Libby Sam and her family said they prayed to God for help when her 27-year-old roof started leaking this spring. Water spots showed through the... »
business
Outdoor cafe rule passes despite Ligonier mayor’s 1st-ever veto
Ligonier Borough Council on Thursday approved a much-discussed ordinance allowing for outdoor cafes in its business district. Council approved the ordinance at its last meeting, but Mayor Ormond "Butch" Bellas took unusual action and vetoed the ordinance. It was his first veto in eight years serving as Ligonier's mayor. "I usually agree with what they do,... »
Ligonier approves sidewalk cafe law
On a warm afternoon, Abigail's Coffeehouse patrons in Ligonier squeeze into two cafe tables and a bench outside. And after deliberation at Thursday's borough council meeting, they still can, with the blessing of borough officials. The sidewalk cafe ordinance passed 4-1, with Councilman Sam Banales voting against the proposal, saying it was too restrictive. Council... »
Sleepy Hollow taking shape
Although it's just paper-covered plywood forming the beginnings of a frame, Fred Haeflien talks with excitement about the future of the Sleepy Hollow. "This will be the kitchen,a nd the dining room will be here," he said, walking quickly across the salvaged wood floor, open to the air as the building begins to take shape. »
Neighborhood church property rezoned to make way for mortuary
COLUMBIA — Despite contention among neighbors to the property, H.T. May and Son Funeral Home will open its fifth branch in Columbia this April, pending approval by the Missouri State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers. »
Two downtown projects to apply for tax breaks
COLUMBIA — The Tiger Hotel and the "District Village" at Tenth and Locust streets will be the first downtown redevelopment projects to apply for special tax breaks offered by the city for the first time. Columbia has requested proposals from the two projects, due Feb. 9, targeting them as developments that would benefit from tax-increment... »
Families may trim budgets, but they’ll still trim the tree
Despite economic woes affecting holiday celebrations for many families this year, a Christmas tree isn't something most families are willing to go without. First week sales for Christmas trees aren't showing any difference from last year, said area Christmas tree farm owners, and in fact, for Bill Cinnamon, a Christmas tree farm owner in Brimfield,... »
Developer starts project to help renters buy home
PEORIA — A project intended to address the need for affordable housing in Peoria has launched a two-house pilot program. Rejuvenate Peoria, a development project started by the Becker Brothers construction company, is a home-ownership program. Families who qualify and are accepted into the program will rent a 3-bedroom home for two years. After two... »
Study: residents want smoke-free businesses
A smoking ban for bars and restaurants in Columbia might encourage more people to patronize those establishments, according to a recent MU study. According to the study conducted by two MU professors, 93 percent of people would go to restaurants as much or more often if they were smoke-free. Eighty-five percent said the same for... »