Brian Hauswirth, Author at Missourinet

Operation T.O.Y.S. gives mid-Missouri children opportunity to celebrate Christmas (AUDIO)

December 15, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

More than 100 needy children in mid-Missouri’s Cole, Callaway and Osage counties have Christmas presents for themselves and their families, thanks to the annual Operation T.O.Y.S. event at Jefferson City’s Walmart East.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Sergeant Scott White shops with a child during Operation T.O.Y.S. on December 14, 2019 in Jefferson City (Brian Hauswirth photo)

Saturday’s event featured a law enforcement convoy stretching more than a mile-and-a-half long, with lights and sirens activated. Operation T.O.Y.S., which stands for Taking Our Youth Shopping, is an opportunity for children who otherwise would not be able to celebrate the holidays.

Jefferson City Police officer Les Martin, who coordinates the program, says it continues to grow.

“I’ve been doing this for 20 years and I just love doing this,” Martin says. “It’s about the kids, it’s how we can give back to the kids.”

Fundraising done by Mr. Martin and other officers throughout the year allowed each child to purchase $150 in gifts for family members and themselves.

Nine law enforcement agencies participated in Saturday’s event. They were Jefferson City Police, Cole County Sheriff’s deputies, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri Capitol Police, Lincoln University Police, Holts Summit Police, and corrections officers and personnel from three Missouri Department of Corrections facilities: the Algoa, Jefferson City and Tipton Correctional Centers.

The officers who took the children shopping say the kids were buying for their brothers and sisters, before themselves. Missouri State Highway Patrol Sergeant Scott White tells Missourinet some of the children bought shoes for their siblings.

“The young man that I had today, the very first thing he picked up was for his one-year-old little brother. So that really shows you where the hearts of these kids are,” says White.

Organizers say the event ensures that children in need are able to have a memorable Christmas. Sergeant White says events like Operation T.O.Y.S. are why most officers became officers.

JCPD officer Martin also noticed the purchasing habits, noting most of the children bought presents for their brothers, sisters and parents.

“It’s about the gift of giving and that’s nice to see in a younger child that they know what that means,” Martin says.

A Missourinet reporter also saw some of the officers dig into their own pockets, to get extra items for the children. Sergeant White says it’s the officers’ pleasure to cover the difference. He says the officers do it with a grateful heart.

The children were also able to meet Santa Claus, elves and McGruff the crime dog.

Martin tells Missourinet he is appreciative to the numerous companies, individuals and fraternal organizations that donated. They include the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #19, the Elks Lodge, Lions Clubs and Kiwanis.

Click here to listen to the full interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and Jefferson City Police officer Les Martin, which was recorded on December 14, 2019 inside Jefferson City’s Walmart East:

Click here to listen to the full interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and Missouri State Highway Patrol Sergeant Scott White, which was recorded on December 14, 2019 inside Jefferson City’s Walmart East:

Winter weather advisories and watches issued for Missouri; Chiefs fans urged to be cautious

December 14, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Pleasant Hill has issued a winter weather advisory and a winter storm watch for much of Missouri, with a winter storm on the way.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Pleasant Hill has issued winter weather advisories and watches for much of Missouri (December 14, 2019 map courtesy of NWS Pleasant Hill Twitter page)

The NWS’ winter weather advisory takes effect Sunday morning and goes through Monday night for a large portion of western and southwest Missouri. The advisory includes Kansas City, St. Joseph, Sedalia, Clinton and Waynesville.

A winter storm watch will go into effect Sunday at noon through Monday night. The watch area includes Columbia, Jefferson City, Fulton, Mexico, Kirksville and Macon.

The newest forecast from NWS in Pleasant Hill indicates the Columbia and Jefferson City areas could see higher snow totals than originally thought, with three to five inches now possible. Moberly, which is about 35 miles north of Columbia, could see almost six inches of snow.

The Kansas City metro area and I-70 communities like Concordia and Odessa should see about five inches of snow, by Monday.

National Weather Service Pleasant Hill meteorologist Spencer Mell has been urging you to get a full tank of gasoline for your vehicle, before the storm hits. He’s also urging you to pack a winter weather kit in your car and to charge your cell phone.

Meantime, the state Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has been treating roads and bridges in advance of the storm. MoDOT is urging motorists heading to Sunday’s Chiefs game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City to use extreme caution. Kickoff for Sunday’s Chiefs-Denver game at Arrowhead will begin at noon, and MoDOT says travel after the game will be more challenging that travel to the game.

MoDOT is also recommending that people delay their Monday morning commute, as the complex weather system has the potential to produce ice accumulations in some areas. MoDOT notes freezing rain and ice is expected to move into northwest Missouri early Monday morning.

