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 Sedona Schrunk
Gather and give thanks with the Boone County History and Culture Center
Community members can learn about traditional food recipes and community traditions at the Boone County History and Culture Center's "Gather & Give Thanks" event. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday in the Montminy Art Gallery, located inside of the center. The event is intended to teach the community about the history behind food and community traditions in Boone County.
New trial date set for April in Melissa Sanders' dog abuse case Original
A new trial date has been set for Melissa Sanders, accused in the deaths last year of nearly 30 dogs she bred or boarded on property near Columbia. Her five-day trial is now scheduled to start April 26 in Boone County Circuit Court. A five-day jury trial was scheduled to start Oct. 19, after an earlier trial date in April of this year was also canceled. Sanders' attorney Isaac Dodd told Circuit Judge Joshua Devine he needed more time to prepare.
New trial date set for April in Melissa Sanders' dog abuse case
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save A new trial date has been set for Melissa Sanders, accused in the deaths last year of nearly 30 dogs she bred or boarded on property near Columbia. Her five-day trial is now scheduled to start April 26 in Boone County Circuit Court. kAmp 7:G6\52J ;FCJ EC:2= H2D D4965F=65 E@ DE2CE ~4E] `h[ 27E6C 2? 62C=:6C EC:2= 52E6 :? pAC:= @7 E9:D J62C H2D 2=D@ 42?46=65] kDA2?
At the polls: Voters turn out in the rain to make their voices heard
The Missourian is sending reporters out to a dozen polling places Tuesday to ask what issues brought voters out to cast their ballots. Here's what they said. Cameron Buckman, 39: “I just want to support my democracy, trying to get things better in the country. I j ust want to have a government that’s for the people, not just for themselves.” Sally Doyle, 77: "Abortion and everything else.
At the polls: Voters turn out in the rain to make their voices heard
The Missourian is sending reporters out to a dozen polling places today to ask what issues brought voters out to cast their ballots. Here's what they said.
At the polls: Voters turn out in the rain to make their voices heard
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Voters shuffle in and out of a crowded parking lot on Tuesday at the Ashland Optimist Club. A steady stream of voters kept the building busy for the first two hours of the day. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save The Missourian is sending reporters out to a dozen polling places today to ask what issues brought voters out to cast their ballots. Here's what they said. Voters line up shortly before 6 a.m. on Tuesday outside the Ashland Optimist Club.
At the polls: Voters turn out in the rain to make their voices heard
The Missourian is sending reporters out to a dozen polling places Tuesday to ask what issues brought voters out to cast their ballots. Here's what they said. Voters line up shortly before 6 a.m. Tuesday outside the Ashland Optimist Club. The early morning brought mild temperatures and sporadic rain as voters made their way to the polls. John Surprenant, 81: "Taxes. I’m paying enough in taxes already. I don’t want to pay any more.” Jim Sanders, 83: "Amendment 6.
Judge hears case about man accused of climbing a city smokestack in July
During a preliminary hearing Thursday, a judge listened to details in the case of a man accused of illegally climbing a smokestack at the city's Municipal Power Plant in July. Columbia Police Officer Michael Jacobs told Associate Circuit Judge Kimberly Shaw that on July 29, he saw Richard Nichols hanging shirtless from a window on the telecommunications platform that wraps around the smokestack.
Judge hears case about man accused of climbing a city smokestack in July
During a preliminary hearing Thursday, a judge listened to details in the case of a man accused of illegally climbing a smokestack at the city’s Municipal Power Plant in July. Columbia police officer Michael Jacobs told Associate Circuit Judge Kimberly Shaw that on July 29, he saw Richard Nichols hanging shirtless from a window on the telecommunications platform that wraps around the smokestack.
Florida man pleads guilty to killing a Stephens College student during Homecoming last year
The man accused of shooting and killing a Stephens College student during Homecoming weekend last year pleaded guilty to the crime on Tuesday. Misael Covarrubias, 24, fired a shot on East Broadway between Ninth and Tenth streets that hit Aiyanna Williams while she was standing in a crowded area after the Saturday football game on Sept. 27, 2025. Two other bystanders were also hit by the gunfire and survived the shooting.
