News

A group called New Approach Missouri filed petitions Thursday with the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office that would place the medical marijuana issue on the statewide ballot in November 2016. The group, which includes Columbia attorney Dan Viets, announced their effort during a Thursday morning news conference at the State Capitol in Jefferson City. The

Large crowds gathered outside Jesse Hall at the MU columns as an MU student burned an ISIS flag on Thursday afternoon. Young Americans for Liberty organized the event. Ian Paris, the student who led the effort, told ABC 17 News he wanted to start a conversation on campus about the threat of ISIS in the

Lincoln University Thursday received a $4.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The grant is an award funded through the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act for 5 years. The award is part of the Title III program that assists historically black colleges and universities in either establishing or strengthening their physical plants,

A Santa Monica, California man is charged after he allegedly groped two women as they were leaving Harpo’s in Columbia in September. 39-year-old Thomas Cox is charged with second degree sexual misconduct and third degree assault for the September 12 incident on 10th Street. Court documents said Cox was standing inside the front door of

Multiple units from the Columbia Fire Department responded to Missouri Cancer Associates Thursday afternoon. Asst. Fire Chief Brad Frazier told ABC 17 News crews arrived after someone in the building reported a smell of smoke around 2:30 p.m. The building was evacuated as a precaution, but no fire was found inside. No one was injured.

Two people were arrested Wednesday after officers found drugs in their car while traveling on I-44 through Phelps County. A Phelps Co. deputy pulled over Alfonso Cazares after he was seen merging into the right lane between two semi trucks, causing one semi to brake to avoid an accident. The deputy stopped Cazares at the

The latest drought monitor released Thursday morning from the Climate Prediction Center is reporting abnormally dry conditions worsening to all counties in Mid-Missouri. Parts of Mid-Missouri are in a moderate drought as of Thursday, including northern Boone, Callaway, southern Audrain, Howard, Saline, Chariton, Randolph, and parts of Monroe county. At the Columbia Regional Airport, we’re

On Wednesday, Fulton residents told ABC 17 News they are preparing to recall five members of the Fulton city council. Residents said city officials are not fulfilling the duties required of their jobs, as problems persist with fire equipment and turnover at the fire department. Taxpayers believe the problems at the fire department pose a

The University of Missouri Thursday announced a major gift from law school alum and former President of Enron, Richard Kinder. The $25 million gift is the 4th largest ever at MU. This new gift will provide permanent support for the Kinder Institute, formerly named the Kinder Forum, which was created in 2014 by a prior

University of Missouri Chancellor Bowen Loftin announced Thursday it is requiring all Mizzou students to undergo diversity training, as a condition of enrollment. It comes less than a week after a man was removed from where he was living on campus, after using a racial slur directed toward a group practicing a homecoming skit. Chancellor

A Camdenton woman who was reported as a missing person has been found. According to the Camdenton Police Department Facebook page, Susan Willhite has been found safe. She was reported missing on Monday. The report claims she was last seen September 27th. Willhite was apparently found tonight walking along a highway.

An 18-year-old woman was hurt following a crash Wednesday afternoon on West Truman Boulevard. A 62-year-old man was driving a Ford F-150 north through the intersection of West Truman at Horner Boulevard when it hit the front end of another car that was stopped in the southbound left turn lane of West Truman. The 18-year-old

For the Cedeno family, decorating their front yard for Halloween is a family tradition. “My kids love to help me do it,” said Apolo Cedeno. “It’s a big festive thing for us. We love Halloween.” Cedeno said their lawn display has about $1,000 worth of decorations, which catches the attention of many in the neighborhood

Crews wrapped up their response to a crash outside Hallsville Wednesday night off Route B. About 10 units responded to Route B which becomes Paris Road near Kemper Road. At least one car was t-boned and another one rolled over. It’s unclear if anyone was injured in the crash.

A man is charged Wednesday in Randolph County, after reportedly running from police and getting caught with drugs. Investigators told ABC 17 News they tried to pull over 26-year-old Jordan Taylor on Monday near Hagood and Rollins Street in Moberly, but said he refused to stop. Officers would later find Taylor and arrested him in

A Jefferson City man was arrested Tuesday after police said he hit his girlfriend in the head with a golf club. 48-year-old Sylvester Vernell is charged with second degree domestic assault for the incident that happened on Case Avenue. The victim’s head hit a door after the strike from the golf club, causing a cut

A Morgan County man was arrested in late August after police responded to a report of animal abuse in Eldon. A witness told police he saw 48-year-old Kevin Wareham of Versailles beating and kicking the dog in the face, throat, and body. The witness said he yelled at Wareham to stop, but he continued to

Funeral arrangements are being made for a 19-year-old U.S. Marine from Maries County who was found dead Monday morning. Lance Corporal Dominic Schraft was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head at Marine Corps Camp Pendleton. His body was discovered at the Marksmanship Training Range 214 at around 6:00 a.m. Schraft was assigned

The federal government Tuesday filed a letter of opposition in response to a request from the lawyer of an alleged Mid-Missouri cocaine dealer to allow him to keep court discovery while in jail. Malcolm Redmon was arrested last year and charged in a major drug bust surrounding a known cocaine ring with 26 other people

As winter approaches, public safety officials are reminding home owners about the dangers of space heaters and other supplementary heating devices. The Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office reports more than 25,000 fires every year are started by heating appliances, resulting in more than 300 deaths. Officials say there are some easy steps to keep your