Sec. of State Ashcroft

We are now two weeks away from the 2020 Presidential Election.

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft.

He tells KRMS News there’s no need to worry about election tampering in Missouri.

Secretary Ashcroft says works been done with the 116 local election authorities around the state to ensure election integrity and that includes sending a hacker team to test each office’s strength against attacks.

Election Day in the Lake Area is November 3^rd.

Nearly 67,000 pounds of Food is being donated to the Ozarks Food Harvest pantry thanks to two companies.

According to reports, several Chickens and Vegetables are being donated by the Tyson Food company and McDonalds to help feed families throughout the region.

McDonalds is donating 21,000 pounds of chicken and 6,000 pounds of vegetables, while Tyson is donating over 40,000 pounds of chicken.

The Ozark’s Harvest food bank covers 28 counties across the Ozarks.

Photo by Tim Trad on Unsplash

A campaign to bring highway deaths down across Missouri continues through Sunday.

MoDOT and the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety launched the campaign because crashes due to speeding are up in the Lake Area, even though traffic has been down due to Coronavirus.

Numbers show crashes involving speeds greater than 65 miles an hour are more than twice as likely to cause deaths in cars.

Cindy Dunnaway says speeding caused 32-percent of Missouri’s 881 highway fatalities in 2019.

She also says speeding doesn’t always refer to what your speedometer says. Driving too fast for the conditions can be just as dangerous.

Statewide Speed Limit Enforcement Campaign Runs Oct. 10-18

JEFFERSON CITY – As you venture out this autumn to take in sights of fall foliage in the Show-Me State, or are simply just driving your daily commute, please be mindful of your speed.

The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety wants to remind all drivers that a statewide media campaign will be held Oct. 10-18. Speed limit enforcement will run Oct. 16-18. During this time law enforcement will be actively enforcing Missouri’s speed limit laws and reminding drivers of the increased risks associated with higher speeds.

Despite the decrease in traffic during the national pandemic, speed related crashes are on the rise. To date there has been more than an 11% increase in traffic crash fatalities over this time last year.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a crash on a road with a speed limit of 65 mph or greater is more than twice as likely to result in a fatality than a crash on a road with a speed limit of 45 or 50 mph and nearly five times as likely as a crash on a road with a speed limit of 40 mph or below.

In Missouri specifically, speed contributed to nearly 32% of the state’s 881 roadway fatalities in 2019 continuing an alarming trend related to speed over the last five years.

There is a reason for posted speed limits – the safety of all road users. “Saving a few extra minutes on your commute is not worth the increased risk of being involved in a crash that could endanger your own life or the lives of everyone else on the road,” said Jon Nelson, chair of the executive committee of the coalition. “Speed is one of the most common contributing factors for fatal crashes in Missouri and, unfortunately, the data shows it’s only becoming more prevalent. We want to change that.”

Speeding is defined as driving in excess of the posted speed limit but driving too fast for conditions can also have dangerous consequences including:

• Reducing a driver’s ability to negotiate curves or maneuver around obstacles in the roadway.
• Providing drivers less time to react to adverse conditions.
• Extending the distance traveled before a vehicle can stop.
• Increasing the distance a vehicle travels once the driver reacts to a hazard.
• Increasing the amount of force involved in a collision.

“We often talk about every driver’s responsibility to drive sober and pay attention, and rightfully so,” said Nelson. “Driving an appropriate speed is equally important and impactful for reducing the number of fatalities on Missouri roadways.”

Change your speed, change the ending. And, of course, always buckle up and put your phone down. For more information, visit www.saveMOlives.com.  #BUPD

Columbia College will be offering a free virtual tutoring program starting tomorrow (Thursday) for students across the Ozarks and Central Missouri.

Officials say the program will serve students from preschool into High School.

They say in the wake of the pandemic and many who’ve chosen to remain in a virtual learning program, students have often struggled to adjust and some are falling behind.

The program is also being offered to Columbia College Students.

Students or Parents are encouraged to contact the college for additional details on the program, which is planned to roll out at the Columbia campus first, then expand into the other districts.

The annual Parson Family Fall Festival is being rescheduled.

It comes as the Governor and his wife continue their COVID 19 recovery.

The festival, which would have taken place on October 3^rd, is now being moved to October 31^st alongside the Governor’s Halloween event at the Governor’s Mansion.

Parson Family Fall Festival to Be Postponed 

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – Today, Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson announced that the the third annual Parson Family Fall Festival previously scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2020, will be postponed. 

The First Lady is doing very well and no longer experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, but out of an abundance of caution, she will remain at the Parson residence in Bolivar for the remainder of the week.

“We are extremely thankful that the First Lady is feeling healthy and no longer experiencing symptoms,” Governor Parson said. “However, we feel that postponing the Fall Festival is the best decision at this time. I fully support Teresa in taking extra precautions, and we look forward to seeing everyone at the People’s House very soon.”

The Governor and First Lady are tentatively planning to combine the Fall Festival with their Halloween event at the Governor’s Mansion on Saturday, October 31. Additional information will be provided as details are confirmed.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson will continue isolating this week from the Governor’s Mansion in Jefferson City.

Governor Parson and First Lady Theresa Parson both tested positive for COVID-19 last week.

The First Lady is isolating in Bolivar.

Governor Parson says he’ll be continuing his duties with no interruptions.

The Governor was reported to show no symptoms of Coronavirus when he tested positive last week.

25 students have been disciplined so far by the University of Missouri in Columbia for disobeying COVID 19 rules laid down by the school.

According to Mizzou Officials, nearly 1,600 students have contracted the virus, but the weekly count has been going down since the new protocols were implemented a month ago.

The rules state that students must wear a mask at all times, social distance were possible, avoid gatherings of 20 or more and students are encouraged to report those who violate the rules.

So far, 14 students have been placed on probation, 8 have been suspended, 1 is not being allowed to enroll until safety protocols are discussed and 2 have been expelled.

A lawsuit seeking to eliminate the notarization requirement for mail-in ballots in Missouri has been rejected for a second time.

In a 35-page opinion published by Cole County Judge John Beetem, the judge suggest that both the NAACP and the League of Women Voters have no evidence of anyone getting infected with COVID 19 while seeking notarization.

He also says there is no data suggesting that getting it notarized will cause any increased risk of exposure.

A second case before a different judge will go to trial on October 5^th.

It seeks to render mail-in ballots countable, so long as it’s postmarked before election day.

A number of politicians and political groups are reaching out with “thoughts and prayers” to Governor Mike Parson and the first lady, after they tested positive for the Coronavirus.

On Twitter, Senator Roy Blunt said that the Governor and the First lady are doing “a great job” for the State and he wished them a “Speedy Recovery.”

Abby and I think @GovParsonMO and @FirstLadyTeresa are doing a great job for the state. We look forward to their quick recovery.

— Senator Roy Blunt (@RoyBlunt) September 23, 2020

Democrat Candidate for Governor Nicole Galloway tweeted that she wishes for a “safe recovery” for the Governor and his wife, and reminded all Missourians that they should continue washing their hands and wear a mask.

I wish @GovParsonMO and @FirstLadyTeresa a safe and full recovery. This is a reminder that this virus can reach anyone, anywhere. We must all continue to do our part in preventing the spread of the virus by practicing social distancing, washing hands, and wearing a mask.

— Nicole Galloway (@nicolergalloway) September 23, 2020

The House Minority Caucus, The Democrat Governors Association and Gubernatorial Candidate for the Libertarian Party Rick Combs, also wished the Parsons a speedy recovery.

The top doctor in Missouri says it’ll be critical for you to get two doses of a new COVID-19 vaccine from the same manufacturer when it’s available.

And he concedes that’s not the norm when it comes to vaccines like this.

Dr. Randal Williams with the Department of Health and Senior Services.

He tells KY3 TV the vaccine will be rolled out in three phases, the first targeting health care workers and other essential people.

Phase two would entail making sure enough of the vaccine is available for that group of people, and phase three would include a mass vaccination campaign.

A new federal lawsuit is asking a judge to make Missouri’s mail-in voting process easier for the November elections.

The lawsuit by the American civil Liberties Union and the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition, along with a number of other groups, targets Missouri’s secretary of state Jay Ashcroft and the state’s 116 local election authorities.

It criticizes how the mail-in program requires voters to mail in their ballots notarized, despite those who vote absentee dropping them off in-person.

It also says the state does not include basic safeguards to prevent the denial of mail or absentee ballots.

Officials say some ballots could be rejected for minor errors, which means some residents would not have noticed the rejection nor would they have had time to repair the defects on the ballot.

A new report shows rural cities in Missouri are growing faster every day since the COVID 19 pandemic started.

A survey of bankers showed Rural Mainstreet remained weak in 10 of the plain and western states, however Missouri remained on an uptick.

Places like Lebanon, Lake Ozark, Warsaw and St. James all saw spikes in employment, house growth and average number of visitors in the past few months.

Bikefest continues this weekend at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Officials are expecting over 125,000 visitors when it’s all said and done.

Area establishments say they’ve been packed with riders, all who are just out to enjoy freedom and the open air.

Rider Dustin Fletcher of Millersburg, Missouri.

He tells KY 3 TV the COVID 19 isn’t stopping him from enjoying life.

Bikefest is one of only a handful of events that were never canceled due to the pandemic.

Month-to-month Covid 19 deaths in Missouri are on the way down.

But Governor Mike Parson says that number dropped to 1.9-percent in June, 0.9-percent in July, 0.8-percent in August – and so far 0.3-percent in September.

Parson also says hospitalizations are stable and work continues in Missouri on the development of a vaccine.

Missouri Senator Josh Hawley is calling for an end to separate COVID restrictions for Churches.

Hawley speaking to KY 3 TV says that there’s been too many cases of local governments putting churches in a separate category, when it comes to right to assemble during the pandemic.

Hawley has sent two separate letters to Attorney General William Barr, asking him to investigate these cases wherever they occur and to act swiftly to put an end to it.

While congress continues to debate a second stimulus package, the IRS is still working to deliver out the first one.

Officials say they’ll be sending out a letter on a state-by-state basis, to those who are eligible for the $1,200 stimulus and didn’t receive it back in March.

That includes over 159,000 residents in the Show Me State.

The IRS Says those who haven’t filed a tax return or are non-filers in general, must register before October 15^th to receive the stimulus.

Governor Mike Parson has signed an executive order keeping the National Guard mobilized through December 30th.

The guard’s been helping around the state with a coordinated response to the Coronavirus pandemic since late March.

Governor Parson says the move lines up with the time frame of Missouri’s COVID-10 state of emergency.

Governor Parson Signs Executive Order 20-16 Extending Mobilization of Missouri National Guard

National Guard to Continue Supporting State COVID-19 Response Through December 30

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – Governor Mike Parson has signed Executive Order 20-16 extending the mobilization of the Missouri National Guard through December 30, 2020. This will allow the National Guard to continue assisting in the state’s COVID-19 response efforts.

“The National Guard has played a major role in supporting state and community response efforts, including COVID-19 testing support, supply and equipment transportation, and meal distribution just to name a few,” Governor Parson said. “This Executive Order will allow the Guard to continue assisting the people of Missouri as we move forward.”

On March 27, Governor Parson signed Executive Order 20-06 mobilizing the National Guard to support Missouri’s COVID-19 response, which was later extended through September 15 by Executive Order 20-12.

Mobilizing the National Guard through December 30 is consistent with the COVID-19 state of emergency declaration and will allow continued flexibility in deploying resources around the state.

Two students are being expelled at the University of Missouri in Columbia for not following their COVID 19 rules.

In a release, Mizzou officials say the two students, along with 3 other students who are now facing suspension, willfully and knowingly took action that threatened the safety of the campus.

The school says that 11 student organizations are also under investigation for violating policies related to COVID 19.

Since September, more than 470 students have been referred for possible violations of the COVID rules implemented in August.

Missouri Senator Roy Blunt will be chairing a hearing to review the Health and Human Services Coronavirus Response efforts.

Blunt says they plan to look at how the HHS has done so far and what’s still to come in the future.

Three witnesses have been called for the hearing, including Dr. Robert Redfield of the CDC, as well as Dr. Bob Kadlec and Admiral Brett Giroir of the HHS.

The meeting takes place on Wednesday morning at 10 Eastern and it will be streamed live here.

Blunt to Chair Subcommittee Hearing to Review Health and Human Services’ Coronavirus Response Efforts

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor/HHS), will hold an open hearing to review the Department of Health and Human Services’ coronavirus response efforts. The hearing will be on Wednesday, September 16, at 10:00 a.m. ET in Room G50 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

Hearing Details:

Subject: Department of Health and Human Services’ Coronavirus Response: A Review of Efforts To Date and Next Steps
Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2020
Location: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room G50
Time: 10:00 a.m. ET

Witnesses:

Admiral Brett Giroir, M.D.
Assistant Secretary for Health
Department of Health and Human Services

Dr. Bob Kadlec, M.D.
Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response
Department of Health and Human Services

Dr. Robert R. Redfield, M.D.
Director
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

NOTE: Pursuant to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Office of the Attending Physician, Senate office buildings are not open to the public other than official business visitors and credentialed press at this time. Accordingly, we encourage interested persons to utilize the Committee’s live video webcast of the hearing, available here.

The Coronavirus Task Force is still pushing Missouri to require masks and close down establishments in red zone areas, like Camden and Miller Counties.

Despite the calls for change, Governor Mike Parson is staying the course and letting local communities make their own decisions.

Lake Ozark Mayor Gerry Murawski.

He tells KY 3 TV these types of decisions can negatively affect the community and an economic collapse here could be just as bad as the virus.

The Task Force is recommending the Show Me State implement a statewide mandate for masks and to require bars in the red zones to reduce to 25% capacity

If you attend the University of Missouri in Columbia, you better wear a mask, at all times.

Mizzou officials are adding additional restrictions to the mask rules as COVID cases continue to rise across the campus.

They say you are now required to wear masks when you’re walking outside, even if you’re alone.

You’re also required to wear a mask while in the company of family or even your assigned roommate.

Mun Y. Choi, UM System president and MU chancellor says “This policy means those who share a household (roommates, family members, etc.) will also wear face coverings when outdoors together on campus. Based on behaviors we’re seeing on campus and the guidance of public health experts, we are requiring face coverings at all times on campus, even if alone and outdoors or in the company of roommates and other members of the same household. This is a necessary requirement to mitigate further spread of COVID-19.”

A New York Times report is ranking Missouri 5^th among all states for it’s per-capita rate of daily COVID 19 cases this past week.

The state has reported over 23 new cases per every 100,000 people.

The highest number of new cases are coming from northwest Missouri, where more than 2,200 cases were reported per every 100,000 people.

Analysts recently discovered 77 new deaths in the Show Me State, of which occurred in June through August and went unreported due to inconsistencies between death certificates and the virus tracking system.

Right now the lake area has 172 active cases of COVID 19, of which 956 people have since recovered and there have been 15 deaths.

Free testing remains ongoing across the Lake area, including Tuesdays at the Central Ozarks Medical Center in Osage Beach, at Richland on Wednesdays and in Camdenton on Thursdays, as well as numerous clinics from Lake Regional, Cox and Bothwell hospitals.

The Coronavirus Task force in Washington DC is sounding an alarm to Missouri officials.

In a report submitted on August 30^th, they say Missouri is being “strongly urged” to closed down bars and night clubs and require masks, in order to curb the rapidly rising cases of COVID 19.

Numbers in college towns continue to be the highest and the task force suggests those areas need a comprehensive plan to test students on a routine basis.

Governor Mike Parson has constantly resisted the calls for any statewide mandates, saying the decision should be left to local officials and the people who know how to govern themselves appropriately.

This is the task force’s report: CLICK HERE

The University of Missouri is promising harsh punishments for students who fail to comply with their ongoing COVID 19 guidelines.

In statement, Mizzou officials say students found in breach of the guidelines could face a simple verbal warning, but they also could face being expelled from the school.

As of today, MU has over 480 active cases of COVID 19 and there have been over 330 cases reported of students violating the rules.

Officials say students must stay away from any parties, maintain social distancing and wear a mask.

Registered nurses at hospitals owned by the for profit H. C. A healthcare will be participating in Protests across Florida, Missouri, Kansas and Nevada this week.

It’s over what they say is a continue lack of cove in 19 personal protective equipment.

Jean Ross, president of the National Nurses United Union says “It’s unconscionable we are working under dire pensively. Nurses have been harping on this and trying to get the hospital to do the right thing.”

