Missouri's prison popluation has never been higher. The state is housing 30,720 inmates in its lockups, about 70 inmates more than the previous record 4 years ago.

The state's Corrections Department director isn't sure if the increase is based on more crime, more convictions or the courts clearing out a backlog of criminal cases.

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The lawsuit in Callaway County between the county commission and five fire districts went to court Thursday, but a judge granted a continuance and the new trial date will be set in November.

The county has been charging those districts about $30,000 a year for providing 911 service, and those districts are now refusing to pay the fee.

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Sarah Palin will soon return to Missouri. The former Alaskan governor and 2008 vice presidential candidate is expected to talk at the College of the Ozarks the first week in December. She will speaking on civic duties, citizenship, and patriotism.

Palin campaigned in Jefferson City last November.

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The state Transportation Department is hoping to sell 23 pieces of land across the state that it no longer needs.

One of those pieces of land is 1.4 acres on Morley Street in Moberly.

Virtual tours of some of the properties can be seen on MoDOT's Web site.