/news-rss MO.gov News Feed Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:19:28 +0000 en-us https://www.modot.org/node/85504 85504 at https://www.modot.org Tue, 24 Mar 2026 21:30:01 +0000 St. Charles Road overpass to close for replacement in mid-April Visitor (not verified) Tue, 03/24/2026 - 21:30 I-70 to be narrowed, rerouted April 10-13 Project Improve I-70: Columbia to Kingdom City JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Interstate 70 in Columbia is set to narrow and be rerouted around-the-clock in mid-April for the demolition of an overpass bridge. Motorists are advised to plan extra time as backups are anticipated. From 7 p.m. on April 10, 2026, to 6 a.m. on April 13, 2026, construction crews working with the Missouri Department of Transportation plan to demolish and remove the St. Charles Road bridge over I-70. Traffic on both I-70 and St. Charles Road will be as follows: I-70: Both directions of I-70 will narrow to one lane. Drivers will be directed up and over the ramps at Exit 131 (St. Charles Road) and back onto I-70. There will be no access to St. Charles Road. Charles Road: Traffic on St. Charles Road will not have direct access to or from I-70. Motorists will need to use an alternate route. Once the demolition is complete, I-70 will return to normal traffic patterns. Those traveling on St. Charles Road will be able to use the ramps to access I-70, but will be unable to cross I-70. Signed detours will direct motorists around the closure. Construction of the new overpass bridge is expected to continue for five months, through the end of September. The new overpass bridge will be wider to accommodate three lanes in each direction on I-70 and will be raised to increase vertical clearance for taller vehicles. The overpass will also feature pedestrian crossings and enhanced aesthetics All work is weather-permitting and subject to change.  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. This work is part of the first project in MoDOT’s Statewide Improve I-70 Program, Improve I-70: Columbia to Kingdom City, which will add a third lane of travel in each direction to the 20-mile stretch of I-70 between Columbia) and Kingdom City. This $405 million fixed-cost contract includes new pavement on all three lanes of I-70 and will also make interchange improvements to the I-70 interchanges at U.S. Route 63 and U.S. Route 54.  Missouri’s FY2024 budget, approved through the state legislative process and governor, provides $2.8 billion in General Revenue to build a third lane of I-70 across the state. The program will plan, design, construct, reconstruct, rehabilitate, and add a third lane in each direction on nearly 200 miles of I-70, from Blue Springs to Wentzville. For more information on the Improve I-70 Program and to sign up for program e-updates, visit http://www.modot.org/improvei70. 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, signup for e-updates. #ImproveI70 Follow MoDOT: Facebook | X (Twitter) | Instagram | YouTube   ### Districts Involved Central Published On Tue, 03/24/2026 - 16:25 Links to related information Project Page Attachments Location Graphic CD Customer Service Central District Email: CDCR@modot.mo.govPhone: 573-522-5178 https://www.modot.org/node/85503 85503 at https://www.modot.org Tue, 24 Mar 2026 21:20:01 +0000 North Outer Road 70 to close at Sallees Creek next week Visitor (not verified) Tue, 03/24/2026 - 21:20 Closure to complete box culvert work Project Improve I-70: Columbia to Kingdom City JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A portion of North Outer Road 70, west of Kingdom City, is scheduled for a one-week closure to wrap up work on the old box culvert at this location. March 30 through April 4, construction crews working with the Missouri Department of Transportation plan to close North Outer Road 70 at Sallees Creek. During this six-day closure, crews will fill in the old box culvert. A new, larger box culvert was recently built to replace the older one. Motorists who normally use North Outer Road 70 will need to use an alternative route. All work is weather-permitting and schedules are subject to change. 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.   This work is part of the first project in MoDOT’s Statewide Improve I-70 Program, Improve I-70: Columbia to Kingdom City, which will add a third lane of travel in each direction to the 20-mile stretch of I-70 between Columbia) and Kingdom City. This $405 million fixed-cost contract includes new pavement on all three lanes of I-70 and will also make interchange improvements to the I-70 interchanges at U.S. Route 63 and U.S. Route 54. Missouri’s FY2024 budget, approved through the state legislative process and governor provides, $2.8 billion in General Revenue to build a third lane of I-70 across the state. The program will plan, design, construct, reconstruct, rehabilitate, and add a third lane in each direction on nearly 200 miles of I-70, from Blue Springs to Wentzville. For more information on the Improve I-70 Program and to sign up for program e-mails, visit http://www.modot.org/improvei70. 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, signup for e-updates. ### Districts Involved Central Published On Tue, 03/24/2026 - 16:10 Links to related information Project Page Attachments Location Graphic CD Customer Service Central District Email: CDCR@modot.mo.govPhone: 573-522-5178 https://www.modot.org/node/85502 85502 at https://www.modot.org Tue, 24 Mar 2026 20:50:02 +0000 Improvements to crosswalk pavement markings to begin in Columbia this week Visitor (not verified) Tue, 03/24/2026 - 20:50 Nightly lane closures on Route B begin Wednesday night JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A project to upgrade pavement markings on several routes in Columbia is scheduled to get underway this week. Nightly lane closures are scheduled to begin Wednesday night along Route B (Paris Road) between Whitegate Drive and Waco Road. The lane closures are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. and all lanes are expected to be open by 6 a.m. each morning. Work along Paris Road is expected to continue into mid-April. At their January 2026 meeting, the Missouri Department of Transportation awarded a $490,881.74 contract to Road Runner Safety Services, Inc. to upgrade crosswalk markings on the following routes: Paris Road from Missouri Route 763 (Rangeline Street/College Avenue) to Waco Road. Business Loop 70 from west of Interstate 70 to Rangeline/College Avenue. Route AC (Grindstone Parkway) from Missouri Route 163 (Providence Road) to U.S. Route 63. Rangeline/College Avenue from Brown School Road to Missouri Route 740 (Stadium Boulevard). Providence Road from I-70 to Route K. Stadium Boulevard from north of I-70 to east of U.S. Route 63. The order of work is yet to be determined. By contract, the project is scheduled for completion by Oct. 15, 2026. All work is weather-permitting, and schedules are subject to change. 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.  For more information about MoDOT projects, traffic updates, or other transportation-related matters, please visit our Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/ or call our 24-hour Customer Service Center at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636). While at modot.org, sign up for work zone updates sent directly to your inbox. Information is also available 24/7 by connecting with us on social media: Facebook | X (Twitter) | Instagram Take the Challenge! Buckle Up/Phone Down ### Districts Involved Central Published On Tue, 03/24/2026 - 15:44 Links to related information Traveler Information Map CD Customer Service Central District Email: CDCR@modot.mo.govPhone: 573-522-5178 https://www.modot.org/node/85501 85501 at https://www.modot.org Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:00:02 +0000 Project to Replace Route 43/Elk River Bridge Delayed Until Early May Visitor (not verified) Tue, 03/24/2026 - 15:00 McDonald County – A project to replace the Missouri Route 43 bridge over the Elk River west of Anderson near the Cowskin Conservation Area is being delayed until early May, the Missouri Department of Transportation said. Work is being delayed due to supply issues. In the meantime, Missouri Route 43 is OPEN to traffic until work resumes. Work to replace the bridge began back in February. When completed, the new bridge will be slightly higher, 31 feet longer and six (6) feet wider than the current structure. The project also includes ditch stabilization along Missouri Route 59 just north of McDonald County Route DD near Noel. Once work resumes, the bridge will be CLOSED for up to 160 days with access to Cowskin Conservation Area maintained throughout the duration of the project. For more information, go to the project website by clicking here. Weather and/or construction delays will alter the work schedule.  Project Information: Prime contractor: West Plains Bridge & Grading LLC, West Plains Project cost: $5.1 million Project completion date: December 1, 2026     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 Tue, 03/24/2026 - 09:51 David Mitchell Senior Communications Specialist Southwest District E-mail: SWCR@MoDOT.mo.gov Phone: (417) 895-7600 https://www.modot.org/node/85500 85500 at https://www.modot.org Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:40:01 +0000 Sullivan County Route 129 Spring Creek Bridge replacement begins April 6 Visitor (not verified) Tue, 03/24/2026 - 14:40 Northwest Bridge Bundle project ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Northwest Bridge Bundle project to replace the Sullivan County Missouri Route 129 Spring Creek Bridge, north of Green City, has been rescheduled and is now planned to begin Monday, April 6. The new bridge is expected to reopen in August 2026. The Spring Creek Bridge was built in 1950 and has a traffic volume of approximately 95 vehicles per day. “The Northwest Bridge Bundle is a Design-Build project which will replace or rehabilitate 31 poor-condition bridges in north central Missouri,” stated Missouri Department of Transportation Project Manager Michael Marriott. The Capital – Horner & Shifrin team was awarded the design-build contract by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission at its meeting in December 2023. Design-build is a project delivery method in which one contracting team is selected to design and build the highway improvement under one contract. MoDOT provides the project goals, budget and schedule and the contractor team completes the work. This technique has been known to significantly save time and provide cost savings. The full list of bridges to be replaced can be found on the Northwest Bridge Bundle web page. All work is weather-permitting, and schedules are subject to change. MoDOT asks drivers to work with us by always buckling up, keeping your phones down, slowing down and moving over in work zones. Know before you go and check what work zones you might encounter at traveler.modot.org. Get project and work zone news straight to your email by signing up for eUpdates. Information is also available 24/7 by calling 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or visiting www.modot.org/northwest. Facebook | X | Instagram   Take the Challenge! Buckle Up/Phone Down ### Northwest Bridge Bundle web page Districts Involved Northwest Published On Tue, 03/24/2026 - 09:34 NW Customer Service Northwest District Email: nwcr@modot.mo.govPhone: 816-901-4529 https://www.modot.org/node/85499 85499 at https://www.modot.org Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:20:02 +0000 MoDOT: U.S. Route 65 Corridor Upgrades in Multiple Counties Project Between Buffalo and Warsaw regan.mitchell Tue, 03/24/2026 - 14:20 Focus of Public Hearing Tuesday, April 7 Project U.S. Route 65 Corridor Upgrades in Multiple Counties Benton, Dallas & Hickory County – Those interested in the U.S. Route 65 Corridor Upgrades in Multiple Counties Project Between Buffalo and Warsaw are invited to a public meeting to discuss proposed improvements and project information on Tuesday, April 7, the Missouri Department of Transportation said. The come-and-go style meeting will be held 4:30 – 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 7, at the Buffalo High School Cafeteria, 500 W Main St, Buffalo. No formal presentation is planned. Those who attend may come at any time between 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to learn about the project, ask questions, and leave comments. This same meeting will be held again on Tuesday, April 14, at the Warsaw High School, 20363 Lane of Champions, Warsaw. A separate news release will be sent out for this public meeting. Those unable to attend the in-person hearing can view exhibits and obtain project information at www.modot.org/southwest. Comments on this project can be mailed in, emailed, or submitted online through the project website until Tuesday, April 28. For those unable to access the online meeting, contact MoDOT’s Southwest District Office, and accommodations will be made to share the information and gather feedback. This informational hearing marks the third in a series of public meetings held to engage the community on this project. Previous opportunities for public input were offered in Buffalo and Warsaw in June and October 2025. MoDOT is committed to providing access to this event for all participants. If you need a reasonable accommodation or translation services, please contact Southwest District Communications at 417.895.7600 by March 31. For those unable to access the online meeting, contact MoDOT’s Southwest District Office, and accommodations will be made to share the information and gather feedback. Project highlights: Buffalo Build a Roundabout at Dallas County, U.S. Route 65 and Route 73 in Buffalo Truck Aprons provide for Oversized Overweight Vehicles Roundabout increased 20 feet in diameter to accommodate semi-truck movements Northbound acceleration lane provided Build a Roundabout at Dallas County, U.S. Route 65, and Truman Road in Buffalo Pedestrian Facilities are part of the intersection Interior Islands to accommodate Oversized Overweight Vehicles U.S. Route 65 Roundabout South of Warsaw Build a Roundabout at Benton County, U.S. Route 65 and Route 7 south of Warsaw with turn and acceleration lanes Route 7 intersection will be realigned north of its existing location, with turn lane accommodations at Balke Road intersection Truck Aprons provide for Oversized Overweight Vehicles U.S. Route 65 Passing Lanes in Benton and Dallas Counties Add alternating passing lane improvements at eight (8) locations along US 65 in Benton and Dallas counties between Warsaw and Buffalo Adjusted passing lane locations to reduce driveway impacts and improve line of sight. Added left-turn lane accommodations for Schoolhouse Avenue Traffic Impacts: U.S. Route 65 will NOT be closed during the construction of projects Drivers can expect occasional lane closures, lane shifts, and traffic delays Temporary Signals may be used to maintain traffic flow Missouri Route 73 and Truman Road will be CLOSED in Buffalo during the roundabout construction Electronic message boards and new releases will notify the public of traffic impacts Drivers urged to use alternate routes during construction to avoid the work zone Construction for the Route 65 passing lanes and the one roundabout south of Warsaw is scheduled to begin in Spring 2027. Construction for the two roundabouts in Buffalo is scheduled to begin in Winter 2027. Estimated Total Cost: U.S. Route 65 & Route 73 Roundabout: $6.6 million U.S. Route 65 & Truman Roundabout: $5.6 million U.S. Route 65 & Route 7 Roundabout and Realignment: $10.4 million U.S. Route 65 Passing Lane Improvements: $38 million END For more information, call MoDOT in Springfield at 417-895-7600 or visit www.modot.org/southwestFollow MoDOT's Southwest District: Facebook | X | Instagram |YouTube Take the Challenge! Buckle Up/Phone Down Districts Involved Southwest Published On Tue, 03/24/2026 - 09:16 Regan Mitchell Senior Communications Specialist Southwest District Missouri Department of Transportation 3025 East Kearney, Springfield, MO 65803 Phone: (417) 895-7600 Email: swcr@modot.mo.gov website: www.modot.org/sw https://www.modot.org/node/85498 85498 at https://www.modot.org Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:00:02 +0000 MoDOT to begin construction to realign I-70 at Wentzville Parkway starting overnight March 30 Visitor (not verified) Tue, 03/24/2026 - 14:00 Project Improve I-70: Warrenton to Wentzville ST. CHARLES COUNTY– Crews with the Improve I-70 Warrenton to Wentzville Project will begin construction of drainage structures and temporary pavement in the median of both directions of Interstate 70 between Wentzville Parkway and the Norfolk Southern Railroad bridge starting overnight Monday, March 30. All work is weather permitting.    Work will run from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. each night. A temporary barrier wall will be in place along the right and left shoulders of eastbound I-70 beginning March 30. Westbound I-70 will have a temporary barrier wall along the left shoulder starting the week of April 6. Lanes in both directions will be reduced to 11-foot width. During overnight hours, there will be left lane closures in both directions.     This work is part of the reconstruction of Interstate 70 with adding a third lane in each direction and the realignment of I-70 between Wentzville Parkway and Route Z.    The Improve I-70 Warrenton to Wentzville Project covering the eastern portion of I-70 was awarded in November 2024. Construction is tentatively set to take place 2025-2028.    Missouri’s FY2024 budget, approved through the state legislative process and signed into law by the governor, provides $2.8 billion in General Revenue to build a third lane of I-70 across the state. The program will plan, design, construct, reconstruct, rehabilitate, and add a third lane in each direction on nearly 200 miles of I-70, from Blue Springs to Wentzville.   For more information on the Improve I-70 Program and to sign up for program e-mails, visit http://www.modot.org/improvei70.   ###  Districts Involved St. Louis Published On Tue, 03/24/2026 - 08:57 Jack Wang Senior Communications Specialist St. Louis District Email: slcommunications@mdoot.mo.govPhone: (314) 648-9783 https://www.modot.org/node/85497 85497 at https://www.modot.org Tue, 24 Mar 2026 13:20:01 +0000 Buchanan County I-29 resurfacing project to begin April 6 Visitor (not verified) Tue, 03/24/2026 - 13:20 ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Transportation has contracted Herzog Contracting Corp. to replace the approaches to the Pigeon Creek Bridge and Bee Creek Bridge and resurface a section of Interstate 29 from Pigeon Creek in Buchanan County (mile marker 39.8) to the Platte County line (mile marker 31). Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 6. Crews will begin work rebuilding the outside shoulder of the interstate at the Pigeon Creek and Bee Creek approaches. Crews will then replace the approaches on the southbound bridges then move to the northbound bridges. Once the approaches are complete, crews are scheduled to resurface I-29 beginning in August 2026. Traffic Impacts: I-29 will be narrowed to one lane with an 11-foot width restriction in place. Motorists should expect delays. The resurfacing is scheduled to be completed by mid-October 2026. All work is weather-permitting, and schedules are subject to change. MoDOT asks drivers to work with us by always buckling up, keeping your phones down, slowing down and moving over in work zones. Know before you go and check what work zones you might encounter at traveler.modot.org. Get project and work zone news straight to your email by signing up for eUpdates. Information is also available 24/7 by calling 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or visiting www.modot.org/northwest. Facebook | X | Instagram  Take the Challenge! Buckle Up/Phone Down ### Districts Involved Northwest Published On Tue, 03/24/2026 - 08:15 NW Customer Service Northwest District Email: nwcr@modot.mo.govPhone: 816-901-4529 https://www.modot.org/node/85496 85496 at https://www.modot.org Tue, 24 Mar 2026 13:20:01 +0000 MoDOT to Host Public Hearing for U.S. 412 Environmental Study in Dunklin County Visitor (not verified) Tue, 03/24/2026 - 13:20 Online Comment Period Underway for Environmental Assessment: March 11-April 21, 2026 SIKESTON—The Missouri Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 31 to share findings from the Environmental Assessment (EA) for U.S. Route 412 in Dunklin County. The public hearing will be held at the gym of Senath-Hornersville High School, located at 803 South State St. in Senath, Missouri. The environmental study examined options for increasing capacity, as well as the impact of those options, for the 20-mile section of U.S. 412 extending from Route AC near the Arkansas border to just east of Route Y near Kennett, Missouri. After extensive review, two alternatives for increasing capacity were identified. During the public hearing, the preferred alternative of a four-lane undivided highway with a flush median will be shared. The preferred alternative includes an additional lane for turning traffic at intersections (5-lane with two-way left turn lane at intersections). Funding has not been secured for construction at this time. The EA under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), evaluated potential impacts the proposed transportation improvements could have on the project area. The study balances the need to improve the roadway with several community goals. The EA is now available for review on the project webpage:  modot.org/412. An online comment form is also available via the project webpage. Comments will be accepted through Tuesday, April 21, 2026. MoDOT is committed to providing equal access to this event for all participants. People who require special services or accommodations at the public hearing should notify MoDOT Project Manager Seiji Shimbo by Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at (573) 472-5389 or MoDOT’s Customer Service at 1-888-ASK MODOT (275-6636) so arrangements for those services can be made. MoDOT se compromete a brindar igualdad de acceso a este evento a todos los participantes. Quienes requieran servicios o adaptaciones especiales durante la audiencia pública deben notificar al gerente de proyectos de MoDOT Seiji Shimbo al (573) 472-5389, al servicio de atención al cliente de MoDOT al 1-888-ASK MODOT (275-6636) o a través del formulario de comentarios en línea en modot.org/412. Por favor, comuníquese antes del miércoles 25 de marzo de 2026 para que se puedan coordinar dichos servicios. The public hearing will be open-house style, and visitors can stop by anytime between 4 and 6 p.m. For more information, please contact MoDOT Project Manager Seiji Shimbo at (573) 472-5389 or MoDOT's Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK MODOT (275-6636).   ### Districts Involved Southeast Published On Tue, 03/24/2026 - 08:16 https://www.modot.org/node/85495 85495 at https://www.modot.org Tue, 24 Mar 2026 13:10:02 +0000 TRAFFIC ALERT: Expect Lane Reductions, Delays for Signal Repair on Rt. 60 in Republic March 25 & 26 Visitor (not verified) Tue, 03/24/2026 - 13:10 Where: Westbound U.S. Route 60 at Oakwood Road in Republic When: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Wednesday & Thursday, March 25 & 26 What: MoDOT crews will make temporary repairs to traffic signals damaged following a crash Monday, March 23 Traffic Impacts: Westbound Route 60 reduced to one lane while crews are working Westbound Route 60 through lanes OPEN during nighttime hours Westbound Route 60 left turn lane will remain CLOSED until left turn signal is replaced Possible eastbound Route 60 short-term lane reduction both days No signed detours Signs & message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone Drivers urged to find alternate routes 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 Tue, 03/24/2026 - 08:05 David Mitchell Senior Communications Specialist Southwest District E-mail: SWCR@MoDOT.mo.gov Phone: (417) 895-7600 https://dhewd.mo.gov/news/mdhewd-moving-st-louis-county-job-center-new-location-free-services-available-job-seekers-and 7436 at https://dhewd.mo.gov Tue, 24 Mar 2026 10:11:52 +0000 MDHEWD moving St. Louis County Job Center to new location; free services available to job seekers and employers Mr. Jason Strickland Tue, 03/24/2026 - 10:11 Date Tue, 03/24/2026 - 12:00 The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) has announced that the St. Louis County Job Center, currently located at The Crossings at Northwest in St. Ann, will move to its new location on Plymouth Avenue in St. Louis as of Wednesday, March 25. Services will continue to be provided at the current location in St. Ann through Tuesday, March 24.The St. Louis County Job Center hours will remain 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday.The updated location and contact information for the new office will be:6347 Plymouth Ave., Room 206St. Louis, MO 63133314-377-0445The St. Louis County Job Center provides a full range of no‑cost employment and training services to all Missouri job seekers, including individuals who are unemployed, underemployed, changing careers, entering the workforce for the first time, or building new skills. Free services include:Résumé and application assistanceJob search supportWorkshops on interviewing, career exploration, networking, and digital skillsTraining opportunitiesMissouri employers can access no‑cost talent and workforce solutions to streamline hiring and build a skilled workforce through the job center, including:Job postings and candidate referrals, with applicant pre‑screeningCustomized recruitment, including hiring events and job fairsWork‑based learning and training support, such as on‑the‑job training and apprenticeship assistanceRapid Response support during layoffs or restructuringInformation on hiring incentives For more information about available services at Missouri Job Centers, visit jobs.mo.gov. https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/colonel-josh-campbell-selected-march-2026-state-missouri-missouri-department-natural-resources-team-member-month 302121 at https://dnr.mo.gov Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:51:34 +0000 Colonel Josh Campbell selected as March 2026 State of Missouri and Missouri Department of Natural Resources Team Member of the Month Karen Kremer Tue, 03/24/2026 - 09:51 Release Date Tuesday, March 24, 2026 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, MARCH 24, 2026 – Josh Campbell, colonel of the Missouri State Park Rangers, is both the State of Missouri and Department of Natural Resources Team Member of the Month for March 2026. He was selected for his service to the department and for his actions immediately following a helicopter crash at Meramec State Park.On Jan. 29, 2026, a helicopter carrying three Missouri state parks team members and a private pilot crashed into the Meramec River. Everyone aboard was able to self-rescue and received medical care at Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital.Col. Campbell demonstrated outstanding leadership during and after the incident.“Col. Campbell provided a calm, stable presence at the scene,” said Laura Hendrickson, director of MoDNR’s Division of State Parks, who nominated Campbell for the award. “Situations such as this underscore the strength of the Missouri state parks team under stress and in difficult conditions.”Throughout the incident, Col. Campbell coordinated the response with multiple agencies and organizations, and he served as the department spokesperson at an impromptu news conference. His response ensured the prompt and accurate exchange of information internally and externally.Col. Campbell oversaw swift removal of the aircraft wreckage, coordinating the process with the aircraft owner, the insurance adjuster and the towing company. The prompt attention given to the cleanup of the crash site helped prevent the need for an extensive environmental cleanup of the river and surrounding area.“Col. Campbell’s work demonstrated the department’s ability to operate across bureaucratic boundaries to successfully communicate and calmly resolve what could have been an even greater disaster,” said Kurt Schaefer, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, who also nominated Campbell for the award. “We are very grateful to him for his exceptional leadership, calm demeanor and outstanding management of a life-threatening situation and its aftermath.”Campbell joined the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in December 2017 and resides in Rolla. 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://dhewd.mo.gov/news/mdhewd-encourages-fafsa-completion-ahead-access-missouri-final-deadline-fafsa-filing 7431 at https://dhewd.mo.gov Tue, 24 Mar 2026 08:46:56 +0000 MDHEWD encourages FAFSA completion ahead of Access Missouri final deadline; FAFSA filing assistance available Mr. Jason Strickland Tue, 03/24/2026 - 08:46 Date Tue, 03/24/2026 - 12:00 The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) encourages students to file their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the April 1 Access Missouri Grant final deadline to be considered for the award. Access Missouri is the state’s primary need-based financial aid program and helps make education and training after high school more affordable.Access Missouri provided more than $89 million to over 44,000 Missourians during the 2024-2025 academic year. There is no formal application process for the Access Missouri Grant. Eligibility for the program is determined using the information provided on the FAFSA, and awards are available to anyone who qualifies, regardless of age or career goals. Access Missouri can also be combined with other federal and state aid, such as the Pell Grant, to help cover the cost of attendance. “Access Missouri helps more Missourians pursue the education and training they need to build a strong future,” said Dr. Bennett Boggs, Commissioner of the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. “Filing a FAFSA by April 1 is essential for students to be considered for this grant, along with other federal and institutional financial aid opportunities. I encourage every Missourian preparing for college or job training to file a FAFSA as soon as possible to ensure they have access to the most financial support available to them.”Individuals with questions can schedule virtual one-on-one FAFSA assistance with a member of the MDHEWD Outreach Team on the FAFSA Frenzy page at journeytocollege.mo.gov. The MDHEWD Outreach Team will be available in-person on Thursday, March 26 from 5-7:45 p.m. at the Missouri River Regional Library in Jefferson City to help students and families trying to file a FAFSA. Attendees will be able to ask questions about financial aid and receive one-on-one FAFSA filing support. Information about the event, called a FAFSA Frenzy, is available on the Missouri River Regional Library website.MDHEWD has partnered with local school districts and Missouri Association of Student Financial Aid Personnel partners to support more than 240 FAFSA Frenzy events across the state during the 2025-2026 academic year, helping drive Missouri’s FAFSA completion rate to 47.5 percent as of March 13 — a 19.8 percent year-over-year increase, according to the National College Attainment Network FAFSA Tracker.“Missouri’s high school site coordinators have played an essential role in helping students complete the FAFSA and unlock the financial aid they need to pursue education and training after high school,” said Alison Notter, Director of Outreach at the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. “Their commitment has been instrumental in increasing our state’s FAFSA completion rate, and we’re incredibly grateful for the guidance and encouragement they provide to students and families. Filing the FAFSA by April 1 ensures students are considered for critical aid like the Access Missouri Grant, and our Outreach Team is here to support every Missourian through the process.”Missourians considering college or training should file the FAFSA to maximize their opportunity to reduce costs with financial aid. The FAFSA is the standard application used to determine eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study, and colleges also use it to award institutional aid. In Missouri, filing the FAFSA is required to be considered for most state financial aid programs, including Access Missouri, the A+ Scholarship Program, and the Fast Track Incentive Grant.More information about Access Missouri, including eligibility requirements and possible award amounts, is available on the MDHEWD website. To learn about other Missouri grants and scholarships, federal grants, and grants and scholarships offered by schools, visit dhewd.mo.gov/ppc/grants. Specific student eligibility information can be found in the DHEWD Student Portal.Students and parents can also visit Journey to College to learn more about the FAFSA and explore helpful resources, including frequently asked questions, a FAFSA checklist, steps to creating an FSA ID, and more. https://ded.mo.gov/press-room/metrobloks-announces-plans-14-billion-data-center-liberty 5636 at https://ded.mo.gov Tue, 24 Mar 2026 08:32:16 +0000 Metrobloks announces plans for $1.4 billion data center in Liberty Chase Lindley Tue, 03/24/2026 - 08:32 March 24, 2026 Liberty Metrobloks, a data center developer focused on AI-ready low-latency infrastructure, announced today its plans to invest $1.4 billion in Liberty for a new, state-of-the-art, high-density data center campus. The facility will span 568,800 square feet across three buildings and represents one of the largest capital investments ever made in Missouri.“Missouri continues to compete and win on a global stage, and Metrobloks’ $1.4 billion investment in Clay County is a powerful example of that momentum,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “This project brings 30 high-quality jobs while strengthening our state’s position as a leader in next-generation infrastructure. We are proud to support innovative companies choosing Missouri to grow, invest, and create opportunity for our communities.”Metrobloks’ new investment will bring increased tax revenues, at least 30 jobs with an average annual wage of $95,649, and hundreds of construction jobs to the Liberty area. The company’s data center features a very low water use design and low impact operations, with limited demands on schools, emergency services, and municipal resources.“Metrobloks is proud to expand in Liberty, where we found the ideal combination of infrastructure, talent and community partnership to support our next phase of growth,” said Ernest Popescu, CEO of Metrobloks. “This investment reflects our confidence in the Liberty area as a rising digital economy and innovation hub, and we look forward to building a facility here in the Kansas City region that delivers long-term value for both our customers and the community.”Metrobloks is known for delivering high-performance data centers in strategic U.S. markets, helping companies scale cloud and AI for last mile data delivery for latency sensitive applications. The company’s Liberty campus will leverage the Kansas City region’s central location, robust fiber network and reliable, cost-effective power - providing low-latency connectivity and the infrastructure needed to support rapidly expanding digital demand.“This transformative investment reflects the strength of Missouri’s collaborative approach to economic development,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development. “With the support of regional, local, and state incentives, and strong partnerships with organizations like Missouri Partnership, the City of Liberty, Liberty Economic Development Corporation, KCADC and Evergy, Clay County is well-positioned to create an environment where companies can invest with confidence and communities can benefit from lasting economic growth.”For this expansion, Metrobloks will benefit from the Data Center Sales Tax Exemption Program.What others are saying“Metrobloks’ investment is another powerful signal that the Kansas City region is well-positioned for the next phase of the digital economy,” said Tim Cowden, President and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “Data infrastructure powers every aspect of modern life. With decisions like Metrobloks’, KC will remain at the nexus of our most critical sectors, including healthcare, fintech and defense, as the region continues to serve as a hub for this revolutionary economic transition.”“Metrobloks’ decision to invest in Liberty highlights Missouri’s strength as a destination for advanced technology and digital infrastructure,” said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership. “With our strategic location, reliable energy assets, and growing tech workforce, Missouri is ready to support the evolving demands of data-driven industries.”“The City of Liberty is excited to partner with Metrobloks to bring the most significant digital economy project in Liberty’s history,” said Liberty Mayor Greg Canuteson. “We believe this is the first step in building a high tech foundation to our city’s economy going forward.”About MetrobloksMetrobloks develops high-density, low-latency data centers in major metropolitan areas across North America, purpose-built for AI, advanced workloads, and enterprise colocation. With roots in cloud, hyperscale, and large-scale real estate development, Metrobloks delivers modern infrastructure closer to where users live, compute, and interact.To learn more about Metrobloks, visit metrobloks.com.About the Missouri Department of Economic DevelopmentThe Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.For the latest updates on DED’s current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED’s website. http://mvc.dps.mo.gov/news/newsitem/uuid/ce476a89-4c91-4f24-819c-c3875cd21a1b http://mvc.dps.mo.gov/news/newsitem/uuid/ce476a89-4c91-4f24-819c-c3875cd21a1b Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000