Community
Community coverage from Columbia and across the region.
Recent coverage
Historic 1881 Sturgeon church relocated to Columbia's Nifong Park
Crews transported a 145-year-old church from Sturgeon to south Columbia, establishing its permanent home in Nifong Park. The 19th-century structure will join other preserved local landmarks at the Boone County Historical Center's village.
Columbia resident and native of France Francoise Bien dies
Francoise Bien, a Columbia resident who was born in France, died on Sunday, Sept. 20. She was born on Sept. 15, 1938, before later relocating to mid-Missouri.
Longtime Columbia Restaurateur Barbara Cheek Dies at 86
Longtime Columbia restaurant owner Barbara Cheek died Oct. 8 at the age of 86. She spent decades operating dining establishments across the local community.
Columbia resident Matthew Parman Wood dies at 54
Columbia resident Matthew Parman Wood died on Thursday following a battle with cancer. He was 54 years old.
Columbia Resident Raymond E. Perkins Dies at 79
Raymond E. Perkins died at his residence on Oct. 13, 2026. He was 79 years old.
Today marks deadline for Progress and Kindness Award submissions
Today is the final opportunity to submit nominations for the Progress and Kindness Awards. Community members recognize individuals and organizations demonstrating dedication to social well-being.
Editorial Cartoonist Shares Political Commentary
Political cartoonist John Darkow presents a new editorial cartoon. The illustration offers commentary on a current event or issue.
Columbia roadwork prompts I-70, U.S. 63 lane reductions and roundabout construction
Motorists in Columbia will experience traffic changes due to ongoing road construction projects. Work includes lane reductions on I-70 and U.S. 63, alongside new roundabout construction at Fairview and Chapel Hill roads.
Columbia Cyclists Participate in Evening Illuminated Ride
Cyclists journeyed from Flat Branch Park to Twin Lakes Recreation Area on lit trails in Columbia. The event, called Kaleidospoke, highlighted the MKT Nature and Fitness Trail.
Columbia modelers complete projects in tribute to late member
Central Missouri Scale Modelers are finishing projects initiated by Jack Andrewson, a deceased club member. The organization will honor Andrewson and display these works at the upcoming TigerCon event in November.
Editorial cartoon reflects on local development
Political cartoonist John Darkow created an editorial cartoon this week. The artwork comments on a community's reaction to a new development project, expressing relief about its nature.
Hartsburg Resident Virgil Jeffery Dies at 61
Virgil Kent Jeffery, a 61-year-old resident of Hartsburg, died on August 8, 2026. He passed away in Westphalia, Missouri.
Former Columbia City Manager Details City History in New Memoir
Ray Beck, a former city manager, released a new book chronicling Columbia's development from his perspective. The publication offers insights into various city initiatives and events during his tenure.
Road closures planned for South Sinclair Road, Clark Lane in Columbia
Drivers in Columbia should anticipate upcoming road closures. South Sinclair Road will close for repairs, and the Clark Lane roundabout will also be temporarily inaccessible.
Editorial Cartoon Features Local Artist's Work
This editorial cartoon showcases the work of local artist John Darkow. The piece acknowledges Simon Rose, suggesting a tribute or recognition.
South Columbia sunflower fields open to public viewing
Sunflowers at the University of Missouri's South Farm in Columbia are currently blooming. The public can view the fields in phases through September.
Columbia cinema hosts craft event during film screening
Ragtag Cinema organized a crafting activity during a recent movie showing. This event aligns with a national trend of combining crafting with cinema, sometimes known as "Knit-Flix" or "Reel Crafts."
Editorial Cartoon Addresses Community Risk Factors
John Darkow's latest editorial cartoon highlights public health and safety concerns. The visual commentary prompts reflection on shared societal responsibilities.
Columbia resident Hazel Janell Woods passes away at 99
Hazel Janell Woods, a longtime Columbia resident, died on August 7 at the age of 99. Her life spanned nearly a century.
Columbia explores reducing utility aid, reviews initial 2027 budget proposal
The Columbia City Council recently examined a potential decrease in residential utility assistance. Council members also began their review of the city's proposed budget for the 2027 fiscal year.
Columbia Traffic Delays Expected for I-70 Exit and Providence Road
Motorists in Columbia will encounter temporary disruptions as the I-70/St. Charles Road exit ramps close for maintenance. Additionally, North Providence Road will experience lane closures, impacting local traffic flow.
Columbia Doctor Crafts Glass Art
A Columbia obstetrician-gynecologist and interim pastor creates glass marbles by hand. He dedicates his personal time to this artistic pursuit.
Hinkson Creek Restoration Efforts Fall Short
Environmental records indicate Hinkson Creek remains unsafe for public recreation, despite a cleanup initiative launched in 2012. Over a decade of restoration work has produced limited improvements in water quality.
Road Closures and Lane Reductions Impact Columbia Traffic
Officials will close Old 63 and reduce Interstate 70 to one lane at Providence Road. These changes will affect Columbia roadways and surrounding Boone County traffic.
Columbia gym offers obstacle course training for all ages
A Columbia facility provides American Ninja Warrior-style training equipment and classes. The gym serves a wide range of ages, from children seeking recreational activities to adults pursuing fitness objectives.
Report examines experiences of young people in mid-Missouri
Reporters investigated what daily life is like for young individuals across mid-Missouri. The study focused on various topics relevant to this demographic.
Editorial Cartoonist John Darkow Comments on Political Advertising
Editorial cartoonist John Darkow recently released new artwork. The cartoon visually interprets a common sentiment regarding current political campaign advertisements.
Ashland FFA Members Attend Floral Design Event
Ashland Future Farmers of America (FFA) students participated in a floral design symposium in Orlando, Florida. The event featured educational sessions and networking opportunities for those in the floriculture field.
Ashland Residents Recognized for July Home Landscaping
Destry and William Moffat's Ashland property received the July Yard of the Month award. The couple significantly improved their home's landscaping since moving to the area in October 2025.
Young Entrepreneur Plans Future on Family Ranch Amid Industry Shifts
A 12-year-old in Boone County prepares to continue his family's ranching operation. This generational commitment occurs as family-owned agricultural businesses face increasing challenges statewide.
Editorial Cartoon by John Darkow
This editorial cartoon was created by John Darkow. It offers a visual commentary on current events.
Columbia Resident Nancy Little Dies at 70
Nancy Little, a Columbia resident, passed away at age 70 on July 9 while receiving hospice care. She was at the home of her daughter and son-in-law.
East Ash Street Closure Begins as U.S. 54 Ramp to I-70 Westbound Reopens in Columbia
East Ash Street in Columbia has closed for ongoing roadwork. Simultaneously, the U.S. 54 on-ramp providing access to Interstate 70 westbound is now open to traffic.
Habitat for Humanity, CraftCycle Mark Partnership Milestone
Habitat for Humanity of Central Missouri and CoMo CraftCycle commemorated a year of collaboration with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Attendees celebrated the successful partnership between the two organizations.
Editorial Cartoonist John Darkow Publishes New Work
Editorial cartoonist John Darkow recently released a new cartoon. The artwork reflects current events through a visual commentary.
Editorial Cartoon Addresses Political Commentary
Artist John Darkow created a new editorial cartoon. The drawing offers visual commentary on current political topics.
Columbia Educators Operate Mobile Flower Business
Two educators from Columbia Public Schools operate a floral business from a refurbished Volkswagen van. The mobile flower shop offers handcrafted bouquets to customers.
VAC Opportunity Campus Initiates Services for Columbia's Homeless Population
The Voluntary Action Center (VAC) opened its Opportunity Campus day center in Columbia. This new facility, previously known as Turning Point, serves as a central resource hub for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Editorial cartoon published
The Missouri Dispatch published an editorial cartoon. Staff artist John Darkow created the piece.
Columbia Prepares for Independence Day Celebration
Columbia will host its annual Fourth of July event at Stephens Lake Park, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Attendees can expect family activities, music performances, and food vendors, culminating in a 9:15 p.m. fireworks display over the lake.
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