Parker Eshelman photo

Defense attorney Kevin O’Brien, left, talks with Kristopher Prince this morning during Prince’s murder trial. Prince is accused of shooting Tedarrian Robinson, 17, on April 18, 2007, in south Columbia. Read the Article

Local News Stories
Murder trial begins
By JOE MEYER of the Tribune’s staff
Opening statements began today in the second-degree murder trial of Kristopher Prince as attorneys differed on who was the shooter who killed 17-year-old Tedarrian Robinson last year.

Town’s flooding worst since 1993
By T.J. GREANEY of the Tribune’s staff
MCBAINE - This tiny town of about 20 people is underwater in what residents are calling the worst flooding the bottomland community has experienced since 1993.

Cost drives asphalt option
By SARA SEMELKA of the Tribune’s staff
As oil prices fluctuate above where they were a year ago, the Boone County Public Works Department, which uses asphalt in much of its road work, is looking for ways to get the job done for less.

Visitors bureau adds two posts
By KAT HUGHES of the Tribune’s staff
To expand its Internet presence and promote a program to attract tourism, the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau recently added two new positions to its seven-member staff.

Ninth District race divides over costs of Medicare drugs
By JASON ROSENBAUM of the Tribune’s staff
Ninth Congressional District candidates Judy Baker and Blaine Luetkemeyer are trading shots over whose legislative position will better help senior citizens.

MU taps Indiana U. for financial aid chief
The University of Missouri has hired a financial aid officer from Indiana University as MU’s next director of financial aid.

Armed robber makes off with phone, chips
Police are investigating an armed robbery early today in northeast Columbia involving a masked gunman who approached a 20-year-old man and demanded a cell phone, money, potato chips and soda.

Student reports mugging on quad
A 21-year-old University of Missouri student told University Police he was walking at about 12:10 a.m. Wednesday on the Francis Quadrangle when three black men mugged him, taking his wallet and cell phone.

City wants feedback on Rock Quarry Park
The Columbia Parks and Recreation Department will hold a meeting for interested parties to give input and learn more about proposed improvements to Rock Quarry Park, including the addition of basketball and tennis courts.

Police seek comment on a ‘strategic plan’
To gather public input while forming a new strategic plan, the Columbia Police Department has established an online survey where city residents can comment.

Assault victim remains in intensive care unit
The victim of an assault early yesterday morning at Columbia Regency trailer park remained in the intensive care unit at University Hospital today with trauma to his face and head.

Delivery driver tells of attempted holdup
A pizza delivery woman told police that five or six men surrounded her vehicle and demanded money after she made a wrong turn last night in a southeast Columbia trailer park.