News Tribune on Tap

In this week's episode, Editor Gary Castor chats with members of the 2025 Leadership Jefferson City class, specifically Alyssa Wilds, John Smith, and Ashley Wiskirchen. They discuss the 10th annual "Battle of the Brews" fundraiser, scheduled for August 23rd, from noon to 4 PM, at the county fairgrounds. This event offers beer tasting from local and regional brewers, live music, food trucks, games like axe throwing, and a Steinholding contest. All proceeds from the fundraiser benefit two key beneficiaries: the Salvation Army's Center of Hope, which is renovating a family shelter, and Capital Projects, which provides dignified employment for adults with disabilities.    Buy tickets here- https://www.jcchamber.org/battle-of-the-brews/  More info for Battle of the Brews here- https://www.visitjeffersoncity.com/event/battle-of-the-brews-2025/661/  More info for Leadership Jefferson City- https://www.jcchamber.org/member-benefits-copy-2/ 

In this week's episode, Editor Gary Castor chats with Kirk DeMars, co-chair of Redemption 'A New Beginning', a Christian concert series. This conversation highlights the concert's mission of community blessing, detailing its evolution from benefiting a young girl to supporting various non-profits like CASA. The interview provides specifics for the upcoming concert, featuring Big Daddy Weave, information on tickets, and the significance of the Fisher Family Good Samaritan Awards.    Nominate a good samaritan here https://www.newstribune.com/goodsamaritanaward/#/gallery  Get tickets at https://www.redemptioninsidethewalls.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLLvGtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFCVHBDMUF2TVNWN1Z6UHBCAR50hWWEmyt_0jI0pxvLKCCC6A3DJYmDlhgvQqoV1pNNCX-WLvigKh00rvyO0g_aem_kqHFLjcChESCYu22huYxiw  Read more here https://www.newstribune.com/news/2025/jun/08/big-daddy-weave-to-headline-redemption-concert/ 

In this week's episode, Editor Gary Castor chats with Rebecca Gordon, the executive director of the American Red Cross's Central and Northern Missouri chapter. The discussion focuses on the Red Cross's disaster response efforts, particularly regarding recent tornadoes and the more frequent home fires in Missouri, outlining how they provide immediate assistance, shelter, and long-term recovery support. Additionally, Gordon touches on their services for armed forces and the importance of international humanitarian law, emphasizing the Red Cross's core mission to help those in their greatest time of need.   Learn more, get help, or sign up to volunteer at https://www.redcross.org/?srsltid=AfmBOorvlegCIO1tgv6f4WMNU4OtyQplsG_j69H87YHu-ZLl0TnZTUqk 

In this week's episode, Editor Gary Castor chats with John Landwehr, former Jefferson City mayor. Landwear discusses the two-decade-long "sister city" relationship between Jefferson City and Münchberg, Germany, highlighting its origins and goals of fostering international ties. He provides a detailed description of Münchberg, emphasizing its authenticity as a non-touristy German town and mentioning nearby historical sites like "Little Berlin." Landwear also shares insights from recent trips, including the group size and travel arrangements, and touches upon the German perspective of Jefferson City. Finally, he explores future growth opportunities for the relationship, such as student exchange programs, and provides a cost breakdown for a typical trip, inviting listeners to get involved in future visits from their German counterparts.

In this week's episode, Editor Gary Castor chats with Chris Brownell, a resident engineer at the Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT). The discussion focuses on a two-year, $5.3 million project to rehabilitate approximately a dozen bridges on US 54 in the Jefferson City area, with the first phase starting this summer. Brownell details the project's logistics, including traffic flow modifications, lane width restrictions, and adjusted speed limits, while also highlighting contractor incentives for early completion. Additionally, the conversation touches on future plans to widen US 54 to alleviate congestion, emphasizing the public engagement process for this proposed expansion. Helpful links: https://www.modot.org/  https://www.modot.org/road-work 

