Local Politics Archives

Columbia City Council rejects mask mandate

August 9, 2021 6:19 PM Zach Boetto

Dozens of protestors against the mask mandate gathered in front of city hall before pouring into the council chambers.

Mayor of Columbia favors vaccine action over mask mandate

August 6, 2021 11:02 PM Zach Boetto

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The mayor of Columbia said efforts should lean toward people getting vaccinated against COVID-19 instead of debating a mask mandate. This comes as the city plans to meet Monday to possibly mandate masks once again. The Columbia City Council is set to discuss an emergency ordinance, which, if passed, would require everyone

Columbia City Council members give insight on options for mask mandate

August 6, 2021 12:57 AM Zach Boetto

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Columbia City Council will discuss an emergency ordinance on Monday which could mandate masks throughout the city. The mandate would go into effect at the decision of the council and would last 30 days unless “extended, rescinded, superseded or amended in writing by later adopted ordinances.” It requires everyone five and

Man charged after allegedly disrupting Camden County voting

August 4, 2021 7:30 AM Ben Fein

The Camden County Sheriff’s Office is seeking charges against a man after he disrupted the voting process at multiple locations Tuesday.

Multiple tax increases approved in Mid-Missouri special elections

August 4, 2021 4:59 AM Ben Fein

Camden, Cole and Callaway Counties all held special elections Tuesday, allowing voters to decide on various tax increases throughout the districts.

Columbia city manager responds to abuse of power claims made by former workers

August 3, 2021 5:22 PM Lucas Geisler

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The city manager of Columbia said the city government hasn’t been given anything specific to investigate on claims he abused his power. City manager John Glascock released a statement on Monday after two former city workers claimed he may have violated city ordinance and state law in reprimanding them. ABC 17 News

Former worker says city manager abused power in doling out discipline to employees

July 26, 2021 4:10 PM Lucas Geisler

Colleen Spurlock had been on the job for about a year for the city of Columbia. She was working as a fellow in the city manager’s office, learning the ins and outs of government and helping with special projects and city council requests.

Columbia city manager questioned over handling of employee speech at city council

July 22, 2021 6:19 PM Lucas Geisler

Attorney Andy Hirth sent a letter Wednesday to city manager John Glascock pushing back on Glascock’s decision to put city budget officer Kyle Rieman on paid leave. Glascock did not specify why he was put on leave in a July 9 memo to Rieman, but Hirth’s letter said Glascock told Rieman it was “insubordination.”

Opioid settlement worth millions of dollars announced in St. Louis

July 22, 2021 9:18 AM Leila Mitchell

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (KMIZ) Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt said the state could expect more than half a billion dollars as part of a settlement between several states and painkiller manufacturers. Attorney General Schmitt made the announcement alongside the families of people affected by the opioid epidemic. Schmitt said the final details of the settlement

Emails show sudden decision on removal of Moser’s recycling centers

July 20, 2021 2:20 PM Lucas Geisler

Recycling drop-off sites have been plagued by illegal dumping issues.

Former Boone County clerk plans run for Congress

July 6, 2021 3:18 PM Lucas Geisler

ASHLAND, Mo. (KMIZ) A former Boone County clerk is eyeing a run for a seat in Congress. Taylor Burks filed paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission on July 1 to run for the Fourth Congressional District seat in 2022. Burks is the current director for the Division of Labor Standards for the state of Missouri.

University of Missouri curators vote against sign for Jefferson statue

June 24, 2021 2:42 PM Leila Mitchell

The curators rejected a task force’s recommendation for the sign in a split vote.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: Did some health officials go too far with orders?

June 16, 2021 2:10 AM ABC 17 News Team

Gov. Mike Parson signed a bill into law Tuesday that places limits on local health officials’ ability to issue extended orders such as those seen in the coronavirus pandemic.

Parson says new law limiting health order power was ‘consequence’ of coronavirus pandemic overreach

June 15, 2021 4:11 AM Ben Fein

Gov. Mike Parson said a new law limiting local health authorities’ powers to enact orders is needed after some overstepped their bounds during the coronavirus pandemic.

Former state senator to seek 4th District congressional seat

June 15, 2021 10:48 AM Associated Press

A former state lawmaker is the first candidate to announce a run for the U.S. House seat that will become open with Rep. Vicky Hartzler’s decision to run for the U.S. Senate.

Missouri GOP Rep. Hartzler officially joins Senate race

June 10, 2021 11:27 AM Associated Press

Republican Rep. Vicky Hartzler, who represents a very conservative and mostly rural area of central and western Missouri in Congress, has officially entered the state’s crowded Senate race.

Woman settles years-long lawsuit with special Columbia taxing district

June 10, 2021 4:58 PM Lucas Geisler

Each side agreed Tuesday to drop the lawsuit that Jennifer Henderson brought against the Business Loop 70 Community Improvement District in 2016.

Columbia and Boone County leaders to give COVID-19 update at Columbia City Hall Monday.

Columbia City Council to review new name for airport and add new city committee

June 6, 2021 6:25 AM Meghan Drakas

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Columbia City Council is expected to address a handful of topics at Monday’s meeting including the renaming of the Columbia Regional Airport and adding a new city committee. Renaming the Columbia Regional Airport At Monday’s meeting, the city council will be presented with the topic of renaming the Columbia Regional Airport.

Gov. Parson appoints Judge Robin Ransom as next Missouri Supreme Court Judge

May 24, 2021 3:40 PM Karl Wehmhoener

JEFFERSON CITY, MO. (KMIZ) Gov. Mike Parson has appointed Judge Robin Ransom as the next Judge of the Supreme Court of Missouri. Watch the event replay in the player below. Judge Ransom will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Laura Denvir Stith in early March. “Appointing a judge to the Supreme

Missouri lawmakers pass bill to increase gas tax for the first time in decades

May 12, 2021 5:18 AM Zola Crowder

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) Republican lawmakers in Missouri have passed a bill to raise the gas tax for the first time since the 1990’s. Now, it’s headed to Governor Mike Parson’s desk. The GOP-led House voted Tuesday 104-52 to raise Missouri’s 17-cent gas tax by 2.5 cents a year until it hits 29.5 cents per