Opinion

Body Need to learn how to unclog a shower drain, jump-start a car, shave your face without bleeding to death or successfully address dozens of other practical adult daily activities?

Body In addition to the many and varied organizations that deserve credit for feeding people in need, including those in Excelsior Springs and Ray County, a shout out is deserved by 4-H clubs that have done the same thing.

Body To the editor: Two years ago, I launched a renewed effort to fight fraud and abuse in government by creating the Public Corruption and Fraud Division in my office.

Body Some asinine positions taken by most of the Republican-dominated Missouri General Assembly got resolved this year, when lawmakers agreed to collect online sales tax, raise the gas tax and approve a statewide prescription drug monitoring program.

Body Once, my husband pulled the truck over at a pretty spot alongside the river, at that sweet moment when the golden afternoon slides slowly into evening.

Body Gatsby Day, not “Gatsby Days” this time around, brought out music lovers to downtown Excelsior Springs a couple of weeks back. The Mushroom Festival did the same thing for three days in downtown Richmond.

Body In April 2018, voters passed a 1% sales tax to be used for the funding of 911. The Board of Directors at the time pushed for a tax that would provide a secure, long-term source of income, which would be able to sustain Ray County 911 services, both now and in the future.

Body Many bills filed in the Missouri General Assembly are dead on arrival, and that is for the best. But some bills are DOA because they make lawmakers uncomfortable.

Body The Mssouri General Assembly should pass a 12.5-cent increase in the motor fuel tax, without the opt-out plan, and Gov. Mike Parson should sign the bill into law.

Body Oats Transit is closely watching proposed state legislation that, if passed, would allow concealed-carry permit holders to lawfully bring firearms on public transportation.