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Articles by Bailey Valadez
Strawberry Hill Farms' pumpkins
Although they bring in plants they want to live through the winter, the staff at Strawberry Hill Farms leaves certain ones out that can withstand the cold temperatures. Pumpkins are the most popular, as well as pansy's and chrysanthemum's, according to co-owner and operator Amy Sapp in 2018.
Making art with what's on hand: Columbia joins stay-at-home challenge
In March, Columbia businesses began to close and children started to stay home from school, commencing in earnest our time of blending days and lost routines. It meant, to stay entertained, people needed to be creative with what they had in their homes — something the "Tussen Kunst & Quarantaine" Instagram page encourages.
Near record-breaking lows to hit Columbia Friday night
Spring in Columbia usually sees a late-season frost around April 18, but this year it is happening about three weeks late. Columbia residents are preparing for a near record-breaking low of 35 degrees to hit Friday night. Although overnight low temperatures have gotten close in previous years, May 8 maintains a record low of 31 degrees set in 1906, according to Jon Carney, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in St. Louis.
Boonville Rotary Club hosts drive thru food drive Saturday
Boonville Rotary Club is holding a canned food drive from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. The food drive, being held to benefit the Boonville Neighbors Helping Neighbors and New Franklin Cares food pantries, will be a drive-thru event to continue to encourage social distancing and the safety of the public. The event, designed so people do not have to leave their cars, will take place at the W-K dealership at 1507 W. Ashley Road.
Retired Boone County public school employees launch virtual food drive
Members of the Boone County Unit-Missouri Retired Teachers Association and Public School Personnel are asking for help to raise $6,000 for The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri by May 11. The "$19-19" food drive is encouraging members of the two groups to donate $19 to provide support those in need of food during the pandemic. Donating $19 allows the food bank to purchase $399 worth of food to distribute, according to a release about the drive.
Two arrested after armed robbery on Rollins Road
Two suspects were arrested Friday morning in connection with an armed robbery in the 800 block of Rollins Road. Polly Diane Rymph Southwick, 17, and Devon Harmon, 17, were both arrested on suspicion of robbery in the first degree after police responded to a reported armed robbery at a residence around 12:50 a.m. Friday, according to a news release from the city. The investigation revealed that one person brandished a handgun, later using it to assault the victim, according to the release.
COVID-19 Relief Gift Fund raises $12,000 and counting for MU Health Care
The spread of COVID-19 swayed MU Health Care to open up its COVID-19 Relief Gift Fund, which raises donations to help provide health care professionals with essentials needed to save lives. MU Health Care opened the fund on Mizzou Give Direct, an MU-specific platform for donations, on March 20. The support they saw was overwhelming, Jesslyn Chew, a spokesperson for MU Health Care, said in an email.
United Way donates more than $83,000 to local nonprofits
Heart of Missouri United Way has donated $83,335 to six local nonprofits to provide the community with support during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a news release. The six nonprofits that received grant money were Almeta Crayton's Community Programs, Turning Point, Phoenix Programs , Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri, Voluntary Action Center and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Columbia.
Bicentennial Poster contest underway for all students
The Missouri Bicentennial Commission is calling for all students in Missouri grades 3-12 to participate in its Bicentennial Poster Contest. Deadline to enter the contest is Oct. 31. Students must do their best to capture the theme: Sharing Missouri's stories — past, present, and future. Each student is limited to one entry and must be sponsored by an eligible institution.
Columbia nail and hair salons adapt for COVID-19 concerns
March is one of the busiest months for local businesses in Columbia, making it one of the worst possible months economically for businesses to shut down due to COVID-19 concerns, said Paul Rubenstein, the owner of both Varsity Clips and Varsity Nails. Last year during the week before spring break, Rubenstein remembered not having enough room to fit in everyone who wanted appointments for haircuts or to get their nails done.
Farmers market attendees want to maintain routine despite COVID-19 fears
View Story Comments COLUMBIA – COVID-19 is causing anxiety and cancellations, and adapting your lifestyle at this time may seem necessary for safety... More >> 21 hours ago Friday, March 13 2020 Mar 13, 2020 Friday, March 13, 2020 7:59:00 PM CDT March 13, 2020 in News COLUMBIA - The Daniel Boone Regional Library is temporarily suspending programming, events, tax aide, meeting room use and outreach visits,...
