Saturday, May 24th, 2025
Good morning, Columbia. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 24th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The City of Columbia is hosting a series of summer block parties in June and July to help residents meet city staff and learn about local services. The events, held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.—with dates on June 5 at Stephens Lake Park, June 9 at Douglass Park, June 17 at Albert-Oakland Park, June 23 at Fairview Park, June 30 at Cosmo-Bethel Park, July 10 at Indian Hills Park, and July 15 at Rock Quarry Park—will include food, music and games. KRCG
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Justin Lumley Jr., a 17-year-old from Centralia, was charged as an adult with 14 felony counts for two Columbia shootings on Dec. 21, 2024 and Jan. 27, 2024 that injured three people in total—he is held at Boone County Jail without bond. KOMU 8
- ➤ A Columbia teenager was certified as an adult on Friday for his alleged role in shootings on Dec. 21 and Jan. 27; Justin Lumley Jr., 17, faces charges including first-degree assault, armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon and property damage and is held without bond at Boone County Jail. ABC 17
- ➤ A Columbia man, Aaron Lacey, has been charged with felony animal abuse (as well as misdemeanor animal abuse and violating a county ordinance) after allegedly returning a seagull from the Gulf coast and amputating its wing with a pair of scissors, and his initial court appearance is set for Thursday, June 26 at 1:30 p.m. ABC 17
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ United Airlines will return to COU on Sept. 25 with one daily flight to Denver and twice-daily flights to Chicago O’Hare — local travelers said extra options may lower fares and ease travel. Passengers hope the new routes will improve access and boost Columbia’s connectivity. KOMU 8
- ➤ United Airlines will resume service at Columbia Regional Airport on September 25, offering twice-daily flights to Chicago and a daily flight to Denver — the Denver route is supported by a federal grant and added after strong community demand. The return of service, which was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, is expected to boost travel and economic activity in the area. Columbia Daily Tribune
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Columbia City Manager De'Carlon Seewood presented the State of the City address Friday at city hall and said residents need more input and safety measures. He noted that the Community Connectors program helped homeowners secure over $250,000 and said the city will improve utilities, recycling, public health, the airport, transit, bike routes and police collaboration — all to boost transparency and trust. KOMU 8
- ➤ Boone County launched a new tornado siren system on May 21 that uses National Weather Service warning zones to target only affected areas—reducing siren fatigue and improving alert accuracy. County officials said the system includes remote activation and human oversight, with monthly tests to continue as planned. Columbia Daily Tribune
- ➤ Columbia City Manager De'Carlon Seewood gave his state of the city address on May 23, saying the city has improved utilities, public safety and community programs with plans for water plant upgrades, transit studies and a streets review & efforts to boost affordable housing. He noted ongoing challenges like tornado damage to the recycling facility and stressed the need for more community input through surveys and forums. Columbia Daily Tribune
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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.
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Intro to Woodworking Class
5-8 p.m. — MACCLab — $100.00 — Learn woodworking basics and create your own project in a hands-on setting.
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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.
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Midwest Tradeswomen Summit
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Stephens College — Free entry — Empower women in trades through networking, skill-building, and insightful discussions.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Fried Crawdaddies Concert
6-7:30 p.m. — Rose Music Hall — Cashless venue — Enjoy an evening of live music with The Fried Crawdaddies.
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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.
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Intro to Longarm Quilting Class
6-8 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — Class fee includes all materials — Learn to use the HandiQuilter Simply Sixteen while creating a small quilted tapestry.
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