The East Central College Board of Trustees recognized six retired faculty members with Faculty Emeritus status during its May 11 meeting, honoring their long-term contributions to students and the College, including a posthumous recognition for longtime instructor Leroy Alt.

The Board awarded Faculty Emeritus status to:

·       Barbara Alt

·       Leroy Alt (posthumously)

·       Daniel Hall

·       Russell Henderson

·       Susan Henderson

·       Fatemeh Nichols

The Faculty Emeritus designation recognizes retired faculty members for long-term contributions to students and the College. Honorees receive recognition in College materials, invitations to campus events, tuition waiver eligibility, campus ID privileges, and inclusion on a permanent plaque.

In other business, the Board approved a series of facility, technology, and student-focused initiatives.

·       Authorized Cottingham & Butler to continue serving as the College’s Employee Benefits Consulting Services provider and “broker of record” for a three-year term, pending annual Board approval. The recommendation followed a formal RFP process that included review by a cross-campus insurance committee made up of faculty, staff, administration, finance, payroll, and human resources representatives.

·       Approved Faculty Emeritus status for Barbara Alt, Daniel Hall, Russell Henderson, Susan Henderson, and Fatemeh Nichols, recognizing their long-term contributions to students and the College.

·       Approved posthumous Faculty Emeritus status for Leroy Alt in recognition of his lasting impact on students and the College community. Emeritus honorees receive recognition in College materials, invitations to campus events, tuition waiver eligibility, campus ID privileges, and inclusion on a permanent plaque.

·       Approved a UPS replacement project for Hansen Hall and the Health Sciences Building to Midwest Inverter of Blackwater, Missouri, after the systems were damaged during a Feb. 12 power surge caused by a tractor-trailer accident that knocked down a utility pole serving campus. UPS systems provide emergency backup power and help protect electrical and technology systems during outages and voltage fluctuations. The project will be reimbursed through the Missouri United School Insurance Council property insurance program, with ECC responsible for a $1,000 deductible.

·       Approved the purchase of a three-year subscription to JobsEQ, a labor market data and analytics platform, using Title III grant funding. The platform will provide labor market and hiring trend data, alumni outcome analysis, and workforce intelligence tools to support career advising, workforce training, curriculum planning, and Guided Pathways initiatives across ECC’s 12-county service area.

·       Awarded Phase Two of a campus paving project to Byrne & Jones Construction of Earth City, Missouri. The summer project continues roadway and parking lot improvements at the Union campus and includes milling, paving, sealcoating, restriping, crack filling, and center-line striping in multiple campus areas. The project will be funded through a 50-50 combination of Missouri State Maintenance and Repair funds and institutional funds.

·       Approved the purchase of new furniture for the Donald D. Shook Student Center, including the third-floor entrance and first-floor seating area inside The Dive. The project is intended to improve student gathering spaces by creating more welcoming, comfortable, and functional environments for studying, dining, social interaction, and student engagement. The purchase will be made through the Omnia cooperative purchasing contract and funded through student fees.

·       Authorized advance approval for purchases using state and federal grant funding through the August Board of Trustees meeting. The authorization allows the College to move more quickly on time-sensitive grant-funded purchases exceeding the normal $20,000 approval threshold between meetings.

·       The Board received updates on FY27 budget development, enrollment growth, state legislative activity, commencement preparations, athletics, the Assessment Showcase, and the recent cybersecurity incident involving the Canvas learning management system.

Want some free fun that gets family and friends outside in nature? Get hooked on fishing with the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Free Fishing Days June 6 and 7. During Free Fishing Days, anyone may fish in the Show-Me State without having to buy a fishing permit, trout permit, or trout park daily tag.

Free Fishing Days is an annual MDC event that takes place statewide during the Saturday and Sunday following the first Monday in June.

Aside from not needing permits, other fishing regulations remain in effect, such as limits on size and number of fish an angler may keep. Special permits may still be required at some county, city, or private fishing areas. Trespass laws remain in effect on private property.

Conservation makes Missouri a great place to fish, and Free Fishing Days encourages people to sample Missouri’s abundant fishing opportunities. Missouri has more than a million acres of surface water, and most of it provides great fishing. More than 200 different fish species are found in Missouri, with more than 20 of them being game fish for the state's more than 1.1 million anglers.

For information on Missouri fishing regulations, fish identification, and more, get a copy of MDC’s 2026 Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations, available where permits are sold, or online at mdc.mo.gov/about-us/about-regulations/summary-missouri-fishing-regulations.

Want to learn to fish? MDC’s Discover Nature – Fishing Program provides a series of free lessons throughout the state. All fishing gear is provided. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/fishing/discover-nature-fishing.

Need fishing gear? MDC works with numerous libraries and other locations around the state to loan fishing gear for free. Loaner gear includes fishing poles and simple tackle box with hooks, sinkers, and bobbers. Worms, minnows, or other bait are not provided. Find MDC Rod and Reel Loaner Program locations at mdc.mo.gov/fishing/get-started-fishing/rod-reel-loaner-locations.

MDC’s free MO Fishing app can help anglers find the best places to fish in Missouri, access regulation information, identify fish by species, and more. Anglers can also buy, store, and show fishing permits right on their mobile devices. MO Fishing is available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/mobile-apps/mo-fishing.

MDC is committed to accessibility at all its nature centers, regional facilities, and conservation areas. To request ADA accommodation for participation in MDC programs, visit mdc.mo.gov/accessibility.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows turkey hunters checked 45,475 birds during Missouri’s 2026 regular spring turkey season, April 20 through May 10. Top harvest counties for the regular season were Macon with 979 birds harvested, Callaway with 926, and Franklin with 879.

Young turkey hunters also harvested a near-record 5,255 turkeys over the spring youth weekend, April 11 and 12, bringing the overall 2026 spring turkey harvest to 50,730.

“Good gobbler carryover from the 2023 hatch and a decent 2024 hatch resulted in a strong population of adult birds this year,” said MDC Wild Turkey Biologist Nick Oakley. “While harvest was down a couple hundred birds compared to last year, harvest was still up 6% compared to harvests going back to 1998. Strong hatches lead to better hunting down the road. Managing for good nesting and brooding habitat is key to success in the field.”

Last year, young turkey hunters harvested 4,449 turkeys over the spring youth season and hunters harvested 46,562 during the regular spring season for a 2025 spring season total harvest of 51,011.

Get more information on this year’s spring turkey harvest numbers by county at extra.mdc.mo.gov/widgets/harvest_table/.

See more information on turkey harvest numbers for past seasons online at  mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/turkey/turkey-reports/turkey-harvest-summaries.

For more information about turkey hunting in Missouri, visit MDC online at  huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/turkey.

For more information on how to improve nesting and brooding habitat on private property, visit mdc.mo.gov/MOTurkeys.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has scheduled upcoming daily closures along Route PP in Franklin County for the week of Monday, May 11.

The pipe replacement and roadway improvements project continues Monday, May 11, including some full closures daily on Route PP at various locations between Route 30 and Pickles Ford Road.

To view the pipe locations, click the Google Map here: Route PP Pipe Locations.

The following work and closures will take place:

• Monday, May 11– Replace Pipe #2 (full closure 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
• Tuesday, May 12 – Replace Pipe #3 (full closure 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
• Wednesday, May 13 – Replace Pipe #5 (full closure 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
• Thursday, May 14 – Replace Pipe #6 (full closure 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
• Friday, May 15 – Asphalt Pipe Crossings (one lane closure 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Closure locations will shift as work progresses and will be coordinated with the contractor. During these closures, motorists will be directed to follow a signed detour.

Motorists are urged to plan, allow extra travel time, and use caution when traveling near work zones. MoDOT reminds drivers to slow down, stay alert, and obey all traffic signs and flaggers.