Farmers market attendees want to maintain routine despite COVID-19 fears
Not even the president declaring a national emergency could scare Mary Furness away from her semi-regular trips to the Columbia Farmers Market. Furness has been frequenting the farmers market at the Columbia Agriculture Park for almost 30 years and said that concerns about COVID-19 would not stop her from attending. "I cannot live in fear. I've been a lot of places. I've seen a lot of things. I've traveled all over the world. I cannot and I will not live in constant fear," Furness said.
Battle assistant principal in line to lead Gentry Middle
Josh Johnson will be recommended to become the new principal at Gentry Middle School, according to a news release from the district. Johnson is an assistant principal at Battle High School. Before that, he worked at Oakland Junior High for 16 years and at Gentry as an administrative assistant. If approved by the Columbia School Board, Johnson will be principal for the 2020–21 school year, according to the release.
True/False screening shows 10th graders racial divides of Mardi Gras
The first Mardi Gras celebration was held in 1703 in Mobile, Alabama, 15 years before New Orleans was even established as a city. Although different in location, the Mardi Gras then, with its strong racial and class divides, didn’t look much different than the one Mobile knows today.
MU alumni give $2 million donation to NextGen Precision Health Institute
The potential for the NextGen Precision Health Institute "is no longer in the realm of science fiction," said Elizabeth Loboa, MU vice chancellor for strategic partnerships and dean of engineering. The institute, which is still under construction, received a $2 million donation from MU alumni Mike and Millie Brown on Friday during an event held by MU specifically for the announcement.
Veterans hospital says 'Go Red for Women'
Cardiovascular disease and stroke claim the lives of nearly 400,000 women each year, making it the No. 1 cause of death in American women, according to a study done by the American Heart Association. In honor of American Health Month, Truman Veterans’ Hospital held its first Go Red for Women event on Friday to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease.
Jamaica PM calls on MU students to recognize nuances of climate change
Jamaican prime minister Andrew Holness encouraged young people to develop consciousness about climate change at a lecture Wednesday at MU. “I am an optimist, so I think there is a great future for the world,” he said, “but that does not mean there are no challenges.” Holness is the distinguished lecturer for MU’s recognition of Black History Month. His speech, “Democracy, Youth Leadership, and the Future of Our World,” was the first of two presentations this week.
MU engineering and HES deans to step down in July
Two prominent MU deans — Sanford “Sandy” Rikoon and Elizabeth Loboa — will be departing the university in July. Rikoon, who has served as dean of the College of Human Environmental Sciences since August 2015, is departing for a new part-time position in North Carolina, according to a Thursday news release from provost Latha Ramchand. Loboa, who has been the dean of the College of Engineering since October 2015 and a vice chancellor since 2018, announced her departure in December 2019.
PHOTO GALLERY: Columbia settles for the night after a day full of snow
Since the storm began Thursday evening, the temperature has cooled down to around 34 degrees during the day on Friday in Columbia according to previous Missourian reporting. Snowfall accumulation is expected to be totaled between 4-7 inches according to KOMU/NBC. Both Columbia Public Schools and the MU campus were closed Friday. Boone County Joint Communications suggested residents avoid going out today if not necessary.
Homes for Computers deadline is Feb. 14
Residents hoping to receive computers through the annual Homes for Computers program have until Feb. 14 to apply. The program, a joint effort by the city of Columbia, Voluntary Action Center (VAC) and the Downtown Optimist Club since 2003, provides low-income families with surplus refurbished computers.
Adding gender pronouns now offered on Canvas profiles
Canvas is bringing in the year with a new feature for students — being able to add gender pronouns to a personal profile. MU's Division of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity tweeted confirmation of the Canvas feature to the MU student body when classes began on Tuesday. Hey @Mizzou! Canvas users now have the option to include pronouns with their name! Once enabled, personal pronouns will appear after your name in Discussions, People, Comments and other places.
Friday snow update: Slick roads, school and business closures
Laurel and her dog Cooper join Joe, Zach and the six columns on Francis Quadrangle as heavy snowflakes fall just after midnight Friday morning in Columbia. Originally on the hunt for a set of lost keys, Laurel and Cooper were covered with as much snow as the columns. The search transitioned into a makeshift game of football that involved headlamps, lots of sliding, and of course, snow.
A leisure look at Columbia's fashion
We sent our photographers to venture across the city and capture residents who live and breathe fashion. Some design entire clothing lines; others rip apart old clothes to make new ones. Whether color-coordinating accessories or pushing definitive boundaries further, we bring you a slice of Columbia's style from the sewing to the sporting. “Grandma.” That’s how Rock Bridge senior Emily Lee defines her style, marked by layers, unique vintage pieces and bright colors.
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