Local Politics Archives

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

Missouri lawmakers pass statewide prescription drug database

May 11, 2021 3:29 PM Associated Press

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri is closer than ever to joining every other state in having a statewide prescription drug database to flag possible opioid misuse. The House on Tuesday voted 91-64 to send Gov. Mike Parson legislation that would create such a program. Parson has said he supports prescription monitoring programs. The proposal

American Airlines brings more flights to Columbia Regional Airport

May 10, 2021 8:36 PM ABC 17 News Team

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) American Airlines currently has four daily flights out of Columbia Regional Airport and will add an additional flight in June for a total of five daily flights. Officials from the airport report that of the five daily flights offered by American Airlines, three are to Dallas/Fort Worth and two to Chicago O’Hare

Missouri House votes to legalize needle exchanges

May 10, 2021 7:20 PM Associated Press

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Missouri House has passed a bill to legalize needle-exchange programs. The House voted 101-55 for the bill Monday. Needle-exchange programs allow drug users to trade used hypodermic needles for clean ones. The aim is to stop people from reusing dirty needles or sharing needles with others, which can spread

Columbia Board of Education to discuss changes to recording IEP meetings

May 10, 2021 6:03 AM Zach Boetto

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Columbia Public Schools Board of Education will discuss revisions to Policy KKB during it’s meeting Monday night. Policy KKB currently prohibits visual or audio recording on district property unless authorized. Last year, the board discussed the policy, but did not make any changes. Many parents and students had come forward to

Missouri legislature works to finalize bills ahead of Friday deadline

May 10, 2021 5:25 AM Zola Crowder

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Missouri’s Legislative Session ends Friday at 6 p.m, creating a deadline for bills to become laws in the state. This includes Senate Bill 262, which is set for a third reading Monday. The Missouri transportation investment bill, or Senate Bill 262, would be the first funding increase for Missouri since the 1990’s,

State budget approved by the House and being sent to the Governor for approval

May 7, 2021 7:42 PM Meghan Drakas

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) The state budget has been passed by the House and will move onto Gov. Mike Parson’s desk and needs to be signed by July 1, the beginning of the state’s fiscal year. The state budget will need to be passed for 2022. The anticipated budget will be around $35 billion dollars.

Ranken Technical Institute groundbreaking in Ashland

Construction of Ashland’s new technical college expected to create 163 jobs

April 30, 2021 2:32 PM Leila Mitchell

ASHLAND, Mo. (KMIZ) Work to build the new Ashland campus of Ranken Technical College is expected to create 163 jobs and generate $9 million in private investment, according to local economic development groups. Officials gathered Friday to break ground on the project. The campus is set to open in 2023. St. Louis-based Ranken offers bachelor’s

Missouri Senate votes against Medicaid expansion

April 29, 2021 5:55 AM Ben Fein

The Missouri Senate met Wednesday and voted 20-14 against Medicaid expansion.

City of Columbia releases easy to understand financial report

April 21, 2021 6:52 PM Karl Wehmhoener

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The City of Columbia finance department released the City’s first Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2020. Officials report this document is intended to deliver the financial results of the City’s operations to those stakeholders of the City that do not necessarily have a background in