On April 16th, 2024, at approximately 9:50pm, Franklin County Deputies responded to a residence in the 800 block of Sparrow Lane for a report of an assault in progress.  Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the victim who stated the suspect identified as Leslie Rector a 29 year of age male from the Villa Ridge area had assaulted him. The victim told deputies he was on his front porch and was approached by Rector. He advised, Rector began asking about the location of his girlfriend and after being told his girlfriend was not in the home, Rector began assaulting him. After the assault, Rector walked away from the residence.

Upon deputies arriving in the area and speaking with the victim they observed Rector walking in the roadway.  Upon attempting to speak with Rector it was clear he was in an intoxicated state.   Deputies attempted to detain Rector and he began physically resisting arrest. He was ultimately taken into custody and transported to the Franklin County Detention Facility for outstanding warrants of Felony Driving While Intoxicated. 

On April 17th, at approximately 1:30am, Pacific Police Department contacted Franklin County 911 regarding a female they were out with at the Pilot gas station. The female victim had extensive and serious injuries to her face and head, and it was obvious she had been the victim of a brutal assault. Upon deputies arriving, they were able to establish a rapport with the victim and learned the suspect in this incident was Leslie Rector and the victim was his significant other. She was transported to a Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of her injuries.  The victim provided information to deputies that she was assaulted by Rector and left the vehicle, ultimately walking to the gas station where she was located by law enforcement. 

Deputies responded to a residence in the 400 block of Northridge which is shared by Rector and the victim. Upon arriving at the residence, they located a blue/gray van in the driveway. While looking into the van via an open window, deputies observed numerous areas with blood splatter.  The victims’ dog was located on the passenger side floorboard of the van deceased from a gunshot.   A handgun magazine was located on the ground outside the driver’s side door as well as a pistol on the driver’s side floorboard. Bullet holes were also observed in the interior of the vehicle.  The van was seized as evidence and a search warrant was obtained for a thorough search of the vehicle. 

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office Detective Bureau was contacted to assist in the investigation.  After processing the vehicle for evidence and conducting further interviews with both the victim and Rector the detectives presented in custody charges to the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review. 

In the afternoon of April 17th, the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued a NO BOND warrant on charges of Domestic Assault 1st degree (Serious Physical Injuries), Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, and Animal Abuse 1st degree against Rector. 

The Missouri Humanities Council (MHC) has awarded a grant of $15,000 to Scenic Regional Library in support of the project, "Missouri Book Festival 2024." The MHC is the only state wide agency in Missouri devoted exclusively to humanities education for citizens of all ages. It has served as a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities since 1971.

The Missouri Book Festival sparks passion for reading while inspiring future generations of Missourians to become lifelong learners. In a singular celebration of literature, the Missouri Book Festival brings our region's most exciting and emblematic stories to life. The festival's event programs highlight regional history, food, music, sports, art, and more, emphasizing performance and interactivity. These programs are designed to engage and entertain attendees, who discover reading as both the connection to endless subjects and the ultimate catalyst of our imagination. The Missouri Book Festival is being planned in collaboration with Reedy Press and Washington Public Library.

Grant funds will be used to help pay for essential supplies and rentals for producing the festival, promoting the event, author and performer fees, and more.

For more information about the grants program of the Missouri Humanities Council, call 314-781-9660, or 800-357-0909 or write to the MHC, 415 S 18th Street, Suite 100, St. Louis, MO 63103-2269.

Missouri's smoothed seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady in March 2024 at 3.3 percent. The March 2024 rate was half of a percentage point higher than the March 2023 rate. The estimated number of unemployed Missourians was 103,681 in March 2024, up by 718 from the revised February total of 102,963. In addition, the estimated number of employed Missourians also increased in March, growing by 2,639 to reach a total of 3,000,264.

The state's not-seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate decreased in March 2024 by three-tenths of a percentage point to 3.7 percent from the February 2024 not-seasonally-adjusted rate of 4 percent. A year ago, the not-seasonally-adjusted rate was 3.2 percent. The corresponding not-seasonally-adjusted national rate for March 2024 was 3.9 percent.

