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Articles by Brandon Lorenz
One person's body recovered after drowning at Lake of the Ozarks
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save The person's body that drowned Wednesday at the Lake of the Ozarks has been recovered from the water, according to a social media post from Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop F. The body of the boater was recovered and released to the funeral home around 11:28 a.m. Thursday, Troop F said on social media. kAm~? (65?6D52J[ EC@@A6CD C6DA@?565 E@ E96 f\>:=6 >2C<6C[ ?62C vC2G@:D pC>[ H96C6 E9C66 A6@A=6 925 72==6?
Gun threat from Boonville student was not credible, police say
A student at a Boonville school reportedly made a threat Wednesday to bring a firearm to school and shoot another student the following day, according to a Facebook post from the Boonville Police Department. The assigned school resource officer and school administrators worked quickly to investigate and assess the possible threat to ensure the safety of other students and staff, according to the Police Department.
Eugene man arrested after child sexual abuse material found during sex offender compliance check
Deputies with the Cole County Sheriff's Office arrested a man on Tuesday in relation to an ongoing investigation involving the possession of suspected child sexual abuse material, according to a news release from the Cole County Sheriff's Office.
Jefferson City 2022 bar shooting suspect will not face death penalty
A Kansas City man accused in the 2022 shooting deaths of two people at a Jefferson City bar, will no longer face the possibility of the death penalty, according to court documents. The Cole County prosecutor originally filed for Damien Davis, 39, to seek the death penalty in the case, according to previous KOMU 8 reporting. Davis had requested that his trial be moved to Platte County in 2024, but he later agreed with the state to be tried by a Cole County jury.
MoDOT picks roads for 75 mph speed limit, but none are in mid-Missouri
The Missouri Department of Transportation has selected the first stretches of roads that will see increased speed limits to 75 mph after a state law raising the maximum speed limit took effect in August. MoDOT said it conducted a comprehensive review of the rural highway system before selecting locations for speed limit increases on some interstate segments, according to a Wednesday news release. However, none of the locations are in mid-Missouri.
Less-lethal round ended weekend standoff after chase in Callaway County, court docs say
Court documents have revealed new information about a Saturday incident the Callaway County Sheriff's Office called an officer-involved shooting, including the type of projectiles deputies fired at a Fulton woman who was later arrested and charged. Sydney Akers, 29, was charged with six felonies and four misdemeanors after she allegedly led deputies on a chase and engaged in a standoff in which a gun and less-lethal weapon were fired, according to court documents.
One seriously hurt in Phelps County single-vehicle crash
Two people were injured following a single-car crash in Phelps County Wednesday morning. The crash happened on State Highway O, southeast of Santa Fe in Monroe County, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report. Around 9:40 a.m., a Chevrolet Silverado was traveling northbound on State Highway O when the vehicle veered off the right side of the road, according to the crash report.
Flock cameras help police track down Columbia man accused of nudity on MKT Trail
The Columbia man who was arrested in connection with multiple reports of nudity on the MKT trail was charged Wednesday afternoon, according to online court documents. Draquawn Jennings, 32, was arrested on Tuesday after an arrest warrant was issued, according to previous KOMU 8 reporting. Jennings is charged with four counts of sexual misconduct for four different events that allegedly took place on May 11, May 25 and June 1, according to online court records.
Female victim identified in Kingdom City hotel homicide
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email The Callaway County Sheriff's Office has identified the female victim in the homicide that took place at Baymont Inn & Suites. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save The Callaway County Sheriff's Office has identified the female victim in a homicide that took place at the Baymont Inn & Suites in Kingdom City.
Semitrailer crash blocks westbound I-70, east of Columbia
A crash involving a semitrailer has shut down both lanes of westbound traffic on I-70 at the 136-mile marker east of Columbia, according to an X post by MSHP Troop F. The Missouri State Highway Patrol said nobody was injured in the crash, according to the X post. Troopers are asking the public to avoid the area and find alternate routes, according to the X post. MSHP troopers are investigating the crash, according to the post.
Mother of 7 in Kingdom City hotel homicide identified
The Callaway County Sheriff's Office has identified a woman allegedly killed by her husband nearly 10 months ago at the Baymont Inn & Suites in Kingdom City. Aunika Houston, 37, was identified as the woman whose husband, Jonathan Houston, is charged with her murder. The couple's seven children were found at the Baymont Inn & Suites in Kingdom City after one of them called 911, according to a news release from the Callaway County Sheriff's Office.
Financial audit leaves Cooper County with a 'poor' rating
A financial audit done by Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick resulted in Cooper County receiving the lowest possible rating of "poor," according to a news release from the Missouri state auditor's office. The audit found the Cooper County Commission failed to perform adequate immediate or long-term planning for a capital improvement project, which resulted in the financial condition of the county's General Revenue Fund declining, according to the news release.
Audrain County roundabout crash leaves one dead, one seriously injured
A 51-year-old man from Sullivan has died following a crash in Audrain County Wednesday morning. The crash happened on US Route 54, 2 miles north of Laddonia in Audrain County, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report. Around 6:15 a.m., the man drove across the centerline of US 54, entering a roundabout the wrong way and causing a head-on collision with another vehicle, according to the crash report.
Charges filed for the Columbia man accused of nudity on MKT trail
The Columbia man who was arrested on Tuesday in connection with multiple reports of nudity on the MKT trail was charged Wednesday afternoon, according to online court documents. Draquawn Jennings, 32, was arrested on Tuesday following a warrant issued for his arrest, according to previous KOMU 8 reporting. Jennings is charged with four counts of sexual misconduct for four different events that allegedly took place on May 11, May 25 and June 1, according to online court records.
Columbia Fire Department responds to fire near Business Loop 70
The Columbia Fire Department responded to a structure fire around 2 p.m. Wednesday at a strip mall in the 600 block of Business Loop 70 West, according to a news release from the Fire Department. Firefighters entered the structure looking for potential occupants and aiming to contain the suspected fire to a single unit of the strip mall, according to the news release.
Female victim identified in Kingdom City hotel homicide Original
The Callaway County Sheriff's Office has identified the female victim in a homicide that took place at the Baymont Inn & Suites in Kingdom City. Aunika Houston, 37, is the mother of the seven children who were also previously located at the Baymont Inn & Suites, according to a news release from the Callaway County Sheriff's Office.
Columbia man accused of appearing naked on MKT Trail now faces 4 charges Original
The Columbia man who was arrested in connection with multiple reports of nudity on the MKT trail was charged Wednesday afternoon, according to online court documents. Draquawn Jennings, 32, was arrested on Tuesday after an arrest warrant was issued, according to previous KOMU 8 reporting. Jennings is charged with four counts of sexual misconduct for four different events that allegedly took place on May 11, May 25 and June 1, according to online court records.
Kehoe allows use of untaxed red-dyed diesel on state roads for farm purposes
Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an executive order Wednesday that declares a state of emergency, authorizing some haulers in commercial vehicles licensed for farm use and farmers to use untaxed dyed diesel, according to a news release from Kehoe's office. The exception applies for vehicles operating on state highways for agricultural purposes, according to the release.
Kehoe allows use of red-dyed diesel on state roads for farm purposes
Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an executive order Wednesday that declares a state of emergency, authorizing some haulers in commercial vehicles licensed for farm use and farmers to use dyed diesel, according to a news release from Kehoe's office. The exception applies for vehicles operating on state highways for agricultural purposes, according to the release.
Columbia considers fundraising for historic McKinney Building restoration
COLUMBIA — Columbia city leaders submitted a request for expressions of interest Monday morning to help them decide whether or not a private fundraising campaign would be in the best interest of restoring the historic downtown McKinney Building. The city posted this request to fundraising consultants to help it decide the best course of action for the restoration. Responses are due by 5 p.m. Oct. 16.
Group that aims to 'save Katy Station' to hold event to celebrate support
The group Save Katy Station will hold an event showcasing the building's past and future plans, while also celebrating passing 1,000 supporters, according to a news release from the Save Katy Station effort. According to the release, the group has rented out space in Shiloh Bar and Grill for the event on Oct. 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. The event will include a presentation and public feedback, according to the news release.
Man charged with killing former partner is now charged with child exploitation
A man charged with killing his former partner is now facing 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of invasion of privacy, according to court documents. Robert Anselmo, 56, was charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in 2025, according to court documents. On Sept. 22, 2025, Johnetta Yeager was found unresponsive outside her vehicle in Versailles after being shot in the head, according to court documents.
Man serving life for capital murder dies at Jefferson City Correctional Center
An 85-year-old man who was serving life in prison was pronounced dead on Tuesday afternoon at Jefferson City Correctional Center, according to a news release from the Missouri Department of Corrections. Gene Clark, 85, was serving a life sentence without parole for 50 years for capital murder, along with four counts of first-degree assault, the news release said. Clark has been incarcerated at the Jefferson City Correctional Center since 1981, according to the news release.
Heritage Festival and Craft Show is back at Nifong Park
The annual Heritage Festival and Craft Show will be held Sept. 19 and 20 at Nifong Park, according to a news release from Columbia Parks and Recreation. The festival will have festivities and shows from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days of the event, according to the release. According to Columbia Parks and Recreation, the event will showcase artisans and tradespeople who will demonstrate their "lost" trades while educating members of the community.
MU residence hall evacuated after power bank burns out
COLUMBIA — Students who live at the Mark Twain residence hall on the University of Missouri campus were evacuated early Friday morning around 12:30 a.m. after the fire alarm went off in the building. Residents of the sixth and seventh floors who were evacuated with the rest of the building said they saw smoke on their floors.
Work starts next week on two bridges in Cooper County
Crews working with the Missouri Department of Transportation will start work on Monday to restore two bridges along Missouri 87 in Cooper County, according to a news release from the department. The work on both bridges, one over Petite Saline Creek and the other over Clarks Fork Creek, is mainly due to erosion control measures, and most of the work will take place underneath the bridges, according to the news release from MoDOT.
Passenger charged after fatal August hit-and-run on St. Charles Road in Columbia
Additional charges were filed Tuesday in relation to the August hit-and-run on East St. Charles Road in Columbia that left one person dead. Sandra M. Sharp was charged with hindering prosecution, resisting an arrest and fourth-degree assault, according to court documents. Sharp was pulled over the day after the crash in the vehicle that was involved, according to court documents. Court documents allege she was attempting to move the vehicle on behalf of the driver involved in the crash.
Measles exposure reported on Amtrak train that runs through mid-Missouri
A case of measles was reported on Wednesday, and the exposure may have been on board a train heading to Chicago from Sedalia, according to a news release from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. According to the news release, a Missouri resident boarded a train bound for Chicago at the train station in Sedalia. Train 318 was en route on Aug. 27; however, the case was reported Sept. 9, Wednesday.
Former Moresource CEO sentenced in federal court for embezzlement case
Kathryn L. Cunningham, founder and former CEO of Moresource, Inc., was sentenced to prison Wednesday in federal court, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice. Cunningham, who is from Rocheport, was accused of using client funds for personal use and to sustain her company’s operations, according to previous KOMU 8 reporting. She pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one county of failure to collect or pay over taxes, according to the news release.
Education center for Columbia farmers and gardeners opens its doors
COLUMBIA — The Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture opened a new Welcome Center on Wednesday, welcoming farmers and patrons of the Columbia Farmers Market. The $6 million building was the final step to finishing the pavilion at Columbia's Agriculture Park, said Adam Saunders, co-founder of the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture. Included in the new center is an industrial-grade kitchen that Saunders said is the "heart and soul" of the building.
Columbia Public Schools are back in session for the 2026-27 school year
Columbia Public Schools students and staff returned to school Tuesday to start the 2026-27 school year. There are currently 18,430 students enrolled, according to a news release from the district. This is an increase of 60 students, and counting, from the 2025-26 school year, according to the release. Additionally, during the first day of school, the Columbia experienced a water main break that affected Grant Elementary School in central Columbia, according to the release.
Juvenile found shot on Redwood Road in Columbia, police say
Columbia police are looking for a suspect in connection to the shooting of a juvenile reported early Saturday morning, according to a news release from the Columbia Police Department. The police responded to a shots-fired call around 4 a.m. Saturday on Redwood Road in central Columbia, according to a news release. Officers found a male juvenile with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds, according to the release.
MoDOT reopens part of I-70 and U.S. 63 connector
The ramp connecting eastbound I-70 and southbound U.S. 63 was completed Friday afternoon and is now open, according to a press release from the Missouri Department of Transportation. According to the release, MoDOT said this marks a milestone in the reconfiguration of the I-70 and U.S. 63 interchange in Columbia. Additionally, MoDOT said the new ramp allows for direct access from eastbound I-70 to southbound U.S. 63.
Juvenile found shot on Redwood Road in Columbia, police say
Columbia police are looking for a suspect in connection to the shooting of a juvenile reported early Saturday morning, according to a news release from the Columbia Police Department. The Police Department responded to a shots-fired call around 4 a.m. Saturday on Redwood Road, which is in central Columbia, according to the news release. Officers found a male juvenile with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds, according to the release.
High school students recognized at life jacket drive for veterans, K-9s
COLUMBIA — The 6th annual "Operation Sgt. Rosie's life jackets for Vets and Pets" on Sunday honored veterans and K-9 companions, as well as four Battle High School students for their recent bravery during a fire. The event, which took place at Cooper's Landing, presented free life jackets to all veterans and dogs in attendance. Those at the event celebrated when the 350th veteran lifejacket and 40th K-9 life vest were given to Rusty and his dachshund, Penny.
Columbia pedestrian dies after hit-and-run on St. Charles Road
A Columbia pedestrian died after a hit-and-run on St. Charles Road, the Columbia Police Department announced Saturday. Mark Hunter Jr., 47, of Columbia, was pronounced dead after being taken to a local hospital, the department's news release says. Next of kin has been notified. Police originally said the incident, which happened around 9:09 p.m. Friday on East St. Charles Road near Remm Drive, left a person with life-threatening injuries.
Pedestrian dies after hit-and-run on St. Charles Road
A pedestrian died after a hit-and-run Friday on St. Charles Road, the Columbia Police Department announced Saturday. Mark Hunter Jr., 47, of Columbia was pronounced dead after being taken to a hospital, the department’s news release says. Next of kin has been notified. kAm!@=:46 @C:8:?2==J D2:5 E96 :?4:56?E[ H9:49 92AA6?65 2C@F?5 h A]>] uC:52J @? t2DE $E] r92C=6D #@25 ?62C #6>> sC:G6[ =67E 2 A6CD@? H:E9 =:76\E9C62E6?:?8 :?;FC:6D]k^Am kAmp r@=F>3:2 !@=:46 s6A2CE>6?E DA@<6DA6CD@?
Rebuilt St. Charles Road bridge in Columbia opens after monthslong closure
The St. Charles Road bridge over Interstate 70 is officially opened Friday after a four-month-long construction project. Local leaders and Missouri Department of Transportation officials celebrated the new St. Charles Road bridge over Interstate 70 with a ribbon-cutting on Monday.
Former Monroe County official sentenced for stealing from people with disabilities
A former public administrator from Monroe County was sentenced Wednesday to prison for charges related to financial crimes, according to a news release from the Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. Jessica A.
Former Monroe County official sentenced for stealing from people with disabilities
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Booking photo of Jessica Chase dated June 18, 2026 Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save A former public administrator from Monroe County was sentenced Wednesday to prison for charges related to financial crimes, according to a news release from the Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. Jessica A.