You can check road conditions anytime at MoDOT’s traveler information map. Those without internet access or who want additional information can call the MoDOT customer service center anytime. That number is 1-888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636). You can call it 24-7, 365 days a year.

NWS says winter storm heading for Missouri on Sunday (AUDIO)

December 13, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Pleasant Hill is urging you to get a full tank of gas and to charge your cell phones, before a winter storm impacts much of Missouri on Sunday afternoon into Monday.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Pleasant Hill expects northern Missouri to see the heaviest snowfall amounts on Sunday, into Monday (December 13, 2019 map courtesy of NWS Pleasant Hill Twitter page)

NWS Pleasant Hill meteorologist Spencer Mell says northern Missouri will see the highest snowfall totals, about three to five inches.

“St. Joseph over to Chillicothe and up to Kirksville right now looks to be that area where we could see the most, right along that Highway 36 corridor,” Mell says.

Towns like Hamilton, Brookfield and Macon can also expect three to five inches of snow.

Mell tells Missourinet the I-44 corridor between Springfield and Rolla will likely see some ice.

“Down near I-44, I think is probably going to be that best area where we receive that (ice). Could be looking as far north as Columbia and Jefferson City,” says Mell.

While they could see some ice, Mell says the Columbia, Boonville and Jefferson City areas will likely receive snow, about two to four inches.

The NWS advises you to keep a winter weather kit in your vehicle, and to pay close attention to the weather forecast throughout the weekend. Mell notes specifics could change by Sunday, as the system moves closer to Missouri.

Click here to listen to the full interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and National Weather Service (NWS) Pleasant Hill meteorologist Spencer Mell, which was recorded on December 13, 2019:

Rehder is hopeful 2020 will be the year PDMP passes in Missouri (AUDIO)

December 12, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

A southeast Missouri lawmaker is optimistic her prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) legislation will finally pass in 2020. State Rep. Holly Rehder, R-Scott City, traveled to the Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City on Wednesday to file House bill 1693.

State Reps. Tracy McCreery, D-Olivette, (left) and Holly Rehder, R-Scott City, brief Capitol reporters on December 11, 2019 in Jefferson City (photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

During a Statehouse press conference about opioid issues and HIV legislation, Rehder told Missourinet there’s a renewed interest from Senate leadership in getting it off the table early in the 2020 session. She references Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz, R-Sullivan, and Senate Majority Leader Caleb Rowden, R-Columbia.

“They really want to get it through the Senate early,” Rehder says. “And so, however that process is, I fully trust them that that’s going to be on the (Senate) floor early this year.”

Missouri is the only state in the nation without a PDMP, which is an electronic database that collects data on controlled substance prescriptions within a state.

The Missouri House approved Rehder’s bill this year by a 103-53 vote, but the bill died in the Senate. It died primarily because of opposition from the Senate Conservative Caucus, which has six GOP members. State Sen. Denny Hoskins, R-Warrensburg, and others in the caucus have privacy concerns with PDMP.

During an interview with Missourinet after Wednesday’s press conference, Rehder dismissed the privacy issues. She also cites the toll the opioid epidemic is taking on Missouri families.

“It just gives our physicians and medical professionals easier access,” says Rehder. “And so I think some of the fear has gone away that it’s some big brother looking at your medications. It’s not, it’s covered by HIPAA.”

HIPAA stands for the federal Health Portability and Accountability Act.

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse says nearly three people a day died of opioid overdoses in St. Louis in 2018. Rehder says the opioid epidemic is impacting the entire state.

Meantime, firefighters in the St. Louis suburb of Maryland Heights have told U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt (R) that they are ten times as likely to respond to a drug overdose as a fire. State Rep. Tracy McCreery, D-Olivette, tells Missourinet it’s critical for state lawmakers to approve the bipartisan PDMP bill.

“I think we need to do everything we can to make sure there are tool box in the tool chests for first responders. And this PDMP, I consider medical professionals first responders as well, and we need to get PDMP across the finish line,” McCreery says.

Rehder’s PDMP bill has had strong support from Democrats in both the Missouri House and Senate. It’s also supported by Senator Blunt and by U.S. Rep. Billy Long, R-Springfield.

Congressman Long visited Springfield’s Cox Medical Center South in June, describing the opioid epidemic as a “scourge.” He also noted that the opioid crisis is killing about 130 people a day nationwide.

Rehder will be serving her eighth and final year in the Missouri House in 2020, due to term limits.

