Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Lydia Zweifel
Community members celebrate Veterans Day at Boone County Courthouse
The Columbia-based nonprofit United States Exercise Tiger Foundation invited community members to honor Veterans Day with a ceremony and vigil on a sunny Wednesday afternoon outside the Boone County Courthouse. Veterans in attendance were invited to stand during the celebration, each receiving an honorary medal commemorating their service to the U.S. At the ceremony's conclusion, attendees laid roses to remember those lost or wounded during combat. kAmpD E96 DF?
Stop Human Trafficking Coalition hosts third annual conference
In collaboration with MU Extension, Sinclair School of Nursing and Continuing Education for Health Professions, the Central Missouri Stop Human Trafficking Coalition hosted their third annual human trafficking awareness and prevention conference on Wednesday.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention hosts awareness walk
Over 300 suicide prevention advocates walked leisurely around Cosmo-Bethel Lake on Sunday, hoping to raise awareness for those affected by suicide. The Missouri Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention hosted Columbia's Out of the Darkness Walk, which recognizes those who have died by suicide — the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity launches sexual assault prevention initiative at Mizzou
Knit closely in their informal dining room, a full house of Pi Kappa Alpha, also known as PIKE fraternity brothers, participated in the U.S. Army's Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program on Tuesday. Currently, freshmen at the University of Missouri are required to complete two to four hours of an online sexual violence prevention module. Beyond that, Tuesday's event, organized by freshman Aiden Patterson, was the first of its kind. kAm“(6 D2H 2 82A :?
Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity launches sexual assault prevention initiative on Mizzou campus
Knit closely in their informal dining room, a full house of Pi Kappa Alpha, also known as PIKE fraternity brothers, participated in the U.S. Army's Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program on Tuesday. Currently, freshmen at the University of Missouri are required to complete two to four hours of an online sexual violence prevention module. Beyond that, Tuesday's event, organized by freshman Aiden Patterson, was the first of its kind.
MoDOT prepares for winter weather management with operations drill
The Missouri Department of Transportation is preparing for winter with statewide drills for approximately 3,000 snow removal employees Tuesday through Thursday, according to a news release from the department. “The drill ensures that proper equipment, plowing techniques and safety measures are used by every MoDOT employee," MoDOT Chief Safety & Operations Officer Becky Allmeroth said in the news release.
Retired Fulton police sergeant pleads guilty to federal sex crimes
A retired Fulton police sergeant pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges of producing and possessing child sexual abuse material while being held in Boone County Jail on eight counts of sodomy. Jimmy Joe Culbertson, 68, now faces a sentence of up to 70 years in federal prison without parole, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice. He is awaiting a state trial for charges of sodomy involving multiple children younger than 12, according to court documents. kAmrF=36CED@?
Retired Fulton police seargent pleads guilty to federal sex crimes
A retired Fulton police sergeant pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges of producing and possessing child sexual abuse material while being held in Boone County Jail on eight counts of sodomy. Jimmy Joe Culbertson, 68, now faces a sentence of up to 70 years in federal prison without parole, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice. He is awaiting a state trial for charges of sodomy involving multiple children younger than 12, according to court documents.
Gov. Kehoe orders privacy protections for use of Flock police cameras
Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an executive order on Sept. 16 that aims to establish parameters around the misuse of automated license plate readers, including the street-level Flock camera system used in Columbia and many other cities. The signing, known as Executive Order 26-18, comes after months of deliberation on how to best implement government surveillance systems throughout the state of Missouri, including in Columbia, where a $500,000 contract with Flock Safety was approved in October of 2024.
Former student celebrates Mizzou Law professor with a generous donation
Friends, family and faculty gathered in Hulston Hall on Wednesday to commemorate the William P. Murphy Scholarship. Donated by Stephen F. Hanlon, the $1 million scholarship fund celebrates the life and legacy of late University of Missouri Law School professor and civil rights advocate William P. Murphy.
Proposed budget appropriations by the City of Columbia for fiscal year 2027
Skip to main content You are the owner of this html. You have permission to edit this html. Previous Next Up The concert by Dismal Niche featured the Chicago Sunspots an… To view our latest e-Edition click the image on the left. Currently in Columbia 68° 10 PM 67° 11 PM 66° 12 AM 66° 1 AM 65° 2 AM 65° Secure transaction. Cancel anytime.
