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Boone County's clerk is forecasting a 25 percent voter turnout for Tuesday's election. Columbia's hotly-contested three-way mayoral race is dominating news headlines, and there's also a key race in Columbia's Fourth ward between Councilman Nick Foster and challenger Ron Graves. Three candidates seek two seats on Columbia's school board, and voters in the Boone County Fire Protection District will cast ballots on a $6-million bond issue. Boone County clerk Brianna Lennon joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri" to discuss the election. She tells listeners that more than 3,000 registered voters in Boone County have already cast no-excuse absentee ballots, including about 600 this weekend. Clerk Lennon also reminds voters that you'll need to bring a photo ID with you to the polls on Tuesday:

If a powerful Missouri lawmaker has his way, the Katy trail would be renamed the Bishop Davidson trail and the Missouri State Fair would be renamed as the Bishop Davidson fair. Missouri House Rules Committee chairman Scott Cupps (R-Shell Knob) has filed those and other similar bills essentially to send a message. "Missouri Times" publisher Scott Faughn joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri", telling listeners that Rep. Cupps wanted to be the Missouri House Budget Committee's vice chairman. House Speaker Jonathan Patterson (R-Lee's Summit) chose Rep. Bishop Davidson (R-Republic) instead. Mr. Faughn outlined why that's still an issue. It's not a partisan issue: all three men are key Republican lawmakers. Mr. Faughn also discussed Missouri attorney general Andrew Bailey and the Democrat Bailey beat in November, Elad Gross. Mr. Faughn thinks Mr. Gross would have a better chance being elected to the Missouri Legislature than winning a statewide race:

Motorists on Paris road can see the new multi-million dollar community center being built near Sylvan and Towne in northeast Columbia’s Whitegate neighborhood, which has high poverty. United Community Builders is building the 22,500 square foot facility, which will be called the Beacon of Light. Senior Bishop and executive director Damian Dean and new development director Rochara Knight of United Community Builders joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour Saturday on 939 the Eagle’s “CEO Roundtable” program. United Community Builders is an offshoot of United Community Cathedral church. Bishop Dean tells listeners that church’s mission is to build and release capable people. He grew up in north St. Louis and came to Columbia to attend Mizzou. Ms. Knight is from Moberly, which is about 35 miles north of Columbia. Bishop Dean expects the Beacon of Light to open in early fall, weather permitting. He says the center’s purpose will be to inspire and to educate people to achieve in life, adding that northeast C

There were no serious injuries or deaths from Wednesday's tornado that struck mid-Missouri’s Pilot Grove. The tornado struck the Katy Manor nursing home, and downed power lines on and near Highway 135. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Pleasant Hill had a survey team in Pilot Grove by Wednesday afternoon. The NWS in Pleasant Hill says it was an EF-2 tornado with 135 mile per hour winds. The tornado was on the ground for six miles. State Rep. Tim Taylor (R-Speed), who represents Pilot Grove in the Legislature, tells 939 the Eagle that neighbors helped neighbors after the tornado. State Sen. Kurtis Gregory (R-Marshall), who also represents Pilot Grove, agrees. Senator Gregory tells listeners that he's grateful that there were no serious injuries or deaths. Senator Gregory joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri" and tells listeners that the sirens did not fire in Cooper County. We also discussed his health care bill, Senate Bill 79. The Missouri Senate has approved it. Missouri Farm Bureau back

University of Missouri officials have been planning a ribbon-cutting ceremony for 11:30 this morning for the $20-million three-story expansion of the MU Research Reactor (MURR), which is near Providence in Columbia. 939 the Eagle News covered the October 2023 groundbreaking ceremony, where then-Governor Mike Parson and others ground broke with a shovel in 90-degree plus heat. UM System President Dr. Mun Choi predicts the expansion will drive more research that will improve and save lives. President Choi has told 939 the Eagle that the expansion will increase radioisotope productions. MURR officials say 1.6-million patients benefit from the medical isotopes produced there every year. UM curator Michael Williams spoke at the 2023 groundbreaking ceremony, noting that MURR is the nation’s only producer of four medical isotopes used in lifesaving treatments for liver, thyroid, pancreatic and prostate cancer. Former Congressman Blaine Luekemeyer, who is now a member of the UM Board of Curators, joined us live on 93

