Conagra workers who cannot travel to a job center can now get free help finding work or training at a site in Macon, by appointment only.

The Workforce Development Board of North Missouri announced the Macon site in a news release dated Tuesday. Workers can schedule an appointment by calling 660-785-2400 to reach a staff member of Gamm Inc., the board's job center operator, according to the release.

Chariton Media Group reported Nov. 9 that Conagra told employees it intends to close its Macon plant Jan. 15, 2027. The state's list of layoff notices shows the closing affects 442 workers. The Chronicle reported Wednesday that workers must stay on the job through their official last day to remain eligible for…

None of Macon County's five census tracts was eligible for the new federal opportunity zones that take effect Jan. 1, 2027. Neighboring tracts in Adair, Linn, and Randolph counties were designated, covering parts of Kirksville, Brookfield, and Moberly. Chariton Media graphic Photos by StaffWestern Macon County missed the income cutoff for the new federal opportunity zones by about $3,000 a family, leaving the county without an investor tax break that will be available in Kirksville, Brookfield, and Moberly starting Jan. 1, 2027.

The new zones come as Macon prepares to lose the plant the Missouri Department of Economic Development called the county's largest employer in 2025. Conagra Brands told workers Nov. 9 that it intends to close its Macon plant…

Where Macon's Conagra workers can turn for job, unemployment, and health coverage help. Chariton Media graphic Photos by StaffWorkers losing their jobs when Conagra closes its Macon plant must stay on the job through their official last day to remain eligible for unemployment benefits, the state says.

That rule is posted on the Rapid Response page of the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, the agency that coordinates help for workers in layoffs and closings. The page says workers affected by a closing "must remain employed through the official last day of work to be eligible for unemployment benefits."

Chariton Media Group first reported Monday that Conagra told employees it intends to close the plant Jan. 15, 2027,…

The Macon County Home Press is offering free help-wanted ads through March 1, 2027, to help workers who will lose their jobs when Conagra closes its Macon plant.

The offer appears in an advertisement headed "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" that is set to run on page 6A of the Nov. 13 Home Press / Journal.

"We are joining with other local businesses to help displaced ConAgra workers find new jobs," the advertisement says.

Businesses may email a help-wanted ad at no charge to news@maconhomepress.com through March 1, according to the advertisement.

"This is an opportunity for all of us to help our own," said Macon Chronicle Publisher Patrick Nolan.

Nolan said Sharon Coram at the Home Press is taking the lead…