Articles by Sruthi Ramesh
Power restored at MU Veterinary Health Center
Power was restored after an outage Saturday night at the MU Veterinary Health Center in Columbia, according to a social media post from the center. Due to the outage, the veterinary health center was temporarily unable to take in any new patients as of at least 7:27 p.m. The outage disrupted the phone and internet service. The health center said the power was restored as of 8:40 p.m. on Saturday night.
Boone County Commission approves Boone Health sale, buyer set to be revealed
COLUMBIA — The Boone County Commission voted Thursday to approve the sale of Boone Health to an unnamed partner. Later in the day, Boone Health is set to announce the partner that is set to buy the organization. KOMU 8 News will livestream the announcement here. The commission held a first reading for the sale proposal on Tuesday, where it also heard from Boone Health's CEO and Board of Trustees vice chair.
Hopeful Boone Health buyer set to be revealed as county commission weighs sale
Video Player is loading. Current Time 0:03 Duration 1:11 Remaining Time -1:08 Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. TextColorTransparency BackgroundColorTransparency WindowColorTransparency Font Size Text Edge Style Font Family End of dialog window. The Boone County Commission is set to vote on whether Boone Health will be sold. The organization behind the sale has not yet been announced.
Multi-vehicle injury crash blocks traffic on U.S. 54 near Fulton
A crash involving multiple vehicles is blocking one lane of traffic on westbound U.S. 54 near Fulton Saturday night. According to a social media post from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop F, people were injured in the crash, which happened near County Road 328. Troopers were investigating the incident as of 6:16 p.m. Drivers are asked to slow down and be careful while traveling through the area where the crash happened, according to the post.
16-year-old airlifted after Camden County crash involving ATV and motorcycle
A 16-year-old boy was airlifted after a crash involving an ATV and a sport motorcycle in Camden County Saturday afternoon. The incident happened around 5:40 p.m. on West Branch Road and Kennedy Drive in Macks Creek, according to a report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The 16-year-old boy was driving the ATV when the front of the vehicle struck the passenger side tire of the sports motorcycle, which was bring driven by an 18-year-old man.
Columbia police say missing 9-month-old boy has been found
Columbia police have found the 9-month-old boy who went missing on Saturday. Zayden Scruggs went missing from the 700 block of Claudell Lane, according to a social media post from the Columbia Police Department. Columbia Police spokesperson Colin Imhoff told KOMU 8 at 8:14 p.m. that the child had been found.
Family displaced after duplex fire in Fulton on Saturday
A family in Fulton was displaced after a duplex fire Saturday morning. No one was injured in the incident, according to a news release from the Fulton Fire Department. The cause of the fire was deemed to be accidental. Firefighters said they responded to the reported structure fire in the 500 block of Commons Drive around 11:30 a.m. First responders saw fire and smoke coming out of the roof of one unit of a duplex, according to the release.
Jefferson City seeks proposals for new homelessness services
Jefferson City leaders are now accepting proposals from nonprofits to tackle homelessness with city funding. The city said it's making up to $41,211.30 available for proposed homelessness-related services through a competitive application process. That funding is coming from the city's Community Development Block Grant, according to a news release from the city.
Overturned semitruck carrying milk blocks Route 124 in Hallsville, no injuries in crash
HALLSVILLE — An overturned milk truck on Route 124 was blocking the roadway in Hallsville Tuesday night. KOMU 8 crews saw the Boone County Sheriff's Office responding to the incident, along with two tow trucks trying to lift the semitruck upright, around 8:35 p.m. The semitruck was seen laying on its side in the grass along Route 124 near the Casey's gas station. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.
One hospitalized after downtown Columbia shooting overnight Saturday, police say
Columbia Police said early Saturday morning that one person was injured after a shots fired incident in downtown Columbia overnight. Columbia Police Department spokesperson Colin Imhoff told KOMU 8 that a shots fired incident was reported around 2:30 a.m. on Saturday near Eighth Street and Walnut Street. Imhoff said that one person was injured in the incident and was taken to the hospital for their injuries. The extent of their injuries is not yet known.
