Mid-Missouri

The “antics” of “far right wingers” are why Republicans haven’t achieved more in Congress, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer said during a radio interview Monday where he endorsed former state Sen. Kurt Schaefer to be his replacement in the 3rd Congressional District.

Luetkemeyer, a Republican in office since 2009, praised Schaefer’s work in the Missouri Senate. Schaefer, of Columbia, is one of eight candidates seeking the GOP nomination in a race that also has two Democrats in a primary and a Libertarian Party candidate.

“I am very excited about Kurt picking up the mantle of this office and running with it,” Luetkemeyer said on the Wake Up Mid-Missouri show on Columbia’s 93.9 FM. The 3rd District is an open seat for the first time since it was reshaped during redistricting in 2022. The district that covers all or part of 16 counties, including Boone, Cole, St. Charles and Jefferson, is weighted more toward central Missouri, where Luetkemeyer lives in Miller County, than it was previously.

With the pivot of state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman to the secretary of state’s race, Schaefer’s top early rival for the nomination is former state Sen. Bob Onder of Lake St. Louis.

Onder and Schaefer both served two terms in the Missouri Senate and both have failed in campaigns for other offices. Onder lost to Luetkemeyer the 2008 GOP primary in the old 9th Congressional District and Schaefer lost to Josh Hawley in the 2016 primary for attorney general. Schaefer won his state Senate seat the same year Luetkemeyer won his seat in Congress.

Other candidates in the Republican primary are Arnie C. AC Arn Dienoff of O’Fallon, a perennial candidate; Chad Bicknell of O’Fallon, who lost a primary to Luetkemeyer in 2018; Kyle Bone of DeSoto, who lost a 2018 primary for a Missouri House seat; Brandon Wilkinson of Fenton, who lost to Luetkemeyer in the 2020 and 2022 GOP primaries; state Rep. Justin Hicks of Lake St. Louis, an attorney and first-term lawmaker; and Bruce A. Bowman, a Jefferson City businessman.

Filing remains open this week for the seat because of Coleman’s late withdrawal. Luetkemeyer said he would issue an official endorsement after filing closes.

In the radio interview, Luetkemeyer said he supports House Speaker Mike Johnson in his battles with the Freedom Caucus and blamed the factional group for a dwindling GOP majority.

“He’s doing what he has to do to lead us out of this mess, part of what is created by the far right of our party,” Luetkemeyer said. “They don’t understand how to govern, they don’t understand how to structure legislation, and even if you allow them to structure legislation they turn around and vote against the very legislation they structured themselves.”

The tactics, including the motion to remove Johnson filed by U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, are designed to get attention, not govern or win elections, Luetkemeyer said.

“That is all this is with Majorie,” Luetkemeyer said. “This is a media moment for her. She gets to be the media star for a couple of weeks here with this motion to vacate the chair.”

Legislative leaders in Missouri have complained that the Freedom Caucus, through its state chapter, has brought its disruptive brand of politics to the General Assembly. Onder left office before the state chapter was formed but he was a key member of what was called the conservative caucus that engaged in similar stall tactics and factional disputes.

In Congress, Luetkemeyer said, mainstream Republicans have been backed into a corner by the Freedom Caucus.

“They don’t understand tactics,” Luetkemeyer said. “They don’t understand the political geometry of how you play these things against each other. They’ve got themselves backed into a corner now that they are ready to hand the House over to the Democrats.”

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Originally Appeared Here

As women’s sports continue to reach new heights around the U.S., groups in Columbia are focusing their efforts on ensuring participation among younger generations matches this trend. 

The Women’s Intersport Network in Columbia recently launched a new grant, titled Together We WIN, which focuses on girls in 8th grade or below, to help fund any local sports they would like to participate in. 

According to WIN Columbia’s board president Mitzi Clayton, historically the group has seen young girls drop out of local sports, due in part to the often expensive costs it takes to participate in them.

“The cost of participating in sport, particularly competitive leagues, is really great,” Clayton said. 

To help reverse this trend, WIN Columbia is offering $500 per child each funding cycle, beginning April 1 through March 31. According to Clayton, girls must qualify for the free and reduced lunch program in order to apply. 

A recent study by the Aspen Institute’s youth sports parent survey shows it cost an average of $935 for a child to play a sport in 2022. This translates to families spending anywhere from $30-40 billion dollars each year on youth sports alone. 

