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 […]

Coronavirus News Graphic

Ridgeway R-5 School District implements virtual instruction

The Ridgeway R-5 School District will implement virtual instruction based on the guidance of the Harrison County Health Department, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. In a letter, Superintendent Jonnie Beavers said no students will be permitted inside the building from November 13th through November 19th as […]

Christmas Parade

Chillicothe Holiday Parade Grand Marshal announced

The 74th Annual Chillicothe Chamber Holiday Parade “Home for the Holidays”, presented by the Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce, is sponsored by Hedrick Medical Center and HyVee. “2020 has been an unprecedented year but being able to carry out one of Chillicothe’s favorite traditions has provided a small bit of normalcy,” stated Crystal Narr, Executive […]

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 News Graphic

Hedrick Medical Center to move COVID-19 testing site

Hedrick Medical Center in Chillicothe will move its COVID-19 drive through testing site to a new location to accommodate anticipated winter weather. \ The site at the former Washington Street Food and Drink of Chillicothe will close the afternoon of November 12th at 2 o’clock. Testing at the American Legion Building at 1400 Washington Street […]