Audit Graphic

After receiving “poor” audit rating in 2020, Monroe City making progress, but after follow-up review only 3 changes fully implemented

A report from State Auditor Nicole Galloway finds that Monroe City has implemented some recommendations from a 2020 audit, but that other concerns remain. The June 2020 audit of Monroe City was initiated through a citizen petition, which required 200 valid signatures of qualified voters in the city. That audit highlighted concerns in several areas, including city […]

Tricia Burkhardt

Tricia Burkhardt announced as Executive Director of Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation

The Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation Board of Directors unanimously approved the appointment of Tricia Burkhardt as the executive director of the nonprofit devoted to advancing the conservation and appreciation of Missouri’s natural resources, including fish, forest, and wildlife. Burkhardt replaces Kevin Roper, who retired June 30, 2021, after serving as executive director for five years. […]

Upward Bound Program Participants

North Central Missouri College Upward Bound Program now accepting applications for new participants

The Upward Bound Program based at North Central Missouri College in Trenton will be recruiting and accepting participant applications. High school students in the Chillicothe, Gallatin, Grundy R-V of Galt, Penney of Hamilton, Trenton, and Tri-County of Jamesport school districts are invited to submit their applications by working through their high school counselor. Students who […]

Construction workers installing solar panels

USDA invests $464 million in renewable energy infrastructure to help rural communities, businesses and ag producers reduce energy costs

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the Department is investing $464 million to build or improve renewable energy infrastructure and help rural communities, agricultural producers, and businesses lower energy costs in 48 states and Puerto Rico. “USDA continues to prioritize climate-smart infrastructure to help rural America build back better, stronger and more […]

Amaren Missouri

“Simply unconscionable”: Advocates push Ameren to keep electric bills low during pandemic

(Missouri Independent) – Ameren Missouri should not increase its electrical rates for its customers as they struggle to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and economic fallout, a coalition of environmental, veterans, and tenants advocates said Wednesday.  The St. Louis-based utility filed with regulators in March seeking a rate increase worth nearly $300 million per year to pay […]

Audio: Two hundred plus attend vaccine mandate protest at Wright Memorial Hospital

It is estimated more than 200 people attended a rally near Wright Memorial Hospital in Trenton on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, to show support for personal choice involving whether to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Spokesperson Nathan Rorebeck said the rally was for the vaccine mandate involving employees for the Saint Luke’s Health System, which includes Wright […]

Rissler Elementary School

Instructions released for Rissler Elementary students to follow who are in quarantine

Information has been released for students at Rissler Elementary School in Trenton who are in quarantine due to COVID-19 exposure. Principal Susan Gott reports those students will be provided absent work to complete at home. They will receive attendance credit when completed assignments are submitted. Rissler staff members will also be available for quarantined students, […]

Steve Schieber on Wright Memorial Background

Wright Memorial Hospital Chief Executive Officer issues statement on rally protesting COVID-19 vaccination mandate

Wright Memorial Hospital Chief Executive Officer Steve Scheiber issued a statement this morning in response to the local rally that will be held today from noon to 1 o’clock.  Rally participants are to park across the street from the hospital campus, on the Red Barn property in Trenton.  The rally itself will take place at […]

Medical Marijuana and Veterans

Veterans Administration sending mixed messages to vets about cannabis use to treat PTSD

(Missouri Independent) – Despite increasing legal access to medical and recreational cannabis in states across the U.S., veterans face unfair treatment and stigmatization because the U.S.  refuses to recognize marijuana as a viable treatment option.  While the VA has embraced the federally illegal status of the drug, agency policy does not allow discrimination against veterans […]