Good morning, Columbia.

The 21st Mizzou Tomato Festival, held on Thursday at MU’s Jefferson Farm, featured almost 240 varieties of tomatoes, free food, and family activities, and marked the grand opening of a new education center with indoor — outdoor labs for teaching research.

It captured local agriculture traditions.

On Friday, KOMU 8 marked one year since sports director Ben Arnet died by unveiling the Ben Arnet Memorial Scholarship in Television Sports Journalism — a tribute to support broadcast students; his family says donations remain sought to reach the $60,000 goal.

Four crew members of the USS Columbia are set to visit from Oct.

9-14, attending the Mizzou football game on Oct. 10 and touring local spots such as Columbia College and the Fire Department (coordinated by the Mayor’s Task Force). The visit honors the history of the namesake ship.

Four businesses plan to open new stores and restaurants downtown, promising fresh shopping and dining choices for locals — a sign of expanding opportunities for the community.

Community members gather today at Boone County Fairgrounds to explore the uncanny crafts of Missouri artists at the Rise of the Living Dead craft fair hosted by Moth Market.

Missouri high school students can now apply for a state scholarship that helps pay for college-level classes while in high school; fall applications are accepted through Dec.

1 and spring submissions end on April 1 (applications are available via the state financial aid portal).

Columbia Utilities has expanded recycling services by installing a Ripple Glass bin at the city landfill on Peabody Road, allowing residents to drop off glass at no cost & helping reduce waste.

Columbia will host four butterfly tagging events and other monarch activities in September to boost pollinator conservation—residents may join to support local efforts protecting these vital insects.

The median price for homes in Columbia reached a new record as slower sales left properties on the market longer.

High mortgage rates are blamed for the trend affecting local affordability.

Ashland is hosting the 2026 Cattlemen Days Rodeo this weekend, featuring events like bareback riding, steer wrestling and bull riding.

More than 7,000 fans are expected to attend, so organizers advise carpooling as limited parking may worsen traffic — Highway 63 could see jams.

KRCG 13 aired Friday night football games on Aug.

28 across mid-Missouri, featuring Maryville vs. Blair Oaks at 5:30 p.m. plus a series of high school matchups at 7 p.m. that launched the season.