Missouri's labor force participation rate was 63.1 percent in March 2024, four-tenths of a percentage point higher than the national rate of 62.7 percent. Missouri's employment-population ratio was 61 percent in March 2024, seven-tenths of a percentage point higher than the national rate of 60.3 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate was 3.3 percent in March 2024, half of a percentage point lower than the national rate of 3.8 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate has been at or below the national rate for more than eight years.

Frying isn’t the only method people can use to get caught fish onto the dinner table.

People who would like to learn more about various ways to prepare fish they’ve caught at area lakes and streams should register for the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) program “Pond to Plate, Fish Cooking: Other Methods,” a free virtual event from 2:30-3 p.m. on April 25. This online program is being put on by the staff of MDC’s Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center in Joplin. MDC Education Administrative Specialist Tim Smith will discuss smoking, canning, pickling, salting and other ways to prepare the sportfish that can be caught in Missouri. People can register for this program at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/197914

Though this program is free, registration is required. To participate, use the link above. Registrants must provide an e-mail, so a program link can be sent to them. This program will include a chat-based question-and-answer period where participants can interact with the presenters.

People can stay informed about upcoming programs at MDC’s Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center and other MDC facilities by signing up for text alerts and e-mail bulletins. People who have questions about how to sign up for text alerts from the Shoal Creek Center can call 417-629-3434.

Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding virtual and in-person programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/events.

Adjunct Mathematics Adjunct Connie Lutz was recognized for her exceptional contributions to East Central College with the inaugural Adjunct of the Year award.

The award was presented at the first Adjunct Appreciation Dinner on April 9. Lutz was honored alongside other adjuncts honored with special recognitions and for years of service. Lutz’ award was presented by Dr. Robyn Walter, Vice President of Academic Affairs.

“Tonight, we honor an exceptional educator, one whose dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to the field of mathematics education has positively impacted our college and the countless lives of students she has touched,” Walter said.

She added that Lutz, “Embodies the epitome of meeting students where they are – offering genuine care and support of her students, engaging in the classroom, and literally transforming the way students learn math.”

Lutz, who also was recognized for 35 years of service as an adjunct faculty member, recently developed a vibrant math course for the Fine and Performing Arts to meet a broader set of students – again meeting them where they are. In 2018, Lutz was awarded the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty from the Missouri Community College Association.

More Outstanding Adjuncts

There were eight other adjuncts who received Outstanding Adjunct Awards in each department: Meg Vogel, Education; Shawna Flanigan, English & Humanities; Jeffrey Jaquess, Science and Engineering; Ted Coburn, Criminal Justice; Gary Powers, Art & Design; Michael Askins, Computer Information Systems; Elisha Chaney, Nursing; and Ben Martin, dual credit science instructor at St. Clair High School.

Below are comments about each departmental Outstanding Adjunct Award recipients. They were presented awards by the dean or director of their division.

Meg Vogel: “(She) is always student-focused and has always been willing to attempt teaching modalities beyond what she is accustomed to. Mrs. Vogel defines her class with real-world examples and inclusivity. She strives to make sure students connect the content in her classes to their future classrooms.”

Shawna Flanigan: “(She) brings students comfort because of her focus on building connections and her positive, humble, and curious attitude. Shawna’s detailed explanations for why content, assignments, and activities are covered, along with her willingness to encourage or check in outside of class, helps students to stay motivated, as her evaluations reflect.”

Jeffrey Jaquess: “He is one of our most reliable faculty members, who goes above and beyond to serve our students well. Jeff is known to teach labs with his materials when he deems them more appropriate for instruction. He consistently provides his students with valuable supplemental education by planning and executing field trips for them every year.”

Ted Coburn: “(He) has a passion for teaching students here at ECC. He is consistently student-focused and strives to help students learn and understand course material. He works to build relationships with his students. He is often asked for recommendations from current and former students. Even after students graduate, they often stay in touch with Mr. Coburn.”

Gary Powers: “(He) has helped jury several end-of-year student art exhibitions, participated in every Faculty Art show, and even gave of his time for our High School Art Day event. Even as a two-day-a-week adjunct, he never misses an opportunity to study, critique, and compliment the student works in the hall and the instructors whose class it is.”

Michael Askins: “His incorporation of real-world insights, case studies, and personal guidance enriches the learning experience... He will even call his students offering support when the normal channels of retention seem ineffective.”

Elisha Chaney: “She holds the students to high standards as a full-time faculty member does but is also willing to sit down and spend time with the student if they don't understand paperwork or how to handle patient stations... Elisha goes above and beyond for students. She is an amazing clinical and classroom educator. She challenges the students while also supporting them as they grow.”

Ben Martin: “He gets to know his students on a personal level, and he actually seeks out books based on that information to give to them to encourage them to read more. Ben's students are highly engaged in the classroom, especially in the area of eye-rolling after one of his famous daily dad jokes.”

Years of Service Recognitions:

Listed below are adjuncts who reached milestones and were recognized for years of service:

5 Years: Kelly Adkins, Melissa Albright, Janet Berry, Taylor Bodenschatz, Tim Bruckerhoff, Steven Campbell, Elisha Chaney, Sarah Dierker, Brooke Durbin, Madison Emerick, Karen Fixsal, Shawna Flanigan, Patrick Fogarty, Jeffrey Frankenberg, Dan Jacobson, Christopher Karr, Daniel Kemper, Amber Moore, Mark Palmier, Michael Pelster, Heather Sluis, Marietta Stiebler, Daniel Strohmeyer, Margaret Vogel, and Timothy Willard.

10 Years: Tiffanie Atherton, Molly Bene, Melissa Mauchenheimer, Raymond Mowery, Margret Noud, Danika Novak, Robert Schulze, and Kenneth Williardson.

15 Years: Curtis Beers, Lisa Blackmore, Shana Collier, Gary Powers, Robert Robinson, and Matthew Sokeland.

20 Years: Tim Buchheit.

25 Years: Robert Prichard.

East Central College has joined Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national leading higher education reform network of more than 300 community colleges across the country.

As one of eight institutions joining the organization as part of its 2024 cohort, ECC will enter ATD’s Foundations of Transformation core engagement, an intensive three-year program. College leaders will collaborate with ATD’s expert coaches to develop essential capacities for student success. These capacities will focus on equity, data analysis, teaching and learning, leadership, community partnerships, student support, and more.

“Joining the Achieving the Dream marks a pivotal moment for ECC's commitment to student success. We aim to provide students with strengthened individualized attention they deserve,” said Dr. Jon Bauer, ECC President.

“Additionally, ECC's partnership with Achieving the Dream will empower us to address the unique challenges faced by our low-income and rural student populations; ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive.”

ECC, along with fellow cohort colleges and six other institutions new to the ATD Network, will convene at ATD’s Kickoff Institute, an annual event to welcome incoming Network colleges, which will be held this year from June 12-14 in New Orleans.

During the Kickoff Institute, colleges will establish partnerships with ATD and become acquainted with the organization’s Institutional Capacity Framework. This framework offers a comprehensive assessment designed to cultivate a student-centered culture and enhance student success.

ECC secured the funding to join ATD through a federal Title III grant, awarded through the Strengthening Institutions Program administered by the U.S. Department of Education.

ATD is a partner and champion of more than 300 community colleges across the country. Drawing on expert coaches, groundbreaking programs, and national peer network, the organization provides institutions with integrated, tailored support for every aspect of their work — from foundational capacities such as leadership, data, and equity to intentional strategies for supporting students holistically, building K–12 partnerships, and more.

ATD calls this Whole College Transformation. Its vision is for every college to be a catalyst for equitable, antiracist, and economically vibrant communities. ATD knows that with the right partner and the right approach, colleges can drive access, completion rates, and employment outcomes — so that all students can access life-changing learning that propels them into community-changing careers. To learn more, visit the Achieving the Dream website: www.achievingthedream.org.

When JT Hardy and Audry Freitag were sworn in as East Central College Trustees, it was the first time since 2018 that the makeup of the board changed.

Hardy, who ran unopposed in Subdistrict 1, replaced Prudence Fink Johnson, who did not seek re-election after serving as a trustee for 30 years. Freitag, also unopposed, was elected to her third term on the board. However, she is now representing Subdistrict 2, due to a subdistrict realignment. The district lines were changed in fall 2022 to better align with the population of the College’s taxing district.

Freitag’s subdistrict includes portions of central and western Franklin County, including Union and New Haven school districts. Hardy represents St. Clair and Sullivan school districts, and the parts of Crawford and Washington counties within the ECC Taxing District.

The ECC board consists of six trustees, two each from three sub-districts of the college district. Though trustees are elected at large, a board member must be a resident of the sub-district he or she represents.

Johnson was first elected to the Board of Trustees in 1994. A reception was held in her honor prior to the April 11 Board meeting, her final meeting as a Trustee. Johnson was presented with a resolution recognizing her 30 years of dedication to the College.

Following the swearing in of Hardy and Freitag, the Trustees re-elected board officers.

Board Officers

Ann Hartley will continue to serve as board president, and Dr. Joe Stroetker will continue to serve as vice president. Dr. Eric Park remains the board treasurer, while Ina “Cookie” Hays was re-elected as the board secretary. Hardy and Freitag will serve as directors. Board officers are elected to two-year terms.

Bonnie Gardner, executive assistant to the president, was re-appointed recording secretary through June 30. Stacey Langan was appointed to serve as recording secretary beginning July 1, following Gardner’s retirement.

The Board of Trustees is the sole statutory legislative governing body responsible for the control and operation of ECC. Monthly meetings are normally held on the first Monday of the month on campus. Learn more about the Board of Trustees.

Fresh-water mussels are a fascinating and beneficial part of Missouri’s outdoor world.

People can learn more about these interesting organisms at the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) virtual program “Missouri Mussels.” This online program will be from 3-4 p.m. April 23 and is being put on by the staff of MDC’s Springfield Conservation Nature Center. This program will not be recorded. People can register at

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/199130

At this program, MDC Naturalist Sam Grove will talk about the species of freshwater mussels that can be found in Missouri. She will discuss their unique lifestyles – many of which involve connecting with a “host” fish to complete their reproductive cycles. She will also discuss benefits mussels provide to humans through their filter feeding that keeps water clean and how the populations of many Missouri mussel species are declining due to water quality issues. This program is for all ages.

MDC’s Springfield Conservation Nature Center is located in southeast Springfield at 4601 S. Nature Center Way. People can stay informed about upcoming programs at the nature center and other nearby MDC facilities by signing up for text alerts and e-mail bulletins. People who have questions about how to sign up for text alerts from the Springfield Nature Center can call 417-888-4237.

Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding virtual and in-person programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/events.

After several years of successful antlered-elk hunting seasons for Missouri residents, the Missouri Department to Conservation (MDC) is considering adding a limited antlerless-elk hunting season for residents and wants public input.

MDC reintroduced wild elk in portions of Carter, Reynolds, and Shannon counties in the Missouri Ozarks about a decade ago. According to MDC Elk and Deer Biologist Aaron Hildreth, those elk numbers continue to grow and may soon be able to allow the harvest of a small number of antlerless elk.

“Since the elk reintroduction was completed, we’ve watched elk numbers steadily increase,” Hildreth said. “We are approaching the time where we can support hunting a limited number of antlerless elk in addition to the limited number of antlered elk.”

Hildreth explained that MDC’s population goal for elk in Missouri is to get to about 500 animals and to use hunting to manage herd size and keep them limited to Carter, Reynolds, and Shannon counties. He added that the herd is currently estimated to be around 320 animals before calving begins this year.

