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
Investigation continues into shooting at Cole County Jail
Authorities continue to investigate how an inmate was shot and wounded Monday evening while at the Cole County Jail.
Nov. 25 2019 @ 8:44pm
Local authorities explain backlog in testing rape kits
Nearly 90 percent of Missouri's backlogged rape kits have not been tested, state Attorney General Eric Schmitt announced last week, but local authorities say the numbers don't tell the whole story for their departments.
Nov. 24 2019 @ 12:05am
Local CPA announces Cole County Western District commissioner bid
Local CPA Harry Otto announced his candidacy Friday for Cole County Western District commissioner.He will run as a Republican.
Nov. 23 2019 @ 12:05am
UPDATE: Ember from training burn started blaze on MSP building roof
The Jefferson City Fire Department believes Wednesday's fire at the Missouri State Penitentiary was started because of a training burn on adjacent property owned by the city at 102 North Chestnut Street.
Nov. 21 2019 @ 12:25pm
Land prep begins for new American Water well, pump station
Workers have started cutting down trees and making other land preparation at Missouri American Water’s High Street plant as part of installing a new well and pump station in Jefferson City.
Nov. 21 2019 @ 12:05am
Port authority hopeful for land transfer legislation
Efforts are underway to pass legislation in the 2020 Missouri General Assembly that would make land available for a port facility on the Missouri River in Jefferson City.
Nov. 20 2019 @ 12:05am
Missouri DNR endorses proposal to build new well, pump station
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has endorsed a proposal from Missouri American Water to build a new well and pump station in Jefferson City.
Nov. 15 2019 @ 12:05am
GIS Day showcases data, maps captured post-tornado
After the May 22 tornado that hit Cole County and Jefferson City, the geographic information system (GIS) was used by government officials and first responders which allowed them to develop response plans to help those affected by the storm.
Nov. 13 2019 @ 10:23pm
Taos family, city settle 2013 crosswalk lawsuit
The family of a woman from Taos has reached a settlement with Jefferson City in connection with a lawsuit filed in 2013 over a city crosswalk where she was struck by a vehicle.
Nov. 13 2019 @ 12:05am
South Brooks stormwater project enters final phase
The Cole County Commission has approved an agreement for engineering services for the third phase of stormwater improvements on South Brooks Drive.
Nov. 13 2019 @ 12:05am
Cole County budget projected to increase in 2020
The Cole County Commission on Tuesday got its first look at the proposed 2020 budget for the county, which would grow by more than $1.
Nov. 13 2019 @ 12:05am
Smart911 technology launches in Jefferson City
A new tool for the Jefferson City 911 system officially launched Tuesday, and authorities said this technology puts the local emergency dispatch service among the most sophisticated in the state.
Nov. 12 2019 @ 11:38pm
Jefferson City organizations honor veterans
Winter weather did not stop Jefferson City residents from recognizing military veterans for their service on Veterans Day.
Nov. 11 2019 @ 5:05pm
Snowy Veterans Day welcomes Mid-Missouri road crews to winter
Mid-Missouri road crews tackled their first snow event of the season Monday.
Nov. 11 2019 @ 4:55pm
Wave 'Em, Operation Bugle Boy events honor veterans
Local residents came out in large numbers Thursday for a special event to honor and appreciate veterans and their sacrifice for the country.
Nov. 7 2019 @ 10:52pm
Eugene could see water service rate hike
The Missouri Public Service Commission is considering rate cases that could more than double what Eugene customers pay for water service.
Nov. 7 2019 @ 12:05am
ABC 17 tower replacement complete
After three months of work, a new broadcast tower for ABC 17 and Fox 22, which are based in Columbia, became fully operational this week.
Nov. 7 2019 @ 12:05am
Osage County voters approve law enforcement sales tax
Last year, Osage County Sheriff Mike Bonham proposed a sales tax to help improve law enforcement services in the county.
Nov. 6 2019 @ 12:05am
Jefferson City, Cole County officials push census participation
Jefferson City and Cole County officials are working together to encourage residents to participate in the 2020 Census.
Nov. 6 2019 @ 12:05am
Paramedic enjoys new challenges of EMS field
Some might say Gathin Veldhuizen is a rare breed.That's because, as a paramedic, those with Veldhuizen's skills are in high demand across the country — so much so that it's become a competition to bring them on board any emergency medical services department.
Nov. 3 2019 @ 12:05am