Good morning, Columbia.

The VAC Opportunity Campus Shelter has been in operation for 100 days, filling nearly all 150 beds and helping more residents secure housing than expected.

The shelter is now preparing for winter weather to assist those camping or living in vehicles — a proactive move to meet community needs.

Veterans United is reviving its free drive-thru holiday lights display this winter after canceling it last year.

The event will run from Dec. 10 to Dec. 20 at 550 Veterans United Drive, with weekdays from 7 to 10:30 p.m. and weekends from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Stephanie Yoakum (a former addict) is now operational manager at CoMo Mobile Aid Collective where she helps homeless people in the community.

Her personal journey motivates ongoing local efforts to support those in need.

The Locust Grove Baptist Church (built in 1881) will move from Sturgeon to Boone History Village in Columbia on Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m. and will be updated with modern tech while keeping 70% of its original structure for weddings and events by spring.

Retired educators and education employees from five counties will attend the MRTA Region 4 meeting on Oct.

26 at the Columbia Area Career Center (4203 S. Providence Road); registration begins at 9:15 a.m. and the meeting starts at 10 a.m., with speakers including Mayor Barbara Buffaloe and County Commissioner Kip Kendrick.

The Missouri State Board of Education appointed Lisa Sireno as interim education commissioner following Tuesday’s resignation of Stacey Preis amid proposed (A-F) grading framework revisions.

Sireno began her new role Wednesday as the board hired a search group for a permanent commissioner.

The Columbia Board of Education approved changes to its bullying and hazing policy that let school employees, substitutes + volunteers, and contractors report incidents.

The changes, discussed since August 2025, will take effect in January 2027 and require reports within two days + investigations.

A new glass recycling bin is now available on the east side of the University of Missouri campus for residents to drop off glass.

The facility aims to support local recycling efforts & a cleaner community.

Truman Veterans' Hospital in Columbia received VA infrastructure funding to modernize and repair its facilities during fiscal year 2026, with projects including elevator upgrades, pharmacy enhancements, and emergency department repairs.

The funding is part of a $4.8 billion VA spending plan aimed at ensuring safe, efficient care for veterans.

Columbia Regional Airport will add Avis rental service to its new facility south of the terminal as part of upgrades that improve parking and food options.

The airport expects over 500,000 passengers next year, and improvements are underway, according to Director Mike Parks.

Truman VA Medical Center hosted its second Breast Cancer Awareness Walk today—participants followed a one-mile route around the hospital to learn about breast cancer detection and care.