Legislation that is aimed at getting medical assistance for hazing victims hasn’t received a hearing yet in the Missouri House. The bill, which is sponsored by State Rep. Travis Smith (R-Dora) is aimed at ensuring that a situation like Danny Santulli’s never happens again. Santulli’s family members say he’s blind and unable to walk, following an alleged October 2021 hazing incident at a Mizzou fraternity house. The Boone County prosecutor’s office has charged 11 people in this case. Representative Smith is a Mizzou graduate. Missouri Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe (R-Jefferson City) tells 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri” that he wants to see movement on Smith’s bill. He describes Representative Smith as a great addition to the House. Kehoe also praises Governor Parson’s proclamation today, which recognizes National Agriculture Week in Missouri:
Columbia house fire ruled accidental; began inside a microwave oven
Columbia firefighters say Monday’s fire that caused extensive damage to a home on Bullhead lane was accidental in nature.
There were no injuries in the fire, which started just before noon on Monday in the 4800 block of Bullhead, which is near Mexico Gravel road in northeast Columbia. Fire investigators say the fire originated within a microwave oven in the kitchen area.
Damage to the home is estimated at $40,000. There is smoke and fire damage to the one-story structure.
Proposed homeless shelter near Business Loop goes before Columbia’s city council tonight
Columbia’s city council is set to vote Monday night on a permit that would allow for the construction and operation of a proposed 120-bed homeless shelter near the city’s power plant and former VFW Post 280 building.
It would be built near the Business Loop. The Voluntary Action Center (VAC) would operate the shelter, under the proposal.
City manager De’Carlon Seewood believes there are anywhere from 100 to 200 homeless residents in town. Sheltering the unhoused has been a top priority for Mr. Seewood, who notes Room at the Inn (RATI) has moved near the former VFW post.
Mr. Seewood’s four-page report to the city council says clients at the proposed homeless shelter are to be single men and women experiencing homelessness. The maximum duration of stay would be 90 days, according to Seewood’s report. The proposed shelter would also include a commercial kitchen capable of serving up to 200 daily evening meals, a computer lab, pet kennels, laundry facilities, restrooms and showers.
Critics of the proposal say there are inadequate sidewalks in that area and not enough services for the homeless.
Tonight’s council meeting begins at 7 at city hall.
Missouri House Speaker-Designee and key Democratic lawmaker to accompany Governor Parson on overseas trade mission
Missouri’s governor will be leaving Jefferson City Thursday afternoon for an overseas trade mission to Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Greece. The trade mission is being funded by the nonprofit Hawthorn Foundation.
Governor Mike Parson (R) says those three counties are existing trade partners for Missouri, with $126-million, $77-million and $12-million in 2021 exports, respectively. The governor will be meeting with company representatives in all three nations that have existing relationships in Missouri. Parson will thank them for investing in the Show-Me State.
Governor Parson will be traveling with First Lady Teresa Parson, Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) director Chris Chinn and state Department of Economic Development (DED) acting director Maggie Kost. They’ll be joined by two key Missouri legislative leaders from differing political parties. House Speaker-designee Dean Plocher (R-Des Peres) and State Sen. Brian Williams (D-University City) will be on the trade mission. Senator Williams is the assistant minority floor leader. Several others will be on the trip as well.
Agriculture will be a key theme during the trade mission. In Israel, Governor Parson will meet with companies that have an existing presence in Missouri. They include Israel Chemicals Ltd., a leading global specialty minerals company. The governor will also participate in an ag-tech roundtable discussion with Orange Grove in Greece. The aim is to let Greek companies know about Missouri’s agricultural strengths.
During the trip, the governor and first lady will also lay a wreath at Israel’s official memorial to Holocaust victims.
Mizzou Tiger and Commodore fans encouraged to use free shuttles to and from Saturday’s game
Traffic is expected to be heavy Friday and Saturday throughout Columbia, due to Mizzou’s 111th homecoming celebration and Saturday afternoon’s football game against Vanderbilt.
Saturday’s game kicks off at 3 o’clock at Faurot field. Mizzou athletics expects a good crowd, noting weather will be perfect. Tickets are still available.
Columbia Public Works is encouraging fans to utilize free shuttle rides to and from the game. Downtown routes begin service at 12:30 and run every ten minutes, with the final departure at 2:45. Parking will be free on Saturday at all six city parking garages, as well as the Armory sports lot and the Ninth and Ash street parking lot. Fans will be picked up at the garages and at locations like Harpo’s and Shiloh.
Boarding for return trips back to the downtown area begin at the end of the third quarter at Tiger avenue and Hospital drive.