The 39/94

In this inspiring episode of The 39/94 Podcast, host Jodie O’Brien sits down with Dr. Clarence Green, whose journey from longtime leader at Northwest Missouri State University to Dean of North Central Missouri College in Savannah is rooted in service, mentorship, and heart.

Dr. Green shares how encouragement from his mother shaped his purpose, how decades in law enforcement taught him the value of trust, and why lifting others is the true measure of leadership.

They dive into:

• 💬 How words of encouragement can change a life — and a community.
• 🚓 Lessons from years in campus law enforcement and leadership at Northwest.
• 🎓 What it means to build a culture of trust in education and community.
• 🏥 The $1.37 million behavioral health grant transforming Savannah’s future.
• 🌱 Why mentorship, service, and staying connected keep us all growing.

This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about relationships, encouragement, and the courage to keep learning.

🎧 Tune in for a heartfelt conversation with one of Northwest Missouri’s most trusted and respected leaders, Dr. Clarence Green.

• North Central Missouri College
• Mosaic Life Care
• Victory Chevrolet
• Northwest Missouri State University
• Leadership Savannah
• Scooters Coffee - Savannah

📍 Recorded in Savannah, Missouri.

👉 Subscribe, share, like and comment to be part of the conversation that keeps our community connected.

💛 Sweet’s Storage

🏌️‍♂️ The Bunker Club

💼 Greater Than Financial

🍗 Gina’s Café

📊 Edward Jones — Jason J. Sarsany, Financial Advisor

🎓 North Central Missouri College

🌐 United Fiber

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In this conversation, Jodie O'Brien interviews Katie Graham, the Executive Director of Savannah's Chamber of Commerce. The two discuss the vital role of the Chamber in advocating for local businesses and citizens. They explore the strategic planning initiatives aimed at strengthening community ties, promoting local businesses, and enhancing public engagement through events and education. Katie shares her journey from being a local graduate and small business owner to her current role...emphasizing the importance of supporting rural businesses and fostering a sense of community pride. The discussion also touches on upcoming events, the impact of film production on the local economy, and the significance of citizen involvement in local governance.

Takeaways

The Chamber of Commerce serves as an advocate for local businesses and citizens.

Community events are essential for promoting local businesses.

Strategic planning is crucial for the Chamber's future initiatives.

The Fall Festival aims to showcase local businesses while being a family-friendly event.

Katie emphasizes the importance of supporting rural businesses in the county.

A strong community requires informed citizens who engage with local governance.

The Chamber's board is composed of volunteers dedicated to community service.

Katie's background as a business owner informs her approach to supporting local enterprises.

The vision for Savannah includes increased diversity in businesses and community engagement.

Film production can significantly impact the local economy and community identity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Chamber of Commerce

01:00 The Role of the Chamber in Savannah

01:50 Strategic Planning for the Future

03:39 Community Events and Business Promotion

05:42 Fall Festival: A Showcase of Local Businesses

07:23 Chamber Board and Community Involvement

09:38 Looking Ahead: Exciting Events and Growth

10:58 Katie's Journey: From Business Owner to Chamber Director

12:21 Supporting Rural Businesses

13:42 Vision for Savannah's Future

14:31 The Impact of Film Production on the Community

16:34 Personal Reflections and Family Aspirations

18:20 Building Relationships with City and County

📍 Recorded in Savannah, Missouri.

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🎙️ Sponsors of This Podcast

💛 Sweet’s Storage

🏌️‍♂️ The Bunker Club

💼 Greater Than Financial

🍗 Gina’s Café

📊 Edward Jones — Jason J. Sarsany, Financial Advisor

🎓 North Central Missouri College

🌐 United Fiber

☕ Enjoying the show? Support us here or Venmo

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Email us at [email protected]

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In this episode, Blake Rudel, Andrew County Ambulance District Administrator, breaks down the behind-the-scenes realities of running 911 and ambulance services in a rural county. From dispatch to funding hurdles and the push for emergency medical dispatch, Blake shares with Host, Jodie O'Brien how local leadership and community backing could transform how emergency care works here at home. You’ll hear how keeping dispatch local can save precious seconds, why a county-wide tax could stabilize funding, and how transparency and trust play into the future of public safety. It’s a deep dive into what it takes to make sure help arrives when it’s needed most.

Blake also chats about his journey to Savannah and how the town has captivated him and his family, and been kind to them in times of need.

Key Takeaways

• The current dispatch system is outdated and expensive to maintain.
• Emergency medical dispatch is vital for faster, smarter response.
• Local funding and community support are essential for sustainability.
• Transparency builds trust between taxpayers and emergency services.
• The Ambulance District is leading efforts for modernization and collaboration.

Memorable Quotes

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to 911 Services and Challenges

01:19 – Current Dispatch System and Its Costs

04:15 – Need for Emergency Medical Dispatch

06:32 – County Commission and Funding Issues

09:36 – Proposal for a County-Wide Dispatch Tax

12:27 – Concerns Over Multiple Dispatch Services

15:42 – Staffing and Resources of the Ambulance District

18:20 – Community Impact and Personal Stories

21:23 – Future Aspirations for the Ambulance District

24:18 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts

📍 Recorded in Savannah, Missouri.

👉 Subscribe, share, like and comment to be part of the conversation that keeps our community connected.

