Tuesday, March 24th, 2026
Good morning, Columbia. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 24th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Former Columbia Fire Department captain Billy Dean Hurt’s funeral was held Monday at 2 p.m. at The Crossing, and the procession ended at Pisgah Cemetery for a 4 p.m. burial service; Hurt, who served 25 years, died unexpectedly on March 14 in Texas. KOMU 8
- ➤ A procession honored former Columbia Fire Captain Hurt in Boonville, remembering his service after he died in a collision while serving as a track official during a World of Outlaws event on March 14. Columbia Missourian
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Wendy’s closed two Columbia locations near the mall on Bernadette Drive & on Ninth Street as part of its Project Fresh turnaround plan, while still operating outlets on Scott Boulevard, East Nifong Boulevard and Clark Lane. The closures were confirmed in an email to ABC 17 News. ABC 17
- ➤ EquipmentShare, a Columbia-founded construction tech company, began trading on Nasdaq on Jan. 23 and reached about $8 billion in market value. Company officials said the IPO is a proud moment for the community and will drive more tech job opportunities locally. KOMU 8
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ CoMo Preservation and The District have launched a preservation project today to archive six historic buildings in the area. The project aims to document local heritage. Columbia Missourian
- ➤ Columbia selected musician and educator Audra Sergel as its first artist laureate today, launching a yearlong project—When a City Sings: Columbia in Concert—that brings community members together through choral and spoken word events funded by the Missouri Arts Council. Columbia Daily Tribune
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Gas prices in Boone County increased by 24 cents in the past week, reaching an average of $3.48 on Monday. Experts say rising global oil costs and supply concerns may push prices higher soon statewide. KOMU 8
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The University of Missouri signed a $2.3 million deal with Burns & McDonnell to provide engineering oversight for its NextGen MURR research reactor project. The project will advance design and licensing phases to boost nuclear research and cancer treatment capabilities. Columbia Daily Tribune
- ➤ Traffic through Rolling Road is being diverted after a structure fire blocked Route M, delaying school buses. Blair Oaks R-II School District said it will work with families to manage the impact on bus routes — a measure to ease delays. KRCG
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Monday's closure of I-70 Drive Southeast reduced access from just west of Woodridge Drive to Glenstone Drive — the Woodridge entrance is closed for 300 days. Two bridges will be built to link Hanover Boulevard underpass, and the road will reopen by January. ABC 17
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Mizzou won the collegiate chess national championship, marking a defining moment for its program (founded in 2019). Columbia Missourian
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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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Honeysuckle Removal Volunteer Event
4-6 p.m. — Kiwanis Park — Free admission — Make a difference by helping remove invasive honeysuckle in Kiwanis Park.
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How to Train Your Dragon - In Concert
7-10 p.m. — Missouri Theatre — VIP packages available — Experience the magic of animation and music as you dive into the world of dragons.
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Greg Warren Live
7-10 p.m. — Missouri Theatre — Ticketed event — Enjoy an evening of comedy with Greg Warren in Columbia, MO.
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Of Sea and Stone: Uncorked Wine Tasting & Dinner
6:30-10:30 p.m. — Cooper's Ridge Event Venue — Not specified — Experience an evening of fine wine and live music from the Folk-Americana duo, Of Sea and Stone.
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.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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