Category: kmiz-local-news

Marie Moyer

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

One man and one woman were seriously injured in a motorcycle crash Saturday in Morgan County on Route W just south of Old Barn Road, according to a crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The report says that the driver of a 2007 Harley Davidson Electra Glide – a 58-year-old Williamsfield, Illinois man – was heading south when he drove off the left side of the road, overturned, and was thrown from the motorcycle around 9:40 a.m.

The passenger, a 62-year-old woman from Williamsfield, Illinois, was also thrown from the bike. The man was flown to University Hospital, and the woman was taken to Lake Regional Hospital by ambulance. Neither was wearing a helmet, the report says.

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Haley Swaino

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Three people were injured – two seriously – in a crash on Route MM near Shawnee Four Drive in Camden County Saturday, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report.

The report says a 2014 Harley Davidson FLHXS – driven by a 45-year-old Sioux Falls, South Dakota man – was heading west just before 4 p.m. when it crossed the middle of the road at a curve and hit a 2009 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic that was heading east.

The South Dakota man was flown to University Hospital with serious injuries.

The eastbound bike was driven by a 47-year-old Washington, Missouri, man, who suffered moderate injuries. His passenger, a 44-year-old Washington, Missouri woman, was seriously injured in the crash. Both were brought to Lake Regional Hospital by ambulance, the report says.

Neither driver involved in the crash was wearing a helmet, according to the report. The passenger was wearing a helmet.

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Marie Moyer

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The City of Columbia’s 2026 fiscal year budget is expected to be finalized and passed on Monday, following months of planning and public hearings.

According to city documents, the total budget sits at around $560 million in total revenue and around $544 million in operations. There are also around $64 million in expected Capital Improvement Projects. According to previous reporting, Capital Improvement projects often fluctuate between budgets due to large one-year purchases.

In the General Fund for daily operations, the costs are in the red, with revenue expected to be around $132 million and expenses expected to be around $135 million. This came after expected tax revenue fell by around 3% last year. City plans also expect the budget to dip into the city’s available cash.

Major changes in the budget include utilities, expected to see around 12% increase in funds, around $200 thousand, and capital seeing an almost 127% increase, around $1 million. Intragovernment costs also saw a decrease of around 20%, around $2 million.

General fund changes by departments stayed relatively similar from 2025. However, supporting activities, which manage community relations and facility management, are expected to have a 9% decrease, approximately $500,000.

Monday’s City Council Meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

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Euphenie Andre

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Mizzou Tigers moved today’s kickoff against Louisiana Lafayette three hours earlier in an effort to spare fans and players from extreme heat. Despite the switch, many in Faurot Field still found themselves battling sweltering conditions.

“Yeah, it’s hot out here it’s really hot,” one fan told ABC 17 as temperatures and full sun made the afternoon feel relentless. Coach Eli Drinkwitz said the turf reached a blistering 176 degrees.

Fans arrived prepared with water, handheld fans, and sunscreen, but the heat still took a toll. By halftime, nearly half the stadium had emptied.

“It’s just too hot for me,” said Mizzou fan Jennifer McNew. “I got overheated, so I came out to cool off.”

Others were spotted balancing alcohol and water, a combination health officials say increases the risk of heat-related illness. National Weather Service Meteorologist Jon Carney said it is dangerous to drink alcohol in high temperatures.

“I know some people like to consume alcohol during the football games,” Carney said. “Alcohol there’s almost nothing worse you can put in your body in these kinds of hot temperatures.”

Nurse Practitioner Jackie Beshear, who spoke with ABC 17 earlier in the week, stressed the importance of water, light clothing, sunscreen, and hats. She also underscored the risks of heat exhaustion.

“It can be extremely dangerous,” Beshear said. “They can have heat exhaustion. They can pass out, they can have cramping, they can lose consciousness.”

First responders were busy throughout the afternoon. ABC 17 witnessed one mother collapse from heat exhaustion before being treated and stabilized on scene. ABC 17 has reached out to MU Health for the number of patients treated for heat-related illness during the game and is awaiting a response.

Separately, Missouri State Highway Patrol Sergeant Kyle Green confirmed troopers issued 25 ejection cards at last week’s game against Kansas.

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A 41-year-old New Franklin man died Friday night in an ATV crash on Route P in Howard County, north of County Road 451, according to a crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The report says the man drove the 2005 Arctic Cat off the road and was ejected from the vehicle after it overturned. The man was pronounced dead at the scene by the Howard County coroner, the report says.

He was not wearing a helmet, according to the report. His body was brought to Howard-Millard Funeral Home, according to the report.

The vehicle had minor damage. MSHP reports do not name those involved in crashes.

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Alison Patton

Editor’s note: A spelling error has been corrected.

BOONVILLE, Mo. (KMIZ)

When Heather Overstreet heard about Charlie Kirk’s death, she knew she had to gather the community.

“I think Charlie once said that once society stops having conversations between each other, that’s when bad things happen,” Overstreet said.

Kirk was a conservative political activist and the founder of Turning Point USA. He was shot and killed while speaking at an event on the Utah Valley University campus Wednesday.

22-year-old Tyler Robinson allegedly shot Kirk and is in custody, according to an ABC News report.

Overstreet and about eleven other people set up the Cooper County Fairgrounds to be a space where people can connect with each other, despite the circumstances. She organized the event within 48 hours and roughly 50 people attended.

Overstreet gave a speech at the start of the event, along with state Rep. Tim Taylor (R-Bunceton). Taylor was in his office at the Capitol trying to work through the noise of hundreds of protesters, who were protesting the special session, when he got the news of Kirk’s death.

Taylor said he isn’t afraid of political violence.

“I’ve been in the military, I’ve been in emergency services, I’ve seen scary stuff,” Taylor said. “It does definitely make me remember that I need to be aware of my surroundings and aware of what’s going on.”

U.S. Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO) is pausing public appearances in light of Kirk’s death.

Susie Thoma is a member of the Cooper County Republicans. She attended Saturday’s event to support her community and carry on Kirk’s commitment to having a conversation.

“It’s heartbreaking that we had a soldier of the Lord taken from us too early,” Thoma said. “We must stand for what he stood for.”

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Marie Moyer

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Thousands of fans are expected to return to Memorial Stadium Saturday as the Mizzou Tigers are set to face the University of Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns at noon.

Mizzou Athletics announced Thursday that the game, originally scheduled to start at 3 p.m., would be moved up to noon to avoid the worst of the extreme heat forecast this weekend.

Due to the heat, fans are allowed to bring one sealed disposable water bottle. Refill stations will be open inside the stadium.

To help promote safety and a positive game day experience, Mizzou Athletics asks fans to be responsible and follow tailgating rules.

Any tents or canopies cannot be bigger than 10 feet by 10 feet and are not allowed to block sidewalks or driving lanes. Both gas and charcoal grills are not allowed in the grass. Fire pits are not allowed in tailgate lots.

At each lot, parking attendants will have free blue recycling bags that fans are encouraged to use. There are also designated hot coal bins at the entrances of every lot to prevent fires. All hot coals that are used for grilling must be completely put out and thrown away.

Generators are prohibited from campus parking garages and must have a muffler to keep noise down.

Personal drones are not allowed on Mizzou property and all animals must be leashed and cleaned up after.

Noisemakers, pets and any signs larger than two feet by three feet are not allowed inside the stadium.

When entering the stadium, fans are asked to avoid bringing a bag into the stadium. However, small clutches and large plastic bags are allowed.

Any bags that are larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches must be clear and not exceed 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches. This can be a standard clear tote or a one-gallon plastic freezer bag.

Popular bags like backpacks, fanny packs, and cinched bags are not allowed.

Every fan is allowed one bag and can also put extra items on their person in their pockets or around their neck. In the case of needing a non-approved bag for medical reasons, fans are encouraged to call ahead to verify if they qualify. Fans with medical exceptions also need to go through special screening at gates 2W and 2E.

The university asks fans to remain respectful and to report any dangerous or disruptive behavior to a university official.

Fans are also reminded to follow the new stadium entry rules to help with foot traffic during construction. This requires all fans to enter the venue on the same side of the stadium as their seats for the remainder of the 2025 season. Ticket scanners will not grant access to fans who attempt to enter from the incorrect side.

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Meghan Drakas

MILLER Co. (KMIZ)

A Miller County mother is searching for answers as Friday marks the fourth anniversary of her son’s disappearance.

“It’s difficult, it’s always going to be difficult until we have some answers,” Chyenne Noriega said. “But I have my four other boys that have kind of helped pull me together and keep the family strong.”

David Michael Bowers Jr, center right, with family. (credit: Chyenne Noriega)

18-year-old David Michael Bowers Jr. was last seen on Sept. 12, 2021, in Affton, Missouri.

His mother, Chyenne Noriega said her eldest of five went missing while he was on a trip with some people. She says the group claims their car broke down, and when police arrived at the scene, Bowers ran off.

In August 2024, the Miller County Sheriff’s Office said the case was still an active investigation and it had followed up on many leads, but the agency has not posted about the case since.

Noriega said initially she felt the case fell through the cracks for the Sheriff’s Office, but since last year, she says there has been more communication with their family. She says in the last year, law enforcement has told her one of the people with Bowers that night took and passed a polygraph test.

“I would like to know what he was asked specifically and kind of how that went,” Noriega said. “They have talked to one of the other individuals that kind of held on to the same story. He also agreed to take a polygraph, but he hasn’t been scheduled to do so yet.”

David Michael Bowers Jr. (credit: Chyenne Noriega)

She said if the people who were with her son that night are telling the truth, it gives her some hope.

“Maybe he did, you know, actually run off and could be somewhere,” Noreiga said. “We don’t know if he would willingly be somewhere…it’s St. Louis, so you know, it’s not a very safe place to be, especially if you’re not familiar with [it]. He did suffer with some mental health issues, so it’s very [possible] that he could be out there and not know who he is.”

Bower’s mother says she wants to continue to get the word out about her son’s story because she says there’s a possibility he is still alive.

David Michael Bowers Jr. (credit: Chyenne Noriega)

Friday night, the family held a candlelight vigil at the Bagnell Dam Overlook in Lake Ozark.

“We’ve done these in the past years, and of course, we always hope that we don’t have to do another one,” Noriega said. “But until we have answers, we will continue to keep doing it and bring attention to him.”

His mother said the overlook was a place her son liked to visit. She says she misses hearing her son’s laugh.

“His laugh is so distinguishable from anyone else’s laugh,” Noriega said. “He could be in another room with his brothers and they’d be playing a game or wrestling around or something…just hearing his laugh, I miss it.”

Noriega says she prays every day, and her son is the first thing that comes to mind when she wakes up and the last thing she thinks about at the end of the day.

David Michael Bowers Jr. (credit: Chyenne Noriega)

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said Bowers was last seen in a white and black hoodie, jeans and white tennis shoes. The patrol said he has dreadlocks with blonde and green tints, multiple scars on his arms and several tattoos, including an eye image on his right thumb and a tattoo of Homer Simpson. Noriega said the family has since realized the tattoo is of Bart Simpson, not Homer.

Tattoo of Bart Simpson on the arm of David Michael Bowers Jr. (credit: Chyenne Noriega)

Bowers stands at 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighs 128 pounds.

ABC 17 News asked the Miller County Sheriff’s Office for an update on the case, but did not hear back.

If you have any information, contact the Miller County Sheriff’s Office at 573-369-2341.

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Erika McGuire

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Housing Authority on Monday started the demolition of the Park Avenue public housing apartments, to replace 79 units aged units.

Demolition began this week on the first two blocks, with the third block scheduled to come down sometime next year. In total, 70 units will be torn down and replaced with 79 updated units. According to Columbia Housing Authority CEO Randy Cole, 50 of those units will be removed during the first phase.

The apartments, originally built in 1964, have exceeded its life cycles and suffer from poor insulation, deteriorating foundations, outdated electrical systems and failing HVAC systems. The upgraded units will offer between one and four bedrooms.

“Each unit will be very energy efficient and built to high standards,” Cole said. “They’ll have dishwashers, high-speed internet, quality finishes, a very good-quality project. It’ll be really nice housing for our residents for many years to come.”

The resource center on site will also be upgraded and will include the Annie Fisher Food Pantry that has provided 100,000 pounds of food to residents. It will also offer a meeting space for staff and nonprofits.

“The county has put $5 million in ARPA funding, and the city put in $2 million as well,” Cole said. “Plus another million dollars of CDBG funds, and then we had over close to $14 million in tax credits through the Missouri Housing Development Commission for the project, and then we also have some equity and long-term financing into the project as well,”

When the project was first proposed, the estimated cost was $23 million. But due to inflation, that figure has now increased to $27 million.

After demolition is complete, Cole said the next step will be to prepare the site for construction. That includes extensive site work such a soil preparation and infrastructure installation. The goal is to pour the foundations before winter so walls can go up soon after.

“We’ll see some buildings come online mid-next year on these first two blocks and once those are ready, we’ll move people back in,” Cole said. “We’ll also move people in from across the street to the north, and so once we get that fully cleared, we’ll start in on demolition on that project as well.”

The second phase of the project, which includes units on the north side, is expected to be completed in 2027. Residents were relocated about a month ago, according to Cole. The Columbia Housing Authority covered all moving expenses.

“It means a lot to our residents, they really like living here downtown, really close to jobs, amenities, all kinds of good things to be close to walkability, “Cole said. “I think the community investing so much in our residents as really a state matter for how much we value, people in our community and value them having nice, affordable, high quality housing.”

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A 75-year-old woman from Versailles had to be flown to University Hospital on Friday afternoon after she was seriously injured in a crash, according to a crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The crash occurred in Route MM, east of Spruce Lane, in Camden County.

The report says the crash happened as the 2019 Can Am BRP – driven by the woman – was heading westbound when it overturned. The woman was ejected from the vehicle, the report says.

She was wearing a safety device, the report says. The vehicle had minor damage.

MSHP reports do not name those involved in crashes.

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