Coronavirus Update

Livingston County becomes #1 in Missouri for number of COVID-19 cases in last 7 days; another COVID-19 related death reported as well

The Livingston County Health Center on Thursday, May 20th reported another COVID-19-related death, bringing the total to 57. The number of active cases, 99, was also the highest it has been since the beginning of the pandemic. Seventeen cases were added since May 19th for a total of 1,578. The health center noted Livingston County […]

Young man holding phone standing by Tractor in field

Iowa program aims to usher in next generation of farmers

Iowa farmers have been busy with the spring planting season. As operations hire workers for the summer, a nonprofit connects them with aspiring ‘ag’ professionals who could represent the industry’s future labor force. For nearly a decade, the group Practical Farmers of Iowa has carried out its Labor-4-Learning initiative, where participating farms provide on-site training for […]

Child Endangerment

Man from Coffey facing two felony charges after punching infant in face and head

A Coffey man faces two felony charges after he allegedly got into physical altercations with a one-year-old. Twenty-two-year-old Jared Read has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child creating substantial risk—first degree—first offense, and abuse or neglect of a child.  Bond is $10,000 cash, Supervision Services, and no contact with any minor. Read […]

Hy-Vee Logo

Hy-Vee no longer requires vaccinated customers and employees to wear masks, unless locally mandated

The health and safety of Hy-Vee’s customers and employees have been the company’s top priority since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and the grocer has consistently followed the CDC’s recommendations as guidance is provided. Given the CDC’s mask announcement on Friday, starting today Hy-Vee no longer requires fully vaccinated customers and employees to wear face coverings […]

Missouri Department of Conservation Sign

Missouri Department of Conservation Protection Branch to launch new canine unit this summer

The Missouri Department of Conservation is set to launch a new canine unit through its Protection Branch this summer. The new unit, consisting of five dogs and their conservation agent-handlers, will be stationed around the state and used as necessary to work throughout Missouri. According to MDC, the capabilities of canines are extensive in conservation-related […]

Laramore Broniec and Ballard MSHP Promotions to LT

Missouri State Highway Patrol promotes three to lieutenant

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announces the following promotions. Sergeant Scott A. Ballard, Troop F, will be promoted to the rank of lieutenant and transfer to Field Operations Bureau, General Headquarters, Jefferson City, MO, effective June 1, 2021. Ballard was appointed to the Patrol on June 29, 2003, as […]

Medicaid Expansion in Missouri

Missouri’s Governor Parson abandons plans to implement voter-approved Medicaid expansion

(Missouri Independent) – Missouri will not expand Medicaid coverage to working-age adults on July 1 because lawmakers refused to include funding for the health care program in the state budget, Gov. Mike Parson announced Thursday. In a news release, Parson said the state was withdrawing documents submitted to the federal government necessary to add the approximately 275,000 […]