Missouri Governor Mike Parson (R) signed an approximately $51-billion state operating budget this summer. He also issued 201 line-item vetoes totaling about $555-million, including many projects in GOP legislative districts. State Rep. Dave Griffith (R-Jefferson City), who chairs the Missouri House Veterans Committee, joined us live on 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri” Friday and tells listeners that the 111 Missouri House Republicans will hold their summer caucus this month in Branson, where they will discuss September’s veto session. Representative Griffith also discussed the flooding in Callaway County, which has closed busy Highway 94. He wants to see the state be more proactive on highways like 94. Chairman Griffith also expresses disappointment that the GOP-controlled Missouri Legislature failed to pass a veteran suicide bill in 2023:
UPDATE: Boone County prosecutors and defense reach plea in Columbia murder case
Boone County prosecutors and defense attorneys have reached an agreement involving the 2020 shooting death of Corey Jordan in Columbia’s Douglass park.
939 the Eagle News was in the courtroom for Friday morning’s pre-trial conference for 51-year-old Rickey Lee Murry. Defense attorney Derek Roe and Boone County assistant prosecutor Risa Perkins tell Judge Brouck Jacobs that they’ve reached a plea agreement. Roe requested that the judge clear the courtroom so he could speak to his client, noting the agreement was reached late Thursday afternoon and that he had been unable to speak to Murry before today’s hearing.
Murry appeared via video from the Montgomery County jail. Counselor Roe and Murry had a discussion when the courtroom was cleared, which was 939 the Eagle and KRCG Channel 13. The judge re-opened the courtroom a few minutes later. He then asked both sides about what the plea agreement involves. Prosecutor Perkins notes she has been unable to reach Jordan’s family and that she doesn’t want them to learn details of the plea agreement through the news media.
Judge Jacobs has scheduled a Monday morning hearing at 9, which is when both sides intend the guilty plea to happen. It’s unclear what the plea involves, but we know it involves prison time. Counselor Roe wants sentencing to be delayed until the fall, due to the lack of air conditioning at Fulton Reception and Diagnostic Center (FRDC). Roe says Murry suffers from high blood pressure and needs air conditioning for his health.
The Columbia Police Department’s probable cause statement says Murry killed the victim after a dispute during a dice game over money. Court documents say Murry was “creeping around” Douglass park, hiding behind trees and vehicles before shooting Jordan to death.
(LISTEN): Business group says sales tax holiday benefits all Missourians and small business
Missouri’s popular back-to-school sales tax holiday weekend is underway this morning, which you can take advantage of whether you’re a student or not.
NFIB Missouri director Brad Jones tells 939 the Eagle that Missourians have embraced the sales tax holiday, since it started in 2004.
“It gives working parents an opportunity to get things for their kids for school that’s a little bit easier on the pocketbook. And I think that’s really the most important thing that we’ve gotten from the sales tax holiday,” Jones says.
Jones describes the weekend as a tax break for all Missourians. Under state law, clothing under $100, personal computers under $1,500 and school supplies under $50 are eligible. Click here to see the specifics.
You can purchase certain clothing, computers and school supplies without having to pay any state or local sales tax. Jones says the sales tax holiday generates a lot of foot traffic for the weekend for small businesses.
“It’s gotten to be a pretty busy shopping weekend. And so, you know, from its infancy to where it is now, I really think that the weekend has become a really kind of a great opportunity for folks to once again go out and thank their small businesses for all the other things that they do for their community,” Jones says.
Former Missouri Governor Bob Holden, a Democrat, signed the bipartisan bill creating the sales tax holiday weekend in 2004. He signed it at the Chesterfield Mall that summer, flanked by then-Senate President Pro Tem Peter Kinder (R-Cape Girardeau) and then-House Speaker Catherine Hanaway (R-Warson Woods).
The sales tax holiday runs through Sunday.
Boone County jury convicts Columbia man of 2020 murder
A Columbia man is expected to be sentenced to life in prison without parole, after being convicted of first degree murder for the May 2020 killing of a man on Quail drive.
A Boone County jury deliberated for about three hours before convicting 42-year-old Bobby Dawson of first degree murder and armed criminal action. 36-year-old Rod Jones was shot to death more than three years ago on Quail drive, and the case was delayed by the COVID pandemic. Dawson was captured in Kansas City after the murder.
Boone County Circuit Judge Joshua Calvin Devine has scheduled a September 15 sentencing date for Dawson.
Boone County prosecutor Roger Johnson says that together, we will continue to build a strong community that is resilient against violence.
Columbia’s Orr street interested parties meeting is today
Columbia Parks and Recreation officials are hoping for a good turnout for Friday afternoon’s interested parties meeting for the Orr street park project.
Parks and Recreation staff will be at the site near Orr and Park from 5 to 7 pm to discuss plans, answer your questions and get your feedback. Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe has told 939 the Eagle that the park is a huge deal for the area and the North Village Arts District.
Columbia has been awarded a $1.25 million grant from the state Department of Economic Development (DED) to develop the property. That will pay for most of the $1.5 million project.
Columbia city manager De’Carlon Seewood is excited about the new Orr street park that will be developed northeast of Café Berlin. Mr. Seewood participated in the June groundbreaking ceremony for the park.
Columbia Parks and Recreation says some of the park features may include open greenspace, a walking trail, outdoor art areas and a playground.
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