Washington Police Department update.....

The Washington Middle School was searched and nothing suspicious was found.  Police learned during the search that other schools in the state had received the same type threats. 

Police will continue to investigate the incident.

At approximately 5:02 p.m. Monday,  the Washington Police Department was alerted to a reported bomb threat at Washington Middle School. The threat, which claimed multiple explosive devices were located inside the facility, was originally placed through the Osage County Missouri Communications/Sheriff’s Department.

Officers responded to the scene immediately to secure the campus. At the time of the report, the majority of students had already departed for the day; however, all students and staff remaining on-site for extracurricular activities were successfully evacuated.

The School District of Washington has issued a direct notification to all middle school parents regarding the incident.

Current Operations The Washington Police Department is currently conducting a thorough sweep of the building and campus. We are receiving active assistance from several regional law enforcement partners to ensure the premises are entirely safe.

Resumption of Activities The building will remain closed to all personnel and the public until the investigation is complete. Once the facility is determined to be safe, it will be re-occupied and normal school activities will resume.

Ongoing Investigation This remains an active criminal investigation. To maintain the integrity of the process, no further details regarding the nature of the threat or potential suspects will be released at this time.

A Missouri Lottery player in Franklin County uncovered a $50,000 prize on a “Millionaire Riches” Scratchers ticket purchased at Schnucks, 401 Central Ave., in Union.

Since the game began last month, players statewide have already won more than $7.1 million in prizes in the “Millionaire Riches” Scratchers game. To date, more than $247.4 million in prizes have yet to be claimed on the $50 ticket – including 39 additional $50,000 prizes and 15 top prizes of $1 million.

In FY25, Franklin County players won more than $21.2 million in Missouri Lottery prizes, retailers received more than $1.9 million in commissions and bonuses, and more than $4.9 million in Lottery proceeds went to education programs in the county.

A Franklin County couple found out they’d won a $1.7 million MO Millions jackpot from the Missouri Lottery while on their way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The husband had bought the winning ticket at Wayside, 3302 Highway 100 in Villa Ridge, for the Feb. 11 drawing and decided to check it on their way to dinner.

"I laid my ticket on the counter, and the clerk scans it and goes, 'Oh, you won!'” the husband explained. “I said, ‘Oh really? How much did I win?’ He goes, ‘No, you won the Lottery!’ I said, ‘The whole thing?’ He goes, ‘Yeah, the whole thing!’

“I climbed in the truck and I told my wife, ‘I actually won it!’” he added.

“He had this wild look in his eyes,” his wife chimed in. “I thought he was messing with me. I thought, ‘Yeah, yeah, right. Let’s check those numbers!’”

The winning numbers on Feb. 11 were 1, 9, 13, 14, 23 and 34. The ticket was the only one to match all six numbers drawn that night, resulting in a $1.7 million jackpot win.

“You actually did win!” she admitted, after claiming their prize at Lottery headquarters a couple of weeks later.

“I’ve still got shaky hands,” her husband laughed.

MO Millions is an in-state Draw Game with drawings held on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 8:59 p.m. This Wednesday’s jackpot is estimated at $1.7 million.

In FY25, Franklin County players won more than $21.2 million in Missouri Lottery prizes, retailers received more than $1.9 million in commissions and bonuses, and more than $4.9 million in Lottery proceeds went to education programs in the county.

Motorists who travel on Route PP, near Missouri Route 30 in Franklin County, should be aware of upcoming work in that area. Crews will begin replacement of 14 culverts along the route on Monday, March 9.

Work on Route PP will begin daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. with varying full and partial closures as needed through the project. The completion date for the culvert work is March 20, 2026.

For up-to-date traffic and travel info, motorists can check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is hosting a virtual public meeting to gather input from the public on the draft Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and State Freight and Rail Plan (SFRP) updates. Draft documents for both plans are available for public comment as part of the virtual public meeting through 5:00 p.m. Friday, April 3, 2026. The meeting is available on MoDOT’s website at: https://www.modot.org/lrtp-sfrp/get-involved.

