State of Emergency

Governor Parson declares a State of Emergency, activating Missouri National Guard, in preparation for severe winter storm

Governor Mike Parson signed Executive Order 22-02 declaring a State of Emergency in Missouri and activating the Missouri National Guard in preparation for the severe winter storm forecasted to affect most of the state over the next two days, including significant accumulations of snow, sleet, and ice.  “Severe winter weather isn’t something we are strangers to here in the […]

Winter Storm Safety

Check out these safety tips for the upcoming winter storm

The American Red Cross of Missouri is offering safety tips ahead of the upcoming snow, ice, and frigid temperatures expected over the next few days. In addition, the Red Cross is coordinating with local emergency management officials and partners in the preparation for potential local community needs. Heavy snowfall is predicted in portions of Missouri […]

House Fire

Trenton Fire Department responds to vacant house on Chestnut Street in Trenton

A fire damaged a vacant house at 1429 Chestnut in Trenton on Tuesday morning, January 25, 2022. Trenton Fire Department Lieutenant Jeremy Summers reports there was heavy smoke and fire damage to the attic, heavy smoke damage to the entire house, and moderate fire damage to the kitchen. Summers says off-duty Firefighter Dustin Whorton noticed […]

Coronavirus or COVID-19 Testing news graphic

Audio: Missouri testing company closed, workers claiming samples were spoiled, told to lie about test results

A COVID-19 testing company with operations in the St. Louis area has temporarily shut down due to complaints about its rapid test sites and labs.     Former employees of the Center for COVID Control told the website Book Club Chicago that samples were routinely spoiled and that they were instructed to lie to people […]

Prison Sentence

Missouri man sentenced to 10 years in prison without parole for illegal firearms and marijuana grow operation

A Missouri man was sentenced in federal court for growing marijuana and illegally possessing dozens of firearms. Darrin Dale Smithee, 56, of Auxvasse, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 10 years in federal prison without parole. On Aug. 31, 2021, Smithee pleaded guilty to one count of manufacturing marijuana and one […]

A partially melted tire hangs on a tree near Paradise, Kansas. The surrounding land was scorched by a wildfire in December 2021

December 2021 was the warmest on record in Missouri and Kansas – by a long shot

(Missouri Independent) – Kansas and Missouri logged their warmest average December temperatures on record last month, according to data released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Average temperatures over the last half of 2021 were higher than they’ve ever been in either state — and across the country. Meanwhile, despite a devastating cold snap that forced […]

Pleasant View R-6 School

Pleasant View R-6 Board of Education tackles lengthy agenda at Tuesday meeting

The Pleasant View R-6 Board of Education on December 14th approved a bid from H and B Farms for the butcher of a hog. The bid was for $1 per pound live weight. A butcher date is set for January. The board approved Missouri United School Insurance Council insurance renewal for 2022. Superintendent Rebecca Steinhoff […]

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 […]

Audio: Case adding greater protections for rape survivors heads to Missouri Supreme Court

A case heads to the Missouri Supreme Court this week about a state law adding greater protections for sexual assault survivors.     The Missouri Supreme Court will hear a case Tuesday about a 2020 law known as the “Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights”. The law streamlines the testing and tracking of rape kits […]

Power Outage

Blown transformers cause power outage in Trenton

Multiple transformers blew the night of October 29th, causing a power outage in the south central part of Trenton. A spokesperson reports transformers blew on Kitty Street and at the First Street substation during the 12 o’clock hour. City Administrator Ron Urton reports an underground cable burned in two, and electricity was rerouted. The spokesperson […]

COVID-19 or Coronaviru testing

Missouri students can now ‘test to stay’ to remain in classroom after COVID exposure

(Missouri Independent) – Missouri students and teachers identified as being exposed to a coronavirus case in school may now be permitted to remain in class if they continue to test negative for the virus and properly wear a mask. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) updated its school reopening guidance Friday to include the new […]

Trenton R-9 School District

Trenton Board of Education approves after school tutoring pay rate, hear presentation on Summer School program

The Trenton R-9 Board of Education approved an adjustment to after-school tutoring pay on October 12, 2021. The pay rate was changed from $25 to $30 to match the quarantine tutoring program. Trenton Middle School Principal Daniel Gott said teachers select students to be tutored in the after-school program. Superintendent Mike Stegman reported there were […]

American Rescue Plan Act Graphic with Missouri Seal

State of Missouri creates American Rescue Plan Act spending toolkits for local governments

 The State of Missouri has created and made available spending toolkits to help local governments identify allowable uses for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) local funds.  “We want to assist our local partners in making strategic, responsible investments that will serve Missourians for generations to come,” Governor Mike Parson said. “Our first priority is to ensure taxpayer […]

Rape Kit or SAFE kit, sexual assault kit

Video/Audio: Missouri’s effort to get thousands of rape kits tested is making progress

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt gave an update on the SAFE Kit Initiative, reporting positive progress in clearing the backlog of untested sexual assault kits through the initiative. The Springfield Police Department also announced that they have completely cleared out their backlog, leaving zero untested sexual assault kits in their inventory. “As a husband, father, […]