Additionally, of these sports, several can cost over $1,000 annually to participate in, including gymnastics, tennis and tennis among others. 

Clayton said these registration fees, equipment costs and other expenses can add up for families in Columbia. Moreover, findings from the Aspen Institute show low-income kids are 6 times more likely to quit sports as a result of these costs. 

Clayton said it is crucial girls have the means to continue to play sports, so they may then have a better chance to participate at the high school level if they choose. 

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“I feel like if we aren’t helping support this younger age group, they won’t have the confidence going into high school to pursue sport,” Clayton said. “At this point in our society, high school has become very competitive. If we aren’t helping support these young girls do that the right way physically, as well as mentally, they’re not going to pursue it in high school.”

Clayton said girls in this age range in particular are at an increased risk for dropping out of sports.

“Sadly, while participation figures are high, we find that girls in this age group–ages 9-14–are dropping out of sport at twice the rate of their boy peers,” Clayton said.

According to MSHSAA Executive Director Jennifer Rukstad, it is imperative girls in middle school have the chance participate in any respective sport before they reach the high school level.

“We think that participation at the middle school level is extremely important, not only for the future possibilities of participating in high school,” Rukstad said, “but the benefits for a younger adolescent, a middle-school aged student are extremely important.

Anyone wishing to apply for a grant can visit WIN Columbia’s website.

Clayton says spots are limited as the group has $5,000 total allotted for these grants. She hopes the grant can help as many girls in the community as possible. 

“We feel like this is that final piece to really continue making an impact on Columbia,” Clayton said. 

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On Wednesday, March 27, Harve Rhodes, Chairman of the North Central Missouri Regional Water Commission (NCMRWC), signed the Clean Water Act Section 404 Permit. It was then delivered to the Kansas City District of the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), where it received a countersignature and approval. The 404 Permit mandates the replacement of habitat impacted by a project through restorative efforts in equal or greater amounts at another location, preferably as close to the impacted area as possible. The NCMRWC has also met the requirements for Cultural Resources and the Endangered Species Act. The Roy Blunt Reservoir will affect jurisdictional Waters of the U.S., including wetlands, and its approved mitigation plan entails restorative measures in the Lower Grand Watershed, where it is located.

The North Central Missouri Regional Water Commission’s Project Team evaluated numerous proposals and sites to find suitable locations for habitat restoration. However, none of these sites or proposals were sufficient or economically viable. Ultimately, the team devised a restoration plan for the Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge, a site desperately in need of rehabilitation within a critically threatened ecosystem. After a thorough review by relevant stakeholders, the proposal and plan were approved, leading to the permit’s signing.

Harve Rhodes remarked, “This permit represents the culmination of a years-long journey to fulfill all permitting requirements, removing the last major environmental permitting hurdle for dam construction. Among the significant achievements in the pursuit of the Reservoir, this stands as a paramount accomplishment.”

With acquisition, demolition, clearing, road, and bridge construction already in progress, the 404 permit was essential for dam construction and other activities impacting jurisdictional Waters of the U.S. The NCMRWC is awaiting the final approval of dam plans by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR).

Rhodes added, “I extend my gratitude to NRCS officials for their unwavering support and guidance. The construction of the Roy Blunt Reservoir is a historic endeavor, closely matched by the $25 million in environmental restoration to be carried out at the Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge.”

Greg Pitchford, Fisheries Biologist and the Project Team’s lead for permitting at Allstate Consultants, stated, “Having spent most of my career in this region, the scale and scope of this project are what I’ve always envisioned. Our permitted mitigation plan will offer ecological benefits far exceeding the impacts at the Reservoir. I am thankful for the oversight agencies’ thoroughness, advice, and openness to our strategy. This scenario is a win-win for everyone, exemplifying the cooperation taxpayers expect for achieving significant outcomes.”

The Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge is managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, which, along with the USACE, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the MDNR, had to approve the mitigation plan.

Pitchford continued, “The oversight agencies executed their roles perfectly while also offering advice and insight during the plan’s development, helping us navigate the Clean Water Act requirements and regulatory processes. I was fortunate to receive assistance from a nationally recognized panel of experts, including Mickey Heitmeyer, a leading authority on wetland restoration.”

