Sunday
News Tribune staff selects Top 10 feel good stories for 2022
Each year, News Tribune staff members vote on which of their stories reached them emotionally.
Reporters discovered the joy of a 96-year-old cowboy, who got one last ride.
They shared the pain of losing a colleague.
They were inspired by the example of a judge who challenged others to dream.
And they connected readers with two 88-year-old residents of a nursing facility who found love.
Based on reader responses, these and other stories affected readers as much as they did writers.
Here are the top 10 stories, as voted on by the News Tribune staff, that touched us somehow.
Tuesday
USDA funds several solar projects in Mid-Missouri
Federal grants are empowering solar panel projects at several Mid-Missouri businesses.
The United States Department of Agriculture announced a $169,191 investment in Mid-Missouri Dec. 15, which will be used to help nine businesses reduce their carbon footprint and install more energy-efficient systems.
The grant money, which ranges from $2,500 to more than $38,000, will touch a wide array of businesses, from a turkey farmer in California to dental offices in Jefferson City and Fulton.
Wednesday
Fulton residents reminded to conserve natural gas
The City of Fulton is encouraging city residents to conserve natural gas this week.
This request comes after severe weather across the country. The weather has put a strain on the natural gas system and electric market across the country, according to a release.
"The City of Fulton encourages everyone to conserve natural gas as best they can in order to reduce the demand on this critical energy source," a release from the City of Fulton states.
South Callaway schools purchase new school bus
South Callaway School District has purchased a new bus.
Corey Pontius, superintendent at South Callaway School District, said the district approved the purchase of one bus from Midwest Bus Sales, INC for $145,644. It was approved during this month's board of education of meeting.
The bus has 77 passenger seats inside.
Other school districts have approved bus purchases this year such as Fulton Public Schools and North Callaway R1 School District.
Thursday
Fulton filing period for upcoming election closed
The filing period for the upcoming election has closed, with several candidates running for the open Fulton mayoral position.
Fulton Mayor Lowe Cannell has not filed for reelection. He was elected mayor in 2019, when he received 475 votes (52.84 percent). He ran against three other candidates.
Prior to serving as mayor, Cannell served on the Fulton City Council for eight years.
Four people have filed to run as mayoral candidates in the upcoming General Municipal Election.
Final increment of minimum wage increase takes effect Sunday
Missouri's minimum wage workers can expect a pay raise with the new year.
The minimum wage will increase to $12 per hour starting Jan. 1, 2023 as the last increment of a voter-approved ballot proposition takes effect throughout the state. The current minimum wage in 2022 is $11.15 an hour.
Friday
Community fundraises for local firefighter
South Callaway Fire Protection District raised $3,800 for a firefighter who has cancer.
South Callaway Fire Protection District set up a raffle this month to support Lt. Cameron Groner, 23, who served the Callaway County community for six years as a member of the South Callaway Fire Protection District.
Groner was in need of support from the community and fire department after being diagnosed with stage three Rhabdomyosacoma earlier this year.
Agricultural lending company FCS Financial has named a new CEO.
Rob Guinn has been elected as the new CEO for the company. He was appointed the position by FCS Financial's board of directors.
Guinn's appointment as CEO will take effect on Jan. 1. He will replace outgoing CEO David Janish, who served as CEO for 10 years and has 42 years of service with FCS Financial, according to a release.