Child sitting on window sill (Children)

Advocates say Build Back Better Act could improve health outcomes for Missouri children

Health advocates are pressing the U.S. Senate to pass the Build Back Better Act after it passed the House last month. The bill would improve Medicaid and CHIP, the federal Children’s Health Insurance Program, by offering 12 months of continuous coverage to children who qualify and making federal CHIP funding permanent. Casey Hanson, director of outreach and […]

Newtown-Harris School Website

Newtown-Harris Board of Education adopts new COVID-19 policies; dates announced for Thanksgiving break and other events

Several action items were approved at a Friday night meeting of the Newtown-Harris R-3 Board of Education. The board re-approved the “Safe Return to In-Person instruction and Continuity of Services Plan.”  The “Test to Stay” option for students and staff was approved regarding those who are exposed to COVID-19 but not COVID-19 positive. Inclement weather […]

Cargo or container ship docked for unloading

White House says “Easing of supply chain problems to start with backed-up seaports”

(Missouri Independent) – The first seaport to improve its facilities following passage of the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill could be in Savannah, Ga., a senior Biden administration official said Tuesday. President Joe Biden has yet to sign the measure, which Congress sent to Biden’s desk late last week, funding improvements in highways, transit, ports, waterways, airports, […]

Missouri Attorney General Seal and Gavel

Missouri Attorney General Joins fight against Jefferson County Health Department and student quarantine rules

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt filed an amicus brief in Shannon Otto v. Jefferson County Health Department, fighting student quarantine rules put in place by the Jefferson County Department of Health. The brief argues that the quarantine rules fall under the new state law limiting health authorities’ power to enact mandates and that the rules […]

Spickard School

Spickard Board of Education declines the use of “Test to Stay” COVID protocol

The Spickard R-2 Board of Education voted October 18, 2021, to DECLINE the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education COVID-19 Test to Stay option for students and staff. The board accepted a bid from Ace Roofing for cafeteria roof repairs for $11,172. A Princeton bus mechanic proposal was approved. Superintendent Erica Eakes reports the Princeton […]