Gail Strope News Today

Jefferson City leaders announced Wednesday morning the hiring of a new public information coordinator.

Frank Rycyk stood near the front of the council chambers -- a rare sight. Rycyk is typically seated in the back row during council meetings, listening.

Jefferson City Mayor Ron Fitzwater on Tuesday announced Brian Crane has been hired as city administrator. He is currently city administrator for Moberly and previously the city administrator for Holts Summit.

Dozens of city employees gathered for a luncheon in their honor Friday, capping off Public Service Recognition Week in Jefferson City.

The mayor and two council members squabbled Tuesday night -- at times with a fair amount of acrimony -- over whether people living outside city limits should be able to serve on city boards and commissions.

Jefferson City hurried over the summer to raise wages for its employees. The point was to try to retain workers as similar-sized employers passed raises, too.

Helias Catholic High School will be celebrating Homecoming next week.

When the current police chief reported plans of retirement, a search for someone to fill his shoes ensued.

The Jefferson City Council approved two bills to help the city retain and attract employees, as well as a resolution supporting potential development of a nearly $20 million facility on the Missouri State Penitentiary grounds.

The search for a new Jefferson City police chief is progressing and will enter its second round of interviews next week, the city's public safety committee heard this week.