Mid-Missouri

The Jefferson City school district announced in a press release Thursday it has found the first leaders of the Jefferson City and Capital City swimming programs, as Carrie Korprowski was named head coach of the programs and Kendal Moore was named to be her assistant.

For the year-and-a-half Korprowski has lived in the Capital City, she has been waiting for this opportunity and jumped at the chance the moment it came available.

“I have been secretly been praying for that for a long time,” Korprowski said. “When we moved up here I was hopeful that a swim program would be starting here soon. … One day at work during one of my classes, a friend sent me a chat when the position was listed and I applied within the hour. … My initial reaction was just a lot of excitement.”

Korprowski has a long history coaching the sport of swimming.

She got her start with the Eldon Dolphins swim club, a summer swim program in the Mid-Missouri Swim Conference, as an assistant and worked with the team from 2016-22.

“It was just such a positive experience,” Korprowski said. “The head coach, his name is Dale Rosenthal, he was just amazing. I learned a lot from him.”

Korprowski then made the move to Jefferson City in December 2021 and spent the past year as an eighth-grade math teacher at Lewis and Clark Middle School while also working on the coaching staff of the Barracudas Swim Team at the Knowles YMCA — what will be the home pool for Jefferson City and Capital City High Schools.

Her time with the Barracudas gave her more time to learn from other coaches and feel apart of another swim family.

“Right away they offered me to come coach with them,” she said. “I was really thankful they offered me the chance because they already had six coaches. … I got to learn from six new coaches and they all brought something different to the table. It was one big swim family and it was really a team effort.”

And Korprowski will be involved in a big swim family with the new job, as she will coach both the Jays and the Cavaliers with the two schools practicing together but competing separately.

Not only will being around another team drive competition and in return help push the athletes to be better, but she believes it will grow the two teams very close to each other.

“I am really thrilled that there is more than one (team) because the more swimmers you have in the water, the more competition there is,” Korprowski said. “… Everyone becomes a family and encouraging each other and supporting each other. You want to swim with your competitors because that’s a great opportunity for you to get faster, for you to get better and for you to work harder.”

Korprowski and her new assistant Moore chatted briefly Thursday and will begin putting together plans for the offseason, but the two are already familiar with each other.

Moore is an eighth-grade writing teacher at Lewis and Clark and has been with the Jefferson City YMCA since 2015 working as a swimming coach, instructor, head lifeguard and pool manager.

“She has a really great personality,” Korprowski said of Moore. “She may be able to level with the athletes and help with the community-building side of it really well. She also has a lot of different technical experience being a lifeguard and swim coach.”

The first steps for the coaching staff will be trying to recruit interested athletes and putting together workout programs for the summer.

“My initial steps right now, because we are already in the summer, is I want to host a meet and greet at the Knowles YMCA for our girls and our boys high school swimmers that are interested to get them signed up and going,” Korprowski said. “Then working with the strength coaches at JC and CC to get them time in the weight room. Then getting our students, especially the boys, into the pool as soon as we can.”

The boys swimming season will begin in the fall and the girls will hit the pools for their inaugural season this winter.

Korprowski will now teach at Jefferson City High School as an algebra teacher.

Originally Appeared Here

Acadeum, creator of the largest course-sharing platform used by more than 460 U.S. colleges, including the Texas A&M University System, Benedict College, University of Central Missouri, and Community College of Baltimore County, today announced the close of its $11.92m Series B funding round. The round was led by Green Street Impact Partners, the fund’s first investment, along with ECMC Group’s Education Impact Fund and Pearson Ventures.

“This is about matching the vast potential of existing, high quality courses taught by talented, engaging faculty with learners who often struggle to access the classes they need to graduate on time and persist,” said Amy Bevilacqua, Managing Partner of Green Street Impact Partners. “Acadeum is changing the game for institutions working to fulfill and expand their academic mission. It is enabling learners to chart a more direct—and affordable—pathway through college.”

An April report from the National Student Clearinghouse found the number of Americans with some college credit and no degree is now 40.4 million. Research continues to indicate that course access and the class schedule are a significant barrier to learners completing their degree. Nearly a quarter of all courses are overfilled and so-called “bottlenecks,” and more than a quarter of adult learners are unsatisfied with the times of courses offered. Meanwhile, research indicates learners are interested in accessing more workforce relevant courses and certifications, while new programs remain costly and difficult for institutions to create on their own.

“Our partnership with Acadeum not only helps our students access needed courses in convenient online modalities, but also enables us to strengthen the value of our liberal arts-based education by adding additional workforce-aligned offerings,” said Dr. Marc M. Camille, president of Albertus Magnus College. “The platform has enabled us to offer cutting edge, stackable microcredentials in high demand career fields, taught by industry experts.”

In addition to facilitating the sharing of courses from hundreds of individual colleges and universities, Acadeum’s trailblazing technology platform supports sharing across national and regional consortia, including The Council of Independent Colleges Online Course Sharing Consortium, The League for Innovation in the Community College Online Course Sharing Consortium, and the Southern Regional Education Board’s HBCU-MSI Course-Sharing Consortium. Acadeum has also partnered with Coursera to allow institutions to expand their offerings of professional certificates aligned with immediate workforce needs.

“Today’s learners are older, and more likely to be parents or working, than at any point in our nation’s history. That new majority of learners are putting pressure on institutions to align course offerings with the realities of their schedules and responsibilities beyond the classroom,” said David Daniels, CEO of Acadeum. “At a moment when some are questioning the role and relevance of American colleges, we’re building tools to leverage the collective strength of our nation’s higher education system to unlock new opportunities for both institutions—and students.”

To learn more about Acadeum, please visit www.acadeum.com.

ABOUT ACADEUM 
Acadeum helps colleges and universities create academic partnerships with like-minded institutions to support student progress and equitable access to workforce opportunity. Today, more than 460 higher ed institutions use Acadeum’s course-sharing network to place students in in-demand online courses they need to stay on track for timely graduation. Institutions improve retention and completion, while also unlocking new revenue to increase financial sustainability. Acadeum’s platform enables seamless access to high quality online college courses for a wide range of learners including those in high school and working full time. To learn more about Acadeum, please visit acadeum.com.

ABOUT GREEN STREET IMPACT PARTNERS 
Green Street Impact Partners is a sector-specific private equity fund that invests growth capital in companies leveraging technologies to catalyze innovation across the education lifecycle, from K-12, to higher education, to workforce learning. As experienced investors and operators–including former policymakers, educators, and college leaders–our focus is the intersection of learning and economic mobility. For more information, visit https://gsimpactpartners.com/.

