Author: KMIZ

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Emery Sapp and Sons and ESS Companies will move its headquarters to a new location in 2028.

A Thursday press release from the contracting company says it closed on a location at 101 North Keene St. in Columbia, the current location of MEM.

“Columbia is where Emery Sapp & Sons got its start more than 50 years ago, and it remains an important part of who we are today. We’re proud to continue investing in the community that has grown alongside us” said Brian Burks, who is the vice president, operations at ESS. “This new headquarters will bring our employee-owners, clients and community partners together while creating a foundation for continued growth— both here at home and wherever we go next.”

Jessica Bukowski at ESS Companies told ABC 17 News that the company plans on selling its old building on I-70 Drive. Laura Gerding at MEM said the company will move out at the end of 2027.

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man who was accused of raping an 81-year-old dementia patient at a nursing home while he was employed as a certified nursing assistant has pleaded down to lesser charges.

Joseph Hull, of Jefferson City, was originally charged with first-degree rape and first-degree sexual conduct with a nursing facility resident. He pleaded guilty on Tuesday to two counts of misdemeanor elderly abuse.

He was sentenced to a year in jail, but an order for his release was filed on Tuesday after he was given credit for 730 days of time served, court filings show.

Hull was charged with two felonies in May 2024.

According to the probable cause statement, a witness stated that the sexual assault was recorded and provided the recording to law enforcement. One of the witnesses says the victim often calls other men by her dead husband’s name, including Hull.

Hull allegedly admitted to law enforcement that he had intercourse with the victim and knew it was illegal for him to do so, the probable cause statement says.

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Centralia man has been charged after he allegedly stole more than $21,000 worth of musical instruments, jewelry, lawn equipment and other items from a home on July 16, 2025.

Denver Robb, 40, is charged in Boone County with stealing more than $750, second-degree burglary and misdemeanor second-degree property damage. He is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. A court date has not been scheduled.

Robb is also charged in another 2025 Centralia burglary case were more than $9,000 worth of items were stolen. He is charged with two counts of receiving stolen property and a count of drug possession. His bond in that case was revoked after his new charges were filed. A hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 5.

In the new case, he is accused of breaking into a home between 2:39-3:20 a.m., deputies wrote cameras showed.

Among the $21,415 of items stolen included a $2,100 Schecter bass guitar, a $2,000 Yamaha trumpet, a $1,000 antique violin, multiple rings and necklaces valued at $1,000 each and a 2012 Ford Escape, the statement says.

Deputies found a V8 juice can at the home with condensation marks. The can was tested at the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s crime lab and came back as a positive match to Robb on Monday, the statement says.

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Mitchell Kaminski

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Missouri farmers are getting temporary relief from restrictions on dyed diesel as they work to get this year’s harvest out of the field.

Gov. Mike Kehoe on Wednesday signed Executive Order 26-19, declaring a state of emergency and temporarily reducing restrictions on the types of diesel fuel that can be used for agricultural purposes.

The order allows farmers and haulers in commercial vehicles licensed for farm use to use dyed diesel fuel on Missouri state highways for agricultural purposes. It also temporarily increases the allowable weight for agricultural loads from 88,000 to 90,000 pounds.

The move comes as diesel prices remain above $6 a gallon. AAA reported Missouri’s average diesel price at $6.19 per gallon Wednesday, while the national average was $6.41. Missouri’s record-high average diesel price was $6.35 on Sept. 22.

For farmers and ranchers, those higher fuel costs are creating another challenge during one of the busiest times of the year.

Anita Vanderwert, president of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, said the additional expense has been difficult for agricultural producers.

“Farmers and ranchers are just like everyone else. With this added cost of gas and diesel right now, especially during harvest, it’s pretty overwhelming compared to the previous years. So any help we can get is greatly appreciated,” Vanderwert told ABC 17 News. “This is one. It may seem like a small, but it’s a big step for farmers and ranchers to be able to use.”

Under the executive order, eligible farmers and agricultural haulers can temporarily use dyed diesel on Missouri state highways for agricultural purposes.

Dyed diesel is off-road fuel marked with a red dye. It is commonly used for agricultural equipment and is sold without the motor-fuel tax. Because of that tax status, its use on public roads is normally restricted.

Vanderwert said farmers already use the fuel in tanks on their farms, but normally cannot use it when those vehicles travel on public highways.

“Red dye diesel typically could not be used on our highways because you are not taxed on the highway taxes. So it cannot be used on highways,” Vanderwert said. “That’s what we fill our big tanks at the farms is red-dyed, but it’s only for on-farm usage. This allows us to use what was typically only allowed for on-farm usage into our all of our vehicles.”

Missouri is one of several states that have taken steps to provide agricultural fuel or transportation relief as harvest season continues. Alabama, Louisiana, Nebraska and Texas have also taken action related to fuel costs or restrictions in recent days.

The executive order also increases the allowable weight for eligible agricultural loads by 2,000 pounds, giving farmers and haulers additional capacity when transporting agricultural products.

Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins wrote in a statement that the temporary change gives farmers another option as they deal with higher operating costs.

“Missouri farmers are dealing with higher costs at nearly every turn, and diesel is a major expense for getting crops harvested and transported,” Hawkins said. “This temporary flexibility gives farmers another tool to help manage those costs and keep moving the products that feed and fuel our state and our nation. We appreciate Gov. Kehoe recognizing the challenges farmers are facing and taking action to provide some relief.”

The Missouri Corn Growers Association and Missouri Soybean association also supported the move.

“Missouri farmers are working hard to get this year’s crop out of the field, but higher fuel costs are making an already tough year even tougher,” Missouri Corn CEO Bradley Schad said in a statement. “We appreciate Gov. Kehoe recognizing the challenges farmers are facing and taking steps to provide additional flexibility during harvest.”

“Missouri farmers are working to get their crops out of the field and to market while facing substantial pressure to their bottom lines,” Missouri Soybean Association President Cody Brock said in that group’s release. “We appreciate Gov. Kehoe’s recognition of that challenge and his work with MSA over the past week to provide relief to Missouri growers.”

The order is temporary and expires Oct. 30, unless it is extended.

“Hopefully we will get some extension. But ideally, let’s hope that based on gas prices just go down,” Vanderwert said.

The order does not override federal restrictions on dyed diesel. Federal rules still apply, including restrictions on using dyed diesel on interstates and some U.S. highways. Farmers and agricultural haulers must also meet the order’s eligibility requirements and follow applicable route restrictions and bridge limits.

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Cole County judge on Wednesday dismissed a case that was filed by the losing candidates of a primary election.

Brett Hueffmeier, Micah Beebe, Jana Morris, Michael Morris and Peter Smedile filed a lawsuit on earlier this month against Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, candidate Rick Brattin and the state’s Republican party after Hoskins told county clerks to use a 2022 congressional map after a year-long back and forth in the courts.

The primary election used a map drawn in 2025 known as the “Missouri First” map that was said to give Republicans an advantage in a district held by a Democrat.

The U.S. Supreme Court mandated the use of the 2022 congressional map last week.

Judge Daniel Green ruled on Wednesday “that all issues are statutorily time barred.”

JUDGMENT 9-30Download

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Beginning Thursday, cellphones will no longer be allowed in the Cole County Courthouse for most members of the public.

An order from Aug. 24 that is shared on the county’s website says exceptions are made for attorneys in good standing, state and county employees on court business, law enforcement personnel, jurors, bondsmen in good standing, Cole County Treatment Court team members, members of the press and “any other person the Court may authorize.”

Those who are allowed to carry a phone need to have it turned off when entering a courtroom, according to the order.

AO2026-05 – COURTHOUSE ELECTRONIC DEVICES-CELL PHONE POLICY 10.01.2026 PREPDownload

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A former Fulton police officer pleaded guilty to federal charges related to child sex abuse materials, according to a Wednesday press release from the Department of Justice.

Jimmy Joe Culbertson, 68, of Columbia, pleaded guilty to two counts of producing child sex abuse materials and one count of possessing child sex abuse materials. He is currently being held at the Boone County Jail.

Culbertson served as a police officer for 24 years, according to the release. Culbertson admitted to photographing his abuse of two children and possessed more than 150 files showing child sex abuse, the release says.

He faces up to 70 years in prison in that case. He is also currently charged in Boone County with eight counts of statutory sodomy of a child younger than 12 years old.

According to previous reporting, a victim reported to law enforcement that Culbertson sexually assaulted them several times. Court documents in previous reporting say Culbertson allegedly admitted to a Boone County deputy that he sexually assaulted the victim before Culbertson held a gun and threatened to shoot himself. He was then arrested.

A hearing in that case is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 11, 2027.

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Ellyse Edwards

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The City of Columbia is asking fundraising professionals to outline what a private campaign to renovate the historic McKinney Building could involve and cost. The city has not decided whether to hire a consultant or move forward with a campaign.

The city issued a request for expressions of interest on Monday. Responses are due Oct. 16. The request is meant to help the city council weigh its options; it does not commit the city to a contract or a fundraising campaign.

The city estimates the project could cost about $5.27 million, based on a feasibility study completed earlier this year. The study examined options for renovating the building at 411 E. Broadway for uses such as performances, educational programming and community gatherings.

