Labor shortage is affecting emergency services response times
An ongoing labor shortage is to blame for longer response times for emergency services in both 911 dispatchers and Columbia Police Department.
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Columbia has partnered with MoDOT to conduct a road safety audit for Route B/Paris Road
COLUMBIA, Mo (KMIZ) The City of Columbia Public Works has commissioned a safety audit for Route B/Paris Road, and is looking for public comment following multiple crashes that resulted in serious injury or death. The road audit is a part of its Vision Zero Plan. Vision Zero is a transportation policy goal and data-driven strategy
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Missouri State Highway Patrol says you should plan ahead for your holiday weekend
LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. (KMIZ) The Lake of the Ozark’s is busy this holiday weekend and the Missouri State Highway Patrol says that they have been responding to quite a few calls. Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper, Brian Geier, said that they have quite a few calls for careless boating, stranded boats, and theft.
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Jefferson City Police Department to increase DWI enforcement efforts ahead of St. Patrick’s Day
The Jefferson City Police Department will team up with other law enforcement agencies beginning Wednesday, to increase DWI patrols ahead of St. Patrick’s Day.
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Residents split as SROs to return to Columbia Public Schools
The Columbia City Council approved a new contract with Columbia Public Schools on Monday to bring back police officers in some school buildings.
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Downtown Columbia Leadership Council gives downtown safety update
Chief Jones says the department and community should take each incident case by case and thoughtful in their approach.
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Highway Patrol reminds everyone to celebrate New Year’s safely
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Missouri State Highway Patrol is urging everyone to make good decisions regarding their New Year’s celebrations and to end 2021 on a safe note. MSHP says no one wants to start 2022 with a traffic crash or a DUI arrest. The Missouri State Highway Patrol began their New Year’s Holiday crash
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MSHP asks drivers to use caution in strong winds
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Missouri State Highway Patrol is asking drivers to use caution Wednesday night. The patrol says strong winds can cause large vehicles to tip over. According to the ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Team, strong winds are possible in Mid-Missouri through about midnight. Conditions are expected to improve by Thursday morning’s commute. Strong
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Fire marshal gives safety advice ahead of holiday cooking and decorating
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas and Christmas Eve. Fire officials want to make sure everyone knows what they need to keep they safe while cooking and decorating for the holidays. Matt Luetkemeyer, assistant state fire marshal, says people should be using the next few days before the
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City of Centralia appoints new police chief Monday night
The Centralia city government appointed Harlan Hatton as the new police chief during its board of aldermen meeting Monday night.
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Jefferson City voters approve public safety sales tax
Jefferson City voters will have the opportunity next Tuesday to vote on approving or rejecting a quarter of one percent sales tax to improve public safety.
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Boone County and Jefferson City set to host drug take back events
Both Boone County and Jefferson City are set to hold drug take back events Saturday, on National Drug Take Back Day.
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Boone County fair gains safety approval for carnival rides and food vendors as it returns to Columbia
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The State Fire Marshal and the Columbia/Boone County Health Department gave the Boone County Fair the green light to open the carnival rides and food vendors this week at the Boone County Fairgrounds. Gus Guadamuz, Supervisor of Missouri’s Amusement Ride Safety Unit, said all rides have to go through two levels of
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Officials warn of the importance of firework safety ahead of Columbia’s Fire in the Sky
The bicentennial celebration of Columbia’s Fire in the Sky wraps up Sunday. The annual Fourth of July festival has a lineup of family-friendly musical guests and a historical tour of Columbia planned for the final day.
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SATURDAY STORM & FLOODING UPDATES: Photo and video gallery
COLUMBIA, Mo. According to Boone County Office of Emergency Management, a flash flood warning is issued until 6:30 a.m. on Saturday. Multiple areas of Boone County are still underwater and as of 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, MoDOT reported 206 roads closed in the state due to flooding. You can find a link to their Traveler
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Motorcyclist fatalities and helmet-less deaths increase in 2021
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, motorcyclist fatalities statewide have increased by 40% in 2021 and helmet-less deaths are up by nearly 800%. In August of last year, a law began in Missouri allowing licensed motorcyclists, 26 or older and with proof of health insurance, to ride without helmets. Cpt. Brian
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As foot traffic increases in downtown Columbia, extra safety precautions are being recommended for people and businesses
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Downtown bars and restaurants have seen an increased number of people over the past few weeks after the health order was lifted and are likely to continue leading into the summer months. Owners say they have seen extra law enforcement officers in the area to keep it safe. Nickie Davis with The
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Human trafficking incident in Columbia brings light on the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Human trafficking victim groups are concerned over the lack of knowledge in the Columbia community concerning the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world. On Friday night, authorities detained two suspects and are now investigating after a human trafficking operation led to the discovery and rescue of nine victims and two children
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Local fire officials talk about ice safety as temperatures warm up
COLUMBIA, MO (KMIZ) Fire officials warn about icy road conditions remaining in some areas, damaged pipes and safety icy ponds and rivers. Brad Fraizer, the Assistant Fire Chief for the Columbia Fire Department says drivers need to remain cautious on roads, especially bridges as some areas still have not thawed out completely. “Even though we’re
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Report: Hundreds of people die ever year due to backover accidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Child Safety Program says 210 people die and 15 hundred people are injured in backovers every year.
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