By Gary R. Kremer
The year 2021 marks the 200th anniversary of statehood for Missouri—Aug. 10, to be exact. Almost seven years ago, the 97th Missouri General Assembly put the State Historical Society of Missouri in charge of planning statewide commemorations of the bicentennial. Since that time, we have visited Missourians in each county in the state, listening to how their communities would like to celebrate this milestone in Missouri’s history. Now, this momentous year is almost upon us.
Editorials
Holiday season shines light on needs and isolation of elderly
By Scott Kaligan
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed a lot about the needs of our elderly and most vulnerable citizens. This includes their need for care, protective oversight and interaction. While that has always been the case, the isolation many have experienced during this pandemic has emphasized the role that senior living can play in so many lives. Many families are still caring for loved ones at home; loved ones that could benefit from a senior community. Because of this, I believe the pent-up demand for senior living is growing and is about to explode.
I live in my district
By Phill Brooks
When Missouri's House begins its 2021 session, it may face a fascinating issue of residency which has a long history. The issue arises from a St. Louis Post Dispatch report that Rep. Nick Schroer, R-St. Charles County, purchased a home for his family outside of his House district—while claiming residency in his district via a lease to live in the basement of another person's home.
MDC director responds to column
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following was submitted by Missouri Department of Conservation Director Sara Parker Pauley in response to an outdoor column written by Bill Cooper entitled “Winds of change for Missouri conservation regulations” that was printed on the Outdoor page in the November 26 edition of the Cuba Free Press and posted at www.threeriverspublishing.com.
Taxpayers will never know if city got fair price for land it sold
It wasn’t illegal. They didn’t even try to hide it. Does that make it okay? Not when it comes to city property and there’s a lesson that all governmental bodies can take from it.
Economic freedom in Missouri improves
By Rik W. Hafer
How about some good economic news. According to the just released 2020 edition of Economic Freedom of North America, Missouri ranks as the 12th most economically free state in the country. It is an improvement over last year’s ranking, which was 16th. That’s good news because more economic freedom is associated with better economic outcomes.