Defund The Police Photo by Gayatri Malhotra on Unsplash

U.S. House hearing on extremism toward minorities turns into ‘defund the police’ debate

(Missouri Independent) – Leaders of faith organizations and Historically Black Colleges and Universities told members of a U.S. House panel on Thursday how their institutions and places of worship have been roiled by bomb threats and extremism. They talked about the recent waves of bomb threats aimed at HBCUs, a terrifying hostage-taking at a Texas […]

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 […]

Tom Johnson KTTN -KGOZ Sports Director

KTTN/KGOZ Sports Director inducted into North Central Missouri College Hall of Fame

KTTN/KGOZ Sports Director Tom Johnson was inducted into the North Central Missouri College Hall of Fame on February 15, 2022. The induction ceremony took place during halftime of the Lady Pirates basketball game against Missouri Valley College. Rick Cole with Pirates Digital Media interviewed Johnson and asked what his initial thoughts were about being inducted […]

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 […]

Farm in Winter

Agriculture secretary pressed about pandemic relief funds for farmers

(Missouri Independent) – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack faced questions on how his agency is doling out emergency pandemic aid and fostering collaboration with historically Black colleges during a Thursday hearing before the House Agriculture Committee. Committee Chairman David Scott, a Georgia Democrat, asked Vilsack for “critical updates on the implementation of pandemic relief programs, including […]

FCS Financial Community Giving

Scholarships available through FCS Financial

Since 2004, FCS Financial has provided more than $720,000 to Missouri high school seniors seeking higher education. Up to 35 scholarships, each at $1,500 will be awarded to children or grandchildren of FCS Financial members. The scholarship deadline is March 1 and recipients will be notified in April. Applicants must be a graduating senior at […]

Missouri Main Street Connection website

Milan receives Downtown Revitalization Grant from Missouri Main Street

Milan has been selected in a competitive application process to participate in a cost-sharing Community Empowerment Grant that provides training, mentoring, and technical services to revitalization programs in Missouri’s historic commercial districts. The grant is provided by Missouri Main Street Connection, Inc. MMSC staff will visit with Milan’s community leaders to evaluate existing and future […]