KFRU Business Spotlight -- October 10th and 11th, 2026.  Columbia Police Chief Jill Schlude joins us this week to talk public safety.  We start with a conversation about the 1 cent sales tax for public safety passed in the August Primary.  Jill gives us a rundown of when the tax starts being collected, when the first funds will be available, and, finally, a timeline on when the activities funded by the tax will begin.  Planning is already underway for the remodeling of the city-owned IBM Building because it was part of capital improvement plan and some funding is already set aside. We also talk about the recent report on downtown crime to the city council and detailed some of the information included.

KFRU Business Spotlight -- October 10th and 11th, 2026.&nbsp; Columbia Police Chief Jill Schlude joins us this week to talk public safety.&nbsp; We start with a conversation about the 1 cent sales tax for public safety passed in the August Primary.&nbsp; Jill gives us a rundown of when the tax starts being collected, when the first funds will be available, and, finally, a timeline on when the activities funded by the tax will begin.&nbsp; Planning is already underway for the remodeling of the city-owned IBM Building because it was part of capital improvement plan and some funding is already set aside. We also talk about the recent report on downtown crime to the city council and detailed some of the information included.

Jill Schlude, Police Chief.  Columbia Police Department

KFRU Business Spotlight -- October 2nd & 3rd, 2026.  Just back from a trip to Chattanooga with leaders in the Columbia business community on their annual Chamber visit, Buffaloe joins us to talk about city council matters.  We found out more about the Chamber trip and how what was learned can be connected to things happening in Columbia.  We talked about the recent report on Community Violence. Information from the report might help hiring new members to the staff in this city office in the near future. We also talked digital water meters and flock cameras.

KFRU Business Spotlight -- October 2nd &amp; 3rd, 2026.&nbsp; Just back from a trip to Chattanooga with leaders in the Columbia business community on their annual Chamber visit, Buffaloe joins us to talk about city council matters.&nbsp; We found out more about the Chamber trip and how what was learned can be connected to things happening in Columbia.&nbsp; We talked about the recent report on Community Violence. Information from the report might help hiring new members to the staff in this city office in the near future. We also talked digital water meters and flock cameras.

Barbara Buffaloe.  Mayor, Columbia City Council.

KFRU Business Spotlight -- September 19th & 20th.  Mayor Barbara Buffaloe joins us to preview the upcoming City Council meeting on Monday night  This is the last meeting of the fiscal year, so that means the budget will be finalized and voted on.  The mayor talked about the budget, specifically focusing on the dollar in the general fund pointed toward public safety.  For both the fire and police departments, those number go up just a percentage or two.  In the third segment of the show, we present one of six podcasts that Sheriff Dwayne Carey has curated to provide information supporting the Prop L sales tax on the November ballot.  This week, David Lile interviews Jeff Hilbrenner, a local private practice defense attorney, about problems with holding many inmates outside of Boone County, and the complications that causes for those charged with a crime, their families, attorneys on both sides and the court schedule.

KFRU Business Spotlight -- September 19th &amp; 20th.&nbsp; Mayor Barbara Buffaloe joins us to preview the upcoming City Council meeting on Monday night&nbsp; This is the last meeting of the fiscal year, so that means the budget will be finalized and voted on.&nbsp; The mayor talked about the budget, specifically focusing on the dollar in the general fund pointed toward public safety.&nbsp; For both the fire and police departments, those number go up just a percentage or two.&nbsp; In the third segment of the show, we present one of six podcasts that Sheriff Dwayne Carey has curated to provide information supporting the Prop L sales tax on the November ballot.&nbsp; This week, David Lile interviews Jeff Hilbrenner, a local private practice defense attorney, about problems with holding many inmates outside of Boone County, and the complications that causes for those charged with a crime, their families, attorneys on both sides and the court schedule.

Barbara Buffaloe, Mayor.  Columbia City Council. David Lile, Host. Prop L Podcasts

KFRU Business Spotlight - September 12th & 13th, 2026.  Eric Kopinski, Director, I-70 Improvement Project Director joins us to talk about a weekend closure of westbound I-70 at the connector while the construction crews put up the girders that hang over the highway safely. Eric also gave us an update on most of the work going on in  Columbia area.  We also had a conversation with the folks from the Boone County Office of Emergency Management about the upcoming Ready Festival at Cosmo Park on Thursday.  Chris Kelley, Director of the OEM introduced us to the newest member of their staff, Beth Kennedy, who joins the office as the Communications and Outreach Specialist, filling a new position approved by the county commission.

KFRU Business Spotlight - September 12th &amp; 13th, 2026.&nbsp; Eric Kopinski, Director, I-70 Improvement Project Director joins us to talk about a weekend closure of westbound I-70 at the connector while the construction crews put up the girders that hang over the highway safely. Eric also gave us an update on most of the work going on in&nbsp; Columbia area.&nbsp; We also had a conversation with the folks from the Boone County Office of Emergency Management about the upcoming Ready Festival at Cosmo Park on Thursday.&nbsp; Chris Kelley, Director of the OEM introduced us to the newest member of their staff, Beth Kennedy, who joins the office as the Communications and Outreach Specialist, filling a new position approved by the county commission.

Eric Kopinski, MODOT.  Director, I-70 Improvement Project. Chris Kelley, Director and Beth Kennedy, Communications and Outreach Specialist.  Boone County Office of Emergency Management.

KFRU Business Spotlight -- September 5th & 6th, 2026.  Mayor Barbara Buffaloe joins us for a preview of the first September council meeting to be held Tuesday night (9/8) because of the Labor Day holiday.  This meeting will include the final public hearing on the city's budget for 2026-2027 that will take effect on October 1st, the first day of new city fiscal year.  Still lots to talk about on the budget as there are a number of amendments to be voted on and more input to hear before the budget document is set in its final form to be approved at the September 21st meeting (although, there could be more amendments to vote up or down then).  Next topic for discussion after that will be interested to citizens of Columbia, is the Energy Code that will get it first reading on Tuesday night.

KFRU Business Spotlight -- September 5th &amp; 6th, 2026.&nbsp; Mayor Barbara Buffaloe joins us for a preview of the first September council meeting to be held Tuesday night (9/8) because of the Labor Day holiday.&nbsp; This meeting will include the final public hearing on the city's budget for 2026-2027 that will take effect on October 1st, the first day of new city fiscal year.&nbsp; Still lots to talk about on the budget as there are a number of amendments to be voted on and more input to hear before the budget document is set in its final form to be approved at the September 21st meeting (although, there could be more amendments to vote up or down then).&nbsp; Next topic for discussion after that will be interested to citizens of Columbia, is the Energy Code that will get it first reading on Tuesday night.

Barbara Buffaloe, Mayor.  Columbia City Council.

KFRU Business Spotlight -- August 29th & 30th, 2026.  Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer joins us to talk about the voters passing the Public Safety Sales Tax earlier this month.  We talk about the plan that was developed previous to the passage of the tax and discuss the timetable for beginning of collection of the tax (January), the first report on the funds coming in from the tax (March) and plans in place to add to the roster of the fire department starting very soon.  Brian Toohey, the CEO of the Board of Realtors gives up the data on the recently released July housing information.  Median price in Columbia? $389,000.  That's  a record!  Brian also discusses interest rates, building codes and energy codes being discussed now, with the city council taking an in-depth look at the September 21st meeting. 

KFRU Business Spotlight -- August 29th &amp; 30th, 2026.&nbsp; Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer joins us to talk about the voters passing the Public Safety Sales Tax earlier this month.&nbsp; We talk about the plan that was developed previous to the passage of the tax and discuss the timetable for beginning of collection of the tax (January), the first report on the funds coming in from the tax (March) and plans in place to add to the roster of the fire department starting very soon.&nbsp; Brian Toohey, the CEO of the Board of Realtors gives up the data on the recently released July housing information.&nbsp; Median price in Columbia? $389,000.&nbsp; That's&nbsp; a record!&nbsp; Brian also discusses interest rates, building codes and energy codes being discussed now, with the city council taking an in-depth look at the September 21st meeting.&nbsp;

Brian Schaeffer, Fire Chief, Columbia Fire Department.  Brian Toohey, Chief Executive Officer, Mid-Missouri Board of Realtors.

Our first guest this week is Jacque Sample, City Councilwoman from Ward 3.  We talk about the passage of the Public Safety Tax and what the council will be digging in to moving forward.   We also discussed another "marathon" council meeting and talked about the ever growing list of items that need to appear on the agenda.  Lots of activity that comes to the council for discussion, research, public input and finally a decision.  In the third segment of the show we talk with Jami Clevenger, the Executive Officer for the Columbia Home Builder's Association.  Moved to a later date in the year, this annual event is set for Saturday and Sunday, August 29th and 30th.  Also a great way to get input from experts on home remodeling, painting, landscaping and so much more!  The HBA Home Show will be held at the Columbia Mall.

Our first guest this week is Jacque Sample, City Councilwoman from Ward 3.&nbsp; We talk about the passage of the Public Safety Tax and what the council will be digging in to moving forward.&nbsp; &nbsp;We also discussed another "marathon" council meeting and talked about the ever growing list of items that need to appear on the agenda.&nbsp; Lots of activity that comes to the council for discussion, research, public input and finally a decision.&nbsp; In the third segment of the show we talk with Jami Clevenger, the Executive Officer for the Columbia Home Builder's Association.&nbsp; Moved to a later date in the year, this annual event is set for Saturday and Sunday, August 29th and 30th.&nbsp; Also a great way to get input from experts on home remodeling, painting, landscaping and so much more!&nbsp; The HBA Home Show will be held at the Columbia Mall.