Originally Appeared Here

Columbia’s LGBTQ community continues to celebrate its pride and visibility in September, but it does not mean events are not planned for the traditional Pride Month in June.

In a year marked by the passage of various anti-LGBTQ legislation, including in Missouri impacting transgender youth health care access and sports participation, as well as some trans adult health care access, Mid-Missouri Pridefest and other pride-related events will happen to ensure continued support of LGBTQ youth, said Janet Davis, Pridefest board president.

From 2022:Mid-MO PrideFest turns Columbia rainbow colors in 18th year, despite delay

Since the wider Columbia community is so supportive of its LGBTQ neighbors, it gives the community a chance to “redouble our efforts to show, especially the youth, that we are here to support them, stand up for them and that we are not going to quit.

The Pridefest committee and The Center Project, mid-Missouri’s LGBTQ community center, have partnered to host events on June 10. The day will start off with the second annual Rainbow Ride with registration starting at 8:30 a.m. from Peace Park at Elm Street between South Eighth and Ninth Streets in the Downtown District. The ride commences at 10 a.m. and lasts until noon when it returns to the park.

The Rainbow Ride supports The Center Project’s emergency fund supporting individuals “with immediate, short-term financial support to LGBTQ adults and/or their dependents experiencing financial insecurity and lack of support.”

“It mainly supports the emergency fund, but also a few other things as we need as they are them coming up,” Davis said.

From 2022:How The Center Project aims to raise money for emergency fund serving LGBTQ community

Peace Park also will play host the youth talent show and gayest pet contest starting at 11 a.m. that day, hosted by Pridefest. Entry is free for both events. Registration for the talent show starts at 10:30 a.m. with the show starting at 11 a.m. Pet contest registration starts at 11:30 a.m. and the contest starts at noon. Entertainment also will be provided by The Quorus, Columbia’s LGBTQ community choir and Mid-Missouri Pridefest royalty. The event wraps up at 3 p.m.

The Pridefest Youth Royalty and Adult Royalty pageants will happen in June, as well. The family-friendly youth pageant is 6 p.m. June 2 at The Blue Note, while the adult pageant is 7 p.m. June 23, also at The Blue Note. The pageants also serve as the chance for Pridefest to announce headliners for September, which last year included RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni Laila McQueen and Aiden Zhane.

Davis does not expect protesting to occur at events in June and September but does recognize that still could change.

“Columbia is an immensely blue bubble in a huge sea of red. I feel extremely lucky with the current and previous mayor that they put so much effort into making the LGBTQ community feels safe here,” she said. “I think that we are in a safe space. Can that change any moment of any day of any year, absolutely it can.”

This year also marks the second annual Pridefest parade in downtown Columbia.

“It went 10,000 times better than I could have even begun to imagine it going. It was so supported and we did not get any negative response,” Davis said about last year’s inaugural parade.

Pridefest in September could not operate the way it does without volunteers. There currently are about 35 volunteers, but upward of 150 are needed.

“One hundred fifty would make me sit on cloud nine because then it would be that extra overlap, but 100 to 125 would be amazing. It takes a lot to get it going,” Davis said.

Those who would like to volunteer can get more information through midmopride.org/volunteer, and for those who would like to join specific committees, there are the Mid-MO Pridefest meetings at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month.

‘Be happy, be kind’:Arch and Column Pub to mark 20-year anniversary serving LGBTQ community

Other events happening in June are part of regular, ongoing activities by The Center Project and The Dandy Lion Cafe in Ashland, along with other planned events by entertainment and educational organization Nclusion+.

The Center Project’s monthly game night is 6 p.m. June 6, while its monthly drop-in coffee morning is 10 a.m. June 18.

The Dandy Lion hosts regular trivia nights, as well as Nclusion+ presented drag brunches and drag queen story hours. Trivia nights are for those 18 and older, while the drag brunches and story hours are family friendly. Seating is limited for the story hour, so pre-registration is required to ensure entry.

The pride month trivia night starts 7 p.m. June 2. The story hour is 10 a.m. June 10, and while there is not a drag brunch scheduled in June, there are events scheduled for July, September and November.

Nclusion+ has a slate of events planned locally and in support of other communities throughout June. Tickets are needed for all events. In Columbia, Nclusion+ will host The Widow Von’du and Loris 7:30 p.m. June 8 at The Blue Note. A Trivia and Brunch event is planned 10:45 a.m. June 17 at Dogmaster Distillery. Later that same day is Drag2Nite: Disney Edition starting 7:30 p.m. at Serendipity Salon and Gallery. The brunch event is all-ages and family friendly. The Sunday Social drag show starts 4 p.m. June 18 at The Social Room.

Charles Dunlap covers local government, community stories and other general subjects for the Tribune. You can reach him at cdunlap@columbiatribune.com or @CD_CDT on Twitter. Subscribe to support vital local journalism.

Originally Appeared Here

Art in the Park, a Columbia Art League tradition since 1959 — and the unofficial start to mid-Missouri — is rounding the bend. The two-day art bazaar, held at Stephens Lake Park, arrives June 3-4.

Local, regional and even farther-flung artists will show off fine art creations as well as more functional expressions of beauty. Many artists travel to Columbia for the affair and discover a new second home.

There are dozens of artists ready to depart for Columbia. Here are a mere five of those traveling in whose work you’ll want to keep an eye out for.

More:From Peach Pit to Guster, 5 can’t-miss Rose Park shows this summer

Shelby Bork (Ohio)

Branded “Botanical Creations,” Bork’s work lives in the relationships found within nature — between parts of the same plant, a larger landscape or the ways humans enfold nature into our spaces. Watercolor painting and “black and white block prints carved using linoleum and ink based paints” are among Bork’s specialties, according to her website, but she’s reaching into other mediums: oil pastel, jewelry and more.

See Bork’s work at Art in the Park and online at https://borksbotanicalcreations.com/.

James Osterberg (St. Louis)

A winking nostalgia and regionalist’s affection come together in Osterberg’s prints which capture St. Louis landmarks — its treasured people, places and things — as well as tall-tale characters and reflections on Americana. Often, Osterberg’s perspective is funny and askew, but the craft is serious with thoughtful combinations of color, compositional confidence and a definite kinship with subjects.

Catch Osterberg at Art in the Park and online at https://www.jamesosterbergart.com/.

Shannon Roman (St. Louis)

A University of Missouri graduate, Roman creates soulful natural scenes through a blend of “impressionist, expressionist, and surrealist influences,” as an artist’s statement notes. Roman’s skies are especially remarkable, hovering over forests, fields, beachfronts and secluded highways in grand brushstrokes and gorgeous collisions of color. Roman also paints vivacious florals and character-rich shacks holding their own on icy lakes or the edges of “proper” civilization.

Visit Roman at Art in the Park and online at https://shannonnroman.com/.

More:Salt-N-Pepa, Robert Cray and Japanese Breakfast form half of Treeline fest’s headliners

Sarah Simpson (Normal, Illinois)

Simpson’s work, most accessible as prints, possesses a mystical charm. With a splendid, illustrative style, Simpson renders fantastical versions of real-life forces: the sun convening a natural party, the moon as eternal guardian, the star as something which might not only be touched but pulled into our lives. These works both provoke smiles and a knowing spark as if someone has seen into our dreams and now we share the vision.

See Simpson’s work in Columbia and online at https://bysarahsimpson.com/.

Melissa Villadiego (St. Louis)

Upholding the wearable creativity folded into each Art in the Park, Villadiego unites the elemental — glass, metal, stone and “hand casted botanicals” — to “create adornments for the free-spirited soul,” according to an online bio. These adornments assume forms such as muted and glittering earrings, stackable rings, succulent rings, lavender essence pendants and more items that acknowledge the beauty of nature and its beholder.

Visit Villadiego at Art in the Park and online at https://shopvilladesign.com/.

Aarik Danielsen is the features and culture editor for the Tribune. Contact him at adanielsen@columbiatribune.com or by calling 573-815-1731. Find him on Twitter @aarikdanielsen.

Originally Appeared Here

The South Central Missouri Prescribed Burn Association (SCM PBA) has officially formed.

Anyone interested in conducting prescribed burns in Ozark, Howell, Douglas, or an adjacent county is invited to attend the PBA’s first annual membership meeting, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. June 22 at the Dogwood II room at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis.

Advertisement

During that meeting, prospective members can sign up to participate, meet other landowners interested in conducting prescribed burns on their property, and discuss the SCM PBA’s plan of work for the 2023-2024 burn season. Dues are set at $25 per year, but no dues will be collected at the meeting.

 “This group is for people who want to burn their land but aren’t comfortable doing it alone,” said PBA President Monty Wiens. “We are also looking for more experienced folks willing to serve as mentors. In the beginning, we will focus on learning together how to conduct prescribed fire safely.”

A PBA’s purpose is for neighbors to help neighbors to conduct prescribed burns, so that landowners and others can pool their knowledge, experience, equipment, and people-power to manage controlled fires effectively and safely.

The group formed following an interest meeting held in February, during which several area residents stepped forward, volunteering to serve on a board of directors. That board has since filed articles of incorporation and bylaws with the state, and has made initial plans for prescribed fire activities for the coming burn year, which will run July 1 through June 30.

Several board members and other involved residents have already taken a free online prescribed fire course and attended training sessions offered by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Others recently participated in a “Learn to Burn” prescribed fire led by professional fire boss Mark Howell, president of the Missouri Prescribed Fire Council.

“We would love to see you at the meeting, and encourage you to invite any neighbors and friends who would be interested,” said Wiens.

Prescribed fire can reduce fuel on the ground to lessen the intensity and chance of wildfire, help restore native plant communities, thin the understory, enhance wildlife habitat, improve forage for livestock and deer, and regenerate desirable tree species, such as shortleaf pine.

Organizations offering technical assistance to the new PBA include the National Wild Turkey Federation, Quail Forever and Pheasants Forever, National Deer Association, and the Missouri Department of Conservation, along with the Missouri Prescribed Fire Council.

Educational handouts about prescribed fire will be available free, courtesy of the Oak Woodlands and Forests Fire Consortium.

To assure enough seats, please contact PBA secretary Carole Moody if you plan to attend the June 22 meeting: scmpba@gmail.com, 417-989-8259; also contact her if you have questions or would like to receive a membership form via email. For more information about prescribed fire, visit moprescribedfire.org and oakfirescience.com.

Originally Appeared Here

Many people associate the long, hot days of summer with outdoor events like concerts and fairs. Local amphitheaters have begun to kick off their 2023 summer season, offering concert-goers plenty of options to choose from.

Whether you’re looking for some bigger names on tour or hoping to support local musicians, here are this summer’s concert lineup at Capital Region MU Healthcare Amphitheater, Camdenton’s Ozarks Amphitheater and the Missouri State Fair.

Capital Region MU Healthcare Amphitheater

Kicking off the summer season May 26 will be award-winning country singer Scotty McCreary. McCreary has five consecutive No.1 hits, has earned one Double Platinum, four Platinum and four Gold singles and won the 10th season of “American Idol” in 2011. McCreary will be performing at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $36 to $69 and can be purchased on Ticketmaster.

Ian Munsick will be gracing the Jefferson City stage with his album “White Buffalo”, an 18-track album that spans tales of romance and ranch life with country hooks. Munsick has earned nearly 400 million global streams and a host of accolades during the past three years. The 29-year-old has been named an “Artist to Watch” by Spotify, CMT, Fender, MusicRow and more. Munsick will perform at 7:30 p.m. July 8. Tickets can be purchased on Ticketmaster, ranging from $34 to $59.

Recently announced, Sawyer Brown will be joining the amphitheater’s lineup on July 14. The four person group has earned CMA, ACM, CMT and MCN awards. Their hits include “Step That Step,”https://www.newstribune.com/news/2023/may/18/a-guide-to-mid-missouri-summer-concerts/”The Walk,”https://www.newstribune.com/news/2023/may/18/a-guide-to-mid-missouri-summer-concerts/”Thank God For You,”https://www.newstribune.com/news/2023/may/18/a-guide-to-mid-missouri-summer-concerts/”The Boys and Me” and “Some Girls Do.” Sawyer Brown will be performing at 7:30 p.m. and tickets start at $29 on Ticketmaster.