In this week's episode, Editor Gary Castor chats with Angela Hirsch the executive director of the Rape and Abuse Crisis Service (RACS), a non-profit organization in Jefferson City, Missouri. Hirsch explains that RACS serves survivors of various forms of abuse and trafficking, offering 24/7 services including counseling, emergency shelter, and advocacy. The interview also sheds light on Denim Day, an international awareness effort that originated from a 1992 Italian court case where a rape conviction was overturned due to the victim wearing tight jeans. Finally, Hirsch discusses RACS fundraising efforts, such as a golf tournament, and encourages community support through volunteering or financial contributions, emphasizing that survivors are not alone and that consent is paramount.   Helpful links: https://racsjc.org/  https://racsjc.org/services/  https://racsjc.org/get-involved/   

In this week's episode, Editor Gary Castor chats with Kristen Schulte, education director of Missouri River Relief. They talk about the mission of Missouri River Relief, which is to connect people to the Missouri River by providing educational programs and experiences that challenge the common perception of the river as dangerous. Key initiatives discussed include large-scale river cleanups involving thousands of volunteers and the development of on-the-river field trips for various age groups, including a pilot program with a local school district. Another significant program highlighted is the catfishing gear library, which offers free access to fishing equipment, instruction, and even fishing permits to help people of all backgrounds engage with the river through fishing.  

In this week's episode, Editor Gary Castor chats with Miranda Bakes about bringing Safe Haven Baby Boxes to mid-Missouri. Bakes, who is part of a task force working to implement these boxes, explains that they are climate-controlled receptacles installed in designated safe locations like EMS stations, allowing parents in crisis to anonymously and safely surrender newborns up to 45 days old under current Missouri law. She discusses proposed legislation that would extend this period to 90 days and highlights the resources offered by the Safe Haven Baby Box organization to support parents. CRISIS LINE CALL OR TEXT 1-866-99BABY1  

In this week's episode, Editor Gary Castor chats with Maddie Fennewald, the media specialist for the Missouri Department of Conservation, about morel mushroom hunting. They discuss what morels are, when and where to find them, and how to differentiate edible morels from poisonous look-alikes. Fennewald provides tips for successful hunting, including preferred environmental conditions and locations, and cautions hunters to correctly identify mushrooms using available resources like online guides and field books. The discussion also touches on preparing and cooking morels, highlighting various recipes available through the Missouri Department of Conservation.   Mushroom hunting resources: https://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/2021-03/MushroomGuide.pdf https://mdc.mo.gov/blogs/discover-nature-notes/mushroom-hunt 

In this week's episode, Editor Gary Castor chats with and Mia Sanson, the community engagement editor of the Jefferson City News Tribune.  They discuss the newspaper's efforts to connect with the community and understand their news interests. Their overarching goal is to be more accessible and responsive to the community's needs and preferences. Contact info: msanson@newstribune.com, feedback@newstribune.com 

In this week's episode, Editor Gary Castor chats with Bob Priddy, a longtime Missouri journalist and history enthusiast. Priddy discusses his efforts to relocate the Arabia Steamboat Museum from Kansas City to Jefferson City, highlighting the museum's unique collection of perfectly preserved 1856 artifacts. He argues that bringing the museum to the capital city, possibly in conjunction with the redevelopment of the state penitentiary, would be a transformative economic and cultural boon for the region. Priddy also outlines the financial challenges and his ongoing discussions with state and local officials to secure funding for this ambitious project, emphasizing the historical significance and tourism potential. Check out the website for the current museum at https://www.1856.com/ 

In this week's episode, Editor Gary Castor chats with Shauna Kerperin from the Missouri Parent Teacher Association and Paula Benne from the Jefferson City Area Chamber's Child Care Action Team. They discuss the critical need for accessible and quality child care in Jefferson City and Cole County, Missouri. They emphasize that this shortage is exacerbated by workforce challenges in attracting and retaining child care staff. The conversation explores potential solutions such as business partnerships, legislative initiatives like the tri-share model, and community collaborations to support child care centers, families, and the local economy. 

