Good morning, Jefferson City.

Family and friends held a balloon release at McClung Park Tuesday to honor Erik Spencer—who was shot on Nov.

1—as police have not released the shooter’s name and charges have not been filed.

Jefferson City Room at the Inn hosted a Lunch and Learn on Nov.

11 to explain its winter shelter plans and to call for volunteers through an online sign-up+ the shelter, which serves up to 20 unhoused individuals, is preparing for full capacity as cold weather approaches.

Active duty and veteran Marines celebrated the 250th birthday of their service in a Capitol Rotunda ceremony on November 11—Jason Reimann cut the birthday cake with a sword—while Adam Gresham filled in as guest speaker in place of Gov. Mike Kehoe.

The Missouri Veterans Commission dedicated a new war memorial obelisk at the state capitol riverside that features eight stone markers honoring conflicts from the Spanish-American War to wars in Iraq and Afghanistan—$157,000 was spent on its design and installation and officials plan to add casualty numbers to each marker.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that it will reduce water releases from Missouri River reservoirs this winter—to better manage runoff and lower the risk of ice jams.

The change is based on winter weather conditions and upstream water levels.

Governor Mike Kehoe praised Missouri’s lengthy Rural Health Transformation plan application on 939 the Eagle’s Wake Up Missouri, saying the plan will link providers, pharmacies and public health agencies to boost rural healthcare.

State agencies worked nonstop for about 60 days on the application, and Missouri will learn by New Year’s Eve if it wins the federal funding—efforts aimed at helping areas where hospitals have closed.

The Helias Lady Crusaders Volleyball Team won a state title in Class 3 on Saturday by sweeping Mount Vernon—securing a 36-1-1 record.

They were named KWOS Athlete of the Week and earned their third state championship, adding to wins in 2014 and 2017.

Genealogy Help Sessions

1-4 p.m. — Missouri River Regional Library — Free entry — Engage in personalized genealogy assistance and learn from expert Laura Loyborg every Thursday.

Managing Your Phone Storage

1-2:15 p.m. — Missouri River Regional Library — Registration required — Learn efficient ways to transfer files from your phone to other devices and optimize your storage.

Pat Struempf: A Convocation of Eagles Art Exhibit Reception

2-4 p.m. — Missouri River Regional Library — Free entry — Engage with a local photographer discussing his eagle observations and enjoy refreshments.

Eagle Watch Photography Presentation

1-5 p.m. — Missouri River Regional Library — Free entry — Discover fascinating insights and stunning photographs of eagles with local expert Pat Struempf.

Minecraft Monday

5-6:30 p.m. — Missouri River Regional Library — Reservations required for laptops — Play Minecraft with friends in a community-friendly environment.

Eagle Photography Discussion

9 AM – 8 PM — Missouri River Regional Library — Free entry — Discover the majestic eagles of Cole County through the lens of a passionate local photographer.

Toys for Tots Fundraiser

5-8 p.m. — Big Whiskey's — Show the invite and a portion of your meal will go to charity — Enjoy a meal while supporting local children in need.

Eagle Photography Presentation

9 AM – 8 PM — Missouri River Regional Library — Free entry — Discover the art of eagle photography with local expert Pat Struempf.

Murder on the Orient Express

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Miller Performing Arts Center — Ticket information available — Experience Agatha Christie’s thrilling mystery as detective Hercule Poirot solves a deadly crime aboard a trapped luxury train.

Loose Creek Christmas Extravaganza and Pork Burger Sale

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Loose Creek Community Club — All proceeds benefit the Megan Boehm Memorial Scholarship Fund — Enjoy a festive craft show while indulging in delicious pork burgers.