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Articles by Gabrielle Cone
Boone County health department educates on the opioid epidemic
COLUMBIA - The Columbia/Boone County Department Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) will join the city's Substance Abuse Advisory Commission's meeting Wednesday at noon. The department will deliver a presentation on both tobacco enforcement and opioids, according to the agenda. PHHS health educator Heather Harlan explained the COVID-19 pandemic has overshadowed the opioid epidemic currently happening in the United States. She said the goal of this presentation is to keep the commission updated.
State budget due Friday; legislative session ends next week
MISSOURI - The legislative session in Missouri comes to an end next week, Friday, May 13. In this session, the House and Senate have seen legislation on topics ranging from congressional map redistricting, marijuana legalization, funding for Missouri ports and voter ID changes. The state operational budget also has a Friday, May 6 deadline.
Saturday 'comfort clinic' aims to ease vaccine anxiety
COLUMBIA - This Saturday, a COVID-19 vaccination clinic will be held to ease vaccine anxiety for people who have needle phobia, or needle fear. Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) will host a "comfort clinic" from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 30.
United Through Reading to distribute ‘Be Drill Ready’ reading kits to National Guard families
JEFFERSON CITY - United Through Reading, in partnership with the Veterans United Foundation, will distribute 200 reading kits Friday in Jefferson City. The book distribution event will be held at the Missouri National Guard's Ike Skelton Training Facility from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. UTR is an organization which works to connect military families and service members to the children in their life, even from abroad. The organization's mission is to create more "reading ready" military families.
No military ballots received as Columbia City Council Third Ward candidates await results
COLUMBIA - Although Election Day was Tuesday, the Boone County clerk was previously waiting on some ballots to finish coming in. Boone County Clerk Brianna Lennon said they were still waiting on military ballots, which were due Friday at noon. But as the noon deadline came, Lennon confirmed to KOMU 8 that they did not receive any military or oversea ballots. These last ballots could've been the tiebreaker for the election for the Third Ward Columbia City Council seat.
Military ballots due at noon as Columbia City Council Third Ward candidates await results
COLUMBIA - Although Election Day was Tuesday, the Boone County clerk is still waiting on some ballots to finish coming in. Boone County Clerk Brianna Lennon said they are still waiting on military ballots, which are due Friday at noon. These last ballots could be the tiebreaker for the election for the Third Ward Columbia City Council seat. Roy Lovelady and incumbent Karl Skala both accumulated 1,102 votes in the election on Tuesday.
Catholic Charities food pantry serving Cole County residents opens Friday
JEFFERSON CITY - Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri (CCCNMO) will host the grand opening of its new food pantry Friday, starting at 10 a.m. Located at 1015 Edmonds Street in Jefferson City, the Catholic Charities Food Pantry grand opening will have a community resource fair, giveaways and family oriented activities.
Road closures expected as True/False returns to downtown Columbia
COLUMBIA - True/False Film Fest weekend has officially kicked off. The film fest draws viewers from all over the country to watch featured films at locations across downtown Columbia. This year's fest will screen 33 feature-length films and 20 short films. Venues include the Missouri Theater, MU's Rhynsburger Theater, the Showtime Theater at The Blue Note, Ragtag Cinema and The Picturehouse. The fest began Thursday night with the opening Jubilee located outside the Missouri Theatre.
Columbia TechStar Startup weekend is back after 2-year hiatus
COLUMBIA - After a 2-year hiatus, TechStar Startup weekend in Columbia is officially back. Beginning Friday, the three-day weekend event connects community entrepreneurs to mentors and investors. The weekend event is free and open to the public on Friday and Sunday, though the event is The public schedule identifies when spectators can come watch. Scale, an accelerator fund and venture studio in Columbia, is one sponsor of the event.
Hallsville School District reassesses 4-day school week option for 2022-2023
HALLSVILLE − Up for debate again, the Hallsville School District is reassessing the option of a 4-day school week for the 2022-2023 school year. According to school district meeting minutes, Hallsville's School Board will vote on the issue at their monthly meeting on Wednesday night. The issue is slated under "unfinished business" on the agenda. In February 2020, the school board voted against the 4-day school week for the 2020-2021 school year, at a vote of 4 to 3.
