Good morning, Columbia.

Captain's Quarters will offer free haircuts for veterans on Saturday, Feb.

14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its local salon — it hopes to help veterans feel warm and welcome.

Carter's Coffee opened its new location at 4505 Stellar Drive where the family-owned shop offers a walk-up window, drive thru, and soon (online ordering).

It operates Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Regional Economic Development Inc. recapped its board meeting successes, including small business grants and coaching, and will host an event on Feb.

26 to discuss how the World Cup may boost local economic growth. REDI supports over 250 entrepreneurs with resources and training.

The CPS teachers' union has endorsed incumbent school board members April Ferrao, John Lyman and Paul Harper for re-election — newcomer Keary Husain is also running in Columbia.

The State Board of Education disciplined former St. James math teacher Tyler James Glidden after he allegedly set a student's hands on fire using classroom hand sanitizer (the incident occurred on Dec.

2, 2022 and left the student with first- and second-degree burns).

MoDOT said crossing safety upgrades are still in progress in Columbia three years after the deadly Amtrak crash, with closures and signal improvements planned amid funding fluctuations (from $50 million to $25 million) as projects continue through next year.

Bright yellow signs now display license plate recognition alerts on campus and along busy streets as MUPD enhances safety – the department says the cameras help deter criminal activity.

Students have expressed mixed feelings about the increased surveillance.

A Missouri House committee advanced a bill requiring K-12 students to get 60 minutes of daily physical activity, passed 6+4 on Wednesday in Jefferson City.

The measure includes recess improvements and counts up to 10 minutes of activity toward academic time as it awaits debate on the House floor.

City and university leaders are considering a safety ambassadors program downtown to boost security after a past incident.

If approved by City Council, six unarmed ambassadors will work Thursday-Saturday from 5 p.m.-3 a.m. in April & help monitor street lighting and food permits.

Columbia housing programs are asking residents for input through a Needs Assessment Survey to decide how to allocate a potential $1.47 million in HUD funds.

The survey will guide the city’s housing funding plans.

The Utilities Department is asking for public input on plans to meet future energy needs as Columbia may lose 25% of its current generation capacity by 2028 & officials plan to explore solutions.

Columbia tattoo shops are planning flash sheet deals on Friday the 13th, with some shops starting walk-ins at noon while others offer discounts or set-price tattoos.

Locals should note that most specials require cash and offer limited availability tomorrow.

Mizzou Athletics is planning to sell naming rights to its football stadium to help fund a $250M renovation of its north concourse set to open for the season opener against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

The move drops 'Memorial' from the name (which honored 117 fallen students and alumni) to boost competitiveness.

University of Missouri Hockey Game

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Washington Park Ice Arena — Check the schedule — Catch the University of Missouri team in action against rival universities in a thrilling hockey matchup.

University of Missouri Hockey Game Against Nebraska

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Washington Park Ice Arena — Tickets available — Catch the exciting hockey action as the University of Missouri takes on University of Nebraska.

GA20 Concert

7:00 – 9:30 PM — Rose Music Hall — Tickets from $34 — GA20 brings an unforgettable music experience to Columbia.

Callaway Cares Bingo

5:30-7 p.m. — Holts Summit Lions Club — Early bird games $1, regular games $4 — Test your luck and enjoy an evening of bingo fun.

Family Story Time

9:30-10:00 a.m. — Southern Boone County Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy rhymes and stories in a fun family setting for kids aged 3 to 5.

Auburn Tigers vs. Missouri Tigers Women's Basketball

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Mizzou Arena — Tickets available — Catch the thrilling showdown between the Auburn and Missouri women's basketball teams.

Creed Fisher Live Concert

8-9 p.m. — The Blue Note — Ticket prices vary — Experience the rebellious spirit of country music's antihero with Creed Fisher's latest hits.

Intro to Woodworking Class

9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — Class fee includes materials — Learn woodworking skills and safety while creating a small project.

Callaway Cares Bingo

5:30-7 p.m. — Holts Summit Lions Club — Early bird games starting at $1, regular games at $4 — Enjoy a fun evening of bingo with friends and family.

Red Cross Blood Drive

2-6 p.m. — Southern Boone County High School — Vital community support needed — Type O blood donors and platelet givers are especially encouraged to help keep hospital shelves stocked.