For updates on this and other projects, visit MoDOT’s website at Route PP and Missouri Route 30 Pavement Resurfacing and Guardrail Upgrades in Franklin | Missouri Department of Transportation.

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (MHTC) has selected the KCI Construction Team as the apparent best-value proposer and Design-Build contractor for Improve I-70: Truck Parking, included in MoDOT’s Improve I-70 Program. The team consists of contractor KCI with designer Bartlett & West. This project will improve I-70 truck parking locations at Concordia, Boonville, Mineola, and Wright City. Negotiations to finalize the contract are currently in progress.

MoDOT's Improve I-70 Program includes approximately $33 million in Federal INFRA Grant funds to expand availability of truck parking along the I-70 corridor. Over 10,000 trucks utilize I-70 daily and during peak hours, all of I-70’s public truck parking areas are over capacity and 75% of private truck stops are over capacity. Providing safe off-highway parking reduces the cost of shoulder and guardrail repairs on interstate ramps caused by trucks parking on ramp shoulders and removes trucks from the roadside of active traffic.

“Today’s selection of the KCI Construction Team as the Design-Build contractor for the Improve I-70: Truck Parking project is another major milestone for MoDOT’s Statewide Improve I-70 Program,” explained MHTC Chairman Warren Erdman. “This project is an excellent example of MoDOT's innovative delivery of this historic investment in infrastructure. Through federal grant funds, this project will improve existing locations and expand the availability of truck parking locations along this critical freight corridor.”

The selected team was one of two shortlisted Design-Build teams. The winning proposal includes:

• Pavement improvements and parking expansion at existing Concordia, Boonville, Mineola, and Wright City rest areas.
• 255 additional truck parking stalls, totaling 506 available public truck parking stalls across the I-70 corridor.
• 195 car parking stalls and five RV parking stalls.
• Bathroom remodels at the Wright City and Concordia locations.
• Lighting upgrades at all locations.
• 17 acres of pollinator habitat planting spread across multiple sites.
  
  

Presently, there are nearly 2,000 privately owned truck parking spaces along the I-70 corridor, in addition to the public truck parking spaces this project provides.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) will close Route 185 between Bramel Road and Boeuf Creek Road on Wednesday, May 13, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Crews will be replacing a culvert under Route 185.

All work is weather-dependent. For updates on this and other projects, visit MoDOT’s website at www.modot.org or follow MoDOT on social media.

The draft FY 2027-2031 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) was presented to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (MHTC) at today’s open meeting, kicking off a 30-day public review and comment period.

The draft STIP makes available $13 billion of federal and state revenues for all modes of transportation over the next five years and details $9.3 billion in road and bridge construction contractor awards, averaging approximately $1.9 billion per year. The Improve I-70 program continues to feature prominently, with this year’s draft plan containing programming details for the remaining $1.5 billion of General Revenue to plan, design, construct, reconstruct, rehabilitate and repair three lanes in each direction on nearly 200 miles of the corridor. In total, the program will have utilized $2.8 billion of General Revenue funds. The draft STIP also makes available $423 million for I-44 as part of the Forward 44 effort to study and bring improvements to the corridor. Other General Assembly funded projects account for another $57 million programmed into this year’s STIP.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and its construction partners have completed 4,211 projects worth $8.3 billion over the last 10 years - delivering them $299 million below budget and 93% on time.

“These last few years, including this one, have been the biggest STIPs on record,” said MoDOT Director Ed Hassinger. “Those continued investments translate into a lot of faith in MoDOT and our construction and planning partners to get the job done for Missourians. That’s good news for communities of all sizes that have real transportation needs. Now it’s up to us and our partners to continue to deliver, and this five-year planning process allows us to do that the best we can. It also means we’ll have a lot of boots on the ground as we move forward. We are anticipating another busy construction season with over 1,000 active work zones happening across the state as we make good on these projects.”

The draft FY 2027-2031 STIP lists transportation projects planned by state and regional planning agencies for fiscal years 2027-2031 (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2031) and reflects the transportation needs of communities across the state, from high-volume interstate construction projects to low-volume routes in rural areas.

The proposed program is now available for public review and comment via MoDOT’s website: modot.org/DRAFTSTIP. Those interested in seeing the program or offering comments can also contact MoDOT by email at STIPcomments@modot.mo.gov, by calling customer service at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636), or by mail to Transportation Planning, Program Comments, P.O. Box 270, Jefferson City, MO 65102. The formal comment period ends June 5, 2026.

Calling Missouri birders who know their birds by sight and sound! The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) needs volunteers to assist with five vacant bird-observation routes in Missouri as part of the 2026 North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) May 27 – July 7. Volunteers will need to conduct their surveys one day during the survey period.

The five Missouri BBS routes that need volunteers are Hayden in southern Maries County, Kearney in Clay County, Barnard in Nodaway County, Weston in Platte County, and Dover in Lafayette County. For more information or to volunteer, contact MDC Avian Ecologist and MDC BBS Coordinator Janet Haslerig at Janet.Haslerig@mdc.mo.gov or 573-522-4115, ext. 3198.

BBS is a long-term, large-scale, international bird monitoring program that started in 1966. The purpose of the BBS is to track the status and trends of North American bird populations. Each year during mostly June -- the height of the bird-breeding season for most of the U.S. – BBS volunteers collect bird-population data along roadside survey routes to help. For more information on the BBS, visit pwrc.usgs.gov/bbs/.

Each survey route is 24.5 miles long with stops at half-mile intervals. At each stop, volunteers conduct three-minute point counts where they record data on the bird species and numbers they see or hear within a quarter-mile radius. Surveys must start one-half hour before sunrise and take about five hours to complete. Volunteers need only conduct their survey route once during the survey period.

Haslerig said volunteers need access to suitable transportation, must have good hearing and eyesight, and must be able to identify all birds in the area. All new BBS volunteers must successfully complete an online methodology training program before their data can be used.

She also stressed that knowing bird songs is extremely important. "Most birds counted on these surveys are singing males," said Haslerig.

The annual BBS helps scientists determine bird populations and their threats.

"Bird populations have numerous, widespread threats including habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, land-use changes, and chemical contaminants," said Haslerig. “The annual BBS is vital in determining how bird species are doing.”

She noted that North America has lost almost 3 billion birds since 1970.

“These results were partially determined by long-term BBS data. This shows the necessity of these surveys and recruiting volunteers to conduct them over the long term.”

Haslerig hopes surveyors will commit to multiple years of collecting data on the same route. "It helps with the consistency in data collection," she said. "And volunteers also get familiar with the routes and have better ideas about what birds they will encounter. And it’s fun!”

For more information on birds of Missouri, visit the MDC online Field Guide at nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/search.

Beautiful spring weather prompts people to get outside for a variety of recreational activities – including shooting sports. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) offers hunters and recreational shooters five staffed shooting ranges and more than 35 unstaffed shooting ranges around the state.

MDC's five staffed shooting range and outdoor education centers have trained staff and volunteers to help range users master firearms and archery through a variety of rifle, pistol, and archery ranges. Fees are required to use MDC staffed shooting ranges. The centers also offer programs on hunting, wildlife identification, and many other outdoor skills.

MDC also welcomes hunters and recreational shooters to use its more than 35 unstaffed shooting ranges free of charge – when used safely and in compliance with posted range rules.

Each MDC unstaffed shooting range has a posted set of rules specific to the range. MDC also reminds range users that every shooter shares responsibility for safety on the firing line, clear communication with others, and respect for the range and its infrastructure.

MDC reminds range users that leaving trash behind or damaging the range impacts all range users. Shooting range users are expected to:

• Clean up spent casings, targets, and trash.
• Dispose of materials properly or pack them out.
• Respect signage, backstops, and structures.

Learn more about Missouri Shooting Range Etiquette from MDC at missouri.outdooreln.org/course/missouri-shooting-range-etiquette/

MDC encourages people to report misuse or safety violations at unstaffed shooting ranges to local conservation agents or MDC offices. Find local contact information at mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/local-mdc-contacts.

Learn more about MDC staffed and unstaffed shooting ranges around the state at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/shooting-ranges.

Firearms are often the tools of choice for hunting and target shooting in today’s world. But before modern times the bow and arrow fulfilled those tasks—and even further back in time, the atlatl.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering two free public programs on Saturday, May 16 at Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit: archery and atlatl. Both programs are free and all equipment needed will be provided by MDC.

Participants can attend either one or both programs.  Preregistration is required for each program separately at the links provided below:

• Archery; 10 – 11:30 a.m.  Register at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/oTw.

Are you someone that has never shot a bow and arrow before and you’re not sure how to get started? Or maybe you did when you were young but never pursued the activity any further. Learn the basics of shooting the bow and arrow utilizing some of the techniques and methods that have been adopted by the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP). This course is for those age 12 years of age or older.  It is not recommended for adults with shoulder or back injuries.

• Atlatl; 1 - 2 p.m.  Register at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/oTU.

Join us to learn how to use the ancient atlatl. This traditional hunting method is making a comeback. Whether you're looking for a fun activity to do with family and friends or are hoping to learn an alternative hunting method, this is a great activity to get you outdoors.  Open to ages seven years and up.

Shaw Nature Reserve is in Gray Summit at 307 Pinetum Loop Road, on the south side of I-44 off exit #253.

Sign up for email or text alerts to stay informed of MDC’s latest programs and events by going to  https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZoP.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, has filed formal charges against 23 year old, Natalie Marie Gentry of Wildwood, Mo and 55 year old, Captola U. Walton reportedly homeless in connection with a residential burglary that occurred on April 24, 2026, in the 6200 block of Country Club Road near Washington, Missouri.

Both individuals are charged with:
?? Burglary in the 2nd Degree (Class D Felony)
?? Stealing $750 or More (Class D Felony)

Deputies initially responded to the residence on April 24, where it was discovered that the homeowner had passed away approximately 24 hours prior. Family members later reported that numerous items had been stolen from the home, including jewelry, silver, tools, flatware, collectible coins, and firearms, with an estimated total value of approximately $15,000. Investigators determined that entry was made using a key that had been hidden outside the residence.

Following the burglary, the victim’s family installed surveillance cameras. Footage captured suspicious activity on multiple dates:
?? April 27: An unidentified female was observed looking through the windows of the residence.
?? April 29: Two individuals were seen on the front porch, one of whom attempted to conceal a camera before leaving. That individual was later identified as Walton.

Through further investigation, including information provided by cooperating individuals and digital evidence, detectives identified Gentry as the second suspect. Investigators also obtained messages indicating Walton had been at the residence after the burglary.

On May 1, 2026, detectives executed a search warrant at a residence on Acorn Creek Road. Upon arrival, Walton attempted to leave the scene and was taken into custody. Gentry was located inside the residence.

During the investigation, Gentry admitted to committing the burglary with Walton and identified herself in the surveillance footage, including as the individual seen looking through windows prior to the incident. She stated that Walton asked her to assist and coordinated the burglary.

Detectives recovered a substantial amount of property believed to be stolen from the victim’s home throughout the residence, including jewelry, tools, and collectible coin books. Evidence was located in multiple rooms of the home. Investigators also located suspected methamphetamine; laboratory analysis is pending.

Warrant has been issued for both Walton and Gentry with a $100,000 cash-only bond.

The Missouri Department of Transportation’s Sponsor-A-Highway program, previously exclusive to the St. Louis and Kansas City areas, is now available statewide, providing an expanded opportunity to help keep roadsides cleaner and safer across the state.

