Jefferson City Archives

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:

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:

Severe storms and brief tornadoes possible across Missouri tonight (AUDIO)

November 26, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

The National Weather Service (NWS) is warning that much of Missouri could see severe weather Tuesday evening, into the early morning hours.

The National Weather Service is warning that severe thunderstorms and brief tornadoes are possible across Missouri tonight (November 26, 2019 map courtesy of NWS St. Louis Twitter)

Southeast Missouri towns like Poplar Bluff, Cape Girardeau, Caruthersville and Kennett are now at an enhanced risk.

NWS Pleasant Hill meteorologist Scott Blair describes it as a dynamic storm system that we normally see in the spring.

“Western Missouri, we’re looking at sometime around or just a little after sunset,” Blair says. “And that threat will quickly progress to the east as we head into the late evening and early overnight hours.”

Most of Missouri is in the “slight” risk category. Cities is that category include Columbia, Jefferson City, Kirksville, Hannibal, Springfield, Joplin and West Plains. Blair says those areas could see strong thunderstorms with winds capable of producing a brief tornado.

“The good news though is that if there happens to be any tornadoes, we’re not looking at the real long track strong or violent type. This is going to be more of a brief type of tornado out there,” says Blair.

45 mile-per-hour winds are expected across the state tonight. The biggest threat in much of the state will be damaging wind gusts.

The NWS says the storms will be moving fast.

Click here to listen to the full interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Scott Blair, which was recorded on November 26, 2019:

Missouri House committee studying local taxation to hold final hearing Wednesday

November 19, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

A Missouri House interim committee that is studying local tax rates and issues will hold its final hearing on Wednesday in Jefferson City, to discuss recommendations to the full House.

State Rep. Peter Meredith, D-St. Louis, (right) and other members of the Missouri House Special Interim Committee on Oversight of Local Taxation listen to testimony on October 7, 2019 in Jefferson City (file photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

The House Special Interim Committee on Oversight of Local Taxation meets Wednesday morning at 11 at the Statehouse. The committee, which is chaired by State Rep. J. Eggleston, R-Maysville, will review testimony from prior hearings and will discuss possible legislative action on issues such as property taxes and an internet use tax.

Chairman Eggleston is also the House Assistant Majority Floor Leader.

State Rep. Phil Christofanelli, R-St. Peters, a committee member, says sales tax disproportionately impacts those with lower incomes. He has noted there are sales tax rates of 11.5 percent in the Kansas City area, and ten to 11 percent in the St. Louis region.

Missouri has more than 2,200 taxing districts, and more than 1,400 of those are known as special taxing districts.

Winter storm briefly closes interstate in western Missouri (AUDIO)

November 11, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

Winter weather briefly closed heavily-traveled southbound I-49 in western Missouri’s Belton on Monday morning, because of numerous slide offs and unsafe driving conditions.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in St. Louis is warning about deteriorating conditions on bridges and overpasses (November 11, 2019 map courtesy of NWS St. Louis Twitter)

National Weather Service (NWS) Pleasant Hill meteorologist Jonathan Kurtz notes it’s rare for a storm to close an interstate.

“It happens from time to time when you get these pretty strong intense bursts of snow,” Kurtz says. “And we have had two rounds here in the Kansas City metro, and two pretty strong lines have come through.”

I-49, which has re-opened, is a major route for truckers, and runs in Missouri from just south of Kansas City to southwest Missouri’s McDonald County.

Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) spokeswoman Sally Oxenhandler tells Missourinet that southbound I-49 at 163rd Street in Cass County was closed for about 20 minutes today.

Kurtz says conditions on the interstate quickly deteriorated.

“I-49 was only closed for a little bit of time there due to some slick roads there,” says Kurtz. “And snow started to accumulate pretty fast. Once it started hitting the ground, it only took about 20 to 30 minutes for the road to start to get snow-covered.”

Missouri state troopers responded to several slide-offs on Highway 50 in western Missouri’s Knob Noster on November 11, 2019 (photo from Missourinet’s Ashley Byrd)

The National Weather Service is warning Missourians that the snow and falling temperatures will lead to deteriorating conditions on bridges and overpasses for your evening commute. Mr. Kurtz is urging motorists to slow down.

“My drive in was pretty slick as well, and you just have to give yourself plenty of time. And we can kind of be thrown off, especially when the day before we had highs in the 50’s,” Kurtz says.

Snow is expected to end in Jefferson City by 4 p.m. Monday and in southeast Missouri’s Farmington by 6 p.m. The NWS is urging motorists and anyone heading outside to dress in layers.

Northwest Missouri’s St. Joseph has received about an inch of snow, while mid-Missouri’s Columbia has seen about an inch as well. There’s an inch-and-a-half on the ground in northeast Missouri’s Foley.

Several schools in mid-Missouri and in the Ozarks have dismissed early because of the storm. Westminster College in mid-Missouri’s Fulton has also dismissed classes early.

Click here to listen to the full interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and National Weather Service (NWS) Pleasant Hill meteorologist Jonathan Kurtz, which was recorded on November 11, 2019:

Most Missouri state employees will be off on both Thanksgiving and the following day

November 4, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

Missouri’s governor has signed an executive order closing state offices on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson speaks to Missourinet on September 23, 2019 at Jefferson City’s Memorial Park (Brian Hauswirth file photo)

Thanksgiving is one of the 12 official state holidays, so Governor Mike Parson’s executive order means most state employees will be off on both Thanksgiving and the following day.

Governor Parson describes Thanksgiving as a time to remember the good things in our lives.

