Good morning, Columbia.

Columbia launched Love Your Block mini-grants to support resident-led neighborhood projects in central and northeast areas.

Applications are due March 15 for up to $2,500 for projects like community gardens, tree planting, and minor repairs — help sessions run Feb. 21, Feb. 28, March 7, and March 14.

Nate Bargatze, a Grammy-winning comedian known for clean, deadpan humor, will bring his Big Dumb Eyes tour to Columbia with his podcast co-host and Mizzou alumnus Greg Warren later this month.

Mary Ratliff, former NAACP president, honored civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, who died Tuesday morning, by recalling his 1988 visit to a local church and his message to keep hope alive during hard times.

She shared his personal bond with the community (a legacy that still inspires locals today).

Columbia Public Schools uses personal notes and partnerships with Job Point to keep students in class and run workforce development programs (offering career training and apprenticeships).

Administrators say early interventions aim to lower dropout rates and boost hands-on learning districtwide.

The University of Missouri is hosting the Chancellor’s Showcase (starting at 6:30 p.m. Friday) to celebrate student art accomplishments on campus.

The Missouri Senate Education Committee held a hearing Tuesday on a proposed bill to implement letter-grade report cards for public schools; supporters say it could help parents choose high-performing schools (critics warn it may stigmatize lower-performing ones).

Upgrades to McBaine Water Treatment Plant are on track to finish in August — the improvements are expected to boost water quality for local residents.

The project has advanced as planned and will soon deliver cleaner water.

Columbia now accepts applications for Juneteenth event grants — residents can submit online, by mail, or in person at city offices, with a deadline of 5 p.m. Feb.

27.

Columbia City Council approved a revised design for the Douglass Park basketball courts on Monday night, switching from a University theme to blue + gray surfaces and adding a water fountain on the east side after public feedback.

The project will be completed by September.

Missourians can track their federal and state tax refund status with online tools (SSN, filing status, refund amount needed); the IRS tool shows refunds within 21 days for electronic filings and the Missouri Department of Revenue tracker updates up to 5 business days post filing.

Taxes are due April 15.

Columbia Regional Airport received unanimous approval from City Council on Monday night to allocate $400,000 for adding 600 parking spaces at a gravel lot south of the terminal.

The project follows recent expansion of flight stops to Florida, Denver and Charlotte (aimed at easing congestion).

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.

Mizzou Women's Basketball vs Oklahoma

2-4 p.m. — Mizzou Arena — Tickets available — Catch the thrilling showdown between Mizzou's women's basketball team and Oklahoma.

UIC Flames vs. Missouri Tigers Baseball

6-7 p.m. — Taylor Stadium — Cost Info Not Provided — Catch an exciting baseball match featuring the UIC Flames taking on the Missouri Tigers.

COMO Women's Rugby New Player Meeting

6:15-7 p.m. — The Dandy Lion Cafe — Free entry — Welcome new players, learn about rugby, and enjoy karaoke afterwards.