Nicole Roberts is the community engagement editor for the News Tribune. She works with readers to enhance their interactions with the News Tribune, coordinates community events and partnerships with local organizations, and guides reporters who are producing multimedia elements like videos and interactive graphs. She also writes news and feature stories occasionally. Before becoming engagement editor in August 2019, Roberts served as the News Tribune's Jefferson City government reporter for over two years. Some of the topics she reported on included redevelopment of the city-owned property at the Missouri State Penitentiary, creation of the bicentennial bridge to Adrian's Island, rehabilitation efforts along East Capitol Avenue, and legal issues surrounding a crumbling building in downtown Jefferson City. Roberts received a bachelor's degree in journalism in 2017 from Missouri State University in Springfield, where she served as editor-in-chief of the school's student newspaper, The Standard. The Associated Press, Kansas City Press Club and Missouri College Media Association have recognized Roberts for her work at the News Tribune and The Standard. She is originally from Rolla but attended high school in Vienna, about 30 minutes southeast of Jefferson City. Follow Nicole on Twitter at @NReneeRoberts.
Recent stories by Nicole Roberts
BizBeat: Classroom Connection to close in 2021, new family business moving into space
After nearly 16 years in business, Classroom Connection and Educational Materials will close in early 2021.
Dec. 13 2020 @ 12:00am
BizBeat: Jefferson City CrossFit creating new home
Jefferson City CrossFit will relocate from 1301 Creek Trail Drive to 728 Heisinger Road Suite A, one of the warehouses behind Love Sushi and next to Last Flight Brewery.
Dec. 13 2020 @ 12:00am
BizBeat: Jefferson City Judo Club, Jefferson City Jujitsu upgrades to larger space
After a sharp uptick in membership over the summer, it became apparent the Jefferson City Judo Club and Jefferson City Jujitsu needed a larger space.
Dec. 13 2020 @ 12:00am
BizBeat: J Street Vintage owner opens shoppette
J Street Vintage owner Lizzie Harlan hopes her knew shoppette, Lizzie Lou's, will help kick-start small shops and encourage the Jefferson City community to rally around local businesses.
Dec. 6 2020 @ 12:01am
BizBeat: Mattie Grace Boutique relocates to bigger space
The clothing boutique opened in its new location, at 512 Jefferson St. in Jefferson City, on Nov. 7
Dec. 6 2020 @ 12:01am
Osage County waiting on bridge replacement
Almost four months after a bridge in Westphalia collapsed following a semi-trailer attempting to cross it, the Osage County Commission is still waiting to hear whether it will get a new bridge.
Dec. 5 2020 @ 12:05am
BizBeat: Hairstylists honor late coworker with new salon
Angie Rice had a personality that lit up a room, and she easily befriended everyone she met.After the hairstylist died from a heart attack in July, a few of Rice's coworkers wanted to ensure no one forgets their friend.
Nov. 29 2020 @ 12:01am
BizBeat: New bistro coming to Missouri State Capitol
A new bistro will replace Chez Monet in the Missouri State Capitol at the start of the new year.
Nov. 22 2020 @ 12:04am
BizBeat: Chez Monet waits to move into Governor Office Building
Leaving its location in the Missouri State Capitol doesn't mean Chez Monet won't offer customers its popular baked goods.
Nov. 22 2020 @ 12:04am
BizBeat: 1905 Tavern to bring new environment to Freeburg
The owners of 1905 Tavern hope the new restaurant will provide a unique dining experience in Freeburg.
Nov. 22 2020 @ 12:04am
BizBeat: Choose Me Cuisine food truck offers cheap, late-night meals
Residents looking for a cheap, late-night meal can now order American cuisines from the new Choose Me Cuisine food truck.
Nov. 15 2020 @ 9:25am
BizBeat: Brew House Coffee closes amid pandemic
Brew House Coffee in Jefferson City announced its closure earlier this month due to financial strain caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Nov. 15 2020 @ 12:05am
How absentee ballot submitted dictates when, if it's counted
Most Mid-Missouri counties are seeing a record-breaking number of absentee ballots ahead of the Nov.
Nov. 1 2020 @ 12:05am
BizBeat: Missouri Valley Archery and Outdoors closes
Missouri Valley Archery and Outdoors closed its doors late last month.Located at 2436 Missouri Blvd.
Nov. 1 2020 @ 12:00am
BizBeat: Auntie Anne's coming to Capital Mall
Soft pretzel franchise Auntie Anne's will open a new location in Jefferson City's Capital Mall in early 2021.
Nov. 1 2020 @ 12:00am
Firefighter students run through structure fire simulation
Nearly a dozen Cole County residents who hope to one day become firefighters tested their skills on Saturday during a live structure fire simulation.
Oct. 31 2020 @ 11:34pm
Thousands enjoy Halloween downtown, at the Governor's Mansion
Thousands of children and families donned their Halloween costumes and gathered at the Governor's Mansion and High Street for the annual Parsons Fall Festival and High Street Trick or Treat Saturday afternoon.
Oct. 31 2020 @ 11:31pm
Mid-Missouri clerks: Hefty voter turnout possible
While some Mid-Missouri county clerks anticipate higher voter turnout in this week's election compared to the last presidential election, others think it will be about the same, only with a heavier emphasis on absentee voting.
Oct. 31 2020 @ 11:22pm
BizBeat: Southbank opens 'occasional shop' in downtown Jefferson City
Sometimes when customers enter Southbank Gift Company, they see owner Jill Bednar repurposing a piece of furniture, but oftentimes, there isn't room in the store to display the finished piece.
Oct. 25 2020 @ 12:00am
BizBeat: Sweet Smoke BBQ to open food truck
Less than a year after opening its second Jefferson City location, Sweet Smoke BBQ is adding another item to its business portfolio — a food truck.
Oct. 25 2020 @ 12:00am
