News Tribune on Tap

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.