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.
Report: Obesity rates
for some Missouri
children growing
A recent report shows childhood obesity in Missouri is worsening, and the state has a higher rate of obesity among adolescents than the national average.
Oct. 26 2020 @ 12:05am
House District 60 candidates field questions on accountability
Views on police reform highlight some differences between the candidates for the Missouri House of Representatives District 60 seat.
Oct. 25 2020 @ 12:05am
Two hospitals: COVID-19 admissions rising
Both Jefferson City hospitals have experienced rising admissions because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Oct. 22 2020 @ 11:24pm
Capital City CASA graduates 18th class
Circuit Judge Jon Beetem swore in six new members of Capital City CASA during a ceremony in the Cole County Courthouse early Thursday evening.
Oct. 22 2020 @ 11:13pm
Local food bank to receive more than $700,000 in COVID-19 relief
Missouri's six regional food banks are to receive portions of $5 million in federal COVID-19 relief funding.
Oct. 22 2020 @ 12:05am
Despite loss, Olive is 'still smiling'
She wasn't chosen as the top 2020 American Humane Hero Dog of the Year, but Olive is still a winner.
Oct. 20 2020 @ 11:18pm
Cole County health director: High COVID-19 positivity rate from testing symptomatic people
Although Cole County's COVID-19 positivity rate was slightly higher Tuesday than Monday, its ranking among Missouri counties declined day over day.
Oct. 20 2020 @ 3:30pm
Cole County among Missouri counties with highest coronavirus positivity rates
Central Missouri has some of the highest COVID-19 positivity rates in the state. But, what does that mean?
Oct. 19 2020 @ 10:53pm
Kids Win Missouri report highlights parents' concerns during pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating difficulties some families in Missouri already faced, according to a recent report from Kids Win Missouri.
Oct. 18 2020 @ 12:05am
Children's organizations helping parents during pandemic, too
As the COVID-19 pandemic set in, staff and administrators at facilities that serve the most vulnerable children saw reason for concern.
Oct. 17 2020 @ 10:54pm
Downsized Project Homeless Connect reaches dozens in Jefferson City
Although downsized, Project Homeless Connect reached scores of people on Friday.
Oct. 16 2020 @ 11:44pm
Miller County experiences 'large increase' in COVID-19 cases
The Miller County Health Center advised of a large increase in active COVID-19 cases in long-term care facilities Thursday.
Oct. 15 2020 @ 4:50pm
Missouri Hospital Association adds influenza tab to COVID-19 dashboard
The Missouri Hospital Association has added an influenza page to its COVID-19 dashboard.
Oct. 14 2020 @ 11:24pm
Cole County COVID-19 cases climb
The Cole County Health Department website shows a sudden rise in the number of cases of COVID-19.
Oct. 14 2020 @ 11:20pm
Corrections officers find Crisis Intervention Team training helpful
Crisis Intervention Teams within the Missouri Department of Corrections are valuable tools.They oftentimes prevent situations with offenders from escalating and result in fewer uses of force.
Oct. 11 2020 @ 12:05am
House District 60 candidates' views on state clash
Candidates for the Missouri House of Representatives District 60 seat faced off in a forum hosted by the News Tribune on Thursday.
Oct. 11 2020 @ 12:05am
People in behavioral crisis often see police first
The first line of response for someone undergoing a mental health crisis is public safety.
Oct. 10 2020 @ 11:18pm
House District 60 candidates offer different approaches
Candidates for Missouri House District 60 seat participated in a forum on Thursday night.
Oct. 8 2020 @ 10:55pm
In face of pandemic, nonprofits doing the best they can for Christmas
Nonprofit organizations face uncertainty as they prepare to provide holiday cheer for those in need in Central Missouri.
Oct. 4 2020 @ 12:05am
Faith, civil leaders warn about deception from Amendment 3
Amendment 3 was written to deceive voters, local faith and civil rights leaders said Thursday afternoon.
Oct. 2 2020 @ 12:05am