In an emailed statement, city spokesperson Christopher Ave said the city council asked staff in April to develop recommendations for raising money privately, including through donations. He said the city’s request is intended to help council members understand what a campaign might look like and what it could cost to hire a contractor.

The request outlines two potential phases. The first, expected to take three to six months, would assess whether a campaign is feasible, estimate how much could realistically be raised and recommend a plan. A second phase could involve managing a campaign for two to five years, but only if the city authorizes it.

The city says little or no city funding is currently anticipated for the renovation. The final mix of possible support — including private donations, grants, foundation funding and tax-credit programs — has not been determined.

“There is no cost to the city associated with the [request for expressions of interest],” Ave said. “It’s important to note that no final decisions have been made. The City Council will ultimately decide whether to move forward with any renovation of the historic building.”

The building once served as a hub for Black culture in Columbia. The second-floor McKinney Hall hosted performers including Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, according to the feasibility study. The city bought the building in 2023 after it had been vacant for about two decades.

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Melissa Houston

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia residents’ electric, water and trash utility rates are set to increase on Thursday.

The Columbia City Council approved the increase in a meeting on Aug. 3. The raised rates include:

Electricity is raised by 6%. Water is raised by 10%. Trash is raised depending on size of trash cart.

The electric utility rate increase is expected to generate roughly $8.6 million, and the water increase is expected to generate $3.4 million.

City of Columbia Utilities Director Erin Keys said the increase reflects broader inflation nationwide.

“Prices of everything are going up. You know, the gas and groceries and all those things. So it’s the same with utilities,” Keys said. “The materials that we’re buying to do our work are going up and so we have to, we have to pay for that.”

Keys said not only have fuel prices gone up, but prices of concrete, conduit, pipe, and wire have all gone up significantly in the last couple of years, and the city has to accommodate to keep servicing customers.

“This is an attempt just to keep pace with that so that we can continue to provide excellent customer service as far as reliability and maintaining our infrastructure, because every day our existing infrastructure gets older and we need to be able to maintain that and replace it as needed so that we can continue to provide these good services to our community,” Keys said.

The electric increase will help cover higher energy procurement costs and a growing demand for infrastructure improvements. The water increase will help cover additional maintenance, operations, capital improvements, reserve levels, and debt coverage, according to previous reporting.

The increase is part of a larger trend. Bank of America reported this month that average utility bills in August increased by about 5.3% year-over-year nationwide.

CBS News reported in February that regulators nationwide approved dozens of rate increases last year, citing an analysis by PowerLines. Meanwhile, Ameren Missouri has requested a 10% rate hike for its electricity customers.

Residents in Columbia have expressed frustrations about this increase, like Gabriel Watkins-Mocumia, who has lived in the city his whole life.

“Where’s my money going is the question,” Watkins-Mocumia said. “There’s been an increase on top of all the other cost-of-living things going up; it’s just a bit frustrating. And we don’t really have a ton to see, like from the revenue generated.”

Watkins-Mocumia said he is concerned for the elderly and lower-income people in Columbia as winter approaches.

“We do have a significant elderly population in Columbia, Missouri,” Watkins-Mocumia said. “There’s a lot of lower-class and middle-class people that, maybe if they can’t afford the electricity bills that month, they might turn the A/C down, turn the heat off in the winter, and that could be detrimental to their health or even fatal.”

“Round Up” the cities utility assistance program is a resource residents can utilities if they are struggling to pay for utilities bill. Keys said residents can head over to the health department and apply for the program as well as various non-profits that will help the community.

“There’s also a number of nonprofits around, they can help if they have a really bad month, where their bills were really high. Those are organizations that can help,” Keys said.

Keys also said utility services will offer rebates and low-interest loans to customers who want to make sustainable improvements to their homes. This includes adding insulation, replacing windows, and replacing toilets that use less water.

For day-to-day precautions to help lower costs, Keys recommends drying clothes outside when weather permits, unplugging appliances when they’re not in use, and lowering or increasing thermostats depending on the weather.

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Lucas Geisler

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

First responders have reopened a lane of Interstate 70 in east Columbia after a crash labeled a “law incident.”

Columbia Police Department spokesman Colin Imhoff said CPD officers were helping with a traffic stop that turned into a chase near I-70 and Range Line Street. The suspect vehicle crashed near I-70 and East St. Charles Road after officers called off the pursuit, Imhoff said.

The driver was in police custody Wednesday afternoon after being arrested in the area of Copse Court in east Columbia.

Boone County Joint Communications sent out an alert just after 11 a.m. that the driving lane of I-70 eastbound at the St. Charles Road exit was closed.

An ABC 17 News reporter saw police working on the side of the interstate at about 11:30 a.m. The incident caused intermittent backups on eastbound I-70. The lane reopened a few minutes later.

Check back for updates to this developing story.

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