Good morning, Columbia.

The Columbia Fire Department rescued a deer stuck on a fence in West Columbia on Monday morning—after being freed, the deer took off into nearby woods.

Betsy Vicente—volunteer at The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri—launched a Thanksgiving Challenge to encourage residents to donate the cost of their holiday meal and help families facing food insecurity.

She noted that even a single donation could change the Thanksgiving experience for many in the community.

Columbia city leaders announced Tuesday that Allegiant Airlines will launch twice weekly flights from Columbia Regional Airport to Orlando on June 3 and to Destin on June 5 next year—adding new travel options as the airport recorded a record month for departing passengers in October.

The City of Columbia Solid Waste Utility announced it will soon divert mixed fibers including cardboard from the landfill for both commercial and resident customers.

They remind residents to flatten cardboard boxes and to use a separate container instead of blue-bags.

Boone County Fire Protection District held an open house Tuesday to celebrate the opening of its new $4.7 million Fire Station No. 8 on Route K—built next to the 1981 facility—with features such as larger vehicle bays, a built-in training tower, and a safe gear cleaning area approved through a 2023 bond issue. The station has handled one to two calls a day since opening on Nov. 5.

A March of Dimes report shows Missouri still has high infant deaths and worsening maternal deaths with a D grade for its 11% preterm birth rate, and while infant deaths fell slightly, 441 babies died in 2023.

Health experts warn that potential federal Medicaid cuts could close rural hospitals and reduce prenatal care—further endangering mothers and babies.

Columbia officers remind residents and visitors to plan ahead as the Division I NCAA Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Championships will take place on November 22 at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course.

Off-site parking will be available in color-coded lots with shuttles running from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.—residents are advised to use alternate routes to ease traffic.

Former Cardinals manager Mike Schildt, 57, retired unexpectedly after guiding the San Diego Padres to a 90 to 72 record and citing death threats from sports bettors.

Missouri sports betting will launch Dec. 1 and university officials are watching its impact on student-athletes — one in three high-profile players has received abusive messages from bettors.

Fall Choral Union Concert

7-9 p.m. — Jesse Hall Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Experience a spectacular performance conducted by Dr. Andre Thomas with 250 singers and a full orchestra.

Priscilla Block Concert

6:00-9:30 p.m. — The Blue Note — Ticket info available — Experience an evening of captivating music with Priscilla Block.

JUMP - America's Van Halen Experience

8-9:30 p.m. — The Blue Note — Ticket prices vary — Experience an electrifying tribute to Van Halen with one of the top up-and-coming tribute bands.

Holiday Curated Crafted Created Market

10 AM – 3 PM — Columbia Mall — Free entry — Explore a unique marketplace featuring local makers and artisans showcasing handcrafted goods.

NCAA Cross Country Championships

3:30-7:30 a.m. — Gans Creek Cross Country Course — Ticket prices vary — Experience thrilling races at one of the premier collegiate cross country events in the nation.

Thanksgiving Day Turkey Fry 2025

8 AM – 12 PM — Knights of Columbus CKC Event Center — $50 for individual turkeys, $99 to include a donation turkey — Enjoy perfectly fried turkeys while supporting local community projects.

Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA

8:45-9:45 p.m. — voco The Tiger Hotel — Up to 10% Off — Experience the magic of music from Queen and ABBA under candlelight in a beautiful venue.

Siilk Live Performance

7-10:30 p.m. — The Blue Note — Ticket pricing varies — Experience the haunting lyrics of Siilk's music as they perform live in Columbia.

SIU Edwardsville Cougars vs. Missouri Tigers Women's Basketball

2-3:30 p.m. — Mizzou Arena — Check for ticket prices — Catch an exciting matchup in women's collegiate basketball.

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet

7-8:30 p.m. — Jesse Hall Auditorium — Tickets start at $138 — Experience the enchanting performance of the classic holiday ballet filled with magic and joy.