Good morning, Columbia.

Local nonprofit Heart of Missouri CASA supports nearly 400 foster children in Boone and Callaway counties by matching each child with a dedicated volunteer.

The organization urgently seeks new volunteers or donors to ensure that every child receives consistent guidance & support through the foster care system.

CMSE Giving Gardens, a nonprofit nursery under Central Missouri Subcontracting Enterprises, provides work opportunities for adults with disabilities and grows a wide selection of plants for sale.

The greenhouse opens each April and helps build local community ties.

Columbia Police canceled an advisory on Friday for 69-year-old Flor Vidal — found alive and well after being reported missing near Bennett Springs Drive on Thursday morning.

Columbia College, marking its 175th anniversary, dedicated its Heritage Center on April 23 at Missouri Hall to preserve artifacts of its long history and named new President Toby Arquette on March 1 (he plans to expand business, healthcare, and engineering programs to meet local workforce demands).

Storms toppled a nest tree earlier this week, prompting Missouri Department of Conservation Agent Zach Barnes and finder Greg Mclouth to rescue two bald eaglets caught in flash flooding.

The rescued birds are now cared for at the Raptor Rehabilitation Project.

Columbia will host an event for children’s mental health week on Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. at the Shelter Insurance Fountain on Broadway, where Mayor Buffaloe will read the proclamation and invite participants to ring bells + add ideas to the Resolution Tree.

A local Leadership Columbia participant (a six-month Chamber of Commerce program) recalls childhood memories of outdoor play and urges residents to prioritize fresh air to protect mental health and family bonds.

The piece shows that a few moments outside can help balance busy lives.

Arise Dwellings renovated 26 homes to support first-time buyers in Columbia and provided financial coaching and homebuyer education through local partnerships.

The nonprofit, launched in 2023, plans to restore 10 to 12 more homes this year & strengthen neighborhood stability.

Columbia’s housing market showed Q1 recovery as single-family sales rose 3.6% and median prices increased 6% to $344,950 after mortgage rates dipped below 6%.

Existing home sales jumped over 11% in February and March — reflecting strong buyer interest despite a rocky start in January, while condo sales fell 26%.

The Missouri Board of Curators approved a three-year contract extension for Athletic Director Laird Veatch, who began his role on May 1, 2024.

President Mun Choi praised his leadership for boosting revenues & advancing projects like the Memorial Stadium Centennial Project.

Intro to Vinyl Cutting Workshop

6-8 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — Class fee applies — Explore vinyl cutting techniques while creating custom tote bags and signs.

All Your Friends

9:06 PM – 12:30 AM — The Blue Note — Cashless venue — Enjoy a lively evening with friends at this late-night event.

Intro to Machine Embroidery Workshop

6-8:30 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — Class fee includes all materials — Learn to use the Melco Bravo embroidery machine and create your own embroidered item.

The Lorax Movie Screening

8-10 a.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No outside food or drink — Enjoy a family-friendly movie under the stars with The Lorax.

Big (1988) Movie Screening

8-10 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No entry fee — Enjoy a classic film under the stars with family and friends.

Kris Lager Band Performance

10:30 a.m. — Katy Trail - Rocheport Trailhead — Free entry — Experience the vibrant sounds of Kris Lager as he brings a spirited performance outdoors.

Atomic Returns to Dive Bar

8 PM – 12 AM — Dive Bar — Cost details not provided — Experience the gritty blend of Midwest rock, country, and blues from Atomic Junction.

Apollo 13 Movie Night

8-10 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No outside food or drink — Celebrate cinematic history with the thrilling Apollo 13 on a Saturday night under the stars.

Sporting KC Summer Soccer Camp

5-8 p.m. — Columbia Cosmopolitan Recreation Area — $130-$225 — Young soccer enthusiasts can improve their skills under professional coaching in a fun and engaging environment.