Good morning, Columbia.

The Central Missouri Scale Modelers will complete Jack Andrewson's unfinished projects at TigerCon in November to honor his memory.

Columbia Public Schools invites community members to join Chalk the Walk this weekend by chalking encouraging messages on elementary school sidewalks for Jump Start Day on Monday and the first day of school on Tuesday (volunteers must bring their own chalk and may sign up for multiple buildings).

Preliminary statewide MAP assessment results show Missouri students increased proficiency in key subjects, suggesting positive progress for local schools.

Literacy expert Kirsten Musetti Tivaringe of the University of Missouri noted homeschooling rates doubled since the pandemic and advised families considering it to assess if they have the time, structure, and energy needed – suggesting they review children’s past learning likes and dislikes to set up routines for the new school year.

Columbia Utilities announced that crews will drain the Walnut Street water tower on Monday, Aug.

24 to replace coatings and install safety upgrades, causing temporary low water pressure and possible discoloration for some residents. Customers are advised to run a cold faucet for 10 to 15 minutes if discoloration persists.

The city announced the Shops at Sharp program will end in September, leaving the retail space vacant, and invited community proposals for future use at a meeting Thursday, Aug.

27 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the REDI Hub (500 East Walnut St. Suite 105).

Utility crews will drain Walnut Water Tower on Monday to upgrade its coatings and safety, which may cause low water pressure and discolored water for local customers+ those in the Walnut Street area are advised to run a cold faucet for 10-15 minutes+.

MoDOT reopened the ramp connecting eastbound I-70 to southbound U.S. 63 in Columbia Friday afternoon; the project is part of the Improve I-70 program that will add lanes between Columbia and Kingdom City to ease traffic congestion.

MU Health Care will stop cash payments at most outpatient clinics starting Monday to make check-ins faster — only about 10% of payments used cash.

Some locations in Columbia and Versailles will still accept cash or checks.