Crime Graphic

Governor Parson announces grants to 19 agencies to investigate and prosecute criminals who victimize children

Governor Mike Parson announced the state of Missouri has approved more than $1.8 million in grant assistance to 19 agencies across the state to investigate and prosecute crimes that victimized children. “Criminals who victimize children must be investigated, prosecuted, and brought to justice, no matter when they commit these heinous crimes,” Governor Parson said. “The […]

Allen Knoll, who was sent to Agape Boarding School in Missouri, testifies during a committee hearing on Feb-10-2021, about abuse he endured. (Photo by Tim Bommel - House Communications)

Prosecutor files felony charges against five Agape staffers accused of abuse

(Missouri Independent) – Cedar County Prosecuting Attorney Ty Gaither announced Tuesday that five staffers members of Agape Boarding School will be charged with a combined 13 counts of third-degree felony assault — a fraction of what Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt recommended. In March, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson directed the attorney general’s office to assist Gaither […]

Department of Justice announces Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Grants awarded to Missouri in 2021

The Department of Justice announced that the Bureau of Justice Assistance, a component of the department’s Office of Justice Programs, has awarded almost $187 million to support state, local, and tribal public safety and community justice activities. The awards, from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, are going to all 50 states, […]

Rape Kit or SAFE kit, sexual assault kit

Video/Audio: Missouri’s effort to get thousands of rape kits tested is making progress

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt gave an update on the SAFE Kit Initiative, reporting positive progress in clearing the backlog of untested sexual assault kits through the initiative. The Springfield Police Department also announced that they have completely cleared out their backlog, leaving zero untested sexual assault kits in their inventory. “As a husband, father, […]

Michael Lee Cooper

Man from Chula charged with sexual misconduct after exposing himself to restaurant employee

Chillicothe Police Chief Jon Maples says officers located a suspect vehicle on September 7th regarding a call on September 3rd about someone in a restaurant drive-through exposing himself to an employee. The alleged incident happened in the 1000 block of South Washington Street. Maples says a 37-year-old man was arrested for sexual misconduct after officers […]

Court News graphic

Associate Division of Grundy County Circuit Court news for Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Three people accused in spray painting incidents July 5 in Trenton appeared Tuesday in the Associate Division of the Grundy County Circuit Court. Twenty-two-year-old Kelli Danielle Corrigan of Trenton pleaded guilty to an amended charge of second-degree property damage – a misdemeanor. Imposition of sentence was suspended, and Corrigan was placed on two years probation. […]

Gallatin City Hall

Gallatin Board of Aldermen approve contract with Friends of Gallatin; city crews continue with water and electric infrastructure installation

The Gallatin Board of Aldermen approved a resolution and two ordinances on July 26. The resolution involved appointing Julia Filley as the city prosecutor at $100 per hour. One ordinance involved entering into a contract for services with the Friends of Gallatin regarding Chautauqua in September. The other ordinance involved establishing a procedure to disclose […]