Darren Hellwege
Announcer/Producer"The Voice Of Columbia," Darren Hellwege has hosted NPR's “Morning Edition” for over 35 years on KBIA. He also hosts programs on Classical 90.5 FM including "The Opera Shop."
An avid Tiger sports fan, Darren serves as the P.A. announcer for Mizzou Wrestling and soccer. As former KBIA Sports Director, Darren reported on Tiger athletics for more than 10 years. His reports from the 2009 NCAA Women’s Final Four basketball tournament were heard nationwide on NPR, he appeared on ESPN’s “Outside the Lines,” and was a regular guest with Chris Gervino on KOMU-TV’s Sunday night sports program and on sports talk programs in Kansas City.
Darren has served as president of the Board of Directors for ACT Services of Columbia. Also, he’s been a member of the Columbia/Boone County Board of Health and the Boone County Mental Health Board of Trustees, the University of Missouri Campus Safety Committee, and he was a board member for the Central Missouri Humane Society and Rock Bridge Christian Church. Darren coached youth sports for several years with Boys/Girls Club of Columbia, Columbia Diamond Council and Columbia Youth Basketball Association. He’s also been active in community theatre, performing with Maplewood Barn Community Theatre, Theatre NXS, and MoHip. A Columbia Tribune review of a Maplewood production of "Oklahoma!" included the line "Darren Hellwege is no Fred Astaire."
Darren was born in Stillwater, Oklahoma and grew up in Edmond, Oklahoma where he attended the University of Central Oklahoma. Darren and his wife Bonnie have two grown children. Their son Kristian lives in Columbia and daughter Janie Lavelock lives in Kansas City with her husband Jake, and Darren’s three awesome grandchildren.
Prior to coming to KBIA, Darren worked for public radio station KCSC (now KUCO) in Edmond and at Oklahoma City radio stations WKY and WWLS. He’s also worked for KFRU and KFMZ in Columbia and KWRT in Boonville.
Darren is an avid genealogist, and enjoys playing guitar, listening to all kinds of music, and - of course - sports. He remains a loyal Rams fan, is a 4th generation St. Louis Cardinals supporter, and follows English soccer club Liverpool F.C.
Darren is on social media at @kbiamorning where he shares news stories, selfies, and dad jokes.
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In this season premiere of Cover Story with Stephanie Shonekan, Stephanie sits down with KBIA Morning Edition host Darren Hellwege to discuss "Living After Midnight" by Judas Priest. It's a rebellious track about running amok under the cover of night. The Donnas covered it in 2001. -
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Dr. Dong Xu of the University of Missouri Bond Life Sciences Center about his research in computational biology and informatics. They discuss the great advancements in data, the collaborative nature of his research at Mizzou, and the educational role his lab fulfills for many students. -
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Beth Pike of the State Historical Society of Missouri about several December events. Former County Prosecutor Joe Moseley will discuss a prominent case from Columbia's past. Then former Columbia City Manager Ray Beck will be joined by local journalist Jodie Jackson about their new book about Beck's many years in leadership in Columbia. Plus, the SHSMO will host an open house with music, cookies, and a visit from Santa! -
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Dan Hanneken, Executive Director of In2Action, which helps provide transition services to people with substance use disorders, particularly those who've recently been in jail. They discuss how funding from Boone County Community Trust has helped them bring a better life to many Mid-Missourians. -
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Karen Grindler, founder of Cedar Creek Therapeutic Riding Center, about their services for individuals with disabilities. Since their founding in 1988, Cedar Creek has provided therapy through riding and being around horses. Karen discusses the invaluable support the Boone County Community Trust provides them. -
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Jami Clevenger, Executive Officer of the Columbia Home Builders Association, about this year's Parade of Homes. -
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Mark Price of Columbia College about this year's Schiffman Ethics in Society Lecture. The guest this year is Jim Obergefell, the plaintiff in the landmark Supreme Court case in which a right for same-sex couples to marry was confirmed. He will be speaking at Launer Auditorium Thursday, Oct. 23rd. -
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Steve Shankman, who is organizing the 3rd annual Evolution Festival which is coming Sept. 27 and 28 in St. Louis Forest Park. In addition to dozens of great musical acts, the Fest is also a benefit for United Way and their assistance to those affected by this year's tornado in St. Louis. -
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with John Scalise, CEO of Job Point about the help they offer Mid-Missourians with the assistance of the Boone County Community Trust -
KBIA's Darren Hellwege visits with Martina Hoyt-Vail, CEO of Boys and Girls Club of Missouri about their mission and how they've been assisted over the year by the Boone County Community Trust
