Alec Stutson

With the recent re-openings of businesses and stores during the era of social distancing, many small business owners are struggling to get emergency loans they need from the Small Business Administration and other lending sources. According to a study from the National Federation of Independent Businesses Research Center, about three-quarters of small business owners have submitted an application for a paycheck protection loan loan as of April 17.

Ashland Mayor Gene Rhorer purchased the Boone County Journal, Ashland’s local weekly newspaper, on march 1 for an undisclosed amount of money.

Rhorer is a long-standing business owner in Ashland. He says he wanted to keep the paper locally owned. Rhorer sees the paper as a irreplaceable hub for the community.

"Well it keeps them abreast of changes within the city that they live," Rhorer said. "The local paper is very important in that aspect. That news can’t be obtained elsewhere."

Governor Mike Parson has proclaimed the week of February 16th to the 23rd as National FFA Week in Missouri. FFA, or the Future Farmers of America, is an organization devoted to promoting agricultural education in public schools.

In a ceremony at the state capitol today, Governor Parson, who raises cattle, emphasized the importance of agriculture for the Missouri Economy. He told the more than 80 FFA members that they were the future of the industry, and the future of the state.