Good morning, Jefferson City.

The Central Missouri Humane Society has chosen Rufus as Best Friend of the Week.

Rufus is about three to four years old and weighs around 60 pounds—he loves toys and dressing up and needs a cat-free home with plenty of space to run.

Marcelle Hunter visited vendor booths Friday at Project Homeless Connect and got new glasses—he also checked dental resources for his needs.

The Missouri PRiME Center held a half-day conference Thursday at the University of Missouri-Columbia to review how the growth model measures academic progress after pandemic-related learning loss.

Education Commissioner Karla Eslinger and economics professor Eric Parsons explained that the model goes beyond test scores — officials say it helps identify effective teaching practices.

Crew members from the USS Jefferson City, a Los Angeles Class nuclear Navy submarine, spoke with a class of nuclear technology students at State Technical College of Missouri in Linn+and they will head home later this weekend.

Patriotic teenagers from the Thomas Jefferson Division of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps completed summer training programs held across the United States—finishing the planned sessions this summer.

The Missouri Lottery said a $50,000 winning ticket was bought at Midwest Patrolium Company—301 Ellis Boulevard in Jefferson City—on Sept.

6. The win came in the drawing that also produced another $50,000 ticket and the $893.5 million jackpot.

Columbia and Jefferson City leaders celebrated United Airlines’ return to Columbia Regional Airport at a Thursday ribbon-cutting ceremony, noting that the carrier now offers two daily flights to Chicago O’Hare and a Denver flight that began Friday—made possible by a $1-million federal grant—to boost regional economic development.

JC Parks held a ribbon cutting for the Creek Trail Greenway on September 25, marking a project more than a decade in development.

The new trail offers a safe scenic route linking Cavalier Drive to W. Edgewood Drive with a crosswalk featuring blinking lights and a refuge island.

Jefferson City Council will consider a resolution at its Oct 6 meeting to set up Public Safety Explorer Posts so teens and young adults aged 14 to 21 can gain hands-on experience in fire, EMS, and law enforcement.

Lincoln University + Scouting America will support the program, which aims to ease staffing shortages in local public safety sectors.

MU Health Care is hosting a vaccination event in Jefferson City today from 8 a.m. to noon at the Madison street medical building—next to Capital Region Medical Center—for those needing a flu or COVID shot.

The provider will hold over 20 vaccination events in mid-Missouri through October 31 and advises visitors to wear loose clothing and bring their insurance card.

Zimmer broadcast three high school football games Friday evening — the Helias game at Columbia Rock Bridge on KTGR with Andy Humphrey, the Capital City game at Jefferson City on Newsradio 950 KWOS with Kevin Kelly and Tom Kramer, and the Russellville game at South Callaway on Big 900 KFAL with Steve Mallinkrout; all games kicked off at 7 p.m.

Missouri’s Tiger football team will face the Massachusetts Minutemen at sold-out Faurot Field in Columbia at 6:30 p.m. today.

The Tigers are 4-0 and ranked #20 while the Minutemen are 0-3 with wide receiver Jacquon Gibson leading the MAC.

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.

Raise Your Glass for Capital City CASA

Join us for a meaningful evening of food, fun, and fundraising—all in support of abused and neglected children who need a voice in the courtroom. The event will feature guest speaker, Josh Shipp.