Jeff Haldiman reports on Cole County government, including the County Commission and the county's 16 offices. He also covers public safety agencies, including the Jefferson City police and fire departments, Cole County Sheriff's Department and Missouri Highway Patrol, as well as the Cole County associate and circuit courts.
Haldiman began his career at the Jefferson City News Tribune in April 2006, covering crime and the courts. Since then he also has reported on city, county and state government issues as well as school-related and personal stories about Mid-Missouri residents and their families. The Missouri Press Association, Associated Press and Kansas City Press Club have recognized Haldiman for his work at the News Tribune.
Haldiman began his career in journalism in 1993 at KDKD Radio in Clinton, Missouri, after graduating with a degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg in 1992. Working at a small, one-man newsroom meant he covered everything from local school board meetings to the arrival of the first B-2 Stealth Bomber at nearby Whiteman Air Force Base in Knob Noster in December 1993. Haldiman began working in Missouri's Capital City in 1996 with a seven-year stay at KLIK/KATI/KFRU radio, where, working in another small newsroom, Haldiman again covered a range of stories from fundraising for local organizations to the tragic death and national funeral of Gov. Mel Carnahan in 1999. During this time Haldiman first earned awards for his work from The Associated Press and the Missouri Broadcasters Association, as well from the Missouri State Teachers Association and other organizations. In 2003, Haldiman accepted an offer to work at Mid-Missouri CBS-TV affiliate KRCG as assignment editor and assistant news director. When a position opened at the News Tribune newsroom opening came up, Haldiman took the opportunity to return to reporting.
When not working, Haldiman has found great joy in the world of sports. His work in journalism has allowed him to stay close to sports and to see several of his favorite teams and players.
Recent stories by Jeff Haldiman
Jefferson City, Cole County assessing stormwater needs
Although Jefferson City and Cole County have worked to improve stormwater infrastructure issues in recent years, heavy rains at the end of last month have shown more remains to be done.
Jul. 3 2021 @ 11:20pm
Taos family continues patriotic tradition
The year 2021 marks the 15th year for an annual patriotic tradition in the Taos area. DeWayne Sprenger's family sets out hundreds of American flags next to mailboxes in advance of Independence Day each year.
Jul. 3 2021 @ 11:20pm
Organizers pleased with turnout for this year's Salute to America
Perfect weather led to a pleasant second day of activities at this year's Salute to America in Downtown Jefferson City.
Jul. 3 2021 @ 11:05pm
Emotions run high as brothers meet for the very first time
The tears mixed with the raindrops when two brothers in their mid-70s met for the first time Wednesday.
Jun. 30 2021 @ 11:05pm
Missouri Supreme Court sends Sunshine Law case back to Cole County
The Missouri Supreme Court ruled Tuesday in favor of a St. Louis attorney and former candidate for Missouri attorney general, sending a lawsuit back to Cole County Circuit Court regarding his claim Gov. Mike Parson and his staff violated provisions of the Sunshine Law.
Jun. 29 2021 @ 11:05pm
Cole County vaccination near 40%
As Cole County prepares to close its COVID-19 vaccination site, the county's vaccination rate is at just more than 40 percent.
Jun. 29 2021 @ 11:05pm
Lawsuit over Missouri's large farming operation rules continues
Debate over a state law regarding large farming operation regulations continued Tuesday with arguments in a civil lawsuit filed in August 2019 in Cole County Court.
Jun. 29 2021 @ 11:05pm
Missouri River crests below predicted level
After several days of heavy rain, the Missouri River in Jefferson City crested lower than predicted.
Jun. 28 2021 @ 4:30pm
Centertown water tower project progressing
The pieces that will make up Centertown's new water tower are being built at the Caldwell Tanks plant in Louisville, Kentucky — but the service road to the tower site and concrete base for the new tower have been built, said Adam Brown, of the Centertown Board of Trustees.
Jun. 27 2021 @ 11:05pm
Jefferson City dealers: New vehicle inventory should slowly climb in next few months
Car manufacturers began feeling the effects this spring of a global computer chip shortage, which affected inventories at local car dealerships.
Jun. 26 2021 @ 11:05pm
Friday evening storms knock out power, lead to numerous water rescues
Authorities said over a dozen people had to be rescued from vehicles that were stranded after driving into areas where flash flooding occurred Friday evening in and around Jefferson City.
Jun. 26 2021 @ 4:00am
No carnival rides at this year's Salute to America
As businesses across the country face employee shortages, carnival companies are no exception — and the impact will be felt at Jefferson City's Salute to America festival.
Jun. 25 2021 @ 11:05pm
Weekend rain could bring flash flooding in Mid-Missouri
Friday started several days of prolonged rainfall expected in Central Missouri. If forecasts hold up, local officials foresee potential flooding on the Missouri River in Jefferson City.
Jun. 25 2021 @ 3:40pm
Fireworks suppliers warn of potential shortages
Some fireworks sellers around Jefferson City said it will be tough to keep stands and stores stocked for the Fourth of July this year.
Jun. 24 2021 @ 12:40am
Cole County considers medical alert app
Cole County is considering a new way for residents to help people suffering cardiac arrest near them.
Jun. 22 2021 @ 11:05pm
Cole County gets 'clean' 2020 audit
Cole County received a "clean" audit for 2020, county commissioners learned at their regular meeting Tuesday.
Jun. 22 2021 @ 11:05pm
Cole County continues funding for first responders
The Cole County Commission on Tuesday approved an agreement with the Cole County First Responders to continue providing emergency medical services in the county.
Jun. 22 2021 @ 11:05pm
Jail time ordered in Cole County burglary tool case
Jail time ordered in Cole County burglary tool caseA Columbia man has pleaded guilty to an August 2018 Cole County felony charge of possession of burglary tools.
Jun. 21 2021 @ 11:05pm
Program led to career in helping people gain access to books
In October 1977, Archie Andrews embarked on a career that led him from St. Louis to Jefferson City and put him on a path to help people gain access to books who might not have that opportunity.
Jun. 20 2021 @ 12:05am
Pride and excitement mark Juneteenth celebrations in Jefferson City
After doing a mostly virtual celebration last year due to the COVID pandemic, organizers of Juneteenth-Jefferson City were excited to have a mix of virtual and in-person events to mark this important moment in the history of the United States.
Jun. 20 2021 @ 12:05am