Brad Scott, General Manager of NCMRWC, expressed his appreciation, saying, “I want to commend the Project Team and especially the engineers at Allstate Consultants and Olsson Associates. Their innovation, dedication, excellence, and creativity have been evident throughout the Reservoir project, especially at Swan Lake. Their efforts will become the subject of transformative case studies for years to come.”

With the 404 Permit secured, activities at both Swan Lake and the Roy Blunt Reservoir, including clearing, grubbing, excavation, rip-rap placement, and the installation of a clay pad liner on the east ridge adjacent to the dam at the Reservoir, can begin.

Scott concluded, “Alongside the road and bridge construction, there will be significant activity at the Roy Blunt Reservoir this spring and summer. Meanwhile, we’re focused on securing approval for the dam plans, after which dam construction will start.”

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Here are unofficial final election results from April 2, 2024, voting in Cole County and adjacent Mid-Missouri counties.

See https://www.newstribune.com/election/ for related news stories.

COLE COUNTY

UNOFFICIAL FINAL RESULTS – All precincts reporting

BLAIR OAKS R-2 SCHOOL DISTRICT

4 of 4 precincts reporting

Board of Education (choose 2)

Lucas A. Fitzpatrick: 732 (49.23%)

Dalton Fifer: 755 (50.77%)

Proposition 2 for Phase 2 ($9.25 million bond issue for high school and repairs)

Needs 57.14% majority to pass

Yes: 711 (75.48%)

No: 231 (24.52%)

Proposition 3 Falcon Future (30-cent operating tax levy increase)

Simple majority to pass

Yes: 545 (57.86%)

No: 397 (42.14%)

COLE COUNTY R-5 (EUGENE) SCHOOL DISTRICT

All Cole County precincts reporting + all Miller County precincts = Total

Board of Education (choose 2)

Larry Kemna: 333 + 161 = 494 (49.65%)

Ryan Carrender: 349 + 152 = 501 (50.35%)

Proposition Supporting Students ($2 million bond issue for renovations)

Needs 57.14% majority to pass

Yes: 209 + 105 = 314 (49.29%)

No: 220 + 103 = 323 (50.71%)

Proposition Supporting Teachers (68-cent operating tax levy increase)

Simple majority to pass

Yes: 217 + 116 = 333 (52.11%)

No: 214 + 92 = 306 (47.89%)

JEFFERSON CITY

Ward 1 Council

4 of 4 precincts reporting

Jack Deeken: 285 (41.91%)

Randy Hoselton: 395 (58.09%)

Ward 2 Council

4 of 4 precincts reporting

Mike Lester: 324 (100%)

Ward 3 Council

4 of 4 precincts reporting

Amy Brix: 545 (46.98%)

Treaka Young: 615 (53.02%)

Ward 4 Council

4 of 4 precincts reporting

Randall Z. Wright: 331 (31.74%)

Chris Leuckel: 712 (68.26%)

Ward 5 Council

4 of 4 precincts reporting

Mackenzie Job: 560 (61.14%)

Virginia Shetler: 356 (38.86%)

LOHMAN

2 of 2 precincts reporting

Mayor

Patricia Duncan: 22 (75.86%)

Jason S. Wood: 7 (24.14%)

Alderman

David Viles: 27 (100%)

RUSSELLVILLE

2 of 2 precincts reporting

Mayor 

Sharon Morgan: 23 (100%)

East Ward Alderman

Kevin Oetting: 12 (70.59%)

Russell Wilson: 5 (29.41%)

West Ward Alderman

Dana Frisby: 10 (100%)

ST. MARTINS

2 of 2 precincts reporting

South Ward Alderman

John Pecher: 9 (100%)

North Ward Alderman

Terry Boeckman: 24 (100%)

ST. THOMAS

2 of 2 precincts reporting

Council (choose 3)

Loree Libbert: 36 (33.04%)

Eric Buechter: 39 (33.91%)

Brad Heckman: 38 (33.04%)

Proposition 1 (To forego elections when uncontested)

Yes: 34 (80.95%)

No: 8 (19.05%)

WARDSVILLE

2 of 2 precincts reporting

Trustee (choose 3)

Paul Stonner: 176 (32.47%)

Brian Schrimpf: 189 (34.87%)

Rachel Busche: 177 (32.66%)

CENTERTOWN

2 of 2 precincts reporting

Trustee

Paula Hinshaw: 15 (100%)

