Good morning, Columbia.

The United States Exercise Tiger Foundation is set to break its record at the 5th annual Valentine's for Veterans event today at Captain's Quarters hair salon, where veterans will receive free haircuts, blankets, medals, coffee, flowers, boots, and military meals.

Extra blanket donations will be collected until 11:45 a.m.

Chef Daniel Pliska built a rich career in kitchens across the U.S. and Europe and revived the University Club of MU's dining experience, now teaching future chefs at Ozarks Technical Community College.

He is writing food articles and refining his website + adding e-books to share classical techniques.

Local churches and restaurants are hosting Mardi Gras and Lent events to connect people of all ages with the community — the festivities include traditional services and festive meals — more details will be announced soon.

John Higgins is designated to lead the Columbia Area Career Center while Mitchell Pittman is named principal at Beulah Ralph Elementary.

Their appointments aim to boost education in local schools.

Firefighters in Boone County controlled a 4-acre grass fire on Friday near the 7800 block of Low Crossings Road after a family's outdoor burn got out of control; officials warned residents to avoid burning items as dry conditions make fires spread quickly (light showers are expected this weekend).

The University of Missouri announced on Feb.

10 that it signed a contract with Intersect Partners Sports Properties to sell corporate naming rights for Memorial Stadium. The agreement details banned industries — such as cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco — and sets payment and revenue terms for Intersect.

Last week, Boone County saw 333 flu cases and 223 influenza A cases — the highest in over 20 years — as the Subclade K variant spurred more hospitalizations.

Health officials urge high-risk residents to get tested and avoid crowds during a flu season that ends March 30.

A local writer revived a treasured recipe from a decades-old binder by updating her Chicken a la King dish with added shallots; her culinary journey pays a nod to local favorites like Sophia's Filet Porto.

The story connects her past struggles with a renewed love for home cooking.

Data from Zumper shows that apartment rental prices in Columbia increased 10% from last year's median, with one-bedroom listings rising 11% since December.

The typical listing now is $1,408, which is above state averages + more affordable than national medians.

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.

Dance Mix Event

7-10 p.m. — Capital Ritz Banquet & Dance Center — Entry is required — Experience a lively mix of dance styles to a variety of music.

Intro to Longarm Quilting Class

10 AM – 12 PM — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — Materials included — Learn the art of longarm quilting and create your own small quilted tapestry.