Daily
Columbia
Tuesday, March 17th, 2026
Good morning, Columbia. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 17th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Missouri River Relief is offering free catfishing lessons for families and beginners along the Missouri River this 2026 season — partnering with Columbia Parks and Recreation for session registration scheduled from April 10 to November 15. COMO Magazine
- ➤ Emery Barg, a 10-year Navy veteran, volunteers with local law enforcement and leads Patriot Guard rides for fallen service members in St. Martins (recognized by the local VFW) as he continues his lifetime commitment to service. He encourages community members to support veterans’ organizations. KRCG
- ➤ Columbia shelters saw a surge in guests today as cold, subzero temperatures forced people to seek warmth at the Columbia Public Library and Room at the Inn — staff had prepared by bolstering resources for the spike in visitors. KOMU 8
- ➤ Firefighter Billy Hurt passed away Sunday while serving as a safety team member for a national sprint car series, according to Columbia Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 1055. The retired extrication expert mentored many in mid-Missouri fire departments. KRCG
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Mizzou Giving Day raised nearly $2 million from 3,095 gifts from alumni, faculty, and staff in an event that ran from noon Mar. 11 to noon Mar. 12 — it supported scholarships, research, and community programs at the University of Missouri and counts toward the $2 billion Power the Roar campaign. Columbia Daily Tribune
- ➤ A Missouri State Teachers Association survey (with nearly 2,300 responses) showed 69% of educators had seriously considered leaving due to stress, student behavior, and low pay; Gov. Mike Kehoe is proposing cuts for fiscal year 2027 that could further impact local education. KOMU 8
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residents at the second annual Community Summit offered input on how to improve transit and update the city's strategic plan. The feedback collected earlier this week will help shape the new five-year plan (targeted for adoption in 2030) meant to guide future improvements. Columbia Daily Tribune
- ➤ Columbia City Council approved a $1.5M revenue guarantee with American Airlines for daily flights from Columbia Regional Airport to Charlotte starting May 21 until May 22, 2027 + set a public hearing for plans to build a production kitchen at the Daniel Boone City Building at 7 p.m. April 6. KOMU 8
- ➤ Missouri lawmakers consider expanding Medicaid to cover more doula services to lower preventable maternal and infant deaths; the bipartisan proposal would raise covered visits from six to 16 at an estimated cost of $300K — a change that may improve outcomes in rural areas. Columbia Daily Tribune
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Columbia Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer and a UM brain injury specialist advise residents to use CO detectors (to protect against gas appliances, generators, and grills) as CO poisoning can mimic flu symptoms and cause serious health issues, so they stress prompt action to avoid oxygen deprivation. KOMU 8
- ➤ Today, Columbia has installed free 24/7 naloxone boxes at fire stations and community sites to help reverse opioid overdoses; the boxes will be restocked weekly and a SAVE-A-LIFE Naloxone Education event is scheduled at Columbia College’s Bixby Auditorium on April 9 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Columbia Daily Tribune
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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Work It! 90s/2000s R&B and Hip Hop Throwback Party
9 PM – 12 AM — The Blue Note — Cashless venue — Dance the night away to nostalgic R&B and Hip Hop hits from the 90s and 2000s.
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An Evening with Sam Bush
7:30-9 p.m. — The Blue Note — Cost TBD — Enjoy an evening of bluegrass with award-winning musician Sam Bush.
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Gimme Gimme Disco Party
8:00-11:30 PM — Rose Music Hall — $ — Dance the night away to ABBA and classic 70s disco hits.
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.
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