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Articles by Mackenzie Leece
New flights, parking rules launch at Columbia Regional Airport
New nonstop flights from Columbia Regional Airport to two Florida destinations began in June and officials also launched a new shuttle service and stricter parking enforcement at the growing airport. Allegiant Air began nonstop service to Orlando Sanford International Airport in early June with flights every Wednesday and Saturday.
Former Mizzou student gets 10-year sentence in domestic assault plea deal
A former University of Missouri student pleaded guilty Friday to multiple domestic assault charges before he was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Maxwell Warren, 19, of Overland Park, Kansas, was barred from campus after he was accused last fall of choking a woman in a university residential hall who refused his sexual advances and blocked him on Snapchat. Under the plea deal he agreed to Friday, Warren was sentenced to two consecutive five-year prison terms on felony convictions.
Former Mizzou student gets 10-year sentence in domestic assault plea deal
A former University of Missouri student pleaded guilty Friday to multiple domestic assault charges before he was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Maxwell Warren, 19, of Overland Park, Kansas, had been barred from campus after he was accused of choking a woman in a university residential hall who refused his sexual advances and blocked him on Snapchat. Under the plea deal he agreed to on Friday, Warren was sentenced to two consecutive five-year prison terms on felony convictions.
Man accused of dumping body in Perche Creek charged with murder
A Columbia man accused of dumping a woman's body in a trash bin in Perche Creek was charged Tuesday with murder. Andrew B. Acton, 53, was charged with second-degree murder in an amended complaint that accuses him of strangling or smothering the woman sometime between Oct. 1 and May 10. Court documents date the body disposal to sometime around May 11.
Sale of personal information options
We won't sell your personal information to inform the ads you see. You may still see interest-based ads if your information is sold by other companies or was sold previously. Skip to main content You have permission to edit this article. Previous Death notices for Eddy Gonzales, Teyon "Tj" Ramsey, Perry Fischer, Ida Mae Gasse… Next Death notice for Stanley J. Lynn. James “Leon” Schmidt, 82, of Columbia died May 25, 2026.
Man accused of dumping body in Perche Creek is now charged with murder
A Columbia man accused of dumping a woman's body in a trash bin in Perche Creek now faces a murder charge after information emerged that she had been strangled or smothered. Andrew B. Acton, 53, was charged Tuesday with second-degree murder in a amended complaint that accuses him or strangling or smothering her sometime between Oct. 1 and May 10. The new charge was added to existing felony charges of abandoning a corpse and tampering with physical evidence.
Man accused of dumping body in a trash bin in Perche Creek now charged with murder
A Columbia man accused of dumping a woman's body in a trash bin in Perche Creek now faces a murder charge after information emerged that she had been strangled or smothered. Andrew B. Acton, 53, was charged Tuesday with second-degree murder in a amended complaint that accuses him or strangling or smothering her sometime between Oct. 1 and May 10. kAm%96 ?6H 492C86 H2D 25565 E@ 6I:DE:?8 76=@?J 492C86D @7 232?5@?:?8 2 4@CAD6 2?5 E2>A6C:?8 H:E9 A9JD:42= 6G:56?46]k^Am kAm%96 42D6 3682? |2J `f H96?
New flights, parking rules launch this week at Columbia Regional Airport
New nonstop flights from Columbia Regional Airport to two Florida destinations will begin this week as officials also prepare to launch a new shuttle service and stricter parking enforcement at the growing Mid-Missouri airport. Allegiant Air will begin nonstop service to Orlando Sanford International Airport on Wednesday with flights every Wednesday and Saturday.
Death notice for June 1, 2026
Stanley J. Lynn, 71, of Columbia died May 30, 2026. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. June 3 at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W. Services will be from 10 to 11 a.m. June 4 at the same location. Douglas J. Bolerjack, 70, of Columbia died May 27, 2026. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 13, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4708 Highlands Parkway. Following the service, a celebration of life will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. at D.
Death notice for May 31, 2026
Previous Death notices for Deborah Jones, Mustafa Alnijoumi, Roger Larry Duncan and Ruby … Next Death notice for Alan Anderson. Douglas J. Bolerjack, 70, of Columbia died May 27, 2026. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 13, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4708 Highlands Parkway. Following the service, a celebration of life will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. at D. Rowe's Restaurant, 1005 Club Village Drive.
New flights, parking rules launch this week at Columbia Regional Airport
New nonstop flights from Columbia Regional Airport to two Florida destinations will begin next week as airport officials also prepare to launch a new shuttle service and stricter parking enforcement at the growing airport. Allegiant Air will begin nonstop service to Orlando Sanford International Airport on Wednesday with flights every Wednesday and Saturday.
New flights, parking rules launch next week at Columbia Regional Airport
New nonstop flights from Columbia Regional Airport to two Florida destinations will begin next week as airport officials also prepare to launch a new shuttle service and stricter parking enforcement at the growing airport. Allegiant Air will begin nonstop service to Orlando Sanford International Airport on Wednesday with flights every Wednesday and Saturday.
Columbia man sentenced in 2023 fentanyl overdose death
A Columbia man has been sentenced to prison in two separate cases after pleading guilty to a 2023 fentanyl overdose death. Chase Rieves was sentenced to 10 years in prison earlier this month to involuntary manslaughter and drug distribution charges, according to court records. Court records show Boone County Circuit Judge Jeff Harris sentenced Rieves to seven years on drug distribution charges in the separate case.
Death notices for May 29, 2026
Skip to main content You have permission to edit this article. Previous Death notices for Karen Dydell, Jerald Winfred Smith and Lisa E. Bobbitt. Next Death notices for Othella Reed, Douglas Botner, Robert Lionel Northrup, Sarendet… Alan Anderson, 90, of Columbia died May 27, 2026. A celebration of life will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. June 6 at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W. You must be logged in to participate in the Show Me the Errors contest.
Columbia man sentenced in 2023 fentanyl overdose death case
A Columbia man has been sentenced to prison in two separate cases after pleading guilty to a 2023 fentanyl overdose death. Chase Rieves was sentenced to 10 years in prison earlier this month to involuntary manslaughter and drug distribution charges, according to court records. Court records show Boone County Circuit Judge Jeff Harris sentenced Rieves to seven years on drug distribution charges in the separate case.
New flights and parking rules will launch next week at Columbia Regional Airport
New nonstop flights from Columbia Regional Airport to two Florida destinations will begin next week as airport officials also prepare to launch a new shuttle service and stricter parking enforcement at the growing airport. Allegiant Air will begin nonstop service to Orlando Sanford International Airport on Wednesday with flights every Wednesday and Saturday.
Death notices for May 27, 2026
Harvey A. Moyer, 77, of Columbia died May 24, 2026. Arrangements are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home. Dorothy Ann Fugate, 91, of Columbia died May 24, 2026. Visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m. June 8, 2026, at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W. Services will follow at the funeral home. John T. Johnson, 71, of Columbia died May 25, 2026. Arrangements are under the direction of Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel. Bryan Shannon, 62, of Columbia died May 26, 2026.
Man charged in connection to body found in Perche Creek makes first court appearance
A Columbia man is being held without bond in connection with a woman's body recovered last week in a trash bin in Perche Creek. Andrew B. Acton, 53, faces charges of abandonment of a corpse and tampering with physical evidence in a felony prosecution. kAmp4E@?
Boone County Commission decides to put sales tax for a new jail on Nov. 3 ballot
The Boone County Commission decided Tuesday to move a proposed three-eighth-cent sales tax from the Aug. 4 ballot to the Nov. 3 ballot to give county officials more time to build public support and provide additional information about plans for a new county jail. Boone County Sheriff Dwayne Carey, whose office oversees the jail, requested the delay, and the commissioners unanimously approved it.
Death notices for May 25, 2026
Marylyn Joyce Dahl, 93, of Columbia died May 22, 2026. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. May 30 at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W. Services will follow at the funeral home. Carol Jean Easterhaus, 79, of Columbia died May 24, 2026. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. May 27 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2201 W. Rollins Road. Services will be at 10 a.m. May 28 at the church. You must be logged in to participate in the Show Me the Errors contest.
Death notices for May 23, 2026
Gary E. Hudspeth, 78, of Columbia died May 20, 2026. A memorial service will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. June 6 at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W. A celebration of life will follow at the funeral home. Martin “Doc” Everhart, 77, of Columbia died May 18, 2026. Arrangements are under the direction of Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel. You must be logged in to participate in the Show Me the Errors contest. Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting.
Man accused in Columbia hotel arson dies after officer-involved shooting
A 31-year-old man accused of setting fire to a local hotel room on Christmas Day died May 11, nearly two months after being placed in hospice care in March. Marc Lucas was later involved in an altercation with police at a Break Time gas station where Columbia police officers shot him. A special prosecuting attorney leading an investigation into the shooting announced that the officers will not face criminal charges. Attorney Jacob W.
Boone County Commission considers sales tax for a new jail
A public hearing Tuesday revealed divisions over how the county should address overcrowding at the Boone County Jail. The Boone County Commission is considering a move to put a three-eighth-cent sales tax on the Aug. 4 ballot to help pay for a new jail. kAmp=E9@F89 q@@?6 r@F?EJ $96C:77 sH2J?6 r2C6J 2C8F65 E96 4@F?EJ 92D C624965 2 “E:AA:?8 A@:?E” H:E9 ;2:= @G6C4C@H5:?8 2?5 C:D:?8 56E6?E:@?
Boone County Commission delays putting sales tax for a new jail on Aug. 4 ballot
After a public hearing that revealed divisions over how the county should address overcrowding at the Boone County Jail, a proposed sales tax increase was tabled Tuesday. The Boone County Commission is considering a move to put a three-eighth-cent sales tax on the Aug. 4 ballot to help pay for a new jail. Although Boone County Sheriff Dwayne Carey argued the county has reached a “tipping point” with jail overcrowding and rising detention costs, several community members pushed back.
Death notices for May 19, 2026
Cynthia Roberts, 71, died May 18, 2026. Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory. Mike Wayne Mortenson, 66, of Columbia died May 13, 2026. Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory.
Suspect in Candice Richie cold murder case appears in court
After being extradited to Missouri from South Carolina, the man charged in the 2000 killing of Candice Richie made an appearance in the 13th Circuit Court Monday. Sentrell Wilson is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Richie, a University of Missouri student whose killing remained unsolved for more than two decades. He has no legal representation, according to information presented during the hearing.
Death notices for May 18, 2026
Skip to main content You have permission to edit this article. Burdet W. Hoecker, 83, of Columbia died May 13, 2026. Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service and Crematory. Steven Allen Swanson, 32, died May 7, 2026. Arrangements are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home. kAm{66 |:4926= $H2?D@?[ bd[ 5:65 |2J f[ a_ae] ':D:E2E:@?
Bond denied yet again for woman accused in animal abuse case Original
A Columbia woman accused of abusing nearly 30 dogs will remain in jail indefinitely after a judge denied bond again on Thursday. Melissa Sanders, who faces 14 counts of animal abuse, petitioned the court last week to be released from jail on bond. She has been denied release multiple times since her arrest in November.
Woman accused in animal abuse case to remain in jail
A Columbia woman accused of abusing nearly 30 dogs will remain in jail without bond after a judge Friday left her detention status unchanged. The judge said he could reconsider her bond request at a later date. Melissa Sanders, who faces 14 counts of animal abuse, appeared in court before 13th Circuit Court Judge Joshua Devine. Last month, Sanders rejected a plea deal that would have sentenced her to 16 years in prison. If convicted on all counts of abuse, she could face up to 53 years in prison.
Woman accused in animal abuse case to remain in jail
A Columbia woman accused of abusing nearly 30 dogs will remain in jail without bond after a judge Friday left her detention status unchanged. The judge said he could reconsider her bond request at a later date. Melissa Sanders, who faces 14 counts of animal abuse, appeared in court before 13th Circuit Court Judge Joshua Devine. Last month, Sanders rejected a plea deal that would have sentenced her to 16 years in prison. If convicted on all counts of abuse, she could face up to 53 years in prison.
Woman accused in animal abuse case to remain in jail
A Columbia woman accused of abusing nearly 30 dogs will remain in jail without bond after a judge Friday left her detention status unchanged. The judge said he could reconsider her bond request at a later date. Melissa Sanders, who faces 14 counts of animal abuse, appeared in court before 13th Circuit Court Judge Joshua Devine. Last month, Sanders rejected a plea deal that would have sentenced her to 16 years in prison. If convicted on all counts of abuse, she could face up to 53 years in prison.
Plea deal rejected in animal abuse case after jury trial is postponed
The Columbia woman facing charges of severe animal abuse rejected a plea deal Friday after her upcoming jury trial was canceled. Melissa Sanders is accused of 14 counts of abuse that involved nearly 30 German shepherds and other dogs at her breeding and boarding business. Her trial was set to begin Tuesday, but Sanders' defense attorney argued Friday that they were not ready. Boone County Circuit Judge Joshua Devine granted the trial delay over the objection of the prosecutor, Cameron Shields.
Plea deal rejected in animal abuse case after jury trial is postponed
The Columbia woman facing charges of severe animal abuse rejected a plea deal Friday after her upcoming jury trial was canceled. Melissa Sanders is accused of 14 counts of abuse that involved nearly 30 German shepherds and other dogs at her breeding and boarding business. kAmw6C EC:2= H2D D6E E@ 368:? %F6D52J[ 3FE $2?56CDV 5676?D6 2EE@C?6J 2C8F65 uC:52J E92E E96J H6C6 ?@E C625J] q@@?6 r@F?EJ r:C4F:E yF586 y@D9F2 s6G:?6 8C2?E65 E96 EC:2= 56=2J @G6C E96 @3;64E:@? @7 E96 AC@D64FE@C[ r2>6C@?
Plea deal rejected in animal abuse case after jury trial is postponed
The Columbia woman facing charges of severe animal abuse rejected a plea deal Friday after her upcoming jury trial was canceled. Melissa Sanders is accused of 14 counts of abuse that involved nearly 30 German shepherds and other dogs at her breeding and boarding business. kAmw6C EC:2= H2D D6E E@ 368:? %F6D52J[ 3FE $2?56CDV 5676?D6 2EE@C?6J 2C8F65 uC:52J E92E E96J H6C6 ?@E C625J] q@@?6 r@F?EJ r:C4F:E yF586 y@D9F2 s6G:?6 8C2?E65 E96 EC:2= 56=2J @G6C E96 @3;64E:@? @7 E96 AC@D64FE@C[ r2>6C@?
Melissa Sanders animal abuse charges reduced from 29 to 14 ahead of trial
The 29 charges of animal abuse against Melissa Sanders have been consolidated into 14 charges ahead of her criminal trial, which is expected to start April 28 in the 13th Circuit Court. The new list of charges, filed April 10, accuses Sanders of multiple counts of felony animal abuse involving dogs in her care, including allegations that she strangled, starved and deliberately tortured them. kAm|@DE @7 E96 C6>2:?:?8 492C86D 92G6 4@>3:?65 2==682E:@?D E92E H6C6 =:DE65 D6A2C2E6=J :?
Attorneys say they're ready for April 28 trial in animal abuse case
A Boone County judge confirmed Monday that the animal abuse case against Melissa Sanders remains on track for a trial later this month. Both the prosecutor and defense attorney said during a pre-trial hearing that they are prepared to proceed to trial beginning April 28. kAmp44@C5:?8 E@ `bE9 r:C4F:E r@FCE yF586 y@D9F2 s6G:?6[ E96 $2?56CD EC:2= H:== =:<6=J =2DE 7@FC 52JD] %96 4@FCE 2=D@ D6E 2? 255:E:@?2= :?\A6CD@?
Cases advance for three men charged in robbery that ended in teen's death
The three men charged with the death of a Hickman High School junior nearly two years ago are moving closer to trial or the final resolution of their cases. Traquan Reed was killed in October 2024 when he was hit by a truck when fleeing an apparent armed robbery on Boyd Lane in northeast Columbia. Byron Sampson, charged with second-degree murder, is scheduled to go to trial May 12.
Man accused of hotel arson and threats on Christmas Day is in hospice care
A man charged in a Christmas Day hotel fire is now in hospice care because of a severe medical condition, according to court filings. Marc Lucas is receiving treatment at Landmark Hospital and has “extensive medical needs” that prevent him from being housed in Boone County Jail, said Melissa Buchanan, assistant prosecuting attorney for Boone County. The state filed a bond motion Monday for him to be placed on medical release monitored by GPS. His case remains ongoing.
Man accused of hotel arson and threats on Christmas Day is in hospice care
A man charged in a Christmas Day hotel fire is now in hospice care because of a severe medical condition, according to court filings. Marc Lucas is receiving treatment at Landmark Hospital and has "extensive medical needs" that prevent him from being housed in Boone County Jail, said Melissa Buchanan, assistant prosecuting attorney for Boone County kAm%96 DE2E6 7:=65 2 3@?5 >@E:@? |@?52J 7@C 9:> E@ 36 A=2465 @?
Community Summit invites residents to shape city priorities
The Community Summit filled the halls of the Daniel Boone City Building with interactive events designed to gather public feedback on city services, priorities and future planning. The open-house style event, held from 9 a.m. to noon, featured booths staffed by city employees where community members could talk directly with officials about issues ranging from housing and transportation to utilities and public health.
More charges added for Ja'Shaun Barney in 2023 Dove Drive homicide
More charges have been added to the list of accusations against Ja'Shaun Barney, the last of seven defendants in the 2023 fatal shooting on Dove Drive. The rest of those accused in the killing of Deshon Houston, 33, have pleaded guilty. Houston was found with a gunshot wound in his head on June 26, 2023, on a driveway in northeast Columbia.
Trial for Melissa Sanders on animal abuse charges remains set for April 28
A jury trial remains set for April 28 in Columbia, where Melissa Sanders will defend herself against 29 charges of animal abuse tied to a dog breeding and boarding business she owned. An initial pretrial conference was held Monday morning before 13th Circuit Judge Joshua Devine, confirming the start date of the four-day trial. kAmsFC:?8 E96 962C:?8[ AC@D64FE@C r2>6C@? $9:6=5D E@=5 E96 ;F586 E96 DE2E6 :D DF3A@6?2:?8 H:E?6DD6D :? AC6A2C2E:@?
Columbia man pleads guilty to strangling his girlfriend and endangering her child
Four days ahead of his scheduled trial, Jeffrey Edward Skaggs entered a guilty plea for the 2023 Christmas Day strangling of his girlfriend and endangering her 1-year-old child. In early 2024, Skaggs was charged with second-degree murder, domestic assault and endangering the welfare of a child. In July, his murder charge upgraded was upgraded to first-degree murder after a grand jury indictment was filed.
Not guilty: Jury finds Sarah Brown innocent in baby's death at her home day care Original
A Boone County jury found Sarah Brown not guilty of involuntary manslaughter Friday afternoon in the death of a 3-month-old girl in her home day care operation. Brown had been charged with involuntary manslaughter in the May 25, 2023, death of the baby girl, who was found unresponsive during a morning nap in her home. The verdict was returned at 3:30 p.m. Friday after a weeklong trial in the Boone County Circuit Court before Judge Jeff Harris.
In her trial, Sarah Brown admits a baby died in her care but denies neglecting her
Sarah Brown acknowledged Tuesday that the 3-month-old baby at the center of her trial died in her care, but she told the jury that she did not know the seriousness of the child’s health condition before she died. Brown is on trial in Boone County Circuit Court in connection with the death of the baby two years ago in her home day care operation. She is accused of involuntary manslaughter.
Trial in infant's death begins as attorneys debate whether it was an accident or recklessness
The death of an infant in Sarah Brown’s care was a tragic accident, but not criminal recklessness, defense attorney Richard Hicks told the jury Wednesday as Brown’s trial began in Boone County Court. The incident was shaped by undisclosed health conditions, he said about the infant’s death two years ago in Brown’s home day care in Columbia. From left, Sarah Brown and her defense attorney, Richard Hicks, watch Brown’s trial proceed on Wednesday at the Boone County Courthouse.
Trial begins Tuesday for day care provider accused of a baby girl's death
A four-day trial starts Tuesday in Boone County Circuit Court for the owner of a home day center who is accused in the death of a baby girl more than two years ago. Sarah Brown is facing a charge of first-degree involuntary manslaughter in connection to the May 2023 death of the girl. A Boone County grand jury indicted her in July 2023, alleging she recklessly caused the death. If convicted, Brown could face up to seven years in prison.
Judge considers request to define 'torture' in Boone County animal abuse case
A Boone County judge heard arguments Tuesday to determine whether prosecutors must provide specific details in the animal abuse case against Melissa Sanders, who faces 29 felony counts of animal abuse. The defense alleges that in all but two of those counts, Sanders starved the dogs in her care, causing suffering that amounted to "torture." The defense claims the use of the word is too vague to allow them to properly prepare their case.
Judge denies bond for the third time in animal abuse case
Bond was denied for the third time in the recent case of a woman accused of starving and killing multiple dogs at a Boone County breeding and boarding facility. But Boone County Circuit Judge Kayla Jackson-Williams ordered a home detention study for Melissa Sanders as the court considers whether limited release conditions may be appropriate. Sanders, 26, has been held without bond since her Nov. 14 arrest on 18 counts of animal abuse connected to conditions discovered on her property near Columbia.
Judge denies bond for third time in animal abuse case
Bond was denied for the third time in the recent case of a woman accused of starving and killing multiple dogs at a Boone County breeding and boarding facility. But Boone County Circuit Judge Kayla Jackson-Williams ordered a home detention study for Melissa Sanders as the court considers whether limited release conditions may be appropriate. Sanders, 26, has been held without bond since her Nov. 14 arrest on 18 counts of animal abuse connected to conditions discovered at her property near Columbia.
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