LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY  

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                  … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

March 27, 2025

MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS

On Monday, March 24 at approximately 3:53PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 1400 block of S Coal Street in reference to a fire. Responding personnel found grass and leaves burning along a property line between two city lots. The fire had reached unattached garages on each property and was contained and extinguished with each garage having minor fire damage. Investigation indicated the fire was caused by juveniles playing with a lighter. MPSD is continuing to investigate what occurred. There were no injuries from the incident.

ANNUAL FIRE FIGHTERS DAY AT THE CAPITOL IS SET FOR THURSDAY

On Thursday at 12PM, firefighters from across Missouri will gather at the Capitol for Fire Fighters Day, an annual recognition of the importance of the fire service in protecting Missourians and their property. This year’s ceremony follows the heroic and indefatigable efforts of fire fighters across Missouri to battle hundreds of wildland fires as dry vegetation, low relative humidity values and strong winds fanned far more natural cover fires than in any year in recent memory. Strong mutual aid cooperation among fire service agencies was essential in fighting the fires. Incident support teams organized to relieve overburdened personnel also played an important role.

Thursday’s ceremony will also celebrate the essential roles of 911 telecommunicators and fire fighter spouses in supporting the fire service.   

FEBRUARY 2025 MONTHLY JOBS REPORT

Missouri nonfarm payroll employment increased by 12,500 jobs in February 2025 and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 3.7 percent. Private industry employment increased by 12,200 jobs and government employment increased by 300 jobs. Over the year, there was an increase of 10,300 jobs from February 2024 to February 2025, and the unemployment rate increased by two-tenths of a percentage point, from 3.5 percent in February 2024 to 3.7 percent in February 2025.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY  

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                  … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

March 26, 2025

CHARITON VALLEY ENABLES RANDOLPH COUNTY AREA FIRST RESPONDERS TO DELIVER LIFESAVING SERVICES WITH SMARTTOWN FREE WI-FI

Chariton Valley remains dedicated to enhancing life in rural Missouri by providing complimentary SmartTown Wi-Fi to area first responders in Randolph County. SmartTown provides a secure and reliable connection during emergencies when traditional communication methods like cell service or radio communication may be
limited or unreliable. The Randolph County Ambulance District, the first emergency unit
introduced to SmartTown, has been utilizing it for a couple of months.
Chariton Valley plans to extend SmartTown to all volunteer firefighters and first responders in the communities it serves. This initiative aims to enhance communication for vital emergency services, benefiting Chariton Valley customers during critical times when every minute and second counts.
First responders who Chariton Valley has not contacted yet are encouraged to call 660-395-9636 to get SmartTown started today.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY  

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                  … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

March 25, 2025

SCHEDULED RAILROAD WORK ON US ROUTE 24 IN MONROE CITY

Weather permitting, March 31, U.S. Route 24 will be reduced to one lane from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. between Lawn St. and S. Border St. in Monroe City for work at the Norfolk Southern railroad crossing.

MODOT CELEBRATES SECOND IMPROVE I-70 PROJECT GROUNDBREAKING

The groundbreaking of the second project within the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Improve I-70 Program kicked off with an official ceremony Thursday March 20, in Foristell. MoDOT, joined by state and local elected officials, along with members of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission and its contractor team gathered at the closed eastbound I-70 weigh station to break ground on Improve I-70: Warrenton to Wentzville.

Improve I-70: Warrenton to Wentzville is one of several projects that will expand and improve I-70 across the state. Missouri’s FY2024 budget approved through the state legislative process and signed by the governor provides $2.8 billion in General Revenue for the costs to build a third lane in each direction on nearly 200 miles of I-70, from Blue Springs to Wentzville. This 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, the largest single contract in MoDOT’s history.

Construction will begin in spring 2025 and completion is anticipated in late 2028. This project was awarded to the Design-Build contractor team the Improve 70 Alliance (Emery Sapp and Sons, Clarkson Construction, HNTB, and Bartlett and West) and includes the following improvements:

• Constructing a third lane in each direction on I-70 from Warrenton to I-64 in Wentzville, including replacing the existing I-70 lanes with new full-depth concrete pavement.
• Interchange improvements at I-70 and the I-64/U.S. Route 61 interchange.
• Interchange and outer road improvements in Warrenton, Wright City, Foristell, and at Route Z.
• Realignment at the railroad bridge on I-70 between Wentzville Parkway and Route Z.
• Adding a third lane of travel to eastbound and westbound I-64 between I-70 and Route K.
• The team has also committed to keeping two lanes of travel open on I-70 in both directions during peak travel times.

Those interested in receiving construction details and other updates for this project can sign up for project e-mails at www.modot.org/improvei70/warrentonwentzville.

Motorists traveling on I-70 across the state should note that this project will be in construction concurrently with Improve I-70: Columbia to Kingdom City, which will add a third lane to I-70 between Columbia and Kingdom City. Cross-state I-70 travelers should plan ahead, allow for extra time, and be vigilant in work zones. Buckle Up. Phone Down.

MDHEWD REMINDS STUDENTS TO FILE A FAFSA AHEAD OF ACCESS MISSOURI GRANT FINAL DEADLINE

The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) is reminding students to file their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the April 1 Access Missouri Grant deadline to qualify for the most financial aid possible and help broaden their higher education opportunities.

The Access Missouri Grant provided over $81 million to more than 40,000 students during the 2023-24 academic year, including awards of up to $2,850. Access Missouri can combine with other federal and student non-loan aid, such as the Pell Grant, to help cover a student’s cost of attendance. Awards are need-based and eligibility is determined using the information provided on the FAFSA form. 

Eligible students who complete the FAFSA before the April 1 final deadline may receive an Access Missouri award, subject to available funding, and will have until July 31 to make any needed FAFSA corrections. Information about Access Missouri eligibility and award amounts are available on the MDHEWD website.

More information about other Missouri grants and scholarships, federal grants, and grants and scholarships offered by schools is available at dhewd.mo.gov/ppc/grants. Student specific eligibility information is available in the DHEWD Student Portal at https://web.dhewd.mo.gov/studentportal/.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY  

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                  … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

March 24, 2025

SCHEDULED CLOSURE ON ROUTE ZZ IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY FOR BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT

Weather permitting, as early as March 24, Route ZZ in Montgomery County is scheduled to close, over Little Loutre Creek, 0.46 mile south of Route RA near Wellsville, as work begins on a bridge replacement project. Work is anticipated to be complete by mid-June. Included in this contract is an additional bridge replacement project, located on Route K in Audrain County, over Hickory Creek, 1.74 miles west of Route W near Farber. This bridge is currently in progress with an anticipated completion date of late-May. All work is weather dependent and schedules are subject to change.

GOV. MIKE KEHOE NEWS

Governor Mike Kehoe has announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will participate in joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) of public infrastructure in 25 counties following the deadly tornadoes and severe storms that devastated much of Missouri March 14-15.

“These devastating storms and tornadoes not only destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses, but also severely impacted roads, bridges, and other critical public infrastructure,â€� Governor Kehoe said. “The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has been on the ground for several days helping local officials document damage, collect cost estimates and substantiate the need for federal Public Assistance. Initial damage reports clearly warrant a formal review by FEMA as part of the disaster declaration process.â€�

Joint PDAs are being requested for the following counties: Benton, Bollinger, Butler, Callaway, Carter, Dent, Dunklin, Franklin, Gentry, Howell, Iron, Madison, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Perry, Phelps, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Louis, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Wayne and Wright. Additional counties may be added as damage information is received from local officials.

Joint PDA teams are made up of representatives from FEMA, SEMA, and local emergency management officials. Beginning Tuesday, March 25, six teams will verify documented damage to determine if Public Assistance can be requested through FEMA. Public Assistance allows local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies to seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including repair and replacement of damaged roads, bridges and other public infrastructure.

These PDAs will be in addition to those that began today for Individual Assistance, which allows eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles and other qualifying expenses.

Clean-up and recovery efforts are ongoing across the state, and the State Emergency Operations Center remains activated. SEMA continues to coordinate with local officials, other state agencies, and volunteer and faith-based partners to identify needs and assist impacted families and individuals. If you have damage, you should contact your insurance company and file a claim as soon as possible. Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs), one-stop shops for recovery resources, will be scheduled in the coming days.

Missourians in need of debris removal services can call the Crisis Cleanup Hotline at (844) 965-1386 to be connected with volunteers from local relief organizations and community and faith-based groups who may be able to assist. All services are free, though assistance is not guaranteed due to the overwhelming need. This hotline will remain active through Friday, March 28, 2025.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY  

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                  … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

March 21, 2025

CHARITON COUNTY ROUTE 11 BRIDGE NOW OPEN

The Chariton County Missouri Route 11 bridge over Salt Creek, located south of Mendon, is now open following a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle project. The Capital – Horner & Shifrin team, working with the Missouri Department of Transportation through a design-build contract, reopened the bridge on  Wednesday.

The Northwest Bridge Bundle is a Design-Build project which will replace or rehabilitate 31 poor-condition bridges in north central Missouri. The full list of bridges to be replaced can be found on the Northwest Bridge Bundle web page.

TEEN INJURED IN BOONE COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Sturgeon teen was injured in an accident that occurred at 10:50pm Wednesday in Boone County. The patrol says that the 18 year old boy was on Highway OO when his car slid off the roadway, struck a concrete culvert and overturned. He was taken to Boone Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.

NEW BUSINESS COMING TO ST. JOSEPH, CREATING 138 NEW JOBS

Nortian Foodtech, an innovative food manufacturer, has announced that it will establish a facility in St. Joseph, investing more than $22.2 million and creating 138 new jobs. The company will construct a 160,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility to produce high-quality, food-grade protein from meat byproducts.

Nortian Foodtech is a startup company that transforms meat byproducts that would typically be discarded into high-value, food-grade ingredients. The company’s strategic decision to open its first U.S. location in St. Joseph will provide opportunities to partner with other food manufacturers in the area.

Nortian Foodtech is focused on solving the hard underlying problems in food and farming by creating new technology rooted on scientific discovery and solid engineering. By implementing cutting-edge technology and efficient manufacturing processes, the company maximizes resource utilization while reducing environmental impact.

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


March 20, 2025

TWO INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY IN AUDRAIN COUNTY ACCIDENT

Two people from Centralia were injured, one seriously in an accident that occurred at 3:10am Tuesday in Audrain County. The patrol says that a 45 year old man and his passenger a 22 year old woman were on N. Rangeline Road when their UTV crossed the center of the roadway, ran off the left side of the road, he overcorrected, causing it to overturn and sliding to a stop. The man sustained serious injuries, while the woman suffered moderate injuries. Both were transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.

TEEN HURT IN TUESDAY MORNING CRASH

A 19 year old boy from Bonnots Mill, MO was hurt in a Tuesday morning crash in Audrain County. The highway patrol said it happened at around 9:40am as he was on MO 15 when his vehicle crossed the center of the road, went off the left side and struck a culvert before coming to a stop. He was taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. 

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY  

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                  … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

March 19, 2025

MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS

On Saturday, March 15 at approximately 9:47PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 200 block of S. Alabama in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, officers learned that a 46-year-old man had been shot while in the front yard of a house, by the people in a white Lincoln sedan. This was part of a dispute which had been going on throughout the day at various locations. Audrain Ambulance District responded and took the man to University Hospital, where he was admitted for non-life-threatening injuries. At approximately 9:56PM, a deputy with the Audrain County Sheriff’s Department stopped the suspect vehicle on S Clark St. near Oak Lane. Monterio M Truss, age 25 of Mexico was arrested. Branden J Truss, age 28 of Mexico, ran from the traffic stop and was not located. Monterio Truss was processed at MPSD and eventually transported to the Audrain County Jail for Assault 1st degree, Assault 4th degree, and Unlawful Use of Weapon. An arrest warrant has been issued for Branden Truss. The Missouri State Highway Patrol also assisted with the investigation. Anyone with information about this incident and / or the current location of Branden Truss, is asked to contact Mexico Public Safety at (573) 473-5800 or (573) 581-2100 or CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 392-TIPS or (800) 392-8477.

GOV. MIKE KEHOE NEWS

Governor Mike Kehoe has announced the state has requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) participate in joint preliminary damage assessments (PDAs) for Individual Assistance in 23 counties following the severe storms and deadly tornadoes that devastated Missouri March 14-15. This request begins the process of obtaining federal disaster assistance.

"As I observed during my visit to impacted areas this weekend, these storms and tornadoes caused widespread, devastating destruction and disrupted the lives of families and business across the Missouri," said Governor Kehoe. "The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has been working closely with local emergency management officials, and we are confident the damage meets the threshold for FEMA to participate in joint damage assessments." 

Joint PDAs are being requested for the following counties: Bollinger, Butler, Camden, Carter, Franklin, Howell, Iron, Jefferson, Laclede, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Pemiscot, Perry, Phelps, Pulaski, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Louis, Stoddard, Wayne, Webster, and Wright. 

Joint PDA teams are made up of representatives from FEMA, SEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and local emergency management officials. Beginning Thursday, March 20, six teams will survey and verify documented damage to determine if Individual Assistance can be requested through FEMA. Individual Assistance allows eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses. 

Initial damage assessments estimate approximately 368 houses were destroyed, 356 with major damage and 1,058 with minor damage. Damage assessments for roads, bridges and other public infrastructure are ongoing, likely resulting in a request for additional PDAs for Public Assistance later this week.

The National Weather Service (NWS) continues to survey damage and debris patterns to determine the total number and strength of tornadoes. NWS has preliminarily confirmed the following 12 tornadoes as of March 16:

EF1: Franklin County (Elmont to Union)

EF1: Jefferson County (Klondike Rd)

EF1: Webster County (near Seymour)

EF1: Oregon County (near Rover)

EF2: Franklin/St. Louis counties (Villa Ridge to Fox Creek)

EF2: Jefferson County (Hillsboro to Arnold)

EF2: St. Louis County (Bridgeton)

EF2: Phelps County (Doolittle to Rolla)

EF2: Dunklin/Pemiscot counties

EF3: Iron County (Des Arc)

EF3: Butler County (Poplar Bluff)

EF3: Ozark County (Bakersfield)

Volunteer and faith-based organizations also continue to support response efforts and provide support services to those in need. The Red Cross of Missouri continues to provide meals and emergency supplies and operate shelters. Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief is assisting individuals and families with debris removal. Convoy of Hope is providing water and other emergency supplies, and the Salvation Army also continues to provide meals to those in impacted counties.

Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, visit recovery.mo.gov.

Governor Mike Kehoe signed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 supplemental budget bill, HB 14, that was passed by the General Assembly last week. The bill allows for current operations of state government to continue through FY 2025. 

"This supplemental bill reflects our commitment to ensuring critical services continue uninterrupted for Missourians," said Governor Kehoe. "From strengthening education and special needs services to supporting law enforcement and senior care, this funding will make a meaningful impact on communities across our state."

HB 14 totals over $1.9 billion, including $391.5 million in general revenue, $1.4 billion in federal funds, and $183.4 million in other funds. The supplemental budget bill includes funding for several high priority areas:

• $14 million for services provided to Missouri seniors, including home-delivered and congregate meals, transportation, in-home services, and more;
• $157.4 million to support the Foundation Formula for public schools;
• $20.8 million to provide special education instruction, therapies and other related services to children with disabilities ages 3-5;
• $16.5 million for the First Steps program;
• $250,000 for immigration enforcement training pursuant to Executive Order 25-04; and
• $187,500 and staff to support full time Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) investigators within each of the nine MSHP troop regions.

Early assessments show the storm impacted nearly two dozen school districts, with many sustaining damage to buildings, including:

         Significant power loss

• Major structural damage

• Temporary or potential long-term displacement of students and educators

“While I am disheartened to see the damage that a number of Missouri schools faced from Friday night’s storm, I am incredibly grateful that these storms did not hit while school was in session,â€� said Governor Kehoe. “Now that the storms have passed and we are turning our attention to recovery, we must prioritize ensuring our children can safely return to school to continue their education and prevent any academic delays.â€�

As part of this response, DESE is working closely with impacted school districts as they identify alternative education sites and work to secure transportation for students. The department is also working to ensure impacted districts are not financially penalized under the state education foundation formula for days they are unable to operate.

“We began working on this issue early Saturday morning and have been in close contact with Governor Kehoe since the very beginning,â€� said Commissioner Karla Eslinger. “Our top priority is ensuring students and educators can safely return to learning environments. I am speaking directly to impacted school leaders to ensure we’re making rapid progress to help schools recover. We appreciate Governor Kehoe’s leadership and support during these challenges.â€�

School districts are encouraged to contact their DESE Area Supervisor of Instruction to report needs or request assistance.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY  

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                  … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

March 14, 2025

CHILLICOTHE POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS

The Chillicothe Police Department began an investigation of domestic violence at the beginning of March. On March 11, the Chillicothe Police Department executed multiple search warrants within the city limits following an investigation into illegal weapons possession and drug distribution. During the execution of these warrants, officers recovered:14 firearms Large quantity of ammunition Illegal controlled substances Evidence of drug distribution As a result of this investigation, a 35 year old male was taken into custody and transported to the Caldwell County Detention Center pending
the filing of formal charges.
Unlawful Possession of Firearms
Unlawful Use of Weapons
Assault
Possession of Controlled Substances
Delivery of Controlled Substances

The investigation revealed the suspect was prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior convictions and an active protection order. Evidence indicated the suspect had been obtaining firearms illegally and was involved in the distribution of controlled substances.
The Chillicothe Police Department remains committed to the suppression of criminal activity at every level in our community. We encourage anyone with information about illegal weapons or drug activity to contact the Chillicothe Police Department at 660-646-2121.

INVESTIGATION INTO HUMAN REMAINS FOUND IN PIKE COUNTY

On December 21, 2024, the Pike County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a missing man, identified as Nathanial C. Mueller, 23, of Hannibal, MO. On February 28, 2025, authorities located human remains in rural Pike County. The remains were confirmed to be Mueller’s.

On March 3, 2025, at the request of the Pike County Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control will take over the investigation into Mueller’s disappearance and death.

The investigation is ongoing, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol requests anyone with information related to this case contact Troop C Headquarters at (636) 300-2800.

PRINCETON AND SOUTH LINEVILLE ADA PROJECT PROPERTY OWNERS AND COMMUNITY INVITED TO PUBLIC MEETING

The Missouri Department of Transportation and consultants from Affinis are designing a project to upgrade sidewalks in Princeton and South Lineville along U.S. Routes 136 and 65 in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). MoDOT will host a public meeting for property owners and community members to learn about the project and provide feedback. A public open-house meeting will be held at the Princeton High School, 1008 E. Coleman St., Princeton, MO 64673, on Wednesday, March 26.
Attendees are welcome to visit any time between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. to view project plans and speak with project leaders. No formal presentation will be made.
Affected property owners have been contacted by MoDOT's Right of Way staff to schedule a meeting between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. to discuss temporary easement needs for the project. Walk-ins are also welcome. Property owners must bring a valid driver's
license. If you are unable to attend the public meeting, two other opportunities for public comment are available through Wednesday, April 9.
View the project website at Missouri Route 136 and U.S. Route 65 Sidewalk/ADA Improvements in Mercer County | Missouri Department of Transportation [2]. While there, sign up to receive updates about this project via email and/or leave comments.
Mail your comments to:

Mercer County ADA project
Missouri Department of Transportation
3602 North Belt Highway
St. Joseph, MO 64506
All comments must be postmarked by Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

GOV. KEHOE ORDERS FLAGS TO FLY AT HALF-STAFF IN HONOR OF JOHNSON COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT CAPTAIN VERNON COLLETT

On Thursday, in honor of Johnson County Fire Protection District Captain Vernon Collett, Governor Mike Kehoe ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at government buildings in Johnson County, the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City, and firehouses statewide on Friday, March 14, 2025, from sunrise to sunset.

“Vernon Collett’s full-time job was with the Johnson County Road and Bridge Department, but he also had a calling to serve his community as a volunteer firefighter with the Johnson County Fire Protection District,â€� Governor Mike Kehoe said. “For over 29 years, Captain Collett responded to countless fires, vehicle crashes, and other emergencies. He died fulfilling the responsibility he had taken on in order to protect others. We will remember Captain Collett as a model public servant who selflessly supported his community.â€�

On March 8, Captain Collett, 60, responded and was extinguishing a controlled burn that had grown out of control when he collapsed from a medical emergency and died at the scene.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY  

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                  … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

March 13, 2025

MAN INJURED IN TUESDAY AFTERNOON ACCIDENT

A 27 year old man from Westville, OK was injured in an accident that occurred at 4:10pm Tuesday in Gasconade County. The patrol says that he was on Missouri 19 when his vehicle traveled partially off the right side of the roadway and the towed unit struck a guardrail and then it began to travel down an embankment and the towed unit overturned, coming to rest on its top. He was taken to Mercy Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.

SCHEDULED CLOSURE ON ROUTE ZZ IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY FOR BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT

Weather permitting, as early as March 24, Route ZZ in Montgomery County is scheduled to close, over Little Loutre Creek, 0.46 mile south of Route RA near Wellsville, as work begins on a bridge replacement project. Work is anticipated to be complete by mid-June. Included in this contract is an additional bridge replacement project, located on Route K in Audrain County, over Hickory Creek, 1.74 miles west of Route W near Farber. This bridge is currently in progress with an anticipated completion date of late-May. E & C Bridge, LLC was awarded the contract in December 2024 in the amount of $2M. All work is weather dependent and schedules are subject to change.

MDC WANTS PUBLIC COMMENTS ON RESIDENT AND NONRESIDENT HUNTING

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is interested in learning more about the experiences of Missouri residents and nonresidents who hunt deer, turkey, and waterfowl in the state -- three of Missouri’s most popular game species. To learn more, MDC is conducting a survey of a sample of resident and nonresident hunters who purchased permits for deer, turkey, or waterfowl in the past two years. In addition to the surveys, MDC is requesting public comment on the topic online. MDC created the survey and public comment opportunity in response to public feedback it has received from resident hunters regarding increased hunting pressure in Missouri by nonresident hunters. MDC is emailing the survey to 56,000 resident hunters from around the state and 1,800 nonresident hunters. According to MDC, 542,532 Missouri residents and 84,568 nonresident hunters purchased one or more of the related hunting permits over the two years. In addition to the survey, MDC will be accepting public comment on the topic online through March 24 at moconservation.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6KEkmFst4NyA9oy . MDC is considering a range of potential regulatory changes regarding nonresident hunting. They could include limiting nonresident hunting during portions of the deer, turkey, and/or waterfowl hunting seasons; changing the price of nonresident permits; restricting nonresident hunting in portions of the state; and/or restricting nonresident hunting on MDC conservation areas.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY  

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                  … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

March 12, 2025

MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT REPORT

On Saturday, March 8 at approximately 1:37pm, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 1500 block of Kent Rd in reference to a fire. The residents reported their house filling with smoke from an unknown source. Responding personnel found a fire in the utility room, located in the basement of the home. The fire was contained and extinguished in that area with the utility room suffering moderate fire and water damage. The fire started in the area of a recently washed pile of laundry covering an old electronic device similar to a Blackberry. There were no injuries from the incident.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY  

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March 11, 2025

DRIVER HURT IN EARLY MONDAY MORNING INCIDENT

A driver was hurt in an early Monday morning incident in Putnam County. The highway patrol said that it happened at 4:40am as a 25 year old Unionville man was on Route U when his truck struck a cow in the road. He suffered minor injuries and was taken to Putnam County Memorial Hospital for treatment.

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

March 10, 2025

A single-vehicle accident in Chariton County Thursday evening sent  four people to the hospital with serious injuries.  According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred about 8:53 pm on Highway 11, two miles north of Rothville. According to the crash report, the driver of a Ford Mustang, a 20-year-old Brookfield man, was southbound when he ran off the left side of the road and the car overturned.  The driver was taken to Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield.  An 18-year-old Brunswick woman was taken to Hedrick Medical Center in Chillicothe, and two other men from Brookfield, 22 and 25 years old, were flown to University Hospital in Columbia.  They were not wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.

Planned Roadwork for Northwest Missouri, March 10-16

St. Joseph, Mo. – The following is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northwest Missouri region for the week of March 10-16.  There also may be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. Check the MoDOT Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org, or download the app for updated information.  MoDOT asks drivers to work with us by buckling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.

Carroll County

Route J - CLOSED at the Bridge Creek Bridge for a bridge replacement project through May 2025. (Capital-Horner & Shifrin).^*1

Chariton County

Route 11 – CLOSED at the Salt Creek Bridge for a bridge replacement project through March 2025. (Capital-Horner & Shifrin).^*1

Route D – CLOSED at the Mussel Fork Creek Bridge for a bridge replacement project through July 2025. (Capital-Horner & Shifrin).^*1

Route 11 – Shoulder work from U.S. Route 24 to Route M, March 10-14.

Livingston County

U.S. Route 36 – Pavement repairs under the U.S. Route 65 Bridge and the Canadian Pacific Railroad Bridge in Chillicothe, March 10-13. The roadway will be narrowed to one lane and a 16-foot width restriction will be in place (Contractor: Magruder Paving, LLC).

Mercer County

Route J – CLOSED for a culvert replacement from Route JJ to Jockey Street, March 11, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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

Friday March 7, 2025

Purdin Driver Injured in Tuesday morning Wreck

A 50 year old Purdin man received minor injuries in a single vehicle wreck along Hwy 5 about 5 miles South of Milan early Tuesday morning.  According to the Mo State Highway Patrol the driver was travelling Northbound when they travelled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree at 3:30am.  He was transported by private auto to Sullivan County Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Vandalia Driver Injured Wednesday in Audrain County

A 65 year old Vandalia man sustained moderate injuries in a wreck that happened at 8:00am Wednesday morning on Route j in Audrain county.  According to the Mo State Highway Patrol the accident happened at county road 448 when a Northbound vehicle failed to negotiate a curve during hazardous weather conditions, travelled off the right side of the roadway and struck a culvert.  The driver was transported to University Hospital by Audrain County Ambulance. 

Red Cross Encourages Missourians to  check Smoke Alarms

Missourians will turn their clocks forward one hour this weekend as daylight saving time begins.   The American Red Cross also encourages Missourians to test their smoke alarms this weekend to make sure they're working properly and change the batteries if needed.  Studies show working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a house fire in half.   In January, Red Cross volunteers responded to help more than 920 people affected by house fires in Missouri.  Fires account for the majority of the nearly 65,000 disasters the Red Cross responds to nationwide.

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

March 3, 2025

Chillicothe Shooting Incident

Chillicothe police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred in the early morning hours of Sunday March 2^nd leaving once person hospitalized.  At 2:11 a.m., officers were made aware of a gunshot victim who had been taken to Hedrick Medical Center.  The victim, identified only as an 18 year old male was being treated for injuries but the extent of those injuries has not been released. A male acquaintance of the victim was taken from the hospital to the Chillicothe police department where he was taken into custody.  During the investigation, a traffic stop was conducted where officers found evidence related to the shooting. The driver of that vehicle and her child were transported to the Chillicothe Police Department.  The child was released to a family member.   Following the initial investigation, a search warrant was executed in the 400 block of Walnut Street. As a result, an adult female and an adult male were taken to the Caldwell County Detention Center and placed on a 24-hour hold pending charges of unlawful use of a weapon, tampering with physical evidence, and endangering the welfare of a Child.  Authorities say they believe this to be an isolated incident and that it’s an active, ongoing investigation.  The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol assisted in the investigation.​ No additional details have been released.  Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Chillicothe Police Department at (660) 646-2121.​

February 28, 2025

Upcoming Roadwork

All Counties

Moving operations such as pothole patching, brush cutting, and pavement repairs continue in various locations. Motorists should travel with care and be alert for slow-moving equipment.

All work is weather permitting, and schedules are subject to change.

BOONE COUNTY

U.S. Route 63 â€“ Bridge construction continues on U.S. Route 63 between the Broadway overpass and Conley Road underpass in Columbia. U.S. Route 63 will remain open but in a head-to-head configuration with narrowed lanes and reduced speeds. This traffic pattern is expected to be in place through late 2025. The bridge construction is part of the Improve I-70 program. Learn more at modot.org/improvei70/columbiakingdomcity.

Interstate 70 – New pavement construction continues in Columbia from Route B (Paris Road) to U.S. Route 63 through January 2027 as part of the Improve I-70 program. Motorists can expect intermittent and long-term lane closures for the duration of the project. Learn more at modot.org/improvei70/columbiakingdomcity.

Callaway County

Route A â€“ Culvert replacement underway today from County Road 1006 to County Road 1011. The road will be CLOSED 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

I-70 – Work under the railroad bridge in Kingdom City began Feb. 26. One lane of I-70, in both directions, will be closed nightly 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., Monday through Saturday, between mile markers 147.4 and 148, immediately west of U.S. Route 54. Nightly lane closures will continue through the end of March.

I-70 â€“ New pavement construction continues from the Boone County line (near mile marker 136.6) to Kingdom City (near mile marker 145) as part of the Improve I-70 Program. Motorists can expect intermittent and long-term lane closures for the duration of the project. Learn more at modot.org/improvei70/columbiakingdomcity

Cooper County

I-70 â€“ Core drilling planned through today Feb 28 on westbound I-70 from mile marker 113 to 113.2. The driving (right) lane will be closed nightly, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Route Z â€“ Brush cutting underway through today the 28th. One lane will remain open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zone.

Howard County

Routes H and O â€“ Roadside work Underway throuth Feb. 28. One lane will remain open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zone.

MoDOT asks all motorists to work with us by buckling up, putting your phone down, obeying all traffic signs, and slowing down and moving over in work zones.  

For more information about MoDOT projects, traffic updates, or other transportation–related matters, please visit our Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/ or call our 24–hour Customer Service Center at 1–888–ASK–MoDOT (888 275–6636). While at modot.org, sign up for work zone updates sent directly to your inbox. Information is also available 24/7 by connecting with us on social media:

FROM KTVO.com

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — A northeast Missouri man will spend 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to a throat-slitting death that happened in Kirksville in April 2021.  As part of a plea deal, Brendon Lene, 21, of La Plata, pleaded guilty Friday to second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of Jared Newman, 49, of Kirksville.  The proceeding took place in Adair County Circuit Court.  A third charge of resisting arrest was dismissed as part of the plea bargain.  Judge Corey Moon sentenced Lene to 30 years for the murder charge and 10 years for armed criminal action.  The sentences will be served consecutively, meaning Lene’s total sentence is 40 years.  He will be transferred from the Adair County jail to the Missouri Department of Corrections in the coming days.

February 25, 2025

ADAIR COUNTY CRASH INVOLVING A BICYCLIST AND PICKUP RESULTS IN SERIOUS INJURIES

The Highway Patrol reports a 48 year old Kirksville man sustained serious injuries after the bicycle he was riding was struck by a northbound pickup on Route H, ½ mile north of MO Route 11 in Adair County around 8:30 pm, Monday. The pickup was driven by a 39 year old Kirksville man who was not injured. The man riding the bicycle was transported by Ambulance to Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville with serious injuries.

MEXICO MAN ACCUSED OF BURGLARY AND MORE AFTER BREAK IN AT MEXICO BUSINESS

On Friday, February 21, 2025 at approximately 6:52AM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to a business in the 600 block of West Jackson in Mexico in reference to an alarm and property damage.  Responding personnel found that a subject had broken a window with a rock and taken numerous items from the building.  Video and information from alert and cooperative residents led to the arrest of Wyatt J Bradley, age 19 of Mexico. Bradley was arrested a short time after the break in in the 2100 block of Jubel Drive.  After processing, the subject was taken to the Audrain County Jail for Burglary 2^nd degree, Property Damage 1^st degree, Stealing over $750 along with a Bond Condition Violation.

BROOKFIELD POLICE K9 WIILL SOON HAVE A PROTECTIVE VEST

The Brookfield Police Departments K9 will soon receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from a non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9’s, Inc. Delivery is expected within the next ten weeks according to a post on the departments social media page.  Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 5,882 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states made possible by both private and corporate donations.

NEW SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE THROUGH HANNIBAL REGIONAL

Hannibal Regional and Complete Family Medicine are excited to announce a new scholarship opportunity available for high school seniors in northeast Missouri - the Hannibal Regional Healthcare Careers Scholarship. After receiving exceptional care during a recent visit to Hannibal Regional, James and Doris Lierheimer decided they wanted to give back. After expressing this desire to their team of nurses, they were directed to Hannibal Regional Foundation, where they set up an endowment for two annual $750 scholarships that will offer lasting community support. These scholarships will be offered yearly to two high school seniors planning on pursuing a degree in a healthcare field. The scholarship application is open until March 31 and permanent residents of Adair, Audrain, Lewis, Linn, Livingston, Macon, Marion, Monroe, Pike, Ralls, Randolph, Schuyler and Shelby counties are eligible to apply. A scholarship committee will review all applications and two local students will be awarded the scholarship. For more info and a link to apply, go to hannibalregional.org or call (573)-629-3577.

MODOT ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER YOUTH TRANSPORTATION CONFERENCE

The Missouri Department of Transportation is inviting students across the state to apply for the 2025 Youth Transportation Conference in Jefferson City. Each year the department sponsors the annual conference where students can apply STEM-related concepts learned in school to transportation-related issues. The conference will be held July 7 - 11 on the campus of Lincoln University and is free to students in grades 9-12. Students finishing 8th grade this school year and graduating seniors are also eligible to apply. Applications are currently being accepted through March 17. Up to 40 students will be selected to attend. To apply, students must complete an application accompanied by at least one and up to two letters of recommendation. You can find more information on the MoDOT website at modot dot org

POLAR PLUNGE RAISES OVER $17,000 FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS MISSOURI

The 18th Annual Kirksville Polar Plunge on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Thousand Hills State Park in Kirksville was a splashing success, raising $17,500 and additional funds are still being collected. A total 89 brave men and women from around the area participated in what was a chilly dip into the water. Their Reason for Freezin’ was the athletes of Special Olympics Missouri. Individuals and teams from all over the area participated in this year’s event hosted by the Linn County Sheriff’s Department, MO Department of Conservation, and the Department of Natural Resources Online fundraising is still ongoing. Organizers of the Plunge still hope to raise an additional $8,000 to reach the goal of $25,000.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS

                              ,,, from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

February 24, 2025

Four injured, one seriously in Howard County accident

Four people were injured, one seriously in an accident that occurred at around 1:10pm Friday in Howard County. The patrol says that a 19 year old Farmington boy was on MO 240 when he failed to stop at the intersection of MO 240 and US 40 when his car was struck by a car driven by a 43 year old Marshall woman. The boy sustained serious injuries, while his passenger a 19 year old girl from High Ridge sustained moderate injuries. Both were taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment. Meanwhile the woman and her passenger a 39 year old Marshall man were taken to University Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Man hurt in early Saturday morning crash

A 27 year old Hermann man was hurt in an early Saturday morning wreck in Gasconade County. The highway patrol said it happened at 4am as he was on Route Z when his car traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. He suffered minor injuries and was taken to Hermann Hospital for treatment.

MISSOURI GOVERNOR APPOINTS NEW ADMINISTRATOR IN CALDWELL COUNTY

This past Friday, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe appointed Crystal McBrayer, of Kingston as the new Public Administrator of Caldwell County. McBrayer is a longtime resident of Caldwell County and is a graduate of Penny High School. As Public Administrator, she will serve as the court-appointed guardian and conservator for individuals deemed incapacitated or disabled by the 41^st Judicial Circuit. In addition, she will also act as a personal representative for descendent estates and oversee the management of assets when no other responsible party is available.

EXPANSION PROJECT AND 241 NEW JOBS MAY SOON BE COMING TO COLUMBIA

As Boone County is considered by Schneider Electric as a location for a major expansion project, the State of Missouri has announced support for the project. Schneider Electric operates a plant in Columbia that has manufactured industrial circuit breakers and circuit breaker accessories since 1978 and now Schneider Electric is working on a potential expansion at its existing facility in Columbia that would include the addition of a new warehouse and other improvements amounting to a $73.6 million dollar investment and the creation of 241 new jobs in the community. The Department of Economic Development is among multiple organizations working to support the expansion project, which includes the City of Columbia, Boone County, and Columbia REDI. The Missouri Development Finance Board has approved the use of $2 million in incentives through the BUILD Program. Schneider Electric would also benefit from just over $2.1 million from the Missouri Works Program and an additional  $150 thousand from the Missouri One State Program.

February 19, 2025

SCHOOL CLOSINGS, DELAYS & MORE

    ….  are posted on our Cancellations Page!!!

TWO PEOPLE INJURED IN LINN COUNTY CRASH

Two people from Bloomington Illinois were injured in a Monday night crash in Linn County.  According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol the accident happened on highway 36, one mile east of the Bucklin Junction.  Troopers say the minivan driven by a 55 year old un-named man, traveled off the right side of the roadway where it struck a ditch and overturned due to the driver’s vision being obstructed as a tractor trailer attempted to overtake the van.  Both the driver and his passenger, a 56-year-old woman, also from Bloomington, suffered minor injuries and were taken by the Linn Co Sheriff’s Deputies to Pershing Hospital in Brookfield for treatment. 

AUDIT UNDERWAY IN CHULA AT REQUEST OF RESIDENTS

State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick is honoring the request of residents of the City of Chula, located in Livingston County, to perform a thorough review of city operations. Fitzpatrick announced Tuesday  that his office is conducting a performance audit of the city after residents of the municipality gathered 39 verified signatures to trigger the review. The audit officially began with an entrance meeting with the city council on Monday, February 10.  The State Auditor's Office last conducted a petition audit of the City of Chula in 2011. The report gave the city a rating of "fair" and found it did not obtain required annual audits of its water and sewer systems, properly prepare and monitor budgets, or prepare required financial reports.  Individuals may provide confidential information for consideration during the audit to the State Auditor's Whistleblower Hotline at 800-347-8597, by email at moaudit@auditor.mo.gov or by visiting www.auditor.mo.gov/hotline.

FIRE CREWS BATTLED RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURE FIRE

Earlier this week, the Westran Fire Protection District responded to a residential structure fire on Hwy 24, west of Huntsville. A report posted on Social Media said upon arrival firefighters found a fully involved structure fire and with the strong winds and brutal cold, fighting the fire was very challenging. All the occupants of the structure made it out safely. Several other Fire Protection Districts assisted at the scene along with Ambulance Personnel and the Sheriff’s Department. No other information was provided.

LOCAL AND REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
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February 18, 2025

CHECK OUR CANCELLATIONS PAGE FOR SCHOOL & OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS!

Scheduled Closure on Route K in Audrain County for Bridge Replacement Project

Weather permitting, as early as Monday Feb. 24 Route K in Audrain County is scheduled to close over Hickory Creek, at around 2 miles west of Route W near Farber, as work begins on a bridge replacement project. Work is anticipated to be complete by late May. Included in this contract is an additional bridge replacement project, scheduled to begin in late March, located on Route ZZ in Montgomery County, over Little Loutre Creek, about half a mile south of Route RA near Wellsville with a mid June estimated completion date. All work is weather dependent and schedules are subject to change.

DED awards more than $7.6 million in tax credits to organizations through the Neighborhood Assistance Program

The Department of Economic Development has announced that it will award more than $7.6 million in tax credits to organizations throughout Missouri through the Neighborhood Assistance Program's Fiscal Year 2025 - Round 2 cycle. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and businesses that meet program requirements. During the Fiscal Year 2025 cycle, tax credits were reserved for organizations providing critical services, with priority given to projects located in previously underserved areas of the state.

Made In Missouri films spent more than $33 million in 2024

The 39 productions that qualified for Missouri's film incentive spent more than $33.5 million while filming in the Show-Me State in 2024. The Missouri Film Office and the Business Opportunities Division of the Missouri Department of Economic Development has announced that the Motion Media Production Tax Credit Program authorized nearly $12.4 million in production incentives for 39 projects. These included 15 narrative feature films, 4 documentary feature films, 2 narrative shorts, 2 documentary shorts, 9 unscripted TV series, 1 scripted TV series pilot, 1 animated TV series, 4 commercials and 1 web series. The $33.5 million of in-state spending supported hundreds of Missouri vendors and small businesses that served the production. In addition to the monetary spend, these projects employed Missouri residents in 1,437 cast and crew positions.

 

LOCAL AND REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY  

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February 17, 2025

Driver killed in Friday morning crash

A driver was killed in a Friday morning crash in Macon County. The highway patrol said it happened at 10:55am as a 52 year old Anabel man was on US 36 at Anabel when he failed to yield and his car was struck by a truck driven by a 49 year old Atlanta man. The Anabel man was pronounced dead at the scene while the Atlanta man suffered minor injuries and was taken to Samaritan Hospital in Macon for treatment.

Man hurt in Knox County accident

A 61 year old Knox City man was hurt in an accident that occurred at 4:50pm Saturday in Knox County. The patrol says that he was on MO 6 when his car traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a ditch. He was taken to Northeast Regional Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Woman injured in Saturday morning wreck

A 33 year old Eldon woman was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Saturday morning in Boone County. MSHP stated that she was a passenger in a car driven by a 32 year old Columbia man. They were on US 63 and traveling in the left lane when he swerved to the left after being passed by another motorist on the right, which caused it to run off the left side of the road and struck the cable barrier. She was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries. The wreck happened at 8:50am Saturday.

LOCAL AND REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY  

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February 14, 2025

Moberly woman injured in Randolph County accident

A 56 year old Moberly woman was injured in an accident that occurred at 10:15am Wednesday in Randolph County. The patrol says that she was on Route A when she lost control of her jeep and it traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. She was transported by ambulance to Moberly Regional Medical Center for treatment of moderate injuries.

February 12, 2025

Check our Cancellations Page for the latest Announcements!

Winter Weather Impacting Missouri –

Winter Storm Warnings and Advisory issued by National Weather Service

Do to the Winter Storms impacting Missouri, Motorists are encouraged to postpone travel if possible. If you must travel, use extreme caution and check road conditions before driving to help determine if your trip can be completed safely. The  MoDOT Traveler Information map is the best source for the latest road conditions and can be found at  https://traveler.modot.org/map/ or www.modot.org

Governor Kehoe Signs Executive Order Ahead of Hazardous Winter Weather 

Governor Mike Kehoe signed Executive Order 25-17 as a precautionary measure to prepare for hazardous winter weather expected to impact the State of Missouri which started Tuesday. The Order waives certain hours of service requirements for commercial vehicles transporting residential heating fuel and activates the Missouri National Guard for state and local response efforts, if needed. 

 Moberly woman injured in Randolph County accident

A Moberly woman was injured in an accident that occurred at around 7:50pm Monday in Randolph County.  The patrol says that the 36 year old female was on US 63 when her car struck a truck driven by a 16 year old boy from Centralia who was crossing US 63.  The woman was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.

Driver hurt in Monday night wreck

A driver was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Monday night in Howard County. The highway patrol said it happened at 9pm as an 83 year old woman from New Franklin backed out of her driveway and lost control of her vehicle as she began to drive forward, causing it to run off the right side of the road through a field and struck several trees. She was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries.

Woman hurt in Monday evening crash

A 37 year old Villa Ridge woman was hurt in a Monday evening crash in Franklin County. MSHP stated that she was on Route H when she failed to negotiate a curve and her van traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck a utility pole and personal property before coming to rest against a tree. She sustained minor injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital for treatment. The crash happened at 8:55pm Monday. 

LOCAL AND REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY  

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February 11, 2025

A moment of recognition took place just before the boys' varsity game and included a heartfelt message from Complete Family Medicine's Keaton Wagner. "Cancer does not care. It only destroys,� said Wagner. “It's up to us as a community to care and to build up.�

Complete Family Medicine’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Justin Puckett, added: “The Inspire Hope fund is a necessary stopgap to care for our friends and neighbors battling cancer until we’re able to bring modernized, best-in-class radiation oncology services back to Kirksville. That’s what this community deserves and that’s what we’re building towards.�

Continuing the evening’s events, Kirksville High School’s Levi Martin and Ryan Kelly participated in halftime events that resulted in a $3,000 gift from the physician team at Complete Family Medicine. It should be noted that Martin, on his own, raised more than $700 selling Pink Out shirts and collecting donations.

Conservation Federation of Missouri Expands Share the Harvest Program with New Partnerships

The Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) is celebrating another great year for its Share the Harvest program, thanks to significant contributions from the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council (MSMC) and MFA Incorporated. These generous donations expanded the program’s capacity, enabling hunters to donate more venison than ever before to families in need throughout Missouri.

Share the Harvest connects hunters with local food banks by facilitating venison donations through approved meat processors. This year, the program saw a remarkable increase in participation, with hundreds of additional deer harvested and processed. The result was thousands of pounds of high-quality venison distributed to food-insecure Missourians. The program also helped mitigate crop damage caused by deer in some of the state’s top row-crop regions, benefiting both agriculture and local communities.

Agricultural organizations are pleased to play a critical role in this success, showcasing the power of partnerships between farming and conservation groups.

Donating venison through Share the Harvest is simple. Hunters can bring their deer to any participating processor and choose how much meat to donate. With this year’s expanded capacity, the program provided more venison than ever before, delivering critical resources to food-insecure communities and addressing agricultural challenges in rural areas.

Since its inception in 1992, Share the Harvest has provided nearly 5 million pounds of venison to families in need. CFM, MSMC, MFA, countless hunters, and other partners such as Feeding Missouri and the Missouri Department of Conservation have also played a critical role in the program's success over the years. Share the Harvest exemplifies the power of partnerships to make a meaningful impact across Missouri.

For more information about Share the Harvest and how you can get involved, visit https://confedmo.org/share-the-harvest/

LOCAL AND REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY  

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February 10, 2025 

LOCAL AND REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
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February 4, 2025

Two hurt in Putnam County accident

Two women were hurt in an accident that occurred at 8:15am Monday in Putnam County. The patrol says that a 46 year old woman from Centerville, IA was on MO 5 when her truck crossed the center line and struck a truck driven by a 28 year old Unionville woman.  Both sustained minor injuries and were taken to area hospitals for treatment.

Driver injured in Saturday morning wreck

A 24 year old Moberly woman was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Saturday morning in Ralls County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 9am as she was on US 36 two miles east of Monroe City when her car traveled off the roadway and overturned. She was transported by ambulance to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.

Moberly Police investigating homicide that occurred on Saturday morning 

LOCAL AND REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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February 3, 2025

Man injured in Macon County accident

A 78 year old Queen City man was injured in an accident that occurred at around 7:15pm Friday in Macon County. He was a passenger in an SUV driven by a 77 year old Queen City woman. The patrol says they were northbound on US 63 near the KLTI Radio Station just south of Macon when the SUV traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck several fixed objects. The man was transported by ambulance to Samaritan Hospital in Macon for treatment of moderate injuries.

Driver seriously injured in Friday morning wreck

A Sumner driver was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Friday morning in Chariton County.  The highway patrol said it happened at around 7:45am as the 20 year old man was on Highway 139 when his car ran off the road and struck an embankment. He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.

Man killed in Saturday night crash

A New London man was killed in a Saturday night crash in Ralls County.  MSHP stated that the 27 year old man was on New London gravel road when he failed to negotiate a curve, causing his UTV to travel off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash occurred at 9:30pm Saturday.

LOCAL AND REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY  

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January 31, 2025

Trenton woman killed in Sullivan County accident

A Trenton woman was killed in an accident that occurred at 11am Wednesday in Sullivan County. The patrol says that the 75 year old female was on Highway C when her vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a fence. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Pedestrian seriously injured after being struck by car Wednesday night

A pedestrian was seriously injured after being struck by a car Wednesday night in Audrain County. The highway patrol said it happened at 5:10pm as an 89 year old Vandalia woman was on West State Street in Vandalia when her car struck a 60 year old Vandalia woman. She was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.

LOCAL AND REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY  

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January 30, 2025

Woman hurt in Boone County accident

A Mexico woman was hurt in an accident that occurred after 9pm Tuesday in Boone County. The patrol says the 20 year old female was on Route WW when her vehicle traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a fence. She was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries.

LOCAL AND REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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January 28, 2025

Bridge in Putnam County now open

The Putnam County Route M bridge over Medicine Creek Fork, located near Powersville, is open following a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle project. The Capital – Horner & Shifirin team, working with the Missouri Department of Transporation through a design-build contract, were able to reopen the bridge Friday afternoon, Jan. 24.

The Northwest Bridge Bundle is a Design-Build project that will replace or rehabilitate 31 poor-condition bridges in north central Missouri. The full list of bridges to be replaced can be found on the Northwest Bridge Bundle web page.

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 savings.

Single Lane of US Route 63 in Columbia to close for pavement repairs

U.S. Route 63 in Columbia will narrow on Tuesday for pavement repairs. Construction crews working with the Missouri Department of Transportation will close one lane in each direction through the work zone between the Conley Road underpass and Broadway overpass from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Jan. 28 for pothole repairs. The lane closure could extend into Wednesday, Jan. 29, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., if necessary to complete the repairs.  

Drivers traveling in Columbia on U.S. Route 63 south of Interstate 70 should consider alternate routes or allow extra time to travel through this area as backups are expected.  

This work is in addition to the nighttime closure of Conley Road taking place 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. thru Wednesday. 

Planned Roadwork for Northeast Missouri 

LOCAL AND REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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January 24, 2025

Governor Kehoe Signs Three Executive Orders to Enhance Government Accountability, Efficiency, and Ethics

LOCAL AND REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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January 23, 2025

Columbia man injured in Tuesday morning accident

A Columbia man was injured in an accident that occurred at 11:50am Tuesday in Cooper County. The patrol says that he was on County Road Big Lick Road when his vehicle began to slide on the ice covered road and it ran off the road and overturned down a creek embankment.  He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.

Learn to use prescribed fire as a land management tool with MDC Feb. 1 in Edina

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites landowners to a prescribed burn workshop Feb. 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Knox County Community Center in Edina.

Prescribed burning can be a valuable tool for managing native plant diversity and controlling undesirable vegetation, but it can be dangerous and ineffective when not used properly. This workshop will provide basic information on how to plan and execute a prescribed burn for land management.

Registration for this event is required and can be done at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4HT. Upon registration, participants will be asked to complete the virtual/online portion of the prescribed burn course. This online course is a mandatory prerequisite to the workshop, and there is a $25 fee to complete the online training. Participants are asked to bring their certificate of completion to the workshop. To find the online learning portion, go to http://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZoU.

Should weather allow, a demonstration burn will be conducted during the workshop. Participants are asked to wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants made of natural fibers, leather gloves, and closed toe, leather boots.

Questions about this event can be sent to Kyle Monroe at kyle.monroe@mdc.mo.gov. The Knox County Community Center is located at 207 4^th Street in Edina.  

MDC invites birders to join birding webinars in preparation for first ever Missouri Birding Challenge

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Missouri River Bird Observatory (MRBO), and the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation (MCHF) invite both new and experienced birders to join the first ever Missouri Birding Challenge -- May 1-15!

Missouri Birding Challenge participants will compete alone or on a team in different birding categories based on their ages, birding experience, and comfort levels. Birders will use eBird (eBird.org) to record their lists of birds identified at public natural areas around the state, or even in their own backyards. Once participants complete a category, they will be entered into a drawing for fun, bird-related prizes such as binoculars and gift cards. There is a fee of $10-$25 per person or team depending on the category. Fees go toward migratory bird conservation efforts.

Learn more about the Challenge and related topics at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/activities/birdwatching/missouri-birding-challenge. Full Challenge rules and details will be released in coming weeks. Registration will be open April 1-30 through the webpage.

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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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

LOCAL AND REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY  

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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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            â€¦ from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

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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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 â€“ 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
________________________________________________________________

             … 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
_____________________________________________________

             ... 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
_________________________________________________________

              ... 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
_________________________________________________________

              ... 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
_________________________________________________

               ... 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.
 
ï‚· 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.
ï‚· Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.
ï‚· Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
ï‚· 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.
ï‚· Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
ï‚· Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen.
ï‚· 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
________________________________________________________________

             â€¦ 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
________________________________________________________________

              … 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.