Daily
Columbia
Tuesday, March 10th, 2026
Good morning, Columbia. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 10th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Opportunity Campus will partly open in the coming weeks to offer homeless services to Boone County residents in need. The resource center is designed to provide essential support for those facing homelessness. Columbia Missourian
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Big Daddy's BBQ and Soul Food plans to re-open its Garth Avenue location in March while continuing to serve slow-smoked meats and hearty portions. Owners Lloyd and Fontella Henry also will offer food trailer catering to loyal locals. COMO Magazine
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Local businesses and organizations are hosting events for Women's History Month this month in Columbia to honor women's contributions. Check local listings for event details. Columbia Missourian
- ➤ The Columbia Art League has announced its 'Tiny Things' exhibit (featuring small-scale artwork by local artists designed to make art affordable and accessible) which will open soon for local visitors. Columbia Missourian
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Gas prices are climbing in Columbia as crude oil fell today from $115 to $95 per barrel, causing local drivers to stretch their budgets and seek cheaper options for travel. Analysts note that oil price shifts usually affect gas costs (AAA estimates a 30-cent rise in the past week). KOMU 8
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Columbia Public Schools reported a 9% rise in SRO disruption responses and is enhancing safety with de-escalation training while awarding a contract to replace about 1,400 security cameras—upgrades funded by a $2.5 million Ameren tax settlement will start within the next year. ABC 17
- ➤ State lawmakers may expand the MOScholars program by adding $10 million for the next school year (with an extra $50 million requested by the state treasurer) to help nearly 100 families pay tuition at Christian Fellowship School in Columbia; debates over the use of public funds continue. KOMU 8
- ➤ On March 9, Missouri lawmakers passed a bill that grades public schools from A to F & the measure now moves to the Senate. Lawmakers say the system could stigmatize schools and funding issues remain as state education officials prepare to pilot a new assessment program this spring. Columbia Daily Tribune
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Columbia residents can now apply for several city aid programs using My Key, a new online system that reduces paperwork and cuts waiting time. The program was launched on March 2 and streamlines verification for utility+parks+medication+paratransit assistance, with in-person support available at 1005 W. Worley St. Columbia Daily Tribune
- ➤ Columbia Regional Airport staff ask for feedback today on proposed restaurant and kitchen area construction and Terminal Loop Road upgrades at 11400 S. Airport Drive — the public meeting runs from 9 to 11 a.m. and phased construction will begin this summer. KRCG
- ➤ Missouri House Budget Committee discussed a proposal to reallocate college funding by enrollment; the plan boosts support for some schools while trimming Truman State’s funding by more than half (raising closure concerns). The committee will reconvene Wednesday, March 11 for further review. Columbia Daily Tribune
- ➤ Doug Westhoff was named the new chief of the Boone County Fire Protection District Monday. Westhoff, a fourth-generation firefighter (and longtime volunteer and paramedic), assumed the role after serving as interim chief following Scott Olson’s retirement. KOMU 8
- ➤ Over the weekend, MoDOT crews repaired potholes at the westbound I-70 onramp at the Highway 63 connector & Columbia police responded to incidents of vehicle damage as warmer weather widened road cracks. ABC 17
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ The Columbia Farmers Market has shifted from busy summer energy to a quiet winter vibe that inspires creative dishes, such as one made with ciabatta used as a pizza crust. Local vendors like Kaged Heat are adapting their offerings to add a personal touch to the market experience. COMO Magazine
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Working: A Musical
Mar 18-20 — Macklanburg Playhouse — Ticket prices vary — Experience a vibrant celebration of everyday people and their jobs through song and storytelling.
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Family Story Time for Young Kids
10–11 a.m. — Holts Summit Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy a morning of storytelling designed for children five and under.
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Lenten Fish Fry
4:30-7 p.m. — Fr. Tolton Catholic High School — $15 for adults, $10 for children — Enjoy a variety of fried fish and sides in a community gathering atmosphere.
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Unicorn Sparkling Hooves & Enchanted Forest
3-6 p.m. — Iron Wing Ranch, LLC — Check website for pricing — Explore the enchanted woods and take pictures with hidden unicorns.
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
If you're not willing to be mocked, you're not going to do anything new.
~ Jeff Bezos
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