UK Queen tribute band Killer Queen had its first public shows at London University, following in the footsteps of the real Queen, which played its first shows there decades earlier. Killer Queen’s popularity grew to such an extent in the UK that it soon secured a residency in London’s Strand Theatre attracting nationwide BBC coverage — the first tribute to have a show in the West End. Killer Queen will perform at 8 p.m. on July 15. Tickets range from $34 to $69 and can be purchased on Ticketmaster.

Now in its fifth decade, Three Dog Night claims some of the most astonishing statistics in popular music. Three Dog Night had 21 consecutive Top 40 hits, including 3 No. 1 singles, 11 Top 10s, 18 straight Top 20s, 7 million-selling singles and 12 straight RIAA Certified Gold LPs. Created in 1968 by Danny Hutton, Three Dog Night recorded the music of new songwriters, including Harry Nilsson, Randy Newman, Elton John, Laura Nyro, Paul Williams and Hoyt Axton, among many others. Three Dog Night’s Jefferson City concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. on July 16. Tickets, ranging from $41 to $79, can be purchased on Ticketmaster.

All Capital Region MU Health Care Amphitheater entertainment events can be found at www.crmuamphitheater.com/events/concerts. The amphitheater is located off of Ellis Porter Drive at Ellis-Porter Riverside Park.

Ozarks Amphitheater

Country music performer Dwight Yoakam will grace the Ozarks Amphitheater stage at 7 p.m. May 26. A recording artist since the early 1980s, Yoakam has appeared in films, on more than thirty charting singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, and a plethora of albums and compilations selling well in excess of 20 million units worldwide. Yoakam will be performing at 7 p.m. on May 26. Tickets start at $45 on Ticketmaster.

Chicago, the American rock band that formed in 1967 is coming to the Ozark Amphitheater on their 2023 tour. With a total of 38 albums, they have sold more than 100,000,000 records and are one of the longest-running and best-selling music groups of all time. Their stop at the Ozark Amphitheater will be at 7 p.m. on May 27. Tickets start at $36 on Ticketmaster.

The Avett Brothers, with special guest Gov’t Mule, will appear on June 16.

Country singer and songwriter Walker Hayes will be making a stop on his Duck Buck Tour to perform at the Ozark Amphitheater at 6:30 p.m. on June 22. Special guest Ingrid Andress will also be performing on June 22. Tickets start at $35 on Ticketmaster.

More information about the concert coming to the Ozark Amphitheater can be found at https://ozarksamphitheater.com/all-events/. Ozark Amphitheater is located in Camdenton, 2629 North Business Route 5.

Missouri State Fair

Formerly one half of the hit band Florida Georgia Line, Tyler Hubbard is making a stop on his tour to perform at the Missouri State Fair. His debut solo single, “5 Foot 9,” has almost 9 million global streams. Platinum-selling duo Parmalee will be performing their country hits. Consisting of brothers Matt and Scott Thomas, cousin Barry Knox and lifelong friend Josh McSwain, Parmalee had become a multi-week No.1 hit on country radio. Hubbard and Parmalee will be performing at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10. Grandstand tickets will go on sale June 27 through Etix. Tickets start at $45.

CMA 2022 Female Vocalist of the Year Lainey Wilson will be performing her country hits at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 11 at the State Fair. Her critically acclaimed album, “Bell Bottom Country,” reached No. 9 on Billboard’s Country Albums Chart, quickly rose to No. 1 on iTunes charts and has amassed more than 161 million streams to date. Also performing will be country singer/songwriter Jackson Dean, 22-year-old multi-instrumentalist performer. Tickets start at $50 and will be available for purchase starting June 27 through Etix.

Mississippi rock band 3 Doors Down is set to play Aug. 12 on their “Away From the Sun” anniversary tour. The band will play all the songs from the album, along with all their hits, in amphitheaters across the country. Joining the lineup is Candlebox, a band that formed in Seattle in the 1990s. The show will take place at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 12. Tickets for the concert will go on sale at 9 a.m. June 27 on Etix. Prices start at $35.

Worship leader, singer, songwriter and speaker are just some of the titles Cory Asbury holds. Asbury has accumulated countless accolades over his career, including two GMA Dove Awards and two K-Love Fan Awards. CAIN, a band made up of siblings, will be joining the day Aug. 16 with their Christian music. The concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25 and will go on sale June 27 on Etix.

St. Louis native Grammy-winning artist Nelly will be closing out the Missouri State Fair concert series on Aug. 18. Nelly topped Billboard’s 2000 year-end chart as the Top Male Rap Artist, and was nominated for an MTV Video Music Award, two Source Awards, two BET Awards, a Soul Train Music Award, and an American Music Award. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $40 and go on sale June 27 on Etix.

More information about the entertainment at the Missouri State Fair can be found at https://www.mostatefair.com/attraction-type/live-music/.

Other concerts in Jefferson City

Need even more live music options this summer? Check out Thursday Night Live, a downtown Jefferson City outdoor summer concert series. Soulroot will kick off the Thursday Night Live series from 7-10 p.m. tonight, followed by Kricket Alley on June 15 and Eastern Heights on July 20. 

Thursday Night Live’s Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/thursdaynightlivejc/.

The Jefferson Landing State Historic Site is excited to kick off another season of their backyard concerts on the Lohman lawn, 100 Jefferson Street. They will start off with Rod and John Music on June 17, a band that plays folk, rock, country and traditional from the 1970s to today. John Williams and Robert Mackey will perform June 22 with their traditional Missouri fiddle and guitar music. To close out the season on August 26, The Gibson Girls will be playing a blend of Americana, folk, blues and original music. These are family-friendly concerts. Don’t forget to bring a chair or blanket to sit on.

More information about the historic site is available at https://www.visitjeffersoncity.com/listing/jefferson-landing-state-historic-site/65/.

The Salute to America Fourth of July event in Jefferson City will feature a wide range of musicians this year, including The Kay Brothers, an old-time fiddle and country blues band, The Sensational Barnes Brothers, a funk, gospel soul and R&B band, Ernest James Zydeco, a French Creole dancing band, Lindley Creek, a traditional bluegrass group and Love Seats, an original garage/psych rock band based in Jefferson City. The Salute to America festival will take place from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. July 4 surrounding the Capitol, as well as on Jefferson Street, High Street, Broadway Street and Capitol Avenue. 

See https://www.salutetoamerica.org/ for more information.

Originally Appeared Here

Kehoe Kick Off

Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe will officially kick-off his campaign tonight, though he’s been running for governor for about a year now already.

The event will be at the Capital Bluffs Event Center in Holts Summit.

·       The campaign kick-off will take place in mid-Missouri, where Lt. Governor Kehoe has owned multiple businesses, has been deeply involved in the community for over thirty years as a business and civic leader, and has served as Missouri’s Lt. Governor since 2018.

 And

Kehoe has the backing of Missouri’s largest utility company. In the large contributions today (below) Ameren sent $15K to the pro-Kehoe American Dream PAC.  Last year Ameren contributed $22,500 to American Dream.

 

Scooplette: Hurlbert Starts PAC

Victor Hurlbert, Republican running for Senate 17, is forming a PAC, Northland Victory PAC. 

This is where Sen. Lauren Arthur is termed.  Hulbert is the Republican auditor of Clay County.

·       Democrats have coalesced behind Rep. Maggie Nurrenbern.

·       Hurlbert’s campaign committee boasts former Rep. Bob Nance as its treasurer.

·       The district leans Democratic.  President Joe Biden beat Donald Trump 52% – 47% in 2020.

 

Kunce Nabs Two More Unions

Lucas Kunce announced the endorsement of two more unions.  He’s the only declared Democratic candidate for US Senate; Senator Josh Hawley is up for re-election in 2024.

New endorsements…

·       International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 124. IBEW 124 represents electrical workers in 15 counties in western Missouri, including Bates, Benton, Carroll, Cass, Clay, Cooper, Henry, Jackson, Johnson, Lafayette, Morgan, Pettis, Platte, Ray, and Saline counties.

·       United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 655. UFCW 655 is the largest private-sector local union in the state, representing more than 10,000 workers in retail food and non-food, manufacturing, packing houses, distribution centers, laboratories, and hair care.

 

Kost to Greater STL

St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Greater St. Louis Inc. is hiring Maggie Kost, acting director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development.   

“Maggie Kost is one of the rising stars in economic development across the country with a strong track record of performance, and her experience and strong relationships here in the St. Louis metro and across the country will help continue the resurgence we are building here,” Greater St. Louis, Inc. CEO Jason Hall said in a statement.

 

eMailbag: Readers on Drebes Session Thoughts

·       I’m not sure you can really blame the filibuster… For example, tort reform had 16 senators ready to filibuster. That’s not a filibuster problem…. open enrollment did not fail because of the filibuster.  That bill never came to the floor because leadership didn’t believe it had the votes to pass. Not a filibuster problem… Other big Republican losses had nothing to do with the filibuster. Personal property tax does not fail because of filibuster but because of the ill-fated sports book move. Foreign land bill died for no good reason at all.

·       It is a silly narrative that “session was unproductive because of conservatives filibustering.”  Missouri has an almost FIVE MONTH session.  Some states have as little as 1 1/2 months, and look at what Florida accomplished in 6 weeks.  Say, 16 weeks times 30 hours/week = 480 hours.  Power and floor time control are very heavy in both houses of moleg.  If “conservative priorities” didn’t get done, it’s because they weren’t really priorities.

·       Rule changes will never get done. The same people who abuse the filibuster will use it to stop any rule changes… However, whoever suggests limiting debate on motions, has it right. Parliamentary procedure has never contemplated discussion or debate without there being a motion being made. Limiting debate to only when there is a motion before the body doesn’t require a rule change, it just requires enforcement of basic parliamentary procedure. This isn’t in the rules because it should not have to be, it is that basic of a principal of parliamentary procedure. But apparently no one either wants to enforce it or no one understands it.

 

eMailbag: Readers on Session Winners

·       Freshman Rep. Melanie Stinnett is very impressive. She carried tough legislation and handled it like a veteran. Everyone’s talking about her replacing Lincoln Hough (in Senate 30) in 3 years.

·       Alex Riley had a great Session. He managed the unruly bunch of misfits on Gen Laws like a champ, and continued to show the caucus why he will make a good leader. Look for him to announce for Floor Leader.

·       Travis Fitzwater behaved like a statesman and negotiated many deals behind the scenes.

·       Cindy O’Laughlin did a great job as floor leader, exceeding expectations. She’s the type who to learn from mistakes, so she’ll be even better next year.

·       Reform of child custody in judicial proceedings was finally passed along with one of Gov Parson’s long stated priorities of reform of license suspension and to try to resolve a child support payment plan… This is a big cultural shift Missouri can be proud to accomplish this year for our values. Families and children came first and that is a good thing.

 

Help Wanted

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis seeks Government Relations Advisor.  “The Government Relations Advisor is responsible for representing the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (Bank) to public officials as a valued partner and trusted advisor, formulating effective strategies to ensure the work of the Bank is represented to congressional members and staff, and is responsible for enhancing public officials’ understanding of the Federal Reserve.”

See the ad here.

 

$5K+ Contributions

American Dream PAC (pro-Kehoe) – $15,000 from Ameren Missouri.

MBA Ozark Region PAC – $6,197 from Southwest Missouri Bank.

Missouri American Water Company Employees Political Action Committee – $10,000 from Flynn Drilling Company.

Boone County Democratic Committee – $10,195 from Friends of Kari L Chesney.

 

Lobbyists Registrations

Salvatore Panettiere added Oracle America, Inc.     

Mike Talboy deleted Starling MHP LLC.

 

Birthdays

Happy birthdays to Deanna Hemphill, Cindy Kadlec, and Jackie Buschjost.

Originally Appeared Here

Mid-Missouri lawmakers had mixed reactions to the 2023 legislative session, the last week of which was marked by a dysfunctional Senate halted by “political theater.”

The Republican-led state House and Senate sent a few dozen legislative bills and a nearly $51 billion budget, the largest in state history, to the governor’s desk. Several priorities for area representatives were agreed to by both chambers while others were squashed as the Senate’s flow was disrupted by simmering Republican infighting.

A reinstatement of the state’s presidential preference primary election, legalization of sports betting, a bill to address veteran suicide rates, initiative petition reform and unemployment benefit reform all fell to the wayside during the final weeks of the session, Central Missouri representatives who fought for the bills said. The Republican caucus was more interested in other priorities, several added.

Rep. Dave Griffith, R-Jefferson City, said he has mixed feelings about how the session went. He said the House was “very productive,” but the Senate had a more difficult time.

Griffith had two bills sent to the governor’s desk. Of the 13 bills he filed during the session, seven cleared his chamber and made it to the Senate, where most died. One of his approved bills provides state employees the option of being paid biweekly and the other establishes the “Stars and Stripes Historic Region of Missouri” in southeast Missouri.