The nurses say they’re having to reuse single use and 95 mask, among other things.

(Story from KRMS News Partner CBS Radio)

The Missouri Agriculture’s efforts to help reduce childhood hunger have now reached every county in the state.

The AG department says since May, the Drive To Feed Kids Pork Partnership has delivered over 44,000 pounds of ground poor to Feeding Missouri and the six regional food banks.

They say the collaboration has delivered more than 200,000 servings to children in need since the Coronavirus pandemic began.

Officials say the partnership began when area meat processors were strained and meat began to backup with nowhere to go.

Feeding America says more than 1 Million Missourians still face food insecurity, including over 335,000 children.

The University of Missouri in Columbia is changing their mask policies.

In a release, Mizzou officials say they are now prohibiting masks with exhalation valves as well as face shields for students.

All masks will now be required to have at least two layers of fabric without holes and they must cover both the nose and the mouth.

MU is recommending the disposable surgical masks or cloth masks as the # 1 choice for students to use.

Those who do not follow the policy will not be allowed to participate in University programs or activities, unless they have approved accommodations.

Starbucks wants to make a difference when it comes to election day.

In a statement, the company says that no-one should choose between working or voting.

They say they will help provide information and resources employees need to create a plan for Election Day, including voter registration, mail-in ballots, and polling site locations.

They’re also creating a portal for employees to register to vote and request their ballot, so they can volunteer to help make this year’s election “Safe and accessible” with COVID 19 still looming in the background.

The company says they will be educating their employees on how to use this portal via the Starbucks App.

*Story updated with additional details from Starbucks.

Starbucks ceo Kevin Johnson announced the company’s plan to support partners (employees) and customers in their journey to register to vote and ensure their voices are heard in the upcoming election.

As a business with a mission grounded in humanity, serving millions of people around the world, Starbucks recognized its responsibility to step up its commitment to civic engagement. As Kevin shared with partners: “The upcoming election is a reminder that we, as citizens, play an active role in our society by simply getting involved and voting. Who you vote for is a very personal decision that you make as a citizen. It is one way for you to be heard. It is how democracy works.”

The full letter is available here and visual assets are available here, but in the meantime, here are highlights of what Kevin shared:

• No partner will have to choose between working their shift or voting on or before Election Day.

o    Nearly 200,000 Starbucks U.S. partners will meet with their managers to ensure they have the tools and the time necessary to register and cast their vote.

• • This includes an online resource for partners including information on how to register to vote, request a mail-in ballot, and much more.
  • Plus, through a partnership with Civic Alliance, interested Starbucks partners can volunteer with their local election authority as non-partisan poll workers.

• Starbucks is also advocating for safe, accessible ways to vote, and is providing resources to customers, including more than 16M Starbucks Rewards members.
  • Starbucks continues to advocate, at all levels of government, that Americans have safe, accessible ways to vote. This includes making necessary adjustments to ensure polling places and ballot drop boxes are safe and accessible for all and polling places are appropriately staffed.
  • On September 8, through the Starbucks App, Starbucks will provide resources and information for customers including how and where to register to vote.

More than 500 skilled nursing facilities in Missouri have some money on the way.

Missouri Senator Roy Blunt’s announcing close to $84 million dollars for the facilities through the CARES Act.

The Paycheck Protection Program and the Health Care Enhancement Act were also contributors to the funds.

The Department of Health and Human Services is distributing the money after HHS gave over $165 million dollars to the nursing facilities earlier this year.

Senator Blunt says the money will go toward additional PPE, additional staffing and expanded testing capabilities.

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, announced that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is providing nearly $84 million in coronavirus relief funding to 520 skilled nursing facilities in Missouri.

“The coronavirus is taking a tragic, devastating toll on seniors in nursing homes across the nation,” said Blunt. “The funding announced today will help these facilities expand testing capabilities, increase staffing, and purchase personal protective equipment. I’m glad nursing homes across the state will have more tools to protect patients, save lives, and fight this disease.”

Earlier this year, Blunt commended HHS for providing nearly $165.4 million in coronavirus relief funding to skilled nursing facilities in Missouri.

The funding announced today was included in the Blunt-backed CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, which provided a total of $175 billion for hospitals and health care providers nationwide.