Mid-Missouri

The 2023 CoMoGives campaign wants you to bust a move for area nonprofits.

Starting Nov. 28, aligning with Giving Tuesday, and running through Dec. 31, the campaign is asking, “What moves you?”

So, as a physical representation of that question CoMoGives is promoting the “Dip. Dance. Give. Dance-a-Thon” throughout the monthlong campaign.

Community members are encouraged, either individually or in groups, “to create a dance expressing what moves them to support CoMoGives” and its 173 nonprofit campaign participants. The dance does not have to be choreographed as “spontaneity is welcome.”

Participants are asked to record a video of the dance and share it to Facebook or Instagram tagging @CoMoGives and anyone else a person or group would like to challenge to show off their dance moves in support of the campaign.

“Showcase what moves you. This could be through a sign, a verbal shout out or text overlay,” CoMoGives said about what should be in the video, such as saying “Voluntary Action Center moves me! What moves you?”

Those with CoMoGives campaigns also are encouraged to participate in creating dance-a-thon videos and others that highlight the nonprofit’s mission and other stories.

“By combining the joy of dance with the spirit of giving, the 2023 CoMoGives campaign aims tocreate a unified wave of generosity,” CoMoGives said. “They are urging our community to work together to celebrate and support the organizations that make Columbia and Mid-Missouri truly special.”

A $2 million goal

CoMoGives through the various fundraising campaigns, peer to peer events and other pledges aims to raise $2 million in 2023. This is the same goal as in 2022 that wasn’t quite reached.

Community Foundation of Central Missouri Executive Director John Baker in January said last year’s campaign not reaching the $2 million threshold likely was down to inflation impacting people’s available discretionary income to give to nonprofits.

Even so, Baker says he is ready to participate in this year’s dance-a-thon.

“CoMoGives has grown to be a fun way to motivate giving that improves lives in central Missouri. I’m even going to post a dance and show what organization moves me (and I’m a lousy dancer), and I hope you will, too,” he said.

How CoMoGives works

Once the campaign goes live, area residents can support area nonprofits through minimum $10 donations paid with a card through a nonprofit’s donation page on the CoMoGives website.

People also are participating in Peer-to-Peer fundraisers. One such fundraiser last year meant for every $50 raised up to $1,000 a book was purchased for Little Free Libraries. The ultimate goal was aimed at supporting the Unbound Book Festival.

Applications for Peer-to-Peer fundraisers were due Nov. 14.

Participant organizations also aim to receive various challenge grants from the Community Foundation of Central Missouri. There are 23 challenge grants totaling $18,000. There are grants for organizations that raised the most money, most money raised by first-time participants and many more.

There are 28 first-time campaign participants, such as Columbia Farmers Market, CoMo Mobile Aid Collective, and People Embracing Another Choice Effectively, or P.E.A.C.E, among others.

More:CoMoGives peer-to-peer fundraiser benefits Unbound Book Festival, Little Free Libraries

Those seeking to donate can also sort by organizations who do not offer other premiums, or incentives for donating, or those who have a fund through the Community Foundation of Central Missouri. There are challenge grants for nonprofits that don’t offer donation incentives.

“This challenge grant kind of levels the playing field between the two categories of ‘do and don’t’ offer (premiums),” Baker said, adding organizations that have a fund with the Community Foundation is down to a number a reasons, such as “rainy day, endowment revenue, capital project collection, online donations, etc. We hope that more and more organizations will have a fund with CFCM and this challenge grant is directed to those orgs who have such a fund.”

The Community Foundation provides savings-like accounts for organizations that opt to have a fund with the foundation.

From 2021:Missouri River Relief gets boost in CoMoGives Campaign from Santa and Mrs. Claus

Charles Dunlap covers local government, community stories and other general subjects for the Tribune. You can reach him at cdunlap@columbiatribune.com or @CD_CDT on Twitter. Subscribe to support vital local journalism.

Originally Appeared Here

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ELLENSBURG, Wash. – The Central Washington women’s basketball team (4-3) will head back on the road for a pair of games in Bellingham as a part of the WWU Thanksgiving Tournament. 
 
GAME INFORMATION
 
Friday, November 24
4:30 p.m.
Central Washington vs. Hawaii Pacific
Carver Gym
Bellingham, Wash. 
WATCH LIVE STATS TICKETS
 
Saturday, November 25
4:30 p.m. 
Central Washington vs. Minnesota State Moorhead
Carver Gym
Bellingham, Wash.
WATCH LIVE STATS TICKETS
 
QUOTING HEAD COACH RANDI RICHARDSON-THORNLEY
 
“We’re excited for another challenging week on the road against two great programs. We are learning a lot about ourselves right now and I’m excited to see our team’s response and where we can grow from there.”
 
LAST OUTING
 
The Wildcats concluded their home-opening week suffering a 90-77 setback to Cal State Los Angeles on Tuesday. The Wildcats were once again paced by Asher Cai who needed 28 points to pair with eight rebounds and two assists. Sunny Huerta added 17 points with her two rebounds, four assists, and two steals while Malia Smith scored a career-high 17 points and made a steal to add to her resume. Capri Sims continued the stellar start to her freshman campaign with eight points, 12 rebounds, one assist, and one steal. Annalee Coronado knocked down three points, three assists, and two steals while Keira Marsh and Shelby Blodgett each added two points with Marsh adding two rebounds, three assists, the Wildcats sole block, and a crimson and black-high three steals. 
 
CWU capped off the home-opening week with a resounding 84-71 victory over first year NCAA Division II program, the Westmont Warriors from inside Nicholson Arena Saturday afternoon. Cai once again led the Wildcats with 27 points, tacking on five rebounds and two steals. Sims posting her second double-double in her young career with 18 points and 12 rebounds, adding on two assists and two steals. Huerta also had another productive day posting 17 points to pair with her three rebounds, five assists, and one block. Coronado added on seven points with one rebound, a game-high seven assists, and one steal. Tori Maeda knocked down four points, including a buzzer-beating three-pointer to end the third quarter to go with her one rebound and three assists. Marsh, Smith, and Blodgett each added on three points while Aliyah Finch finished the game with two points. 
 
SCOUTING THE SHARKS
 
HPU has started the season 1-2. They opened their season hosting the GNAC/PacWest Crossover in which they fell 66-48 to Alaska Anchorage to open their season before falling in a tight contest 57-54 to 15th-ranked Montana State Billings from inside The Shark Tank. The Sharks then took on Stanislaus State on Tuesday and grinded out their first win of the season in a 66-61 battle from inside The Shark Tank.  
 
The Sharks have been led by Erika Glenn who’s the only player averaging double figures with 11.7 points per game. Haley Masaki is second on the Sharks, averaging 9.7 points per game while Kalina Obrey and Megan Jones are averaging 7.3 and seven points per game, respectively. Megan Jones (6.3) and Ella Berge (6.0) are the leaders for the Sharks in rebounding while Leslie Mojica leads HPU with six assists on the young season. Mojica leads HPU with six steals while Jones already has 11 blocks on the season. HPU is averaging 30 percent from the floor, 22 percent from three-point range, and 75.3 percent from the free throw line. The Sharks are sweeping the boards, averaging 38 rebounds per game compared to their opponents 34, and are averaging 13.7 turnovers per game.
 
SCOUTING THE DRAGONS
 
MSUM is currently 0-3 on the season. They went 0-2 at the Regional Challenge in Claremore, Okla. to open the season. They first fell to Rogers State 84-74 before taking 10th-ranked Central Missouri to overtime before falling 63-57. On Tuesday they were north of the border taking on Simon Fraser in which the Red Leafs came out on top 83-70. 
 
Natalie Jens is currently leading the dragons, averaging 19 points per game and is adding in 6.3 rebounds per game. Jens has also has added on five steals and a team-high 18 assists. Ashley Fritz is also averaging double-digits with 11.3 points per game and is second on the Dragons for rebounds at 8 per game, just behind Terryn Johnson with 8.3 per game. Fritz has also added six assists and six steals. Maya Metcalf is the other Dragon averaging double-figures at 10.5 points per game while also adding one rebound per game and adding one steal and one block so far this season. The Dragons are averaging 40.2 percent from the floor, 35.3 percent from three-point range, and 79.4 percent from the free throw line. The Dragons are also outrebounding their opponents 36.7 to 33.3 but are turning the ball over more with 17.3 turnovers per game. 
 
UP NEXT
 
The Wildcats will open Great Northwest Athletic Conference action the following weekend when they travel to the Western Oregon Wolves (3-2) in Monmouth, Ore. on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. They’ll head back to The Evergreen State for a matchup against the Saints of Saint Martin’s (1-3) on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. from Lacey. 
 

Originally Appeared Here

While most places to eat or shop for food won’t be open for Thanksgiving, there are some restaurants, grocery stores and hot meals available for those staying in town.

Grocery stores

All Hy-Vee locations will be closed, but you can order premade Thanksgiving meals. These meals can be ordered online or in-person starting Saturday and picked up from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. up until one or two days before Thanksgiving. 

Gerbes will be open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. It has locations at 1729 W. Broadway and 2900 Paris Road.

Moser’s will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving. Its three locations are at 900 N. Keene St., 4840 Range Line St. and 4420 Faurot Drive.

Schnucks, Walmart, Walgreens, Eatwell and Aldi will all be closed.

The Columbia Farmers Market will host vendors for its Thanksgiving Market on Nov. 21 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 1769 W. Ash St.

Corrina Smith, executive director of Columbia Farmers Market, said the market will offer food items for Thanksgiving meals. There won’t be turkeys offered this year, she said, but products such as meats, baked goods, breads, pies and canned goods are available.

People can also contact individual vendors on their Facebook pages or websites if they want to pre-order certain items like pies, Smith said. 

Restaurants

Glenn’s Cafe will be open on Thanksgiving from noon until 8 p.m. for dine-in and carry-out. The menu features a three-course Thanksgiving dinner, including sliced turkey breast, bourbon glazed ham, mashed potatoes, turkey gravy and cranberry sauce. Glenn’s is located at 29 S. Eighth St.

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Truman’s Bar and Grill is open from 2 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. and will offer its normal menu of burgers, sandwiches, wings, salads and pizza. On Black Friday, Truman’s will be open from 6 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Its location is at 3304 W. Broadway Business Park Court.

11Eleven, located at 1111 E. Broadway, will offer Thanksgiving buffets from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Reservations are required for the buffet, and there is a maximum of 12 guests per reservation.

Meadow Jayko, a supervisor at 11Eleven, said patrons can fill their plates with turkey, ham, assorted pies and desserts, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes and creamed corn.

The buffet will cost $31.95 for each adult, $26.95 for seniors and $19.95 for kids 12 and under. Kids four and under will be complimentary.

Waffle House will be open 24 hours with its usual menu. Columbia’s two locations are at 904 Vandiver Drive and 2701 S. Providence Road.

Hot meals

“A Time To Give Thanks” is an annual event put on by Columbia nonprofit Powerhouse Community Development. This will be its 26th year. People can come in for hot meals from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Columbia Senior Activity Center at 1121 Business Loop 70 E.

Canned goods can be donated at 601 Business Loop 70 W., Suite 204, until Nov. 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. A food box distribution event will follow on Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the same address.

The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri is preparing its “Partnership Against Hunger,” an all-day food and fund drive to help families put food on the table during the holidays and beyond, according to its website. The event will run from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 21. Participating locations include all the Hy-Vee locations in Columbia, as well as Schnucks at 1400 Forum Blvd.

You can also donate money via credit card or Venmo. Their most needed items, according to the website, include canned meat or protein, canned fruits and vegetables, beans, rice, canned soup and boxed meal kits.

Originally Appeared Here

Takeaways:

• Ambiguities about sales taxes in the constitutional amendment legalizing recreational marijuana have led to disputes between counties and cities.
• In some Missouri cities, recreational marijuana customers face up to 20% in state and local sales taxes. 
• Dispensaries are taking legal action against the stacking of taxes, citing potential “irreparable harm.”

A little sales tax on the buds or gummies you buy at the neighborhood cannabis dispensary is one thing.

But another tax? And another?

Various state and local sales taxes lumped onto your recreational marijuana purchase can add upwards of 20% to the cost of legalized Missouri weed.

The state cannabis trade association, which is backing dispensaries’ legal action over the stacked taxes, calls the compiling marijuana surcharges an “unconstitutional money grab” by city councils and county commissions. 

“Today’s lawsuit should eventually put an end to Missouri adult use marijuana customers having to pay stacked local taxes, which violate the Missouri Constitution and the will of the voters,” said Andrew Mullins, the executive director of MoCann Trade, when lawsuits were filed in mid-October. “We are proud to work with our industry partners to stand up for Missouri cannabis customers against this unconstitutional money grab.” 

In November 2022, Missourians approved legalizing recreational marijuana. Since then, the state has grappled with regulating a new industry as cities, counties and the state tussle with one another over how much each can get from dispensary sales.

Since recreational sales began in February, Missourians have spent an average of $92 million a month on weed. That means the 6% state sales tax from recreational sales sends about $4 million a month to Jefferson City, less than one-half percent of the state’s total monthly revenue in October. 

Cities and counties can pass their own taxes, adding up to an additional 3% in local taxes to a sale of recreational marijuana under terms now enshrined in the state constitution. But as counties and cities pass taxes of their own, exactly how they can be applied remains unclear. 

Weed taxes upon weed taxes

So far, 83 of the state’s 114 counties have passed local marijuana sales taxes, according to the Missouri Department of Revenue. Some taxes went into effect Oct. 1, while others will take effect Jan. 1. 

Of those counties, 33 don’t currently have any dispensaries, a sign of how eager county officials are to secure a piece of the marijuana pie when dispensaries open. 

At least 164 cities across the state have passed local sales taxes for marijuana sales. At least 81 of those cities have no dispensary within their city limits. 

The constitutional amendment lays out how counties and cities can work together to tax cannabis sales. But some counties are interpreting the constitution differently than others. 

The debate roils around whether local officials have to split the weed tax pie, or just ask for another pie. For now, cities and counties are uncertain whether they can add a combined total of 3% or whether they can stack their sales taxes on top of one another, which would effectively double the local sales tax consumers pay.

Local tax rates don’t apply to sales of medical marijuana, which are fixed at 4%. 

But for recreational sales, the taxes mount up. So a pack of edibles that’s listed for $100 in Kansas City goes to $106 with the state tax, then to $109 when the city tax is added and $112 when the county stacks its charge on top. That’s without the typical sales taxes that still apply. With state sales taxes, that brings the total to just over $116, then to nearly $119.50 for Kansas City sales taxes, plus another dollar or two for county sales taxes and other taxing districts like the Kansas City Zoo or the streetcar. 

The language in the constitution allows a “local government” to pass a sales tax for recreational sales. Most counties interpret that to mean that county taxes would only apply in unincorporated areas. 

“We know that the drafters of the amendment meant for it not to be stackable,” Boone County Presiding Commissioner Kip Kendrick told the Missouri Independent. 

But some counties didn’t see it that way. 

Lawsuits over marijuana tax stacking

The marijuana taxes come on top of general state and local sales taxes, which can vary across the state. A dispensary in Florissant, in St. Louis County, sued after the county said it would stack its tax. That would mean all state, city and county sales taxes would add up to 14.988%. 

The county expects to see around $3 million in revenue if it can stack its tax on top of the city rate. 

The dispensary argues in the lawsuit that a stacked tax would cause “irreparable harm” and could result in the loss of customer relationships. 

Another dispensary in St. Joseph, in Buchanan County, is suing over the same issue. Guidance from the Department of Revenue, the agency that collects marijuana sales tax revenue each month, hasn’t cleared up much. 

Initially, the agency told local governments and dispensaries in February that the language did not allow for stacking of city and county sales tax rates, according to lawsuits filed. 

Weeks later, the department bowed out of the conversation, saying that the constitution is vague. 

“Going forward, the Department will not advise municipalities or counties regarding the possibility of stacking,” the department wrote in guidance included by lawyers in the St. Louis County lawsuit. The constitutional amendment, the department said, “is ambiguous.”

Now, the issue is left up to district courts. Until a decision is made, dispensaries will continue paying both county and city rates, said Jack Cardetti, a spokesman for the trade association. 

It’s unclear how reimbursements may work if courts rule that stacking is unconstitutional, since many counties have already started collecting payouts. 

“If the lawsuit is successful,” Cardetti said, “it would be our hope that any order would prevent DOR from continuing to collect the unconstitutional tax across Missouri, thus saving Missouri customers approximately $3 million per month.”

Originally Appeared Here

Cope Grass Farm of Truxton, located in Montgomery County (between Columbia and St. Louis in east-central Missouri) has been selected as the recipient of the 2023 Missouri Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors farmers, ranchers and forestland owners who go above and beyond to manage soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

“In agriculture, our greatest resource is the land, and as farmers, it is our duty to be good stewards of that land for future generations,” said Aaron Porter, chairman of the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council. “Sustainability is one of the top priorities for our organization, and it’s outstanding to see the spotlight on farm families who are truly living the example of stewardship.”

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 27 states.

Given in honor of conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners whose dedication to environmental improvement inspires others. In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold advocated for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

“Leopold Conservation Award recipients are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO. “Their dedication to conservation shows how individuals can improve the health of the land while producing food and fiber.”

Harry Cope and his family received the award during the Missouri Governor’s Conference on Agriculture in Osage Beach on Nov. 17.

An independent panel of agriculture and conservation leaders reviewed the applications for the award, which comes with a $10,000 cash prize.

“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust celebrates the hard work and dedication of the Cope family,” said John Piotti, AFT President and Chief Executive Officer. “At AFT, we believe that conservation in agriculture requires a focus on the land, the practices and the people and this award recognizes the integral role of all three.”

Cope Grass Farm was established in 1990 with a focus on rotational grazing cattle, sheep and hogs. Today, it’s a partnership between Harry and his daughter Sabrina Cope who heads up marketing for the farm.

A recent audit by the National Audubon Society documented more than 100 species of birds at Cope Grass Farm, one of just seven Missouri farms to receive Audubon’s “Bird Friendly Beef” certification. The audit showed a 30 percent increase in bird species in just three years, including the Henslow’s Sparrow, a species in population decline.

The Leopold Conservation Award Program in Missouri is made possible thanks to the generous support of American Farmland Trust, Missouri Farmers Care Foundation, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, Sand County Foundation, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, FCS Financial, MFA, Inc., Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, Missouri Fertilizer Control Board, Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Missouri Soil and Water Conservation Program, Missouri’s Electric Cooperatives, The Nature Conservancy in Missouri, and McDonald’s.

Originally Appeared Here

COLUMBIA − Over 55 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period, American Automobile Association (AAA) spokesperson Nick Chabarria said. That period starts next Wednesday and ends the Sunday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 26. 

Missouri’s gas price average is $2.955, nearly 4 cents less than the national average, which is $3.333, according to AAA. County retail prices show Cooper County has the lowest gas price on average in KOMU 8 News’ viewing area, with $2.733. These numbers are updated daily.

Gas in Missouri is 30 cents cheaper than it was last month and it’s 40 cents cheaper than this time last year, Chabarria said.

The main factor contributing to the lower gas prices is a drop in crude oil prices. 

“Crude oil accounts for about 60% of the final price that drivers pay at the pump,” Chabarria said.

Gas prices could fluctuate next week as demand increases while more travelers hit the road. 

If drivers are planning a road trip, Chabarria offered the following tips to help increase gas mileage:

• Make sure to keep up with regular maintenance (oil change every 5,000 miles
• Check tire pressure
• Pack light and don’t try to overfill the car

TSA expected to screen 30 million passengers nationwide

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) began its Thanksgiving travel tracking period Friday. The agency expects to screen 30 million passengers nationwide from Friday through Tuesday, Nov. 28, according to a press release.

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“We expect this holiday season to be our busiest ever. In 2023, we have already seen seven of the top 10 busiest travel days in TSA’s history,” TSA administrator David Pekoske said in the release.

At peak travel periods over the holidays in mid-Missouri, TSA screens about 400 passengers at Columbia Regional Airport (COU), TSA regional spokesperson Mark Howell said. The busiest days will be the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after.

Even though COU’s figures aren’t as jaw-dropping compared to the rest of the country, it’s going to be busy across the network altogether, Howell said.

Passengers who are traveling to larger cities should keep in mind planes are expected to be full, and Howell recommends still getting to the airport two hours ahead of departure.

Another process that slows down airport travel is luggage.

“Make sure you know what’s in your bag,” Howell said. “Whenever agents run into prohibited items, it slows down the whole process.”

He said that stops fliers from getting to their respective gates sooner.

Howell said an easy way to remember how to pack any items suspicious of violating the three fluid-ounce rule is to think, “If you can pump it, pour it, spray it, or spread it, and it’s more than 3 fluid ounces,” it must be checked. 

If passengers have leftover food they plan to travel with after Thanksgiving, Howell said they can bring them through security as long as items are frozen when passengers arrive at the security checkpoint. Solids are okay to bring, but if there are any liquids over the 3 fluid ounce limit, they will need to go with checked luggage.

Originally Appeared Here

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden has signed the stopgap spending bill, giving his administration and Congress about two months to work out agreement on the dozen annual spending bills.

Those appropriations measures were supposed to become law by the start of the fiscal year on Oct. 1, but disagreement about whether to adhere to the total spending level set in the debt limit law approved this summer or to renegotiate has delayed the process.

“Last night I signed a bill preventing a government shutdown. It’s an important step but we have more to do,” Biden wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Friday morning. “I urge Congress to address our national security and domestic needs — and House Republicans to stop wasting time on extreme bills and honor our bipartisan budget agreement.”

The short-term spending bill, also called a continuing resolution or CR, keeps funding flat and policy nearly identical to the last batch of full-year spending bills. Those were approved last December and totaled about $1.7 trillion.

Congress passed its first short-term spending bill in late September, creating a new deadline Friday at midnight to negotiate a deal on the full-year spending bills.

But House Republicans plunged into internal turmoil shortly afterward when eight GOP lawmakers and Democrats voted to remove former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a California Republican, from that leadership role.

House Republicans spent several weeks unable to unify behind three nominees before electing Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican.

Johnson earlier this month proposed a second stopgap spending bill that would fund part of the government through mid-January and the rest of the programs through early February. The so-called “laddered” approach, which includes two funding deadlines instead of one, is not typically how short-term spending bills are drafted.

Despite concern from Democrats and some Republicans about the two deadlines, the U.S. House approved the bill Tuesday on a 336-95 vote and the Senate cleared the legislation for Biden’s signature late Wednesday night by a vote of 87-11.

The new spending law will give the Biden administration and Congress until Jan. 19 to reach bipartisan agreement on the Agriculture-FDA, Energy-Water, Military Construction-VA and Transportation-HUD spending bills.

The eight other bills have funding through Feb. 2, giving lawmakers a bit more time to negotiate a final agreement. Those bills include Commerce-Justice-Science, Defense, Financial Services, Homeland Security, Interior-Environment, Labor-HHS-Education, Legislative Branch and State-Foreign Operations.

The dozen bills make up the discretionary side of the annual federal budget and account for roughly one-third of total government spending.

Funding for mandatory programs, including Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, makes up the remaining two-thirds of government spending and is classified as mandatory.

That funding doesn’t go through the annual appropriations process and mostly runs on autopilot.

Originally Appeared Here

COLUMBIA − As the holidays near, many mid-Missouri businesses, organizations and nonprofits are celebrating the season.

Please email news@komu.com with details of your holiday event to be added to the list.

Downtown Columbia Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

• When: Startis at 4 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m. every Saturday in November; every Saturday and Sunday in December
• Where: Courtyard near North Village Arts District

Holiday Market

• When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 19
• Where: Columbia Mall

Columbia Christmas Parade Against Poverty

• When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19
• Where: Broadway, downtown Columbia

Candy Cane Crib Lighting

• When: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22
• Where: Logboat Brewery, 504 Fay St. 

Fulton Christmas Market

• When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 24 and Saturday, Nov. 25
• Where: 1005 E. Walnut St., Fulton

Magic Tree Festival

• When: 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30
• Where: Focus on Health, 4200 Merchant St.

Living Windows Festival

• When: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1
• Where: Downtown Columbia

Moberly Christmas Festival

• When: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2
• Where: Moberly Depot District
• The festival include shopping and dining, photos with Santa, live reindeer, the mayor’s tree lighting and more. 

Spay Neuter Project’s Photos with Santa Paws

• When: 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2
• Where: Lizzi & Rocco’s South Store (Green Meadows Road)
• Cost is a $20 donation to SNP

Boonville Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting

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• When: Parade begins at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, & tree lightning will begin at dusk
• Where: Downtown Boonville

Lincoln University Holiday Extravaganza 

• When: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5
• Where: LU’s quad in front of Memorial Hall
• Free activities for kids and photos with Santa

Veterans United Bright Lights Holiday Nights Drive-thru

• When: 7 to 10:30 p.m., Tuesday. Dec. 5 through Sunday, Dec. 17
• Where: 550 Veterans United Drive, Columbia

Moberly Parks and Rec Frosty 5K Walk/Run

• When: 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8
• Where: The Lodge at Rothwell Park
• Register for the race here.

City of Refuge Holiday Market

• When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
• Where: 10 N. Garth Avenue, Columbia
• Showcasing local and refugee artisan work

Holts Summit Christmas Parade

• When: 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
• Where: Route can be found here.

Holiday Market

• When: 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
• Where: The Arcade District, Fay Street in Columbia
• More than 30 vendors will be in attendance, along with festive food, drinks, kids’ activities and live music.

Stephens College presents “A Christmas Carol: The Musical”

• When: 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 8, 9, 14 and 15; 2 p.m. on Dec. 10
• Where: Macklanburg Playhouse, 100 Willis Avenue, Columbia
• Tickets are $15 and can be bought online or at the box office.

Centralia’s 16th Annual Lighted Tractor Parade

• When: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15
• Where: Starts at MFA on Jefferson Street

Grinch Photo and Hot Chocolate Night

• When: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16
• Where: Brookthorn Court North Pole Lights & Grinch, Columbia
• Event is free but donations are encouraged.

Holiday Market

• When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16
• Where: Rose Music Hall
• Free and open to all ages. 

Originally Appeared Here

In the Columbia Community Band, ‘Those Who Come to Play, Love to Play.’

The Columbia Community Band is exactly what its name declares: the band is based in Columbia with musicians living in the community. The band’s mission is a labor of personal passion and collective creative energy, connecting with and finding places for musicians who love to play, and they pride themselves on finding places for musicians who love to play — and for those who love to listen to their music.

Music director Denis Swope assumed his current role in 2020, but he’s been involved with the CCB for many years as a musician, as both a trumpet player and a percussionist.

“My high school band director, John Patterson, at the time, was music director, so I had a relationship with the band,” Swope says, explaining that his connection to and fondness for the band has grown throughout his tenure. 

Terry Fetterly, CCB’s president, has been with the band since its inception. She plays the clarinet, and her husband, Gordon, plays the trumpet. They met when they were with the Mizzou marching band. A few years after getting married, the two rarely played until they were dining at a local restaurant and saw Terry’s former high school band director, John Patterson at another table. Patterson invited them to join his conversation with Butch Antal, who was founding the CCB.

“They said, ‘You guys should join,’ and I thought, ‘That would be wonderful.’” 

And it has been wonderful, she says. The band began as an adult education class through Columbia Public Schools in 1981, and its members started by taking a class and performing at rehearsals and recitals. Ultimately, the CCB grew into its own independent organization, growing from an initial roster of about 20 volunteer musicians to a group of around 80 today.

The Fetterlys have watched the band grow, not just in number but in experience and perspective. Terry Fetterly says the oldest member of the band sits beside her in her section, at age 88 — “God, I hope I’m still playing at that age,” Fetterly says — but that there are also many young musicians. Mizzou grads often bring their own flavor to the band. 

Fetterly attributes the band’s growth to its passionate directors and to the musicians who have helped the band grow, “because people love to play music,” she says. “I think it’s just because people who come to play, love to play.”

Both Swope and Fetterly say that the dynamic of ages and backgrounds is an integral part of their sound.

“It’s such a special group, and always has been,” Swope says. In his current position, he likes to choose performance pieces surrounding a theme. “Sometimes I like to find pieces that will fit well with the ensemble, and we try to do traditional things, like marches and overtures, but I also like to throw in some new stuff, for both our band members and our audiences, so that everyone gets something new out of what they hear.”

The CCB performs a minimum of three indoor concerts every year, and it’s also a staple at many local events. The concerts are always free and open to the public. The next performance is at 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 3, in the Hickman High School auditorium. The CCB also offers a scholarship for young musicians in honor of former director Keith House. The scholarship is given annually to a mid-Missouri high school student who intends to pursue participation in a band-related ensemble at the college level.

To get involved, you can apply to join the band, donate to its cause, and learn more about what the CCB does via its website. 

The Columbia Community Band

573-446-2263
[email protected] 
facebook.com/COMOCommunityBand
ccbonline.org

Originally Appeared Here

COLUMBIA − The Central Missouri Humane Society (CMHS) is actively looking for a new space to call home, and the City of Columbia has the space for them if they want it. 

This comes after a challenging month of dogs experiencing respiratory issues associated with an outbreak in pneumovirus in the facility. 

Michelle Casey, associate director for CMHS, said the search for a new facility has been a long time coming with most of their issues stemming from inadequate space and structural security.

“CMHS has needed a new building for many, many years,” Casey said. “When this facility was constructed, the population of Columbia was about half of what it is now, so there is a much bigger need in the community. There’s more people and more animals to serve, and we just can’t do it out of this space.” 

The nearly 50-year-old building has sheltered thousands of animals throughout the years and the structural integrity of the building shows it, with roofs collapsing, black mold and asbestos problems. 

MU veterinarian Jessica Thiele said a new building is imminent for the long-term wellbeing of the animals outside of the pneumovirus outbreak.  

“Really any infectious disease can be difficult to manage in a shelter like this,” Thiele said. “It’s not just respiratory diseases in dogs, it could be parvovirus, ringworm. Any disease without without the proper facility could be difficult to manage.”

Pneumovirus, which is highly contagious among dogs, is still relatively new, and there is no vaccine to cure the illness. Theile said so far, the worst thing that has come out of the virus is one dog catching a mild case of pneumonia.

Casey said CMHS has already finished plans with its engineers for a new facility. She said construction is estimated to cost $8 to $10 million. 

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The City of Columbia says it has space available for the CMHS to use. The city is offering 4.6 acres of land to CMHS at the intersection of Strawn Road and Interstate 70 Drive Southwest, near Sorrells Overpass.

Larry Potterfield, founder of Midway USA, donated the land to the City of Columbia in 2017. 

In 2018, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the city and CMHS was agreed upon with a tentative deadline for the facility plans to be completed by 2025. 

That MOU involved the land being free of charge, but CMHS being responsible for building expenses as well as a percentage of the water mainline, according to Deputy City Manager Mike Griggs. The city would also provide a dog park and parking lot.

KOMU 8 News asked Casey why plans with the city haven’t moved forward, and she said the Humane Society is exploring other properties, as well. 

“It’s important that our new facility is accessible to all of our clients, not just those who are adopting. We are also taking into consideration our relationship with the College of Veterinary Medicine and their Shelter Medicine program,” Casey said. “Our new facility needs to be closely located to their surgery center so that we can easily transport animals back and forth. We are hoping to continue this partnership in our new facility which would require more acreage than the 4.6 acres on Strawn Rd.” 

Casey said CMHS is actively taking donations from the community and is looking into grants to fund the new building.  

Originally Appeared Here