Missouri Medicaid expansion up for debate again
MISSOURI - In a journey that still has yet to end, Medicaid expansion in Missouri is back up for debate. On Feb. 7, House Budget Committee Chairperson Cody Smith (R-Carthage) introduced House Joint Resolution 117, a resolution to amend funding for expansion. This resolution would amend the state’s constitution to allow the Missouri General Assembly to determine funding for the Medicaid expansion program at the beginning of each year.
Winter weather check-in: how public works departments prepared for the winter storm
Missouri State Highway Patrol, MoDOT and public works departments have all worked to keep roads cleared after the winter storm. MID-MISSOURI - As the winter storm and cold weather have kept many Missouri residents in their homes the past two days, public works road crews have been out keeping the roads safe. Roads throughout mid-Missouri are maintained by different entities varying from the city, county and state.
Missouri Bicentennial Quilt set to leave Columbia on Friday
COLUMBIA - While 2021 marked Missouri's bicentennial, a celebration of 200 years of statehood, the celebration has continued into 2022. Around 300 events were put on across the state by the State Historical Society of Missouri (SHSMO) to celebrate the occasion. One project which has continued into 2022 was the Bicentennial Quilt, specifically its Final Tour. The quilt has been in Columbia for 6 weeks and moves to St. Louis on Feb. 1. Friday, Jan. 27 is the last time to see it in Columbia.
Gasconade County schools close Friday due to alleged threats
OWENSVILLE − Multiple school districts across mid-Missouri took precautions Friday after TikTok videos of people warning of anonymous bomb threats that targeted schools went viral. TikTok said Friday it has not found any videos directly promoting bomb threats in schools but did find videos discussing the rumor and warning others to stay safe. Districts in mid-Missouri heightened security measures for the day, but one district decided to close school entirely.
Bipartisan infrastructure bill could increase trade school enrollment
MISSOURI − On Wednesday, President Joe Biden visited Kansas City to promote the "Building a Better America" bipartisan infrastructure law. The $1 trillion law is focused on industries such as transportation, broadband internet and other infrastructure production. The president said Wednesday the new infrastructure law will create 95% of jobs that don't require college education, which could help increase enrollment numbers at Missouri's trade schools.
Living Windows returns in-person to downtown Columbia with new traditions
COLUMBIA − The District will hold its annual Living Windows Festival, Friday night from 6 to 8 p.m. After the pandemic caused last year's event to move online, this festival is back in-person this year. Executive Director of The District, Nickie Davis, said the event is probably one of the biggest of the year for The District, and it's one of the community's most "beloved" events. Last year, the event was pre-recorded, with a livestream available from any business who wished to be involved.
Almeta Crayton's Everybody Eats legacy continues this Thanksgiving
COLUMBIA - With Thanksgiving less than a week away, the Columbia community has been working hard to make sure all community members are fed. Powerhouse Community Development Corporation (PCDC), a nonprofit, has been working all November to put on their Thanksgiving food drive, food box distribution and Thanksgiving Day hot meal. PCDC serves six total communities in mid-Missouri, with locations in Columbia, Marshall, Sedalia, Fulton, Moberly and Versailles.
City of Columbia honors late mayor Darwin Hindman
COLUMBIA - The city of Columbia unveiled new informational panels Friday, at the intersection of the statewide Katy Trail and the MKT Trail. This intersection is known to Columbia residents and frequent trail users as Hindman Junction, in honor of late Columbia mayor, Darwin Hindman. Hindman served as Columbia's mayor from his election in 1995, to the end of his last term in April 2010. Hindman's position as mayor for 16 years means he served twice as long as any of his predecessors.
Catholic Charities looks to mid-Missouri community to help welcome Afghan refugees
COLUMBIA − After President Joe Biden announced the withdrawal of the US military in Afghanistan, many who have always called Afghanistan home were left in what the Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri (CCCNMO) calls a "life or death" situation. Samantha Moog, director of refugee resettlement for CCCNMO, said after the withdrawal, the United States airlifted 100,000 people out of Afghanistan through Operation Allies.
Memorial scheduled for MU staff member, homicide victim
COLUMBIA - A memorial service for University of Missouri staff member James Hundle is scheduled for Friday at 3 p.m. James Hundle Photo courtesy of MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources The memorial will be held at the Trowbridge Livestock Center. Hundle was found dead with a gunshot wound at his home on Wednesday, Oct. 13. Columbia Police officers were sent to the home to perform a well-being check request. On Friday, CPD said there were no updates to the case.
Columbia Police, health department work to combat overdoses involving fentanyl
COLUMBIA - Columbia has seen 22 suspected overdose deaths from Jan. 1, 2021 to the end of September. According to the Assistant Director of the Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services, seven of these deaths came in August and four in September. "So that's 11 of the total that we've seen, come in the last [two] months," Scott Clardy said.
Columbia Police, health department work to combat overdoses involving fentanyl
Columbia has seen 22 suspected overdose deaths from Jan. 1 to the end of September. According to the Assistant Director of the Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services, seven of these deaths came in August and four in September. "So that's 11 of the total that we've seen, come in the last [two] months," Scott Clardy said. "The sudden increase in overdose deaths is what's causing the concern, and the reason we're looking into this and wanting to do something," Clardy said.
State begins processing Medicaid applications
JEFFERSON CITY — Several thousand Missourians who previously were not eligible for Medicaid are expected to seek the health care coverage, now that voter-approved expansion of the program has taken effect. Friday marked the day the health care program began processing applications. Voters approved Medicaid expansion in August 2020.
Local health officials wait on federal guidance regarding vaccine boosters
MID-MISSOURI − Vaccine advisers to the US Food and Drug Administration met Friday to discuss COVID-19 booster shots for adults 16 and over. The advisers rejected to approve the use of a Pfizer booster shot for those 16 and older, six months after they are fully vaccinated. In another vote, the advisers unanimously supported authorization of a Pfizer booster shot for people 65 and older and at high risk of severe COVID, six months after they are fully vaccinated.
Missouri Chamber of Commerce says federal vaccine mandate is a "mandate against employers"
COLUMBIA - Following President Joe Biden's announcement of federal vaccine and testing requirements, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce believes it is the wrong approach for business. This mandate will affect nearly 100 million people, with as many as 80 million workers in private sector businesses, according to the White House; and over 3,700 Missouri businesses, according to the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
COVID-19 vaccination clinics make way for the flu shot
COLUMBIA - Regular COVID-19 vaccination clinics in the Columbia community will see their frequency go down as school-based flu shot clinics will begin to pick up. Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) announced on Thursday that the frequency of regular COVID vaccination clinics will decrease as it puts attention toward back to school influenza vaccines clinics. Assistant Director for PHHS Scott Clardy explained that these flu clinics are something that occur every year.
Columbia small businesses greet new students
COLUMBIA - This week, students from local colleges, including Columbia College, Stephens College and the University of Missouri, all headed back to Columbia. With an influx in population, businesses are expected to be busy heading into the first school year weekend. Shortwave Coffee opened a new location on Ninth Street, which was formerly Kaldi's Coffee. Lily White, vice president of external affairs for the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, said students bring more than just money to the economy.
Missouri lawmakers OK budget without voter-approved Medicaid expansion
COLUMBIA - The Missouri legislative session ends this Friday, May 14. With just four days until the end of the session, Governor Mike Parson must decide what he is going to do with the state's fiscal year 2022 budget. Missouri lawmakers approved the budget last week. The near $35 billion budget includes increased funding for economic development, higher and secondary education, and health and senior services.
Columbia tourism industry 'celebrates' as families of MU graduates arrive in Columbia
COLUMBIA - This weekend is the first of two graduation weekends for 2021 University of Missouri graduates. Not only is graduation weekend a cause to celebrate for families, but with an influx of visitors the tourism industry may be celebrating too. Megan McConachie, strategic communications manager at Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau, says the travel and tourism industry has more impact on the city than one may think.
