Good morning, Jefferson City.

El Puente Hispanic Ministries, founded in 1999, helps Spanish speakers in central Missouri get medical and school appointments and offers education and legal advice programs—aimed at breaking language barriers and preserving culture.

Staff members such as Aurora Guillen and Yasica Buitrago work to support single mothers and others as they adjust to a new way of life.

Older adults can now register for the eighth class of Give 5 — a program that pairs their passions and talents with essential community needs.

On Thursday, a large crowd visited the new Mike Bernskoetter Education and Enrichment Center at the Special Learning Center — where Senator Mike Bernstoetter spoke during the grand opening.

Today, the U.S. National Science Foundation awarded a grant to a Lincoln University project that will analyze rural life and propose long term solutions to help rural communities achieve prosperity+ the research will focus on local issues to guide future efforts.

Developers met with city officials on Thursday—reviewing plans for a new conference center and hotel that city officials said will be unlike any other in Jefferson City.

The Missouri Department of Transportation said work on the Highway 50 bridge near Vetter Lane will switch from eastbound to westbound lanes on September 29, with reduced speeds and ramp closures affecting traffic.

Drivers are advised to plan carefully as crews replace joint seals, coat the substructure, and overlay the bridge deck—potentially delaying the morning commute.

The Missouri National Guard provided respectful funeral honors for veterans by presenting a folded American flag with white-gloved hands to grieving families—giving them a quiet moment of national tribute.

Staff Sgt. Joseph Bales and Pfc. Mason Clover tested for their certification in funeral honor services on Thursday at the Ike Skelton Training Site.

Doctors and health experts say residents should take extra precautions as new CDC guidelines require adults under 65 without a qualifying condition to talk with a doctor before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

MU Health Care will host vaccine clinics from Sept. 27 to Oct. 25 and experts recommend wearing an N-95 mask—cleaning hands often and avoiding crowded places—as flu and cold season nears.

Big Daddy Weave Concert in Jefferson City

4:30-9 p.m. — Cole County Fair — Free entry — Experience a night of worship and music with Big Daddy Weave at the Redemption 'A New Beginning' concert.

Tebbetts Picnic and Muttonfest

10 AM – 2 PM — Tebbetts Community Hall — Activities include live entertainment, games, and shopping at this three-day festival.

Crafting for a Cause

6-7:30 p.m. — Missouri River Regional Library — Free entry — Create beaded pens for charity and take one home as a thank you.

Adult Chess Club

10-11 a.m. — Building Community Bridges Non Profit — No cost — Challenge your mind with state champion Tim Campbell as you join fellow chess enthusiasts.

Family Storytime

10:30-11:30 a.m. — Missouri River Regional Library — Free entry — Enjoy engaging stories, music, crafts, and activities for the whole family.

Social Bridge Club

1–3:30 p.m. — Missouri River Regional Library — Free entry — Engage in enjoyable Bridge gameplay with players of all skill levels every Thursday.

The Spooklights: Biscuits Beats & Brews Festival

9 PM – 1 AM — Cooper's Landing Riverside Resort & Marina — Free entry — Experience a family-friendly festival filled with music, food, and brews in the Ozark Mountains.

Porchfest JCMO

6-9 p.m. — Forest Hill Ave. / West Main St. — Free entry — Experience lively performances from local musicians on neighborhood porches and enjoy hands-on crafts and food.

Building Community Bridges Food Pantry

4:30-6 p.m. — Building Community Bridges Non Profit — Free entry — Feeding those in need one box at a time every Monday evening.

Family Storytime

6:00–6:30 p.m. — Missouri River Regional Library — Free entry — Enjoy engaging stories and music suitable for the whole family.