News

WASHINGTON – At the weekly Republican leadership press conference, U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt shared local news stories about Missourians who have become seriously ill or lost family members to COVID and urged others to get vaccinated.

JEFFERSON CITY – Following announcements from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, certain immunocompromised individuals may begin receiving third doses of COVID-19 vaccine in Missouri.

JEFFERSON CITY – Studies show having diabetes is not only tied to a worse prognosis, but also an increased risk of death from COVID-19. Diabetes is common among those with severe COVID.

RICHMOND – There is plenty to unpack regarding the release of U.S. Census Bureau numbers, including… • If the numbers are accurate, then Excelsior Springs’ population fell quickly and dramatically, but there are reasons for doubt; • Richmond’s population cleared the 6,000 hurdle; • Clay County gained more people in the past decade than the entire population of neighboring Ray County; and • Ray County lost population.

LIBERTY – Clay County Presiding Commissioner Jerry Nolte said he will ask fellow commissioners to honor the memory and decades of public service of former Presiding Commissioner Ed Quick. Nolte is a Republican and Quick served as a Democrat.

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS – The school district’s tax rate hearing will be later than usual this year. On Aug.

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS – Assistant Superintendent Heather Gross gave a cautious forecast for fall enrollment growth at the district’s new Early Childhood Center, or ECC. Gross, who oversees student services, told the Board of Education near the end of its Aug.

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS – Gary Sanson crossed the finish line one last time after competing in the Missouri American Water MR340 July 22. Sanson finished in 47 hours, 17 minutes.

JEFFERSON CITY – After Missouri’s GOP-dominated General Assembly and Gov. Mike Parson refused to honor voter-approved Medicaid expansion, court rulings required funding; and now, the Missouri Department of Social Services will comply.