LOCAL AND REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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January 20, 2025

Governor Kehoe Orders Flags to Fly at Full-Staff in Honor of Inauguration Day

LOCAL AND REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY  

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January 16, 2025 

Governor Kehoe Announces Sarah Willson as Director of Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services 

LOCAL AND REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY  

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January 15, 2025 

Moberly Police Department News 

On January 9, 2025, at approximately 9:30 pm Moberly SWAT and the
Randolph County Sheriff’s Department Tactical Team, executed a search
warrant in the 700 Block on Monroe Ave. As a result of the search warrant, a 50-year-old Moberly woman was arrested for Unlawful Possession of A Firearm and later posted the required bond. A probable cause statement was submitted to the Randolph County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review. 

Mike Kehoe Sworn In as 58th Governor of Missouri 

LOCAL AND REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
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            ...from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom


January 14, 2025

Man seriously injured in Pike County accident

A Bowling Green man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 7am Monday in Pike County.  The patrol says that he was on US 61 when his vehicle traveled off the west side of the roadway, he overcorrected, causing it to cross the center of the road, before running off the east side and struck an embankment and rolled over.  He was transported by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries. 

Director Nickelson Announces Retirement, Culminating 25 years of Public Service

On Monday, Governor Mike Parson announced that Director Paula F. Nickelson will retire effective March 1, 2025, from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). Her retirement brings a distinguished 25-year career at DHSS to a close. She will continue to serve as director of DHSS under Governor Mike Kehoe’s leadership until retirement.

Director Nickelson ushered in major change at DHSS by leading the department through significant innovations and achievements during her tenure. Within one year of assuming the role, she announced the end of the COVID-19 pandemic in Missouri by transitioning the state’s response to an endemic state. Nickelson was also responsible for seeing through the department’s rebranding efforts, launching a new strategic plan, mission, and vision, and hiring multiple key leadership roles never before available, including the state’s first chief medical officer, chief health information officer, health economist, health policy analyst, and workforce director. Under her leadership the State Board of Health and Senior Services was re-established, the department achieved re-accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board, and the state’s first multi-agency laboratory campus began construction.

A priority area for Director Nickelson was rebuilding trust and relationships with the public, state and federal lawmakers, local public health agencies and Missouri’s health care stakeholder groups. By working alongside the Missouri legislature, Nickelson was able to secure significant policy changes that will improve the state’s health care landscape for years to come. This includes beginning to address the state’s health care workforce shortages with the publication of the first-ever public health and health care workforce recommendation report and establishment of a state strategy to increase physician residency slots, increasing state funding to Missouri’s historically-underfunded local public health agencies, and initiating a maternal mortality prevention plan.

Nickelson assured key data and technology efforts propelled the department into readiness for the coming decade. This work was inclusive of a comprehensive state data landscape assessment, and the implementation of new systems for vital records, infectious disease surveillance and multiple inspection efforts. She also focused on the adoption of a new model for public health in Missouri, which describes foundational programs and capabilities that must be available to every Missouri resident and in every community to assure the best opportunity for health.   

Director Nickelson was elected to represent Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska on the national stage as the Region VII director for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, and most recently to serve that organization as Secretary-Treasurer. She was a frequent presenter at a wide variety of national and international organizations on diverse issues impacting public health.

Director Nickelson has led DHSS since March 2022 when she was appointed by Governor Parson. Prior to serving as director, Nickelson held a variety of positions at DHSS and specialized in public health and health care management, emergency planning and response, chronic disease prevention, and maternal-child health.

Attend MDC Waterfowl Workshops to give input on upcoming seasons

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites waterfowl hunters to a series of public workshops around the state to gather hunter input about duck season dates and zone boundary locations for the 2026-2030 seasons.

Participants will have the opportunity to review long-term waterfowl data about weather, migration, habitat use, harvest, and hunter opinions, and discuss their season date and zone preferences with other hunters and MDC staff. MDC will use hunter input gathered through the workshops combined with hunter opinion surveys to establish Missouri’s 2026-2030 duck season dates and zones.

The 2025 workshops will be held from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Registration is not required. Call the related phone number for more information.

• JAN. 16 IN HARRISONVILLE: Cass County Sherriff’s Office, 2501 W. Mechanic, 660-885-6981 or 816-622-0900;
• JAN. 21 IN ST. JOSEPH: MDC Northwest Regional Office, 701 James McCarthy Drive, 816-271-3100;
• JAN. 22 IN CHILLICOTHE: Comfort Inn and Suites, 250 E. Business 36, 816-271-3100;
• JAN. 23 IN CARROLLTON: Carrollton Public Library, 1 North Folger Street, 816-622-0900;
• JAN. 28 IN ST. CHARLES: Wapelhorst Park Gould Upper Level, 1875 Muegge Road, 636-441-4554;
• JAN. 29 IN ELSBERRY: American Legion, 111 Legion Drive, 636-441-4554;
• JAN. 30 IN KIRKSVILLE: MDC Northeast Regional Office, 3500 S. Baltimore St., 660-785-2420;
• FEB. 4 IN PORTAGEVILLE: Fisher Delta Research Center, 147 State Hwy T, 573-290-5730.
• FEB. 5 IN DEXTER: National Guard Armory, 1702 Missouri Hwy 114, 573-290-5730;
• FEB. 6 IN JACKSON: Jackson Civic Center on 381 E. Deerwood Dr., 573-290-5730;
• FEB. 13 IN SPRINGFIELD: MDC Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4600 S. Chrisman, 417-895-6880;
• FEB. 14 IN JOPLIN: MDC Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center, 201 W. Riviera Drive, 417-895-6880;

For more information, visit the MDC website at https://huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/waterfowl/waterfowl-reports-prospects/duck-zones-and-season-dates

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January 13, 2025 

Three injured, one seriously in Monroe County accident 

Three people were injured, one seriously in an accident that occurred at around 5:30pm Saturday in Monroe County. The patrol says that a car driven by a teenage girl from Monroe City was on US 24 at MO 15 when she pulled into the path of an SUV driven by a Madison woman and the SUV struck the car. The woman was transported by ambulance to University Hospital with serious injuries, while the girl and her passenger a teen boy from Paris sustained minor injuries and were taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital and Moberly Regional Hospital for treatment respectively. 

Driver seriously injured in early Friday morning crash 

A Troy driver was seriously injured in an early Friday morning crash in Pike County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 5:15am as he was on Highway 161 when he passed a vehicle and lost control on the snow covered roadway and his car was struck in the passenger side rear by a truck traveling northbound being driven by a Bowling Green man who was unable to stop on the snow covered road. The Troy man was taken to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital in Lake St. Louis with serious injuries. 

LOCAL AND REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY  

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January 10, 2025 

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
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January 9, 2025

MDC reports 10,071 deer taken during alternative methods portion
Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows
deer hunters in Missouri harvested 10,071 deer during the alternative methods
portion of firearms deer season, Dec. 28 – Jan. 7. Of the 10,071 deer harvested,
2,765 were antlered bucks, 1,072 were button bucks, and 6,234 were does.
Top harvest counties were Franklin with 223 deer harvested, Pike with 209, and
Macon with 207.
The harvest total for last year’s alternative methods portion was 12,496.
For current ongoing preliminary harvest totals by season, county, and type of
deer, visit the MDC website at  extra.mdc.mo.gov/widgets/harvest_table/ .
For harvest summaries from past years, visit  mdc.mo.gov/hunting-
trapping/species/deer/deer-reports/deer-harvest-summaries .
Deer hunting continues with archery season running through Jan. 15.

Deadline is Feb. 28 for nominations for Missouri Public Safety Medals
honoring heroic first responders and civilians
The Department of Public Safety is accepting nominations for the State of
Missouri’s highest awards honoring first responders who took heroic actions
beyond the call of duty in 2024. The awards are the Red, White and Blue Heart
Award, Missouri Medal of Valor, and Governor’s Medal. DPS is also
accepting nominations from Missouri public safety agencies for the Public
Safety Civilian Partnership Award. The awards will be presented during a
ceremony in Jefferson City in late 2025.
The deadline for public safety agency leaders to nominate members of their
organizations for any of the Public Safety Medals for actions performed in
2024 is Feb. 28, 2025. Nominations must come from the leader of the public
safety agency. Nomination forms and additional information about the awards,
including who is eligible to make a nomination, is available at:
https://dps.mo.gov/medal/ . There is a different nomination form for each award.
For the purposes of these awards, a public safety officer is defined as a person
serving a public agency, with or without compensation, as a firefighter, law
enforcement officer, or emergency personnel or emergency management
personnel. The term "law enforcement officer" includes a person who is a
state or local corrections or court officer. EMS personnel are eligible.

Missouri Veterans Commission Launches Electronic Pre-Certification
Application for Burial
The Missouri Veterans Commission (MVC) has announced the launch of the new
electronic Pre-Certification Application for Burial. The new digital application
allows Veterans and their eligible dependents to electronically pre-certify for
burial benefits, submit documents, and receive real-time notifications on the
status of their application.
Veterans and their eligible dependents interested in burial in one of the five state
Veterans Cemeteries can access the Electronic Pre-Certification Application for
Burial by visiting the Missouri Citizens portal . Users will need to create an
account before completing the application. More information on burial eligibility
can be found at mvc.dps.mo.gov/cemeteries/ . Paper applications will still be
accepted, and Veterans Service Officers will continue to assist Veterans in need.
For more information about Missouri Veterans Commission programs, call 573-
751-3779 or visit  mvc.dps.mo.gov.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
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January 8, 2025

Walsworth Announces Documation Acquisition
Walsworth, a family-owned printing company based in Marceline announced that
it acquired Documation on Jan. 1, 2025, bringing it into the Walsworth brand.
Documation will be renamed Walsworth – Eau Claire, and will be Walsworth’s
eighth facility, joining the company’s locations in Marceline, Brookfield and
Fulton, Missouri; Overland Park, Kansas; Saint Joseph, Michigan; and Ripon,
Wisconsin. 
Documation was founded in 1994, and for the last three decades, the company
has offered print on demand services, utilizing digital inkjet printing technology to
serve its customer base. Priding itself on its commitment to customer service,
Documation has been praised by its customers for its flexibility and ease of doing
business. These characteristics made it an ideal candidate to become part of
Walsworth. 
In addition to also being an excellent cultural fit, the Documation print facility will
expand Walsworth’s capability into on-demand digital printing to better meet
customer needs. This will allow the company to accommodate long and short
print runs while also providing the high-quality printing and customer service
Walsworth is known for.  
Over the past two decades, Walsworth has been steadily growing its market
share in key print segments. In 2010, the company purchased IPC in Saint
Joseph, Michigan, and in 2012, The Ovid Bell Press in Fulton, Missouri, was
acquired. 
Most recently, the company acquired its first Wisconsin printing facility with the
purchase of Ripon Printers in 2019. Walsworth has made significant investments
in people, capital and technology at each location and is seeing growth across all
locations. 
The printing facility in Eau Claire will remain open as usual but will be branded as
Walsworth – Eau Claire over the next several months.

Missouri 5th graders invited to participate in 42nd annual National Missing
Children’s Day Poster Contest
Missouri fifth graders can put their artistic skills to work, learn about staying safe,
and raise awareness of missing children through the National Missing
Children’s Day Poster Contest. The Department of Public Safety is inviting
Show-Me State fifth graders to participate in the annual poster contest, which
offers a chance at a trip to the nation’s capital. The national winner and his/her
parents and teacher will be invited to Washington, D.C. to participate in the 42nd
annual National Missing Children’s Day Ceremony on May 21, 2025.
Transportation and lodging will be provided.
One fifth grader from Missouri will be selected as the state winner. That student’s
poster will be submitted to the national competition. In addition, the state winner
will receive a national award certificate from the U.S Department of Justice, the
sponsor of the contest.
The Missouri winner will be notified in March 2025.
In 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 25 as National Missing
Children’s Day. Missing Children’s Day is dedicated to encouraging parents,
guardians, caregivers, and others concerned with the well-being of children to
make child safety a priority. It serves as a reminder to continue our efforts to
reunite missing children with their families and an occasion to honor those
dedicated to this important cause.
To view previous artwork from the contest, visit https://ncjtc-
static.fvtc.edu/resources/RS02456528.pdf

Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance Included in America’s Best Insurance
Companies 2025 Ranking 
Missouri Farm Bureau (MOFB) Insurance has been included in Forbes’
America’s Best Insurance Companies 2025 ranking. This award is presented in
collaboration with Statista, the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking
provider. The list was announced on September 24, 2024, and can be viewed on
Forbes.com. 
The America’s Best Insurance Companies 2025 ranking was determined based
on an independent survey of over 18,000 U.S. citizens across the nation.
Participants evaluated the insurance companies they have held within the last
three years on six different subdimensions: Advice, Customer Service,
Price/Performance, Transparency, Digital Services and Damage/Benefit Service. 
In addition, participants had to rate their insurance companies towards
satisfaction, loyalty and overall recommendation. The recommendations and
ratings were transformed into score values and aggregated towards a final score
across five insurance types: Auto, Homeowners, Renters, Permanent Life and
Term Life.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
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January 3, 2025

MSHP Reports Zero Traffic Fatalities, Zero Drownings and Zero Boating
Fatalities Over New Year’s Holiday
Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol,
provides the following preliminary statistics related to the New Year’s holiday:
Zero people died and 21 were injured in 44 traffic crashes during the 2025 New
Year’s holiday counting period, which began at 6 p.m. Tuesday, December 31,
2024, and ended at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, January 1, 2025. There were 0
boating crashes and 0 drownings over the 2025 New Year’s holiday counting
period.
2025 New Year’s Holiday Traffic Statistics
Troopers investigated the following:
Traffic Crashes — 44
Traffic Crash Injuries — 21
Traffic Crash Fatalities — 0
DWI — 50

Governor Parson Releases Parson Administration Report
Governor Mike Parson has released Putting People First , a review of all the wins
and accomplishments achieved during the Parson Administration.
He said that January 13, 2025, marks his final day as Governor of the state of
Missouri. For more than six years, we’ve stood tall in the face of hardships while
achieving historic wins that will continue to move Missouri forward long after
we’re gone, and it can all be attributed to the strength, resiliency, kindness,
courage, and just plain old Missouri grit the people of this great state hold
Governor Parson said. These aren’t our wins. These are wins for you, your kids,
and your grandkids. For Teresa and me, it’s always been about the next
generations having the opportunity to achieve their American Dream.
Under the Parson Administration we: 
Added nearly 190,000 new jobs and more than $17 billion in business investment
to our economy,
Achieved the lowest unemployment ever recorded in our state’s history at 2.1
percent,
Cut taxes five times, including the single largest income tax cut in our state’s
history, reducing income tax burdens by over 20 percent, 
Cut through nearly 20 percent of regulations and red tape,
Secured funding for and broke ground on upgrading I-70 to six lanes,
Built over 1,000 bridges, repaired 50 percent of our entire highway system, and
made once-in-a-generation investments in our rural lettered roads, Fully funded the K-12 foundation formula every year,
Boosted starting teacher pay from $25,000 to $40,000 per year,
Made historic investments in career and technical education,
Added nearly 65,000 new apprentices, 
Increased higher education funding by nearly 30 percent,
Appointed more than 50 percent of the state's entire judiciary,
Maintained our AAA credit rating,
Paid our bills and left 50 percent less debt than when we started, and
Left $1.9 billion on the bottom line for future administrations,
Gov. Parson also said that The First Lady and I came to Jefferson City with our
heads held high, and we’ll be returning to the farm with our heads held high.
Because we’ve never forgotten where we came from, and every step of the way
we’ve simply done what we believed in our hearts was the right thing for all
Missourians. Words cannot express the sincere appreciation I have for this state
and our people. So, I simply say to the more than 6 million Missourians who I
have had the absolute privilege of serving, it has truly been the honor of my life to
be your 57th Governor of the great State of Missouri.

Truman State University and MDC partner to create conservation-inspired
artwork for the campus
Art students from Truman State University’s TRU 120 class partnered with
Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Resource Forester, Yvette
Amerman, to combine conservation education and art creation on the university
campus.
MDC has worked with Truman State University on a rain garden over the course
of the last several years. Amerman reached out to the Assistant Professor of Art,
Danielle Yakle, to see if their students would be interested in creating mosaic
sculptures that would be placed in the existing rain garden. Each of the
sculptures were created by groups of 4 students, and they represent critters that
could realistically be in or near a rain garden.
Courtesy of the students in TRU 120 class, there are now sculptures of 3
different kinds of frogs, 1 snapping turtle, and 1 salamander. Next to each
sculpture, there are informational placards talking about conservation in Missouri.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
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December 31, 2024

Bring In The New Year Safely!
Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol,
encourages everyone to make good decisions regarding their New Year’s
celebration. No one wants to start 2025 with a traffic crash or DWI arrest. During
the 2023 - 2024 New Year’s period, nine people were killed and 293 injured in
821 traffic crashes in Missouri.
The 2024 - 2025 New Year’s holiday counting period begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday,
December 31, 2024, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
If your plans to welcome the new year include alcohol, please designate a sober
driver or utilize a ride share service or taxi to ensure you arrive home safely. The
roadway is no place for a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you kill
or injure someone, you’ll pay the price for the rest of your life.
If you plan to travel this New Year’s, remember to buckle up and make sure all
your passengers do the same. Remember: Missouri is now a hands-free state.
Pay attention, obey all traffic laws, and when in doubt, yield the right-of-way. Be
sure to use your turn signal to communicate your intentions. The posted speed
limit reflects the roadway's classification and is not a suggestion! Download the
MoDOT Traveler Information app to your smart phone, and check road
conditions before you travel. Missouri law states if you’re using your windshield
wipers, your headlights must be turned on.
The public is encouraged to call the Patrol's Emergency Assistance Number
(800) 525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone if they witness criminal activity or
experience an emergency. These emergency numbers are operational for both
highway and water emergencies. We're here to help.

Governor Parson Announces Mick Campbell as Acting Director of
Department of Commerce and Insurance
On Monday, Governor Mike Parson announced that Mick Campbell will take over
as the Acting Director of the Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI)
effective January 1, 2025. He currently serves as the Commissioner of Finance
for DCI. 
Mr. Campbell has served as the Commissioner of Finance since being appointed
by Governor Parson in June 2023. He steps temporarily into the role previously
held by Director Chlora Lindley-Myers who announced her retirement effective
December 31.
Prior to his role as Commissioner of Finance, Mick had been serving as Acting
Commissioner since January 2022 and previously held the role of Deputy
Commissioner. He has been with the Division of Finance since 2004. A lifelong
Missouri resident and native of Mt. Vernon, he holds a Master of Business
Administration and Bachelor of Administrative Management from Missouri State
University.

MoDOT Announces Prequalified Teams for Third Improve I-70 Project
The Missouri Department of Transportation has received Statements of
Qualifications (SOQs) from teams interested in competing for the contract to
design and construct the third project of MoDOT’s statewide Improve I-70
Program . Improve I-70: Blue Springs to Odessa will add a third lane each
direction on Interstate 70 from just west of MO Route 7 in Blue Springs to just
east of Johnson Drive in Odessa. The project also includes interchange
improvements at MO 131 in Odessa.
Missouri’s FY2024 budget from the General Assembly signed into law by Gov.
Mike Parson provides $2.8 billion in General Revenue for the costs to build a
third lane of Interstate 70 across the state. The program will plan, design,
construct, reconstruct, rehabilitate, and add three lanes in each direction on
approximately 200 miles of I-70, from Blue Springs to Wentzville.
The pre-qualified teams are as follows:
Ames Construction
Ames Construction with designers Parsons Transportation Group
Capital - HDR
Capital Paving and Construction and Michels Road and Stone with designers
HDR Engineering and TranSystems
Improve 70 Alliance
Emery Sapp & Sons and Clarkson Construction with designers HNTB and
Bartlett and West
MasTec Design-Build Team
William Charles Construction Company, LLC and Koss Construction Company
with designers T.Y. Lin International and Horner and Shifrin
Radmacher-Ideker Joint Venture
Radmacher Brothers Excavating Inc. and Ideker with designers Wilson and
Company, Inc.

MoDOT will issue the Request for Proposals in January 2025 to these teams to
work through development of their Design-Build proposals for the project. The
department will work through the procurement process with these teams, who will
submit their proposal for the potential selection of the winning contract in spring
2025. Construction could start as early as summer 2025. There are still
opportunities for additional consultants and subcontracting firms to be added to
each team.
Design-Build is a project delivery method that combines both the design and
construction phases into one contract. The selected contract team completes the
design and construction in parallel instead of in succession, which saves time
and resources.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
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December 30, 2024

Planned Roadwork for Northeast Missouri
The following is a list of general highway maintenance work the Missouri
Department of Transportation has planned in the Northeast Missouri region for
the next few weeks.
All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler
Information Map at  http://traveler.modot.org/map/ .
Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work.
There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the
work mentioned below.
Adair County
Missouri Route 149 – January 6 – 9, CLOSED for brush cutting operations from
Connelsville Road to Route D between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
Lincoln County
Route D – December 30 & January 2 - 3, CLOSED for culvert replacement
operations from Turkey Creek Road to Route TT near Hawk Point between 8:00
a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.
Marion County
Route CC – January 7 – 10, CLOSED for brush cutting operations from Route K
to CR 209 near Hunnewell between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.
Montgomery County
I-70 South Outer Road (Tree Farm Road) – January 3, LANE RESTRICTION for
shoulder work from Route J at Danville to Route F at High Hill between 8:00 a.m. and
3:00 p.m.

MSHP Reports Three Traffic Fatalities Over Christmas; No Drownings or
Boating Fatalities
Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol,
provides the following preliminary statistics related to the Christmas holiday
counting period:
Three people died in traffic crashes during the 30-hour counting period, which
began at 6 p.m. Tuesday, December 24, 2024, and ended at 11:59 p.m.
Wednesday, December 25, 2024.
2024 Christmas Holiday Traffic Statistics
Troopers investigated the following:

Traffic Crashes — 65
Traffic Crash Injuries — 38
Traffic Crash Fatalities — 3
DWI — 17
[Note: Last year during the 78-hour Christmas counting period, there were 1,034
traffic crashes statewide. In those crashes, three people were killed and another
346 were injured. During the 2023 Christmas holiday, troopers investigated 124
traffic crashes which included 2 fatalities and 71 injuries. Troopers arrested 81
people for driving while impaired during the 2023 counting period.]
There were no boating crashes or drownings over the 2024 Christmas holiday
counting period.

Colonel Eric T. Olson Announces His Retirement
Colonel Eric T. Olson, 24th superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol,
has announced he will retire effective February 1, 2025, after more than 34 years
of dedicated service.
He said that he appreciates the support and friendships he has made across the
state the last 34 years. The privilege to serve as a trooper has been a rewarding
and humbling experience. He also thanks his family as well for their unwavering
support throughout his career.
Olson was appointed to the Patrol on July 1, 1990, as a member of the 63rd
Recruit Class. Upon completing his training at the Patrol’s Law Enforcement
Academy, he was assigned to Troop H where he held the ranks of trooper,
corporal, and sergeant.
In 2004, Olson was promoted to lieutenant and assigned to Troop B
Headquarters in Macon, MO. In 2014, Olson was promoted to the rank of captain
and designated commanding officer of Troop A, Lee’s Summit. In 2015, he
transferred to the Division of Drug & Crime Control where he served as director.
Olson was promoted to major in 2017, where he served as commander of the
Criminal Investigation Bureau, General Headquarters, Jefferson City, MO. Olson
was promoted to lieutenant colonel March 9, 2017, and designated assistant
superintendent of the Patrol. On September 1, 2018, he assumed the role of
acting superintendent.
On March 5, 2019, Governor Michael L. Parson appointed Olson the 24th
superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. He was confirmed by the
Missouri Senate on March 14, 2019.
Colonel Olson grew up in Chillicothe, MO. He graduated from Chillicothe High
School in 1986. Olson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from William
Jewell College in Liberty, MO, in 1990. He completed the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA, in 2011 and attended the FBI National Executive Institute in 2023. Colonel Olson and his wife have two sons.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
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December 24, 2024

Governor Parson Announces Three Judicial Appointments
Governor Mike Parson has announced judicial appointments to the 10th, 13th,
and 22nd Judicial Circuits.
Jennifer A. Richardson, of Monroe City, will be appointed as Associate Circuit
Judge for Marion County in the 10th Judicial Circuit.
Ms. Richardson is the District Defender for District 2 of the Missouri Public
Defender’s Office. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Juris Doctor
from the University of Missouri–Columbia. She will fill the vacancy created by the
election of the Honorable John J. Jackson as Circuit Judge.

Jayne A. Pearman, of Centralia, will be appointed as Associate Circuit Judge
for Boone County in the 13th Judicial Circuit.
Ms. Pearman owns Jayne A. Pearman LC. She holds a Bachelor of Science in
accounting and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Columbia. She will
fill the vacancy created by the election of the Honorable Stephanie Morrell as
Circuit Judge.

Michael R. Dauphin, of St. Louis, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge
for the 22nd Judicial Circuit.
Mr. Dauphin is the Assessor of the City of St. Louis. He holds a Bachelor of
Science in political science from Missouri State University and a Juris Doctor
from St. Mary’s University. He will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of
the Honorable Heather J. Hays as Circuit Judge.

30 New Troopers Graduate From Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Law
Enforcement Academy
Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol,
announces that 30 troopers graduated from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement
Academy on Friday, December 20, 2024. The ceremony took place at 10 a.m. at
the Patrol Academy’s gymnasium. The 122nd Recruit Class reported to the
Academy on July 1, 2024. The new troopers will report to duty in their assigned
troops on January 6, 2025.
The Honorable Robin Ransom, Supreme Court of Missouri, administered the
Oath of Office to the new troopers. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey
provided the keynote address and Colonel Olson also addressed the class. The
Troop F Color Guard presented the colors and the 135th Army Band, Missouri
Army National Guard, performed the national anthem. Chaplain Kevin Kappler,
US Missions, provided the invocation and benediction.
Four class awards were presented during the graduation ceremony. The recruits
accumulated points toward graduation in the categories of physical fitness,
firearms, and academics throughout their 25 weeks at the Academy. The person
with the highest number of points in each category earned the respective award.
The recruit with the highest number of points overall earned the Superintendent’s
Award. Trooper Kevin Francom accepted the Physical Fitness Award; Trooper
Corbin Dougherty accepted the Firearms Trophy; and Trooper Ryan Brown
accepted the Academics Award. Colonel Olson presented the Superintendent’s
Award to Trooper Corbin Dougherty.
The names, hometowns, and first assignments of members of the 122nd Recruit
Class are listed below:
Troop A
Trooper Louis T. Baggerly (Belton, MO) ─ Zone 7, Jackson County
Trooper Lance J. Estes (Warsaw, MO) ─ Zone 15, Henry County
Trooper Heisser A. Pujols Bido (Independence, MO) ─ Zone 14, Bates County
Trooper Kemp M. Stewart (Joplin, MO) ─ Zone 6, Jackson County
Trooper Reese E. Tayloe (Warrensburg, MO) ─ Zone 12, Johnson County
Troop B
Trooper Austen E. Harrison (Macon, MO) ─ Zone 2, Macon County
Troop C
Trooper Devin J. Bittick (Florissant, MO) ─ Zone 1, N. St. Louis County
Trooper WrayVauze L. Givens (Mexico, MO) ─ Zone 10, Franklin County
Trooper Adam C. Moran (Ste. Genevieve, MO) ─ Zone 13, Jefferson County
Troop D

Trooper Hunter R. Burks (Fordland, MO) ─ Zone 16, Hickory and Dallas Counties
Trooper Kyle R. Goddard (Republic, MO) ─ Zone 4, Stone and Taney Counties
Trooper Forrestt R. Jones (Hollister, MO) ─ Zone 4, Stone and Taney Counties
Trooper Jackson D. Lock (Nixa, MO) ─ Zone 1, Greene County
Trooper Jacob W. Nuttall (Bolivar, MO) ─ Zone 6, Lawrence and Dade Counties
Troop E
Trooper Ryan W. Brown (Doniphan, MO) ─ Zone 1, Butler and Ripley Counties
Trooper Cody A. Naramore (Delta, MO) ─ Zone 6, Mississippi/New Madrid/Scott
Counties
Troop F
Trooper Colton R. Cavanaugh (Kansas City, MO) ─ Zone 6, Morgan and
Moniteau Counties
Trooper Grant M. Garrett (Camdenton, MO) ─ Zone 11, Camden and Miller
Counties
Trooper Dean M. Hagenhoff (Westphalia, MO) ─ Zone 2, Cole and S. Callaway
Counties
Trooper Martha A. Minarik (Algonquin, IL) ─ Zone 1, Cole and S. Callaway
Counties
Trooper Brittney S. Romano (Patton, MO) ─ Zone 7, Cooper and Howard
Counties
Troop G
Trooper Corbin M. Dougherty (Van Buren, MO) ─ Zone 8, Carter and Reynolds
Counties
Trooper Johnny D. Healy (West Plains, MO) ─ Zone 6, S. Howell and Oregon
Counties
Trooper Dustin B. Howell (Thayer, MO) ─ Zone 7, S. Howell and Oregon
Counties
Trooper Michael J. Rudy (Thayer, MO) ─ Zone 8, Carter and Reynolds Counties
Troop H
Trooper Joshua D. Bedingfield (Magnolia, TX) ─ Zone 4,
Grundy/Mercer/Livingston Counties
Troop I
Trooper Collin A. Clinton (Rolla, MO) ─ Zone 2, Phelps and Maries Counties
Trooper Kevin L. Francom (Sandy, UT) ─ Zone 4, Pulaski and Maries Counties
Trooper Austin L. Gillispie (Bolivar, MO) ─ Zone 1, Phelps and Maries Counties
Trooper Canaan L. Park (Seymour, MO) ─ Zone 6, Pulaski and Maries Counties

Governor Parson Grants 16 Pardons, Approves Nine Commutations
Closing out the final pending clemency petitions of his administration, Governor
Mike Parson granted 16 pardons and approved nine commutations pursuant to
Article IV, Section 7 of the Constitution of the State of Missouri. Official
documents have been filed with the appropriate government agencies and have
been sent to the individuals. 
In addition to granting 16 pardons and nine commutations, Governor Parson
denied 23 clemency petitions. The Governor's Office now effectively holds zero
pending clemency petitions. When Governor Parson was sworn into office, he
inherited a clemency backlog of more than 3,500 and received hundreds more
since. In total, he has taken action on nearly 4,000 clemency petitions. Governor
Parson prioritized providing individuals an answer, whether approved or denied.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
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              … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

December 23, 2024

Officer Involved Shooting In Lewis County
On Friday December 20 at approximately 2:54 p.m., the Lewis County Sheriff’s
Office requested assistance from the Missouri State Highway Patrol regarding a
barricaded subject at a residence in LaBelle.
The preliminary investigation revealed a female was allegedly assaulted and held
against her will at the residence by 33 year old Chadwick H. Kelly of Quincy,
Illinois. It was also determined that Kelly was wanted by Illinois authorities for a
felony probation warrant and reportedly armed with a gun. The female victim was
able to escape from the residence and had visible injuries.
Negotiators and Special Weapons and Tactical Teams (SWAT) from Troop F
(Jefferson City), and Troop C (Weldon Spring) responded to assist with the
incident. During the negotiations, Kelly fired numerous rounds from inside the
residence, toward officers. Kelly later ran from the residence armed with a gun
and members of the Patrol fired their weapons. The Lewis County Coroner
responded to the scene and pronounced Kelly deceased.
This investigation is ongoing by the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of
Drug and Crime Control.

Missouri State Director Kyle Wilkens Announces $11 Million for Rural High-
Speed Internet
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural U.S. Department of Agriculture
Rural Development Missouri State Director Kyle Wilkens congratulated the
Grand River Mutual Telephone Corporation for receiving funding that will be used
for high-speed internet projects in some of Missouri's most rural, remote, and
underserved communities.
This Rural Development ReConnect grant investment of $11,145,525 will deploy
a fiber-to-the-premises network to provide high-speed internet to hundreds of
individuals, several businesses, and nearly 140 farms in Daviess, Gentry, and
Harrison counties in Missouri.
To learn more about investment resources for rural areas,
visit www.rd.usda.gov or contact the nearest Missouri USDA Rural Development
office .

Be On Lookout For Stink Bugs In Soybean In 2025
Missouri soybean farmers should be on the lookout for several species of stink
bugs in 2025, says University of Missouri Extension state crops entomologist
Ivair Valmorbida.
According to a 2024 survey, green stink bug was the most prevalent in Missouri
soybean crops, accounting for a little more than 70% of the stink bugs. The one-
spotted stink bug and brown stink bug are also present in Missouri crops, and
they are similar in appearance. All overwinter as adults and emerge in the spring
when temperatures and day length increase.
Stink bugs damage crops with their piercing mouthparts. They feed on blooms,
pods and developing seeds within the pods. They can cause significant yield
losses and reduce seed quality.
They vary in size and shape, but they are generally described as having shield-
shaped bodies. Adult green stink bugs are usually light green. Eggs are barrel-
shaped, change from light green to yellow and are usually found on the
underside of the leaves.
Stink bugs move from field edges, and numbers increase during soybean
reproductive growth stages. Females lay their eggs in masses; after hatching,
young nymphs remain in the same area during their first instars. By fourth and
fifth instars and adult stages, they move throughout soybean fields.
Valmorbida says insecticide application is warranted only when numbers and
damage exceed thresholds. Based on sweep net samples, the threshold for grain
soybean is 0.4 bugs per sweep (40 in 100 sweeps); for seed beans, it is 0.2 bugs
per sweep (20 in 100 sweeps).
Valmorbida recommends weekly scouting when soybean begin to bloom. Some
guidelines:
• Break large fields into units of 40-50 acres. Consider soil type, history of pest
incidence and previous crop.
• Assess the whole field by walking in a U, X or W pattern. Avoid good or bad
spots in the field that may not be representative of the overall field.
• Start sampling at a different location each time you scout.
• Avoid sampling only at field edges.
• If you find an infested area, try to determine whether it is isolated or
widespread.
MU’s Pest Monitoring Network offers free text alerts to notify farmers when
insects are active in specific locations. To sign up, go to
https://ipm.missouri.edu/pestmonitoring or email ipm@missouri.edu .

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
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             … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

December 20, 2024

Traffic Shifts to New Frenchman Bluff Road in Troy
Weather permitting, Friday, contractor crews will permanently close the access at
the existing Frenchman Bluff Road at Missouri Route 47 in Troy, east of the MO
47/U.S. 61 interchange. All traffic will begin using the new Frenchman Bluff
Road, located just east of the current location.
Motorists can expect short delays while a signalized one-lane section is
completed on the southbound lane of Frenchman Bluff Road. This work is
weather permitting.
The 10-foot lane restriction on MO 47, from North Lincoln Drive to East Cherry
Street, will continue to remain in place.
The entire area of the interchange will be an active work zone over the next year.
The $15.4M contract was awarded this summer to KCI Construction Company of
St. Louis. The project is scheduled to be completed by the Fall of 2025.

Missouri students invited to participate in No MOre Trash! contest
The Missouri Department of Transportation invites Missouri students in grades K-
12 to help fight litter in Missouri – and to have creative and educational fun – by
participating in the 2025 “Yes You CAN Make Missouri Litter-Free” trash-can-
decorating contest. The contest is part of MoDOT’s annual “No MOre Trash!”
statewide litter campaign, which is held in April.
The contest encourages school-aged kids to join in the fight against litter by
decorating a large trash can with the “No MOre Trash!” logo and a litter
prevention message using a variety of creative materials. Schools, or home
school programs, may submit one trash can entry in each competition category:
grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12. Entries are judged based on creativity, adherence
to the contest rules and effective use of the theme and logo.
First-place winners from each competition category receive $200 awarded to the
sponsoring schools. All first-place winners are then eligible for a grand prize of
$600 and a trophy awarded to the sponsoring school.
There is no entry fee for the contest. Participating school groups must submit a
completed entry form online with up to three photos and a release form by March
14. Contest rules, entry forms, release forms, logos, past winners and
educational information can be found at modot.org/trash-can-contest .

TG Missouri to Expand in Perryville with Nearly $100 Million Investment
Following Trade Mission to Japan
TG Missouri, a division of Toyoda Gosei, has announced that it will expand in
Perryville, investing approximately $97 million over the next three years. The
announcement comes following Governor Mike Parson’s Trade Mission to Japan
last year. The company’s expansion includes a commitment to maintain at least
1,600 full-time jobs, with benefits, in Perryville.
TG Missouri’s expansion will install new equipment, allow for further automation,
and provide new business for its Perryville facility, which serves as TG North
America’s main location. TG Missouri has been in operation since 1987 and
produces automotive parts such as steering wheels, airbags, and plastic trim
components. The company’s customer base extends across the United States
and into Canada, Japan, Australia, Mexico, and Taiwan.
Governor Parson's Trade Missions have resulted in nearly 2,000 new jobs and
over $3 billion in business investment for the State of Missouri.  

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
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             … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

December 19, 2024

Driver Examination Stations To Close Statewide For Upcoming Holidays
The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to remind the public that driver
examination stations throughout the state will be closed on the following dates:
Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at 12 p.m. and Wednesday, December 25, 2024,
in observance of Christmas. Normal operations will resume on Thursday,
December 26, 2024.
Wednesday, January 1, 2025, in observance of New Year’s Day. Normal
operations will resume on Thursday, January 2, 2025.

Governor Parson Announces Department of Social Services Director
Knodell to Step Down for New Opportunity in January
Governor Mike Parson has announced that Department of Social Services (DSS)
Director Robert Knodell will step down at the conclusion of Governor Parson's
term in office on January 13, 2025. After serving three years as DSS Director,
Knodell has accepted the opportunity to be the City Manager of Poplar Bluff,
Missouri, his hometown. 
Since his appointment by Governor Parson in 2021, Director Knodell has made
significant strides in empowering Missourians to lead safe, healthy, and
productive lives.
He has focused on advocating for workforce compensation, collaborating closely
with the Parson Administration and the General Assembly to secure historic pay
raises for team members, increase shift differentials for those working evening
and overnight shifts, and implement innovative workplace solutions.
Additionally, he has successfully expedited crucial technology updates and
departmental projects, aiming to replace outdated systems to manage workloads
more efficiently and enhance services for over two million Missourians.

Missouri's Electoral College Members Cast Votes for President-Elect
Donald Trump
On Tuesday, Missouri's Electoral College Members met in the Missouri State
Capitol to cast their votes for President and Vice President of the United States.
Each of Missouri's ten electors cast their votes unanimously for President-elect
Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance. 
Prior to the meeting, Governor Parson signed the Certificates of Ascertainment
certifying an abstract of votes cast during the General Election certified to him
from each county in the state of Missouri and certifying that each of Missouri’s
electors received votes qualifying them to vote in the Electoral College. These certificates were signed on December 9, attested to by the Secretary of State,
and transmitted to the Archivist of the United States.
The meeting of the Electoral College was conducted in all 50 states and the
District of Columbia. Missouri's members of the Electoral College met in a public
meeting in the Senate Lounge at the Missouri State Capitol to cast their votes.
The meeting officially began at 2:00 p.m. and was presided over by Office of
Administration Commissioner Ken Zellers. Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft
announced the official vote. Members of the media and public were also in
attendance.

November 2024 Monthly Jobs Report
Missouri nonfarm payroll employment increased by 1,200 jobs in November
2024, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased by one-tenth of
a percentage point. Private industry employment decreased by 1,500 jobs and
government employment increased by 2,700 jobs. Over the year, there was an
increase of 81,800 jobs from November 2023 to November 2024, and the
unemployment rate increased by four-tenths of a percentage point, from 3.3
percent in November 2023 to 3.7 percent in November 2024.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
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              … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

December 18, 2024

GOV. PARSON ANNOUNCES $5 MILLION IN GRANTS APPROVED FOR 13
MISSOURI COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
On Monday, Governor Mike Parson announced $5 million in grant funding has
been approved for 13 Missouri colleges and universities to continue enhancing
nursing education programs statewide.
These 13 competitive grants totaling $5 million were part of a special
appropriation to the Missouri State Board of Nursing that was recommended and
approved by Governor Parson.
The approved grants include:
$343,000 to Bolivar Technical College 
$115,533 to Mineral Area Community College
$719,135 to Missouri Baptist University
$347,252 to Missouri Southern State University
$359,000 to Missouri State University - West Plains
$286,438 to Missouri Valley College  
$630,000 to Rockhurst University - Kansas City
$150,000 to State Fair Community College
$621,975 to Stephens College
$424,500 to St. Charles Community College
$334,117 to St. Louis University
$150,000 to University of Missouri - Kansas City
$519,050 to University of Missouri - St. Louis

The awarded grant funds will allow nursing programs to increase faculty salaries,
develop future faculty through scholarships and nursing educator programs, and
invest in clinical simulation technology and equipment. New technology will allow
nursing students to practice, refine and replicate complex clinical procedures.

MSHP: HAVE A SAFE CHRISTMAS SEASON
The Missouri State Highway Patrol wishes everyone a merry and safe Christmas.
One way for it to be merry is for everyone to arrive at their holiday celebrations
safely. Wear your seat belt, obey all traffic laws, pay attention and please, don’t
drive impaired. Remember: Missouri is now a hands-free state.
Over the 2023 Christmas holiday, there were 1,034 traffic crashes statewide. In
those crashes, three people were killed and another 346 were injured. Last year,
the 78-hour counting period began at 6 p.m. Friday, December 22, 2023, and
ended at 11:59 p.m. Monday, December 25, 2023. The 2024 counting period begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday,
December 25, 2024.
Travelers are reminded that holiday drivers will affect traffic patterns. If you’re
planning a trip during the holiday, please keep this in mind. Drivers are
encouraged to make sure they are well rested, no matter how short their driving
distance. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Downloading the
MoDOT Traveler Information app to your smart phone allows you to check road
conditions before you travel. Be proactive: Make sure your vehicle is in good
condition and allow enough time to reach your destination safely. Winterize your
vehicle before bad weather arrives, but realize that sometimes, it’s safest to stay
home.
If faced with a traffic emergency, motorists can contact the Missouri State
Highway Patrol at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. This emergency
number will ring into the nearest Highway Patrol headquarters. Motorists should
use this number if they are in a traffic crash, witness a crash or crime, or pass a
stranded motorist in need of assistance, etc.
Troopers encourage motorists to protect themselves from all types of hazardous
drivers by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat
belt or child restraint. Please obey all traffic laws, and if alcohol is part of your
holiday, designate a sober driver. Every driver can help make our roadways safer
this holiday season.  

MDC SETS DEER AND TURKEY HUNTING DATES FOR 2025-2026
SEASONS
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) recently set turkey and deer
hunting dates for the 2025-2026 seasons. The hunting dates were approved by
the Missouri Conservation Commission at its Dec. 13 open meeting at the MDC
St. Louis Regional Office in St. Charles.
The Commission also gave initial approval to recommendations related to
chronic wasting disease (CWD) that would rescind the intrastate carcass
transportation regulations for deer and other cervids (members of the deer
family) and that would establish carcass-disposal requirements for deer and
other cervids harvested in Missouri.
2025 Spring and Fall Turkey Hunting Dates
Spring Youth Portion: April 12-13
Regular Spring Turkey Season: April 21 through May 11
Fall Archery Turkey Portion: Sept. 15 through Nov. 14 and Nov. 26 through Jan.
15, 2026
Fall Firearms Turkey Portion: Oct. 1-31 (in open counties)
2025-2026 Archery Deer Hunting Dates
Sept. 15 through Nov. 14 and Nov. 26 through Jan. 15, 2026
2025-2026 Firearms Deer Hunting Dates
Firearms Early Antlerless Portion: Oct. 10-12 (in open counties)  

Firearms Early Youth Portion: Nov. 1-2
Firearms November Portion: Nov. 15-25
Firearms CWD Portion: Nov. 26-30 (in open counties)
Firearms Late Youth Portion: Nov. 28-30
Firearms Late Antlerless Portion: Dec. 6-14 (in open counties)
Firearms Alternative Methods Portion: Dec. 27-Jan. 6, 2026
Recommendations for changes to firearms antlerless permit numbers, CWD
mandatory sampling, conservation area regulations, managed hunts, and other
proposals will be submitted to the Commission for consideration this spring.
Detailed information on the upcoming seasons and portions will be included in
the MDC 2025 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet and
the MDC 2025 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet,
available closer to the seasons. The booklets will be available where permits are
sold and online at mdc.mo.gov .
Recommendations on deer carcass movement and disposal
The Commission gave initial approval for rescinding the intrastate deer carcass
transportation regulations that prohibit high-risk parts of hunter-harvested deer
and other cervids from being moved from CWD Management Zone counties
unless being delivered to a licensed meat processor, licensed taxidermist, or
CWD sampling station.
In their place, the Commission gave initial approval to establishing statewide
requirements for disposal of carcasses of deer and other cervids harvested in
Missouri. MDC recommended allowing hunters who harvest deer in any county in
Missouri to be able to transport the carcass, including all parts, to any final
destination in the state for processing as long as unused parts are disposed of in
a landfill, through a trash service, or on the property where the animal was
harvested. Hunters would be required to report their deer through Telecheck
before any parts are transported out of the county of harvest.
According to MDC, these changes were recommended to slow the spread of
CWD, minimize regulatory complexity, and reduce the burden on hunters to
comply with regulations.
MDC did not recommend changes to the carcass transportation regulations for
cervids harvested outside of Missouri. These regulations prohibit the
transportation of high-risk cervid parts into Missouri, from cervids harvested out
of state, except that hunters may import cervid heads with cape attached if
delivered to a licensed taxidermist within 48 hours of entering Missouri.
MDC will take public comments on the regulation changes from Feb. 19
through March 20, 2025, at mdc.mo.gov/about-regulations/wildlife-code-
missouri/proposed-regulation-changes .
MDC will then compile comments received and share them with the Commission
prior to the April 4 open meeting when the Commission will give final
consideration to the regulation changes. If approved, the changes would become
effective June 30, 2025.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
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              ... from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom 





December 17, 2024

SCHROETER NAMED NEW MODOT DEPUTY DIRECTOR AND CHIEF
ENGINEER
Eric Schroeter has been named the new deputy director / chief engineer for the
Missouri Department of Transportation. This position serves as the senior
registered professional engineer responsible for preparation and approval of all
engineering documents, plans and specifications with oversight of the delivery of
projects from planning through design and construction. The position also
oversees the operations and maintenance work for the department.
Schroeter holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering and is a
Registered Professional Engineer. He has worked for MoDOT for 32 years
including the past six years as the Assistant Chief Engineer.  Through his career,
he has served in a variety of positions, including construction, operations, and
design at both the district and central office management levels. He was interim
district engineer in the Central District prior to becoming state design engineer in
2013. Schroeter replaces Ed Hassinger who was promoted from the position to
the MoDOT Director in November 2024.

