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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

You've been seeing increasing egg prices at your grocery store, with prices reportedly up 53 percent in the past year. Bird flu is blamed for some of that. Businessman Dustin Stanton of the cage-free Stanton Brothers Eggs in Centralia joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri." Mr. Stanton tells listeners that Stanton Brothers Eggs has NOT been impacted by bird flu. He also says Stanton Brothers Eggs has not increased egg prices and that they just don't have enough eggs to go around. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg traveled to Centralia in 2017 to visit the Stanton Brothers Eggs facility and praises its operation. You will find Dustin Stanton on Saturday mornings at the Columbia Farmers Market:

A state lawmaker from northeast Missouri's Hannibal doesn't mince words when it comes to highway funding, saying the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) does what it wants. State Rep. Louis Riggs (R-Hannibal) joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri", saying the state Department of Transportation (MoDOT) does what it wants. Representative Riggs wants to see more highway funding for northeast Missouri. You'll be voting on a proposed constitutional amendment if Riggs has his way. His House Joint Resolution 46 proposes a constitutional amendment that would grant Missouri lawmakers the authority to veto MoDOT spending plans. Rep. Riggs also is a vocal support of eliminating Missouri's income tax. He's a senior member of the Missouri House:

The Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) is currently in the middle of tax season. DOR director Trish Vincent and deputy director Cheryl Bosch joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri" this morning to discuss tax season. Trish Vincent is a state government veteran who is well-known in Jefferson City. It's her second stint as DOR director. She also served under then-Governor Matt Blunt. Deputy director Bosch tells listeners that DOR will process more than three-million returns by April. She also says the agency has already processed 598,000 refunds for a total amount of about $350-million. Director Vincent and Deputy Director Bosch encourage you to file electronically, saying you can do it 24-7 and that electronically filed returns have fewer errors than paper returns. While 99 percent of Missourians have filed electronically so far, some still file by paper. DOR emphasizes the importance of signing your tax form when you file by paper so you can get your refund. Director Vincent also tells listener

Unity is a top priority for new Missouri Republican Party chairman Peter Kinder of Cape Girardeau. He joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri" to discuss his priorities and the party's future. He has pledged to revitalize the state party starting with fundraising, noting the party's budget last year was $560,000. Kinder says that's not a lot during an election year. Republicans won every statewide race in November 2024 and maintained veto-proof majorities in both legislative chambers. While he's excited about the idea of eliminating the state income tax, he indicates it's going to take more than a year to get that done. Chairman Kinder says states like Tennessee and Florida that have no state income tax are booming, noting Ford is building a $3-billion plant in Tennessee, not far from the Mississippi River and not far from Missouri. Chairman Kinder is also pledging to work to pass Governor Mike Kehoe's legislative priorities, especially public safety and crime. He also says the Missouri Republican

Columbia’s city council will hear a presentation Monday at city hall on the convention center feasibility study. It’s an issue that has been discussed in Columbia for about 30 years. The feasibility study discussion will take place Monday at 5 pm at city hall, during the council’s pre-meeting. Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) director Amy Schneider will be presenting that report, and she joined host Fred Parry in-studio this weekend on 939 the Eagle’s “CEO Roundtable” to discuss the issue. The report she will summarize is 131 pages. A company best known as CSL, Conventions, Sports and Leisure International, was retained by CVB to conduct the nine-month feasibility study for the potential development of a convention center in Columbia. The 131-page report notes Columbia’s population is growing at nearly four times the rate of the state of Missouri. Columbia currently offers about 3,600 hotel rooms, and the report notes there are only two hotels downtown. The report says Columbia attracts 1.7 milli

State Rep. Melanie Stinnett (R-Springfield) serves as the Missouri House Health and Mental Health Committee chair. One of the big issues she's been focusing on in health care is helping doctors with prior authorizations. Chairman Stinnett joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri", telling listeners that testimony shows that Missouri physicians are spending 14 to 15 hours a week just on pre-authorizations. She adds that we then wonder why we can't get in to see a doctor. Chairman Stinnett tells listeners that this is a big challenge for providers and that it's a national issue. She also discussed her "Hope for Missouri Patients Act" during the live interview:

Columbia-based MU Health Care says it's doing all it can to continue their participation in the Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield network. Columbia-based MU Health Care started notifying patients in December that they’re working to reach an agreement with Anthem to renew its contracts, which are set to expire on March 31, 2025. That's a little more than a month away. MU Health Care says the two parties hope to reach a mutual agreement to prevent disruptions for patients. MU Health Care chief financial officer Greg Damron and MU Health Care chief operating officer Tonya Johnson joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour on February 15, 2025 on 939 the Eagle's CEO Roundtable” program to discuss the issue. Mr. Damron emphasizes that MU Health Care is being transparent. “I mean we are asking for a substantial you know either increase in our rates over three years and/or relief from a lot of their operational practices that, you know, both tie up administrative resources and in a lot of cases delay care for our pat

Storage Trust Realty was founded in 1974 by Columbia residents Gordon and Mickey Burnam. The family went on to found the self-storage company StorageMart in 1999, which began with one location on Rangeline. StorageMart is now the largest family-owned and privately operated self storage company in the world, and they're still growing. StorageMart president and chief investment officer Mike Burnam joined Fred Parry in-studio for the hour Saturday on 939 the Eagle's "CEO Roundtable." Mike also led the effort in 2021 to help StorageMart acquire Manhattan Mini Storage for more than $3-billion. During the one-hour interview, Mr. Burnam discussed his father growing up in Moberly and moving to Columbia when Mike was five. Kirksville Savings and Loan loaned the Burnam's the money to open the location on Rangeline. Burnam tells listeners that while they worked very hard, they also got lucky. Today, StorageMart has more than 300 locations, about 800 employees and they have eight locations in Columbia. It's now an $8-bil

A congressman who represents southwest Missouri's Ozarks wants to rescind federal funding for EV charging stations. Then-President Joe Biden (D) signed legislation into law providing the funding. U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Ozark), who represents Springfield, Branson and Joplin on Capitol Hill, describes the $8-billion plan to install EV charging stations nationwide as a boondoggle, saying only about 30 have been built. Congressman Burlison joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri", telling listeners that this is wasteful spending and that the United States is $36-trillion in debt. Congressman Burlison's UNPLUG EVs Act has been filed. Congressman Burlison says subsidies like this increase energy costs. We also discussed DOGE and tariffs during the live interview. Congressman Burlison serves on the U.S. House Subcommittee on Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Some Democrats on Capitol Hill are concerned about how DOGE could impact the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and veterans. Othe

Crime and public safety is a top priority for State Sen. Nick Schroer (R-O'Fallon), who chairs the Missouri Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence committee. His crime bill calls for the Board of Police Commissioners to take control of the municipal police department in St. Louis later this year. The bill also prohibits stunt driving and participation in street takeovers. Chairman Schroer joined us live this morning on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri", telling listeners that the stunt driving on motorcycles is an issue statewide, not just in St. Louis. He says it's happening in mid-Missouri, in Kansas City and in rural areas. Senator Schroer tells listeners that there have been injuries and deaths, as people fall off the motorcycles and other vehicles. He also favors eliminating Missouri's income tax and discussed that as well:

State Sen. Rick Brattiin (R-Harrisonville) has filed a proposed constitutional amendment involving property taxes. Brattin's Senate Joint Resolution 7 would prohibit counties and political subdivisions from levying or collecting taxes on real property starting in 2027. If Missouri lawmakers approve his proposal, you'll be voting on the issue on a statewide ballot. Senator Brattin, who chairs the Missouri Senate Education Committee, joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri." While he's hopeful SJR 7 will pass, Chairman Brattin realizes it will be an uphill battle. He says it needs to happen. Senator Brattin also discussed public safety and crime during the live interview:

The National Weather Service (NWS) in St. Louis has issued a winter storm warning for Wednesday for several counties in the 939 the Eagle mid-Missouri listening area. Audrain, Boone, Cooper, Howard, Monroe and Randolph counties are under the winter storm warning. That includes cities like Columbia, Boonville, Rocheport, Fayette and Moberly. The National Weather Service is warning that widespread travel impacts are expected tomorrow. You are urged to avoid traveling Wednesday unless it’s necessary. NWS St. Louis meteorologist Mark Britt tells 939 the Eagle that the Columbia area could see four to eight inches of snow tomorrow. NWS St. Louis meteorologist Matt Beitscher expects snow to start in the Columbia area between 3 and 6 tomorrow and continuing through Wednesday night. Moberly could see up to ten inches of snow. Mizzou atmospheric science professor Tony Lupo joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri" to discuss Wednesday's storm. He expects the snow to begin falling in the Columbia area between