Jacque Sample.  Columbia City Council, 3rd Ward.  Jami Clevenger.  Executive Officer, Columbia HBA

KFRU Business Spotlight -- August 15th and 16th, 2026.  Eric Kopinski, the Director of the I-70 Improvement Project for MODOT joins us to get caught up on the latest as the I-70 project continues.  The big news this week is that the Lake of the Woods bridge over the interstate at St. Charles Road is rebuild and carrying traffic as of Friday.  This piece of the project was completed on a shorter than normal timetable and was ready to go 20+ days early.  Lots more is happening in the central Missouri area.  Shawna Johnson, the  Engagement Coordinator for the City of Columbia from the City Manger's office lets us know of many ways citizens of Columbia can get engaged in conversations about issues confronting the city.  This week, there is a Let's Talk Local session on Thursday that will focus on the electric transmission line construction.  The meeting is hosted by council members Christina Hartmann and Betsy Peters.  There are many other opportunities to get involved on city topics each month.

KFRU Business Spotlight -- August 15th and 16th, 2026.&nbsp; Eric Kopinski, the Director of the I-70 Improvement Project for MODOT joins us to get caught up on the latest as the I-70 project continues.&nbsp; The big news this week is that the Lake of the Woods bridge over the interstate at St. Charles Road is rebuild and carrying traffic as of Friday.&nbsp; This piece of the project was completed on a shorter than normal timetable and was ready to go 20+ days early.&nbsp; Lots more is happening in the central Missouri area.&nbsp; Shawna Johnson, the&nbsp; Engagement Coordinator for the City of Columbia from the City Manger's office lets us know of many ways citizens of Columbia can get engaged in conversations about issues confronting the city.&nbsp; This week, there is a Let's Talk Local session on Thursday that will focus on the electric transmission line construction.&nbsp; The meeting is hosted by council members Christina Hartmann and Betsy Peters.&nbsp; There are many other opportunities to get involved on city topics each month.

Eric Kopinski, Director MODOT Improve I-70 Project.  Shawna Johnson, Engagement Coordinator, City Manger's Office, City of Columbia.

KFRU Business Spotlight-- July 18th & July 19th, 2026.  The August 4th Primary election ballot includes a special City Council election for the 4th Ward, following the resignation of councilman Nick Foster. Ryan King, Sharon Jones and David Sorrell joined me to talk about their reasons for running, their priorities for the city council overall and the 4th Ward specifically.  They each answered a specific question about the Columbia Public Safety 1 cent sales tax issue also on the August ballot. 

KFRU Business Spotlight-- July 18th &amp; July 19th, 2026.&nbsp; The August 4th Primary election ballot includes a special City Council election for the 4th Ward, following the resignation of councilman Nick Foster. Ryan King, Sharon Jones and David Sorrell joined me to talk about their reasons for running, their priorities for the city council overall and the 4th Ward specifically.&nbsp; They each answered a specific question about the Columbia Public Safety 1 cent sales tax issue also on the August ballot.&nbsp;

Columbia City Council 4th Ward Candidates.  Special Election, August 4t. Ryan King. Sharon Jones. David Sorrell.

 KFRU Business Spotlight 0 July 11th and 12th, 2026.  This week we talk about the Columbia Chamber of Commerce with VP of External Affairs, Lily Boyd White. Lily bring sus up to date on the new President/CEO of the Chamber Abdul-Kaba Abdullah.  The new leader is in a transition period finishing up his work in the St. Louis area to working in Columbia to get set to go.  His official first day will be August 3rd.  Lily also helped us look back at the Chamber activities through the end of the fiscal year on June 3oth.  We also hear this week from Eric Kopinsky, who is the Director of the I-70 Improvement Program for MODOT.  Eric brought us up to date on many parts of the massive project, telling us some segment s that are completed, while other parts are getting underway, quickly moving the project forward.

&nbsp;KFRU Business Spotlight 0 July 11th and 12th, 2026.&nbsp; This week we talk about the Columbia Chamber of Commerce with VP of External Affairs, Lily Boyd White. Lily bring sus up to date on the new President/CEO of the Chamber Abdul-Kaba Abdullah.&nbsp; The new leader is in a transition period finishing up his work in the St. Louis area to working in Columbia to get set to go.&nbsp; His official first day will be August 3rd.&nbsp; Lily also helped us look back at the Chamber activities through the end of the fiscal year on June 3oth.&nbsp; We also hear this week from Eric Kopinsky, who is the Director of the I-70 Improvement Program for MODOT.&nbsp; Eric brought us up to date on many parts of the massive project, telling us some segment s that are completed, while other parts are getting underway, quickly moving the project forward.

Lily Boyd White, VP for External Affairs, Columbia Chamber of Commerce. Eric Kopinsky, Director, MODOT I-70 Improvement Project.

Join Mark Mills each Sunday as we visit with business leaders across Missouri. We'll take a deep dive into the news and issues that are impacting Mid-Missouri's business community.  Listen live on KFRU every Sunday morning at 8 am.

Join Mark Mills each Sunday as we visit with business leaders across Missouri. We'll take a deep dive into the news and issues that are impacting Mid-Missouri's business community.  Listen live on KFRU every Sunday morning at 8 am.

KFRU Business Spotlight

Mark Mills speaks with local business leaders and keeps you connected to Columbia's vibrant business community.

Mark Mills speaks with local business leaders and keeps you connected to Columbia's vibrant business community.

The KFRU Business Spotlight

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