In this week's episode, Editor Gary Castor chats with Sally Moore and Amber Brondell from United Way of Central Missouri. They discuss the formation and mission of Women United, an initiative under the United Way that unites women to support their community. The conversation highlights the group's events, such as the community baby shower and the Power the Purse fundraiser, and the various committees that members can join. Moore and Brondell emphasize the importance of women coming together for philanthropy and fellowship, as well as providing opportunities for families to volunteer, all while encouraging listeners to join this impactful organization. Learn more about Women United at https://www.unitedwaycemo.org/women-united

In this week's episode, Editor Gary Castor chats with Ken Theroff, chairman of the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and Gary Plummer, CEO and President of the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce. The discussion centers on the Chamber's four key areas: stewardship, membership, partnership, and salesmanship, along with three focus areas: housing, child care, and tourism. They emphasize the chamber's role in supporting small businesses through networking and training.

In this week's episode, Editor Gary Castor chats with Melissa Gerke from the American Heart Association. Their conversation highlights February as heart month, emphasizing that heart disease is the leading cause of death globally for many demographics. Gerky discusses prevention, risk factors, and the importance of consulting with a physician. The interview further explores differences in heart attack symptoms between men and women and advocates for prompt action when symptoms arise. Finally, Gerky promotes the upcoming Heartball, a fundraising event supporting the American Heart Association's initiatives. For more information, visit https://www.heart.org/en/affiliates/missouri   

In this week's episode, Editor Gary Castor chats with Heather Luebbert, Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) commercial motor vehicle program manager, regarding MoDOT's involvement in combating human trafficking. Heather explains that Missouri's central location and extensive transportation network make it a hub for trafficking. MoDOT's role focuses on training employees to recognize and report potential trafficking situations, leveraging their widespread presence across the state. Heather also touches on common warning signs of human trafficking, highlights the vulnerabilities exploited by traffickers, and the misconception that victims can easily leave these situations. Read the news story at https://www.newstribune.com/news/2025/jan/22/modot-tries-to-get-more-eyes-on-human-trafficking/  National Human Trafficking Hotline- 888-373-7888 or text "INFO" to 233733

In this week's episode, Editor Gary Castor chats with Rebecca Welsh, founder of Halo, a nonprofit organization providing housing, healing, and education to at-risk and homeless youth. Halo operates in Jefferson City, Missouri, Kansas City, Missouri, and internationally, offering residential and non-residential programs. The interview discusses Halo's services, the challenges faced by at-risk youth, and opportunities for community involvement through volunteering and fundraising, including an upcoming 20th-anniversary auction.  Interested in volenteering or want more information? Visit https://haloworldwide.org/volunteer/ or https://haloworldwide.org/jeff-city/ to find out more!

In this week's episode, Editor Gary Castor chats with Luke Holtschneiderm, the President and CEO of the Jefferson City Regional Economic Partnership (JCREP). They discuss the organization's mission, structure, and ongoing projects. JCREP, established in 2021, aims to facilitate economic growth in Jefferson City through infrastructure development, community development, and business development initiatives. Holtznder highlights successful projects like the Capital Area Rail Terminal and ongoing efforts to develop a major sports complex and a downtown conference center/hotel. 

In this week's episode, Editor Gary Castor chats with Lindsey Ward, the new suicide prevention manager at the Missouri Veterans Commission.  Ward, a veteran herself, discusses her background and the new program she's leading to combat veteran suicide in Missouri. The conversation highlights the significant problem of veteran suicide, the resources available (including the 988 lifeline), and the importance of peer support.  

In this week's episode, Editor Gary Castor chats with Officer Martika Hit, Jefferson City's first Community Resource Officer at the Jefferson City Police Department.    They talk about Officer Hit's role as she focuses on mental health outreach and connecting unhoused individuals with resources. They explore the challenges of balancing the needs of the unhoused with the concerns of residents and businesses. Officer Hitt also highlights community resources like the Room at the Inn.   Listen to the NTOT episode about Project Homeless Connect at https://open.spotify.com/episode/4JPMFhJQn8K3SMNnv5hH6I or https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/project-homeless-connect/id1501390256?i=1000670029386 or anywhere you listen to podcasts.