Author: KMIZ

Euphenie Andre

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Attorney General Catherine Hanaway on Friday warned Missourians to be vigilant on where to purchase tickets after grouping announcements for the World Cup were announced in the morning.

Argentina, Germany and the Netherlands are set to compete in Kansas City in the FIFA Word Cup next summer.

Megan McConachie with Columbia Convention and Visitor Bureau said Missouri being chosen to host games is a major accomplishment for the Show Me State.

“The World Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime event for many fans and visitors. The worldwide enthusiasm for soccer is contagious, and we can’t wait to welcome people from around the world and around our country to Missouri to experience what our destinations have to offer,” she said.

Fans hoping to buy tickets directly through FIFA on Friday are being met with a message on the website stating sales are not yet open. According to FIFA, the next opportunity to apply for tickets begins during the Random Selection Draw, which runs Dec. 11-Jan. 13.

Despite that, several third-party websites are already listing tickets for sale. On StubHub and SeatGeek, nosebleed seats for U.S. World Cup matches are starting at about $700 per ticket, with prices climbing to nearly $1,500 for seats closer to the field.

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway is urging fans to be cautious.

“With the World Cup coming to Kansas City, excitement is high and unfortunately, so is the potential for fraud,” Hanaway said in the press release. “Missourians should be able to enjoy this once-in-a-generation event without fear of being deceived. My Office will hold accountable anyone who seeks to exploit our families, and we stand ready to assist anyone who encounters suspicious activity.”

Hanaway suggested:

Buying tickets only from official sources: FIFA.com, the FIFA Resale Marketplace, or reputable, well-known platforms.

Never share personal or financial information with unfamiliar websites or sellers.

Use a credit card when buying online. Credit cards offer fraud protections that cash, checks, debit cards, and peer-to-peer apps like Cash App or Venmo do not.

Make sure the website is secure. Look for “https://” at the start of the URL and a closed-lock symbol in the address bar before entering any payment information.

Watch for counterfeit or altered tickets. Scammers may sell fake or duplicated digital tickets, so confirm the seller can verify authenticity or transfer the ticket through FIFA’s official ticketing system.

Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true. If a ticket is far below market value, it’s likely a scam.

Before purchasing from a reseller, call the Attorney General’s Consumer Complaint Hotline at 800-392-8222 or check the Better Business Bureau for complaints or warning signs.

There is some financial relief for buyers, the Missouri Department of Revenue said that all official World Cup ticket sales are exempt from sales tax.

“It’s not often that such purchases are untaxed, but Missouri is committed to making the FIFA World Cup a success in our state,” Director of Revenue Trish Vincent said in a press release. “This exemption applies to both state and local sales tax on all tickets sold to the games through FIFA, FIFA Marketplace or as part of Official FIFA World Cup Hospitality packages.”

According to FIFA’s socioeconomic impact analysis, the tournament could generate around 185,000 full-time jobs across the U.S. and provide an estimated $10.2 billion in labor income. The report also predicts that about 3.7 million local and international fans will travel to the American host cities, bringing an economic boost worth billions to industries such as hospitality, transportation, and retail.

Some fans are choosing to stay in Columbia. Chris Miller, president and head coach of AFC Columbia said he’s already planned to host friends traveling from Wales for the event.

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A pair of self-identified “urban explorers” were arrested in Mexico, Missouri, after they went into the old hospital on Thursday afternoon, according to a press release from the Mexico Public Safety Department.

The release says 18-year-olds Jacob Hayse and Jerome Hawkes, both of Hartsburg, were arrested on suspicion of trespassing. Police were called around 3:17 p.m. to the hospital building in the 600 block of East Monroe Street after cameras allegedly showed two people going into the building, the release says.

“Urban explorers” typically film content for social media websites like YouTube and TikTok that revolves around exploring abandoned buildings and areas.

“Everyone is reminded that the property is posted for No Trespassing and there are cameras on site.  Any unauthorized use of the property can lead to criminal charges,” the release says. “Residents are further reminded that people arrested / charged with a crime are simply accused of that crime and are to be considered innocent until proven guilty.”

Previous arrests for trespassing and property damage have occurred at the property.

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man who was arrested Wednesday after an hour-long standoff in Callaway County was charged with two felonies and a misdemeanor.

Antonio Watson, 37, was charged with resisting arrest, failing to register as a sex offender and misdemeanor drug possession. He is being held at the Callaway County Jail on a $30,000 bond. A hearing was held on Friday.

The probable cause statement says deputies were called to a residence near Millersburg in the 4400 block of Samantha Road for a failure-to-register warrant. A person described as a witness confirmed to law enforcement that Watson lived in the area, the statement says.