SEASON DETAILS

To keep elk-hunting regulations as simple as possible, MDC is proposing that many aspects of antlerless-elk hunting mirror antlered-elk hunting, which has been occurring since 2020.

As with antlered-elk hunting, antlerless-elk hunting would be limited to Missouri residents who would be at least 11 years of age by the first day of the hunt for which they are applying. The application fee of $10 and permit cost of $50 would be the same for antlerless and antlered elk and all permits would be assigned through a random drawing. All permits would be allowed to be used in Carter, Reynolds, and Shannon counties, except the refuge portion of Peck Ranch Conservation Area. Permits would be valid for both an archery portion and a firearms portion, as with antlered-elk permits. Season dates, landowner opportunities, methods of take, and other details would also be like antlered-elk hunting.

MDC has not determined the number of permits that will be issued or confirmed a year to begin offering them. The recommended number of permits will be determined though annual staff surveys of elk numbers to monitor population growth. MDC currently designates five hunting permits for antlered elk.

Watch a video on potential future antlerless-elk harvest at youtu.be/_4G-jNAD-3U.

SHARE COMMENTS

MDC is seeking input on future antlerless-elk hunting opportunities and welcomes public comments at mdc.mo.gov/antlerlesselkcomments through April 28.

Individuals who have applied for antlered-elk permits in past years will be emailed a survey for their comments on antlerless-elk hunting and do not need to provide comments through the webpage. 

“Input received during the comment period will be used by MDC staff to help finalize a proposed antlerless-elk hunting framework that would be presented to the Conservation Commission at its Sept. 6 meeting for consideration,” said Hildreth. “The Commission would first need to approve the hunting framework prior to any permit quota recommendations. We would then make recommendations to the Commission early in the new year on elk permit numbers for the upcoming fall season.”

MORE ELK INFO

Once common throughout most of Missouri, elk disappeared from the state about 150 years ago due to unregulated hunting and habitat loss. MDC reintroduced elk to portions of Carter, Reynolds, and Shannon counties about 10 years ago.  

Learn more about elk and elk hunting in Missouri at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/elk.

Learn more about the Missouri Elk Management Plan at mdc.mo.gov/wildlife/mdc-management-plans/elk-hunting-management.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites veterans to fish for free April 20 at Bennett Spring State Park’s Veterans’ Free Fishing Day event.

At Veterans’ Free Fishing Day, which will be 7 a.m.to 3 p.m., fishing is free for all veterans. There will be no license or daily tag fee. All veterans can pick up their free daily trout tag at the park store on April 19 or any time during the event on April 20.

During the event, a part of the park’s Zone 2 fishing areas will be specially stocked and reserved for anglers who are veterans. Veterans will be able to fish in other zones at the park, too. Adjacent to the fishing area, volunteers will be hosting a hospitality tent featuring fly tying demos, lessons, casting instruction, and the latest adaptive fishing equipment. Learn more about this event at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/192532

This event is sponsored by MDC and Bennett Spring State Park. To get more information about the event, call the Bennett Springs Hatchery at 417-532-4418 or e-mail Hatchery Manager Ben Havens at Ben.Havens@mdc.mo.gov.

Don’t rely on an unpredictable ammo market, DIY your own.  Getting started in reloading metallic rifle cartridges is not as intimidating as it might seem.  And you’ll gain the satisfaction of learning a new skill. 

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is presenting a Metallic Cartridge Reloading: Rifle Emphasis class Thursday, April 18 from 5 – 7 p.m. p.m. at the Jay Henges Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center in Eureka.  The program is free open to ages 16 years and up.

The program will show shooters how to economically get started in reloading their own rifle ammunition.  Participants will learn what equipment is needed, the different kinds of powders, bullets, brass, and other materials.  The class will cover all the necessary techniques for successful and safe reloading.  Shooters will also discover how to customize their loads to a particular target or game they are pursing.  Safety precautions will also be emphasized. 

The class will break the process down into simple procedures to get newcomers started. This hands on program is suitable for the beginner who has never reloaded before.  Henges Shooting Range staff will demonstrate the process and then give participants the chance to get some real experience in reloading ammunition themselves during the class.  All equipment and materials will be provided.

The Metallic Cartridge Reloading: Rifle Emphasis class is free, but advanced online registration is required at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/42G.

The Jay Henges Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center is at 1100 Antire Road, just off I-44, exit 269 in Eureka. 

Stay informed of MDC latest programs by going to the MDC St. Louis regional events page at  https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZP6.

The spring season brings blooms, sunny skies, warmer temperatures, and a variety of newborn animals. Young wildlife can pull on our heartstrings as they look to be abandoned, but that’s rarely the case. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds the public that the best place for wildlife is in the wild.

“Young animals are rarely orphaned,” explained MDC State Wildlife Veterinarian Sherri Russell. “When we see newborns alone, that means the parents are likely out searching for food and will return.”

A common newborn species we may encounter in the spring is young birds.

“If you see a chick with feathers hopping on the ground, leave it alone because it’s a fledgling and its parents are nearby keeping watch,” Russell urged. “Fledglings can spend up to 10 days on the ground learning to fly. If you find one that has no feathers, it likely fell out of its nest and you can return it to the nesting area if possible.”

Another animal Russell warns against interfering with is young rabbits.

"Rabbits seldom survive in captivity and can actually die of fright from being handled,” she explained.

MDC MYTHBUSTER: Human scent does not cause wild mothers to reject their young.

“It takes a lot of knowledge to care for and rehabilitate wild animals,” stressed Russell. “It requires special training, permits, and facilities. Not to mention, it’s illegal to possess many wild animals without a valid state or federal permit.”

Russell also cautioned that wildlife can become dangerous as they mature, and can carry disease, parasites, and cause property damage.

“We know people have good intentions, and it can be tempting to take these cute, young animals in our homes, but the best thing we can do for wild animals is to leave them be,” she said.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reports that it sampled and tested more than 37,000 deer for chronic wasting disease (CWD) during the 2023 CWD surveillance year between July 2023 and April 2024. Of the more than 37,000 deer sampled, 162 tested positive for CWD.

CWD is a 100% fatal disease in white-tailed deer and other members of the deer family. The disease has been attributed to significant deer population declines in other states and threatens Missouri’s deer population, hunting culture, and economy. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/cwd.

Those 162 deer bring the total number of CWD cases found in the state to 572 since the first case in wild deer was confirmed by MDC in early 2012. Including recent sampling efforts, more than 280,000 tissue samples from wild deer have been collected for CWD testing in Missouri since MDC began CWD surveillance in 2002.

Nearly 20,700 of the 37,000-plus deer tested this past CWD surveillance year were sampled as part of MDC mandatory CWD sampling efforts in select counties during the opening weekend of the November portion of firearms deer season, Nov. 11 and 12. Most of the remaining samples resulted from MDC’s voluntary sampling efforts conducted throughout the deer season in partnership with taxidermists and meat processors and through freezer head-drop locations throughout the state.

Of the more than 37,000 samples, about 4,600 were collected during MDC’s targeted removal efforts. MDC staff and staff from USDA Wildlife Services conducted targeted removal efforts in cooperation with landowners on a voluntary basis after the close of regular deer season in localized areas near where CWD has been found. Through targeted removal, 51 CWD-positive deer were removed to help slow the spread of the disease.

“The goal of targeted removal is to remove CWD-positive deer from the landscape and reduce deer density in these localized areas to slow the spread of the disease and protect Missouri’s deer herd,” explained MDC Wildlife Health Program Supervisor Deb Hudman. “Targeted removal is a proven method to slow the spread of CWD, and Missouri is one of several states that uses it to manage the disease.”

Of the deer tested during the 2023 surveillance year, MDC found CWD-positive deer in 27 counties: Adair (3), Barry (1), Barton (15), Carroll (2), Chariton (4), Clark (1), Crawford (3), Dallas (4), Franklin (23), Grundy (1), Jasper (1), Jefferson (15), Linn (9), Macon (7), Maries (1), Oregon (4), Osage (3), Perry (3), Polk (2), Pulaski (1), Putnam (3), Randolph (4), Scotland (3), Ste. Genevieve (31), Stone (7), Sullivan (2), and Taney (9).

"This past year, we found CWD in a number of new counties,” Hudman said. “Cases were detected for the first time in Chariton, Clark, Grundy, Jasper, Maries, Osage, Randolph, and Scotland counties.”

She added that the goal of CWD management in Missouri is to slow the spread while researchers work to develop a cure and additional management tools, and to keep the percentage of infected deer low.

Although the number of CWD-positive counties increased this past year, Hudman noted that CWD management efforts have kept infection rates low. Less than one percent of tissue samples from hunter-harvested deer tested positive for CWD this past year.

“That is good news,” Hudman said. “It is a testament to our ability to find the disease early in new areas and apply management actions to slow its spread.”

Although CWD infection rates are low in Missouri, Hudman noted that this is exactly when aggressive management efforts must be implemented. “By the time CWD infection rates get high in a deer population, there is little that can be done to slow its spread. The time to act is now,” she said.

She added that if MDC does not continue to act aggressively to slow the spread of the disease through management efforts such as targeted removal, CWD will spread faster and could have significant effects on the state’s deer population, hunting culture, and economy.

“There are areas of the country where over half of hunter-harvested adult bucks test positive for CWD,” Hudman explained. “We must do everything we can to not let this happen in Missouri, and we need the help of hunters and landowners in this critically important fight.”

In 2023, 35 fatalities occurred in work zone crashes, the highest number of work zone fatalities in Missouri history. Distracted driving contributed to 588 work zone crashes and five of those fatalities. April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, with National Work Zone Awareness Week occurring April 15-19. MoDOT is asking motorists to “Work With Us” by making safe, responsible choices behind the wheel and slowing down when driving through work zones.

            Using a cell phone while driving is now against the law in Missouri. The Siddens Bening hands free law, which took effect last August, prohibits drivers from physically holding or supporting a cell phone while driving; this includes sending or receiving texts and recording or watching videos. Drivers can face criminal charges for crashes that result in property damage, injury or death.

“Your decisions as a driver can make the difference between arriving safely or having deadly consequences,” said MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna. “Any time you pass workers on the roadway, remember that buckling up, leaving your phone at your side, slowing down and staying alert are the key behaviors to get everyone home safe every day.”

It’s not just a courtesy to slow down and move over for these work zones—it’s the law. Missouri’s Move Over law requires drivers to change lanes, if safe to do so, when approaching MoDOT vehicles, law enforcement vehicles and any other emergency vehicle with lights flashing. If drivers can’t change lanes safely, they must slow down as they pass the emergency vehicles. Drivers should be aware of changing traffic conditions, observe warning signs and merge before reaching lane closures.

In 2023 alone, MoDOT work zone vehicles with truck mounted attenuators were struck 63 times, an increase of 27 from the previous year. These crashes are almost always a result of drivers being distracted behind the wheel and/or driving too fast for the conditions.

“These protective vehicles are the only thing between our workers making road improvements or repairs and the traveling public. Keeping everyone safe is our number one priority,” said MoDOT Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer Nicole Hood. “When you see flashing lights and arrows, pay attention, slow down and move over.”

At its core, the Buckle Up Phone Down initiative is about prioritizing personal safety.  Forty-five percent of those killed in work zone crashes last year were not wearing a seat belt and the overall unbelted fatality rate so far in 2024 is the highest recorded in recent years. Everyone carries the responsibility of personal safety. Wear your seat belt, put the phone down and help save lives on Missouri roadways.

To help make your travel safer, visit MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at www.traveler.modot.org and find out what work zones you’ll encounter before you go. Be sure to do your part to save lives in those work zones. Missouri’s strategic highway safety plan, Show-Me Zero, provides information for all Missourians to help promote four key messages: buckle up, phone down, slow down, and drive sober. The plan can be viewed at www.savemolives.com.

Due to inclement weather conditions, a portion of the Route KK cross culvert pipe replacement work has been rescheduled.

The Missouri Department of Transportation will close Route KK from Oliver Road to Pohlman Road to replace a cross culvert pipe during the day, starting Monday. April 15.

The closure will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Crews will close Route KK starting at Route C to Koelkebeck Road from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16.

All work is weather permitting.

Owensville Parks & Recreation Department (OPRD) is hosting Market in the Park Saturday, April 20 from 8am-2pm in Memorial Park, along Hippy Holler, at 796 Parker Drive, Owensville, MO 65066. Vendors will be selling antiques, bag boards, beaded pens, body butter, books, clothes, crafts, customs hats, epoxy tumblers, furniture, games, glassware, handmade items, household items, jewelry, keychains, magnets, movies, plants, quilts, seedlings, soap, wreaths and more! Bargain hunters won't want to miss this sale. Severe weather reschedule will be 4/21.

Thank you to the event sponsors: 28^th & Main Salon, Barely Covered, Chastity A Menz, CPA, LLC, Coldwell Banker Quality, Domino's, First State Community Bank, Fitness Parlor, Gasconade County Health Department, Havener's Termite & Insect Control, Heartland Independent Living Center, Hutchinson Recreation & Design, Jefferson Bank, Jost Tire Co. Inc., Kids Korner, Kings This & That, Lakeside Book Company, Legends Bank, Lost Valley Lake Resort, Maciejewski Plumbing & Heating Inc., Medley Pharmacy, Owensville Chamber of Commerce, Owensville Lions Club, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of New Haven, Reinhold Electric Inc, Schmanke Law Office, LLC, Skornia Wildflower Farm, Southern District Commissioner - Jerry Lairmore, The Insurance Center, The Maries County Bank, Tom & Laura Hengstenberg and Zion Lutheran Church.

Vendor spots are still available. For more information or to learn how to register, please visit www.cityofowensville.com/events, contact 573-437-8231 or email parkrec@cityofowensville.com.

The many lights that brighten our night-time world may be impacting the life cycles of a number of wildlife species.

People can learn more about how artificial lights at night are affecting wildlife at two Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) programs on April 19 at MDC’s Springfield Conservation Nature Center.

The first program is free and will focus on how these lights are affecting birds. This program, “Earth Week: Effects of Artificial Light on Birds,” will be from 10-11 a.m. and will be in the nature center’s auditorium. No registration is required. People can learn more at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/199125

At this program, MDC volunteer Cathy Webb will be presenting on behalf of DarkSky Missouri. She will discuss how artificial lights humans use to illuminate the night-time world are affecting spring and fall bird migrations. At other times of year, bright lights at night are causing birds to stay away from some parts of their habitats that are essential to their survival and may also be altering predator-prey relationships.

Later in the day on April 19, people can learn about how night-time lights are affecting other species of wildlife at “Earth Week: Effects of Artificial Light on Wildlife.” This program, which is also free, will be from 2-3 p.m. and will be presented virtually. People need to register for this program and can do so at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/199126

At this virtual-only program, MDC Naturalist Sam Grove will discuss how an abundance of lights at night is impacting a number of wildlife species. Animals whose courtship and mating routines are dependent on darkness are not calling as frequently. Also, insects who would be pollinating plants as part of their night-time feeding routines are hovering around lights instead. These are just two of many examples of how human lights are changing the life cycles of animals that are active at night.

Though this virtual program is free, registration is required to participate. Use the link above. Registrants must provide an e-mail, so a program link can be sent to them. This program will include a chat-based question-and-answer period where participants can interact with the presenters.

MDC’s Springfield Conservation Nature Center is located at 4601 S. Nature Center Way in southeast Springfield. People can stay informed about upcoming programs at the nature center by signing up for text alerts and e-mail bulletins. People can get information on how to sign up by calling 417-888-4237.

Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding virtual and in-person programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/events.