Good morning, Jefferson City.

On Thursday, West Elementary School's student council gathered in the library where Mayor Ron Fitzwater directed the students to create a vision for their school and community—student Lily Baker asked a question during the event.

Missouri Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act Scholarships are open for the 2025-26 school year and provide first responders and their families tuition help — covering the remaining tuition after federal aid.

This program, established by legislation earlier this year, helps ease education costs for eligible applicants.

The Jefferson City Fire Department announced it will use a $625,178 grant to replace respirators older than 10 years—updating its safety gear—to ensure better protection for firefighters.

Missouri officials, along with Child Care Aware of Missouri and Kids Win Missouri, will launch Missouri Child Care Works on November 1 with $2.5 million from the Children’s Trust Fund to split child care costs among employers, families, and government or philanthropic partners.

The program uses a new Tri-Share model—developed with technology from TOOTRiS—to strengthen the child care workforce and make quality childcare more affordable for families statewide.

City officials announced that a portion of the Madison Street Parking Garage has been restricted after a Thursday inspection revealed severe deterioration of decking, ramps, and supporting columns—making parts of the structure unsafe.

Officials added that the Capitol Avenue entrance and nearby alley remain open while staircases and other levels are closed.

Today, Missouri DOT asks drivers to slow down in Interstate 70 work zones as crash rates have risen and construction cuts lanes and lowers speed limits.

Work from Kingdom City to Columbia will hit key milestones as MODOT will announce bids in December and January and finish the Kingdom City to Columbia stretch by December — officials ask motorists to drive safely.

On Thursday, Cole County judge Emily Fretwell swore in six new CASA volunteers at the Cole County Courthouse—expanding the program that supports children in legal cases.

St. Mary's Hospital in Jefferson City held a blessing for service animals on October 2 in honor of St. Francis of Assisi's feast — handlers brought their dogs and received goodie bags and snacks — and a prayer thanked them for their service.

State and local health officials said the federal shutdown will not stop the WIC program or other health services today but warned that uncertainty over federal funding may lead to future strain—officials will monitor the situation closely.

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.

Faded Youth Dance Night

7-10 p.m. — Capital Ritz Banquet & Dance Center — BYOB, snacks to share — Enjoy a fun night of dancing to live music with the Let's Dance Club.

Old Soul Savage Live Performance

9 PM – 1 AM — Twisted Pickles — Check website for cost — Enjoy a night of multi-genre rock and roll hits from the talented band Old Soul Savage.

Novel Ideas Book Group

6:45-7:45 p.m. — Missouri River Regional Library — Free entry — Dive into the captivating world of The Otherwoods with fellow 6th-8th graders and enjoy refreshments.

Wednesday Evening Yoga

5:15-6:15 p.m. — Missouri River Regional Library — Free entry — Rejuvenate your mind and body with an inclusive yoga class for all abilities.

Social Bridge Gameplay

1-3:30 p.m. — Missouri River Regional Library — Free entry — Engage in fun and friendly Bridge games suitable for all skill levels.

Magdalene Rose: The Anthems Tour

7-11 p.m. — Capital West Christian Church Event Center — Free admission — Enjoy a night of uplifting music featuring Disciple and Seventh Day Slumber.