Columbia-based MU Health Care has established a dedicated call center to answer your questions, after the failure of MU Health Care and Anthem to reach an agreement to renew their contracts. MU Health Care’s facilities, including its seven hospitals and 1,200 providers, are now out of Anthem’s commercial network, effective today. The contract expired Monday night. MU Health Care says this means patients may have to pay more out of pocket to see MU Health Care doctors or may need to find a new, in-network provider for their care. MU Health Care chief operating officer Tonya Johnson joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri" to discuss the issue. Ms. Johnson tells listeners that MU Health Care is open to coming back to the table. But she emphasizes that they need to see something meaningful from Anthem. You can call MU Health Care’s dedicated call center weekdays from 8 am to 6 pm. That number is (573) 650-5409. MU Health Care is blasting Anthem, saying its actions have put members, MU Health Care’s p

The Office of Child Advocate (OCA) was established by the Missouri Legislature in 2002 as an agent of accountability with Missouri's Children's Division (CD). The OCA operates under the Office of Administration (OA) and is independent of the Missouri Department of Social Services, Children’s Division, the Department of Mental Health, and the juvenile court. Former State Rep. Becky Ruth (R-Festus) is the director of the Office of Child Advocate. She joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri" to discuss child abuse awareness month, which is in April. Then-President Ronald Reagan first observed child abuse awareness month in 1983. Director Ruth spoke about the trauma and the external and internal scars that victims of child abuse face. She's helping to organize Saturday's parade in downtown Jefferson City to observe child abuse awareness month. Director Ruth tells listeners that at least 60 entries will be in the parade, adding that you'll also see Batman, Superman and the Chick-fil-A cow. The para

Columbia’s My Life Clinic at Providence and Wilkes started as Open Arms pregnancy center in 1992. It aims to support women and families experiencing an unexpected or unsupported pregnancy. They offer services such as pregnancy testing and ultrasound services. Their website also says they provide prenatal and parenting education on pregnancy, baby care, health, birth, parenting, budgeting, and more. My Life Clinic executive director Cassidy Teter joined host Fred Parry in-studio Saturday morning on 939 the Eagle’s “CEO Roundtable” to discuss My Life. Ms. Teter tells listeners that 98 percent of their support comes from the local community, from businesses, churches and individuals. My Life Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Ms. Teter grew up in the Kansas City suburb of Liberty. She graduated from Liberty high school and attended Dallas Baptist University on a tennis scholarship. She transferred to Mizzou in Columbia her junior year, earning a degree in biology. Ms. Teter tells listeners that she wanted

The Boone County Recorder of Deeds office is a critical one that is often overlooked. You will visit Boone County Recorder of Deeds Bob Nolte's office when you get married, if you're refinancing a house, for some land transfers and for military discharge paperwork. Mr. Nolte joined host Fred Parry in-studio Saturday morning on 939 the Eagle's "CEO Roundtable". Mr. Nolte earned his bachelor's degree in history from New York State's Binghamton University and earned his master's degree in education administration from USC. He worked in the Mizzou Athletics department under then-Athletic Director Mike Alden in the compliance office and served as director of compliance too. Mr. Nolte praises Mr. Alden, describing him as a great leader and adding that he has a photographic memory with names. One of the issues Mr. Nolte raised awareness about during the interview is deed fraud, which he describes as "any type of transferring ownership illegally," He says it can take numerous different methods. While Mr. Nolte says t

Despite snow and ice this winter and hail and strong winds this spring, a key state lawmaker says MoDOT's $405-million project to rebuild and six-lane I-70 between Columbia and Kingdom City is on schedule. It's part of a $2.8 billion project to rebuild and six-lane I-70 across Missouri from Wentzville to Blue Springs. State Rep. Jim Schulte (R-New Bloomfield) joined us live on "Wake Up Missouri":

