Good morning, Jefferson City.

A fire in an empty building near a grocery store led to Gerbes on West Truman Boulevard being evacuated on Thursday afternoon, and the store was briefly cleared but has since reopened with no injuries reported.

Missouri students submitted classroom essays for America’s 250th celebration and some shared their words at the Capitol in Jefferson City today — a program led by Lt. Gov. Wasinger that highlights young perspectives on national pride and future hopes.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has listed all state park beaches as open for swimming for the week starting July 16, 2026, including popular spots such as Cuivre River & Lake of the Ozarks State Park beaches.

Residents can head to these parks for a refreshing swim.

Two cases of cyclosporiasis were confirmed in Jefferson City on Thursday—patients at St. Mary’s Hospital and MU Health Care urgent care were treated and released.

Boone County health officials urge residents to wash produce and disinfect kitchen surfaces to help reduce further cases.

An April inspection found that Heisinger Bluffs Senior Living improperly stored discontinued medications in Jefferson City; facility staff destroyed the expired drugs and the administrator will audit the medication room weekly for four weeks + monthly for three months to meet state law requirements and protect residents.

3rd Annual Whiskey & Warriors Community Event

5-8 p.m. — Missouri Soybean Association — Silent auction and raffle — Raise money for Welcome Home while enjoying community spirit and great prizes.

Maker Skills Workshops: Summer Series

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Lab Space Robotics — $25 per workshop or $60 for all three days — Dive into hands-on building projects that blend creativity with engineering skills for ages 8 to 14.

Float Your Boat Competition

5:30-7 p.m. — Ellis-Porter Riverside Pool — $20 — Engage in a fun challenge to build and race a cardboard boat with friends.