News You Can Use

Readers of The Watchword:

Here’s a page you can use to keep up to speed on all the smaller bits of news coming from city and county government: road closings, Public Works projects, news conferences, meeting schedules and all that sort of stuff. We’ll funnel the information to you as quickly as we can. And if you know of things going on that you want us to share, please let us know.

The Public Life Team

For the most up to date and complete listing of city meetings and events, check Columbia’s online calendar.

Repairs to sewer lateral on Hardin Street

On Friday, May 7 NW Industries will replace a sewer lateral at 1009 Hardin Street. This will result in temporary lane restrictions. Work should be completed the same day, weather permitting.

“Motorists and pedestrians are urged to exercise extreme caution when in the work zone and use an alternate route whenever possible.”

US Cellular Movies in the Park Returns for 2010

The US Cellular®Movies in the Park series will show one movie per month this summer, starting May 14, at Flat Branch Park.

The movies will be shown on a giant inflatable screen. Bring a blanket or low lawn chair.

Admission price is $1 per person; children 12 and under are free.

Concessions will be available. There are no rain dates.

Upcoming Movies:

Friday, May 14, 8:45 p.m. – UP (PG). Pre-show activities will start at 8 p.m.

Friday, June 18, 9 p.m. – Cloudy with the Chance of Meatballs (PG)

Friday, July 9, 9 p.m. – Planet 51 (PG)

Friday, Aug 13, 8:45 p.m. –  TBA

Friday, Sept 10, 7:45 p.m. – TBA

Ninth annual Bike, Walk & Wheel Week

The ninth annual Mayor’s Challenge: Bike, Walk & Wheel Week is scheduled for May 1 through 8. The weeklong event begins with a kick-off celebration at Flat Branch Park, includes the Breakfast Station Day on Friday, May 7, and closes with the Mayor’s Council On Physical Fitness Expo on Saturday, May 8.

This year’s honorary chairperson is bicycling advocate Carl Edwards.

“Bicycling in Columbia allows me to get my errands done and my exercise in at the same time,” Edwards said. “I encourage everyone to try biking for a day!”

In 2001, former Mayor Darwin Hindman first challenged Columbians to bike, walk or wheel their way to work, school or other destinations around town, and 750 people participated. In 2009, over 5,000 people took the challenge.

If you’d like to participate in Bike, Walk & Wheel Week, register online at getaboutcolumbia.com or visit the GetAbout Columbia office, 101 N. Seventh St. All registered participants receive a free T-shirt (while supplies last). Bike, Walk & Wheel Week is part of GetAbout Columbia, a communitywide program designed to encourage active modes of transportation such as walking and bicycling. For more information about GetAbout Columbia, visit getaboutcolumbia.com.

Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound Program

For the fourth year, Columbia Parks and Recreation is teaming up with the University of Missouri-Columbia Research Center for Human Animal Interaction with the MU College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Central Missouri Humane Society to offer Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound.

Participants can walk friendly, adoptable dogs from the Humane Society on the Bear Creek Trail, meeting first at the Humane Society office at 616 Big Bear Blvd.There will be three sessions of Saturday walks:

Session 1:  April 3-24
Session 2:  May 1-22
Session 3:  June 5-26

Three time slots available at 8, 9 and 10 a.m.; you may choose one or all three. Participants will receive a program t-shirt and be given the option to participate in a study of the benefits of dog walking.  Leashes and dog treats are provided. Participants 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

The cost is $10 per session per participant, and $5 for guests. To register, call Parks and Recreation at 573-874-7460 or go online at www.GoColumbiaMo.com.

Speed limits changing on residential streets

The City Council approved lowering speed limits from 30 mph to 25 mph on residential streets. Streets affected will be those with traffic volumes less than 2,000 vehicles per day. Some major roadways will also see speed limit changes, such as Conley Rd, which will increase from 30 mph to 35. City crews are now replacing signs and adjustments will be in place by Oct. 1.

“The Columbia Police Department will enforce the speed limit that is posted on the street. Citizens are reminded to play close attention to the speed limits throughout Columbia as these changes are implemented.”

Total cost will be $128,000, which is being funded with traffic safety funds.

Contact Public Works Department at 573-874-7250