KSHB 41 reporter Ryan Gamboa covers Miami County in Kansas and Cass County in Missouri. He also covers agricultural topics. Share your story idea with Ryan.
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Community leaders in rural Miami County, Kansas cut a ribbon Monday to celebrate Comcast’s completion of its two-year broadband infrastructure project.
“Most people would agree that internet is no longer just a luxury,” Jennifer Dameron, Comcast director of external affairs for the Midwest division told KSHB 41.
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Ryan Gamboa/KSHB
Jennifer Dameron
The project, fully funded by Comcast, began in 2023.
Comcast expands rural broadband access across Missouri and Kansas
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4,000 homes and businesses in rural Paola and Hillsdale, Kansas, are now offered Xfinity internet and television services.
Miami County Economic Development Director Janet McRae told KSHB 41 the county previously had one internet provider, but they didn’t offer additional services.
Ryan Gamboa/KSHB
“It really helps connect our unincorporated areas of our community with a consistent provider,” she explained.
In early December 2024, KSHB 41 reported on a ‘Tiny Home’ development at My Father’s House, a local shelter.
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RELATED | Paola, Kansas, expands affordable housing options with tiny home village
“It used to be that electricty and water were the necessary utilities, and if you had those, you were good enough,” said My Father’s House Co-Founder, Beth Waddle.
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Beth Waddle
Waddle says the COVID-19 pandemic exposed rural America’s lack of internet access.
“You could only access social security services online, or you could only access doctors appointments online,” she said. “We saw that there were so many people, especially in these more rural communities, that just didn’t have appropriate internet access. They couldn’t access their necessary services.”
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My Father’s House in Paola, Kansas broke ground on 14 Tiny Homes to bridge the gap in rural affordable housing shortage.
My Father’s House, in tandem with it’s ‘Tiny Home’ project, is helping people get back on their feet.
RELATED | Paola, Kansas, expands affordable housing options with tiny home village
It offers educational and resource tools to apply for jobs online.
Comcast’s expansion to rural Miami County will offer people served at My Father’s House a better opportunity at a second chance.
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Ryan Gamboa/KSHB
Near Hillsdale, Kansas
“Internet is an important component of anybody’s journey back onto their greater journey towards independence,” added Waddle.
In March, Comcast announced it is connecting more than 11,000 homes and business in six Missouri communities: Concordia, Harrisonville, Higginsville, Lexington, Napoleon and Wellington.
It will span more than 300 miles and is expected to be completed by 2027.
Comcast
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Harrisonville, Missouri broadband groundbreaking
In May, Comcast broke ground on its project in Harrisonville, Missouri. The company’s total investment in rural Missouri over the past three years is $100 million.
“We’re really excited to be expanding and doubling our footprint in Missouri,” added Dameron.
RELATED | Rural Kansas counties begin preparations for 2026 World Cup’s economic boost
The FIFA World Cup is less than a year away in Kansas City and rural communities are looking for ways to attract visitors.
KSHB 41
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“With the higher-speed internet comes a lot of economic opportunities,” said McRae. “With World Cup coming next year, our businesses are going to be able to reach that world market in a way that they previously couldn’t do. With some online shopping opportunities, but they may not have been able to have the connectivity and the reliability that they needed to be able to do that.”
McRae went on to add some small businesses have reached out to her office looking for ways to offer themselves remote work.
Ryan Gamboa/KSHB
Lola’s in rural Paola, Kansas
Connectivity, is what Dameron told KSHB 41 could drive population growth in the area from the Kansas City metro.
“It gives you also the opportunity to live in Paola if you want to, but work in Kansas City,” Dameron said. “Why wouldn’t you want to live here?”
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Dameron presented My Father’s House with a $2,500 check on Monday afternoon.
Ryan Gamboa/KSHB
My Father’s House in Paola, Kansas
It’s a gift that shows the corporation’s investment in its rural partners.
“There’s no strings attached with that check. I am so grateful for the opportunity to work in partnership with Comcast,” added Waddle. “I’m thankful for a community that embraces that kind of growth.”
As of Saturday, December 13, 2025, Bet365 Sportsbook is firmly established in the Show-Me State, continuing a massive expansion for the global betting giant. To maximize its footprint during this pivotal opening month, Bet365 Missouri has extended its most aggressive welcome promotion in Bowl Season: the Bet365 bonus code SYRACUSE now unlocks a Bet $10, Get $365 in Bonus Bets deal for all eligible Missouri residents.
This enhanced bonus stands as a significant departure from Bet365’s typical national approach. In mature markets such as New Jersey and Ohio, the standard entry offer is generally capped at $150. By utilizing the Bet365 bonus code in Missouri today, new registrants secure an extra $215 in bonus value, cementing this $365 guarantee as one of the premier launch incentives in the United States.
Bet365 Bonus Code SYRACUSE: A New National Benchmark
The Bet365 Bonus Code Missouri’s updated terms and conditions can be viewed here.Bet365
The timing of this rollout is impeccable, aligning perfectly with the most storied rivalry in college football. The Bet365 bonus code framework for Missouri is engineered to supply immediate account liquidity. Unlike deposit matches that demand a high upfront cost, or “safety net” bets that rely on a loss to trigger a refund, the Bet365 bonus code SYRACUSE ensures the $365 payout happens regardless of whether the qualifying bet wins or loses.
Key Deal Terms:
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Bonus Code: SYRACUSE
Offer: Bet $10, Get $365 in Bonus Bets (Guaranteed).
Value Differential: +$215 over the standard $150 national promo.
Launch Window: December 2025 (Live Now).
Today’s Top Missouri Betting Opportunity: Army vs. Navy
The activation of the Bet365 bonus code comes just hours before kickoff for “America’s Game.” Missouri bettors can apply their qualifying $10 wager on this afternoon’s service academy clash to instantly trigger the $365 bonus mechanism.
Army vs. Navy: Saturday College Football Spotlight
Teams: Army Black Knights vs. Navy Midshipmen
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM ET
Venue: M&T Bank Stadium
Current Betting Odds
Total (Over/Under): 38.5
Moneyline Odds: Army +210, Navy -235
Note: Odds are subject to change.
By using the Bet365 bonus code to place a $10 wager on the Midshipmen cover (-6), the Army upset (+210), or the defensive struggle on the Under (38.5), Missouri accounts will be credited with $365 in bonus bets. This provides a significant war chest for the remainder of the December football schedule.
How to Activate the Bet365 Bonus Code SYRACUSE:
Bet365 Bonus Code SYRACUSE unlocks the Missouri sports betting launch bonus when you follow these simple steps.Bet365
With the platform fully operational, claiming this elevated launch bonus requires following specific steps during sign-up. The Bet365 bonus code must be applied as follows:
Application: Enter the Bet365 bonus code SYRACUSE inside the dedicated field during account creation on the Missouri app or desktop site.
Deposit: Make a minimum initial deposit of $10 to fund the new account.
Qualifying Wager: Place a $10 wager on the Army-Navy game (or any other eligible market).
Distribution: The Bet365 bonus code triggers the release of $365 in bonus bets to the account balance once the wager settles, irrespective of the final score.
Conclusion: Bet365 Missouri Redefines the Opening Month
The arrival of Bet365 in Missouri delivers more than just a new platform; it introduces a market-altering promotional tier. By leveraging the Bet365 bonus code SYRACUSE during this historic opening month, sports fans guarantee themselves a bonus $215 higher than the national average, ensuring the most profitable start possible to their betting experience in Missouri.
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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – The Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested a 29-year-old woman after seizing over 200 pounds of marijuana in a traffic stop.
ALSO READ: Investigation into Missouri kratom retailers expands, says AG
According to the MSHP, troopers stopped a vehicle for a registration violation and following too closely on EB I-70 in Montgomery County, Mo., on Thursday, December 11. Authorities then searched the vehicle, finding 221 pounds of marijuana.
According to an MSHP report, 29-year-old Briana A. Roberts was taken into custody and held in the Montgomery County Jail for 24 hours. She could be charged with trafficking drugs in the first degree and endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree, according to the report.
Some mid-Missouri stores and restaurants will have adjusted hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. KOMU 8 News has compiled a list of what’s open on Christmas in 2025.
If you don’t see your establishment listed, please email news@komu.com with your operating hours.
Stores
Walgreens – East Broadway, Columbia
Christmas Eve: Store open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., pharmacy open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Christmas Day: Store open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., pharmacy closed
Walmart
Christmas Eve: Open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Target – Columbia
Target – Jefferson City
Christmas Eve: Open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Aldi
Christmas Eve: Open 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Dollar General
Christmas Eve: Open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Dollar Tree
Christmas Eve: Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Gerbes
Christmas Eve: Open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Hy-Vee
Christmas Eve: Store open 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pharmacy open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Moser’s Food
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Sam’s Club
Christmas Eve: Store and pharmacy open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Schnuck’s
Christmas Eve: Open 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Restaurants and Coffee Shops
IHOP
Christmas Eve: Open 12 a.m. to 7p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed, opens next day at 5 a.m.
Waffle House
7Brew
Christmas Eve: Open 5:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Scooter’s
Christmas Eve: Open 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Starbucks – Broadway & Fairview in Columbia
Christmas Eve: Open 4:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Christmas Day: Open 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Starbucks – Missouri Boulevard & U.S. 50 in Jefferson City
Christmas Eve: Open 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Christmas Day: Open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Starbucks – Nifong & Buttonwood in Columbia
Christmas Eve: Open 4:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Starbucks – West Truman & Country Club in Jefferson City
