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Articles by Julia Bower
In American Whiskey, Is Heritage Everything?
Heritage storytelling in American whiskey marketing is about as old as, well, some brands claim to be. Whether they label themselves as the first since Prohibition or part of a long whiskey-making lineage, history is almost always front and center. But why? According to distillery owners and brand strategists, it’s to prove authenticity and quality in an age-old industry. “The history of whiskey is really the history of this country.
Meet the man behind medical marijuana in Missouri
In the second week of December 2018, Lyndall Fraker’s phone rang. It was a month after medical marijuana had been , and Dr. Randall Williams’ name came up on the caller ID. Places To Go With 192 dispensaries across the state, Boone County is home to nine licensed medical marijuana businesses, centralized in the Columbia region. Dispensaries BBMO 3, 5320 Interstate Drive SE Como Health, 4003 Ponderosa St. Green Releaf, 204 E.
Independent Stave: Perfecting barrels to make perfect libations
Enjoying a glass of bourbon can be an art. The warm liquid touches all of your senses, from the rich smell to the golden-brown color and the smooth heat as it hits your taste buds. An art that is often overlooked is the delicate process it takes to get that caramel-toned beverage into your rocks glass. Independent Stave Co., headquartered in Columbia, has been making barrels for the wine and spirit industry for over 100 years.
Lane restrictions, sidewalk closures for Jan. 18-22
COLUMBIA — Beginning Monday, Jan. 18, Viking Corp & AMF Electric will be installing small cell wireless facilities at nine separate locations. According to the City of Columbia, lane restrictions, closures and sidewalk closures are necessary to complete the work and will take place each day between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., weather permitting.
Firefighters respond to mobile home fire off New Haven Road Sunday night
COLUMBIA — A mobile home located at Woodstock Mobile Home Park off New Haven Rd. caught fire Sunday night. Firefighters responded to the scene around 8:20 p.m. Sunday. KOMU 8 is on the scene and reports seeing at least three Boone County Fire Department vehicles. There are no known injuries or damages reported at this time. This is an ongoing investigation, check back to KOMU 8 for updates.
Here's what you need to know this morning: Monday, Dec. 28
Trump signs massive funding bill, averts shutdown President Donald Trump has signed a $900 billion pandemic relief package that will deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals. A congressional Republican aide tells The Associated Press that the president has signed the measure.
Two dead, five injured in Friday crash
JACKSON COUNTY — Two were killed and five others left injured after a car crash on Christmas. According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report, the crash occurred at mile marker 13.4 on I-470 in Jackson County at around 11:09 p.m.. The report states a vehicle was traveling southbound on northbound lanes and struck a second and third vehicle. Vehicle one then traveled off the road and struck a median barrier. The second vehicle lost control and struck a fourth vehicle.
Saturday COVID-19 Coverage: Missouri reports 2,204 new cases
As COVID-19 continues to spread, KOMU 8 will continue to update you about impacts in the community. Layered bar/line charts with the daily change in newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in each county and a 14-day rolling average of the changes in new cases are available here. Previous coverage: Friday, Nov. 27 Thursday, Nov. 26 Wednesday, Nov. 25 Tuesday, Nov. 24 Monday, Nov. 23 Sunday, Nov. 22 Updates for Saturday, Nov.
Shots fired in north Columbia Saturday night
COLUMBIA -- Several shots were fired Saturday night on the 5400 block of Kelsey Drive in north Columbia. According to the Columbia Police Department, 4-5 shots were fired. No injuries are reported at this time. KOMU 8 reporters on the scene report a heavy police presence. CPD did not provide a suspect or suspect description at this time. This is a ongoing investigation, check back to KOMU 8 for updates.
Ready to mix up your nightcap? Here are five cocktails without the booze
Nowhere to go and a little more external stress than average? That’s usually a perfect storm for a boozy solution. Indeed, alcohol consumption from spring 2019 to spring 2020 increased by 14% among those over age 30, according to a RAND Corporation study. The same study showed women increased heavy drinking habits (four drinks or more within a couple hours) by 41%. More than ever, it’s nice to have nightcap options minus the booze. However, mocktails aren’t just for those abstaining from alcohol.
A look back at 100 years of suffrage
It was June 1916, and women clad in white dresses and golden sashes proudly raised their gold umbrellas along Locust Street in St. Louis. Unlike many protests today, the roughly 7,000 suffragettes didn’t walk or chant. Their silent presence outside the Democratic National Convention — later known as the Golden Lane — carried a strong message: Give women the right to vote. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment’s ratification.
Amid pandemic, some Columbia businesses thrive, others struggle
As expected, the pandemic has taken its toll on dozens of businesses in Columbia, but it has also been a lifeline for some. The entertainment industry, including movies, concert spaces and party venues, has perhaps taken the hardest hit, as it has elsewhere in the country. Restaurants and bars have struggled because of COVID-19 restrictions, though many pushed through by relying on takeout, delivery and their own creativity — pivoting to hand sanitizer, for example.
