News

JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri State Board of Education approved an alternative route to obtain a substitute certificate to teach in public schools. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education consulted with education groups to help address the shortage of substitute teachers.

WARRENSBURG – The University of Central Missouri Alumni Foundation announced 1973 alumnus Frank “Chip” Deel made a trust estate gift valued at $15 million to UCM – the largest in school history.

RICHMOND – Having missed four weeks of inschool teaching because of COVID-19, Richmond High School Band members practiced and played together whenever possible, director Jeffrey Clymore said. They played at football games and at the Veterans Building for community members who united outdoors for Veterans Day.

RICHMOND – The Ray County Museum received what is estimated to be up to a 150-year-old woman’s outfit – including a dress, cape, two skirts, three bodices and lingerie. Ray County Public Administrator Shannon Wollard presented the clothing in a suitcase to Ray County Museum Administrator Cathy Gottsch during a meeting of the County Commission.

KANSAS CITY – Vaping is linked to a higher risk of COVID-19 among teens and young adults, based on a study led by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine and published online in the Journal of Adolescent Health.

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS – The state issued a new COVID-19 protocol to schools, but whether and how much of a difference the change will make is unclear. Coronavirus infections and contacts closed Excelsior Springs High School and the Career Center all of last week and through Thanskgiving.

RICHMOND – Health department leaders in Ray and Clay counties joined others in the metro area to ask the public to help prevent COVID-19’s spread. “Our community is at a critical point again with uncontrolled community spread,” they stated jointly.

RICHMOND – The plan is to hold the annual community Thanksgiving meal, but the location will change, based on a discussion with Rev. Phillip Powers and a Ray County Commission decision.

RICHMOND – The regular food distribution effort will not take place Nov. 27 at the Salvation Army Store, 104 E. Main St., but the Salvation Army stands ready to provide Christmas boxes and a Christmas Store.

WASHINGTON – The USDA is implementing Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 for agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19. Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2, CFAP 2, will provide producers with financial assistance to give them the ability to absorb some of the increased marketing costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.