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🌱 Which nights Missouri Nightmare in Columbia will be open for scares?

Columbia, Missouri Patch AM: a 5 min read

Good morning to you Columbia! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Which nights Missouri Nightmare in Columbia will be open for scares?
  • How much more will Columbia families pay on utility bills now?
  • What changes when Columbia shifts animal control to its own shelter?

Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 10 more events.

Today's riddle: What has a cap but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
Today's Columbia Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile - America's Best Mobile Network, according to Ookla Speedtest. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Columbia Patch AM possible.
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Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Mostly sunny and nice, with a high of 75 and low of 49 degrees.
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny and nice, temps: high: 75, low: 46.
  • Monday: Nice with plenty of sunshine, with a high of 70 and low of 47 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Missouri Nightmare Haunted Attraction Open for the Halloween Season (thingstodocolumbiamo.com) — A major haunted attraction is running this October at Missouri Nightmare on County Road 276 in Columbia, giving locals plenty of weekend chances to get scared close to home. With tiered ticket options, extended Friday and Saturday hours, and a one-night closure for a private event, organizers urge visitors to check the calendar and consider Fast Passes to cut down on wait times.
   

2. City leaders say higher Columbia utility rates take effect due to inflation (krcgtv.com) — Columbia residents are now paying higher city utility rates for electricity, water, and trash, with officials estimating the average bill will rise about $15 a month. City leaders blame inflation and say added revenue will cover higher material costs, while local assistance programs and residents voice concern about how seniors, low-income families, and students will manage the increases.
   

3. PHHS' partnership with CMHS to end with move to Columbia Animal Hospital (abc17news.com) — Columbia and Boone County are preparing to move animal control services into the former Columbia Animal Hospital site, ending their long-running partnership with the Central Missouri Humane Society. City leaders plan to buy the $995,000 property, with Columbia fronting the full cost from reserves while Boone County contributes later, raising questions about how animal care, veterinary services, and daily operations will be handled in the new city-run shelter.
   

4. New CPD data shows crime fell overall during past year, but incidents downtown saw a sharp jump (abc17news.com) — New Columbia Police Department data show overall city crime dipped slightly this past year, but reported incidents downtown jumped nearly 48%, especially around Broadway, Walnut, and Ninth streets. Violent crime fell both citywide and downtown, yet repeated late-night shootings and rising calls for service will be presented to the Columbia City Council, shaping future enforcement strategies and neighborhood safety discussions.
   

5. Mizzou Tigers mark 115th homecoming with parade, pep rally, and hall of fame inductions (ky3.com) — Mizzou’s 115th homecoming is drawing tens of thousands of visitors to Columbia this weekend, with a Friday night pep rally, Saturday morning parade, and Hall of Fame inductions capped by the homecoming game. City officials expect packed hotels and heavy traffic, though MoDOT is pausing most I-70 construction near Columbia to ease congestion for residents and returning alumni.
   

📸 Around Columbia

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I am fostering a beautiful English Springer Spaniel called Apollo.
    He is 10 years old, fully vetted, potty trained and crate trained. He is very mellow and just loves hanging with his people, but also loves going on… (Nextdoor Old Hawthorne)
  • I have to let go of my dog because I’m moving and I can’t take him with me.
    I need to find somebody as soon as possible. His name is Bozzie. He’s an Irish wolfhound mix. Caught up on his shots. He’s 6 years old. Medium large… (Nextdoor Barnett Ridge)
  • Hy-Vee posted a job opening for Market Grille Cook in Columbia. Apply here.
  • O'Reilly Automotive posted a job opening for Retail Service Specialist 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: "What has a cap but no head?" — A bottle (Thank you Glo M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

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Stay in the loop with what's happening in Columbia

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

Stay in the loop with what's happening in Columbia

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.