Local Government

Candidates for Columbia's Fifth Ward City Council seat answered questions from the public concerning, among other things, power lines and renovations to the city's airport.

Spurred by a group of local activists, city staff are investigating if it's a good idea to remove fluoride from Columbia's drinking water supply.

Janet Thompson was the only new face in the group in a ceremony at the Boone County Government Center. Seven other county officials were sworn in by County Clerk Wendy Noren.

Minor changes at several city bus stops will make it easier for people who use wheelchairs and people with other disabilities to get on city buses.

A proposed residential development that would be constructed next to Rock Bridge State Park has sparked concerns over the potential environmental impact.

A St. Louis-based development firm hopes to purchase the property and build a high-rise student apartment complex.

 The 40-year Columbia resident said he wants a residency requirement for all future city employees, especially top management. Weitkemper said that if officials aren't living in the areas they work, they are less connected to the issues facing those areas. 

The 911 advisory panel suggested upgrades to structures and equipment for the Public Safety Joint Communications and Office of Emergency Management.

Plans call for a developing new affordable housing in cooperation with the city and the Columbia Community Development Corp.

The Regional Economic Development Inc. Board of Directors voted Wednesday to ask the Columbia City Council to rescind an ordinance that established the Enhanced Enterprise Zone Advisory Board.

Though Mayor Bob McDavid said there are no ongoing talks between the city and the airline, a participant in the discussions thinks Allegiant will consider flying to Columbia again.

Public safety, public transit and air service continue to be priorities for Mayor Bob McDavid.

The city paid $87,000 for the home; it plans to raze it and perhaps create a stormwater retention basin there.

County officials divvy up responsibilities for the coming term.

Student-centric routes will either be suspended or cut back.

City officials are considering if the city should revise its tree preservation ordinance after trees were removed from the Columbia Regency mobile home park to build a new student apartment complex.

A Sunshine request revealed a months-long conversation about potential flights to Chicago. In early November, United indicated it is still interested in flying from Columbia.

This is a summary of the discussions between city officials and airline executives about deals for increasing the number of flights into and out of Columbia Regional Airport.

Laura Nauser, who served as Columbia's Fifth Ward Councilwoman from 2005 to 2011, will run against candidates Tootie Burns and Mark Jones in the special February election for her former seat.

Zim Schwartze will manage Springfield's 911 center, which services 21 emergency response agencies.