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Articles by Julia DeFrank
DESE holds State Board of Education meeting Tuesday
JEFFERSON CITY - The Missouri State Board of Education will hold a public session on Tuesday. Some of the items on the agenda include the consideration of personnel reports and investment transactions by the Central Bank for trust funds.
Columbia man charged after shots fired incident on Paris Road
COLUMBIA - The Columbia Police Department has made an arrest in connection to a shots fired incident on Paris Road Monday. Montrez Ricketts, 43, of Columbia, is charged with three counts of first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action. He was taken into custody without incident and turned over to the Boone County Jail, where he remains without bond.
Arrest made after shots fired on Paris Road
COLUMBIA - The Columbia Police Department have made an arrest in connection to the shots fired incident that occurred on Paris Road Monday morning. Montrez Ricketts, 43, of Columbia, has been charged with first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action. He was taken into custody without incident and turned over to the Boone County Jail. The Columbia Police Department said it responded to the 2400 block of Paris Road around noon after shots were fired.
A Time to Give Thanks expects higher demand this year as food prices continue to climb
COLUMBIA − With Thanksgiving nearby and food prices continuing to remain high, Powerhouse Community Development Corporation (PCDC) is preparing for higher demand during its a Time to Give Thanks project. A Time to Give Thanks, formally known as Everybody Eats, was created by the late Columbia City Council member and community advocate Almeta Crayton, will have a food box distribution this Saturday and a hot meal on Thanksgiving Day.
Everybody Eats expects higher demand this year as food prices continue to climb
COLUMBIA − With Thanksgiving nearby and food prices continuing to remain high, Powerhouse Community Development Corporation (PCDC) is preparing for higher demand during its Everybody Eats project. Everybody Eats, created by the late Columbia City Council member and community advocate Almeta Crayton, will have a food box distribution this Saturday and a hot meal on Thanksgiving Day.
Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture helps veterans not just on Veterans Day
COLUMBIA - Veterans Day is a day to honor and celebrate veterans, but the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture (CCUA) gives back and helps veterans in various ways year-round. One of CCUA’s locations is the Veterans Urban Farm. “The Veterans Urban Farm has two main approaches to veterans' welfare in terms of food security and other veterans issues,” veterans program manager, Dustin Cook said. Cook explained how food insecurity is common with active-duty service members and veterans.
Deadline approaches for Columbia's 30 board and commission openings
COLUMBIA - The City of Columbia is accepting applications for 13 boards or commissions, with 30 vacant positions up for grabs. “We have a ton of projects and even our council, our staff, we can’t be everywhere at once and we don’t have everyone’s lived experiences,” the public information officer for the city of Columbia, Sydney Olsen, said. “So our boards and commissions are a great resource to the city as a whole and our council.
Downtown Columbia businesses participate in The District's 'Halloweenie'
COLUMBIA - The District is back this year with its annual Halloweenie trick-or-treating event, where participating downtown Columbia businesses hand out candy. “We like to refer to it as the cutest day of the year,” executive director of The District Nickie Davis said. “It’s just troops of kids and their parents trick-or-treating from one of our small businesses to the next, and it’s just a ton of fun.” Davis said that almost all of The District businesses participate.
MU Homecoming parade will have over 140 entries this year
COLUMBIA - MU's homecoming weekend is almost here and the traditional events continue. With over 140 entries, the parade will take place on Saturday in downtown Columbia starting at 9 a.m. The registration for parade entrees opened in the beginning of July. “I mean in the summer, you are usually not thinking about the homecoming parade, in July, but it’s such a large event you have to start planning that early,” MU Homecoming tri-director Matthew Rothermich said.
Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce to hold State of the City and County
JEFFERSON CITY - The Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce is bringing back the State of the City and County presentation and panel Friday. "It's been 10 or more years since we've done this program and that's why I think we're getting a great response to it," Gary Plummer, president and CEO of the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce, said.
Veterans United holiday display closed tonight due to wind
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 566 IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN ILLINOIS THIS WATCH INCLUDES 3 COUNTIES IN WEST CENTRAL ILLINOIS ADAMS BROWN PIKE IN MISSOURI THIS WATCH INCLUDES 14 COUNTIES IN CENTRAL MISSOURI AUDRAIN BOONE CALLAWAY COLE MONITEAU OSAGE IN EAST CENTRAL MISSOURI MONTGOMERY IN NORTHEAST MISSOURI KNOX LEWIS MARION MONROE PIKE RALLS SHELBY THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF BOWLING GREEN, COLUMBIA, FULTON, HANNIBAL,...
AAA, MoDOT and MSHP remind drivers about Move Over Law
JEFFERSON CITY - With the holiday season approaching, AAA, the Missouri Department of Transportation and the Missouri State Highway Patrol held a press conference Friday to remind drivers about the state's Move Over law. Missouri’s Move Over law requires drivers to change lanes, if it's safe to do so, when driving toward any stationary vehicle displaying lighted red, blue, amber or white lights.
Parson announces December as Christmas Tree month
JEFFERSON CITY − Gov. Mike Parson hosted a ceremony Wednesday proclaiming December 2021 as Christmas Tree Month in Missouri. “A Christmas tree is a classic symbol of the holiday season,” Gov. Parson said in a news release “I can think of no better way to kick off this Christmas season than decorating a tree raised right here in Missouri.
Domestic violence shelter offers resources in aftermath of Elledge conviction
COLUMBIA - Prosecuting attorney Dan Knight says he hopes Joseph Elledge's murder conviction will raise awareness for the resources available if an individual feels threatened in a relationship. "I've got to think that she just wasn't aware that she might have been able to get help somewhere," Knight said. "It's just such a horrible tragedy." But what are some of the resources for people in an abusive relationship?
New documentary directed by MU professor is coming to Columbia and Netflix
COLUMBIA - A University of Missouri associate professor's new documentary is hitting the big screen − or in other words, the big streaming service, Netflix. But first, the documentary will make a stop in Columbia Monday night. Robert Greene's documentary "Procession" follows the stories of six Midwest men who come together to work through their trauma by directing a drama therapy-inspired experiment.
Driver of crash that killed MU student arrested on suspected DWI
BOONE COUNTY - The man suspected of driving while under the influence in a crash that killed a University of Missouri student is now being held in the Boone County Jail. Duncan McCracking, 24, is accused of crashing into Ashley Footer, 19 on Tuesday, Oct. 26. Footer was making a left turn onto Highway 163 when McCracking proceeded through the intersection, against the traffic signal, according to the highway patrol. Footer died on Oct. 30 from the injuries sustained.
Children age 5-11 now eligible for COVID-19 vaccination in Missouri
JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has adopted the CDC's recommendation for children ages 5-11 to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine for children age 5-11 is a smaller dose (10 µg), which is a third of the dosage for individuals 12 years and older (30 µg). The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is administered as a series of two doses, 3 weeks apart, for all eligible individuals.
Search warrant in Camden County results in 52 grams of meth, 6 guns seized
CAMDEN COUNTY - One man was arrested after a search warrant was conducted in Camden County on Wednesday. After the search, approximately 52 grams of methamphetamine, six firearms, various prescription medications, drug paraphernalia and a digital device were seized, according to a news release. One man was taken into custody and transported to the Camden County Adult Detention Facility, where he awaits formal charges.
Moberly opens new runway at Omar N. Bradley Airport
MOBERLY - The City of Moberly held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new runway at the Omar N. Bradley Airport. The reconstruction project included a total replacement of the airport's main runway, shifting from asphalt to concrete. Renovations were also made to the airfield's lighting system with an upgrade to the LEDs on the runway. The total cost of the project was approximately $6.4 million.
60,000 Missouri WIC participants will see a spending increase for November and December
JEFFERSON CITY - Participants in Missouri's Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program from the Department of Health and Senior Services will have greater purchasing power in November and December. The state's program is expanding the cash value benefit (CVB) for fruits and vegetables for the next two months. The temporary increase comes from federal funds with The Continuing Resolution to Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act.