Missouri's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) director says needles, human waste and trash from Columbia's homeless camps can significantly contribute to pollution and water quality issues in the Hinkson creek. Director Kurt Schaefer joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri" to discuss the concerns. He says DNR has received around 30 water quality complaints about Columbia homeless encampments since late 2022. DNR has written a letter to city officials, saying trash and human waste from the homeless camps can significantly contribute to pollution and water quality issues. Director Schaefer tells "Wake Up" that while there are multiple homeless camps in Columbia, the big one he's referring to is near I-70 and Highway 63. He notes some of that camp is on state Department of Transportation (MoDOT) property, telling listeners that MoDOT will be receiving a letter today that is similar to the one Columbia received in late February. Director Schaefer wants detailed plans from the city of Columbia and

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe is hopeful about a federal disaster declaration following Friday evening’s deadly tornado outbreak that killed at least 12 people. Governor Kehoe says the destruction from the tornado outbreak is growing. Governor Kehoe says the tornadoes destroyed 368 houses and caused major damage to another 366 homes. Governor Kehoe also says that about 8,000 Missourians remain without power. That’s down from 47,000 on Monday. Crews from Ameren Missouri and numerous other utilities have been working around-the-clock to try to restore power. U.S. Rep. Bob Onder (R), who represents Columbia, Jefferson City, Fulton and Kingdom City on Capitol Hill, joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri." Congressman Onder tells listeners that he's confident that President Trump will issue a federal disaster declaration, adding that he, U.S. Rep. Jason Smith (R-Salem) and others will participate in a conference call this morning with the governor about the tornado damage. Congressman Onder says Friday

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey (R) describes a federal judge's decision to rule in favor of Missouri's $24-billion lawsuit against China as historic. The lawsuit accuses China of hoarding personal protective equipment during the COVID pandemic. General Bailey joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri". He tells listeners that he based the lawsuit on a 1976 law passed by the U.S. Congress. Then-President Gerald Ford signed that bill into law. While some question what Missouri can now do, General Bailey says they intend to collect every penny by seizing Chinese-owned assets like Missouri farmland. We also discussed Friday night's deadly tornado outbreak across Missouri, during the live interview. At least 12 people have been killed and more than 13,000 are still without power. The governor says the tornado outbreak destroyed 368 Missouri houses, adding that another 356 homes sustained major damage. General Bailey tells listeners that his office will not tolerate any scams nor price gouging ag

Missouri’s governor describes the devastation from Friday evening’s deadly tornado outbreak across the state as heartbreaking. Governor Mike Kehoe and Missouri state troopers say at least 12 people have been killed in the storms. The governor says one person is still missing. He says about 47,000 Missourians remain without power this (Monday) morning. The hardest-hit areas were in southern Missouri, with six fatalities in Wayne County and three in Ozark County. Governor Kehoe says 19 tornadoes impacted Missouri on Friday night. "Missouri Times" publisher Scott Faughn joined us live on 939 the Eagle this morning. Mr. Faughn, a former mayor in southeast Missouri, doesn't think that the governor will need to call a special session to address the damage. Faughn predicts the federal government will handle most of the expenses. That would require a federal disaster declaration. Faughn also discussed possible friction between State Rep. Marlene Terry (D-St. Louis) and House Minority Leader Ashley Aune (D-Kansas City

The longtime president of the nation’s second oldest women’s college is in her final few months before she retires. Longtime Stephens College president Dianne Lynch is finishing her 16th and final year as president at Stephens in Columbia, which was founded in 1833. She joined host Fred Parry in-studio this weekend on 939 the Eagle’s "CEO Roundtable" and tells listeners that Stephens has an incredibly rich, consistent history of being first in innovating around education, teaching and learning. She also says it’s important to have new leadership after 16 years, including fresh ideas. One of the things she’s most proud of during her 16 years is the millions of dollars that have been poured into campus improvements. That includes roof work, air conditioning work and windows. Stephens has invested more than $13-million in campus improvements in the past three years. President Lynch is also proud that the chapel has been restored. Stephens’ enrollment numbers are solid: they welcomed their largest undergraduate

The Missouri Senate could vote this month on legislation that would repeal the law that says Mizzou is the exclusive grantor of degrees like medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law and engineering. A Missouri Senate committee has voted to repeal the law. Missourians for Improving Higher Education co-founder Tom Strong, who’s a Mizzou donor, is pushing for repeal. He tells 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Missouri” that repeal would help students in rural southeast Missouri. Mr. Strong joined us live on "Wake Up" on Wednesday, saying Southeast Missouri State would love to have an engineering program. The University of Missouri opposes the bill. Mizzou vice provost Dr. Jim Spain testified at the Statehouse in Jefferson City recently and joined us live this morning on "Wake Up." Dr. Spain tells listeners that this is about efficiency with the funding that is available. He emphasizes that Mizzou's priority has been on student success. Dr. Spain also says all schools compete for students and emphasizes Mizzou is not against th

The Missouri Senate Education Committee has voted to approve legislation that would repeal a law that the University of Missouri be the state's only public research university. State Sen. Lincoln Hough's (R-Springfield) Senate Bill 11 would also repeal the law that says Mizzou is the exclusive grantor of research doctorates and professional degrees like dentistry, law, medicine, optometry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine. It would also repeal the law's provision that says degrees in engineering may only be conferred by Mizzou "or a public institution of higher education in collaboration with the University of Missouri." Missourians for Improving Higher Education co-founder Tom Strong is pushing the bill. Mr. Strong, who graduated from Mizzou's School of Law, joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri" and emphasizes it's not an anti-Mizzou bill. He notes he is a major donor to Mizzou and that his name is on a room at the law school in Columbia. Mr. Strong tells listeners that Senator Hough's bill a

NFIB Missouri is a member-driven organization that advocates for small and independent businesses nationwide. One of their top priorities has been workforce challenges and hiring employees. NFIB Missouri's Brad Jones, who has been their state director for 11 years, joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri." Mr. Jones tells listeners that 38 percent of Missouri small businesses currently have jobs they cannot fill. He says it continues to be a challenge. We also discussed Schneider Electric's planned $73-million expansion in Columbia. They plan to add a significant amount of manufacturing lines. Schneider Electric's proposed expansion is expected to create 241 new jobs that would pay above Boone County’s average wage, which means the jobs will pay more than $48,000. While Jones praises the planned expansion, he predicts that the company will have to recruit some employees from elsewhere in Missouri and even in other parts of the country:

Southwest Missouri’s largest employer is pushing state lawmakers for passage of bipartisan child care tax credit legislation. CoxHealth testifies that it is experiencing workforce shortages due to the childcare crisis, adding that their patients can suffer. Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Kara Corches says the bill is also the Chamber’s top priority. Corches tells 939 the Eagle that 80 percent of business leaders in Missouri have struggled to recruit and retain workers due to child care issues. The Missouri House has given final approval to the legislation from State Rep. Brenda Shields (R-St. Joseph) on s 120-34 vote. Ms. Corches says the bill will increase access to safe, affordable and high-quality child care. "Missouri Times" publisher Scott Faughn joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri" to discuss the bill. He says State Sen. Nick Schroer (R-O'Fallon) will play a key role in it. Mr. Faughn is impressed with the way Senator Schroer is conducting himself in Jefferson City t

A prominent businessman who founded Midway USA in Boone County 48 years ago is serving again as its chief executive officer. Larry Potterfield joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour Saturday morning on 939 the Eagle’s “CEO Roundtable.” Midway USA is a shooting, hunting, outdoor and fishing internet retailer, and has about 350 employees. Mr. Potterfield tells listeners that he suffered a stroke in August and was on the floor for about two hours before his wife found him. He says while he speaks a little slower and has a small speech impediment, he’s back at work and is serving again as chief executive officer. Mr. Potterfield says he can still fish and hunt, two things he loves. Mr. Potterfield says he’ll remain as chief executive officer until the new one is hired, adding that the company generally promotes from within. Midway USA’s massive 400,000 square foot distribution center is at 40 and Route J near Rocheport, and anyone who’s driven in that area has seen a two-story brick and limestone building