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Gov. Parson on first trade mission to Europe

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Governor Parson is on a European trip to promote more international trade and investment in Missouri industries. The governor will make several stops along the way, visiting Germany, Switzerland, then to France.

He will attend a memorial ceremony at the World War II D-Day invasion site in Normandy, where he and Missouri First Lady Teresa Parson will visit the Normandy American Cemetery and honor Missouri’s fallen through a flag exchange and wreath-placing ceremony with Superintendent Scott Desjardins.

While in France, Parson will meet with the Canadian and U.S. Ambassadors to France, key executives of the U.S. and Canadian Industry Associations, fellow U.S. Governors, and other national and military officials.

Parson then attends to Le Bourget air show, the world’s largest, to meet with officials from Boeing and other aerospace companies.

Details about the second half of the trip will be released next week. The trip is funded by Missouri’s Hawthorn foundation, an economic development non-profit.

 

 

 

Closure extended of Missouri River barge, boat traffic

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The U.S. Coast Guard and Army Corps of Engineers have closed the Missouri River to all boat and barge traffic indefinitely from St. Louis to north of Sioux City, Iowa.

Closure extended of Missouri River barge, boat traffic

Officials say vessel traffic may damage levees, or cause river water to flow over the top of levees. Drifting objects in the high water are also a hazard to boats.

The closure is expected to last for weeks. A higher volume of water is being released in the river from the Gavin’s Point Dam in South Dakota through at least the end of June.

Earlier this week, flooding problems led the U.S. Coast Guard to close barge and boat traffic from St. Louis to Kansas City.

(Reporting by Woody Gottburg, KSCJ, Sioux City)

Blunt: Mexican tariffs would not help trade deal with Mexico and Canada

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U.S. Senator Roy Blunt, R-Missouri, says it’s hard to imagine President Trump’s plan to put tariffs on Mexican imports will help advance the U.S. trade agreement with Mexico and Canada (USMCA).

President Donald Trump

“That the same day you lay the USMCA legislative piece down that you announce this tariff on Mexico. But, let’s hope that it works out quickly here,” says Blunt.

There are reports that Republicans have told the White House they plan to push back strongly on Mexican tariffs. Blunt defended Senate Republicans reaction to tariffs from “day one.”

“It’s so universal it doesn’t get much coverage but I don’t think there’s much new here in Republicans in the Senate concerned about tariffs and how you’re negotiating trade policy.”

The Republican says the government of Mexico can be more helpful and says the Guatemalan government has stepped up in the last 10 days.

“And signed some agreements with us about the southern border in Guatemala. We’d like to see the Mexicans more helpful there,” he says.

Blunt says the Guatemalan border is a fraction of the length of the U.S./Mexico border so it’s key to solving the immigration influx.

He also wants Congress to pass emergency funding to care for the average of 362 unaccompanied children coming from the southern border each day.

Blunt made his comments at the weekly Republican leadership press conference in D.C. Tuesday.

By Julie Harker of Brownfield Ag News

Copyright © 2019 · Missourinet

Charges filed in high-profile 1993 abduction and murder of Missouri girl

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(This story is written by Missourinet St. Louis contributor Jill Enders)

ST. CHARLES, Mo.- A nearly 26-year-old murder of a girl from eastern Missouri’s St. Ann has finally been solved.

St. Charles County Prosecutor Tim Lohmar (left) speaks to reporters on June 5, 2019. St. Ann Police Chief Aaron Jimenez, St. Charles County Police Chief David Todd and Major Case Squad Commander Dan DeCarli are behind him (Jill Enders photo)

St. Charles County Prosecutor Tim Lohmar called a press conference this afternoon, where he announced that 61-year-old Earl Webster Cox has been charged for the kidnapping and killing of nine-year-old Angie Housman.

Cox is charged in St. Charles County with first degree murder, kidnapping and sodomy. Online court records indicate his bond has been set at $500,000 cash-only.

Lohmar tells reporters that DNA recently discovered on pieces of Angie’s underwear led investigators to Cox, who’s currently a patient in a federal medical facility in North Carolina.

“Cox was initially identified through CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) and his DNA was then collected with his consent and it was retested. Cox was the major contributor of DNA at the location tested,” Lohmar explained.

