Portfolio

Erin McNeill

J7450 Reporting

Woman, 49, gets 5 years in statutory rape caseTuesday, June 29, 2010 | 7:01 p.m. CDTBY ERIN MCNEILLCOLUMBIA — A woman who had a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old boy was sentenced Tuesday to five years in prison.

Melody R. Link, 49, pleaded guilty in March to a charge of second degree statutory rape, a class C felony.

Link was arrested in January 2009 following an investigation into her relationship with the teen,according to an earlier Missourian report. During an interview with the Missouri Crimes Unit, the teen admitted he had been sexually involved with Link since August 2008. But Link's

attorney, Kay Evans, said during Tuesday's hearing in the 13th Circuit of Boone County that Link's relationship with the teen occurred when he was an adult.

Evans said that Link was "not in her right mind" at the time of the sexual relationship as she was coping with the discovery of an affair her husband was having with a co-worker. Link has been diagnosed with and treated for depression, Evans said, and also suffered a stress-related heart attack since her arrest.

Noting that Link felt remorseful for her conduct and had suffered greatly, Evans asked that her client be given probation and be allowed to continue treatment with the Missouri Sex Offender Program, which she had already begun.

Boone County Assistant Prosecutor Andrew Scholz submitted four victim impact statements to Circuit Judge Jodie Asel because the family of the victim was unable to attend. The letters were not read aloud.

Asel rejected the defense's request of probation and sentenced Link to five years in prison. She was also recommended for sex offender treatment.

Related ArticlesWoman arrested on suspicion of statutory rape of 16-year-old boy

Third Ward councilman to hold Wednesday office hoursWednesday, June 30, 2010 | 7:17 p.m. CDT; updated 7:27 p.m. CDT, Wednesday, June 30, 2010BY ERIN MCNEILLCOLUMBIA — City Councilman Gary Kespohl, who was elected to the Third Ward seat in April, plans to hold office hours every Wednesday, according to a city news release. All Third Ward residents and others are invited to share questions, concerns, opinions and ideas. Kespohl's office is located in City Hall at 701 E. Broadway, and office hours are scheduled for 3:30 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Shots fired in 500 block of W. Ash StreetThursday, July 1, 2010 | 1:42 p.m. CDT; updated 8:27 a.m. CDT, Friday, July 2, 2010

Officer Kevin Purdy examines a bullet hole on a house in the 500 block of W. Ash Street on Thursday. Three bullet casings were found at the scene.   ¦  DANIEL LONGARBY ERIN MCNEILLCOLUMBIA — Police investigated a report of shots fired early Thursday afternoon. The report indicated a residence in the 500 block of W. Ash Street might have been hit. 

The Columbia Police Department received two calls just after noon Thursday. One caller reported shots had struck a house in the 500 block of W. Ash Street. The other caller reported a car that had been stuck by shots fired in the 500 block of Hickman Avenue.

The location of the vehicle at the time it was reportedly shot is unknown.

Officers found bullet holes in the side of the residence on Ash, but no one was injured. Three nine-millimeter shell casings were found at the scene.

A red car, the same as one reported in connection with two shootings earlier this week, was reportedly involved, along with a blue SUV.

Thursday's shooting is "definitely related" to the earlier shootings, said Jessie Haden, Columbia Police Department Public Information Officer.

According to Lt. Tim Moriarity, some of the same names seem to keep coming up. 

Related ArticlesMan arrested in KC connected to Columbia shootingTODAY'S QUESTION: What can Columbia do to address gun violence?UPDATE: Several reports of shots fired related, police say

University Concert Series's January performance of 'Grease' canceledThursday, July 1, 2010 | 4:23 p.m. CDTBY ERIN MCNEILLCOLUMBIA — A performance of the musical, "Grease," scheduled as part of MU's University Concert Series has been canceled because of the company's travel schedule, according to a press release from the University Concert Series office.

The performance was originally scheduled for Jan. 30, 2011, in Jesse Auditorium. Big jumps in mileage that were not approved by the company resulted in one week of performances being canceled, including MU's date, said Kimberly Earnest, assistant director of the University Concert Series.

About 85 tickets have already been sold for the event, and all ticket holders will receive a letter giving exchange and refund options. These options include turning the purchase into a donation, exchanging the ticket for another performance or receiving a refund for the purchase price.

UPDATE: Several reports of shots fired related, police sayThursday, July 1, 2010 | 9:24 p.m. CDT; updated 10:15 p.m. CDT, Thursday, July 1, 2010

BY ERIN MCNEILLCOLUMBIA — Several reports of shots fired in the last four days are definitely related, according to Jessie Haden, public information officer for the Columbia Police Department.

According to Lt. Tim Moriarity, some of the same details keep coming up during its investigations.

Other evidence, as reported by witnesses and police, indicates a relation between the shots as well.

