Mid-Missouri News 2 | 98.3 The Dove

Popular Jefferson City Police K9 dies following illness

February 2, 2023 By Brian Hauswirth

Jefferson City Police Chief Eric Wilde says K9 Drax has died, following a two-month battle with an unknown illness (file photo courtesy of Jefferson City Police Chief Wilde)

Jefferson City Police say trusted and popular K9 Drax has died, after a two-month battle with an unknown illness. Jefferson City Police Chief Eric Wilde made the announcement on Wednesday, saying Drax fought as hard during this illness as he always had during police-related duties.

Canine Drax, a German Shepard, joined the Jefferson City Police Department in September 2019 and began initial training. Chief Wilde says Drax was utilized in 13 criminal apprehensions, most of which were peaceful surrenders. The dog was also utilized by patrol officers and SWAT to assist in securing 20 unsecure perimeters.

Drax also participated in numerous community events, including giving demonstrations to children and adults.

Chief Wilde says K9 Drax was born in Hungary in February 2018, joining the JCPD in September 2019. Wilde says Drax conducted 154 narcotic searches for the department, resulting in more than five pounds of meth and as well as cocaine, heroin and marijuana. The dog also gave demonstrations to children and adults alike.

Moniteau County Sheriff: 100 fentanyl capsules seized after traffic stop in mid-Missouri

February 2, 2023 By Brian Hauswirth

29-year-old Caleb Jackson is one of the three suspects arrested during the January 31, 2023 fentanyl-related traffic stop in High Point (mug shot courtesy of Moniteau County Sheriff Tony Wheatley)

A Moniteau County judge describes three suspects arrested in this week’s fentanyl case in High Point as a danger to the community. Judge Aaron Martin has ordered all three suspects to be jailed without bond.

Moniteau County sheriff’s deputies arrested 21-year-old Cameron Upton and his two passengers, Caleb Jackson and Landon McKinley, during a Tuesday traffic stop in High Point, which is 11 miles south of California, Missouri.

Moniteau County Sheriff Tony Wheatley tells 939 the Eagle that about 100 fentanyl capsules have been recovered. Deputies allegedly found more fentanyl and meth hidden on Jackson, at the jail.

Sheriff Wheatley says there have been very little issues with fentanyl in Moniteau County in the past. He describes fentanyl as a very powerful and deadly drug, adding that “you can count on us doing everything within our power to keep this drug out of the county and away from our children.”

Dr. Choi says he looks forward to several more years at Mizzou

February 2, 2023 By Brian Hauswirth

UM System President Dr. Mun Choi speaks to Missouri Governor Mike Parson at the February 11, 2022 education/workforce roundtable at Mizzou’s NextGen facility (file photo courtesy of the governor’s Flickr page)

It’s now been three years that UM System President Dr. Mun Choi has also served as Mizzou’s chancellor in Columbia. Dr. Choi says it’s been an interesting three years, including the COVID pandemic.

“I personally enjoy the interactions that I have with the campus. Interactions with the faculty, staff, students, alums and other supporters of the university,” President Choi says.

Dr. Choi says the UM System and Mizzou must tell its story better. One of the the things he plans to do in the future is talk more about the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) in Columbia, saying MURR saves lives. The ten-megawatt MURR is the most powerful university research reactor in the nation.

President Choi tells 939 the Eagle’s “CEO Round Table” that he looks forward to several more years at Mizzou. President Choi says it’s been beneficial to serve as both UM System president and Mizzou chancellor.

“I can share that we’ve had significant savings because of reducing of the duplications that existed between the (UM) System and the (Mizzou) campus,” says Choi.

Dr. Choi is also praising the work Mizzou and MU Extension does with agriculture.

Click here to listen to host Fred Parry’s full interview with UM System President Dr. Mun Choi.

(AUDIO): Missouri’s governor emphasizes importance of state employee pay raise plan on “Wake Up Mid-Missouri”

February 2, 2023 By Brian Hauswirth

One of Missouri Governor Mike Parson’s (R) top priorities appears to be making progress at the Statehouse in Jefferson City. The governor’s proposed 8.7 percent cost of living adjustment (COLA) for all state employees is being reviewed by House Budget Committee chair Cody Smith (R-Carthage). Chairman Smith tells 939 the Eagle that he expects the pay raise proposal to start to move early next week. Governor Parson emphasized the plan’s importance during a live interview this morning on 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri.” The governor says he’s “not asking for the moon,” adding that it’s critical to retain good state employees in areas like corrections, mental health and in the Children’s Division, which is part of the state Department of Social Services (DSS). The governor is optimistic the measure will pass by the March 1 deadline he’s requested:

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.