Hunter Walterman

Columbia

Reporter at KOMU-TV (Columbia, MO)

@KOMUnews reporter in Columbia, Mo. // Mizzou Journalism '25

Articles

Ashland starts work on almost $23 million wastewater expansion project

1 week ago | komu.com | Hunter Walterman

ASHLAND — Ashland started construction on a nearly $23 million expansion of its wastewater treatment facility as the city continues to grow. The project will more than double the capacity of the facility. "We are at a point where we do need to expand relatively quickly just to meet the current needs of the community but also to address future growth," said Kyle Michel, Ashland city administrator. The city has planned the project for years, which has faced obstacles, including securing funding.
Jefferson City staple Downtown Book and Toy closes

2 weeks ago | komu.com | Hunter Walterman

JEFFERSON CITY — A familiar downtown Jefferson City facade closed its doors Wednesday, drawing longtime customers who made one last pilgrimage to Downtown Book and Toy. "I just really can't afford to do it anymore," said Owner Beth Elliott. Elliott said its become too expensive to run the store, citing higher costs. She has a deep connection to Downtown Book and Toy. Elliott was a manager at the former Downtown Books II location at the mall.
Missouri FFA convention kicks off in Columbia

3 weeks ago | komu.com | Hunter Walterman

Almost 10,000 people are expected to pour into Columbia for the 97th annual Missouri Future Farmers of America (FFA) convention, which kicked off Wednesday night with the help of some mid-Missouri talent. "This is a big deal," said Rebekah Hammett, agriculture advisor at Southern Boone High School.
Boone County breaks ground on first-in-the-nation public safety child care center

3 weeks ago | komu.com | Hunter Walterman

Boone County broke ground on a $5 million child care center for first responders on Friday as county leaders praised the project as a nationwide first. "Our goal is to provide access, and affordable access, to quality child care for our public safety personnel," said Kip Kendrick, Boone County presiding commissioner. The child care center, located next to the sheriff's office, is for 911 dispatch and sheriff's office employees.
Missouri House passes bill to bring back presidential primaries

4 weeks ago | komu.com | Hunter Walterman

JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri House passed legislation that would bring back state-run presidential primaries, three years after lawmakers eliminated them. It is a reversal that comes after blowback from voters and party officials who complained the alternative made it difficult for people to vote. A bipartisan group of lawmakers approved House Bill 126 on Monday in an 85-64 vote.
Columbia's Police review board looks into department's complaint process

1 month ago | komu.com | Hunter Walterman

Columbia's Police oversight board questioned department leadership Wednesday, as it tried to understand how easy it is for people to file misconduct complaints against officers. "We want to check to make sure there aren't bottle necks in that process," Board Chair Doug Hunt said. The board developed a list of seven questions for Police Chief Jill Schlude and Assistant Chief Paul Dickinson. Columbia Police figures show citizen complaints are rare.
Blair Murphy raises record money for mayoral campaign, raising some eyebrows

1 month ago | komu.com | Hunter Walterman

COLUMBIA — Businessman Blair Murphy has raised what appears to be a record amount of money for a Columbia mayoral race, far outpacing other candidates in the race. Murphy said the $250,000 in contributions speaks to enthusiasm for his campaign. But critics say a wave of big-dollar donations is giving Columbia's business community outsize influence in the race. And a new report is raising questions about the source of the campaign's biggest contribution.
Blair Murphy raises record funds for mayoral campaign, raising some eyebrows

1 month ago | komu.com | Hunter Walterman

COLUMBIA — Businessman Blair Murphy has raised what appears to be a record amount of money for a Columbia mayoral race, far outpacing other candidates in the race. Murphy said the $250,000 in contributions speaks to enthusiasm for his campaign. But critics say a wave of big-dollar donations is giving Columbia's business community outsize influence in the race. And a new report is raising questions about the source of the campaign's biggest contribution.
"In a small community, people come help:" Pilot Grove cleans up after tornado

1 month ago | komu.com | Hunter Walterman

PILOT GROVE — At first, Paul Reuter didn't know how to feel. He was at work when he got the call. "My youngest daughter text[ed] me that they were in the bathroom because they were in a tornado warning," Reuter said. Then, more messages started coming in. First, from his mom. Then from his neighbor. All telling him his home was damaged and auto shop destroyed. Reuter, who works as a mechanic in Columbia, had a 45 minute drive just to think it over. "It's a mess, you know.
Columbia police move to new crime reporting system, release updated numbers

1 month ago | komu.com | Hunter Walterman

Columbia police released revised crime numbers for 2024 as the department transitions to a new reporting system, part of a nationwide push to meet federal guidelines. In 2015, the FBI announced changes to how it collects crime data nationwide. Previously, the bureau used the Uniform Crime Reporting system, first implemented in 1930. The FBI then developed the National Incident Based Reporting System, setting a 2021 deadline for law enforcement agencies to make the transition.