Hunter Walterman

1 month ago | komu.com | Hunter Walterman

JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri House passed legislation that would bring back state-run presidential primaries, three years after lawmakers eliminated them. It is a reversal that comes after blowback from voters and party officials who complained the alternative made it difficult for people to vote. A bipartisan group of lawmakers approved House Bill 126 on Monday in an 85-64 vote.

1 month ago | komu.com | Hunter Walterman

Columbia's Police oversight board questioned department leadership Wednesday, as it tried to understand how easy it is for people to file misconduct complaints against officers. "We want to check to make sure there aren't bottle necks in that process," Board Chair Doug Hunt said. The board developed a list of seven questions for Police Chief Jill Schlude and Assistant Chief Paul Dickinson. Columbia Police figures show citizen complaints are rare.

2 months ago | komu.com | Hunter Walterman

COLUMBIA — Businessman Blair Murphy has raised what appears to be a record amount of money for a Columbia mayoral race, far outpacing other candidates in the race. Murphy said the $250,000 in contributions speaks to enthusiasm for his campaign. But critics say a wave of big-dollar donations is giving Columbia's business community outsize influence in the race. And a new report is raising questions about the source of the campaign's biggest contribution.

2 months ago | komu.com | Hunter Walterman

COLUMBIA — Businessman Blair Murphy has raised what appears to be a record amount of money for a Columbia mayoral race, far outpacing other candidates in the race. Murphy said the $250,000 in contributions speaks to enthusiasm for his campaign. But critics say a wave of big-dollar donations is giving Columbia's business community outsize influence in the race. And a new report is raising questions about the source of the campaign's biggest contribution.

2 months ago | komu.com | Hunter Walterman

PILOT GROVE — At first, Paul Reuter didn't know how to feel. He was at work when he got the call. "My youngest daughter text[ed] me that they were in the bathroom because they were in a tornado warning," Reuter said. Then, more messages started coming in. First, from his mom. Then from his neighbor. All telling him his home was damaged and auto shop destroyed. Reuter, who works as a mechanic in Columbia, had a 45 minute drive just to think it over. "It's a mess, you know.