Good morning, Columbia.

Construction for the new Community Welcome Center at Clary-Shy Park is nearly complete and will finish by late spring as fundraising continues.

The center will feature an event hall, test kitchens, and offices for the Columbia Farmers Market and the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture.

The Boys and Girls Club of Columbia is hosting its 20th annual chili cookoff as local businesses and organizations compete for awards that celebrate local flavor.

The Coalition Against Community Violence held its first town hall in Ward 1 on Saturday, Feb.

21, where three residents gathered to discuss solutions to local violence. Lonnie Lockhart-Bey said the low turnout will help inform future meetings scheduled for March and is funded by the *Missouri Foundation for Health*.

Local groups will host Lunar New Year celebrations that highlight traditional customs and offer a fresh start for the community.

Residents will have opportunities to enjoy food, art, and live performances at various local venues.

Small businesses & nonprofits in Boone County can apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help recover from severe storms and flooding in spring 2025.

Eligible applicants must show acceptable credit and repayment ability to borrow up to $2M under special terms through the SBA website.

MU researcher Wenjun Ma is developing vaccines for bird flu and Newcastle disease using a $1.9 million USDA grant (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) to curb poultry outbreaks that cost local producers economically.

A Realtor.com analysis shows Boone County homes were listed at a median price of $415,000 in January, flat from the previous month and up 4.6% from last year.

Columbia metro area listings dipped to $389,900, with 212 new Boone listings recorded + market activity remains brisk.

Former U.S. Judo Olympian Nina Cutro-Kelly held a workshop at Mid Missouri Judo in Columbia where she taught local judokas techniques such as an inside trip and a hybrid move (a mix of an outside reap and hip sweep).

With 34 years of experience, she aims to inspire young athletes.

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.

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.

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.

Intro to Woodworking Class

5-8 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — All materials provided — Learn the basics of woodworking and create your own small project in this hands-on class.