Good morning, Columbia.

The Boone County Ready Festival will take place Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Lamb Shelter at Cosmo Park to teach families emergency preparedness with live demos, local vendors, and a 5:30 p.m. Public Safety Service Award announcement (rain date Oct.

1) while early arrivals receive free readiness kits.

Como Comunidad is seeking donations for care packages during Hispanic Heritage Month & aims to exceed last year’s count of 200 packages.

Local residents are invited to support this community effort.

Columbia’s 48th Heritage Festival and Craft Show (celebrating local arts) returns to Nifong Park on Sept.

19-20. The event will engage community members with regional crafts and heritage exhibits.

The University of Missouri opened an investigation into Sociology Department Chair Wayne Brekhus after a video surfaced on social media that showed him discussing the school's ended DEI programs.

University officials said the probe follows a 2024 announcement that eliminated DEI requirements & noted that appropriate actions will be taken.

Sustain Mizzou (a local environmental group) will launch its Tiger Tailgate Recycling program at the home football game this Saturday to encourage recycling and boost sustainability during the season opener.

Columbia restaurant Delia’s Mexican Grill is appealing a 10-day liquor license suspension issued Aug.

18 amid a 2023 probe into alleged improper sales — and failure to cooperate with authorities — with a filing updated Friday, Sept. 11 noting a $500 fine for an earlier unlicensed sale.

Boone Health EMS earned Pediatric Ready recognition from Missouri EMS for Children after reviewing pediatric equipment, training, and policies.

Officials said the designation shows the team’s readiness to handle emergencies + provide quality care for children.

After reporting 114 cyclosporiasis cases this summer, Boone County has seen no new cases since Aug.

28. The CDC declared the outbreak over Friday + local health experts remind residents to wash produce before eating.

Construction Suicide Prevention Week raised awareness among construction workers in Southern Boone County as counselors and team members stressed the need for mental health support following a report showing workers face nearly four times the suicide risk.

Advocates urged colleagues to check on each other and reminded those in need to seek help (call 988 for support).

Maher Real Estate's president confirmed that the historic Katy Station building (402 E.

Broadway) and Broadway Diner location are under contract, with Shiloh Bar and Grill set to close in December for sale preparations. A petition to save the building is underway.