State Sen. Bill Eigel (R-Weldon Spring) is considering a Missouri gubernatorial bid in 2024. He says Missouri desperately needs leadership in a number of areas, including transportation. Senator Eigel has a proposal to rebuild I-70 from Wentzville to Blue Springs, making it four lanes in each direction. He says it would not require a tax increase. Senator Eigel tells 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri” that a major proposal like that probably needs GOP Governor Mike Parson’s support. The governor’s plan is not as large as Senator Eigel’s plan: Parson has requested an $859-million appropriation to widen and rebuild the I-70 corridor and to add a third lane in the Columbia, St. Louis and Kansas City areas:
UPDATE: Two closed hospitals in mid-Missouri being sold
A published report says the hospitals in mid-Missouri’s Mexico and Fulton have been sold by Platinum Health.
The “Mexico Ledger” reports while there are few details about the sale, Platinum says they intend to submit the ownership change to state health officials and for both hospitals to re-open.
Noble Health closed the doors in both Mexico and Fulton on March 25, a move that has been described as devastating for the residents in both communities. Mexico, Audrain County, Fulton and Callaway County all have large elderly populations.
Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Dana Keller has told 939 the Eagle that it’s a life-or-death issue to have the hospital there. Many elderly residents in Fulton and Mexico now have to travel to Columbia for health care, and some don’t have transportation.
Report: Columbia’s mayor to join EquipmentShare
Columbia’s outgoing mayor is joining fast-growing EquipmentShare as its vice president of strategy and development. That’s according to Como Buzz, which quotes Mayor Brian Treece as saying that after more than 30 years of working at the state and federal level on economic development, transportation and infrastructure issues, he looks forward to continuing his work …
(AUDIO): State Rep. Sara Walsh (R-Ashland) joins “Wake Up Columbia” on congressional redistricting, gas tax
State Rep. Sara Walsh (R-Ashland) supports a 7-1 GOP congressional map in Missouri, while other Republicans favor a 6-2 map. Representative Walsh joined “Wake Up Columbia” and explained her position on 7-1. She’s seeking west-central Missouri’s fourth congressional district seat. Representative Walsh also previewed Tuesday’s hearing on her legislation to repeal Missouri’s recent gasoline tax. …