Businesses, organizations, community groups and individuals can sponsor one-mile highway sections statewide through a MoDOT-certified service provider, Adopt-A-Highway Litter Removal Service of America, Inc., to handle litter removal and related maintenance on their behalf. Most highways in Missouri are now included in the Sponsor-A-Highway program, with the vast majority of roadway miles open for sponsorship.

“The expansion of this service, with the help of these sponsors, could allow us to offset some of the approximately $13 million that we spend on litter-removal efforts each year,” said MoDOT Chief Safety & Operations Officer Becky Allmeroth. “Every area of Missouri that is kept free of litter allows us to devote our resources to other much-needed tasks. We encourage anyone interested in the effort to keep Missouri beautiful to explore this new opportunity.”

Through the service provider, each sponsored roadway is cleaned at least once per month, or more frequently as needed. In recognition of their support, sponsors receive Sponsor-A-Highway signage displaying their name and logo along the designated stretch of highway.

In addition to Sponsor-A-Highway, MoDOT has several other programs available to help keep Missouri free of litter:

• Keeping Missouri Beautiful: MoDOT’s volunteer litter pickup program for Missouri state routes. Formerly known as the Adopt-A-Highway program.
• No MOre Trash!: Missouri’s statewide litter-prevention campaign, working to make Missouri litter-free through education, prevention and cleanup programs.
• Trash Can Contest: MoDOT’s annual contest geared toward Missouri public school students in partnership with the No MOre Trash! program to raise awareness and discourage littering.

To participate in the Sponsor-A-Highway program, call Adopt-A-Highway Litter Removal Service of America, Inc. at (800) 499-2367 or visit adoptahighway.net/missouri.

To learn more about MoDOT’s litter efforts, visit modot.org/litter.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites you to become a mammal detective and learn to solve the mysteries of what mammals are around us from the clues they leave behind.

MDC will present a virtual Mammal ID program Monday, May 11 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. This is a free online event open to all ages, conducted by MDC staff at the August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center in Defiance. 

From bats to bison, the state of Missouri is home to a fascinating array of 70 different mammal species.  Mammals are some of the most charismatic animals in the state.  Most people know that they have fur, give live birth, and nurse their young.  But there’s much more to learn in the clues they leave behind. 

“There is a lot of wildlife in nature. Learning to identify them is a great way to gain more knowledge about the animal and habitat it lives in,” said MDC Outdoor Education Center Manager Bryant Hertel. 

This program will show how to identify wildlife by looking at tracks, furs, skulls, and more.  This knowledge can be useful, whether for nature study, wildlife photography, hunting, or even just basic curiosity.

“We’ll have samples to show, along with lots of great information,” Hertel said.  “Attendees can also ask questions after the presentation.”

This Mammal ID program is a free online event, but advanced online registration is required by going to http://short.mdc.mo.gov/oTZ.  A Webex link for this program will be sent by email the day of the event. Attendees should check junk mail folders if no email is received.

Sign up for email or text alerts to stay informed of MDC’s latest programs and events by going to  https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZoP.

Free trout fishing, seeing live birds of prey, and free hotdogs should be enough to make any kid’s day. That’s just part of what makes Kids’ Fishing Day at Maramec Spring Park a great outing for young anglers.  It’s taking place on Saturday, May 16. The event is hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) in cooperation with The James Foundation.  offers free fishing and other fun activities for children 15 years of age and younger. 

The park will open at 5:30 a.m. and the Kids’ Fishing Day event will be held from 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 p.m.  The entire upper half of the spring branch will be reserved for kids 15 years of age and younger. Free daily fishing tags for children will be available to pick up Friday, May 15, at the James Foundation Store and on Saturday, May 16, at the Mill Pavilion by the big tent. Any car that has a child 15 and under gets into the park for free as well.

MDC will stock rainbow trout throughout the day to ensure plenty of action to keep kids engaged and excited.  Among them will be some lunkers and tagged fish that kids can redeem for prizes. Volunteers, along with MDC staff, will be on hand all day to assist young anglers. A limited number of loaner fishing poles will be available, but children are encouraged to bring their own fishing poles and equipment.

The World Bird Sanctuary will be on hand featuring a live birds of prey to meet and greet. Everyone can enjoy free hot dogs and soda, along with attractions like archery.  There will even be a drawing for big prizes like a 30-inch brown trout carving made by Duane Doty of Ozark Trout Runners and painted by Mario Lozina of LOZ Lures, plus free guided fishing trips.

Fly Fishers at the Crossing will have fly rod casting lessons and jig/fly tying lessons.

The annual Kids’ Free Fishing Day event is an ideal opportunity to help kids discover fishing and enjoy a day out at beautiful Maramec Spring Park, which is home to Missouri’s fifth largest spring. 

The event will be held rain or shine and sponsored by Phelps County Bank, St. James Chamber of Commerce, St. James Trout Fraternity, surrounding Wal-Marts, Missouri Trout Fishermen’s Association, Dickey Bubs, Rockin’ C Outdoors, LOZ Lures, Mutzie's Bait, HAWGZ Custom Baits, and Bait WrX.

Maramec Spring Park, owned and operated by The James Foundation, is located on Highway 8 about six miles east of St. James, approximately and hour and a half from the St. Louis area.  The park’s hatchery is administered by MDC and produces about 100,000 trout each year.

For more information about the event, call the Maramec Spring Hatchery at 573-265-7801.  To learn more about fishing in Missouri, go to http://mdc.mo.gov/fishing.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds Missourians interested in hunting black bear and/or elk in the state this fall that they need to apply for a limited number of hunting permits for each in May. The Missouri Conservation Commission approved recommendations from MDC for upcoming seasons for each species at its March 27 open meeting in Jefferson City.

BLACK BEAR HUNTING

MDC will offer 2,000 permits to harvest up to a maximum of 60 black bears across three MDC black-bear management zones in the southern part of the state during the 2026 Missouri black-bear hunting season, Oct. 17-30. MDC increased the number of available permits from 600 to 2,000 and increased the harvest quota limit from 40 to 60 bears to expand hunting opportunities. Missouri has an estimated population of about 1,100 bears.

“After reviewing results from the past five hunting seasons and considering the continued growth of Missouri’s bear population of about nine percent per year, we determined that the harvest quota could be increased and more permits could be offered to provide additional hunting opportunities, while still having a limited impact on the bear population,” said MDC Black Bear and Furbearer Program Coordinator Nate Bowersock.

"These changes will also inform future management recommendations as we evaluate how an increase in hunters might impact harvest rates,” Bowersock added. “As the black bear population continues to grow and expand, the hunting season will be used as the primary population management tool.”

Missouri hunters harvested nine black bears during the 2025 season with two being females and seven being males.

Get more information on black-bears and bear hunting in Missouri and apply during May at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/bear.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has scheduled upcoming daily closures along Route PP in Franklin County for the week of Monday, May 4.

The pipe replacement and roadway improvements project continues Monday, May 4, including some full closures daily on Route PP at various locations between Route 30 and Pickles Ford Road.

To view the pipe locations, click the Google Map here: Route PP Pipe Locations.

The following work and closures will take place:

• Monday, May 4 – Replace Pipe #1 (full closure 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
• Tuesday, May 5 – Replace Pipe #4C (full closure 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
• Wednesday, May 6 – Replace Pipe #2 (full closure 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
• Thursday, May 7 – Asphalt Pipe Crossings (one lane closure 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Closure locations will shift as work progresses and will be coordinated with the contractor. During these closures, motorists will be directed to follow a signed detour.

Motorists are urged to plan, allow extra travel time, and use caution when traveling near work zones. MoDOT reminds drivers to slow down, stay alert, and obey all traffic signs and flaggers.

