Jefferson City Mayor Ron Fitzwater is encouraged by recent comments about the aging tri-level made by Missouri Governor Mike Parson. The governor says state transportation officials should consider redesigning the tri-level, which was the scene of last Tuesday’s tractor trailer crash and fuel spill that closed southbound Highway 54 for five hours. Mayor Fitzwater tells 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri” that it would cost anywhere from $15-million to $25-million to replace the tri-level. He says an environmental study must be done. Mayor Fitzwater also tells listeners that the aging and now-closed Truman Hotel is an eyesore. He says the city inherited the problem and emphasizes the Puri group has been supportive of Jefferson City, Two former Jefferson City council members describe the current dilapidated building as a disgrace, noting thousands of people drive by it daily:
Jefferson City’s new city administrator is a familiar name in mid-Missouri
Jefferson City’s new city administrator is a familiar name in the Capital City.
Helias graduate Brian Crane will begin in late September. Mr. Crane, a former Jefferson City councilman, is currently Moberly’s city manager. He’s also a former city administrator in mid-Missouri’s Holts Summit. Crane tells the Zimmer News Network that he plans to work on fixing the city’s low-income housing challenge.
Jefferson City officials introduced Mr. Crane to the news media and to residents during a press conference at the Courtyard by Marriott, which is across the busy highway from Capital Plaza Hotel. Former city administrator Steve Crowell resigned in April, after nine years as city administrator.
Jefferson City Mayor Ron Fitzwater says the city conducted a nationwide search for a permanent city administrator. 39 people applied for the position.
The Zimmer News Network’s John Marsh is at the press briefing and will have more later today on both 939 the Eagle and Newsradio 950 KWOS.
(AUDIO): Jefferson City’s mayor looking forward to “Salute to America” on Tuesday
Mid-Missouri’s largest Independence Day celebration will take place on Tuesday July 4 in Jefferson City.
This year’s “Salute to America” is a one-day event near the Missouri Capitol. It covers eight city blocks. Jefferson City Mayor Ron Fitzwater tells “Wake Up Mid-Missouri” that parking shouldn’t be an issue.
“The activities for the event are shifted closer to the Capitol. So about the only time High street will be out of service will be during the parade at 11 o’clock. And then from then on a lot of it will be shifted farther west up to the Capitol complex,” Mayor Fitzwater says.
The Fourth of July is one of Missouri’s 13 official state holidays, so all Missouri state and city lots will be available that day for free parking. Off-street parking will be available on East McCarty, Capitol Avenue, East Miller, Madison or Monroe.
A parade, a classic car show and a fireworks display will highlight Tuesday’s “Salute to America” event. A 5k run begins the Fourth of July at 8 am, followed by the car show from 9 to noon and the Independence Day parade at 11.
“People have always found a way. Sometimes you have to climb that hill to get up to us but they’ve found a way to park. And I don’t think it will be a major challenge this year,” says Fitzwater.
“Salute to America” will have five bands on two stages during the holiday. Food vendors will begin serving food at 10:30 am, and the day will conclude with a fireworks display over the Missouri River at 9:45 pm.
(AUDIO: Jefferson City Mayor Ron Fitzwater joins us live on “Wake Up Mid-Missouri”
Jefferson City’s mayor and other council members have received complaints from downtown business owners about Bird scooters. Mayor Ron Fitzwater joined us live this morning on 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri” to discuss scooters, affordable housing and the upcoming July 4 “Salute to America” event in Jefferson City. Mayor Fitzwater tells listeners that he doesn’t believe parking will be an issue this year. The parade will take place that morning at 11, and there is no carnival this year:
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