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Articles by Amilee Nuzzo
Vox Picks for June
Each month, Vox curates a list of can’t-miss shops, eats, reads and experiences. We find the new, trending or underrated to help you enjoy the best our city has to offer. Nosh... At one of these new or newly updated eateries around Fay Street. Grab a bite of Mexican-style barbecue at Irene’s BBQ, which started as a pop-up and opened its restaurant in April.
Building community through pottery
When you approach Squarepeg Art Studio, you are encouraged to just enter. The doorbell doesn’t work. And they don’t answer it anyway. Zoey, a half-great Pyrenees, half-German shepherd security dog, will greet you at the door. She will sniff you thoroughly while you look around the living room walls lined with finished pieces made by spouses and owners Peg Craig and Nancy Gause.
The nuts and bolts of Missouri manufacturing
Missouri's robust manufacturing industry is thriving in Columbia. Despite its huge impact on our economy and infrastructure, this sector can be relatively unseen compared to retail or other customer-facing businesses. In these five stories, learn what sustainability practices really look like, peek inside the plant that makes the world's leading stethoscopes, measure the impact of manufacturing in the state and get a lesson on supply chains from a local perspective.
Columbia ceramics artist spreads cheer with hidden, tiny houses
If you find yourself walking along Ninth Street or Broadway, you might be lucky enough to find a tiny house nestled between tree branches, squeezed next to bricks or on the register of your favorite bagel shop. No, those weren’t left by accident. Katie Barnes turns a 25-pound block of clay into 75 or more tiny houses and Christmas trees under the name Snow Pond Ceramics. “Snow Pond is where Max and I used to live in Concord, New Hampshire.
Distilling the history of Missouri's spirits
Throughout Missouri’s history, we have agreed on one thing: We love our alcohol. Since the mid-1800s, when Dutch immigrants brought their brewing knowledge to St. Louis, the state has found its industrial stride in alcohol. Limestone caves lended cool interiors for beer and spirit storage. The small brewery that eventually grew into the industry giant Anheuser-Busch was founded in 1852 by George Schneider, a German immigrant.
Two Columbia woodworkers carve out a life together as Estrapala Woodworking
Eleven years ago, Marika Estrada and Sara Pipala started dating after they met online. Five years ago, they became the Estrapalas. In the last two years, they became Estrapala Woodworking and the only two female members of the Midwest Woodworkers Association. The couple’s last name was originally a joke from a friend who addressed a Christmas card to “The Estrapalas.” Knowing they wanted children in the future, they figured adopting this last name would be easier than hyphenating Estrada-Pipala.
Jake Bailey's first tattoo shop brings "True Heart" to Columbia
When you open the door of True Heart Tattoo, owner Jake Bailey greets you from behind the desk. The shop is very open, with brown flooring, big windows and two pale green walls lined with flash sheets. The wall farthest from the door is an accent wall with a huge white heart on it. Bailey was introduced to his passion through his first tattoo, a family crest on his inner forearm.
Salt Creek Bridge reopens on Katy Trail
The Salt Creek Bridge on the Katy Trail officially reopened Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held by Missouri State Parks. The bridge was destroyed in 2019 as a result of severe flooding along the Missouri River. That section of the trail was closed and trail visitors have used a detour ever since. The bridge is located at the 181.4 mile marker of the Katy Trail, approximately 2.7 miles northwest of Rocheport. The rebuilt bridge has a concrete surface with the capacity to hold 20 tons.
Columbia College celebrates graduates, honors marine at commencement
An empathetic crowd gave a standing ovation Saturday for the family of a Marine killed during the U.S. evacuation of Afghanistan. Marine Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, was attending Columbia College full time last year until she was killed in August during the U.S. withdrawal from its longest-running war. On Saturday, she was awarded a degree posthumously at the first of the college’s two graduation ceremonies in Southwell Gym.