Participants may review the draft plans and provide comments to ensure that the goals and objectives, which will help determine the state’s 25-year transportation vision, are accurate and reflect the needs of citizens and stakeholders. Both plans have been shaped over the last year by extensive outreach and input with stakeholders and the public. These plans serve as roadmaps for the state’s transportation network, addressing the evolving needs of the system and setting priorities, and are a requirement for use of federal funds.

The current LRTP was approved in June 2018 and has been updated alongside the current SFRP, which was approved in May 2022. The new LRTP builds upon the goals outlined in the current plan – including making investments in infrastructure that keep travelers safe and spur economic growth, giving Missourians more transportation choices and reducing congestion on the current system – while determining the goals and direction of the next 25 years.

The SFRP serves as a comprehensive assessment of Missouri’s freight and passenger rail systems and determines short-term and long-terms goals for improving the state’s freight and rail infrastructure. Updates to the SFRP include an analysis of the economic impact of Missouri’s public ports and passenger rail systems, an analysis of the truck parking system and the identification of critical supply chains that move the state’s economy.

Those without internet access are encouraged to call 573-751-6550 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, to access information and ask questions during the development process.

All comments must be postmarked or received by 5:00 p.m. Friday, April 3, 2026. The final plans will be presented to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for review and consideration later in 2026. More information about LRTP and SFRP plan updates can be found at: https://www.modot.org/lrtp-sfrp

Additional questions about the planning process for both plans can be addressed by calling 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636), or by mail at Transportation Planning, P.O. Box 270, Jefferson City, MO 65102.

Motorists who travel eastbound Interstate 44 should be aware of an upcoming exit closure on that route. Later today, crews will close the eastbound I-44 exit to the Missouri Department of Transportation rest area site, between Sullivan and St. Clair. 

Crews will close the eastbound exit, near mile marker 235.2 today, for reconstruction of the rest area. The closure will be in place until further notice.

For up-to-date traffic and travel information, motorists can check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.

The Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling (Alliance), in partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), recognizes March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). This year’s theme, “Caring Communities, Stronger Futures,” emphasizes the importance of a community-driven approach to problem gambling awareness and support.

       The annual campaign aims to increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment and recovery services, as well as encourage healthcare providers to screen for problem gambling and connect individuals to appropriate support.

Problem gambling, defined as gambling behaviors that disrupt or damage personal, family or professional lives, affects millions of Americans. In the United States, 2.5 million adults (1%) are estimated to meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem each year. Another 5–8 million (2–3%) are considered to have mild or moderate gambling problems. Additionally, in the past year, approximately 20 million American adults reported experiencing at least one indicator of problematic gambling behavior.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, help is available by calling Missouri based 1-888-BETSOFF (1-888-238-7633) or visiting www.888betsoff.org. – it is free and confidential.

When the community comes together — friends, families, educators, healthcare providers, local partners, and policymakers — silence is replaced with support, and isolation is replaced with connection. To learn more about problem gambling, please visit NCPGambling.org/FAQs

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has new booklets for hunters, trappers, anglers, and others on spring turkey hunting, hunting and trapping, and fishing. The free booklets are available at MDC regional offices, MDC nature centers, and other places where permits are sold. The handy booklets have information on related permits, seasons, species, regulations, limits, conservation areas, sunrise and sunset tables, and more.

Get booklet information online at mdc.mo.gov using the search tool at the top of the homepage, or use these specific links:

• 2026 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information at mo.gov/about-us/about-regulations/spring-turkey-hunting-regulations-information
• Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations at mo.gov/about-us/about-regulations/summary-missouri-hunting-trapping-regulations
• Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations at mo.gov/about-us/about-regulations/summary-missouri-fishing-regulations

Overwhelmed planning a native garden? Tune into a virtual program with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) to explore the importance of native plants in a healthy environment.

The Amazing World of Plants online workshop is scheduled from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Friday, March 6.

Register at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/215576

This program leads up to the Springfield Conservation Nature Center’s Native Plant Sale on Saturday, April 4.

Advanced registration is required.

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 mdc.mo.gov/events.