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.
Jefferson City hospitals restrict staff from providing their own masks
Some health care workers at area hospitals and their families have expressed dismay many of those workers aren't allowed to wear face masks that they brought from home in the workplace.
Mar. 28 2020 @ 12:05am
Missouri Hospital Association gathers resources for COVID-19 care
The Missouri Hospital Association is gathering resources Missouri hospitals know they are going to need during the coronavirus pandemic, said Dave Dillon, MHA vice president of public and media relations.
Mar. 28 2020 @ 12:05am
Cole County to invoke stay-at-home order in response to COVID-19 pandemic
Effective 5 p.m. Saturday, the Cole County Health Department is issuing a stay-at-home order in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, department Director Kristi Campbell announced Friday night.
Mar. 27 2020 @ 7:00pm
JCMG lays off 38 employees amid COVID-19 crisis
Jefferson City Medical Group laid off 38 staff members Wednesday.
Mar. 26 2020 @ 5:15pm
Mid-Missouri cardiologist discusses coronavirus effect on the heart
Health officials warn that elderly people with underlying health conditions, such as hypertension, have increased risk of severe illness or death from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Mar. 26 2020 @ 8:40am
Missouri SNAP recipients to receive maximum benefits during virus outbreak
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients in Missouri won't have to re-certify in April and will receive more benefits.
Mar. 26 2020 @ 12:05am
United Way commits nearly $40,000 for COVID-19 relief
Its partner agencies began receiving grants from the United Way of Central Missouri on Tuesday, just four days after the opportunity was announced.
Mar. 25 2020 @ 12:05am
United Way to cut checks to coronavirus-affected agencies
The United Way of Central Missouri is expected today to begin delivering checks to partner agencies that applied for grants announced late last week.
Mar. 24 2020 @ 12:05am
Jefferson City COVID-19 testing sites getting underway
The COVID-19 test sites at St. Mary's Hospital and at Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City are operational.
Mar. 23 2020 @ 11:25pm
Is it flu? Is it COVID-19?
Some confusion exists about what a person's symptoms may mean, with a number of things affecting respiratory systems right now.
Mar. 22 2020 @ 12:05am
COVID-19 sting hitting Mid-Missouri food pantries
The novel coronavirus pandemic is creating additional difficulties for food pantries in the community.
Mar. 21 2020 @ 11:06pm
United Way announces grant opportunities, COVID-19 response fund
The United Way of Central Missouri on Friday announced a COVID-19 Response Fund to support local nonprofit health and human service agencies in its service area.
Mar. 21 2020 @ 7:30am
COVID-19 cancellations severely limit availability of blood
The American Red Cross reports the novel coronavirus pandemic has caused a severe shortage of blood donations.
Mar. 21 2020 @ 12:05am
Missouri to ban gatherings of more than 10 people
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson on Friday said the state health director will ban gatherings of more than 10 people to help combat the spread of the coronavirus.
Mar. 20 2020 @ 3:40pm
Have a plan for combatting COVID-19
As the COVID-19 pandemic is spreading across Missouri, Gov. Mike Parson advised residents to have a plan in case it reaches them.
Mar. 20 2020 @ 12:05am
Salvation Army Thrift Store closing due to flood damage
Problems that came about at The Salvation Army Thrift Store after flooding last year have persisted, Salvation Army Capt.
Mar. 20 2020 @ 12:05am
COVID-19 may slow wheels of government
Missouri Governor Mike Parson held his daily briefing on COVID-19 on Thursday.
Mar. 19 2020 @ 10:39pm
Governor: People must have plans to overcome COVID-19
As the COVID-19 pandemic worsens and deepens, individuals and families better have plans for getting by day to day, Gov.
Mar. 19 2020 @ 12:05am
Area health care providers prepare for COVID-19
Cole County's health care providers are preparing, in case the novel coronavirus turns out to be as bad as some expect.
Mar. 18 2020 @ 9:05pm
Area health care providers prepare for COVID-19
Cole County's health care providers are preparing, in case the novel coronavirus turns out to be as bad as some expect.
Mar. 18 2020 @ 12:05am