Good morning, Columbia.

Xavier R. Locke, 19, of Columbia, was arrested on Sunday, April 6 after allegedly assaulting a state trooper on eastbound I-70—he fled on foot through a muddy field before officers, with help from the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, took him in for two outstanding warrants.

An Illinois man, Steven Ray Dennis, 35, was sentenced on Tuesday to 10 years in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty in 2020 for having a stolen gun and fleeing when police in Columbia received a tip at a local bar; he was arrested in the Chicago area in January—ending his time as a fugitive.

Jeff Klein will be the new superintendent of Columbia Public Schools in July.

With over two decades in education and serving as chief academic officer—he will focus on boosting student attendance and addressing federal diversity scrutiny and charter school competition—he has promised to be visible in schools when classes start on Aug. 19.

Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe won a second term in Tuesday’s municipal election over challenger Blair Murphy.

She said residents will see a continued focus on affordable housing, community safety, climate initiatives — and transparent government.

One eastbound lane of I-70 in Columbia is closed this weekend from 7 p.m. Friday until 6 a.m. Monday between Route B and Highway 63—crews will make multiple brief 15-minute full closures while working on the left-hand exit to Business Loop 70 as part of the Improve I-70 Program.

Missouri health experts warned that measles may reach the state as over 600 cases have been reported nationwide this year with three deaths and most cases among unvaccinated children.

They urged residents to get the MMR vaccine since local school vaccination rates have fallen below the 95 percent needed for herd immunity.

Mizzou football finished its spring practice Tuesday as players and coach Eli Drinkwitz answered reporter questions at 2:30 p.m. The session was shown live on the media player.

Missouri Startup Weekend

Friday, Apr 11th — 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM — EquipmentShare - Corporate Office — $0-89.99 — Unleash your billion-dollar startup idea with expert mentors and networking opportunities over a weekend of innovation.

Introduction to Machine Embroidery Class

10 a.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — Materials included — Learn to create an embroidered patch using the Melco Bravo embroidery machine in this hands-on class.

Stavros Halkias Live Comedy Show

7-8:30 p.m. — The Blue Note — Ticket info unavailable — Enjoy an evening of laughs with comedian Stavros Halkias, known for his unique comedic style.

Missouri State Bears vs. Missouri Tigers Baseball

6:59-10:59 p.m. — Taylor Stadium — Admission varies — Catch an exciting baseball matchup between local rivals for a night of athletic thrill.

Texas A&M Aggies at Missouri Tigers Softball

6:59-10:59 p.m. — Mizzou Softball Field — Cost Info N/A — Cheer for the Tigers as they face off against the Aggies in a thrilling softball matchup.

Country Royale Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Blue Note — Tickets required — Enjoy live performances of country classics featuring local bands.

Basics of Industrial Sewing Class

10 AM – 1 PM — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — Class fee includes materials — Learn to sew thick materials while creating a tote bag.

Intro to Shapeoko Routers Class

6:00-8:30 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — Class fee includes all materials — Gain hands-on experience with Shapeoko routers and essential safety protocols.

Trolls Movie Night

7:30-9 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No outside food or drink — Enjoy a colorful animated adventure with friends and family under the stars.

Molly's Miles 5K and 10K Race

8:00-10:30 a.m. — Molly Bowden Memorial Park — Supports family members of fallen police officers — Run for a cause while enjoying a scenic course.