Good morning, Columbia.

Four local business owners bought Pierpont General Store last Tuesday, promising to preserve the century-old landmark by maintaining its live music and inviting atmosphere in Columbia & restocking essentials to keep its traditional feel.

Minor updates are planned to ensure community gathering spots remain unchanged.

Volunteers from COMO Mobile Aid Collective brave winter storms (sub-freezing temperatures) to deliver essential supplies to the unhoused today, using available resources to support our community.

MU grad student Ja'Licia Gainer and art director Joan Stack co-curated an exhibit honoring Missouri Black artists for Black History Month at Ellis Library Colonnade and a pop-up at the William Guitar Little Missouri Gallery of Art.

The pop-up runs until Feb. 27 (presentation on Feb. 26, 12:30-1:30 p.m.).

The University of Missouri will launch an MBA in analytics that pairs business courses with advanced data and AI skills in 2026.

Offered by the Robert J. Trulaske Sr. College of Business (a hub for innovative education), the program will prepare students for data-driven careers.

Mizzou researcher received a $1.9M federal grant from the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to develop a bird flu vaccine, and the project will unfold over the next three years.

Delta Dental of Missouri is expanding its Land of Smiles program to Columbia preschools today with a 15-minute video featuring characters such as Captain Super Grin, Terri Tooth Fairy and Caz Cavity; each child receives a free dental kit.

Preschool and Head Start programs can request the free program online.

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.