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 […]

Coronavirus News Graphic

Sullivan County confirms 12 new cases of COVID-19 and 2 deaths; Putnam County 10 new cases of COVID-19

Sullivan County Health Department has confirmed twelve additional positive cases of COVID-19 in Sullivan County.  Currently, Sullivan County sits at a total of six hundred and eight, with three active probable cases, seven deaths, and one hundred and sixteen active cases. The positive cases have been determined to be community-related.  To maintain confidentiality, no other […]

Stephanie Kambamba

Jury trial scheduled for Kirksville woman facing murder charge after child died in Smithfield restroom

A jury trial has been scheduled in Harrison County for a Kirksville woman charged with murder in the first and second degree after a child death investigation in May. Twenty-eight-year-old Makuya Stephanie Kambamba’s trial is scheduled to begin July 26th, 2021. An arraignment is scheduled in Harrison County on December 18th, and a pre-trial conference […]

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 […]

Manhunt graphic

Stolen vehicle, armed carjacking and multi-county pursuit end with suspects in custody

On Tuesday morning, November 17, 2020, Chillicothe dispatch was alerted of a pursuit by the Linn County Sheriff attempting to stop a specific vehicle allegedly involved in a residential burglary in Linn County on Tuesday morning. A vehicle pursuit was reportedly in progress on Highway 36 in Linn County traveling westbound toward Livingston County. The […]

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. […]