He also secured funding in the state budget to help homeless veterans and $1 million for a new fire department apparatus at Jefferson City Memorial Airport.

“Those are things that I’ve been working on for a couple of years so I’m glad they finally made it across the finish line,” he said.

The biweekly pay bill sailed through both chambers and became one of the first bills the Legislature sent to the governor this session. The measure was vetoed by the governor last year because it was tied to some agricultural tax credits he didn’t support. Griffith said he’s not expecting the same fate for the standalone bill this year.

“That’s a plus,” he said, “but I think that a lot of what we can do and could’ve done, it seems like always gets stalled here in the eleventh hour.”

Griffith specifically mentioned how Sen. Mike Moon, R-Ash Grove, held the Senate floor during the last week of session because the House had not taken up his legislation.

Sen. Bill Eigel, a Weldon Spring Republican exploring a run for governor, then halted all action in the Senate Thursday night and Friday morning as he tried to pass personal property tax cuts before the chamber considered legalizing sports betting.

“Sometimes, it only takes one person willing to say, ‘No more,’ at the right moment,” Eigel said as he started his filibuster Thursday. “And all day, all day today we’ve taken the time to try to address the smaller issues. That’s what this chamber’s good at, smaller issues. We’ve avoided the big issues, the controversial things, like we have most of the session.”

The Senate resumed session around 3:30 p.m. Friday, and Moon promptly filibustered to decry the Legislature’s lack of action on a bill to restrict foreign ownership of farmland.

Griffith’s bill seeking to address veteran suicide was also among those held up.

Senate Majority Floor Leader Cindy O’Laughlin, R-Shelbina, on Friday morning described Eigel’s actions and the frequent filibusters as “chaos,” and “political theater” to boost Eigel’s potential run for governor. One of O’Laughlin’s goals early in the session was keeping the caucus together after the past couple years of infighting.

Sen. Travis Fitzwater, R-Holts Summit, took to the floor during the last minutes of the session Friday to decry the lack of cooperation within the Senate. He said Senate rules should change if decorum isn’t restored.

“This work is hard,” he said, noting it took nearly his entire first year to get a MS awareness day bill passed during his first term in the House. “… Four of the last seven working days have been squandered for filibusters. You have to convince 100 people to vote for your stuff here — you have to get 18 senators, you have to get 82 House members, you have to leave your office in the Senate and respect the other half of this building. You have to leave your office and build relationships, this is a relationship business.”

“Relationships matter. Working hard matters in this chamber. It matters in that chamber, and we don’t just get to dictate what happens in this building,” he told his colleagues assembled on the Senate floor.

Sen. Mike Bernskoetter, R-Jefferson City, said there was “somewhat less infighting between the Republicans than last year but still way too much.”

He said most of his priorities, such as ensuring juveniles who commit second-degree murder cannot be eligible for early parole, were approved by both chambers Thursday.

“Unfortunately, the infighting kept us from some of our caucus priorities, like reforming the initiative petition process.”

Rep. Rudy Veit, R-Wardsville, said the session didn’t turn out as he expected. He said certain senators abused the upper chamber’s filibuster power to “nauseating” ends. Legislation shouldn’t have been held up over a single senator’s personal priorities, he added.

“We are here representing our constituents and the state as a whole,” he said. “We’re not here to have our own personal agendas as the sole driving force.”

Veit had at least eight bills he supported approved by conference committees awaiting Senate action by Thursday afternoon and six, all dealing with judicial proceedings, died by the end of session — as did a measure he supported to restore Missouri’s presidential preference primary.

The primary was dashed Thursday after running into Senate opposition, which those opposed said likely could have been resolved with more floor time had senators not been filibustering earlier in the week.

Veit said half the bills he carried this year were bills that cleared the House and were awaiting Senate action.

“We haven’t accomplished 90 percent of what individual legislators wanted accomplished,” he said.

Veit proposed measures related to nursing homes, animal chiropractic care and Casenet that were approved and said he supported legislation limiting transgender youth’s access to gender-affirming care and school sports, tax cuts and physical therapy bills that made it to the governor’s desk. The bills were also supported by Griffith, Fitzwater, Bernskoetter and Rep. Jim Schulte, a first-term Republican from New Bloomfield.

Schulte said he had “mixed reviews” on the productivity of the session, but he was happy to see the two chambers agree on the transgender bills, tax cuts and a sweeping crime bill.

“The process of weeding things down is pretty tedious,” he said, “but the ones that went forward are good bills.”

Veit said many bills that sought to address issues within individual districts fell by the wayside as the Legislature pursued caucus priorities. He would have liked to see the House and Senate work more closely on “bills that are good for the whole state.”

Bernskoetter said tension between the two chambers exists by design and House rules slowed down the process this session.

“The House moved slowly at the beginning of the year, with only two bills being allowed out of each House committee before spring break,” he wrote in an email to the News Tribune. “That slowed everything down. I can understand House members being frustrated with certain members of the Senate, however. I’m frustrated with certain members of the Senate, too.”

Bernskoetter said his bill to tie the duration of unemployment benefits to the state’s unemployment rate will be among his top priorities next year because it didn’t pass this year. He said he will also be focused on “ensuring farmers are protected from having their farmland taken unfairly.”

Griffith said he plans to re-file his veteran suicide bill, as well as a bill to honor veterans of the Global War of Terrorism with military metals, which was stripped of its title and language by House leadership and transformed into a tax cut bill.

Schulte said he was disappointed initiative petition reform and school open enrollment bills weren’t passed. He said he also wanted to see the state restrict foreign ownership of farmland.

“It’s frustrating when it’s your stuff that’s over there sitting around waiting,” he said, “but at the same time, I don’t think our founding fathers wanted it to be too easy, so they decided to be complicated and tedious for a reason. We’ve managed to survive it for 200 and something years now, so hopefully we’ll continue.”

“I’m looking forward to coming back,” Schulte added. “It hasn’t scared me off.”

    Josh Cobb/News Tribune photo: State Sen. Mike Bernskoetter, R-Jefferson City, Mo., said there was “somewhat less infighting between the Republicans than last year but still way too much.”
  

