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Key Missouri lawmaker expects movement next week on state employee pay raise plan

February 2, 2023 By Brian Hauswirth

Missouri House Budget Committee Chair Cody Smith (R-Carthage) listens to a colleague speak on September 28, 2022 (file photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

Missouri’s House Budget Committee chair is optimistic about Governor Parson’s proposed 8.7 percent cost of living adjustment (COLA) for all state employees.

Governor Mike Parson (R) has called on state lawmakers to approve that by March 1, so the increase is included in the paychecks of state employees starting on March 31. The pay raise plan was a key part of the governor’s January State of the State address. House Budget Committee chairman Cody Smith (R-Carthage) tells 939 the Eagle that his committee is working that bill through their process, adding that he expects that we’ll see it start to move early next week.

The governor’s pay raise is contained in a $151-million supplemental budget request.

Governor Parson says there are currently about 7,000 open positions in state government, describing his pay plan as an attempt by state government to stay competitive with the market. More than 14,000 state employees work in Cole County, making state government Jefferson City’s largest employer.

Temperature to drop below 32 in Columbia by tonight; motorists urged to be cautious

January 25, 2023 By Brian Hauswirth

Columbia Public Works employee Paul Kalogeris, a CDL operator, conducts preliminary checks of trucks and equipment on January 24, 2023 (photo courtesy of Columbia Public Works spokesman John Ogan)

Columbia Public Works crews are warning motorists that temperatures are expected to drop below freezing by about 7 o’clock tonight (Wednesday). Public Works spokesman John Ogan tells 939 the Eagle that motorists should be careful.

“We would advise people to still keep it slow and only make trips if it’s absolutely necessary. There’s still a possibility of sliding off in wet conditions like this,” Ogan says.

Temperatures are still above freezing this afternoon. Columbia Police and Public Works advise you to increase your distance between cars today and tonight, and to clear your car windows of any snow and ice before driving.

“Columbia drivers, they’ve been doing very well during these winter weather events of late,” says Ogan.

Meantime, the National Weather Service’s (NWS) winter weather advisory for central Missouri has expired. NWS St. Louis meteorologist Kevin Dietsch tells 939 the Eagle that Columbia received 1.8 inches of snow from overnight through this morning. The NWS says rain lasted longer than anticipated overnight along the busy I-70 corridor in mid-Missouri. That significantly limited snow amounts in Columbia, Jefferson City and Fulton.

Boone County firefighters responded to five crashes and minor slide offs in the snow this morning. Boone County Fire Protection District assistant chief Gale Blomenkamp tells 939 the Eagle that one involved a vehicle that overturned this morning on northbound 63 near 763, north of Columbia. No serious injuries are reported.

NWS says unexpected rain has limited snow totals in Columbia

January 25, 2023 By Brian Hauswirth

The National Weather Service (NWS) in St. Louis says unexpected rain has limited snow totals in Columbia and Jefferson City (January 25, 2023 graphic courtesy of NWS St. Louis Twitter)

The National Weather Service (NWS) says rain lasted longer than expected overnight along the I-70 corridor in mid-Missouri, significantly limiting snow amounts in Columbia and Jefferson City.

NWS St. Louis meteorologist Marshall Phfahler says additional snowfall of less than an inch is possible across the region today. Heavier snowfall is reported overnight in the Moberly and Mexico areas, as well as in Rolla and along the I-44 corridor.

The NWS’ winter weather advisory expires at noon today in mid-Missouri.

Some roads are still slick in areas, so you’re urged to slow down this morning. Boone County Joint Communications tells 939 the Eagle that a semi overturned on I-70 in Columbia at about 12:30 this morning. It happened on eastbound I-70 at the 133-mile marker. The truck driver sustained minor injuries, according to troopers.

UPDATE: Hazardous travel expected in mid-Missouri on Wednesday morning; winter weather advisory in effect

January 24, 2023 By Brian Hauswirth

The National Weather Service (NWS) in St. Louis has a detailed timeframe on the winter storm, including on when snow will end in central Missouri (January 24, 2023 graphic courtesy of NWS St. Louis Twitter)

A winter weather advisory is now in effect for the entire mid-Missouri listening area, through 6 pm on Wednesday. The National Weather Service’s advisory began tonight at 9.

NWS St. Louis meteorologist Melissa Mainhart tells 939 the Eagle that Columbia and Jefferson City are expected to receive two to four inches of snow by tomorrow afternoon. Ms. Mainhart expects the heaviest snow to begin tapering off by about 9 am. Another inch of snow is possible between 9 am and 6 pm.

Keep your radio tuned to 939 the Eagle for updated weather forecast information, road conditions and school closings.

MoDOT warns of heavy, wet snow heading to mid-Missouri

January 24, 2023 By Brian Hauswirth

State transportation officials are urging you to be aware of the upcoming changing road conditions both where you are and where you plan to be. The National Weather Service’s (NWS) winter weather advisory for the entire mid-Missouri listening area takes effect tonight at 9.

A Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) driver plows snow on Highway 63 in mid-Missouri in the winter of 2022 (file photo courtesy of MoDOT Flickr page)

The state Department of Transportation (MoDOT) says its crews will be out tonight as the temperatures drop and conditions change from rain to snow. They’re warning about a very heavy, wet snow that can make roads difficult to drive on.

MoDOT is encouraging mid-Missouri residents to get a full tank of gasoline before snow arrives tonight. Snow should begin accumulating at about 8 pm in Jefferson City and at 9 in Columbia. MoDOT recommends that you adjust your speed tonight to the road conditions, which means driving under the speed limit.