Here’s what you need to know: Wednesday, Dec. 18
Drug-related deaths in Missouri significantly decrease for the first time since 2015
Data collected by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services shows that the number of reported drug overdoses in the state in a year has significantly decreased for the first time in nearly a decade.
In 2022, the state reported 2,180 drug-related deaths, a record-high number. In 2023 that number fell to 1,948. Over 73% of those deaths were attributed to opioids, meaning 1 out of 47 deaths statewide were attributed to an opioid-involved overdose, according to the DHSS.
Columbia high schools add entrances after purchasing new weapons detection equipment
Rock Bridge High School said in a letter sent to families that the school will begin testing a single entrance lane for students at the north entrance Wednesday from 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. The entrance will also be open on Thursday and Friday.
The Columbia School Board earlier this month approved purchasing equipment to add entry points with weapons detection systems at Rock Bridge and Hickman high schools.
Murder charges filed after second suspect arrested in deadly shooting on Clark Lane in October
A second suspect has been arrested in connection to the fatal shooting Oct. 20 on Clark Lane, according to the Columbia Police Department.
Daevion McCray, 21, of Columbia was arrested Tuesday and charged with second-degree felony murder, two counts of first-degree assault, three counts of armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon, according to court records.
Columbia radio station Q106.1 (KOQL-FM) unveiled $50,000 worth of children’s toys to MU Health Care Children’s Hospital staff on Tuesday morning as part of its annual Secret Elf Toy Drive.
The drive collects toys for patients in the Children’s Hospital.
Missouri Department of Social Services director steps down
Missouri Department of Social Services Director Robert Knodell will step down at the conclusion of Gov. Mike Parson’s term in office, Parson’s office announced Tuesday.
After serving as the DSS director for three years, Knodell has accepted the position of city manager of Poplar Bluff, his hometown, according to a news release from Parson’s office.