Author Nguyen discusses Vietnam War, narrative scarcity in Unbound Book Festival keynote
Pulitzer Prize winner Viet Thanh Nguyen grabbed the attention of the 1,200 audience members right away. "For those of you who haven't read 'The Sympathizer,' shame on you," he joked before reading an excerpt from the book. Nguyen's speech opened the seventh annual Unbound Book Festival on Friday evening at the Missouri Theatre. 'The Sympathizer,' Nguyen's debut novel, won the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
Q&A with Nick McKague, owner of Acola Coffee Company
Stationed at the corner of Tenth Street and Park Avenue, Acola Coffee Company offers a welcoming environment for college students, business people and everyone in between. On April 1, the business previously known as Three Story Coffee underwent a name and ownership change to become Acola Coffee Company owned by husband and wife Nick and Autum McKague. The couple hopes that each customer that comes into their shop feels comforted by the space and the baristas.
Springtime sips: The best drinks according to local baristas
Spring has sprung in Missouri, and whether the sun is shining or you’re caught in some April showers, drinks from local coffee shops are here to get you through the day. If you’re on the hunt for a new favorite drink this season or just want to try out something new, Vox has you covered. Here are six recommendations from local baristas to try this spring. Shop: Lakota Coffee Company Address: 24 S.
Lauren Garrison
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Zella Vinluan (Aroma) - Spring Drinks
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MU Health Care extends relaxation of visitor policy starting Monday
As COVID-19 cases continue to decline, MU Heath Care extends the relaxation of its visitor policy to pediatric patients and adult COVID patients at University Hospital, Missouri Orthopaedic Institute, Missouri Psychiatric Center and Women’s and Children's Hospital. Starting Monday, March 21, inpatient children will be allowed two visitors at a time. Those two people can change throughout the day.
Missouri sees highest gas prices since 2014
The average statewide gas price in Missouri was $3.49 Friday, March 4, a level not reached since July 2014 when fuel cost $3.40 a gallon. In the Northland, the price reached $3.69 per gallon, the highest in the state. This average is 20 cents higher per gallon than the previous week's average and a full dollar more than the average last year, according to AAA.
Missouri sees highest gas prices since 2014
The average statewide gas price in Missouri was $3.49 Friday, March 4, a level not reached since July 2014 when fuel cost $3.40 a gallon. In the Northland, the price reached $3.69 per gallon, the highest in the state. This average is 20 cents higher per gallon than the previous week's average and a full dollar more than the average last year, according to AAA.
Local and traveling artists perform at True/False Film Fest
Although cinema is at the center of the True/False Film Fest, varied forms of entertainment are what make the festival lively, including plentiful music and art. Some of those musicians — or buskers in True/False parlance — are Columbia locals and Midwesterners, while others travel from as far away as Baltimore, Austin and Winnipeg, Manitoba. More than 30 bands, solo artists and DJs play multiple concerts during the fest.
Gas prices soar nationally, reaching 2005 costs; Missouri sees highest prices since 2014 Original
The average statewide gas price in Missouri was $3.49 Friday. Gas prices in the state had not reached $3.40 since July 2014. This average is 20 cents higher than last week's average and a full dollar more than the average last year, according to AAA. Still, Missouri drivers are paying the fifth lowest gas price average in the country, largely due to low fuel taxes in the state.
Gas prices soar nationally, reaching 2005 levels; Missouri sees highest prices since 2014
The average statewide gas price in Missouri was $3.49 Friday, a level not reached since July 2014 when fuel cost $3.40 a gallon. This average is 20 cents higher per gallon than last week's average and a full dollar more than the average last year, according to AAA. Still, Missouri drivers are paying the fifth lowest gas price average in the country, largely due to low fuel taxes in the state.
Tips to accomplish spring cleaning
Empty the dishwasher of the dishes that have been sitting in there. Once you have an empty dishwasher, you can refill it with the dirty dishes from the counter. Unsplash As the flowers start to bloom, the desire for a fresh start and an organized space does too. In a time when many have adjusted to working and attending school from home, it’s important to optimize your spaces.
