Local Politics Archives

State’s online financial reporting tool adds local government data

April 15, 2020 9:29 AM Joe McLean

The Missouri State Treasurer’s office announced Tuesday an expansion of the Show-Me Checkbook, an online financial transparency portal, to include data from local governments.

Former Governor Eric Greitens announces divorce

April 11, 2020 9:44 AM Amber Tabeling

Eric Greitens, the former governor of Missouri before his resignation, announced he is getting a divorce.

Cole County courthouse in Jefferson City

Cole County leaders told to brace for financial slam from virus-related business closures

April 9, 2020 11:50 AM Joe McLean

Cole County elected officials and department leaders are being warned to prepare for the looming economic impact of the coronavirus.

Missouri lawmakers respond to first COVID-19 case in state

March 8, 2020 7:24 AM Ben Fein

Statements from legislators continued to pour in Sunday after the first presumed positive case of COVID-19 in Missouri.

Cole County assessor’s assault charge dismissed

March 6, 2020 10:16 AM Joe McLean

The Cole County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office confirmed Friday that it has dismissed a fourth-degree assault charge filed against Cole County Assessor Chris Estes.

Cole County Western Commissioner plans to run again in August Primary

February 28, 2020 6:32 PM Matt Ragsdale

Cole County Western Commissioner Kris Scheperle announced on his Facebook page that he plans to run to keep his seat on the county’s governing body.

Request to remove mayor’s girlfriend not mentioned in Ashland police report

February 19, 2020 1:45 PM Amber Tabeling

Ashland Board of Aldermen members say the city’s public safety is not affected by the absence of the suspended Police Chief Lyn Woolford.

Ashland Board of Aldermen set to discuss police chief investigation

February 18, 2020 5:00 PM Amber Tabeling

The Ashland Board of Aldermen will get an update when it meets Tuesday on the city’s internal investigation of Police Chief Lyn Woolford.

Cooper County Clerk sues commission over tax contract

February 18, 2020 12:14 PM Connor Hirsch

The Cooper County Clerk has filed a lawsuit against the county commission and individual commissioners claiming a contract for tax services from 1991 is still enforceable.

Police chief contract to go before Ashland aldermen

February 18, 2020 12:30 PM Matthew Sanders

Ashland’s city administrator will put a new contract for Police Chief Lyn Woolford before the board of aldermen for review, the city said Tuesday.

Suspended Ashland police chief files lawsuit against city, mayor

February 17, 2020 3:39 PM Amber Tabeling

Ashland’s suspended police chief filed a lawsuit against the City of Ashland and its Mayor on Monday after city officials placed him on administrative leave.

Former Moniteau County assessor’s husband charged

February 11, 2020 10:47 AM Matthew Sanders

Prosecutors have filed misdemeanor charges against the husband of a former Moniteau County official suspected of misusing public money.

City leaders discuss difficult road to short-term rental regulations

February 3, 2020 7:48 PM Sydney Olsen

The Columbia City Council is scheduled to vote on several ordinances on short term rentals at Monday’s meeting.

Sheriff: Whistleblower complaint launched Moniteau County assessor investigation

January 31, 2020 12:55 PM Matthew Sanders

Prosecutors on Thursday charged the former Moniteau County assessor with three felonies and a misdemeanor on allegations that she misappropriated public funds.

Three candidates vying for Jefferson City’s Second Ward seat

January 30, 2020 1:12 PM Joe McLean

One council position is contested in Jefferson City’s municipal election on April 7.

Cooper County clerk says office will likely go over budget after spat with commission

January 30, 2020 2:24 PM Connor Hirsch

After Cooper County commissioners approved the 2020 budget Thursday, the county clerk said her office will likely go over budget.

City leaders weigh in on unopposed council races

January 16, 2020 8:25 PM Sydney Olsen

Several Columbia City Council members have run for the position unopposed in the past few years. Ian Thomas and Karl Skala both ran unopposed om 2019. Betsy Peters ran unopposed in 2018.

Charge dropped against Columbia councilman Thomas

January 10, 2020 4:31 PM Matthew Sanders

The lawyer for a Columbia councilman accused of misusing his office says a prosecutor has dropped charges.

Local leaders look to state legislature to combat gun violence

January 7, 2020 10:44 PM Sydney Olsen

The City of Columbia recently expanded the Violent Crime Task Force in an effort to combat gun violence, but city leaders are still searching for more ways to reduce violence, including state legislature.

Western District Cole County Commissioner Kris Scheperle

Commissioner votes ‘no’ on Cole County budget over pre-trial services funding

January 6, 2020 9:30 PM Joe McLean

Western District Commissioner Kris Scheperle told ABC 17 News on Monday he plans to cast a vote against the FY2020 spending plan Tuesday, marking the current commission’s first dissent in a budget vote.