Daily
Columbia
Wednesday, March 18th, 2026
Good morning, Columbia. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of March.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Former Columbia firefighter Billy Hurt, a longtime Sprint Car safety official, died Saturday at Kennedale Speedway Park in Texas after being ejected during a track crash at a World of Outlaws event; injured official Jerry Meyers is recovering in hospital as tributes pour in from local fire departments and racing groups. ABC 17
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Columbia College set a record on Giving Day today by raising over $781,000 from 545 donors for scholarships, tech upgrades and Cougar Athletics — marking its biggest fundraising event in 175 years. Columbia Daily Tribune
- ➤ Boone County's Raising Readers campaign seeks to boost declining childhood literacy by linking schools, libraries and nonprofits across the area — the initiative will formally launch in May and invites any group with a literacy event to join along with families. KOMU 8
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Starting Monday, several bus stops in Columbia will be closed as the Go COMO Green Route detours on March 23 to avoid the Conley Road closure, which will last about two months — buses will bypass the area via Highway 63 and riders should board at the Hy-Vee stop. KRCG
- ➤ The Columbia City Council approved a $1.5M revenue guarantee to back American Airlines’ upcoming nonstop flight to Charlotte, which will run from May 21 to May 22 if the airline does not meet its private revenue goal & the funds will support airport maintenance and improvements at Columbia Regional Airport. Columbia Daily Tribune
- ➤ The new U.S. Route 63 underpass from Conley Road opened Monday evening near IHOP (Panda Express) and now provides an easy entry to I-70. Officials say the project will improve traffic flow and reduce congestion as part of MoDOT's statewide program. KOMU 8
- ➤ Local emergency managers will coordinate with first responders to ensure safety for World Cup fans traveling to Kansas City this summer — the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau will also host community events, with details available on the Kick it in CoMo website. ABC 17
- ➤ City crews will close lanes on North Garth Avenue and South Fairview Road to replace failed concrete pavement. North Garth work lasts 7 a.m. Monday, March 23 to 5 p.m., while South Fairview work covers 7 a.m. Tuesday to 5 p.m. Wednesday and may extend to Friday, March 27. ABC 17
- ➤ Columbia leaders discussed adding downtown safety ambassadors at a Monday night City Council meeting, with a program set to start April 1 that will patrol and offer outreach. The 504,390 dollars annual cost will be split among the City + University + Downtown Community Improvement District. ABC 17
- ➤ Columbia is hosting an open house for the Business Loop improvement plan tomorrow from 4 to 6 p.m. at Boone Electric Cooperative’s Community Room (1413 Rangeline St) where residents can review maps, surveys and share feedback on initial ideas funded by a $2 million Reconnecting Communities Planning Grant. KOMU 8
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Boone Health put an inflatable colon on display in its hospital lobby on Tuesday to raise colorectal cancer awareness during March’s Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Local medical experts urged residents to get colonoscopies sooner (now starting at age 45) amid rising cases. KOMU 8
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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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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.
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LSU Tigers at Missouri Tigers Softball Game
6:59-10:59 p.m. — Mizzou Softball Field — Admission details not specified — Witness an exciting matchup between two fierce softball rivals.
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