What you need to know: Thursday, Oct. 17 | Mid-Missouri News

Absentee Voting: What Mid-Missouri Voters Need to Know to Make Sure Their Ballots Count

With just three weeks until Election Day on Nov. 5, more than 1,000 people in Boone County have already voted absentee, according to the county clerk’s office.

Currently, only some voters can cast postal votes. No-excuse absentee voting in central Missouri begins Oct. 22, meaning every registered voter can cast their vote in person as they would on Election Day.

Callaway County Corporal released from hospital after traffic stop

Callaway County Corporal Justin Bax has been released from University Hospital after a shooting during a traffic stop that injured two sheriff’s deputies and killed a suspect.

Bax’s release was accompanied by claps and cheers from family, friends and other first responders as he climbed into the car that took him back to Callaway County.

Due to staffing shortages, Columbia veterinary clinics are limiting nighttime hours

Both the University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center and Horton Animal Hospital are temporarily operating on reduced hours. These hospitals typically offer 24-hour emergency care for animals, but due to limited staffing, both hospitals limit overnight care.

The MU Veterinary Health Center said it will not be accepting new small animal patients between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. Horton Animal Hospital said it may close several times in October from 1:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. but will continue to have staff on call during those times who will offer assistance over the phone and direct patients to the nearest open one hospital further.

The “Build My Future” event showcases the construction industry as a career path for students

Fifty construction industry professionals came to the Jaycees Fairgrounds in Jefferson City to teachStudents from 51 schools across Missouri about the different opportunities they might have in the construction industry.

The showcase gives students the opportunity to learn more about what life after high school can be like. At the showcase, students were able to pour concrete, lay bricks, weld and make tables.

California is hiring a new police chief after seven weeks without a department head

The city of California has hired a new police chief and detective sergeant after nearly two months without department leadership.

Scott John was sworn in as police chief and Dale Harp as the new detective sergeant on Tuesday. John and Harp were both Maries County officials.

California has been without a police chief and without a police force for about seven weeks Boss Daniel Hurt has resigned due to retention concerns and staffing shortages.