News

Officials revealed a new leader on Wednesday at Helias High School in Jefferson City. The Jefferson City diocese announced Reverend Stephen Jones will become the next president. Bishop John Gaydos praised Jones’ work with teens and thinks he is the perfect man for the job. Jones previously worked as director of Jefferson City youth ministries.

Ameren Missouri is recommending that non-conforming decks, patios, gazebos and similar structures be allowed to stay near central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks. Controversy in recent years has focused on land around the lake formed by a hydroelectric project now operated by St. Louis-based Ameren. Land included within the project falls under the Federal Energy

Officials announced on Wednesday they are temporarily closing a beach at the Lake of the Ozarks because of high bacteria levels. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources closed the Grand Glaise Beach based on water samples from Monday. That means bacteria levels are higher than recommended for swimming. Officials also closed the Harry S. Truman

City leaders are one step closer to runway improvements at Columbia Regional Airport, a plan they hope leads to more development at the airport. ABC 17 News has been keeping track of an extensive list of proposed upgrades at the airport including a $33 million terminal. But before that happens, existing infrastructure needs to be

Chris and Tiffany Campbell are fighting against crime in northern Columbia by reaching local youth early. For years the area has been struggling with crime, but the Campbell family hopes the new community center will keep kids off the streets and out of trouble. Chris Campbell grew up “home alone.” Now he and his wife

A Camdenton man was found dead inside his burned out home early Sunday morning. Neighbors on Wilkerson Avenue told ABC 17 News the house went up in flames just before 2 a.m. They described Danny Grover as a quiet, well-liked man who is survived by a sister. An ABC 17 News crew at the scene

The U.S. Coast Guard is warning recreational boaters to stay off the river. The Guard shut down all river traffic on the Mississippi River in St. Louis Tuesday because city officials closed 23 flood walls. High water is dangerous on the Illinois and Missouri rivers as well. Officials said high waters aren’t only dangerous, but

Ashland’s Board of Aldermen met Tuesday evening to discuss several open positions within the city government. Just before 8 p.m. Tuesday, the board voted to put the police chief on paid administrative leave. Last month, the board voted not to renew the contracts for the police chief, city administrator and city attorney. The aldermen also

Authorities in Mid-Missouri arrested a suspect Monday evening in the murder of a woman whose body was found tied up with pink duct tape in her central Pennsylvania home. The decomposing body of 57-year-old Sandra Mulder was found Sunday afternoon in her York County home, her hands and legs bound. Carroll Township police Sgt. David

A Mid-Missouri man pleaded not guilty to charges he shot his girlfriend during an assault last month. Alfonso Rodriguez, 34, was formally arraigned in a Boone County courthouse Monday and entered a not guilty plea to charges of armed criminal action, first-degree assault and resisting arrest. Police told ABC 17 News Rodriguez shot Gisela Angel-Lopez,

Volunteers are rebuilding the Flag Spring Baptist Church after a fire destroyed the building last Thanksgiving. More than 75 volunteers worked on the skeleton of the new church Tuesday. The church’s pastor says while it’s disappointing it’s not their old building, they’re focused on creating a new home. “I got a phone call about 5

Deputies in Cole County are searching for one more suspect involved in a burglary. Investigators say around 10:30 p.m. Monday, armed robbers forced their way into an apartment in the 5200 block of Collier Court. One of the victims inside told deputies he opened the door after hearing knocking, and that’s when the suspects confronted

The American Red Cross Heart of Missouri Chapter is helping more flooding victims in Mid-Missouri and St. Louis. On Tuesday, the agency provided assistance to two families in the Osage City-area. Two other families, one from Osage City and one from McBaine, also received additional support from the Red Cross. Volunteers said they helped one

The Boone County Public Water Supply District No. 10 has issued a boil advisory for some of its customers. The district says due to a water main break, customers east of Highway 151 and north of Highway 22 are under a boil advisory through 3 p.m. Thursday. Customers are urged to boil water before consuming

Law enforcement arrested a Sturgeon man Monday on several charges of child pornography. Boone County Sheriff’s Department investigators say Karl M. Ball, 41, was charged with first-degree promoting child pornography and the possession of more than 20 photos or one video of child pornography. Both are felony charges. Investigators say last month, Microsoft Corp. informed

An Oregon company is recalling a frozen berry mix sold to Costco and Harris Teeter stores after the product was linked to at least 34 hepatitis A illnesses in five states. The Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday that Townsend Farms of Fairview, Ore., is recalling its frozen Organic Antioxidant Blend, packaged under the Townsend

The Columbia City Council voted on two major issues — Providence Road construction and improvements to the J.W. “Blind” Boone home — at its meeting Monday evening. The council voted to approve Option 8, but with amendments. The option is similar to the most popular choice by residents, which was Option 9. In Option 8,

Four teenagers were arrested Monday night for a fire that destroyed an unoccupied home in Boone County last month. The Boone County Sheriff’s Department and Boone County Fire Protection District investigated the fire after it destroyed a home near La Porte Avenue and Sharidan Boulevard on May 23. Law enforcement say they received information from

Emergency roadwork will force the closure of Southwest Boulevard in Jefferson City. The city’s Department of Public Works will close Southwest Blvd. between Stadium Blvd. and Cedar Hill Road for stormwater repairs. The construction is schedule to start Thursday at 8:30 a.m. and finish by Friday at 5 p.m. The work had been postponed due

A man authorities say is a serial con man tells only ABC 17 News that he’s getting targeted because of his past, despite there being a warrant issued for his arrest. Boone County prosecutors have charged Jack “Chip” Zike with theft and it’s just one of dozens of accusations of theft or stealing against him.