Schools Closed COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Audio: Governor Mike Parson orders Missouri schools to remain closed for the rest of the school year

Missouri Governor Mike Parson announced on Thursday, April 9, 2020, that Missouri schools shall remain closed through this school year.  The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, along with several school superintendents from across the state made the recommendation to Governor Parson. During the briefing, Missouri K through 12 Education Commissioner Margie Vandeven encouraged school […]

N95 mask photo by Jonathan Casetllon on Unsplash

Saint Luke’s Health System accepting donations of protective equipment

Saint Luke’s Health System is accepting donations of personal protective equipment to help health care professionals stay safe and healthy as they provide care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Personal protective equipment is “highly specialized gear that minimizes the exposure of hazards that can cause workplace injuries or illnesses.” Saint Luke’s Health System includes Wright Memorial […]

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response

USDA implements measures to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by COVID-19

USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep customers, partners, and stakeholders updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America. Rural Housing Service Single-Family Housing Effective March 19, borrowers with USDA single-family housing Direct […]

A+ Program

Missouri Department of Higher Education issues guidance regarding A+ Scholarship eligibility amid COVID-19

Due to school closures in response to preventing the spread of COVID-19, the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (MDHEWD) has temporarily reduced or suspended certain A+ Scholarship eligibility requirements. Communication to Missouri high schools and college financial aid officers was sent Thursday afternoon outlining the temporary changes to the program for 2020 […]

Chillicothe Area Arts Council

Chillicothe Area Arts Council cancels performance of “The Emperor’s New Clothes”

The Chillicothe Area Arts Council has been monitoring the situation regarding the Coronavirus, as well as following recommendations from health professionals and local, state and federal officials. The advice coming from all levels of health professionals is to practice “social distancing” and avoid large crowds, which can be very difficult to accomplish in a theatre […]

Little Otter Creek Reservoir Project

Little Otter Creek Reservoir Project near Hamilton advances to next stage

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Acting State Conservationist, Grover DePriest, has signed a Record of Decision supporting the installation of a multi-purpose reservoir in Caldwell County. This decision fulfills national requirements to assess the environmental impacts of this federal action. It was based on the development of a comprehensive Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement. The preferred […]

Coronavirus Concerns

Local schools and organizations announce cancellations and closures due to Coronavirus concerns

Due to concerns of spreading the Coronavirus, announcements continue to be made regarding cancellation or postponement of area community events and school information. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with Governor Mike Parson, has recommended no public gatherings of 50 or more people through April 30th except for schools, daycare facilities, and businesses. […]

Health News

Coronavirus Information: How organizations are handling the issue statewide

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education continues to receive many questions about COVID-19 and how it impacts student attendance, school closure, assessments, and virtual education opportunities. We are aware that local education agencies must consider a number of factors when making decisions in this current situation. Administrative Memo COM-20-001, issued from the Commissioner […]

CRP Website Revised (Conservation Reserve Program website)

USDA to open signup March 16 for Conservation Reserve Program Grasslands

Farmers and ranchers may apply to enroll grasslands in the Conservation Reserve Program Grasslands signup beginning March 16. The signup runs through May 15. “Through this CRP Grasslands signup, farmers and ranchers can protect grasslands, rangelands, and pastures, while maintaining the land as working grazing lands,” said Kim Viers, Acting State Executive Director. “The program […]

Finance

Natural Resources Conservation Service announces March 30th application deadline for financial assistance

The Missouri USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced March 30th as the cut-off date to apply for Fiscal Year 2020 funds through the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program -Environmental Quality Incentive Program (RCPP-EQIP). EQIP allows farmers, ranchers, forestland managers, and landowners an opportunity to conserve natural resources by […]

Smithfield Food Website

Smithfield Foods and Roeslein Alternative Energy continue development of manure-to-energy projects in Missouri

Smithfield Foods, Inc. and Roeslein Alternative Energy announced an additional $45 million investment in their Monarch Bioenergy joint venture, which captures methane from hog manure to produce renewable natural gas (RNG) in Missouri. The additional investment will enable the continued implementation of “manure-to-energy” projects on Smithfield’s farms, resulting in RNG generation across 85% of the […]