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

Wednesday, December 26, 2012  An enormous storm system that dumped snow and sleet on the nation's midsection and unleashed damaging tornadoes around the Deep South began punching its way toward the Northeast on Wednesday, slowing holiday travel.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012  Forecasts of snow, sleet and freezing rain threatened to complicate Christmas Day travel as several Gulf Coast states braced for a chance of twisters and powerful thunderstorms.

Sunday, May 20, 2012  The tornado that tore through Joplin a year ago already ranks as the deadliest twister in six decades. Now it carries another distinction -- the costliest since at least 1950.

Thursday, February 02, 2012  Oklahoma City Stormchaser Justin Dill travels across the United States and hauls cargo in his van.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011  The federal agency that oversees the National Weather Service says warning sirens and notifications went out well ahead of the devastating Joplin tornado. But it says residents didn't respond quickly enough to the sirens warning of the impending twister.

Tuesday, August 09, 2011  The United Arab Emirates have donated up to $1 million for Joplin Schools.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011  Two more furry friends said goodbye to the Joplin Humane Society. They boarded a plane to meet their new owner, Mike Bettes from The Weather Channel.

Friday, June 17, 2011  Twisters Roller Hockey League gives ice hockey players a place to keep their skills active all summer long.

Tuesday, June 07, 2011  A bolt of lightning injured Jefferson “Jeff” Taylor, 31, the day after the twister touched down.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011  While overshadowed by their neighbors to the south, people in Sedalia are cleaning up the damage from last week's tornado.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011  Residents say scope of tornado destruction in Joplin is 'breathtaking'

Monday, April 18, 2011  21 killed by the storm in North Carolina

Wednesday, February 11, 2009  There were also miraculous tales of survival: People taking shelter in a closet pulled a woman to safety after the tornado blew part of the roof off and threatened to carry her away

Tuesday, February 10, 2009  New photos added: Twisters touch down in Oklahoma, killing 8 people and causing multiple injuries in small town