WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court has stopped the Biden administration from enforcing a requirement that employees at large businesses be vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo weekly testing and wear a mask on the job.
WASHINGTON – Two brand-new COVID-19 pills that were supposed to be an important weapon against the pandemic in the U.S. are in short supply and have played little role in the fight against the omicron wave of infections.
Dear Abby: I’m a 38-year-old woman who used to be nice. Then I had a threeyear affair. Knowing I’m one of America’s bigger fools – and for such a long time – is infuriating, but I finally saw the light. The only person I think is a bigger fool than me is his wife.
Hello again, dear readers! It’s a busy and, let’s face it, sometimes stressful time of year. We urge you to take a bit of time for yourself to regroup, even if it’s just a bit of deep breathing or a quick walk outdoors. If any of you have coping mechanisms for stress that might be helpful to others, we’d love to hear them. And now, onward to your letters.
INDEPENDENCE - Karen Estella Fultz, age 73, of Independence, Missouri passed away on Sunday, January 9, 2022. She was a graduate of Fort Osage High School. Karen had a passion for hairstyling; she received her certificate of hairstyling in 1989 and launched a career as a barber. Since 2001 she had owned and operated The Style Corner in Buckner, Missouri, and in the following two decades formed numerous friendships in that close-knit community. Karen enjoyed both her daily coffee/dinner visits with her close friend Linda and spending her off days shopping with her sister Barbara. She loved talking on the phone—to and from work—to those she held closest to her heart. And she loved calling her daughter, son-in-law, or grandsons to report that some form of technology “wasn’t working.” In those moments she was often frustrated but also kind, patient, and curious - and she embraced every moment she engaged with them. Karen’s passion for hairstyling was only surpassed by her love of family and friends. She was a hard-working single mother to Robin Thrasher (and spouse Chris) of Blue Springs; a cherished grandmother to Christopher Hendrix of Blue Springs and Dylan Hendrix (and partner Carrie Kucharski) of Independence; and a fur mom to her true love, Ziva. She was a loving sister to her eight siblings; survived by Billy Fultz, Barbara Charles, Ronnie Fultz (and wife Maxine) and Larry Fultz (and wife Clarkie) and preceded in death by Orville Fultz Jr., Johnny Fultz, Claude Fultz, and Charlene Gillette. Karen had numerous nieces and nephews who held a very special place in her heart; she loved to spoil them when they were little and, when they were grown, let them know she always had their back. There was rarely a conversation with Karen that didn’t include a story about a niece or nephew, and many of her most valued memories were the times she spent with her family. Although there are too many to name, know that she loved each and every one of you with her whole heart. It is hard to comprehend that someone could have that much love to give, but Karen certainly did. She was a generous spirit, always looking for ways to help or give. She was strong in the most subtle of ways. She will be missed by those fortunate enough to share a room with her, those fortunate enough to share a cup of coffee and a story and a laugh. The world will not be the same without Karen. Visitation services will be held on Monday, January 17th from 4PM-6PM at Speaks Chapel, 18020 E 19th Street, Independence, MO 64055. Service is immediately following at 6PM, where family and friends are encouraged to share your fondest memories and funniest stories of Karen. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Animal Rescue Alliance T.A.R.A (tarasdream.org) or Always and Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary (alwaysandfurever.org).
Vernon E. Barker, 87 formerly of Buckner, MO, passed away Monday, January 10, 2022. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 17, 2022 at Buckner Hill Cemetery. Vernon was born November 18, 1934. Married to Nellie Darlene Barker for 69 years, there were two sons born of this marriage, Ronald E. Barker and Larry R. Barker. Vernon was preceded in death by his parents and son, Ronald E. Barker. He is survived by his wife Nellie Darlene Barker of the home, son Larry Barker and wife Susan Barker of Niangua, MO, grandson Craig R. Barker & wife Lacey Barker of Niangua, MO, two great granddaughters Haley G. Barker and Riley K. Barker of Niangua, MO, sister Bonnie Alumbaugh and husband Shorty Alumbaugh of Odessa, MO, brother Robert Barker and wife Becky Barker of Pleasant Hill, MO and several nieces and nephews. Vernon was loved and will be missed by all. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Buckner Chapel (816) 650-5555)
WASHINGTON – House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy is refusing a request by the House panel investigating the U.S. Capitol insurrection to submit to an interview and turn over records pertaining to the deadly riot.
SANTA FE, N.M. – A lawsuit filed Wednesday accuses an ammunition supplier of creating dangerous conditions on a movie set where a gun held by actor Alec Baldwin killed a cinematographer, by including live ammunition in a box that was supposed to include only dummy rounds.
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department will begin transferring thousands of inmates out of federal prisons this week as part of a sweeping criminal justice overhaul signed by President Donald Trump more than three years ago.
COPENHAGEN, Denmark – The Norwegian Nobel Committee, which awards the prestigious Peace Prize, on Thursday issued a very rare admonition to the 2019 winner, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, over the war and humanitarian crisis in his country’s Tigray region.