A Missouri man was sentenced in federal court for tax evasion. Duane Dixon, 59, of Sedalia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner to three years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Dixon to pay $639,733 in restitution to the IRS. On Feb. 2, 2021, Dixon pleaded guilty to one […]
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Vaccine lottery winnings can be put toward MO ABLE accounts
Missourians who have received COVID-19 vaccinations can enter to win the Missouri Vaccine Incentive Program Lottery – 900 winners will receive $10,000 in cash, in an education savings account or a Missouri ABLE Account, between now and October. Missouri ABLE provides people with disabilities an account to save and invest money without losing eligibility for public benefits, like […]
USDA accepts 2.8 million acres for the Conservation Reserve Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has accepted 2.8 million acres in offers from agricultural producers and private landowners for enrollment into the Conservation Reserve Program in 2021. This year, almost 1.9 million acres in offers have been accepted through the General CRP Signup, and USDA’s Farm Service Agency has accepted over 897,000 acres for enrollment […]
Audio: Missouri legislative committee to hold hearing today about ‘Critical Race Theory’
The Missouri Legislature’s Joint Committee on Education is holding another hearing today (Monday) about critical race theory. Critical Race Theory refers to a 40-year body of academic study that says racism and inequity are embedded in American institutions and legal systems. It is taught largely in higher education, but some opponents of the teaching, especially […]
USDA accepting applications to help cover costs for organic certification
Organic producers and handlers can now apply for U.S. Department of Agriculture funds to assist with the cost of receiving or maintaining organic certification. Applications for the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) are due Nov. 1, 2021. “USDA is here to help all producers, including those who grow our nation’s organic food and fiber. Many farmers have told […]
Audio: Temporary health workers commanding as much as $200 per hour in Missouri
Temporary health care workers are in high demand across Missouri and are commanding quite the price for their services. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports hospitals across the state need the extra staff to deal with surges of COVID-19 patients. That’s led to hourly rates that have risen to $200 an hour in some […]
Biden-Harris Administration announces $500 million in rural health care funds under the American Rescue Plan
The Biden-Harris Administration announced that the United States Department of Agriculture is making up to $500 million available in grants to help rural health care facilities, tribes, and communities expand access to COVID-19 vaccines, health care services, and nutrition assistance. President Biden’s comprehensive plan to recover the economy and deliver relief to the American people […]
Trenton Board of Education discusses COVID-19 protocols during lengthy meeting
The Trenton R-9 Board of Education on August 10th discussed COVID-19-related matters for the upcoming school year. Superintendent Mike Stegman began by going over a list of protocols. They included staff and students attending school in person and using social distancing. Masks will be optional for staff and students inside district facilities. It is “highly […]
Missouri seeks to boost prizes in local vaccine incentive program
(Missouri Independent) – Prizes awarded through a vaccine incentive program offered by local public health departments in Missouri may get boosted to $100-per-person under a new federal allowance. After previously rejecting Missouri’s proposal to exceed a $25 limit on prizes paid for with federal funding to incentivize immunizations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently […]
Audio: Senators introduce meat labeling legislation addressing false advertising
(Brownfield Network) – A bipartisan group of Senators, led by Mike Rounds of South Dakota, has introduced a bill designed to restrict the use of the ‘Product of the USA’ label. Senator Rounds tells Brownfield the USA Beef Act would only allow products that are born, raised, and slaughtered in the US to bear that label. “Beef that […]
Biden-Harris Administration extends eviction moratorium for homeowners
The U.S. Department of Agriculture extended through September 30 the eviction moratorium for homeowners of properties financed or guaranteed by USDA. “The United States is still reeling from a nationwide housing affordability crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. USDA is taking this important action today to allow individuals and families who face eviction from […]
Tractor Supply honors Brimson farmer and veteran with grant for small business
Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, donated $100,000 to Farmer Veteran Coalition, including awarding $1,000 gift cards to 50 military veterans nationwide to support their agriculture businesses and $50,000 from the Tractor Supply Company Foundation to support additional programming and grants. Local farmer veteran Christine Chaney of Brimson, Missouri received the award for her business, C&P Farms. C&P Farms is […]
Missouri’s vaccine incentive program promotes MO ABLE as an option for Missourians with disabilities
The Department of Health and Senior Services recently rolled out the new MO VIP Program, the state’s vaccine incentive program that rewards those Missourians who have chosen or will choose to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Starting this month, DHSS will partner with the Missouri Lottery to draw 180 winners in each of five randomized drawings […]
USDA invests $14 million in rural economic development projects in 10 states
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson announced that USDA is investing $14 million in rural economic development projects in 10 states. “When we invest in infrastructure, we’re investing in the people of rural America to help create thriving communities where they can grow and prosper. These loans […]
Audio: Missouri surveying K-12 schools to find out if they are teaching critical race theory
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is surveying K-12 school districts around the state to find out if they are teaching an academic concept about race and racism. Critical Race Theory is a body of work that says racism and inequity are found in America’s institutions and legal systems. Mike Harris, with the […]
Roots N Blues Festival returns to Columbia in September
After more than a year without live music, the driving beat of a snare drum, the pulsing rhythm of a bass guitar, and sweet vocal melodies floating through the air around Stephens Lake Park will be welcome sounds as the Roots N Blues Festival makes its highly anticipated return to Columbia September 24-26, 2021. Missouri’s […]
Gallatin Board of Aldermen approve LAGERS retirement program; update provided on new electric and water meter installation
The Gallatin Board of Aldermen on Monday, July 12 approved the Missouri Local Government Employees Retirement System performing a payroll case study. That was after two LAGERS employees presented information on the retirement program. The LAGERS employees reported that if the city chose to enter the LAGERS retirement program, a new payroll case study would […]
USDA announces dates for Conservation Reserve Program Grasslands signups
Agricultural producers and landowners can apply for the Conservation Reserve Program Grasslands signup from today until August 20. This year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) updated signup options to provide greater incentives for producers and increase the program’s conservation and climate benefits, including setting a minimum rental rate and identifying two national priority zones. […]
Royalty crowned and winners announced in shooting sports competition at Livingston County Fair
Royalty has been crowned for the Livingston County Fair near Chillicothe. Selected as Queen to reign over activities this week were Rachel Holt, Princess Bridgett Eller, Junior Princess Alyssa Harris, and Clover Princess is Elizabeth Buttman. Several youths placed in the shooting sports divided up by ages into the junior, intermediate, and senior divisions at […]