#MoVotes: Headquarters for the April 4 election

APRIL 4 RESULTS

School issues drive 32 percent Cole County voter turnout

Voters approve plan for second Jefferson City high school

Bruce, Hovis, Massman elected to JC school board

Kemna, Fitzwater joining Jefferson City Council

Incumbent, two new members elected to Blair Oaks board

Voters pass Russellville school ballot issues

Residents of Holts Summit, Lake Mykee approve consolidation

California mayor re-elected; Moniteau County voter turnout hits 18.6%

Tax levy fails in Mari-Osa Fire Protection District

Three Fulton Board of Education members elected

Cole County election results

Callaway County election results

Osage County election results

Maries County election results

Boone County election results

 

  • PRE-ELECTION COVERAGE:

JEFFERSON CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Jefferson City Public Schools race, issue backers report campaign finances, April 2, 2017 - Information on the candidates' election committees and "Citizens Investing J Plus C" comes from the Missouri Ethics Commission (MEC). 

Jefferson City Public Schools seek to block discrimination suits, March 31, 2017  -  Jefferson City Public Schools officials last week filed two lawsuits asking the courts to force the Missouri Human Rights Commission to take back its permission for two district employees to sue over discrimination complaints.

Existing middle schools suggest separate but equal high schools can be created, March 26, 2017 - Proponents have pointed to JCPS' two middle schools on opposite sides of the city as indicators a gulf between students would not develop between two similarly located high schools.

Are Jefferson City High School and Simonsen bursting at the seams?, March 26, 2017 - Proponents of the Jefferson City School District's two high school plan say the current high school buildings are overcrowded, and a bigger student population on the horizon will worsen the problem. Opponents counter that the district's enrollment numbers aren't unprecedented.

JCPS board candidates weigh in on space, building issues, March 26, 2017 - Space and building issues at East Elementary drew calls for it to be addressed by the board. The board and district have committed to adjusting some boundary lines for the coming school year, and have promised that East would be addressed next on the needs list. We asked the candidates: Do you agree with that decision?

Not all have direct investments in JCPS, but all can have electoral power, March 19, 2017 - There are certain groups of people in the community who may not have as much of a direct stake in the local public schools system as others - and people for whom an increase in tax rates may have more of an immediate impact on their budgets. Parents of parochial school students; people who don't have kids in any school in the area; retirees and others living on fixed incomes - all of them will have as much power at the polls in the April 4 election as parents of Jefferson City Public Schools Students, staff and alumni.

School board candidates address ballot issue concerns, March 19, 2017 - The News Tribune asked the six candidates running for three available Jefferson City Public Schools Board of Education seats the following question: What would you say to members of the community about the ballot issues, if those community members are living on a fixed income of some kind, or have less of a stake in the public school district (i.e., their children go to private schools, or they don't currently have children in public schools)?

Operations, cent by cent: What the proposed JCPS operating levy increase would pay for, March 12, 2017 - Proposition C will ask voters if they want to approve a 45-cent operating levy - 25 cents to cover the operating costs of a second high school and 20 cents to cover needs within the existing school system. Proposition C requires a simple majority vote in order to pass.

How extra-curricular clubs fit into the two high school plan, March 12, 2017 - Whether non-district-sponsored extra-curricular activities available to high school students will be presented as opportunities at a second high school would depend on student and faculty interest there, said Jason Hoffman, Jefferson City Public Schools CFO/COO.

Jefferson City school board candidates answer community questions, March 12, 2017 - All six candidates for the Jefferson City Public Schools Board of Education answer questions submitted by community members, ranging from tax abatements to purchasing textbooks.

Communication, equity key, March 11, 2017 - School board candidates and Jefferson City Public Schools officials made it clear at a News Tribune-hosted forum that whatever results from the April 4 election, ensuring equity between schools and better understanding what community members want will be critical for the outlook of local public schools.

JCPS board candidates weigh possible outcomes of vote, March 8, 2017 - The candidates were asked about their support for the two high school plan, which will also be on the ballot, and what the next steps for the district might be if that plan fails.

Committee at forum: Time is now for two high schools, March 8, 2017 - An acute sense of time hung over representatives in favor of two high schools in Jefferson City at a News Tribune-hosted forum - a past of one defeated mega-high school plan; a present sense of time running out to make critical investments in the local public education system; and a future that's uncertain if the proposals on the April 4 ballot fail this time, too.

'J Plus C' PAC releases campaign reports, March 8, 2017 - The "Citizens Investing in J Plus C," formed Jan. 26, consists of Jefferson City residents campaigning in support of the Jefferson City Schools District's two-high school plan on the April 4 ballot.

JCPS board candidates tackle issue of transparency, March 7, 2017 - The News Tribune asked the school board candidates: Do you believe the district and school board's operations have been transparent enough in the past? How, specifically, would you envision a transparent school board?

School board discusses possibility of live streaming meetings, March 7, 2017 - Some candidates running for a seat on the Jefferson City Public Schools Board of Education have expressed a desire to increase transparency of the board's activities, specifically by suggesting board meetings be live streamed or broadcast publicly.

Renderings for two schools incorporate more open, functional spaces, March 5, 2017 - For people who've seen the preliminary architectural renderings of the Jefferson City Public Schools' two high school plan projects, they may have been struck by design concepts that are a far-cry from what's inside the current Jefferson City High School or Simonsen 9th Grade Center.

Architects reveal renderings for two-high school plan, Feb. 28, 2017 - The architects behind the Jefferson City Public Schools district's two high school plan presented a vision of the future at a Board of Education work session.

Board candidates give positions on two high schools, teacher morale, Feb. 26, 2017 - Candidates for the Jefferson City Public Schools Board of Education were asked their views about the two-high school plan on the April 4 ballot and how they feel teachers in the district have been treated.

Numbers on JCPS issues raise questions, Feb. 26, 2017 - Officials explain enrollment, tax estimates involved in JCPS' two-high school plan.

Six vying for three JCPS board seats, Feb. 19, 2017 - The News Tribune asked two questions of six candidates running for three available Jefferson City Public Schools Board of Education seats in the April 4 election: Why are you running, and what are the three biggest issues you will face if you win?

Board candidates grapple with turbulent times, Feb. 17, 2017 - Six candidates running for the Jefferson City Public Schools District's Board of Education in the April 4 election gathered at a forum Thursday night and answered questions reflecting the status of local, state and federal education systems

JCPS board certifies ballot, Jan. 20, 2017 - The Jefferson City Public Schools Board of Education met Jan. 19 to certify the candidate ballot for the April 4 election.

Tax rate for two-high school plan would still rank among lowest in state, Jan. 8, 2017 - The Jefferson City Public Schools district has a lower tax levy than two-thirds of the other districts in the state, according to data from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Math test: An examination of costs of JCPS two-high school plan, Dec. 25, 2016 - The price of the Jefferson City School District's two-high school proposal - which is planned to be on the April election ballot - has raised some concerns in the community.

Two high schools not enough? Some want new elementary school on ballot along with two high schools, Dec. 23, 2016 - The proposal set forth by the Jefferson City Public Schools' Board of Education for consideration to be placed on the April election ballot promises to build a new high school and renovate the current one. For some in the community, however, building another high school is not enough if it doesn't come with a plan to build a new East Elementary School.

JC School Board votes 'confidence' in bond issue for 2 high schools, tax plan, Dec. 13, 2016 - Jefferson City's seven-member school board Monday night endorsed a proposal to build a second public high school, renovate the 1964 Jefferson City High School complex and improve financial support for some other programs.

Educator: JCHS space issue reaching critical stage, Dec. 10, 2016 - Space - Jefferson City High School is running out of it. Building a second public high school appears to be the best solution to the problem, Superintendent Larry Linthacum told about 30 people attending a Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce breakfast.

 

JEFFERSON CITY COUNCIL

City candidate campaign reports, April 2, 2017 - These are the reported financial numbers for the Jefferson City Council candidates' election campaign committees. All information comes from the Missouri Ethics Commission (MEC).

Jefferson City Council candidates talk more issues, March 26, 2017 - Some would say the current transportation system seems to be designed to primarily bring state workers to jobs downtown from 8 to 5 on Mondays through Fridays. We asked the candidates: What would you do to make our transportation system more suitable for people who work at other jobs and for those who want the services on weekends and evenings?

8 of 9 council candidates answer forum questions, March 22, 2017 - There was more agreement than disagreement among the eight City Council candidates who took part in a candidates' forum hosted by the News Tribune.

Jefferson City Council candidates talk issues, economy, March 19, 2017 - The local economy and Jefferson City's infrastructure are concerns for at least eight of the nine people running for one of the six City Council seats being filled in the April 4 election.

Jobs, infrastructure hot topics for council candidates, Feb. 26, 2017 - After talking with potential voters, creating more and better jobs and improving infrastructure were identified as key issues brought before the handful of candidates seeking two Jefferson City Council seats on the April 4 ballot.

Kemna filing means 1st Ward race, Dec. 15, 2016 - One new candidate filed for the Jefferson City Council during the second day the City Clerk's office was accepting applications for public office in the April 4, 2017, municipal election.

Candidates file early for city positions, Dec. 14, 2016 - Five candidates announced intentions to run for City Council terms on the first day of filing: 1st Ward incumbent James Branch, 2nd Ward incumbent Laura A. Ward, 3rd Ward incumbent Ken Hussey, 4th Ward incumbent Carlos Graham, and 5th Ward incumbent Mark S. Schreiber.

Fitzwater first to announce for Costales seat, Dec. 4, 2016 - Ron Fitzwater announced his intention to run for the opening created at the Nov. 28 council meeting when 4th Ward Councilman Glen Costales' resignation was announced.

 

COLE COUNTY

25 percent voter turnout expected in Cole County Tuesday, April 2, 2017 - Cole County Clerk Steve Korsmeyer is predicting a 25 percent voter turnout.

5 vie for seats on Blair Oaks school board, March 23, 2017 - Paul Mudd, Nicki Russell, Doug Moeller and Scott Farley join incumbent board member Peggy Luebbert in the race with three vacancies available.

Public meeting at Russellville to address 2 ballot issues, March 5, 2017 - Russellville school district voters will find two separate issues on the April 4 ballot. One is not tied to the other, a misconception several constituents have had.

Russellville April bond issue would cover HVAC, Feb. 21, 2017 - The Cole County R-1 School District needs to replace several of its climate control units.

 

OTHER AREA ISSUES

Maries County voters focus on two school races, April 2, 2017 - Two school districts based in Maries County each have three board seats up for grabs on Tuesday's ballot.

Write-in time: Moniteau voters face shortage of candidates, March 31, 2017 - With the April 4 municipal election drawing closer, several positions throughout Moniteau County are open for write-in candidates.

School board races wide open in Stover, Versailles, March 28, 2017 - Two Morgan County school districts are gearing up for the April 4 election, with a handful of candidates seeking terms on the boards of education.

Morgan County voters face races in three towns, March 28, 2017 - A contested mayoral race tops the April 4 ballot for the city of Versailles.

Miller County to vote on road and bridge tax, March 26, 2017 - Miller County voters will be asked next week to approve a half-cent sales tax increase, which would provide funds to repair and improve the county's road and bridge system.

Spotlight on California school board candidates, March 26, 2017 - Four candidates are competing for three seats on the California R-1 School District Board of Education. 

Challenges in store despite outcome of Holts Summit/Lake Mykee merger, March 24, 2017 - Two candidates are running uncontested for two openings on the Village of Lake Mykee Board of Trustees in the April 4 election, but they won't serve if the village merges with nearby Holts Summit.

Q & A with California mayoral incumbent Norris Gerhart, March 22, 2017 - Incumbent Norris Gerhart has been mayor of California for 16 years. 

Q & A with California mayoral challenger Charlie Roll, March 22, 2017 - Mayoral challenger Charlie Roll, 65, has lived in California about 50 years.

Tax levy would fund Mari-Osa fire district, March 22, 2017 - The volunteer fire department in Belle can stay afloat on current funding, but there's no money for major upgrades. So says Fire Chief Dwight Francis in advance of an April 4 ballot issue to authorize the Mari-Osa Fire Protection District board to establish a property tax levy of up to 30 cents per $100 assessed valuation.

Candidates seek New Bloomfield School Board seats, March 21, 2017 - The New Bloomfield Board of Education has three seats open this election and four candidates: Deborah Cuno and Craig Abbott (both incumbents) and Amy Reeder Pendleton and Jonathan Morningstar.

4 running for 3 South Callaway school board seats, March 16, 2017 - Four candidates - Penny Felkner, Janice Howard, Stephanie Laney and Brent Woods - are competing to fill three open seats on the school board.

Fulton candidates relate to hopes, concerns for the city, March 15, 2017 - Several candidates are running unopposed to fill seats on the Fulton City Council during the April 4 municipal elections.

Q&A with Fulton Public Schools Board of Education candidates (Part 2), March 12, 2017 - This is part two of a two-part series of profiles for each candidate, and includes interviews with Todd Gray and Emily Omohundro.

Q&A with Fulton Public Schools Board of Education candidates (Part 1), March 10, 2017 - This is part one of a two-part series of profiles for each candidate, and includes Ruth Burt, Alethea Dzurick and Matt Gowin. 

Holts Summit Alderman candidates discuss role, March 9, 2017 - Two candidates are running unopposed to fill two seats on the Holts Summit Board of Alderman during the April 4 municipal elections.

Municipal election candidates in Callaway County announced, Feb. 21, 2017 - An overview of the April 4 ballot in Callaway County's towns and school districts.