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Articles by Jack Wardynski
Two JC residents get set to work on athletic oversight commission
Two local Jefferson City figures will be tasked with adjudicating amateur athletics appeals next school year as part of a new oversight committee. Last month, Gov. Mike Kehoe announced five appointees for the recently formed Interscholastic Athletic Oversight Commission, and two of the members, Doug Bax and Steven Weaver, work in the Capital City.
Veterans Day Mass honors Mid-Missouri vets
The Proto-Cathedral of St. Peter was home to some American heroes on Wednesday as the church in Jefferson City hosted a special Veterans Day ceremony. The church held its annual Veterans Day Mass in collaboration with local law enforcement departments and the Knights of Columbus. Dozens of veterans attended the morning Mass to hear from faith leaders and connect with other veterans in the area on the national holiday.
Decades in National Guard create ‘unwritten bonds’ between Melchert, veterans
For many U.S. military veterans, coming back to the civilian world can be just as difficult as navigating an active combat zone. Jamie Melchert, who now lives in Columbia and works for Missouri's Office of Administration, served in the U.S. Army for about two decades, with deployments to Iraq in 2005 and Afghanistan in 2011. Coming out of school, Melchert did not immediately have dreams of living a military lifestyle.
Missouri Supreme Court rules on alleged rights violation; lawsuit about Chiefs, Royals
The Missouri Supreme Court backed up the rulings of lower courts in two decisions handed down Tuesday. The cases regarded a lawsuit from a woman alleging the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) violated her rights during a traffic stop, and legislation passed by the state in 2025 attempting to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals in Missouri.
Missouri Supreme Court rules on alleged rights violation; lawsuit about Chiefs, Royals
The Missouri Supreme Court backed up the rulings of lower courts in two decisions handed down Tuesday. The cases regarded a lawsuit from a woman alleging the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) violated her rights during a traffic stop, and legislation passed by the state in 2025 attempting to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals in Missouri.
Downtown Jefferson City receives approval as federal opportunity zone
A renewed federal tax incentive aims to attract economic growth and development in downtown Jefferson City. Gov. Mike Kehoe last week, alongside the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED), announced the city has been approved for a census tract under the Opportunity Zones 2.0 program. The Jefferson City tract -- which spans from U.S. 54 east to Ellis-Porter Riverside, and the Missouri River south to just past the Rex M.
Missouri’s blue wave sets stage for high-stakes 2027 legislative session
A brutal midterm election cycle for the GOP has Missouri Republicans rethinking their strategy moving forward. "We had a very sour and disaffected electorate, both nationally and statewide, and it was a bloodbath," said Missouri Lt. Gov. David Wasinger.
Community comes out in droves for Veterans Appreciation Night
ST. MARTINS -- Students, veterans and guests came together Thursday night for a special event held in each year in Cole County honoring some of America's heroes. Operation Bugle Boy hosted its annual Veterans Appreciation Night at the Knights of Columbus in St. Martins. Hundreds of veterans representing every U.S. conflict from World War II to the War on Terror were honored by guests during a ceremony that featured dinner and speakers.
Tergin prepares for new position after District 59 victory
Cole County residents should be familiar with the newest representative for the Missouri House of Representatives District 59. Carrie Tergin won her race for the seat Tuesday night, beating out Democrat Becky Kroll. Tergin came away with about two-thirds of the 15,757 votes cast in the election. Prior to being representative-elect, Tergin served as the mayor of Jefferson City for eight years. She also owns Carrie's Hallmark on East High Street.
Luther reflects on upset victory in Jefferson City House race
One of numerous victories for the Democratic party on Tuesday in Missouri was flipping the Capital City blue for the first time in decades. Former educator Suzanne Luther claimed a narrow victory in Jefferson City's House of Representatives District 60, defeating Republican Shane Kampeter by fewer than 200 votes. Luther credited her victory first and foremost to her collective of passionate supporters, but also her messaging on issues like education, affordability and child care.
Cole County results follow trend of Democratic gains in Missouri
Results from Tuesday's general election paint a picture of the political landscape and temperature in Cole County. With no statewide races for governor or the U.S. Senate, a collection of ballot measures drove turnout for this year's midterms. Probably the most contentious race in Missouri was over Amendment 3, the proposal to reinstate strict regulations on abortion that voters previously struck down in 2024.
Vogel wins bid for Missouri Senate District 6
A Jefferson City businessman and U.S. Army veteran has won the Missouri Senate race in District 6. Republican Jake Vogel, head of the city's Coca-Cola Bottling Company, bested Democrat J. Don Salcedo to represent Cole and four other Mid-Missouri counties in the state's upper chamber. Vogel received roughly 68 percent of the votes in Tuesday's election, compared to 31 percent for Salcedo. His native Cole County proved to be reliable, accounting for 17,299 votes.
Prop A goes down to defeat in Missouri
Lawmakers' yearslong effort to redraw Missouri's congressional map fell short at the polls Tuesday. Unofficial final results show almost 62 percent of voters cast their ballots against Proposition A in the general election. The result means Missouri will stick with its current map for future elections. The majority of Cole County voters opposed the proposition. Of the 28,237 who voted on the ballot measure, 16,277 were in opposition. The proposition caused particular confusion for Cole County voters.
Prop A goes down to defeat in Missouri
Lawmakers' yearslong effort to redraw Missouri's congressional map fell short at the polls Tuesday. Unofficial final results show almost 62 percent of voters cast their ballots against Proposition A in the general election. The result means Missouri will stick with its current map for future elections. The majority of Cole County voters opposed the proposition. Of the 28,237 who voted on the ballot measure, 16,277 were in opposition. The proposition caused particular confusion for Cole County voters.
Onder wins re-election in U.S. House District 3 in Missouri Original
Missouri's 3rd District in the U.S. House of Representatives will stay in the GOP's control for the next two years. Incumbent Republican Bob Onder retained his seat in the House on Tuesday with a victory in the general election. Onder defeated Democrat challenger Bethany Mann, earning around 52.8 percent of the vote (149,239) against Mann's 44.4 percent (125,271). Libertarian candidate Jim Higgins picked up 2.7 percent of the vote (7,700).
Kehoe, pro-life activists conclude statewide Amendment 3 campaign in Jefferson City
Pro-life advocates finished a statewide campaign tour Monday in Jefferson City with abortion and transgender treatment on the ballot. Gov. Mike Kehoe and a host of other speakers held a press conference at the Jefferson City Airport for a rally in support of Amendment 3. The governor and advocates from organizations like Missouri Right to Life, the Abortion Survivors Network and the Vitae Foundation flew around the state on the final day before today's general election.
Kehoe, pro-life activists conclude statewide Amendment 3 campaign in Jefferson City
Pro-life advocates finished a statewide campaign tour Monday in Jefferson City with abortion and transgender treatment on the ballot. Gov. Mike Kehoe and a host of other speakers held a press conference at the Jefferson City Airport for a rally in support of Amendment 3. The governor and advocates from organizations like Missouri Right to Life, the Abortion Survivors Network and the Vitae Foundation flew around the state on the final day before today's general election.
Cole County forms salary committee to assign pay raises for employees
The Cole County Commission is seeking staff input as it makes tough decisions on salary rates. The commission went over the details of the county's 2027 budget with Cole County Auditor Jay Moore during its Monday meeting. The meeting was moved up from its usual Tuesday schedule to accommodate election day. As outlined during an earlier commission meeting at the start of October, rising health care costs and overall expenses have created a funding crisis for the county.
Lastest fight over abortion hits ballot with Amendment 3
Abortion regulations could change again in Missouri with another statewide ballot measure, the second in just two years.
Lastest fight over abortion hits ballot with Amendment 3
Abortion regulations could change again in Missouri with another statewide ballot measure, the second in just two years.
Seven Missourians join Veterans Hall of Fame
Seven of Missouri's most distinguished veterans received a special honor Friday during a ceremony at the Missouri Capitol. Friends, family, elected officials and fellow veterans gathered to celebrate the newest inductees into the Missouri Veterans Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame, created in 2019, aims to recognize former service members who made an impact both during their military careers and later in retirement.
Seven Missourians join Veterans Hall of Fame
Seven of Missouri's most distinguished veterans received a special honor Friday during a ceremony at the Missouri Capitol. Friends, family, elected officials and fellow veterans gathered to celebrate the newest inductees into the Missouri Veterans Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame, created in 2019, aims to recognize former service members who made an impact both during their military careers and later in retirement.
Missouri House candidates from Cole County answer final round of questions before election
Candidates for Cole County's two House of Representatives districts are approaching the finish line for this campaign season. With incumbent Reps. Rudy Veit and Dave Griffith hitting their term limits, there will be new faces in the Missouri Capitol representing Cole County next year. On the ballot in District 59 are Republican Carrie Tergin, a former mayor of Jefferson City, and Democrat Becky Kroll, a Lincoln University graduate and Lohman native.
Lincoln University funding, affordability define end of Missouri Senate campaigns
Missouri Senate District 6 candidates are putting in their final words before the general election polls close this week. With incumbent Sen. Mike Bernskoetter leaving due to term limits, there will be a new face in the Senate representing Jefferson City. On the ballot are Republican Jake Vogel, a Jefferson City business owner, and Democrat J. Don Salcedo, a former educator. The election is Tuesday. The News Tribune reached out to each candidate for a final round of questions.
State opens nominations for leadership, inclusion disability awards
Nominations opened this week for two Missouri awards recognizing inclusiveness and empowerment among disabled individuals. The Missouri Governor's Council announced Thursday it is now accepting applicants for this year's Inclusion Award and Youth Leadership Award. The Inclusion Award, now in its 35th year, commends employers, businesses, organizations and community advocates for their outstanding work in expanding access for Missourians with disabilities.
MoDOT aims for fourth straight year of reduced road fatalities
State transportation officials are calling on the public to be safe while on the road and to help Missouri reach a new milestone. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), the state is on track for its fourth straight year of declining fatalities. As of Wednesday, 716 people have died on Missouri roadways this year. The department is targeting around 887 as a projection for the entire year. In 2022, roadway fatalities numbered 1,057.
MoDOT aims for fourth straight year of reduced road fatalities
State transportation officials are calling on the public to be safe while on the road and to help Missouri reach a new milestone. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), the state is on track for its fourth straight year of declining fatalities. As of Wednesday, 716 people have died on Missouri roadways this year. The department is targeting around 887 as a projection for the entire year. In 2022, roadway fatalities numbered 1,057.
Autonomous trains coming to Columbia railway via federal funding
COLUMBIA, Missouri -- A St. Louis-based startup is bringing its autonomous railway system to mid-Missouri through an agreement with the City of Columbia. Technology company Intramotev announced late last week that it will partner with the city to develop autonomous rail cars deployed on the 21.4-mile short line connecting Columbia to Centralia.
Autonomous trains coming to Columbia railway via federal funding
COLUMBIA, Missouri -- A St. Louis-based startup is bringing its autonomous railway system to mid-Missouri through an agreement with the City of Columbia. Technology company Intramotev announced late last week that it will partner with the city to develop autonomous rail cars deployed on the 21.4-mile short line connecting Columbia to Centralia.
Jefferson City’s 835th Battalion holds ceremony before getting deployed to Poland
A battalion of the Missouri National Guard will be packing up and heading overseas after a departure ceremony Friday in Jefferson City. A crowd of family, friends and Missouri politicians gathered at the Ike Skelton Training Site to send off the 835th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion. The battalion is being deployed overseas for the first time in 14 years. The 66 soldiers of the 835th are departing for Poland to coordinate resources and support and help strengthen the nation's NATO alliances.
Halloween, food come together during food truck festival, trunk-or-treat
The Halloween spirit took hold early this year during a food truck festival in Jefferson City. Around 15 vendors traveled Saturday to the North Jefferson City Recreational Area for the inaugural food festival and trunk-or-treat. Arranged by Jessica Defreece and the Miracle Whip Mobile Cafe, attendees were encouraged to come out in costume for an assortment of sweet desserts and meals of different varieties.
First Baptist hosts faith-based author to provide education on homelessness
First Baptist Church is looking to provide more education on unhoused conditions amid discussions on homelessness in Jefferson City. On Saturday morning, the church hosted a homelessness community conversation conference with guest speaker Kevin Nye, a Minneapolis-based author who has written multiple books on how to address homelessness in America.
Amendment 6 shoots for more power within Missouri's citizen petitions
A ballot measure introduced by Missouri citizens aims to bolster the same initiative petition process that led to its creation in the first place.
Amendment 6 shoots for more power within Missouri's citizen petitions
A ballot measure introduced by Missouri citizens aims to bolster the same initiative petition process that led to its creation in the first place.
Kehoe announces new anti-fraud operation between Missouri, DOJ
A new collaboration between Missouri and the U.S. Department of Justice is aimed at eliminating fraud in the state. Gov. Mike Kehoe, along with other state and federal officials, announced Operation Show-Me the Money during a press conference Thursday at the Missouri Capitol. The goal of the program is to combine the resources of the Department of Justice (DOJ) with the Attorney General's Office to oversee all taxpayer-funded programs and identify potential cases of fraud.
Local Missouri House candidates visit Lincoln University for News Tribune forum
With less than two weeks until the general election, Cole County House of Representatives candidates are making their closing arguments to voters. The News Tribune and the Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce hosted an election forum Wednesday night in Lincoln University's Pawley Theater with candidates for Missouri House Districts 59 and 60. The Democrat and Republican candidates in each district expressed their views on topics like tobacco regulations, child care and Amendment 6.
MoDOT announces 75 mph speed limits on four interstate roads
Four major roads in Missouri will have their speed limit raised to 75 mph before the end of the year. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) announced Wednesday that stretches of Interstates 29, 35, 49 and 55 are having their limits raised after recent legislation gave the green light for increased speeds. MoDOT provided descriptions of the roads that will be affected in a press release: • I-29: From Exit 56 (Andrew County) to approximately 2.5 miles south of the Iowa border.
MoDOT announces 75 mph speed limits on four interstate roads
Four major roads in Missouri will have their speed limit raised to 75 mph before the end of the year. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) announced Wednesday that stretches of Interstates 29, 35, 49 and 55 are having their limits raised after recent legislation gave the green light for increased speeds. MoDOT provided descriptions of the roads that will be affected in a press release: • I-29: From Exit 56 (Andrew County) to approximately 2.5 miles south of the Iowa border.
Missouri media groups demand Highway Patrol make crash information public
Recent policy changes by the Missouri State Highway Patrol have prompted legal retaliation from prominent news media organizations. The Missouri Press Assocation (MPA) and Missouri Broadcasters Association (MBA) filed a petition this week against MSHP in Cole County Circuit Court. The petition alleges MSHP is violating the Missouri Sunshine Law by redacting key information from official vehicle crash reports.
Missouri media groups demand Highway Patrol make crash information public
Recent policy changes by the Missouri State Highway Patrol have prompted legal retaliation from prominent news media organizations. The Missouri Press Assocation (MPA) and Missouri Broadcasters Association (MBA) filed a petition this week against the patrol (MSHP) in Cole County Circuit Court. The petition alleges MSHP is violating Missouri Sunshine Law by redacting key information from official vehicle crash reports.
Missouri would join nationwide redistricting wave with Prop A approval
A referendum in the November election will give Missouri voters final say on the short-term future of the state's congressional map.
Health and wellness expo coming to Tipton this weekend
A new event promoting mental, physical and emotional well-being is coming to Mid-Missouri this weekend. The Rise & Shine Wellness Expo will take place Saturday at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Tipton. The doors open at 9 a.m., and admission is free for all. The event, hosted by Mental Mixology, offers a variety of activities to help attendees connect better with themselves and the people around them.
AG’s Office files for actions against popular apps TikTok, Temu
The Missouri Attorney General's Office is taking action against two popular online platforms with ties to China. Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced this week her office has filed for an investigation into video content app TikTok and a lawsuit against e-commerce platform Temu. Hanaway cited similar concerns about privacy, harmful content and deceptive practices against Missourians as the reasons for both actions.
AG’s office files for actions against popular apps TikTok, Temu
The Missouri Attorney General's Office is taking action against two popular online platforms with ties to China. Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced this week that her office has filed for an investigation into video content app TikTok and a lawsuit against e-commerce platform Temu. Hanaway cited similar concerns about privacy, harmful content and deceptive practices against Missourians as the reasons for both actions.
Missouri looks to make changes to regulations regarding paddlefish
Conservation regulators in Missouri are seeking public feedback on two proposed changes to angling rules. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is looking to alter laws relating to paddlefish harvesting and how the legal taker of certain catches is determined. For paddlefish, the new regulation would require anglers to remove all of the fish's internal organs, including eggs, before they can be transported out of Missouri.
MoDOT holds annual statewide winter weather training operation
Despite the high temperatures so far in October, Missouri transportation crews are preparing for upcoming winter storms. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) held its annual statewide winter operations drill Wednesday. Weather management crews followed standard procedures for snow storms to train for future operations. Drivers around the state may have seen MoDOT trucks with sleds on the streets Wednesday as they practiced plowing routes.
Missouri Supreme Court in session for two days of oral arguments
The constitutional validity of a sweeping public safety bill is up to the Missouri Supreme Court's decision after oral arguments were held Wednesday. The case involving Senate Bill 754, passed by the Missouri legislature in 2024, was one of three heard by the judges in the first of two consecutive days in session. The other two cases concerned a media member's violation of court orders and the potential disbarment of a St. Louis attorney.
Missouri Supreme Court in session for two days of oral arguments
The constitutional validity of a sweeping public safety bill is up to the Missouri Supreme Court's decision after oral arguments were held Wednesday. The case involving Senate Bill 754, passed by the Missouri legislature in 2024, was one of three heard by the judges in the first of two consecutive days in session. The other two cases concerned a media member's violation of court orders and the potential disbarment of a St. Louis attorney.
Department of Corrections creates new hospitality apprenticeships at Missouri Governor’s Mansion
Four residents from the Algoa Correctional Center have been selected for a new workforce development program at the Governor's Mansion. The Missouri Department of Corrections announced the hospitality apprenticeship program on Oct. 7 with acknowledgements at the mansion from Gov. Mike Kehoe and DOC Director Valarie Moseley.
Prop 1 advocates hold public meeting to speak on ballot measure
Jefferson City officials and law enforcement are stressing the importance of Proposition 1 ahead of the Nov. 3 election. If approved, the citywide ballot measure would double the public safety sales tax rate, up from a quarter-cent to a half-cent. Voters originally approved the quarter-cent tax in 2021 to help the city's police and fire departments keep up with rising expenses.
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