MDC REPORTS 14,607 DEER HARVESTED DURING LATE ANTLERNESS
PORTION
Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows
deer hunters harvested 14,607 deer during the late antlerless portion of firearms
deer season, Dec. 7-15. Top harvest counties were Pike with 477 deer
harvested, Callaway with 391, and Lincoln with 382.
This year’s harvest total was down from last year’s late antlerless portion harvest
total of 18,916 and slightly (4%) below the previous five-year average.
For current ongoing preliminary harvest totals by season, county, and type of
deer, visit the MDC website at extra.mdc.mo.gov/widgets/harvest_table/ .
For harvest summaries from past years, visit mdc.mo.gov/hunting-
trapping/species/deer/deer-reports/deer-harvest-summaries .
Archery deer hunting continues through Jan. 15, 2025. The alternative methods
portion will run Dec. 28 through Jan. 7, 2025.

GOV. PARSON SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER 24-16 CLOSING STATE
OFFICES AT NOON ON CHRISTMAS EVE
Governor Mike Parson recently signed Executive Order 24-16 closing state
offices at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24, 2024.
The statement that Governor Parson provided to all Missouri state team
members is copied below: 
Today, we signed Executive Order 24-16 closing state offices on Tuesday,
December 24, 2024, at 12 p.m. As we prepare to leave office and spend more
time with our own family and friends, we understand the importance and joy for
all of you in doing the same during the Christmas Season. We know you've heard
us say it before but family, friends, and the next generations are truly what it's all
about.
With Christmas falling in the middle of the week this year, we hope that closing
state offices early allows you an opportunity to spend a little more quality time
with those closest to you as we celebrate the holiday. 
Additionally, as this may likely be our final message directly to you, our state
team, we want to again express our sincerest appreciation to each and every one
of you for your service to our state and the people of our state. More than six
million Missourians are better off thanks to public servants like you having their
backs day in and day out. 

For us, serving as your Governor and First Lady has been the honor of our lives,
and it's in no small part thanks to the exceptional work you do. We hope that you
will always take the time to remember the good in your lives and reflect on all that
you do in service to our fellow Missourians. 
May you and your families have a safe and joyful Christmas and receive many
blessings in the coming year. Whether as your Governor and First Lady or as
private citizens, we will continue to pray for the safety, health, and happiness of
you and your families.
From our family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Governor Mike Parson & First Lady Teresa Parson

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
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              ... from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom 





December 16, 2024

PLANNED ROADWORK FOR NORTHEAST MISSOURI
The following is a list of general highway maintenance work the Missouri
Department of Transportation has planned in the Northeast Missouri region for
the next few weeks.
All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler
Information Map at  http://traveler.modot.org/map/ .
Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work.
There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the
work mentioned below.
Lincoln County
Missouri Route 47 - December 16, LANE RESTRICTION for culvert replacement
operations from Cherokee Lane to Route W between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Missouri Route 47 - December 17, LANE RESTRICTION for drainage work from
0.08 mile west of Oak Bend Drive to West Horseshoe Bend Drive, west of Route
W, between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. 
Missouri Route 47 - December 20, LANE RESTRICTION for drainage work from
Giles Road to Route AA between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. 
Route D – December 23, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from
Providence Lane to Turkey Creek Road near Hawk Point between 8:00 a.m. and
3:00 p.m.
Route KK – December 18 – 19, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations
from U.S. Route 61 South Outer Road to Keithley Road near Old Alexandria
between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.
Marion County
Interstate 72 (Eastbound) – December 16 – 20, a continuous LANE
RESTRICTION will be in place for bridge maintenance operations from one mile
before to the end of the bridge over the Mississippi River at Hannibal, beginning
at 8:00 a.m. Monday, December 16 through 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 20. A
14-foot width restriction will be in place during this time.
Monroe County
Route AA – December 19, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR
980 to CR 959 near Madison between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Montgomery County
Missouri Route 19 – December 23, LANE RESTRICTION for shoulder work
operations from the Audrain County line near Wellsville to Missouri Route 94
near McKittrick between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

RED CROSS OFFERS DECORATING SAFETY STEPS TO AVOID A HOME
FIRE DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON
The holidays are a wonderful time to get everyone together. Unfortunately, they
can also mean a greater risk of a fire in someone’s home. This holiday season,
the American Red Cross of Central and Northern Missouri encourages everyone
to follow simple steps to prevent home fires from holiday decorations.
 
HOLIDAY DECORATING SAFETY TIPS Follow these safety tips and visit
redcross.org/fire for more information. You can also download the free Red
Cross Emergency app by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores.
 
If you must use candles, keep them away from anything that could burn, and
place them out of reach of pets and children. Never leave burning candles
unattended.
Check all holiday light cords to ensure they aren’t frayed or broken. Don’t
string too many strands of lights together — no more than three per extension
cord.
Ensure outside decorations are for outdoor use and fasten lights securely to
your home or trees. If using hooks or nails outside, make sure they are insulated
to avoid an electrocution or fire hazard.
If buying an artificial tree, look for a fire-resistant label. When putting it up,
keep it away from fireplaces, radiators and other sources of heat. Never use
electric lights on metallic trees.
If getting a live tree, make sure it’s fresh and keep it watered. To test if the
tree is fresh, bend the needles up and down to make sure no needles fall off.
Don’t light the fireplace if hanging stockings or other decorations on the
mantel.
 
Install smoke alarms on every level of the home and outside each sleeping area.
Test them once a month and replace the batteries at least once a year. If you
cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one,
the Red Cross may be able to help. Contact your local Red Cross for help.
 
HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVE LIVES Since October 2014, the Red Cross
Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least
2,246 lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape
plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country. To
learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit
redcross.org/homefires .

GOV. PARSON ANNOUNCES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND
INSURANCE DIRECTOR CHLORA LINDLEY-MYERS TO RETIRE
Governor Mike Parson has announced that Chlora Lindley-Myers will retire as
Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) Director on December
31, 2024.
Director Lindley-Myers was appointed Director of the Missouri Department of
Insurance, Financial Institutions, and Professional Registration on March 6, 2017,
and was confirmed by the Missouri Senate on April 13, 2017. She continued to
serve in this leadership role during Governor Parson's administration. In August
2019, the department's name was changed to the Department of Commerce and
Insurance, following the addition of the Public Service Commission and the Office
of the Public Counsel to the existing insurance, finance, credit unions, and
professional registration divisions.
Lindley-Myers chaired the Missouri Health Insurance Innovation Task Force,
created by Executive Order 19-03 and issued by Governor Parson, which was
charged with identifying innovative concepts to improve access to affordable
insurance options and access to health care services within the state while
reducing the state's uninsured rates, with a particular emphasis on increasing
access to health care in rural areas of the state. 
Under her direction, DCI received reaccreditation twice, the most recent with
distinction, earning high praise from the accreditation body for exemplary work
and confidence that regulations are being implemented effectively to promote a
strong and stable insurance market and a confident consumer environment.
During her tenure, Missouri consumers also saw record amounts returned to
them from their insurance companies through mediation work on complaints and
the DCI's efforts to ensure insurer's compliance with state insurance laws.
Director Lindley-Myers has served as an insurance regulator for four decades.
While director of DCI, she was elected the first Black woman to preside as the
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) president.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
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             … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

December 13, 2024

NIGHTTIME LANE RESTRICTIONS SCHEDULED ON US 61 AND I-70
Weather permitting, the week of December 16, contractor crews with S & A
Equipment and Builders, LLC will begin concrete pavement repair work on the
northbound and southbound lanes of U.S. Route 61 in Lincoln County, from the
St. Charles County line to Watson Road, near the south end of Route KK.
Weather permitting, once completed, operations will shift to the eastbound and
westbound lanes of Interstate 70 in Montgomery and Warren counties from the
Callaway County line to the St. Charles County line, between mile marker 165
and mile marker 203.
All work will occur during nighttime hours between 7pm and 6am. Motorists can
expect possible delays as traffic will be reduced to one lane with a 12-foot width
restriction in place where workers are present.
All work is weather dependent, and schedules are subject to change.

MDC ENCOURAGES PUBLIC TO USE CAUTION AMIDST SUSPECTED
AVIAN INFLUENZA OUTBREAK
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is monitoring reports of sick
and dead waterfowl, such as geese and ducks, across the state. The Department
is actively collecting birds to determine the cause of illness but suspects highly
pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) to be the cause. Other states, including
Kansas and Iowa, are experiencing similar occurrences.
Avian influenza, commonly referred to as bird flu, spreads as birds along the
North American flyways intermingle with infected birds from Europe and Asia.
The viruses are transmitted from bird to bird through fecal droppings, saliva, and
nasal discharges. There is a risk for spillover from wild birds into domestic poultry
and then back again from poultry to wild birds, resulting in further spread.
Though HPAI does not present an immediate public health concern, MDC
recommends the following:
Do not touch dead geese, waterfowl, or other bird species.
Report any sightings of dead geese to MDC online at
http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4KD
Ensure that pets do not come into contact with dead animals to help prevent the
spread of disease.
If you have inadvertently come into contact with a dead goose, wash your hands
thoroughly and contact a healthcare professional if you experience any unusual
symptoms.
Due to ongoing waterfowl hunting seasons, waterfowl hunters should dress game
birds in the field whenever possible or at a location away from poultry or other birds. Hunters should also properly dispose of harvest waste by placing the
remains in trash bags and disposing of them through trash collection or a
permitted landfill. Bald eagles and other raptors are particularly susceptible to
avian influenza. This simple action could help prevent bald eagle and other raptor
mortalities.
Hunters should also be aware it is possible to transport avian influenza viruses
on boats, waders, or other equipment, especially if it isn’t dry before moving it
from one site to another. Allowing hunting equipment to dry between outings will
reduce this chance.
Avian influenza does not present an immediate public health concern, though on
rare occasions it has infected humans and other animals. It is safe to eat poultry
and wild game as normal cooking temperatures are hot enough to kill the virus if
present. Meat should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees
Fahrenheit.
More information can be found on the Missouri Department of Agriculture website
at https://agriculture.mo.gov/avian-influenza.php .

MISSOURI CORN SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE
The Missouri Corn Growers Association and Missouri Corn Merchandising
Council are continuing the longstanding tradition of awarding seven deserving
students $1,000 scholarships in 2025. Applications for the Missouri Corn
Scholarship Program are now available online for high school seniors and
college juniors pursuing a degree in agriculture.
 
Applications for the 2025 Missouri Corn Scholarships are available at
www.mocorn.org under the Resources tab.  New this year, all applications must
be submitted online. To be eligible, students must submit an application, official
high school or college transcript, and at least one letter of recommendation by
Feb. 14, 2025.
 
High school senior applicants must be Missouri residents from a Missouri farm or
rural area. They must plan to attend a two- or four-year college or university and
major in an agriculture-related field. The scholarship funds will apply toward the
freshman year of college expenses for high school winners.
 
College applicants must also be Missouri residents from a Missouri farm or rural
area and currently a junior enrolled in a four-year college or university majoring in
an agriculture-related field. The scholarship funds will apply toward the senior
year of expenses for college winners.
 
The Missouri Corn Scholarship Committee will review the applications, and
recipients will be notified by mail on or before April 15, 2025. To learn more about
Missouri Corn programs, visit www.mocorn.org .

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
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             ... from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
 

December 12, 2024 

TEENS INJURED IN EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING ACCIDENT
Two teens were injured in an accident that occurred at 1am Wednesday in Ralls County.  The patrol says that the teen driver from New London was on Camp Creek Lane when his car traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree.  Both the boy and his passenger a girl from Hannibal were taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

THREE HURT IN TUESDAY AFTERNOON CRASH
Three people were hurt in a Tuesday afternoon crash in Saline County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 4:40pm as a truck driven by a Moberly man was stopped for traffic on MO 240 at Route M when it was struck in the rear by a jeep driven by a Glasgow teen.  Both drivers and a passenger in the teenage girl's jeep a baby boy also from Glasgow sustained minor injuries.  All three were taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY HELD FOR NEW ROCHEPORT BRIDGE
New eastbound bridge to open to traffic by end of year
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Tuesday, Dec. 10, to celebrate the new
Lance Corporal Leon Deraps I-70 Missouri River Bridge at Rocheport. Governor
Parson, Lieutenant Governor Kehoe, other state and local elected officials, local
community leaders, and family members of the fallen Marine for whom the bridge
is named attended the event on the nearly complete new eastbound I-70 bridge.
Members of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission and the
Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) were joined by the bridge
contractor, Lunda Construction, and its subcontracts, to celebrate this milestone.
The old steel truss bridge, completed in 1960, carried two lanes of I-70 traffic in
each direction. The new twin bridges will each carry three lanes of traffic, linking
the multiple projects in the Improve I-70 program, which will expand the interstate
to three lanes across the state. More than 37,000 vehicles including 8,800
commercial vehicles use this Missouri River bridge crossing each day.
Construction on this $220 million project began in early 2022 and is on time to
have eastbound traffic shifted to the new bridge in December 2024. Funding for
the project came from several sources including the city of Boonville, the city of
Columbia, Boone County, Cooper County and an $81.2 million INFRA grant,
secured with assistance from Missouri U.S. Congressman Sam Graves.
Motorists are advised to continue to watch out for ongoing construction work on
the bridge. Eastbound I-70 traffic should be moved over to the new bridge later
this month. Construction will continue with all the final work through late spring
2025. For more information on the project, visit www.modot.org/RocheportBridge.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
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              ... from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom  



December 10, 2024
 
GOVERNOR PARSON ANNOUNCES 16 APPOINTMENTS TO VARIOUS
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Governor Mike Parson has announced 16 appointments to various boards and
commissions.
Ansur Adams, of Columbia, was appointed to the State Rehabilitation
Council.
Mr. Adams currently serves as clinical supervisor and site director for
Powerhouse Community Development Corporation. He previously served as
director of youth development for COMO Youthworks. Mr. Adams holds a
Bachelor of Science in psychology from Springhill College and a Master of
Science in clinical mental health counseling from Walden University.
January Boyer, of Kansas City, was appointed to the State Rehabilitation
Council.
Ms. Boyer currently serves as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. She previously
served as support coordinator, intake and assessment specialist, and community
living coordinator for the Missouri Department of Mental Health. Ms. Boyer holds
a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Social Work from Park University.
Marsha Campe, of Camdenton, was appointed to the State Rehabilitation
Council.
Ms. Campe currently serves as assistant director of effective practices for the
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. She previously
served as a teacher for the Sedalia School District. Ms. Campe holds a Bachelor
of Science in deaf education K-12 and elementary education 1-6 from
MacMurray College and a Master of Arts in elementary administration from
William Woods University.
Daniel Cayou, of Columbia, was appointed to the State Rehabilitation Council.
Mr. Cayou currently serves as an attorney for Missouri Protection and Advocacy
Services. He previously served as an attorney for Kespohl, McCrary, and
Cornejo LLC. Mr. Cayou holds a Bachelor of Science in management and a Juris
Doctor from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Dr. Chris Clause, of California, was appointed to the State Rehabilitation
Council.
Dr. Clause currently serves as assistant commissioner for the Missouri
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Vocational Rehabilitation
program. He has been a licensed professional counselor since 2008. Dr. Clause
holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Indiana University, a Master of Science in psychology from the University of Central Missouri, and a Doctor of
Philosophy in public affairs from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Claire Helmig, of Linn, was appointed to the State Rehabilitation Council. 
Ms. Helmig currently serves as a level I medication aide at Harbor Place. She
previously served as a dietary aide for General Baptist Nursing Home and as a
florist assistant for River City Florist. 
Robert “Bob” Hosutt, of Nixa, was appointed to the State Rehabilitation
Council.
Mr. Hosutt currently serves as owner of Work Solutions LLC. He previously
served as regional senior manager for the Health and Medical Department at
Union Pacific Railroad. Mr. Hosutt holds a Bachelor of Education in rehabilitation
services from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a Master of Arts in
counseling psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Jennifer Keller, of Lee's Summit, was appointed to the State Board of
Psychologists. 
Ms. Keller currently serves as section chief of psychology and senior director of
behavioral health for University Health Behavioral Health Lakewood Counseling.
She is a licensed psychologist in both Missouri and Tennessee. Ms. Keller is a
member of the Missouri Psychological Association and the American
Psychological Association. She holds a Bachelor of Science in
psychology/sociology from Northwest Missouri State University and a Master of
Arts and Doctor of Psychology from Forest Institute of Professional Psychology. 
Paul Lenhart, of Crestwood, was appointed to the State Rehabilitation
Council.  
Mr. Lenhart currently serves as a disability inclusion operations leader with Mercy
serving the greater St. Louis area. He previously served as direct support
coordinator and employment specialist for St. Louis Arc. Mr. Lenhart received the
2010 Big Picture Award for creating and implementing weekly education classes
for the St. Louis City Community Integration Site.
Scott Lindsey, of Cabool, was appointed to the Coroner Standards and
Training Commission. 
Mr. Lindsey currently serves as sheriff of Texas County. He previously served as
chief of police for the City of Licking. Mr. Lindsey has held a Peace Officer
Standards and Training (POST) license since 1997. He holds a Bachelor of
Science in criminal justice from Drury University.  
Dr. Maureen Clancy-May, of St. Louis, was appointed to the Southeast
Missouri State University Board of Governors. 
Dr. Clancy-May currently serves as state supervisor for the Missouri Department
of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Quality Schools. She
previously served as superintendent of the Bayless School District. Dr. Clancy-
May holds a Ph.D. in education administration from Saint Louis University, a
Master of Science in education administration from the University of Missouri–St.
Louis, and a Bachelor of Science in teaching exceptional children from Southeast
Missouri State University.
Paul Ogier, of St. Louis, was appointed to the Health and Educational
Facilities Authority of the State of Missouri. 

Mr. Ogier currently serves as a board member of LeadingAge Missouri and as
treasurer of Nursing Facility Agency Corporation (NFAC). He previously served
as chief financial officer for Lutheran Senior Services in Brentwood. Mr. Ogier
holds a Bachelor of Science in finance from Missouri State University. 
Jill Patterson, of Springfield, was appointed to the Child Abuse Neglect and
Review Board. 
Ms. Patterson currently serves as senior attorney for Legal Services of Southern
Missouri. She previously served as development director for the Missouri Sports
Hall of Fame and as assistant prosecuting attorney for both Greene and Christian
Counties. Ms. Patterson holds a Bachelor of Arts from Washington University in
St. Louis and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri-Columbia
Susan Roemer, of Harrisburg, was appointed to the State Rehabilitation
Council. 
Ms. Roemer currently serves as executive director of Independent Living
Resource Center and as vice president of Missouri Centers for Independent
Living (MOCIL). She previously served as director of professional services for
MORE Group. Ms. Roemer is a certified workforce development professional. 
Dr. Josh Stilley, of Columbia, was appointed chair of the State Advisory
Council on Emergency Medical Services. 
Dr. Stilley currently serves as associate professor of emergency medicine at
University of Missouri Health Care. He previously served as clinical assistant
professor of emergency medicine at University of Iowa Health Care. Dr. Stilley is
state chapter vice president of the National Association of EMS Physicians. Dr.
Stilley holds Bachelors of Science in biology and economics from Iowa State
University and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Missouri–Columbia.
Tim Tadlock, of Gallatin, was appointed to the State Rehabilitation Council. 
Mr. Tadlock currently serves as an insurance agent for State Farm Insurance
Agency. He previously served as president of the Gallatin Rotary Club. Mr.
Tadlock holds a Bachelor of Science in marketing and business management
and a Master of Business Administration from Northwest Missouri State
University.

MARK TWAIN CASINO IN LAGRANGE RAISES $1,430 FOR TOYS FOR
TOTS OF NORTHEAST MISSOURI
Mark Twain Casino, located in LaGrange is proud to announce the success of its
recent fundraising campaign benefiting Toys for Tots of Northeast Missouri.
Through a remarkable display of community support, Mark Twain Casino rallied
patrons to contribute to this noble cause, resulting in a grand total of $1,430
raised.
The fundraising initiative, led by Mark Twain Casino, invited guests to participate
in a match donation program, where every dollar donated in cash up to $100,
was matched by the casino in free play. Employees of Mark Twain Casino
generously donated many new, unwrapped toys that will bring joy to many little
faces in the community this holiday season.
The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to
collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the
community in which the campaign is conducted. Toys for Tots of Northeast
Missouri serves 6 counties and has collected more than 7,700 toys this year for
their distribution. This will help over 550 families and more than 1,550 children in
the community.

APPLICATIONS FOR CREDENTIAL TRAINING PROGRAM OPEN JAN. 1,
2025
Missouri One Start, a division of the Department of Economic Development
(DED), has announced that the next application period for the Credential Training
Program opens on January 1. The Credential Training Program is a competitive
grant that helps employers offset the cost of short-term, industry-related
employee credentialing.
Applications for the program will be accepted throughout January. When an
employer is accepted for the program, a preliminary award letter will be issued to
them, and the employee will have 12 months from that date to earn their
credential. The business will be reimbursed once proof has been submitted to the
State, showing the worker successfully earned the credential.
Awards are limited to $30,000 per company per fiscal year, and there is a $6
million maximum program cap per fiscal year, subject to annual appropriation.
Moving forward, applications are to be accepted throughout one month each
quarter (January, April, July, and October).
For more info, email upskill@missourionestart.com .

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
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              ... from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

December 9, 2024

PLANNED ROADWORK FOR NORTHEAST MISSOURI
The following is a list of general highway maintenance work the Missouri
Department of Transportation has planned in the Northeast Missouri region for
the next few weeks.
All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler
Information Map at  http://traveler.modot.org/map/ .
Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work.
There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the
work mentioned below.
Adair County
U.S. Route 63 (Northbound and Southbound) December 9, LANE
RESTRICTION for transmission line installation approximately 1.6 miles south of
U.S. Route 63 and Missouri Route 11 intersection between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00
p.m.
U.S. Business Route 63 (Southbound) - December 9, LANE RESTRICTION for
transmission line installation approximately 1.6 miles south of U.S. Route 63 and
Missouri Route 11 intersection between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Knox County
Missouri Route 156 – December 10 - 13, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge
maintenance from 0.50 mile before and after the
North River Bridge between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. daily. An 11-foot width
restriction will be in place where crews are actively working daily.
Lincoln County
U.S. Route 61 (Northbound & Southbound) – December 10 – 11, LANE
RESTRICTION for core drilling operations from Missouri Route 47 to Route C
between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where
crews are actively working daily.
Route J – December 11 – 12, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from
Route U West to Zoar Church Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.
Route KK – December 9 – 10, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from
Jacks Road to Dodson Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.
Route KK – December 18 – 19, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations
from U.S. Route 61 South Outer Road to Keithley Road between 8:00 a.m. and
3:00 p.m. daily.
Macon County
Missouri Route 149 – December 9, CLOSED for bridge maintenance from
Concord Street to Danube Street between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Marion County

U.S. Route 36 (Eastbound) – December 16 – 20, LANE RESTRICTION for
bridge maintenance from 1.0 mile before and after the Mississippi River Bridge
between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. A 14-foot width restriction will be in place where
crews are actively working daily.
Montgomery County
Missouri Route 19 – December 9, LANE RESTRICTION for culvert replacement
operations from the Pearl Street to Wilson Street in Montgomery City between
7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Ralls County
Missouri Route 154 – December 12, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations
from Route Y to Route P between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

GOV. PARSON UNVEILS OFFICIAL PORTRAIT, CUTS RIBBON ON NEW
HALL OF GOVERNORS EXHIBIT
On Friday, during a ceremony at the State Capitol, Governor Mike Parson and
First Lady Teresa Parson unveiled Governor Parson's official portrait,
commemorating his tenure as Missouri's 57th Governor. The unveiling of the
Governor's portrait coincided with the grand opening and ribbon cutting event for
the new Hall of Governors exhibit in the Missouri State Capitol.
"Serving as Missourians' Governor and First Lady has truly been the honor of our
lives, and we are excited to share this official portrait with the thousands of
visitors to our magnificent State Capitol Governor and First Lady Parson said.
The new Hall of Governors exhibit will be a great addition to the beautiful
artwork, historic exhibitions, and exceptional tributes to past Missouri leaders
already on display. This portrait may serve as the bookend to our public service
careers, but we will forever be humbled and count ourselves truly blessed to
have been entrusted by the people of Missouri to lead our great state, where the
promise of faith, family, and freedom lives on for generations to come." 
About the Hall of Governors
The new Hall of Governors exhibit is located on the first floor rotunda in the
Capitol and honors Missouri's 57 Governors and six territorial Governors and
showcases their respective official portraits, if they’ve been commissioned. Many
of these portraits were located in various parts of the Missouri State Museum
located on the first floor of the Capitol Building, but others had been stored in
state archives due to lack of space within the museum. Due to the passage of
time, many of the portraits and frames needed to be restored.
Approved by the Missouri Board of Public Buildings and supported by the
Missouri State Capitol Commission, this new Capitol gallery provides a
centralized location for these portraits and creates an interactive exhibit to
educate visitors on Missouri’s past and present Governors and the role of the
Executive Branch in Missouri’s state government. A nameplate QR code will be
placed next to each portrait to allow visitors to learn more about each Governor.
These portraits are permanently mounted to the stone walls in the hallways and
placed under glass with a name plate and mounting system installed. The new
gallery space also features a large video wall display utilizing chip-on-board LED

technology. This display showcases the sitting Governor and includes timely
content during his or her administration.
As part of the project, the Office of Administration (OA) has renovated the
North/South corridor hallways adjacent to the first floor rotunda to establish this
new gallery. Museum-grade recessed lighting was installed in the ceiling to
illuminate the portraits. The ceilings were also painted to reflect the stone finish
color that was originally displayed on the hallway ceilings in the Capitol. Capitol
guests will notice archway signage in the entry ways of the gallery to easily
identify the exhibit as the “Hall of Governors” and large-format signs will be
placed in the gallery to allow visitors to read more about the history of Missouri.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
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              ... from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 
December 6, 2024

CAM CONSTRUCTION SERVICES TO EXPAND IN GLASGOW, INVESTING
$925,000 AND CREATING 30 NEW JOBS
CAM Construction Services, a leader in custom cabinetry, has announced that it
will expand in Glasgow, investing $925,000 and creating 30 new jobs. The
company’s expansion includes the establishment of a new facility for Heritage
Wood Mills, its cabinet manufacturing division.
CAM Construction Services’ strategic move reflects the company’s commitment
to delivering high-quality, locally crafted cabinetry to homeowners, general
contractors, municipalities, and businesses across Missouri and surrounding
states. Heritage Wood Mills will produce a wide range of cabinetry options at the
new facility, from convenient online orders to fully customized designs.
Construction for CAM Construction Services’ new manufacturing facility is
currently underway with plans to open early next year. Cabinets will be
manufactured entirely in Missouri, ensuring quality, reliability, and a commitment
to supporting local craftsmanship without reliance on overseas suppliers.

COMMISSION AWARDS CONTRACT FOR PROJECTS IN NORTHEAST
DISTRICT
During its regular meeting on December 4, the Missouri Highways and
Transportation Commission awarded the following contract in the Northeast
District.
A $2M contract was awarded to E and C Bridge, LLC for bridge replacement
projects in Audrain and Montgomery counties at the following locations:
Route K - over Hickory Creek near Farber in Audrain County.
Route ZZ - over Little Loutre Creek near Wellsville in Montgomery County.
Additional information, regarding timelines and traffic impacts will be released
prior to the start of construction.

MDC REPORTS YOUNG HUNTERS HARVESTED 2,530 DEER DURING LATE
YOUTH PORTION
Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows
young hunters ages 6-15 harvested 2,530 deer during Missouri’s late youth
portion of the 2024 firearms deer hunting season, Nov. 29 – Dec. 1. Of the 2,530
deer harvested, 1,046 were antlered bucks, 270 were button bucks, and 1,214
were does.
Top counties for the late youth portion were Pike with 58 deer harvested,
Harrison with 55, and Lincoln with 55. For more information on this season’s
harvest totals, visit the MDC website at extra.mdc.mo.gov/widgets/harvest_table/ .

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
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               ... from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom 

 

December 5, 2024

WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MACON COUNTY ACCIDENT
A New Cambria woman was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at
around 7:15pm Tuesday in Macon County. The patrol says that she was on US
36 when her car struck a truck driven by a Brooklyn, NY man in the rear. She
was transported by helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia with serious
injuries.

TWO HURT IN TUESDAY MORNING MISHAP
Both drivers were hurt in a Tuesday morning mishap in Adair County. The
highway patrol said it happened at around 9:50am as both were on US 63 when
the SUV driven by a St. Peters man struck the rear of the garbage truck driven by
a Moberly man. Both were taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center for
treatment of minor to moderate injuries.

TEEN HURT IN WEDNESDAY MORNING COLLISION
A Cairo teen was hurt in a Wednesday morning collision in Randolph County.
MSHP stated that the boy was on County Road 1355 when his truck and also a
truck driven by a Cairo man crested a hill and collided. The teen was taken to
Moberly Regional Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries. The collision
happened at 8am Wednesday.

MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS
On Monday at approximately 10:31am, the Mexico Public Safety Department
responded to the 300 block of Muldrow in reference to a business which had
been broken into during the previous overnight hours. Video and information
from alert citizens led to officers locating the suspect in the 700 block of W
Monroe around 5:42pm. Dakota L Fratzke, age 26, was processed at MPSD and
taken to the Audrain County Jail on a 24 hour hold for Burglary 2nd degree,
Stealing over $750, and Property Damage 2nd degree. MPSD is continuing to
investigate Fratzke’s involvement in some other burglaries and thefts.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
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               ... from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
 

December 4, 2024

PATROL REPORTS FOUR FATALITIES, NO DROWNINGS, BOATING CRASHES OVER THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports four people died in traffic crashes during this year’s Thanksgiving holiday counting period--from 6 p.m. Wednesday, November 27, 2024, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, December 1, 2024. There were no boating crashes or drownings.
During the Thanksgiving holiday counting period, troopers report the following traffic statistics for 2024 (preliminary):
Crashes ─ 362
Injuries ─ 120
Fatalities ─ 4
DWI Arrests ─ 106
[During the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday counting period, troopers investigated 431 traffic crashes, which included four fatalities and 138 injuries. Statewide, nine people died and 483 people were injured in 1,342 traffic crashes over last year’s Thanksgiving holiday. Troopers arrested 103 people for driving while intoxicated during the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday counting period.]
Troopers investigated all four of the traffic crash fatalities in 2024. One traffic fatality occurred in the Troop C, Weldon Spring, MO, area; One traffic fatality occurred in Troop D, Springfield, MO, area; One traffic fatality occurred in Troop G, Willow Springs, MO, area.; One traffic fatality occurred in Troop F, Jefferson City, MO, area
There were zero boating crashes, zero boating fatalities, zero drownings, and zero boating while intoxicated arrests reported during the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday counting period.

MDC REPORTS HUNTERS HARVESTED 11,424 DEER DURING CWD PORTION
Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that hunters harvested 11,424 deer during the state’s chronic wasting disease (CWD) portion of the firearms deer-hunting season, Nov. 27 – Dec. 1, in CWD Management Zone counties. Of the 11,424 deer harvested, 3,917 were antlered bucks, 1,052 were button bucks, and 6,455 were does. MDC initiated the CWD portion last year to increase deer harvest in the CWD Management Zone to help slow the spread of the disease. For a list of CWD Management Zone counties, visit the MDC website at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer/chronic-wasting-disease/cwd-management-zone-
regulations . Hunters were allowed to use any unfilled firearms deer hunting permits during the CWD portion and had to abide by the statewide limit of one antlered deer during the firearms deer season, all portions combined. Hunters also had to abide by county-specific firearms antlerless permit numbers.
Top counties for the CWD portion were Franklin with 413 deer harvested, Jefferson with 301, and Howell with 279. For more information on this season’s harvest totals, visit the MDC website at extra.mdc.mo.gov/widgets/harvest_table/ .

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS GEORGE KARLAFTIS DEDICATES “MY CAUSE MY CLEATS” TO SPECIAL OLYMPICS MISSOURI ATHLETES AND TREATS THEM TO CHIEFS VERSUS RAIDERS GAME
Over the past couple of months, Kansas City Chiefs Defensive End George Karlaftis III has been meeting with athletes from Special Olympics Missouri who helped him design his one-of-a-kind cleats for ‘My Cause, My Cleats.’ In October, George met the group of athletes from all over Missouri who would be designing his cleats. Together, they were able to come up with designs for the cleats, discussing aspects they liked, all while getting to know each other better.
Then, earlier this month, George invited the athletes on a special tour of
Arrowhead Stadium. At the conclusion of the tour, George met the athletes in the locker room to reveal the cleats with their designs. He then surprised the group with tickets to the My Cause My Cleats game versus the Raiders, where they were able to cheer the Chiefs on to victory from the stands.
“For me, just seeing these athletes and all the opportunities that they’ve been given to showcase what they got,” said George Karlaftis. “And to me, sports are the great unifier of this world, and to see the good that comes out of it. It’s just an awesome organization for me to be involved with.”

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
________________________________________________________________

             … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

December 2, 2024

PLANNED ROADWORK FOR NORTHEAST MISSOURI
The following is a list of general highway maintenance work the Missouri
Department of Transportation has planned in the Northeast Missouri region for
the next few weeks.
All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler
Information Map at  http://traveler.modot.org/map/ .
Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work.
There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the
work mentioned below.
Adair County
U.S. Route 63 (Northbound and Southbound) December 2 – 9, LANE
RESTRICTION for transmission line installation approximately 1.6 miles south of
U.S. Route 63 and Missouri Route 11 intersection between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00
p.m. daily.
U.S. Business Route 63 (Southbound) - December 2 – 9, LANE RESTRICTION
for transmission line installation approximately 1.6 miles south of U.S. Route 63
and Missouri Route 11 intersection between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily.
Knox County
Route A – December 3 – 5, CLOSED for patching operations from Missouri
Route 6 to Missouri Route 156 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.
Lincoln County
U.S. Route 61 (Northbound) – December 3 – 4, LANE RESTRICTION for
patching operations from Timber Ridge Drive to U.S. Route 61 Outer Road
between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where
crews are actively working daily.
U.S. Route 61 (Northbound & Southbound) – December 10 – 11, LANE
RESTRICTION for core drilling operations from Missouri Route 47 to Route C
between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where
crews are actively working daily.
Route J – December 11 – 12, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from
Route U West to Zoar Church Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.
Route KK – December 9 – 10, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from
Jacks Road to Dodson Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.
Macon County
Missouri Route 149 – December 9, CLOSED for bridge maintenance from
Concord Street to Danube Street between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Monroe County

Route C – December 3, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR
970 to Route C Spur between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Route M – December 4 – 5, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from
CR 881 to CR 835 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.
Montgomery County
Missouri Route 19 – December 6, LANE RESTRICTION for shoulder work
operations from the Audrain County line to Missouri Route 94 between 8:00 a.m.
and 2:00 p.m.
Randolph County
U.S. Route 24 (Westbound) – December 9 – 12, LANE RESTRICTION for
shoulder work from 0.10 mile west to 0.20 mile west of U.S. Route 63 beginning
at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, December 9th and continuing to 7:00 a.m. on Thursday,
December 12th.

MDC REPORTS 159,120 DEER HARVESTED DURING NOVEMBER PORTION
OF FIREARMS DEER SEASON
Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows
that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 159,120 deer during the November
portion of firearms deer season, Nov. 16 - 26. Of the 159,120 deer harvested,
82,613 were antlered bucks, 13,203 were button bucks, and 63,304 were does.
Top harvest counties were Franklin with 3,530 deer harvested, Texas with 2,935,
and Howell with 2,741. For current ongoing preliminary harvest totals by season,
county, and type of deer, visit the MDC website at
extra.mdc.mo.gov/widgets/harvest_table/ .
This year’s harvest total was lower than last year’s November portion harvest
total of 193,885 deer and was about 15% below the five-year average. For more
harvest information from past years, visit mdc.mo.gov/hunting-
trapping/species/deer/deer-reports/deer-harvest-summaries .
According to MDC Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle, the drop in harvest
this year was due to a combination of factors.
“The November portion started about a week later this year due to the calendar
shift,” said Isabelle. “When this happens, we can expect a drop in harvest
because the November portion occurs further from the peak of the rut which is
about the tenth of November.”
Less than ideal hunting conditions throughout much of the November portion
were another factor that contributed to this year’s lower opening weekend
harvest total according to Isabelle.
“We had a few nice days sprinkled throughout the November portion, but there a
number of days with warm temperatures or high winds,” he said. “These
conditions likely affected deer movement and also hunters’ desire to be in the
woods.”
Another factor that Isabelle believes significantly affected this year’s harvest total
is a bumper acorn crop.
“Throughout much of Missouri, there are a lot of acorns in the woods this year,”
said Isabelle. “When that happens, deer don’t need to move as much to find food

and they frequent fields and other open areas less often because of the
abundance of food in the woods.”
He noted that the counties with the largest decline in harvest were in the more
heavily forested portions of the state where acorn abundance has a more
significant effect on deer movement.
“Many northern and western Missouri counties were either up from last year’s
harvest total or were down slightly,” said Isabelle. “As would be expected, with
the good acorn crop we have this year, harvest was down the most in the more
heavily forested Ozark counties.”

GOVERNOR AND FIRST LADY PARSON INVITE FAMILIES TO
CANDLELIGHT TOURS, ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY AT
GOVERNOR’S MANSION
Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson cordially invite families to
attend this year’s Candlelight Tours and annual tree lighting ceremony at the
Missouri Governor’s Mansion on Friday, December 6 at 5:30 p.m. The annual
lighting of the tree will be followed by this year’s Candlelight Tours. The
Candlelight Tours will run until 8:00 p.m. 
The Governor's Mansion Christmas tree will arrive on Monday, December 2,
2024, between 7 - 8 a.m. A portion of Madison Street will be closed during this
time. The tree that will be displayed on the Mansion lawn is a 40-ft Norway
Spruce donated by the family of Daryl and Sherry Richardson of Boone County. 
Missouri Department of Conservation staff and Missouri Office of Administration
staff will install the Mansion lawn tree.  
In addition to the Governor's Mansion, this year, the Governor's Gardens and the
Maus House will also be decorated. The Governor's Gardens will feature a 30-ft
Christmas tree, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will be hosted at the Maus House from
5:30 -7:30 p.m. on December 11th, 13th, 17th, and 19th. Families are
encouraged to bring their children to meet Santa Claus.
This year's theme is "A Christmas Hug: The Farewell to the Parson Family."
During the Candlelight Tours, visitors will be able to walk through the festively
decorated ground floor of the Governor's Mansion. 
The Candlelight Tours are free and open to the public. Visitors will enter through
the Madison Street gate.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
________________________________________________________________

              … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

November 27, 2024

RED CROSS OFFERS STEPS TO HELP YOU AVOID A COOKING FIRE ON
THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving and the day before are the top two days in this country for the chance of a
cooking fire to happen in someone’s home. Cooking causes an average of 158,400
home fires per year, which is 44% of all home fires in the United States. The American
Red Cross of Central and Northern Missouri offers safety steps everyone can follow if
they will be preparing their family’s Thanksgiving feast.
 
COOKING SAFETY TIPS Follow these safety tips and visit redcross.org/fire for more
information, including a fire escape plan to practice with your family.
 
 Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you must leave
the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
 Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.
 Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
 Keep kids and pets at least three feet away from cooking areas.
 Keep anything that can catch on fire — potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils,
paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains — away from your
stove top and oven or any other appliance that generates heat.
 Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
 Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen.
 Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving home to make sure all
stoves, ovens and small appliances are turned off.
 
Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your
home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors
closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a
year. If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install
one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Contact your local Red Cross for more
information.

DISCOVER NATURE WITH MDC THROUGH EAGLE DAYS

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites people to discover
nature through Eagle Days events and by watching bald eagles around the state.
From December through February, Missouri's winter eagle watching is
spectacular. Because of Missouri’s big rivers, many lakes, and abundant
wetlands, the Show-Me state is one of the leading lower 48 states for bald eagle
viewing. Each fall, thousands of these great birds migrate south from their
nesting range in Canada and the Great Lakes states to hunt in Missouri. Eagles
take up residence wherever they find open water and plentiful food. More than
2,000 bald eagles are typically reported in Missouri during winter.
MDC is again offering various Eagle Days events around the state. Some will
include live eagle programs, exhibits, activities, videos, and guides with spotting
scopes. Some require registration. Get more information on MDC Eagle Days
events at mdc.mo.gov/events/eagle-days .
Watch for eagles perched in large trees along the water's edge. Early in the
morning you can see them flying and fishing. Be sure to dress for winter weather
and don't forget cameras and binoculars.
Here are some hot spots around the state for winter eagle viewing:
Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area on Route K southwest of Columbia,
Lake of the Ozarks at Bagnell Dam Access east of Bagnell,
Lock & Dam 20 in Canton,
Lock & Dam 24 at Clarksville,
Lock & Dam 25 east of Winfield,
Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge south of Mound City,
Mingo National Wildlife Refuge northwest of Puxico,
Moses Eagle Park in Stella,
Old Chain of Rocks Bridge south of I-270 off of Riverview Drive in St. Louis,
Riverlands Environmental Demonstration Area east of West Alton,
Schell-Osage Conservation Area north of El Dorado Springs,
Smithville Lake north of Kansas City,
Stockton Lake near Stockton,
Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge south of Sumner,
Table Rock Lake and Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery southwest of Branson,
and
Truman Reservoir west of Warsaw.
Learn more about bald eagles in Missouri from the MDC online Field Guide at
mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/bald-eagle.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
________________________________________________________________

             … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

November 26, 2024

MODOT URGES EXTRA CAUTION FOR THANKSGIVING TRAVELERS

As Missourians plan to hit the road to spend Thanksgiving with loved ones, the
Missouri Department of Transportation is urging drivers to be cautious, patient
and use good judgment behind the wheel. Impaired driving, distracted driving,
excessive speeds, and increased traffic are just a few of the concerns that can
accompany holiday travel.
Motorists should expect heavy traffic volumes on interstates and major roads for
the holiday especially on the day before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after. All
work zones with extra lane closures will stop at noon on the day before
Thanksgiving through 6 a.m. the day after. Typically, construction contracts don’t
work through the entire holiday weekend. All motorists should buckle up
themselves and all passengers and the driver should put their phone down to
avoid distractions. 
The night before Thanksgiving, sometimes referred to as Blackout Wednesday,
has become a popular night for outings at bars, which can result in a potential
increase of impaired driving. Additionally, speed and distraction present
significant concerns, especially with increased traffic volumes over the holiday.
This year, MoDOT is hoping a combination of public awareness, enforcement,
and promotion of sober rides will be successful in eliminating traffic fatalities
during the holiday. With the number of statewide traffic fatalities being more than
800 for the year, MoDOT is urging motorists to be vigilant, buckle up, obey
posted speed limits and never drive impaired or distracted.

MDC THANKS DEER HUNTERS FOR HELP WITH CWD SAMPLING

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) thanks the thousands of deer
hunters who participated in its mandatory sampling efforts in 43 counties to test
for chronic wasting disease (CWD) in harvested deer. Thanks to hunter
participation, MDC collected tissue samples from more than 18,500 hunter-
harvested deer on Nov. 16 and 17 for CWD testing.
CWD sampling consists of MDC staff removing lymph nodes from the necks of
harvested deer for testing. Tissue samples are sent to an independent lab for
testing.
According to MDC, the opening weekend of the November portion of firearms
deer season is the most popular two days for most deer hunters in Missouri.
Hunters typically harvest between a quarter to a third of the state’s total annual
deer harvest during those two days. Focusing on this key weekend gives MDC the best opportunity to collect the most tissue samples for CWD testing during a
very concentrated time period.
MDC is also offering free voluntary CWD sampling and testing of harvested deer
during the remaining deer season at select locations throughout the state,
including some MDC offices and participating taxidermists and meat processors.
MDC also offers self-service freezer deer-head drop-off locations within the CWD
Management Zone for hunters to deposit harvested deer heads to have tested
for CWD. Instructions, packing supplies, and information tags are available at the
sites.
Get more information on voluntary sampling locations and drop-off locations
online at mdc.mo.gov/cwd .
Hunters can get their CWD test results for free online at mdc.mo.gov/cwdResults .
Results are available within four weeks from the time of sampling and the wait
time is often much less.

GOV. PARSON ANNOUNCES THREE JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS

Governor Mike Parson recently announced judicial appointments to the 14th,
16th, and the 21st Judicial Circuits.

Garreth Cooksey, of Hannibal, will be appointed as Associate Circuit Judge
for Randolph County in the 14th Judicial Circuit.
Mr. Cooksey is an assistant prosecuting attorney in Marion County. He holds
Bachelors of Arts in English and business administration from Truman State
University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Columbia. He will
fill the vacancy created by retirement of the Honorable James M. Cooksey.

Patrick C. Edwards, of Kansas City, was appointed as Circuit Judge for the
16th Judicial Circuit.
Mr. Edwards is an Assistant United States Attorney in the United States
Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri. He holds Bachelors of Arts
in political science and history from the University of Missouri–Columbia and a
Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. He will fill the vacancy
created by the retirement of the Honorable Justine E. Del Muro.

Jason K. Lewis, of Wildwood, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for
the 21st Judicial Circuit.
Mr. Lewis is general counsel to Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey. He
holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration and a Juris Doctor from
Washington University in St. Louis. He will fill the vacancy created by the
appointment of the Honorable Lorne J. Baker as Circuit Judge.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
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              … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

November 22, 2024

NIGHTTIME LANE RESTRICTIONS SCHEDULED ON US ROUTE 61 AND I-70

Weather permitting, as early as November 26, contractor crews with S & A
Equipment and Builders, LLC will begin concrete pavement repair work on the
northbound and southbound lanes of U.S. Route 61 in Lincoln County, from the
St. Charles County line to Watson Road, near the south end of Route KK.
Weather permitting, once completed, operations will shift to the eastbound and
westbound lanes of Interstate 70 in Montgomery and Warren counties from the
Callaway County line to the St. Charles County line, between mile marker 165
and mile marker 203.
All work will occur during nighttime hours between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Motorists can expect possible delays as traffic will be reduced to one lane with a
12-foot width restriction in place where workers are present.
All work is weather dependent, and schedules are subject to change.

GENERAL MILLS TO EXPAND IN HANNIBAL, CREATING MORE THAN 35
NEW JOBS

General Mills, a leading global food manufacturer, announced Wednesday that it
will expand its manufacturing facility in Hannibal, creating more than 35 new jobs.
The company’s expansion includes the addition of an Old El Paso hard-shell taco
production line, increased square footage, and infrastructure improvements.
General Mills’ manufacturing facility in Hannibal produces food products across
multiple categories and brands, including Nature Valley, Betty Crocker, Old El
Paso, and Progresso. The company’s Hannibal location has been in operation
since 1972 and has undergone multiple expansions to now employ more than
1,000 people.
New jobs added as part of General Mills’ expansion will pay an average wage
well above the county average.

MSHP: THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY SAFETY

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol,
reminds everyone there will be an increase in traffic over the Thanksgiving
holiday. The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest travel periods of the year,
with Wednesday and Sunday afternoon/evenings being the most heavily traveled
times. Drivers should expect more traffic and the possibility of delays throughout
the weekend. Regardless of traffic patterns, safety should remain a priority.
The counting period for the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday weekend is from 6 p.m.
Wednesday, November 27, 2024, to 11:59 p.m. Sunday, December 1, 2024.
Troopers will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E., enforcing all traffic laws, and
available to assist the public. Over the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday counting
period, nine people were killed and 4,823 injured in 1,342 traffic crashes.
If you plan to travel over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend be sure your vehicle
is in good condition, obey all traffic laws, and be sure everyone in your vehicle is
wearing a seat belt or secured in the appropriate child safety seat for their size
and age. Remember: Missouri is now a hands-free state and there is never a
reason to speed, drive aggressively, or drive impaired.
The MoDOT Traveler Information Map can be a helpful tool while you are
traveling. The map provides up-to-date information such as road closures,
delays, construction zones, and alternative routes. You can download the app for
free to your smart device or access it by using this link:
https://traveler.modot.org/map/index.html .
If being on or near the water is part of your Thanksgiving holiday weekend plans,
remember that the water is becoming colder, and hypothermia is a concern. The
body loses heat 25 times faster in water than in the air of the same temperature.
The proper use of life jackets is imperative.
The public is encouraged to call the Patrol's Emergency Report Line (800) 525-
5555 or *55 on your cellular phone if they witness criminal activity, observe
driving behavior that could cause a crash, or experience an emergency. These
phone numbers are operational for both highway and water emergencies. If your
celebration includes intoxicants, designate someone else to drive whether you
are in a boat or vehicle. Please don't become a statistic.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

_____________________________________________________________________________________

                  … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

November 21, 2024

DRIVER HURT IN RANDOLPH COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Higbee woman was hurt in an accident that occurred at 12:40pm Wednesday in Randolph County.  The patrol says that she was on County Road 2210 when her car traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree.  She was taken to Moberly Regional Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries.

WOMAN INJURED IN TUESDAY NIGHT CRASH

A woman from Dallas, TX was injured in a Tuesday night crash in Saline County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 7:30pm as she was a passenger in a Tractor Trailer driven by a man also from Dallas.  They were eastbound on I-70 when it ran off the right side of the road and overturned.  The woman sustained minor injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.

MDC AND PARTNERS ENCOURAGE LANDOWNERS TO ENROLL IN THE PRECISION FARM DATA RCPP BY NOV. 29

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and several other conservation partners encourage landowners to participate in the Precision Farm Data and Strategic Buffer Placement Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).  The Precision Farm Data RCPP provides cost-share opportunities to producers to establish field borders, streambank buffers, or pollinator habitat on non-profitable cropland acre farms. In addition to the 75% cost-share for the establishment of practices, MDC and partners offer an additional one-time incentive payment of $300/acre for the establishment of pollinator-friendly field borders. Field borders must be an average of at least 45 feet wide to qualify for the additional incentive. Other available practices can assist with establishing native grasses, monarch habitat, wetland restoration and the management of existing wildlife habitat. The establishment of these converted areas will allow producers to maximize their profitability while improving water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat.  Landowners in eligible counties are encouraged to apply at their local NRCS office by Nov. 29 to qualify for the program. The eligible counties are Linn, Macon, Chariton, Randolph, Saline, Pettis, and Lafayette. Questions about this program can be directed to your local Private Land Conservationist (PLC) or NRCS staff at your USDA Service Center. Find local PLC contact information at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4ok.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
________________________________________________________________

             … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

November 20, 2024

MDC REPORTS 68,312 DEER HARVESTED DURING FIREARMS OPENING
WEEKEND
Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows
deer hunters in Missouri harvested 68,312 deer during opening weekend of the
November portion of firearms deer season Nov. 16 and 17. Of the 68,312 deer
harvested, 42,283 were antlered bucks, 5,105 were button bucks, and 20,924
were does.
Top harvest counties for opening weekend were Franklin with 1,627 deer
harvested, Texas with 1,305, and Pike with 1,161.
Last year, hunters checked 90,253 deer during opening weekend of the
November portion of firearms deer season.
According to MDC Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle, the drop in harvest
this year was due to a combination of factors.
“The calendar shift this year put the November portion a week later than last
year, which results in lower deer harvest,” said Isabelle. “The peak of the rut in
Missouri occurs around Nov. 10. When the calendar shifts, it puts the opener
about a week past peak rut when deer movement isn’t as high as it is earlier in
the month.”
Another factor that Isabelle believes significantly affected this year’s harvest total
is an abundant acorn crop.
“Throughout much of Missouri, there are a lot of acorns in the woods this year,”
said Isabelle. “When that happens, deer don’t need to move as much to find food
and they frequent fields and other open areas less often, making them less
visible to hunters.”
Isabelle noted that the counties with the largest decline in harvest were in the
more heavily forested portions of the state where acorn abundance has a more
significant effect on deer movement.
Warm temperatures were another factor that contributed to this year’s lower
opening weekend harvest total according to Isabelle.
“Although the warm temperatures this weekend made it comfortable for hunters
to be in the woods, it likely had an adverse effect on deer movement,” said
Isabelle.
Isabelle noted that the unseasonably mild temperatures probably also affected
the desire of some hunters to harvest deer given the necessity for rapid
processing.
For current, ongoing preliminary harvest totals by season, county, and type of
deer, visit the MDC website at extra.mdc.mo.gov/widgets/harvest_table/ .

NATIONAL CRASH RESPONDER SAFETY WEEK IS THIS WEEK
The Missouri Department of Transportation’s highway workers are part of a
larger group of emergency responders who put their lives on the line on
Missouri’s highways responding to crash scenes. Alongside police officers, fire
fighters, EMS, and tow truck operators, they respond to traffic incidents, assist
drivers, and help keep traffic flowing.
According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), traffic incidents are
the leading cause of death for EMS responders and law enforcement officers. To
remind motorists what’s on the line, the FHWA has declared the week of Nov.
18-22 as National Crash Responder Safety Week. 
Missouri’s Move Over law requires drivers to either change lanes or slow down
when approaching stationary MoDOT, law enforcement or other emergency
vehicles with flashing lights on. To help protect those who protect us, all 50
states enforce some form of the Move Over law. 
In 2023, more than 136,000 traffic crashes were reported on Missouri roadways
that required emergency response. MoDOT emergency response personnel
respond to more than 6,000 traffic incidents each month on average. 
Crash Responder Safety Week provides a valuable chance to remind drivers
about Missouri's Move Over law, educate them on crash prevention, and promote
critical training for all traffic incident responders.

GIVE NATURE-THEMED HOLIDAY GIFTS FROM MDC
Have nature lovers on your holiday gift list? The Missouri Department of
Conservation’s (MDC) online Nature Shop makes holiday shopping a breeze for
anyone interested in nature-themed gifts. Offerings include the ever-popular
Natural Events Calendar, plus a variety of books and more for all ages.
Holiday shoppers can also skip retail stores and visit one of the MDC nature
centers around the state in Kirkwood, Cape Girardeau, Springfield, Kansas City,
Blue Springs, and Jefferson City for an array of reasonably priced, nature-
themed holiday gifts. Find MDC nature centers at mdc.mo.gov/discover-
nature/places/nature-centers .
MDC holiday gift offerings include:
2025 Natural Events Calendar ($9) -- This annual favorite has amazing images
of native animals, plants, and places, along with phases of the moon, holidays
and days of recognition, daily notes about natural events, and more.
Coneflower Nature Journal ($8) – It includes simple tips to get started drawing
or writing about nature. It is spiral-bound with plenty of blank pages.
Cooking Wild in Missouri ($16) – This favorite cookbook features more than
100 recipes for native game, fish, fruits, nuts, and mushrooms.
Strange but True ($8.95) -- This fun offering was adapted from the pages of
MDC’s Xplor magazine and features 350 weird and wild facts and illustrations
about creatures that inhabit Missouri.
A Paddlers Guide to Missouri ($9) – This newly revised edition makes a great
gift for canoeists, kayakers, and floaters with color photos, maps, and
descriptions of 54 rivers and streams. The 102-page, spiral-bound guide includes
trip planning tips, equipment recommendations, paddling pointers, and more.

Owl and Nuthatches Notecard Sets ($8) – This is great for gift giving. Each set
includes 12 cards of either a barred owl or brown-headed pair of nuthatch birds. 
Missouri’s Wild Mushrooms ($26) – This book is a great guide for hunting,
identifying, and cooking the state's most common mushrooms.
Discover Missouri Natural Areas, Second Edition ($19.95) – This handy
reference helps nature lovers experience 50 great examples of our state’s natural
heritage. The new edition features updated maps, text, references, and scientific
names.
Amphibians and Reptiles of Missouri, Third Edition ($29) – This classic book
has been updated and expanded to a 522-page illustrated guide that provides
descriptions, distribution, habitats, habits, breeding, and other information on
nearly 130 species of native salamanders, toads, frogs, turtles, lizards, and
snakes.
Buy these and other items at MDC nature centers, through the MDC online
Nature Shop at  mdcnatureshop.com or by calling 877-521-8632.
Applicable tax, shipping, and handling costs will apply.
Give the gift of hunting and fishing permits for hunters and anglers on your
list. Buy permits from vendors around the state, online
at  mdc.mo.gov/buypermits or through the MDC free mobile apps, Mo Hunting
and Mo Fishing, available for download through Google Play for Android devices
or the App Store for Apple devices.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
__________________________________________________________________________

             … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

November 18, 2024

MISSOURI ROUTE 161 IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY IS NOW OPEN TO
TRAFFIC
The bridge replacement project on Missouri Route 161, over Elkhorn Creek, 1.6
miles south of Route CC near Buell in Montgomery County, has been completed
and opened to traffic on Friday November 15. The new two-lane bridge replaced
the previous single lane structure built in 1932.

PLANNED ROADWORK FOR NORTHEAST MISSOURI
The following is a list of general highway maintenance work the Missouri
Department of Transportation has planned in the Northeast Missouri region for
the next few weeks.
All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler
Information Map at  http://traveler.modot.org/map/ .
Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work.
There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the
work mentioned below.
Lincoln County
Route J – November 20, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Elm
Tree Road to Bruning Lane between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Route J – November 21 – 22, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from
Route U West to Jabin Farm Road between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
Route KK – November 18 - 19, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from
U.S. Route 61 East Outer Road to Keithley Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00
p.m. daily.
Macon County
Route M – November 18 – 22, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from
Mariner Street to Laredo Avenue between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. daily.
Montgomery County
I-70 (Westbound) – November 19 - 20, LANE RESTRICTION for shoulder work
from Mile Marker 182.0 to Mile Marker 181.4 between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
daily.
Warren County
Route D – November 18 - 22, CLOSED for bridge maintenance from 0.50 mile
before and after the Tuque Creek bridge between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. daily.

OCTOBER 2024 MONTHLY JOBS REPORT
Missouri nonfarm payroll employment increased by 5,400 jobs in October 2024,
and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased by one-tenth of a
percentage point. Private industry employment increased by 1,600 jobs and
government employment increased by 3,800 jobs. Over the year, there was an
increase of 81,700 jobs from October 2023 to October 2024, and the
unemployment rate increased by half of a percentage point, from 3.3 percent in
October 2023 to 3.8 percent in October 2024.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
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              … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

November 14, 2024

MISSOURI HIGHWAYS & TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION ANNOUNCES
NEW DIRECTOR
The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (MHTC) announced
Wednesday that Ed Hassinger is the new director of the Missouri Department of
Transportation. His leadership at this time will ensure the continuity of MoDOT’s
delivery of critical infrastructure projects currently underway and on very tight
construction schedules.
Director Hassinger holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering and
is a Registered Professional Engineer. He has dedicated over 40 years of his
career to fulfill the mission of MoDOT. He has consistently produced results that
have made Missouri a national leader in project delivery, providing great value to
Missourians. Hassinger is fully aware of what is necessary and is capable of
delivering the projects outlined in the STIP. He is committed to partnering with
the General Assembly and industry partners to improve Missouri’s transportation
system. He is also committed to MoDOT employees, their development and
welfare.    
The Commission and Director Hassinger will work collaboratively with a new
advisory council to be formed with representatives of the department’s key
stakeholders including key elected officials, local planning partners, the MoDOT
contractor community, state and local economic development, and others critical
to delivering this transportation improvements. Efforts will focus on review and
fine-tuning of MoDOT's organization to strengthen its commitment to several key
areas of continuous improvement critical to project delivery success and
operations. 
These include:
Safety in all operations and project management;
Outreach to and coordination with state leadership and elected officials to make
the STIP process as locally driven as possible with sensitivity to timely local
needs as they arise;
Build even closer partnership with the department's critical private sector
contractor community and regional planning partners;
Recruit and retain the essential and valued MoDOT workforce;
Increase focus on operational needs to keep MoDOT's system maintained,
useable, clean, and responsive to citizen reported upkeep; and,
Innovate and use technology for the future to maximize efficiency and cost-
effective delivery of programs and services. Hassinger replaces previous MoDOT
Director Patrick McKenna who resigned in September 2024 after serving in the
role since December 2015.

COMMISSION AWARDS CONTRACTS FOR PROJECTS IN NORTHEAST
MISSOURI
During its regular meeting on November 7, the Missouri Highways and
Transportation Commission awarded the following contracts for pavement
repairs, diamond grinding, seal coat, and resurfacing projects in the Northeast
District. 
An $8.2M contract was awarded to Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc., for a pavement
repair and diamond grinding project on U.S. Route 36, in Marion and Ralls
counties at the following locations:
Eastbound U.S. Route 36 - from 0.9 mile east of Route H to 1.8 miles east of
U.S. Route 24 east junction, in Marion County
Westbound U.S. Route 36 - from 0.7 mile west of U.S. Route 61 at Hannibal to
0.5 mile west of Route Z near Monroe City, in Marion County
A $2.4M contract was awarded to Capital Paving & Construction, LLC for
resurfacing projects in Randolph County at the following locations:
Route D - from Route C near Huntsville to Route BB
Route BB - from Missouri Route 3 to Route A near Moberly
Route DD - from U.S. Route 24 in Moberly to the end of state maintenance
A $1M contract was awarded to N.B. West Contracting Company, for a seal coat
project on Missouri Route 94, from Missouri Route 19, near McKittrick in
Montgomery County, to the Warren and St. Charles County line.
A $7.8M contract was awarded to Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. for resurfacing
projects in Audrain, Monroe, Ralls and Randolph counties at the following
locations. The routes below are included in Gov. Parson’s Rural Roads program.
Route C - from U.S. Route 24 in Monroe County to Missouri Route 151 near
Centralia at the Boone County line
Route M - from Missouri Route 151 to Missouri Route 15, in Monroe County
Route O - from Route C to the end of state maintenance, in Randolph County
Route U - from U.S. Route 24 to the end of state maintenance at Florida, in
Monroe County
Route U - from Missouri Route 3 to the end of state maintenance, in Randolph
County
Route CC - from Route C to Missouri Route 15 near Rowena, in Audrain County
Route EE - from Route J to Missouri Route 19, in Ralls County
Route JJ - from U.S. Route 54 to the end of state maintenance near Mexico, in
Audrain County
With the Governor’s signing of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, an additional $100
million in General Revenue is available for Missouri’s low volume rural roads.
Using asset management data, the Missouri Department of Transportation has
identified 1,985 lane miles of low volume roads to receive treatments to improve
road conditions. The roads are being bundled into 19 contracts across the state. 
For more information on the Governor’s Rural Roads Program, visit  Governor's
Rural Roads Program | Missouri Department of Transportation (modot.org) .
Additional information, regarding timelines and impacts to traffic, will be released
prior to the start of construction.

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND INSURANCE RELEASES
HEALTH INSURANCE RATES FOR 2025
The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) have announced
the release of final health insurance rates for Missouri’s 2025 individual market.
Beginning in 2025, every county in Missouri will have at least two insurance
companies offering health plans in the individual market. This represents an
important change, ensuring choices for Missourians, particularly in the rural parts
of the state.
Well over half of Missouri’s counties now have five or more insurance companies
offering coverage in the individual market (71 out of 115). Nearly a third of the
counties in the state have six or more companies offering coverage (37 of 115).
The 115 jurisdictions include 114 counties plus the City of St. Louis.
Missourians can find more information about the rate review process and review
rate information on DCI’s website
at  insurance.mo.gov/consumers/health/index.php .
Annual open enrollment for health insurance coverage in 2025 began on
November 1, 2024. For coverage to start January 1, 2025,
consumers must enroll or change their plan by December 15, 2024. Consumers
that miss the December 15th deadline have until January 15, 2025, to enroll;
however, coverage will not begin until February 1, 2025, for consumers who
enroll after December 15, 2024.
For any insurance questions, or to verify whether a producer or assister is
licensed, Missouri consumers can call DCI’s Insurance Consumer
Hotline at 800-726-7390 or visit  insurance.mo.gov/consumers/ .

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
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             … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

November 12, 2024

CHARITON VALLEY ANNOUNCES THE FOUNDATION FOR RURAL
SERVICES GRANT TO SUPPORT MACON POLICE AND FIRE
DEPARTMENTS
The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS), the philanthropic arm of NTCA–The
Rural Broadband Association, announced the recipients of 36 Community Grants
totaling nearly $170,000 — the largest number of grants and greatest total
annual allocation in its history — to close out the foundation’s 30th anniversary
year. These grants will support a wide variety of projects aimed at improving
quality of life across rural communities served by NTCA members.  
Chariton Valley is pleased to announce the Macon Police and Fire Departments
as one of these grant recipients. The Macon Police and Fire Departments
received $4,914 to upgrade their telephone system with advanced
telecommunications devices for enhancing service capabilities for its citizens. 
Chariton Valley President and Chief Executive Officer Ryan Johnson joined in
congratulating the grant recipients, “Congratulations to the Macon Police and Fire
Departments!” he said. “We are proud to be a part of the FRS and partner with
your departments for the betterment of this community,” Johnson concluded. 

GOV. PARSON SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER 24-15 CLOSING STATE
OFFICES NOV. 29
Last Week, Governor Mike Parson signed Executive Order 24-15 closing state
offices on Friday, November 29, 2024, the day after the Thanksgiving Day
holiday. This is what he had to say:  
"Today, I signed Executive Order 24-15 closing state offices on Friday,
November 29, 2024, the day after the Thanksgiving Day holiday. Every year, our
administration has directed this additional day off. As Teresa and I prepare to
leave office and spend more time with our own family and friends, we understand
the importance and joy for all of you in doing the same over the holiday weekend.
Friends, family, and the next generations are what it's all about. We hope this
well-earned day off allows you an opportunity to remember the good in your lives
and reflect on all that you do in service to our state. Thanks to the work you do,
our economy is strong, our state is strong, and Missourians are strong.
May you and your families have a safe and joyful holiday and receive many
blessings in the coming year. Teresa and I continue to pray for the safety, health,
and happiness of you and your family.
From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

CONTRACTOR SELECTED FOR THE IMPROVE I-70 PROJECT
The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (MHTC) has selected Improve
70 Alliance Joint Venture as the apparent best-value proposer and Design-Build
contractor of the next project in MoDOT’s Improve I-70 Program. The joint venture team
consists of Emery Sapp & Sons (ESS), Clarkson Construction, HNTB, and Bartlett and
West. Negotiations to finalize the contract are currently in progress.
Improve I-70: Warrenton to Wentzville is a $600 million fixed-cost contract and is the
largest project in MoDOT history. It will build a third lane in each direction and improve
the stretch of Interstate 70 from Warrenton to I-64 in Wentzville beginning in Spring
2025. The contract requirements also include the following additional improvements:
 Interchange and outer road improvements in Wright City
 Realignment at the railroad bridge on I-70 between Wentzville Parkway and
Route Z
 Interchange improvements at I-70 and I-64/Route 61
 Add a third lane of travel to eastbound and westbound I-64 between I-70 and
Route K
 Bridge replacement in Foristell
This project is the second project in a series of projects which will widen and  improve the
I-70 corridor. Missouri’s FY2024 budget from the General Assembly signed into law by
Governor Parson provides $2.8 billion in General Revenue for the costs to build a third
lane of I-70 across the state. The program will plan, design, construct, reconstruct,
rehabilitate, and add a third lane in each direction on nearly 200 miles of I-70, from Blue
Springs to Wentzville. The Warrenton to Wentzville project includes the Improve I-70
and additional legislatively designated General Revenue funding. It also includes
previously allocated funds in the state’s program for other I-70 and I-64 projects for a
total contract cost of $600 million.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
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              … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

November 11, 2024

PLANNED ROADWORK FOR NORTHEAST MISSOURI
The following is a list of general highway maintenance work the Missouri
Department of Transportation has planned in the Northeast Missouri region for
the next few weeks.
All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler
Information Map at  http://traveler.modot.org/map/ .
Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work.
There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the
work mentioned below.
Clark County
Missouri Route 27 (Northbound) – November 21, LANE RESTRICTION for
environmental cleanup beginning 1.0 mile south and continuing to 1.5 miles
south of U.S. Route 136 between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Lincoln County
Route J – November 20, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Elm
Tree Road to Bruning Lane between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Route J – November 21 – 22, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from
Route U West to Jabin Farm Road between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
Route KK – November 18 - 19, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from
U.S. Route 61 East Outer Road to Keithley Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00
p.m. daily.
Montgomery County
I-70 (Westbound) – November 19 - 20, LANE RESTRICTION for shoulder work
from Mile Marker 182.0 to Mile Marker 181.4 between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
daily.
Route J – November 12, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from South
Turkey Ridge Road to Short Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Warren County
Route D – November 12 – 15, CLOSED for bridge maintenance from Tuque
Creek Road to Boone Monument Road between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. daily.

MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS
On Thursday, November 7 at approximately 10:21AM, the Mexico Public Safety
Department responded to the area of S Clark Street near the US Highway 54
access ramps. This was in reference to a disturbance involving a gun.
Investigation revealed that two drivers, who had been traveling on US Highway 54, came to the stop sign at the on ramp after passing each other or attempting
to pass each other, several times along the highway. At the stop sign, Jessie L
Deere, age 42, of Auxvasse, exited his vehicle and shot a gun, one time, towards
the other vehicle, then drove from the scene. Officers located Deere in the 2700
block of S Clark Street. He was processed at MPSD and later taken to the
Audrain County Jail for Unlawful Use of Weapon, Armed Criminal Action, and
Assault 4th degree. There were no injuries from the incident.

On Tuesday, November 5 at approximately 1:26AM, the Mexico Public Safety
Department responded to the 600 block of W Jackson in reference to a burglary
which had just occurred at a business. Video had alerted the business’
management and a suspect description was provided to MPSD. At
approximately 1:36AM officers located a male fitting the description a few blocks
away. The male was identified as Joshua C Kennemore, age 24 of Mexico.
Additional evidence led to Kennemore being arrested and transported to MPSD.
He was processed and eventually taken to the Audrain County Jail for Burglary
2nd degree, Possession of Burglary Tools, Property Damage 2nd degree, Stealing
$150, and Violation of Bond Conditions.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
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             … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

November 8, 2024

MAN INJURED IN RALLS COUNTY ACCIDENT
A man from Fowler, IL was injured in an accident that occurred at 7:15am
Wednesday in Ralls County. The patrol says that he was on Route E when his
vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned. He was
transported by ambulance to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment of
moderate injuries.

TEEN INJURED IN WEDNESDAY MORNING WRECK
A teenage girl from Meadville was injured in a two-vehicle wreck Wednesday
morning in Grundy County. The highway patrol said it happened at 8:30am as
she was stopped on MO 6 and waiting to make a left turn onto Route Z when her
car was struck in the rear by a dump truck driven by a man from Edgerton, MO.
She sustained moderate injuries and was first taken to Wright Memorial Hospital
and then flown by helicopter to Truman Medical Center for treatment.

MISSOURI HUNTERS HARVEST 1,857 BIRDS DURING FIREARMS PORTION
OF FALL TURKEY SEASON

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows
that hunters checked 1,857 turkeys during the firearms portion of Missouri’s fall
turkey season, Oct. 1-31. Top harvest counties were Gasconade with 51 birds
harvested, Osage with 48 and Cedar with 46.
For current fall firearms turkey harvest results by county, go online to MDC’s
website at extra.mdc.mo.gov/widgets/harvest_table/ .
Hunters harvested 2,220 birds during the 2023 fall firearms turkey season. For
more harvest results for past seasons, visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-
trapping/species/turkey/turkey-reports/turkey-harvest-summaries .
"A very warm and dry October likely impacted turkey and hunter behavior,” said
MDC Turkey Biologist Nick Oakley. “When it’s 80 degrees and windy, the birds
may not be in their usual haunts and hunters aren’t as interested in literally
sweating it out to find birds.”
Fall archery turkey hunting continues through Nov. 15 and resumes Nov. 27
through Jan. 15, 2025. Get more information about fall turkey hunting at
mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/turkey .
SEND FEATHERS

MDC is again asking Missouri turkey hunters to save and send feathers from the
wild turkeys they harvest this fall. MDC asks hunters who harvest turkeys to mail
feathers from their turkeys to MDC using a postage-paid envelope from MDC.
The feathers will help MDC scientists improve research models used to monitor
turkey population trends and estimate turkey numbers across the state. MDC
instructs turkey hunters to save the 9 th and 10 th primary wing feathers and 3-5
breast feathers from harvested turkeys after Telechecking.
For a Feather Submission Form and more information from MDC, visit
mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/turkey/fall-turkey-feather-submission .

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
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             … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

November 7, 2024

GOV. PARSON SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER 24-14 ACTIVATING STATE
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN IN RESPONSE TO FLOODING AND
SEVERE WEATHER

On Tuesday, Governor Mike Parson signed Executive Order 24-14 activating the
Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan in response to flooding and severe
weather. Parts of Missouri have already sustained flood and storm damage with
additional impacts expected as river levels begin to crest and floodwaters recede.
 
“With several areas of Missouri already impacted by this week’s storms and
heavy rainfall, we want to ensure state resources are available should further
disruptions or damage occur,” Governor Parson said. “This action enables the
state to be better prepared and ready to assist our communities with response
and recovery. We urge Missourians to follow the direction of local authorities and
emergency managers, use extra caution on the roads, and never drive into
floodwaters.”
Executive Order 24-14 will expire on December 5, 2024, unless otherwise
terminated or extended

MSHP: DRIVER EXAMINATION STATIONS TO CLOSE FOR NOVEMBER
HOLIDAYS

The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to remind the public that driver
examination stations throughout the state will be closed on the following dates:

Thursday, November 7, 2024, at noon for system modernization.
Friday, November 8, 2024, for system modernization.
Monday, November 11, 2024, in observance of Veterans’ Day.
Thursday, November 28, 2024, in observance of Thanksgiving.

YOUNG HUNTERS HARVEST 13,923 DEER DURING EARLY YOUTH
PORTION OF FIREARMS DEER SEASON

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows
that young hunters ages 6 through 15 harvested 13,923 deer during Missouri’s early youth portion of the 2024 deer hunting season, Nov. 2 and 3. Top counties
were Franklin with 285 deer harvested, Howell with 273, and Texas with 265. Of
the deer harvested, 9,852 were antlered bucks, 3,102 were does, and 969 were
button bucks.
Get more harvest information on the 2024 early youth portion at
extra.mdc.mo.gov/widgets/harvest_table/ .
Youth hunters harvested 11,270 during last year’s early youth portion. Get more
information on past seasons at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer/deer-
reports/deer-harvest-summaries .
Firearms deer hunting in Missouri continues with the November Portion running
Nov. 16-26 followed by the CWD Portion Nov. 27 – Dec. 1 in open counties. The
Late Youth Portion runs Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 followed by the Late Antlerless Portion
Dec. 7-15 in open counties and then the Alternative Methods Portion Dec. 28
through Jan. 7, 2025. Archery deer hunting in Missouri runs through Nov. 15 and
reopens Nov. 27 and through Jan. 15, 2025.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
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             … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

November 5, 2024

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN CHARITON COUNTY ACCIDENT

A man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at around 3:45pm Sunday in Chariton County. The patrol says that the man from Keytesville was on MO 5 when he slowed to make a left turn and his UTV was struck in the rear by a truck driven by a man also from Keytesville. He was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.

TEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MONDAY MORNING WRECK

A Chillicothe teen was seriously injured in a two-vehicle wreck Monday morning in Livingston County. The highway patrol said it happened at 6:30am as the teenage boy was on LIV 251 when he failed to yield when crossing Highway V and his car was struck in the driver’s side by a truck driven by a Chula man. After impact, the truck came to rest off the side of the roadway on its wheels facing west while the car went off the roadway and struck a utility pole before coming to rest on its wheels facing southeast. The teen was taken to Truman Medical Center with serious injuries.

DRIVER SERIOUSLY HURT IN MONROE COUNTY CRASH

A Paris teen was seriously hurt in a Friday afternoon crash in Monroe County. MSHP stated that the boy was on Route D when his truck traveled off the left side of the road, struck a tree and overturned. He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries. The crash happened at 2:05pm Friday.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
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             … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

November 4, 2024

PLANNED ROADWORK FOR NORTHEAST MISSOURI

The following is a list of general highway maintenance work the Missouri
Department of Transportation has planned in the Northeast Missouri region for
the next few weeks.
All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler
Information Map at  http://traveler.modot.org/map/ .
Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work.
There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the
work mentioned below.

Audrain County
Route A – November 4, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route
U to CR 832 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Clark County
Route K – November 5, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 47
to CR 49 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Route Y – November 4, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR
146 to CR 143 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Lincoln County
Route E – November 4 – 7, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance from
0.50 mile before and after the North Fork Cuivre River bridge between 8:00 a.m.
and 5:00 p.m. An 11-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are
actively working daily.
Route KK – November 4, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from U.S.
Route 61 East Outer Road to Keithley Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Monroe County
Missouri Route 107 – November 13, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations
from Missouri Route 154 to Route U between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Route D – November 12, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR
623 to CR 624 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Montgomery County
Route J – November 12, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from South
Turkey Ridge Road to Short Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Warren County
Missouri Route 94 – November 5 – 8, LANE RESTRICTION for grading
ditches/drainage work from Route TT to Mooncrest Lane between 8:00 a.m. and
3:00 p.m. daily. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are
actively working daily.

MISSOURI WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS WEEK IS THIS WEEK

Despite the recent mild temperatures, winter – and the snow, sleet and ice that come
along with it – is just around the corner. To help Missourians prepare and stay safe during
the winter months, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and National
Weather Serivce (NWS) are partnering to promote Nov. 4 – 8, 2024, as Winter Weather
Preparedness Week in Missouri.
“As cold weather approaches, we encourage all Missourians to take time to plan ahead
and prioritize safety,” SEMA Director Jim Remillard said. “Being prepared is always
the best way to protect yourself and your families. Be sure you have emergency kits
ready, understand the risks of prolonged exposure to the cold and review additional steps
you can take to stay safe at home and on the road.”
SEMA and NWS Forecast Offices serving Missouri will be sharing winter weather safety
messaging via social media throughout the week. Each day will focus on a different
theme:
 Monday, Nov. 4 – Winter Weather Terminology
 Tuesday, Nov. 5 – Ice Safety 
 Wednesday, Nov. 6 – Snow Safety
 Thursday, Nov. 7 – Extreme Cold, Hypothermia and Frostbite
 Friday, Nov. 8 – Planning for Snow, Ice and Cold
Often, too little attention is paid to the danger posed by prolonged exposure to the cold.
According to the Department of Health and Senior Services, 37 people died in
Missouri as a result of low body temperatures due to prolonged exposure to cold weather
in 2023.
Protect against frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting clothing in
several layers. Avoid alcohol, limit time spent outdoors in frigid temperatures and stay
indoors if possible. Find more information on hypothermia and nearby warming center
locations on the DHSS website at health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/hypothermia/ .
 

MDC REPORTS MISSOURI HUNTERS HARVESTED 15 BLACK BEARS THIS
SEASON

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reports Missouri hunters
harvested 15 black bears during the state’s fourth bear hunting season, Oct. 21-
30.
More than 5,969 hunters applied during May for 400 permits for the season with
the maximum total harvest being 40 bears. Of the 400 hunters selected through a
random drawing of all applicants, 319 hunters purchased permits for the season.
Bear hunting in Missouri is limited to Missouri residents and restricted to three
designated areas of southern Missouri called Bear Management Zones (BMZ).
Each permit issued is for a specific BMZ and hunting is limited to public or private
property within the BMZ.
Twelve bears were harvested in BMZ 1 out of a maximum of 20 with 166 hunters
purchasing permits to hunt the zone. Three bears were harvested in BMZ 2 out
of a maximum of 15 with 121 hunters purchasing permits to hunt the zone. No
bears were harvested in BMZ 3 out of a maximum of five with 32 hunters
purchasing permits to hunt the zone.
Of the bears taken, 13 were harvested using firearms methods, one was
harvested with archery equipment, and one was harvested with a crossbow. Ten
of the harvested bears were males and five were females.
“We had another successful black bear hunting season this year,” said MDC
Furbearer Biologist Nate Bowersock. “Despite the acorn crop potentially being
above average, hunters were able to harvest a record number of bears. This
could be due to the dryer fall conditions, which likely caused bears to move more
often in search of water.”
Learn more about Missouri black bears and bear hunting in Missouri at
https://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/bear .

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

           … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

November 1, 2024

RED CROSS ASKS YOU TO TEST YOUR SMOKE ALARMS AS YOU TURN YOUR CLOCKS BACK THIS WEEKEND

Daylight saving time ends on November 3 and the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks back to make sure the devices are working.

“Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half as you only have about two minutes to safely get out,” said Rebecca Gordon, Executive Director, Red Cross of Central and Northern Missouri. “Every second counts when there’s a home fire and the sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get to a safer place. When daylight saving time ends this weekend, test your smoke alarms to help prevent a tragedy in your home.”

Since July 1, local Red Cross volunteers responded to help nearly 1,500 people in Missouri affected by nearly 400 home fires, which account for most of the about 65,000 disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually across the country.

SMOKE ALARMS When turning your clocks back this weekend, test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed. Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including an escape plan to create and practice with your family, or download the free Red Cross Emergency app by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.
• Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions.
• Practice your two-minute home fire escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to escape a burning home before it’s too late.
• Include at least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.

IF YOU NEED HELP If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Visit redcross.org/smokealarmMO or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to register for free smoke alarm installation and fire safety instruction.

HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVES LIVES Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least 2,196 lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country. To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires. 

HWI TO EXPAND IN FULTON, INVESTING $13.9 MILLION AND CREATING 11 NEW JOBS

HWI (HarbisonWalker International), one of the leading suppliers of refractory products and services in the United States and member of the Calderys Group, announced Thursday that it will expand in Fulton, investing $13.9 million and creating 11 new jobs.

“We’re excited to see an innovative and world-class company like HWI continuing to invest in Fulton,” said Governor Mike Parson. “From day one, our administration remained committed to improving infrastructure and strengthening our workforce to ensure a thriving economy. As a result, more and more quality employers like HWI are growing and improving the lives of Missourians and their families.”

HWI’s expansion includes the construction of an additional, state-of-the-art, lightweight monolithics refractories manufacturing facility that will increase production capacity by approximately 60 percent while enhancing product availability. The facility will feature cutting-edge technology and process automation advancements, including a new furnace and automated robotic packaging and material handling systems. HWI currently employs more than 70 people at its existing Fulton location.

HWI’s new plant will provide access to local, high-quality clay reserves, allowing the company to increase the production of its Greenlite aggregate-containing products, including the GREENLITE®-45-L family of monolithics and GREENLITE® 115 AR brick. These products are used extensively in many applications, including petrochemical, power generation, and other heater linings. Their unique strength-to-density ratios optimize thermal insulation with minimal structural bulk to reduce energy consumption and support customers’ goals. The company’s new facility is expected to be completed in July 2025.

New jobs added as part of HWI’s expansion will pay an average wage well above the county average.

For this expansion, HWI will benefit from the Missouri Works program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation. 

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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October 31, 2024

MSHP: HAVE A SAFE HALLOWEEN

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, encourages everyone to have a safe Halloween.

It’s that time of year when young ghosts, vampires, superheroes, and cartoon characters are planning their night of trick-or-treating. While some local events take place in large parking lots the weekend prior, many trick-or-treaters will be out on Halloween night. It’s imperative that drivers and pedestrians stay alert.

Young children excited by Halloween could dart in front of a vehicle. Slow down and drive with extra caution. Expect an increase in the number of slow-moving vehicles in neighborhoods as motorists pick up and drop off trick-or-treaters. Please be courteous and stay alert for trick-or-treaters of all ages. Distracted drivers are dangerous drivers─when you’re driving, keep your eyes on the road, not on your phone!

Parents, please remind children to approach only familiar houses that are well-lit. Remind them they should never enter a stranger’s house or vehicle. Consider trick-or-treating with your children for their safety and because it’s a fun way to spend an evening. Give some thought to safety when choosing a costume. Consider using make-up rather than wearing a mask, which can obstruct a child's vision making it difficult to see an oncoming car. A light-colored costume is easier for drivers to see at night and adding reflective tape to dark costumes makes them visible. Flame resistant costumes are encouraged.

All trick-or-treaters are reminded to watch for traffic while they are out and about this Halloween. Remember to look both ways when crossing the street. Use sidewalks wherever possible and trick-or-treat while it is light outside. If you do go out after dark, increase your visibility by using a flashlight and wearing a light-colored costume. An adult should always accompany small children, and older children should stay in groups.

Halloween isn’t just for children. Many adults enjoy dressing up and visiting haunted houses or attending gatherings of friends. If you are driving to a costume party, make sure your costume doesn’t hamper your vision. If you attend a Halloween party that includes alcohol, designate a sober driver for the trip home. Alcohol, even in small amounts, slows reaction time and dulls the senses. Driving after you've had alcohol could have a sad and possibly deadly result.

Have a safe, happy Halloween!

MDC HONORS GEORGE SEEK OF MEADVILLE WITH MASTER CONSERVATIONIST AWARD

The Missouri Conservation Commission and Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) recently honored retired MDC employee George Seek of Meadville with their Master Conservationist Award. Seek was presented with the award at a special ceremony at Fountain Grove Conservation Area near Meadville on Oct. 24. Seek worked for MDC for more than 30 years, retiring as chief of the Private Lands Division.

The Master Conservationist award was created in 1941 to honor living or deceased citizen conservationists, former MDC commissioners, and employees of conservation-related agencies, universities, or organizations who made substantial and lasting contributions to the fisheries, forestry, or wildlife resources of the state. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/about-us/awards-honors/master-conservationist-award-nomination.

Before joining MDC, Seek earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture with a major in Fish and Wildlife Ecology from the University of Missouri, Columbia. He also received additional military training and education, including a Master of Science degree in Strategic Planning from the U.S. Army War College.

Seek joined MDC in 1972 as a research assistant for deer and waterfowl biologists. He then served as a wildlife area assistant for the Schell-Osage Conservation Area in southwest Missouri before becoming the assistant manager of the area. Seek was then promoted to a wildlife area manager in 1979 for the Fountain Grove Conservation Area, and helped manage portions of Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge. His responsibilities grew to include managing Grand Pass, Franklin Island, Cooley Lake, and Bob Brown conservation areas and supervising 16 staff persons. He was then promoted to a wildlife district supervisor in 1983 with responsibilities for the 10-county Grand River District. During that time, he was instrumental in major wetland developments at Grand Pass and Fountain Grove conservation areas. Seek became a wildlife regional supervisor in 1997 for MDC’s 19-county Northwest Region. He then became the division chief for the Department’s newly formed Private Land Services Division in 1999 until his retirement in 2003.

During his time with MDC, Seek was also instrumental in developing the Department’s first Wetland Management Plan, providing important insights from an experienced manager's perspective on the challenges of wetland restoration and management. Seek also led MDC’s initial effort and report on the “Evaluation of Waterfowl and Waterfowl Hunting on MDC Areas,” which provided an important basis for the evolution of public hunting to follow. He also wrote part of the Department’s “Waterfowl Hunting and Wetland Conservation in Missouri” book, considered the most contemporary historic overview of waterfowl and wetlands management in Missouri ever published.

After retirement from MDC, Seek focused on helping Ducks Unlimited establish the Confluence Focus Area near St. Louis for land protection to secure donated conservation easements on 25,000 acres of waterfowl habitat.

Seek is also the founder and primary manager of Massasauga Flats, LLC, a private 250-acre wetland in north-central Missouri that provides diverse natural shallow wetland habitat where more than 160 different wetland birds have been documented and is a model for how to manage wetlands without dependance on crops.

He has also served as a member, vice-chair, and chair of the Wetlands and Waterfowl Resource Advisory Committee for the Conservation Federation of Missouri, the state’s oldest grassroots conservation organization. As chair of the committee, Seek helped to develop and gave the welcome address at the Missouri Wetlands Summit in 2023.

In addition to his extensive conservation work, Seek also retired as a colonel from the U.S. Army Reserves after more than 30 years of service in the Reserves and the Missouri National Guard from 1972-2003.

WESTERN SMOKEHOUSE PARTNERS TO ESTABLISH NEW FACILITY IN MEXICO, INVESTING MORE THAN $67 MILLION AND CREATING 280 NEW JOBS

Western Smokehouse Partners, the leading co-manufacturer of better-for-you meat snacks, has announced that it will establish a new manufacturing facility in Mexico, investing more than $67 million and creating 280 new jobs.

Western Smokehouse Partners’ new facility in Mexico will span 300,000 square feet and specialize in the production of CHOMPS brand meat sticks. The location will feature state-of-the-art equipment and is expected to open by the end of summer 2025.

Western Smokehouse Partners began in Greentop as two companies founded by Sam Western and Jim Hankes in 1978. A shared passion for meat snacks resulted in a combined company dedicated to premium products, customer satisfaction, and world-class hospitality. Today, Western Smokehouse Partners continues to grow with a reputation for quality and excellence. After the establishment of its Mexico location, the company will operate a total of six facilities with more than 1,100 employees.

New jobs added as part of Western Smokehouse Partners’ new facility will pay an average wage well above the county average.

For this expansion, Western Smokehouse Partners will benefit from the Missouri Works program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation. The company is also receiving assistance from Missouri One Start, a division of the Department of Economic Development. Missouri One Start assists eligible businesses with their recruitment and training needs.

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October 30, 2024

Governor Parson signs Executive Order 24-13 Declaring Drought Alert in Missouri

On Tuesday, Governor Mike Parson signed Executive Order 24-13, declaring a drought alert in Missouri until March 31, 2025.  Currently, the U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that all or portions of at least 88 Missouri counties are experiencing moderate, severe, or extreme drought conditions.  The Executive Order declares a Drought Alert in these Missouri counties and any additional county that begins experiencing moderate drought conditions.  While the weather did improve this spring, allowing us to let our previous drought alert expire, the last few months have been dry, forcing us to reissue a drought alert in Missouri, “Governor Parson said.  “Despite all our challenges, from droughts to floods and everything in between, Missourians have remained strong.  This Executive Order will again allow us to step in and direct resources to those struggling with the consequences of drought, while allowing for vigilant monitoring of conditions over the winter months.”  In response to this Executive Order, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources will activate the Drought Assessment Committee, a workgroup set up to assess drought levels and work with impact teams on response and recovery recommendations.  During drought, local condition reports are crucial to understanding impacts to provide timely and appropriate assistance.  Citizens can submit information about local drought conditions at Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) A variety of helpful resources are online at  www.dnr.mo.gov/drought.  The Department of Natural Resources is adding information on drought mitigation and assistance opportunities as it becomes available.  The one-stop drought website features a link to CMOR , current drought-related news, the current United States and Missouri drought maps, the Missouri Drought Mitigation and Response Plan, and other resources, including information on previous droughts.

Randolph County Sheriff hit with restraining order over alleged misuse of county funds

A restraining order has been issued against Randolph County Sheriff Aaron Wilson, prohibiting from spending county money, after allegations of misuse of funds arise.  

According to kjluradio.com:

Randolph County Presiding Commissioner Sid Conklin filed the motion for a temporary restraining order Friday, which was granted.  The petition alleges that some unauthorized or inappropriate transactions may have occurred with respect to bank accounts controlled by the sheriff’s office.  Two examples include a $7,000 cash withdrawal made on October 24, and the purchase of a vehicle for personal use.  The accounts in question can be accessed by Wilson, but not by any county commissioners or other county officials.  The restraining order prohibits Wilson from transferring, concealing or disposing of any property or assets held in those bank accounts.  Any purchases made with county money would require written approval from the court.  A hearing on the matter is scheduled for Monday November 4.

Weekend fire at Moberly manufacturing plant remains under investigation

The Moberly Fire Department reports crews were called to Orscheln Products, L.L.C on North Morley Street on Saturday morning just before 6 a.m.  When crews arrived, they found smoke coming from the structure.  All employees were evacuated prior to the fire department’s arrival.  Interior attack crews reported heavy smoke inside the building with zero visibility.  Once inside, they found fire located near the ceiling.  The combination of fire personnel and the building’s sprinkler system kept the fire contained to one area of the building. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

MoDOT and Safety Partners Promote Buckle Up Phone Down Day

For the eighth year, the Missouri Department of Transportation and the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, along with various safety partners, schools and businesses throughout the state, are encouraging better driving behaviors as part of the annual Buckle Up Phone Down Day on Wednesday.  The day challenges all drivers to do the two most important steps while driving to reduce your risk of a fatal crash. The goal of BUPD Day is to have zero traffic fatalities on Missouri
roads throughout the day.
To date in 2024, of the more than 740 fatalities in Missouri, 63% of vehicle occupants killed were unbuckled.  Distracted driving is also a leading cause of crashes in Missouri.  In 2023, distracted driving was cited in crashes that claimed 106 lives.
In August 2023, the Siddens-Bening Hands-Free Law took effect in Missouri, prohibiting all drivers from using a handheld electronic communication device while driving.  The law aims to address distracted driving, which contributed to crashes that claimed the lives of more than 800 people across the state during the last decade.  Paired with the requirement to wear a seat belt, the enactment of the hands-free legislation means BUPD is officially law in Missouri.
Additionally, the Missouri State Highway Patrol has been educating drivers on the new law for the past year, and law enforcement agencies throughout the state will begin writing citations for driving distracted beginning January 1, 2025.  Since the creation of BUPD in 2017, Missouri’s seat belt usage rate reached an all-time high and the number of people killed who were unbuckled has decreased.  The movement has collected more than 55,000 pledges to BUPD and has expanded to more than a dozen states across the country.
“We are very proud of the impact of the Buckle Up Phone Down program, but there is still a lot of work to be done to eliminate fatalities from our roadways,” said Missouri State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer Jon Nelson. “We are asking everyone to do their part on this BUPD Day.  Buckle up and put the phone down.  Lives are on the line.”
In support of the hands-free law, many Missouri high schools are participating in AAA Missouri’s Show Me Your Score Safest Driver Competition.  This competition will be held through the end of February 2025, and will measure participant’s acceleration, braking, and phone usage habits.  The goal of this competition is to promote positive driving habits and educate young drivers on how crucial it is to make smart, safe decisions behind the wheel, especially putting down the phone.
More information on the competition is available at
www.savemolives.com/mcrs/smys.

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October 28, 2024

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN LINN COUNTY ACCIDENT

A man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at around 2:25pm Saturday in Linn County.  The patrol says that 71 year old Richard Frazier of Chillicothe was on US 36 at the Meadville Junction when he failed to yield and his truck struck a jeep driven by 54 year old Lane Alexander of Louisville, KY which caused the jeep to travel off the road and overturned.  Alexander was transported by ambulance to Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield with serious injuries.

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October 25, 2024

GOV. PARSON ISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDER 24-11, RESCINDING 177 PAST EXECUTIVE ORDERS

On Wednesday, in an effort to leave state government better than he found it, Governor Mike Parson has signed Executive Order 24-11, which rescinds 177 past executive orders that are no longer necessary or applicable. These orders date back to the 1980s with many being past state of emergency declarations or found to be in conflict with changes to state law and/or Missouri and U.S. Courts' opinions. 

"Since the very beginning, we have always looked to cut red tape, streamline bureaucracy, and reduce the size of government where possible," Governor Parson said. "This action today helps untangle a web of unnecessary and contradicting executive orders that no longer serve their intended purposes, ensuring more efficient and effective operations across state government." 

The vast majority of the 177 executive orders being rescinded are because the issue or crisis they were intended to address no longer exists. It is now common practice for executive orders to be issued with a specific date of rescission so that they do not linger in effect unnecessarily. 

GOV. AND FIRST LADY PARSON TO HOST FINAL PARSON FAMILY FALL FESTIVAL

On Monday, Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson announced that the final Parson Family Fall Festival and Trick-or-Treating at the People’s House will be held at the Missouri Governor’s Mansion on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. The outdoor event will feature several vendors, children's activities, and bluegrass musical entertainment.

“We look forward to hosting the final Parson Family Fall Festival at the Missouri Governor’s Mansion,” Governor and First Lady Parson said in a joint statement. “We have held this event every year since taking office and it has been a great honor to welcome Missourians of all ages to the People's House. Seeing so many young faces light up as they participate in the variety of activities offered will always be some of our most cherished memories." 

In addition to more than a dozen vendors, activities will include a bounce house, face painting, trick-or-treating, hayrides and more. Jordan Thomas and Shakin Jake from the Kay Brothers will perform bluegrass music for everyone to enjoy.

Several vendors are slated to attend, including The Magic House - St. Louis, MO Hives, Missouri State Parks, Runge Nature Center,  Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, Missouri Department of Agriculture, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Puppies for Parole, Missouri Department of Revenue, Boys & Girls Club of Jefferson City, BACA World, Fun Fab Four, Flowers on Phoenix, and more. 

Children 12 and under are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. The event is free and open to the public, and no registration is required.

MDC WARNS NOT TO BURN OUTDOORS TO AVOID WILDFIRE

With ongoing and worsening drought conditions throughout the state, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds people that outdoor burning could cause a wildfire. According to MDC, a main cause of wildfires is improper burning of debris such as leaves or brush piles. MDC reminds people that a person who starts a fire for any reason is responsible for any damage it may cause.

“It’s been drier and warmer than usual, which means fires have the potential to get out of control very quickly,” said MDC Fire Program Supervisor Ben Webster. “We want everyone to check weather conditions and be extremely careful with or avoid burning leaves or debris during these drier and warmer conditions. Check with your local fire department regarding burn bans or reference the National Weather Service for Red Flag Warnings that may be in place because of critical fire-weather conditions.”

MDC urges landowners, hunters, campers, and others in the outdoors to help prevent wildfires and offers the following tips.

OUTDOOR BURNING: Avoid burning during times of high temperatures, low relative humidity, and increased winds. These conditions make fire more difficult and hazardous to control. Check with local fire departments regarding burn bans or reference the National Weather Service regarding Red Flag Warnings that may be in place.

DRIVING OFF ROAD: Wildfires can start when dry fuel, such as grass, comes in contact with catalytic converters. Think twice before driving into and across a grassy field. Never park over tall, dry grass or piles of leaves that can touch the underside of a vehicle. When driving vehicles off road, regularly inspect the undercarriage to ensure that fuel and brake lines are intact, and no oil leaks are apparent. Always carry an approved fire extinguisher on vehicles that are used off road. Check for the presence of spark arresters on ATV exhausts.

MAKING A CAMPFIRE: Clear a generous area around fire rings. Store unused firewood a good distance from a campfire. Never use gasoline, kerosene, or other flammable liquid to start a fire. Keep campfires small and controllable. Keep fire-extinguishing materials, such as a rake, shovel, and bucket of water, close. Extinguish campfires each night and before leaving camp, even if it’s just for a few moments.

CALL FOR HELP: Call 911 at the first sign of a fire getting out of control.

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October 23, 2024

CHARITON COUNTY ROUTE 11 BRIDGE TO BE REPLACED

The next bridge replacement project included in the Northwest Bridge Bundle project is scheduled to begin next month. The Chariton County Missouri Route 11 bridge over Salt Creek, located south of Mendon, will close beginning Monday, Nov. 4. The project to replace the bridge is expected to continue through March 2025.

During construction, motorists will be directed on a detour using Routes C, F and U.S. Route 24. The Salt Creek Bridge was built in 1953 and has a traffic volume of approximately 913 vehicles per day. 

“The Northwest Bridge Bundle is a Design-Build project which will replace or rehabilitate 31 poor-condition bridges in north central Missouri, and this bridge is number 12,” stated Missouri Department of Transportation Project Director Michael Marriott. The Capital – Horner & Shifrin team was awarded the design-build contract by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission at its meeting in December 2023. 

Design-build is a project delivery method in which one contracting team is selected to design and build the highway improvement under one contract. MoDOT provides the project goals, budget and schedule and the contractor team completes the work. This technique has been known to significantly save time and provide cost.

LOCAL HIGHWAY SAFETY HEROES HONORED AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Twelve individuals and organizations were recognized at this year’s Highway Safety and Traffic Conference for their efforts in moving Missouri towards zero roadway fatalities. The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety holds the event each year to support Show-Me Zero, Missouri’s strategic highway safety plan. Every other year, these awards are presented to four statewide individuals or businesses and one winner from each of seven regions across the state.

This year, Nicole Hood was recognized as the Buckle Up Phone Down Champion for the instrumental role she played in expanding the Buckle Up Phone Down initiative not only statewide, but also nationally.

The Highway Opportunities through Professional Engineering (HOPE) Award was presented to MoDOT’s St. Louis County Safety Improvements Project for innovative infrastructure upgrades and community partnerships, that will ultimately save lives.

The Lay Down the Law Award recognizes law enforcement officers or groups advancing highway safety through innovative traffic safety efforts. This year, the award was presented to Lt. Scott Schnurbusch with the Hazelwood Police Department for his dedication to traffic safety, the St. Louis Coalition for Roadway Safety and the citizens of Hazelwood. A second award was also presented to the Springfield Police Department for their commitment to the SGF Yields pedestrian safety program.  

The Tempe Humphrey Award, which recognizes an individual or group with focused efforts on younger drivers, was presented to Tyler Luckenhoff. Luckenhoff has been involved in the TRACTION (Teens Taking Action to Prevent Traffic Crashes) youth program for the last 20 years and is a true leader and role model inside and outside of TRACTION.  

In addition to the statewide awards, each region of the Coalition recognizes an individual or group for their leadership and work to improve highway safety. For the Northeast Missouri Region, Anna Gill with the Mark Twain Regional Council of Governments was recognized for her dedication to educating our youngest and most vulnerable drivers and consistently demonstrating her commitment to highway safety through various initiatives.

To view the full list of award recipients and nominations, visit: 2024 Highway Safety and Traffic Awards.

A.T. STILL UNIVERSITY WINS AWARD FOR EIGHTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU) has been named a recipient of the 2024 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education.

ATSU was the first comprehensive health professions university to be named a HEED Award recipient in consecutive years (2017-18) and has now extended its achievement to an eighth consecutive year.

“We thank INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine for highlighting and recognizing important work being done at ATSU,” said Chancellor Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84. “Congratulations to Clinton Normore, MBA, chief diversity officer, and his team on yet another honor celebrating their dedication and achievements.”

ATSU supports students who learn and serve in diverse, underserved, urban, and rural communities across the world. INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine selected ATSU for its commitment to an educational and collaborative environment embracing inclusivity and cultural proficiency, highlighted by the University’s innovative Dreamline Pathways program, which received the 2024 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine earlier this year.

Through Dreamline Pathways, ATSU partners with school districts and community-based organizations, offering experiential learning opportunities to students. These collaborations introduce young minds to healthcare careers and nurture students through campus and graduate student engagement opportunities.

As a recipient of the Health Professions HEED Award – a national honor recognizing U.S. health college and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion – ATSU will be featured in the November/December 2024 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

For more information about the 2024 HEED Award, visit insightintodiversity.com.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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October 21, 2024

77 year old Sandra Charlton of Hannibal was hurt in a Saturday night crash in Ralls County.  MSHP stated that she was on US 61 when her truck went off the road, crossed the median and southbound on US 61 and then struck a guardrail.  She suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment.  The crash happened at 10:25pm Saturday.

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October 18, 2024

DRIVER LICENSE SYSTEM CHANGES

The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to inform the public of upcoming changes to the driver license testing process. In preparation for the transition, driver examination stations throughout the state will close at 12 p.m. on Thursday, November 7, 2024, and all-day November 8, 2024. Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, following the Veterans Day holiday. Driver examination testing facilities will be closed due to converting to a modernized system, directly integrated into the Department of Revenue’s new driver license system. Follow this link for further information on the driver’s license system changes being implemented by the Missouri Department of Revenue MV-DL System Changes (mo.gov).

As part of this upgrade, the Patrol will now offer the Class F written test in a total of 20 languages, which includes a newly created sign language video version of the test made possible by the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

The new system will provide a direct digital reporting network to the Department of Revenue. The system will increase efficiency by sending test results directly to the Department of Revenue. The new system will also help deter driver license fraud. For more information, please visit our website at https://apps.mshp.dps.mo.gov/MSHPWeb/PatrolDivisions/DVSD/DE/DOR_FUSION.html.

NEW TROOPERS ASSIGNED TO TROOP F

Captain Jason N. Crites, commanding officer of Troop F, is pleased to announce the assignment of three new troopers to Troop F. The troopers were members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s 121st Recruit Class that graduated Friday, October 11, 2024.

Trooper Billy R. Kamp, of Moberly, Missouri, has been assigned to Zone 8, which serves the citizens of Callaway and Montgomery counties. In 2004, Trooper Kamp graduated from Hickman High School in Columbia, Missouri. Prior to joining the Patrol, Trooper Kamp was a deputy with the Callaway County Sheriff’s Office.

Trooper Taylor A. Tarwater, of Columbia, Missouri, has been assigned to Zone 3, which serves the citizens of Boone County. In 2010, Trooper Tarwater graduated from Hickman High School in Columbia, Missouri. Prior to joining the Patrol, Trooper Tarwater was a deputy with the Audrain County Sheriff’s Office.

Trooper Isaac J. Smith, of Vandalia, Illinois, has been assigned to Zone 5, which serves the citizens of Camden and Miller counties. In 2018, Trooper Smith graduated from Vandalia High School in Vandalia, Illinois. Prior to joining the Patrol, Trooper Smith was a police officer with the Vandalia Police Department in Illinois.

HUNTERS TAKE 5,741 DEER DURING FIREARMS EARLY ANTLERLESS PORTION

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that hunters harvested 5,741 deer during the state’s firearms early antlerless portion of deer season, Oct. 11-13. The top-three harvest counties were Franklin with 156 deer harvested, Howell with 140, and Bollinger with 135. Last year’s early antlerless portion harvest total was 16,553. Get more information on harvest summaries by county at extra.mdc.mo.gov/widgets/harvest_table/.

MDC’s Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle attributes the decreased harvest to the stark contrast in weather conditions between the two years. He noted that the unseasonably warm temperatures this year undoubtedly kept many hunters out of the woods, resulting in far fewer deer being harvested.

“We were fortunate to have caught a cold front during last year’s inaugural early antlerless portion, which resulted in increased deer movement and greater hunter participation,” said Isabelle.

Archery deer hunting in Missouri opened Sept. 15 and runs through Nov. 15. It reopens Nov. 27 and runs through Jan. 15, 2025. Firearms deer hunting in Missouri continues with the Early Youth Portion Nov. 2-3. The November Portion runs Nov. 16-26 followed by the CWD Portion Nov. 27 – Dec. 1 in open counties. The Late Youth Portion runs Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 followed by the Late Antlerless Portion Dec. 7-15 in open counties and then the Alternative Methods Portion Dec. 28 through Jan. 7, 2025.

Get more information on deer hunting from MDC’s 2024 Fall Deer & Turkey Regulations and Information booklet, available where permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer.

SEPTEMBER 2024 MONTHLY JOBS REPORT

Missouri nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 900 jobs in September 2024, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged from August at 3.9 percent. Private industry employment decreased by 1,300 jobs and government employment increased by 400 jobs. Over the year, there was an increase of 86,500 jobs from September 2023 to September 2024, and the unemployment rate increased by six-tenths of a percentage point, from 3.3 percent in September 2023 to 3.9 percent in September 2024.

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October 17, 2024

79 year old Gerald Ward of Glasgow was hurt in a Tuesday night mishap in Howard County.  MSHP stated that he was on MO 5 when he suffered a medical emergency, causing his jeep to run off the right side of the road and struck a building.  He suffered minor injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.  The mishap happened at 7:10pm Tuesday.

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October 16, 2024

A man was hurt in an accident that occurred at 7am Monday in Linn County.  The patrol says that 25 year old Reed Aylor of Borger, TX was on US 36 at Laclede when his truck traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a road sign.  He was transported by ambulance to Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield for treatment of minor injuries.

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October 11, 2024

DRIVER EXAMINATION STATIONS CLOSE FOR HOLIDAY

The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to remind the public that driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed on the following date:
Monday, October 14, in observance of Columbus Day. Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, October 15.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE IN HONOR OF ELI BEASLEY SET FOR SATURDAY

Eli Beasley and his family invite the local community to a special blood drive in his honor, hosted in partnership with the American Red Cross. The event will take place on Saturday, October 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Spirit Hall, 20650 N. Hwy 124, Centralia, MO 65240. In 2018, Eli sustained third-degree burns on 80% of his body and needed 21 units of blood to survive.  Before the accident, he was a regular blood donor, including during his service in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2009 to 2013.  While deployed in Afghanistan, Eli discovered he had O-negative blood, the universal donor type.  Although he can no longer donate due to the specialized skin graft procedures following his accident, Eli remains committed to the cause and hopes to inspire others to donate blood and help save lives. As a thank you, those who come to give will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. For full details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Treat.

MDC HOSTS 80^TH BIRTHDAY BASH FOR SMOKEY BEAR ON SATURDAY IN KIRKSVILLE

The Missouri Department of Conservation invites the public to celebrate Smokey Bear’s 80^th birthday in Kirksville on Saturday Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Truman State University Quad. This free event will have activities for participants of all ages. Participants are invited to try their hand at archery, snap some photos with Smokey, explore various emergency vehicles courtesy of many MDC partners, and more. Visitors will also be able to design their own iron-on transfer t-shirt to commemorate the day. Registration for this event is not required. Questions about the birthday bash can be sent to Yvette Amerman at 660-785-2420 or by email at yvette.amerman@mdc.mo.gov.

MISSOURI ROUTE 161 IN MONTGOMERY CITY TEMPORARILY CLOSES FOR RAILROAD WORK

Weather permitting, thru Friday morning, Missouri Route 161 in Montgomery City is closed temporarily for work on the railroad crossing, in Montgomery County. The road has been closed between Allen Street and Walker Street since Wednesday and is set to reopen at 8 a.m. on Friday.  

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

           … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

October 7, 2024

PLANNED ROADWORK FOR NORTHEAST MISSOURI

The following is a list of general highway maintenance work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northeast Missouri region for the next few weeks.

All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.

Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below.

Adair County

Route T – October 7 – 9, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Hazel Green Way to Bowtie Way between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Route T – October 11, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Bowtie Way to Blueberry Way between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route T – October 15 - 16, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Blueberry Way to Lincoln Street in Kirksville between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Route T – October 17 - 18, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Lincoln Street to U.S. Route 63 in Kirksville between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Audrain County

Route U – October 7 - 9, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route N to CR 741 between 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily.

Route U – October 11, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 741 to CR 733 between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route U – October 15, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 733 to CR 725 between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route U – October 16, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 715 to CR 725 between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Clark County

Route B – October 11 & 15, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route C to CR 198 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Route Y – October 7, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 146 to CR 143 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route Y – October 8, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 139 to Route HH between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Knox County

Route A – October 8 & 11, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Missouri Route 6 to Route F between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Route F – October 7, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Missouri Route 15 to Route A between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Lincoln County

U.S. Route 61 East Outer Road – October 15, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Creech Lane to Luck Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route K – October 7 – 9, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Twin Valley Road to Opal Lane between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Route KK – October 16 - 18, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from U.S. Route 61 East Outer Road to Keithley Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Macon County

U.S. Route 36 (Westbound) – October 7 – 9 & 11, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance from Route K to Lariat Avenue between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. A 14-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working daily.

Route Z – October 7, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Bugle Avenue to Arizona Street between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route Z – October 8, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Cannon Street to Route TT between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route Z – October 9, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Cannon Street to Badger Street between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

Route Z­ – October 9, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Badger Street to Missouri Route 149 between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Monroe County

Monroe County Road 980 – October 16, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Missouri Route 151 to Route AA between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route C – October 17, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 870 to Route C spur between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route D – October 11, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 657 to Route E between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route Z – October 7, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Missouri Route 154 to CR 670 between 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Route FF – October 8, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 343 to Route V between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route KK – October 8 – 9 & 15, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Missouri Route 15 to CR 715 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Montgomery County

Missouri Route 161 – October 9 – 11, CLOSED for railroad crossing repairs from Allen Street to Walker Street in Montgomery City beginning October 9 at 8:00 a.m. and continuing to October 11 at 8:00 a.m.

I-70 (Westbound) – October 15 – 16, LANE RESTRICTION for shoulder work operations from MM 182.0 to MM 181.4 between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Route J – October 16, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Whiteside School Road to Big Springs Quarry Rd from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Route J – October 17, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from South Turkey Ridge Road to Short Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Randolph County

Route A – October 7, CLOSED for railroad crossing repairs at Route A/Business 63 intersection in Moberly between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Route AA – October 8, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 2610 to 0.50 mile south of CR 2610 between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Route AA – October 9, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from 0.25 mile south of Route A to 0.50 mile south of Route A between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.  

Schuyler County

Route Y – October 11, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Ranch Avenue to Coon Road between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Scotland County

Route MM – October 7, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Missouri Route 136 to CR 504 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Shelby County

Route EE – October 9, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from U.S. Route 36 to CR 390 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.  

38^TH ANNUAL MIZZOU HOMECOMING BLOOD DRIVE IN COLUMBIA

This year marks the 38^th year the American Red Cross and University of Missouri are partnering to host the Mizzou Homecoming Blood Drive, the largest collegiate blood drive in the nation. This year’s event will take place from October 7 through October 10 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at the University of Missouri Student Rec Complex, 901 Rollins St. in Columbia.

Last year’s drive finished with 4,743 units collected putting the 2023 blood drive in the top 5 of most units collected in the last 18 years. This year’s goal is 4,800 total units collected over the course of the 4-day blood drive.

“Each year, the dedication of the students, faculty, alumni, and Columbia community to this life-saving event leaves me in awe,” remarked Rebecca Gordon, Executive Director of the Red Cross of Central and Northern Missouri. “We are thrilled to be involved in the Mizzou Homecoming activities and are excited for another successful Blood Drive, securing blood donations for those in need.”

As a thank you, everyone who presents to donate blood will receive an exclusive Homecoming-themed, ‘Lights, Camera, Action’ Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. Additionally, those who come to give will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. For full details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Treat. 

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE FOUNDATION DONATES $25,000 TO AMERICAN RED CROSS FOR DISASTER RELIEF

The American Red Cross is pleased to announce a generous donation of $25,000 from the O’Reilly Automotive Foundation. The money will support multiple disaster relief efforts following the devastating impacts of everything from wildfires to hurricanes. This contribution underscores the foundation's commitment to helping communities in need during times of crisis.

Natural disasters have caused significant damage across several states, affecting thousands of lives and displacing many families. The American Red Cross is actively engaged in providing essential services such as shelter, food, and emotional support to those impacted.

The funds will assist the American Red Cross in supplying necessary resources, including shelter, meals, and health services, while contributing to ongoing recovery efforts in the hardest-hit areas.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation encourages others to join in supporting the American Red Cross and contributing to disaster relief efforts. Donations can be made directly to the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org.

For more information about the O'Reilly Automotive Foundation and its charitable initiatives, please visit https://www.oreillyauto.com/oreilly-foundation.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

           … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

October 4, 2024

PATROL WARNS PUBLIC OF SCAM

The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to make the public aware of a telephone scam. In the past month, some incidents have been reported across the state. In each case, a suspect contacted an individual associated with someone who was involved in a motor vehicle crash, identified themselves as the investigating trooper and attempted to solicit money from the victim. The suspect may intimidate the victim with false claims of impending or nonexistent court charges/proceedings. The public should understand Patrol employees will not contact individuals and solicit funds or demand any form of payment. Furthermore, the Patrol employees do not process bonds or accept money to prevent or dispose of charges.
If a person asks you to send your money anywhere, you should assume it’s a scam. Take your time verifying the information by calling phone numbers you locate yourself on verified websites. You should not confirm any identifying information about yourself to the scammer. If you or someone you know have been contacted in a similar manner, please report the incident to your local Troop Headquarters.

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK 2024 EMPHASIZES CRITICAL IMPORTANCE OF SMOKE ALARMS IN PROTECTING MISSOURI FAMILIES

One of the simplest steps Missourians can take to protect their families is to install smoke alarms in their homes. Installing smoke alarms reduces the risk of dying in a home fire by more than 50%. That’s why this year’s theme for Fire Prevention Week is “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!”

“About three of every five home fire deaths occur in residences without working smoke alarms,” State Fire Marshal Tim Bean said. “We cannot emphasize enough the importance of having working smoke alarms in your home. Many Missouri fire departments, working with the American Red Cross, can even provide and install smoke alarms for families at no cost. Families in need of assistance should contact the American Red Cross of Missouri.”

To request a free American Red Cross Home Fire Safety Visit and smoke alarms, click here.

A report this year from the National Fire Protection Association showed that while in 1977 less than one-quarter of U.S. households had smoke alarms, it’s now estimated that over 90% of homes have at least one smoke alarm. But it is essential that smoke alarms are regularly tested and batteries are replaced so that they remain in working order.

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home;
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button;
• The end of daylight saving time, when clocks are adjusted to “fall back” an hour, can serve as an easy reminder to change smoke and CO alarm batteries once a year. This year, daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. Remember, when you change the time, change the batteries.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old;
• Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

Smoke alarms provide precious time to escape a burning home. Each family member should know escape routes from every room in a residence. Families should also regularly practice their fire escape plans.

WATCH OUT FOR DEER ALONG ROADWAYS IN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER

Fall has arrived, which means deer and other wild animals are on the move as temperatures cool and nights become longer. Most deer strikes with vehicles occur during October and November and between the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Missouri Department of Transportation reminds motorists to be prepared for the sudden appearance of wild animals on Missouri roadways throughout the fall months.

“Deer increase their movements during the breeding season, which begins in October and peaks in mid-November,” said Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Deer Biologist Jason Isabelle. “Because of this, motorists should be especially cautious when driving this time of year.”           

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri has consistently ranked 10^th to 15^th in the country for collisions involving deer each year. In 2023, Missouri drivers experienced 3,591 crashes involving deer. One deer strike occurred approximately every 2 hours and 30 minutes in the state. In these crashes, there were four fatalities and 420 people were injured.

Rural areas are not the only places where vehicle strikes occur. Deer are often in groups, even in populated areas.

Here are some tips for staying alert:

·         Stay on guard after a close call or when you see a single deer, as there are likely more.

·         To avoid hitting a deer, always be cautious and regularly scan both sides of the roadway.

·         Watch for the reflection of deer eyes from vehicle headlights and slow down so you can more easily react to their presence.

·         Never swerve to avoid animals in the road, as it can cause loss of vehicle control, resulting in serious injury or death.

According to Missouri Law, an individual who has struck and killed a deer with their vehicle may claim the deer carcass if written authorization to possess the deer is granted by an MDC agent. The Wildlife Disposition Form is free, but MDC must be contacted to obtain the permit.

“No one should ever jeopardize their safety by attempting to remove an animal in a high-traffic area. Instead, contact MoDOT’s customer service line at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636),” said MoDOT State Maintenance Engineer Darin Hamelink. “Crews will address any animal or debris that poses a safety hazard, meaning the item is in the driving lanes. Crews will safely drag the large animal debris to the outer portion of the grassy roadside, outside any active drainage ditch or channel.”

If a deer is located on the shoulder, MoDOT will address the deer during normal weekday work hours. MoDOT crews are not called out after hours to remove an item unless it is a road safety hazard in a driving lane. MoDOT does not employ any specialized crews assigned to remove dead animals from roadways or contract out any roadkill removal. If a deer is struck along a state-maintained road and is completely off the roadway, MoDOT will not pick it up unless it impedes mail delivery or is in a neighborhood, especially at or near a bus stop. 

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

           … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

October 2, 2024

PLANNED ROADWORK FOR NORTHEAST MISSOURI

The following is a list of general highway maintenance work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northeast Missouri region for the next few weeks.

All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.

Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below.

Adair County

Route D – October 2, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Morelock Cemetery Road to Sydney Road between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route D – October 3, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Sydney Road to Fayette Road between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route D – October 4, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Fayette Road to Foliage Road between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route T – October 7 – 9, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Hazel Green Way to Bowtie Way between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Route T – October 10, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Bowtie Way to Blueberry Way between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route T – October 11, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Blueberry Way to Lincoln Street in Kirksville between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Audrain County

Route U – October 2, 4 & 7, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route N to CR 741 between 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily.

Route U – October 8, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 741 to CR 733 between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route U – October 9, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 733 to CR 725 between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route U – October 11, LANE RESTRICTION for culvert replacement operations from CR 715 to CR 725 between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. A 11-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

Clark County

Route K – October 2 – October 4, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Iowa State line to Route AA between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Knox County

Missouri Route 156 – October 2 – October 3, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance from 0.5 mile before and after the North River Bridge between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working daily.

Route A – October 3, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Linden Street to Lotus Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route T – October 2, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Missouri Route 6 to Seymour Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Lincoln County

Route K – October 7 – 10, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Twin Valley Road to Opal Lane between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Route V – October 2 – 3, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Hawk Ridge Drive to Jacks Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Macon County

Route Z – October 2, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Cannon Street to Route TT between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route Z – October 3, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Cannon Street to Badger Street between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

Route Z­ – October 3, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Badger Street to Missouri Route 149 between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Monroe County

Monroe County Road 980 – October 9, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Missouri Route 151 to Route AA between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route C – October 4, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 870 to Route C spur between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route D – October 2, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 647 to CR 657 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route D – October 3, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 647 to CR 657 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route KK – October 7, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Missouri Route 15 to CR 715 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Montgomery County

Missouri Route 161 – October 9 – 11, CLOSED for railroad crossing repairs from Allen Street to Walker Street in Montgomery City beginning October 9 at 8:00 a.m. and continuing to October 11 at 8:00 a.m.

Ralls County

Route FF – October 3, CLOSED for grading ditches/drainage work from U.S. Route 61 to Plum Creek Lane between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Randolph County

Route A – October 7, CLOSED for railroad crossing repairs at Route A/Business 63 intersection in Moberly between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Route AA – October 2, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from 1.0 mile north of Route B to 1.5 miles south of CR 2580 between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Route AA – October 3, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from 1.0 mile south of CR 2580 to 1.0 mile north of CR 2680 between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Route AA – October 4, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from 1.0 mile south of 2580 to 1.5 miles north of CR 2680 between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Route AA – October 8, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 2610 to 0.50 mile south of CR 2610 between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Route AA – October 9, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from 0.25 mile south of Route A to 0.50 mile south of Route A between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.  

Schuyler County

Route J – October 2, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Walking Trail Drive to Quail Avenue between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Route Y – October 2 – 4, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Ranch Avenue to Coon Road between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Shelby County

U.S. Route 36 (Eastbound) – October 2 – October 4, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from North Fork Salt River bridge to Monroe City between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily.

U.S. Route 36 (Westbound) – October 2 – October 4, LANE RESTRICTION for grading ditches/drainage work from Monroe City to Shelbina between 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily.

Route EE – October 9, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from U.S. Route 36 to CR 390 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route FF – October 8, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 343 to Route V between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Warren County

Missouri Route 94 – October 3 – 4, LANE RESTRICTION for grading ditches/drainage work from Missouri Route 94 to just east of Church Hill Downs between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working daily.

Route TT – October 2, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Missouri Route 94 to Turkey Hollow Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

MOBERLY POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS

On September 20, the Moberly Police Department was made aware of a possible kidnapping and assault that occurred at a residence on Rollins St.  The victim was rescued by the Moberly Police Department Swat Team and North Missouri Drug Task Force.  The Moberly Police Department furthered the investigation, and a warrant was issued to arrest 38 year old Vaughn Woods for kidnapping 1st, assault 1st and unlawful use of a weapon.  On September 26, the Moberly Police Department located Woods at a residence in the 800 block of Union Ave.  After an hour long standoff with the Moberly Swat Team he was taken into custody without incident.  The Moberly Police Department was assisted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and North Missouri Drug Task Force.

TRUMAN STATE UNIVERSITY EARNS NUMBER 1 RANKING FOR 28TH YEAR IN A ROW

Truman State University has again been recognized as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest Region by U.S. News & World Report.  The University earned multiple recognitions in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, including another year as the No. 1 public school in the Midwest Region. Among both public and private institutions, Truman was No. 5 overall for the Midwest Region. Notably, Truman was the only Missouri public school to be included in the top 60 spots.  Truman faculty members’ commitment to students helped the University improve in another noteworthy category. Always a fixture in the Undergraduate Teaching Programs list, Truman improved seven spots to tie for the No. 3 position this year. This subcategory, compiled from peer assessment, highlights schools that emphasize providing high-quality instruction to undergraduates. Of the 13 institutions to make this ranking, Truman was the lone public school to be included.  As usual, the University fared well on a number of supplemental tabs included in this year’s Best Colleges rankings. Coming in at No. 11 on the list of Best Value Schools for the Midwest Region, Truman was the only Missouri public institution included in the top 40 spots. This ranking was determined by examining key indicators such as: academic quality; the percentage of full-time students receiving need-based scholarships or grants; and the average discount from a school’s sticker price for full-time undergraduates receiving the average need-based grant.  U.S. News & World Report also recognized Truman on its list of Top Performers on Social Mobility, and four of the University’s academic programs – business, computer science, nursing and psychology – again earned inclusion on rankings of their respective disciplines. The entire Best Colleges rankings can be found online at usnews.com/best-colleges.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

           … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

September 26, 2024

MAN INJURED IN HOWARD COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Franklin man was injured in an accident that occurred at 5:40pm Tuesday in Howard County.  The patrol says that 60 year old Gregory Davis was on MO 87 when his homemade motorized scooter skidded on loose gravel and overturned, ejecting him from it.  He was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.

MAN SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS FOR JUNE 2020 MURDER OF MEXICO MAN

Audrain County Prosecuting Attorney Jacob Shellabarger announces that 29 year old Timothy Scott Midgyett of Columbia pled guilty to the June 2020 murder of Chance Davis of Mexico.  Midgyett pled guilty Monday morning, when a jury trial was scheduled to begin in Mexico at the Audrain County Courthouse.  He pled guilty to murder in the second degree, unlawful use of a weapon resulting in death, and burglary in the first degree and received fifteen year sentences on those crimes, with an additional, consecutive ten-year sentence for Armed Criminal Action, the use of a firearm in a felony murder.  This means the total sentence is 25 years in prison.  The early morning June 27, 2020 home invasion shook the Mexico community, which led to an extensive search and investigation by Mexico Public Safety and the Mid-Missouri Major Case Squad.  Timothy Midgyett, Sadiq Moore, and Deyton Curtis-Fisher were involved in the murder.  Moore and Midgyett entered into the West Street home and fired a single shot.  Chance Davis was murdered in front of his significant other and his young son.  Shellabarger’s office was assisted by the Missouri Attorney General’s Public Protection Division in this case, with Assistant Attorneys General Kelly Snyder and Greg Goodwin leading the prosecution.

TEEN FACES ADULT CHARGES IN SHOOTING DEATH OF MACON MAN

Boone County prosecutors charged a 15 year old with adult charges in connection to the death of a Macon man whose body was found in Columbia earlier this year.  Kavon La’Shaun Eugene Williams has been charged with Second Degree Murder and First Degree Robbery in the death of 25 year old Malik Jones of Macon who had last been seen on January 30, 2024.  His sister found his body in the 6100 Block of Creasy Springs Road North in Columbia on February 7, 2024.  On March 1, 2024, Columbia police arrested a 15 year old boy.  Court documents state that Jones and Williams arranged to meet in Columbia for a marijuana deal.  They also state that Williams posted on social media images that showed money covered in something red and that a video posted shortly after Jones disappeared Williams holding the red-stained money, stating “We busted that ol’ boy.”  Williams has been held without bond.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

           … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

September 25, 2024

TEEN HURT IN CALLAWAY COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Fulton teen was hurt in an accident that occurred at 9:10am Tuesday in Callaway County.  The patrol says that 19 year old Jonna Vanzetti was on Route WW when her car traveled off the right side of the roadway, she overcorrected, causing it to return to the road and then went into the path of a car driven by 68 year old Russell Curry of Fulton and Curry’s car struck her car in the passenger side.  The teen was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries.

DRIVER INJURED IN TUESDAY MORNING WRECK

59 year old Jeffrey Hohman of California was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Tuesday morning in Grundy County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 9:20am as he was on MO Route A when he failed to negotiate a curve and his freightliner dump truck ran off the south side of the road, overturned and struck an embankment, before coming to rest on its top facing east off the south side of the road.  He was taken to Wright Memorial Hospital in Trenton for treatment of moderate injuries.

TWO INJURED IN MONDAY AFTERNOON CRASH

Both drivers were injured in a Monday afternoon crash in Lincoln County.  MSHP stated that 38 year old Anthony Dale of St. Peters was on Missouri 47 when his car crossed the center line and struck a truck driven by 54 year old Jeffrey Cornelius of St. Charles.  Both were transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for treatment of moderate injuries.  The crash happened at 4pm Monday.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

           … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

September 24, 2024

MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS

On Tuesday, September 17 at approximately 7:03am, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 1700 block of E Liberty in reference to a crash where a vehicle left the roadway and struck a utility pole. The vehicle then left the scene. Alert residents gave a description of the vehicle and officers stopped the 2008 Chrysler Sebring in the area of Boulevard and Huntingfield Drive. A 17 year-old male was detained and taken to MPSD where he was later turned over to a parent, pending action by the 12th Circuit Court-Juvenile Division for Leaving the Scene of an Accident, DWI, Minor in Possession of Alcohol, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Careless and Imprudent Driving. There were no injuries as a result of the incident.

AUGUST 2024 MONTHLY JOBS REPORT

Missouri nonfarm payroll employment increased by 7,900 jobs in August 2024, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by one-tenth of a percentage point to 3.9 percent. Private industry employment increased by 5,800 jobs and government employment increased by 2,100 jobs. Over the year, there was an increase of 98,500 jobs from August 2023 to August 2024, and the unemployment rate increased by seven-tenths of a percentage point, from 3.2 percent in August 2023 to 3.9 percent in August 2024.

PLANNED ROADWORK FOR NORTHEAST MISSOURI

The following is a list of general highway maintenance work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northeast Missouri region for the next few weeks.

All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.

Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below.  

Adair County

Business Route 63 (Baltimore Street) – September 23, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Missouri Route 6 to Charles Street in Kirksville between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

Route D – September 30 – October 1, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Forest Ridge Road to Morelock Cemetery Road between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Route D – October 2, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Morelock Cemetery Road to Sydney Road between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route D – October 3, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Sydney Road to Fayette Road between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route D – October 4, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Fayette Road to Foliage Road between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Audrain County

Business Route 54 – September 23, LANE RESTRICTION for grinding high joints from Green Boulevard to Teal Lake Road in Mexico between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

U.S. Route 54 – September 30, LANE RESTRICTION for culvert replacement operations from 500 feet east of CR 557 to 400 feet west of Route P between 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Missouri Route 22 – September 24 – 25, LANE RESTRICTION for grinding high joints from Mexico City Limits to Centralia City Limits between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. daily.

Route N – September 24, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from 1600 feet west of West Jackson Street in Martinsburg to CR 740 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route ZZ – September 30, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 353 to CR 335 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Clark County

Route A – September 23, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 228-4 East to CR 228-4 West between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route K – September 23 – 26 & September 30 – October 4, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Iowa State line to Route AA between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Knox County

Missouri Route 156 – September 23 – October 3, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance from 0.5 mile before and after the North River Bridge between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working daily.

Lewis County

Route D – September 23 – 26 & 30, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route U to Missouri Route 156 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Lincoln County

Route V – September 26, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from U.S. Route 61 to Henry Harris Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route V – September 27, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Ivy Lane to Harmony Grove Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route V – October 2 – 3, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Hawk Ridge Drive to Jacks Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Macon County

Route K – September 23, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Mariner Street to Landmark Street between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route M – September 24 – 26 CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route K to Olive Avenue between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Route Z – September 30, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route VV to Bugle Avenue between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route Z – October 1, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Bugle Avenue to Arizona Street between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route Z – October 2, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Cannon Street to Route TT between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route Z – October 3, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Cannon Street to Badger Street between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

Route Z­ – October 3, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Badger Street to Missouri Route 149 between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Monroe County

Route C – October 1, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 870 to Route C spur between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route D – September 26, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 647 to CR 657 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route D – September 27, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route E to CR 657 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route Z – September 23, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route D to CR 616 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route Z – September 24, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 770 to CR 650 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. 

Route Z – September 25, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Missouri Route 154 to CR 670 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Montgomery County

Route ZZ – September 23 - 24, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route B to CR 1040 in Callaway County between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Route ZZ – September 25, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Cedartown Road to Whitehall School Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route ZZ – September 26, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Whitehall School Road to Missouri Route 19 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Pike County

U.S. Route 79 – July 15 – September 30, CLOSED for flood wall construction from Smith Street to Main Cross in Clarksville beginning July 15th ending September 30th.

Randolph County

Route O – September 23, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from 1.5 miles west of Route C to 2 miles west of Route C between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Route AA – October 2, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from 1.0 mile north of Route B to 1.5 miles south of CR 2580 between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Route AA – October 3 - 4, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from 1.0 mile south of CR 2580 to 1.0 mile north of CR 2680 between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. daily.

Route BB – September 24, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations beginning at CR 2150 continuing 1000 feet east of CR 2150 between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Route BB – September 25, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations beginning at CR 2270 continuing 1000 feet east of CR 2270 between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Schuyler County

Route J – September 23 – 24, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Walking Trail Drive to Quail Avenue between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Route J – September 25, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Keller Drive to Rocky Avenue between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route V – September 30 – October 1, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route D to Hilliard Avenue between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Route Y – October 2 – 4, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Ranch Avenue to Coon Road between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Shelby County

U.S. Route 36 (Westbound) – September 23 – 24, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Missouri Route 15 to Route N between 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily.

U.S. Route 36 (Westbound) – September 25 - 27, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from CR 311 to the Macon County Line between 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily.

Route P - September 23, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Missouri Route 15 to CR 227 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route P - September 24, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Missouri Route 15 to end of state maintenance between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route MM - September 25, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Missouri Route 151 to end of state maintenance between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route MM - September 26, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Missouri Route 151 to CR 315 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Warren County

Missouri Route 47 – September 23 – 24, LANE RESTRICTION for culvert replacement operations from just south of Legion Hall Road to Marthasville City Limits between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Missouri Route 94 – October 3 – 4, LANE RESTRICTION for grading ditches/drainage work from Missouri Route 94 to just east of Church Hill Downs between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working daily.

Route D – September 25 – 27, LANE RESTRICTION for grading ditches/drainage work from Sycamore Street in Marthasville to Wolf Creek Road between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. daily.

Route TT – September 30 – October 2, LANE RESTRICTION for culvert replacement operations from Route TT to Turkey Hollow Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

           … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

September 23, 2024

MOBERLY MAN INJURED IN RANDOLPH COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Moberly man was injured in an accident that occurred at 7:45am Sunday in Randolph County.  The patrol says that 24 year old Brandon Bunch was on County Road 2320 when his SUV traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a concrete barrier.  He was transported by ambulance to Moberly Regional Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries.

TEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SATURDAY NIGHT WRECK

18 year old Tyler Hawkins of Centralia was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Saturday night in Boone County.  The highway patrol said it happened after 9pm as he was on  Schooler Road when he failed to stop at a stop sign and his car went across Route U and struck a tree.  The teen was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.

DRIVER SERIOUSLY HURT IN EARLY FRIDAY MORNING CRASH

A Browning driver was seriously hurt in an early Friday morning crash in Linn County.  MSHP stated that 18 year old Ransom Wood was on Route M when he fell asleep, causing his car to run off the road and overturned.  He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.  The crash happened at 3:30am Friday.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

           … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

September 19, 2024

RAMP CLOSURES ALONG US ROUTE 63 IN COLUMBIA

The contractor has made changes to the planned schedule of work for the remainder of the week for the ramps along U.S. Route 63 in the Columbia/Prathersville area as part of a resurfacing project. Contractors from Capital Paving and Construction LLC, working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, worked at the Oakland Gravel Road and Prathersville Road overpasses Wednesday and then will move to the shoulder work on Thursday and Friday.

Below is the revised schedule of work for the remainder of the week. As always, all scheduled work is subject to change.

Planned work Wednesday, Sept. 18:

7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. – in the following order:

1. West end of Oakland Gravel Road and southbound off-ramp from U.S. Route 63 CLOSED. The southbound on-ramp to U.S. Route 63 from Oakland Gravel Road will remain open.
2. East end of Oakland Gravel Road and northbound off-ramp from U.S. Route 63 will CLOSE. The northbound on-ramp to U.S. Route 63 will remain open.

3 to 9 p.m. – in the following order:

1. East end of Prathersville Road and northbound off-ramp from U.S. Route 63 will CLOSE. The northbound on-ramp to U.S. Route 63 will remain open.
2. West end of Prathersville Road and the southbound off-ramp from U.S. Route 63 will CLOSE. The southbound on-ramp to U.S. Route 63 will remain open.

Planned work for Thursday, Sept. 19, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.:

• The southbound driving lane of U.S. Route 63 will close for the paving of the outside shoulder.

Planned work for Friday, Sept. 20, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.:

• The northbound driving lane of U.S. Route 63 will close for the paving of the outside shoulder.

Some intermittent, short-term ramp closures may be necessary between Route B and Route 763 throughout the day Thursday and Friday. Motorists are advised to use caution, slow down and eliminate all distractions. Pay attention to signs, changing traffic patterns, and workers and equipment close to the travelway.

UPDATE ON SLIDE REPAIR PROJECT ON ROUTE U IN WARREN COUNTY

The slide repair project located in Warren County on Route U, between Rogers Drive and Lake Ridge Lane, approximately 1.25 miles north of Missouri Route 94, has been declared an emergency project allowing an accelerated schedule for the letting and award of the repair contract.

All necessary environmental clearances and right of way have been obtained and the project is currently underway.  The work is scheduled to be completed in November.

Route U will remain closed until the project is complete.  The preferred detour around the closure is to use Missouri Route 94 to Missouri Route 47.

OTHER MODOT NEWS

The Missouri Legislature and Governor Parson signed into law significant investment in the I-44 Corridor during the 2024 Legislative session.  The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission approved the 2025-2029 Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan this summer which included already planned projects programmed along the I-44 corridor. These historic investments for I-44 corridor are just a start to bring a much-needed upgrade to this aging facility.  MoDOT is currently updating the Forward 44 purpose and need study which is anticipated to be completed in early 2025.