Good morning, Columbia.

Boone County Animal Care will host its first annual Love Unleashed, A Home For Every Heart Gala on Feb.

14 to raise funds for a new no‑kill animal shelter. The event features dinner, live music and auctions — doors open at 5 p.m. with kickoff at 6 p.m.

Three pets died in a house fire on Friday when a clothes dryer malfunction set a home ablaze on Langham Drive, and firefighters arrived at 11:18 a.m. to control a second alarm fire though toxic smoke forced an evacuation (the pets were a dog, fish, and bird).

Columbia-based EquipmentShare began offering 30,500,000 shares of Class A common stock on Nasdaq Global Select Market Friday morning at $24.50 per share — a step intended to support its planned expansion from 300 to 700 locations.

EquipmentShare’s officials will ring the opening bell at Nasdaq in New York.

The Columbia Daily Tribune will switch to postal delivery — a method expected to boost delivery consistency — starting Monday, Feb.

23; the paper will also change its Saturday edition to a Weekender, and subscribers will receive letters with digital access instructions.

With snow expected this weekend, West Lake Ace Hardware in Columbia has seen a surge in winter supplies like shovels, space heaters and pet-friendly salt and now advises residents to pick up faucet covers, windshield scrapers and flashlights to stay safe when the first flakes fall.

Columbia College celebrated its 175th birthday today as alumni and staff praised the school's close-knit community and supportive higher education environment, marking an important milestone in its history.

Extreme cold is hitting Columbia today with up to 8 inches of snow, prompting Gov. Kehoe to declare a state of emergency.

Residents can find warming centers and advice on staying safe at local community venues + libraries.

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe activated 180 National Guard members on Thursday ahead of a heavy winter storm expected to dump 5 to 10 inches of snow with bitter cold that may strand drivers, and the troops will assist MoDOT and Highway Patrol with travel issues — local officials advise extra caution.

MoDOT is finalizing winter weather preparations by scheduling nearly 48 crew members from the Columbia Maintenance Complex for 12-hour shifts this weekend to clear I-70, Route 63, and smaller roads in Boone County with assistance from Jefferson City.

Truck safety checks are in place (including over 3,000 tons of salt).

Columbia routed $2.1 million from American Rescue funding to five groups to reduce violence, with In2Action receiving $750,000 to support returning residents — Destiny of H.O.P.E is planning a new center for teens while other groups will offer mentorship programs.

Columbia residents are urged to prepare for outages amid heavy snowfall and cold weather.

Authorities advise reporting power loss to Columbia Water + Light, dressing warmly, securing heat indoors, and checking on neighbors to stay safe.

Mizzou Tigers men’s basketball will face Mississippi State at Mizzou Arena today with tipoff at 2:30 p.m. after a close loss to ranked Georgia on Tuesday.

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.

Family Story Time

10-11 AM — Callaway County Public Library — Free entry — Rhymes and stories await families with children ages birth to 5.