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Local News Stories
Fed critiques productivity of higher ed
By TERRY GANEY of the Tribune’s staff
Universities need to take a hint from the business world by becoming more efficient and productive, giving students a higher quality education at an affordable price. That’s the conclusion of William Poole, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

Robbers strike downtown shop
By GREG MILLER of the Tribune’s staff
When a man and woman entered Cheryl Guthrie’s consignment clothing store downtown and said they were robbing her, Guthrie thought they were kidding.

Watkins reorganizes city hall staff, adds four new posts
By MATTHEW LeBLANC of the Tribune’s staff
Some Columbia municipal offices will be reorganized and new staff positions will be created to bolster communication and increase efficiency at city hall under a plan submitted by City Manager Bill Watkins.

Boonville considering new Kemper deal
By GREG MILLER of the Tribune’s staff
After nearly four years of sitting empty, the former Kemper Military School could be getting new tenants.

Motorcade begins slate of King events
Several public activities are scheduled tomorrow in honor of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, beginning with a memorial service hosted by the Columbia NAACP.

Many offices, schools to close for holiday
Many government offices, schools and businesses will be closed tomorrow in honor of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Ashland area to get boost in electricity
Expect to see power outage complaints drop this summer in Ashland.

Police search home, arrest male occupant
Columbia police arrested a 38-year-old man on two outstanding felony warrants after searching his home for evidence of drug activity and finding numerous pieces of drug paraphernalia.

Packing in
University of Missouri-Columbia sophomore Mike Kella, 20, of Chesterfield tows a wagonload of belongings yesterday to Responsibility Hall, 908 Virginia Ave., after returning to campus.