After more than a year without live music, the driving beat of a snare drum, the pulsing rhythm of a bass guitar, and sweet vocal melodies floating through the air around Stephens Lake Park will be welcome sounds as the Roots N Blues Festival makes its highly anticipated return to Columbia September 24-26, 2021. This year, however, […]
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Afghan evacuees to arrive in the U.S. through Virginia and Wisconsin military bases
(Missouri Independent) – The first U.S. stop for the nearly 2,000 Afghan interpreters and other refugees evacuated so far amid the collapse of the Afghan government has been central Virginia’s Fort Lee military base. Tapped for its East Coast location and its ability to quickly ramp up to serve as a temporary host installation, the Army […]
Study finds children returning to school 4-5 months behind
A new study from the consulting firm McKinsey finds that American kids are returning to school on average 4 to 5 months behind in their education – and 5 to 7 months behind for children from low-income areas and communities of color. As a result, many non-profits have stepped in to help, providing meals, school supplies, […]
Missouri Attorney General scores massive win in “Remain in Mexico” lawsuit
Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt announced that his office, along with the Texas Attorney General’s Office have prevailed in their lawsuit against the Biden Administration over President Biden’s cancellation of the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), or “Remain in Mexico” policy. A federal court in northern Texas, where the case was filed, issued a nationwide permanent […]
Missouri State Auditor reports city of Bel-Ridge makes progress on recommendations made in 2020
The city of Bel-Ridge has made progress on the recommendations of a state audit that found several concerns with its financial condition and gave the lowest possible rating, “poor.” A follow-up report issued today by State Auditor Nicole Galloway detailed progress made by the city, which is located in north St. Louis County. “Bel-Ridge residents concerned about […]
Kansas City, Kansas man pleads guilty in Missouri to heroin trafficking
A man pleaded guilty in federal court to his role in a conspiracy to distribute more than three kilograms of heroin intercepted by law enforcement officers when it was shipped from California to Kansas City, Missouri. Solomon B. Hawthorne, 31, of Kansas City, Kansas, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to participating […]
Missouri man sentenced to 10 years in prison for distributing 98 kilos of meth, illegally possessing 23 firearms
A Missouri, man who was responsible for distributing nearly 100 kilograms of methamphetamine, has been sentenced in federal court after law enforcement officers seized nearly two dozen firearms and illegal drugs from his residence. Daniel Dewayne Gregg, 58, of Bates City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough on Wednesday, Aug. 11, to […]
Smithfield’s natural gas project implements manure-to-energy technology across northern Missouri’s hog farms
Monarch Bioenergy, a joint venture between Smithfield Foods, Inc. and Roeslein Alternative Energy, has finished installing manure-to-energy technology on nearly all of Smithfield’s Northern Missouri hog finishing farms. The new technology captures methane emissions and converts them into carbon-negative renewable natural gas to power homes, vehicles and businesses. “We are delighted to reach this exciting milestone, which is a significant step toward […]
Putnam County Health Department reports 19 active cases of COVID-19; one UK Variant, no cases of Delta variant, 10 breakthrough cases
The Putnam County Health Department August 11th reported 19 active COVID-19 cases out of the 566 total. There were 38 hospitalizations and 13 deaths. There had been 26 positive test results so far for August. That is more than the months of June and July combined for Putnam County. The health department urges residents to […]
First “MO VIP” drawing to be held this week, deadline for entries is Wednesday
More than 375,000 vaccinated Missourians have entered the MO VIP, Missouri’s COVID-19 vaccine incentive program, for a shot at $10,000. Governor Mike Parson announced the launch of the statewide program on July 21. In the first 24 hours, more than 120,000 individuals registered. “We are encouraged to see more and more people taking the step […]
George Robert Moore is 2021 Trenton High School Alumni Association Honoree
THS Graduate, Teacher, Coach, Principal, Administrator, and Board of Education Member, and Friend, all are descriptive of this year’s THS Honoree – George Robert Moore. Selected by the THS Class of 1996. George Moore is no stranger to the campuses of the Trenton R-9 School District. George began his educational path at Norton Elementary School, […]
Less than half of Missouri nursing home staff vaccinated, reviving fear of lockdowns
(Missouri Independent) – Many of the staff and residents in Shunda Whitfield’s St. Louis County nursing home were sick before they even realized what was going on. It was April 2020, and masks weren’t yet standard practice. Little was known about COVID before it swept through nursing homes, and as a certified nursing assistant, Whitfield […]
Audio: Hatfield expects decision in Missouri Medicaid expansion lawsuit case in a few business days
Missouri’s Solicitor General says the state Department of Social Services needs two months to implement voter-approved Medicaid expansion. D. John Sauer made his comments Friday to Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem, saying DSS needs more employees and computer upgrades for implementation. Attorney Chuck Hatfield, who represents the three low-income women suing Missouri, disagrees. […]
Audio: 50 year old water plant in Trenton needs major upgrades to continue furnishing water to residents
The Trenton Water Plant on Crowder Road was built in the 1960s. City Administrator and Utility Director Ron Urton says two concrete basins behind the building where water is treated are more than 50 years old. Mixing equipment inside the basins was replaced in 1995 and is reaching the end of life. Urton […]
Jamesport Junior Livestock Show results announced
Officials have announced the results of the Jamesport Junior Livestock Show for 2021. Sheep: Grand Champion Ram: Bo Meeker Reserve Champion Ram: none Grand Champion Ewe: Cole Hartschen Reserve Champion Ewe: Harlee Beck Grand Champion Market Lamb: Harlee Beck Reserve Champion Market Lamb: Cole Hartschen Jr Showmanship: Cole Hartschen Reserve Jr. Showmanship: Hadlie Beck Sr. […]
Audio: Cole County judge expected to issue final order on Missouri Medicaid expansion today
We’ll learn new details Friday in Jefferson City about how Missouri will proceed with voter-approved Medicaid expansion. The Missouri Supreme Court’s 14-page ruling includes a conclusion, which requires Friday’s hearing in Cole County Circuit Court. “For the reasons set forth above, the circuit court’s judgment is affirmed only insofar as it overruled the […]
BTC Bank announces the purchase of Home Exchange Bank
BTC Bank announces that it has signed an agreement to purchase Home Exchange Bank with locations in Jamesport, Gilman City, and Oregon, Missouri. Terms of the purchase provide for BTC Bank to acquire substantially all of the assets, deposits, and liabilities associated with Home Exchange Bank. The purchase is subject to regulatory and stockholder approval, […]
Chillicothe teenager charged in connection with auto theft and stolen firearm
An 18-year-old has been charged following an investigation by the Chillicothe Police Department involving reports of a stolen vehicle and a firearm on August 3. Brandon Gage Gentile of Chillicothe faces felony charges of first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle; second-degree burglary; stealing a firearm, explosive weapon, or ammonium nitrate; attempted second-degree burglary; armed criminal […]
Chillicothe police arrest two teenagers on allegations of auto theft and stolen firearm
Chillicothe Police report two teenagers have been taken into custody as the investigation continues into a report of a stolen vehicle and theft of a firearm. On Tuesday, Chillicothe Police received the report of a motor vehicle stolen from the 1200 block of Webster Street and a firearm stolen from a vehicle in the 900 […]
Coalition of 33 lawmakers introduce bill to uphold Navigable Water Protection Rule
U.S. Senator Roy Blunt announced that he has joined U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and 31 of their Senate colleagues in introducing legislation to protect Missouri’s farmers, small businesses, and property owners by codifying the 2020 Navigable Waters Protection Rule. Under the Biden administration, the […]