• The four separate reports of shots fired fell within a one-and-a-quarter mile radius. The first report, at 1:30 a.m. Sunday, was near the intersection of Fifth and Lyon streets. The second report, two

1. N. Fifth St. and Lyon St. Sunday at 1:30 a.m. Police find .45-caliber shell casings. 2. 800 block of Clinkscales Rd. Sunday at 3:30 a.m. Police find eight .45-caliber shell casings. 3A. N. Fourth St. and Pecan St. Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. Police find shell casings similar to those recovered on Sunday. 3B. Range Line St. and Wilkes Blvd. Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. Police receive calls reporting that shots are fired. 3C. N. William St. and Hinkson Ave. Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. Police receive calls reporting that shots are fired. 4. W. Ash St. and Sanford Ave. Thursday at noon Police find three 9 mm shell casings.   ¦  AARON CHANNON

hours later, was in the 800 block of Clinkscales Road, approximately 2 miles away. At 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, the third report included locations at Hinkson Avenue and William Street and at Range Line Street and Wilkes Boulevard. The final report, just after noon Thursday, was in the 500 block of West Ash Street. The latter three locations were all less than a mile from the location of the first report.•A red car, which one witness on Sunday identified as a Pontiac Grand Am, was reportedly involved in each of the

four incidents.• Similar shell casings, all .45-caliber, were found at both the Sunday and Tuesday locations. An

officer on scene on Thursday identified the three casings recovered as 9 mm.

In relation to the shots fired on Thursday afternoon, Haden said in a news release that Columbia police located the individuals associated with the red vehicle and interviewed them. The news release, sent out Thursday night, also said the blue van used by the second party of shooters was reported stolen earlier in the day. Police have recovered and towed the vehicle.

Haden said police have identified the individuals responsible for the shootings but are still working on the whereabouts of them and the vehicles and the drivers. She also said police are still working on finding out more about the shooters' targets.Those with information regarding any of the incidents can call Crime Stoppers at 875-8477 or the Police Department at 874-7652.

Related ArticlesTODAY'S QUESTION: What can Columbia do to address gun violence?Shots fired in 500 block of W. Ash StreetUPDATE: Tuesday shootings could be related to Sunday incidentsShots fired at Hinkson Avenue and William Street

Coffee kiosk vendor wanted for Columbia City HallTuesday, July 6, 2010 | 6:17 p.m. CDTBY ERIN MCNEILLCOLUMBIA — A request for proposals is set to open Friday for a coffee kiosk vendor in the newly renovated Columbia City Hall.

The kiosk will be located in the southwest corner of the lobby on the first floor, and the vendor could provide hot and cold beverages, in addition to baked goods and packaged snacks.

Marilyn Starke, purchasing agent for the city of Columbia, said the city has no preference for a local business or a national chain.

"We just want a good provider to come in and do coffee and snacks," she said.

The deadline for proposals is July 30. Proposals may be submitted in a sealed envelope at the purchasing office or uploaded on the city's e-bidding site.

People For A Taser-Free Columbia adds signatures to petitionTuesday, July 6, 2010 | 6:51 p.m. CDTBY ERIN MCNEILLCOLUMBIA — The anti-Taser use group, People For A Taser-Free Columbia, added more than 900 signatures Tuesday to its petition for a city ordinance that would ban Taser use in the city.

Despite turning in more than 4,000 signatures to City Clerk Sheela Amin June 2, the petition ended up 494 signatures short because not everyone who signed was a registered voter in Columbia. 

The clerk's office notified the organization June 30 of the shortage, said Mary Hussmann, who helped lead the petition. The group has until July 14 to turn in the additional signatures but worked over the weekend and was able to present more than 900 additional signatures Tuesday, Hussmann said.

The additional signatures will have to be verified before the process can proceed. If the petition reaches the required 3,667 valid signatures, the proposed ordinance will be presented to the Columbia City Council. If the council passes the ordinance, the ban would go into effect. If the ordinance fails, it would go on the ballot for the Nov. 2 election.

Related ArticlesCOLUMN: Anti-Taser group's petition drive helps make Columbia greatPeople For a Taser-Free Columbia present more than 4,000 signatures to city clerk's officeOrganization plans to present Taser-free petition TuesdayCitizens Police Review Board hears police Taser policyTODAY'S QUESTION: What do you think about the Taser-free proposition?TODAY'S QUESTION: Are you concerned about the financial liability Tasers might pose to the city?UPDATE: City reaches settlement with man shocked with TaserCity agrees to settlement with man shocked with TaserCOLUMN: Effort to ban Tasers not likely to passPanel at Hickman discusses safety, effectiveness of Tasers

Wells Fargo Financial to close its Columbia branchThursday, July 8, 2010 | 5:49 p.m. CDT; updated 12:59 a.m. CDT, Friday, July 9, 2010BY ERIN MCNEILLCOLUMBIA — Wells Fargo Financial will close its Columbia branch at 2703 E. Broadway by early September. Wells Fargo plans to close all of its 638 financial stores nationwide, according to a Wednesday news release. Wells Fargo community banking and home mortgage stores will remain open.

A 2008 merger with Wachovia extended Wells Fargo's network of community banking and home mortgage stores, which eliminated the economic viability of a separate network of financial stores, the release said.

Wells Fargo will no longer offer non-prime portfolio mortgage loans, also known as subprime loans. These loans, typically for borrowers who have a credit score of 620 or below, are seen as higher-risk for the lending institution and carry higher interest rates. 

All other loan products will still be offered through the remaining Wells Fargo stores. Clients with existing consumer or commercial loans will continue to be served, according to the company.

The Columbia branch, along with 14 others statewide, will close sometime in the next 60 days, said Diana Rodriguez, communications vice president for Wells Fargo Financial. However, she said no specific closing dates have been set.

Of the 14,000 people employed by Wells Fargo Financial, 3,800 will lose their jobs. Within 60 days, 2,800 positions will be eliminated. Another 1,000 will be cut within 12 months, and the remainder will be reassigned, according to the release.

The Columbia Wells Fargo Financial branch was unable to comment on how many employees will be affected at that location.

Missouri Adoption Heart Gallery hopes to find families for foster childrenMonday, July 12, 2010 | 6:24 p.m. CDT; updated 6:41 p.m. CDT, Monday, July 12, 2010

Jamila Gray, 17, and her sister, Elianna Gray, 11, play with some rubber bands that Elianna Gray was given as a gift earlier that day Monday July 12. Elianna Gray was officially adopted by Sarah Gray today who had already adopted her older sister Jamila. Jamila was in foster care with Sarah at the age of 12. "We're a permanent family now," said Sarah Gray. The family came to the Daniel Boone Regional Library in order to attend the opening of the Missouri Heart Gallery, which is a traveling exhibit of photos of foster children in Missouri who are in need of adoptive families.   ¦  MICHELLE KANAARBY ERIN MCNEILLCOLUMBIA — The family of four beamed at the front of the Friends Room at the Columbia Public Library on Monday afternoon. Sarah Gray and her children, Jamila, Tyler and Elianna, had a lot to celebrate.

Elianna officially became Elianna Gray earlier that morning, her adoption finalized two days after her 11th birthday.

“Itʼs awesome that itʼs finalized today, but weʼve been a family for a long time,” her mother, Sarah Gray, said.

When Sarah Gray first became a foster parent, she just wanted to provide a temporary place for children to stay while their parents got the help they needed.

She already had her biological son, Tyler,  and did not plan to become an adoptive parent.

Then she met Jamila. She was 12 years old when she was placed in Grayʼs home five years ago. She legally became a part of the family three years later, when Gray adopted her.

When Elianna, Jamilaʼs biological sister, entered the foster care system two years ago, Sarah again opened her heart and her home.

“[Elianna] was Jamilaʼs sister, and we all needed to be together,” Gray said.Organizations behind the Missouri Adoption Heart Gallery hope to make more stories like the Gray family's possible.

The Heart Gallery is a traveling display of 272 portraits of children in Missouri still waiting for permanent families. The gallery began a tour of the state in late April and, when it ends in November, will have stopped in more than 20 locations. It is set to be on display at the Columbia Public Library through July 19.

The idea for the project came from Diane Granito, who was working for the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department as a foster and adoptive parent recruiter in 2001. She wanted to create inspiring portraits of older children and sibling groups who were waiting for adoption.

This is Missouriʼs fifth year of creating a touring Heart Gallery. The project is headed by the Adoption Exchange and the Childrenʼs Division of the Missouri Department of Social Services.

At the opening ceremony for the Columbia stop Monday, Cary Augustine said there are over 9,000 children in the Missouri foster care system. Of those, approximately 1,400 can never return to the homes they left. Augustine is a Boone County associate circuit judge and presiding judge of the family court division for the 13th Judicial Circuit.

“Itʼs an opportunity to raise awareness for how many children out there are actually waiting, in the state of Missouri, for their forever family,” said Amanda Atkins, an adoption specialist with the Childrenʼs Division.

“A lot of children end up getting adopted each year out of the Heart Gallery,” she said. “So weʼre hoping that we find families for a lot of these kids.”

The gallery specifically showcases children between the ages of 6 and 18 who have been waiting a long time for a family. The age group makes up 66 percent of the children in need of adoption in Missouri and is a harder age group to place, according to the projectʼs website.

The Adoption Exchange coordinates with the Childrenʼs Division to set up the portrait sessions with photographers across the state who donate their time. Not just a cookie-cutter image of a smiling child in front of a blank background, each portrait highlights the childʼs personality through color and props. Millerʼs Professional Imaging, of Columbia, provided the printing services at a discounted rate.

Anyone who visits the Heart Gallery and becomes interested in adoption, whether itʼs adopting a specific child or just the idea in general, is encouraged to contact the Adoption Exchange.

“Already, as we were setting up, they had a lot of pictures marked with ʻfamily in progress,ʼ” Atkins said. “Just from a few weeks of traveling around, people are already calling or going on the website.”

Though Sarah Gray did not meet her daughters through the Heart Gallery, she is a proponent of the project.

“I think itʼs important to raise awareness for adoptive families and foster parents in our area,” Gray said. “All the international adoptions and celebrity adoptions get so much attention that I think people forget the need locally and the duty we have to take care of the kids in our community.”

National Multiple Sclerosis Society to open office in ColumbiaTuesday, July 13, 2010 | 6:12 p.m. CDTBY ERIN MCNEILLCOLUMBIA — People living with multiple sclerosis in central Missouri will now have closer access to support services.

The Gateway Area Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is planning to open a new office in Columbia, starting with a health care professionals reception Wednesday at 5 p.m. Based in St. Louis, the Gateway Area Chapter also has offices in Cape Girardeau and Shiloh, Ill. The Gateway Area Chapter, established in 1955, contributes funding for research and provides services to a 90-county area covering parts of Missouri and Illinois.

The Columbia office at 4816 Santana Circle aims to assist close to 1,000 people living with the disease in central Missouri, according to a news release from the National MS Society.

"It's important for us to have a presence in the (Columbia) community and to have an office where our clients can come," said Dan Friedman, director of communications for the Gateway Area Chapter.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling, disease that attacks the central nervous system. Symptoms include numbness, loss of vision and paralysis. The cause is still unknown, making the disease difficult to treat effectively.

The new Columbia office will provide a variety of services for people living with multiple sclerosis and their families in central Missouri,

according to the release. The services will include financial assistance to cover medicine and other costs, educational programming, wellness services and social programming.

"We want to let people know we're here and for them to take advantage of it," Friedman said.The office will also provide a base for advocacy activities in Jefferson City and help support Bike MS, the Gateway Area Chapter's largest fundraising event, which will be held Sept. 11 to 12 at Boone County Fairgrounds.

Grand Opening ActivitiesThe National MS Society's new Columbia office will host several events this week to celebrate its grand opening. All events will be held at the Columbia office, 4816 Santana Circle.• Health care professionals

reception, 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday

• Ribbon-cutting ceremony, noon Thursday

• Grand Opening Public Celebration, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The event will feature a Bike MS training ride, live music, food and games

DRAFT: National Multiple Sclerosis Society opens Columbia officeCOLUMBIA — Motivation and dedication are common words of praise spoken on behalf of the new local National Multiple Sclerosis Society office.Chester Jakubowicz, of Columbia, used these words repeatedly in describing the people working for the office, a part of the Gateway Area Chapter of the National MS Society. For the past 20 years, Jakubowicz has been a caregiver for his partner, David Sapp, who is living with MS.“Every time I have ever met anyone who works with the MS Society, they seem very nice, very dedicated,” Jakubowicz said. “Iʼm just glad they have [an office] here.”Though the Columbia office is new to the community, with its grand opening celebration held Saturday, the Gateway Area Chapter has been serving central Missouri for more than 50 years.What is MS?Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling, disease that attacks the central nervous system. Symptoms vary, but can include numbness of the limbs, loss of vision and paralysis. The exact cause of MS is still unknown, though current research shows it may be an autoimmune disease. About the MS SocietyThe Gateway Area Chapter estimates it serves about 1,000 people living with MS in a 32 county area of central Missouri, stretching from the Iowa boarder down to Arkansas. Before the Columbia office opened, people in that area had to travel to the home office in St. Louis, or the offices in Cape Girardeau or Shiloh, Ill., to receive assistance.“We really see the need for people to be able to get to us, to be accessible to them,” said Stephanie Walgamott, senior manager of community development for the Gateway Area Chapter. Funding for the MS Society comes from a variety of sources, including the United Way and pharmaceutical companies. Fundraisers, including the annual Bike MS event, generate a large portion of the money needed to support the programs and services provided.ServicesThe new office will provide a wide range of services and activities for people living with MS and their families and caregivers in the community:Support• Talk MS groups - A place for people living with MS to meet, share stories and discuss solutions.

Groups will be hosted in Columbia, Fulton, Jefferson City, New London and West Plains.• New Connections - For individuals who have been diagnosed with MS within the past five years or

have just moved to the area, this group offers a chance to share knowledge and make friendships.• Family Evening - A program for people living with MS and their families to meet others in the

community who share their situation.• Jumpstart Your Relationship - For people living with MS and their spouses/partners, this is a

couples workshop for those living with the challenges of MS.• Research MS - An MS specialist discusses new therapies, medicines and other treatments on the

MS research front.• Care management - Provides support services necessary to help people living with MS and their

caregivers maintain the highest level of independence possible and cope with challenges.• Financial assistance - This program offers guidance, leverage and resources to help contain the

financial impact of MS.Recreation• Weekly Tai Chi and yoga classes taught by instructors trained in adaptive poses will be offered at

the Columbia office.• Aquatics exercise programs are available in Columbia, Jefferson City and Mexico.• A therapeutic horsemanship open house will be held Oct. 9 at Cedar Creek Therapeutic Riding

Center in Columbia.Activism

• The Columbia office will serve as a base for advocacy activities in Jefferson City. These activities include visiting state and federal legislators to advocate for changes that would benefit people living with MS and others will disabilities and chronic illness.