Gov. Kehoe orders privacy protections for use of Flock police cameras
Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an executive order Wednesday that aims to establish parameters around the misuse of automated license plate readers, including the street-level Flock camera system used in Columbia and many other cities. The signing, known as Executive Order 26-18, comes after months of deliberation on how to best implement government surveillance systems throughout the state of Missouri.
Gov. Kehoe orders privacy protections for use of Flock police cameras
Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an executive order Wednesday that aims to establish parameters around the misuse of automated license plate readers, including the street-level Flock camera system used in Columbia and many other cities. The signing, known as Executive Order 26-18, comes after months of deliberation on how to best implement government surveillance systems throughout the state of Missouri. kAm{2H 6?7@C46>6?E :D ?@H C6BF:C65 E@ 56=6E6 4@==64E65 =:46?D6 A=2E6 C6256C 52E2 H:E9:?
Gov. Kehoe orders privacy protections for use of Flock police cameras Original
Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an executive order Wednesday that aims to establish parameters around the misuse of automated license plate readers, including the street-level Flock camera system used in Columbia and many other cities. The signing, known as Executive Order 26-18, comes after months of deliberation on how to best implement government surveillance systems throughout the state of Missouri, including in Columbia, where a $500,000 contract with Flock Safety was approved in October of 2024.
Gov. Kehoe orders privacy protections for use of Flock police cameras
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe discusses the 2025 legislative session with reporters in his Capitol office. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an executive order Wednesday that aims to establish parameters around the misuse of automated license plate readers, including the street-level Flock camera system used in Columbia and many other cities.
Conservative watchdog group says 'divisive radicalism' is still taught at Mizzou
Conservative advocacy and watchdog group Accuracy in Media shared an undercover video on Monday of University of Missouri professor Wayne Brekhus speaking on diversity, equity and inclusion practices at Mizzou. “Lots of us do DEI types of research,” Brekhus said in the recording. Toward the end of the video, the narrator expressed their concern with Mizzou’s curriculum, “No student should have to suffer through divisive radicalism in order to earn a degree,” the narrator said.
Conservative watchdog group says "divisive radicalism" is still taught at Mizzou
Conservative advocacy and watchdog group Accuracy in Media shared an undercover video on Monday of University of Missouri professor Wayne Brekhus speaking on diversity, equity and inclusion practices at Mizzou. "Lots of us do DEI types of research," Brekhus said in the recording. Toward the end of the video, the narrator expressed their concern with Mizzou's curriculum, "No student should have to suffer through divisive radicalism in order to earn a degree," the narrator said.
Audra Sergel, Columbia's artist laureate, will preview latest work
Community members can celebrate Audra Sergel, a local musician and artist, and hear a preview of her latest work at a reception on Tuesday. Sergel is the city of Columbia's inaugural recipient of the $5,000 Artist Laureate Award. The Artist Laureate Kickoff Reception will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Boone County History Montminy Gallery, 3801 Ponderosa St. Involved in the Columbia arts community for over a decade, Sergel was named the city's first artist laureate in March.
Toby Arquette leans into 'service' in first 60 days as president of Columbia College
On March 2, Toby Arquette began his first day as the 19th president of Columbia College. In his first 60 days in office, Arquette has made strides toward advancing academic excellence while acclimating to the Columbia College community. kAm“p?J EC2?D:E:@? J@F >2<6 2=H2JD 4C62E6D :ED @H? D@CE @7 :?96C6?E DEC6DD] x 24EF2==J E9C:G6 :? E92E DA246[Q pCBF6EE6 D2:5]k^Am kAmpCBF6EE6 D2:5 96 :D 4@>>:EE65 E@ QC25:42= EC2?DA2C6?4J[Q 2?5 92D :>A=6>6?E65 2??F2= E@H?
Toby Arquette's leans into 'service' in first 60 days as president of Columbia College
On March 2, Toby Arquette began his first day as the 19th president of Columbia College. In his first 60 days in office, Arquette has made strides toward advancing academic excellence while acclimating to the Columbia College community. “Any transition you make always creates its own sort of inherent stress. I actually thrive in that space," Arquette said.
College of Veterinary Medicine hosts a ‘Boogie at the Barnyard’
On Saturday, the Mizzou College of Veterinary Medicine invites families, friends and prospective students to “Boogie at the Barnyard” during its 2026 open house. Annually planned for over 20 years by second-year veterinary students, the Open House features moo-gnificent exhibits, including agility dog shows, mule rides and various animal encounters.
Columbia celebrates Arbor Day with weekend events
As April draws to a close, Columbia’s tree-lovers branch together in celebration of Arbor and Earth Day. On Friday in Peace Park, over 40 recreational arborists planted trees and shrubs for park patrons to enjoy for years to come. Sustain Mizzou and Columbia Parks and Recreation invite community members to take root during celebratory events Saturday. Meanwhile, environmental enthusiasts prepare for Columbia’s Earth Day Festival on Sunday.
Jefferson City's 64th annual ice show skates across America
The longest-running amateur ice show in Missouri returned to Jefferson City this weekend for its 64th year. It featured 115 figure skaters aged 3 to 50, according to the Jefferson City Parks website. During the ice show, themed and named "United Skates of America," 31 routines were choreographed to represent well-known locations from across the United States, including Las Vegas, Washington D.C., the Mall of America and the Gateway Arch.
University of Missouri engineers celebrate patron saint with annual festivities
As the sun set over Columbia Friday, green light illuminated the dome of Jesse Hall to indicate the beginning of Engineers' Week, also known as E-Week. The event has been celebrated annually by the University of Missouri College of Engineering since 1903. On March 17, 1903, a note inscribed, “Saint Patrick was an engineer. Holiday today,” appeared on an Engineering Building bulletin board, according to the College of Engineering website.
Columbia College President David Russell leaves a lasting legacy
David Russell, the 18th president of Columbia College, enters retirement following years of dedicated service to the mid-Missouri community. Saturday is his last day as sitting president. From 2016 to 2021, Russell served on the Columbia College Board of Trustees and was appointed interim president in 2021 with the support of his peers. After serving nine months as interim president, he was officially promoted to be Columbia College's President on Oct. 1, 2021.
New Mizzou women's hockey team could push Columbia to the brink for a rink Original
This fall, a women’s hockey team will break the ice, joining the University of Missouri hockey program for the 2026-27 season. The introduction of an additional team may also increase demand for ice time at the Washington Park Ice Arena in Jefferson City, the only existing indoor rink in the mid-Missouri area. Without a hockey-capable ice rink in Columbia, program expansion is challenging. “Hockey is a very competitive sport.
New Mizzou women's hockey team may increase need for local rink Original
This fall, history will be made when the University of Missouri hockey program inaugurates a women’s ice hockey team for the 2026-27 school year. With the additional team being added to Mizzou's collegiate roster, there could be an increase in demand for use of the Washington Park Ice Arena — the only rink available in Jefferson City. Currently, Columbia does not have a hockey-capable rink. “Hockey is a very competitive sport.
Warm temperatures lead to man and cow falling through ice on Columbia lakes
As temperatures continued to rise Friday, two ice-related emergencies occurred on partially frozen lakes in Columbia. At 2:47 p.m., emergency services were dispatched to Cosmo-Bethel Lake where a man had broken through ice and fallen into freezing water while ice fishing. Before emergency services arrived on the scene, an unsuccessful rescue was attempted by witnesses. According to eyewitnesses, one to two men fell into the lake while attempting to rescue the struggling victim.
Drive-thru dirty soda and coffee shop opens in South Columbia
Carter’s Coffee Bar, a two-lane drive-thru coffee shop, celebrated the grand opening of its fourth location on Friday. Located in the Spring Brook Crossing neighborhood, Carter’s offers both coffee and dirty soda, along with specialty drinks, seasonal beverages and teas. The coffee bar was founded in May of 2020 by mother, daughter duo Debbie Carter and Ciara Weese.
Central Methodist University to host famous Warhol prints in seasonal exhibit
As the Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art at Central Methodist University is preparing for the Feb. 1 opening of its Winter Wonderland seasonal showcase, excitement builds for the gallery appearance of two original Andy Warhol prints. A pioneer of the pop art movement, American artist Andy Warhol blurred the lines between art and celebrity. Most famous for his Marylin Monroe portrait and Campbell's Soup print, his works encompass the cultural experience and materialism of a mid-century America.
Alumni and staff celebrate Columbia College's 175th birthday
Lee Russell whispers to her husband, Columbia College President David Russell, on Thursday at The Kitchen Grill and Games. President Russell will retire at the end of February. “I only wish I had another five, 10, 15 years to continue,” Russell said. More than 200 Columbia College staff and alumni gathered Thursday at The Kitchen Grill and Games in Columbia to celebrate the 175th anniversary of Columbia College’s charter.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Lydia
Contact Lydia, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack