Good morning, Columbia.

Thirty Boone County families participated in the Shop with a Hero event as they shopped with first responders at three Columbia Walmart locations.

One session took place on Tuesday at Conley Road, another on Thursday at Grindstone Parkway, and the final session is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Dec.16 at West Broadway.

Columbia raised $23,347.71 in the Salvation Army Border War Challenge from Dec.

5 to Dec. 7, beating Lawrence’s $16,511.01 and earning the traveling trophy for the next year (the city's third win in five years), officials said.

Local restaurateur Shelly La Fata runs Pasta La Fata + offers handmade pasta and community events at 1207 Rogers Street, and she plans to expand with frozen lasagna for home delivery.

Southern Boone band director T.J.

Higgins will march with the Band Directors Marching Band in the Rose Parade on Jan. 1 from Pasadena (California). His selection highlights his commitment to music education as he represents his school on a national stage.

During a session arranged by the School of Government and Public Affairs at MU, community members pushed back on discussions of charter schools as three panelists representing charter institutions provided their perspectives.

The Columbia Public Schools Foundation awarded over $194,000 to 37 schools on Dec.

10 (benefiting more than 15,700 students), using its Student First Fund grants to support classroom needs.

Boone County Fire Protection District announced that Fire Chief Scott Olsen, who served for 17 years, will retire Feb.

1, 2026. Interim Chief Doug Westhoff, with 46 years of service, will assume all chief duties immediately.

Back2Basics Cooking will host a holiday treats workshop from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec.

14—where friends, couples and families learn to make Oreo balls, peppermint bark and decorative cookies. The $155 fee covers admission for two, class instruction and all materials.

The Kitchen's outdoor ice rink is open for winter skating with sessions from Monday through Friday 2 to 10:45 p.m. and weekends 11 a.m. to 10:45 p.m. Sessions cost $11; skate rentals cost $4 & beginner assists cost $5.

Staff advise arriving 10 to 15 minutes early to check in.

Elf The Musical

2-4 p.m. — Macklanburg Playhouse — Refunds available — Enjoy a whimsical story of Buddy the Elf discovering his true identity in this festive musical.

Elf The Musical

2-4 p.m. — Macklanburg Playhouse — Refunds available up to a week prior — Delight in the holiday spirit with a musical adaptation of a beloved Christmas tale.

Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings

6:30-7:30 p.m. — The Historic Grand Ballroom, Tiger Hotel — Tickets Selling Fast — Experience a magical evening of Christmas carols performed by the Lisetso String Quartet under candlelight.

Cassie Twehus' Holiday Favorites

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Runge Nature Center — Free entry — Celebrate the season with festive activities hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Kansas City Roos vs Missouri Tigers Women's Basketball

2-9:59 p.m. — Mizzou Arena — Ticket prices vary — Witness an exciting matchup between local collegiate teams on the basketball court.

Wildlife: Fireside Stories

10-11 a.m. — Runge Nature Center — Free entry — Enjoy captivating winter tales around a cozy outdoor fire.

New Year’s Eve Pawty

10 AM – 2 PM — Premium Pets — Free entry — Celebrate the New Year with sparkling beverages for both humans and pups at a festive backdrop.

MO Rock Fest

7-8:30 p.m. — The Blue Note — Cashless venue — Enjoy an evening of live rock music in Columbia's popular venue.