Columbia School Board Votes To Delay Start Date And Revises Reopening Plan
The Columbia Board of Education voted Monday night to delay the start of school to Sept. 8. The board also added the option of an in-person hybrid learning model. The new calendar now has the year beginning Sept. 8 and ending June 11. Previously, the district was set to begin the school year Aug. 25. With approval of the in-person hybrid learning model, the district now has three options for the upcoming school year: in-person, online and in-person hybrid.
Columbia police ask for help in identifying home invasion suspect
Columbia police are searching for what they believe to be a single suspect in two attempted home invasions, with the second leaving a woman hospitalized with a gunshot wound. The incidents occurred Tuesday morning within a two-hour period in a 2-mile radius of Pendelton Street and East Forest Avenue, police said during a Tuesday news conference.
School board votes to delay start date and revises reopening plan
Columbia Public Schools Board of Education voted to delay the start of school to Sept. 8. It has also added the option of a in-person hybrid learning model. The new calendar has the year beginning Sept. 8 and ending June 11. Previously, the district was set to begin Aug. 25. With approval of the in-person hybrid learning model, the district now has three options for the upcoming school year: in-person, online and in-person hybrid.
One 15-year-old dead, another airlifted after UTV crashed into truck head-on
View Story Comments (AP) - The Mid-American Conference has become the first league competing at college football's highest level to cancel its fall... More >> 1 hour ago Saturday, August 08 2020 Aug 8, 2020 Saturday, August 08, 2020 10:48:00 AM CDT August 08, 2020 in News COLUMBIA - The tax holiday weekend is here and shoppers are bumping up computer sales. From Aug. 7-10 shoppers can...
CPS considers delaying start date, using hybrid teaching model
View Story Comments JEFFERSON CITY — Current Missouri Governor Mike Parson will be on the ballot in November after securing the Republican nomination... More >> 12 hours ago Tuesday, August 04 2020 Aug 4, 2020 Tuesday, August 04, 2020 10:45:00 PM CDT August 04, 2020 in News COLUMBIA— Missourians voted to expand Medicaid eligibility, according to reporting from the Associated Press. The State Auditor’s Office estimated...
CPS considers delaying start date, using hybrid teaching model
The Columbia School Board is considering delaying the district’s start date to after Labor Day at the earliest. Labor Day is Sept. 7. The School Board met with representatives of the Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services Department on Tuesday evening to discuss fall reopening plans. Health Department Director Stephanie Browning and Medical Director Dr. Ashley Millham both emphasized the importance of social distancing and masks within schools.
CPS considers delaying start date, using hybrid teaching model
The Columbia School Board is considering delaying the district’s start date to after Labor Day at the earliest. Labor Day is Sept. 7. The School Board met with representatives of the Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services Department on Tuesday evening to discuss fall reopening plans. Health Department Director Stephanie Browning and Medical Director Dr. Ashley Millham both emphasized the importance of social distancing and masks within schools.
CPS considering delaying start date, implementing hybrid teaching model
The Columbia School Board is considering delaying the district's start date to after Labor Day at the earliest. Labor Day is Sept. 7. The School Board met with representatives of the Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services Department on Tuesday evening to discuss fall reopening plans. Health Department Director Stephanie Browning and Medical Director Dr. Ashley Millham both emphasized the importance of social distancing and masks within schools.
Train derails in Montgomery County Sunday morning
View Story Comments COLUMBIA - Two schools, two graduations. Graduates had the opportunity to finally celebrate four years worth of hard work Saturday.... More >> 13 hours ago Saturday, August 01 2020 Aug 1, 2020 Saturday, August 01, 2020 7:56:00 PM CDT August 01, 2020 in News COLUMBIA - Columbia Public Schools have mandated that their elementary schools will have prepackaged school supplies. The school supplies...
Police investigate shots fired in east Columbia Sunday morning
COLUMBIA - Columbia Police are investigating shots fired in the 5300 block of Godas Circle around 1 a.m. Sunday. According to a news release from the Columbia Police Department, officers were responding to a disturbance when they were advised shots were fired at the same location. Officers found shell casings at the scene and determined the suspects had left the area prior to their arrival. During the investigation, police learned that three people were asked to leave the property and they refused.
Columbia Teachers Urge Delayed Start For In-Person Classes
By Roshae Hemmings & Julia Bower & Feiyu Su & Columbia Missourian • 29 minutes ago Teachers worried about returning to in-person classes in August are advocating for Columbia Public Schools to rethink its plan for reopening as the COVID-19 pandemic persists. The Columbia Missouri National Education Association, the union representing the district’s teachers, sent a 14-page letter and report to the district Tuesday urging it to delay the start of school until after Labor Day — at least.
Columbia teachers urge delayed start for in-person classes
Teachers worried about returning to in-person classes in August are advocating for Columbia Public Schools to rethink its plan for reopening as the COVID-19 pandemic persists. The Columbia Missouri National Education Association, the union representing the district’s teachers, sent a 14-page letter and report to the district Tuesday urging it to delay the start of school until after Labor Day — at least.
Campsites, RV industry see record numbers as people look to escape cabin fever
School teachers Brian and Sandra Katcher always take advantage of their summer break to travel across the country with their daughter. This year, their plans took a turn. The Katchers had planned to fly to Seattle but because of the coronavirus, they decided not to book a flight or reserve any hotel rooms. Instead, they borrowed a trailer and hitched it to their car to check out a string of national and state parks across the country.
One man dead after wrong-way head-on collision
View Story Comments COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri basketball players Xavier Pinson, Mitchell Smith and Jeremiah Tilmon Jr. have withdrawn from the NBA... More >> 1 day ago Friday, July 24 2020 Jul 24, 2020 Friday, July 24, 2020 9:36:00 PM CDT July 24, 2020 in News COLUMBIA- Community members gathered at the Armory parking lot in Downtown Columbia to speak and look for change within the...
New facility for assembling mobility carts will open in August
Mobility Worldwide volunteers are accustomed to squeezing into tight quarters to assemble the hand-cranked wooden carts they ship all over the world. On Aug. 1, this will no longer be an issue. Mobility Worldwide is about to open a new 12,500-square-foot facility at 4825 E. Meyer Industrial Drive in south Columbia. The new building, called the Mel and Barbara West Cart Center, is 3,500 square feet larger than the old facility at 1908 Heriford Road in northeast Columbia.
Director says medical marijuana could be in dispensaries this fall
View Story Comments COLUMBIA - The B&B Bagel Company's south location sustained damage to its building and awning on Monday morning. B&B... More >> 1 hour ago Monday, July 13 2020 Jul 13, 2020 Monday, July 13, 2020 1:45:55 PM CDT July 13, 2020 in News
John Warner Middle School set to open with latest in technology and security
When John Warner Middle School, named for a veteran Columbia police officer, opens in August, students will encounter cutting-edge educational design and technology. Columbia’s seventh middle school will serve families in the booming southwest corner of town and was built to relieve the overcrowding at Gentry Middle School. “We are ready to go,” said Jimmy Hale, principal of the new middle school on Sinclair Road.
Director says medical marijuana could be in dispensaries this fall
View Story Comments COLUMBIA -- The 90-day mask ordinance passed by Columbia’s City Council went into effect at 5 p.m. on Friday. The... More >> 16 hours ago Friday, July 10 2020 Jul 10, 2020 Friday, July 10, 2020 6:48:00 PM CDT July 10, 2020 in News COLUMBIA - The City announced eleven drop-off recycling locations after it put curbside recycling on hold until further notice Wednesday....
Director says medical marijuana could be in dispensaries this fall Original
Medical marijuana could be available in dispensaries this fall, now that two cultivation facilities passed inspection and have been certified to begin growing plants in Missouri. One cultivation facility near St. Louis and another in Perryville were allowed to legally plant crops in mid-June, the first businesses in the state to gain official approval.
Locust Street Expressive Arts will remain at Cedar Ridge another year
Locust Street Expressive Arts Elementary School is now set to open in January for the second semester of the 2020-2021 school year. Students and teachers spent the 2019-2020 school year at Cedar Ridge Elementary School while the Locust Street building was undergoing an $8 million renovation. The school, on Locust near College Avenue had planned to welcome students back in August.
Reactions to Columbia schools reopening plan vary by perspective
Kathy Steinhoff, president of the Columbia Missouri National Education Association, commended the district for the details in the 38-page plan and the thought and effort that went into it. "It is clear, easy to access and manage, and I really think it is student- and educator-centered," said Steinhoff, a teacher at Hickman High School. The plan outlines learning options for all grades as well as including special education students and English learners.
Unauthorized physician signed 600 patients' medical marijuana paperwork
View Story Comments BOONVILLE - Rainy weather could not dampen spirits in Boonville on Saturday. Neighbors from across the town of nearly... More >> 19 hours ago Saturday, June 20 2020 Jun 20, 2020 Saturday, June 20, 2020 4:39:00 PM CDT June 20, 2020 in News COLUMBIA - Portions of sidewalks on East Broadway and Hitt Street will be closed because of construction work. ...
Columbia greenhouses see surge in sales amid COVID-19
Many greenhouses saw a surge in sales this spring as coronavirus kept people at home and gave them time to spend on their yards and gardens. On Highway 163 in south Columbia, Strawberry Hill Farms closed 15 days earlier than planned after running out of plants due to relentless customer demand. Steven Sapp, one of the owners of Strawberry Hill Farms, said he was shocked by the turnout. By May, the greenhouse was already three weeks ahead of the usual sales curve.
Unauthorized physician signed 600 patients' medical marijuana paperwork
Officials say approximately 600 patient medical marijuana licenses have been issued to applicants with an unauthorized physician signature. According to a news release from the Department of Health and Senior Services Friday, there is no current evidence to indicate the affected patients were aware that the physician listed was not the physician that met with them. The affected patients will be notified and given 30 days to submit a valid certification to DHSS.
Unauthorized physician signed 600 patients' medical marijuana paperwork Original
Officials say approximately 600 patient medical marijuana licenses have been issued to applicants with an unauthorized physician signature. According to a news release from the Department of Health and Senior Services Friday, there is no current evidence to indicate the affected patients were aware that the physician listed was not the physician that met with them. The affected patients will be notified and given 30 days to submit a valid certification to DHSS.
Columbia seniors, parents respond to COVID-era graduation ceremony plans
Seniors and their families in Columbia Public Schools have been awaiting the fate of their graduation ceremonies. After receiving a plan for in-person ceremonies from the district Monday, some people were angry, others understanding. Although Gov. Mike Parson reopened the state Tuesday, Boone County maintains a local health order, which means some COVID-19 restrictions will remain in effect this summer.
Woman killed after officer-involved shooting in Sedalia
View Story Comments COLUMBIA - For a typical 20-year-old, summer break means vacation. But for Bag Chasers Only, summer is all about the... More >> 19 hours ago Saturday, June 13 2020 Jun 13, 2020 Saturday, June 13, 2020 4:24:00 PM CDT June 13, 2020 in News COLUMBIA - The Hickman Kewpies hired a new head girls basketball coach. Morgan Scott served as assistant basketball coach...
Arrest made after man was found dead in north Columbia
Boone County Sheriff's Department responded to a report of an unresponsive adult male in the roadway on W. Sycamore Hills Road Saturday night. The victim was identified as Anthony G. Lockwood, 39, of Columbia. According to reports, deputies arrived on the scene shortly before 7 p.m. and found the male subject unresponsive. The subject was transported by ambulance to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The death investigation was determined to be a homicide. David E.
Columbia Event Venues Reshape Summer Plans
As COVID-19 continues to change the way mid-Missourians live, event venues are having to rethink their summer plans. To read more on this story, visit our partners at the Columbia Missourian.
Columbia event venues reshape summer plans
As COVID-19 continues to change the way mid-Missourians live, event venues are having to rethink their summer plans. Here is list of what a sampling of Columbia venues have going on: Cooper's Landing 11505 Smith Hatchery Road (11505 Easley River Road on GPS) Currently, Cooper's Landing is hosting a variety of food trucks and playing music through speakers. Outdoor seating is available for visitors, according to Vanessa Leitza, general manager.
Open COVID-19 testing began Monday in Boone County
The National Guard, in conjunction with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, began open COVID-19 testing Monday morning in the Hickman High School parking lot. Free community testing was scheduled from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at Hickman. Missouri residents can register on the DHSS website; all appointments are currently full, but a waiting list is available.
Fulton man wins the lottery, gives back to the shelter that was briefly home
Our House, a homeless shelter in Fulton, was Sidney Stuart’s ticket to getting back on his feet during brief stays in both 2018 and 2019. This month, Stuart used a winning Missouri lottery ticket to pay the shelter back. Earlier this spring, Stuart, 56, of Fulton scratched off the winning numbers from a “Lady Luck” scratcher ticket he purchased in Holts Summit. After collecting a top prize, he decided to donate a portion to Our House.
Fulton man wins the lottery, gives back to the shelter he briefly called home
Our House, a homeless shelter in Fulton, was Sidney Stuart’s ticket to getting back on his feet during brief stays in both 2018 and 2019. This month, Stuart used a winning Missouri lottery ticket to pay the shelter back. Earlier this spring, Stuart, 56, of Fulton scratched off the winning numbers from a “Lady Luck” ticket he purchased in Holts Summit. After collecting a top prize, he decided to donate a portion to Our House.
MU Professor Recieves Grant to Eliminate Missouri as Top Human Trafficking Destination
MU professor Kathleen Preble received a $100,000 grant from the Missouri Collaborative Against Human Trafficking. Preble will use the money to fund her research on how to eliminate Missouri’s status as a top destination for labor and sex trafficking. She is working in collaboration and Andrea Nichols, a professor at St. Louis Community College-Forest Park. Missouri is considered a prime location for human traffickers due to the intersection of multiple major federal interstates.
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