News – Friday, March 7th 2025

State Representative Don Mayhew has introduced House Bill 1442 called the “Natural Resource and Community Protection Act,” to end federal overreach in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and other federally managed lands within Missouri. The bill ensures that local residents are not unfairly targeted by federal park rangers and that Missouri retains authority over its natural resources, wildlife, water rights, and land use. HB 1442 prioritizes the rights of local residents by preventing the NPS from issuing federal tickets for minor infractions, prohibiting unconstitutional property seizures, stopping unreasonable land use restrictions, and blocking unilateral road closures by federal authorities. The bill also reaffirms Missouri’s authority over its natural resources, wildlife, water rights, roads, and highways by requiring federal agencies to coordinate with state and local officials before imposing new regulations or enforcement actions. This bill is a direct results of citizen complaints and concerns.

On Thursday, March 6th, Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley reports that Travis Fudge pled guilty to tampering with a motor vehicle, burglary in the 2nd degree, felony stealing and the possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine. Fudge was sentenced to serve six years in the Missouri Department of Corrections as recommended by Prosecutor Curley.

Intercounty Electric Cooperative recently announced their Youth Tour essay finalist this past Monday. The Youth Tour is an all-expenses paid trip to our nation’s capitol where participants go with more than 100 students from the Show-Me state and over 2000 students nationwide to tour museums, visit America’s most cherished monuments and even meet their elected officials. All while learning about electric cooperatives and their role in the community. The top three finalist for Salem include Makena Faulkner, Riley Remster, and Knox Smith. Licking’s finalist are Karson Walker, Noah Umfleet, and Sadie Hutsell. Ariella Tarvin, Katie Carpenter, and Keiran Goodridge are the finalist from St. James and Valery Liang, Maria Polizzi, and Lukas Barnes are Rolla’s finalist. Congratulations to all of these students as well as the finalist in Mountain Grove, Houston, Summersville, and Cabool. The first place winners from each school will earn a seat on the Youth Tour in Washington D.C. while runners up from each school will receive an all-expenses paid trip to participate in the Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience (CYCLE) in Jefferson City, Missouri. If you’d like to learn more you can contact Intercounty Electric at 866-621-3679.