Originally Appeared Here

Known for its stunning scenery and abundant water activities, the Lake of the Ozarks is a popular vacation destination in central Missouri. Growing up in St. Louis, there was never a question about what “the lake” referred to in my family. One of the oldest and largest man-made lakes in the United States, it was originally designed to provide hydroelectricity for the community from the Osage River with the Bagnell Dam. Boasting 1,150 miles of shoreline, the serpentine-shaped reservoir spans 54,000 acres.

For most of my life, we liked to think of the Ozarks as our own little hidden Midwest vacation destination. That is, until the hit show Ozark thrust the region into the mainstream. Although the show wasn’t actually filmed in the Ozarks, the region is surrounded by the beautiful rolling Ozark Mountain range. Contrary to the show, though, the Lake of the Ozarks is actually an extremely family-friendly destination that offers an abundance of outdoor activities for all to enjoy.

Boating on the Lake of the Ozarks

Photo credit: Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau

Boating

Visiting the Lake of the Ozarks and not making it out onto the water is like going to Kansas City and not trying the barbecue; it just shouldn’t happen. Exploring the 92-mile lake by boat is arguably the fastest — and definitely the most fun — way to get around. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of being anchored in a cove, jumping off the boat deck into the deep water below, and getting whipped around in a tube. As we got older, we loved spending the afternoon tooling the shoreline gawking at the real estate and yachts tucked in their docks.

Boat Rentals

If you don’t have access to your own watercraft, many boat rental options are available throughout the area. You can even find some that include your own personal captain! Most rental companies have jet skis, deck boats, ski boats, and pontoon boats available for half- and full-day use so you can choose which fits your group size and needs.

Traffic

The main channel can get extremely congested with boating traffic on weekends during the summer. If you’re looking for a quieter time, or interested in watersports like water skiing or tubing, I recommend finding a cove.

Boating License Required

Missouri requires boating licenses for anyone born after January 1, 1984. Licenses can be obtained via an online exam.

Bass caught in the Lake of the Ozarks

Photo credit: Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau

Fishing

Whether on a boat, from a dock, or from the shores of the many public beaches, fishing is another must while at the lake.

Catfish

Since I’m not a big fan of putting live bait on a hook, I personally recommend catfishing. Catfish love stink bait and chicken liver and tend to hide in the cool shadows that private and community docks create, especially during the summer. Whiskerfish are known for being a fighter fish once hooked, but reeling one in is worth it. If you’re the adventurous type, head down to the fishing area near Bagnell Dam. Rumor has it that with the correct gear, it’s not unheard of to catch a 60-pound catfish!

Bass And More

If the catfish aren’t biting, there are plenty of other fish, as the saying goes. Every year, Bassmaster Magazine ranks Lake of the Ozarks as one of the top 100 bass lakes in the country. The waters are also home to large populations of crappie, bluegill, sunfish, and walleye. 

Midwest Fishing Tournaments

The Lake of the Ozarks also hosts fishing events, including the Big Bass Bash for amateur anglers and the Anglers in Action Tournament Trail and Major League Fishing events for pros.

Live Music

There’s nothing better than sitting in the sunshine with a cold drink and listening to some live music by the water. Perhaps that’s why the Lake of the Ozarks live music scene has been exploding recently. Catch a lakeside show at The Encore Lakeside Grill & Sky Bar or Backwater Jack’s. But the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down — here are a couple of can’t-miss locales for live music lovers.

Shady Gators

Dubbed the “Party Capital of the Lake,” Shady Gators is a multi-story lakeside bar and Cajun restaurant that hosts live touring acts. House and boat rentals are also available. Check out the lineup for this year’s Lazy Gators Concert Series.

Ozark Amphitheater

Although it is not located on the lake, Ozarks Amphitheater hosts many of the most popular concert tours each summer. In fact, it is the best large music venue in the state according to Missouri’s Best Magazine readers. With a capacity of 10,000, the open-air amphitheater is a perfect size for an up-close-and-personal experience with your favorite artist. Upcoming performances include Dwight Yoakam with Aaron Lewis, Chicago, The Avett Brothers with Gov’t Mule, Trace Adkins, and Earth, Wind, & Fire.

Robert Trent Jones golf course on the Lake of the Ozarks

Photo credit: Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau

Golfing

Although I’m personally better at putt-putt, do yourself a favor and make a point to spend an afternoon at one of the beautiful world-class golf courses. Here are just a few of the many wonderful places to tee off.

Osage National Golf Resort

Home to not one but two Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Courses, Osage National Golf Resort is open to the public all year long.

The Oaks Golf Course At Margaritaville Lake Resort

Part of Margaritaville Lake Resort, The Oaks Golf Course is a public course that offers a great experience without breaking the bank.

Old Kinderhook

Part of a 700-plus-acre community of the same name, Old Kinderhook is an 18-hole, par 71 Tom Weiskopf signature course that’s also open to the public year-round. 

Ha Ha Tonka Castle

Photo credit: Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau

Ha Ha Tonka State Park

The Lake of the Ozarks is also home to one of Missouri’s most unique parks, Ha Ha Tonka State Park. This stunning natural attraction is known for its unique geological formations, including sinkholes, caves, and natural bridges. Visitors can explore the park’s trails and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding Ozark landscape.

One of the park’s most popular features is the ruins of an early 20th-century castle that sits atop a bluff overlooking the lake. It was built by a wealthy businessman but was destroyed by fire in the 1940s. Today, visitors can hike to the castle ruins and explore the stone walls and archways that remain and enjoy views of the lake as well as Ha Ha Tonka Spring. Ha Ha Tonka State Park is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Lake of the Ozarks area.

Festivals And Events

There’s something going on every weekend during peak lake season, but the Lake of the Ozarks hosts events throughout the year — here are some of our favorites.

Harbor Hops

The Lake of the Ozarks hosts a Harbor Hop in the spring and one in the fall. Contestants stop at seven of the 40 spots on the lake, picking up a playing card at each one in an attempt to make a winning poker hand.

Old Tyme Apple Festival

Get ready for a slew of events as the community crowns its Apple Festival King and Queen. Along with the crowning ceremony, there will be a Fiddler’s Contest, an Apple Pie Baking Contest, live music, a corn hole tournament, a festival parade, and so much more. The Old Tyme Apple Festival is a 2-day event in Versaille, Missouri, scheduled this year for October 7–8.

LOTO Powerfest

If you’re looking for “high stakes racing at its finest,” you’re going to want to visit the Lake of The Ozarks from June 1–3. The LOTO Powerfest is the epitome of speedboat racing. Perched on the waters of the Lake of the Ozarks, contestants and spectators get together to experience a schedule of events including meet and greets and a party on Friday, and racing all day on Saturday.

