President Joe Biden Photo Courtesy of the White House

Biden calls on U.S. Senate to act on background checks after Colorado mass shooting

(Missouri Independent) – President Joe Biden on Tuesday urged the U.S. Senate to immediately pass legislation to close loopholes on background checks for guns and to ban assault weapons, following a mass shooting that killed 10 at a Colorado supermarket. “This should not be a partisan issue,” Biden said. “This is an American issue.” Biden’s […]

Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri

Audio: Blunt says “America does not need “alternative versions” of this year’s U.S. Capitol attack”

Missouri U.S. Senator Roy Blunt says America does not need “alternative versions” of this year’s U.S. Capitol attack.     Blunt joined NBC’s “Meet the Press” Sunday to talk about the mob of former President Donald Trump supporters storming the Capitol in January. Blunt pushed back on fellow Republican Senator Ron Johnson calling the rioters […]

Sex Offender

Audio: Missouri Department of Conservation backs legislation keeping registered sex offenders away from conservation areas

The Missouri Department of Conservation and the Conservation Federation of Missouri support legislation aimed at keeping registered sex offenders away from state Conservation areas. House Bill 1090 is sponsored by State Rep. Barry Hovis (R-Whitewater), a former law enforcement officer with more than 30 years of experience. The House Public Safety Committee approved the bill 8-0, and it’s […]

Missouri State Highway Patrol Website New 2021 (MSHP)

Missouri State Highway Patrol reports arrest of one person for drugs and a teenager for speeding and DWI

The Highway Patrol arrested two area residents in area counties on March 19th on various allegations. Thirty-seven-year-old Amanda Ayer of Lancaster was arrested in Putnam County. She was accused of the felonies of possession of a controlled substance—methamphetamine and possession of a controlled substance—alprazolam. Other allegations were driving while revoked, speeding, and failure to register […]

Jury Duty

Livingston County Circuit Court to implement new system for more convenient communication with prospective jurors

Beginning in April 2021, prospective jurors in Livingston County can choose to communicate with the court by text or e-mail, as the Livingston County circuit court implements the new Show-Me Jury system. The Livingston County circuit court will mail new Show-Me Jury questionnaires starting April 1, 2021, for jury service beginning June 8, 2021. “A […]

Child Sex Crimes news graphic

Chillicothe man charged with sodomy and deviate sexual intercourse against 9-year-old girl; Chillicothe woman charged with child neglect

Two Chillicothe residents face multiple charges following a well-being check in February on a female juvenile who law enforcement reports sent text messages to her grandmother that she did not feel safe. Thirty-eight-year-old Eric Wayne Suddith has been charged with the felonies of sodomy or first degree attempted sodomy and enticement or attempted enticement of […]

Missouri State Highway Patrol Website New 2021 (MSHP)

Bethany man arrested on multiple allegations

The Highway Patrol reports the arrest of a Bethany man in Harrison County on March 11th on several allegations. Thirty-two-year-old Douglas Dennis was accused of tampering with a motor vehicle—second degree as well as displaying or possessing plates of another, no insurance—second offense, and no valid license. Dennis was taken to the Harrison County Law […]

Trenton Missouri Police Department (TPD)

Man who drove pickup that struck Harvest Moon building arrested; Milan man arrested on multiple allegations

The driver of a pickup truck that the Trenton Police Department reported hit the Harvest Moon building on Ninth Street on February 13th was arrested on March 10th and posted bond. The Grundy County Sheriff reports 36-year-old Braden Mark Spicher of Trenton has been charged with felony leaving the scene of an accident–property damage exceeded […]

Drug Cartels

Senator Hawley along with lawmakers from Arkansas, Tennessee and Nebraska introduce bill imposing sanctions on drug cartels

U.S. Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) introduced the Significant Transnational Criminal Organization Designation Act, legislation that would subject certain foreign criminal organizations like drug cartels to sanctions, including immigration, financial, and criminal penalties. The process would be similar to the system used for designating entities as […]