Jimi Hendrix Salute returns to Columbia
Local blues-rock group Mercury Trio will return to Rose Music Hall on Feb. 25 for the Jimi Hendrix Salute. The band was formed in 2008, and the current lineup of guitarist and vocalist Byron Neighbors, bassist Ben Drummond and drummer Ryan Hobart has been in place since 2016. Throughout the year, Mercury Trio performs several classic rock tributes to iconic bands including The Eagles, The Cars and Led Zeppelin.
A map shows the route of Rocheport's Annual Chocolate Crawl
A map shows the route of Rocheport's Annual Chocolate Crawl on Saturday at Katy Trail B&B in Rocheport. The event sold out of its 150 tickets prior to the day and hoped to bring in some early spring business. Amilee Nuzzo/Missourian Innovations in Education This Missourian special section explores the latest innovations in education around the state. Read the stories here or pick up a copy of the print edition at an MU Extension office.
A sweet Saturday: Chocolate Crawl highlights Rocheport business community
ROCHEPORT — Small red gift bags full of fudge, truffles and chocolate-covered marshmallows filled the hands of 150 Rocheport residents and visitors Saturday afternoon. Ticket-holders with a sweet tooth collected treats from storefronts participating in the Rocheport annual Chocolate Crawl. The event was the first of 11 “Second Saturday” events planned for 2022.
After her dog fell through ice, Columbia woman recalls rescue attempt
COLUMBIA — Following the biggest snowstorm since 2019, Ellie LaPosha found herself treading water in the lake behind her house, holding her labradoodle above the cracked ice as her goldendoodle ran around her, licking her face. Around 3 p.m. Thursday, LaPosha, her dog and her boyfriend fell through ice, prompting a water rescue by the Columbia Fire Department. All three were rescued with no injuries.
After her dog fell through ice, Columbia woman recalls rescue attempt
COLUMBIA — Following the biggest snowstorm since 2019, Ellie LaPosha found herself treading water in the lake behind her house, holding her labradoodle above the cracked ice as her goldendoodle ran around her, licking her face. Around 3 p.m. Thursday, LaPosha, her dog and her boyfriend fell through ice, prompting a water rescue by the Columbia Fire Department. All three were rescued with no injuries.
Wabash Bus Station to open overnight warming center Sunday night
The City of Columbia will open a temporary warming center at Wabash Bus Station on Sunday night due to temperatures below 15 degrees. The station will be open 7 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday at 126 N. Tenth St. to provide a place for people who cannot access other shelters. This warming center serves as a last resort for people experiencing homelessness. The overnight warming center was open Tuesday through Friday, according to previous Missourian reporting, but will not be open Saturday night.
Columbia Public Works plans for all roads to be passable Friday night Original
Columbia Public Works reported that 85% of residential areas were passable Friday morning after 9.9 inches of snowfall the two days prior. John Ogan, spokesperson for the Public Works Department, said all roads were expected to be in passable condition by Friday evening. Roads are considered passable when "at least one travel lane is accessible for a front wheel drive vehicle traveling at speeds well below the normal posted speed limits," according to a news release from the city.
What to do about your books while the Columbia Public Library is closed
The Columbia Public Library and its curbside pickup services have closed through Wednesday because of COVID-19-related staffing shortages. The library will reopen Thursday. Meanwhile, here are answers to questions the library is receiving about book holds and returns: What happens to my holds? Add six days to the pickup date on your notice. Holds will remain available for pickup when the library reopens. Are the book drops open in Columbia?
Ronald McDonald House to sell location to St. Raymond's Society, move in 2023
After nine years on Lansing Avenue, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid-Missouri is selling its location to the St. Raymond's Society. The transfer will be completed early next year. The Ronald McDonald House provides a place for families to stay while their children are receiving medical treatment. Terri Gray, Ronald McDonald executive director, said the organization has been looking for a new location since MU Women's and Children's Hospital announced its move.
Columbia Public Library to close for five days over staffing concerns
The Columbia Public Library and its curbside pickup services will be closed Saturday through Wednesday because of COVID-19-related staffing shortages. The Friends of the Library book sales, which usually occur Wednesdays and Saturdays, will begin again Saturday, Jan. 29th. Margaret Conroy, executive director of the library, said the library will reopen Thursday morning.
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