Dalton Perkins found guilty of manslaughter in his father's killing Original
After nearly nine hours of jury deliberation Friday, Dalton Perkins was convicted of first-degree voluntary manslaughter for killing his father during a heated argument in May 2025 at the family home in Sturgeon. Dalton Perkins sheds a tear while listening to the defense give its closing arguments on Friday at the Boone County Courthouse. When Boone County Circuit Judge Benjamin Miller delivered the verdict to the court at 9:30 p.m., Perkins shook his head and stared at the the floor.
Dalton Perkins found guilty of manslaughter in his father's killing
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Dalton Perkins testifies during the third day of his trial on Friday at the Boone County Courthouse. Perkins decided to plead a case for sel-defense before the closing arguments. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save After nearly nine hours of jury deliberation Friday, Dalton Perkins was convicted of first-degree voluntary manslaughter for killing his father during a heated argument in May 2025 at the family home in Sturgeon.
Prosecution and defense conclude their cases in trial for Sturgeon man accused of killing his father
BOONE COUNTY — The prosecution and the defense both wrapped up their cases Thursday in the trial of Dalton Perkins, 33, who is accused of killing his father in 2025 after a heated argument in the family home near Sturgeon. Thursday was the second day of the trial, which is expected to end Friday. On Wednesday, the trial was largely devoted to prosecutors trying to prove that Perkins is responsible for the shooting death of his father, Stephen Perkins.
Prosecution and defense conclude their cases in trial for Sturgeon man accused of killing his father
The prosecution and the defense both wrapped up their cases Thursday in the trial of Dalton Perkins, 33, who is accused of killing his father in 2025 after a heated argument in the family home near Sturgeon. Thursday was the second day of the trial, which is expected to end Friday. On Wednesday, the trial was largely devoted to prosecutors trying to prove that Perkins is responsible for the shooting death of his father, Stephen Perkins.
Trial began Wednesday for a Sturgeon man accused of killing his father
A heated argument in the family home near Sturgeon led to a killing in 2025 by a son who was arguing with his father, a prosecutor told the jury Wednesday at the beginning of a trial in the 13th Circuit Court. In opening statements during the trial of Dalton Perkins, 33, Prosecutor Anthony Gonzalez claimed the son grabbed a gun from the kitchen and shot his father several times before he died. The younger Perkins is charged with second-degree murder.
October trial canceled in Melissa Sanders dog abuse case; no new date set
The trial in the Melissa Sanders dog abuse case has been canceled to allow her new attorney, hired in July, time to prepare. Attorney Isaac Dodd told Boone County Circuit Judge Joshua Devine he would rather have time now to iron out issues that may be involved with the case than face the possibility of a mistrial later. This month's five-day jury trial was scheduled to start Oct. 19, after the initial trial scheduled for April of this year was canceled.
Midwest gardeners gain advantages as prime fall planting months arrive
Less landscaping maintenance, better soil conditions and more preferable air temperatures are key advantages to fall planting. For Midwest Gardeners, geographical location and timing play a large role in successful plant growth as well. Trees and shrubs can be planted any time during the fall months, but the ideal time frame for the Midwest is from September through the end of October.
Hurricane Polo will push heavy rain into Missouri this week Original
At least three days of heavy rain will hit Columbia this week as fallout from Hurricane Polo moves north across the country. Rain beginning Wednesday through Friday is connected both to Hurricane Polo and a light cold front, said Mark Fuchs, senior service hydrologist at National Weather Service St. Louis. "We do have rain coming regardless, but the Pacific hurricane is definitely coming into play and will contribute to the heavy rainfall," Fuchs said.
Columbia man accused of killing girlfriend claims battered spouse syndrome
A mental health evaluation for a man accused of killing his girlfriend was requested in court this week on the grounds of possible battered spouse syndrome. The request asks that the director of the Department of Mental Health have Isaiah Goins examined by a psychiatrist or psychologist to see if he suffered a mental health condition that led him to act in self-defense during the homicide.
