Good morning, Columbia.

Columbia announced a free Summer Lunch Program for kids under 18 that will run from June 2 until Aug.

7, excluding June 19 and July 4, with lunch and snacks served Monday through Friday at various city and partner locations. One site at the Armory Sports and Recreation Center will serve meals from noon to 1 p.m. until Aug. 1 and requires large groups to call the WIC office (573.873.7384) one day in advance.

A Columbia Utilities representative confirmed that while installing a new transformer during a power outage in south Columbia, a line worker was electrocuted—another worker assisting him was injured and later released after hospital treatment.

A Columbia man, John L.

Williamson, III, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to second degree murder for fatally shooting his ex-girlfriend Azairah Brownlee during a fight on December 8, and he was sentenced to 27 years in prison.

On Monday, union groups Laborers Local 955, the Columbia Police Officers Association, and Local 1055 presented proposals to city council to address stagnant wages amid rising living costs and staffing shortages.

Council members entered a closed session without voting on the proposals, and discussions on pay adjustments will continue in the next budget cycle—union leaders stress that investing in workers now can help prevent bigger challenges later.

Columbia City Council is reviewing a $1 million cost-share agreement with the Missouri Highways & Transportation Commission to improve pedestrian safety at the I-70 & Highway 63 connector by expanding sidewalks and adding signalized crossings.

The ordinance was introduced May 5 with new financial responsibility language and is still pending a final vote.

Columbia Public Works will hold an open house on May 27 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Cedar Ridge Elementary School (2345 Howell Mountain Drive) to present design concepts for the new sidewalk along Columbia Gorge Parkway and Pride Mountain Drive, including a pedestrian crosswalk and curb ramp, and construction will begin this fall (diagrams and staff answers will be available for public review).

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.

On-Site Tour at Solstice Senior Living

9 AM - 7 PM — Solstice Senior Living at Columbia — Free entry — Explore an award-winning community designed for vibrant independent living.

The Big Run 5K

6-7 p.m. — Stamos Endodontics — Free entry — Celebrate Global Running Day with a fun run/walk for all abilities at The Big Run 5K.

Show-Me State Games 2025: Missouri State Senior Games

8 AM – 8 AM — Albert-Oakland Park — Entry fee varies — Compete in pickleball at a community-focused event promoting sports and fitness in Columbia.

The Fried Crawdaddies Concert

6-7:30 p.m. — Rose Music Hall — Cashless venue — Enjoy an evening of live music with The Fried Crawdaddies.

Barnie's Place 5K Race: Go the Extra Mile

1-3 p.m. — Cosmo Park — $25 — Support Barnie's Feline Rescue as you run a scenic 5K course for community cats.