Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and 16 of his colleagues reintroduced the Protect and Serve Act, legislation that would create federal penalties for individuals who deliberately target local, state, or federal law enforcement officers with violence. In 2020, more than 300 officers were shot in the line of duty and 47 officers were shot and killed, including […]
Tag: local
Trenton Utility Committee presented details on financial impact of extremely cold weather in February
Trenton’s Utility Committee heard details Tuesday evening on the preliminary financial impact for TMU regarding substantially-increased prices for natural gas and the electric market due to the prolonged extreme cold weather last month. Trenton Municipal Utility Comptroller Rosetta Marsh says having a large reserve in the electric department will help Trenton withstand the higher costs […]
‘Vaccine passports’ that show you’re inoculated are on the way
(Missouri Independent) – More than 70 million Americans have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine — and along with that shot, a small paper card with the CDC’s label detailing the timing and manufacturer of the dose. Those paper cards at the moment are the only proof readily available to Americans of […]
Grundy County Commission signs with Granite Phone Service; Grundy County to receive $2 million in next round of COVID funding
The Grundy County Commission signed a letter of agency with Granite phone service on March 16th. The letter gives the company permission to contact AT&T on behalf of Grundy County. Presiding Commissioner Phillip Ray says going through Granite for the county is estimated to reduce the cost of three AT&T lines from $500 a month […]
Grundy R-5 Board of Education approves employee health insurance plan and four-day week calendar
The Grundy County R-5 Board of Education has approved a health insurance plan and a four-day week calendar. The district will work with Missouri Educators Trust for the insurance. The plan will provide all full-time staff a $3,000 health savings account for $549.91. Staff will have an option to buy up to three other plans […]
Missouri state parks and historic sites prepare for 2021 camping season
Missouri state park and historic site campgrounds are preparing for the 2021 camping season, which typically begins April 1. On-season begins earlier at some campgrounds than others. Visit mostateparks.com/activity/camping for opening dates at specific campgrounds. To help guarantee a safe and enjoyable camping experience, the following new and updated procedures have been implemented. To ensure […]
Audio: Here are details about this week’s mass COVID-19 events in Missouri
The state of Missouri, along with some local agencies, are organizing several mass coronavirus events this week around the state. The clinics are planned in Benton, Jackson, Chariton, Putnam, McDonald, Bollinger, Cole, Buchanan, Mercer, Pulaski, St. Charles, and St. Louis counties. A mega vaccination event is planned at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City this Friday […]
States question whether new federal stimulus law rules out tax cuts
(Missouri Independent) – President Joe Biden’s massive pandemic stimulus law pumps a welcome infusion of federal aid into state and local government coffers — but one brief section is raising questions about whether states are barred from cutting their own taxes if they accept the federal help. The Senate added language to the COVID-19 relief package […]
Missouri State Auditor issues latest report on Missouri’s use of stimulus dollars received through CARES Act funding
State Auditor Nicole Galloway released her ninth monthly report detailing the state government’s use of federal stimulus dollars intended for the COVID-19 response. Last year, Auditor Galloway announced that her office would examine the state’s distribution and spending of funding received under the CARES Act and other federal assistance programs passed by Congress. The most […]
Mega vaccination site announced at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Friday and Saturday
During the briefing at the State Capitol, Governor Mike Parson announced that the state will host a Mega Vaccination Site at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Friday, March 19, and Saturday, March 20, 2021. “We appreciate the Jackson County Health Department, Truman Medical Center, Chiefs’ Organization, KCATA, Jackson County Executive Frank White, and all […]
Governor Parson announces special funding to help Missouri’s youth
Governor Mike Parson announced a special cycle of the Department of Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) and Youth Opportunities Program (YOP), making $21.8 million available to assist nonprofit organizations and other entities providing services to at-risk youth. “Missouri nonprofits have been a lifeline for many Missourians throughout the COVID-19 crisis, providing critical services during […]
American Red Cross seeks volunteers for disaster support and blood drives
The American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas has an urgent need for additional volunteers who can assist virtually and in-person for disaster response. Volunteers are also needed to support blood drives and transport blood to hospitals. “We are gearing up for spring disaster response needs such as flooding and tornadoes, and we need additional […]
Wright Memorial Hospital Foundation to host virtual charity auction
The Wright Memorial Hospital Foundation will be hosting a virtual charity auction, with proceeds going to support the Oncology Nurse Navigator Program and the Foundation’s general fund, which supports Wright Memorial Hospital in a variety of ways. The event is scheduled to occur from April 15 – 24, with the bidding all taking place online. […]
Missouri unemployment rate drops to 4.3% in January, 2021, down from 4.4% in December, 2020
Missouri non-farm payroll employment increased in January 2021, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased by a tenth of a percentage point. Employment, seasonally adjusted, increased by 5,900 jobs over the month, but over-the-year job losses were back above 100,000 following benchmark adjustments to 2020 estimates. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.3 percent […]
Trenton city sales tax receipts up more than 6% in first eleven months of fiscal year
Trenton city sales tax receipts are up more than six percent for general purposes, capital projects, and parks in the first eleven months of Trenton’s current fiscal year, compared to the same months a year ago, May through March. Income from the city sales tax for fire department needs is up nearly eight percent, and […]
Iowa reporter’s trial renews call to protect freedom of the press
Testimony began Monday in the trial of an Iowa reporter arrested during a protest in Des Moines. Her case has become the focal point for those raising concerns about the treatment of the press by authorities. Andrea Sahouri is on trial for misdemeanor charges related to her arrest at a Black Lives Matter protest last May. […]
Section of Linn County Route B now closed
A section of Linn County Route B is now closed for repairs to the Smokey Branch Bridge. Local maintenance crews from the Missouri Department of Transportation closed the roadway between Bow Drive and Amber Drive this morning, Monday, March 8. The roadway will remain closed overnight to allow the repair to cure and should reopen […]
Twelve Months Later: Despite pandemic, Missouri moved forward
Since the first presumptive positive COVID-19 case was detected in Missouri one year ago, Governor Mike Parson and his administration have worked continuously to combat the virus, keep Missourians safe, and move Missouri’s economy forward. “Since COVID-19 struck Missouri one year ago, we have worked nonstop to take a balanced approach, fight the virus, and […]
State agriculture officials recommend enhancements to USDA Farmers to Families Food Box program
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture sent a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to support the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farmers to Families Food Box program and recommend adjustments to improve the program’s effectiveness. “The Farmers to Families Food Box program has been a critical tool during the COVID-19 pandemic […]