Category: kmiz-local-news

Euphenie Andre

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Drug overdoses across the state declined by 25.6% last year, dropping from 1,948 deaths in 2023 to 1,450 in 2024.

This marks the second consecutive year of declining fatalities, according to the University of Missouri–St. Louis Addiction Science Team.

Each region across the state experienced a decrease in overdose deaths in 2024 compared to 2023. Central Missouri saw the largest decline at 37%. The university reported 123 deaths in 2024, down from 194 in 2023.

Heather Harlan — health program coordinator at the Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services Department — said she believes part of the reason for the drop is that people who are using drugs are getting the message to be more careful.

“They’re changing how they’re using the drugs,” Harlan said. “The state has worked very hard and a lot of local entities have worked hard to make access to treatment easier so that people are ready they can get the help that they need.”

According to the university, overdose deaths involving all drug types decreased in 2024 compared to 2023. Last year, 63% of overdose deaths involved an opioid, which represents a 10% decrease from 2023.

Statewide, 1-in-3 adult overdose deaths involved both opioids and stimulants, and more than half involved a stimulant alone. In the Central region, deaths involving both opioids and stimulants dropped from 73 to 30 within a year. Stimulant-related deaths alone fell from 100 to 63, and fentanyl-related deaths declined from 141 to 57 during the same period in that region.

“Fentanyl is showing up in all drugs,” Harlan said. “That includes methamphetamine, cocaine, and it’s suspected in vape and THC products. So we want people to be very careful and only purchase substances from reputable, licensed sellers.”

Mortality rates in the Midwest dropped to 17 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2024, compared to 29 deaths in 2022, which was the highest rate recorded since 2020.

“We still have so many, tens of thousands of people dying. We have been losing four Missourians a day,” Harlan said. “So we think it’s time to continue to work to bring that number down as much as we can, and that’s what we’re dedicated to doing here,”

Harlan said she suspects numbers to drop again for reports for 2025

“We’re hoping it continues to go down because every day here at the health department, our team knows that every one of those numbers is a person,” she said.

The Department of Health and Senior Services said the previous year’s decline was largely due to the availability of naloxone, a medication that reverses opioid overdoses. Harlan also believes the availability of naloxone played a role in this most recent decrease.

The department will host a Save a Life training evening from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday at the Columbia Public Library.

People struggling with drug abuse can contact Engaging Patients in Care Coordination at 1-800-395-2132, or reach out to the Missouri Department of Mental Health and Human Services for help.

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Kurt Doolady — an assistant chief with the Boone County Fire Protection District and Missouri Task Force 1 program manager – stepped down from his position with the department on Thursday after a felony charge was filed against him in Camden County.

BCFPD Assistant Chief Gale Blomenkamp told ABC 17 News in a text message that Doolady retired at 5 p.m. Thursday. Doolady first became a volunteer with the department in 1990 and was hired full-time in 2002, Blomenkamp wrote.

Doolady was charged on Tuesday with second-degree domestic assault. A $10,000 bond was set in the case. He was not listed on the Camden County Jail’s online roster on Friday afternoon.

The probable cause statement says deputies were called at 3:17 a.m. Oct. 11 to a Sunrise Beach location for a reported assault.

The victim was allegedly assaulted after they confronted Doolady about smoking cigarettes, the statement says. Doolady allegedly pushed the victim into a retaining wall, punched them several times and choked them, the statement says. The victim got free after biting Doolady, the statement says.

Deputies noted a number of injuries on the victim, including cuts, swelling and bruising around their face, neck and arms, the statement says.

Doolady allegedly told deputies he was attacked and a fight occurred because he would not go to bed, court documents say. Deputies noted some injuries to Doolady, but “did not observe injuries consistent with his report.”

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park and the Gans Creek Wild Area will close for two days next month for a managed deer hunt, according to a Friday press release from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The closure will occur Nov. 3-4. Hunters for the event have already been selected and will use only muzzleloaders, the release says.

The release says studies at the park have determined the number of deer per acre indicates overpopulation and the hunt is designed to help other wildlife and the ecosystem.

“Missouri state parks are usually wildlife refuges where hunting is not permitted. However, when an overpopulation of deer develops, the Department of Natural Resources and the Missouri Department of Conservation hold special managed hunts to prevent harm to the ecosystem,” the release says.

