The Missouri Department of Transportation invites Missouri students in grades K-12 to help fight litter in Missouri – and to have creative and educational fun – by participating in the 2025 “Yes You CAN Make Missouri Litter-Free” trash-can-decorating contest. The contest is part of MoDOT’s annual “No MOre Trash!” statewide litter campaign, which is held in April.

The contest encourages school-aged kids to join in the fight against litter by decorating a large trash can with the “No MOre Trash!” logo and a litter prevention message using a variety of creative materials. Schools, or home school programs, may submit one trash can entry in each competition category: grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12. Entries are judged based on creativity, adherence to the contest rules and effective use of the theme and logo.

First-place winners from each competition category receive $200 awarded to the sponsoring schools. All first-place winners are then eligible for a grand prize of $600 and a trophy awarded to the sponsoring school.

There is no entry fee for the contest. Participating school groups must submit a completed entry form online with up to three photos and a release form by March 14. Contest rules, entry forms, release forms, logos, past winners and educational information can be found at modot.org/trash-can-contest.

MoDOT officials are keeping a close eye on the pending winter weather anticipated to hit the St. Louis metro area the morning of Saturday, Nov. 30.  Staffing for the first snow fall of the season will begin overnight Friday with crews ready to clear state-maintained highways and roads as conditions warrant.

MoDOT urges all drivers to plan ahead, especially as many are traveling for the holidays. Motorists should use extra caution during and after the precipitation: slow down for the conditions, buckle up, and avoid distractions such as using a handheld device while driving – it’s the law. Travelers are also urged to be especially cautious on elevated surfaces such as bridges and overpasses.

Fighting winter storms to get Missouri roads clear is one of the most critical functions we serve as a Department of Transportation. Know before you go and monitor major road conditions on MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/. 

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Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 159,120 deer during the November portion of firearms deer season, Nov. 16 - 26. Of the 159,120 deer harvested, 82,613 were antlered bucks, 13,203 were button bucks, and 63,304 were does.

Top harvest counties were Franklin with 3,530 deer harvested, Texas with 2,935, and Howell with 2,741. For current ongoing preliminary harvest totals by season, county, and type of deer, visit the MDC website at extra.mdc.mo.gov/widgets/harvest_table/.

This year’s harvest total was lower than last year’s November portion harvest total of 193,885 deer and was about 15% below the five-year average. For more harvest information from past years, visit mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer/deer-reports/deer-harvest-summaries.

According to MDC Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle, the drop in harvest this year was due to a combination of factors.

“The November portion started about a week later this year due to the calendar shift,” said Isabelle. “When this happens, we can expect a drop in harvest because the November portion occurs further from the peak of the rut which is about the tenth of November.”

Less than ideal hunting conditions throughout much of the November portion were another factor that contributed to this year’s lower opening weekend harvest total according to Isabelle.

“We had a few nice days sprinkled throughout the November portion, but there a number of days with warm temperatures or high winds,” he said. “These conditions likely affected deer movement and also hunters’ desire to be in the woods.”

Another factor that Isabelle believes significantly affected this year’s harvest total is a bumper acorn crop.

“Throughout much of Missouri, there are a lot of acorns in the woods this year,” said Isabelle. “When that happens, deer don’t need to move as much to find food and they frequent fields and other open areas less often because of the abundance of food in the woods.”

He noted that the counties with the largest decline in harvest were in the more heavily forested portions of the state where acorn abundance has a more significant effect on deer movement.

“Many northern and western Missouri counties were either up from last year’s harvest total or were down slightly,” said Isabelle. “As would be expected, with the good acorn crop we have this year, harvest was down the most in the more heavily forested Ozark counties.”

Firearms deer hunting in Missouri continues with the CWD portion Nov. 27 – Dec. 1 in open counties. The Late Youth portion runs Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 followed by the Late Antlerless portion Dec. 7-15 in open counties and then the Alternative Methods portion Dec. 28 through Jan. 7, 2025. The archery deer season reopens Nov. 27 and runs through Jan. 15, 2025.

A Missouri Lottery player was making a casual stop at Phillips 66, 5300 Caroline Drive in High Ridge, when the $5 “Electric Cash” Scratchers ticket caught his eye. That ticket would end up changing his day dramatically.

            He took the ticket home and began to scratch it off, only to realize it contained one of the game’s $100,000 top prizes.

            “I couldn’t believe it at first,” he said. “It still really hasn’t sunk in yet.”

            He added he doesn’t have any plans for the money yet – apart from enjoying the feeling.

            “I’m just going to sit back and take it in,” he shared.

“Electric Cash” players have won more than $4 million in prizes as far. Over $12.7 million remain in unclaimed prizes, including three additional top prizes of $100,000.

