Dr. Alex Garza of the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force

Video: ‘The virus is winning’: Health officials call for statewide mask mandate in Missouri

(Missouri Independent) – Missouri Gov. Mike Parson needs to issue a statewide mask mandate and “safer-at-home” policy to prevent the state’s health system from becoming overwhelmed, Dr. Alex Garza, the incident commander of the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force, said Friday. “Unfortunately, as has been painfully obvious to even a casual observer, we are […]

School Bus

Missouri schools allowed to relax COVID-19 quarantine rules if both people properly wearing masks

Governor Mike Parson and state education director Margie Vandeven have loosened the guidelines for making students and staff quarantine after exposure to someone with COVID-19 if both people were properly wearing masks. Vandeven explained at a press conference Thursday: “Under the updated guidance, proper mask-wearing may now prevent individuals from being identified as close contacts in […]

COVID-19 or Coronavirus Update

COVID-19 Update: Livingston County reports 2 deaths, 36 new cases; 41 cases since November 5th in Daviess County; 16 in Putnam County

The Livingston County Health Center reports two COVID-19-related deaths have been added since Tuesday, bringing the total number of deaths to 17. Thirty-six new cases were also added since Tuesday, which makes the cumulative total of 600. Of the 80 active cases, 19 are in facilities, 51 are in the community, and 10 involve schools. […]

Stop (Child) (Sexual) abuse

Kids reported abuse at schools where Missouri has no oversight. Lawmakers want to change that

(Missouri Independent) – Despite dozens of students coming forward sharing allegations of abuse they suffered at Christian reform schools across Missouri, the state Department of Social Services said Monday that they have no oversight over such facilities. That’s because they’re unlicensed — and allowed to be under a Missouri law that exempts facilities operated by religious organizations. […]

Childcare Center from Unsplash website

‘Won’t be able to survive’: Childcare centers serving low-income Missourians face closure

(Missouri Independent) – Cortaiga Collins doesn’t know how much longer her childcare center will survive. Only about a dozen children have been attending regularly amid the pandemic. Under normal circumstances, she used to serve as many as 100.  She’s already had to reduce the hours that Good Shepherd Preschool and Infant/Toddler Center in St. Louis […]

Coronavirus Update

COVID-19 Update: 19 new cases in Grundy County, 17 cases in Livingston County, 10 in Harrison County and 7 in Caldwell County

Nineteen new COVID-19 cases were added for Grundy County on November 5th, which the health department reports bring the total to 407. Three hundred seven cases have been confirmed, and 100 are probable. Sixty-five cases are active. Seventeen COVID-19-related deaths have been reported for Grundy County. The Livingston County Health Center reports 17 new COVID-19 […]

BTC Bank

BTC Bank announces the launch of “Funding Futures” fundraising campaign

A BTC Bank non-profit organization, BTC Area Youth Benefit Corporation, has announced the launch of the Funding Futures fundraising campaign. The pandemic has limited the corporation’s ability to host its typical fundraising events this year. The corporation hopes to raise $20,000 during Funding Futures, so it can continue to fulfill the financial needs of youth […]

Grundy Electric Foundation

GEC Community Foundation awards 13 grants to area schools

The GEC Community Foundation, Incorporated Trustees have awarded 13 grants totaling $6,868.64. Education grants went to several schools: Grundy County R-5 of Humphreys and Laredo R-7 each for $600 to purchase Chromebooks; Rissler Elementary School of Trenton for $580 for playground equipment; Spickard R-2 for $664 for phonics spelling kits; Princeton R-5 for $500 for […]

Coronavirus News Graphic

Livingston County reports another COVID-19 related death; Grundy County adds seven cases of COVID-19 to the tally

The Livingston County Health Center reports it received word of another COVID-19-related death, bringing the total deaths to 13. Seven COVID-19 cases were also added, which brings the cumulative total to 490. Fifty-six cases are active, with one in a facility, 50 in the community, and five in schools. There are 15 hospitalizations. Seven COVID-19 […]

Parson Galloway photo

Audio: Parson and Galloway focusing on rural Missouri in final days of campaign; both appealing to blue-collar voters

The two main gubernatorial candidates are focusing on rural Missouri again Friday and during the final days of the campaign. Governor Mike Parson (R) brings his “Mike works bus tour” to four rural western Missouri towns: his hometown of Bolivar, as well as Clinton, Belton, and El Dorado Springs. He’ll finish Friday evening in Springfield. […]