Joe Gamm reports on social services, health and religion, also covering legislation in the Missouri House of Representatives. He is now based in Jefferson City, but the trip from his Lake Ozark hometown was a long one. He has worked in restaurants and in construction. In 1991, he went to the West Coast, where he became a buckaroo (meaning he sat in a saddle following cattle all day) and learned to snow ski. He returned to the lake and eventually opened and ran a contracting business. But he left again to begin to learn to write. After graduating from the University of Washington, having double-majored in journalism and political science, he took a writing job in Oregon. Reporting has taken him to Texas and North Carolina. He decided to return to his home state in December. He has received awards from press associations in Washington, Oregon, Texas and North Carolina.
Recent stories by Joe Gamm
Cole County health providers begin COVID-19 vaccinations for public
Cole County health leaders are advising residents to be patient — those who want it will receive a coronavirus vaccination as soon as possible.
Jan. 21 2021 @ 3:15pm
Gov. Parson calls on National Guard to assist in vaccination efforts
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson on Wednesday asked the state's residents to remain patient during the roll-out of vaccines for the coronavirus.
Jan. 20 2021 @ 5:05pm
CRMC begins COVID-19 vaccinations for eligible patients
Public COVID-19 vaccinations for qualified candidates are beginning in limited places.
Jan. 19 2021 @ 11:39pm
Speakers at Jefferson City NAACP breakfast call for change
Monday offered an opportunity for communities to pray for their neighbors, lawmakers and people involved in the riot at the nation's Capitol, which occurred Jan. 6.
Jan. 18 2021 @ 9:55pm
Jim Wisch stays busy helping Jefferson City community
Jim Wisch has worn a number of hats — from engineer to business owner to hospital board member to volunteer to artist.
Jan. 18 2021 @ 12:05am
State, federal funds to help families, child care providers
State child care funding announced last month will address the long-term needs Missourians have had, advocates for children say.
Jan. 17 2021 @ 12:05am
Survey finds rural towns hesitant to get vaccine
During the first week of January, the Missouri Hospital Association had a firm survey 800 Missourians and found only about 58 percent were very or somewhat likely to seek a COVID-19 vaccine when it comes available for them, according to a report released Monday.
Jan. 15 2021 @ 12:05am
Missouri police, more health staff now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine
Missouri will open coronavirus vaccinations to more than 2.5 million residents Monday, state health officials said Thursday.
Jan. 14 2021 @ 1:35pm
Jefferson City diocese working toward roles for women after pope's announcement
Women will soon officially act as lectors and acolytes during Roman Catholic Masses, after Pope Francis on Monday changed the church's law regarding the procedures, according to a statement issued by the Rev. W. Shawn McKnight, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Jefferson City.
Jan. 12 2021 @ 12:05am
'God provided' for Christmas-based programs
Considering turmoil the COVID-19 pandemic has caused throughout the region, state and nation, it wouldn't be surprising to hear nonprofits striving to provide Christmas for those in need struggled.
Jan. 10 2021 @ 12:05am
Salvation Army monitors for coronavirus at Jefferson City shelter
A former employee questioned the Salvation Army Center of Hope's procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jan. 9 2021 @ 11:09pm
Missouri lawmakers pray for guidance during new General Assembly
Missouri's governor and first lady were among more than 100 people, including multiple state lawmakers, who attended a special prayer service Wednesday morning as the state's 101st General Assembly prepared to get underway.
Jan. 7 2021 @ 12:05am
Missouri General Assembly convenes
Through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the unfolding unrest at the nation's Capitol, Missouri lawmakers met Wednesday for the first day of this year's regular legislative session at the state Capitol in Jefferson City.
Jan. 6 2021 @ 11:29pm
COVID-19 pandemic, flu season look similar
During any typical year, Missouri would be in the midst of flu season right about now. However, the continuing COVID-19 pandemic makes this season far from typical.
Jan. 6 2021 @ 12:05am
Catholic Charities begins overhaul of Shikles building
The transformation of the former Shikles Auditorium in Jefferson City to become the new home of Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri is underway.
Jan. 5 2021 @ 11:40pm
Mid-Missouri lawmakers prepare for General Assembly
The new year brings with it a new legislative session that has elements of familiarity, as well as uncertainty.
Jan. 2 2021 @ 11:47pm
Joshua House Church receives glimmer of hope
Administrators of the Joshua House Church in Jefferson City are trying to temper their feelings about possibly gaining possession of the site it calls home.
Jan. 2 2021 @ 11:13pm
Mid-Missouri long-term care residents begin receiving COVID-19 vaccine
Vaccinations for the COVID-19 are beginning to roll out in Mid-Missouri nursing homes.
Dec. 30 2020 @ 4:35pm
Second firefighting Hammann brother dies in less than a year
Another Cole County firefighter (and another Hammann) died last week.
Dec. 28 2020 @ 11:22pm
Jefferson City pastor now an author
Add "author" to his resumé. Randy Dignan, who has been pastor at Bible Baptist Church in Jefferson City for about 22 years, developed worldwide evangelism and youth ministries and created "The Listening Heart" television program on Christian Television Network, is now the published author of "Heart Language: Let's communicate like Jesus and change the world."
Dec. 27 2020 @ 12:05am