CACC Culinary Student Places First at National SkillsUSA Event   

Sydney Bliss, an upcoming senior at Rock Bridge High School, placed first in the SkillsUSA Baking and Pastry Arts national competition for high school students in Atlanta in June. 

Bliss is getting ready to start her third year in the CACC Culinary program this fall. She received several full-ride scholarships to culinary schools in the United States. Bliss is the third student from CACC to win the SkillsUSA National Baking Competition.

Senior Real Estate Tax Relief Application Period Under Way 

Applications are now being accepted for the Boone County Senior Real Estate Tax Relief Program. Eligible Boone County taxpayers who wish to participate in the program can apply until October 1, 2024. Applications and information about the application process can be accessed online by visiting ShowMeBoone.com and clicking the Boone County Senior Real Estate Tax Relief Program link at the top of the page. 

Applications are also available in-person at the Boone County Collector of Revenue’s office on the first floor of the Boone County Government Center, 801 E. Walnut St. Completed notarized applications along with required supporting documents should be submitted to the Collector’s Office between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

Notarized applications can also be mailed to the Collector’s Office at 801 E. Walnut St., Room 118. Applicants should allow for up to thirty days for their applications to be reviewed and for notifications of approval or denial. 

The Boone County Senior Real Estate Tax Relief Program was established in response to enabling legislation from the Missouri General Assembly and voter approval of Boone County Proposition 1 on April 3, 2024. 

City Announces Brian Schaeffer as Next Fire Chief 

Brian Schaeffer has been hired as Columbia’s next fire chief. He will begin that role on August 19. Schaeffer was among a group of four finalists for the position. 

“Brian is bringing invaluable experience to this role,” City Manager De’Carlon Seewood said in a news release. “He has demonstrated his ability to be forward-thinking about priorities and commit to levels of service the Columbia Fire Department continually strives to achieve.” 

 Schaeffer previously served as the assistant fire chief and fire chief of the Spokane, Washington Fire Department from 2005 to 2024. Schaeffer’s education includes a Master of Leadership Education from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Missouri, Kansas City, and a bachelor’s degree of science in fire science from Sterling College in Kansas City, Missouri. He also is a graduate of the Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI). 

“I am excited to begin this new role in an extraordinary community like Columbia,” Schaeffer said in the release. “The Columbia Fire Department is passionate about providing the best service to its community. I am honored to continue to uphold those values and help find innovative ways to protect the health of our residents and firefighters.”

Coleman Joins Day Dreams Foundation as Executive Director 

Adonica Coleman is joining Day Dreams Foundation as the organization’s new Executive Director, effective July 8, 2024.  

Day Dreams Foundation’s mission is focused on eliminating financial barriers to participating in extracurricular activities and to foster healthy lifestyles, goal setting, academics, teamwork, and respect for others among children aged 5 to 18. 

Coleman is the owner of A2D Events and the creator of The Como 411. She is the host of the weekly talk show, “The Daily Blend with AC” and is the current chair of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce. Her community work includes work with Granny’s House, the BOLD Academy, and REDI. 

VAC Launches Back to School Distribution 

Voluntary Action Center (VAC) has launched its Back to School Program to support Boone County families by distributing backpacks filled with essential school supplies through August 30. 

This year, VAC is transitioning to the distribution of  backpacks filled with school supplies directly from its office at 403 A Vandiver Drive. 

“This new approach allows us to better accommodate the diverse schedules of our clients, ensuring that every family has ample opportunity to access the essential resources their children need for a successful school year,” the organization said in a news release. “Our Back to School Program not only provides necessary materials like backpacks and supplies but also supports families in easing the financial strain associated with back-to-school expenses.” 

The Back to School Program is designed to assist Boone County residents with children entering kindergarten through grade twelve and who meet the income eligibility criteria of 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Interested families can call 573-874-2273  or visit the VAC office to verify eligibility and receive assistance. 

Anderson Departs ESPN for Mizzou 

Anchor of ESPN’s flagship SportsCenter program for 25 years, John Anderson, will join the University of Missouri School of Journalism’s faculty as the Leonard H. Goldenson Endowed Chair in Radio and Television Journalism beginning January 2025. Anderson’s last SportsCenter episode aired Friday, June 28. 

Anderson is a 1987 Mizzou graduate. After getting his start at the Missouri News Network’s KOMU-TV as a Mizzou student-journalist, Anderson served in local television news for more than a decade before landing at ESPN. He joined ESPN in 1999, kicking off his tenure as one of the network’s longest-serving anchors and earning four Emmy Awards.