Lead Hazard News Graphic

New funds and strategy may boost “massive task” of reducing lead exposure for Missouri kids

(Missouri Independent) – It’s clear that lead exposure is a problem for Missouri’s children. An estimated 4.5% have elevated levels of lead in their blood, more than almost any other state in the country. What’s far more difficult is figuring out where children are getting exposed to lead, said Carlton Waterhouse, President Joe Biden’s pick for […]

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USDA awards funds to 13 organizations to create livable communities attracting people and jobs

U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small announced that USDA is awarding $3 million in cooperative agreements to 13 organizations. These organizations will provide technical assistance to people living in rural and Tribal communities so they can apply for and access government resources for projects that will attract jobs and […]

Farm Service Agency FSA

2021 Farm Service Agency county committee elections underway

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will begin mailing ballots this week for the Farm Service Agency county and urban county committee elections to all eligible agricultural producers and private landowners across the country. Elections are occurring in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for these committee members who make important decisions about how federal farm programs […]

Northwest Missouri State University

Northwest Missouri State University to celebrate Agriculture Week with an open house and national broadcast

 Northwest Missouri State University will celebrate agriculture with a series of activities Nov. 13-17, including a national broadcast emanating from the University’s new Agricultural Learning Center. All of the week’s activities are scheduled at the ALC, located on the R.T. Wright Farm at 22790 Icon Road in Maryville, and they are open to the public. […]

Limited supply of free pediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children Ages 5-11 available at select Hy-Vee Pharmacies

Hy-Vee, Inc. announces that select Hy-Vee pharmacy locations are now administering free Pediatric Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines to children ages 5-11 without a prescription, per the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recent approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for this age group. Due to limited supply, these vaccines are available […]

Piglets in barn (Photo courtesy Diego San)

Smithfield withdraws request for CAFO permits environmentalists criticized as too lax

(Missouri Independent) – The global meat producer operating some of Missouri’s largest industrial hog operations has withdrawn requests to convert 10 of its permits to what environmental groups say would be more lenient ones. Smithfield Foods Inc., which has a history of environmental violations in Missouri, operates some of the largest concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOs, in the […]

Church Women United

Church Women United Thrift Shop and Community Food Pantry topics of Trenton Rotary Club program

The Church Women United Thrift Shop and Community Food Pantry of Grundy County were the topics of a Trenton Rotary Club program October 28th. Barbara Spencer discussed the thrift shop. The store is a 501(c)(3) and provides donations to various organizations in Grundy County, including the women’s shelter, children’s advocacy center, food pantry, ministerial alliance, […]

Network cables (RJ45 ) connected to a switch

USDA to make up to $1.15 billion available to help people living in rural communities access high-speed internet

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a significant expansion of access to high-speed internet, health care, and educational services for millions of rural Americans nationwide. Today’s announcement continues to move forward President Biden’s Build Back Better Agenda by prioritizing economic growth in rural America and investing in the backbone of our country […]