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe (R) outlined his proposed $130-million pay plan increase for state employees during his January State of the State address. The governor says the average turnover rate in state government is 20 percent, adding that makes it difficult for state departments and agencies to operate efficiently. He says his plan provides funding to support a one percent salary increase for every two years of service, up to ten percent for all state employees. "Missouri Times" publisher Scott Faughn joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri." Mr. Faughn tells listeners that if you don't pay your employees, they will leave for other jobs. He believes the Legislature will approve much of Governor Kehoe's proposed plan. He's also impressed with State Sens. Brad Hudson (R-Cape Fair) and Rick Brattin (R-Harrisonville), telling listeners they're in Jefferson City to work and he's impressed with their work ethic. Scott also discussed Hammerschmidt, which involves a 1994 Missouri Supreme Court decisi

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce describes Columbia as a great place to live, learn, work and play. Columbia Chamber of Commerce president Matt McCormick joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour Saturday morning on 939 the Eagle’s “CEO Roundtable” program. They tackled the issues of homelessness and crime during the interview and they also discussed the importance of the new $220-million I-70 Rocheport bridge. Former Columbia Mayor Brian Treece, who later served on Missouri’s Highways and Transportation Commission, describes the December ribbon-cutting ceremony as a once-in-a-lifetime event. The new Lance Corporal Leon Deraps I-70 Missouri River bridge at Rocheport is now open. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) says more than 37,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily. That includes about 8,800 tractor trailers. Chamber president McCormick says the new bridge is generational, adding that one side of the new bridge is the same width as the former I-70 Rocheport bridge was. Mr. McCormick also d

State Rep. John Martin (R-Columbia) serves on the Missouri House Budget, Economic Development and Elementary and Secondary Education committees in Jefferson City. His district includes Ashland, Hartsburg and Centralia. Representative Martin is a freshman who was first elected to the Missouri House in November. He joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri", telling listeners that his priorities are public safety, education and infrastructure. Rep. Martin tells listeners that he and other lawmakers have convinced the state Department of Transportation (MoDOT) to move the Highway 63 interchange with busy Route B in Columbia up on their priority list. Route B is home to Columbia's Food Corridor, including Swift Foods and Quaker Oats. Kraft Heinz is nearby:

The sheriff in Missouri's fourth-largest county says people who are in the United States Illegally and who are committing crimes need to be deported. Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri". He and other sheriffs across the nation met with Border Czar Tom Homan this week. Sheriff Arnott tells listeners that Mr. Homan knows his stuff and that things are moving quickly. Southwest Missouri's Greene County has about 275,000 residents, and their jail averages about 950 inmates a day. Sheriff Arnott tells listeners there have been illegal immigrants in his jail. He says he works with ICE. Mr. Arnott was elected Greene County sheriff in 2008 and has been re-elected four times. He is now serving his fifth term as sheriff:

Missouri’s House Speaker is the first medical doctor to serve as speaker in 140 years, and he’s the first Speaker from Jackson County in 157 years. House Speaker Dr. Jonathan Patterson (R-Lee's Summit) joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri." He tells listeners that foster children remains a top priority for him. He told House colleagues during his January opening day address that a bipartisan bill that would have mandated the state apply for the benefits of foster children with deceased parents died in 2024 due to inaction and politics. Speaker Patterson reiterated his call today for that to be the first Missouri House bill sent to the Senate for their consideration. He tells "Wake Up" that he expects the bill to be voted out of committee today and predicts it will be approved by the House on Thursday, saying Wednesday will be the Chiefs Super Bowl victory parade. Speaker Patterson predicts Kansas City will beat the Eagles in Sunday's Super Bowl. He also says House Republicans want to see Missou

Missouri Lieutenant Governor Dave Wasinger (R) is strong proponent of working in the office. He joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri," telling listeners that his immediate senior staff members will soon be mandated to work in the office five days a week. Lt. Governor Wasinger hopes some state agencies follow his lead. He tells listeners that working in the office improves productivity and it also ensures things get done. We also discussed the bipartisan issue of child care during the live interview. Lt. Governor Wasinger supports Governor Mike Kehoe's commitment to timely payments for child care providers who partner with the state to provide care. Governor Kehoe told state lawmakers last week that delays in payments from the state have made it difficult for providers to even stay open. Mr. Wasinger tells listeners that some Missouri day cares have been put out of business due to payment issues: