Community Corner
π± How will CPS survey results actually change Columbia classrooms next year?
Be sure to catch Stories and Activities for Adults With Disabilities on the Columbia Patch calendar

Good day Columbia! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. βοΈοΈ
In today's newsletter:
- How will CPS survey results actually change Columbia classrooms next year?
- How will Columbiaβs new small-lot rules reshape affordable housing near you?
- How a Columbia ministry is turning holiday wishes into real beds
Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? π€ (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Columbiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Thursday: Mainly cloudy, with a high of 44 and low of 29 degrees.
- Friday: Colder; breezy in the p.m., temps: high: 35, low: 19. βοΈ Brr!
- Saturday: Colder with clouds and sun, with a high of 23 and low of 4 degrees.
π° News we're reading
1. How Columbia's school culture survey will tie into strategic plan (columbiatribune.com) β Columbia Public Schools has analyzed new school culture surveys from students, staff, and parents, and will use the results to shape both building-level changes and the districtβs strategic plan. Responses highlight strong teacher dedication but ongoing concerns about discipline, safety in shared spaces, behavior management, and communication with families, with detailed data headed to each school and public dashboards.
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Find out what's happening in Columbiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
2. Columbia, Boone County officials give updates on affordable housing plan (komu.com) β Columbia and Boone County officials are moving ahead with an affordable housing strategy that could soon allow small-lot homes across more city zoning districts and create a local housing trust fund. Leaders say the goal is to boost starter-home options, strengthen rental code enforcement, and ensure safe, sanitary housing for both renters and homeowners while keeping new programs financially sustainable.
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3. Sleep in Heavenly Peace teams up with college ministry to give kids beds (komu.com) β Columbia families with kids who need a bed are getting help from the local Sleep in Heavenly Peace chapter, which has already built more than 300 beds since 2024. Partnering with The Crossingβs college ministry, volunteers just restocked pillows after nearly running out, but an 80-child waitlist means more bed-building is planned for March.
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4. Three Columbia residents injured in car crash (krcgtv.com) β Three Columbia residents were hurt Wednesday morning in a two-vehicle crash at Route PP and Starling Road in Boone County, sending two to University Hospital with serious and moderate injuries. Missouri State Highway Patrol says a Toyota turned into the path of a Nissan, and notes only the Columbia man driving the Nissan was not wearing a seatbelt.
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5. Sedalia man accused of posing as private investigator, DEA agent while breaking into vehicles (abc17news.com) β Police in Columbia say a 22-year-old Sedalia man was arrested after allegedly entering several unlocked vehicles and claiming to be a private investigator or DEA agent. According to a probable cause statement, witnesses reported him taking various items, and officers later recovered stolen property, including a passport and cellphone, after he was booked into the Pettis County Jail.
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πΈ Around Columbia
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
π Upcoming Events in Columbia
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- Stories and Activities for Adults With Disabilities
Columbia Public Library - Children's Program Room
10:00 am - Device Advice and Tech Help Drop-in
Columbia Public Library - Training Center
2:00 pm - Small Business Lunch and Learn
Columbia Chamber of Commerce , 300 S Providence Rd , Columbia
11:30 am - EPIC Holiday Mixer 2025
MyHouse Sports Bar & Nightclub , 119 S 7th St , Columbia
5:00 pm
Friday December 12
Wednesday December 17
Thursday December 18
π£ Columbia Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
π Events Nearby
- Toddler Story Time
Columbia Public Library - Children's Program Room
9:30 am - Central Missouri Division Holiday Dinner β CCβs City Broiler
CC's City Broiler , 1401 Forum Blvd , Columbia
5:00 pm - Stories and Activities for Adults With Disabilities
Columbia Public Library - Children's Program Room
10:00 am - Device Advice and Tech Help Drop-in
Columbia Public Library - Training Center
2:00 pm - Annual Cookies & Cocoa with Santa | FREE EVENT
Century 21 Community , 111 E Broadway #100 , Columbia
4:00 pm - Improv Club
Jabberwocky Studios , 1308 Grand Ave , Columbia
6:30 pm - Live Comedy At The Tokyo Club! - Columbia's Funniest Showcase
The Tokyo Club , 709 Fay St #105 , Columbia
7:00 pm - πNational ACT Testing Date
Jamestown C-1 Jamestown, MO 65046
Thursday December 11
Friday December 12
Saturday December 13
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
π¬ Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Don't miss the Wassail stroll this Saturday at The District and North Village Arts District!
Read more: https://thingstodocolumbiamo.com/wessail-stroll-event-by-the-district-and-north-village-arts-district-at-downtown-como/ (Nextdoor West Blvd - Stadium) - Hello, again, about a month ago someone posted about a sound or a train sound she kept hearing.
Yet there are no trains in Columbia; did anybody heard it? Because this is the second night, we can hear a train too... (Nextdoor Highlands)
- Taco Bell posted a job opening for Team Member in Columbia. Apply here.
- Corporate Cleaning Group posted a job opening for Evening Columbia Area Building Cleaner in Columbia. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Columbia here.
Ok Columbia! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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