For updates on this and other projects, visit MoDOT’s website at Route PP and Missouri Route 30 Pavement Resurfacing and Guardrail Upgrades in Franklin | Missouri Department of Transportation.

Federal, state and local leaders gathered today in Springfield – the birthplace of Route 66 – to kick off the National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration. The event honored a century of history on America’s “Mother Road” while highlighting major infrastructure improvements now underway along its modern successor, Interstate 44.

Federal Highway Administrator Sean McMaster recognized the national significance of Route 66 and praised Missouri’s progress on I-44 through the Forward 44 program, noting the strong partnership driving the work.

"Under the leadership of President Trump and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, we are getting this country building again by getting back to basics," said McMaster. "Route 66 is more than just a highway. It's a symbol of the transformative power of transportation and how infrastructure can shape a nation. Together with Missouri, we are committed to delivering a transportation system that works for Americans and there's no better place to do it than right here on Route 66."

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe highlighted the cultural and economic importance of Route 66 and emphasized how the same pioneering spirit moves Missouri forward today.

“Just like 100 years ago, Missouri benefits by serving as a crossroads for commerce, travel, agriculture and opportunity,” Gov. Kehoe said. “Missouri may be the historic birthplace of Route 66, but the work happening on I-44 and projects across our state reflects our commitment to the future. As we celebrate our past, we are committed to improving Missouri’s infrastructure for the future.”

Missouri Department of Transportation Director Ed Hassinger reflected on both the legacy and the future of the legendary route.

“Sometimes a road becomes more than a road,” Hassinger said. “Route 66 is an American icon. It was a passageway to opportunity, a conduit for national expansion, a place where families found recreation, where ideas traveled and where communities came together. Today we celebrate where this road has taken us, and also where we’re headed next.”

MoDOT emphasized the ongoing work to widen and bring other improvements to what’s now I-44 in Springfield between Missouri Route 13 (Kansas Expressway) and U.S. Route 65. The active project will replace three bridges and enhance pedestrian and trail access. Construction is scheduled for completion in May 2027. More information is available at Forward 44: Springfield Improvements | Missouri Department of Transportation.

For more information about the Route 66 Centennial, visit: route66centennial.org.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announces the return of its Discover Nature Girls Camp for 2026, scheduled for June 15 – 16.  It will take place at both the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area and Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center in St. Charles County. 

The camp is open to girls aged 11-15 years.  This free, two-day camp will introduce  girls to a range of outdoors skills in a supportive learning environment. 

The Discover Nature Girls Camp will run from 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. each day.  Day one will start at the Busch Shooting Range, 3550 Highway D in Defiance.  Participants will learn and practice all the skills needed to become Missouri Hunter Education Certified.   They’ll also get hands-on experience shooting .22 rifles, shotguns, and archery, along with learning the skill of atlatl throwing. 

On day two, participants will meet at the MDC St. Louis Regional Office on the Busch Conservation Area, 2360 Highway D in St. Charles.   Campers will experience kayaking, fishing, fire-starting, and other outdoor activities. 

“The goal of this camp is to encourage participants to gain the confidence to explore Missouri’s diverse outdoors on their own,” said MDC Conservation Educator Becky Robertson.  “Discover Nature Girls Camp provides them with a comfortable learning atmosphere where they can actively participate in ‘hands-on’ outdoor skills led by conservation agents and MDC staff.”

Discover Nature Girls Camp is free with all equipment provided.  The camp is limited to 60 participants.  

To apply, participants should follow these steps:

• Pre-register online at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/oSt
• Supply a current email and address when registering
• Watch for an email confirmation and an information packet in the mail
• Fill out the packet as soon as possible and return. Students must complete the knowledge portion explained in packet.
• Return the packet prior to attending the Discover Nature Girls Camp by May 15

For additional information, contact Becky Robertson at Becky.Robertson@mdc.mo.gov,  or 636-441-4554, ext. 4126.

Sign up for email or text alerts to stay informed of MDC’s latest programs and events by going to  https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZoP.