Columbia Archives

WATCH: Columbia’s new superintendent talks about the return to learn

July 14, 2021 3:48 AM Molly Stawinoga

Dr. Brian Yearwood, the new superintendent at Columbia Public Schools, is joining ABC 17 News This Morning on KMIZ Wednesday.

Columbia Regional Airport passengers increase by more than 386% in June

July 14, 2021 6:10 AM Zola Crowder

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) As the economy bounces back from the pandemic, Columbia Regional Airport is continuing to see a significant increase in travelers compared to 2020. Compared to June 2020, COU saw a 386.6% increase in passengers in June 2021. Even though passenger numbers are increasing, it still has not reached pre-pandemic levels. In June

The 300 block of East Burkhart Street in Moberly where a man was shot in the head.

Lawyer weighs in on eviction issues after fatal Moberly shooting

July 13, 2021 9:35 PM Zach Boetto

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) A mid-Missouri attorney says many of her clients who are landlords are frustrated because an extended eviction moratorium bans most tenants from being evicted, even if they aren’t paying rent. Court documents we uncovered Monday detail an eviction dispute leading up to the fatal Thursday night Moberly shooting. “In my experience, courts

African American Heritage Trail tells another side of Columbia’s history

July 13, 2021 7:10 PM Hannah Falcon

As James Whitt explained the history of Sharp End, a once-thriving block for minority-owned business, he points to the black and gold plaque hanging at least a foot above his head.

Mid-Missouri summer camps try to head off coronavirus infections as numbers rise

July 13, 2021 4:02 PM Leila Mitchell

A camp director for the Presser Performing Arts summer camp said the camp has been keeping track of the case numbers in Mexico, Missouri, and all personnel and staff were vaccinated before the start of camp.

Columbia man gets 16 years in prison for child molestation

July 13, 2021 5:23 PM Matthew Sanders

Cale Kliethermes pleaded guilty in April to first-degree child molestation, two counts of attempted child endangerment and one count of sexual misconduct involving a child under 15. Prosecutors dismissed another attempted child endangerment count as part of the plea deal.

Deadly Boone County hit-and-run crash draws 18-year prison sentence

July 13, 2021 3:18 PM Matthew Sanders

Amy Rievley pleaded guilty in a Boone County courtroom Monday to involuntary manslaughter with an enhanced punishment for being a persistent felony offender and leaving the scene of a crash that caused a death. She was sentenced to 15 years on the manslaughter charge and another three years on the leaving the scene charge. Those sentences will be served consecutively.

Settlement approved in Waffle House shooting case

July 13, 2021 11:08 AM Matthew Sanders

Judge Jeff Harris approved the confidential settlement in Boone County court Monday, court records show. The terms of the settlement are confidential, but the motion filed last month by A.W. Smith, the lawyer for Anthony Warren’s family, notes that structured settlements are in place for Warren’s three children.

Traffic delayed on southbound Highway 63 in Columbia after crash

July 13, 2021 8:57 AM Molly Stawinoga

The crash happened around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Stadium Boulevard project continues near Columbia Mall

July 13, 2021 5:49 AM Zola Crowder

The Missouri Department of Transportation’s project to improve the driving surface of Stadium Boulevard in Columbia has moved into its next phase this week.

Some parents unhappy with new Columbia Public Schools COVID-19 rules; district hopes standards keep kids in classroom

July 12, 2021 5:15 PM Leila Mitchell

CPS on Monday updated its mask, contact tracing and quarantine guidelines for the rest of summer school, which ends July 23. Among the changes is that students 11 and younger are now required to wear masks indoors. The district made masks optional before regular classes ended in May.

Columbia Board of Education met Monday to move forward with additions to virtual learning

July 12, 2021 4:20 PM Chanel Porter

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) On Monday, the Columbia Board of Education met to approve a template to a new virtual learning option, as well as renew hotspots. During the 2021-22 school year, Columbia Public Schools will offer CPS Virtual Elementary powered by Edgenuity for students in grades K-5. The district will consider offering the template to

Damage reported after shooting in Columbia Sunday night

July 12, 2021 9:17 AM Molly Stawinoga

Officers were dispatched to the 4300 block of Rice Road shortly before 10 p.m. Sunday night for several reports of shots fired.

Columbia Public Schools new mask guidelines to go into effect Monday

July 12, 2021 5:32 AM Zola Crowder

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Columbia Public Schools updated its mask, contact tracing, and quarantine guidelines for the remainder of summer school. Starting Monday, Students 11 years-old and younger will be required to wear a mask when indoors and on school buses. However, students will not be required to wear a mask when outdoors. Masks are still strongly encouraged

Local Representatives react to now deleted Missouri State Highway Patrol Tweet

July 11, 2021 5:44 PM Ben Fein

State Representatives across Missouri are responding to a now deleted tweet sent out by Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop F.

Boone County emergency officials give safety advice ahead of possible severe storms

July 10, 2021 5:00 PM Chanel Porter

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Another round of storms are expected to roll through Mid-Missouri Saturday night and emergency officials want to make sure residents are prepared. Before the storms hit, it is best to put together an emergency kit. Sharon Watson with the American Red Cross, said this should include things like a flashlight, battery-operated radio,

Officials warn of severe weather ahead of expected storms in Mid-Missouri

July 10, 2021 7:26 AM Ben Fein

The Boone County Fire Protection District posted to their Facebook page Saturday, advising residents to have multiple ways to check weather conditions.

Police investigate shots fired in Columbia early Saturday morning

July 10, 2021 2:25 AM Ben Fein

The Columbia Police Department along with the Crime Scene Investigation team were seen investigating after a shots fired call.

Missouri Department of Conservation reports floodwaters caused natural fish kill along the Missouri River near Columbia

July 9, 2021 6:46 PM Karl Wehmhoener

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) investigated reports of a large fish kill event just west of Columbia, along Interstate 70 and the Missouri River floodplain. MDC determined receding floodwaters caused the large fish kill of mostly nonnative, invasive silver carp. “As floodwaters receded, many fish did not return to the river,

Hospitalization concerns grow as state health leaders meet to discuss coronavirus surge

July 9, 2021 12:51 PM Ben Fein

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services hosted a virtual meeting to discuss the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the Show Me State.