News

The word “crisis” can sometimes be overused, but when it comes to the gap between youth in foster care and the number of available foster homes, the reality is shocking. Reports from Missouri Children’s Division show that there are close to 13,500 youth in state custody, but only about 5,000 licensed foster homes in the state. In Kansas, the Department of Children and Families reports more than 6,200 youth in state custody, but only about 2,400 available foster homes.

The Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital and the Columbia Vet Center are teaming up to provide area Veterans with services that include VA health care enrollment for those who are eligible, as well as counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder and military sexual trauma. Through use of the Mobile Vet Center (MVC), a 37-footlong mobile resource unit, bereavement, marriage, and family counseling also are available. Additional resources for Veterans through the MVC include VA benefits information and suicide prevention referrals.

The time has come to reevaluate the purpose, mission, and goals of the Friends of the Livingston County Library (FOL), as the current Board has acknowledged, and they will pass the torch amenably. The Reorganization of the Friends group will be done at the annual meeting scheduled March 28, at 6 p.m. in the Court Room, 2nd Level of the Main Library.

Have you ever thought about becoming a Storm Spotter? Now is your chance. The Sullivan County Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service invite you to attend free Storm Spotter Training.

Linn County Farm Bureau Board met Thursday, March 16, at Brookfield. In attendance were Steve and Jill Hardy, Brian Ehrich, Marc Zell, Hannah Kiehl, Donald Herring and Rachael Osterman, secretary.

The Senior Citizens meal at the Baptist Church is Monday, March 20, at 11:30 a.m. Botts Cemetery annual meeting is Tuesday, March 21, at 7 p.m.

Absentee ballots are now available in the Livingston County Clerk’s office for the April 4 Municipal Election. Anyone needing to vote absentee may contact the county clerk’s office to inquire about the process. Regular office hours are 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The last day to request an absentee ballot be mailed is Wednesday, March 22. The county clerk’s office will also be open Saturday, April 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Special arrangements for absentee voting can be made by calling the Livingston County Clerk’s office at 660-646-8000 x 3.

ABSENTEE VOTING CONTINUES Absentee ballots are now available in the Livingston County Clerk’s office for the April 4 Municipal Election. Anyone needing to vote absentee may contact the county clerk’s office to inquire about the process.