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ABC 17 News Team

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Week 8 of the Missouri high school football season is tonight.

Scores from Mid-Missouri teams will be posted below.

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia man was charged with multiple felonies after he allegedly threatened to stab someone after they arrived at a bus stop on Thursday.

Eddie Blackshire, 43, was charged with unlawful use of a weapon, armed criminal action and first-degree property damage. He is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. An initial court appearance was held on Friday.

The probable cause statement says police were called to the Food Bank on Business Loop 70 around 8:10 a.m. and the victim stated Blackshire had a knife. Blackshire allegedly pulled out a knife when the victim arrived at the bus stop and threatened to stab the man, the statement says.

A witness allegedly told police they saw Blackshire walk to the side of the Food Bank and place a black object in a pest control box, the statement says. Officers eventually found a black pocket knife in the box.

After Blackshire was detained, he started kicking the door window and frame, causing it to bend, the statement says. Court documents say it would take $1,000 to repair.

Blackshire was then charged with first-degree property damage, damaging jail property and fourth-degree assault after he allegedly ripped a camera off a wall in the jail and shattered it, another probable cause statement indicates. He also allegedly damaged the light source in his cell. The total damage to the cell cost $3,000-$4,000, the statement says.

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Jefferson City man was charged with sex crimes after authorities claim he sexually assaulted a teenager on Thursday.

Augustus Armstead Jr., born in 1988, was charged with first-degree rape and first-degree sodomy. He was not listed on the Cole County Jail roster on Friday afternoon. A warrant was issued and no bond was set. A hearing has not been scheduled.

The probable cause statement says the victim stayed home from school because they were sick and when the victim’s father arrived back at the residence, he heard noises coming from the victim’s room and saw Armstead with the child.

Armstead allegedly gave the father a fake name and phone number before leaving, and allegedly claimed the 14-year-old victim told him she was 18 years old and had a child, the statement says. The victim allegedly accepted a friend request from Armstead on the social media app Snapchat and told him she was 17 with a child, the statement says the victim told law enforcement.

Armstead allegedly asked the victim to record the intercourse and the victim gave the recording to police, the statement says. Police wrote that Armstead claimed he had no contact with the victim and was in Columbia at the time.

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Meghan Drakas

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

ABC 17 News Anchor Meghan Drakas is sharing her family’s experience and other members of the ABC 17 family with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in the leadup to Jefferson City Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The event was originally scheduled for Saturday, but has been canceled due to impending weather. The organization will hold another event in December.

Barbara Early was born in 1938 in the suburbs of Philadelphia. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, homemaker, secretary and life of the party.

Undated photo of Barbara Early [Drakas Family]

“She was one of those people that, she walked into the room and she just kind of lit up the room,” said her daughter, Susan Drakas.

Barbara was one of the millions of Americans to experience Alzheimer’s firsthand. Today, more than 7 million Americans and 122,000 Missourians live with the disease — a number expected to hit nearly 30 million in another 25 years. The costs of long-term dementia care will reach nearly $1 trillion by 2050.

Join ABC 17 News at the Jefferson City Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday at Dwight T. Reed Stadium on Lincoln University’s campus. ABC 17 Stormtrack Chief Meteorologist Jessica Hafner will emcee this year’s walk. Last year, the Jefferson City Walk raised over $65,000. This year, the walk has a goal of $90,000.

As of Thursday, the Jefferson City walk had raised over $64,000, and the Columbia Walk to End Alzheimer’s has raised over $154,000 with a goal of $160,000. Donations will be accepted until the end of the year.

Barbara Early

Susan Drakas described her caring mother as a great cook who always made the holidays special for the family.

“It was a happy home,” Susan said. “She kept a beautiful, happy home. Her family was her priority.”

Robert Early, Susan Early, Barbara Early, Eugene Early, Susan Drakas and Joe Drakas in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, on Aug. 14, 2016. [The Drakas Family]

Her son, Robert Early recalled his mother’s laugh, which sparked joy to everyone around her.

“It was kind of infectious,” he said. “Where others would pick up on that and enjoy themselves even more, I think.”

He noted that growing up, he was not always on his best behavior and was reminded to remember his manners.

“If she said it once, she probably said it ten million times,” Robert said. “She was a very loving mom and always wanted us to be on our best behavior, but of course, I always used to test the limits.”

Years later, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2013, when she was 75 years old. She spent the last nine years of her life battling the disease.

“The last couple years, you know, it’s like she was not really there,” Susan said. “She was there, but she wasn’t there because of this horrible disease; it was a long goodbye.”

On Jan. 14, 2021, she lost her battle to the disease at her home in Souderton, Pennsylvania, surrounded by her loved ones.

Barbara was married to her husband, Eugene Early, for 58 years. They were set up by mutual friends on a blind date and met in 1961. They got engaged on Christmas Eve in 1962 and were married in October 1963.

Eugene and Barbara Early at Robert Early’s wedding in May 1997. [The Drakas Family]

“There’s a lot of memories, like any marriage, you had your ups and downs, but we had more ups than downs,” Eugene Early said.

He touched on the difficulties of seeing his partner in life going through the gradual decline with Alzheimer’s disease.

“It wasn’t pleasant seeing her suffer the way she did,” Eugene said. “It was rough.”

Going through this journey with his wife of nearly six decades, he reinforced an important life lesson.

“You take life one day at a time, and enjoy it while you have it because it goes by so fast,” Eugene said.

Edwin Kammerich

ABC 17 News creative services director Mark Kammerich lost his father, Edwin, to Alzheimer’s in 2016. Mark remembers his father as always being there to help out when he needed advice.

Edwin, Mark and Joan Kammerich [Submitted by Mark Kammerich]

Kammerich said his dad helped others by sharing his time and talent for a variety of repairs, including appliances such as small engines and clocks. In addition, Kammerich said his father volunteered his time for Meals on Wheels, The Steam Engine Association and as a 4-H leader.

Sarah Carpenter

Production assistant Jerry Handley lost his grandmother, Sarah, to dementia in 1979. Handley said he remembers his grandmother as loving and always keeping her hands busy while making quilts. He said he cherishes a quilt made by his grandmother, which he still has today. He added that she loved to care for all of her grandchildren.

Jerry Handley’s grandmother, Sarah Carpenter, pictured with Jerry’s niece, Marsha. [Submitted by Jerry Handley]

Handley said when he was in college, he would sometimes have lunch with his grandmother. He said that during that time, she was showing signs of dementia. He recalled a traumatic story that she would share from roughly five decades prior in West Virginia, where she lived with her family along Rock Creek. Because of flash flooding, her family had to evacuate their home and watch it float downstream.

Yvonne Hayes

ABC 17 reporter Olivia Hayes lost her grandmother in 2020 to dementia. She says her grandmother dealt with dementia for years, but saw the biggest change after her Paw Paw died.

Natalie Hayes, Ethan Hayes, Yvonne Hayes and Olivia Hayes in 2020 [Submitted by Olivia Hayes]

This photo of Olivia, her two siblings and Maw Maw was taken the last time they saw her. Olivia Hayes said on this trip, her grandmother shared the most vivid memories of her young life. She said each day they saw their Maw Maw, she had the biggest smile on her face.

Helen Miller and Patricia ‘Patty’ Kempf

Business analyst/HR coordinator Donna Farmer lost her grandmother, Helen Miller, to Alzheimer’s on Dec. 31, 2004. Farmer says she battled the disease for over seven years. She said her grandmother lost her husband in World Ward II, when Farmer’s mother was 5 years old, and she raised her two daughters by herself.

Undated photo of Helen Miller [Submitted by Donna Farmer]

Farmer lost her mother, Patricia ‘Patty’ Kempf, on April 14, 2025. She says her mother was diagnosed with advanced dementia but was able to live at home with her father until she died. Farmer says her family believes her mother was Patrick Mahomes’ biggest fan, and she enjoyed watching game shows and sports.

Undated photo of Patricia Kempf [Submitted by Donna Farmer]

Farmer says her grandmother and mother were remarkable women who cared for their families. She says both women treated their families with respect and admiration. Farmer said this illness takes a toll on loved ones caring for them, and it takes a lot of patience and understanding.

Joseph Drakas, Susan Drakas and ABC 17 News Anchor Meghan Drakas at the Columbia Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Oct. 4, 2025

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Alison Patton

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Protesters plan to gather across Mid-Missouri as part of the national “No Kings” protest in opposition to President Donald Trump and his administration.

This is the second such protest in Columbia, with the first taking place in June.

Mid-Missouri Peaceworks will gather at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Boone County Courthouse. Organizers are expecting about 200 people to attend, according to documents filed with the county.

Peacework’s Sustainability Coordinator Laura Wacker said in an interview Friday afternoon, there could 1,000-3,000 people in attendance, but it all depends on the weather.

The organization plans to have 10 trained volunteers to help with security.

“In the unlikely event that we need to evacuate the area, we would simply encourage participants to walk away in an orderly fashion, and would assist any with mobility issues,” Peaceworks wrote.

Cpt. Brian Leer, of the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, said the last protest was peaceful and he hopes Saturday’s will be the same.

“We don’t have any intel that leads us to anticipate there will be any problems at the event,” Leer wrote in an email. “We understand there is always a possibility that an incident could occur, so we will monitor the event and have personnel on standby to respond if needed.”

Some Facebook posts suggested counter-protesting could occur. Wacker said they’re welcome to use their First Amendment right at the No Kings protest.

“We’re not going to shut anyone down for speaking against things that we necessarily might not believe in, but everyone in America should be heard,” Wacker said.

Boone County Republican Central Committee Chair Lisa Gore wrote that county Republican’s don’t plan on counter-protesting. MU’s chapter of Turning Point USA also stated it would not stage a counter protest.

According to a press release from We Stand United, Missouri has nearly 50 peaceful protests planned and more than 2,200 events nationwide.

People are also gathering at the Capitol in Jefferson City on Saturday, starting at noon. State Rep. Elizabeth Fuchs (D-St. Louis) plans to give a speech.

Protests are also happening at the Boonville County Courthouse and Fulton City Hall, both start at 11 a.m.

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Olivia Hayes

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Jefferson City man accused of shooting and killing two women last week pleaded not guilty in his first court appearance since being indicted by a grand jury on Thursday.

Michael Davis, 40, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, three counts of armed criminal action and a single count of unlawful use of a weapon in the deaths of his wife, Shawna Davis, 39, and her friend, Sofie Mulcahey, 31.

Davis appeared in court on Friday via video call, as being held at the Cole County Jail without bond.

Court documents say Jefferson City police were investigating a crash in the early morning hours of Oct. 7 when they heard multiple shots being fired nearby.

Officers responded and found two women with gunshot wounds inside a vehicle in a wooded area in the 1100 block of Cordell Street, along with 30 shell casings nearby. They had life-threatening injuries and were brought to University Hospital, where they later died.

Witnesses recall hearing Davis and Shawna arguing that morning and Davis allegedly pulled out a long gun, according to previous reporting.

Davis allegedly told police that he does not like Mulcahey, cited in court documents as “Victim 2”. He got into an argument with Mulcahey when she arrived at the home, but did not enter it, according to court documents.

Police wrote that Davis said he thought Shawna, referred to in court documents as “Victim 1”, was being forced into a vehicle by the Mulcahey and fired several rounds at the car.

Davis’s next hearing is set for Nov. 10.

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Madison Stuerman

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia man who pleaded guilty to forcing his way into a University of Missouri sorority house was released on probation.

According to court records, Jeffrey Wheeland Jr. pleaded guilty to amended charges in July. He was sentenced to seven years concurrent, seven for second-degree burglary and four years for exhibiting an unlawful use of a weapon.

As part of a plea agreement, a misdemeanor charge of fourth-degree assault was dropped. An original charge of second-degree kidnapping was also amended to unlawful use of a weapon.

As part of his sentencing, Wheeland was given probation on Oct. 14 after completing a 120-day shock program at the Department of Corrections, according to court records.

Wheeland will be on supervised probation for five years once he is released from Department of Corrections custody on Nov. 12, according to online records.

Court documents state that Wheeland forced his way into the Sigma Kappa Sorority house on Feb. 4 and locked himself in a study room occupied by a student.

Police said Wheeland was in the basement study room in the house while he was holding multiple chef knives with the door locked and blocked by a chair. Police wrote that Wheeland listened to officers when told to open the door, and he was taken into custody without incident.

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