Boone County Press Room
Upward Mobility Initiative Launches “Raising Readers” Campaign
Summary
The Upward Mobility Early Grade Literacy Workgroup has launched Raising Readers, a county-wide campaign to promote early childhood literacy and equip parents and caregivers with simple tools to build strong reading habits.
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Severe Weather Expected Tonight in Boone County
Summary
The National Weather Service (NWS) and the Boone County Office of Emergency Management are monitoring the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening across the region. In Boone County, storms may move through late in the afternoon and into the evening hours. Possible hazards include large hail, damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and tornadoes.
Boone County Resource Management Seeks Feedback on Stormwater Management Plan
Summary
Boone County Resource Management invites residents to provide feedback on the draft updated Boone County/City of Columbia/University of Missouri Joint Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP).
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Boone County Commission Amends Senior Real Estate Tax Relief Program Policy
Summary
The Boone County Commission is announcing an amendment to the Boone County Senior Real Estate Tax Relief Program policy, removing the requirement for annual renewal. The amendment will go before Commission for a first reading on Thursday, March 5 at 1:30 p.m. at the regular Commission meeting held in the Boone County Government Center Commission Chambers located at 801 E. Walnut in Columbia.
Read More: Boone County Commission Amends Senior Real Estate Tax Relief Program Policy
Annual Statewide Tornado Drill on March 4th, 2026, as Part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week
Summary
The National Weather Service and Missouri State Emergency Management Agency have designated March 2 – 6, 2026, as Severe Weather Preparedness Week. BCOEM will be participating in the Annual Statewide Tornado Drill being held at 11 a.m. on March 4, weather permitting. During this drill, NOAA Weather Radios will be activated and the outdoor warning sirens in Boone County will sound.
Boone County, the City of Columbia, and the University of Missouri - Columbia Announce Winners of 2026 Earth Day Art Contest
Summary
Boone County, in partnership with the City of Columbia and the University of Missouri-Columbia, is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Earth Day Art Contest. The inaugural contest invited students from kindergarten through 12th grade to explore creativity while reflecting on the natural world around them.
Boone County Celebrates Regional Training Center Grand Opening
Summary
The Boone County Commission and Sheriff invite the public to join them at the Grand Opening of the Boone County Sheriff’s Office Regional Training Center on Saturday, January 10 from 9 a.m. until noon. The Regional Training Center is located on the Boone County Public Safety Campus at 2013 County Drive, Columbia. Members of the public will be able to tour the Regional Training Center during the Grand Opening. Sheriff’s Deputies will provide demonstrations throughout the facility and give the public the opportunity to experience hands-on training using the driving simulators and virtual reality devices.
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Boone County Government offices closed Wednesday, December 24, 2025, in observance of Christmas Eve
Summary
All nonessential Boone County Government offices will be closed Wednesday, December 24 in observance of Christmas Eve. Offices were already slated to be closed on Thursday, December 25 and Friday, December 26 in observance of the Christmas holiday.
Boone County Property Taxes Are Due December 31, 2025
Summary
Brian McCollum, Boone County Collector of Revenue, wishes to remind taxpayers that Boone County property taxes are due December 31, 2025. If taxpayers have not received their property tax statements or cannot locate them online, they should contact the Collector’s Office immediately. If taxpayers have yet to declare personal property as of January 1, 2025, they need to contact the Assessor’s Office and update their account. Failure to receive a bill by December 31, 2025, does not relieve the obligation to pay the taxes due and any applicable late charges that may apply. Paid receipts will be issued for all methods of payments.
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Boone County Senior Buyer Amy Gerskin appointed to state association Board of Directors
Summary
Amy Gerskin, Senior Buyer for the Boone County Purchasing Department, has been appointed to serve a two-year term on the Board of Directors for the Missouri Association of Public Purchasing (MAPP), starting January 1, 2026.
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Boone County Joint Communications Introduces New Text-Based Citizen Feedback System
Summary
Boone County Joint Communications has implemented a new text-based system that allows residents to provide feedback after contacting 911 or 311.
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