Columbia Archives

Columbia Public Schools Board of Education approves four new administrative positions

December 13, 2022 7:46 PM Marina Diaz

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Columbia Public Schools Board of Education approved the addition of four new administration positions for an estimated $530,000. The board approved the addition of four new administration positions and the restructuring of its existing administration positions. The new positions include : Director of Elementary Education Director of Federal Programs Director of Professional

Food bank prepares for One for One Holiday Food and Fund Drive

December 13, 2022 7:28 PM John Ross

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) It’s December, which means volunteers at the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri are busy preparing for the annual One for One Holiday Food and Fund Drive. It’s a collection event the organization says is crucial to supporting those in need, across nearly one third of the state. “We’re really lucky

Staying on top of heart health ahead of the holidays

December 13, 2022 6:33 PM Ethan Heinz

COLUMBIA, Mo. According to officials, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of adults in America each year. Heart attacks occur when an artery that carries blood throughout your body becomes blocked, stopping blood flow to the heart, killing a part of the heart muscle. Blockage can occur from plaque build up or damage to

Columbia man sentenced to seven years in prison for manslaughter charges

December 13, 2022 5:01 PM ABC 17 News Team

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) A Columbia man who pleaded guilty to two counts of involuntary manslaughter last week was sentenced on Tuesday. Iseah Jackson, 19, was sentenced to seven years in the Missouri Department of Corrections, his attorney told ABC17. Jackson will get credit for the 889 days he’s spent in custody already. Jackson was originally charged

Boone County murder suspect appears in court Tuesday

December 13, 2022 2:56 PM Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) A man accused of a Boone County murder appeared in court through video Tuesday afternoon. Justin Trader, 29, of Columbia, is charged with second-degree murder, vehicle tampering and first-degree property damage. He appeared via video from the Boone County Jail. He is being held on a $100,000 bond. His next court appearance

Columbia Board of Education approves five-year school improvement plan

December 12, 2022 6:11 AM Kennedy Miller

The Columbia Board of Education approved its five-year continuous school improvement plan at its meeting Monday night.

Columbia Housing Authority awarded federal low-income housing tax credits for Park Avenue affordable housing development

December 12, 2022 8:28 PM ABC 17 News Team

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Columbia Housing Authority announced in a Monday press release that it was awarded federal and state low-income housing tax credits from the Missouri Housing Development Commission for CHA’s Park Avenue Affordable Housing Development. MHDC — which will provide more than $15 million in funding to the project — approved the award at its Friday meeting last week. The City

Inflation affecting major parts of Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri’s operation

December 12, 2022 6:46 PM Lucas Geisler

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) – The rising cost of food and gas are putting a greater strain on the Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri. The U.S. Department of Labor reports double-digit consumer price index increases for food and fuel during the past 12 months. Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri spokesperson Katie Adkins

Needs are up, donations down at local food bank

December 12, 2022 4:04 PM Marissa Hollowed

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The holiday season is supposed to be filled with joy. However, for families struggling to make ends meet, that joy can quickly be replaced with stress. This year, the Foodbank for Central and Northeast Missouri says the need for food in our area is growing. At the same time, the amount of

QUESTION OF THE DAY: Have you been a victim of ‘porch pirates?’

December 12, 2022 2:30 AM ABC 17 News Team

It’s the time of year when police warn people about package theft and the news features video doorbell images of what have become known as “porch pirates.”

Columbia business raises $655 for disadvantaged University of Missouri students

December 11, 2022 5:17 AM Joushua Blount

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)Sawdust Studios, a Columbia business gave the community an opportunity to show their creativity and also help raise money for a student program at the University of Missouri. A total of $655 was raised. The studio held a holiday event at its community woodworking shop from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday at

Columbia police arrest two suspected porch pirates

December 10, 2022 8:06 PM Marina Diaz

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Columbia Police Department arrested two women believed to be responsible for stealing numerous packages from Columbia residents’ porches. Kendall Gillespie, 25, and Jana Gardner, 43, were arrested yesterday. The two Columbia residents were arrested for stealing, fraudulent use of a debit/credit card and possession of a controlled substance. CPD said officers

Missouri vs Kansas rivalry game benefits local businesses

December 10, 2022 8:04 PM Abby Landwehr

After more than a decade, the border war returned to Columbia. With crowds of fans following their teams, the sports rivalry between Missouri and Kansas is benefiting local businesses. Jason Paetzold, the owner of Bud’s Classic Barbecue, said the restaurant’s numbers have been similar to what they would see on a football game day. “Anytime

Traffic impacts expected for Mizzou rivalry matchup against Kansas

December 10, 2022 5:35 AM Joushua Blount

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Mizzou men’s basketball team is set to face their rival, the Kansas Jayhawks at 4:15 p.m. on Saturday. Large crowds of people are expected to attend and the Missouri State Highway says the game will also cause some traffic impacts. Troopers say, if you plan to attend Saturday’s game, there are a few tips

Mid-Missouri cities consider local sales taxes on recreational marijuana

December 9, 2022 7:41 PM Hannah Falcon

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Two prominent Mid-Missouri cities, Columbia and Jefferson City, are planning to discuss the possibility of adding a 3% local sales tax for recreational marijuana at their next City Council meetings. Amendment 3 was approved by Missouri voters during the Nov. 8 election with more than 53% of votes in favor. Missouri residents

Boone County Sheriff’s Office continues efforts to fill positions during staffing shortage

December 9, 2022 10:02 PM Marina Diaz

BOONE COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ) The Boone County Sheriff’s Department is actively trying to fill its ongoing staffing shortage by adding more training opportunities. “We have several opportunities here,” Capt. Brian Leer said. “We need the help.” The department currently has 34 vacancies: Five control room officers;11 detention officers14 deputy sheriffs or deputy sheriff trainees;Two service

Woman injured in two-vehicle crash in Audrain County

December 9, 2022 9:12 PM Ryan Shiner

AUDRAIN COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ) A Mexico, Missouri, woman suffered moderate injuries in a Friday crash at the intersection of Route JJ and Highway 812. Lois Runnels, 78, was taken to University Hospital by ambulance after Taylor Truss drove her 2021 Ford E350 crossed the centerline and sideswiped Runnels’ 2012 Toyota Highlander going the opposite direction,

Photographer sues Gannett over use of photo; lawsuit lists more than 220 affiliated papers, including Columbia Daily Tribune

December 9, 2022 8:27 PM ABC 17 News Team

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) A Missouri photographer is suing a major media company over the use of her photo. Stephanie Campbell sued Gannett Media and more than 220 of its affiliated newspapers – including the Columbia Daily Tribune – Friday in Federal Court. The lawsuit is over Gannett’s use of a photo Campbell took of

Mid-Missouri hospitals, pharmacies deal with antibiotic shortage

December 9, 2022 7:08 PM Abby Landwehr

As flu season continues, representatives from MU Health Care and Boone Hospital said they’re seeing a larger demand for antibiotics. As a result, some local pharmacies are struggling to keep them in stock. Kilgore’s Medical Pharmacy is one of three Columbia pharmacies experiencing shortages. The pharmacist in charge at Kilgore’s said for the past month,

Murder suspect accused of throwing woman off bridge in October had arraignment hearing Friday

December 9, 2022 6:50 PM Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) A Columbia man accused of throwing a woman off a bridge and killing her had an arraignment hearing on Monday. Jessie Williams, 32, is accused of pushing Kaylen Schmit off the Highway 63 bridge near Clark Lane and killing her on Oct. 4. Schmit, 24, fell 38 feet into a wooded area and died hours later at a