Eagle Eye News On Demand

Columbia's police chief encourages you to make an informed decision about August's Proposition One, which is a proposed one percent sales/use tax for public safety. Police chief Jill Schlude, fire chief Brian Schaeffer and Mayor Barbara Buffaloe spoke to a standing-room only audience Friday at the Columbia Pachyderms meeting at Dickey's BBQ. Matt Nichols of the Columbia Police Officers Association (CPOA) and Zach Privette of the Columbia Professional Firefighters joined host Gary Nolan live in-studio Monday on the "Gary Nolan show":

Missourians will cast ballots on four proposed constitutional amendments in August, including Amendments Four and Five. State Rep. John Martin (R-Columbia) joined hosts Randy Tobler and Stephanie Bell live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri" to discuss the measures. Rep. Martin agrees with Governor Kehoe's call to phase out Missouri's state income tax. Martin says the best way to help working families is through wage growth:

Columbia businessman Nic Parks is known across town and in Boone County for numerous businesses he owns, including Level Up at Columbia Mall, Lakeside Ashland, the popular Slab City card store at Columbia Mall and Shiloh Bar and Grill downtown. Mr. Parks purchased Shiloh in 2021. He joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour Saturday morning on 939 the Eagle's "CEO Roundtable" and discussed his businesses and his decision to close the business incubator in downtown Columbia. Fred Parry describes Nic Parks as a "serial entrepreneur." Mr. Parks grew up in Florissant, which is a St. Louis suburb. He came to Columbia to attend school in 1997 and has been here ever since. He and Fred also discussed Lakeside Ashland and the drive-in theatre there:

Missouri's governor has signed legislation from State Sen. Jamie Burger (R-Benton) into law that allows speed limits to be raised to 75 mph on some rural highways. State Rep. David Tyson Smith (D-Columbia) is not opposed to the idea but is concerned with the timing. He tells 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri" that Missouri currently has more than 1,000 construction zones on highways and roads and says this should have waited another year or two. Representative Tyson Smith joined "Wake Up" hosts Randy Tobler and Stephanie Bell:

Missouri's governor has signed legislation into law that allows speed limits to be raised to 75 mph on some rural highways. State Rep. David Tyson Smith (D-Columbia) is not opposed to the idea but is concerned with the timing. He tells 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri" that Missouri currently has more than 1,000 construction zones on highways and roads and says this should have waited another year or two:

77 members of Columbia-based Missouri Task Force One (MO-TF1) just returned from a deployment to historic flooding in southeast Missouri. Boone County Fire Protection District chief Doug Westhoff, assistant chief Chuck Doss and MO-TF1 program manager Jake Heller joined hosts Randy Tobler and Stephanie Bell live this morning on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri." They had to end the interview early because they just learned they are being deployed to flooded Texas:

FBI Deputy Director Andrew Bailey says the 2026 World Cup has been an enormous success so far. Mr. Bailey, a former Missouri attorney general, joined hosts Stephanie Bell and Jennifer Bukowsky on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri." Deputy Director Bailey notes there have been 11 host cities in the United States, three in Mexico and two in Canada. He also notes the World Cup has been happening at the same time as America 250 events, a UFC fight at the White House and Major League Baseball's All-Star game:

The founder of Columbia-based Hunsaker Vortex Smokers, Mark Hunsaker, has created a company that's known nationally and internationally. His company, which is located on Columbia's Brown Station Road, is all about barbecue. Mr. Hunsaker joined host Fred Parry on 939 the Eagle's "CEO Roundtable", telling listeners that his customers are very serious competition smokers in BBQ. They take it seriously spend thousands of dollars at BBQ competitions. Mark grew up near Quincy Illinois and graduated from Western Illinois. He's the first in his family to graduate from college and arrived in Columbia after college to work for Silvey Insurance Company:

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe (R) says he will not call a special legislative session on data centers. State Rep. Don Mayhew (R-Crocker) and at least 15 of his House colleagues want to see a special session. Governor Mike Kehoe was live Wednesday on 939 the Eagle's “Wake Up Missouri." Governor Kehoe says safeguards are already in place under Senate Bill 4, saying that law ensures that large energy users pay for what they are going to use. The governor also says decisions on data centers are local decisions made by local elected officials. Representative Mayhew was live this morning on "Wake Up Missouri" and says he's hearing a lot of voter interest about data centers as he goes door-to-door. Mayhew also has concerns about water:

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe (R) made $53-million in line-item budget vetoes in June. Governor Kehoe joined Randy Tobler and Stephanie Bell live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri" this morning, telling listeners he has to make tough decisions because Missouri requires a balanced budget. The governor is also ruling out calling a special session on data centers:

Columbia voters will head to the polls in August to cast ballots on Proposition 1, a proposed one percent sales/use tax that would be dedicated to public safety. Columbia officials say it's needed to stabilize the city's police and firefighter's retirement fund. City manager De'Carlon Seewood has told 939 the Eagle that if voters approve Proposition 1, $38-million would be generated annually and that there would be 50 additional police officers and 40 additional firefighters over four years, along with two new fire stations with apparatus and a new police station. Comobuz publisher Mike Murphy joined host Fred Parry in-studio Saturday morning on 939 the Eagle's "CEO Roundtable". Mike tells listeners he believes voters will reject Proposition 1 and that the city should have waited until November to place it on the ballot:

The Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) director is in her 15th year in that position. CVB director Amy Schneider joined host Fred Parry in-studio Saturday on 939 the Eagle's "CEO Roundtable." They tackled sports tourism, the importance of Gans Creek's cross country course from a national perspective and talk of a conference center. She says tourism in Columbia means jobs and sales tax revenue. “Tourism spending in fiscal year '25 reached $577.5 million, employing over 11,000 people," Schneider tells Mr. Parry:

A $49.6 billion state operating budget has been signed into law by Governor Mike Kehoe. The governor has made several hundred million dollars in line-item vetoes. Governor Kehoe's budget includes $2-billion for public safety and $59-million for agriculture, including funding for FFA. It also includes $15-million to support a future downtown Jefferson City conference center and parking garage. State Sen. Jason Bean (R-Peach Orchard) joined Randy Tobler and Stephanie Bell live on "Wake Up Missouri":

The United States is celebrating its 250th birthday nationwide. Show-Me 250's Pat Thomas of Jefferson City joined hosts Randy Tobler and Stephanie Bell live on "Wake Up Missouri":

The activities director at Columbia-based In-2 is grateful to have his job. Trey Dawson joined hosts Randy and Shannon Tobler live this morning on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri". Mr. Dawson tells listeners that he's served time in 27 different county jails in 12 states and has been to the penitentiary five times. He says dogs in the prison changed his life. He shared his powerful story:

A congressman who represents west-central Missouri on Capitol Hill says America's best days are still ahead of us. U.S. Rep. Mark Alford (R-Raymore), who represents Columbia, Sturgeon and Centralia on Capitol Hill, joined hosts Randy and Heliene Tobler on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri." Congressman Alford says the bipartisan housing bill needs to be signed and will take effect in nine days, if President Trump doesn't sign it. Congressman Alford also slammed congressional Democrats during the live interview, saying they want America to fail:

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway (R) criticizes a recent ruling from Judge Zhang involving abortion and promises an appeal. General Hanaway joined hosts Randy Tobler and Peter Thiele live on "Wake Up Missouri", telling listeners that her office will appeal to the Missouri Supreme Court. The case is called " Comprehensive Health v. Missouri." While abortion rights advocates praise the ruling, General Hanaway tells listeners that the judge's decision "gives abortion providers a free pass to police themselves":

Southwest Missouri Congressman Eric Burlison says the Senate has the 50 votes to pass the SAVE Act. Congressman Burlison (R-Springfield) joined hosts Randy Tobler and Brian Karl live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri". They also discussed Iran and health care:

The president of Columbia-based Boone Health hopes to see a decision on a strategic partner by the end of the calendar year. Boone Health president and chief executive officer Brady Dubois joined host Fred Parry in-studio Saturday on 939 the Eagle's “CEO Roundtable”." They tackled the strategic partner issue, Missouri Heart Center's closure, the Glasgow clinic, the Nifong Plaza campus and numerous other topics during the one-hour interview. Mr. Dubois says imaging visits at the Nifong Plaza campus have seen a 217 percent increase since 2016, while therapy visits for physical, speech and occupational therapy have increased by 85 percent:

The Missouri House Veterans Committee's vice chair praises President Donald Trump for the situation in Iran. State Rep. Jim Schulte (R-New Bloomfield), who served two combat tours in Afghanistan, joined hosts Randy Tobler and Stephanie Bell on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri." Rep. Schulte tells listeners that President Trump has been "three steps ahead" of everyone and that Iran has been brought to its knees:

A lawsuit has been filed against the city of Columbia by the Goldwater Institute involving the city's revenue guarantee for American Airlines' flights from Columbia Regional Airport (COU) to Charlotte. The lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of the city's public revenue guarantee for American Airlines' new route between COU and Charlotte. Attorney Dave Roland of the Goldwater Institute spoke on 939 the Eagle's "Gary Nolan show":

NFIB Missouri director Brad Jones says the most recent small business economic trends survey is down. He joined hosts Randy Tobler and Stephanie Bell live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri" and tells listeners that Missouri small business plans to increase employment are down in the survey:

U.S. Rep. Bob Onder (R) says there is waste and some fraud in the federal government's child care development block program. Congressman Onder, who represents Columbia, Jefferson City and Fulton on Capitol Hill, joined hosts Randy Tobler and Jennifer Bukowsky live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri." He also discussed prescription drug costs:

Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) director Michelle Hataway describes Allegiant's new Florida service at Columbia Regional Airport (COU) as a gamechanger for COU and for the mid-Missouri region. COU is the nation's fastest-growing airport, according to aviation firm Mead and Hunt. Airport manager Michael Parks joined host Fred Parry in-studio Saturday morning on 939 the Eagle's “CEO Roundtable.” Mr. Parks is grateful for the strong interest you've shown in Allegiant's new flights from Columbia to Destin-Fort Walton Beach and to Orlando Sanford. “Getting them to sign on here in Columbia … I would say it's an absolute gamechanger for our airport and what we look like in the future," Mr. Parks tells listeners. Mr. Parks also addressed Delta Airlines, American Airlines' Charlotte flights, COU's new shuttle and numerous other topics during the interview. The new shuttle is equipped with 15 passenger seats and rear luggage storage for larger bags. COU welcomed about 242,000 passengers in 2025, a record and a 17 percent increase over 2024 numbers:

Missouri's state auditor says state budget numbers show a trend in deficit spending that cannot be sustained and that jeopardize Missouri's financial health. That warning from State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick. Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O'Laughlin (R-Shelbina) joined hosts Randy Tobler and Jennifer Bukowsky on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri" and discussed the budget numbers. She also tells listeners that she doesn't expects any of Governor Mike Kehoe's (R) budget line-item vetoes to be overridden by the GOP-controlled state Legislature and hopes Missourians pass Amendment Four. Pro Tem O'Laughlin says IP reform is needed, saying out-of-state progressive groups are spending millions of dollars to get ballot items passed that the Legislature opposes:

Former U.S. Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R) says Americans are paying, on average, three times more that what the rest of the world pays for prescription drugs. Former Congressman Hayworth joined hosts Randy Tobler and Stephanie Bell on 939 the Eagle's "CEO Roundtable" and he's calling on Congress to take action involving most favored nation to help lower costs of prescription drugs. He says it's time to rein in Big Pharma:

The president of the nation's second-oldest women's college is celebrating her first anniversary at historic Stephens College in Columbia. Dr. Shannon Lundeen joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour on 939 the Eagle's "CEO Roundtable." Dr. Lundeen tells listeners that deferred maintenance is the biggest challenge she's facing:

Jefferson City Mayor Ron Fitzwater has vetoed a proposed ordinance involving bicyclists and stop signs, citing language concerns. Mayor Fitzwater joined Randy Tobler and Brian Karl live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri" and says the proposal is being sent back to committee:

Former Boone County clerk and U.S. Navy veteran Taylor Burks is seeking the GOP nomination for Missouri's new fifth congressional district. The Columbia Republican joined hosts Randy Tobler and Stephanie Bell live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri" and calls for passage of the SAVE Act and paper ballots. Mr. Burks also emphasizes the importance of election integrity and blasts current U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Kansas City):

Missourians head to the polls in August to cast ballots on four statewide measures, including Amendment One. It is the extension of Missouri's parks, soils and water sales tax. Missourians first approved it in 1984 and it's been reapproved in 1988, 1996, 2006 and 2016. Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) director Kurt Schaefer joined hosts Stephanie Bell and Camellia Peterson live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri." Director Schaefer notes Missouri is one of eight states that have free admission to state parks:

Tuesday's annual Backyard BBQ bash in Jefferson City will draw a big crowd to raise money for foster, adoptive and kinship families in central Missouri. The Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association (CMFCAA) serves 24 counties, including every county in the 939 the Eagle listening area. CMFCAA spokesman Gerry Tritz joined 939 the Eagle's Brian Hauswirth live on the "Eagle Eye Drive at 5" and encourages you to attend. “Every ticket that's sold helps support foster, adoptive, kinship families across our 24 counties in central Missouri. All the money stays here in mid-Missouri," Mr. Tritz tells listeners:

The Boone County Fire Protection District is known nationwide as a world-class organization. Missouri Task Force One (MOTF-1) is part of it and is one of 28 urban search and rescue team across the nation. Boone County Fire Protection District Chief Doug Westhoff and assistant chief Gale Blomenkamp appeared in-studio this weekend on 939 the Eagle's "CEO Roundtable". The district was formed in 1970 by the voters. The district's annual budget is about $5.5 million. Chief Westhoff says it has about 175 volunteers. “The predominance of our field operations is conducted by volunteer members. Though we compensate them of some nominal fees and some of those sorts of perks, it's a volunteer resource," the chief says. Assistant chief Blomenkamp tells listeners that to fully fund the department with a paid staff would require about a $40-million budget. Both men praise the professionalism or the volunteers and of their entire staff:

State Rep. John Martin (R-Columbia) gives Missouri's recently-completed 2026 session a grade of an A-minus or a B-plus. Representative Martin joined hosts Randy Tobler and Stephanie Bell live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri", telling listeners that he's disappointed that property tax reform died during the session's final week. But Martin praises lawmakers for placing a proposal on the August ballot to gradually phase out Missouri's state income tax. He also touts passing of juvenile justice legislation:

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe (R) praises the 2026 session in Jefferson City and thanks legislative leaders for helping to accomplish that. Governor Kehoe joined Randy Tobler and Stephanie Bell live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri". The governor doesn't like the idea of a special session to suspend Missouri's 29-cent state gas tax until December, saying that would put thousands of construction workers out of jobs:

All of you have seen Coil Construction signs throughout Columbia, but few of you have probably noticed the COR Development signs near them. COR Development is a three-year-old company that is involved in numerous projects in Columbia/Boone County, including Logboat Brewing's planned taproom at Nifong and State Farm Parkway, ABK Biomedical in Ashland and the former OTSCON facility on North Rangeline in Columbia. COR Development member Randy Coil, who founded Coil Construction, and managing member Nicholas Orscheln joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour Saturday morning on 939 the Eagle's "CEO Roundtable":

State Rep. Tricia Byrnes (R-Wentzville) is calling on Governor Mike Kehoe to call a special session to suspend Missouri's 29.5 cent state gasoline tax from June through December 31. She says Missouri gas is up more than $1.30 a gallon from a year ago. House Speaker Dr. Jonathan Patterson (R-Lee's Summit) discussed the issue on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri", saying he hasn't heard anything about a special session:

Earlier this month, the UM Board of Curators approved a three-year contract extension for Mizzou athletic director Laird Veatch. UM System President Dr. Mun Choi says this reinforces the university's commitment to Veatch's leadership and long-term vision. President Choi says the momentum of Mizzou Athletics is undeniable, thanks to Mr. Veatch's leadership. Construction crews are expected to finish the $250-million Memorial Stadium improvement project before Mizzou football's season opener in September. Curators also say Veatch has been involved in a comprehensive restructure and rebrand of the Mizzou Athletics Fund to better align donor impact with program priorities. In the most recent fiscal year, Mizzou Athletics increased total revenue by $14-million to a record $182-million. Mr. Veatch joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour Saturday morning on 939 the Eagle's "CEO Roundtable":

One of the Missouri House's senior members is in his eighth and final year in the House, due to term limits. State Rep. Dave Griffith (R-Jefferson City) chairs the House Veterans and Armed Forces committee. He tells "Wake Up Missouri" hosts Stephanie Bell and Jennifer Bukowsky that this session has gone better than any session in the past six years and says the Legislature is "functioning":

Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) director Kurt Schaefer says Missouri is one of the top ten mineral possessing states in the nation. He joined hosts Jennifer Bukowsky and Stephanie Bell live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri":

Missouri's attorney general says illegal gaming has formed nuisance centers across Missouri. Attorney General Catherine Hanaway spoke at Tuesday's press conference in Jefferson City, where she announced that her office, Missouri state troopers and local law enforcement had carried out simultaneous seizures in four counties, including Boone. Hanaway's office says the sting operation allegedly found illegal gambling devices in both Columbia's Eagle Stop Convenience store on North Providence and Woody's Pub and Grub in Ashland. Law enforcement seized four machines at Eagle Stop and six devices at Woody's. 939 the Eagle's Brian Hauswirth joined "Wake Up Missouri" hosts Randy Tobler and Stephanie Bell live in-studio to discuss the issue:

NFIB Missouri president Brad Jones says 34 percent of his members had jobs they couldn't fill in April, up from March's 32 percent. Mr. Jones joined hosts Randy Tobler and Jennifer Bukowsky live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri." Mr. Jones also worries about inflation:

A veteran southwest Missouri state lawmaker is focused on education and transparency during the final week of the 2026 session. State Sen. Curtis Trent (R-Springfield) joined Randy Tobler and Stephanie Bell live this morning on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri" and touts the A-F bill, which involves education accountability and transparency. Senator Trent tells listeners that school performance should be based on academic achievement of students. His bill does that:

The Columbia Board of Realtors says single-family home prices increased in March and remain on an upward trajectory. While we don't have April numbers yet, the median price for a single-family home in Boone County increased three percent in March to $345,000, while the average price was up four percent to about $385,000. The median price in Columbia in March was up four percent to $350,000. Arise Dwellings founders Scott Claybrook and Nick Timberlake joined Fred Parry in-studio Saturday morning on 939 the Eagle's “CEO Roundtable” program. They note low supply and high demand is driving home prices up. Mr. Claybrook describes Arise Dwellings a Columbia-based non-profit that acts as a real estate development team renovating existing homes for first-time homebuyers with built-in equity from day one for the glory of God:

A parolee from Columbia who was released from prison about a week ago is accused of shooting two people Thursday on Columbia's North Douglas drive before leading numerous law enforcement agencies on a chaotic high-speed pursuit in two counties. Missouri state troopers say the suspect, 32-year-old Steven Swanson, killed himself after he fired multiple rounds at a trooper's vehicle after spinning out. The trooper was not injured. Boone County Sheriff's Captain Brian Leer says Swanson allegedly shot a 35-year-old man and a 65-year-old woman Thursday on North Douglas drive. The man was killed and the female victim is in serious condition at a local hospital. 939 the Eagle's Brian Hauswirth joined "Wake Up Missouri" hosts Randy Tobler and Stephanie Bell to explain what happened and also what "shock time" is:

Missouri House Speaker Dr. Jonathan Patterson (R-Lee's Summit) is in his eighth and final year in the House, due to term limits. He joined Randy Tobler and Stephanie Bell live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri" to discuss the state budget and the 2026 legislative session's final week. Missouri lawmakers have approved a $48.7 billion state operating budget. Speaker Patterson praises that budget, saying Jefferson City cannot print money:

West-central Missouri U.S. Rep. Mark Alford (R-Raymore) says Congress hasn't passed a farm bill since 2018. Congressman Alford, who represents Columbia, Centralia and Sturgeon on Capitol Hill, tells "Wake Up Missouri" that the farm bill has passed out of the House. Congressman Alford says the farm bill includes a key provision for livestock auction houses:

Columbia and Boone County have seen some big economic wins in recent years. They include Schneider Electric's $73-million expansion at their plant on Route B, EquipmentShare building its $100-million new headquarters near Columbia's I-70 Lake of the Woods exit and a $92-million improvement project from Kraft-Heinz at their hot dog plant on Columbia's Waco road. Columbia REDI president Paul Eisenstein discussed their successes, new flights coming to COU, the COLT railroad and numerous other topics this weekend on 939 the Eagle's "CEO Roundtable." He joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour:

Missouri Lieutenant Governor David Wasinger (R) says this will be the biggest tourism season Missouri has seen, due to the World Cup in Kansas City and the Route 66 centennial celebration. Lt. Governor Wasinger joined guest host Jennifer Bukowsky live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri":

King Charles III delivered a historic address on Tuesday before a joint session of Congress. U.S. Rep. Bob Onder (R-Missouri), who represents Columbia, Jefferson City and Fulton on Capitol Hill, praised the speech during a live interview on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri." Congressman Onder tells listeners that King Charles struck the perfect tone and that he enjoyed listening to the speech. Congressman Onder also blasted congressional Democrats during the interview, telling listeners that their "rhetoric" about President Donald Trump is out of control:

Columbia-based Socket has recapitalized their company and brought in new majority owners to raise money. Socket president Carson Coffman emphasizes that the original shareholders are still owners and are active in the company. The new majority owners are Charlotte-based Pamlico Capital and Oak Hill Capital. Mr. Coffman and Socket Fiber executive chairman Jim Gleason joined host Fred Parry Saturday in-studio for the hour on 939 the Eagle's “CEO Roundtable.” Mr. Coffman tells listeners that Socket needed another $250-million to grow the way they wanted to. He says Socket has added staff, with the new arrangement. “I think we've added 75 people already in the first year and we'll be up over 300 by the end of this year,” he tells listeners. He says the infusion of cash has allowed Socket to build in Missouri towns like Webb City, Odessa and Oak Grove:

Missouri's 2026 legislative session ends three weeks from today and Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O'Laughlin (R-Shelbina) is pleased with how it has gone. Pro Tem O'Laughlin appeared live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri", telling listeners that she's pleased with how the budget process has gone. She also praises two key committee chairs: Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee chair Rusty Black (R-Chillicothe) and Senate Insurance and Banking Committee chair Sandy Crawford (R-Buffalo):