Good morning, Columbia.

Local Motion is leading the Week Without Driving initiative in Columbia from Oct.

1 to 8 to encourage alternate transportation. Events include a historic walk from Flat Branch Park to Ragtag Cinema at 5 p.m. on Oct. 1 & a bike ride on Oct. 3 ending near Mizzou’s Homecoming Parade.

Columbia Second Chance is hosting its annual rescue reunion to celebrate pet adoptions, bringing together volunteers, fosters and previous adopters to share success stories – a local event that strengthens community bonds.

Columbia dentist Colin Malaker, owner of Sterling Dental Care and competitive jet pilot, raced at the National Championship Air Races in Roswell (this past weekend) and won first place after overcoming turbulence caused by a gear collapse with help from other teams, placing his trophy in his office.

An outdoor installation named Sun Boxes played a single guitar note triggered by sunlight at three MU locations on Tuesday and will appear today from 3 to 7 p.m. at Ridgeway Neighborhood Association, with a textile walk-through by Raven Smith.

The Deli Lama Orchestra marked Tuesday’s fall equinox at Daniel Boone Regional Library with a bowl singing concert featuring Tibetan bowls & stringed instruments.

The group, which has been performing for over 40 years, invited the audience to try playing the bowls, sharing their unique sound.

Columbia Public Schools asked for community input on facility improvements at a town hall meeting Tuesday at Lange Middle School.

Officials plan to review feedback (including student insights) with the board in November and will hold the next meeting at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at Smithton Middle School.

A strengthening El Niño is predicted to bring warmer, wetter conditions to Columbia this fall — NOAA forecasts above-normal rainfall that may help late-planted soybeans and restore drought-stricken pastures and livestock ponds, although most corn has already been harvested.

CPS' Long-Range Facilities Planning Committee has opened public feedback on its new 10-year plan to address facilities and infrastructure needs in the district.

The committee seeks resident input before final decisions are made.

MoDOT plans to improve pedestrian safety at College Avenue intersections at University Avenue and Rollins Street after a public input meeting; project funded by the Vulnerable Road Users Fund ($1.6 million) will have a contract awarded in June 2027 with work starting in July and completion expected by December 2028.

Columbia/Boone County Animal Control plans to move into an old animal hospital at 1300 Boone Industrial, as proposed during Monday night's council meeting.

The new facility will give six officers dedicated space for intake and quarantine + county and city contributions will total $995,000.

Local healthcare providers are hosting flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics through October at sites including South Providence Medical Building and Madison Street Medical Building (attendees need photo ID and insurance card).

MU Health Care is adding a new ambulance base in west Columbia near the Digestive Health Center at 101 South Fairview Road—set to operate Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. with plans to expand service in the future.