Good morning, Columbia.

Three transit operators were honored today at the Missouri Transit Conference in Columbia for ensuring riders reach work and daily needs — the awards recognized drivers from SERVE, Inc. and OATS Transit for years of dedicated service.

New businesses are arriving in Columbia—Vessel Club offers wellness sessions at 210 St. James St., Mobile Hair Daze Tinsel Bar is booking events, Lizzi and Rocco’s treat truck will attend Heritage Festival Sept.

19, Reloved by Pea opens a vintage shop Sept. 26, and A Louisiana Kitchen adds Sunday brunch.

Local author Aaron Fox held a fundraiser on Saturday at Logboat Brewing Co for his new children's book Hungry, Hungry Hudson and his online bookshop Sly Bookshelf.

The event raised funds to cover remaining illustration and printing costs so readers can soon enjoy his fourth published book.

The CPS board will adopt a five-year strategic plan and review counseling programs at its upcoming meeting, while new board member Paul Wagner (serving the remainder of Jeanne Snodgrass' term) will be sworn in.

Local riders joined the Tree-mendous Ride to enjoy nature and support Missouri conservation.

The event gave bikers a chance to exercise their bodies (and minds) while boosting awareness of environmental protection.

Crews will work daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on multiple Columbia streets performing mill and overlay work (one lane remains open) while parking is restricted with temporary No Parking signs.

The work began Sept. 8 and will continue until Sept. 28.

Missouri lacks a statewide law on gun storage despite high suicide rates.

The Missouri Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will host its Out of the Darkness Walk on Oct. 25 (supporting mental health efforts) while Columbia Public Schools and Veterans Hospital update safety protocols.

Boone County public health officials are preparing for possible measles cases after a statewide health alert was issued due to low vaccination rates and outbreaks in neighboring states.

They will distribute educational materials and activate a surge staffing plan to work with local providers.

Saturday, the volleyball tournament at Hickman High School began at 8 a.m. to honor Aiyanna Williams, a former Battle student fatally shot last September during Mizzou Homecoming.

Proceeds will fund a $1,500 scholarship for high school seniors starting in spring 2027, with support from local sponsors.

Hickman High School co-hosted the inaugural Aiyanna Williams Invitational Volleyball Tournament to honor Williams, who passed away Sept.

27 last year. The event united players & community members to remember her contributions.