Author: KMIZ

Mitchell Kaminski

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Despite an 8% increase in revenue last school year, MU Athletics still required more than $25 million in university funding to operate.

The athletics department finished the 2024–25 fiscal year with a $9.1 million budget deficit after expenses rose 4%. The shortfall marked a significant improvement from the $18 million deficit recorded in the 2022–23 fiscal year.

Following a Cotton Bowl victory over Ohio State to close the 2023 season, football ticket revenue increased by $2.1 million. The Tigers generated $15.9 million in ticket sales during their 10-win 2024 season. However, football postseason revenue fell by $1.9 million after the team moved from a New Year’s Six bowl game to the Holiday Bowl.

Revenue increased to $181 million, while expenses totaled $191 million. This comes after MU reported bringing in $168 million in 2023-24 and spending $183 million. But, for the second year in a row the athletic department received $25.7 million in direct support from the university. In 2024, that total marked the eighth-highest amount of institutional support in the country.

MU Athletic Director Laird Veatch believes the investment into the athletic department is worth it for the University. 

“I think the evidence of that is that you can see that our Board of Curators, the leadership of our institution, have really analyzed that,” Veatch told ABC 17 News. “So, if you think back when I first got hired, there was a lot of talk about this athletics committee that was formed on the board; and a lot of that was for them to be able to do a real deep dive into the financial impacts of college athletics, and particularly at Mizzou, and recognize that those ripple effects are real.”

During a Thursday faculty council meeting, University of Missouri System President Mun Choi called the figure a “friendly loan” that is expected to be paid back over time. However, given the uncertain landscape of college athletics, paying that back could be easier said than done. 

“We’re in a pretty dramatic environment right now with NIL [name, image and likeness] support and what is required for us to be successful, competitively. So our focus really right now is sort of stabilizing some of that and increasing our revenues, decreasing other operating expenses  and getting us back to more of a stable position,” Veatch said. “In the near term, it’s hard to see a time frame when that’s not going to be necessary for us to be successful at this level. But over the long term, that’s one of our goals, is how do we start to identify and work towards a more sustainable path.” 

Veatch said he was proud the athletics department generated record revenue while working to reduce spending in areas unrelated to student-athlete compensation. The athletic department was able to shrink its negative operating balance by nearly $6 million. 

Thursday’s meeting, Choi said, university presidents nationwide have discussed the possibility of using private equity to help offset the cost of athletics. He emphasized, however, that the University of Missouri is not at that point, noting such a move would require giving up control.

Records obtained by ABC 17 News show the football team once again led the way in ticket sales for the school. Of the $23.3 million worth of tickets sold, the football team accounted for $15.9 million, a steady increase from the $13 million sold in 2023-24.  

Despite rising sales, Mizzou still ranks near the bottom of the SEC conference in total revenue. In 2024, the Tigers had the third-lowest total revenue in the conference, trailing the SEC average by $41 million. Texas led the way with $332 million in 2024, while Mississippi State finished last at $127 million.

Veatch said the renovation to the football stadium could help generate revenue in the long term, but it will take some time before the athletic department begins to reap the benefits of the project. 

The stadium still needs to be paid off. The university set a goal of $125 million in philanthropic support to fund the project. According to Veatch, it has surpassed $100 million in donations, but “still need to close the gap on that last piece.” 

“If we’re able to continue to sell at the rate we are, and it’s going really well. We surpassed, I think, the 70%  mark of inventory that’s sold over there in that north end. So all that’s projecting really well, but it takes a while for that to get to a positive cash balance, right? I mean, it’s going to take some years of paying back some of the expenses to build it,” Veatch said. “But long term, it definitely raises our ceiling in terms of what we can generate from our football stadium, the football program, which is a big, big step for us over the long term.” 

The men’s basketball team’s NCAA tournament appearance also helped boost ticket revenue, which rose from $4.7 million to $5.8 million.

Softball led all women’s sports in ticket sales at $236,399, up from $139,390 during the 2023–24 season, which included a postseason regional tournament. Women’s basketball ranked second among women’s sports, generating $178,379 in ticket sales.

Coaching salaries and benefits continue to rise, making up one of the largest expenses for the athletic department. After spending $30.7 million the previous year, the athletic department spent $32.9 million in 2024-25 and an additional $31.9 million on staff salaries. 

Veatch said one of his biggest challenges is remaining competitive in the SEC, which requires spending to recruit top talent while maintaining fiscal responsibility. As the landscape of college athletics has evolved, so has his role as athletic director.

“It seems like every year the bar continues to rise in terms of what it takes to be successful.  Fortunately, we’re at a place and an  institution that has had some resources, has passionate fans that care, and we’re in a position to do that and be competitive. But it’s changing dramatically. My role has changed,” Veatch said. “We continue to see record viewership, record attendance, the impact of being successful within the SEC, and our sports as a ripple effect that’s pretty dramatic with our economy and enrollment, and other things. So it’s important that we keep investing.” 

In addition to ticket sales, the athletics department reported increases in contributions, media rights and game-day revenue from concessions, merchandise, and parking. Contributions rose by $9.1 million, a figure that includes name, image, and likeness support.

Media rights revenue increased by $6.1 million, driven by the first year of a new ESPN media rights agreement and the expanded College Football Playoff format in 2024–25. Higher ticket sales also contributed to a $1.1 million increase in game-day revenue.

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Euphenie Andre

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

A winter storm warning in Mid-Missouri remains in effect through 6 p.m. Sunday.

The ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Team is showing intense cold begins on Friday, while snow can accumulate throughout the area. Roughly 8 inches of snow could fall in Columbia on Saturday, with more snow expected in the southern region of our viewing area. The impending weather led to Gov. Mike Kehoe to call a state of emergency as a precaution.

Public works departments in Columbia, Jefferson City, Audrain County, and California said they are ready for the snow and frigid conditions.

Columbia

In the days leading up to a winter storm, Columbia crews inspect trucks and equipment to ensure they’re ready for deployment, according to spokesman John Ogan.

Crews check critical systems like hydraulics, plow blades, lights and fluids, since keeping trucks in service is essential to treating roads and supporting emergency response.

During winter events, plow crews typically work 12-hour shifts to maintain continuous coverage for as long as conditions require. Staffing plans remain flexible and may change as the forecast and road conditions evolve.

According to Ogan, the department is operating with 35 snowplow-capable vehicles, including 14 tandem axle trucks, four single axle trucks, 12 one-ton trucks and five class five trucks.

The City’s salt dome currently holds about 4,500 tons of salt after deliveries made last month and earlier this month. Officials say that supply is expected to be sufficient for the remainder of the winter season.

“Road salt is generally effective down to around 15 degrees,” Ogan said. “When temperatures drop into the single digits, salt becomes much less effective, and plowing snow from the roadway is often the most effective treatment. Crews adjust strategies based on pavement temperatures and conditions to use materials where they will provide the most benefit.”

Jefferson City

Jefferson City Public Works will have a 30-person crew on call throughout the weekend. According to city spokeswoman Molly Bryan, preparations began earlier this week to ensure all plows, equipment and vehicles are ready.

Crew members will be staying overnight on Saturday, covering 25 snow routes that span more than 200 miles of roads.

“We are absolutely prepared with enough salts to be able to take care this weekend,” Bryan said. “But once again, salt isn’t going to be effective like you’ve seen in other snow melts it really works the best the closer the temperature is to freezing. When it drops as low as it’s projected to, it’s really just there for traction.”

The department is coordinating with Jefferson City Flying Service to monitor flight arrivals and departures at Jefferson City Memorial Airport, ensuring the runway remains clear for passengers since it cannot be salted, according to Bryan.

Bryan encourages drivers to avoid the roads unless travel is necessary.

