Top Stories Archives

MU Health Care requiring COVID-19 booster for staff and students

January 20, 2022 8:28 PM Leila Mitchell

MU Health Care announced Thursday, it will require a booster shot as part of its COVID-19 vaccination rules for staff.

Local mechanic provides tips for winter car prep

January 20, 2022 7:34 PM Hannah Falcon

With low temperatures and wind chills bringing mid-Missouri into the negatives, many complications can arise. One thing that commonly causes problems in the cold weather is cars.

Panel approves new Missouri state house districts

January 20, 2022 10:00 PM Karl Wehmhoener

A panel of 20 in the Missouri House approved a new map for the chamber’s 163 seats.

Man files lawsuit against Cole County Jail after he allegedly shot himself while in custody

January 20, 2022 9:24 PM Karl Wehmhoener

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) A man that was shot while in custody at the Cole County Jail has filed a lawsuit saying he didn’t get adequate medical care after the shooting in Nov. 2019. Brandon McNeese alleges the Cole County Sheriff’s Department and Sheriff John Wheeler did not give the highest degree of care in

Fulton man charged with animal neglect after dog found dead in a house

January 20, 2022 8:55 PM Karl Wehmhoener

A Callaway County prosecutor has charged a Fulton man with animal neglect after an investigation began in early December.

Nearly 150 pounds of marijuana seized during I-70 traffic stop in Boone County

January 20, 2022 8:13 PM Karl Wehmhoener

A Boone County prosecutor has charged a Tampa, Florida man for drug possession after a traffic stop on Interstate 70 in Boone County.

Boone County Fire officials say afternoon house fire caused by a propane heater

January 20, 2022 7:20 PM Karl Wehmhoener

Boone County Fire officials are warning against using propane heaters following a house fire in Boone County Thursday afternoon.

City of Columbia Utility drive thru sign on 8th Street.

Energy assistance critical for many as extreme cold blankets area

January 20, 2022 11:51 AM Erika McGuire

Families struggling to cover the cost of utility bills can possibly face utility disconnection which results in the loss of heat during the coldest time of the year.

THURSDAY UPDATES: MU reminds students, faculty and staff to report positive COVID cases

January 20, 2022 10:53 AM ABC 17 News Team

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

MU Health shifts staff as omicron surge keeps going

January 20, 2022 11:59 AM Kennedy Miller

Like many other hospitals, MU Health Care is facing staffing concerns. The hospital is now reassigning nurses from non-clinical areas to bedside shifts.

Auxvasse man sentenced for growing marijuana and gun possession

January 20, 2022 5:46 PM Karl Wehmhoener

A federal judge has sentenced an Auxvasse man for growing marijuana and illegally possessing dozens of firearms.

Judge sentences Columbia man to 10 years in federal prison for enticing a minor

January 20, 2022 4:06 PM Karl Wehmhoener

A federal judge sentenced a Columbia man for attempting to meet a law enforcement officer who was posing online as a 14-year-old girl, for illegal sexual activity.

Cole County hospital leaders say coronavirus hitting unvaccinated hard

January 20, 2022 12:49 PM Matthew Sanders

Cole County health leaders said Thursday that an overwhelming majority of patients they’re seeing in their overloaded hospitals with coronavirus are unvaccinated.

Columbia Board of Education approves temporary mask mandate, calendar changes and an increase in pay for some teachers

January 20, 2022 5:19 AM Ben Fein

The Columbia Board of Education signed off on Superintendent Brian Yearwood’s temporary mask mandate during a special meeting Thursday morning.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: Should the attorney general sue schools that bring back masks?

January 20, 2022 2:01 AM ABC 17 News Team

Several schools across the state have brought mask mandates back this week, saying they need to take such actions to slow the spread of the omicron variant and keep the doors open amid major staff shortages.

Multiple schools across Mid-Missouri close doors citing sick staff and COVID-19 case increase

January 19, 2022 4:57 PM Leila Mitchell

Multiple school districts throughout Mid-Missouri have announced plans this week to temporarily close their doors or make changes to their COVID-19 guidelines, due to problems created by the coronavirus surge.

Parson proposes pay raise for Missouri teachers in State of the State address

January 19, 2022 10:19 PM Hannah Falcon

In his 2022 State of the State address, Gov. Mike Parson proposed raising the starting pay for Missouri teachers.

Several universities in Missouri starting the semester with COVID-19 protocols

January 19, 2022 11:58 AM Kennedy Miller

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ.) In Missouri, many students have returned back to class from their winter break, but not all students will continue their education inside a classroom this semester. Columbia College announced its plan to deliver courses virtually at the beginning of the Spring 2022 semester. The district said in a press release, “Due to

Missouri Chamber of Commerce, University of Missouri comment on State of the State Address

January 19, 2022 7:19 PM Karl Wehmhoener

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Gov. Mike Parson spoke to the state assembly for the 2022 State of the State speech focusing on workforce, education, infrastructure, agriculture, community development, health care and public safety. “With a historic budget surplus and federal dollars coming to our state, we want to build on our past momentum to capture even

Columbia homicide suspect claims he didn’t know gun was loaded; pleads not guilty

January 19, 2022 8:40 AM Molly Stawinoga

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) An 18-year-old accused of shooting and killing a man in northeast Columbia on Monday night says he didn’t know the gun was loaded. Shawn Long admitted to police in an interview on Tuesday that he picked up the gun and pointed it at Roberto Lauer, 18, in a “playful manner” before it