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The National Weather Service (NWS) in St. Louis has issued a winter weather advisory for several counties in the 939 the Eagle mid-Missouri listening area. The counties include Randolph, Monroe and Chariton. The advisory takes effect Wednesday at 3 am and runs through Wednesday at 6 pm. Mizzou atmospheric science professor Tony Lupo joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri" and says areas like Moberly and Huntsville are expected to see freezing rain tomorrow. He also says the freezing rain could approach the Boone County line. Mr. Lupo is also active in the Boone County and Missouri Republican Party. He says the race between former Lt. Governor Peter Kinder and former State Sen. Bill Eigel (R-Weldon Spring) for party chairman was civil and that it was closer than expected. Peter Kinder has been elected as chairman:

While Missouri lawmakers approved $577-million in funding last year to pave the way for I-44 expansion in Springfield, Joplin and Rolla, the state lacks the billions of dollars it needs to expand heavily-traveled I-44 from Joplin to St. Louis. Missouri lawmakers approved $2.8 billion in funding in 2023 to rebuild and expand I-70 from Wentzville to Blue Springs. House Majority Floor Leader Alex Riley (R-Springfield) told 939 the Eagle News in January that it would take about $10-billion to expand and rebuild I-44 statewide. Leader Riley says rebuilding and expanding I-44 would be more expensive due to numerous hills and more bridges than I-70. U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Springfield), who serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri." Congressman Burlison tells listeners that I-44 must be expanded, adding that it's his top priority. He describes it as a bottlebeck and is also concerned about safety issues. Congressman Burlison hopes to obt

Former Missouri lieutenant governor Peter Kinder is the new Missouri Republican Party chairman. "Missouri Times" publisher Scott Faughn joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri" and praises Mr. Kinder's election this weekend. He also says it's a victory for new GOP Governor Mike Kehoe, who endorsed Kinder. Mr. Faughn says Governor Kehoe just wins. But Faughn admits the race was close, saying former State Sen. Bill Eigel (R-Weldon Spring) ran a tough race. We also discussed Missouri's foundation formula during the interview. Governor Kehoe told lawmakers last week during his State of the State that the foundation formula "in its current form has gotten out of control." Mr. Faughn elaborated on this, telling listeners this is important. We also discussed the State Board of Education:

Boone County’s presiding commissioner says Schneider Electric sees the need for the proposed $73-mllion expansion at their facility on Columbia’s Route B. Presiding Commissioner Kip Kendrick joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour Saturday morning on 939 the Eagle’s “CEO Roundtable.” Schneider Electric, which many of our listeners will remember used to be called Square D, is seeking property tax abatement on the expansion. Commissioner Kendrick says Boone County commissioners approved the request for Chapter 100 at Thursday's meeting. It now moves to the performance agreement/contract process. Commissioner Kendrick tells listeners that the proposed $73-million expansion would include $20-million in additional warehouse space. That would be a 58,000 square feet warehouse addition. Kendrick says another $53-million would go toward investing in manufacturing equipment line expansion. Schneider wants to add a significant amount of manufacturing lines. Commissioner Kendrick tells listeners that the propose

Fox News reports the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recovered a cockpit voice recorder and a flight data recorder from the American Airlines plane that collided Wednesday night with an Army Black Hawk helicopter. 67 people are presumed dead. U.S. Rep. Bob Onder (R), who represents Columbia, Jefferson City, Fulton and Boonville on Capitol Hill, joined us live this morning on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri" to discuss the deadly collision. Congressman Onder was elected in November and serves on the U-S House Aviation subcommittee. He's also a pilot with about 700 hours and says DCA has had a number of near misses before,. Congressman Onder tells listeners that some experts have said for years that DCA was a disaster waiting to happen. He also describes the airspace there as crowded and congested. Congressman Onder lives near the Potomac when he's in Washington. He tells listeners that the commercial jet was just a half-mile from the runway and about 300 feet above the ground when the collisi

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe (R) has proposed an approximately $53-billion state operating budget. The House Budget Committee met this morning to discuss the proposed budget. Committee vice chairman Bishop Davidson (R-Republic) joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri" this morning. He notes because there was a new governor this year, the State of the State was delivered later than normal this year (January 28). He has no issue with that and says it's to be expected. Vice chairman Davidson also addressed the budget surplus, saying the House position has been to spend down the surplus in a responsible manner that doesn't create recurring expenses. He prefers items like one-time expenses or grants. We also discussed the committee's leadership, which is dominated by southwest Missourians. The committee chairman is State Rep. Dirk Deaton (R-Noel), and Rep. Davidson is vice chair. He's from Republic and represents Greene County. The committee's ranking Democrat is Rep. Betsy Fogle (D-Springfield). While

