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Articles by Grace Pankey
Columbia woodworkers carving the industry
In a world of cheap manufactured wood furniture and mass-produced home goods, Columbia woodworkers combine artistry and skill to create one-of-a-kind pieces that are both functional and beautiful. Meet four local artisans who shine a light on their passion for the craft. Mark Hall Fine Cabinetry Cabinetry For Jack Hall, vice president of Mark Hall Fine Cabinetry, woodworking is in his blood. There have been four generations of woodworkers in his family.
Vox Picks for January and February
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. At Quad Con 2024 at the Columbia Mall. The playful Comic & Toy Show is dedicated to all things pop culture. Find video games, vinyl records, Funko Pops and comics galore at the event that is intended to "spread the gospel of geekdom," according to its website.
The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri to hosts annual Holiday Food and Fund Drive Original
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri will host its annual One for One Holiday Food and Fund Drive on Wednesday, December 13th from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Columbia and Jefferson City. This will be The Food Bank's 17th One for One Holiday Food and Fund Drive. The event is hosted by The Food Bank and its media partners Zimmer Communications, The Networks of Mid-Missouri and Commerce Bank. The event helps The Food Bank provide food to families in need this holiday season.
Council report outlines urgent issues facing Columbia's recycling, solid waste management Original
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Columbia took part in a comprehensive evaluation of its recycling and waste diversion programs in hopes of helping the city improve its collection operations. The final report contains recommendations by RRT Design & Construction to help achieve this goal. The Columbia City Council is scheduled to hear this report Monday. Currently, the city provides waste management services to nearly 51,000 residents including around 36,000 single-family homes.
Let it go: How professional organizers help declutter homes
Some things seem to have no place to go. The stuff we hold on to — mismatched utensils, outdated technology or old clothes — collects dust in our homes, awaiting the fateful day it will be magically needed again. This stuff lives in junk drawers, atop high closet shelves or in untouched bins, stacked in basements and attics.
Both driving lanes of Ridgemond Bridge to close starting Wednesday Original
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Ridgemont Bridge is scheduled to close for its removal and replacement on Wednesday. The contractor for the City of Columbia, S&A Equipment and Builders LLC, announced on Wednesday that both of the driving lanes of Ridgemont will be closed between College Park Drive and Highridge Drive. The work is expected to finish by late spring or early summer 2024, weather permitting. According to the City of Columbia, the road closure is necessary for work to begin on the bridge.
Columbia City Council to amend budget to include ARPA funds Original
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Columbia City Council will meet on Monday at 7 p.m. to amend the fiscal year 2024 annual budget to appropriate the $25.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The city received these funds in September to address the public health and economic impacts of COVID-19. Upon approval of the city, the appropriation on Monday will allow for all ARPA contracts to be paid.
Room At The Inn announces winter shelter will not have closing date for first time in 16 years Original
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) On Sunday Room At The Inn's winter shelter opened its doors and will remain open every night of the year. According to a press release, this is the first year in which there is no closing date since the shelter first opened 16 years ago. Room At The Inn is an emergency winter shelter located in Columbia at 1509 Ashley St. The shelter will provide a shuttle to transport people from the Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen at 702 Wilkes Blvd, in the mornings and evenings.
Jefferson City Walk to End Alzheimers Original
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Members of the community will join together in Jefferson City in a walk to end Alzheimer's on Sunday afternoon. The Alzheimer's Association's mission is to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia through research and maximizing support. According to the organization, 55 million people live with Alzheimer's and other dementias worldwide. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia among adults, it is a brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills.
Putting the spotlight on Columbia: How the writers and actors strikes affect local theaters
In March, amid contract negotiations, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) announced that 99% of its members voted to seek increased pay as well as job protections from the interference of artificial intelligence. As a result, the WGA went on strike May 2 after studios failed to agree to such terms in a new contract. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, also known as SAG-AFTRA, joined in July. The strike ended for the writers Sept.
Putting the spotlight on Columbia: How the writers and actors strikes affect local theaters
In March, amid contract negotiations, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) announced that 99% of its members voted to seek increased pay as well as job protections from the interference of artificial intelligence. As a result, the WGA went on strike May 2 after studios failed to agree to such terms in a new contract. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, also known as SAG-AFTRA, joined in July. The strike ended for the writers Sept.
Community members walk downtown in prayer to discourage violence Original
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) An event was held on Sunday for members of Columbia's community to walk in prayer to discourage violence within the community. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, violent crime has decreased by 36.46% compared to the year 2022. The statistics also state that violent crime in Columbia has decreased by 75.58%. Event organizer, Tanya Heath, feels that this is an opportunity for members fo the community to portray optimism and promote friendship to Columbia's youth.
From Broadway to Broadway: Columbia's star production carpenter
When going to a Broadway show, audiences will notice that each scene is packed with details. There are dancers running across high beams, actors on three-story sets and elaborate props flying across the stage. Behind each show is a production carpenter who makes it possible by overseeing all aspects of construction. Paul Wimmer is a production carpenter living in Columbia. Wimmer oversees scenery and automation and has been a stagehand for 30 years.
Repairs ongoing on Tellers Gallery and Bar after Friday fire Original
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) A fire broke out Friday afternoon above Tellers Gallery and Bar which caused the restaurant to temporarily close. The fire took place in the business offices of the True/False Film Fest on the second floor above Tellers. Servpro, a restoration and cleanup company located in Columbia, was the first to arrive on the scene behind the emergency services.
Affordable housing project in Columbia offers tiny homes Original
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Missouri is in the middle of an affordable housing crisis. According to Empower Missouri, 72% of very low income households in the state are housing cost burdened. There was an open house walking tour in Columbia on Sunday for residents to tour accessory dwelling units (ADU). An ADU is a "smaller residence that can be attached to, detached from or built within a primary residence," according to the event sponsors. The units can be detached or attached to a primary house.
New laws going into effect in Missouri Monday Original
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Several new laws are going into effect in Missouri on Monday, including a hands-free law, restrictions for transgender people and an expansion of mental health care for first responders. Hands-free driving Missouri's new Hands-Free law goes into effect on Monday. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 28 states have hand-held cellphone use bans.
Jefferson City Council meets to discuss additional parking spots Original
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) The Jefferson City Council is scheduled to meet Monday to discuss the addition of 10 new parking spaces on Dunklin, between Marshall Street and Lafayette Street. Multiple businesses in the area, including the Jefferson City Community Center, had asked the City for more parking spaces. The Council also plans to discuss the authorization for a contract with GWH Landscape Contracting LLC.
Four Missouri Task Force One members, K-9s begin work in Maui Original
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Four Missouri Task Force One members and K-9s who were deployed earlier this week to Maui began searching for human remains Thursday morning. Those four more members on Wednesday flew out of St. Louis to join the search and rescue efforts. That was after two members were deployed last week as part of the incident report team for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. More than 1,000 people are still unaccounted for on Maui and 111 people have died, Hawaii Gov.
WATCH: Full interview with Fulton Public Schools Superintendent Ty Crain Original
FULTON, Mo. (KMIZ) Ty Crain took over the leadership of Fulton Public Schools in 2020 -- just in time for the world to turn upside down. Crain's tenure at the school has taken place under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, with effects such as staffing shortages and learning loss still being felt. Crain said Fulton needs more classroom professionals and more bus drivers but has adjusted to operate without them.
Fulton schools short on bus drivers, superintendent assures all routes will be covered
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) According to the Fulton School District Superintendent Ty Crain, everything is on track for Fulton Public Schools to begin. The district is in need of three bus drivers for the new school year. To make sure that all routes are covered, the district needed to make some adjustments to transport all of its students. "We have all of our routes covered.
3,000 CPS employees gather at Mizzou Arena for celebration of upcoming school year Original
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Nearly 3,000 employees showed up to Mizzou Arena on Tuesday for Columbia Public Schools' first in-person celebration for a new school year in many years. CPS spokesperson Michelle Baumstark said the convocation is an opportunity for all 3,000 CPS employees to gather in one place to hear one message and prepare to welcome students back. Before the event, CPS staff was greeted by student drum lines and cheer squads.
Central Missouri Humane Society reaches 'critical capacity' Original
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Central Missouri Humane Society said Monday that its kennels are full of dogs and cats. Pet overpopulation is an ongoing issue in Missouri, according to the Humane Society of Missouri. The Central Missouri Humane Society says its shelter housed 1,460 animals from January to July. Of those animals, 454 were owner surrenders and 72 were adoption returns.
Ameren reminds Missourians about digging safety on National 811 Day
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) August 11 is National 811 Day and Missouri811 hopes that the date will remind residents to call before you dig. Ameren, the Union Electric Company, reports that 2022 was a record-breaking year for digging safety. According to a press release sent by Ameren Communications, there have been a total of 1.5 million requests to mark utilities on Missouri and Illinois properties in 2022.
Ameren reminds Missourians about digging safety on National 811 Day
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) August 11 is National 811 Day and Missouri811 hopes that the date will remind residents to call before you dig. Ameren, the Union Electric Company, reports that 2022 was a record-breaking year for digging safety. According to a press release sent by Ameren Communications, there have been a total of 1.5 million requests to mark utilities on Missouri and Illinois properties in 2022.
'Personnel services' makes up bulk of Jefferson City 2024 budget
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Jefferson City Council held its 2024 fiscal year budget meeting on Thursday. The total budget is $79,285,619.11. The General Fund Budget Expenditures is the largest expense at $39,129,487.14 because it covers different personnel services such as police, fire, city administrator and human resources. "I'd like to point out that the personnel services across the city are at 52.82% of the total expenditures that we have.
Missouri River racers to clear Jefferson City checkpoint with storms in forecast Original
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) The 18th annual Missouri River 340 race will pass through Jefferson City on Wednesday as the paddlers hit a new checkpoint. The kayak, raft and canoe race began Tuesday and will continue through Friday. Not only are this year's paddlers competing against each other, but they are also battling the weather. Over the last two days, Mid-Missouri has been experiencing scattered storms and in some areas flooding.
Missouri River race canceled with storms in forecast
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) The 18th annual Missouri River 340 race was canceled Wednesday as paddlers passed through Jefferson City on their way from Kansas City to St. Louis. Race organizers said in a statement posted online that the weather prompted the cancellation.
Missouri sales tax holiday is this weekend, opt-outs not available for first time
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) This weekend is Missouri's annual sales tax holiday. Families will be able to shop for clothing and school items without paying sales or local tax on those items. The 2023 Back-to-School holiday will begin at 12:01 a.m. Friday and ends Sunday. This year's holiday is different than previous years because local counties can no longer opt out of the local sales tax. This means that when you go shopping this weekend, there will be no state or local sales tax.
'Bulky items' seen on curbs in Columbia gives reminder for large trash pickup process Original
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) A number of students in the East Campus area of Columbia saw their leases end before a new school year starts. Curbsides were filled Monday with couches and other furniture. The City of Columbia considers the accumulation of trash or garbage a public nuisance. However, the city no longer picks up bulky items without a scheduled pickup, which can only be scheduled once a year. Residents gets one item to be picked up for free and each additional large item costs $5.
Children more susceptible to heat-related illnesses Original
Columbia, Mo. (KMIZ) On average, one child dies from heatstroke every 10 days. According to the National Weather Service, 38 children have died each year from heatstroke from 2019 to 2022. Heat illness can affect a child more seriously than an adult. The EPA says this is because children have a smaller body mass to surface area ratio, meaning that they are more vulnerable to heat mortality and morbidity.
How to keep your pets safe with the high heat index today Original
Columbia, Mo. (KMIZ) Hundreds of pets die each year from heat exhaustion because they are left in hot vehicles, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. When temperatures outside reach 70 degrees, the interior of a car can reach over 100 degrees in minutes. The ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Team issued a Weather Alert Day for dangerous, high temperatures as the heat index could potentially get up to 110 degrees Thursday.
Habitat for Humanity awarded nearly $709,000 in Boone County ARPA funds Original
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Boone County Commissioner has awarded Habitat for Humanity $708,500 for its Boone Prairie Village Subdivision project. Habit for Humanity was one of 27 applicants who were awarded funds on Tuesday by the county from the American Rescue Plan Act. The subdivision project aims to provide affordable housing for Boone County residents, according to a Wednesday press release from Habitat for Humanity.
Hand injuries common during July 4 weekend, according to MU doctor Original
By Grace Pankey The Department of Public Safety says more than 300 people statewide went to the hospital for firework-related injuries last year. Dr. Daniel London -- a hand and microvascular surgeon at University Hospital -- sees hand injuries from fireworks often this time of year. London says firework injuries can be devastating and have long-term consequences like reduced function and loss of limbs. The most-common injury is typically second-degree burns, he says.
Bird flu: 400 birds dead in 2 weeks
400 birds have died in just two weeks at the Groot Molsbroek nature reserve in Lokeren (East Flanders), most of them black-headed gulls but also three black-necked grebes – a rare species. The Durme nature conservation organisation estimates that 15% of its black-headed gull population has died. It fears that their number will increase as this is just the start of the breeding season.
Belgium's tallest windmill opens in Ghent port
The two companies Engie and Renewi held an inauguration ceremony for Belgium's tallest onshore windmill Tuesday afternoon. The windmill is installed at the North Sea Port in Ghent. The tip of the windmill is 238.5 metres and its rotor diameter is 139 metres. The windmill will produce 139,000 MWh per year – enough for 4,000 households.
Planckendael Zoo welcomes two lion cubs
Lioness Lorena of Planckendael Zoo gave birth to two little lion cubs on 12 April in the continent Asia part of the park. The cubs will remain with the mother in the delivery room for at least two months before they are ready to wander the park. This is Lorena's third birth at the Zoo, with the birth having gone smoothly. "As an experienced mother, Lorena knows very well how to handle such a birth," said caretaker Elisabeth in a press release.
32 Walloon castles to open their gates to public
On the 1st of May, families are invited to visit 32 castles in Wallonia for the third edition of "Family Castle Life" organised by the Secretariat of the European Heritage Days. The program will offer guided tours, activities, educational games and treasure hunts for children in some of the Belgium's most historic buildings. The numerous activities provided will raise awareness of archaeological heritage.
Freddie Mercury exhibition on tour
Sotheby's auction house has organised a month-long exhibition and tour that will display the never-seen-before collection that belonged to the late Freddie Mercury, lead singer of the legendary band Queen. The tour will stop in New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong in June before heading to Sotheby's London Galleries for a full takeover in August. Items will then be sold at six auctions in September.
Non-profit organisation behind Jeneverfeesten comes to an end
After 32 years, the non-profit organisation that organises the annual Jenever festival – Jeneverfeesten – is coming to an end due to financial risks in continuing the tradition and event. Every year on the third weekend of October, the residents of Hasselt celebrate the tradition of Jeneverfeesten. Jenever is a liquor close to Gin that originated from Belgium, the Netherlands, northern France and parts of Germany. Hasselt is one of the jenever cities in Belgium alongside Deinze, Aalst and Liège.
18 Chinese snakes caught in Flanders
18 large Chinese snakes were found and caught in the railway bed in Hasselt, Flanders. One of the snakes measured 1.73 metres, making it a record catch since it is the largest reptile to have been caught since this snake's recovery in 2006. The snakes are called Chinese Beauty snakes after their glossy scales and striking pattern and were rescued by the Institute for Nature and Forest Research (INBO) – tasked with catching the species over the last two years.
University students protest in Brussels for €2 school meals
Around 30 student organisations protested outside of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation on Wednesday afternoon to demand €2 school meals. There were 20 or so students and representatives participating in the rally. The students demand that the Minister of Higher Education, Valérie Glatigny (MR), release the funds necessary for guaranteed access to healthy and affordable meals. The students feel that this is necessary to accomplish the best study conditions.
Eight Belgians evacuated from Sudan, around 30 still remain
More than a thousand European nationals in Sudan have been evacuated from Sudan, including eight Belgians. According to Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib (MR), around 30 Belgians still remain in Sudan. For over a week, there has been fighting between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a parliamentary group formerly operated by the Sudanese government. More than a thousand Europeans have been evacuated so far, mainly diplomats and aid workers.
Participatory mural for Vandecasteele to be held in Brussels city centre on Tuesday
Graffiti artist, engraver and painter Denis Meyers will create a participatory mural on Tuesday in support of imprisoned Belgian aid worker Olivier Vandecasteele, who was detained in Iran in February 2022. The participatory fresco, a painting done rapidly with watercolours on wet plaster, will take place in front of the Bourse stock exchange building in Brussels. In 2016, the artist created the largest work of urban art in Europe, located in Ixelles, Brussels.
First peregrine falcon of the season hatched in Brussels
Brussels saw its first peregrine falcon hatch on Tuesday night, with the fledgling born at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula at the centre of Brussels, where its family has nested for almost 20 years. The first pair arrived in the cathedral in April of 2004 and decided to settle at the top of the building's north tower. Three male and three female falcons have succeeded each other since then. Peregrine falcons return to their nesting site year after year unless prevented from doing so.
Measles, polio and cholera coming back, UNICEF warns
Preventable diseases like measles, polio and cholera are spreading in countries with high numbers of children who missed their routine immunisations during the Covid-19 pandemic, UNICEF reported on Wednesday. When the world shut down in 2020, many children were unable to receive their routine immunisations. Health services were disrupted and families were in lockdown, unable to travel. Health services were prioritised for the Covid-19 response.
Sensoa introduces new sex ed' guidelines for teachers
The Flemish expertise centre for sexual health, Sensoa, has come up with new guidelines in sexual education to support teachers. The company has created four new learning guides to help teachers determine what sex ed' to be teaching depending on the age of the students. The four new guidelines include two for primary school and two for secondary school, each for regular and special education.
Antwerp port continues testing of unmanned ships
Technology company Seafar in Antwerp is testing the first unmanned shipping vessel in Europe. Seafar is an independent ship management company that develops innovative services for ship operators. Flanders is one of the only regions in the world to allow ships to sail unmanned. The captains of the ship are in control of the vessel from the Seafar Shore Control Center, working with the latest technologies and artificial intelligence.
Les Ardentes festival: French rapper Booba to perform
A new headliner has been announced for the 2023 Ardentes music festival in Liège: French rap star Booba will headline the last day of the event, which will take place this summer 6 to 9 June. Élie Yaffa, known as Booba or Le Duc de Boulogne, was born in Boulogne-Billancourt (France) and began his rapping career in 1994 before co-writing with Ali. He produced his first solo album Temps Mort in 2002, after which he signed with Universal.
Category 5 storm headed for Western Australia
Western Australia is bracing for impact as a category 5 tropical cyclone rolls towards the region. Cyclone Isla has winds of up to 315 kilometers per hour, making this the strongest storm to hit the region in 14 years. A category 5 cyclone is extremely dangerous and is the strongest category on the national scale. Not only can winds of that force damage roofs and knock down trees, but they can also lift heavy structures like boats and trailers in the air.
Teenage boys crash car into canal in Willebroek
Two teenage boys aged 15 and 16 crashed into the Brussels-Scheldt canal in Willebroek (between Brussels and Antwerp) during a police chase. The boys were able to climb out of the car and swim to safety and are uninjured. The grey Fiat caught the attention of the police on patrol around midnight from Tuesday to Wednesday. The police noticed that the driver was showing inappropriate driving behaviour when they tried to pull the car over. The driver then fled and the police gave chase.
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