South Sinclair Road to undergo pavement maintenance beginning Monday
The city of Columbia Public Works Street Division crews will begin pavement work on South Sinclair Road beginning Monday. The maintenance will take place between Muirfield Drive and just south of John Warner Middle School, according to a city news release. Crews will place asphalt overlay on the road to improve its current condition, according to the release. Drivers can expect maintenance to last from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily until the work is completed, according to the release.
Former Monroe County official sentenced for stealing from people with disabilities
A former public administrator from Monroe County was sentenced Wednesday to prison for charges related to financial crimes, according to a news release from the Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. Jessica A. Chase, of Paris, Missouri, was sentenced 10 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections for financial exploitation of a disabled person, felony stealing and filing false documents, according to the news release. Chase served as the public administrator of Monroe County from Jan.
Columbia murder suspect documented abuse leading to woman's death, documents say
The man the Columbia police arrested on Wednesday afternoon has been charged with second-degree felony murder and first-degree domestic assault in connection to the death of 37-year-old Destiny Dunn, of Kansas City. According to a probable cause statement, 35-year-old Nicholas Anthony Ayres of Crane, Missouri, called 911 around 3:22 p.m. Wednesday after claiming that he and the Dunn had gotten into an altercation while in the shower.
Route W in Jefferson City reduced to one lane starting Friday
Callaway County Route W, also called Cedar City Drive, in north Jefferson City is set to narrow to one lane around the clock for the next two months starting Friday. The closure comes alongside construction on the new ramp from Airport Road to westbound U.S. 54, according to a news release from the Missouri Department of Transportation. Temporary traffic signals will be in place to safely direct traffic through the single open lane between Fourth Street and U.S. 54, according to the news release.
Montgomery County crash leaves 4-year-old with serious injuries
A 4-year-old boy was seriously injured in a Tuesday afternoon crash in Montgomery County, according to a crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The crash happened at the intersection of West Hudson Street and North Madison Street in Wellsville right after 4:30 p.m. According to the crash report, a Dodge Ram was attempting to make a right turn when a Dodge Dart crossed the center line, colliding with the driver's side of the Ram.
Audrain County WIC services location Vandalia to move
The Audrain County Health Department will move its Women, Infant and Children services site in Vandalia to a new location starting Aug. 13, according to a news release from the department. WIC currently operates out of the Lange Building on East Park Street. The new building will be located at 204 W. Washington St. in Vandalia, according to the news release.
Crash in Morgan County leaves car overturned in creek
A Sunday afternoon crash on Fox Trot Road in Morgan County left one person with moderate injuries, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report. The crash happened east of Highway DD around 2:00 p.m., after a Ford SUV veered off the right side of the road and hit a bridge abutment. This caused the vehicle to overturn into a creek, according to the crash report. The driver, a 43 year-old male, was transported to Bothwell Hospital in Sedalia, according to the crash report.
Hermann man seriously injured in Gasconade County moped crash
A 37-year-old man from Hermann was seriously injured in a moped crash Sunday afternoon. The crash happened on Missouri 100 west of Black Forest Drive, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report. Around 3 p.m., the Hermann man lost control of the Honda moped he was driving, causing the vehicle to overturn and eject the driver, according to the crash report. The Hermann man was transported to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, according to the crash report.
Columbia City Council to consider new downtown student housing development, increasing utility rates
The Columbia City Council is set to consider rezoning property to build a new 305-unit student housing development during Monday's regular meeting. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at the Daniel Boone City Building on East Broadway, instead of the regular 7 p.m. starting time. The new student housing complex, called "Theory Sterling," would be at the corner of University Ave. and College Ave.
Traffic accident in Morgan County leaves one injured
One person was seriously injured after an accident in Morgan County Monday, according to a crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. A vehicle rear-ended another vehicle at a stop sign at the intersection of State Route 52 and Wilkes Creek Road. Both vehicles were traveling westbound. The driver of the moving vehicle, a 22-year-old man from Camdenton, was transported to Lake Regional Hospital. To report an error or typo, email news@komu.com.
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