Good morning, Jefferson City.

A 36-foot tall Christmas tree stands on the Governor’s Mansion lawn for holiday celebrations and will be lit at 6 p.m. next Friday — families can join candlelight tours of the first floor from 6-8 p.m. on Dec.

5 and again on Dec. 8.

A weather system will affect central Missouri late Friday night into Saturday with mixed precipitation as moist air cools quickly — the storm track is uncertain so northern counties may see heavy snow while Jefferson City likely sees only a light wintry mix.

Jefferson City Parks and Rec has opened a bidding process for repairs and painting at Ellis Porter Riverside Pool; bids must meet city standards and can be submitted electronically or in person with the contract awarded to the lowest qualifying bid by 1:30 p.m. (Dec.

11).

MoDOT urges drivers to use extra caution this Thanksgiving weekend because records show 868 alcohol-impaired driving deaths from 2019 to 2023, including 11 deaths and 64 serious injuries last year.

They advise planning extra travel time and using rideshares or a sober friend to help avoid delays from road construction on Missouri roads.

Today, as Thanksgiving begins, Missouri State Highway Patrol is aiding travelers by using Operation CARE—placing extra troopers on the road and warning drivers to check their vehicles and buckle up since the fatality period starts tonight at 6 and runs until Sunday night.

Central Missouri media have announced the 2025 all-district football team — the team features 6 players from Jefferson City, 10 from Helias, 9 from Capital City, 16 from Blair Oaks and 7 from Russellville.

The list names players in different classes and positions in the game.

Helias Crusaders quarterback Austin Weaver passed for 301 yards and rushed for 175 yards including a 58-yard touchdown run on Friday in the Class 6 State Quarterfinal at Nixa.

He broke several career records and finished the season with 2,355 passing yards and 753 rushing yards, earning him the title of KWOS Athlete of the Week.

The Capital City Cavaliers beat the Hallsville Indians 98—94 in double overtime on Monday night after Grady Payton scored 44 points and led a 6—0 run late in the second overtime to set a new team record.

The Cavaliers will host Boonville next Tuesday.

Eagle Watching Presentation

9 AM – 5 PM — Missouri River Regional Library — Free entry — Discover the majestic eagles of Cole County with local expert Pat Struempf.

LEGO Block Party

6-7 p.m. — Missouri River Regional Library — Free entry — Enjoy free-building LEGO fun with standard bricks and mini-figures for ages 5-12.

Preschool Storytime

10:30-11:30 a.m. — Missouri River Regional Library — No reservations needed — Enjoy engaging stories and music for preschoolers ages 3-5.

Eagle Photography Presentation

9 AM – 8 PM — Missouri River Regional Library — Free entry — Discover the breathtaking beauty of eagles through the lens of a local photographer.

Ukulele Jam Session

6:15-7:45 p.m. — Missouri River Regional Library — Free entry — Share tunes and connect with fellow ukulele enthusiasts in a lively musical gathering.

Rhyme Time for Babies

9:30-10:00 a.m. — Missouri River Regional Library — Free entry — Enjoy music and movement in a special interactive session for babies and their caregivers.

A Convocation of Eagles

9:00 a.m. — Missouri River Regional Library — Free entry — Discover the beauty of eagles through Pat Struempf's extensive photography and insights.

Family Book Bingo

6-7 p.m. — Missouri River Regional Library — Free entry — Enjoy a fun-filled hour of bingo with book prizes for kids 12 and under.

Wednesday Evening Yoga

5:15-6:15 p.m. — Missouri River Regional Library — Free entry — Rejuvenate your mind and body in a welcoming yoga class suitable for all abilities.

Alabama State Hornets at Missouri Tigers Basketball

7-8:30 p.m. — Mizzou Arena — Cost information not available — Witness an exciting college basketball matchup featuring the Alabama State Hornets taking on the Missouri Tigers.