Work Search Requirements Resume This Week

Beginning this week, the week of July 5-11, 2020, unemployed workers that wish to continue to receive unemployment benefits (including the $600 federal supplement through July 25, 2020) will once again be required to perform work search activities. The work search activity requirement set out by law had been previously lifted for those that had filed a coronavirus-related unemployment claim.

Work search activities are required for programs including regular Unemployment Insurance (UI), Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Extended Benefits (EB), and Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (PEUC).

A work search activity is an attempt made to obtain employment or to resume work. Three work search activities are required to be completed for each week for which an individual requests payment unless they are in approved training, have a definite recall date from an employer, or are part of a Shared Work Program.

Examples of work search activities include, but are not limited to, accessing and searching for work on MOJobs, participating in a Missouri Job Center workshop, attending a job interview or job fair as well as completing online applications. Work search activities for those individuals who are self-employed and on the PUA program may call on clients, submit bids or proposals, or attend training. For more examples and details about fulfilling work search activity requirements, claimants are encouraged to visit labor.mo.gov/required-work-search.

Individuals should make sure their work search activity record is up to date in uinteract.labor.mo.gov. Individuals may enter their work search activities during the week or when filing their Weekly Request for Payment. Failure to complete three (3) work search activities may result in the termination of benefits.

Through the Missouri Job Centers, unemployed Missourians now have free access to 3,800 courses to help develop their knowledge and skills to become re-employed. 

To sign up for the online Coursera classes, Missourians need to have an account in the MoJobs system. Missourians can create a login at jobs.mo.gov. MoJobs users will have access to a link within the site to receive an invitation from Coursera. The process should only take two business days to get registered. Missourians must be registered within Coursera by September 30, 2020, to take advantage of this offer. Courses need to be completed by December 31, 2020, in order to receive the credential or certificate at no cost.

Additionally, the Job Centers are hosting two virtual job fairs to be held on July 22 and August 5.  

Interested job seekers can sign up at jobs.mo.gov/seeker-virtual-job-fair-registration.

For questions regarding Missouri unemployment, please utilize the DES virtual assistant at labor.mo.gov and visit labor.mo.gov/coronavirus. Claimants are encouraged to visit labor.mo.gov/required-work-search for details on acceptable work search activities.

Letter to the Editor -- Reopen Public Schools

We cannot allow public schools to stay closed this fall.

The importance of in-person learning is well-documented, and there is mounting evidence that children have already been set back by the first round of school closures.

Unfortunately, the decision of how and when students can return to classrooms has been left in the hands of some reluctant school district officials.

If you elect me as governor, I will step in and issue a statewide order to completely reopen our education system.

It's time to put kids first.

Dr. Jim Neely

Republican Candidate for Governor

Eagleville Church of Christ to Offer Sack Lunches for July

The Eagleville Church of Christ will be offering lunches on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12 noon during the month of July. There are no age or income guidelines. Lunches can be picked up from the church parsonage, across the street from the high school office, or delivery is available. If interested, call (641) 414-9614 or (816) 590-8954.

Mosaic Medical to Give Physicals July 13th

Mosaic Medical in Maryville will be holding a Sports Physical Clinic July 13th in Maryville. All prospective athletes must complete physicals every two years in order to participate in MSHSAA sanctioned athletics contests or practices. You must call to schedule an appointment. To make an appointment, call (660) 562-7999. Please bring the two-year MSHSAA form with you to your appointment, filled out and signed by a parent or guardian.

14 Years After Fire, Shelton Fireworks Continues to Thrive

On December 13th, 2005, employees at Shelton Fireworks were going through a typical day at the business, when the manager spotted a bit of smoke coming out of a bin of novelties at around 3:30 pm. In the blink of an eye, it turned into a catastrophic fire. The school had to hold the busses that day.

The fire and the fireworks show that came with it lasted for weeks. Interstate 35 had to be shut down in both lanes, as there were fireworks shooting off in all directions. The fire could be seen as far as Bethany, and the sulphur could be smelled for weeks.

Owner Greg Shelton was left with the decision of what to do, and he decided to rebuild. The new building went up after just weeks of construction and opened in time for the next Fourth of July Celebration, on June 6th, 2006. The building has a 65 foot tower which can be seen for miles away, and it holds three times as much inventory as the old store held. Shelton Fireworks continues to be one of the biggest employers of Eagleville.

