Garland Joey Nelson Booking Photo

Braymer man charged with murder of Diemel brothers pleads “Not Guilty” to stealing in Caldwell County court

The Braymer man charged with two counts of first-degree murder in Johnson County for the death of two Wisconsin men pleaded not guilty October 12 to a felony stealing charge in Division One of Caldwell County Circuit Court. Twenty-seven-year-old Garland Joseph Nelson waived formal arraignment. The case was continued to November 9th for a plea or […]

Federal Bureau of Investigation

FBI to investigate threats made against school board members, teachers

(Missouri Independent) – The Department of Justice has directed the FBI to meet with local governments and law enforcement to discuss strategies for dealing with increasing threats to teachers and school board members spurred by a conservative backlash against discussions of race in public schools. “Threats against public servants are not only illegal, they run counter to […]

Abortion news graphic

Missouri Supreme Court mulls challenge to laws that blocked abortion bill vote

(Missouri Independent) – Making people who want to force a statewide vote on newly passed laws wait while the Secretary of State writes a ballot title undermines the constitutional right of referendum, attorneys for an abortion-rights group argued Wednesday to the Missouri Supreme Court. A ballot title was “not necessary for most of Missouri history,” […]

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 […]

Sentenced News Graphic

Trenton woman receives probation at court appearance

A Trenton woman received a jail sentence, then was placed on probation during an appearance Tuesday in the Associate Division of Grundy County Circuit Court.  Sarah Harding admitted violating the terms of her initial probation on an original charge of receiving stolen property from August 7, 2020. The associate court judge revoked a previously issued […]

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 […]

Audit News Graphic

Missouri State Auditor gives McDonald County a rating of “Good” in latest audit

State Auditor Nicole Galloway released today her regularly scheduled audit of McDonald County, located in southwest Missouri. The audit report, which makes several recommendations to improve the efficiency of county government, gave a rating of “good.” A prior audit of McDonald County, issued in September 2016, issued an overall rating of “fair.” “My audit identified several areas for […]

Unemployment rate

Missouri’s unemployment rate drops by two-tenths to four percent in August, 2021

Missouri non-farm payroll employment increased from July 2021 to August 2021, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased by two-tenths of a percentage point. Employment, seasonally adjusted, increased by 7,300 jobs over the month, with job gains in both goods-producing and service-providing industries. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.0 percent in August 2021, […]