New Governor Mike Kehoe (R) has unveiled a $130-million pay increase plan for state employees, which would increase pay for Jefferson City’s 14,000 state employees and state employees across Missouri. Governor Kehoe announced his plan during this week's State of the State address. 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. The governor says state employees who work in 24/7 facilities like state prisons and state veterans homes who already have this time of service pay plan will receive a one percent cost of living adjustment. Governor Kehoe is proposing a $53-billion state operating budget. Senate Appropriations Committee chairman Lincoln Hough (R-Springfield) joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri". Chairman Hough is reviewing the pay plan and likes what he says. He also praises Governor Kehoe's emphasis on public safety. Guest co-host Marc Ellinger asked Chairman Hough about the Chiefs' st

Missouri’s new governor tells state lawmakers that his administration will be built on merit and that they will not support DEI programs in state government. Governor Mike Kehoe (R) made his comments during his first State of the State address on Tuesday in Jefferson City. The governor also addressed state employee pay. Governor Kehoe 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's unveiled a $130-million pay increase plan for state employees, which would increase pay for Jefferson City’s 14,000 state employees and state employees across Missouri. 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. Governor Kehoe is also proposing more than $700,000 in additional support for Missouri’s child abuse and neglect hotline to reduce average call handling times and improve customer service. State Sen. Mary E

A May 30, 2024 memo from Columbia Utilities director David Sorrell to city manager De’Carlon Seewood recommends proceeding with building a new transmission line connecting the Persche Creek and Grindstone substations along a path that follows Scott Boulevard, Vawter School road, Nifong and Grindstone Parkway. Columbia voters approved a $63-million bond issue to finance the project in April 2015, but the council paused it in 2016 due to complaints from south Columbia property owners. Those neighbors are concerned about the power line’s proximity to their property. Mr. Sorrell's memo says the transmission upgrades are needed now to ensure long-term reliability to customers. Former Columbia Utilities assistant manager Jim Windsor joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour on 939 the Eagle's "CEO Roundtable" in late December. Fred says this conversation is especially relevant now with recent news about Henderson Branch sewer and the high-voltage power lines. Fred and Mr. Windsor also discussed the "electrific

Missouri’s new governor wants to expand school choice. Governor Mike Kehoe (R) made his comments during his inauguration address two weeks ago, and he's expected to provide more details during Tuesday afternoon's State of the State. "We will face entrenched special interests, a fear of change, and a culture that says we should keep doing things the way we’ve always done them. But Missourians did not send us here to do what’s comfortable. They expect results. They deserve results. And with my administration, they will get results," Kehoe told the crowd at his inauguration. State Sen. Rick Brattin (R-Harrisonville) joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri". Brattin chairs the Senate Education Committee and this is national school choice week. Chairman Brattin tells listeners that he wants to give children an opportunity to get out of failing districts and into districts where they can receive a great education. Chairman Brattin also tells listeners that there is what he calls "woke indoctrination" ha

Public safety, crime and education are expected to be some of the top priorities new Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe (R) emphasizes during his State of the State address Tuesday afternoon at 3 in Jefferson City. The governor emphasized all of them during this month's inauguration address. Governor Kehoe says securing Missouri’s future begins with public safety. He says says too many Missourians don’t feel safe and that because of that, they cannot be productive. The governor immediately signed six executive orders in his office after the inauguration ceremony, involving public safety. Governor Kehoe also emphasized expanding school choice and reducing taxes, in his inauguration address. "Missouri Times" publisher Scott Faughn joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri", telling listeners that he expects Governor Kehoe to call for state control of the St. Louis Police Department. Mr. Faughn also discussed the Kansas City Chiefs' 32-29 win over Buffalo in the AFC championship game. Scott predicts that the

Love Columbia says one in five Columbia residents live in poverty and that many others struggle to make ends meet and find livable wage jobs. The nonprofit organization says there is not enough affordable rental housing here, adding that few income-based public housing units have been built in the city in the past 45 years. The group also says increases in wages have not kept pace with the cost of rent. Love Columbia says they serve anyone locally who struggles to provide for their basic needs and who wants to help create a path forward. Love Columbia co-founder and executive director Jane Williams joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour this weekend on 939 the Eagle’s “CEO Roundtable” She grew up in western Missouri’s Platte City and earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees from Mizzou in Columbia. She tells listeners that she loved Columbia so much that she never left. Years ago, she and Pamela Ingram would go door-to-door in the public housing around Columbia’s Douglass park area and pray with r

Legislation involving schools and cell phones has been filed by State Rep. Jamie Gragg (R-Ozark), who represents southwest Missouri's Christian County. His bill would require school districts across Missouri to adopt a written policy on electronic telecommunication devices starting in the 2025-2026 school year. Representative Gragg's House Bill 408 would prohibit student use of cell phones and smart watches during regularly-scheduled instructional activities. Exceptions are included for students with documented needs and for health reasons. Rep. Gragg joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri." He is also an outspoken supporter of school choice:

The family of former Mizzou student Danny Santulli says he is unable to walk, talk or see after a hazing incident in Columbia in October 2021. Santulli's family says Danny will need care for life due to a severe, permanent brain injury. State Sen. Curtis Trent (R-Springfield) has filed anti-hazing legislation again this year aimed at preventing an incident like this from happening again. Senator Trent's bill would prevent someone from being convicted of hazing if they’re the first to call 911 or campus security to report a need for medical assistance. Danny Santulli was forced to drink vodka to the point that he lost consciousness, before being thrown on a couch. Senator Trent joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri", telling listeners that he is hopeful about the bill passing. Senator Trent also discussed his bipartisan bill to raise jury pay, saying that under current law, jurors essentially are volunteering their time:

Jefferson City's mayor is praising Monday's inauguration of President Donald Trump (R), describing it as an exciting day for the United States and for the world. Mayor Ron Fitzwater, a Republican, joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri", telling listeners that President Trump did a great job Monday of outlining his vision for the country. Mayor Fitzwater is also pleased that U.S. Reps. Sam Graves (R-Tarkio) and Jason Smith (R-Salem) will chair the House Transportation Committee and the Ways and Means Committee this year, respectively. We also discussed Jefferson City's aging tri-level during the interview. Mayor Fitzwater tells listeners that the tri-level remains a priority, adding that Chairman Graves is well aware of the problems with it. The mayor is hopeful that Jefferson City can get some federal funding for it. The state Department of Transportation (MoDOT) says it would cost about $93-million to rebuild the tri-level and the Rex Whitton Expressway. MoDOT tells 939 the Eagle that about 86

The state’s largest business association wants to see Missouri be a top-ten state in manufacturing. Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Kara Corches tells 939 the Eagle that the Show-Me State currently ranks 28th in manufacturing competitiveness. She says manufacturing in Missouri employs about 287,000 people, contributing $50-billion annually to the state’s gross domestic product. The Chamber wants to see that number be higher. The Missouri Chamber Foundation is making seven recommendations. They include expanding the workforce pipeline for manufacturing careers and providing incentives and technical assistance to increase capital investment. "Missouri Times" publisher Scott Faughn joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri", telling listeners that he's optimistic Missouri will see more growth under new Governor Mike Kehoe (R). But Mr. Faughn is candid, saying Republicans have controlled both chambers for 22 years and that Missouri has seen little growth. According to Mr. Faughn, Mi

Missouri's 2025 legislative session began a week-and-a-half ago, and new House Majority Floor Leader Alex Riley (R-Springfield) says the Missouri House will deliver on what he describes as big, conservative ideas that House Republican candidates campaigned on. Republicans have a 110-52 supermajority in the Missouri House again this year. Leader Riley joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri", telling listeners that he and House Speaker Jonathan Patterson (R-Lee's Summit) wanted to get off to a fast start. Leader Riley predicts the House will approve legislation this session that would provide tax cuts, protect the Second Amendment and legislation involving transgender issues. We also discussed heavily-traveled I-70 and I-44 during the interview. Missouri lawmakers has approved a $2.8 billion plan to rebuild and expand I-70 to six lanes across Missouri, from Wentzville to Blue Springs. They've also approved funding to three-lane I-44 in the Springfield, Joplin and Rolla areas. Leader Riley tells lis

The Columbia Housing Authority (CHA) was founded in 1956. Its mission is to provide safe, healthy and affordable housing to low-income Columbia/Boone County residents and families. That includes vulnerable residents. It also includes elderly residents who live at Oak Towers and elsewhere. Columbia Housing Authority chief executive officer Randy Cole joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour this weekend on 939 the Eagle’s “CEO Roundtable.” Mr. Cole grew up in western Missouri’s Liberty, which is a Kansas City suburb. He also spent time in Kearney and Smithville and earned a baseball scholarship to Graceland College in Iowa. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Mizzou. Mr. Cole has held numerous jobs in his career, including a stint in then-Columbia city manager Ray Beck’s office. He also managed weatherization and low-income energy assistance for Central Missouri Community Action. Mr. Cole tells listeners that he grew to love Columbia and has stayed here. The Columbia Housing Authority curre

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey (R) received almost 60 percent of the vote in his November election win over Democrat Elad Gross. General Bailey was sworn-in for a full four-year term this week. General Bailey appeared live today on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri" and tlls listeners that it's been a great two years and he's looking forward to four more. General Bailey tells listeners there is an appetite for juvenile justice reform in Missouri. He also addressed the issue of social media and protecting children during the interview. He tells listeners that we will see his office roll out some initiatives that utilize the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act:

Public safety remains a top priority for new Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, who emphasized it several times during Monday’s inaugural address. Governor Kehoe says securing Missouri’s future begins with public safety and that too many Missourians don’t feel safe and that because of that, they cannot be productive. The governor signed six executive orders in his office after Monday's inaugural speech that involve public safety. One is “Operation Relentless Pursuit” which would designate full-time Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) investigators in each of the nine troop regions. Another executive order launches the Blue Shield program, which Governor Kehoe says recognizes local governments for their dedication to effective law enforcement and community safety. Governor Kehoe joined us live this morning at the governor's prayer breakfast in Jefferson City, and tells listeners that he will unveil more details about crime during his January 28th State of the State addre