Category: NEWS – Boone County

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator or MISO has issued a Level 2 Energy Emergency Alert for the Columbia area from 4 to 8 p.m. According to a press release, the system is facing great demand for energy but reserves are thin. They said that all power generating sources are being utilized by the City, but…

The Boone County Health Department has announced that there have been eight reported cases of cyclosporiasis this week. Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the parasite known as cyclospora, and symptoms can include frequent diarrhea, weight loss, bloating, nausea and fatigue, and start about a week after exposure. The Health Department says that a…

A Columbia man was charged with multiple felonies Tuesday after being found with gun that was reported stolen. 33-year-old William Haynes Jr. reportedly called police about a shooting that occurred on June 24th where two people were injured. However, while investigating, officers found a Glock 27 pistol, which Haynes said was not his, and they…

Drivers in Columbia should prepare for another major Interstate 70 closure. Starting July 27, the westbound on-ramp from Providence Road to I-70 will close for several months as crews continue bridge improvements. During the closure, drivers heading west will need to use alternate routes, including the Range Line Street on-ramp. The westbound off-ramp at Providence…

Columbia City Counselor Nancy Thompson will retire October 14 after more than 40 years representing Missouri municipalities, including 13 years leading Columbia’s Law Department. Thompson has served as city counselor since 2013, overseeing a legal team of 21 employees and helping guide the city through the pandemic, major litigation and a $17 million business license…

The Columbia School Board has declared a vacancy following the resignation of board member Jeanne Snodgrass, who is leaving after accepting a new job outside the district. Snodgrass was first elected in 2021 and reelected last year. The board will now accept applications, interview candidates and appoint a replacement to serve until the April 2027…

Columbia city leaders are considering millions of dollars in spending cuts as they work to balance the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget. The city’s general fund currently faces a $7.4 million deficit, and the proposal does not include potential revenue from the public safety sales tax on the August ballot. Possible cuts include delaying police…

The Voluntary Action Center’s Opportunity Campus is now fully open in Columbia, offering year-round shelter and support for people experiencing homelessness. Dozens checked into the new overnight shelter Monday, which can serve up to 150 people. The campus also provides medical care, meals, showers, laundry, job and housing assistance, and other support services through partnerships…

Columbia residents will have another chance Today to learn about the proposed public safety sales tax before it goes before voters on the August 4 ballot. The city is hosting a town hall from 1 to 2 p.m. at the American Legion Building on Legion Lane. The proposed one-percent sales tax would fund police and…

The City of Columbia is proposing millions of dollars in budget cuts to address a projected $7.4 million general fund deficit. Under the draft fiscal year 2027 budget, the Police Department would see nearly $2 million in cuts, including a hiring freeze on eight vacant positions and delays in expanding its Real-Time Information Center. The…

Boone County firefighters came to the rescue of a stranded fawn Saturday afternoon near southwest Columbia. Crews responded to Arrowhead Lake after fishermen spotted the young deer struggling to stay afloat. Firefighters swam out to the exhausted fawn, and Lieutenant Mitchell Workman safely brought it back to shore, where it was reunited with its waiting…

Columbia School Board member Jeanne Snodgrass is stepping down after accepting a new job that will take her outside the district. The board is expected to officially accept her resignation during Tonight’s summer session. Snodgrass, who was first elected in 2021 and reelected in 2024, called it a privilege to serve and praised the district’s…

The Columbia School Board will continue discussions Tonight on proposed updates to the district’s bullying policy. The changes would require all school employees, substitutes, contractors and volunteers to report bullying within two school days. The proposal also creates a new online complaint form, requires investigations to be completed within 10 days, and calls for parents…

Columbia city leaders kicked off a series of community meetings Thursday to discuss Proposition 1, a proposed one-percent public safety sales tax on the Aug. 4 ballot. If approved, the tax would fund additional staffing, equipment and facility improvements for the city’s police and fire departments. Officials say the measure could generate about $38 million…

The Boone County Commission has added an expiration date on their planned sales tax to fund a new county jail. The Commission has approved a 3/8 of a cent sales tax beginning in 2027, but the proposal still needs to be voted on by the public in the November 3rd election, and will be known…