Daily
Columbia
Wednesday, March 19th, 2025
Good morning, Columbia. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 19th of March.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Former Belle Fire Protection District secretary Courtney Ann Abel was charged with a felony for stealing over $70,000 between 2022 and 2024 in Osage County and she is set to appear in court at 10:00 a.m. on May 13—she is accused of misusing checks and making extra credit card charges. ABC 17
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Mid-Missouri officials said that after severe weather and several fires on Friday, the region remained under Red Flag warnings on Monday as dry conditions and high winds led to 77 emergency calls and several fires sparked by downed power lines. Columbia Fire and Jefferson City officials advised residents to avoid open burning — power tools and cigarettes can start fires — and to keep flammable materials at least 30 feet from their homes. KRCG
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Columbia Water & Light crews arrived in Rolla on Sunday to help restore power after a tornado hit the area. They are expected to work until Thursday—helping reduce 1,900 outages from the initial 8,000 as crews from other cities assist in the effort. ABC 17
- ➤ Columbia named D'Markus Thomas-Brown as the first administrator for its new Office of Violence Prevention created in the fiscal year 2025 budget. He will start on March 31 and lead a $500,000 program that partners with local groups to reduce community violence. ABC 17
- ➤ Columbia City Council approved a $96,550 contract with George L. Crawford and Associates Inc. to study pedestrian safety and recommend ordinance changes aligned with Vision Zero. Some council members and residents expressed concern that the study may divert funds from infrastructure improvements and unfairly target panhandlers on medians. ABC 17
- ➤ Tim Teddy, head of the Columbia Community Development Department, will retire on July 7 after working for the city since 2005. He helped guide major changes like the zoning code overhaul in 2017 and new rules for short term rentals in 2024 while the city said it will hire a search firm to fill his role. ABC 17
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Kellie Harper was named the new head coach of Mizzou Women's Basketball on March 18, making her the program’s fifth leader. She brings extensive coaching experience from the Southeastern Conference—she led the Lady Vols to consecutive NCAA Sweet 16 appearances and coached at Tennessee, Western Carolina, North Carolina State and Missouri State. KRCG
- ➤ The University of Missouri Men’s Basketball Team will play Drake in the NCAA Tournament first round on Thursday at Wichita's Intrust Bank Arena, and fans from Columbia plan to drive the four-hour trip to watch the game. The Mizzou Alumni Association is hosting a pep rally—at 3 p.m.—and other special events while tickets are available online starting at $55. KRCG
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65th Annual Columbia Chamber Agricultural Recognition Banquet
The banquet celebrates the Boone County agricultural community with networking opportunities, award presentations, and proceeds supporting a scholarship fund for local students.
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Elton Dan & the Rocket Band
8:00 – 9:30 PM | The Blue Note | Ticket information not provided | Experience a lively tribute to Elton John's hits with superfan Elton Dan and his band.
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Community Dinner Gathering at India's House
A dinner club offering an opportunity to meet new people and enjoy a shared dining experience in Columbia, MO.
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Educational Series on the History of Jefferson City's First Bridge
Historian Wayne discusses the pivotal completion of Jefferson City's first bridge across the Missouri River in 1896 and its significance to the city.
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Little Acorns: Show-Me Symbols for Young Explorers
This interactive program invites children ages 3-6 to explore the unique wonders of Missouri at the Runge Nature Center.
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Kids Create: Wind Chimes
10 AM – 12 PM | Holts Summit Public Library | Free entry | Kids can unleash their creativity by painting and customizing their own wind chimes.
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Dr. Zhivegas Live Concert
8:00-9:30 p.m. | The Blue Note | Ticket prices vary | Experience an energetic performance by Dr. Zhivegas in the heart of Columbia.
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Gimme Gimme Disco Dance Party
7-11:30 p.m. | Rose Music Hall | Cost TBA | Dance the night away to ABBA hits and classic disco tunes from the 70s and 80s.
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Wild And Scenic Film Festival
1:30-5:30 p.m. | The Blue Note | Tickets starting at $29 | Experience the energy and excitement of the Wild and Scenic Film Festival live in Columbia.
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Threads: Sewing & Costume Design Class
5 PM – 6 PM — TRYPS Children's Theater — Check website for pricing — Learn the basics of sewing and costume design over 8 weeks with fun projects to take home.
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