Cox, who grew up in the St. Louis area, has prior convictions for child sex abuse and for running an international child pornography ring.

Lohmar also says more arrests could be made and says that Ron Bone, Angie Housman’s stepfather, can’t be eliminated as a person of interest.

The details of the murder are gruesome. Missourinet reported during the 25th anniversary of the murder in November that an autopsy determined Angie Housman had been raped and died of exposure. She had only been dead a few hours when she was discovered, meaning she was kept alive during the nine days she was missing.

Housman was reportedly tortured and starved, before being tied to a tree and left for dead. Lohmar isn’t committing to whether or not he’ll seek the death penalty.

“There’s a lot of factors that go into making a decision like that, to ask a jury to seek the death penalty,” says Lohmar. “It’s way too early for us to make that determination. The death penalty is reserved for the worst of the worst. This one seems to resemble something along those lines. We’ll just leave it at that.”

More than 100 people attended a December candlelight vigil in St. Ann, to remember Housman. The December vigil was organized by Angie’s Angels, a group of mothers who are dedicated to solving Housman’s murder.

Trisha Trout of Angie’s Angels spoke to Missourinet at that vigil, and had a warning to whomever is responsible for Angie’s murder.

“Do not think you have gotten away with anything, because you have not. We will find you and we will bring you to justice,” Trout told reporter Jill Enders that evening.

Former St. Ann Police Chief Bob Schrader, who was chief in 1993, told Enders at the December vigil he was hopeful this case would be solved.

“Maybe the DNA that’s been sent off to the company, that’s probably one of the leading companies on extracting DNA in the United States, maybe we can finally put closure to this,” Schrader said that evening. “I’ve been retired for five-and-a-half years, and I can tell you, I want this case cleared before I die.”

There’s no word on when Cox will appear in St. Charles County Circuit Court for his initial arraignment.

Copyright © 2019 · Missourinet

Bootheel town of Kennett losing third major employer in two years

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Southeast Missouri’s Kennett has lost its third major employer in three years. Missourinet affiliate KBOA in Kennett reports industrial hose manufacturer Parker Hannifin is closing by the end of September – putting 90 full-time workers out of jobs.

Last year, the town of roughly 10,000 lost Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center and 300 jobs. In 2017, semitrailer maker Manac Trailers also closed its doors.

Mayor Chancellor Wayne says there is nothing he could do to change the company’s mind.

“I sat down with them and they discussed their reasons for closing, which was just basically pure business,” Wayne told KBOA Radio.

Economic Development Director Jim Grebing says they have had discussions to see about keeping the closure from happening.

“For now, we’ve had ongoing discussions with the Department of Economic Development and workforce partners around trying to see how to move forward from here,” Grebing said.

Radio station KBOA reports workers were offered severance packages, while others will relocate to other Parker-Hannifin facilities.

The company released this statement to Missourinet this afternoon:

The Hose Products Division of Parker Hannifin announced a plan to close a manufacturing facility located at 1200 Ely St, Kennett, MO 63857. The Kennett manufacturing operations will be transferred to other existing locations in the United States by the end of September 2019, affecting 92 full time employees. The Kennett facility manufactures yarn reinforced rubber hose and will continue its manufacturing and assembly operation until all product lines are operational in their new locations.

This was not an easy decision to make given the impact it has on our team members. This was the only viable option as the demand for the products manufactured at the Kennett facility can no longer support the operating costs.

We are grateful for our team members hard work and dedication and the consolidation in no way reflects their performance. We are committed to easing the transition for all affected team members and we will be offering employment opportunities across Parker, as well as separation packages that include severance pay and outplacement support.

Throughout this transitional period, the Parker Hose Products Division is committed and focused on doing our jobs safely and effectively, while maintaining the high standards for quality and service that our customers expect from us.  

KBOA Radio in Kennett contributed to this report.

Gov. Parson to Hannibal officials: we’re doing everything we can with the situation we’re in (Video-WGEM)

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Gov. Parson, Mayor and County EMD John Hark, State Rep. Louis Riggs

Gov. Parson met with local leaders in Hannibal as he toured efforts to stave off Mississippi River flooding. Mayor John Hark said the city is in good shape “thanks to city employees and citizens” who have been sandbagging during all daylight hours.

The governor also recognized the Department of Corrections inmates who have been helping across the state.