In FY24, players in Jefferson County won more than $40.6 million in Missouri Lottery prizes, retailers received more than $3.9 million in commissions and bonuses, and more than $2.7 million in Lottery proceeds went to education programs in the county.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites people to discover nature through Eagle Days events and by watching bald eagles around the state.

From December through February, Missouri's winter eagle watching is spectacular. Because of Missouri’s big rivers, many lakes, and abundant wetlands, the Show-Me state is one of the leading lower 48 states for bald eagle viewing. Each fall, thousands of these great birds migrate south from their nesting range in Canada and the Great Lakes states to hunt in Missouri. Eagles take up residence wherever they find open water and plentiful food. More than 2,000 bald eagles are typically reported in Missouri during winter.

MDC is again offering various Eagle Days events around the state. Some will include live eagle programs, exhibits, activities, videos, and guides with spotting scopes. Some require registration. Get more information on MDC Eagle Days events at mdc.mo.gov/events/eagle-days.

Watch for eagles perched in large trees along the water's edge. Early in the morning you can see them flying and fishing. Be sure to dress for winter weather and don't forget cameras and binoculars.

Here are some hot spots around the state for winter eagle viewing:

• Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area on Route K southwest of Columbia,
• Lake of the Ozarks at Bagnell Dam Access east of Bagnell,
• Lock & Dam 20 in Canton,
• Lock & Dam 24 at Clarksville,
• Lock & Dam 25 east of Winfield,
• Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge south of Mound City,
• Mingo National Wildlife Refuge northwest of Puxico,
• Moses Eagle Park in Stella,
• Old Chain of Rocks Bridge south of I-270 off of Riverview Drive in St. Louis,
• Riverlands Environmental Demonstration Area east of West Alton,
• Schell-Osage Conservation Area north of El Dorado Springs,
• Smithville Lake north of Kansas City,
• Stockton Lake near Stockton,
• Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge south of Sumner,
• Table Rock Lake and Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery southwest of Branson, and
• Truman Reservoir west of Warsaw.

Learn more about bald eagles in Missouri from the MDC online Field Guide at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/bald-eagle.

Dr. Robyn Walter’s leadership and dedication to academic excellence have been instrumental in fostering partnerships, driving innovation, and improving student success at East Central College.

Her contributions to advancing the College’s mission were celebrated with the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Administrative/Professional Award at the MCCA 60th Convention and Trade Show in Branson on Nov. 14.

Each year, the MCCA Annual Recognition and Excellence Awards program acknowledges individuals and institutions that have set the standard of excellence during the year.

Walter was honored for her leadership in transformative initiatives at ECC, including the development of a consortium-based Respiratory Therapy program in collaboration with four other Missouri community colleges. Walter and her team successfully achieved program accreditation and secured a $5.5 million federal training grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.

“As ECC and others identified respiratory care as a critical need, she refused to take no for an answer when it came to developing a consortium-based solution,” said ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer. “Her singular efforts led to the decision by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care to change its stance and consider approval of a consortium-based program.”

In 2023, ECC was awarded a $2.1 million Title III Strengthening Institutions Grant from the U.S. Department of Education to improve retention, persistence, and completion rates, particularly among underrepresented student populations.

“Dr. Walter led this grant initiative and, despite the highly competitive nature of this program, was able to deliver with approval on our first submission,” Bauer said. “Throughout that process, I witnessed again her ability to lead others, delegate appropriately, empower those involved, and maintain focus on the overarching goal.”

In addition to her institutional impact, Walter serves as chair of the MCCA Council of Chief Academic Officers and collaborates with statewide groups addressing issues such as transfer and articulation, equity, and adult learners.

Walter was selected for a two-year Chief Academic Officers cohort sponsored by the Gardner Institute, bringing a national perspective to her work in Missouri.

“She became a leader in this cohort and has brought this national perspective back to Missouri,” Bauer added.

Walter’s contributions also include serving as a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission, a board member for the Missouri College Access Network (MOCAN), and a mentor to health careers faculty and staff. With over 20 years of experience in the community college sector, her influence is felt both locally and nationally.

“She is active in the community both professionally and personally. With over 20 years of experience in the community college sector, she is well qualified and richly deserving of this recognition,” Bauer further commented.

In July, eight new certified peace officers graduated from the inaugural class of East Central College’s Phelps Law Enforcement Training Center (LETC), marking the culmination of a partnership between the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, the Rolla Police Department, and East Central College.

The dedication of these law enforcement agencies to building a well-qualified pipeline of peace officers and enhancing public safety earned the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department and Rolla Police Department the prestigious 2024 Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Business & Industry Award, presented at the annual convention in Branson.

The award recognizes the pivotal role these departments have played in the ECC – Phelps Law Enforcement Training Center, a Department of Public Safety Peace Officer Standards and Training Program (POST)-accredited academy designed to meet the region’s demand for law enforcement training.

In 2021, ECC Rolla Director Christina Ayres, Phelps County Sheriff Michael P. Kirn, and Rolla Police Department Assistant Chief William Loughridge began developing a shared vision of a local training center. Their initiative became a reality in January 2023 when the center was officially licensed, and by the following August, the inaugural cohort embarked on their yearlong journey toward becoming licensed peace officers.

“The college would not have been able to solely develop and sustain a law enforcement training program and this essential continuing education pathway for our region without the comprehensive and collaborative support of the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department and the Rolla Police Department,” Ayres said. “This exemplary community partnership fully maximizes ECC’s mission of serving our communities through education.”

The departments not only supported the academy’s development but also contributed significant resources, including facilities, equipment, and ongoing recruitment programs. They provided use of specialized training tools such as the VirTra law enforcement simulator and vehicles for driver training, ensuring students receive high-quality, hands-on instruction.

Their commitment to workforce development has made the training center an indispensable resource for the region, strengthening the pipeline of licensed peace officers while reducing costs and travel burdens for local agencies.

For more information about the program, visit www.eastcentral.edu/LETC, or contact LETC@eastcentral.edu or 573-202-6960.

As Missourians plan to hit the road to spend Thanksgiving with loved ones, the Missouri Department of Transportation is urging drivers to be cautious, patient and use good judgment behind the wheel. Impaired driving, distracted driving, excessive speeds, and increased traffic are just a few of the concerns that can accompany holiday travel.

Motorists should expect heavy traffic volumes on interstates and major roads for the holiday especially on the day before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after. All work zones with extra lane closures will stop at noon on the day before Thanksgiving through 6 a.m. the day after. Typically, construction contracts don’t work through the entire holiday weekend. All motorists should buckle up themselves and all passengers and the driver should put their phone down to avoid distractions. 

The night before Thanksgiving, sometimes referred to as Blackout Wednesday, has become a popular night for outings at bars, which can result in a potential increase of impaired driving. Additionally, speed and distraction present significant concerns, especially with increased traffic volumes over the holiday. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, from 2019 to 2023, 53 people died in crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period.

This year, MoDOT is hoping a combination of public awareness, enforcement, and promotion of sober rides will be successful in eliminating traffic fatalities during the holiday. With the number of statewide traffic fatalities being more than 800 for the year, MoDOT is urging motorists to be vigilant, buckle up, obey posted speed limits and never drive impaired or distracted.

“Tragedies like these are almost always preventable, and there are simple actions everyone can take to prevent them,” said Jon Nelson, State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer. “Buckle up, put down your phone, slow down, and never drive impaired. If we all commit to these four actions every day, we can all enjoy a Thanksgiving holiday with zero traffic fatalities.”

Drivers can avoid putting themselves and other road users at risk by planning ahead. Schedule a rideshare in advance or call a taxi, have a designated driver, or use public transportation. If you see a friend who is about to drink and drive, take their keys and find a sober driver that can get them home safely.

Drivers can stay informed of road conditions and delays on MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at traveler.modot.org, also available as a free mobile app for Apple and Android devices.

Adding an outdoors flair to decorations is a good way to personalize and beautify the holiday season.

People who would like to learn more about incorporating nature into their holiday decorations should register for the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) program “Conservation Families: Natural Holiday Craft” a free virtual event from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Dec. 6. This online program is being put on by the staff of MDC’s Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center in Joplin. MDC Naturalist Jessie Ballard will demonstrate how a variety of items from the outdoors can make beautiful decorations. She will also show how the 2024 MDC Natural Events Calendar can be recycled to brighten up the holiday season.

People can register for this program at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/204675

Though this program is free, registration is required. 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 Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center is located at 201 W. Riviera Drive. People can stay informed about upcoming virtual and in-person programs at the Shoal Creek Center by signing up for text alerts and e-mail bulletins. They can sign up for Shoal Creek Center text alerts by calling 417-629-3434.

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

Part of the satisfaction of hunting is knowing exactly where your meat has come from.  If you’re a successful deer hunter, you’ve already taken that first step in procuring healthy, naturally sourced protein.  The next step is to also learn how to get that meat ready for the table.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering a free class to help get you from field to fork by demonstrating how to make two of the most popular meats.  MDC’s August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center will host a Venison Burger and Sausage Making class Monday, Dec. 2 from 5 - 7 p.m.  It will take deer hunters through the step-by-step process needed to process fresh venison into ready-to-eat delicacies.

This event will provide instruction on how to grind and season harvested deer meat to create tasty burgers and sausage of the best quality possible.  The class will look at every aspect of the process, from safety considerations to the right equipment to use, to the ideal parts of the meat for processing.  

“After processing your harvest, making your own sausage and burger is a great way to season to your own taste and save money,” said MDC Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center Manager, Bryant Hertel.

Besides traditional hamburgers, hunters will find low fat ground venison to be an excellent and healthy base for other dishes too, such as spaghetti sauce, chili, tacos, sloppy Joes, pizza topping, meat loaf, and casseroles.

Venison Burger and Sausage Making is a free program open to all ages, but advanced online registration is required at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4Kq for each person attending. 

The August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center is located at 3550 Route D, approximately five miles west of Highway 94, in Defiance.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows deer hunters in Missouri harvested 68,312 deer during opening weekend of the November portion of firearms deer season Nov. 16 and 17. Of the 68,312 deer harvested, 42,283 were antlered bucks, 5,105 were button bucks, and 20,924 were does.

Top harvest counties for opening weekend were Franklin with 1,627 deer harvested, Texas with 1,305, and Pike with 1,161.

Last year, hunters checked 90,253 deer during opening weekend of the November portion of firearms deer season.

According to MDC Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle, the drop in harvest this year was due to a combination of factors.

“The calendar shift this year put the November portion a week later than last year, which results in lower deer harvest,” said Isabelle. “The peak of the rut in Missouri occurs around Nov. 10. When the calendar shifts, it puts the opener about a week past peak rut when deer movement isn’t as high as it is earlier in the month.”

Another factor that Isabelle believes significantly affected this year’s harvest total is an abundant acorn crop.

“Throughout much of Missouri, there are a lot of acorns in the woods this year,” said Isabelle. “When that happens, deer don’t need to move as much to find food and they frequent fields and other open areas less often, making them less visible to hunters.”

Isabelle noted that the counties with the largest decline in harvest were in the more heavily forested portions of the state where acorn abundance has a more significant effect on deer movement.

Warm temperatures were another factor that contributed to this year’s lower opening weekend harvest total according to Isabelle.

“Although the warm temperatures this weekend made it comfortable for hunters to be in the woods, it likely had an adverse effect on deer movement,” said Isabelle.

Isabelle noted that the unseasonably mild temperatures probably also affected the desire of some hunters to harvest deer given the necessity for rapid processing.

“Fortunately, there are cooler temperatures in the forecast for the latter half of the November portion, which should result in better hunting conditions,” said Isabelle.

For current, ongoing preliminary harvest totals by season, county, and type of deer, visit the MDC website at extra.mdc.mo.gov/widgets/harvest_table/.

For harvest summaries from past years, visit mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer/deer-reports/deer-harvest-summaries.

Firearms deer hunting in Missouri continues with the November portion running through Nov. 26 followed by the CWD portion Nov. 27 – Dec. 1 in open counties. The Late Youth portion runs Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 followed by the Late Antlerless portion Dec. 7-15 in open counties and then the Alternative Methods portion Dec. 28 through Jan. 7, 2025. The archery deer season reopens Nov. 27 and runs through Jan. 15, 2025.

Get more information on Missouri deer hunting from MDC’s 2024 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available where hunting permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer.

The Missouri Department of Transportation’s highway workers are part of a larger group of emergency responders who put their lives on the line on Missouri’s highways responding to crash scenes. Alongside police officers, fire fighters, EMS, and tow truck operators, they respond to traffic incidents, assist drivers, and help keep traffic flowing.

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), traffic incidents are the leading cause of death for EMS responders and law enforcement officers. To remind motorists what’s on the line, the FHWA has declared the week of Nov. 18-22 as National Crash Responder Safety Week. 

"Crash Responder Safety Week serves as an important reminder for drivers to be mindful of our dedicated first responders, who work tirelessly to keep our roadways safe every day," said Chris Engelbrecht, MoDOT’s Director of Safety and Emergency Management. "These individuals put their lives on the line to protect us, so it's crucial to show respect by following the state’s move over law, staying focused, and reducing speed when approaching emergency vehicles."

Missouri’s Move Over law requires drivers to either change lanes or slow down when approaching stationary MoDOT, law enforcement or other emergency vehicles with flashing lights on. To help protect those who protect us, all 50 states enforce some form of the Move Over law. 

In 2023, more than 136,000  traffic crashes were reported on Missouri roadways that required emergency response. MoDOT emergency response personnel respond to more than 6,000 traffic incidents each month on average. 

Crash Responder Safety Week provides a valuable chance to remind drivers about Missouri's Move Over law, educate them on crash prevention, and promote critical training for all traffic incident responders. “It’s important to give our responders the space they need to work safely, ensuring everyone can make it home to their families at the end of the day,” said Chris Engelbrecht.