Natural Gas Meter (Photo by Tim Carpenter-Kansas Reflector via Missouri Independent)

After winter cold snap drove up natural gas prices, utilities grapple with who should pay

(Missouri Independent) – Penalties that Spire Missouri issued to suppliers who failed to provide natural gas during a February cold snap that forced power outages across the Midwest could drive bills for hospitals, schools, and businesses to astronomical levels, according to a trio of complaints pending before state regulators. During the worst of the cold snap in February, […]

Disabled Veterans graphic

Owner of school sentenced to prison for defrauding program dedicated to rehabilitating disabled military veterans

A Maryland man was sentenced Monday to 30 months in prison and ordered to pay $150,000 in restitution for defrauding a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program dedicated to rehabilitating military veterans with disabilities.  According to court documents, Francis Engles, 65, of Bowie, was the owner and operator of Engles Security Training School (Engles […]

Nursing Shortage

University of Missouri study says 97 of 114 Missouri counties have nursing shortage areas

While the United States faces a nationwide nursing shortage, a recent study at the University of Missouri found rural Missouri counties experience nursing shortages at a greater rate than the state’s metropolitan counties. In addition, the study found rural Missouri counties have a higher percentage of older nurses nearing retirement, which could have a severe impact on […]

Coronavirus News Graphic

COVID-19 cases continue to surge in Livingston and Linn counties; COVID-19 related death reported in Daviess County

The Livingston County Health Center reports 11 COVID-19 cases have been added since June 9th, bringing the total to 1,885. The number of active cases dropped by seven to 115. The health center is conducting a survey regarding how Livingston County residents feel about COVID-19 vaccination. The 15-question survey is anonymous. Vaccinated and unvaccinated residents […]

COVID-19 or Coronavirus Update

82 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Linn County

COVID-19 cases have increased by 82 in Linn County since June 2, making the total case count 1,610. The health department notes 110 cases are active, which is down 69. The number of Linn County residents who have initiated a COVID-19 vaccine series is 4,142. The number who have completed a vaccine series is 3,556. […]