Charles J. Dunlap

3 days ago | columbiatribune.com | Charles J. Dunlap

Columbia Public Schools Foundation donated $50,000 to the district's Lunch for Learners program, which helps students with lunch debt. The foundation also challenged the community to match its donation to help eliminate the program's remaining $75,000 deficit. The Lunch for Learners program, established a decade ago, prevents lunch debt from being sent to collections. CPS officials continue to advocate for a statewide universal free school meals program.

4 days ago | yahoo.com | Charles J. Dunlap

A few years ago Columbia had to adjust its base water rate to make up for shortfalls due a rate change freeze during the first COVID-19 pandemic years. There also was a water rate adjustment last year. A recent cost-of-service study will help city staff and the council determine water rates moving forward. The last time the city did a cost-of-service study was 2018.

4 days ago | columbiatribune.com | Charles J. Dunlap

Hartsburg in southern Boone County now has an opportunity to evaluate its wastewater treatment system following the award of a Missouri Department of Natural Resources grant. The $50,000 Clean Water Engineering Report grant can be used to identify improvements that will enable its system to continue meeting water quality standards and providing reliable service. A similar grant was issued to Belle, Missouri, in Maries County.

5 days ago | columbiatribune.com | Charles J. Dunlap

Columbia is continuing its public engagement process with the next Let's Talk Local, this time in Ward 3. Newly elected Ward 3 council member Jacque Sample will host the discussion 5:30-7 p.m. May 14 at at the Benton Elementary School cafeteria, 1410 Hinkson Ave., which also will welcome D'Markus Thomas-Brown, who was recently appointed to head up the city's Office of Violence Prevention.

5 days ago | columbiatribune.com | Charles J. Dunlap

A chain known for its chicken wings and a bit more had multiple food items without date marks during an inspection Monday. Routine restaurant inspections happen two to three times per year based on priority and location of Columbia restaurants, Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services previously has said. Follow-up inspections happen if a critical violation is found. Restaurants usually can correct noncritical violations by the next routine inspection.