Columbia City Council to hear proposal for community-oriented policing program
COLUMBIA - The Columbia City Council is set to hear a proposal for a community-oriented policing program on Monday, during the regular city council meeting at 7 p.m. The Columbia sent a letter to Mayor Brian Treece and members of the City Council on April 23, which outlined a new community-oriented policing program. The program was created by board member Carly Gomez and newly elected Vice Chair Heather Heckman-McKenna.
MU students to gather for second protest against social justice center changes
COLUMBIA - Some University of Missouri students are planning to gather at Jesse Hall again Thursday afternoon in a second protest against changes to the university's Department of Social Justice centers. The protest, announced and planned by student-led organization Mizzou 600, was rescheduled to Thursday afternoon after being postponed on Wednesday due to inclement weather. Hello all, we have been closely tracking the weather conditions tomorrow and have been trying to see if it would change.
Local husband and wife travel to Minneapolis to pay respects
COLUMBIA - This past weekend, a husband and wife duo from Columbia drove 500 miles to Minneapolis to peacefully protest police brutality and pay their respects to victims. Marilyn and Richard Henderson traveled to Minnesota to participate in a peaceful protest for Daunte Wright, in the city suburb of Brooklyn Center. After this, the two traveled to downtown Minneapolis where they paid respects at a memorial for George Floyd.
Furry friends thank one local business for their donation
COLUMBIA - On Friday, Columbia Safety and Supply got a welcomed visit from nine, seven-week-old furry friends. Columbia Safety and Supply donated $5,000 to the Central Missouri Humane Society and was thanked with a puppy meet and greet at their headquarters.
Parents prepare for kindergarten readiness
COLUMBIA - As one school year comes to a close, parents begin preparing for the next session. On Monday, April 12, the Daniel Boone Regional Library held an event for parents with children going into kindergarten. Karen Washer, an early childhood educator, and consultant with the Center for Excellence in Child Well-Being in Columbia, hosted the educational event.
Boone County Clerk: lower voter turnout expected for April election
BOONE COUNTY - On Tuesday, April 6, the state of Missouri will hold a general municipal election. Some categories of voting include the 45th Missouri House District, Columbia City Council members for wards 2 and 6, as well as two Columbia School Board members. A full voter guide for Boone County can be found here. In November 2020, 2/3 of eligible Americans voted in the election.
Possible changes to Missouri voting laws may benefit voters
JEFFERSON CITY - A law passed in the Missouri House Thursday would require voters to have photo identification in order to vote. The bill also included other changes to Missouri voting laws. The vote Thursday was largely along party lines, with 109 voting to pass the legislation, and 48 voting 'no.' The legislation is House Bill 738, and it was sponsored by State Rep. Don Rone (R-Portageville), who represents New Madrid, Pemiscot, Mississippi and Scott counties.
Cooper County to host smaller vaccination events in rural areas
BOONVILLE - A two-day booster dose event in Cooper County began Monday at 9 a.m. The second dose event was held at the Isle of Capri Casino Hotel in Boonville, the same place as the previous vaccination event. Appointments were required. At the previous mass vaccination event, held on March 1 and 2, 2,454 people were vaccinated. Cooper County Public Health Center Administrator Melanie Hutton said they have approximately the same number of doses for Monday and Tuesday.
Cole County mass vaccination event targets school staff
JEFFERSON CITY - A mass vaccination event in Cole County gave priority to educators and opened at 8 a.m. on Friday. School staff, who recently became eligible for vaccinations on Monday, were given priority on sign ups. Following educators, anyone in Phase 1A or Phase 1B were able to register for a vaccine. According to the Cole County Health Department, they can vaccinate 24 people every 5 minutes.
Struggling local restaurants look to benefit from American Rescue Plan Act
COLUMBIA - President Joe Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act on Thursday, March 11. This bill created a $28.6 billion pool called the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF).
Non-profit group helps local gardeners through support
COLUMBIA - The Columbia Community Garden Coalition is a non-profit, volunteer run group that supports local community gardeners in Columbia and Boone County. While the group itself does not run the local gardens, they provide support through funding, seeds and tools. The garden coalition has 11 community neighborhood gardens, and 20 school gardens. CGC supports over 100 families in neighborhood community gardens, and two of those gardens provide fresh produce to other non-profit organizations.
