Daily
Columbia
Thursday, February 19th, 2026
Good morning, Columbia. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Columbia's Boys & Girls Clubs will host their 20th annual chili cookoff at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 at Wyndham Executive Center at 2200 Interstate 70 Drive SW. Tickets are available through the club website, and children 13 and under enter free. Columbia Daily Tribune
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Lorenzo Powell and his grandfather Don Glover keep their century-old Fulton cattle farm running. While small farms have declined 8% since 2017, Powell said preserving the family legacy motivates him to balance farm work with a full-time job in Columbia — a commitment that spans six generations. KOMU 8
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ MU Extension’s Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory now charges $15 per sample (down from $36) using the Mehlich-3 method that returns results in three days instead of up to 10 business days. The lab expects to complete the switch in three to four years. KOMU 8
- ➤ Missouri lawmakers are debating separate proposals to create an A-F grading system for public schools in response to Gov. Kehoe’s call for clearer report cards. Senate lawmakers propose a model based on percentage points while House officials plan to set grades from performance benchmarks and adjust funding incentives. Columbia Daily Tribune
- ➤ Lloyd L. Gaines fought to attend law school at the University of Missouri, sparking a landmark ruling that broke down segregation and reshaped local education. His story continues to guide efforts for more inclusive campus cultures today. KRCG
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Boone County emergency management and local fire departments are watching dry, windy weather north of Interstate 70 today; residents are advised to postpone outdoor burning (and similar spark-causing activities) to reduce fire risks. Columbia Daily Tribune
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Upgrades at McBaine Water Treatment Plant will be complete in August as Columbia Utilities installs new equipment — raising daily production from 24 million to 32 million gallons and ensuring clearer water for residents. KOMU 8
- ➤ Crews from the Columbia Housing Authority and Emery Sapp and Sons will close a section of Park Avenue between North Providence Road and North Fifth Street today at 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. Feb. 27 to complete water line installations (detour signs will direct drivers to East Ash Street). Columbia Daily Tribune
- ➤ Columbia City Council approved revised designs for Douglass Park courts on Monday after public comment. The changes include blue and gray courts with white lines and signage honoring Moonlight Hoops and Douglass Bulldogs — to be completed by Sept. 2026 to meet grant requirements. KOMU 8
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ University of Missouri researchers developed an ensemble AI model that detects melanoma with nearly 93% accuracy using over 440,000 images. The team is set to submit its research paper this week and plans to develop a mobile app to help clinics identify skin cancer sooner. KOMU 8
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Brazilian United will hold a soccer camp for local youth at Cosmo Park from July 6-10 as six World Cup matches take place in Kansas City. Registration remains open to boost local passion for soccer + improve skills. KOMU 8
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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UIC Flames vs. Missouri Tigers Baseball
5:59-9:59 p.m. — Taylor Stadium — Cost varies — Come watch a thrilling collegiate baseball matchup under the lights.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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