OTHER MID-MISSOURI COUNTIES

BOONE COUNTY

Countywide results: 

https://www.showmeboone.com/clerk/elections/results/

CALLAWAY COUNTY

Countywide results: https://callawaycountyclerk.com/?page_id=16

MARIES COUNTY

Final results:

MILLER COUNTY

Countywide results:

https://www.millercountymissouri.org/election-results

MONITEAU COUNTY

Final results:

MORGAN COUNTY

Countywide results: 

https://www.morgancountymo.gov/elections

OSAGE COUNTY

Countywide results: 

http://osagecountygov.com/county_offices/county_clerk/election_sample_ballots_results.php

Originally Appeared Here

The mental health landscape is changing, especially when it comes to perception and demand. 

“The pandemic has definitely accelerated that,” said Mat Gass, central region president for Burrell Behavioral Health. 

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows the percentage of adults seeking any type of mental health treatment increased by 2.4% between 2019 and 2021.

“We started to shift from a mental illness model where you only got care if something was really dramatically wrong, to a mental wellness model,” Gass said. “People started to say, ‘How do I take care of myself?’”

Structure of mental health services

Different organizations that provide mental health services are geared toward different people. 

“It’s confusing for some people, and it hasn’t quite caught up to the primary care side of the world yet,” Gass said.

Whether those seeking mental health services need Medicaid-based services, have private insurance or prefer to pay out-of-pocket at some private practices, all of these options exist in mid-Missouri.

Gass said he believes accessing mental health care is confusing, but organizations across the region are trying to change that by raising awareness. 

“There’s an awareness across the therapeutic communities that there are more people today seeking care than there are providers to be able to provide that service,” he said. “So we’re all very collaborative within the bounds of HIPAA allowances.”

Screening yourself for mental health needs

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends adults 64 years and younger get screened for anxiety disorders, even if they aren’t showing any symptoms. 

“Sometimes we don’t know what those symptoms are, or even how to put words to what anxiety or depression looks like,” said Ashley Angerer-Blunt, director of outpatient services at Burrell Behavioral Health.

Angerer-Blunt says getting screened by a doctor can bring up questions about symptoms that might be directly related to anxiety or depression. 

“Those are things that we might not necessarily bring up to our doctors or other people,” she said.

There’s also a way to take a pause and screen yourself at home for a possible answer to why you may be feeling off. Angerer-Blunt calls it the H.A.L.T. method. 

• H: Hungry?
• A: Anxious or angry?
• L: Late?
• T: Tired?

“If I’m noticing something a little more elevated, then maybe I should go get checked out,” she said.

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Monitoring mental health in kids

Being on the lookout for the signs and symptoms of a mental health issue in children is also important, especially since experts say they often don’t have the language to communicate what they’re feeling. 

“They might know that they’re feeling bad, that there’s something heavy going on, they’re stressed, but they may not know exactly what that means and what to do to relieve that feeling,” said Jessica Obuchowski, vice president of youth services at Burrell Behavioral Health.

This is why Obuchowski believes that teaching kids about both their mental and physical health is crucial. 

“We talk a lot about physical health and mental health being the same as a way to reduce stigma. But the fact is, I think that we are just socialized at such a young age to recognize physical health signs much quicker,” she said. “We learn about mental health much later, probably too late.”

Obuchowski said there’s an average delay of about eight to 10 years between when the first warning signs of a mental health need appear in an individual to when they get intervention. 

“If we equipped kids and families with the language to describe how they’re feeling, to normalize it a bit more, I think that would greatly help in reducing that eight to 10-year delay that we see,” she said. 

One of the best pieces of advice Obuchowski said parents and caregivers can take is to connect their kids with positive, structured activities. 

“What we know is that a connection with at least one significant, charismatic adult in their life can really be a game changer in terms of resilience for kids,” she said. 

The future of mental health care

Although more people are seeking mental health services, several barriers still exist that prevent individuals from getting the care they may need. 

“Access is always the issue,” Gass said. 

Stigma, availability and cost are some other issues that Gass said can greatly affect the care someone gets. But he does believe society will see a shift in how the majority of people perceive and access mental health care. 

“It’ll take a generation until that narrative fully changes,” he said. “But I think that things are improving.”

Gass said he hopes to see this change happen through more conversation. 