“Thanksgiving is a time to count our blessings and be with family and friends. Teresa and I hope this day will be a reminder of all the good that fills our lives. To all of our state team members, we are thankful for your hard work and dedication to serving Missouri. From our family to yours, we wish you a happy Thanksgiving Day weekend and pray that you will continue to be blessed throughout the coming year,” Parson said in a statement.

Click here to read the governor’s executive order.

The order impacts state employees in all 114 counties and St. Louis City. The largest impact is in Jefferson City, which has more than 14,000 state employees. State government is the largest employer in the Capital City.

State prisons will still operate on Thanksgiving Day and Friday, and the order does not impact emergency services such as the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Winter weather continues in north Missouri; freeze warning on Halloween in northern and mid-Missouri (AUDIO)

October 30, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

The National Weather Service’s (NWS) winter weather advisory for northern Missouri continues through Thursday morning. NWS Pleasant Hill meteorologist Joey Welsh says northeast Missouri towns like Kirksville, Shelbyville and Edina will see the heaviest snowfall.

October 30, 2019 map courtesy of National Weather Service (NWS) St. Louis Twitter page

“Kind of in that bulls eye area is northeast Missouri and they’re expecting one-and-a-half to two inches through tomorrow morning,” Welsh says.

While central Missouri is not in the advisory, NWS meteorologist Joey Welsh says Columbia and Jefferson City could see hazardous travel conditions Wednesday evening.

“Jefferson City and surrounding areas will see the potential for some wintry mix and maybe some very light ice accumulations,” says Welsh.

Welsh says the wintry mix will begin tonight at about 6 in Jefferson City, Columbia and Sedalia, before changing to all snow by about 9 p.m. He urges motorists in central Missouri to slow down and to give themselves extra time.

Meantime, the NWS in Pleasant Hill has issued a freeze warning for Halloween throughout northern and central Missouri. Welsh warns of rapidly falling temperatures, as snow continues to fall in north Missouri and mid-Missouri sees the wintry mix tonight.

“We’ll drop down to the 20’s tonight and, combined with the winds, we’ll see wind chill values in the teens even for Jefferson City and surrounding areas,” Welsh says.

Stay tuned to Missourinet and to your local radio affiliate for winter weather coverage.

Click here to listen to the full interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Joey Welsh, which was recorded on October 30, 2019:

Missouri senior citizens are being warned about increasing scam calls (AUDIO)

October 23, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

Missouri’s attorney general warned Wednesday afternoon in Jefferson City that scams targeting seniors are increasing, including the “IRS” and sweepstakes scams.

Attorney General Eric Schmitt spoke to about 50 seniors Wednesday at Heisinger Bluffs, urging them to be on the lookout.

“Preying upon people’s vulnerabilities, a grandchild in trouble or if they don’t pay the money, they (seniors) are going to be thrown in jail,” Schmitt says. “We want people to be armed with the information number one and number two, let us know.”

Schmitt urges seniors and other Missourians to report scams to his office’s Consumer Protection Hotline, which is 1-800-392-8222. He says the Consumer Protection division receives about 100,000 complaints about fraud and scams each year.

One Jefferson City resident at Heisinger worried that he’ll be charged a “fee” if he contacts Schmitt’s office. The attorney general tells the audience there are no fees.

“That’s what we’re there for, and it’s a core mission of our office to look out for consumers,” says Schmitt.

He says the “IRS scam” has been increasing, reminding seniors that the IRS will never contact you by phone, only by mail. Schmitt also reminds seniors to never give their social security number to people who call them.

Jefferson City Mayor Carrie Tergin attended Wednesday’s presentation. She told the audience that scammers have also called people impersonating utilities such as Ameren Missouri and “Jefferson City Utilities,” adding that the caller ID makes it look legitimate. Mayor Tergin urges seniors to be cautious, noting she’s received scam calls as well.

Attorney General Schmitt will travel to southeast Missouri’s Cape Girardeau to meet with seniors at the Chateau Girardeau Thursday afternoon at 1.

Click here to listen to the full conversation between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt, which was recorded on October 23, 2019 at Heisinger Bluffs in Jefferson City:

MSP tours in Jefferson City to resume, following May tornado (AUDIO)

September 10, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

You’ll have the opportunity again soon to tour the old Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) in Jefferson City, about four months after an EF-3 tornado struck the facility.

The Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City’s front entrance (2019 file photo courtesy of Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau)

Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau (JCCVB) spokeswoman Brittney Mormann says modified tours will be offered.

“We are actually going to start tours beginning October 1 and we’ll run those through November 30, which is typically our end of tour season,” Mormann says.

The modified tours will include access to housing units one and three and the old gas chamber, where 40 Missouri inmates were executed between 1937 and 1989.

It will also include the popular “ghost tours.”

Mormann tells Missourinet the CVB has lost $308,000 in revenue since the tours stopped, because of the tornado.

She says more than 33,000 people toured MSP in 2018, with some coming from different states and countries. Mormann says that resulted in a $2.5 million economic impact on Jefferson City.

MSP was one of about 240 Jefferson City area structures struck by the tornado. Mormann encourages residents to take a fall tour, noting the tornado will be mentioned.

“Our tour guides are going to do the best of their ability to tell you about the history as well as that new layer of history with the (May) tornado coming through on the property,” says Mormann.

MSP, which was known as the “Bloodiest 47 Acres in the United States”, housed high-profile inmates like James Earl Ray and boxer Sonny Liston.

You can find more tour information at missouripentours.com. Net profit from tour ticket and merchandise sales goes back into the preservation of MSP, which opened in 1836.

Click here to listen to Brian Hauswirth’s full interview with Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau spokeswoman Brittney Mormann, which was recorded on September 9, 2019: