Hearing on wastewater permits for animal feeding operations
PIERCE CITY, Mo. — A public hearing is held for residents to voice their concerns about several new poultry feeding operations looking to operate in Newton and Lawrence Counties.
The meeting in Pierce City was held by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, and centers on whether to grant wastewater operating permits for seven proposed concentrated animal feeding operation facilities or 'CAFOs.'
'Neighbors and stakeholders, they have a right to have their voice heard on how they feel about these types of facilities. So, this kind of engagement is really important for us to be able to hear what they have to say and consider those comments either for this permit or for future permitting decisions,' said MO DNR Operating Permit Section Chief, Ashley Grupe.
According to the applications, most of those operations would be in Lawrence County, near Wentworth and Verona.
Lawrence County Resident, Jenny Anger says she's concerned about groundwater contamination.
'To have such a high concentration of CAFOs in such a small area is greatly concerning to myself and my husband, my kids, and my grandkids,' said Anger.
Robert Brundage, environmental attorney and general counsel to the Missouri Cattleman's Association, says he supports issuing the permits.
'These facilities here are dry poultry manure. Just the facility itself is dry poultry manure, under a roof where it's not rained on or it's coming in and taken off site. So, the CAFO itself is not going to be polluting any waters of the state,' said Brundage.
The DNR says each comment will be taken into consideration.
'We'll review the comments, see what we can do within our authority under the Missouri Clean Water Law, and then we will render a decision to either issue the permit or deny the permit application,' said Grupe.
No date has been set for making a final decision.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
39 minutes ago
- Yahoo
St. Louis plans $30M, Missouri $100M for tornado relief. How will they spend it?
ST. LOUIS – Three weeks after a devastating tornado tore through St. Louis, destroying thousands of homes and buildings, urgency is growing to secure the financial support needed to recover and rebuild. It remains unclear when and how much federal aid may be available for St. Louis. However, on a local and state level, two plans are gaining momentum to help mobilize major funding for recovery efforts. Those plans – one from the City of St. Louis and one from the State of Missouri – aim to inject tens of millions of dollars, upwards of nine figures, into the recovery process. If both plan are ultimately approved, how will the money be used to aid St. Louis in tornado recovery? To extents, that's still to be determined, but the city's and state's new bills offer some early clues. Proposed through St. Louis Board Bill 31 (Primary sponsor: Megan Green) On Friday, the St. Louis Board of Aldermen formally introduced Board Bill 31, which calls to allocate $30 million from the the NFL Rams relocation settlement toward a 'tornado relief and recovery fund.' The fund would be maintained by the city treasurer and exclusively available toward services and resources considered part of the tornado recovery effort. 'Eligible uses' under the bill include: Providing services to 'prevent homelessness and displacement' for homeowners impacted by the tornado, such as home repairs, temporary housing, help with insurance deductibles and storage of personal belongings. Repairing tornado-damaged public infrastructure, such as streets, sidewalks, water systems, lighting and trees. Providing residents with financial and legal support through an 'Impacted Tenants Fund.' Matching funds for federal or state grants tie to infrastructure and housing recovery. Providing money to nonprofits for critical tornado-response gaps in staffing, shelter, technology and warehousing. Procuring goods and services eligible for FEMA reimbursement. Compensating city staff and administrative costs related to disaster response (capped at 5% of fund annually) The bill aims to prioritize underinsured or uninsured households. It also outlines 26 neighborhoods or landmarks as 'impacted areas' eligible for assistance through the relief fund, mainly in northside and westside neighborhoods. The bill expresses that the aid must be used to help impacted people, properties or public infrastructure and may not be used for personal expenses. Proposed through Missouri 2025 Special Session Senate Bill 1 (Primary sponsor: Lincoln Hough) At the state level, lawmakers have proposed $100 million for a Missouri 'disaster relief fund,' a key component to a broader $360 million emergency spending package (Senate Bill 1) passed by the Missouri Senate on Thursday amid the ongoing special legislative session. The bill authorizes the Missouri Department of Public Safety to distribute funds to 'any city not within a county' – a phrase that applies solely to the City of St. Louis – for disaster-related expenses. Though the bill doesn't outline exact uses, it ties funding to Gov. Mike Kehoe's request for a presidential disaster declaration. Kehoe's request includes FEMA individual assistance to support temporary housing, housing repairs, and replacement of damaged property and vehicles, among other things. With that in mind, it's possible the $100 million could cover the following such services or resources: Emergency response Cleanup and debris remobal Housing, shelter and storage assistance Infrastructure repairs Out-of-pocket expenses related to storm damage The funds would be available for use between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026 and must comply with Missouri constitutional guidelines for emergency expenditures. The broader spending package would also authorize $25 million in emergency housing assistance, though that's not directly tied to the $100 million in tornado-specific funds. Both proposals – the city's and the state's – still need full approval. The St. Louis board bill would require a series or reviews and approvals from the Board of Aldermen and Mayor Cara Spencer. The Missouri special session bill still needs to clear the House before it could possibly be sent to Gov. Kehoe for review. With uncertainties on timing and dollars still looming with federal assistance, these local and state bills could represent some of the largest coordinated public investments in recovery since the May 16 St. Louis tornado. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
'Trailheads of remembrance'
Jun. 7—1/17 Swipe or click to see more The Campbell House (Submitted photo) 2/17 Swipe or click to see more A crowd bows their heads in prayer at the unveiling of an Appalachian Freedom Initiative historic marker at the Campbell House in Ironton on Wednesday. (The Ironton Tribune — Heath Harrison) 3/17 Swipe or click to see more Dr. Andrew Feight, director of research and outreach for the Appalachian Freedom Heritage Tourism Initiative at Shawnee State University, at the unveiling of an historic marker at the Campbell House in Ironton on Wednesday. (The Ironton Tribune — Heath Harrison) 4/17 Swipe or click to see more Nicole Cox, president of the Lawrence County Historical Society, unveils an Appalachian Freedom Initiative marker at the Campbell House in Ironton on Wednesday. (The Ironton Tribune — Heath Harrison) 5/17 Swipe or click to see more Marty Conley, director of commerce and tourism for the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, speaks at the unveiling of an Appalachian Freedom Initiative historic marker at the Campbell House in Ironton on Wednesday. (The Ironton Tribune — Heath Harrison) 6/17 Swipe or click to see more Susan Taylor sings "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the unveiling at the Campbell House. 7/17 Swipe or click to see more An Appalachian Freedom Heritage historic marker was unveiled on Wednesday at the Campbell House in Ironton. (The Ironton Tribune — Heath Harrison) 8/17 Swipe or click to see more Quinn Chapel AME (The Ironton Tribune — Heath Harrison) 9/17 Swipe or click to see more Kristen Martin and Susan Taylor sing at the unveiling of an Appalachian Freedom Initiative historic marker. (The Ironton Tribune — Heath Harrison) 10/17 Swipe or click to see more Marty Conley, director of commerce and tourism for the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, speaks at the unveiling. (The Ironton Tribune — Heath Harrison) 11/17 Swipe or click to see more A crowd gathers at the unveiling of an Appalachian Freedom Initiative historic marker at Quinn Chapel AME in Ironton on Wednesday. (The Ironton Tribune — Heath Harrison) 12/17 Swipe or click to see more The Rev. LaCreta Rutledge Clark, presiding elder of the Cincinnati District, gives the invocation and sings the unveiling of an Appalachian Freedom Initiative historic marker at Quinn Chapel AME in Ironton on Wednesday. (The Ironton Tribune — Heath Harrison) 13/17 Swipe or click to see more A crowd, including Lawrence County Economic Development executive director Bill Dingus, bows their heads in prayer. (The Ironton Tribune — Heath Harrison) 14/17 Swipe or click to see more Chris Saunders, local historian, watches the unveiling. (The Ironton Tribune — Heath Harrison) 15/17 Swipe or click to see more Ironton Mayor Samuel Cramblit II speaks at the unveiling of an Appalachian Freedom Initiative historic marker at Quinn Chapel AME in Ironton on Wednesday. (The Ironton Tribune — Heath Harrison) 16/17 Swipe or click to see more Nicole Cox, president of the Lawrence County Historical Society, shakes hands with Bishop Stafford J.N. Wicker, presiding prelate of the Third Episcopal District, at the unveiling of an Appalachian Freedom Initiative historic marker at Quinn Chapel AME in Ironton on Wednesday. (The Ironton Tribune — Heath Harrison) 17/17 Swipe or click to see more An Appalachian Freedom Heritage historic marker was unveiled on Wednesday at Quinn Chapel AME in Ironton. (The Ironton Tribune — Heath Harrison) Appalachian Freedom Heritage markers unveiled in Ironton Two dedication ceremonies took place on Wednesday in Ironton, as Appalachian Freedom Heritage markers were unveiled at Quinn Chapel AME and the Campbell House. The markers, which document the history of the Underground Railroad in the region, "span nine counties across three states," Marty Conley, tourism director for the Lawrence County Economic Development Corporation, said. "This is a Tri-State effort in the truest sense," he said, noting that, altogether, there will be 27 markers placed across Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky. "It reflects what we achieve we come together." The sites are being added the National Park Service's Network to Freedom, and were paid for through a POWER grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission. The 27 markers in the Tri-State will comprise the Appalachian Freedom Heritage Tour, designed to preserve historically significant locations and promote economic development through cultural tourism in the Appalachian region. The first ceremony took place at the Campbell House, located at 305 N. Fifth St., which currently serves as the home of the Ironton Lawrence County Community Organization. The home was built in 1850 by John Campbell, an abolitionist and the founder of Ironton, and his wife, Elizabeth. Dr. Andrew Feight, of Shawnee State University, the director of Research and Outreach for the Appalachian Freedom Heritage Tourism Initiative, said Campbell's work opposing slavery began in the 1850, and intensified on his move to Ironton in 1851. The home served as a station on the Underground Railroad, providing shelter those escaping slavery in Kentucky and Virginia (now West Virginia) to the Hanging Rock district of Ohio, where some settled and others followed a network north to Canada. "People risked everything for lives and freedom and stood on side of justice," Conley said. Ironton Municipal Judge Kevin Waldo led the Pledge of Allegiance in character as Campbell and introducing Susan Taylor, who sang "The Star-Spangled Banner." The marker at the Campbell House, as well as the one at Quinn Chapel, was unveiled by Nicole Cox, president of the Lawrence County Historical Society. Dozens turned out for both ceremonies, with the larger of the two taking place at Quinn Chapel, located on South Eighth Street, where speakers included the Rev. LaCreta Rutledge Clark, the presiding elder of the Cincinnati District and Bishop Stafford J.N. Wicker, the presiding prelate of the Third Episcopal District. Also speaking was local historian Chris Saunders, who Conley praised for his extensive research on the Underground Railroad in the region. "He has uncovered so many stories," Conley said. The history of Quinn Chapel began in 1856, when it was founded as African Methodist Church of Ironton by Retta and Gabe N. Johnson. The first and oldest Black church in Ironton, it also served as a stop for those escaping slavery and making their way through Ohio. The current church building was constructed in 1909 and served the congregation until 2024, when it closed, concluding its 150 active years of history. The Campbells and those at Quinn Chapel were part of a larger network of abolitionists throughout the region, Wicker said, using a piano as a metaphor for the effort. "And it takes black and white keys to make beautiful music," he said. "We are here today because of a group of courageous people." Further unveilings are planned for coming months, such one on Aug. 14, in Greenup, Kentucky, marking a site where 58 enslaved people revolted in 1829, during a forced march to Mississippi. Sixteen of the group escaped, but were later recaptured. Portsmouth is receiving two markers, with one at Pleasant Green Baptist Church, the city's oldest active Black Baptist congregation. It was founded by formerly enslaved individuals and allies and also has deep connections to Underground Railroad history. The second will be at Allen Chapel AME Church, a historic African American church with roots tracing back to the pre-Civil War era. The church's members, including John J. Minor and his wife, Martha Minor, Joseph Love, John Q. Weaver and his wife, Mary Weaver, actively participated in the Underground Railroad. Conley said the hope is that the Appalachian Freedom Heritage Tour will serve as "educational trail and moral compass." "These are trailheads of remembrance," he said. "Future generations can learn from the past and be inspired by it. We want to make sure the history that happened here is never forgotten." He said they hope to "tell the full story of our region and the legacy of the Underground Railroad for future generations." "This is not the end, but the beginning of a larger story that we are proudly preserving and sharing with the world," he said. For more information, visit www. You Might Like News Man in cape, underwear breaks into West Portsmouth Dollar General News Nearly $200K awarded in Healthy Communities grants to Lawrence groups by Pallottine Foundation News Proctorville woman killed in WV crash News Facing Hunger Foodbank will have drive-thru food distribution on Friday
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Going to KC's PrideFest? Here's how organizers plan to secure the celebration
If you see police at Kansas City's PrideFest, they were asked to be there. Law enforcement officers will provide security for the weekend of festivities celebrating the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month, according to Kansas City police officials. Police spokesperson Capt. Jake Becchina told The Star in an email that KCPD will have dozens of officers 'along the route and at point security locations.' He added that the department has been involved with the festival since Police Chief Stacey Graves took office in December 2022. 'We also have many additional technological resources that we will employ to best ensure the safety of all involved,' Becchina said. PrideFest draws approximately 22,000 people to its Saturday parade and weekend celebration at Frank A. Theis Park. Kansas City police will also have a float in Saturday's parade. The Kansas City PRIDE Community Alliance, a nonprofit that puts on the events, is also celebrating 50 years of advocacy for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other identities this year. The celebration comes at a time when the queer community has been targeted with anti-DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and executive orders from President Donald Trump and his administration. Organizers said they lost $200,000 in corporate sponsorship because of those efforts. When asked about security measures, organizers sent a statement to The Star saying they are focused on the celebration instead of hate and fear. 'We understand that questions about safety are top of mind for many, and we want to be clear: Pride has always been about showing up with courage, joy, and love—especially in the face of adversity,' the statement read. 'Rather than focusing on fear, we're focusing on what makes us powerful: community, connection, and celebration. PrideFest 2025 is packed with incredible entertainment, diverse vendors, and family-friendly activities. From our thoughtfully designed layout to our expanded accessibility and wellness resources, every aspect of this event has been built with care, intention, and the well-being of our community in mind.' PrideFest features booths for LGBTQ-friendly nonprofits and businesses. It also has musical and drag performances. Friday was the opening night of jubilee. Saturday's highlight will be the parade that begins at Westport Road and Broadway Boulevard. And Sunday is billed as Family and Community Day. The organizers say they have chosen joyful resistance as their top priority and encourage others to do the same. 'We are deeply grateful for the volunteers, partners, and neighbors who help make PrideFest a place where people feel affirmed and energized,' they said. 'Their support reminds us that Pride isn't just an event — it's a reflection of our collective power.' Previous reporting from The Star's Eric Adler contributed to this article.
