(Missouri Independent) – After an eight-year fight over Medicaid expansion, the arguments are over. The question of whether 275,000 people will receive state-paid health care coverage is in the hands of the Missouri Supreme Court. Oral arguments took place Tuesday in an expedited appeal. The seven judges must decide whether Medicaid eligibility will expand, as directed by the […]
Tag: only
Governor Parson signs SB 262 into law, increasing transportation funding for critical infrastructure projects
Governor Mike Parson has signed SB 262 into law, which will increase transportation funding for critical state and local infrastructure projects across the state of Missouri. “With nearly $1 billion in unfunded transportation needs each year, we can no longer wait for another day or another generation. We must change course and address these problems head-on,” Governor Parson said. “SB […]
Galt woman arrested on forgery allegation
The Grundy County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of a Galt woman on July 12 on a felony charge of forgery. Bond was set at $5,000 cash only for 32-year-old Ashley Rose Tharp, and she was scheduled for court on July 13th. Court documents accuse Tharp of using and/or transferring a genuine urine sample in June, […]
Three from Kansas charged in Linn County with accessory to child neglect resulting in death
Three Kansas residents have been charged in Linn County with being an accessory to abuse or neglect of a child resulting in death stemming from July 2018. Each defendant had a bond set at $50,000 cash only for 63-year-old Sabrina Marie Nemmers of Arma, Kansas, 32-year-old Matthew Blunt of Mulberry, Kansas, and 36-year-old Ashley Dawn […]
North Mercer Board of Education approve bid for milk; set date for tax rate hearing
The North Mercer R-3 Board of Education appointed staff members to positions July 12th. Those staff members included Terry Bomgardner as homeless liaison and migrant education director, Lauren Guilkey as foster care point of contact, and Greg Frost as English Language Learners coordinator. Board of education goals were approved. One goal was added that involved […]
Audio: Missouri Supreme Court to hear Missouri Medicaid expansion lawsuit case this morning
The Missouri Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Tuesday morning, July 13, 2021, in Jefferson City in one of the biggest cases the court has faced in recent memory: Missouri’s Medicaid expansion lawsuit case. Oral arguments will begin Tuesday at 11 a.m. Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem ruled in late June that […]
Prognosis worsens COVID-19 outcomes in patients with diabetes
More than a year into the global pandemic, many things are still unknown about COVID-19; however, like many other illnesses, studies are showing that having diabetes is not only tied to a worse prognosis but also an increased risk of death. Diabetes is more common among those with severe COVID-19. One study from Diabetologia showed […]
Trenton City Council responds to concerns over residential trash pickup
Much of the discussion during Monday night’s Trenton City Council meeting involved discussion on trash service complaints. City administrator Ron Urton provided a list of recent complaint calls received by city hall detailing addresses that experienced issues. Two members of the public, Larry Huffstutter and Gaylon McCorkle voiced their concerns. Responses were provided by Rapid […]
Stolen school van recovered after pursuit in Cass County
At approximately 2:50 am Monday, deputies with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a vehicle driving erratically on I-49 south of Harrisonville. The caller stated that the vehicle had followed them to a business on 291 Highway north of Harrisonville and was driving around the area. The deputy located the vehicle […]
Missouri Department of Conservation says no indication of mysterious bird illness in Missouri
At least nine states and the District of Columbia have recently reported numerous unexplained sick and dying songbirds. To date, avian and wildlife health experts with the Missouri Department of Conservation have not received similar reports, and there are no other indications of unexplained death or illness in Missouri’s wild birds. “Though we have not […]
If arrested, 17-year-olds in Missouri now will be treated as juveniles, not adults
In Missouri’s courts, 17-year-olds will now be automatically treated as juveniles rather than adults if they’re taken into custody. It’s the tenth state in the country to raise the age of criminal responsibility. Opponents of “raise the age” laws predicted it would increase juvenile caseloads and overwhelm capacity in youth detention centers. Still, the number […]
Sara Walsh joins growing field in Missouri’s 4th Congressional District
(Missouri Independent) – A crowded Republican primary is emerging in Missouri’s 4th Congressional District, a solidly GOP seat that is also the only one of the state’s eight districts certain to have a new lawmaker at the end of 2022. State Rep. Sara Walsh, R-Ashland, on Wednesday became the latest candidate to enter the race […]
“Surge response team” arrives in Missouri amid COVID-19 spike caused by Delta variant
(Missouri Independent) – As federal officials land in Missouri at the request of the state to assist with combatting a wave of new COVID cases spurred by the Delta variant, Gov. Mike Parson publicly rebuffed outreach strategies President Joe Biden touted. On Tuesday, a member of the newly-created federal surge response team arrived in the […]
Trenton Park Board elects officers, address various agenda items
The Trenton Park Board elected officers on July 7. Curtis Crawford was elected president, Andy Cox was re-elected vice president, and John Hamilton was elected secretary. City Council Park Board Liaison Marvin Humphreys asked what is being done about a leak at the Rock Barn that he mentioned at a previous meeting. Park Superintendent David […]
Bob Griffin, longest-serving Missouri House speaker, has died at age 85
(Missouri Independent) – Bob F. Griffin, who served as speaker of the Missouri House for 15 years until he was forced to resign in the face of a federal criminal investigation, died Wednesday in Columbia. He was 85. Griffin was the longest-serving speaker in the state’s history. During his tenure as speaker from 1981 to 1996, the […]
University of Missouri Broadband Initiative outlines community-driven process for local expansion
Adoption of broadband has the potential to boost a community’s economic growth and quality of life. But in much of Missouri, especially rural areas, the high-bandwidth wirelines to connect households and businesses don’t exist. Helping more Missouri communities become digitally connected was the topic of a recent webinar by the University of Missouri System Broadband […]
Wright Memorial Physicians’ Group to offer Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine clinics
Wright Memorial Physicians’ Group in Trenton will be offering the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to all area residents 18 and older on Friday, July 9, and Friday, July 16. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine only requires one shot. Patients must plan to be monitored for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine. Appointments are required. […]
Livingston County Health Center to host baby shower
The Livingston County Health Center will host a come-and-go breastfeeding baby shower for expectant and breastfeeding mothers. The event will be in Simpson Park of Chillicothe at the Kiwanis Shelter near the tennis courts on August 3, 2021, from 5:30 to 6:30 in the evening. There will be vendor booths, information about the benefits of breastfeeding, […]
White House says executive order coming on labeling beef as a ‘Product of USA’
(Missouri Independent) – The White House will unveil an executive order in the coming days that directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture to clarify that meat can only receive a “Product of USA” label if that livestock is raised in the U.S. rather than abroad, press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters Tuesday afternoon. “The EO […]