Good morning, Columbia.

Construction begins this fall on a $750,000 upgrade at Columbia's Rainbow Softball Center at Cosmopolitan Park — crews will install LED lights, renovate infields, repave seating areas and update bleachers plus the concession HVAC system.

The phased work will finish ahead of spring leagues with minimal disruption.

At 2 p.m. Wednesday, Columbia Fire Department responded to a fire at a strip mall on Business Loop 70 West; firefighters quickly contained the blaze and evacuated Moberly Area Community College’s Columbia Campus at 601 Business Loop 70 West with no injuries reported.

The Columbia Public Schools Foundation celebrated 30 years of support for local public schools by honoring six leaders (alumni, retired educators, and volunteers) at an Oct.

1 reception held at the State Historical Society. The event recognized decades of service and deep community ties.

Hominy Creek Independent School earned Accreditation with Merit from Cognia as it completed its shift to nonprofit governance.

The school will continue its Montessori and Reggio Emilia-inspired program with planning and oversight provided by a new board.

Jenny’s Wildlife Wonderland rescued a mute swan named Fish in July after he suffered a neck injury at Cosmo-Bethel Park.

The team tried to return him last week but now plans to find him a safe, water-access home + a social group of ducks, geese, or swans.

A new deck was poured on the Providence Road overpass above I-70 on Tuesday.

The work is part of the Improve I-70 Program that upgrades the bridge with pedestrian crossings, decorative lighting and new lanes, with completion expected in mid-November.

Local organizations are preparing for changes as ARPA funding nears its spending deadline, and nonprofits are rethinking programs + planning new strategies to continue community services.

The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women Evening in Red is set for Oct.

29 at the Atrium on Tenth in Columbia, featuring a silent auction + dinner and a women's health panel intended to honor survivors and raise awareness of cardiovascular disease affecting women of all ages.

Rusty Drewing Automotive donated two remote-controlled cars to Boone Health on Oct.

7 to ease surgery anxiety for young patients.

Mizzou head coach Eli Drinkwitz said freshman tackle Johnnie DJ Jones was placed on the heart transplant list after doctors found his heart condition during summer evaluations.

The team learned the news last week and the recruit, one of the top 2026 signees, will face ongoing medical challenges.