(Missouri Independent) – New cases from the Delta variant wave that has killed more than 1,150 Missourians since June 1 have plateaued, but hospital ICUs continue to fill — and small, rural hospitals are among the hardest hit. There were 690 patients in ICU beds across the state on Tuesday, the most recent day reported by the state Department of Health […]
Tag: request
Audio: St. Louis City and county lose in effort to block Second Amendment Preservation Act.
A county judge has ruled against St. Louis City and St, Louis County – in their argument against the new state law known as the Second Amendment Preservation Act. The law is to stop local law enforcement from helping federal investigators if guns are seized in an operation: St. Louis argued that this […]
Governor Parson ends existing State of Emergency by terminating Executive Order 2002
Governor Mike Parson terminated Executive Order 2002 ending the State of Emergency that had been in effect since March 13, 2020. “In the nearly 18 months we operated under this Executive Order, we have responded to the COVID-19 crisis by providing unprecedented levels of resources and support,” Governor Parson said. “This Order enabled us to respond to the […]
Attorneys argue Missouri is violating federal law, courts on Medicaid expansion delays
(Missouri Independent) – Attorneys who successfully sued to force Missouri to enact voter-approved Medicaid expansion argued in a letter to state officials Thursday that delays in implementation violate not only the court order but also federal law. The plaintiffs’ attorneys, Chuck Hatfield and Lowell Pearson joined with Joel Ferber, director of advocacy for Legal Services […]
Schools to continue mask rules despite legal challenge from Missouri Attorney General
(Missouri Independent) – The schools in Gov. Mike Parson’s hometown will continue to require students, teachers, and staff to wear masks indoors despite a lawsuit filed by the Missouri attorney general challenging public school mask mandates across the state. The Bolivar R-1 Board of Education in Polk County voted in a special meeting this month to […]
Area health departments report 10 new cases of COVID-19
The Putnam County Health Department reported on August 25th that it was notified of five additional COVID-19 cases for community members since August 23rd. One of the new cases resides in a home with at least one other positive person. The cumulative total is 584, and seven individuals are actively monitored by public health. There […]
Gallatin Board of Aldermen approve repairs at Dockery Park and picnic liquor license for Daviess County Country Club
The Gallatin Board of Aldermen approved matters on August 23 regarding repairs at Dockery Park. The park board recommended the action. Jones Power Washing Services, LLC was hired to complete power washing and painting on the grandstand and the deck behind the shelter house for $3,100. Matthew Barlow was hired for concrete flatwork at the grandstand […]
NCMC Board of Trustees set tax levy, hear reports on various matters, and hire new employees
The North Central Missouri College Board of Trustees heard reports on housing and other matters on August 24. Resident Life Director Donnie Hillerman reported one new residence hall is open, and he hopes the other new residence hall will open September 1st. There are some displaced students currently staying in Selby Hall in the wing […]
Empire District Gas Company files request to increase natural gas charge
On August 23, 2021, The Empire District Gas Company (d/b/a “Liberty”) filed a request with the Missouri Public Service Commission to adjust natural gas base rates. The new rates would take effect in 2022 and reflect Liberty’s efforts to maintain a safe, reliable natural gas system, enhance the customer experience, and expand support for limited-income […]
Trenton City Council looks at creation of a “Social District,” discuss increasing monthly base rate of water meter charge
The Trenton City Council Monday night reviewed a preliminary report on proposed improvements to the aging water treatment plant, including an initial discussion on how to pay for an anticipated loan to finance the projects. The council also endorsed a developer’s application seeking funding for senior citizen housing, the creation of a social district for […]
Meatpacking plants have long relied on immigrant labor. Some now turn to foreign visa workers
(Missouri Independent) – Colored hard hats distinguish different roles and jobs at Seaboard Foods, a major meatpacking plant in Guymon, Oklahoma. Senior management have green. Supervisors wear dark blue. Foreign workers on visas don yellow-green. But Seaboard is part of a small but growing trend in the meatpacking industry, which already largely relied on an […]
Governor Parson announces $400 million plan to improve broadband infrastructure in Missouri
During a press conference at the Missouri State Fair hosted by the Missouri Farm Bureau, Governor Mike Parson announced plans to deploy more than $400 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to increase broadband internet access, adoption, and assistance statewide. “Investing in our broadband infrastructure is critical to unlocking our full economic potential […]
Grundy County requesting “Letters of Qualifications” from engineering firms
Grundy County is requesting “Letters of Qualifications” from interested engineering firms to guide the future replacement of nine rural bridges. A packet listing the bridges and construction requirements is available at the Grundy County Clerks’ office in the courthouse. Letters of qualifications are due by 3 pm September 10, 2021, to the Grundy County Clerk […]
Grundy County reports a COVID-19 related death; Thirty new cases of COVID-19 reported in two area counties
The Grundy County Health Department reports another COVID-19-related death, which makes the total 43. Twenty new cases have also been added since August 16, bringing that total to 1,471. Of the 55 active cases, 27 involve residents between the ages of 20 and 39, 13 involve those 40 to 64, 10 involve those at least […]
Highway Patrol provides a summary of new laws related to public safety, transportation, watercraft, & protection of children
The abbreviated descriptions below are intended to make the public aware of some of the new legislation enacted by the Missouri General Assembly, which is related to crime and motor vehicles. The listed legislation has been signed into law. Unless otherwise noted, these laws will go into effect on August 28, 2021. SB 26 PROVISIONS […]
Audio: Trenton submits request to receive funds from American Recovery Act
City Administrator Ron Urton reports Trenton has submitted to the state of Missouri an application and funding request to receive money from the American Recovery Act. Urton Tuesday evening told the Trenton Municipal Utilities Committee that it would be several weeks before funds are received, perhaps in two disbursements. Urton said Trenton could receive a […]
Graves presses Biden for a plan on Afghanistan
Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) joined Republican colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee today in pressing the Biden administration for a plan on Afghanistan. In the letter, the members wrote, “For months, we have been asking you for a plan on your withdrawal from Afghanistan. You failed to provide us with one, and based on the […]
Lawmakers request information on Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehensions under Biden Administration
In light of the massive surge of illegal border crossings reported last week, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), joined by Senators Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), and Rand Paul (R-Ky.), sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas requesting critical information on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s record of apprehensions during the Biden Administration. Interior […]
Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds school personnel, parents and students about Courage2Report program
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds school personnel, parents, and students the Courage2ReportMO program provides a safe and confidential way to report any concerns regarding their safety or the safety of others. These concerns may include assault, bullying/repeated harassment, cyberbullying, fighting, guns, homicide, human trafficking, knife, planned school attack, imminent school shooting, school shooting threat, […]