Joplin recovery

The Rock Bridge softball team competed in a tournament in Joplin on Aug. 25 to 27. The damage they saw and the community they served had a much bigger impact on the Bruins than the team's 4-1 tournament record.

Joplin could benefit from legislation unveiled Tuesday that seeks to provide $6 billion in new disaster aid.

The new St. Mary's Elementary School was funded by various donations, including $950 from a 12-year-old who gave up birthday presents to raise money.

Jayme and Chris Harper's house was destroyed by the May 22 tornado, but their daughters are safe and home from the hospital. The family is humbled by the show of support from their family, friends and neighbors.

Gov. Jay Nixon said Wednesday there is "a solid shot" of including the tax break on the agenda for the legislative session that begins next Tuesday.

With a budget shortfall that could be $5 billion, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is only paying for "immediate needs" of disaster-stricken communities.

The move is raising concern of Sen. Claire McCaskill.

Volunteers from Columbia worked in Joplin on Saturday by removing debris left by the May 22 tornado.

Columbia residents flocked to Joplin on Saturday to help with continued relief efforts after an F-5 tornado devastated the town.

The Missouri Housing Development Commission estimates the $100 million in tax credits could fund about 450 housing units.

A housing plan approved Thursday sets aside millions of dollars for tornado relief in the state and includes incentives to develop homes for people with disabilities.

Volunteers will work throughout the community that was struck by a devastating tornado on May 22.

The Joplin School Board approved a nearly $30 million payment for July and part of August.

Seven students and one employee of the district were among the victims, and six school buildings were destroyed.

The funding will prevent Joplin from having to raise property taxes to pay for recovery in schools.

Hillcreek Yarn Shoppe is teaming up with the national Plymouth Yarn Company to create garments for Joplin schoolchildren.

The students will take hygiene products, baby items, food and clothing and therapy items such as walkers, crutches and wheelchairs to donate. 

The camp, dubbed Clyde's Place, housed up to 40 or 50 people, with about a dozen remaining this week, according to reports from The Joplin Globe.

Benefiting from the donation, the Joplin High School students will have a chance to use new Apple notebooks in their studies.