Ed Pfuelller photo

Michalee Anderson, 14, center, participates with Karen Ryals, right, and others in a balloon release in recognition of 115 foster families in Boone County yesterday outside the Boone County Courthouse.   Read the Article

Local News Stories
Lawmakers kill higher ed plan
By JOSH FLORY of the Tribune’s staff
JEFFERSON CITY - A high-profile effort to provide millions of dollars in construction money to state universities went up in flames yesterday, but Gov. Matt Blunt might bypass the legislature in an effort to implement the plan.

Curators move toward athletic oversight role
By TERRY GANEY of the Tribune’s staff
ST. LOUIS - Tired of being asked about problems with the University of Missouri-Columbia Athletic Department, the Board of Curators yesterday decided to consider taking a greater role in overseeing the UM system’s sports programs.

Parenting gets lift from foster group
By MATTHEW LeBLANC of the Tribune’s staff
Imagine you’re a child alone. Your parents can’t take care of you, and there aren’t any relatives willing or able to take up the challenge.

Prom night shapes up
By JANESE HEAVIN of the Tribune’s staff
Female seniors at Hickman High School say they’re looking forward to a stress-free night with gal pals at this year’s Italian-themed prom.

City workers say survey of opinion is unusual forum
By MATTHEW LeBLANC of the Tribune’s staff
For the first time in decades, Columbia municipal employees are getting a chance to tell their bosses what they really think about their jobs.

‘Trailblazer’ gives encouragement to black youths
By JANESE HEAVIN of the Tribune’s staff
David Diggs begged his third-grade teacher at Parkade Elementary to put him in the advanced class. She ignored him.