Daily
Columbia
Thursday, March 12th, 2026
Good morning, Columbia. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 12th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Columbia will host its second annual Community Summit Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Daniel Boone City Building, 701 E. Broadway, where locals can share feedback on city goals — the event features interactive booths, play-money voting and free parking. KOMU 8
- ➤ Violence prevention leader D'Markus Thomas-Brown said stronger community support is key to helping youths overcome lasting trauma — his remarks stress the need for proactive recovery measures in our community. Columbia Missourian
- ➤ Boone County firefighters reunited with rescued horses Lucky and Blaze with their owner at a Harrisburg-area farm on Sunday after extracting them from a deep mud pit on Feb. 25. The team used specialized harnesses and teamwork, leaving the animals with minor injuries and the community relieved. KOMU 8
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ DISH Network + Gray Media did not reach a renewal agreement, causing DISH customers in Missouri to lose access to Gray Media-owned TV channels including Springfield's KY3 and KSPR, St. Louis' KMOV, Kansas City's KCTV, and Cape Girardeau's KFVS. Customers can watch these channels over the air or via streaming. Columbia Daily Tribune
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Holocaust survivor Erika Schwartz recounted her early life during a talk at Jesse Wrench Auditorium at an event hosted by the Daniel Boone Regional Library and U of Missouri Hillel. The traveling exhibit Americans and the Holocaust is open in Columbia until March 16. KRCG
- ➤ At Columbia Public Library, people gathered to celebrate a film that highlights Missouri's first female majority on its Supreme Court — a former judge addressed the audience and explained the milestone. Columbia Missourian
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Mary Grupe, the Hickman principal, will become the new director of student support for Columbia Public Schools starting next school year. Columbia Missourian
- ➤ Ben Arnet's family has launched a fundraising effort to create a scholarship at Missouri School of Journalism in honor of his legacy as KOMU 8 Sports Director. The scholarship aims to support future sports journalists through his commitment to local sports reporting and teaching. Columbia Missourian
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Columbia awarded 16 organizations a total of $26,982 in Juneteenth grants after committee review; grant recipients will attend a workshop at 5:30 p.m. on Mar. 31 at the Walton Building (300 S. Providence Road) to learn about fund requirements. KOMU 8
- ➤ The Missouri House budget committee will consider a bill Wednesday that ties state funding to student enrollments at public universities to potentially increase funds for MU and MSU (though smaller schools risk cuts). ABC 17
- ➤ The Boone County Fire Protection District announced Chuck Doss as the new assistant chief of the Operations Bureau on Wednesday. With nearly 30 years of firefighting and emergency service experience, Doss brings a focus on improving training — developing future leaders in the fire service. KOMU 8
- ➤ Lawmakers proposed a $51.5 million cut to child care subsidies that could force providers to reduce developmental screenings and therapy for children & delay a planned switch to enrollment-based payments. The budget plan will be debated today, raising concerns about support for low-income and foster families. Columbia Daily Tribune
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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.
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Bryce Crawford Live Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Missouri Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience an engaging blend of country, folk, and rock from Bryce Crawford's soulful performance.
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