Authorities arrived at 2:20 p.m. and Watson briefly opened the door eight minutes later, the statement says. Deputies shot a beanbag at the residence and he barricaded himself, court documents say. Watson came out of the building about an hour later and a deputy used a foam baton round after Watson allegedly refused to get onto his knees, the statement says.

Watson allegedly admitted to living in the trailer for four days and allegedly told deputies he thought he had seven days to update the address, the statement says.

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A bus shelter and trash container in Columbia has been removed after a request was made by Broadway Crossings, according to an email from a city public works spokesman.

The letter says the bus stop was located at 21 Conley Road, though the city spokesman clarified it was on Trimble Road.

The request to remove it was sent on Sept. 19 and it was removed the following week.

“The offending shelter and trash container have become significant nuisances, negatively impacting the use and safety of our Tenants and patrons. The presence of the bus stop has led to several issues, including excessive trash, excessive noise, harassment and even violence,” a letter from the Kroenke Group to Columbia Public Works says.

The bus shelter was located on private property, the letter says.

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Olivia Hayes

PARIS, Mo. (KMIZ)

A judge has ordered the prosecution to move forward against two women accused of harboring a man who got into a deadly shootout with law enforcement.

The state presented parts of its case against Patty and Lois Armour on Friday in a preliminary hearing in front of a Monroe County judge. Judge Talley Smith found probable cause to bind them over to circuit court for trial.

Both women have been held in the Randolph County Jail without bond since their arrests. Monroe County does not have a grand jury, so the preliminary hearing helped establish probable cause to move to a jury trial. The state presented some evidence, and witnesses testified.

Lois and Patty Armour are accused of hiding Charles Armour before he was killed in a shootout with law enforcement. The probable cause statements say that law enforcement went to the Armour residence in search of Charles after speaking with both women. The women allegedly claimed Charles Armour was not at the residence.

Lois Armous is Charles’ mother, and Patty is his wife.

Officers were given permission to search the home and found Charles Armour in a bathroom with a handgun, the statement says. He then allegedly fired at the responding officers and hit a Randolph County deputy. Charles Armour, 57, was killed by return fire and identified by law enforcement as a person of interest in a Ralls County homicide investigation.

Charles Armour is accused of killing Jonathan Floyd, 55, of Perry, Missouri.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Derek Powell testified during Lois Armour’s hearing and the prosecution showed body camera video of officers searching for Charles Armour and encountering him.

Powell, another MSHP trooper and Randolph County Sheriff’s Deputy Nathaniel West met at the Armour residence on Oct. 12 in search of Charles. West was the officer that encountered him in the bathroom, seconds later the shootout ensued.

Audio of a conversation between Powell and Patty Armour was also played during her hearing, in which Patty said that she knew Charles Armour was wanted for murder and was on the run.

The audio also provided some insight into a possible motive behind Floyd’s murder that Charles Armour is alleged to have been involved in. In the audio Patty is heard detailing a love triangle that Charles and Floyd were apart of. Patty said Charles was having an affair with Ashley Williams. However, Williams was having a separate affair with Floyd while with Charles Armour.

The defense argued that the state has not shown beyond a reasonable doubt that Lois or Patty Armour knew that Charles Armour was at the house. Ultimately, the judge sided with the state.

A Randolph County deputy hit by gunfire was flown to a hospital. The deputy — who has not been named — was welcomed home to Moberly after his hospital stay.

Lois and Patty Armour’s next hearing is set for 10 a.m. Thursday Jan. 8.

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Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Mizzou men, coming off their first loss of the season, will renew their classic rivalry with the Kansas Jayhawks this weekend.

The No. 21 Jayhawks will host the Tigers for a noon tipoff on Sunday at Kansas City’s T-Mobile Center. Watch a news conference previewing the game in the media player.

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Gabrielle Teiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The 4-year-old boy who was rescued in Sturgeon early Friday morning is being treated for mild frostbite and hypothermia, according to family friend Faith Livingston.

The child is expected to recover after being outside in 15-degree weather for hours.

“It’s like a Christmas miracle that he’s OK,” Livingston said.

The child was found about a half-mile from where he was believed to have gone missing in need of medical attention, according to a press release from the Boone County Sheriff’s Office.

The child went missing around 11:13 p.m. near the 400th block of East Patton Street and was found around 3:45 a.m. near the 100th block of East Francis Street, according to the release.

Livingston said the boy was found in a stroller outside the Backyard Playschool Center. She said she checked around the daycare about an hour before a Columbia police officer found him.