Lake Of The Ozarks Shootout

The self-proclaimed “largest unsanctioned charity boat race in the U.S.,” Lake of the Ozarks Shootout offers a full week of events in August. Attracting thousands of visitors, this annual speedboat racing event features some of the fastest boats in the world.

Lake Of The Ozarks Bikefest

Lake of the Ozarks is home to some super scenic rides. Each September, tens of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts descend upon the area for Bikefest.

Lake Of The Ozarks Christmas Parade

If you happen to be visiting during the holiday season, try to catch the Lake of the Ozarks Christmas Parade, a parade of boats decorated with Christmas lights and decorations.

Land Shark

Where To Eat At The Lake Of The Ozarks

Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining, casual barbecue, or a glass of wine with a view, the Lake of the Ozarks has something for everyone. Be sure to check out these great restaurants during your visit!

JB Hook’s

If you’re looking for a fine-dining experience, JB Hook’s is the place to be. Located on the lake’s west side, this restaurant offers a breathtaking view of the lake and an extensive menu of seafood, steaks, and pasta dishes. Their wine list is also impressive, with over 600 labels to choose from.

Wobbly Boots Roadhouse

For a more casual dining experience, check out Wobbly Boots Roadhouse. This barbecue joint offers a variety of smoked meats, including ribs, brisket, and pulled pork, as well as burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Their outdoor patio is perfect for enjoying a cold beer on a sunny day.

Baxter’s Lakeside Grille

Another restaurant with a stunning view of the lake, Baxter’s Lakeside Grille offers a menu of American classics with a twist. Their award-winning sushi rolls are a must-try, as well as their burgers, steaks, and seafood dishes. They also have an extensive wine list and cocktail menu.

Shawnee Bluff Winery

If you’re a wine lover, be sure to visit Shawnee Bluff Winery. This family-owned winery offers a variety of wines made from grapes grown on their estate, as well as a selection of small plates and appetizers. Their outdoor deck is a great spot to relax and take in the view of the vineyards and the lake.

H. Toad’s Bar & Grill

Located at Camden on the Lake Resort, H. Toad’s Bar & Grill is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. They offer a menu of classic American fare, as well as a variety of craft cocktails and beers. They also have live music on the weekends, making it a great spot to unwind after a day on the lake.

Blue Cat Lodge sign from the hit show Ozark

Photo credit: Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau

Where To Stay At The Lake Of The Ozarks

Whether you’re looking for a luxurious resort or a cozy cottage, there are several great places to stay in the Lake of the Ozarks area. Here are some of the top resorts to stay at in the area.

Margaritaville Lake Resort

This resort offers a range of accommodations, including guest rooms, suites, and private cottages. It also has several restaurants and bars, a spa, and a variety of water activities, including a water park and marina.

Alhonna Resort

Stay at the property that inspired the Blue Cat restaurant from Ozark — so much so they even bought the sign from the show. The Alhonna Resort is family fun on the Ozarks offering kayaking, paddle boating, and pontoon boating. With its onsite restaurant, the Blue Cat Lounge, guests will never go hungry. The menu features classic pub grub and delectable seafood options, from the lobster roll and the smash burgers to the catfish basket and the Blue Cat’s Famous Italian Beef Roll. 

Camden On The Lake 

Claiming to have the “newest and most luxurious rooms” on the water, Camden on the Lake Resort, Spa & Yacht Club offers spacious suites with lake views, as well as amenities such as a pool, hot tub, and fitness center. There are also several restaurants and bars, as well as a marina and boat rental service.

Old Kinderhook Resort

Perfect for golfers, the Old Kinderhook Resort, Golf Club, & Spa offers a range of accommodations, including guest rooms, suites, and cottages. In addition to the golf course, the resort boasts a spa, a fitness center, and several restaurants and bars. Several popular attractions, including the Bridal Cave and the Lake of the Ozarks Winery, can be found nearby.

Be sure to check out these Lake of the Ozarks lodging options to complement your getaway.

Related Reading:

Originally Appeared Here

By Janet Morales, Correspondent

Kaylee Paffrath recently spoke to members of the Huntsville Rotary Club introducing herself as the new director of business development at Moberly Area Economic Development Corporation. She replaces Randy Asbury who now serves as MAEDC president.     

Paffrath, a native of Mexico, Mo., joined MAEDC in February. She has a BS degree and a masters degree in business administration from Columbia College. Her main area of study was business development so she is happy to share her expertise.

Paffrath explained that Moberly Economic Development serves Randolph and Howard counties. There are four main areas of focus for the organization: business retention and expansion, new business attraction, entrepreneurial development and community development.

Paffrath told the group that 80 percent of new jobs and capital investment come from existing companies,

“Business retention is the biggest part of what we do,” she said. “We work with existing businesses to provide the tools they might need to complete their picture.” They can help companies with issues and prevent them from relocating to a new community.

Randolph County ranks 44th in the state (114 counties) in population, 80th in growth, 73 in median household income and 53rd in the state in the number of people with a high school diploma or more.

Paffrath said businesses have their own criteria for what they need in a community. 

“They need to know is there a need for more housing?” she said. “What kind of businesses is the labor force best suited for? Businesses look at traffic count, how many travelers go through the county, the educational level of the workforce, who will be buying their product and how do you spend your money.”

Paffrath said a goal is to pull some of the business traffic from Columbia. 

“It is slower paced here but we have a lot more to offer and an easier way of doing business in Randolph County,” she commented.

Paffrath pointed out that the Moberly office is small with just her, Randy Asbury, MAEDC president; and Tina Bealmer, administrative assistant. However, there are other organizations “on the team.” They include the Chambers of Commerce inMoberly, Fayette and Glasgow; Moberly Area Community College, which includes the Entrepreneurial Center, Central Christian College of the Bible, and Mid-Missouri Regional Planning Commission,

Paffrath also emphasizes shopping local. Her figures show that $68 dollars out of $100 spent at a local business will stay in the community in the way of jobs and employees re-investing in their town. If you shop at a non-local store, such as those considered a “box store,” only $43 of that $100 goes back to the community and online purchases only net $1, she added.

“Shop locally and increase your local tax base,” she said.

The MAEDC office is at 115 N. Williams. You can email them with questions at info@moberly-edc.com or call 660-263-8811.

Originally Appeared Here