Good morning, Jefferson City.

A new bookstore named Curious Turtle (207 E.

High St.) will hold a soft opening August 1 for teachers, librarians and homeschool parents before opening to the public August 2 in downtown Jefferson City.

Missouri Stream Team volunteers removed 504 tons of trash from state rivers and streams and planted over 1,300 trees, as noted in their 2024 annual report.

The cleanup took place in May 2024 near Branch Creek in Fulton—an initiative aimed at enhancing river health.

City officials said more housing will be added as part of a strategy to boost growth since Jefferson City passed the midpoint between the 2020 and 2030 censuses and lost ground in its race to reach 50,000 residents.

The planned housing measures will support future population growth + officials expect the new projects to help the city regain momentum.

Missouri's Division of Cannabis Regulation will boost marijuana product testing in Jefferson City—an effort to ensure product safety—and said the increased sampling could spot potential issues before products reach consumers.

City officials announced that potholes will be filled within 24 hours of receiving a complaint—this new plan will start immediately to improve road conditions.

Residents are advised to report issues as soon as they occur.

Holly Stitt, chair of the Cultural Arts Commission, emailed Mayor Ron Fitzwater on June 13 recommending the commission be dissolved or reassigned because the Parks and Recreation Department now leads cultural art initiatives and the group has rarely met quorum.

The Jefferson City Council’s administration committee voted to strike the commission from city code, and the full council will soon decide its future — a move to streamline local cultural services.

A national and state crackdown on Medicaid fraud will add more cases to the backlogged Cole County Circuit Court—straining the system as officials work to address the influx.

Two Jefferson City men (Tod Wilson and Andy Besselman) began a car-free, 680-mile bike and canoe journey on Friday morning by biking 195 miles to Kaw Point Park to join the 20th annual MR340 race.

They will paddle 340 miles along the Missouri River to Saint Charles and then bike 140 miles home, relying on vendors and Boy Scout groups for supplies while having raised nearly $2,000 for Missouri River Relief, Katy Trail State Park, and Rock Island Trail State Park.

Old Soul Savage Live Performance

8 PM – 2 AM — The Outpost Bar & Grill — Cover charge TBD — Enjoy a night of rock, pop, and country hits with Old Soul Savage.