John Henry+FollowColumbia’s art scene loses a true gemKenny Greene’s impact on Columbia can’t be overstated—he was the kind of artist and neighbor who made everyone feel seen and supported. From gifting handmade jewelry to mentoring new artists, Kenny believed art should be shared and celebrated by all. His vision shaped the North Village Arts District into a vibrant, diverse community, and his encouragement helped so many locals take creative leaps. As Columbia prepares to honor him at this week’s First Friday art crawl, it’s clear his generosity and spirit will keep inspiring us. How has Kenny—or someone like him—made a difference in your life? #Entertainment #Painting #ColumbiaMO00Share
dianefrank+FollowColumbia restaurants pass health checks after fixesGolden Corral’s dishwasher is finally up to code after a string of failed inspections left some diners uneasy about food safety. Several Columbia spots faced their own hiccups—like bare-hand food handling, dirty soda nozzles, and missing food safety certificates—but most issues were fixed quickly. These routine inspections really show how much goes on behind the scenes to keep our favorite places safe. Have you ever wondered what happens after a restaurant gets flagged for a violation? Or does seeing these reports change where you eat out? Let’s talk about it! #Food #ColumbiaMO #FoodSafety00Share
Sabrina Carrillo+FollowColumbia neighbors step up for the homelessEven with freezing temps and no shuttle to help folks get there, Sophia’s Helping Hand still managed to serve up hot New Year’s meals to nearly 40 people in Columbia. Founder Sophia Smith says she’s watched the city’s homeless population more than double since 2008, and while turnout was down this year, the need is only growing. What stands out? Local businesses and everyday people are quietly making a difference—whether it’s a home-cooked meal or a donated gift card. How do you think Columbia can better support its homeless neighbors, especially during tough weather? #Safety #ColumbiaMO #HomelessSupport00Share
Michael Alvarez+FollowColumbia’s Sound Bites Eatery closing soonSound Bites Eatery, a downtown Columbia favorite for quick, tasty lunches, is shutting its doors this February. For anyone who’s grabbed a sandwich there between classes or on a work break, this is a real loss for the local food scene. It’s always tough to see a spot that’s become part of the daily routine disappear. What’s your go-to lunch place now, and how do you feel about the changes happening downtown? Let’s talk about the best local eats and what you’ll miss most about Sound Bites. #Food #ColumbiaMO #LocalEats00Share
derek12+FollowColumbia’s Bluestem Missouri Crafts gets a new lease on lifeBluestem Missouri Crafts, a downtown Columbia favorite for over four decades, was on the brink of closing its doors for good—until Stephen McBee and his wife stepped in to save it. They saw Bluestem as more than just a shop; it’s a piece of Columbia’s identity and a gathering place for local creativity. Their decision to buy the store means the community keeps a beloved spot for unique, handcrafted goods and local artistry. What does Bluestem mean to you, and how do you think its preservation impacts downtown Columbia? #Business #ColumbiaMO #ShopLocal00Share
peterfoster+FollowColumbia’s new tech makes flying safer for allImagine a plane that can land itself if the pilot becomes unresponsive. That’s now a reality in Columbia, thanks to BlackHawk Aerospace’s installation of Autoland systems. This technology isn’t just a gadget—it’s peace of mind for pilots and passengers alike. If something goes wrong mid-flight, Autoland takes over, finds the nearest airport, communicates with air traffic control, and safely lands the plane. It’s a game-changer for safety, especially for smaller crews or medical flights. Would you feel more comfortable flying knowing this system was on board? Let’s talk about how tech like this could change our travel experiences. #Business #Industry #ColumbiaMO00Share
Stacie Hernandez+FollowColumbia’s builders put trust before profitsColumbia’s construction scene is seeing a shift—local contractors like NOVA Construction & Remodeling are winning over residents not by chasing the biggest projects, but by focusing on trust, transparency, and real craftsmanship. Shane “Sugar” Whitaker and his team have built a reputation for doing things right the first time, making the process less stressful for homeowners and businesses alike. Their hands-on, honest approach means every project is a commitment, not just a transaction. As Columbia grows, do you think more local businesses should follow this model of slow, steady, and trustworthy growth? #Business #ColumbiaMO #LocalBusiness00Share
dalemiller+FollowColumbia mom’s life changes with a donated carGetting to work and school just got a whole lot easier for a Columbia single mom, thanks to a donated, refurbished car from the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides program. After losing her car in an accident, Cirrie Sharp struggled to juggle her job, nursing classes, and caring for her two daughters. Now, with a 2021 Nissan Altima in her driveway, she’s back on track to pursue her career and provide for her family. It’s amazing how a simple act of generosity can make such a huge difference. What other local programs have you seen making an impact like this? #Cars #ColumbiaMO #CommunitySupport00Share
Alexander Black+FollowSingle mom in Columbia gets life-changing car giftA single mom in Columbia just got a huge boost—thanks to a donated, refurbished car from the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides program. After losing her vehicle in an accident, Cirrie Sharp struggled to juggle work, school, and caring for her two daughters. Now, with a 2021 Nissan Altima gifted by Allstate and Gerber Collision & Glass, she can get back on track with her job and nursing classes. It’s amazing to see local businesses and organizations step up to support families in our community. What other ways could we help neighbors facing tough times? #Cars #ColumbiaMO #CommunitySupport00Share
Dawn Fritz+FollowColumbia hoops: Big wins and upsets!Saturday’s basketball action in Columbia brought some real surprises—Jefferson City’s girls dominated Parkway South with a huge 78-48 win, while Blair Oaks boys took a tough loss to Principia. Centralia’s girls also pulled off a strong victory over Helias Catholic. These scores are shaking up local standings and fueling plenty of friendly rivalries. If you were at any of these games or know someone who played, what moments stood out to you? Which teams do you think are heating up as we head into the new year? Let’s talk local hoops! #Sports #ColumbiaMO #HighSchoolBasketball10Share