Good morning, Columbia.

Columbia volunteers from the Sleep in Heavenly Peace chapter meet every other Saturday at Community United Methodist Church to build and deliver beds for children who do not have one.

They train to cut, sand, stain and assemble beds — then deliver complete sets with mattress, pillows, sheets and a comforter so that no kid sleeps on the floor.

State and local dignitaries held a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday on Paris Road for a $73 million Schneider Electric expansion that will add a new warehouse and upgrade the manufacturing plant.

Governor Mike Kehoe and Mayor Barbara Buffaloe said the project created 241 new jobs with a starting salary over $48,000 — strengthening Columbia’s role in advanced manufacturing.

Schneider Electric held a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday morning at 4800 Paris Rd.—the event marked the first step in its major expansion project after a more than $700 million investment to support energy and AI sectors, add over 200 jobs, and feature speeches by Governor Mike Kehoe, Mayor Barbara Buffaloe, and Senior VP Michael Quinn.

On Monday night, the Columbia Board of Education approved two leadership appointments by naming Adam Taylor as chief academic officer for the upcoming school year and Allison Chostner as principal at Benton STEM Elementary School—Taylor will take over from Jeff Klein while Chostner replaces Sarah Sicht.

Former Missouri governor and U.S. senator Christopher S.

'Kit' Bond died Tuesday in St. Louis at 86—Gov. Mike Kehoe announced flags will be flown at half-staff at government buildings until he is laid to rest. Bond served Missouri in various roles from 1971 through 2011 and is remembered for his lifelong commitment to public service.

The Missouri House approved Senate Bill 160, which has Danny’s Law that would make hazing a crime and is named for a MU student, Danny Santulli, who was hurt in a 2021 hazing event.

Governor Kehoe has 15 days to sign or veto the full education bill — the law also protects those who call 911 and help during a hazing incident.

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.

Intro to Woodworking Class

5-8 p.m. — MACCLab — $100.00 — Learn woodworking basics and create your own project in a hands-on setting.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Screening

8:00-9:55 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No outside food or drink — Enjoy a classic movie with friends and family on a Friday night.

Midwest Tradeswomen Summit

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Stephens College — Free entry — Empower women in trades through networking, skill-building, and insightful discussions.