State Representative Mike Haffner of Pleasant Hill says the largest invasion has occurred on a sovereign nation in Europe since World War Two. Haffner, a retired Navy fighter pilot, says Russia’s attack on Ukraine is unprovoked and unjustified. Last Thursday, the Republican requested a moment of silence in the Missouri House of Representatives […]
U.S. Senator Roy Blunt addressed Missouri’s state representatives Wednesday morning. The Missouri Republican covered topics ranging from the economy to mental health and infrastructure to education. He also told a story with a line that some could interpret as referencing the recent stand-off in the state senate regarding redistricting. The full speech to […]
A state Representative and Missouri’s attorney general sparred over school dress codes. Attorney General Eric Schmitt, a Republican running for U.S. Senate, has sued 45 K-12 school districts for requiring masks and quarantining to slow the spread of the coronavirus. During a Missouri House Budget Committee hearing, Democrat Peter Merideth of St. Louis asked if […]
Is Missouri ready to allow marijuana for recreational use, not just as a medicine? State Representative Ron Hicks, of St. Charles, has filed House Bill 27-04 which is called the “Cannabis Freedom Act.” Not only would it legalize marijuana for adults, but the Republican’s bill would also release all non-violent marijuana offenders from jails and […]
Missouri voters could be asked in November to let the Legislature decide whether to fund Medicaid expansion. The Missouri House has given initial approval to the proposed ballot measure. Last year, the Legislature attempted to defund the expansion population, but the Missouri Supreme Court ruled against that move. House Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith says […]
Mobs of thieves have hit up retailers around the country recently by quickly raiding stores and taking off with piles of merchandise in a matter of minutes. State Representative Lane Roberts, a Republican from southwest Missouri’s Joplin, is sponsoring a bill meant to address these organized theft crime rings, such as so-called smash-and-grab crimes. A […]
A Missouri lawmaker wants to require drunk drivers to pay child support to a surviving spouse or relative raising the children if a parent is killed in a car crash. State Representative Mike Henderson of southeast Missouri’s Bonne Terre says he filed the bill after a woman lost her grandchild, son, and his fiancé in […]
The Gallatin Board of Aldermen approved a liquor license request and took action on certificates of deposit on January 24th. The liquor license was for Family Dollar at 212 North Main Street for the sale of liquor in its original package including Sunday sales. The board approved a motion involving CDs up for renewal on […]
A panel of 20 Republicans and Democrats reportedly have agreed on a new map for the 163 seats in the Missouri House of Representatives. It’s a proposed map that makes several changes for our area legislative district. The House Independent Citizens Commission voted unanimously to approve the plan, which needed support from 14 members to […]
Missouri could ban hospitals and long-term care centers from restricting visitors, including during an emergency. A state House committee is reviewing the bill sponsored by State Representative Brian Seitz, a Republican from southwest Missouri’s Branson. State Representative Ashley Aune, a Democrat from Kansas City, says medical professionals should be making the health care […]
The Newtown-Harris R-3 Board of Education approved personnel actions on January 12th. Mic Halferty was approved as a substitute and hired to fill the upcoming maintenance position in school year 2022-2023. Samantha Miller was hired to coach elementary basketball. The board approved transferring $50,000 from the General Fund to the Capital Projects Fund. Superintendent Doctor […]
A Missouri lawmaker expects several legislative bills proposed this session that would make it harder for cities to ask their voters for tax increases. State Representative Bill Falkner is chairing the state House Local Government Committee. Falkner tells Brent Martin he will focus on helping municipalities address their biggest need, recruiting and retaining quality workers. […]
Six individuals were honored with the Missouri Farm Bureau Outstanding Service to Agriculture Award on December 6. The presentations were made by MOFB President Garrett Hawkins during the opening session of the organization’s annual meeting at the Lake of the Ozarks. The award is given annually to select individuals who have demonstrated their desire to […]
State Representative Rusty Black announces that the North Missouri Center for Youth and Families in Chillicothe has been selected to receive federal funding for comprehensive afterschool programs. Twenty grants were awarded through 21st Century Community Learning Center Cohort 12 Grant Program this year, with a total of 44 sites being selected to receive the funding. […]
Governor Mike Parson announced five appointments to various boards and commissions and filled two-county office vacancies. Robert Connell, of Troy, was appointed to the Amber Alert System Oversight Committee. Mr. Connell has been with the City of St. John Police Department since 2002 and has continuously advanced through the ranks to his current position as Police Chief. […]
Four state representatives, one state senator, two representatives for federal legislators, and the president of the Missouri Community College Association spoke at a forum in Trenton November 29th. The legislative forum was in Cross Hall on the campus of North Central Missouri College. The speakers were asked to answer one question: What is your perspective […]
Information was shared November 18th on North Central Missouri College’s projects involving facilities. Information on the Savannah Campus and a future student center was provided during the NCMC Board of Trustees meeting. President Doctor Lenny Klaver reported 98% of the planning is complete on the Savannah project. He met with Architect Jeremy Proctor November 17th. […]
Missouri Recycling Association Executive Director Angie Powell spoke at the Green Hills Regional Planning Commission’s Annual Meeting at the Trenton Rock Barn on November 9, 2021. The meeting also included an award presentation and an election of officers. Powell said the Missouri Recycling Association has been around since the 1980s, is a 501(c)(3), and has […]
Seventh District State Representative Rusty Black is finishing his fifth year in the legislature. He says he has gotten into a niche with a group of people who work with him on legislation. He is on the Missouri State Employee Retirement System Board of Trustees. He reports there is a piece of legislation he has […]
State Rep. Rusty Black has been named Legislator of the Year by two Missouri organizations, the Missouri Centers for Independent Living and the Missouri Retired Teachers Association. Black received the honor from MOCIL this October at their annual banquet held in Columbia. MOCIL currently has 22 centers all across the state dedicated to protecting the […]
