Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

Wednesday, April 24, 2013  As the capital city awaits the hiring of a new police chief, city leaders are looking at how to choose a chief who will last and what role the public might have in that selection process.

Tuesday, January 08, 2013  Columbia City Council met Tuesday evening to vote on the employment contract for Teresa Wilson to take over as City Manger.

Thursday, December 27, 2012  The City Council voted to hire Assitant city manager Teresa Wilson to take over for outgoing city manager Steve Gantt, when Ganntt retires in 2013.

Thursday, September 20, 2012  A grievance panel has upheld last month's firing of Anderson Police Chief Martin Brown.

Wednesday, September 05, 2012  Starting Tuesday, City of Columbia employees have a new option for health care.

Thursday, June 21, 2012  Florida police chief who led initial probe into Trayvon Martin's fatal shooting is fired

Wednesday, September 21, 2011  On Tuesday a former Columbia business loan officer questioned a recent records release about a city loan program, a high-ranking city official is firing back.

Monday, September 19, 2011  A former Columbia business loan officer says the city isn't telling the whole story about a struggling loan program that has drawn the attention of the federal government.

Monday, May 23, 2011  Missouri officials say at least 89 died in tornado that tore through city, into hospital

Tuesday, April 26, 2011  At a work session Tuesday, City manager Steve Gantt gave the council two options for next fiscal year's water and sewer budget; they can either opt to raise rates or issue bonds to pay for improvement projects. City leaders reluctantly agreed to advertise a 2011-2012 budget that includes the hike for the city's water and sewer operating budget and capital improvement program.

Monday, April 18, 2011  In an interview with WACH Fox, Columbia’ Mayor Steve Benjamin spoke on the possibility of a strong-mayorship.  Currently, Columbia's weak-mayor system is driven by city council and a city manager.  Mayor Benjamin expects the issue to come up with City Council soon.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011  A new position with the city of Columbia has been filled.  Columbia City Manager Steve Gantt says Mayor Steve Benjamin picked former campaign communications director Michael Wukela.

Thursday, December 16, 2010  Mayor Elise Partin and the council appointed Rebecca Rhodes to the position Thursday.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010  Reports say city officials are forecasting a $1 million shortfall just one month after announcing a budget surplus.  City Manager Steve Gantt says a tax hike may be the answer rather than cutting spending.

Monday, August 30, 2010  Columbia City Council's August 4 agenda clearly states at least three projects were awarded to the lowest bidder.  After a WACH Fox News investigation, City Manager Steve Gantt has confirmed Monday that's not true.