Good morning, Columbia.

Columbia woman Allison Escobar pleaded guilty to fourth-degree assault on April 30 in connection with a reported kidnapping in Randolph County in September 2024 — she was sentenced to two years probation and must testify if called on by the court.

Callaway County deputy Gardner Pottorff returned to patrol Monday night 204 days after he and Cpl.

Justin Bax were shot during a traffic stop on Interstate 70 in October — Bax was released two days later while Pottorff left the hospital on Oct. 29.

Eastside Tavern has hosted karaoke nights every weekend since 1997 and remains a key spot where locals come together to sing and share memorable moments—regulars like Gianni Vitale enjoy everything from heartfelt songs to surprise proposals as the community cheers on each performance.

The Boone County Historical Society has chosen three new Hall of Fame enshrinees—Karen M.

Miller, the late Dr. Franklin L. Mitchell Jr. and The Columbia Cosmopolitan Luncheon Club—for their annual induction. Miller served as a county commissioner while Mitchell advanced local emergency care and the club donated $1.5 million to community projects, and the gala will be held Oct. 4 at the Country Club of Missouri.

The Columbia City Council tabled a plan to remove DEI language from the 2021 strategic plan after community members spoke out about potential cuts to programs like WIC that may risk 80 local jobs.

The council will revisit the issue at its second June meeting and asked residents to provide input via the city website over the next six weeks.

Columbia City Council has called for a special election in Ward 2 to replace council member Lisa Meyer—whose resignation will take effect on May 16—with ballots planned for August 5 if confirmed by the council.

Burrell Behavioral Health named Mat Gass as its new chief executive officer.

He served as president since 2019 and has worked with the organization for nearly 15 years (he is only the third CEO since 1977) as he prepares to lead its future efforts.

Local eateries now offer healthy, allergy-friendly, and delicious choices downtown as restaurants like Nourish, Thai Express, and Beet Box prepare dishes with fresh, local ingredients—catering to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets and adding to the vibrant community fabric.

CMRLC Gem & Mineral Show & Sale

12 PM – 4 PM — Knights of Columbus CKC Event Center — Entry Fee Applies — Explore a dazzling array of gems and minerals from various vendors.

Intro to Woodworking Class

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — Class fee includes materials — Learn woodworking basics while creating a small project.

Basics of Industrial Sewing Class

5-8 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — All materials included — Learn sewing techniques while creating a tote bag from thick materials.

Jake Stack Live Performance

5-7 p.m. — Dive Bar — No cover — Enjoy a captivating performance by singer-songwriter Jake Stack from Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

CoolFest 2025

1-7 p.m. — The Arcade District — Free entry — Celebrate creativity with live music, awesome vendors, and delicious food trucks at the coolest event of the year.

ÆTHER REALM Concert

7-11 p.m. — The Blue Note — Cashless venue — Enjoy an evening of immersive music at this popular Columbia venue.

Intro to Shapeoko CNC Routers Class

6:00 – 8:30 PM — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — Class fee includes materials — Explore woodworking with the Shapeoko router while learning essential safety protocols.

Intro to Vinyl Cutting Workshop

6-8 p.m. — MACCLab Makerspace — Materials included — Learn to master vinyl cutting with GCC vinyl cutters and Cricut Maker in this hands-on class.

CSB Softball Missouri College Showcase

9 AM - 2 PM — Antimi Sports Complex — Registration fee $175 — Participate in a pro-style tryout and gain valuable insights from college coaches.

Columbia Track Club Summer Youth Program

11:00 PM – 12:45 AM — 4303 S Providence Rd, Columbia, MO — Online registration only — A fantastic opportunity for youth to engage in track activities during the summer.