Governor Mike Parson granted pardons to 24 individuals who have demonstrated a changed lifestyle and desire to move on from past behaviors. “If we are to be a society that believes in forgiveness and second chances, then it is the next chapter in these individuals’ lives that will matter most,” Governor Parson said. “We are encouraged and […]
Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway today released an audit of the City of Raytown, located in Jackson County. The audit was completed after citizens petitioned for a review of the city’s finances and operations. In response to the audit, the city has committed to making changes to address the findings. “Citizens requested this audit for […]
The chief executive officer of a California-based medical device company was indicted by a federal grand jury in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud investors by making false and misleading statements about the purported development of a new COVID-19 test, leading to millions of dollars in investor losses. Keith Berman, 67, the CEO of […]
The Grundy County Sheriff’s Office reports a Trenton man turned himself in December 17th on a charge of felony endangering the welfare of a child in ritual/ceremony in the second degree. Twenty-seven-year-old William Kyle Swartz’s bond is $5,000 cash only, and he is scheduled for the Associate Division of Circuit Court Tuesday. Probable cause statements […]
Governor Mike Parson announced that the first shipments of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines have arrived in Missouri. The Food and Drug Administration issued an Emergency Use Authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on Friday, December 11, confirming its safety and effectiveness. “Today is an exciting day for Missouri as we have received the first of many […]
President Donald Trump and the White House Coronavirus Task Force invited a small group of private business, state, and health care leaders to the White House to brief them on Operation Warp Speed, the COVID-19 vaccine production and distribution project started earlier this year. Dr. Randall Williams, director of the Missouri Department of Health and […]
If you don’t have time or space for a large Christmas tree, consider a Norfolk Island pine. “Many stores sell these evergreen houseplants during the holidays,” says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Pat Miller. “These easy-to-grow plants often come decorated and are perfect for gift-giving or to keep for yourself.” Norfolk Island pines grow slowly […]
A Grant City woman has been charged with abandonment of a corpse related to the death of Melissa Lynn Chapman. 50-year-old Kimberly Sue Henry Tinkle also faces two felony counts of hindering the prosecution of a felony and one count of tampering with physical evidence in a felony prosecution. A probable cause statement from Highway […]
A Denver, Missouri man was sentenced December 10th to 30 years in the Department of Corrections on felony murder—second degree. Worth County Prosecuting Attorney Janet Wake Larrison reports 39-year-old Jeremiah Searles was sentenced after pleading guilty to killing Melissa Chapman. A news release says Searles admitted to striking Chapman in the head with part of […]
The Grundy County Health Department and Health Officer Elizabeth Gibson have issued a Public Health Order requiring face coverings or masks to be worn to prevent or limit the spread of COVID-19. The order goes into effect on December 11th. Gibson notes the intent of the order is to create safer environments for all residents […]
Representatives from Wright Memorial Hospital, the Grundy County Health Department, and Grundy County Ambulance discussed a possible mask order with the Grundy County Commission the morning of December 8th. Wright Memorial Chief Nursing Officer Catherine Hamilton said she does not think communities understand the stresses on hospital staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. She explained there […]
On what turned out to be a split vote, the Trenton City Council on Monday night defeated a request to have a mask or face covering mandate due to the spread of COVID-19 within Trenton. On a roll call, which is usual for an ordinance, there were three votes in favor and five votes against. […]
State Auditor Nicole Galloway released an audit of the Clay County Collector’s office. The report, which gave an overall rating of “good,” is the fourth released as part of an ongoing audit of Clay County that was initiated through a citizen petition. Previously released audits of the County Clerk, Recorder, and Public Administrator gave the […]
A project manager employed by a major retailer was sentenced to 24 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for fraudulently seeking more than $8 million in forgivable loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. […]
Thirteen (13) more CODIS (DNA) “hits” have been returned as untested sexual assault kits continue to be tested and uploaded to CODIS, which stands for Combined DNA Index System. The hits, like the first round of hits, are from the Southwest Missouri extended area. Those untested sexual assault kits were inventoried and shipped to the […]
The EPA is taking the next step in its regulatory review of chlorpyrifos, an insecticide used for a large variety of agricultural uses and non-agricultural uses. Today, EPA is proposing measures to reduce the risks identified in the agency’s September 2020 draft risk assessments to better protect human health and the environment. As outlined in the proposed […]
Missouri Republican Senator Josh Hawley plans to vote against the annual bill that authorizes funding for the U.S. military. The Kansas City Star reports that Hawley announced his intention on Wednesday to vote against the $740 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) following a veto threat from President Donald Trump. Hawley said he […]
Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway has released her office’s annual review of local property tax rates. The State Auditor’s Office reviews rates to determine whether the rates are compliant with state law and to monitor rate adjustments to ensure revenue neutrality, as required by law. The office does not make recommendations on property tax rates […]
The Grundy County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of a Galt man on felony assault charge first degree or attempts to cause serious physical injury or special victim. Sheriff Rodney Herring arrested 23-year-old Shandon Levi Gann at his parent’s home on December 2nd. He is to be held without bond, and he is scheduled for […]
The U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and six other federal law enforcement agencies announced the completion of the third annual Money Mule Initiative, a coordinated operation to disrupt the networks through which transnational fraudsters move the proceeds of their crimes. Money mules are individuals who assist fraudsters by receiving […]
