Governor Mike Parson (Photo by (Rudi Keller - Missouri Independent)

Parson digs in against evidence absolving reporter he accused of being a ‘hacker’

(Missouri Independent) – Gov. Mike Parson on Thursday once again refused to accept the conclusions of an investigation by the highway patrol and Cole County prosecutor surrounding a reporter who uncovered a security flaw in a state website.  Speaking to a gathering of reporters and editors in the governor’s mansion for Missouri Press Association Day, […]

Pardon Granted news graphic

Governor Parson grants 29 pardons, commutes 1 sentence

On Monday, February 28, 2022, Governor Mike Parson granted 29 pardons and approved one commutation pursuant to Article IV, Section 7 of the Constitution of the State of Missouri.  Official documents have been filed with the appropriate government agencies and are being sent to the individuals. Pardons: Robert Midgyett Jeffrey Bragg Sharr Ford Lawrence Tindall Angela […]

Screenshot of RLE International website

RLE International to build new facility in Kansas City, investing $7.5 million and creating 85 new jobs

 Global engineering and design company RLE International announced it will establish a new Modification and Engineering Center in Kansas City, investing $7.5 million and creating 85 high-paying jobs. RLE’s state-of-the-art facility will provide complex engineering, design, and build solutions for automotive and mobility clients. “Missouri is a global leader in innovation and advanced manufacturing, which […]

Broadband Internet Access

Missouri receives $42.2 million federal grant through the NTIA’s Broadband Infrastructure Program

The Department of Economic Development (DED) announced today that Missouri has been awarded a $42.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for broadband expansion. The funds received through the NTIA’s Broadband Infrastructure Program will be used for projects benefiting more than 13,000 households in 12 Missouri counties: […]

Paula Nickelson appointed director health and human services

Governor Parson announces Paula Nickelson to lead Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

During a press conference at the State Capitol, Governor Mike Parson announced that he has selected Paula Nickelson to serve as the Acting Director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, effective March 1, 2022.  “Today, we are excited to announce Paula Nickelson as the new DHSS Acting Director,” Governor Parson said. “Paula was a […]

Parson signing new legislation

Governor Parson makes appointments to seven boards and commissions

Governor Mike Parson announced seven appointments to various boards and commissions. Sheriff Jim Arnott, of Springfield, was appointed to the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission.  Sheriff Arnott has served as the Greene County Sheriff since 2008. He has also simultaneously served as the Interim Chief of the Fair Grove Police Department and Ash Grove Police […]

Gallery View of Missouri Senate

Missouri Senate passes $4.6B spending bill with pay raises, federal school funds

(Missouri Independent) – With a deadline looming that could cost Missouri almost $2 billion in federal education aid, the bill to distribute the money passed the state Senate on Wednesday after Democrats slammed a zero-dollar funding line as a partisan attack on Planned Parenthood. The $4.6 billion spending bill approved on a 25-7 vote is the first legislation requiring […]

Missouri or MO National Guard Apprenticeship Website

Governor Parson announces new Project Eagle Apprenticeship Program

In coordination with the Missouri National Guard and the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development, Governor Mike Parson announced the establishment of the Project Eagle Apprenticeship Program, to qualify military training and experience towards a federally-recognized apprenticeship certification. “We are so proud of our military men and women here in Missouri. This program, […]

North Central Missouri College Website V2 (NCMC)

North Central Missouri College Board of Trustees hear reports, work continues on former US Bank building

Multiple reports were given at the North Central Missouri College Board of Trustees meeting February 22nd. Vice President of Student Affairs Doctor Kristen Alley reported NCMC’s graduation rate is 42%, and the withdrawal rate is 39%. NCMC is the only community college in the state to have a higher graduation rate than a withdrawal rate. […]

Run For Office news graphic for elections

Several candidates file for office in Daviess County

Candidates filed for several offices in Daviess County on Tuesday morning, February 22, for the August 2nd Primary Election. Those filing for office include incumbents Daren Adkins for Associate Circuit Court Judge and Jim Ruse for Presiding Commissioner. Sandy Dustman filed for circuit clerk. She was appointed by Governor Mike Parson earlier this year to […]

Donald Kauerauf, the director of the Department of Health and Senior Services, speaks during a press conference at the Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City on July 21, 2021

Before ouster, Missouri health director drafted a letter to senators that was never sent

(Missouri Independent) – On the Friday before a drawn-out confirmation battle ended with his ouster from office, Missouri state Health Director Donald Kauerauf wrote an impassioned letter meant to convince conservative legislators who were on the fence about his appointment.  The message: While he believed in vaccines and data and science, he didn’t believe in vaccine […]

Network cables (RJ45 ) connected to a switch

Audio: Missouri on track to expand broadband internet access

Governor Mike Parson has announced plans to use more than $400 million to increase internet access to more Missourians. That money is from the American Rescue Plan Act (or ARPA) to increase broadband internet access, adoption of new programs and offer statewide assistance. BJ Tanksley is the director of the Missouri Office of Broadband Development […]

Medical Marijuana

Criticism of Missouri medical marijuana system seeps into initiative petition debate

(Missouri Independent) – A handful of Republican lawmakers lashed out at the state’s medical marijuana industry Thursday, lobbing accusations of corruption into a Missouri House debate over whether to make it harder to amend the state’s Constitution.  On a mostly party-line 98-53 vote, the Missouri House signed off on legislation Thursday that would require a two-thirds […]

Road Work graphic

MoDOT planned road work in north Missouri for the week of February 14, 2022

The following is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in North Missouri for the week of February 14 – 20. All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler Information Map.   Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned […]

Verde Resources Website

Verde Resources to expand to La Belle, investing more than $5.6 million and creating 32 new jobs

Verde Resources, Inc., a commercial producer, and wholesaler of regenerative compost announced that it will establish a processing and packaging facility in La Belle, investing more than $5.6 million and creating 32 new jobs. The company will establish a line using its Biofraction™ technology, capable of processing 100 tons of organic bio-waste per day into […]

(photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

Missouri House refuses to accept Governor Parson’s plan for $15 base pay for state jobs

(Missouri Independent) – The Missouri House approved a $4.6 billion supplemental spending bill Wednesday that would give all state workers a pay raise.  But lawmakers refused to go along with Gov. Mike Parson’s plan for a $15 an hour base wage for all state employees, instead offering that salary only to select workers.  The bill would also […]

Missouri House of Representatives

House committee scales back governor’s pay raise plan for Missouri state workers

(Missouri Independent) – Hundreds of custodians, clerks, and cooks working for state agencies would not get the raises Missouri Gov. Mike Parson promised in December under a spending bill approved Monday by the House Budget Committee. On a party-line vote, with Republicans supporting the bill and Democrats opposed, the committee approved a spending bill that sets […]

Gavel and Missouri Flag

Governor Parson makes four judicial appointments

Governor Mike Parson announced four judicial appointments to the 3rd, 11th, and 20th Judicial Circuits.  Anthony Horvath, of Linn, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for Putnam County in the 3rd Judicial Circuit. Mr. Horvath currently serves as the Deputy Judge Advocate General for the Missouri National Guard. He earned a Bachelor of Science in justice systems from […]