News – Thursday, January 22nd 2026

Wednesday in front of Judge Michael Randazzo in the 42nd Circuit Court in Dent County, Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley recommended the termination of Anthony Nicholls of Rolla from alternative treatment court. A probation revocation hearing was then held where arguments were heard to continue probation for Nicholls, but the judge revoked his probation and sentenced him to serve seven years in the Missouri Department of Corrections as requested by Prosecutor Curley. Also on Wednesday, Judge Randazzo ruled on the previous probation for the possession of a controlled substance and tampering with a motor vehicle by Christopher Black from Salem. The probation was confessed and revoked, and Black was sentenced to serve seven years in the Missouri Department of Corrections as requested by the prosecutor.

As the bulk of credit card bills start rolling in from your December Christmas purchases or travels, make sure that you review your statements carefully to make sure the charges are accurate and have the correct amount. Many people who use their credit devices extensively over the holidays for shopping and other everyday uses open the door for scammers to be able to target innocent people like you. If you find fraudulent charges, contact your credit card company immediately or if you have online access, question the charge on your statement. You have 30 days to stop payment on that charge. If you use a debit device and discover unwarranted charges against your account, contact your bank immediately as you do not have a 30-day grace period like you do with a credit card to dispute the charge. With a debit device, the money has already been removed from your account. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if you report the charge within two business days, while waiting up to 60 days can make you liable for up to $500. If you don’t report it by then, you may be liable for the full amount. Report the fraudulent charge to your bank right away via phone and/or in writing, and report any unauthorized charges on your statement within 60 days to avoid losing more money. Also, trending scams show that scammers are now capable of taking a personal device and authorizing payments from people’s phones. Make sure your apps have multi-factor authentication like biometrics and one-time-passcodes required to access and transact. Protect yourself and stay vigilant to protect your accounts and make 2026 a great year!

Each January, EPA seeks to raise awareness of radon exposure during National Radon Action Month, encouraging residents to protect themselves and their families by having their homes tested for the presence of radon. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. If left untreated, radon can build up indoors, leading to adverse health effects. After smoking, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., taking the lives of approximately 21,000 Americans every year. Radon exposure is a preventable health risk, and testing for radon can help prevent prolonged exposure. It is estimated that on the average, one in three homes in Missouri have dangerously high level as of radon. You can check the EPA’s website to view a map of Radon Zones for Missouri. The EPA recommends taking action to fix your home if you discover radon levels above 4 picocuries per liter. If your home does have elevated levels of radon, a qualified professional can install a system to lower your indoor radon levels. For more guidance on how to address radon risks, see the EPA’s radon website.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds hunters they can now use artificial light and other methods for an extended period during the coyote hunting season. Regulations changes approved by the Conservation Commission in fall 2025 allow the use of artificial light, night vision, and thermal imagery equipment from January 1st through September 30th, excluding the prescribed spring turkey hunting season. The changes took effect Jan. 1, 2026. During this extended period, coyotes may not be chased, pursued, or taken during the daylight hours from April 1st through the day prior to the beginning of the spring turkey hunting season. Coyotes, except as otherwise provided in the Wildlife Code of Missouri, may be taken by hunting, and pelts and carcasses may be possessed, transported, and sold in any numbers throughout the year. Special method restrictions apply during spring turkey season, elk season and deer season. See Allowed & Prohibited methods at mdc.mo.gov. Any questions about conservation area regulations and the Wildlife Code can be directed to local MDC staff. Find local MDC staff by county at mdc.mo.gov. Find a complete list of Missouri’s hunting seasons at mdc.mo.gov.