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.
United Way, partners to provide summer lunches for children
The United Way of Central Missouri and Scholastic Inc. are stepping in again to deliver lunches to children while schools are out for the summer.
Jun. 11 2021 @ 11:05pm
Improving broadband will be 'marathon, not a sprint'
A committee of Missouri legislators intended to find solutions for broadband issues around the state has begun looking at the array of resources coming available during the pandemic.
Jun. 10 2021 @ 11:25pm
Families flock to KidsFest, and experience Ellis-Porter Riverside Park versatility
Hundreds upon hundreds of people (mostly children) descended upon Ellis-Porter Riverside Park late Saturday morning to bask in the sun and cavort on the grass.
Jun. 6 2021 @ 12:05am
Jefferson City takes another bite at Local Foods, Local Places program
Creating food security in communities in central Jefferson City has been a challenge for decades.
Jun. 6 2021 @ 12:05am
Cole County vaccination site reduces its hours again
The Cole County coronavirus vaccination clinic is down to operating one day per week.
Jun. 4 2021 @ 12:05am
EPA chooses Jefferson City for food, health program
Jefferson City was chosen as one of 13 communities nationally to participate in the Local Foods, Local Places program.
Jun. 3 2021 @ 12:05am
State agency offers online maps to find free lunches in Missouri
Children are receiving free meals at hundreds of locations across Missouri this summer through the Summer Food Service Program.
Jun. 2 2021 @ 12:05am
St. Mary's Hospital Ice Cream Social to celebrate its return
As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, it might be a good time to reminisce about the good ol' days, long before COVID-19 became a household name.
Jun. 2 2021 @ 12:05am
Goal for new resource is to complete missions, not compete with agencies
The new home for Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri is rapidly nearing completion. Catholic Charities Executive Director Dan Lester on Thursday gave a tour of the new facility to a handful of Jefferson City health care providers.
May. 30 2021 @ 12:05am
Mid-Missouri lawmaker reflects on legislation benefiting veterans and their families
As Americans celebrate Memorial Day, Rep. Dave Griffith reminds his neighbors of the solemnity of the holiday.
May. 30 2021 @ 12:05am
Sobee is again semi-finalist in national hero dog competition
Mid-Missourians have again made Sobee a semi-finalist for the American Humane Hero Dog Awards. The awards are given out annually following a nationwide competition that recognizes the heroes at both ends of the leash in seven categories — Law Enforcement and Detection, Service, Therapy, Military, Search and Rescue, Guide/Hearing, and Shelter.
May. 28 2021 @ 12:05am
Nonprofit to serve free summer lunches
Building Community Bridges will offer free lunches for children again this summer.The Jefferson City nonprofit — whose mission is to uplift and aid youths in the community in respect to self-awareness, education, entrepreneurship and issues that affect their lives — applied for and received a grant from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to provide summer meals, said Executive Director Alicia Edwards.
May. 27 2021 @ 12:05am
Health workers struggle to vaccinate those homebound
Here in Central Missouri, health officials rely on local ambulance services to distribute COVID-19 vaccinations to homebound residents and senior citizens.
May. 27 2021 @ 12:05am
Stakeholders focus on issues plaguing law enforcement, courts
Mental health concerns led discussions as Jefferson City community leaders gathered late Tuesday morning to identify gaps and opportunities within the criminal justice system.
May. 26 2021 @ 12:05am
After tornado, hail and pandemic, future of Jefferson City housing is murky
Jefferson City was already in the midst of an affordable housing shortage before the May 22, 2019, tornado raked through parts of the city, ripping apart rental homes and apartments, and laying waste to the affordable housing inventory.
May. 24 2021 @ 12:05am
State report looks at ways to reduce sleep-related infant deaths in Missouri
A state committee in Missouri focused on child abuse and neglect spent about a year analyzing child deaths resulting from abuse or neglect.
May. 23 2021 @ 12:05am
Community response to tornado shows how deeply it cares
Akisha Walls had a feeling something was wrong, two years ago today."I remember feeling really sick.
May. 22 2021 @ 12:05am
County COVID-19 vaccination site to reduce hours
The Cole County COVID-19 vaccination site will only be open two days a week, starting Monday.
May. 21 2021 @ 12:05am
In rare move, voters may overturn General Assembly decision on gas tax
The Missouri Secretary of State's Office announced it had received a referendum petition Monday, asking voters to decide the fate of a law the Legislature passed this session.
May. 19 2021 @ 12:05am
Missouri lawmakers expect lawsuits over Medicaid decision
Missouri lawmakers are going to leave the final decision over voters' decision to expand Medicaid to "the building across the street.
May. 16 2021 @ 12:05am