Daily
Columbia
Friday, February 20th, 2026
Good morning, Columbia. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Daniel Boone Regional Library is hosting today’s Crafternoon from 2-4 p.m. where residents can paint a zippered pouch during this rainy afternoon, and future sessions will offer new craft themes. Inside Columbia
- ➤ The Boys & Girls Club will host its 20th annual chili cook-off featuring local organizations and businesses competing for awards, with donations supporting club programming. Columbia Missourian
- ➤ Love Columbia launched the new Career Next Moves program today to empower unemployed residents by offering career resources and expert guidance in Columbia. The initiative helps them overcome barriers and explore new employment opportunities. Columbia Missourian
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Firefighters from the Columbia Fire Department responded Wednesday morning after a vehicle caught fire in the MU Health Care parking garage after 10:29 a.m., securing the area with help from hospital security and U of M police; the blaze was extinguished and the building was undamaged with no injuries reported. KRCG
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Applebee’s near Stadium Boulevard in west Columbia closed on Wednesday, Feb. 18—after over 30 years of service, the chain now directs diners to its new spot at 2601 West Broadway in Columbia. ABC 17
- ➤ Bella Vida Salon and Spa, formerly Varsity Nails and Clips, is now open at 10 W. Nifong Blvd., #109 to offer manicures, pedicures and a variety of waxing and brow treatments. The rebranded business aims to provide enhanced beauty services for local residents. Inside Columbia
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Comedian Nate Bargatze (Big Dumb Eyes) will perform at Mizzou Arena on Saturday at 7 p.m. in Columbia, giving local fans a chance to enjoy his acclaimed humor. Inside Columbia
- ➤ The preserved Blind Boone Victorian home in Columbia invites visitors to explore exhibits that honor the trailblazing pianist—whose career defied poverty and racism. Listed on the National Register, the site offers a window into his influential contributions to Missouri music. KRCG
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ MU researchers, led by Walter Gassmann and Jianbin Su, discovered a new method to control plant root length that could help crops adapt to unstable weather. The finding (a promising step toward resilient farming) may guide future studies. Columbia Missourian
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ MoDOT announced that one lane of I-70 in Kingdom City will be reduced to one lane each direction at mile marker 148 from Feb. 24 to Feb. 26 at 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. — drivers should slow down in the work zone. KRCG
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The 20th Annual Children's Miracle Network Miracles for Kids Radiothon is underway on local radio stations (93.9 FM The Eagle, 94.3 FM KAT Country, 99.3 FM C). Listeners can tune in today to support fundraising for children's healthcare. KRCG
- ➤ MU Health Care received a $125,000 state grant to fund a new rural physician training program at clinics in California and Versailles, addressing local doctor shortages and expanding patient access. The program lets second and third year residents practice under close supervision to ensure effective care. KRCG
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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.
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Severe Storm Spotter Training Class
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Callaway Electric Cooperative — Free entry — Become a trained storm spotter and help make your community safer during severe weather.
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.
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