Charles Dunlap

The Columbia Public Schools board has one more summer regular session tonight. The agenda still is packed.
www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/e...

Missouri Hunger Atlas not just for government use, says University of Missouri researcher Researchers at Mizzou's Interdisciplinary Center for Food Security find the gaps in services. Other research can answer the why.

The Tribune is continuing to look at food systems in Boone County and the state. A Missouri Hunger Atlas recently was released by researchers at the University of Missouri.
www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/2...

Columbia's water rates up for vote by city council, with electric rate vote up next Water rate changes will apply in October, if approved. Electric rate changes will be voted on in a couple of weeks.

Happening tonight. The Columbia City Council will consider changes to water rates that will take effect for fiscal year 2026. Water rates are based on suggestions from a cost-of-service study. Electric rate changes will have consideration in two weeks. www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/l...

Big Whiskey's restaurant nears Columbia groundbreaking after 2 years Construction of the Columbia Big Whiskey's location was delayed because another location took longer to finish, one of the development partners said.

After a two year delay, Big Whiskey's American Restaurant and Bar is eyeing a fall groundbreaking in Columbia.
www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/l...

Focus groups explore Boone County's food system: 'I don't have their reality' Even before policy and funding changes at the federal level, the Boone County Food Council wanted to study how people access food.

Boone County started studying its food system last year with a community survey. That advanced to focus groups this month. This is what people who receive food benefits, such as SNAP, said recently.
www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/l...

Sinking Columbia fire station also 'functionally obsolete,' assistant fire chief says Columbia Fire Station 5 receives the highest call volume in the city. Its 54-year-old foundation also is sinking, meaning replacement is needed.

Fire station five in Columbia is 54 years old and has sinking foundations. Its age, square footage and call volume all are contributing to the station's standing as 'functionally obsolete,' a department assistant fire chief says. www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/l...

Boone County leaders explain newly adopted master plan at Muleskinners meeting Boone County's master plan provides a way for the county to provide development for the growing populace while still keeping its overall character.

The Boone County master plan was adopted last month. County leaders have met with at least one group explaining what it will do.
www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/l...

Here's what to expect on Boone County's Aug. 5 election ballots Early no-excuse absentee voting for the Aug. 5 election already is underway. Special weekend early voting days also are planned.

Boone County residents will see at least one question on the Aug. 5 ballot. Some areas of Columbia and Boone County will have an additional ballot measure.
www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/p...

Have outstanding downtown Columbia parking tickets? You may get 'Barnacled' Columbia Public Works used Barnacles prior to October 2020. Now they're back for downtown parking enforcement.

The windshield Barnacle was used prior to October 2020 by Columbia Public Works. They are now back in use.
www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/l...

A look ahead to 2026 capital projects also looks back at project management An internal audit of Columbia's capital projects is providing a way for the city to improve its best practices and management controls.

Following a review of capital project funding for 2026, the Columbia City Council took a look back at management of past projects.
www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/l...

'Happy but still feeling whiplash': Columbia's Loop planning project funding back on The Loop was told Monday it had lost out on federal funding for a planning project. By Thursday, a review had greenlit the funds again.

In a funding whiplash, The Loop can continue its planning project along the business corridor and city gateway.
www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/l...

Crop duster pilot life-flighted after crash in rural Boone County The unidentified pilot from Huntsville hit electrical cables before crashing into a cornfield west of Centralia.

The crash happened Tuesday afternoon, July 22 after a crop duster encountered power lines west of Centralia.
www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/l...

How The Loop is navigating frozen, unfrozen and now canceled federal funding Lack of a signature by U.S. DOT on a Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods grant has led to cancellation of The Loop CID's planning project.

The planning project would have provided the blueprint for capital projects to improve a significant business and travel corridor that is one of Columbia's gateways.
www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/l...

KOPN radio looking at programming changes, seeking volunteers after funding loss A rollback of federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting means a funding cut for KOPN FM, Columbia's community radio station.

The federal rollback of funding for the #CorporationForPublicBroadcasting will have an impact on Columbia's community radio station to the tune of $250,000.
www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/l...

How the city of Columbia is finalizing its proposed 2026 budget While the council has completed its budget work sessions, town hall meetings and public hearings also are planned on the 2026 budget.

The city's proposed budget mostly is finalized. There are town hall meetings and public hearings scheduled.
www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/l...

City of Columbia has a slate of capital projects planned for 2026; public hearing planned The Columbia City Council during its regular meeting Monday will hold a public hearing on a list of projects slated to start in 2026.

Capital projects planned for fiscal year 2026 are up for discussion at tonight's Columbia City Council Meeting in a public hearing. A vote will come at a later date during the budget approval process.
www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/l...

3 weeks left until Columbia Ward 2 special election. Who's funding candidates? Campaign finance reports filed by Ken Rice and Vera Elwood for the Ward 2 special election give an idea of who is supporting each candidate.

With just a few weeks before the election, this is how candidates in the Ward 2 special election are supported financially.
www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/p...

Here are the guidelines for Columbia families using CPS Lunch for Learners Columbia Public Schools has new parameters for families to access aid through Lunch for Learners. Here's how it will work.

The Columbia Public Schools Lunch for Learners program close to the end of the year had a deficit of more than $120,000 due to unpaid lunch accounts. The district has issued some parameters on when the program can be used by families.
www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/e...

Boone Health opens Columbia clinic focused on breast cancer-related care. What to know Specialty breast health care now has its own space at the Broadway Medical Plaza. A shop featuring clothing with breast prosthetics will open too.

A new breast health clinic with Boone Health can reach even more patients. A new shop also can provide undergarments and swimsuits with prosthetic breasts.
www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/l...

Columbia enters recycling partnership, issues new guidelines There now is a limited list of what Columbia can send to a recycling facility. Other materials still will have to go to the landfill.

There are new guidelines for recycling in Columbia after its recycling facility was destroyed by an Easter Sunday tornado, April 20.
www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/l...

Why a Columbia RC airplane club is connecting with youth organizations: 'It's pure STEM' The recent Summer Sizzler RC Fun Fly was an informal radio-controlled airplane airshow from regional enthusiast groups.

An informal weekend radio-controlled air show brought out enthusiasts and those new to the hobby alike.
www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/l...

Special education agreements, new administrative positions on Columbia school board agenda An agreement with KVC for a day program or residential program for special education is on the school board's Monday agenda.

Decisions on special education, new administrative staff positions make up major parts of tonight's Columbia Public Schools board agenda.
www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/e...

This crowdsourced campaign will make solar panels cheaper for Columbia homes, businesses Residents, businesses and nonprofits can take advantage of group pricing for solar panel systems as part of the new Columbia campaign.

A public-private partnership means Columbia residents, businesses or nonprofits can get group pricing to purchase a solar panel system for their home or facility, meaning a lower cost.
www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/l...

These 4 rural Missouri hospitals are deemed 'at risk' of closing. Here's why Two of the rural hospitals deemed "at-risk" are in Missouri's 4th Congressional District, which is served by Rep. Mark Alford.

From #SusanSzuch of the #SpringfieldNewsLeader, sister publication of the Tribune: These 4 rural Missouri hospitals are deemed 'at risk' of closing. Here's why
www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/l...

As Columbia crafts annual city budget, there are several ways to take part. Here's how The Columbia City Council will hold a series of work sessions next week. Town hall meetings are scheduled in August and public hearings will occur.

Work sessions and town halls will determine the city's proposed budget for fiscal year 2026. Public hearings will finalize the budget.
www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/l...

A 30-year SNAP education program in Missouri was among cuts in One Big Beautiful Bill Act What are the implications of the SNAP-Ed program's elimination? For starters, 1 million Missouri residents were helped by the program each year.

One million Missourians were aided annually by a program known as SNAP-Ed. By Sept. 30, that program is gone.
www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/s...

How Columbia plans to use influx of federal CDBG, HOME funds The annual federal funding allocation from HUD needed city council approval, along with amendments to plans that use the funds.

Columbia receives more in CDBG, HOME funds than expected from U.S. Housing and Urban Development. How the city plans to use these funds.
www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/l...

Where's the best place to get an ice cream sundae in Columbia? How readers voted A regional brand that originated in Missouri took the top spot in the Tribune's quick poll on the best place to get an ice cream sundae.

A quick poll from July 3 has answered the question of where to get the best ice cream sundae in Columbia.
www.columbiatribune.com/story/lifest...

Missouri governor's budget vetoes cut funds for homeless veterans program in Columbia Several projects and nonprofit programs in Columbia and Boone County saw their funding cut completely or drastically reduced by Gov. Mike Kehoe.

While a handful of bills were signed into law by Gov. Kehoe last week, he also was vetoing items in budget bills. These are programs impacted in Columbia and Boone County.
www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/l...

What Columbia's weather, fireworks viewing conditions will look like July 4 The July 4 forecast is better than last year's. Here's what to expect for Columbia's Fire in the Sky festivities at Stephens Lake Park.

It'll be a hot and sunny July 4. What to know.
www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/l...