Commerical trash collection improved in the city
The city is hiring new solid waste drivers and waiting for both new trucks and trucks currently undergoing maintenance.
My Recent Work
Courtesy of Timothy Hauser
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Plans set in motion for a new Chick-fil-A location in Columbia
The new location in south Columbia is in the early stages of development.
City Council discusses gun violence, updates to law enforcement
Columbia police will have restored access to ATF resources, and the city’s neighborhood watch received a funding boost.
Tristen Rouse
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Closure of children's emergency shelter in Columbia under investigation by Missouri regulators
The mid-Missouri community grapples with the closure of the emergency children's shelter.
What went wrong at Rainbow House, the now-closed children's emergency shelter
A fundraising campaign left the shelter well short of its goal of paying for an expansion, and then it shuttered.
Minh Connors
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What went wrong at Rainbow House, the now-closed children's emergency shelter
The shelter helped children in crisis for nearly 40 years before abruptly shutting down in September.
City Council to vote on affordable housing programs
The Columbia City Council will discuss affordable housing development, electric bikes, scooters and more on Monday.
Benjamin Zweig
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$37 million water treatment plant improvement underway
Workers are laying the foundation of a new portion of the McBaine Water Treatment Plant, furthering facility upgrades.
Sam Bruvsen
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Morrell wins over Osete in race for circuit judge
In addition to picking a circuit judge, voters elected incumbent Sherry Terrell in the race for circuit court clerk.
Yong Li Xuan
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Incumbents Aldred and Thompson win Boone County Commission seats
Democrat Justin Aldred won the District I commissioner seat and Democrat Janet Thompson won the District II seat.
City Council discusses funding for new homeless shelter, electric vehicles
Columbia City Council approved a funding increase to the Opportunity Campus in the midst of construction, among other items.
City Council expected to continue distribution of federal relief funds
The council is set to vote on the distribution of ARPA funds, electric vehicle charging stations and more.
Columbia businesses left hamstrung by city's inconsistent waste management
Local business owners are frustrated with the city's lack of steady trash pickup. Timeline for fixing the issue is unknown.
City Council approves paramedic program to help opioid crisis
City council approved establishing a collaboration between the city and MU Health Care with the help of a federal grant.
City Council to vote on paramedic collaboration with MU Health Care
Monday's meeting will include discussions of relief funding and a new community paramedic program, among other ordinances.
City Council ups surveillance to assist law enforcement
Columbia City Council voted to purchase a new police surveillance system, sparking both praise and opposition.
Public parking users should expect gradual increase in enforcement
Starting Tuesday, enforcement of Columbia's parking will be in the hands of the Public Works Department.
Benjamin Zweig
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Mid-Missouri PrideFest creates accepting environment, encourages voter registration
The annual festival is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. This year, civic engagement was a talking point.
Boone County Commissioner candidates debate housing issues
Columbia Board of Realtors hosted all four candidates in a discussion of development and campaign goals.
CPD staffing shortages strain department operations, police chief says
The city's police department is fighting to fill 31 officer vacancies.
Austin Johnson
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Commissioner Aldred looks past party lines in bid for reelection
Democrat Justin Aldred, who has served on the Boone County commission since 2020, is running for another term.
A look into local forums and debates before the November election
Ahead of Missouri's general election Nov. 5, many local organizations are holding debates and forums.
Columbia City Council approves budget for upcoming fiscal year
The city is expected to spend 3% more in 2025, compared to the previous fiscal year.
City Council planning to inject $1 million to shore up police, fire pensions
Columbia city leaders say they might need to add another $1 million to the pensions next year, too.
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