“Those men and women have been out there helping every day just like everyone else; they’ve out their backs into it,” Parson said.  “Sometimes take just a second to appreciate people like that that are out there working.”

“Unfortunately, the rain’s not going to let up,” Parson said.

Missourinet’s TV and radio partner in Quincy, WGEM, covered the press conference Monday.

Read their story- watch presser here

 

Missouri Governor Parson urges Corps to give states a seat at the table

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(This story is written by news director Brent Martin at Missourinet St. Joseph affiliate KFEQ Radio)

ST. JOSEPH, Mo.- Missouri’s governor toured flood-damaged northwest Missouri Wednesday evening, after meeting earlier in the day with three fellow governors and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Council Bluffs.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson speaks to State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer (left) and State Rep. Sheila Solon (right) at Rosecrans Memorial Airport in St. Joseph on May 29, 2019 (photo courtesy of KFEQ’s Brent Martin)

Governor Mike Parson says Missouri is battling Mother Nature as the state fights flooding from border to border. He tells Missourinet St. Joseph affiliate KFEQ Radio (AM 680) there is virtually no part of the state that hasn’t been impacted by flooding.

“You know it’s just unfortunate right now, it just seems like we can’t get a break with the rain. No matter where we’re at, it’s just a problem and right now, we’re just trying to hold our own here in Missouri. We’re just fighting everyday to try to make sure these levees stay in place and trying to sandbag all over the state right now,” Parson says.

Parson tells KFEQ that he and fellow governors from Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska met with the Corps about the current situation. He says all four expressed their concerns about additional releases from Gavins Point Dam, and are calling for greater input from the states on how the Corps manages the river.

Parson says the governors are urging the Corps to give states a seat at the table. He says states must have a significant say in Missouri River management.

Governor Parson surveyed the Buchanan County flooding with State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, and State Rep. Sheila Solon, R-St. Joseph. Senator Luetkemeyer, who represents Buchanan and Platte Counties, says farms, homes and businesses throughout low-lying areas of his district have been inundated with rising flood waters.

Luetkemeyer notes flooding has been a “persistent problem” along the Missouri River since March. U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt told reporters this week in Jefferson City that northwest Missouri’s Craig has already flooded three times this year.

Copyright © 2019 · Missourinet

Governor Parson activates National Guard in storm recovery and preparation

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From the Governor’s Office

Governor Mike Parson today activated the Missouri National Guard as the state continues to respond to damage from flooding, tornadoes, and severe storms — while still under the threat of additional flooding and severe storms this week.

Governor Parson said in a press release, “Missouri has been battling historic flooding since March, which is depleting local resources, and now flooding conditions in many parts of the state are only getting worse. In addition, communities from Carl Junction to Jefferson City are facing the challenge of recovering from tornadoes and severe storms, further challenging civilian resources. The Guard has demonstrated its capabilities in response to natural disasters across Missouri, and I know they’ll make a difference at this critical time.”

Guard units will be deployed to support Chariton County, by sandbagging to reinforce a stressed levee near Brunswick. The Guard will also be staging and utilizing high-water vehicles to support flood response operations in Jefferson City.

Governor Parson says additional severe storms are possible for parts of Missouri on Memorial Day, and there is an elevated risk of potentially damaging severe storms for much of the state on Tuesday, May 28.

 

Missouri ag chief with Trump at reveal of trade relief package

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Missouri Agriculture Director Chris Chinn stood by President Trump with other ag leaders at the White House last Thursday when he announced $16 billion in more trade aid for farmers. Chinn says she’s satisfied with the package.

Missouri ag chief with Trump at reveal of trade relief package

“From everything I heard, I think it’s going to be a lot more inclusive for many commodities,” Chinn tells Brownfield Ag News. “It’s going to be based off of your county numbers and what was raised in your county. So I think it’s going to level that playing field.”

Chinn says she raised the concern about the many farmers, including those in Missouri, who likely won’t be able to plant a crop this year.

“With the passing (in the Senate) of the disaster aid package there were some thoughts that maybe if you do take that prevented plant that you’re going to be able to receive some aid from that disaster aid package as well,” Chinn says.

She says Trump shared his concerns about the flooding in Missouri and the tornadoes in Eldon and Jefferson City Wednesday night.

“When I was talking with the president, he expressed to me that he’s been watching everything that’s happening in Missouri and that he was praying for our citizens and he knew that we were tough and we would rebound just fine.”

Chinn says Trump understands that agriculture is a long game and the ongoing trade battle with China is worth fighting.

By Julie Harker of Brownfield Ag News

Gov. Parson’s update on storm recovery, damage assessments: Missouri is making strong progress

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Hawthorne Apartments took a direct hit Wednesday night.

Governor Parson urges Missourians to be prepared to take protective actions over the Memorial Day holiday weekend in which severe weather and flooding are being forecast.

The National Weather Service Kansas City Office expects up to three inches of rain in northwest Missouri by early Saturday morning, resulting in a Flash Flood Watch. The Kansas City NWS office is calling for a total of 4 to 6 inches of rainfall for parts of Missouri over the next seven days. This is now expected to push flooded rivers to higher levels than previously forecast

In Jefferson City, a team of volunteer engineers, architects, building inspectors, and other trained professionals Friday began assessing the exteriors of about 500 homes and buildings believed to have sustained damage to determine which are safe and which should be evacuated.

On Saturday, SEMA’s Structural Assessment and Visual Evaluation (S.A.V.E.) Coalition is expected to evaluate about 200 additional structures in Cole County that are reported to have been damaged.

Of the first 321 structures reviewed Friday, the S.A.V.E. Coalition reported the following:

  • 78 Unsafe (Severely damaged and cannot be occupied – Red placard.)
  • 60 Restricted Use (A portion of the building is unsafe – Yellow placard.)
  • 183 Safe for Reentry (Structurally safe to occupy – Green placard.)

Inspectors look for external structural damage, such as partially collapsed buildings, buildings moved off their foundations, leaning buildings, damage to supports, falling hazards from chimneys or walls, or other hazards like gas leaks or downed power lines.

“As I traveled the state yesterday and observed the devastation from Wednesday night storms, I saw people hard at work and lending a hand everywhere I went. Missouri utilities and businesses have brought on extra workers and are working extended shifts; public service workers are doing yeoman’s work, and volunteers are making a difference. The results are clear. Missouri is making strong progress in our recovery from this challenge, ” Parson said.

More updates from Governor’s Office

  • State Facilities Restoration: The Missouri Office of Administration (OA) has taken the following actions so that all state employees can return to work on Tuesday: begun cleanup efforts, worked with contractors to repair damaged buildings and roofs, worked with Ameren Missouri to restore power to several buildings, recovered IT equipment from damaged buildings, and identified temporary work spaces for employees in damaged buildings. At the Division of Employment Security building on Dunklin Street, OA has assisted in moving employees to temporary work spaces and worked to repair the HVAC system, as well as cleaning debris and helping Ameren Missouri restore power to the building.

 

  • Power Restoration: Efforts by Ameren Missouri and Three Rivers Electric Cooperative, bolstered by additional crews, have greatly reduced outages. Friday morning, in the Jefferson City area, Ameren Missouri was reporting about 3,000 outages. Three Rivers Electric was reporting about 900 outages in Cole County and about 250 in Miller County. Power is expected to be completely restored Saturday. There were more than 14,000 total outages on Thursday.

 

  • Communications Restoration: Verizon, which sustained damage that affected 19 sites in the Jefferson City area has deployed three mobile cellular sites and a mobile community center at City Hall to support first responders and affected community members with wireless communications. The company is also providing a recharging station, laptops with internet connectivity, and an air-conditioned mobile facility to support survivors and volunteers. It’s also offering unlimited calling, text, and data for customers impacted by the Missouri tornadoes.

 

  • Communications Restoration: U.S. Cellular, whose service was affected by the storms in Miller, Barton, and Jasper counties, deployed generators and partnered with another carrier to raise call capacity.

 

  • Law Enforcement: In addition to assisting local public safety agencies responding to calls for service, search and rescue, and security details in Jefferson City, Golden City and Carl Junction, the Missouri State Highway Patrol provided 21 of its law enforcement academy recruits to direct traffic in damaged areas of Jefferson City on Thursday. Also, nine Patrol troopers assisted by handling regular police calls for service in the Jefferson City area on Thursday. Patrol aircraft have been assisting with aerial damage assessments.