“The city is prepared and committed to working though the weekend to try to make things as safe as possible for people to travel if they need to but we encourage people to stay home if they are able to,” Bryan said.

Cole County

Cole County Public Works shared on social media that crews will be fully staffed for most of the storm and will be deployed as needed throughout the weekend.

The department similarly warned that road treatments may be ineffective due to extremely cold temperatures.

“Paved roads will have priority over gravel roads.” the department stated in a press release. It takes approximately four hours for some of our trucks to make it through their snow route. Once it quits snowing and we have paved roads passable, then we will start on gravel roads.”

Public Works will operate 23 snow routes and plans to use a range of equipment.

Audrian County

Audrain County Emergency Management worked with local agencies Thursday to prepare for the incoming winter weather.

“We are working with out municipalities right now, staging, winter equipment and snow removal equipment. We’ve provided a location that’s a little more centrally located so that we don’t have to do a lot of running around,” said Carl Donaldson, Director for Emergency Management for Audrian County.

Donaldson said the county and the City of Mexico are fully staffed, but smaller towns like Rush Hill, Benton City, Martinsburg and Laddonia may not have full crews available this weekend.

Community R-6 High School will not be in session Friday due to extreme temperatures. Instead, students will have an Alternate Methods of Instruction Day.

Emergency management officials are also working with the Red Cross in case extended sheltering is needed.

“In the case of an extended power interruption or other disaster related incident and for all those updates, residents can follow our Facebook page,” Donaldson said.

California

Victor Maurer, Street Superintendent for the City of California, said the department is following its normal storm procedures ahead of this weekend’s weather.

“We’ve got our trucks ready — sand beds in the back and plows on the front,” Maurer said.

Four workers will be on call, with three additional staff members on standby from the parks department if needed. Crews will use a sand and salt mixture to treat the roads, with Maurer noting the sand helps provide extra traction for vehicles.

The department said it has “more than enough” salt on hand for the storm.

In total, the city has three dump trucks with beds, an F-550 with a dump and cinder bed, and a wheel loader. All vehicles are equipped with plows.

Moberly

On Dec. 1, Moberly said they used 250 tons of a salt and sand mix to treat the roads from the snow storm that weekend.

Scott McGarvey with the City of Moberly said the city was never close to running out of material.

“We can house up to 600 tons of mixed product onsite in preparation for snow operations.” he said. “We were fully stocked the week after that event in December.”

The City has standing orders for raw materials from the Hutchinson, Kansas salt mine and the Missouri River sand plant, which are filled as needed throughout the winter season.

Thee city said the materials used this weekend will be restocked next week.

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an executive order on Thursday that declared a state of emergency for Missouri ahead of inclement winter weather.

Kehoe’s office announced the precautionary order in a press release. The order also activates the National Guard for state and local response efforts, if needed. The order expires on Feb. 22.

“With hazardous winter weather forecasted for this weekend across much of the state and nation, our focus is on preparedness and coordination,” Kehoe said in the release. “Declaring a State of Emergency allows the state to respond quickly and support local communities as needed, but each of us must do our part. We’re asking Missourians to stay informed, plan ahead, and use extreme caution during this potentially dangerous winter weather event.”

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for much of the area, with Boone County expecting to get between 4-8 inches of snow on Saturday, and areas south of our viewing area having the chance to experience more snow.

Expected sub-zero wind chills for Friday morning led to some area schools to call off classes.

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Ryan Shiner

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Demolition began Wednesday on the Madison Street Parking Garage in downtown Jefferson City, the city shared on social media.

Crews began closing off the area over the weekend and the garage was closed down in December. A city spokesperson told ABC 17 News that demolition is expected to be complete by May 5.  

Jefferson City Council in November approved a $2.1 million amendment to its agreement with McCown Gordon Construction to move forward with demolition, according to the city.

Pedestrian access in the 200 block of East Commercial Way is open, while vehicle access is closed, according to information from the city.

Once the parking garage is down, the city can then start constructing a new conference center and hotel.

The city previously said more than 900 on-street parking spaces and several off-street lots will be available as the parking garage is demolished.

Other buildings in the area – including the old Jefferson City News Tribune building at 210 Monroe St. in 2024 —were knocked down in preparation for building the new conference center, hotel and more public parking. Design plans were outlined in September.

Additionally, the City Council this week approved the creation of the Downtown Jefferson City Conference Center Transportation Development District, which would allow for a 1% sales tax “to assist in the funding of public improvements, blight remediation activities and other services within the District.” Previous reporting says it primarily would be used for transportation improvements for the downtown conference center.

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Repairs to road and water mains that broke Wednesday in Sedalia have been completed, according to a Thursday social media post from the city.

Water mains broke at the 1400 block of South State Fair Boulevard, the State Fair Shopping Center and the 1400 block of West 16th Street. A break that caused pavement damage to West 16th Street was reported around 7 p.m. Wednesday.

“Water main breaks are common during periods of extremely cold temperatures and can occur throughout the winter,” a Wednesday post says.

Final repairs were made at 2:30 a.m. Thursday, according to the post.

“Following completion, crew members went door to door to speak directly with affected residents about a recommended 24-hour boil advisory, and left door hangers for those who were not home. The crew then volunteered to remain on site until 12:00 p.m. today to monitor conditions and ensure no additional issues occurred before heading home from a 28-hour workday,” the post says.

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The state of Missouri this week asked a Cole County judge to dismiss a case filed by Columbia Public Schools over charter school applications.

The state filed its motion to dismiss on Tuesday and asked the judge to hold all proceedings in the case until a ruling is reached on the motion. A judge was assigned to the case on Wednesday and a hearing has been scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 2 where a motion to intervene by the Missouri Charter Public School Association will be heard, according to court filings.

CPS filed a lawsuit last month, claiming the establishment of charter schools in Boone County is unconstitutional.

It focuses on one of two groups that want to create a Boone County charter school — Frontier. The Columbia Board of Education has written to the state board opposing Frontier, previous reporting shows.

Senate Bill 727 was passed in May 2024 and says charter schools may be operated only in counties “between 150,000 and 200,000 inhabitants.”

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Alison Patton

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The City of Columbia is working with the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform to find the reason for violent crime in the city.

The Office of Violence Prevention Advisory Committee met Thursday morning to discuss what data is necessary for the institute to begin its analysis on gun violence.

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The institute wants demographic data for the suspect and victim in both deadly and non-deadly shootings.

The city will have to pay more than $290,000 for the research, according to city council documents. The institute will also analyse which organizations are active in community violence intervention and how they serve people in need.

Office of Violence Prevention Administrator D’Markus Thomas-Brown said data from research projects on gun violence and Columbia’s resource landscape will show city leaders where violence intervention and prevention are needed.

The institute would need crime data from the past one to two years, Thomas-Brown said. The results would be available within four to six months once the institute receives Columbia’s data.

“I’m really looking to that as a fix — as a roadmap to the fix to be able to see what’s going on with our situations with youth violence here in Columbia,” Thomas-Brown said.

Within the first three weeks of 2026, Columbia has seen five shootings, two deadly, and at least two of those incidents involved juveniles.

Thomas-Brown said the Columbia Police Department has the suspects and victims in four of the shootings, which is different than previous years.

“We have perpetrators captured, we have situations understood. We have the victims–have been round up, and we know what’s going on. That’s not the case in years prior,” Thomas-Brown said.

The one exception is the Nelwood Drive shooting from Jan. 16 that left one man injured in north Columbia. The CPD hasn’t given an update since letting the public know they’re looking for the suspect and a dark-colored sedan.

Deputy Chief of Police Matt Stephens said having more police officers would allow the department to operate smoothly.

“We’re running ragged just trying to stay up with 911 emergency calls, which in some degree makes us incredibly reactive, not proactive,” Stephens said.  

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Matthew Sanders

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Department of Transportation and Missouri State Highway Patrol warned drivers to be careful this weekend as a winter storm bears down on the state.

Much of Mid-Missouri was placed under a winter storm warning on Thursday. The warning starts early Saturday and lasts through 6 p.m. Sunday. Up to 8 inches or more of snow is possible, with extreme cold also in the forecast.

The high Saturday in Columbia could top out in the single digits, with lows near 0 degrees. Those low temperatures will slow down snow-clearing operations, MoDOT officials said at a Thursday news conference.

Snow will move into the Columbia area from the southwest after midnight, moving to the northeast. The highest totals are expected south of Interstate 70. Sleet is possible in far southern Missouri.

MoDOT Deputy Director Ed Hassinger said in a press conference Tuesday afternoon that the department started coordinating preparations Wednesday and will have 3,000 MoDOT crews working 12 hour shifts to treat the roads before, during and after the storm.

During severe winter weather, MoDOT says it runs on a system when treating the roads with main roads with heavy traffic being first priority. That includes interstates like I-70, I-44 and I-55.

“Our teams will be fully deployed across the state until we get everything to near normal and open to traffic but that could be into next week because that could be until next week because the temperatures are not going to get much above freezing and there won’t be any sunshine until middle of the week next week,” Hassinger said.

MoDOT crews will be using salt around the clock to keep the roads clear, but how effective it is can depend on the temperature.

“It takes 10 times more salt at 10 degrees than it would at 30 degrees so it becomes ineffective but we do have chemicals that we can add to that salt magnesium, calcium, beet juice makes it more effective at lower temperatures, what we do is patrol and plow,” Becky Alleroth Chief Safety and Operations Office with MoDOT said.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol will also have Troopers out across the entire state during the storm and after to respond to calls as quickly as possible. However, they are short 100 Troopers statewide, according to Capt. Scott White.

“We will be visible and proactive during this weather event, our goal is to prevent crashes, injuries and loss of life, we have adjusted staffing across the state and this is based on the anticipated conditions,” White said.

White encourages drivers to not be out on the roads unless they absolutely need to be. He urges drivers to be prepared with several items in your vehicle because a minor incident could quickly turn life-threatening. He wants drivers to keep in mind conditions on the roads can slow down response times for Troopers.

“Help can take longer to reach people, if you must travel what people do before hand is really going to matter that means checking your tires or fuel levels, make sure you keep a winter survival kit with blankets, water food and a phone charger that important thats probably one of the best tools people can have out there,” White added.

To be aware of weather conditions, the MoDOT traveler’s map provides hour by hour weather conditions across the entire state.

Cole County Public Works wrote in a Facebook post that a small crew will work early Saturday, with a larger crew coming in for a day shift.

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Josie Anglin

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Voters in the Southern Boone R-I School District will decide on a $4 milllion bond issue in April.

The bond issue would fund improvements, renovations and repairs at the schools, according to the school district. The district’s debt service tax levy would not change.

If approved, the money would go to replace portions of the parking lot at all four schools, replace the roofing at the high school and primary school, and replace the HVAC system at the high school.

The Southern Boone Board of Education approved the resolution to be put on the ballot Wednesday.

The municipal election is April 7.

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Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Students in the Sturgeon School District will learn from home on Thursday and Friday due to an illness outbreak in the small district and a bitterly cold forecast.

Superintendent Dustin Fanning wrote in a letter to parents on Wednesday that the school attendance rate had plummeted to 78% at dismissal time on Thursday because of illness.

“In addition to the illness, Friday’s forecast is calling for bitterly cold temperatures and wind chills,” Fanning wrote. “And potential for snow. The pending weather and the student illness make this a great time to take advantage of our AMI days.”

AMI stands for “alternative methods of instruction.”

Fanning says the district will disinfect school buildings over the weekend to reduce the spread of illness.

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