As a young boy growing up in rural Missouri, many days were spent outdoors enjoying wild places and wild critters. At a young age, I became fascinated with the graceful ghost of our forest, the white-tailed deer. This fascination fueled a life-long pursuit to learn everything I could about this iconic species. After graduating high school, the decision to align this passion with career pursuits was natural. It turned from an outsized fascination to a professional pursuit that led me on a decades long journey studying and researching white-tailed deer management across the southern U.S., eventually leading to an opportunity to “come home” and serve as the private-lands deer biologist for the Missouri Department of Conservation. This was truly a dream come true for a small-town country kid with a passion for deer management and conservation of our natural resources. 

The dream would turn to dread in February 2010 when chronic wasting disease (CWD) was first detected in our state. By that time, CWD had been known to occur in eastern Colorado and Wyoming since the 1960s and was slowly spreading east across the great plains. It had been detected in Wisconsin and Illinois eight years earlier. Long-term studies of CWD on mule deer populations in the west were beginning to show the destructive impacts on those herds. Research over the last 20 years has continued to demonstrate that, if left unmanaged, CWD will increase in prevalence and distribution leading to increased mortality in deer populations. 

As with many diseases, early detection and aggressive management have the greatest impact on the future distribution of the disease. So we embarked on an aggressive strategy to minimize the likelihood of spreading the disease within Missouri (i.e., increased safeguards for the importation of captive deer from outside of Missouri and carcass movement restrictions). Using science to inform management actions, we liberalized local harvest opportunities, prohibited the use of feed and minerals that unnaturally concentrate deer, and implemented localized targeted removals in an effort to minimize the number of infected deer on the landscape (a strategy that Illinois had utilized with measurable success). 

Aggressive management actions implemented by cooperating hunters, landowners, and agency staff over the last decade have been successful in slowing the number of infected deer on our state’s landscape. Unfortunately, CWD has continued to be introduced to new parts of the state and spread where it was previously detected. 

Some will say CWD is simply a political disease that has not impacted deer populations, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Scientific studies have continued to demonstrate that CWD is a fatal disease that, if left unchecked, will increase in prevalence resulting in increased mortality on local populations that significantly alter buck age structure and the ability of the population to recover from other natural factors like extreme droughts and other disease outbreaks like EHD. Others recognize that CWD is a serious threat but disagree with the approach we have implemented to address the disease. 

Regardless of where you stand on the issue of CWD, most share the same goal—a healthy sustainable population of deer in Missouri that can be appreciated and utilized by future generations. I certainly hope that my son (and hopefully grandchildren one day) will continue to have the opportunity to utilize and appreciate a healthy and thriving deer population into the future. The white-tailed deer is the heartbeat of Missouri’s wild places—familiar, resilient, and woven into our outdoor heritage. It is also a symbol of the success of wildlife conservation and restoration across North America.

The Missouri Conservation Commission, and subsequently the Missouri Department of Conservation, were created by the citizens of Missouri to restore and manage our valuable fish, forest, and wildlife resources. There is no species more emblematic of this conservation success than the white-tailed deer. 

As CWD has spread in Missouri over the last decade, MDC’s objective has been and continues to be to keep CWD infection rates low to protect the long-term health of the deer herd. This extensive undertaking can only be accomplished by working collaboratively with hunters and landowners to achieve both surveillance and management goals. MDC has continued to work with hunters and landowners to adapt the management tools, including creating CWD management permits and simplifying regulations. Last year, we piloted the Hunter Harvest Initiative to encourage additional deer harvest during deer season to alleviate the need for post-season targeted removal.

We remain committed to keeping our deer herd heathy and working collaboratively with the hunters and landowners that are critical to our conservation mission. We cannot be successful in this work, and at the scale needed, without hunters’ and landowners’ support and participation.

At this time, MDC will be pausing our post-season targeted removal efforts to work with hunters and landowners to adapt and identify a more sustainable path forward.

Future generations of Missourians are counting on us to work together to sustain the future of one of our great state’s most important natural resources. Together, we can preserve the health of the herd and the future of hunting; divided, we may lose it.

We are committed to continuing our engagement with hunters, landowners, and Missourians on this hard work ahead. Feel free to send your thoughts to CWDFeedback@mdc.mo.gov.

In gratitude,

Jason Sumners

Director, Missouri Department of Conservation

The Missouri Department of Transportation will close Route H between Angel Road to Route AN to replace three culvert pipes.

This closure will take place from Monday, December 15, through Wednesday, December 17, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

All work is weather-dependent. Crews have placed message boards stating the days and times of the closure.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites the public to curl up with a mug of hot chocolate and tune in for a virtual bird program Dec. 22.

The virtual program, “Birds in Winter and a Warm Cup of Cheer,” will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 22.

Register here: https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/213367

Open to beginners and seasoned birders alike, this program is designed for everyone seeking a nature-filled pause during the holiday season. This free online event brings the joy of winter birdwatching home while offering identification tips, feeder advice, and bird sound recognition.

Participants will learn to identify common winter birds in Missouri, explore simple feeder setups and yard ethics, and practice listening for bird calls that reveal hidden visitors. Easy visual cues will help distinguish look-alike species, giving attendees confidence to name birds for friends and family.

Participants are encouraged to prepare their favorite warm beverage, such as hot cocoa, cider, tea, or coffee, for a “what I’m sipping” moment at the start of the program. In addition to your warm drink, viewers should bring along a notebook and curiosity.

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

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) recently set turkey and deer hunting dates for the 2026-2027 seasons. The hunting dates were approved by the Missouri Conservation Commission at its Dec. 12 open meeting at MDC headquarters in Jefferson City.

The Commission also gave final approval to regulation changes that will reduce the nonresident harvest limit from two bearded turkeys in the spring to a single bearded bird in the spring. Non-resident landowners will maintain a harvest limit of two bearded birds with only one allowed to be harvested during the first seven days of the season.

2026 Spring and Fall Turkey Hunting Dates

• Spring Youth Portion: April 11-12
• Regular Spring Turkey Season: April 20 through May 10
• Fall Archery Turkey Portion: Sept. 15 through Nov. 13 and Nov. 25 through Jan. 15, 2027
• Fall Firearms Turkey Portion: Oct. 1-31 (in open counties)

2026-2027 Archery Deer Hunting Dates

• Sept. 15 through Nov. 13 and Nov. 25 through Jan. 15, 2027

2026-2027 Firearms Deer Hunting Dates

• Firearms Early Antlerless Portion: Oct. 9-11 (in open counties)
• Firearms Early Youth Portion: Oct. 24-25*
• Firearms November Portion: Nov. 14-24
• Firearms Late Youth Portion: Nov. 27-29
• Firearms Late Antlerless Portion: Dec. 5-13 (in open counties)
• Firearms Alternative Methods Portion: Dec. 26, 2026-Jan. 5, 2027

*The Commission approved changes to allow the early youth portion to be moved one week earlier in years when it overlaps with Halloween.

Detailed information on the upcoming seasons and portions, managed hunts, and conservation area regulations will be included in the MDC 2026 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet and the MDC 2026 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.

The Missouri Conservation Commission recently gave initial approval to regulation changes for deer hunting proposed by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) at the Dec. 12 Commission meeting in Jefferson City. The changes will simplify regulations for hunters and help keep chronic wasting disease (CWD) infection rates low, so Missouri’s deer herd remains healthy.

Removal of CWD Portion of Firearms Deer Season

The five-day CWD Portion of firearms deer season was open for CWD Management Zone counties. Harvest data shows that this season portion has not resulted in a significant increase in harvest. Hunters have also expressed concerns about the number of firearms-deer-season portions and the complexity of regulations.

Removing the CWD Portion will simplify the structure of deer season for hunters and not significantly affect deer harvest.

Removal of CWD Management Zone

Missouri’s CWD Management Zone consists of counties with confirmed cases of CWD and those within 10 miles of a confirmed detection. The size of the Management Zone has increased over time from the original six counties in 2012 to 82 counties in 2025. Growth in the Zone has led to increased regulatory complexity between counties.

According to MDC, eliminating the CWD Management Zone will simplify related regulations to minimize the impacts of CWD on Missouri’s deer herd. This change would allow mandatory CWD sampling to be conducted in selected counties to detect the disease as early as possible where it exists. Selected counties would be listed in the annual MDC Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet that is available starting in July.

Placing feed and minerals for deer would continue to be prohibited in counties with confirmed cases of CWD and those within 10 miles of a CWD detection.

Removal of the Antler Point Restriction (APR)

The APR has been removed in CWD Management Zone Counties in the past because yearling bucks -- which the APR protects -- travel many miles and can spread CWD long distances. Given the current distribution of CWD, the APR remains in place in only 18 counties.

Removing the APR from these counties will help minimize the spread of CWD and simplify regulations for hunters.

Increase Acreage for CWD Management Permits

Currently, a landowner with at least five acres in a CWD core area can receive five no-cost deer hunting permits for use on their property during deer season. Beginning in 2026, landowners will be required to have at least 20 acres in a CWD core area to receive CWD Management Permits.

According to MDC, this change will help with the sustainability of the CWD Management Permit program and make the acreage requirement the same for CWD Management Permits and no-cost landowner deer hunting permits, reducing potential confusion for landowners.

MDC invites the public to comment on these proposed regulation changes from Jan. 16 to Feb. 14, 2026 at mdc.mo.gov/about-regulations/wildlife-code-missouri/proposed-regulation-changes.

Following the public-comment period, the Commission will have a final review of the proposed regulation changes. If given final approval by the Commission, the regulation changes would become effective June 30, 2026.

Get more information on deer hunting in Missouri at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announces regulation changes to spring turkey hunting that will reduce the nonresident harvest limit from two bearded turkeys to one. Nonresident landowners will maintain a harvest limit of two bearded birds with only one allowed to be harvested during the first seven days of the season.

Regulation changes will also now allow youth hunters who are successful during the youth season to harvest their second bird during the first week of the regular season. Currently youth turkey hunters who are successful during the youth season may not harvest a second bird until the second week of the regular season.

The regulation changes were approved by the Missouri Conservation Commission at its Dec. 12 open meeting in Jefferson City and will be effective for the 2026 spring turkey season.

Public comments and other feedback to MDC on the topic showed that many resident turkey hunters value uncrowded places to hunt and have expressed concern over nonresident participation and overcrowding on some public areas.

According to MDC, reducing the nonresident spring harvest limit should reduce the number of days that nonresident hunters spend hunting, thereby alleviating some of the crowding or pressure that resident hunters encounter. MDC will also be assessing non-resident participation in Missouri’s deer hunting season.

The 2026 Spring Youth Portion will be April 11-12. The 2026 Regular Spring Turkey Season will be April 20 through May 10. Get more information on spring turkey hunting from the MDC 2026 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet available closer to the season and online at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/turkey.

 Governor Mike Kehoe hosted a ceremony proclaiming December as Christmas Tree Month in Missouri. The proclamation was presented to winners of the Missouri Christmas Tree Association’s annual wreath and tree contests, held earlier this year at the association’s annual convention.

“Families across our state proudly display Missouri-grown Christmas trees in their homes each year during the holiday season,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “Today, we recognized Starr Pines Christmas Tree Farm and Route 24 Christmas Tree Farm for their contributions to our state’s agritourism industry. Claudia and I wish all Missourians a Merry Christmas and encourage them to support a local Christmas tree farm this season.”

Starr Pines Christmas Tree Farm in Boonville, Mo., won the tree contest and provided a 10-foot tree to the Missouri Capitol. Located outside Governor Kehoe’s office, the Scotch Pine tree was planted in 2017. Starr Pines Christmas Tree Farm began in 1986 when Wayne and Ann Harmon planted their first Scotch Pine. Now the Harmon daughters, along with their families, keep the tradition alive. Families enjoy going to the farm in Cooper County and cutting fresh pine and fir Christmas trees for their celebrations.

Route 24 Christmas Tree Farm in Wellington, Mo. won the wreath contest and delivered a wreath to hang outside the Governor’s office. The wreath is crafted from fresh, fragrant red cedar that embodies timeless holiday tradition. Route 24 Christmas Tree Farm, started in 2000, is dedicated to offering a warm, authentic holiday atmosphere where guests can slow down, explore the farm, and create cherished seasonal memories.

“Missouri’s Christmas tree farms provide quality, live Christmas decorations which are a staple in homes throughout Missouri during this season,” said Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn. “These tree farms are a perfect example of our agritourism industry, which is vital to our state’s agriculture economy.”

To plan a visit to a Christmas tree farm in your area, visit Missouri Grown or the Missouri Christmas Tree Producers Association.

To learn more about the Missouri Department of Agriculture and its programs, please visit its website.

Staying warm isn’t just a priority for people during the winter. It’s important for animals as well.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites the public to learn how animals survive in the winter during a virtual program Dec. 16.

Join the Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Education Center for “Animals in Winter” from 6-7 p.m. Dec. 16 from the comfort of home. Registration closes Dec. 12, and all ages are welcome.

Register here: https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/213352

To find out more about the Dec. 16 virtual program or other events at the Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Education Center, call 417-334-4865, ext. 0.

Staff at MDC Facilities across the state are holding virtual and in-person programs throughout the year. A listing of these programs may be found at https://mdc.mo.gov/events.

Missouri nonfarm payroll employment increased by 18,300 jobs in September 2025, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged from August at 4.1 percent. Private industry employment increased by 4,400 jobs and government employment increased by 13,900 jobs. Over the year, there was an increase of 48,900 jobs from September 2024 to September 2025, and the unemployment rate increased by four-tenths of a percentage point, from 3.7 percent in September 2024 to 4.1 percent in September 2025.

EMPLOYMENT     

Missouri's nonfarm payroll employment was 3,041,200 in September 2025, up by 18,300 from the revised August 2025 figure. The August 2025 total was revised upward by 1,100 jobs from the preliminary estimate.

Goods-producing industries increased by 500 jobs over the month, with manufacturing gaining 1,800 jobs and mining, logging, and construction decreasing by 1,300 jobs. Private service-providing industries increased by 3,900 jobs between August 2025 and September 2025. Employment in private service-providing industries increased in professional and business services (4,400 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (1,100 jobs); financial activities (700 jobs); other services (600 jobs); leisure and hospitality (500 jobs); and information (100 jobs). Employment decreased in private education and health services (-3,500 jobs). Total government employment increased by 13,900 jobs over the month, with increases in local (7,800 jobs) and state government (6,300 jobs) and a decrease in federal government (-200 jobs).

Over the year, total payroll employment increased by 48,900 jobs. The largest gains were in private education and health services (15,500 jobs); leisure and hospitality (12,000 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (2,100 jobs); other services (1,700 jobs); and financial activities (100 jobs). Employment decreased in manufacturing (-4,000 jobs); professional and business services (-2,700 jobs); information (-2,700 jobs); and trade, transportation, and utilities (-2,300 jobs). Government employment increased by 29,200 jobs over the year, with increases in local (23,100 jobs) and state (8,200 jobs) government and a decrease in federal government (-2,100 jobs).

UNEMPLOYMENT   

Missouri's smoothed seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 4.1 percent in September 2025. The September 2025 rate was four-tenths of a percentage point higher than the September 2024 rate of 3.7 percent. The estimated number of unemployed Missourians was 131,808 in September 2025.

The state's not-seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate decreased in September 2025, declining by one point to 3.5 percent from the August 2025 not-seasonally-adjusted rate of 4.5 percent. A year ago, the not-seasonally-adjusted rate was 3 percent. The corresponding not-seasonally-adjusted national rate for September 2025 was 4.3 percent.

Missouri's labor force participation rate was 63.7 percent in September 2025, 1.3 percentage points higher than the national rate of 62.4 percent. Missouri's employment-population ratio was 61 percent in September 2025, 1.3 percentage points higher than the national rate of 59.7 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate was 4.1 percent in September 2025, three-tenths of a percentage point lower than the national rate of 4.4 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate has been at or below the national rate for more than 10 years.

Read the full report at https://meric.mo.gov/missouri-monthly-jobs-report.

East Central College has been awarded a federal TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant to strengthen academic and personal support for students who face barriers to completing college.

The program will serve first-generation students, those from low-income households, and students with disabilities. The grant is administered by the U.S. Department of Education.

ECC was awarded a five-year TRIO Student Support Services grant totaling $1,361,820 if fully funded. Each year’s award is $272,364 and requires a partial institutional match. The College must also show substantial progress on annual performance goals to receive future funding.

For the upcoming year, the total cost of operating ECC’s TRIO program is $402,902.97. Federal funds will cover two-thirds of that amount. The remaining match of $130,538.97 is met through resources already included in ECC’s budget, with more than $112,000 in salaries, wages, benefits, and other support already in place. As a result, the College will not need to identify new funds to meet the match requirement.

Through the grant, ECC will provide services that help students stay enrolled, make academic progress, and reach their long-term goals.

These services include individualized advising, tutoring, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and scholarship assistance, transfer planning, career exploration, financial literacy workshops, and activities that build confidence and connection on campus.

“TRIO is a proven program that improves outcomes for students who may face barriers to completing a college degree,” said ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer. “This grant allows us to strengthen the support we provide to those students, and it reflects our continued commitment to access and student success.”

Providing these services will require four new positions at the College, two full-time and two part-time. ECC is seeking candidates for a full-time TRIO Program Director, a full-time College and Career Advisor, a part-time College and Career Advisor, and a part-time Administrative Assistant. For more information about these positions, visit Human Resources at www.eastcentral.edu.

The TRIO program has a strong national record of improving retention and graduation among students who benefit from structured support. ECC’s program will serve eligible students in both Union and Rolla, reinforcing the College’s mission to expand access to higher education throughout the region.

More information about student eligibility and enrollment will be announced soon. Faculty and staff may refer students who could benefit from additional support.

For questions about the TRIO Student Support Services program, contact Vice President of Student Development Sarah Leassner at sarah.leassner@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6565.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages experienced Missouri birders to become citizen scientists by helping with the National Audubon Society’s 2025 Christmas Bird Count (CBC) between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5, 2026.

The CBC is an annual bird census where thousands of volunteers across the U.S., Canada, and other countries go out over a 24-hour period on one calendar day to count birds between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5. The data on winter bird populations helps track the long-term status of species and large-scale trends. Each CBC has a coordinator who assigns portions of a 15-mile diameter count circle to participants to count all birds seen and heard over a 24-hour period.

Missouri hosts about 20 CBCs. Learn more at audubon.org/conservation/join-christmas-bird-count and contact the CBC organizers listed for details on specific count circles.

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 2026 “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 13. Contest rules, entry forms, release forms, logos, past winners and educational information can be found at modot.org/trash-can-contest.

Learn how to use deer tallow from the comfort of your own home during two virtual programs on Tuesday, Dec. 16 with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).

Historically, many parts of harvested deer were used for survival. From meat for consumption to candle making from the tallow, every usable part of a harvested deer was carefully conserved.

These hands-on workshops will demonstrate techniques for rendering fat and processing tallow. Participants will receive instructions on how to create heel balm, body butter, candles, and fire starters at home.  

MDC staff will use deer fat for the demonstration. Participants are invited to follow along using fat from deer they harvest. To collect deer fat, skin the deer and remove the hard, waxy fat from the back of the deer and around the kidneys. Once the fat has been removed, freeze it in a container or zip bag.

Registration is required for either virtual session on Dec. 16. The classes will be offered at the following times:

• Noon – 1 p.m. Register here: https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/214092
• 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Register here: https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/214093

Classes are open to participants of all ages. Email Conservation Educator Ginger Miller at ginger.miller@mdc.mo.gov with any questions.

On November 27th, 2025, at approximately 3:30pm, a Franklin County Deputy was on routine patrol in the area of Frisco Drive in the Catawissa area of Franklin County.  This area has recently been targeted by persons stealing overhead utility lines.  While patrolling the area, the deputy observed a suspicious pick-up parked in the middle of the roadway. One suspect was standing near the truck which had an open passenger side door. The deputy observed a second suspect pulling an item out of the ditch. When the second suspect observed the deputy approaching the scene, he dropped what was identified as a large length AT&T cable in the ditch line. 

Upon contacting both parties, the passenger explained they had a flat tire. Due to the circumstances at hand, the deputy had reasonable suspicion a crime was committed and detained both parties until the arrival of back up law enforcement officers. The second suspect was found to have drug paraphernalia as well as suspected narcotics on his person.  

Upon the arrival of back up, deputies conducted further investigation and located a gate entering private property which had been cut open.  Deputies also located ladders propped up against telephone poles near cut overhead lines.

In the bed of the truck, deputies observed tools commonly used in the wire thefts. The tools held evidence they were recently used to cut sheathing from utility lines. Upon conducting a further search of the vehicle deputies located two rifles and additional suspected narcotics and drug paraphernalia. 

Both suspects were taken into custody without incident and transported to the Franklin County Detention Facility. 

Deputies applied for and received in custody warrants through the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for one suspect identified a Matthew Cowsert a 34-year-old male from the Pacific area on charges of;

Stealing/ $750 or more                       Class D Felony

2nd degree Property Damage             Class B Misdemeanor 

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia      Class D Misdemeanor

Cowsert is being held on a $25,000 cash only bond.

He was also found to have an outstanding warrant through Franklin County for Trespass 2nd degree.

Further charges will be filed upon laboratory examination of the suspected narcotics.   

The name of the other suspect is being withheld until review by the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

All parties are considered innocent until proven guilty in the court of law.

Utility line thefts continue to be a problem not only in Franklin but also surrounding counties. We ask our citizens to report any suspicious activities on roadways near utility lines. 

As the first snow of the winter season makes its way out of the state, the Missouri Department of Transportation is urging drivers to keep their guard up for lingering impacts. The National Weather Service does not expect temperatures to rise above freezing in the coming days, which can result in refreeze for many parts of the state that received snow and rain over the weekend.

MoDOT urges those traveling this holiday weekend to use extra caution, anticipate a slower commute, and consult road conditions before you go. MoDOT crews are actively responding to clear routes as precipitation moves out. But in below-freezing temperatures, any precipitation on the roadways can create slick conditions, especially on bridges and overpasses. In the coming days, those who must drive in areas impacted by this winter precipitation should plan time to leave early and take it slow. Always buckle up and avoid distractions.

Before you travel, check all current Missouri road conditions on the Traveler Information Map at traveler.modot.org. You can also find road conditions and warnings by following MoDOT on Facebook and X or by calling 888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636) to speak with a customer service representative 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.