The year 2021 is drawing to a close and the new legislative year will begin January 5, 2022. I am anxious to get back to Jefferson City as there is much to do. The business that will consume most of the early days of session centers around two topics. Every topic is important, but these two, the budget and redistricting, are vital.
The ACT score requirement for the Higher Education Academic Scholarship, also known as Bright Flight, will be increasing to 32 or above for students graduating from high school in 2023. Since 2008, students have needed a score of 31 or above on the ACT to receive the maximum $3,000 award.
Sedalia, Missouri – Dec. 8, 2021 – The State Fair Community College Foundation held its annual “Jingle on the Green” Dec. 2 on the Sedalia campus. The free celebration featured thousands of luminarias, lavishly decorated trees, musical performances, Christmas book readings, desserts and drinks, arts and crafts, cookie decorating, and student and faculty technical demonstrations and displays. The SFCC Foundation sponsors Jingle on the Green as a “thank you” to the community. For more information about this and other arts events at SFCC, go to www.sfccmo.edu/the-arts.
Sedalia, Missouri – Dec. 3, 2021 – Local basketball fans can see some of the best high school players and teams in the area this month at the 20th annual W-K Holiday Shoot-Out hosted by State Fair Community College in the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center on the Sedalia campus. The event returns after a one-year absence because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On December 9, 2021, the Boonville Police Department arrested Gary W. McCormick, age 54, of Boonville, and Tamara J. Simmons, age 59, of Boonville, on felony charges of delivery of a controlled substance except 35 grams of less of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid and involuntary manslaughter in the second degree, stemming from an incident wherein it is alleged that they provided drugs to a Boonville man, who in turn used the drugs and soon afterward died from an opioid drug overdose.
Fayette, Mo. – After retiring from a 30-plus-year career with State Farm Insurance, the newest member of the Central Methodist University enrollment management team is excited to start on a new chapter of life. Teresa Barnes began that chapter this week as the admissions staff’s new event coordinator and office manager.
A couple of special visitors were seen Saturday at Cooper’s Landing — Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The Boonville Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) honored Melanie Hutton (Left) as Community Woman of the Year for her outstanding work during this COVID-19 pandemic. Vanessa Melton (right) was honored as the member honoree. Lyndora Schler (center), chair of the selection committee, presented the awards. SUBMITTED PHOTO
Sedalia, Missouri – Dec. 7, 2021 –The State Fair Community College Foundation recently received $300,000 from Gardner Denver for its Stronger Workforce, Greater Community capital campaign to help build the Olen Howard Workforce Innovation Center. The new building on the Sedalia campus will expand the college’s capacity to meet the growing demand for technical workforce training and strengthen the communities it serves.
The Annual Prairie Home Christmas Festival is Saturday, December 11. There will be a large variety of vendors and crafters in the Prairie Home Gym from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.. Come and find that one of a kind Christmas gift and support local small businesses.