Local Politics Archives

Absentee voting for the August primary election begins with new COVID-19 provision

June 23, 2020 11:56 AM Zach Boetto

Absentee voting for the Aug. 4 primary begins on Tuesday with new guidelines.

Columbia official: Hospitals in good shape amid COVID-19 jump

June 19, 2020 12:12 PM Ben Fein

A Columbia city leader said Friday that she doesn’t think a recent large jump in COVID-19 cases will result in more limits on business and movement, but officials are ready to respond in 24 hours if it does.

Ashland Board of Aldermen appoints new police chief

June 16, 2020 3:45 PM Sydney Olsen

The Ashland Board of Alderman will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Southern Boone administration building.

Governor appoints judge candidate to 13th Circuit Court

June 12, 2020 3:49 PM Matt Ragsdale

Gov. Mike Parson’s office said Friday afternoon the Republican candidate running for 13th Circuit Court Division IV Judge was appointed to serve the remainder of a vacated term.

Missouri statewide COVID-19 order to lift Tuesday

June 11, 2020 2:30 PM Matthew Sanders

Gov. Mike Parson said Thursday that the state will no longer be under a COVID-19 health order starting Tuesday, citing the “devastating” effect of the disease on the economy.

Turnout low for election rescheduled because of COVID-19

June 2, 2020 3:02 PM Amber Tabeling

Boone County Clerk Brianna Lennon said Tuesday that voting has been slow at the Boone County Government Building.

Expanded absentee voting amid COVID-19 likely won’t be available by June election

May 18, 2020 12:15 PM Molly Stawinoga

Missouri lawmakers on Friday approved an expansion of absentee voting for the rest of 2020.

Columbia City Council to discuss budget changes amid COVID-19

May 17, 2020 7:42 AM Ben Fein

Columbia’s City Council will hold a meeting Monday night at 7 p.m., in which both the budget and COVID-19 will be big talking points.

Local business owner not impressed with new health department update

May 15, 2020 9:30 PM Zach Boetto

COLUMBIA Mo. (KMIZ) New steps may soon be added to the Columbia/Boone County health department’s reopening plan. According to a city news release Friday, leaders plan to update the public on the reopening order the week of May 25. Officials said the next steps could include the following: Increased capacity for all businesses and organizations.Large

County commissioner says colleagues tried excluding him from COVID-19-related meeting

May 13, 2020 10:52 PM Katie Greathouse

BOONE COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ) A conference call scheduled for elected officials in Boone County was canceled Wednesday after its legality was brought into question. Boone County Commissioner Fred Parry claims fellow commissioners, Janet Thompson and Dan Atwill, tried to leave him out of the call. He told ABC 17 News he had no knowledge of

What to expect at upcoming municipal elections

May 13, 2020 6:48 PM Zach Boetto

Boone County voters can expect a new voting experience at polling places for this coming municipal election, according to Boone County Clerk Brianna Lennon.

Judge assigned to lawsuit challenging Boone County COVID-19 restrictions

May 12, 2020 11:33 AM Amber Tabeling

A lawsuit challenging the Boone County health director’s authority to restrict people’s movement and business because of COVID-19 is waiting for a judge.

WATCH: Boone County commissioner talks about economic effect of COVID-19

May 7, 2020 4:31 PM ABC 17 News Team

Boone County Southern District Commissioner Fred Parry took questions on ABC 17 News on Thursday.

A food bank in Columbia is experiencing delays in deliveries due to winter weather and hazardous road conditions.

Boone County buys food from local farmers as COVID-19 increases need

May 7, 2020 6:07 PM Ben Fein

The Boone County Commission on Thursday approved a purchasing agreement with local farmers to help feed the hungry.

Parson checks on Jefferson City businesses after COVID-19 reopening

May 7, 2020 1:48 PM Amber Tabeling

Gov. Mike Parson made two stops to businesses in Jefferson City on Thursday morning to check in after the state lifted many COVID-19-related restrictions this week.

Local businesses request repeal of Boone County reopening order

May 6, 2020 11:23 AM Amber Tabeling

Lawyers at a Columbia firm have sent a letter to county and city officials requesting a repeal of Boone County’s COVID-19 reopening order on behalf of several businesses.

Municipal election still faces COVID-19 challenges after being postponed

May 5, 2020 12:15 PM Matt Ragsdale

The Boone County clerk said Tuesday that municipal elections could still have issues after they were postponed because of COVID-19.

WATCH: Boone County commissioner discusses reopening order

April 30, 2020 4:35 PM Matthew Sanders

Boone County Southern District Commissioner Fred Parry joined ABC 17 News live during the 5 p.m. Thursday broadcast.

Cole County will not extend local stay-at-home order, statewide order still in effect

April 21, 2020 9:42 AM Joe McLean

Cole County Health Department Director Kristi Campbell told commissioners Tuesday that her stay-at-home order will not be extended past the 12:01 p.m. Saturday expiration date.

Mid-Missouri leaders respond to the idea of reopening the state

April 16, 2020 5:48 PM Ben Fein

Local leaders who spoke with ABC 17 News on Thursday said they would like to lift restrictions on business and movement put in place to slow COVID-19 as soon as possible, but such easing must be done in a safe way.