State Sen. William Eigel (R-Weldon Spring) says the status quo is responsible for Tyson Foods’ decision to close chicken plants in southeast Missouri’s Dexter and in southwest Missouri’s Noel. Senator Eigel joined us live on 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri”, telling listeners that Missouri Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe and Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft are part of the status quo. Kehoe and Ashcroft are Senator Eigel’s rivals for Missouri’s GOP gubernatorial nomination in 2024. Senator Eigel is calling for the elimination of all personal property taxes and for elimination of the state income tax. He tells listeners that it’s time for Missouri to emulate Florida and Tennessee, saying local governments are seeing record revenue. Senator Eigel is also ecstatic about the upcoming six-laning of I-70 across Missouri:
(LISTEN): Columbia Mall adding Rally House; looking to add new restaurants
While a number of malls around the nation are dying, Columbia Mall is adding stores and is currently at 90 percent of where it was before the COVID pandemic.
That was the message from Columbia Mall general manager Rusty Strodtman to area business leaders and elected officials on Wednesday. Mr. Strodtman says Columbia Mall had $150-million in sales last year.
“About $12-million is the sales tax collected. Obviously about half (of) that stays here locally. So that’s a big number to consider that that goes to our schools, our police departments, our roads, a lot of things that we live on and deal with everyday,” Strodtman says.
Mr. Strodtman briefed the Regional Economic Development Incorporated (REDI) board of directors. He says the mall now has 80 stores, and he’s especially pleased with the success of Level Up. Strodtman also announced that downtown Columbia’s popular Rally House will open its second Columbia store this fall. He tells 939 the Eagle that Rally House will be located across from Victoria’s Secret inside the mall.
“It’s going to be open before the holiday season, so we’re excited about them. Now you can get your Cardinals wear, your Mizzou gear and so we’re very excited about having Rally House join us,” says Strodtman.
Mr. Strodtman says Rally House will take possession of its new mall store in September. Rally House also carries Kansas City Chiefs and Royals gear, St. Louis Blues gear and Stephens College Stars gear.
Columbia Mall has also invested more than $5-million into its parking lot in the past few years. Strodtman says while it’s a ton of money, it’s critical to do.
“Unfortunately it’s a lot of money but it just scratches the surface. We have about a $20-million parking lot, so we’ve got a ways to go. But, that’s a very important thing for us because that’s a huge factor to make it easy and safe for our guests (to) come and go,” Strodtman says.
He notes Columbia Mall was built in 1985 and that’s replacing infrastructure like a roof, signs and other things are essential.
Another issue that came up during Mr. Strodtman’s presentation was dining. He tells the audience that the mall currently has the food court, Panera Bread and a Wendy’s. Strodtman would like to see a restaurant where you can take a date. 939 the Eagle listener Megan Potter and others are weighing in on this issue on 939 the Eagle’s Facebook page. Ms. Potter would like to see a Cheesecake Factory and an In-N-Out at Columbia Mall.
Missouri state fair opens in Sedalia with today’s Mizzou day
Missouri’s governor is inviting all Missourians to the 2023 state fair, which opens this morning in west-central Missouri’s Sedalia. Today is Mizzou Day at the fair, and it’s a $7 gate admission all day for those 13 and up.
“Mizzou Day” is being touted as an opportunity to celebrate Missouri’s statewide agricultural success.
Governor Mike Parson will participate in the 11 am opening ceremony, and the opening day parade is this evening at 6. There will also be a farm toy show from 9 this morning until 9 pm. Governor Parson will also stop by the popular Pork Place restaurant today. The air-conditioned facility is operated by the Columbia-based Missouri Pork Association. The governor will also visit the State Fair fire department and the cattle barn.
There will also be a Truman the Tiger roar contest for children today at 2. Missouri’s state fair runs through August 20.
Missouri’s governor to sign I-70 legislation next week in Columbia
Missouri’s governor will travel to Columbia on Tuesday to sign legislation providing $2.8 billion in funding to expand and rebuild I-70 from Kansas City to St. Louis.
Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe made the announcement about the ceremony during the Regional Economic Development Incorporated (REDI) board meeting at Columbia Mall. Business leaders, bankers, elected officials and citizens were in attendance.
Tuesday afternoon’s ceremony will take place at 2:30 at Moberly Area Community College’s (MACC) parking lot at Parkade Plaza, which is visible from I-70. MACC president Jeff Lashley was also at the REDI board meeting, and says MACC is excited to host the event.
Columbia Chamber of Commerce president Matt McCormick tells 939 the Eagle that this is a generational project. Mr. McCormick says the Columbia to Kingdom City expansion will be the first phase done by the state Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Mr. McCormick says he appreciates Governor Parson for signing the bill and appreciates the Legislature for supporting it.
(LISTEN): Missouri Secretary of State Ashcroft discusses Tyson Foods, Ohio results and abortion issues on “Wake Up Mid-Missouri”
Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft describes Tyson Foods as a bright spot in rural Missouri. He’s worried about Tyson’s decision to close meat plants in southwest Missouri’s Noel and in southeast Missouri’s Dexter. Secretary Ashcroft tells 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri” that Missouri has not had the relationship with Tyson that it should have, adding that Tyson has been made to feel unwanted in the Show-Me State. Mr. Ashcroft, who’s seeking the GOP gubernatorial nomination, also weighed in on the defeat of Ohio’s Issue 1, which would have raised the threshold for approving state constitutional amendments. Ashcroft tells listeners that we should not be a democracy but a constitutional republic with certain rights. He says pro-life candidates in Missouri have won consistently at the polls. He also says about 130 initiative petitions have been filed with his office:
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