Portion of Clark Lane to close for ADA sidewalk upgrades starting Tuesday
Some single lanes along Clark Lane in Columbia will close on Tuesday so crews can work on sidewalks, curb ramps and parts of pavement. These closures will allow crews to upgrade pedestrian facilities to make them compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, according to a news release from the Missouri Department of Transportation. The first set of closures will be along Clark Lane, with other closures set for Providence Road and Range Line Street beginning at a later date. On Nov.
'The Trader Joe's effect': Nordstrom Rack opens Columbia location
COLUMBIA — Just a day before the anniversary of Trader Joe's opening at the Shoppes at Stadium, Nordstrom Rack has opened its doors in the same shopping center. The new 25,000 square-foot store is in the former Macy's building, located at 201 N. Stadium Blvd. It occupies the second half of the building; Trader Joe's moved into the other half last year. Nordstrom Rack is the off-price retail division of Nordstrom Inc.
Community members asked to comment on Jefferson City landfill expansion
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is asking the public to comment on the planned expansion of the Jefferson City landfill. A public hearing over the expansion's drafted construction permit will be held Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the East Elm Conference Center in Jefferson City, according to a news release from DNR. The proposal will horizontally expand the existing landfill, which is operated by Republic Services and located on Moreau River Access Road.
Johnson County firefighter dies after battling brain cancer
A Johnson County Fire Protection District lieutenant died Saturday morning after a four-year battle with brain cancer. Ben Burd, 32, served as a firefighter for 12 years, according to a news release from the Fire District. In 2014, he began his career as a firefighter in Knob Noster and was later promoted to lieutenant in 2022, according to the release. Last year, he transferred to the Fire District's training and safety division.
Endangered silver advisory cancelled for man reported missing in Osage Beach
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Endangered silver advisory issued for missing man in Osage Beach
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Endangered silver advisory issued for missing man in Osage Beach
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Vicente A. Balgos Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save The Osage Beach Police Department issued an endangered silver advisory for a missing 78-year-old man on Saturday. Vicente A. Balgos, was last seen 2 p.m. on Saturday, at the Walmart located at 4252 US-54 Osage Beach, MO 65065, according to a news release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. kAm!@=:46 D2:5 96 H2=<65 2H2J 7C@> 9:D G69:4=6 :? 2? F?<?@H? 5:C64E:@?
Endangered silver advisory issued for missing man in Osage Beach Original
The Osage Beach Police Department issued an endangered silver advisory for a missing 78-year-old man on Saturday. Vicente A. Balgos, was last seen 2 p.m. on Saturday, at the Walmart located at 4252 US-54 Osage Beach, MO 65065, according to a news release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Police said he walked away from his vehicle in an unknown direction of travel. Balgos reportedly suffers from severe memory issues and has a history of stroke.
Fulton awarded $5.8 million for wastewater system upgrades
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources awarded the city of Fulton $5.8 million to fund upgrades to its wastewater treatment system. The project will aim to increase the Fulton wastewater facility's treatment capability and improve nutrient removal. Crews will work to extend the system's life and efficiency, according to a news release from the Department of Natural Resources.
Man wanted by U.S. Marshals arrested after manhunt in Montgomery County
Montgomery County Sheriff's deputies arrested a 52-year-old Kansas City man after an hours-long manhunt on Thursday, according to a social media post from the Sheriff's Office. Deputies said the had a no-bond warrant from the U.S. Marshals Service for a federal probation violation related to a weapons charge, according to a probable cause statement. Court documents identify the suspect as John W. Atterberry, though online records list his address in St. Louis.
Centralia firefighter seriously injured in 14-foot fall, rehospitalized Wednesday
A longtime Centralia firefighter that suffered serious injuries from a 14-foot fall in September was taken back to the hospital this week. Bret Kelly was standing on scaffolding and removing old ceiling joists while restoring a historic church, when he fell. Kelly sustained injuries including brain bleeds, facial fractures, rib fractures, a spine fracture, broken wrists and a kidney laceration, according to a GoFundMe for Kelly and his family. He was hospitalized in Columbia on Sept.
Mexico firefighters respond to overnight construction debris fire
The Mexico Public Safety Department responded to an early-morning fire involving construction debris on Friday, according to a news release from the department. At around 12:44 a.m., firefighters responded to a reported fire in the 4300 block of East Liberty Street, near a construction company. First responders extinguished a large pile of construction debris burning, according to the news release.
Missouri Task Force 1 on standby ahead of Hurricane Isaias
Missouri Task Force 1 has been placed on alert ahead of Hurricane Isaias, which is just hours away from landfall on the Gulf Coast as of Friday afternoon. The Boone County Fire Protection District said in a Friday news release that the task force has been placed on alert as a Type III urban search and rescue task force with water rescue capabilities. This means team members and equipment are on standby in case federal assistance is requested.
Man wanted by U.S. Marshals arrested after manhunt in Montgomery County
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email A Kansas City man was arrested on an outstanding warrant after he was caught trespassing while dressed in camouflage. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save Montgomery County Sheriff's deputies arrested a 52-year-old Kansas City man after an hours-long manhunt on Thursday, according to a social media post from the Sheriff's Office.
Man wanted by U.S. Marshals arrested after manhunt in Montgomery County
Montgomery County Sheriff's deputies arrested a 52-year-old Kansas City man after an hours-long manhunt on Thursday. The man had a no-bond warrant from the U.S. Marshals Service for a weapons-related charge at the time of the arrest, according to a social media post from the Sheriff's Office. Deputies said the suspect was arrested on additional charges including multiple counts of first-degree trespassing and resisting arrest.
Camden County Sheriff's Office releases bodycam footage from investigation into toddler's drowning
The Camden County Sheriff's Office released new body camera footage from the day they investigated the 2025 drowning of a 2-year-old girl. The footage was released on Wednesday amid a new lawsuit from the child's parents that accuses deputies of mismanaging the investigation during the search for their daughter. Iszabelle Obryan was found dead in Bollinger Creek Cove at the Lake of the Ozarks on March 4, 2025.
Camden County Sheriff's Office releases bodycam footage from investigation into toddler's drowning
The Camden County Sheriff's Office released new body camera footage from the day they investigated the 2025 drowning of a 2-year-old girl. The footage was released on Wednesday amid a new lawsuit from the child's parents that accuses deputies of mismanaging the investigation during the search for their daughter. Iszabelle Obryan was found dead in Bollinger Creek Cove at the Lake of the Ozarks on March 4, 2025.
Camden County Sheriff's Office releases bodycam footage from investigation into toddler's drowning
The Camden County Sheriff's Office released new body camera footage from the day they investigated the 2025 drowning of a 2-year-old girl. The footage was released on Wednesday amid a new lawsuit from the child's parents that accuses deputies of mismanaging the investigation during the search for their daughter. Iszabelle Obryan was found dead in Bollinger Creek Cove at the Lake of the Ozarks on March 4, 2025.
Moberly begins demolition of decommissioned grain towers
Crews have begun physically demolishing the grain towers at the eastern edge of downtown Moberly. The city posted photos and a video of the demolition progress to social media on Wednesday. A high-reach arm was seen taking down parts of the cylinder structures. The city said on social media that the site prep portion of the demolition has finished and that the demolition equipment was assembled this week.
Camden County Sheriff's Office releases bodycam footage from investigation into toddler's drowning
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Camden County Sheriff's Office releases bodycam footage from investigation into toddler's drowning A new 47-minute video from the Camden County Sheriff's Office shows deputies talking to the parents and siblings of a 2-year-old that drowned in 2025. 0:39 Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save The Camden County Sheriff's Office released new body camera footage from the day they investigated the 2025 drowning of a 2-year-old girl.
Animal abuse trial pushed back in case of Boone County dog breeder, new date to be set
COLUMBIA — The jury trial set to begin this month for the Boone County dog breeder accused of animal abuse has been canceled for now. The trial will be rescheduled at a later date, according to a Boone County judge. During a pre-trial hearing on Monday, the lawyers for Melissa Sanders, 26, requested the trial be postponed, saying the defense needed more time to prepare before the five-day trial set to begin in just two weeks on Oct. 19.
Bicycle rider rescued from underneath overturned vehicle after Columbia crash
A bicycle rider was trapped under an overturned vehicle during a Saturday night crash on Business Loop, according to new information released by Columbia Firefighters on Monday. Firefighters were dispatched to the vehicle collision around 7:26 p.m. on East Business Loop 70 near Bowling Street, according to a press release from the Columbia Fire Department. Within 25 minutes of arriving at the scene, firefighters said they were able to stabilize the car, lift it and safely extricate the victim.
Smoke explosion occurs during response to Columbia mobile home fire
Columbia firefighters said a smoke explosion occurred while they were responding to a mobile home fire Sunday night on Vandiver Drive. Firefighters responded to the structure fire at the 1500 block of Vandiver Drive around 8:33 p.m., according to a Monday news release from the Columbia Fire Department. First responders said they found heavy smoke and flames coming from the mobile home, prompting an interior fire attack.
Public asked to avoid area of structure fire on Vandiver Drive in Columbia
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save COLUMBIA — Columbia firefighters and police are responding to a structure fire on Vandiver Drive and Parker Street on Sunday night, according to a social media post from the Columbia Police Department. KOMU 8 crews at the scene saw around eight Columbia Fire Department firetrucks at the incident.
Public asked to avoid area of structure fire on Vandiver Drive in Columbia
COLUMBIA — Columbia firefighters and police are responding to a structure fire on Vandiver Drive and Parker Street on Sunday night, according to a social media post from the Columbia Police Department. KOMU 8 crews at the scene saw around eight Columbia Fire Department firetrucks at the incident. The fire occurred around 8:40 p.m. Both sides of the street are blocked as first responders work the scene. Police asked people to stay away from the area of the fire and use alternate routes.
Eldon woman killed in motorcycle crash on U.S. 63 in Jefferson City
An Eldon woman was killed in a motorcycle crash Saturday on U.S. 63 in Callaway County. The incident happened around 1:45 p.m. on northbound U.S. 63 near a sod business located at 12202 U.S. 63, according to a crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The 31-year-old woman was driving a Kawasaki motorcycle when it traveled off the left side of the road and struck the cable barrier, ejecting her from the bike.
Person transported to hospital after vehicle overturns in crash on Business Loop 70
COLUMBIA — A person was transported to the hospital after a crash on Business Loop 70 East near Bowling Street on Saturday night, according to the Columbia Police Department. KOMU 8 crews at the scene saw a car flipped over on Business Loop 70 near the Paris Road bridge that goes over the street. First responders were seen extricating a person from the vehicle.
Downed power lines cause fire in Boonville home
Two Boonville residents were displaced after an electrical fire caused by downed power lines. Firefighters responded to the reported structure fire in the 1200 block of Rainbow Road on Thursday around 8:27 p.m., according to a Facebook post from the Boonville Fire Department. First responders at the scene encountered heavy smoke coming from the home and found downed power lines that had been hit by a large tree branch.
Owensville home severely damaged in Thursday fire, no injuries reported
A home in Gasconade County was severely damaged after a Thursday afternoon fire. Owensville firefighters were dispatched to the 100 block of West Marvin Avenue around 1:53 p.m. for the reported structure fire, according to a Facebook post from the Owensville Fire Protection District. First responders said they found heavy fire coming from the front of the single-story home.
Jefferson City man arrested for DWI after crashing car onto golf course
A 28-year-old Jefferson City man was arrested for DWI on Wednesday afternoon after crashing his car onto a golf course. The incident happened around 4:38 p.m. at the Jefferson City Country Club, near the intersection of South Country Club Drive and Country Ridge Drive, according to a news release from the Jefferson City Police Department.
Former Columbia school employee pleads not guilty to 21 child sex crime charges
A former Columbia Public Schools employee pleaded not guilty to 21 child sex crimes in a Boone County court on Monday. Zachary Hutchinson, 38, was arrested on nine child sex crime charges on Jan. 21, and later placed on home detention on Feb. 4. On April 2, Hutchinson was arrested and taken back to the Boone County Jail on 23 more child sex crime charges, according to previous KOMU 8 reporting.
Crews restoring power after Camden County storms, more than 660 still impacted
At least 668 people in Camden County are without power Wednesday, as of 10:10 p.m. As of 6:37 p.m., 2,231 Ameren customers in the county were without power, according to the online outage map on poweroutage.us. Ameren's outage map reports that many of those outages started between 5-6 p.m. At the same time, Co-Mo Electric Cooperative reported 335 outages in Camden County.
MU Health Care offers flu and COVID-19 vaccination events across mid-Missouri
MU Health Care is offering dozens of flu and COVID-19 vaccination events across mid-Missouri in September and October. The health system is offering drive-thru vaccinations, walk-in appointments and extended hours at its locations in Columbia, Jefferson City, Fulton, Ashland, Boonville, Mexico and Fayette. Influenza vaccinations are available for those 6 months and older, and COVID-19 vaccinations are available for those 12 and older. High dose vaccines will available for those 65 and older.
Texas man accused of exchanging sexually explicit messages with child across state lines
A 33-year-old Austin, Texas man was arrested after allegedly exchanging sexually explicit messages and content across state lines — with a child in Columbia. Michael R. Moya faces charges of enticement of a child, age misrepresentation with intent to solicit a minor for sexual misconduct, sexual misconduct involving a child under 15 and furnishing pornographic material to a minor, all in Boone County.
15-year-old boy detained in Columbia shooting, court official says
The suspect detained Tuesday in a Columbia shooting is a 15-year-old boy, according to a Boone County court official. A juvenile victim was in critical condition Tuesday evening after a shooting in the 5700 block of Canaveral Road. Columbia Police said they found the victim suffering a gunshot wound around 5:16 p.m. on Tuesday and that the suspect was taken into custody nearby. On Wednesday, 13th District Judicial Circuit Court Administrator W.
15-year-old boy detained in Columbia shooting, court official says
The suspect detained Tuesday in a Columbia shooting is a 15-year-old boy, according to a Boone County court official. A juvenile victim was in critical condition Tuesday evening after a shooting in the 5700 block of Canaveral Road. Columbia Police said they found the victim suffering a gunshot wound around 5:16 p.m. on Tuesday and that the suspect was taken into custody nearby. On Wednesday, 13th District Judicial Circuit Court Administrator W.
15-year-old boy detained in Columbia shooting, court official says
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save The suspect detained Tuesday in a Columbia shooting is a 15-year-old boy, according to a Boone County court official. A juvenile victim was in critical condition Tuesday evening after a shooting in the 5700 block of Canaveral Road. Columbia Police said they found the victim suffering a gunshot wound around 5:16 p.m. on Tuesday and that the suspect was taken into custody nearby. kAm~?
DESE thanks Dolly Parton for Imagination Library program, months after state cuts its funding
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released a statement on Wednesday following the death of country music icon and philanthropist Dolly Parton. Parton's Imagination Library program, which provides free books to children under 5, is managed by DESE in Missouri. Each month, the Imagination Library program mails a high-quality, age-appropriate book to all registered children and families at no extra cost.
Columbia Public Schools expands hands-on opportunities for high school students
COLUMBIA — As Columbia Public Schools high schoolers go back to school this week, the district is expanding opportunities to fit the needs and goals of all students. This will be the first full school year that the Columbia Area Career Center's newly renovated and expanded parts will be open to students. The expansion was completed last November, adding more than 26,000 square feet of space and giving students across Boone County access to new labs and hands-on learning opportunities.
Moberly police investigating shooting Sunday night on Morehead Street
The Moberly Police Department said Sunday night it's investigating a shooting in the 500 block of Morehead Street. According to a Facebook post from the police department, the scene of the shooting has been secured as of at least 8:03 p.m. Police said this is an isolated incident and that there's no danger to the community. The cause of the shooting has not been confirmed and police have not said if anyone was hit by gunfire in the incident. This investigation is ongoing. This is a developing story.
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