“I really do believe the more we talk about mental health and the more that we talk about mental wellness, that we start to place that in our daily lives,” he said.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call, text or chat with a mental health professional by dialing 9-8-8, or by visiting 988lifeline.org

Originally Appeared Here

The University of Central Missouri’s continued commitment to the men and women who serve the United States is being honored through UCM’s top-10 ranking as a 2024-2025 Military Friendly® School and as a Military Spouse Friendly School.

UCM was ranked third among large U.S. public universities with over 9,000 students, demonstrating its efforts to provide active duty military members, veterans and military dependents meaningful and sustainable paths toward a higher education. UCM’s dedication to military spouses was recognized in a separate category.

VIQTORY Media, an organization that provides rankings to celebrate companies and institutions of higher education that demonstrate positive employment and education outcomes for military personnel and their dependents, released its list of Military Friendly® Schools March 27. This list will be published in the May issue of GIJOBS Magazine® and can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.

Military Friendly® Awards provide a competitive view of how institutions compare with similar colleges and universities. UCM’s recognition continues a string of Military Friendly® Awards the institution has received during the past decade. This includes Top 10 Gold recognition for the first time in 2017-2018, as well as Gold designations in 2022-2023, and Silver and Bronze awards in previous years.

Award levels were determined in accordance with how the university scored overall in an assessment that was offered at no cost to more than 8,800 institutions nationwide. This survey included weightings in categories such as academic policies and compliance, military support and retention, graduation and career outcomes, admissions and orientation, culture and commitment, and financial aid and loan repayment. Results in these areas were then combined with an assessment of the university’s ability to meet minimum thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment and loan default rates for all students and specifically for veteran students.

Courtney Swoboda, a U.S. Air Force veteran who serves as director of Military and Veteran Services at UCM, commented on the Military Friendly® rankings, noting, “The commitment our campus shows to our military-affiliated students and their success is truly exceptional. It’s crucial to highlight the dedication and enthusiasm of the Military and Veterans Success Center. Without the incredible staff, this wouldn’t be achievable.”
UCM has a strong relationship with individuals who serve in all branches of the military.

While it is in close proximity to Whiteman Air Force Base and offers courses at the base, it has online course and degree offerings that can reach individuals across the globe, including those military members who may be deployed. The university also offers in-state tuition for all active duty and military members and their dependents, and veterans, plus a Military Tuition package that helps reduce costs not covered by traditional military benefits. Additionally, it provides the Command Pass that enables all military members, veterans and their immediate family members free admission to home athletic games.

While such opportunities are ongoing, many additional efforts have been taken over the past three years to assist individuals affiliated with the military. This includes working on numerous projects such as updating furniture and creating a quiet study computer lab in the Military and Veterans Success Center, a facility that was created more than a decade ago as a one-stop resource to serve active duty military, veterans and military dependents who are enrolled at UCM. Other initiatives include partnerships such as becoming an AU-ABC- approved (Air University Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative within the Community College of the Air Force) institution, and collaboration with departments on campus such as the Career and Life Design Center to provide opportunities to attend job fairs and use other resources that serve military affiliates.

In addition to receiving Military Friendly® designations from VIQTORY Media, UCM’s dedication to active duty military members, their dependents and veterans contributed to being recognized by other organizations, including Military Times. An organization that provides the largest comprehensive annual ranking of higher education institutions for military service members and veterans, Military Times named UCM among its 2023 Best for Vets: Colleges, while also having the highest overall rankings among all Missouri institutions. Additionally, it was ranked by U.S News & World Report among the Best Colleges for Veterans.

For more information, contact Swoboda at 660-543-8848 or cswoboda@ucmo.edu.

In the photo: Providing staff and resources for support, the Military and Veterans Success Center, located on the first floor of the Elliott Student Union, is a popular gathering spot for active duty military members, veterans and military dependents at the University of Central Missouri.

Originally Appeared Here

Weeks before Missouri Democrats had their chance to cast votes in Saturday’s party-run primary, the national delegate counts had already made it official: Both major political parties have chosen their presidential nominees.

That won’t be the last time Missouri voters are cut out of the process of picking a president.

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Originally Appeared Here

I’m greeted with the sounds of bands warming up in the distance and the occasional “Oh, I love your outfit” as I walk into the Mid-Missouri PrideFest Street Fair.

It’s a sea of rainbows and sweaty people – as it was pretty warm for late September.

One of those sweaty people is Art Smith who proudly wears a “Free Mom and Dad Hugs” tee shirt.

Art has given me a hug once a year for the past two years of my life, and because my dad passed away when I was 13 — he’s a warm presence in my life. I asked him how he got his start.

Art Smith: My wife actually saw a picture of a pride parade in Philadelphia where there [was] a couple doing this. And she said, Me, we need to do this and got a sponsorship got a booth, and we’ve been doing it ever since.

Alex Cox: As a queer person who lost their father. So it’s a very special thing for me, for you to be out here and doing this.

Mid-Missouri PrideFest happens each fall. It includes a street fair, music performances, drag shows and more.

Art: Just love for everyone, and particularly people, like queer people who are right now facing so much and you know, seems like all of the power structures are against them. And I just want to share some love.

Alex: For me, like getting to know that at least some dad is out here and supporting me. It’s just so nice to hear.

Art: It’s the best gig in town. I mean, you guys get hugs but think of all the hugs we got. What was your best hug? Oh, I couldn’t tell you. I mean, so many deep, long, you know, hugs people crying. It just breaks your heart sometimes. It’s wonderful.

Alex: I have a mic in front of you, and I’m out of questions you have anything else you want to say into it?

Art: I want to give you a hug.

After a good long hug, I continue walking around the closed-off streets. It seems impossible to go a second without seeing an affirmation that my queer identity is valid. Nestled just past a food truck selling various tropical treats, I see a familiar face sitting at a typewriter.

Averi Ralls sits at their desk next to their type writer at the Mid-Missoui PrideFest in Columbia on Sept. 24, 2023. Ralls uses their creative writing major to write poetry for people.

Averi Ralls is a poet who after a five-minute conversation writes a poem on the spot. I reminded them of the first time we met.

Alex Cox: So, I want to share something with you two years ago now I came to Mind Mo. Pride, I was deeply in the closet, and I sat down in this very chair, right across from you, and you wrote a poem about my gender identity. And since then, I’ve come out and I still, like have that hanging on my wall.

I asked why they do this year after year.

Averi Ralls: Stories like yours kind of remind me like how far those five minutes can go. You never know how far a poem can go.

Alex: Would you be willing to do a poem poetry conversation on mic with me?

Averi: Yeah, normally start by asking people like what’s on your mind? Is there anything living rent-free in your head right now?

Alex: Yeah, what’s kind of on my mind right now is like the moment pride and all of this is just like there’s a bunch of little moments happening around me.

Averi: Yeah, for sure, and I mean, we chatted about those like circular moments, right?

After our conversation, Averi started clacking away on their typewriter and after a few minutes, they presented me with this:

I praise the circles in which we live – circles of family and choice. We grow and we change and we choose our own names. We see each other again, we find ourselves in the circle. We create ourselves in all our sacredness.

The poem will soon find its spot – right next to the first one – on the bulletin board in my room. Mid-Missouri PrideFest is held every fall and brings students like me together with the entire Columbia community.

Read the full transcript of the audio piece here.

Originally Appeared Here

Here’s a roundup of music, theater, exhibits and other fun stuff in the Jefferson City area for March 14-20, 2024.

Does your band, theater group, art studio or venue have an upcoming gig or arts related event or festival in Mid-Missouri? Send your information to [email protected] or call 573-761-0240 by noon the Tuesday prior to your event to be included in the arts calendar published every Thursday in Go Mid Mo.

MUSIC

JEFFERSON CITY

Kyle Caraway, 6 p.m. today, West Main Pizza, 1931 W. Main St.

Dance with Hambo Latham, 6-9 p.m. today, Windstone Entertainment Event Center, 2425 Industrial Drive.

Brittney Nicole Kliethermes, 6 p.m. Friday, West Main Pizza, 1931 W. Main St.

Byron, Alli and Mary (Bumblebee), 7 p.m. Friday, Gumbo Bottoms, 221 Madison St.

Jet Jurgensmeyer, 7-10 p.m. Friday, Big Whiskey’s, 627 W. McCarty St.

Double Trouble, 8-11 p.m. Friday, American Legion Post 5, 1423 Tanner Bridge Road.

Backroad Bonfire, 9 p.m. Friday, Water Tower Bar & Grill, 458 Rock Hill Road.

Those Guys, 3 p.m. Saturday, Eagles Club, 1411 Missouri Blvd.

Reese Heckemeyer, 6 p.m. Saturday, West Main Pizza, 1931 W. Main St.

Jefferson City Community Band Concert, 7 p.m. Saturday, Calvary Lutheran High School, 2525 Route B.

AKA, 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Twin Bridges Bar & Grill, 4205 Route CC.

Mark and Sarah, 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oscar’s Backdoor Lounge, 2118 Schotthill Woods Drive.

Karaoke, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Water Tower Bar & Grill, 458 Rock Hill Road.

Karaoke, 7 p.m. Wednesday, American Legion Post 5, 1423 Tanner Bridge Road.

Open Mic, 7 p.m. Wednesday, The Mission, 915 E. High St.

Lucky, 9 p.m. Wednesday, Gumbo Bottoms, 221 Madison St.

AREA TOWNS

Grayson & the Rhythm Aces, 7:30 p.m. today, JD’s Roadhouse, Lake Ozark.

Jay Allen with Bradley Gaskin, 8 p.m. today, Rose Music Hall, Columbia.

Megan Boyer Band, 6 p.m. Friday, Cooper’s Landing, Columbia.

Missouri Funk Fest, 7:30 p.m. Friday, The Blue Note, Columbia.

Turnstyles, 8 p.m. Friday, JD’s Roadhouse, Lake Ozark.

The Arcadian Wild with Sea & Stone, 8 p.m. Friday, Rose Music Hall, Columbia.

Rail Whiskey Benders, 2 p.m. Saturday, Cooper’s Landing, Columbia.

Grayson Wood, 3 p.m. Saturday, Shawnee Bluff Winery, Lake Ozark.

Arm Candy, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, The Burg, Hartsburg.

Ozark Outlaws, 8 p.m. Saturday, JD’s Roadhouse, Lake Ozark.

The Kay Brothers St. Paddy’s Show, 8 p.m. Saturday, The Blue Note, Columbia.

Last American Cowboy with Kotora, My Escape and Black Bear Boxer, 8 p.m. Saturday, Rose Music Hall, Columbia.

Dirt Road Addiction, 9 p.m. Saturday, Twisted Pickles, Jamestown.

Johnny Fox, 6 p.m. Sunday, Cooper’s Landing, Columbia.

Dance with Hambo Latham, 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Callaway Senior Center, Fulton.

The Brook and The Bluff, 8 p.m. Tuesday, The Blue Note, Columbia.

Rittz with G-Mo Skee, Noble Poets and Trotter Water, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Rose Music Hall, Columbia.

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, The Blue Note, Columbia.

THEATER

JEFFERSON CITY

“The Story of Joe,” 7 p.m. today and Friday, and 2 p.m. Saturday, Stained Glass Theatre, 830 E. High St.

“Hickory Dickory Dock: The Mystery of the Clock,” 6 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday, Itsy Bitsy Broadway inside Capital Mall, 3600 County Club Drive.

“Dixie’s Never Wear a Tube Top While Riding a Mechanical Bull,” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through March 23, Capital City Productions, 719 Wicker Lane.

“Jerry Finnegan’s Sister,” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through March 23, Scene One Theatre, 830 E. High St.

AREA TOWNS

“Footloose,” 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Macklanburg Playhouse, Columbia.

“Little Women,” 7 p.m. today through Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Royal Theatre, Versailles.

“The Very Unmerry Adventures of Robin Hood,” 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Brick District Playhouse, Fulton.

Show Me Opera: “Ariodante,” 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Missouri Theatre, Columbia.

OTHER FUN STUFF

JEFFERSON CITY

Canvas and Cocktails, 6-9 p.m. today and Wednesday, Art 101 on Boonville, 101 Boonville Road.

Trivia Night, 7:30-9:30 p.m. today, Water Tower Bar & Grill, 458 Rock Hill Road.

Kids Chess Club, 6 p.m. Friday, Building Community Bridges, 213 E. Ashley St.

Fused Glass Class, 6-8 p.m. Friday, Art 101 on Boonville, 101 Boonville Road.

Bingo, 6:30 p.m. Friday, St. Martins VFW, 105 Irwin Drive.

Bingo, 6:30 p.m. Monday, St. Martins Knights of Columbus 7194, 537 Route T.

Show Me Boot Scooters dance lessons, 7 p.m. Monday, Capital Ritz Banquet and Dance Center, 2716 Plaza Drive.

