News

Police officers plan to make more of a presence in Columbia elementary schools. In the wake of the tragic shooting in Connecticut one month ago, local schools have considered new buzz-in systems, cameras and lights, even a police sub-station at a junior high school. This, however, is the biggest change to elementary schools since the

***UPDATE TUESDAY 6:20 P.M.***District leaders tell ABC 17 News it doesn’t look like the original plan of classes starting at 7:20 A. M. is going to happen. They say that’s too early for any school to start. But after meetings throughout the day, they believe they have somewhat of a better plan.District leaders met throughout

Fire investigators say items consistent with a methamphetamine lab were found in the garage attached to the duplex of a recent fire.The cause of the fire in the 2200 block of Chapel Hill Road is still undetermined, but investigators say it is suspicious.No one was hurt in the January 9th blaze. Investigators say occupants of

Jay Nixon began his second and final term as Missouri’s Governor in Monday’s inauguration ceremony. Nixon’s address on the South Steps of the Capitol, echoed tones of working together that he pushed for in 2009. “Cooperation wasn’t considered a sign of weakness, but rather a prerequisite for progress,” Nixon said, “and progress is not partisan.”

The Mid-Missouri woman accused of killing her infant claimed responsibility Monday.Cassidy King pleaded guilty as part of a plea arrangement with prosecutors. ABC 17 News has been following the story since police found the body of King’s baby in a pond near Higbee back in May 2011.King originally pleaded not guilty to the charge of

***UPDATE 4 P.M.***ST. LOUIS (AP) – Police say a gunman walked into a business school in downtown St. Louis and shot an administrator in the chest before shooting himself.Police Chief Sam Dotson said the shooting happened about 2 p.m. Tuesday. The administrator was a man in his 40s who was shot in his office.Dotson says

***UPDATE 5:50 P.M.***Officials say the fire started in the kitchen Tuesday afternoon. The blaze caused $170,000 in damage and the home is considered a total loss.***ORIGINAL STORY***Numerous emergency crews are on the scene of a large structure fire north of Columbia.Columbia and Boone County fire crews are battling a fire at a home at 7875

The Downtown Columbia Leadership Council agreed to delay demolition projects in the district for the next six months.A developer from St. Louis wants to demolish the older apartments and build a 16-story student housing complex. The Niedermeyer is currently the oldest building in Columbia.Leaders want more time to consider the changes.On Monday, the Columbia city

A new report says Missouri’s unemployment rate was unchanged last month while the state had a net gain of 10,200 jobs.Tuesday’s figures from the Missouri Department of Economic Development show the state’s jobless rate stood at 6.7 percent in December, the same as November.Manufacturing led the December increase in nonfarm employment with a gain of

A Moberly company will lay off over two dozen employees next week.Wilson Trailer Company confirmed Tuesday that 28 employees will be without a job effective Thursday, January 24th.Plant Manager Les Keleher says the sluggish economy and the prolonged drought led to the layoffs. The Wilson Trailer plant makes flatbed trailers, primarily for agricultural purposes.The plant

A private security group, J & J Security and Investigations says they want the Jefferson City schools to be safer.The group’s intentions would be to put an officer at each school.The Jefferson City School spokesman, David Luther said, “To say that we haven’t been thinking about it over the last month, is really not an

After 3 days of sub-freezing temperatures we will finally warm to above the freezing mark starting Wednesday. Southwesterly winds will bring temps up to near 40 Wednesday, cooling to the upper 30s Thursday as winds shift to the northwest. Friday and Saturday are the warmest of the week, reaching the upper 40s to near 50

The Cole County Health Department replenished their flu vaccines Tuesday, after being extremely low on supply the week before. On Friday, vaccines were down to about five doses, said Jessi Kempker, an immunization coordinator for the department who oversees the supplies. Kempker said it was not uncommon to have a low supply this far along

(AP) – A new study in time for the NCAA’s annual meeting in Texas reveals the disparity between rising spending on big time athletics and academic expenditure.The study says annual spending on sports by public universities in six big-time conferences like the SEC and Big 12 has passed $100,000 per athlete – about six to

President Barack Obama announced the following proposals Wednesday for curbing gun violence.NEEDS CONGRESSIONAL ACTION:1. Requiring background checks on all gun sales. 2. Reinstating the assault weapons ban. 3. Renewing a 10-round limit on the size of ammunition magazines.4. Prohibiting the possession, transfer, manufacture and import of dangerous armor-piercing bullets.5. Senate confirmation of a director for

ABC 17/KMIZ will air college basketball Wednesday night beginning at 7 p.m. The #17 University of Missouri Tigers will host the University of Georgia Bulldogs at Mizzou Arena.Because of basketball, the normal Wednesday night comedies will not air tonight. ABC 17/KMIZ will air the shows on Saturday, January 19th.- The Middle will air at 12

Montgomery City police have confirmed to ABC 17 News that a missing teenager has been found.Amy Jordan, 15, was found Wednesday morning and returned home. Police say she is okay.Police Chief Philip Ahern had told ABC 17 News that Jordan was reported missing by her family Tuesday evening and that there were “rumors abound” concerning

Click on the video link provided to see highlights of Helias’ 52-50 win at home over cross-town rival, Jefferson City.

FULTON. (AP) — A Fulton homeless shelter that nearly closed last year because of financial difficulties has a brighter future.Brad Sheppard, manager of the Wiley House, says increased fundraising and more aggressive efforts to get grants means the shelter will remain open for the rest of the year.Last October, the shelter stopped paying its three

***UPDATE 4:30 P.M.***An 18-year-old Montgomery County man is currently in jail for kidnapping a girl and sending multiple schools into lockdown.Robert Dean Bethel allegedly kidnapped his 15-year-old girlfriend at gunpoint Tuesday afternoon. Bethel returned her safely Wednesday morning, but then made comments that sent schools in Montgomery and Callaway counties on lockdown.Authorities say the kidnapping