Fundraising• Fundraisers are a large part of what keeps the National MS Society and its local chapters running.

Bike MS, which drew 3,300 cyclists last year, will take place Sept. 11 to 12 at the Boone County Fairgrounds.

Grand openingThe grand opening of the Columbia location consisted of several events over the past week, culminating in a public celebration Saturday.Though temperatures soared into the 90s, about 20 cyclists participated in a 40-mile Bike MS training ride. At the September event, cyclists can chose between courses covering 40, 75 or 100 miles.Leonard and Quinetta Rutledge, of Jefferson City, took refuge in the air conditioned office during the celebration. The Rutledges have attended several programs put on by the National MS Society, and were interested in checking out the new location, now much closer to their home.Quinetta Rudledge, who was diagnosed with MS in 1987, really enjoys the social aspect of the programs and events. It helps her to keep an optimistic attitude, something she says you need to have when living with MS.“You can always look around and see someone thatʼs worse off than you,” she said. “I just get up in the morning and say, ʻGood morning, Lord. Weʼre going to do the best we can with this day.ʼ”Reaching outCathy Hicks, a community development manager who will be working out of the Columbia office, is excited about the prospects of the chapterʼs newest location.“I really think weʼll be able to reach more people,” she said. “We know there are more people with MS out there who havenʼt been assisted by us yet, and weʼre here for them.”Based on prevalence levels, Hicks estimates there are a lot more individuals living with MS in central Missouri than what they currently have on their client list.“Hopefully by being more available in the community those individuals will feel comfortable and reach out for assistance,” she said.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society opens Columbia officeSaturday, July 17, 2010 | 5:22 p.m. CDT; updated 7:49 p.m. CDT, Saturday, July 17, 2010

From left Jordan Alexander, Hank Schneider and Steve Weddle gather around the water jugs after finishing their 40-mile bike ride as part of the grand opening for the new Multiple Sclerosis office in Columbia. The 40-mile bike ride was a training ride for the 150-mile ride, which will be held on September 11 and 12 to raise money to learn more about MS.   ¦  DANIEL LONGARBY ERIN MCNEILLCOLUMBIA — Motivation and dedication are common words of praise spoken on behalf of the new local National Multiple Sclerosis Society office.

Chester Jakubowicz of Columbia used these words repeatedly in describing the people working for the office, a part of the Gateway Area Chapter of the society. For the past 20 years, Jakubowicz has been a caregiver for his partner, David Sapp, who is living with MS.

“Every time I have ever met anyone who works with the MS Society, they seem very nice, very dedicated,” Jakubowicz said. “Iʼm just glad they have (an office) here.”

Although the Columbia office is new to the community (its grand opening celebration was Saturday), the Gateway Area Chapter has been serving central Missouri for more than 50 years.

What is MS?Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling, disease that attacks the central nervous system. Symptoms vary but can include numbness of the limbs, loss of vision and paralysis. The exact cause of MS is still unknown, though research shows it might be an autoimmune disease.

About the MS SocietyThe Gateway Area Chapter estimates it serves about 1,000 people living with MS in a 32-county area of central Missouri, stretching from the Iowa boarder down to Arkansas. Before the Columbia office opened, people in that area had to travel to the home office in St. Louis or the offices in Cape Girardeau or Shiloh, Ill., to receive assistance.

“We really see the need for people to be able to get to us, to be accessible to them,” said Stephanie Walgamott, senior manager of community development for the Gateway Area Chapter.

Funding for the MS Society comes from a variety of sources, including the United Way and pharmaceutical companies. Fundraisers, including the annual Bike MS event, generate a large portion of the money needed to support the programs and services provided.

ServicesThe new office will provide a wide range of services and activities for people living with MS, their families and caregivers in the community:

Support• Talk MS groups: A place for people living with MS to meet, share stories and discuss solutions.

Groups will be hosted in Columbia, Fulton, Jefferson City, New London and West Plains.• New Connections: For people who have been diagnosed with MS within the past five years or have

just moved to the area, this group offers a chance to share knowledge and make friendships.• Family Evening: A program for people living with MS and their families to meet others in the

community who share their situation.• Jumpstart Your Relationship: For people living with MS and their spouses/partners, this is a couples

workshop for those living with the challenges of MS.• Research MS: An MS specialist discusses new therapies, medicines and other treatments on the

MS research front.• Care management: Provides support services necessary to help people living with MS and their

caregivers maintain the highest level of independence possible and cope with challenges.• Financial assistance: This program offers guidance, leverage and resources to help contain the

financial impact of MS.

Recreation• Weekly Tai Chi and yoga classes taught by instructors trained in adaptive poses will be offered at

the Columbia office.• Aquatics exercise programs are available in Columbia, Jefferson City and Mexico, Mo.• A therapeutic horsemanship open house will be held Oct. 9 at Cedar Creek Therapeutic Riding

Center in Columbia.

Activism• The Columbia office will serve as a base for advocacy activities in Jefferson City. These activities

include visiting state and federal legislators to advocate for changes that would benefit people living with MS and others with disabilities and chronic illness.

Fundraising• Fundraisers are a large part of what keeps the National MS Society and its local chapters running.

Bike MS, which drew 3,300 cyclists last year, will take place Sept. 11 to 12 at the Boone County Fairgrounds.

Grand openingThe grand opening of the Columbia location consisted of several events over the past week, culminating in a public celebration Saturday.

Although temperatures soared into the 90s, about 20 cyclists participated in a 40-mile Bike MS training ride. At the September event, cyclists can chose among courses covering 40, 75 or 100 miles.

Leonard and Quinetta Rutledge of Jefferson City took refuge in the air-conditioned office during the celebration. The Rutledges have attended several programs put on by the National MS Society and said they were interested in checking out the new location, now much closer to their home.

Quinetta Rudledge, who was diagnosed with MS in 1987, said she enjoys the social aspect of the programs and events. It helps her to keep an optimistic attitude, something she said you need to have when living with MS.

“You can always look around and see someone thatʼs worse off than you,” she said. “I just get up in the morning and say, ʻGood morning, Lord. Weʼre going to do the best we can with this day.ʼ”

Reaching outCathy Hicks, a community development manager who will be working out of the Columbia office, said she is excited about the prospects of the chapterʼs newest location.

“I really think weʼll be able to reach more people,” she said. “We know there are more people with MS out there who havenʼt been assisted by us yet, and weʼre here for them.”

Based on prevalence levels of the disease, Hicks estimates there are a lot more people living with MS in central Missouri than what the office has on its client list.

“Hopefully by being more available in the community those individuals will feel comfortable and reach out for assistance,” she said.

DRAFT: Foster life storyJessie Mildred Foster lived her life side by side with her husband, Charles. The Fosters married young, Charles was 19 and Jessie was 16, and spent their life working and playing together.“They were inseparable, always together,” her oldest daughter Janice Knigge said. “They were the perfect example of what a husband and wife should be.”Mrs. Foster died at her home Saturday, July 17, 2010. She was 90.She was born Oct. 12, 1919, in Marshall, to Clifford Leroy Scott and Anna Kuntz Scott. She married Charles E. Foster Aug. 15, 1936.She and her husband moved to Columbia in 1946 to be near friends who were starting the First Assembly of God Church. Mrs. Foster remained active in the church throughout her life, attending every Sunday and Wednesday. She also taught Sunday school and sang during the services. Charles Foster was a mechanic, and opened Fosterʼs Garage on Old Highway 40. While he worked on the cars, Mrs. Foster ran the gas pumps.In 1955, the Fosters moved to a rented farm north of Columbia. They bought a 200-acre farm in 1959 and worked it together.“She would drive her tractor right next to his, getting the ground ready, planting,” Janice Knigge said of her mother. “She did it all.”Charles Foster served two terms as Boone County sheriff from 1977 to 1984, and after retiring he and Mrs. Foster wintered in Texas for several years. They lived on their farm northeast of Columbia until his death in 2004.Mrs. Foster was a kind and loving woman, her daughter said.“No one could have had a better mother,” said Knigge, who is 72. “I never heard her raise her voice in anger.”Caleb Knigge, Mrs. Fosterʼs great-grandson, said she was a terrific grandma. “She would always stop what she was doing and come play board games with us kids,” he said. “Sheʼd get off the lawn mower to come play. The yard could wait.”He also has fond memories of making pancakes with Mrs. Foster, and that she alway kept oatmeal cream pies in the cookie jar.Mrs. Foster is survived by one sister, Mary “Tootie” (Scott) Becker; two daughters, Janice Ann (Foster) Knigge and husband Jerry, Beverly Charlene (Foster) Cleek; five grandchildren, Charetta Ann (Knigge) Terry and husband Stephen, Jerry Dale Knigge and wife Kim, Charles William Knigge, Nancy Lynne (Cleek) Dolan and husband Robert, Lynda Sue (Cleek) Watts and Gregory Watts; twelve great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.Her husband of 67 years, Charles Foster; parents, Clifford and Anna Scott; six siblings, Evelyn (Scott) Smith, Geneva (Scott) Knox, Frank Scott, Dorothy (Scott) Raines, Martin Leroy Scott, Raymond Scott; and a grandson, Baby Boy Knigge, died earlier.Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 22 at First Assembly of God Church, 1100 N. Seventh Street, Columbia. Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, July 23 at First Assembly of God Church with a private entombment to follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Assembly of God Church and Praise Assembly of God Church in Columbia. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.parkerfuneralservice.com.

JESSIE FOSTER (life story)Jessie Mildred (Scott) Foster lived her life side by side with her husband, Charles E. Foster.

The Fosters married young — Charles was 19 and Jessie was 16 — and spent their lives working and playing together.

“They were inseparable, always together,” daughter Janice Knigge, 72, said. “They were the perfect example of what a husband and wife should be.”

Mrs. Foster died at her home Saturday, July 17, 2010. She was 90.

She was born Oct. 12, 1919, in Marshall to Clifford Leroy Scott and Anna Kuntz Scott. She married Charles Foster on Aug. 15, 1936.

She and her husband moved to Columbia in 1946 to be near friends, who were starting the First Assembly of God Church. Mrs. Foster remained active in the church throughout her life, attending every Sunday and Wednesday. She also taught Sunday school and sang during the services.

Charles Foster was a mechanic and opened Fosterʼs Garage on Old Highway 40. While he worked on the cars, Mrs. Foster ran the gas pumps.

In 1955, the Fosters moved to a rented farm north of Columbia. They bought a 200-acre farm in 1959 and worked on it together.

“She would drive her tractor right next to his, getting the ground ready, planting,” Knigge said of her mother. “She did it all.”

Charles Foster served two terms as Boone County sheriff from 1977 to 1984, and after retiring, he and Mrs. Foster lived in Texas during the winter for several years. They lived together on their farm northeast of Columbia until Charles Foster died in 2004.

Mrs. Foster was a kind and loving woman, her daughter said.

“No one could have had a better mother,” Knigge said. “I never heard her raise her voice in anger.”

Caleb Knigge, Mrs. Fosterʼs great-grandson, said she was a terrific grandmother.

“She would always stop what she was doing and come play board games with us kids,” he said. “Sheʼd get off the lawn mower to come play. The yard could wait.”

He also has fond memories of making pancakes with Mrs. Foster and said she always kept oatmeal cream pies in the cookie jar.

Mrs. Foster is survived by sister Mary “Tootie” Becker; daughters Janice Ann Knigge and Beverly Charlene Cleek; five grandchildren, Charretta Ann Terry, Jerry Dale Knigge, Charles William Knigge, Nancy Lynne Dolan and Lynda Sue Watts; 12 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.

Her husband; six siblings, Evelyn Smith, Geneva Knox, Frank Scott, Dorothy Raines, Martin Leroy Scott, Raymond Scott; and a grandson, Baby Boy Knigge, died earlier.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at First Assembly of God Church, 1100 N. Seventh Street in Columbia. Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at First Assembly of God Church with a private entombment to follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Assembly of God Church, 1100 N. Seventh St., Columbia, MO 65203, or Praise Assembly of God Church, 4300 Clark Lane, Columbia, MO 65202.

Online condolences may be left for the family at parkerfuneralservice.com.

-- ERIN MCNEILL

DRAFT: Columbia chess-pert offers free burrito to opponentsExtraordinary chess skills could win you a free lunch if you happen by the Chipotle on 9th in downtown Columbia on the right day.Justin Hull, 26, sets up his board and time clock outside the restaurant to challenge passersby to a quick game of speed and strategy. If you can beat him, heʼll buy you a burrito.“When I started out doing it, I really wanted people to play,” Hull explained. “So I said, ʻBeat me and Iʼll buy you a drink.ʼ”However, Chipotleʼs manager didnʼt take kindly to Hull setting up shop outside his store and offering a drink from Starbucks. The manager gave Hull a free burrito card and told him to use that as incentive instead.About three days a week, the 15-year chess veteran puts out a large, handwritten sign declaring his challenge and patiently waits for someone to sit down and play.So far, he hasnʼt lost yet.“I did get one draw,” Hull admitted. “It was against a guy from Bosnia. The game wasnʼt timed and took about half an hour.” Though the game didnʼt actually end, Hullʼs opponent had to leave and they decided the position was probably draw.“He played well,” Hull said. “But I did beat him twice before that.”Hull also serves as the co-director for The Rumors of My Being Checkmated Have Been Greatly Exaggerated, a chess club that takes its name from the famous Mark Twain quote. The club plays at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays at Kaldiʼs Coffee House.

Columbia chess player offers free burritos to potential opponentsMonday, July 19, 2010 | 1:35 p.m. CDT; updated 4:33 p.m. CDT, Monday, July 19, 2010BY ERIN MCNEILLCOLUMBIA — Extraordinary chess skills could win you a free lunch if you happen by the Chipotle on Ninth Street in downtown Columbia on the right day.

Justin Hull, 26, sets up his board and time clock outside the restaurant to challenge passersby to a quick game of speed and strategy. If you can beat him, he'll buy you a burrito.

"When I started out doing it, I really wanted people to play," Hull said. "So I said, 'Beat me and I'll buy you a drink.'"

However, Chipotle's manager didn't take kindly to Hull setting up shop outside his store and offering a drink from Starbucks. The manager gave Hull a free burrito card and told him to use that as incentive instead.

About three days a week, the 15-year chess veteran puts out a large, handwritten sign declaring his challenge, and patiently waits for someone to sit down and play.

So far, he hasn't lost yet.

"I did get one draw," Hull admitted. "It was against a guy from Bosnia. The game wasn't timed and took about half an hour."

Although the game didn't actually end, Hull's opponent had to leave and they decided the position was probably a draw.

"He played really well," Hull said. "But I did beat him twice before that."

Hull also serves as co-director for the Columbia Chess Club, which plays at 6 p.m. Tuesdays at Kaldi's Coffee House.

Related ArticlesFour minutes of chess

on Ninth Street

DRAFT: Taser-Free petition accepted for considerationCOLUMBIA — It is now up to the City Council to decide the fate of an ordinance banning the use of Tasers in Columbia.People for a Taser-Free Columbia were notified by City Clerk Sheela AminCQ on Monday that their petition had met the requirement of 3,667 registered voter signatures and can now be presented to the City Council for consideration.The ordinance, which was first presented with more than 4,000 signatures June 2, would ban the use or threat to use of Tasers and any Conducted Electrical Devices (CEDs).The first submission of the petition came up short 494 signatures because not everyone who signed it was a registered voter. A second submission of 900 additional signatures July 6 brought the petition up to the minimum requirement.According to a news release, the Taser-Free campaign believes the use of Tasers and CEDs should be banned due to their unpredictability and unreliability. The release also cites "thousands of injuries and hundreds of deaths (which) have occurred in conjunction with or after tasing" as evidence of the potential danger of these devices.Catherine ParkeCQ, a member of People for a Taser-Free Columbia, said the unpredictability of these devices is a danger to both those who operate them and those on the receiving end of a shock.In October 2009, Taser International, a company founded in 1993 that manufactures Tasers for law enforcement, military and personal protection use, issued a new warning cautioning users to avoid targeting the chest area with their devices, as it could cause damage to the target's heart.Parke believes this is just one more reason Tasers pose an unnecessary risk and should be banned."If the corporation that makes, markets and sells (Tasers) is still figuring out what they do, they shouldn't be used in our community," she said.The City Council will now have the opportunity to review and vote on the ordinance. The first reading of the ordinance is scheduled for the City Council meeting Aug. 2, with the second reading and vote following on Aug. 16. If it is passed by the Council, the ordinance would go into effect. If the Council does not pass the ordinance, it will be put on the ballot for the Nov. 2 election and Columbia residents will have the final say.

Info BoxA rummage sale, sponsored by People for a Taser-Free Columbia, will be held to help raise funds for public education and activism to promote the Taser ban ordinance. The sale will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at the Old Labor Temple, 611 N. Garth Avenue. Donations of sale items can be dropped off from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday at the Old Labor Temple.

Petition to ban Tasers approved for City Council considerationWednesday, July 21, 2010 | 11:13 a.m. CDTBY ERIN MCNEILLCOLUMBIA — It is now up to the City Council to decide the fate of an ordinance banning the use of Tasers in Columbia.

City Clerk Sheela Amin notified People for a Taser-Free Columbia on Monday that their petition had met the requirement of at least 3,667 registered voter signatures and can now be presented as an ordinance to the City Council for consideration.

The ordinance would ban the use or threat to use of Tasers and any Conducted Electrical Devices.

The first submission of the petition on June 2 came up short by 494 signatures because not everyone who signed it was a registered voter. Asecond submission of 900 additional signatures July 6 brought the petition up to the minimum requirement.

According to a news release, the Taser-Free campaign believes the use of Tasers and CEDs should be banned due to their unpredictability and unreliability. The release also cites "thousands of injuries and hundreds of deaths (that) have occurred in conjunction with or after tasing" as evidence of the potential danger of these devices.

Catherine Parke, a member of People for a Taser-Free Columbia, said the unpredictability of these devices is a danger to both those who operate them and those on the receiving end of a shock.

In October 2009, Taser International, a company that manufactures Tasers for law enforcement, military and personal protection use, issued a new warning cautioning users to avoid targeting the chest area with their devices, as it could cause damage to the target's heart.

Parke believes this is just one more reason Tasers pose an unnecessary risk and should be banned.

"If the corporation that makes, markets and sells (Tasers) is still figuring out what they do, they shouldn't be used in our community," she said.

The City Council will now have the opportunity to review and vote on the ordinance. The first reading of the ordinance is scheduled for the Aug. 2 Council meeting. The second reading and vote are scheduled for Aug. 16.

If the Council does not pass the ordinance, it would be put on the ballot for the Nov. 2 election, and Columbia residents will have the final say.

Related ArticlesPeople For A Taser-Free Columbia adds signatures to petitionCOLUMN: Anti-Taser group's petition drive helps make Columbia greatPeople For a Taser-Free Columbia present more than 4,000 signatures to city clerk's officeOrganization plans to present Taser-free petition TuesdayCitizens Police Review Board hears police Taser policyTODAY'S QUESTION: What do you think about the Taser-free proposition?TODAY'S QUESTION: Are you concerned about the financial liability Tasers might pose to the city?UPDATE: City reaches settlement with man shocked with TaserCity agrees to settlement with man shocked with Taser

Rummage sale to raise fundsA rummage sale, sponsored by People for a Taser-Free Columbia, will be held to help raise funds for public education and activism to promote the Taser ban ordinance. The sale will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at the Old Labor Temple, 611 N. Garth Avenue. Donations of sale items can be dropped off from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday at the Old Labor Temple.