Tier 3 will open next week, and the rush for vaccines has slowed down
COLUMBIA - Months after the first vaccines were administered, Phase 1B - Tier 3 will open in Missouri next Monday, March 15.
Fire in west Columbia damages duplex
Boone County firefighters responded to a fire on Germantown Drive in Columbia around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. The residential structure fire burned both units of a duplex. Smoke and flames could be seen from the backside of the structure. A Boone County Fire Protection District spokesperson said there were no injuries. Boone County firefighters attacked the fire from both the inside and outside. Firefighters had to pull out the ceiling to gain access to the attic.
Fire in west Columbia damages duplex and displaces two families
COLUMBIA - Boone County firefighters responded to a fire on Germantown Drive in Columbia around 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The residential structure fire burned both units of a two-story duplex. Smoke and flames could be seen from the backside of the structure. Boone County Fire Protection District attacked the fire from both the inside and outside. Firefighters made it upstairs and found fire in the void spaces between the interior walls and the outside roof with fire pushing over their heads.
Local archdiocese issue warning on J&J vaccine due to abortion concerns
MISSOURI — The Archdiocese of St. Louis issued a statement on Tuesday regarding the newly FDA approved Johnson & Johnson single dose COVID-19 vaccine. In the statement, Catholic leaders urged Catholics to examine the moral and ethical implications of receiving a vaccine which is "morally compromised." The vaccine is considered "morally compromised" by Catholic leaders because cell-lines developed from aborted fetuses in the 1970s and 80s were used to produce the vaccine.
First day of Cooper County vaccination event runs smoothly and efficiently
BOONVILLE - A two-day mass vaccination event in Cooper County began Monday morning. The clinic is being held at the Isle of Capri Casino Hotel in Boonville, and appointments are required. With less than two weeks to plan the vaccination clinic, Cooper County Public Health Center officials said things have gone smoothly so far.
Relevant Youth's virtual art show gives a space to Black creatives
COLUMBIA — The Relevant Youth, a student run, creative marketing agency at MU will host a virtual art event on Friday and Saturday. The virtual art gallery titled “Black Alchemy” features Black creatives from the Columbia community. While the art gallery is online, the exhibit is at The Atrium at Tenth and Walnut streets. Contents of the virtual art event include a virtual gallery for physical art, and Instagram TV performances hosted on the Relevant Youth instagram.
Day 1 of Morgan County vaccination clinic runs successfully
VERSAILLES- Since Governor Mike Parson's announcement in January, mass vaccination clinics have had goals to vaccinate thousands of Missouri residents. On Monday, the Morgan County Health Center began a two-day long mass vaccination event at the First Assembly of God Church in Versailles. The two-day event is held in conjunction with Capital Region Medical Center, the Missouri National Guard and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
Local library stresses the importance of representation in stories
COLUMBIA - When it comes to reading books and listening to stories, children tend to place themselves inside the story. Whether it is as the main character, or a bystander, children identify with stories. If it’s someone that looks like them, or an animal doing similar actions that they do, children place themselves in stories. Sarah Howard, Community and Youth Services Manager at the Daniel Boone Regional Library, stresses the importance of representation in stories.
Daniel Boone Regional Library recognizes importance of Black History Month programming
COLUMBIA - As we're about half way through February, many organizations have already begun their Black History Month programming. At the Daniel Boone Regional Library, events begin next week. Representing its patrons when planning events is a crucial aspect of programming at DBRL. “We want to recognize, applaud, and appreciate all the diversity in our community,” Sarah Howard, Daniel Boone Regional Library Youth and Community Services Manager, said.
Art advocacy in Missouri transformed from one day to a week-long virtual event
COLUMBIA - For the past 35 years, the Missouri Citizens for the Arts and their supporters have gathered in the Capitol every February to advocate for the art industry. This year, the decision was made to transform this one day event into a week long, virtual event. Kyna Iman, the Governmental Affairs Consultant for the Missouri Citizens for the Arts, has worked with the group and advocated for the arts in Missouri for the past 32 years.
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