Good morning, Jefferson City.

The Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association held its 'Legacy of Love Gala' on Oct.

24, 2024 at Capital Plaza Hotel to honor families providing safe, loving homes for vulnerable children—recognizing the vital support they receive. This event showcased the community's commitment to caring for children in need.

Hundreds gathered today at Jefferson City's 200th birthday bash—where local festivities included a quirky moment when Harper Monson from The Millbottom left with a unicorn on her arm, capturing the crowd's attention.

On Oct. 11, Jefferson City firefighters helped Toni Lannert when her tire went flat at a gas station as she waited with her grandchildren.

The Station Five crew quickly aired up her spare tire—providing timely assistance that prevented the need for a tow truck.

MDOT officials said deer are more active on roadways during the rut — a period that led to nearly 3,000 deer strikes in 2024, causing 420 injuries and four fatalities — and urged motorists to slow down and avoid swerving when deer appear.

Thursday’s JC Schools Foundation Gala celebrated the past and planned for the future with a 'Flashback' theme and bright '90s colors — the Lewis and Clark Middle School band played 'Seven Nation Army' and 'I Want It That Way' during dinner.

First-graders at Blair Oaks Elementary sorted up to 80 pounds of locally grown green beans on Thursday—Food Services Coordinator Amanda Boessen said the work helped prepare fresh produce for school lunches.

Missouri Department of Conservation and the Conservation Federation of Missouri encouraged deer hunters to donate venison to the Share the Harvest program so local food banks can feed hungry residents.

Hunters may drop off their meat at approved processors while sponsors cover processing fees — supporting both conservation efforts and community needs.

Missouri and most other states require schools to hold active shooter drills starting in fall 2026 (only Texas requires law enforcement to run similar drills following the 2022 tragedy in Uvalde), and readers are invited to vote on whether both sectors should be mandated to train.

About 470 people attended Thursday's Pregnancy Help Center banquet at Capital Plaza Hotel—supporting the center's efforts to empower individuals to make healthy, life-affirming decisions.

The center provides pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, STI testing and offers prenatal and parenting classes.

Jefferson City and Transformational Housing are preparing to demolish 101 Jackson St. to make room for new apartments.

Zimmer Radio will broadcast three week eight high school football games today at 7 p.m.—Hickman faces Columbia Rock Bridge with Andy Humphrey on KTGR, the Jefferson City Jays travel to Columbia on KWOS, and the Fulton Hornets host Kirksville at Robert Fisher Jr. Stadium with Steve Mallinkroudt on KFAL.

Genealogy Help Sessions

1-4 p.m. — Missouri River Regional Library — Free entry — Get personalized assistance with your genealogy research from expert Laura Loyborg.

Thursday Morning Yoga

9:30-10:30 a.m. — Missouri River Regional Library — Free entry — Rejuvenate your mind and body in a welcoming environment for all abilities.

Trick or Treat at Heisinger Bluffs

1-2 p.m. — Heisinger Bluffs Senior Living Community — Community event — Celebrate Halloween with fun treats and activities, rain or shine.

17th Annual Trunk or Treat

2-5 p.m. — Cole County Fair — $1 per child — Enjoy a festive trunk or treat event supporting Operation TOYS.

TikTok Made Me Read It Book Club

6-7:30 p.m. — Missouri River Regional Library — Free entry — Discuss trending reads from TikTok's #BookTok and connect with fellow book enthusiasts.

Runge In Your Backyard: Not-So-Spooky Creatures

10 AM – 2 PM — McClung Park Indoor Pavilion — Free entry — Explore wild Missouri animals in Halloween costumes at this engaging community event.

Lincoln University Students' D.I.Y. Day

2:30-3:30 p.m. — Scruggs University Center Lincoln University — Free entry — Unleash your creativity at this hands-on craft event for students.

Social Bridge Club

1-3:30 p.m. — Missouri River Regional Library — Free entry — Enjoy fun and friendly Bridge gameplay every Thursday with players of all skill levels.

Halloween Dance Mix

7-10 p.m. — Capital Ritz Banquet & Dance Center — Costumes encouraged — Enjoy a spooktacular evening filled with Halloween tunes and festive dancing.

Cheers to Adoption Fundraising Event

5-8 p.m. — Canterbury Hill Winery and Restaurant — $80.00 — Enjoy an evening of wine tasting while supporting adoption initiatives.