Month: June 2013

Two developers hoping to get the green light on a multi-million dollar conference center presented their ideas to the Jefferson City council Thursday evening. The Ehrhardt group out of Hannibal and the Farmer Holding Company from Jefferson City both unveiled their plans. Drury hotels voluntarily pulled themselves out of the selection process earlier this week,

Thursday night, Columbia’s Planning and Zoning Commission approved the Collegiate Housing Partners project 7-2. The group wants to build a six-story student housing complex on Conley and Fifth Street. However, the final vote to officially approve the project will come from City Council. There is a chance that the council could send it back for

Four men are in the Boone County Jail Thursday night, accused of trying to rob a man near Douglass High School last night. The victim told police that five men stole his wallet and shortly after officers located the suspects in the area of Grand and Forest avenues in central Columbia. Walter Nash, Orlando Turner,

The recent rains are sparking concerns with Boone County health officials about mosquitoes and West Nile Virus. Starting at midnight, a crew will be spraying for mosquitoes. Health officials say they want to be proactive before the problem gets worse. One crew will be out overnight in places like trails, parks, or sports fields. What

The 2013 NBA Finals are on ABC17. LeBron James. Tim Duncan. Dwyane Wade. Tony Parker. Spoelstra and Riley. Gregg Popovich. What’s not to love? 1) What does Popovich do with LeBron James? The first time Popovich’s team matched up with LeBron it was 2007. LeBron was only 22 years old, four years into his NBA

Authorities say one woman was arrested during a drug bust Wednesday night in Audrain County. The East Central Drug Task force was assisted by the Highway Patrol and Audrain County Sheriff’s Office while serving a search warrant in the 3000 block of Audrain Road 389. During the search officers found meth, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and

Recipients in a food assistance program could be abusing the system, according to Missouri’s state auditor. EBT abuse isn’t just an issue in Missouri. Massachusetts is the most recent state to release results of an EBT investigation. Horror stories from other states is one issue that prompted Missouri’s audit. A deputy state auditor told ABC

After a four-story building collapsed in Philadelphia, ABC 17 News questioned how buildings receive inspections in Mid-Missouri. A Jefferson City building inspector broke down the inspection process. The city only requires the inspection of every new building. The city inspector will evaluate the foundation, framing and overall structure. “We’ll go through all of our inspection

Receding flood waters start to show damage, but the biggest health concern remains unseen in homes across Mid-Missouri. Clean up crews across the area reported this week they were swamped with calls about leaks and mold in homes and businesses. Servicemaster of Columbia told ABC 17 News Wednesday it had multiple crews working overtime and

Officials revealed a new leader on Wednesday at Helias High School in Jefferson City. The Jefferson City diocese announced Reverend Stephen Jones will become the next president. Bishop John Gaydos praised Jones’ work with teens and thinks he is the perfect man for the job. Jones previously worked as director of Jefferson City youth ministries.

Ameren Missouri is recommending that non-conforming decks, patios, gazebos and similar structures be allowed to stay near central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks. Controversy in recent years has focused on land around the lake formed by a hydroelectric project now operated by St. Louis-based Ameren. Land included within the project falls under the Federal Energy

Officials announced on Wednesday they are temporarily closing a beach at the Lake of the Ozarks because of high bacteria levels. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources closed the Grand Glaise Beach based on water samples from Monday. That means bacteria levels are higher than recommended for swimming. Officials also closed the Harry S. Truman

City leaders are one step closer to runway improvements at Columbia Regional Airport, a plan they hope leads to more development at the airport. ABC 17 News has been keeping track of an extensive list of proposed upgrades at the airport including a $33 million terminal. But before that happens, existing infrastructure needs to be

Chris and Tiffany Campbell are fighting against crime in northern Columbia by reaching local youth early. For years the area has been struggling with crime, but the Campbell family hopes the new community center will keep kids off the streets and out of trouble. Chris Campbell grew up “home alone.” Now he and his wife

A Camdenton man was found dead inside his burned out home early Sunday morning. Neighbors on Wilkerson Avenue told ABC 17 News the house went up in flames just before 2 a.m. They described Danny Grover as a quiet, well-liked man who is survived by a sister. An ABC 17 News crew at the scene

The U.S. Coast Guard is warning recreational boaters to stay off the river. The Guard shut down all river traffic on the Mississippi River in St. Louis Tuesday because city officials closed 23 flood walls. High water is dangerous on the Illinois and Missouri rivers as well. Officials said high waters aren’t only dangerous, but

Ashland’s Board of Aldermen met Tuesday evening to discuss several open positions within the city government. Just before 8 p.m. Tuesday, the board voted to put the police chief on paid administrative leave. Last month, the board voted not to renew the contracts for the police chief, city administrator and city attorney. The aldermen also

Authorities in Mid-Missouri arrested a suspect Monday evening in the murder of a woman whose body was found tied up with pink duct tape in her central Pennsylvania home. The decomposing body of 57-year-old Sandra Mulder was found Sunday afternoon in her York County home, her hands and legs bound. Carroll Township police Sgt. David

A Mid-Missouri man pleaded not guilty to charges he shot his girlfriend during an assault last month. Alfonso Rodriguez, 34, was formally arraigned in a Boone County courthouse Monday and entered a not guilty plea to charges of armed criminal action, first-degree assault and resisting arrest. Police told ABC 17 News Rodriguez shot Gisela Angel-Lopez,

Volunteers are rebuilding the Flag Spring Baptist Church after a fire destroyed the building last Thanksgiving. More than 75 volunteers worked on the skeleton of the new church Tuesday. The church’s pastor says while it’s disappointing it’s not their old building, they’re focused on creating a new home. “I got a phone call about 5