Community
Community coverage from Statewide and across the region.
Recent coverage
Missouri Residents Face Renewed Measles Concerns
Recent data indicate a significant increase in measles cases across the United States, reaching levels not seen in 35 years. Missouri health officials are monitoring the national trend, urging residents to ensure their vaccinations are current to prevent local outbreaks.
Missouri's Amish Population Sees Significant Growth, Influencing Rural Areas
Missouri holds the seventh-largest Amish population nationwide, experiencing substantial growth. This expansion is partly due to the availability of affordable agricultural land.
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.
Editorial Cartoon Published
The Missouri Dispatch features an editorial cartoon by John Darkow. This visual commentary offers a perspective on current events.
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.
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.
Editorial Cartoon by John Darkow
This editorial cartoon was created by John Darkow. It offers a visual commentary on current events.
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.
July New Moon Offers Prime Star-Gazing Conditions
The new moon phase begins on July 14, providing an optimal opportunity for observing the Milky Way. Minimal lunar light will enhance the visibility of celestial objects.
Kansas Community Prepares to Host Algerian Delegation
A Kansas town developed specialized cultural and linguistic skills, including Halal food preparation, Arabic, and French, to welcome an Algerian delegation. This initiative highlights efforts to ensure visitors' comfort and respect cultural norms.
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.
Missouri communities participate in Declaration of Independence readings
Eleven Missouri locations joined 796 sites nationwide to read the Declaration of Independence simultaneously. This event occurred on Wednesday.
Missouri Residents Face Increased Tick Activity Amidst National Surge
Recent data indicates a significant increase in tick encounters across the United States. Missouri public health officials advise residents to take precautions when outdoors due to the rising numbers.
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.
Safety Guidelines Issued for July Fourth Festivities
State officials released recommendations for safe Independence Day celebrations this year. The advice aims to prevent common injuries and incidents associated with holiday activities.
Editorial cartoon published
The Missouri Dispatch published an editorial cartoon. Staff artist John Darkow created the piece.
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.
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.
Road Closures Expected on I-70, Sinclair and Oakland Gravel Roads in Columbia
Motorists can anticipate overnight detours as crews perform roadwork on Interstate 70 in Columbia. Sinclair Road and Oakland Gravel Road also have planned closures.
Columbia Methodist Church ends over 100 years of operation
Wilkes Boulevard United Methodist Church concluded its services on Sunday, ceasing operations after more than a century. The church observed a final celebration event.
First-time homelessness increases among elderly Missourians
More Missouri residents aged 55 and older are experiencing homelessness for the first time. This trend highlights gaps in current support services for the state's senior population.
Editorial Cartoon Features Norm Ruebling
Political cartoonist John Darkow created an editorial cartoon. The illustration depicts Norm Ruebling in the Columbia Daily Tribune.
Columbia Residents Commemorate 9/11 Through Stair Climb Event
Approximately 300 participants ascended 2,200 steps at the Hearnes Center in Columbia. This annual event honors the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.
Missouri Exhibit Featured at National State Fair Showcase in Washington D.C.
Missouri's exhibit is part of the Great American State Fair presentation in the nation's capital. The event features cultural and agricultural displays from various states.
Kansas City Addresses Public Safety Concerns Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Kansas City officials are preparing security measures as they anticipate hosting World Cup matches in 2026. The city is developing strategies to ensure visitor safety and manage public perception.
Editorial Cartoonist John Darkow Publishes Work
Missouri-based cartoonist John Darkow recently released a new editorial cartoon. The submission is available for viewer interpretation without further comment.
State Historical Society Preserves Missouri Military Uniforms
The State Historical Society of Missouri in Columbia houses a collection of military uniforms. These artifacts represent the service of Missouri veterans across multiple conflicts, from World War I through more recent engagements.
Columbia Groups Decorate Downtown in Anticipation of Independence Day
Local organizations, families, and businesses in Columbia are painting windows throughout the downtown area. This collaborative effort commemorates the upcoming 250th anniversary of America's independence.
Ashland Resident Shirley Calvin Passed Away at 92
Shirley Ann Calvin, an Ashland resident, died at Boone Hospital on June 19 at the age of 92. Her family was present at the time of her passing.
Columbia Resident Celebrates 102nd Birthday
A Columbia native recently marked his 102nd birthday, maintaining an independent lifestyle. He has a long history of philanthropic work.
Editorial Cartoonist John Darkow Comments in New Work
Editorial cartoonist John Darkow recently released a new piece. His work offers a visual commentary on current events.
Editorial Cartoonist John Darkow Shares New Work
Political cartoonist John Darkow recently released a new editorial cartoon. He is known for his satirical commentary on current events.
Dr. Jiří Tomáš Beranek, Columbia Resident, Dies at 91
Dr. Jiří Tomáš Beranek, a Columbia resident and physician, passed away on December 31 at the age of 91. He lived in both Columbia, Missouri, and Prague, Czech Republic.
Safety Ambassadors Begin Downtown Columbia Patrols
Downtown Columbia now has safety ambassadors patrolling streets Wednesday through Saturday evenings. A seven-person team will operate from 4:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. to enhance public safety.
Missouri Woman Recovers From Post-Childbirth Paralysis With Childcare Assistance
A Missouri mother regained mobility after experiencing paralysis following childbirth. Access to childcare services played a significant role in her recovery process.
Columbia-area official discusses community needs as storms impact region
Ashland's interim city administrator addressed the community's priorities during recent heavy rainfall. He also provided details about his background.
Featured reporting
Downtown Springfield’s historic square enters a new chapter
Three new restaurants and a boutique hotel are slated to open by summer, the latest phase of a long revitalization push.
St. Charles moves to expand historic district along Main Street
Preservationists called the vote a milestone, while some property owners pushed back over new design rules.
The Missouri Dispatch Daily Brief
The morning briefing from the Missouri Dispatch newsroom — delivered to your inbox before 7 a.m.