Good morning, Columbia.

Columbia’s 2025 community survey showed stable satisfaction as public safety ratings rose by 12% and communication improved by 6%, with about 70% of respondents saying the city is a good place to live — spurring plans for road and sidewalk upgrades soon — as measures to boost everyday services continue.

The North Village Arts District in Columbia grew naturally from a burst of local creative energy in the early 1970s.

The area, known for low rents and independent businesses, has evolved over decades into a cultural hub featuring artists, small galleries and community events.

A local essay explains how success is redefined as serving others instead of climbing a social ladder and draws on Jesus’s example of washing his disciples’ feet to inspire a more creative life.

The piece invites readers to embrace service in everyday spaces plus celebrate art and culture here.

Bethanie Irons, a visiting assistant professor at Columbia College, balances teaching with active art-making by integrating projects like zoetropes into classroom lessons and public installations.

Her work models a creative approach that benefits both students and the local arts community.

Columbia Utilities will soon resume shutting off service for customers with overdue accounts as temperatures rise; customers are urged to update accounts by paying online or at City Hall (701 E.

Broadway) Monday through Friday.

MoDOT will start construction on the Rocheport to Columbia upgrade phase this spring or summer, adding a third lane in each direction, building 14 bridges and widening sidewalks (including at Stadium Boulevard).

A public meeting is set for March 4 at Midway Golf and Games to discuss driver safety.

Multiple Missouri counties will hold a statewide tornado drill at 11 a.m. Wednesday as part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week — ending Friday to test emergency sirens and systems.

Boone, Cooper, Audrain, Callaway, and Saline counties will participate, with plans adjusted if weather conditions change.

On Monday, the Columbia Board of Education finance committee voted 3 to 2 to recommend a 29.9% increase in employee insurance premiums following CFO Heather McArthur's presentation that projected $8.38 million in revenue, and she noted potential changes to GLP-1 medication coverage in 2027.

Airport Manager Mike Parks said a new parking lot and food options will be added at Columbia Regional Airport by this summer.

The improvements will boost convenience for travelers.

Inside Columbia magazine reviews local pizzas by rating favorites like Shakespeare’s, Gumby’s, and Tony’s on crust, cheese, sauce, and toppings.

The opinion-based article captures an ongoing local debate over which slice is best (detailed score comparisons provided).

Runners broke 23 state records at the Flat Branch Ultra held on Feb.

21 in Columbia; Brendan Connell finished the men’s race in 3:01:32 while Jessalyn Sadler won the women’s race in 3:26:47 on the USATF-certified 50K course.

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.

C Rock City Live Band Performance

7-10 p.m. — Capital Ritz Banquet & Dance Center — Enjoy the night with easy rock covers from classic artists.

19th Annual Columbia Polar Plunge

10 AM – 2 PM — Stephens Lake Park — Fundraising event — Brave participants support Special Olympics Missouri athletes by plunging into icy waters.

Auburn Tigers at Missouri Tigers Baseball

6:59-10:59 p.m. — Taylor Stadium — Cost info unavailable — Catch a thrilling college baseball matchup as the Auburn Tigers take on the Missouri Tigers.

2026 Disaster Behavioral Health Conference

12 PM - 2 PM — Wyndham Executive Center-Columbia Mall — Registration fee applies — Engage in discussions on disaster behavioral health topics to enhance community support strategies.

Freelance Social & Workshop

11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. — 404 Portland Event Center — Free entry — Network with local creatives while enjoying an afternoon of learning and conversation.