Chess Club, 10 a.m. Tuesday, Building Community Bridges, 213 E. Ashley St.

Capital City Table Tennis Club open ping pong, 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, First Presbyterian Church (McCarty Street entrance), 324 Madison St.

Trivia, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Last Flight Brewing Co., 738 Heisinger Road.

Chess Night, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Cork & Board, 124 E. High St.

Bingo, 2 p.m. Wednesday, Clarke Senior Center, 1310 Linden St.

AREA TOWNS

B-i-n-g-o, 6:30 p.m. today, The Burg, Hartsburg.

Trivia, 7 p.m. Friday, Dandy Lion Cafe, Ashland.

The Dandy Turns Two, 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Dandy Lion Cafe, Ashland.

Pot O’ Gold Dinner featuring music by Chloe Hoecker, 6 p.m. Saturday, Apple Creek Farm, Centertown.

Dandy After Dark, 8 p.m. Saturday, Dandy Lion Cafe, Ashland.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with Bingo, noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Serenity Valley Winery, Fulton.

Xtreme Bar Bingo, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Twisted Pickles, Jamestown.

EXHIBITS

JEFFERSON CITY

F-Word Show, today through March 23, Capital Arts Gallery, 1203 Missouri Blvd. Hours: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. today, 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday.

Woodcarvings by Dan Brueggeman, today through June 30, Runge Nature Center, 330 Commerce Drive. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, except 8 a.m.-8 p.m. today.

AREA TOWNS

Osage County Historical Society and Osage County Agritourism Council Photography Show, today through May 31, Woodland Art Gallery at Osage County Library, Linn. Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday.

Of the Earth: Ceramics from the Collection, today through March 30, Haunted Francis in Fantasyland and Establishing Essence, today through May 26, Daum Museum of Contemporary Art, Sedalia. Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 1-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Originally Appeared Here

Boone County and Missouri Democrats casted their votes at Columbia’s Activity and Recreation Center on Saturday for its 2024 Presidential Primary.

Saturday’s primary was the first party-run presidential contest since Missouri Republicans passed a 2020 law that created stricter voting requirements.

The Missouri Democratic Party elected to hold a primary, in contrast to the caucus held by Republicans earlier this month. 

Anyone who registered by Feb. 21 with the Missouri Secretary of State’s office was eligible to vote on Saturday, so long as they were not registered as a Republican in the state.

The Chair of the Boone County Democratic Party said the primary started early on Saturday.

“We had several voters show up a little before 8:00 (a.m.) today, so we had to hurry and set up, but it has been fairly smooth,” Lyra Noce said.

“The turnout (has) exceeded anyone’s imagination,” voter Scott Cristal said. “Everyone’s very friendly, very glad to be here, stop in, do their duty and vote, and then visit for a little while and then move on.”

While many said the Primary went smoothly, Noce hopes the state returns to the former voting method. 

“I hope that this is the only time we’re going to have to do this,” Noce said. “But if not, we have a team of dedicated volunteers who organize well, and I’m very proud of their work.”

The ballot list included incumbent President Joe Biden, Jason Palmer, Marianne Williamson, former candidate Dean Phillips and two others. There was also an “uncommitted” option.

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One voter, Sharon Feltman, said she feels “uncommitted” is the only option for her at this time. 

“I am 100% against Biden sending money and weapons to Israel so they can murder more innocent people,” Feltman said. “I don’t know what I’m going to do in the general election. I just can’t in good conscience vote for our president at this time.”

In addition to the voters, local Democratic candidates attended the Primary to vote and speak to Boone County Democrats. 

Jeff Basinger is running for State Representative in House District 50 on the Democratic side. He said he’s enjoyed meeting people. 

“I feel like I’ve been closing the circle on the number of people that are super involved and want to make things better and I’ve learned some things too, about issues that are not exactly my background,” Basinger said. 

Fellow House District 50 candidate Gregg Bush said the experience was like a family homecoming. 

“People are really excited and fired up about making sure that Boone County stays blue as blue as we can, and making sure that we send making sure that we send Joe Biden back to the White House,” Bush said. 

The deadline for mail-in ballots has been extended by a week because of mail delays, and must be received by the party before next Saturday.

Following the voting period, all ballots have been or will be transported to a tabulation facility in Jefferson City.

Originally Appeared Here