The top stories of 2005
The top story of 2005 started Jan. 10, less than two weeks into the new year, when a motorist shot Columbia police Officer Molly Bowden three times during a traffic stop at Forum and Nifong boulevards. The 26-year-old officer died a month later at University Hospital after undergoing multiple surgeries and enduring an infection for the last two weeks of her life.

THIS WEEK IN LOCAL HISTORY
City needs rec center, parks official declared
By BILL CLARK
Dick Green, Columbia’s Parks and Recreation Department director, recited the need for an indoor recreation center for youths:

HAPPY TAILS TIPS
Pregnancy doesn’t mean you must part with cats
By MICHELLE MARSHALL
Is someone in your family expecting a baby in 2006? Many expectant mothers are concerned about changing their cats’ litter box. They have heard about a disease carried by cats that can harm their unborn child if the mother is exposed during pregnancy. Some worry that they will have to find a new home for their cats. This is not necessary. A little education and prevention goes a long way toward putting the mind at ease about this potential problem called toxoplasmosis.

Collecting memories
By RAVAE EDWARDS Jefferson City News Tribune
TIPTON (AP) - What started out as an early childhood adoration turned into a lifetime hobby for Tipton resident David Reed.

TRAVEL

DAY TRIPS
Looking forward to 2006
By RAY SPECKMAN
As the new year dawns with reflections of travels in the months past imbedded in the mind’s eye, it is time to look ahead to places to revisit, places to visit anew and hopes of places to see in 2006.

VENTURE BOUND
Diligent digging reveals Indian history in Ohio
By WAYNE and CARLA ANDERSON
At the reconstructed Sun Watch Indian Village/Archaeological Park in Dayton, Ohio, we recently learned about the health and living conditions of the Fort Ancient Indians who had occupied this area for 20 years in the early 1200s. Being an American Indian along the Great Miami River before the Europeans arrived does not sound much like living in paradise.

Kentucky links garner more kudos
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Another Kentucky state park golf course - Eagle Ridge at Yatesville Lake - has been recognized as a "Best New Affordable Public Golf Course" by Golf Digest.