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(LISTEN): U.S. Rep. Mark Alford (R-Raymore) discusses Thanksgiving, 2024 re-election and fentanyl forum on “Wake Up Mid-Missouri”

November 20, 2023 By Brian Hauswirth

U.S. Rep. Mark Alford (R-Raymore) represents a sprawling district in west-central Missouri that includes Columbia, Centralia, Sturgeon, Sedalia and Warrensburg. He joined us live this morning on 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri” and tells listeners he’s seeking re-election in 2024. He also talked about what he’s thankful for with Thanksgiving approaching. Congressman Alford will be in Columbia soon for the grand opening of his district office and says he and U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-St. Elizabeth) will be in Columbia for a December 18 fentanyl forum:

Mid-Missouri Schnucks stores to be closed for Thanksgiving

November 14, 2023 By Brian Hauswirth

Schnucks opened its new store at Battle Crossing on March 23, 2022 (file photo courtesy of Schnucks spokesman Paul Simon)

A major mid-Missouri grocery store in both Columbia and Jefferson City will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.

St. Louis-based Schnucks, which has three stores in Columbia and one on Jefferson City’s Missouri Boulevard, will be open for regular hours on the day before Thanksgiving and on Black Friday, which is the day after Thanksgiving.

Schnucks’ three Columbia stores are are Forum Boulevard, Clark lane and on South Providence. The Schnucks Express on South Providence location is connected to the popular EatWell.

(LISTEN): U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-St. Elizabeth) appears on “Wake Up Mid-Missouri”

November 7, 2023 By Brian Hauswirth

U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-St. Elizabeth) represents Columbia, Jefferson City, Fulton, Boonville and much of the 939 the Eagle listening area on Capitol Hill. Congressman Luetkemeyer joined us live this morning on 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri,” telling listeners that new U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) will do a great job in the position. Congressman Luetkemeyer says he’d like to get Speaker Johnson to Columbia or Jefferson City, similar to getting then-House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) to Jefferson City several years ago. Congressman Luetkemeyer also discussed the House spending bill being debated today on Capitol Hill, which includes a 64 percent cut in Amtrak funding compared to last year. The congressman tells listeners he’ll have to study that, noting most Missourians don’t use public transportation. But Congressman Luetkemeyer says many people on the two coasts use public transportation, noting he doesn’t have a vehicle in Washington because it’s so difficult to find a parking spot:

(LISTEN): Mid-Missouri foster care gala is Friday; Boone County has hundreds of foster children

November 1, 2023 By Brian Hauswirth

A Friday night fundraiser will be held in Jefferson City to benefit an organization that aims to foster safe and nurturing homes for children and to facilitate heartfelt adoptions.

The Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association’s (CMFCAA) “Puttin’ on the Ritz” gala will take place Friday evening from 5:30-8:30 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel. CMFCAA spokesman Gerry Tritz says gala proceeds will directly bolster the association’s vision.

“This year we added an extreme family finding program and we added an advocacy program. The extreme family finding program just tries to find family and extended family for kids in the system who are in danger of aging out,” Tritz says.

Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association (CMFCAA) president DeAnna Alonso speaks to supporters at the start of a fundraiser in Boonville (April 27, 2023 file photo from 939 the Eagle’s Brian Hauswirth)

Mr. Tritz says single tickets are $50, with couple tickets at $90. Dave and Tori Baker will provide the musical backdrop. The CMFCAA’s aim is leading foster children toward safety and permanency, ultimately to a forever home.

There are about 500 children in foster care in Boone County. Mr. Tritz tells 939 the Eagle that the CMFCAA now includes 24 counties. Columbia, Jefferson City and Fulton are all served by the organization:

“We go as far as south as Dallas County and north to Randolph County. You know we have a lot in between,” says Tritz.

Mr. Tritz says gala proceeds will directly bolster the association’s vision of advocating for children, fortifying families and reshaping lives. State Sen. Travis Fitzwater (R-Holts Summit) will be the keynote speaker at Friday evening’s event, which will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 at the Capitol Plaza hotel.

(LISTEN): Palm Strategic Group partner Jonathan Ratliff appears on “Wake Up Mid-Missouri”

October 31, 2023 By Brian Hauswirth

Palm Strategic Group partner Jonathan Ratliff is also the Missouri House Republican Campaign Committee’s (HRCC) executive director. Republicans control the Missouri House 111-51, which is a supermajority-plus. Mr. Ratliff joined us live this morning on 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri”. The Missouri House Ethics Committee will hold a November 8 hearing in Jefferson City, a hearing that’s widely believed to involve House Speaker Dean Plocher (R-Des Peres) Mr. Ratliff tells listeners that House Republicans will caucus in about a week, adding that the caucus overall stands behind Speaker Plocher. Mr. Ratliff also says Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden (R-Columbia) enters the secretary of state’s race as the frontrunner in the 2024 GOP primary. Ratliff describes Rowden as a prolific fundraiser. He also weighed in on the Democratic primary for Missouri’s first congressional district, where incumbent U.S. Rep. Cori Bush (D-St. Louis) is being challenged by St. Louis County prosecutor Wesley Bell (D). Mr. Ratliff tells listeners that anytime Congresswoman Bush speaks, it’s a great fundraising opportunity for Republicans across Missouri. Ratliff also addressed Senator Rowden’s mid-Missouri seat, which will be an open seat and a Boone County-only seat in 2024. Mr. Ratliff predicts that seat will flip to Democrats: