The latest local news, weather and high school sports in and around Columbia and Jefferson City

Yesterday at 2:50 AM  Organic industry's political clout grows on Capitol Hill as consumers demand organic foods

Monday, March 25, 2013  California farmers team up to build bio-refinery that will convert sugar beets to ethanol

Saturday, March 23, 2013  Eleven local chapters of the National FFA Organization and nine Missouri 4-H clubs statewide were granted funding for their community service projects this year.

Thursday, March 21, 2013  The good news is that the drought is officially over and warmer temperatures are on the way.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012  Jefferson City businessman buys Capital Mall.

Friday, December 14, 2012  The course was taught for the first time this fall as part of Marquette University's celebration of the 75th anniversary of "The Hobbit" being published.

Friday, November 23, 2012  Prolonged drought is prompting some Midwest farmers to sell discarded corn stalks to feed hay-deprived cattle.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012  In year of severe drought, farmers say pumpkin crop looks like rare, smashing success

Wednesday, September 19, 2012  Dallas suburb that's pushed to ban illegal immigrant renters has new court hearing Wednesday

Monday, September 10, 2012  He said the recent rainy weather has not eliminated farmers' need for water

Tuesday, August 14, 2012  Southeast Missouri is expected to have some of the best corn yields in the U.S. this year, despite the heat and drought.

Thursday, August 09, 2012  Gov. Jay Nixon says Missouri officials have approved more than 3,700 applications totaling $18.7 million to help drought-stricken farmers and ranchers get more water.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012  Small Midwest farmers struggle to fill orders, stay afloat as drought, heat kill vegetables

Thursday, July 26, 2012  Missouri Governor Jay Nixon is announcing additional funding to help drill or deepen water wells after intense demand from the state's farmers.

Thursday, July 26, 2012  Farmers and other property owners in a southwestern Missouri village are being offered free water to fight grass fires amid continuing heat and drought.