Jefferson City Area Local News-

Battle lines drawn over ‘Common Core’

Supporters of the Missouri Board of Education’s 2010 decision to adopt a set of “Common Core” standards believe the new guidelines have the potential to boost academic achievement and prepare more students for the workforce.

Capital City has unique economy, lags in recovery

Jefferson City officials to explore new revenue sources

Jefferson City is projecting flat sales tax revenues in the next fiscal year, while the state and many other Missouri cities are seeing their numbers grow.

What will 2014 look like for Jefferson City budget?

City administrator’s budget lays out cuts, new procedures

Jefferson City is facing another dismal fiscal year, and City Administrator Nathan Nickolaus said people likely will feel the effects in the more basic city services. Last week, Nickolaus revealed his draft of the 2014 budget, which is the first step in a months-long process to get to an approved budget.

Cole County: Revenue from sales taxes is flat

Official: Better to not plan on growth

Sales tax collections in Cole County can be described in one word — flat. “We budget for zero growth and whatever growth we get, we put into reserves," Commissioner Marc Ellinger said.

Mid-Missouri senators generally ‘OK’ with session

State Sen. Mike Kehoe just finished his third regular legislative session. Kehoe sponsored several bills, including a couple of major proposals that, ultimately, drew vote-stopping, filibuster opposition from members of his own party.

State representatives liberal with pats on the back

Rep. Jeanie Riddle, whose district includes parts of Cole and Callaway Counties, said the Second Injury Fund was a major issue to accomplish, but her priority — legislation to repair and renovate Fulton State Hospital — was attached to bonding legislation that died in the Senate.

How Mid-Missouri lawmakers’ priorities fared

This session, area lawmakers proposed some bills successfully, like a name change for Linn State, while other bills failed, such as allowing a surcharge on investor-owned electric company bills.

State hospital staff to begin 12-hour shifts

Move will affect about half of workforce

About half, which is from 600 to 700, of the employees at the Fulton State Hospital will be required to work 12-hour shifts, instead of their current eight-hour shifts, starting July 1.

Callaway switches emergency notification system

Residents will need to opt-in again

Callaway County residents who want to be notified of severe weather, natural disasters and other emergencies will need to re-enroll for the service. Visit CallawayCounty.org or call 573-592-2480.

Graduating class at Russellville shines bright

Sparkling caps symbolic of individuality

The graduating class of 2013 from Russellville High School shone brightly Saturday — at least caps worn by most senior ladies did. “The fact that we’re all in robes shows we’re all one group; our class is a family,” Sue Engelage said. “At the same time, we all have unique abilities.”

People’s Choice Wine Competition slated for Tuesday

The first Capital City People’s Choice Missouri Wine Competition is coming to Jefferson City, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Page Library on the Lincoln University campus.

Idea of owning jewelry store had a ring to it

Jefferson City issues business licenses for March, April

If Ashley Garrard can find jewelry lovers and impulse buyers like her, her new business will do just fine. Garrard owns $1 Jewelry, 310 Jefferson St., which is open from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.

BizBeat: Diner’s owners excited to start rebuilding

After nearly four months, Oscar’s Classic Diner is set to begin rebuilding the restaurant that was destroyed by fire in late January. Owners Kurt and Lisa Mankin are excited to continue the process of renovation.

BizBeat: Chez Monet gears up for new chapter

Joan Fairfax, owner of High Street’s Chez Monet, is excited to begin a new chapter of business. Fairfax is transitioning into offering her bakery items from home.

BizBeat: Yen Ching is open for dining

Rumors are wrong, restaurant rep says

Despite rumors circulating, Missouri Boulevard’s Yen Ching is not closed. Nor is the Jefferson City restaurant closing. It's open for dining as usual.

Oma Noma festival triggers memories of traditional family fun

At the Lake of the Ozarks

4-year-old Peyton Gilleland is no stranger to the stage, having competed in pageants and in the contest previously. Yet, it was a new honor being crowned Little Miss Oma Noma in her age category. Her brother also won in the same age range as Little Mr. Oma Noma.

Lake hoping for sunny tourist season

Inquiries from boat shows, conferences are up, officials say

The official start of the summer season is just days away, and Lake of the Ozarks area officials are “cautiously optimistic” about the forecast for tourism this year.

Lake of the Ozarks real estate sales rising

From vacation homes to commercial properties, numbers gradually improving

The real estate market at the Lake of the Ozarks is following the national trends for housing and the economy and showing signs of gradual improvement, according to local real estate agents.

Kelly Straka: Tending to state’s wildlife

As the Department of Conservation’s first state wildlife veterinarian, Kelly Straka manages the health of Missouri’s wildlife populations.

Area man injured in ATV wreck

A Belle man was treated and released from St. Mary’s Health Center in Jefferson City on Saturday, after he was hurt in an ATV accident.

News Tribune