Sunday
Less than half a million returned in first year of Missouri's gas tax refunds
Missourians filed more than 16,200 refund applications on the state's most recent tax increase on gasoline.
The average payout was $27.86, according to a Missouri Department of Revenue spokeswoman.
State lawmakers passed the first increase on motor fuel since the 1990s in 2021. It imposed a 2.5-cent-per-gallon increase to the state's existing gas tax in October 2021 and again in July 2022. The tax will continue to increase by 2.5 cents each July through 2025 for a total increase of 12.5 cents per gallon. Starting July 1, 2025, Missouri's gas tax will be 29.9 cents per gallon.
Fulton girls soccer falls to Class 3 Washington in Warrenton Tournament
Taking on a school a class above, the Fulton Hornets couldn't contain the Class 3 Washington Blue Jays' offense.
In the second half, Washington mercy-ruled Fulton 8-0 in the opening match of the Warrenton Tournament Friday at Warrenton High School.
Monday
State educator conference held at Westminster
Two hundred Missouri high school students competed in the Educators Rising State Conference Wednesday.
Educators Rising provides a clear pathway in every school district in America for young people who want to serve their communities as highly skilled educators, according to its mission statement.
The organization hosts statewide competitions in 36 states which culminates in a national conference -- the best of the two hundred Missourians will go to nationals.
Fulton girls track and field has two first-place finishers in Fulton Early Season Open
Fulton girls track and field began its season by competing against Rolla, California and Lighthouse Prep in the Fulton Early Season Open Friday at Fulton High School.
Two of the Hornets won events tracked for placing -- Heaven Hightower in the 100-meter dash with a time of 13.44 seconds and Olivia Weaver in the 300 hurdles (56.39).
Tuesday
Be Pro Be Proud celebrates county launch with ribbon cutting
The Callaway Chamber of Commerce celebrated the launch of Be Pro Be Proud with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a preview of the simulator.
Be Pro Be Proud is a workforce development program that aims to show students across the country what opportunities are available in technical careers after high school.
Pressure mounting for Missouri lawmakers to pass transgender care restrictions for minors
Energy for Missouri legislation restricting gender-affirming care for transgender youth was high as lawmakers returned to the state Capitol Monday.
A rowdy crowd packed the Capitol Rotunda for the "Missouri Kids FIRST Rally," organized by various groups to show support for legislation banning gender care for minors. A few hours earlier, Missouri's attorney general announced a new regulation restricting gender transitions.
Wednesday
Be Pro Be Proud begins school tour
Be Pro Be Proud began its tour of Callaway County high schools on Tuesday, offering students a look at technical career opportunities after graduation.
Be Pro Be Proud is a workforce development simulation experience housed in a 53-foot trailer. Inside are several simulation stations that showcase different technical careers. Students can participate in virtual reality experiences, drive a semi-truck and operate an excavator, among other simulations.
Archaeologist discusses Civil War sites in Missouri
A presentation was held Tuesday at Westminster College about using archaeology as a method to reinterpret Civil War sites in Missouri.
The event was presented by Westminster College, the Kingdom of Callaway Historical Society and Missouri Humanities.
The presentation, titled "Debunking Iconic Myths: Using Archaeology to Reinterpret Civil War Sites' Stories in Missouri," was given by archaeologist Douglas Scott.
Thursday
Fulton Rotarians hear updates from William Woods president
Fulton Rotary Club heard from William Woods University President Jeremy Moreland at Wednesday's meeting, when he provided updates about the university and upcoming events.
Moreland, who is now in his second year as president of WWU, spoke about changes made to impact the student experience.
South Callaway students experience distracted driving safely
The Arrive Alive Tour taught students at South Callaway High School the dangers of distracted driving while providing them a safe environment to experience it first hand with the aid of a driving simulator.
Arrive Alive is an organization that provides education programs to students that are intended to heighten awareness of the dangers and consequences of drunken driving, distracted driving and texting while driving.
The distracted driving experience was safe.
Friday
Fulton Kiwanis hears about Open Table
At Thursday's Fulton Kiwanis meeting, members heard about the new soup kitchen in Fulton, Open Table.
Sue Beaty, Open Table president, spoke to Kiwanians about the organization.
Beaty said Fulton's previous soup kitchen closed in the spring of 2021, and that she felt it was necessary to open a new one.
Fulton Rotary promotes peace to preschoolers, donates books
Fulton Rotary Club recently teamed up with Fulton Head Start to promote peace to preschoolers as part of Rotary's Peace and Conflict Resolution Month.
The Fulton Rotary Club is recognized as a Peacebuilder Club by the Rotary Action Group for Peace. This means the club focuses on peace and assists in Rotary's mission "to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace," a Rotary release states.