Records hacked from education department's website, state says
JEFFERSON CITY - The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) says it was made aware Tuesday that personally identifiable information of three Missouri educators was potentially compromised. This information was located within the educator certification data available on DESE’s website, according to a news release. The hacker took the records of at least three educators, decoded the HTML source code and viewed the social security number (SSN) of those specific educators.
Former VAC director announces Fourth Ward council candidacy
COLUMBIA - Nick Foster has announced his intention to run for the Fourth Ward seat on the Columbia City Council. Foster recently retired as executive director at Voluntary Action Center (VAC) in Columbia after over nine years in the role. VAC is a local social service agency providing services for low-wealth individuals and households in Boone County. “Having lived in Columbia for eleven years and having been involved in serving the community through all those years,” Foster said in a news release.
DESE fixes vulnerability of teachers' Social Security numbers on state agency's website
Correction A previous version of the story stated the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's website was hacked and information was breached. It has been corrected to say records were at risk on a web page maintained by DESE. No information was clearly visible nor searchable on any page, and the web page was corrected.
Columbia Regional Airport runway extension expected to be complete by December
Construction on the runway extension began in late August and is expected to be finished at beginning of December. COLUMBIA - Columbia Regional Airport’s (COU) runway extension is couple months away from being complete. Michael Parks, COU manager, said there's no specific completion date, but COU expects the runway to be finished by the beginning of December. Construction on the runway extension began in late August. With the extension, the length of the runway will go from 6,500 feet to 7,400 feet.
Fulton Middle School principal named 2022 National Principal of the Year
Mrs. Beth Houf Courtesy of NASSP FULTON - Every year in October, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) designates one National Principal of the Year during National Principals Month. This year is Beth Houf, Fulton Middle School's principal. Beth Houf has been principal since 2015. According to NASSP, "In 2015, the school was not meeting student needs, the culture was toxic and trust was low.
The Missouri Public Service Commission will hold public hearings regarding Ameren rate cases
(JEFFERSON CITY) - The Missouri Public Service Commission will hold public hearings to receive customer comment in electric and natural gas rate cases filed by Ameren Missouri. In March, Ameren Missouri filed electric and natural gas rate cases with the Missouri Public Service Commission. In its electric rate case, Ameren Missouri is seeking to increase its electric base rate annual revenues by approximately $299 million.
Boone County Commission to hear public comment regarding courthouse murals
Public comment will be held Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Roger B. Wilson Boone County Government Center. BOONE COUNTY − The Boone County Commission will hear public comment Tuesday night on whether to keep or remove two murals that are currently in the Boone County Courthouse. The murals were painted by Sidney Larson in 1994. The murals depict different scenes that represent Boone County's history. 1 of 5 Details of a mural in the stairwell of the Boone County Courthouse on Tuesday in Columbia.
Boone County Commission hears public comment regarding courthouse murals
Public comment will be held Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Roger B. Wilson Boone County Government Center. BOONE COUNTY − The Boone County Commission heard public comment Tuesday night on whether to keep or remove two murals that are currently in the Boone County Courthouse. The murals were painted by Sidney Larson in 1994. The murals depict different scenes that represent Boone County's history. 1 of 5 Details of a mural in the stairwell of the Boone County Courthouse on Tuesday in Columbia.
SLU cancels Friday undergraduate classes following deaths of 2 students
ST. LOUIS - After the death of two students, Saint Louis University has made the decision to cancel classes on Friday for a mental health day. The first death was on Sept. 11 and the second death was on Sept. 20. The first death was suicide and the second death was said to be a suicide by the police. The university did not report the cause of death for the second death.
Dixon man charged with murder in Pulaski County death investigation
PULASKI COUNTY - A Dixon man has been arrested and charged with murder following a death investigation in Pulaski County. Brandon Veasman, 42, was taken into custody on Sept. 21 and booked into the Pulaski County Jail without bond. On Sept. 22, Veasman was charged with first degree murder and armed criminal action.
Hickman High School marching band steps in for Marching Mizzou Saturday
COLUMBIA - The Hickman High School Marching Band will get the opportunity to perform at Missouri's football on Saturday, something that hasn't been done since 1980. Marching Mizzou will be in Jefferson City, marching in the Missouri Bicentennial Inaugural Parade, making them unavailable to perform at the pregame and halftime show.
One seriously injured after vehicle crashes into Boone County Fire District Headquarters
COLUMBIA - A vehicle crashed into the Boone County Fire District Headquarters Wednesday afternoon, according to the district. The vehicle was traveling east on Interstate 70 Drive N.W. before driving off the road and into the building around 12:50 p.m., the district said. One of the firefighter-EMTs with the Boone County Fire District was outside of the building and saw the crash. He radioed the accident and firefighters were able to remove the driver from the vehicle.
Missouri's first Latino Caucus to be created this month
KANSAS CITY - It is the start of Hispanic Heritage Month and the Missouri Democratic Party has announced the creation of the Missouri Democrats Latino Caucus. This announcement came on the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the strength of Missouri’s Latino community, increase outreach and the need for more representation.
Flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of fallen Marine from Wentzville
JEFFERSON CITY - Governor Mike Parson ordered that U.S. and Missouri flags at all government buildings statewide be flown at half-staff in honor of fallen U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, of Wentzville. U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz Parson is ordering the flags to be flown at half-staff on Thursday, Sept. 16. On Aug. 26, Schmitz was one of 13 U.S. service members killed in-the-line-of-duty while helping with evacuation efforts in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Autopsies are scheduled for Daniel and Pam Stephan
Columbia - The autopsies for Daniel and Pam Stephan are scheduled for Monday, Sept. 13, at the University of Missouri in Columbia. The results of the autopsies may not be available for a couple of weeks. The Union County Sheriff's Office has executed a search warrant and obtained several items of interest. Detectives will be traveling to South Dakota next week along with Boone County and Highway Patrol Investigators.
Local organizations, businesses react to new national vaccination requirements
Columbia businesses and organizations offered mixed responses to President Joe Biden's sweeping new vaccine rules, but a sense of uncertainty pervaded. "We’re just not going to know a lot until we actually see regulations coming from the Department of Labor," said Scott Clardy, assistant director of Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services. Biden's new pandemic prevention effort focuses on unvaccinated Americans.
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.
Columbia Municipal Court offering warrant amnesty next week
COLUMBIA - During the week of Sept. 13-17, the city of Columbia Municipal Court is offering a warrant amnesty for people who turn themselves in. This warrant amnesty applies to outstanding warrants from Columbia Municipal Court for anyone facing arrest for failing to appear for traffic, parking tickets or other city of Columbia ordinance violations.
Second set of winners of Missouri's vaccine incentive program announced
JEFFERSON CITY - The winners of the second MO VIP drawing, the state's vaccine incentive program, have been announced. There are 180 winners chosen, and 177 have been fully verified. “These Missourians are winners not only because they are receiving $10,000 but because, like 3.2 million other Missourians, they have stepped up to help protect themselves and those they care for from serious illness,” Gov. Mike Parson said in a news release.
107 catalytic converters seized after two search warrants served in Sedalia
SEDALIA - Two search warrants were conducted by multiple agencies Wednesday in reference to an ongoing investigation into the theft of catalytic converters in the Sedalia area. One search warrant was served at 508 West Main Street in Sedalia, where a business allegedly purchased catalytic converters to be recycled. The other search warrant was served at 5162 Highway 135 in Otterville.
Man drowns at Lake of the Ozarks following cliff jumping
CAMDEN COUNTY - On Saturday, a man drowned at the Lake of the Ozarks after jumping off a cliff, according to an incident report from Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop F. The incident occurred at 64.5 mile marker at the main channel. State Troopers responded to a drowning Saturday at the 64.5 mile mark of the main channel at Lake of the Ozarks.
Mid-Missouri PrideFest is back over 2 days
COLUMBIA - The Mid-Missouri PrideFest is back this weekend, and for the first time, it will take place over two days. Organizers say the additional day is due to COVID-19 and social distancing purposes. "We normally have 68 vendors, and we didn't want to leave anyone out. So we just doubled the days," Janet Davis, co-chair of the Mid-Missouri PrideFest, said. The festival will not require masks but highly recommend bring one.
Columbia man charged with domestic assault after allegedly driving over victim with car
COLUMBIA - A Columbia man was charged with domestic assault after allegedly running over a female victim with his car. Augustus Armstead was charged with first and second degree domestic assault and resisting arrest following the incident. According to a probable cause statement, the victim reported she and Armstead were sleeping in the same bed, and he started hitting her in the face, which caused her nose to bleed and left marks on the left side of her face.
New Mizzou street art brightens up downtown Columbia as students move in
COLUMBIA - New street art is brightening the streets of downtown Columbia on the first day of the University of Missouri's new student move-in day. Mizzou Athletics and the City of Columbia partnered to create a trail of letters, spelling out M-I-Z-Z-O-U, on Eighth Street in downtown Columbia. The 'M' can be seen in front of the MU Columns, at Eighth Street and Elm Street. The 'M' starts at the MU Columns and goes all the way down the road to the Boone County Court House where the 'U' is.
MU mask, COVID policies look different than 2020's guidelines
COLUMBIA − Going into the school year last year versus this year looks a little different. Masks are back like last year, but this year, the University of Missouri will be full capacity with in-person classes and activities. There are fewer signs reminding people to social distance and mask up than there were last year. As of Aug. 2, MU's new policy requires students, faculty, staff and visitors to wear masks in the classroom and meeting rooms on campus.
School is returning soon, but will masks?
KOMU 8 contacted school districts in the mid-Missouri area to see if masks will be required when school starts. MID-MISSOURI - Back to school season is here, but does that include masks? KOMU 8 contacted school districts in the surrounding area to see if masks will be required or not. Here is what we know. Columbia Public School District No decision yet and unknown when the decision will be made. Jefferson City School District No decision yet, but the decision will be made no later than Aug. 16.
School year is approaching, but there is still a need for substitute teachers
COLUMBIA - The 2021-22 school year is fast approaching, and there is still a need for substitute teachers. EDUStaff is an "educational staffing company that hires, trains and manages substitute teachers for partnering schools districts." One of those partnering districts is the Columbia Public School District. CPS started partnering with EDUStaff in July 2019. There are three requirements for substitute teaching, according to Ray Massey, the territory director for EDUStaff.
Jefferson City dedicates Bicentennial Bridge near state capitol
The Bicentennial Bridge dedication was today to dedicate the 830-foot bridge starts behind the state capitol and goes over the railroad tracks to the riverfront onto Adrian's island. JEFFERSON CITY — Jefferson City dedicated its Bicentennial Bridge on Monday afternoon. "We're going to have an opportunity to celebrate the gifts that this bridge is to our state and to the Bicentennial itself, and it's one of the largest projects that is being built," said Carrie Tergin, mayor of Jefferson City.
Woman airlifted to MU hospital after residential explosion in Moniteau County
MONITEAU COUNTY — One woman was injured Wednesday evening after a house explosion in Jamestown. @KOMUnews around 6pm there was an explosion at a residential home in Jamestown. One women was inside and was helicoptered to MU Hospital. The women’s condition and the cause of the explosion is still unknown. pic.twitter.com/yk0aJdqWso — Julia DeFrank (@DefrankJulia) July 29, 2021 The woman was inside during the explosion.
Mental health of athletes taking center stage
Simone Biles withdrawal from the Olympics for personal reasons is bringing more awareness to the mental health of athletes in gymnastics and other sports. COLUMBIA - Simone Biles took herself out of the U.S. gymnastics team final due to her mental well being on Tuesday. Her action has sparked conversations about mental health in general and particularly in athletes. Columbia gym owner Amie Butler said she understands both the physical and mental aspects of the sport.
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