Click here to listen to the full interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and State Reps. Holly Rehder, R-Scott City, and Tracy McCreery, D-Olivette, which was recorded at the Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City on December 11, 2019:

Southwest Missouri lawmaker describes his concerns with Ceres statue (AUDIO)

December 11, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

A southwest Missouri lawmaker who opposes returning the Ceres statue to the top of the Capitol in Jefferson City says the state should not be promoting any religion.

State Rep. Mike Moon, R-Ash Grove, speaks at the Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City on February 12, 2019 (file photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

State Rep. Mike Moon, R-Ash Grove, describes Ceres as a “false god.”

“Ceres as an agricultural goddess of Rome and I believe that represents a religion of sorts, so we shouldn’t be putting goddesses or gods of any type at the dome of the Capitol,” Moon says.

While the Office of Administration (OA) plans to return Ceres to the top of the Capitol this month, Moon has written a letter to Governor Mike Parson (R), asking him to stop it. Representative Moon tells Missourinet the statue should be placed at another location at the Capitol, but not on the dome.

“They (state officials) spent the money, they restored the exterior, you can still put her (Ceres) someplace else,” says Moon.

Moon, who’s a deacon and Sunday school teacher at High Street Baptist Church in southwest Missouri, says God “commanded the Israelites to have no gods other than him.” Ceres is the Roman goddess of agriculture and grain.

He says he hasn’t had an opportunity to speak to the governor by phone or in person, since Monday’s letter. Governor Parson’s spokeswoman, Kelli Jones, tells Missourinet the governor’s office has no response to Representative Moon’s letter, at this time.

During an interview with Missourinet at Friday’s unveiling ceremony at the Statehouse, Governor Parson indicated the statue would return to the dome.

“And she’s all dressed up, she’s pretty to go back up on top of our state Capitol and represent all of us here in the state of Missouri,” Governor Parson told Missourinet, next to the sculpture.

Moon admits he should have addressed the issue when Ceres was taken down for restoration in November 2018, saying he forgot about it until last week’s news coverage. That’s when he received a call from a constituent, asking about it.

The Ceres sculpture weighs more than 1,400 pounds. The restoration cost about $400,000, all part of a massive $50 million renovation project at the Capitol aimed at addressing deteriorating stonework on the facades, dome and drum, which was finished in 1917.

Ceres was placed on the Statehouse dome in October 1924 and remained there until November 2018, when the restoration process began.

OA says the statue was struck by lightning about 300 times during those years, mainly atop the head. Representative Moon suggests placing a lightning rod on the top of the Capitol, instead.

Click here to listen to the full interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and State Rep. Mike Moon, R-Ash Grove, which was conducted on December 10, 2019:

Death sentence and murder conviction upheld in 2009 central Missouri case

December 10, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

The state Supreme Court has unanimously upheld the murder conviction and death sentence in a high-profile 2009 mid-Missouri case.

Convicted killer David Hosier is incarcerated at the Potosi Correctional Center in southeast Missouri’s Mineral Point (January 2018 file photo courtesy of the Missouri Department of Corrections)

64-year-old David Hosier was convicted of first degree murder and armed criminal action for the 2009 killing of Angela Gilpin of Jefferson City.

Court documents say Hosier had been having an affair with Gilpin, who was a married woman. The court filings say the affair ended, and that Angela reconciled with her husband Rodney in August 2009.

Prosecutors say Hosier broke into Angela Gilpin’s apartment in September 2009, shooting and killing both Angela and her husband.

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case in April, and Hosier’s public defender, Amy Bartholow, argued that his trial counsel was ineffective. She also said that Hosier’s trial counsel should have called a psychiatrist at trial to testify about a stroke and brain damage that Hosier had suffered.

Bartholow told the court during April’s oral arguments that Hosier’s “brain is dead in places.”

Hosier’s public defender, Bartholow, said Hosier suffered a transient ischemic attack in 2007. Her court filings say 2007 medical records from Audrain Medical Center indicate that.

Missouri Assistant Attorney General Greg Barnes argued the case before the Supreme Court in April, saying Hosier was represented by highly-experienced legal counsel.

“Trial counsel, guilt phase trial counsel had over 150 trials worth of experience over many years in both Texas and Missouri,” Barnes told the Supreme Court in April.

Barnes also questioned whether Hosier had a stroke, telling the court in April that the stroke “didn’t explain the 1986 assault on his wife or his threat to kill multiple law enforcement officers or to kidnap his kids and take them to Mexico during that time.”

In a unanimous 7-0 decision written by Judge Paul Wilson, the Missouri Supreme Court today unanimously affirmed Hosier’s convictions, which means he remains under a death sentence.

Click here to read the Missouri Supreme Court’s 31-page opinion.

Hosier remains incarcerated at the maximum-security Potosi Correctional Center in southeast Missouri’s Mineral Point.

While Hosier is suspected of killing Rodney Gilpin, he was never charged for the second murder.

Court documents say Hosier was captured in Oklahoma after the 2009 Jefferson City murders, after urging Oklahoma police officers to shoot him “and get it over with.” The court filings say a STEN submachine gun was used to kill Angela and Rodney Gilpin, and that Oklahoma authorities found it in Hosier’s vehicle. They also found 15 firearms, ammunition, a bulletproof vest, crowbar, latex gloves and a knife.

The court documents also say that Jefferson City Police found an application for a protective order against Hosier, in Angela Gilpin’s purse, after the murders. The court filings also say there was a document in her purse, stating that she was afraid Hosier might shoot her and her husband.

Southern Missouri soldier seriously injured in Afghanistan honored with flag that flew over U.S. Capitol (AUDIO)

December 10, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

A southern Missouri congressman says all members of Congress should travel to war-torn countries to visit American troops.

U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, R-Salem, presents an American flag which flew over the U.S. Capitol to family members of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Ian Ives in November 2019 (photo courtesy of Congressman Smith’s office)

U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, R-Salem, who serves as the GOP Conference Secretary, visited Afghanistan and Kuwait just before Thanksgiving with five other members of Congress.

Smith describes America’s servicemen and women as “the pinnacle of patriotism,” adding that their sacrifices ensure that we can enjoy our rights of liberty and freedom.

Before flying out from Joint Base Andrews, Smith met with U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Ian Ives and his family. Sergeant Ives, who’s from Cuba, Missouri, is recovering at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, after suffering serious injuries in Afghanistan.

Smith brought another injured veteran with him to Walter Reed, to meet Sergeant Ives.

“I brought another fellow member of Congress with me,” Smith says. “One who’s experienced and who has lied in the same bed that Staff Sergeant Ives has, and that is Representative Congressman Brian Mast from Florida.”

U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, R-Florida, lost both of his legs in an IED explosion in Afghanistan, and Smith says Mast was a great inspiration to Ives.

Sergeant Ives’ family has traveled from Crawford County to Washington to support him, and Smith thanked them for their sacrifice. Congressman Smith presented Sergeant Ives and his family with a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol.

During his overseas trip, Smith also met in Afghanistan with a soldier who farms in southeast Missouri’s Jackson. Smith tells Missourinet he met with U.S. Army soldier Spencer Knowlan in the war-torn nation. They also met during the congressman’s August farm tour across southern Missouri.

“He’s a fine young man who serves his country, he serves his community and he is definitely representing us well in Afghanistan,” says Smith.

Smith says Knowlan’s parents and his wife are operating the family farm in Cape Girardeau County, while he’s serving in Afghanistan.

Smith praises what he describes as the relentless dedication of America’s armed forces.

Smith represents 30 counties in southeast and south-central Missouri. The sprawling district includes Cape Girardeau, Sikeston, Poplar Bluff, Cuba and Farmington.

The congressional visit to Afghanistan and Kuwait was bipartisan. U.S. Sens. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, and Shelley Moore Capito, R-West Virginia, were among the others on the trip.

Click here to listen to the full interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, R-Salem, which was recorded on December 6, 2019:

Ceres expected to return to top of Missouri Capitol next week; GOP lawmaker opposes it (AUDIO)

December 9, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

Hundreds of people turned out this weekend in downtown Jefferson City to view a renovated statue that normally sits 260-feet above the ground at the Missouri Capitol.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson (right) and Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe unveil the renovated Ceres sculpture on December 6, 2019 in Jefferson City (photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

Governor Mike Parson (R) and Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe (R) helped unveil Ceres on Friday afternoon, on the Capitol’s south side, near the media parking lot.

“And she’s all dressed up, she’s pretty to go back up on top on top of our state Capitol and represent all of us here in the state of Missouri,” Parson says.

Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture and grain, represents Missouri’s agricultural industry.

The ten-foot sculpture weighs more than 1,400 pounds. It was on top of the Capitol from October 1924 to November 2018, when restoration began. Ceres was taken to the Conservation of Sculpture and Objects Studio (CSOS) for cleaning and refurbishing. The CSOS is located in Forest Park, Illinois.

The Missouri Office of Administration (OA) says the statue was struck by lightning about 300 times between 1924 and 2018, mainly atop the head.

Despite cold temperatures Friday, about 100 people turned out for the unveiling event. Governor Parson tells Missourinet he’s impressed with the crowds that turned out.

“It’s cool out here today but for Missouri in December, it’s not bad,” says Parson. “The sun is shining. It’s still a beautiful day here.”

The Ceres restoration cost about $400,000, all part of a massive $50 million renovation project at the Capitol aimed at addressing deteriorating stonework on the facades, dome and drum, which was completed in 1917.

Ceres is expected to be lifted up to the top of the Capitol again next week, but at least one Missouri lawmaker is calling on the governor to stop that from happening.

“God commanded the Israelites to ‘have no gods other than him.’ He also said, ‘Do not make metal gods for yourselves. I am the Lord your God. Governor Parson, you and I have placed our trust in the same Lord, the God of the Bible. As such, I appeal to your good judgment, as a follower of Jesus Christ, to direct the Capitol Commission to not return the false god Ceres, the Roman goddess, to the top of the Capitol dome,” State Rep. Mike Moon, R-Ash Grove, writes, in part.

Representative Moon says “we serve a mighty God and we have need for no other god(s).” Moon also says that those who would oppose placing a statue of Jesus on state property would supporting placing what he calls “a false god” on the Capitol dome.

Click here to listen to the full interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and Governor Mike Parson, which was recorded outside the Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City on December 6, 2019:

Missouri Supreme Court to hear arguments Tuesday in key Planned Parenthood case

December 9, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

The Missouri Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Tuesday morning in Jefferson City in a key case involving the state’s legal dispute with Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region.

The complicated legal case began when the Legislature appropriated money for fiscal year 2019, which prohibited expenditure of funds to any abortion facility. The sentence specifically reads “no funds shall be expended to any abortion facility as defined in Section 188.015, or any affiliate or associate thereof.”

The Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS), through its Missouri Medicaid Audit and Compliance Unit, denied funding requests from Planned Parenthood, which appealed to the administrative hearing commission (AHC). The AHC ruled in the state’s favor.

However, St. Louis Circuit Judge David Dowd ruled in favor of Planned Parenthood, saying portions of the appropriations bill violated the state Constitution.

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt (R) and Solicitor General D. John Sauer have submitted a 32-page brief to the Missouri Supreme Court, outlining their case. Schmitt and Counselor Sauer say the trial court erred, and that the bill does not violate the single subject provision. They also say the trial court erred in taxing costs against the state of Missouri.

Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region is being represented by Jefferson City attorney Chuck Hatfield, who’s submitted a 42-page brief to the Supreme Court.

Counselor Hatfield writes that Judge Dowd’s ruling should be affirmed. He says the appropriations bill violates the state Constitution, and says the Attorney General’s office is quoting opinions that “are neither binding nor persuasive.” Hatfield also says existing state law required the state to pay Planned Parenthood for physician and family planning services it provides to Missouri Medicaid beneficiaries.

The Supreme Court will hear the arguments Tuesday morning at 9:30 in Jefferson City. Missourinet managing editor Alisa Nelson will be covering the case.

First Lady invites Missourians to candlelight tours of Mansion on Saturday (AUDIO)

December 6, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

Missouri’s First Lady is inviting you to tour the Governor’s Mansion in Jefferson City on Saturday morning from 10 to noon.

The 30-foot white pine Christmas tree at the Governor’s Mansion in Jefferson City was lit on December 6, 2019 (photo courtesy of Governor Parson’s Twitter page)

Governor Mike and First Lady Teresa Parson lit the Mansion Christmas tree Friday evening, in conjunction with the Living Windows event in downtown Jefferson City.

The First Lady tells Missourinet they only had five days to decorate the tree.

“There’s been a lot of help, a lot of workers there at the Mansion over this last week, and a lot of hours spent,” Mrs. Parson says. “We’ve been there many evenings late.”

The 30-foot white pine tree was donated by Mike and Ellen Hedgcoth of southern Missouri’s Salem.

There’s also a “Christmas Village” set up on the Mansion lawn, which includes a general store, Santa’s workshop and Santa’s candy cane lane house.

Several thousand people turned out for Living Windows, and hundreds more are expected to take the additional candlelight tours Saturday at the mansion. First Lady Parson, who’s championed Jobs for American Graduates (JAG) for at-risk high school students, says special ornaments will be on display inside the mansion.

“Each of the JAG schools across our state, classes, 82 of them, have presented and designed their own JAG ornament,” says the First Lady.

Student choirs from Weaubleau R-3, Versailles, Sacred Heart Sedalia and School of the Osage High Schools will be singing Christmas carols Saturday morning, on the Mansion lawn.

The tours, which go from 10 to noon, are free and open to the public.

Click here to listen to the full interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and First Lady Teresa Parson, which was recorded on December 6, 2019 outside the Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City: