/news-rss MO.gov News Feed Tue, 03 Feb 2026 04:01:00 +0000 en-us https://www.modot.org/node/82819 82819 at https://www.modot.org Mon, 02 Feb 2026 14:50:02 +0000 UPDATE: Date and Venue change for Dent County bridge meeting Visitor (not verified) Mon, 02/02/2026 - 14:50 Public input sought on Missouri Route 32 bridge JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The venue and date for the upcoming public meeting in Dent County has changed. The meeting will now be held at the Boss Assembly of God Church on Feb. 10, 2026.  The public is invited to attend an open-house style meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 10, at the Boss Assembly of God Church, 22518 State Hwy 32, Boss, MO 65440. Visitors may stop by anytime between 4:30 and 6 p.m. to speak with project team members, view exhibits outlining the planned work and proposed detours, ask questions and leave comments. There will be no formal presentation. Meeting materials will also be available online.  In addition to the public meeting, there will be a three-week open comment period running Jan. 27 – Feb. 17. Input may be submitted online through a form on the project webpage, emailed to CDCR@modot.mo.gov, or mailed to 1511 Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City, MO, 65102. All comments must be received or postmarked by Feb. 17, 2026.   More details are available about the projects by visiting their webpages, where interested parties may also sign up for project-specific updates: www.modot.org/projects/missouri-route-32-bridge-replacement-over-huzzah-creek-dent-county   MoDOT asks all motorists to work with us by buckling up, putting your phone down, obeying all traffic signs, and slowing down and moving over in work zones. Motorists are advised to use extra caution through work zones, obey all traffic signs, and avoid any distractions.    For traffic updates or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit our Traveler Information Map. Information is also available 24/7 via social media. Follow the MoDOT Central Missouri District on social media:  Facebook | X (Twitter) | Instagram    Take the Challenge! Buckle Up/Phone Down   ###  Districts Involved Central Published On Mon, 02/02/2026 - 07:40 Links to related information Project Page CD Customer Service Central District Email: CDCR@modot.mo.govPhone: 573-522-5178 https://www.modot.org/node/82817 82817 at https://www.modot.org Mon, 02 Feb 2026 13:50:02 +0000 Route Z in Wayne County Reduced for Culvert Replacement Visitor (not verified) Mon, 02/02/2026 - 13:50 Sikeston—Route Z in Wayne County will be closed as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a culvert under the roadway.  This section of roadway is located between Route D and County Road 519 near Wappapello, Missouri. While work takes place, the road will be open to local traffic only.  Weather permitting, work will take place Tuesday, Feb. 10 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.   The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.  For additional information, contact MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/southeast.     ###    facebook.com/MoDOTSoutheast  twitter.com/MoDOTSoutheast  youtube.com/MoDOTSoutheast  Districts Involved Southeast Published On Mon, 02/02/2026 - 06:44 SE Customer Service Southeast District Email: SECRRep@modot.mo.gov Phone: (573) 472-5333 https://www.modot.org/node/82815 82815 at https://www.modot.org Mon, 02 Feb 2026 12:30:01 +0000 TRAFFIC ALERT: Route 37 CLOSED in Monett for Tree Removal Work Feb. 9-27 Visitor (not verified) Mon, 02/02/2026 - 12:30 Where: Missouri Route 37 (Central Avenue) in Monett between Cleveland Avenue and Bond Street When: 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, February 9-27 What: Crews for the City of Monett doing tree removal work Traffic Impacts: All lanes of Route 37 (Central Avenue) CLOSED between Cleveland Avenue and Bond Street where crews are working All lanes of Route 37 (Central Avenue) OPEN during nighttime hours and weekends Drivers will have access to driveways and entrances on either end of the work zone but will not be able to travel through the work zone Drivers will be directed along a signed detour using Missouri routes 37 & 97 and U.S. Route 60 Drivers urged to find alternate routes Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts Weather and/or scheduling conflicts could alter the work schedule.     For more information, call MoDOT in Springfield at 417-895-7600 or visit www.modot.org/southwest Follow MoDOT's Southwest District: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube Take the Challenge! Buckle Up/Phone Down Districts Involved Southwest Published On Mon, 02/02/2026 - 05:27 David Mitchell Senior Communications Specialist Southwest District E-mail: SWCR@MoDOT.mo.gov Phone: (417) 895-7600 https://www.modot.org/node/82816 82816 at https://www.modot.org Mon, 02 Feb 2026 12:30:01 +0000 MoDOT Accepting Applications for Summer Youth Transportation Conference Visitor (not verified) Mon, 02/02/2026 - 12:30 JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Department of Transportation is helping build future leaders by encouraging youth to explore careers at MoDOT. The department invites students across Missouri to apply for the 2026 Youth Transportation Conference (YTC) in Jefferson City. Each year, MoDOT sponsors this event to give students the opportunity to apply STEM concepts learned in school to real-world transportation challenges.The conference will be held on July 6-10 on the campus of Lincoln University and is free to students in grades 9-12. Students finishing 8th grade this school year and graduating seniors are also eligible to apply. Applications are currently being accepted through April 24, and up to 40 students will be selected to participate.The academic conference curriculum includes sessions on bridge building, bridge design, construction and materials, public administration and safety. Other activities include field trips, office/site tours and speakers from various divisions within MoDOT and related organizations. The conference also allows students to experience the numerous careers in transportation and engineering available at MoDOT, while making meaningful connections with department staff as they consider their future career path.To apply, students must complete an application accompanied by one letter of recommendation. Interested students can find more information and download the application from the conference website: modot.org/modot-youth-transportation-conference-ytc.####For more information, call MoDOT at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org. To receive the latest statewide news and text alerts, sign up for e-updates. Follow MoDOT: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube  Districts Involved Statewide Published On Mon, 02/02/2026 - 05:21 Wanda Seeney Communications Manager Communications Email: wanda.seeney@modot.mo.govPhone: (573) 526-0897   https://www.modot.org/node/82813 82813 at https://www.modot.org Mon, 02 Feb 2026 12:20:01 +0000 Lane closures on U.S. 24 in Jackson County for Safety/Operational Improvements, Feb. 16 - Dec. 2026 Visitor (not verified) Mon, 02/02/2026 - 12:20 REVISED Project U.S. Route 24 Safety and Operational Improvements in Jackson REVISED PROJECT INFORMATION: JACKSON COUNTY – The Missouri Department of Transportation will conduct various lane closures on westbound and eastbound U.S. Highway 24 just east of Wilson Ave. to just west of Sterling Ave. for safety and operational improvements. All work is weather permitting. See below for traffic modifications: Various lane closures on WB U.S. 24 from Sterling Ave to Overton Ave on Monday, Feb. 16 at 12 a.m. until December 2026. Various lane closures on EB U.S. 24 from Overton Ave to Sterling Ave on Monday, Feb. 16 at 12 a.m. until December 2026. Improvements include a 5-lane typical section with curb and gutter, enclosed drainage storm sewers, raised concrete islands, traffic signal improvements, and signing and pavement marking improvements. Additionally, a 10-foot multi-use path along the south side of the roadway with a 5-foot sidewalk along the north side of the roadway. This is the third and final phase of the project. Phases 1 and 2 were let in combination in May 2023. Construction began in 2025, and the project is scheduled to be completed in December 2026. To learn about the project, visit: U.S. Route 24 Safety and Operational Improvements in Jackson County | Missouri Department of Transportation Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention while driving in work zones. Not all work zones look alike. They can also be short-term, temporary lane closures to make quick repairs or remove debris from the roadway.   For more information about MoDOT news, projects or events, please visit our website at www.modot.org/kansascity. For instant updates, follow MoDOT_KC on X, or share posts and comments on our Facebook at www.facebook.com/MoDOT.KansasCity/. MoDOT Kansas City maintains more than 7,000 miles of state roadway in nine counties. Sign up online for work zone updates or call 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636).  Districts Involved Kansas City Published On Mon, 02/02/2026 - 05:18 Katie Majors Senior Communications Specialist Kansas City District Email: katelynn.majors@modot.mo.govPhone: (816) 607-2027 https://www.modot.org/node/82814 82814 at https://www.modot.org Mon, 02 Feb 2026 12:20:01 +0000 Improve I-70 KC: Indiana Ave to close beneath I-70 for bridge construction, Feb. 9 - Dec. 2027 Visitor (not verified) Mon, 02/02/2026 - 12:20 Project Improve I-70 Kansas City JACKSON COUNTY – Crews will be closing Indiana Ave. between Truman Rd. and 18th St. on Monday, Feb. 9, at approximately 7 a.m., for construction of the future Interstate 70 bridge over the KCT Railroad, Indiana Ave. and 18th St. A signed detour will be in place and will direct motorists and pedestrians around the closure using 18th St., Cleveland Ave. and Truman Rd. The closure is scheduled to be in place until Dec. 2027. All work is weather permitting. The Improve I-70 KC project is a five-mile stretch of Interstate 70 between The Paseo Blvd. and US 40/31 St. in KC. This section of I-70 was built in the early 1960s and carries up to 120,000 vehicles per day. The $237 million project will replace aging infrastructure, improve connectivity with heavy traffic congestion during rush hours and traffic incidents. This project includes the rehabilitation or replacement of 12 interchanges and 26 bridges. Overall, the project will improve the safety and reliability of this corridor section, maintain the serviceability of bridges and pavement, and improve accessibility for the local community, while minimizing the overall traffic impacts along the corridor. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2025 with an anticipated project completion by December 2028. For more information about the project and to sign up for traffic alerts and updates related to the project, visit https://www.modot.org/improvei70kc. Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention while driving in work zones. Not all work zones look alike. Work zones can be moving operations, such as striping, patching or mowing. They can also be short term, temporary lane closures to make quick repairs or remove debris from the roadway. For more information about MoDOT news, projects or events, please visit our website at www.modot.org/kansascity. For instant updates, follow MoDOT_KC on X, or share posts and comments on our Facebook at www.facebook.com/MoDOT.KansasCity/. MoDOT Kansas City maintains more than 7,000 miles of state roadway in nine counties. Sign up online for work zone updates or call 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636). Districts Involved Kansas City Published On Mon, 02/02/2026 - 05:13 Matthew Rinehart Senior Communications Specialist Kansas City District Email: matthew.rinehart@modot.mo.govPhone: (816) 282-4685 https://www.modot.org/node/82784 82784 at https://www.modot.org Mon, 02 Feb 2026 10:20:01 +0000 TRAFFIC ALERT: Route AA CLOSED in Vernon Co. for Pipe Replacement Work Feb. 4 Visitor (not verified) Mon, 02/02/2026 - 10:20 Where: Vernon County Route AA just south of Vernon County Route EE northwest of El Dorado Springs When: 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday, February 4 What: MoDOT crews replacing damaged pipe underneath the road Traffic Impacts: All lanes of Route AA CLOSED where crews are working Drivers will have access to driveways and entrances on either end of the work zone but will not be able to travel through the work zone No signed detours Drivers urged to find alternate routes Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts Weather and/or scheduling conflicts could alter the work schedule.     For more information, call MoDOT in Springfield at 417-895-7600 or visit www.modot.org/southwest Follow MoDOT's Southwest District: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube Take the Challenge! Buckle Up/Phone Down Districts Involved Southwest Published On Mon, 02/02/2026 - 03:19 David Mitchell Senior Communications Specialist Southwest District E-mail: SWCR@MoDOT.mo.gov Phone: (417) 895-7600 https://www.modot.org/node/82785 82785 at https://www.modot.org Mon, 02 Feb 2026 10:20:01 +0000 TRAFFIC ALERT: Route K CLOSED in Vernon Co. for Pipe Replacement Work Feb. 3 Visitor (not verified) Mon, 02/02/2026 - 10:20 Where: Vernon County Route K between County Road 2650 and County Road 2700 east of Nevada When: 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday, February 3 What: MoDOT crews replacing damaged pipe underneath the road Traffic Impacts: All lanes of Route K CLOSED where crews are working Drivers will have access to driveways and entrances on either end of the work zone but will not be able to travel through the work zone No signed detours Drivers urged to find alternate routes Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts Weather and/or scheduling conflicts could alter the work schedule.     For more information, call MoDOT in Springfield at 417-895-7600 or visit www.modot.org/southwest Follow MoDOT's Southwest District: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube Take the Challenge! Buckle Up/Phone Down Districts Involved Southwest Published On Mon, 02/02/2026 - 03:17 David Mitchell Senior Communications Specialist Southwest District E-mail: SWCR@MoDOT.mo.gov Phone: (417) 895-7600 https://www.modot.org/node/82783 82783 at https://www.modot.org Mon, 02 Feb 2026 10:10:01 +0000 Improve I-70 KC: Cleveland Ave. to CLOSE over I-70 for bridge replacement, Feb. 9 - Dec. 2026 Visitor (not verified) Mon, 02/02/2026 - 10:10 Project Improve I-70 Kansas City JACKSON COUNTY – Crews will be closing Cleveland Ave. over Intestate 70 on Monday, Feb. 9, at approximately 7 a.m., for bridge removal and replacement operations. The closure will be in place between 25th St. and 26th St. A signed detour will be in place to direct motorists around the closure using 27th St. Indiana Ave. and 23rd St. A signed detour will also be in place to direct pedestrians around the closure using 24th St. Ter., the 25th St. pedestrian bridge, Askew Ave., 26th St., Monroe Ave., and 27th St. The new bridge is scheduled to be completed and the roadway reopened in Dec. 2026. All work is weather permitting. The Improve I-70 KC project is a five-mile stretch of Interstate 70 between The Paseo Blvd. and US 40/31 St. in KC. This section of I-70 was built in the early 1960s and carries up to 120,000 vehicles per day. The $237 million project will replace aging infrastructure, improve connectivity with heavy traffic congestion during rush hours and traffic incidents. This project includes the rehabilitation or replacement of 12 interchanges and 26 bridges. Overall, the project will improve the safety and reliability of this corridor section, maintain the serviceability of bridges and pavement, and improve accessibility for the local community, while minimizing the overall traffic impacts along the corridor. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2025 with an anticipated project completion by December 2028. For more information about the project and to sign up for traffic alerts and updates related to the project, visit https://www.modot.org/improvei70kc. Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention while driving in work zones. Not all work zones look alike. Work zones can be moving operations, such as striping, patching or mowing. They can also be short term, temporary lane closures to make quick repairs or remove debris from the roadway. For more information about MoDOT news, projects or events, please visit our website at www.modot.org/kansascity. For instant updates, follow MoDOT_KC on X, or share posts and comments on our Facebook at www.facebook.com/MoDOT.KansasCity/. MoDOT Kansas City maintains more than 7,000 miles of state roadway in nine counties. Sign up online for work zone updates or call 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636). Districts Involved Kansas City Published On Mon, 02/02/2026 - 03:02 Matthew Rinehart Senior Communications Specialist Kansas City District Email: matthew.rinehart@modot.mo.govPhone: (816) 282-4685 https://dci.mo.gov/node/2476 2476 at https://dci.mo.gov Mon, 02 Feb 2026 08:42:10 +0000 Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance announces over $129 million in recoveries for Missouri consumers in 2025 katherine.rodriguez Mon, 02/02/2026 - 08:42 JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Today, the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance announced over $129 million in recoveries for 2025, returning funds to thousands of policyholders and beneficiaries across the state through its consumer assistance, outreach and regulatory efforts. The total includes recoveries made by DCI’s Consumer Affairs and Market Regulation Divisions, as well as recoveries obtained by Missourians through the Life Insurance Policy Locator, reflecting a continued commitment to connecting consumers with the help and resources available to them.“Missourians should know that there’s a place they can turn when insurance problems arise, and helping them is a responsibility we take very seriously,” DCI Director Angela Nelson said. “With the severe weather Missouri experienced this year, we worked hard to make sure Missourians know about DCI and that we are here to help. We thank those Missourians who reached out to us and trusted us to help, and we thank our industry partners for their responsiveness this year. I’m also incredibly proud of our team for working hard to ensure Missourians received the benefits they’re entitled to and insurance companies followed the law.”DCI’s Consumer Affairs Division, which investigates consumer complaints and helps individuals resolve disputes with their insurance companies, insurance agents and other licensed entities, accounted for $46.2 million of the total recoveries. This record-shattering amount more than doubles last year's record-breaking recoveries of $22.6 million. Consumer affairs specialists processed 21,619 phone calls, 24,172 emails, 3,992 inquiries and 4,405 formal complaints in 2025. Missourians most often contacted the department for help with issues related to homeowners, auto, and accident and health insurance, with unsatisfactory settlements, claim delays and claim denials among the top reasons for complaints.DCI’s Insurance Market Regulation Division, which focuses on identifying and resolving systemic issues that impact insurance consumers, recovered over $4.1 million in restitution for 43,898 Missourians in 2025. Consumers benefit from restitution by receiving refunds from insurance companies for premium overcharges and payments for claims that were either improperly denied or underpaid.In some instances, market regulation actions originate from consumer complaints filed with DCI Consumer Affairs. In other instances, the issues are identified through a review of insurance company filings and monitoring insurance company activities in the marketplace.In addition to these recoveries, $79.3 million was recovered for Missourians through the Life Insurance Policy Locator (LIPL) in 2025, an online tool provided to states through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Since its launch in December 2016, the LIPL tool has successfully matched Missourians with over $347 million in life insurance policies, restoring immense financial security to families across the state.“Behind every one of these dollars is a person or family who needed help – whether after a storm, a car crash or the loss of a loved one,” Director Nelson said. “We want Missourians to know they don’t have to figure insurance problems out on their own, and they should not have to pay for help. If something doesn’t seem right, let us be your first call. That’s exactly why we’re here.”Missourians with questions or complaints call DCI’s Consumer Hotline at 800-726-7390 to talk with an insurance expert or visit insurance.mo.gov/consumers for more information and resources. A comprehensive list of enforcement and market regulation actions is available on the DCI’s website.DCI is charged with protecting Missouri consumers through oversight of the insurance industry, banks, credit unions, utilities and various professional licensees operating in the state. For more information about the department, please visit our website at dci.mo.gov. Published Date Mon, 02/02/2026 - 08:43 https://www.modot.org/node/82782 82782 at https://www.modot.org Mon, 02 Feb 2026 08:00:02 +0000 Route Z bridge CLOSED south of Orrick, MO for bridge replacement, Feb. 9 until July 2026 Visitor (not verified) Mon, 02/02/2026 - 08:00 RAY COUNTY – The Missouri Department of Transportation will CLOSE the Route Z bridge over Keeney Creek from Agnes St. to Centennial Rd. south of Orrick, MO for bridge replacement, beginning Monday, February 9 until July 2026. Motorists are encouraged to use an alternative route. All work is weather permitting. Motorists are reminded to slow down and pat attention while driving in work zones. Not all work zones look alike. Work zones can be moving operations, such as striping, patching, or mowing. They can also be short-term, temporary lane closures to make repairs or remove debris from the roadway. For more information about MoDOT news, projects or events, please visit our website at //www.modot.org/kansascity. For instant updates, follow MoDOT_KC on X, or share posts and comments on our Facebook at www.facebook.com/MoDOT.KansasCity/. MoDOT Kansas City maintains more than 7,000 miles of state roadway in nine counties. Sign up online for workzone updates or call 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636). Districts Involved Kansas City Published On Mon, 02/02/2026 - 00:50 Macy Melton Communications Specialist Kansas City District Phone: (816) 789 - 9891Email: macy.melton@modot.mo.gov http://agriculture.mo.gov/news/newsitem/uuid/fb2d8f8e-38e0-4d8d-a188-daeb88f6f97a http://agriculture.mo.gov/news/newsitem/uuid/fb2d8f8e-38e0-4d8d-a188-daeb88f6f97a Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Seventeen youth organizations will receive funds for 2026. https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/missouri-convenes-environmental-crimes-task-force 299151 at https://dnr.mo.gov Fri, 30 Jan 2026 16:27:25 +0000 Missouri convenes Environmental Crimes Task Force Rachel Bruemmer Fri, 01/30/2026 - 16:27 Release Date Monday, February 2, 2026 Focus will be on state and federal cooperation, efficiencies to protect public health, environment JEFFERSON CITY, MO, FEB. 2, 2026 – After a roughly 25-year hiatus, Missouri has reconvened an Environmental Crimes Task Force to investigate and prosecute violations of state and federal environmental laws. Missouri’s task force combines local, state and federal law enforcement, prosecutors and environmental regulators who will focus on crimes like illegal dumping, hazardous waste disposal, illegal discharges into waterways and more.While a similar task force existed several years ago, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources is leading the effort to activate a new team responsible for ensuring that prosecution of environmental violations and crimes is efficiently and effectively coordinated between the different enforcement partner entities.“Missouri has effectively prosecuted environmental crimes for decades, but we felt it was time to convene a new task force that will be even more focused, collaborative and effective,” said Kurt Schaefer, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “Ultimately, our goal is to protect public health and the environment.”“Protecting Missouri’s communities and environmental resources is a top priority,” said Attorney General Catherine Hanaway. “Those who violate environmental laws and jeopardize public health will be held accountable. We appreciate Director Schaefer’s leadership in convening this task force and look forward to working together to enforce our laws.”The Missouri Environmental Crimes Task Force brings together specialized knowledge and capabilities to handle complex and often felonious violations, crucial to addressing crimes that might otherwise go undetected. The team will work together to strategize not only how to better enforce environmental law, but how to deter those crimes before they happen.“I am honored to have EPA Region 7 serve as a key member of Missouri’s Environmental Crimes Task Force,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Jim Macy. “The creation of this task force is a great example of how EPA can work with state and local agencies to deliver clean air, clean land, and clean water to all Americans while ensuring those responsible for crimes are held accountable.”Representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7, the U.S. Attorneys for the Eastern and Western districts of Missouri and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office joined MoDNR at the meeting in Jefferson City last week. Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov https://governor.mo.gov/press-releases/archive/governor-kehoe-announces-six-gubernatorial-appointments-1 15941 at https://governor.mo.gov Fri, 30 Jan 2026 16:21:42 +0000 Governor Kehoe Announces Six Gubernatorial Appointments Madelyn.Warren… Fri, 01/30/2026 - 16:21 January 30, 2026 Jefferson City Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced five gubernatorial appointments to various boards and commissions and filled one county vacancy.Matt Gildehaus, of Washington, was appointed to the Truman State University Board of Governors.Mr. Gildehaus is a licensed professional counselor and owner of Life Delta Counseling. He also has experience as a business coach and a history of civic involvement, including service as a Boy Scout leader, a member of the United Way of Franklin County Area Board, and a member of Rotary International. Gildehaus earned his associate's degree from East Central College and his bachelor's degree in business administration from Truman State University.Nancy Gingrich, of Macon, was reappointed to the Truman State University Board of Governors.Ms. Gingrich is a retired educator, having served as the long-time gifted education teacher for the Shelby County R-IV School District. She remains active in civic service and currently serves as the president of the Missouri chapter of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) International. She previously served as a local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) volunteer and was a member of the Shelby County R-IV School District Board of Education. Gingrich holds a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from Truman State University and a master’s degree in education, curriculum, and instruction from the University of Missouri.Alan Hillier, of St. Peters, was appointed to the Truman State University Board of Governors.Mr. Hillier is a long-time hospitality revenue manager and currently serves as the senior manager of revenue products for Marriott International. He earned a master's degree in criminology from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Truman State University.Seth Johnson, of West Plains, was reappointed to the Missouri Real Estate Appraisers Commission.Mr. Johnson is an esteemed real estate appraiser and co-owner of Southwest Valuation in West Plains. He previously served as a commercial lender and finance teacher in the West Plains School District. Johnson has a long record of civic service and currently serves as the president of the Missouri State University–West Plains Grizzly Club. He holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and finance from Lyon College.Sara Masterson, of Monroe City, was appointed as the Marion County Circuit Clerk, District II.Ms. Masterson is currently serving in an interim capacity for the same position and as a part-time telecommunications and training officer for Monroe County Joint Communications. She previously served on the Monroe City Ambulance District Board of Directors. Masterson earned her associate's degrees from Hannibal-LaGrange University and Moberly Area Community College.Matt Ross, of Jefferson City, was reappointed to the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.Mr. Ross is the co-owner of Southside Barber Shop, where he has served the Jefferson City area for over a decade. An active member of his community, Ross is a member of several organizations, including the National Wild Turkey Federation and the American Tree Farm Program. He has served on the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners since 2022.  Ross holds a barber license from the Academy of Hair Design in Springfield.### https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/helicopter-crash-franklin-county-minor-injuries-reported 299031 at https://dnr.mo.gov Thu, 29 Jan 2026 16:31:22 +0000 Helicopter crash in Franklin County, minor injuries reported Rachel Bruemmer Thu, 01/29/2026 - 16:31 Release Date Thursday, January 29, 2026 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JAN. 29, 2026 – A helicopter carrying three Missouri state parks team members and a private pilot crashed into the Meramec River today. The state park team members were conducting an aerial ecological survey of Meramec State Park when the aircraft may have struck a powerline.All those aboard the helicopter were rescued from the river and are under medical care at Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital.“While we continue to investigate, we want to thank the first responders for their quick actions, and we are very thankful that everyone appears to be ok,” said Kurt Schaefer, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.The Department of Natural Resources continues to collect information. Missouri state parks rangers and other emergency personnel are on site assisting.Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.  Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov