Top Stories Archives

FRIDAY UPDATES: State reports falling hospital capacity; KC area tops 1,000 COVID-19 deaths

November 27, 2020 12:48 PM ABC 17 News Team

Check back for updates related to the coronavirus pandemic in Missouri.

Lines form for Black Friday while health officials urge for caution

November 27, 2020 5:19 AM Ben Fein

Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services have released guidance ahead of the busy shopping season.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: Should religious organizations be exempt from coronavirus rules?

November 27, 2020 3:18 AM ABC 17 News Team

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a split decision late Wednesday that New York’s restrictions on houses of worship violated the constitution. The state argued it has the legal ability to restrict church activities to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Pastor of vandalized church expects repairs to cost thousands

November 26, 2020 1:27 PM Matthew Sanders

The Callaway County Sheriff’s Office is trying to find the people who damaged walls, pews, doors, windows and other items at a historic church near Holts Summit.

Coronavirus forces Everybody Eats Thanksgiving meal to go curbside

November 26, 2020 10:57 AM Victoria Bragg

The Almeta Crayton Community Program was able to provide citizens with more than 1,300 meals Thursday.

Columbia police arrest man who escaped from Reality House

November 26, 2020 5:40 PM ABC 17 News Team

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Columbia Police Department arrested one of the three men Thursday who escaped from a halfway house and private jail earlier this month. According to a news release, police arrested Jamale Marteen, 37, around 1:10 p.m. at a home on Omaha Court. He had an active no bond warrant in connection with the

Curbside Thanksgiving meals at Salvation Army in Jefferson City

Mid-Missouri Salvation Army facing increased holiday need during COVID-19 pandemic

November 26, 2020 12:27 PM Connor Hirsch

The pandemic has forced many to lose their jobs. In Cole County, 5,669 people have filed for unemployment because of the virus.

THURSDAY UPDATES: The Blue Note postpones shows, citing coronavirus case rates

November 26, 2020 10:33 AM ABC 17 News Team

Check back for updates about the COVID-19 pandemic in Mid-Missouri.

Rotary Club of Columbia hosts turkey fry

November 26, 2020 4:13 AM Ben Fein

The Rotary Club in Columbia is hosting a turkey fry this Thanksgiving to benefit several local initiatives.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: Are you spending more this Christmas?

November 26, 2020 4:00 AM ABC 17 News Team

With Black Friday coming many households have already planned their Christmas spending.

Emergency crews prepare for rush of holiday travelers

November 25, 2020 6:42 PM Sydney Olsen

Crews with the Boone County Fire Protection District and the Missouri State Highway Patrol are preparing for people to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Jefferson City bars prepare for large crowds the night before Thanksgiving

November 25, 2020 6:26 PM Connor Hirsch

The night before thanksgiving in Jefferson City is usually a big night for downtown bars, but this year may feel different amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Boone County households under mask mandate this Thanksgiving

November 25, 2020 11:24 AM Victoria Bragg

The updated health order requires anyone over age 10 to wear a mask when social distancing isn’t possible and when around people who don’t live with them.

WEDNESDAY UPDATES: State of Missouri to offer free COVID-19 testing in Cole, Cooper and Saline County

November 25, 2020 9:52 AM ABC 17 News Team

Check back for updates on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Columbia Water and Light report power restored for over 1,000 customers

November 25, 2020 9:10 PM Karl Wehmhoener

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Columbia Water and Light is reporting power is restored this evening. The city of Columbia’s power outage map showed over 1,000 customers without power in parts of Columbia just after p.m. Boone County Joint Communications reported the power outage in the Providence/Stadium area causing a traffic hazard. The outage map reports 1,079

Former Ashland Mayor William Helms passes away

November 25, 2020 7:56 PM ABC 17 News Team

ASHLAND, Mo. (KMIZ) Former Ashland Mayor William Helms Tuesday at the age of 83. According to a City of Ashland release, Helms served the City of Ashland from April 1990 to April 1997 as Ward Two Alderman, and from April 1998 to April 2000 as Mayor. Ashland will fly flags at all City facilities at

Ashland settles lawsuit with former police chief

November 25, 2020 4:59 PM Matthew Sanders

An insurance company for the city of Ashland paid the town’s former police chief $137,500 to settle an employment-related lawsuit.

COVID-19 closures put pause on CPS health inspections

November 25, 2020 11:11 AM Molly Stawinoga

Only one Columbia Public Schools elementary school was found violating the food code in a recent round of inspections.

Former national security adviser Michael Flynn

Trump pardons Flynn, taking direct aim at Russia probe

November 25, 2020 3:27 PM Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump has pardoned former national security adviser Michael Flynn, taking direct aim in the final days of his administration at a Russia investigation that he has long insisted was motivated by political bias. Trump announced the pardon on Wednesday, calling it his “Great Honor.” Flynn is the second Trump associate convicted

Missouri metros crack down on restaurant virus rule breakers

November 25, 2020 3:00 PM Associated Press

Missouri’s two largest metropolitan areas are cracking down on restaurants that violate rules designed to stem the spread of the coronavirus.