“We even checked the dumpster of the daycare, and it just so happened he was in the stroller, and I never thought to look there,” Livingston said.

She said she cried when she heard the news.

“I was instantly in tears because that’s not what we thought the outcome could be,” Livingston said. “We didn’t think that he possibly could have been out here in the cold like that, barefoot and hardly any clothes.”

According to the release, more information is unavailable as law enforcement continues to investigate the case and can’t release details on why the child was outside.

The City of Sturgeon thanked the Boone County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol in a Facebook post.

“Their professionalism, teamwork, and commitment to the safety and well-being of our community were truly commendable. We are profoundly thankful for their swift and coordinated response during this critical situation,” the post states.

Boone County firefighters also helped with the search, said Boone County Fire Protection District Assistant Chief Gale Blomenkamp.

Capt. Brian Leer with the Boone County Sheriff’s Office said the child was found after several hours.

Leer said a grid search was conducted throughout Sturgeon.

The press release also says a Missouri State Highway Patrol helicopter was used, and all railroad traffic in Sturgeon was paused.

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Jazsmin Halliburton

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Holiday festivities are set to take place in Columbia and Jefferson City Friday, which will cause temporary traffic impacts.

In Jefferson City, certain areas will be blocked off for the city’s Living Windows event on Friday night and the parade on Saturday.

The Living Windows in Jefferson City will be from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Starting at 4 p.m., High St. will be closed, according to a Facebook post from the Jefferson City Police Department. No parking will be allowed between Monroe St. and Jefferson St. starting at 3 p.m., according to signs in the area seen Friday morning.

There will be a tree lighting ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion at 6 p.m. Friday, followed by candlelight tours until 8 p.m. During the Candlelight Tours, visitors can walk through the festively decorated first floor of the Governor’s Mansion. The tours are free and open to the public. Visitors will enter through the Madison Street gate.

In Columbia, there will be a lighting ceremony at the Courthouse Plaza from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m Friday.

Columbia’s Living Windows will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The District 11 on South 10th St. There will be live performances, open houses, shopping and holiday decor throughout The District.

For the parade in Jefferson City on Saturday, no parking will be allowed on High St. from Broadway to Adams St.

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Matthew Sanders

Plenty of Montgomery County residents are worried about Amazon and other companies building large data centers on tracts of undeveloped land.

Critics say data centers strain local electrical and water systems, and they packed the Montgomery County Commission room Thursday to tell elected officials and economic development leaders about it.

But Steve Etcher with the Greater Montgomery County Economic Development Council countered that the Amazon project will bring millions in tax revenue and supply construction jobs.

Do you think some Montgomery County residents are right to have concerns? Let us know by voting in the poll.

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Olivia Hayes

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The University of Missouri Faculty Council is still considering changes to the upcoming academic calendar.

The council is considering two proposals that would allow for scheduling flexibility with Veterans Day now considered a paid holiday for UM employees. The proposals would also give more room between the end of the fall semester and winter holidays.

It was revealed in October that MU’s fall semester next school year could lose its “Reading Day” — also known as “Stop Day” by students and alumni — to make up classroom hours lost from Veterans Day falling on a Wednesday. This year was the first year Veterans Day was a holiday for university workers.

The university is required to have 29 academic days scheduled for Tuesday/Thursday classes and 43 for Monday, Wednesday and Friday classes, according to previous reporting.

One proposal would allow for the last day of classes and final exam schedules to be set by each campus within the UM system. It also establishes a 15-week semester with one hour of faculty instruction per week, per credit hour.

If approved and implemented, this change would take effect in the fall 2026 semester.

Concerns amongst council members arose during Thursday’s meeting. Some asked for more clarifying language in the proposal around the time length of classes.

“An hour can’t be right because we have 150 minutes of instruction,” one council member said. “So you have 75/75 (minutes of class time) or 50/50/50 so that is an edit that absolutely needs to be made.”

Other council members also asked for more clarity around online courses.

The second proposal would set the school year to begin the third Monday of August beginning in the fall 2027 semester.

“That will help us have a slightly earlier semester and earlier end of the semester. So we don’t have grades being due right before Christmas,” Faculty Council Chair Carolyn Orbann said.

That proposal was initially suggested to take effect in 2026, but it was delayed by a year to avoid any impact to Winter 2026 graduation plans already in place.

The faculty council will vote on whether to approve either proposal at its Dec. 18 meeting, all faculty councils across all four UM campuses have to approve the same language. From there, the proposal will go to the desk of the chancellor and university’s president. Once signed off, it will then go to the Board of Curators to be voted on.

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