Man accused of killing girlfriend claims battered spouse syndrome
A mental health evaluation for a man accused of killing his girlfriend was requested in court this week on the grounds of possible battered spouse syndrome. The request asks that the director of the Department of Mental Health have Isaiah Goins examined by a psychiatrist or psychologist to see if he suffered a mental health condition that led him to act in self-defense during the homicide.
Temperatures expected to drop nearly 20 degrees in a matter of days
After a summer of never-ending heat, Columbia is in for a noticeable change as temperatures are expected to drop significantly by Monday. A cold front is expected to move through Missouri on Sunday. Behind that front, cooler air will filter in along with rain chances, causing a drop in temperatures, according to an email from KOMU 8 Chief Meteorologist Matt Beckwith. "Temperatures will slowly climb through the week," Beckwith said. "Climatologically speaking, our average last 90-degree day is Sept.
Beekeeping association to hold meeting on Missouri bee history and commercial beekeeping
People in Boone County interested in beekeeping can learn all about it at the Boone Regional Beekeepers Association meeting on Sunday. Member Mike Chippendale will give a historical presentation entitled "The Buzz about Missouri Bees" on the diversity of Missouri native bees, life history of the bees, their behavioral patterns and how Missouri bees provide pollination services.
Trial in dog abuse case remains on track for October after appeal is rejected
Melissa Sanders, who was accused in November of killing or abusing dozens of dogs in her care, remains on track to face a jury trial in October. Her attorney, Isaac Dodd, had filed a motion to delay the trial in order for more time to prepare. Dodd was engaged as her attorney in July, and he told 13th Circuit Court Judge Joshua Devine he needed to find and interview potential witnesses, as well as study the volume of material in the case.
Judge considers motion to dismiss a lawsuit against a data center project in Montgomery County
Posted 9/2/26 Cole County Circuit Judge Cotton Walker listened to arguments Thursday about the continued development of a massive data center project in Montgomery County. Google and Amazon are both building … This item is available in full to subscribers. E-mail Password Members If you're a member and have a print subscription, but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one. Not yet a member? Click here to see your options for becoming a member.
Michael Parks named first director of city's Airport Department
Michael Parks was named first director of the city's new Airport Department this week after working nine years as the airport's manager. The move came after the Columbia City Council voted to add a new Airport Department to help manage the growth of the Columbia Regional Airport. Department leadership was restructured to include an airport director, deputy airport director and airport maintenance supervisor.
Judge considers motion to dismiss data center lawsuit
News Posted 12/31/69 Cole County Circuit Judge Cotton Walker listened to arguments Thursday about the continued development of a massive data center project in Montgomery County. Google and Amazon are both building … This item is available in full to subscribers. E-mail Password Print and web subscribers If you're a print and web subscriber, but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one.
Capitol Report 8/31/2026
Missouri News Network: Statehouse News for MPA Members This report is written by Missouri School of Journalism students for publication by MPA member newspapers in print and online. ----------------------------------------------------- Missouri News Network this week looks at new laws taking effect, concerns about youth employment and a new report on how AI growth is driving the need for additional power resources. If you have thoughts or questions, contact Fred Anklam at anklamf@missouri.edu.
Judge considers motion to dismiss a lawsuit against a data center project in Montgomery County
kAmr@=6 r@F?EJ r:C4F:E yF586 r@EE@? (2=<6C =:DE6?65 E@ 2C8F>6?ED %9FCD52J 23@FE E96 4@?E:?F65 56G6=@A>6?E @7 2 >2DD:G6 52E2 46?E6C AC@;64E :? |@?E8@>6CJ r@F?EJ]k^Am kAmv@@8=6 2?5 p>2K@? 2C6 3@E9 3F:=5:?8 52E2 46?E6CD E92E 4@G6C 2 E@E2= @7 `[h__ 24C6D @? @AA@D:E6 D:56D @7 x\f_ 62DE @7 }6H u=@C6?46 :? |@?E8@>6CJ r@F?EJ]k^Am kAmx? u63CF2CJ[ 25G@424J 8C@FA !C6D6CG6 |@?E8@>6CJ r@F?EJ 7:=65 2 =2HDF:E 282:?DE E96 4@F?EJ 2?5 E96 |:DD@FC: s6A2CE>6?E @7 t4@?@>:4 s6G6=@A>6?E :? 2? 677@CE E@ 92=E E96 p>2K@?
Judge considers motion to dismiss a lawsuit against a data center project in Montgomery County Original
Cole County Circuit Judge Cotton Walker listened to arguments Thursday about the continued development of a massive data center project in Montgomery County. Google and Amazon are both building data centers that cover a total of 1,900 acres on opposite sides of I-70 east of New Florence in Montgomery County. In February, advocacy group Preserve Montgomery County filed a lawsuit against the county and the Missouri Department of Economic Development in an effort to halt the Amazon data center.
Columbia Housing Authority celebrates 70 years of service
Columbia Housing Authority will mark 70 years of serving the community by celebrating its achievements publicly Wednesday. The celebration will be held at 4 p.m. to recognize residents of the Columbia and Boone County communities who have contributed to the organization's vision over the last seven decades.
Columbia woman sentenced after killing a man when she hit his motorcycle
A Columbia woman was sentenced to 11 years in prison Tuesday for abandoning a man who was killed after she hit his motorcycle. 13th Circuit Court Judge Benjamin Miller told Elizabeth Lopez that she would only have to complete a 120-day institutional shock program with good behavior, followed by five years of probation. Lopez pleaded guilty last week to three felony charges of leaving the scene of an accident that happened in August 2023.
Columbia woman pleads guilty in case of severe child endangerment
A 36-year-old Columbia woman accused of severely harming her 5-week-old son pleaded guilty Tuesday after two years of court-ordered mental health treatment. Ending a case that began in 2021, Carolyn Yunek was sentenced to five years of probation with the stipulation that she maintain compliance with her psychiatric treatment. kAm$96 H2D 2CC6DE65 :? |2J a_a` 27E6C E96 49:=5VD 72E96C C6A@CE65 E92E E96 323J 925 366?
Missouri emphasizes tornado safety after 16 killed last year
The 2025 tornado season marked the deadliest year in Missouri history for tornadoes since the EF-5 Joplin tornado of 2011. Last year, Missouri had two major tornado outbreaks that occurred March 14 to 15 and May 16 near St. Louis and the south central area of the state, according to the National Weather Service. The tornados caused a total of 16 fatalities.
Missouri emphasizes tornado safety after 16 killed last year
The 2025 tornado season marked the deadliest year in Missouri history for tornadoes since the EF-5 Joplin tornado of 2011. Last year, Missouri had two major tornado outbreaks that occurred March 14 to 15 and May 16 near St. Louis and the south central area of the state, according to the National Weather Service. The tornados caused a total of 16 fatalities. kAm%96 DE2E6 @7 |:DD@FC: C64@C565 7:G6 >2;@C 7656C2= 5:D2DE6CD =2DE J62C[ H9:49 H2D >@C6 E92?
Popular comedian Nate Bargatze is bringing his Big Dumb Eyes tour to Columbia
Nate Bargatze discovered a love of comedy after struggling with dyslexia, failing out of college and surviving stints working as a cellphone kiosk attendant, dog walker and Applebee's server. For Bargatze, those jobs were only stops on his path to success, which seems to have arrived. In 2024, he was the highest-grossing comedian in the world, according to Billboard Magazine.
In her trial, Sarah Brown admits a baby died in her care but denies neglecting her Original
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.
Root Cellar reopens in March with a section dedicated to the Alpha-gal diet
For the last four years, James Roark-Gruender has been dealing with Alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-borne disease that can cause severe allergic reactions. His father has faced the same challenges for more than two decades. When Roark-Gruender and his partner became new owners of the Root Cellar late last year, they wanted to create a space where people with Alpha-gal syndrome and other food allergies could feel more comfortable shopping for products that fit a special diet.
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 Sedona
Contact Sedona, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack