Good morning, Columbia.

Mid-Missouri farmers will bring spring goods to the Columbia Farmers Market at the Spring Kickoff event on April 4, and seasonal crops will gradually return throughout the month.

Columbia is launching a small business grant program for eight entrepreneurs, offering two $10,000 and six $5,000 grants to spur expansion and innovation.

Sessions are on March 16 at REDI Training Room (500 E. Walnut St.) and virtual on March 19 with applications opening April 3.

Columbia Utilities will host hands-on leak‑fixing demos as part of EPA's Fix‑a‑Leak Week on March 18 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Food Bank and on March 19 from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. at City Hall — workshops to help residents save water.

MoDOT announced that I-70 Drive Southeast from Woodridge to Glenstone Drive will close on March 23 due to weather and crew availability.

The 300-day closure includes Conley Road (closed for 60 days) and local businesses have been informed to help drivers prepare.

The alley between South Ninth and South Tenth and its adjacent sidewalk will close March 17-19 in downtown Columbia to let crews repair drainage infrastructure to prevent water from freezing—parking meters will be reserved for work vehicles and signs will guide pedestrians.

A lane of I-70 eastbound near mile marker 131 (at the St. Charles Road exit) was closed until Friday evening for emergency repairs, and drivers were advised to avoid the area.

MoDOT announced that the planned shutdown of I-70 Drive Southeast is delayed and will begin on March 23 due to expected weather.

The ten-month closure will allow construction of a new underpass near Woodridge Drive & Glenstone Drive.

Columbia now has free naloxone boxes available 24/7 at fire stations, the ARC, parks, and public health offices; the service includes weekly refills and a SAVE-A-LIFE training event is scheduled for April 9 at Columbia College’s Bixby Auditorium.

During International Women’s Month, Missouri ranks 42nd for women and children’s health based on America’s Health Rankings.

Dr. Elizabeth Wilson (OB-GYN at Boone Health) said she has noticed more breast cancer in younger women and advised maintaining healthy sleep, stress, and diet habits.

Data from Zumper showed that apartment rental prices in Columbia rose 8% from February's median of $1,300, with typical rents near $1,400 across all unit sizes.

One-bedroom rents increased 10% while two-bedroom prices remained close to $1,200.

MU President shared guidelines on sports betting at Mizzou to maintain fairness (integrity) and protect student-athlete welfare ahead of March Madness.

The measures are designed to support legal betting practices as the tournament begins.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

NEW Community Connections Ribbon Cutting

Woodhaven is thrilled to announce the GRAND OPENING of our newest Community Connections building, and we would be honored to have you join us for the official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce. Join us in marking this exciting milestone, and celebrate the bright future we’re building.

Dr. Zhivegas: Prince Tribute

8-9:30 p.m. — The Blue Note — Ticket prices vary — Experience the music of Prince and the Revolution performed live by Dr. Zhivegas.