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Articles by Kate Alter
Once homeless, Brad Wojcik quit drugs and turned his life around. He has a little boy to thank
Brad Wojcik was homeless for more than two years, addicted to alcohol and methamphetamine and living wherever he could find a place to sleep. He spent some nights in an abandoned house in Columbia and others in a homeless encampment in the woods. Wojcik said there were times he cried himself to sleep on a mattress next to a dumpster. Then, in 2022, Wojcik received a call confirming what he had long suspected: He was the father of a little boy named William.
Two Wendy's locations in Columbia close over the weekend
Two Wendy’s locations in Columbia are closing this weekend amid wider chain shutdowns. The downtown Wendy’s location on Ninth Street closed its doors Saturday just three years after opening in January 2023. The location on Bernadette Drive near the Columbia Mall, which will close Sunday, was purchased by Wendy’s in 1985, according to a deed from the Boone County Recorder’s Office.
Two Wendy's locations in Columbia close this weekend
Two Wendy’s locations in Columbia are closing this weekend amid wider chain shutdowns. The downtown Wendy’s location on Ninth Street closed its doors Saturday just three years after opening in January 2023. The location on Bernadette Drive near the Columbia Mall, which will close Sunday, was purchased by Wendy’s in 1985, according to a deed from the Boone County Recorder’s Office.
Two Wendy's locations in Columbia to close this weekend
Two Wendy's locations in Columbia are closing this weekend amid wider chain shutdowns. The downtown Wendy's location on Ninth Street closed its doors Saturday just three years after opening in January 2023. The location on Bernadette Drive near the Columbia Mall, which will close Sunday, was purchased by Wendy's in 1985, according to a deed from the Boone County Recorder's Office. Papers attached to the doors of both restaurants announced "with a heavy heart" the closures.
Is a nasty insect headed our way? It's called the 'kissing bug,' but it carries an ugly disease
It sounds like something out of a horror movie — an insect that can bite, feeds on the blood, defecates near a bite wound and leaves behind a parasite that spreads disease. The Triatominae, or kissing bug, carries a parasite in its feces that can enter the body through the wound once a person scratches the area. kAm%96 A2C2D:E6 42FD6D r9282D 5:D62D6[ 2 A@E6?E:2==J D6C:@FD :==?6DD E92E 42? =625 E@ AC@8C6DD:G6 962CE 72:=FC6 2?5 DF556? 562E9 :?
Grateful Columbia surgeon gives kids a way to see themselves as doctors
Abdoulie Njai grew up in Gambia hearing about the way serious injuries in his family were treated — not in hospitals or clinics, but with sticks, rods and the customs of traditional healers. “There was no orthopedic surgeon in the country,” he said. University of Missouri associate professor Don Moore, left, shows Shiloh Kasongo, 11, the process of an intramedullary nailing of a proximal femur on Jan. 31 at the Missouri Orthopedic Institute.
Who's the middleman running up prescription costs? Pharmacy benefit managers decide which stores take profits and losses
Everyday owners of independent pharmacies across Missouri have to decide between serving the people or making a profit. Some say the middlemen in charge of their reimbursements are hurting their businesses. “The only thing I can control in the pharmacy is how I buy the drugs. I have no say in what I get paid,” said Anthony Desha, co-owner of Flow’s Pharmacy in Columbia and Summit Pharmacy in Holts Summit.
Who's the middleman running up prescription costs? Pharmacy benefit managers decide which stores take profits and losses
Everyday owners of independent pharmacies across Missouri have to decide between serving the people or making a profit. Some say the middlemen in charge of their reimbursements are hurting their businesses. “The only thing I can control in the pharmacy is how I buy the drugs. I have no say in what I get paid,” said Anthony Desha, co-owner of Flow’s Pharmacy in Columbia and Summit Pharmacy in Holts Summit.
Who's the middleman running up prescription costs? Pharmacy benefit managers decide which stores take profits and losses Original
Everyday owners of independent pharmacies across Missouri have to decide between serving the people or making a profit. Some say the middlemen in charge of their reimbursements are hurting their businesses. “The only thing I can control in the pharmacy is how I buy the drugs. I have no say in what I get paid,” said Anthony Desha, co-owner of Flow’s Pharmacy in Columbia and Summit Pharmacy in Holts Summit.
Stephens College partners with veterinary clinic for small animal services
Stephens College is partnering with Kuehler Veterinary Services to offer small animal therapy services on Stephens' campus, starting Jan. 15. The program will allow Stephens College veterinary students to learn about animal therapy practices under faculty and veterinary supervision. Through the partnership, students can observe real-world veterinary cases, gain clinical hours and participate in workshops with Dr. Kally Kuehler, a certified animal chiropractor and owner of KVC.
Legion of Black Collegians commemorates 10-year anniversary of racial protests at Mizzou
Two events commemorating the 10-year anniversary of racial protests at Mizzou will be hosted by the Legion of Black Collegians Saturday. The demonstrations were in protest of 2015 Mizzou administrators and their lack of response to a series of racist and discriminatory acts on campus. The student advocate group behind the protests is known as Concerned Student 1950.
Holiday spirit brings more volunteers to Food Bank
The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri hosted a food and fund drive outside grocery stores on Tuesday as people stocked up for their Thanksgiving meals. “Every meal is important, but there’s so much more to food than just sustenance,” Food Bank Chief Communications Officer Katie Adkins said. “It’s connection, it’s celebration, it’s joy for so many people.
Holiday spirit brings more volunteers to local food bank
The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri hosted a food and fund drive outside grocery stores on Tuesday as people stocked up for their Thanksgiving meals. “Every meal is important, but there’s so much more to food than just sustenance,” Chief Communications Officer Katie Adkins said. “It's connection, it's celebration, it's joy for so many people.
Band founded by Mizzou faculty nominated for two 2026 Grammy Awards
A band founded by University of Missouri faculty was nominated for two 2026 Grammy Awards. Their band, Alarm Will Sound, released their latest album, titled Land of Winter, in November 2024. Now, the album is nominated for Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance and Best Contemporary Classical Composition at the 2026 Grammys. kAm$E672? uC6F?5[ AC@76DD@C @7 4@>A@D:E:@?
City of Columbia and Boone County combat lost SNAP benefits during shutdown
Columbia and Boone County announced they will redirect American Rescue Plan Act funds to donate $50,000 each to combat the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, disruption, which was set to begin Saturday until a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to cover benefits with emergency funds. CoMoHelps was originally started to manage relief funds during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, they’re helping residents of mid-Missouri once again.
Nightjar Arts Collective marks opening with launch party and poetry reading
Nightjar, a new arts collective in town, serves as a gallery space on 810 E. Walnut St. for visual artists who are passionate about amplifying marginalized voices. Its goal is to provide people a place to showcase their art and connect with a supportive community. On Thursday, people were packed into the back room decorated with small pumpkins, flameless candles and a jar of fairy lights.
Mid-Missouri PrideFest returns to Columbia for 25th annual celebration
By Aiyana Massie/Missourian,Kate Alter,Brian Smoot,Annie Goldman,Michael Baniewicz Mid-Missouri PrideFest brings around 10,000 participants to downtown Columbia annually, and this year - the festival's 25th - was no exception. This year's event, held in the North Village Arts District on Oct. 4 and 5, drew attendees from mid-Missouri and beyond.
Columbia popcorn business lands second location in Walmart Supercenter
Mya's Gourmet Popcorn started as an entrepreneurship project for Mya McClain's high school students. Now, her thriving small popcorn business has opened its second Columbia location on Oct. 2 at the Walmart Supercenter. McClain, a former full-time teacher at Faith Walk Academy in Paris, Missouri, was known for the popcorn balls she would bring to school events and on holidays. In 2018, student council members asked if they could sell her popcorn balls to fund field trips and student parties.
Ten years after 2015 protests, Mizzou students still endure racial tensions
Ten years after 2015 protests, Mizzou students still endure racial tensions
Nearly a decade after students protested racial incidents, the University of Missouri is still under scrutiny for its responses to discrimination and student expression. Over the past few years, Mizzou changed Homecoming parade policies to exclude political content, canceled the Legion of Black Collegians’ ”Black 2 Class” block party, removed resource websites for minority students and dissolved the Division of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity.
University of Missouri School of Medicine receives $3.9 million for new telehealth center
The University of Missouri School of Medicine received a $3.9 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration to fund a new telehealth center. The development, named the Center for Telehealth Research and Policy, is aimed towards increasing health care resources for rural communities.
University of Missouri School of Medicine receives $3.9 million for new telehealth center | Jefferson City News-Tribune
The University of Missouri School of Medicine received a $3.9 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration to fund a new telehealth center. The development, named the Center for Telehealth Research and Policy, is aimed towards increasing health care resources for rural communities.
University of Missouri School of Medicine receives $3.9 million for new telehealth center
By Kate Alter,Sophia Rentschler The University of Missouri School of Medicine received a $3.9 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration to fund a new telehealth center. The development, named the Center for Telehealth Research and Policy, is aimed towards increasing healthcare resources for rural communities.
Raw Roots Turmeric hosts inaugural festival celebrating five years of business
By Kenzie Ripe/Missourian,Pike Temple,Kate Alter,Sophia Rentschler,Kenzie Ripe,Sophie Chappell,Molly Fox Raw Roots Turmeric hosted its inaugural turmeric festival Sunday, highlighting the use of the golden root across natural medicine and horticulture. In 2018, Ranjana and Chetan Hans started their business growing a few turmeric plants in their backyard. Now, they own a 10-acre property and three greenhouses to harvest the root.
Hartsburg contractor charged with felony theft
Ryan Gilmore of Hartsburg faced felony charges on Tuesday for stealing and deceptive business practices during a contracting job for Cameo Construction. An Ashland homeowner met with Gilmore at his house on Aug. 9, 2022, to work out an agreement to replace the homeowner's roof. Gilmore was given $10,000 for his work and materials. Gilmore cashed this check on Sept. 14, 2022, but did not complete the job or provide materials as promised. He also failed to provide a refund.
I’ve grown closer to Judaism in college
When I was younger, I was told by multiple people passing through my life, including my third grade teacher, that I wasn’t Jewish. I have a Jewish extended family, celebrated holidays, and went to shul once in a blue moon. For me growing up, that was enough. Then came college. I attend a big public school where people from different cultures, backgrounds, and religious faiths are more openly talked about. College was the first time I was encouraged to wrestle with faith intellectually.
Opinion: Jewish values require a better view of immigration
Growing up in California, I have been around immigrants all my life. They have been my classmates, housekeepers, teachers, nurses and friends. I am well aware that many of them harvest the food I eat and build the structures I walk into. Mateo, a Mexican immigrant who’s been gardening for people close to me since 2012, speaks to me in Spanish.
Hilary Miller, serving people who are religiously oppressed for the US, remembers a ‘charmed’ upbringing in Wisconsin
U.S. government policy analyst Hilary Miller remembers her time growing up in Jewish Milwaukee fondly, from her days attending Milwaukee Jewish Day School to serving as president of the Wisconsin region of BBYO. She draws on her life experience while advocating for people experiencing religious oppression on the other side of the world.
In Mequon, kosher restaurant has grown, offers catering
MEQUON – The Deli on Crown hired a chef’s assistant in recent months, after their culinary staff expressed concerns about keeping up with the pace of orders. The move has allowed for continuing growth, according to founders and managers Rabbi Mencachem and Hudi Rapoport. The Rapoports weren’t initially sure if their small food business, which started four years ago as a pandemic era grab-and-go service, would succeed.
Lane closures on Gillespie Bridge Road to begin Monday
By Kate Alter,Anna Colletto Partial lane closures will begin Monday on Gillespie Bridge Road through April 18 for maintenance. Crack sealing construction will affect traffic on the road from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily during this period. Gillespie Bridge Road will have one lane open each day with a pilot car to direct traffic flow. Drivers are advised to exercise caution when entering road construction.
Lane closures on Gillespie Bridge Road to begin April 14
By Kate Alter,Anna Colletto Partial lane closures will begin April 14 on Gillespie Bridge Road through April 18 for maintenance. Crack sealing construction will affect traffic on the road from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily in this period. Gillespie Bridge Road will have one lane open each day with a pilot car to direct traffic flow. Drivers are advised to exercise caution when entering road construction.
TruStone Financial Credit Union Reduces Call Volume 20% with Eltropy AI Chatbot
TruStone Financial Credit Union has significantly improved its member service capabilities through the implementation of an AI-powered chatbot using Eltropy’s Unified Communications platform. The chatbot, named “Ruth” after the credit union’s first bookkeeper, now handles nearly half of all member conversations independently and has reduced contact center call volume by 20%.
MU's study abroad program: everything you need to know
April 30, 2024 MU provides a variety of countries to study abroad for students in every major. There are over 180 programs for students to choose from, including academic programs and internship programs. The following steps will guide you through the process of how to apply for study abroad at the University of Missouri. – Do I have all of the proper documents and identification needed for travel, such as a student visa and passport?
Last Minute Valentine’s Day Ideas in Columbia
Don’t worry, there are still things to do on Valentine’s Day in Columbia, and here are some local places that are celebrating the day. Celebrate with loved ones of all types — partners, friends, family and more. Time: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Address: 111 S. Ninth St. Cost: $65-130 per person The Mud Room is offering private, step-by-step Pottery Wheel sessions for groups of two where couples can make a clay piece together.
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