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Articles by Hiroaki Kono
New music building represents a philanthropist’s passion for composition
Three years before retiring from her job in Santa Monica, California, Jeanne Sinquefield and her husband, Rex, built a 20,000-square-foot home on their farm in Westphalia. In retirement, the farmhouse has not only allowed them to live closer to family, but it has also become a favorite place for Jeanne Sinquefield to gather with friends and family and play music with them. Jeanne Sinquefield speaks during a groundbreaking ceremony April 8, 2018, at Stotler Lounge in Memorial Union.
School district's construction trades program intended to build workforce
High school juniors and seniors in Columbia Public Schools interested in a career in construction will have a new opportunity to learn about the industry beginning in March. Introduction to Construction Trades will allow students to learn the basics of the construction industry and explore career paths through a six-week collaborative program with Columbia contractor Emery Sapp and Sons.
MU sees spike in Iraqi, Saudi Arabian students
The number of Iraqi students enrolled at MU has increased by almost four times in the last eight years, in part because of a scholarship program established by the Iraqi government in hopes that the students will help pull the country out of the turmoil caused by the Iraq war and the Islamic State. The enrollment of MU international students from Iraq increased from 15 to 58 between the 2011-12 academic year and that of 2018-19, according to annual reports from the MU International Center.
External audit debate shifts from state to a private firm
The citizen group advocating for a state audit of the city of Columbia’s finances has shifted its focus to an audit by a private company in an attempt to be more cooperative with the city. Performance Audit Support, a Facebook group, was trying to collect 5,000 or more signatures from citizens by November to force a state audit, according to previous Missourian reporting.
How to get out of debt: Columbia residents share their success stories
Baylee Konen Jim Green: He teaches personal finance Jim Green has always been good at math. In 2003, he took one of Dave Ramsey’s financial classes, which helps participants figure out how to budget and pay off debt. This class made Green realize he wanted to teach others about finance.
Engineering professor wants to study safety of Bird scooters
An MU engineering professor hopes to begin research soon to see if electric scooters have possible safety risks, even as the Bird scooter company is about to take a hiatus from Columbia. Carlos Sun, professor at MU School of Engineering, said he is seeking a grant to go forward with the research. He came up with the idea in the summer of 2018 when Bird scooters appeared in Columbia and on the MU campus.
Want to speak at City Council meetings? The rules could be changing
Rules on public hearings and comments at Columbia City Council meetings are about to be updated for the first time in 38 years. Council members discussed potential changes at their regular meeting Monday night. The proposed changes include an elimination of the requirement that speakers provide their addresses before commenting and codifying the current practice of limiting people to three minutes of speaking time for one public comment or five minutes for those who represent organizations.
New Columbia Sports Fieldhouse dedicated
Around 80 Columbia residents gathered at A. Perry Philips Park off U.S. 63 on Thursday night to dedicate the new Columbia Sports Fieldhouse. The fieldhouse has four hardwood courts. Columbia has three other hardwood courts at the Armory and the Activity and Recreation Center, but those courts restrict use to members or dedicated adult leagues. Anyone with a reservation can use the new fieldhouse, according to previous Missourian reporting.
Tip-off time nears for sports fieldhouse
The Columbia Sports Fieldhouse at A. Perry Philips Park is in the final stages of construction before opening in mid-November. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department is already accepting reservations for use of the fieldhouse between Nov. 11 and Feb. 29, Recreation Services Manager Erika Coffman said. Coffman also said the city will dedicate the fieldhouse during a ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 14. Gabe Huffington, park services manager for the city, said the facility will have four hardwood courts.
Q&A: Dan Murphy teaches English and gains cultural perspectives
Dan Murphy found his passion more than 15 years after he began his career. He left his job as a state employee and began teaching English to non-native speakers at the Columbia Area Career Center in 2003. Murphy, who speaks Spanish, has traveled across the world to places such as the Caribbean and Canada, and has backpacked all over Europe. Murphy says he likes talking with his students and that the cross-cultural experience means a lot for both Americans and non-Americans.
Soaring home prices in Columbia make owning one a bigger challenge
The city has set aside more than $5 million for affordable housing programs over the next five years, hoping to mitigate the trend of soaring housing costs in the city. The sale of homes worth $400,000 or more in the Columbia school district increased by 49% from 2016 to 2018, and there remains an eight-month supply of such homes, according to a fact sheet published by the city’s Housing Programs Division on Sept. 3.
Soaring prices make homeownership an increasing challenge
The city has set aside more than $5 million for affordable housing programs over the next five years, hoping to mitigate the trend of soaring housing costs in the city. The sale of homes worth $400,000 or more in the Columbia school district increased by 49% from 2016 to 2018, and there remains an eight-month supply of such homes, according to a fact sheet published by the city’s Housing Programs Division on Sept. 3.
Council votes to ban conversion therapy for minors in Columbia
After hearing emotional testimony from a doctor, a parent and those who have gone through conversion therapy, the Columbia City Council unanimously approved a ban on the practice Monday night. Ten people spoke in support of a city ordinance amending Chapter 16 of the city code to prohibit anyone from providing conversion or reparative therapy to a minor. Conversion therapy includes a range of methods that attempt to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Potential pit bull ban among variety of issues to be discussed at City Council
My House nightclub, a ban on certain breeds of dogs and conversion therapy will all be discussed Monday evening at the regular Columbia City Council meeting. Council members will vote on whether to allow an adjustment to the design plan submitted by the owner of My House, a downtown nightclub and sports bar. He requested to add a building in the back part of the property, known as The Backyard.
Activist Group, Council Weighs In On Performance Audit Debate
By Hiroaki Kono & Columbia Missourian • 6 minutes ago The debate continues about whether it’s a good idea to have the state auditor do a thorough review of the city of Columbia’s finances and performance. Mayor Brian Treece has been saying for months that any type of performance audit would help the city become transparent. He has been pushing his council colleagues to have State Auditor Nicole Galloway’s office conduct the audit.
Activist group, council weighs in on performance audit debate
The debate continues about whether it’s a good idea to have the state auditor do a thorough review of the city of Columbia’s finances and performance. Mayor Brian Treece has been saying for months that any type of performance audit would help the city become transparent. He has been pushing his council colleagues to have State Auditor Nicole Galloway’s office conduct the audit.
Columbia police make arrest in Labor Day shooting
Police announced Tuesday that an arrest was made in a shooting that left two people, including a child, injured over the weekend. In a news release, the Columbia Police Department said Demetris L. Shaw, 18, of Columbia, is in custody following an incident in which shots were fired along I-70 near Stadium Boulevard just before 9 p.m. on Labor Day. Police found one adult and one minor child in a vehicle with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds, the release said.
Council unanimously approves railroad crossing repair
Improvements to the Columbia Terminal Railroad, or COLT, crossing at Route B won the approval of the Columbia City Council on Tuesday night. The amendment passed without objection from the council or testimony from the public. COLT staff recommended the refurbishment due to the condition of the crossing, which has worsened over time with wear and tear. It is expected to cost $230,000, but the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission will eventually reimburse the city the full cost.
Public transit takes center stage as city budget season gears up
The need to provide public transportation to marginalized Columbia residents was the primary focus of public comment during the first public hearing on the proposed city budget for fiscal 2020 on Monday night. Interim City Manager John Glascock, who released his $485 million spending plan in late July, presented it to the Columbia City Council on Monday for the first time. Glascock’s budget is largely focused on increasing employee wages.
Tuba Christmas comes to Columbia Mall on Saturday
Tuba Christmas comes to the Columbia Mall on Saturday. It is open to anyone who plays the tuba, said Angelo Manzo, an associate professor of tuba performance at the MU School of Music who organizes the concert. Anyone who has access to a tuba or euphonium can register the morning of the concert and be on stage after 90 minutes of rehearsal, Manzo said. Manzo said people from 10 to 89 years old have played during Tuba Christmas, and more than 100 musicians participated last year.
Coffee Zone owner pleads guilty to firearm possession, distributing weed
The owner of Coffee Zone in downtown Columbia pleaded guilty Monday to distributing marijuana and possessing a firearm to help distribute marijuana, according to court documents. Yanis faces up to life in prison, according to his plea deal. The penalty for distributing marijuana is three to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The penalty for possessing a firearm in connection to distributing marijuana is five years to life and a $250,000 fine. His sentencing was not yet set as of Tuesday.
MU business school looks to adapt as MBA enrollments decline nationwide
The number of students applying for Master of Business Administration programs is dropping at universities nationwide. MU is no exception. As applications to MBA programs around the country dropped, enrollment at MU's Crosby MBA, a full-time, two-year program at the Trulaske College of Business, has been sliding for several years. International student enrollment drops Nationwide, fewer international students are applying to MBA programs, contributing to the overall decline in applications.
Annual Fall Into Art festival raises money for the local food bank
Soft, woven baskets of many colors filled the table and shelves around Ann Marie Long’s booth. Person after person stopped to see them and told Long how beautiful they were. Long, a local artist, was at Parkade Center on Saturday to show her work in the Fall Into Art festival, which brings together many artists including painters, sculptors and photographers. The annual festival began in 2010 and features a silent auction that raises money for the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri.
He Was Sentenced to Death in 1986. Wednesday, He'll Be at Ragtag
Sixteen years ago, Ryan Wylie’s first documentary screened at Ragtag Cinema. It’s screening there again Wednesday — with one special guest. Joseph Amrine, who in 2003 was released from prison 17 years after he was sentenced to death, will attend a screening at Ragtag of “Unreasonable Doubt: The Joe Amrine Case,” a 50-minute documentary. The producers are John McHale, Dan Huck and Wylie, who graduated from MU in 2001.
He was sentenced to death in 1986. Wednesday, he'll be at Ragtag.
Sixteen years ago, Ryan Wylie’s first documentary screened at Ragtag Cinema. It’s screening there again Wednesday — with one special guest. Joseph Amrine, who in 2003 was released from prison 17 years after he was sentenced to death, will attend a screening at Ragtag of “Unreasonable Doubt: The Joe Amrine Case,” a 50-minute documentary. The producers are John McHale, Dan Huck and Wylie, who graduated from MU in 2001.
Ian Thomas announces re-election bid to City Council
Fourth Ward City Councilman Ian Thomas announced Sunday that he plans to run for re-election to the Columbia City Council.Thomas will run for his third term as a councilman, according to a news release from his office. He was first elected in 2013 and was re-elected in 2016. The election is in April.
MU professor connects Columbia to Colombia for better higher education
A few hours before Pilar Mendoza gave a presentation Wednesday as part of the MU College of Education’s research day, she learned she’d won a 2018 MU International Engagement Award.The award recognizes students, staff and faculty for their global commitment to internationalize MU.
Student, Prisoners, and The Homeless: Choir Members for One MU Professor
Music can heal everyone — even those who are “voiceless.” That’s according to Brandon Boyd, assistant director of choral activities and assistant professor of choral music education at MU School of Music, who spoke to 16 participants in a research discussion Tuesday in MU Townsend Hall. Boyd opened the discussion with his experience of being an organizer and a conductor of the Interfaith Community Shelter Street Choir, a Santa Fe, New Mexico, group made up of the homeless.
Students, prisoners and the homeless: Choir members for one MU professor
Music can heal everyone — even those who are "voiceless."That's according to Brandon Boyd, assistant director of choral activities and assistant professor of choral music education at MU School of Music, who spoke to 16 participants in a research discussion Tuesday in MU Townsend Hall. Boyd opened the discussion with his experience of being an organizer and a conductor of the Interfaith Community Shelter Street Choir, a Santa Fe, New Mexico, group made up of the homeless.
Local day camp attempts to bring STEM education to marginalized students
Evan Zhang, 10, sticks a finger into a mixture of grape juice, lemon juice and baking soda at STEM Cubs on Saturday. The experiment showed the reactions of mixing acids and bases.STEM Cubs, a day camp hosted by MU, is trying to make science fun for kids.On Saturday morning, about 80 children gathered in MU’s Lafferre Hall to learn how acid works in the body by pouring lemon juice into grape juice.
MizzouMACC seeks a smoother path from community college to university
Haley Stevens, a music education major, plays piccolo in Marching Mizzou. She’s also a student at Moberly Area Community College.Stevens is one of 175 students who have enrolled in MizzouMACC, a year-old partnership between MU and Moberly Area Community College that seeks to provide a seamless transition for community college transfers.MizzouMACC started in fall 2017 with 17 students, according to Laura Mertens, director of site operations and student services at MACC.
MU introduces Rave Guardian app to improve campus safety
An app MU has recently introduced to campus could give students, faculty and staff an added level of security especially when walking alone.The app, Rave Guardian, lets users register their friends and family as "guardians" who can "virtually walk" with them on and off campus, according to a news release from the MU Police Department. Users set a timer for their walk, and their guardian can follow along using GPS tracking.
Labor Day weekend accidents, deaths decreased from last year
The number of accidents and people who were injured or died during the Labor Day holiday weekend decreased compared to last year, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol news release on Tuesday.From 6 p.m. Friday to 11:59 p.m. Monday, there were 258 traffic crashes in Missouri, which injured 92 people and killed five.
Boone County Community Services offers funding to aid children in need
The Boone County Community Services Department held a presentation Friday to acknowledge the importance of providing help to children in need.The department offered financial aid to 38 programs last year, according to its 2017 annual report.
Psychologist seeks to help people overcome the effects of trauma
A Columbia psychologist who three years ago started HeartSpace Clinic hopes to provide treatment for people who have suffered trauma leading to emotional distress but who otherwise cannot afford care.Chris Lawrence, 54, is the director of HeartSpace, a non-profit organization that not only offers counseling consultation with patients but also educates organizations and the community about the impact of trauma and the importance of resilience in coping with stress.Lawrence also is a co-owner...
Concerned Women for America support Kavanaugh as Supreme Court judge
Concerned Women for America visited Columbia on Tuesday as part of a bus tour to meet and greet with volunteers and activists around the state in support Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court.Members of the organization talked with about a dozen people in the bus parked in front of Bass Pro Shop because it was raining.
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