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: Stylist puts heart, soul into new Meraki Hair Salon
Meraki is a Greek word often used to describe putting something — whether it be your soul, creativity or love — into your work.
Jul. 5 2020 @ 12:05am
BizBeat: Grub and Scrub opens in Eugene
When Shawn and Amanda Dworaczyk attended Eugene High School, students congregated at a local gas station after school.
Jun. 28 2020 @ 12:00am
Russellville seniors find closure in graduation ceremony
Walking across the stage on Saturday brought closure for 44 Cole County R-1 High School graduates.
Jun. 27 2020 @ 11:45pm
BizBeat: Art 101 on Boonville finds new 'happy place'
At one table, children happily hummed or chatted with each other as they painted their blue paper plates last Tuesday before delicately placing their black or grey paper whales on the plates.
Jun. 21 2020 @ 12:00am
Black business owners in Jefferson City share storied journeys toward success
While many Jefferson City black-owned business owners said they do not believe their race has impacted their businesses as a whole, others acknowledged there are hurdles minority-owned businesses face that need to be addressed.
Jun. 20 2020 @ 11:41pm
Businesses ease into reopenings
Missouri's statewide public health restrictions expired earlier this week, and while some Jefferson City businesses plan to increase their occupancy, others do not anticipate making any changes.
Jun. 17 2020 @ 9:05pm
Business Insider ranks Jefferson City second best city to live in after pandemic
Business Insider ranked Jefferson City as the second best place to live in the United States after the coronavirus pandemic.
Jun. 15 2020 @ 11:49pm
Salute to America coordinator adapts during natural disasters, pandemic
The last two years have been a whirlwind -- literally -- of activity for Salute to America Event Coordinator Penny Smith but she is excited to continue learning and planning two of Jefferson City's largest community events.
Jun. 14 2020 @ 11:20pm
BizBeat: New board game cafe business offers fun that won't leave you Sorry!
Adam Stark and Cara Alexander Stark weren't playing games when they decided to reinvent Capitol City Cork & Provisions.
Jun. 14 2020 @ 1:01am
BizBeat: Father, daughter to open Serendipity Roasting Company in downtown Eldon
When one door opens, another three open. That serendipitous moment is what father-daughter duo Cliff and Sariah Simmons believe happened for them.
Jun. 7 2020 @ 12:01am
Salute to America to continue 4th of July festival but with changes
Jefferson City's longtime Salute to America Fourth of July celebration is moving forward but with some noticeable changes because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Jun. 3 2020 @ 12:05am
BizBeat: CVS Pharmacy coming to Schnucks
A CVS Pharmacy will open inside Schnucks in Jefferson City next month.The pharmacy inside Schnucks, at 1801 Missouri Blvd.
May. 31 2020 @ 12:00am
BizBeat: Bump Boutique to fill maternity clothing void
From operating a child care center in Jefferson City, Paula Stallings knew there was a need for maternity clothes in the Mid-Missouri area.
May. 24 2020 @ 12:00am
Capital Mall businesses starting to return to normal
Despite some stores remaining closed, most businesses at Capital Mall reopened earlier this month and they have been keeping busy.
May. 23 2020 @ 11:15pm
BizBeat: Chicken Lipz boutique opens on Jefferson Street
Nacona Gaona isn't afraid of the hustle. The 24-year-old single mother knew she would need plenty of it to make her dream of opening a clothing store come true.
May. 17 2020 @ 12:00am
BizBeat: J Street Vintage thrives through online auctions
When friends and family called Lizzie Harlan, they anticipated the J Street Vintage owner to be in a state of panic, struggling to weather the coronavirus pandemic.
May. 10 2020 @ 12:05am
Reopened businesses still face financial burdens, continue to persevere
Despite financial hardships, several Mid-Missouri businesses reopened after state and county stay-at-home orders expired, and their owners are determined to stay afloat.
May. 9 2020 @ 11:04pm
BizBeat: T3 Fitness to be one-stop shop for gym members
Several gyms in the area offer aspects that fitness guru Holly Geisler likes, but none have all of the services in one location.
May. 3 2020 @ 12:01am
BizBeat: Popcorn Buddha closes permanently
After moving back to Linn seven months ago, Popcorn Buddha is closing its doors permanently amid the coronavirus pandemic.
May. 3 2020 @ 12:01am
Some Mid-Missouri couples get married during pandemic, others postpone weddings
Several Mid-Missouri couples have to decide whether to move forward with their weddings or postpone them, with both options leading them down roads with numerous hurdles.
May. 2 2020 @ 10:52pm