Sheridan Birthdays & Anniversaries

August Birthdays

1 – Jacob Finch, Julie Cassavaugh, Neil Johnson, Spencer Hawk, Lela Parker; 2 – Yasuyuki Melius; 3 – Ramonia Parman, Tonya Troutwine; 4 – Jim Bullock Karen Fugate; 5 – Liam McCord; 6 – J.C. Stephenson, Pat Ray, Aaron Johnson; 7 – Vicki Wake, Steve Smyser, Dylan Heideman; 8 – Korbin Gladman, Kim Welch, Leland Wake, Ryan Smyser, Kristin Andrews; 9 – Jacob New, Dennis Gabbert, Rikki Hunt, Stephanie Rush, Ryder Richardson; 11 – Valorie Rauch, Julie Ragan; 12 – Larry Johnson; 13 – Joan Osmon, P.J. Hoff; 14 – Mike Thomas; 16 – Debbie Thummel, Renea Smyser, Brian Finch; 17 – Janell Dignan, Jordan Bottiger, Jason Rush, Montana Rush, Ed Morrow; 18 – Pete Evans, Jack Hawk, Tama Auten; 19 – Brian Gladman, Judy Trullinger, Parker Gladman, Steve Johnson; 20 – Kayla Rowe; 21 – Johnathon Mitchell, MiTasha Hansen, Mindy Carlson; 22 – Heath Coffelt, Jenni Finch; 23 – Amy Burkett; 24 – Melissa Parman, Bill Staton, Kyle Dignan; 25 – Richard Swaney; 26 – Wesley Parman, Chris Hopkins; 27 – Jimmy Miller, Vivian Coleman; 28 – Jessica Brand, Shelly Eckert; 29 – Lydia Thummel; 30 – Kacey Wideman, Delbert Biehle; 31 – Abby Hawk, Newt Holmes, Jennifer Finch.

August Anniversaries

4 – Allen & Robin Andrews; 5 – Dan & Shelly Barnett; 7 – Les & Rebecca New; 8 – Jason & Joni Hawk; Robert & Mary Morrow; 12 – Bart & Karla Hawk; 14 – Brandon & Amber Hawk; 19 – Wickley & Deana Dorce; 22 – Shane & Tiffany Morrow; 23 – Jack & Dorilla Hawk; 24 – Jeff & Kathy Fletchall; 30 – Duane & Donita Auten; 30 – Andrew & Amy Davidson.

Blockton Birthdays & Anniversaries

July Birthdays 

1 – Whitney Henry, Coltyn Constant, Gabriel Searl, Harold Johnson, Trinity Pearce, Tristan Pearce; 3 – Ruby Goff, Rock Ridge, Sherry Skinner; 4 – Roger Dukes; 5 – Bradley Melvin, Kerry Spitler; 6 – Sherry Shackelford; 7 – Jackie Ridge; 8 – Brianna Wiegers, Ray Key, Debbie Marcum, Lula Shimer; 9 – Sammi Elliott; 10 – Lisa Ridge, Stuart Maxson, Micayla Henson; 11 – Roy Cavin; 12 – Janice Johnson, David Meek; 13 – Taylor Miller; 14 – Becky Carlson, Harold Key, MaKayla McIntyre, Carey Stroburg; 16 – Sarah Hudson; 17 – Latasha Wiederholt; 18 – Jay Hunt; 19 – Irene Freeman, George Scroggie; 20 – Vicki Jeanes; 21 – Dennis Powell; 22 – Marci Friedman; 23 – Jim Castillo, Kevin Norris; 23 – Bonnie Scroggie; 24 – Samantha Thorburn, Gary Myers; 25 – Richard Lamborn; 27 – David Walters; 28 – Larry Hobbs; 29 – Alexis Hawk, Kyle O’Riley, Josie Smith; 30 – Krystal Norris; 31 – Ronald Bownes.

July Anniversaries

1 – Maynard & Ardna Walsh; 3 – David & Cindy Maxson; 21 – Mike & Bonnie Scroggie.

From the Blocktonian. To donate or to get on the email list, contact Scott Marcum, 303 King Street, Blockton, IA 50836.