Good morning, Columbia.

Southern Boone voters will decide on a $4M bond issue on April 7 to fund essential school repairs, renovations, parking lot upgrades, roof replacements, and HVAC improvements.

The measure, approved on January 20, aims to maintain school facilities used daily by students, staff, and community members.

Columbia College will celebrate 175 years of teaching students, marking its start as a two-year (women's college) in Jan.

1851. The anniversary highlights its longstanding role in local education.

IRS will begin accepting returns on Monday, Jan.

26, with state filings due Wednesday, April 15. Taxpayers who file online can expect refunds in 21 days while new federal law provisions (HR1) may change credits and deductions.

Columbia firefighters shared tips today to prevent dryer fires after a recent uptick in incidents.

They advised residents to have dryers installed by professionals, clean lint filters after each load, and remove flammable items nearby (following manufacturer instructions) for safety.

An audit released Tuesday showed Missouri Lottery advertising spending rose to $5.4 million in fiscal 2024 while transfers to education dropped over $35 million to $389.8 million.

Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick rated the lottery as good and said school funding is still supported by state funds & other sources.

Columbia has signed a renewable one-year contract with EnviroServe (a Utah-based waste management firm) to clean homeless encampments, with cleanup efforts planned soon to improve local conditions.

MU Health Care OB-GYN Maggie Sevrin recommends earlier cervical cancer screenings using an FDA-approved home testing kit that checks for HPV + matches the reliability of a pelvic exam.

Her advice offers a more convenient option for residents managing their health.

Missouri Tigers vs. Oklahoma Sooners Basketball Game

1-3 p.m. — Mizzou Arena — Check ticket prices — Watch the University of Oklahoma take on the Missouri Tigers in an exciting college basketball matchup.

Texas A&M Aggies vs. Missouri Tigers Women's Basketball

5-7 p.m. — Mizzou Arena — Free trial available — Experience exciting college basketball as Texas A&M takes on Missouri in this SEC showdown.

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Jesse Hall Auditorium — Tickets from $116 — Experience an unforgettable performance by the renowned St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in Columbia, MO.

Dance Mix at Capital Ritz

7-10 p.m. — Capital Ritz Banquet & Dance Center — Entry fee applies — Experience an evening of diverse dancing styles to a lively mix of music.

Basics of Industrial Sewing Workshop

10 AM – 1 PM — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — All materials included — Learn to work with industrial sewing machines and create a tote bag while mastering essential techniques.

Family Story Time

10-11 a.m. — Callaway County Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy rhymes and stories designed for families with children ages birth to 5.

Baby & Toddler Time

10-11 a.m. — Callaway County Public Library — Free entry — Bond with your little one through books, songs, and play.

Florida Gators vs. Missouri Tigers Women's Gymnastics

5:59-8:59 p.m. — Hearnes Center — Ticket prices vary — Cheer on the Gators as they take on the Tigers in an exciting gymnastics showdown.

Find Fiona with Nightstand

8-10 p.m. — Rose Music Hall — Check event page for ticket info — Experience the emotional melodies of Nightstand's latest single.

Mizzou Women's Basketball vs Georgia

3-5 p.m. — Mizzou Arena — Check out the fierce competition as Mizzou takes on Georgia in women's basketball.