known […]
Bayer Fund’s America’s Farmers Grow Communities program is partnering with farmers to find and fund organizations and institutions that help farmers and their communities. Eligible farmers can enroll for the chance to direct a $2,500 donation to a local eligible nonprofit of their choice until November 1st. Farmers are eligible to enroll in Grow Communities […]
