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The director of the Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services on Thursday extended the current COVID-19 order, which had been set to expire Tuesday.

THURSDAY UPDATES: Boone County reports 71st COVID-19 related death; 8th day in a row of double digit new COVID-19 cases

February 4, 2021 8:53 AM ABC 17 News Team

Check back for updates on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Governor, Missouri health director warn against jumping in coronavirus vaccine line

February 4, 2021 11:43 AM Matthew Sanders

Missouri’s top health official said Thursday that he reprimanded a health care provider for giving coronavirus vaccine shots to people who were not eligible to get them under the state’s vaccination plan.

Columbia shelters prepare for extreme weekend cold

February 4, 2021 11:56 AM Chanel Porter

Local shelters are taking extra steps to make sure that people are provided a space through the weekend as Mid-Missouri enters temperatures in single digits.

WATCH: Cole County health officials give update on pandemic, vaccination clinic

February 4, 2021 9:46 AM Matt Ragsdale

Thursday morning Cole County health officials gave updates on the COVID-19 pandemic and an upcoming coronavirus vaccination event.

Mass vaccination event to begin at Faurot Field Thursday

February 4, 2021 5:15 AM Ben Fein

MU Health Care’s mass vaccination event is set to begin at 7 a.m. on Thursday and will aim to vaccinate 2,000 people.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: Should Missouri ban enforcement of federal gun laws?

February 4, 2021 2:44 AM ABC 17 News Team

The Missouri House has given initial approval to a bill that would ban local authorities from enforcing federal gun laws in Missouri.

Truck fished out from North Moreau Creek in Cole County

February 3, 2021 10:59 PM Karl Wehmhoener

COLE COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ) Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers and a tow truck retrieved a truck from a Cole County creek two days after it was found. According to troopers, the vehicle was found in the water on Monday near Meadows Ford road. Officials say the truck was unoccupied. Troopers came back Wednesday and helped

Trial date set for Joseph Elledge in Mengqi Ji case

February 3, 2021 6:57 PM ABC 17 News Team

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) A Columbia man accused of killing his wife could head to trial this fall. The jury trial for Joseph Elledge is scheduled to start at the Boone County Courthouse on Nov. 1st. Prosecutors have charged him with first-degree murder in the disappearance of Mengqi Ji. He reported her missing back in October

Missouri House health committee holds DHSS leaders accountable on equitable distribution of coronavirus vaccine

February 3, 2021 4:28 PM Connor Hirsch

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) The Missouri House of Representatives’ health committee members grilled leaders with questions about the pandemic, many focusing on the equitable distribution of the life-saving vaccine. The Health and Mental Health Policy Committee heard an update from Dr. Randall Williams Wednesday at a hearing at 4 p.m. A similar hearing about the

Missourians traveling across county lines in order to get the coronavirus vaccine

February 3, 2021 7:54 PM Victoria Bragg

COLUMBIA, MO (KMIZ) Local health departments say they have received inquiries about the coronavirus vaccine from people all across the state. Columbia Boone County Public Health and Human Services announced Wednesday that it does not have enough vaccine doses available to vaccinate first-dose patients. The department has struggled with vaccine availability since receiving its first

WATCH REPLAY: Columbia City Council, school board candidates at forum

February 3, 2021 3:51 PM ABC 17 News Team

The Columbia Board of Realtors will host the first April election forum of the season Wednesday night.

Shelter Insurance reports fake check scam

February 3, 2021 5:59 PM ABC 17 News Team

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) An insurance company headquartered in Columbia is warning of fake checks. Shelter Insurance says it has received several reports about this scam. Here’s a break down of what happens. Scammers are targeting people applying for jobs, not Shelter Insurance customers. A fraudulent check is sent to the victim to buy office supplies.

17-year-old arrested for allegedly burglarizing Bob’s Gun store; no firearms stolen

February 3, 2021 8:18 PM Karl Wehmhoener

ST. MARTINS, Mo. (KMIZ) On Wednesday morning, Cole County Sheriff’s deputies responded for a burglary alarm at Bob’s Gun in St. Martins. When deputies arrived, they found someone had forced entry into the business. Officials say suspects left the scene with an undetermined amount of merchandise, although no firearms were stolen. Officials say a 17-year-old

Helias standout signs as preferred walk-on for Mizzou football

February 3, 2021 11:20 AM Andrew Kauffman

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) Helias standout Damon Johanns signed to play football at Mizzou on Wednesday as a preferred walk-on. The 6’4″ tight end said he had other scholarship offers, but it’s always been his dream to go to Mizzou. You can hear more from Damon Johanns in the video player below. Fellow Helias senior

MU Health prepares Faurot Field site ahead of coronavirus vaccination clinic

February 3, 2021 11:39 AM Meghan Drakas

University of Missouri Health Care will provide an advanced look at his coronavirus vaccination setup at Faurot Field ahead of a public clinic that starts Thursday.

WEDNESDAY UPDATES: Miller County Health Center to partner with Lake Regional Health Systems for vaccine clinics

February 3, 2021 6:39 AM ABC 17 News Team

Check back here for updates on the COVID-19 pandemic.

A resident at The Bluffs in Columbia gets the COVID-19 vaccine.

Many older Missourians face coronavirus vaccine access barriers

February 3, 2021 12:11 PM Chanel Porter

Independent living facilities in the area have expressed concerns that health departments are not giving their residents a fair opportunity to receive the Covid-19 vaccine.

Cole County Sheriff’s Dept. arrests two after armed robbery; searching for third suspect

February 3, 2021 3:39 PM Karl Wehmhoener

COLE COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ) On Jan. 8, Cole County Sheriff’s deputies responded to an armed robbery on the 5200 block of Bagnall Drive. Officials report three people allegedly stole a large amount of money from a man at gunpoint. Officials report that a 16-year-old was arrested within the hour of the robbery. Deputies report the