💛 Sweet’s Storage

🏌️‍♂️ The Bunker Club

💼 Greater Than Financial

🍗 Gina’s Café

📊 Edward Jones — Jason J. Sarsany, Financial Advisor

🎓 North Central Missouri College

🌐 United Fiber

☕ Enjoying the show? Support us here or Venmo

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Email us at [email protected]

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In this episode of The 39/94 Podcast, host Jodie O’Brien welcomes Annette Weeks, a founding member of the Andrew County Foundation and entrepreneur. They discuss the importance of community support, the establishment of the Andrew County Foundation, and the resources available for entrepreneurs. Annette shares her personal story of resilience and her commitment to giving back to the community. The conversation also highlights the role of Leadership Savannah in fostering connections and support among local leaders.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the 3994 Podcast

02:50 Community Impact and Personal Stories

05:56 The Andrew County Foundation: Purpose and Goals

08:43 Business Insights and Resources for Entrepreneurs

11:39 Leadership Savannah: Building Community Connections

17:31 Support and Relationships in Small Towns

📍 Recorded in Savannah, Missouri.

👉 Subscribe, share, like and comment to be part of the conversation that keeps our community connected.

💛 Sweet’s Storage

🏌️‍♂️ The Bunker Club

💼 Greater Than Financial

🍗 Gina’s Café

📊 Edward Jones — Jason J. Sarsany, Financial Advisor

🎓 North Central Missouri College

🌐 United Fiber

☕ Enjoying the show? Support us here or Venmo

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Email us at [email protected]

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In this episode of The 39/94 Podcast, host Jodie O’Brien welcomes two local PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) Moms. Jessica Wyckoff, the PTO president of John Glenn, to discuss the upcoming Halloween Trunk or Treat event. They explore the significance of community engagement through various PTO activities, including fundraisers and events that bring families together. Jessica shares her personal connection to Savannah and her family's involvement in local traditions, highlighting the importance of community support and connection. The conversation also touches on the influence of pop culture, particularly the connection between Taylor Swift and the Kansas City Chiefs, and how it has impacted local youth engagement with sports.

Tiffany Gerken joins in to discuss her journey from Nickerson, Kansas, to Savannah, the importance of community support, and the fundraising efforts for Helena School. They delve into the upcoming trivia night fundraiser and her work with Instacart. The conversation highlights the significance of local stories and the impact of community engagement.

📍 Recorded in Savannah, Missouri.

👉 Subscribe, share, like and comment to be part of the conversation that keeps our community connected.

💛 Sweet’s Storage

🏌️‍♂️ The Bunker Club

💼 Greater Than Financial

🍗 Gina’s Café

📊 Edward Jones — Jason J. Sarsany, Financial Advisor

🎓 North Central Missouri College

🌐 United Fiber

☕ Enjoying the show? Support us here or Venmo

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Email us at [email protected]

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Savannah’s community pool has been a summer staple since 1964, but its future now hangs in the balance. In this episode of The 39/94 Podcast, host Jodie O’Brien sits down with Parks Director Matt Johnson to unpack the challenges facing the pool, why repairs may no longer be enough, and what it will take to bring a new aquatic center to Andrew County.

From decades of maintenance struggles to the realities of funding, lawsuits, and community fundraising, this conversation digs into the tough questions: Can Savannah afford a new pool? What role do taxpayers and private fundraising play? And why does it matter so much for the future of local families and kids?

If you care about Savannah’s future and the places where our community gathers, this episode is a must-watch.

📍 Recorded in Savannah, Missouri.

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Episode Highlights

• (0:00) Meet Matt Johnson – Savannah’s Parks Director
• (0:28) Why “everybody is talking about the pool”
• (1:00) Maintenance struggles: cracks, lawsuits, and costly repairs
• (2:20) A pool with history: built in 1964, renovated in 1994
• (4:00) When upkeep turns into emergency fixes
• (6:00) Engineering reports: repair vs. rebuild
• (7:00) Why the pool stayed open this summer—but won’t next
• (8:00) The community impact of losing the pool
• (10:00) Parks budget, tax limits, and tough choices
• (12:00) $300,000 bond debt explained
• (14:00) What it will take: fundraising, grants, and community willpower
• (15:30) Final thoughts: “This is what the community wants.”

📍 Recorded in Savannah, Missouri.

👉 Subscribe, share, like and comment to be part of the conversation that keeps our community connected.

💛 Sweet’s Storage

🏌️‍♂️ The Bunker Club

💼 Greater Than Financial

🍗 Gina’s Café

📊 Edward Jones — Jason J. Sarsany, Financial Advisor

🎓 North Central Missouri College

🌐 United Fiber

☕ Enjoying the show? Support us here or Venmo

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Email us at [email protected]

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Vulgamott breaks down the start of a new school year!

In this episode, Jodie sits down with Craig Vulgamott, the Assistant Principal at Savannah High School. Craig shares insights the kick-off to a brand new school year, Fall sports, and the positive effects of the new state-sanctioned cell phone policy. He also discusses the importance of supporting all school programs, the role of School Resource Officers (SROs) in ensuring student safety, and his personal experiences as a member of the Savannah community. Tune in for a comprehensive discussion on high school life, community involvement, and some fun anecdotes about Craig's personal interests and family!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:18 Funny Icebreaker Question

01:10 Discussing Fall Sports

02:13 Coach Hayes' Impact

02:43 Mental Toughness and Golf Team

03:14 Swim Team Success

04:18 Homecoming Expectations

05:18 Cell Phone Policy

09:18 Safety Measures and SRO Program

14:44 Personal Insights and Community Support

15:38 Fun and Quirky Questions

📍 Recorded in Savannah, Missouri.

👉 Subscribe, share, like and comment to be part of the conversation that keeps our community connected.

💛 Sweet’s Storage

🏌️‍♂️ The Bunker Club

💼 Greater Than Financial

🍗 Gina’s Café

📊 Edward Jones — Jason J. Sarsany, Financial Advisor

🎓 North Central Missouri College

🌐 United Fiber

☕ Enjoying the show? Support us here or Venmo

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Email us at [email protected]

Connect with us:

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