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
Crumbling downtown Jefferson City building to be demolished
Nearly two years after the west wall of 200 E. High St. partially collapsed into Madison Street, crews will be out demolishing the building starting next week.
Mar. 26 2020 @ 2:39pm
Mid-Missourians find new hobbies while social distancing
Mid-Missourians are finding different ways to spend their time while practicing social distancing or going into self-isolation.
Mar. 25 2020 @ 11:13pm
7 ways you can support local businesses
Here are seven ways you can support local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mar. 24 2020 @ 11:07pm
Retailers engage customers in new ways in response to COVID-19
The novel coronavirus has turned the business industry on its head, and several retail stores are finding different ways to engage with their customers from a safe distance.
Mar. 22 2020 @ 11:47pm
BizBeat: Target undergoes remodel
Customers are no longer greeted by bright red walls and small aisles at Target in Jefferson City.Target, at 735 W.
Mar. 22 2020 @ 12:05am
Local restaurants adapting amid coronavirus outbreak
Adapt.That's what many local restaurants are doing to protect employees and customers from the novel coronavirus.
Mar. 18 2020 @ 10:25pm
BizBeat: BJ's in Linn under new ownership
Scot Drinkard took over BJ's Restaurant and Lounge in Linn on March 2 after former owner Dale Jaegers retired.
Mar. 18 2020 @ 11:50am
BizBeat: House of Bargains closing most of its departments
After 61 years of business, House of Bargains will close the majority of its operations by this summer.
Mar. 15 2020 @ 12:05am
Julia Prullage drives local Rotary youth exchange program
Jefferson City Breakfast Rotary President Julia Prullage serves as youth exchange outbound coordinator for the Mid-Missouri Rotary District.
Mar. 8 2020 @ 11:35pm
BizBeat: 15-year-old opens Holts Summit ice cream shop Mellby's Chill Zone
At 15 years old, Shelby Mell isn't your average teenager.While many teens struggle to keep up with grades and extracurricular activities, Mell is showing off what young entrepreneurs can do by opening an ice cream and snow cone business in Holts Summit.
Mar. 8 2020 @ 12:05am
BizBeat: Gotham Grill relocates to East High Street
Gotham Grill may have closed its lair last week, but the Batcave will soon return in a different downtown Jefferson City location.
Mar. 1 2020 @ 12:03am
BizBeat: Farmers Bank of Lohman opens new branch
Farmers Bank of Lohman opened a new branch last week.
Mar. 1 2020 @ 12:03am
BizBeat: Ice Cream Factory opens in Jefferson City this week
Here's the scoop: The new Ice Cream Factory in Jefferson City is opening this Saturday.The new ice cream shop at 701 Madison St.
Feb. 23 2020 @ 12:04am
BizBeat: Shelly Poe finds passion through new massage therapy business
Shelly Poe has come a long way in nine months, from waiting tables to kickstarting her career with a new massage therapy business, Shelly Poe Massage Wellness.
Feb. 23 2020 @ 12:04am
BizBeat: Scooter's Coffee to celebrate grand opening
Scooter's Coffee in Jefferson City opened in December, but to celebrate its debut location in the Capital City, the business will host a Grand Opening Week.
Feb. 23 2020 @ 12:04am
River City Music Revival strengthens local musicians' bonds
Saturday's River City Music Revival was a bonding experience for local musicians. Nine local bands performed over a 10-hour period during the first River City Music Revival.
Feb. 22 2020 @ 10:52pm
BizBeat: MNM Auto Sales reopens under next generation of owners
When Machale and Cross Mallicoat were young, every day was "bring your child to work day" at MNM Auto Sales.
Feb. 16 2020 @ 12:05am
News Tribune Oscars contest winners credit film watching, research
Only one person this year, Patrick Morello, correctly selected all of the winners for this year's News Tribune Oscars contest.
Feb. 15 2020 @ 11:03pm
Police dog Buzz enjoys retirement with JCPD officer
With over eight years of service under his collar K-9 Buzz retired from the Jefferson City Police Department last fall. But his ties to the department are still strong after a local police officer adopted Buzz.
Feb. 15 2020 @ 11:00pm
Lincoln University students, Primrose seniors bond over experiences
About a dozen Lincoln University students visited residents at Primrose Retirement Community Thursday evening as part of the retirement community's fifth annual Random Acts of Kindness event.
Feb. 13 2020 @ 11:20pm
