/news-rss MO.gov News Feed Fri, 30 Jan 2026 08:56:53 +0000 en-us 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 https://www.modot.org/node/82701 82701 at https://www.modot.org Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:00:02 +0000 Ramp closures on I-49 in Harrisonville for brush cutting operations, Tomorrow Visitor (not verified) Thu, 01/29/2026 - 15:00 CASS COUNTY- The Missouri Department of Transportation will CLOSE ramps on I-49 in Harrisonville for brush cutting operations beginning on Fri., Jan. 30 between approx. 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. All work is weather permitting.See below for traffic modifications: Crews will CLOSE the southbound off ramp to Commercial Street from I-49. Crews will CLOSE the on ramp from Commercial to I-49 southbound. 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 Thu, 01/29/2026 - 07:56 Katie Majors Senior Communications Specialist Kansas City District Email: katelynn.majors@modot.mo.govPhone: (816) 607-2027 https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/department-natural-resources-awards-101-million-assistance-jackson 298986 at https://dnr.mo.gov Thu, 29 Jan 2026 14:50:52 +0000 Department of Natural Resources awards $10.1 million in assistance to Jackson Rachel Bruemmer Thu, 01/29/2026 - 14:50 Release Date Thursday, January 29, 2026 City will make extensive wastewater treatment improvements JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JAN. 29, 2026 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded the city of Jackson $10.1 million in assistance for upgrades to its wastewater treatment system. The city estimates the project will total $14.1 million and plans to complete it by March 2027.By replacing its aging wastewater treatment infrastructure, the city expects to improve the facility’s operation and maintenance, extend its useful life, bring existing structures up to date with current code and improve the facility’s ease of operation for plant operators.Project funding consists of a $10.1 million loan through the department’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund and the city will contribute $4 million in local funds. The department estimates that its funding will save the city’s ratepayers approximately $4.2 million in interest over the loan’s 20-year term. “Funding from Missouri’s State Revolving Fund positively affects our communities, helping them grow and develop for years to come,” said Kurt Schaefer, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “We will continue to fund upgrades to water infrastructure across Missouri to keep residents healthy, preserve water resources and keep customers’ bills affordable.”The department’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund finances improvements to wastewater treatment facilities, sewer collection system rehabilitation and extensions, and combined sewer overflow corrections. The fund also finances security, efficiency and conservation measures. Communities that borrow from the fund benefit from the below-market interest rate and from a department project manager’s assistance throughout the project. The department is committed to assisting Missouri communities with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. Through its Financial Assistance Center, the department provides funding opportunities for qualified communities with water quality, wastewater and drinking water infrastructure needs. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.For more information on wastewater and drinking water funding opportunities, visit dnr.mo.gov/water/what-were-doing/state-revolving-fund-srf.  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://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/department-natural-resources-accepting-source-water-protection-project-grant-applications-0 298981 at https://dnr.mo.gov Thu, 29 Jan 2026 14:46:09 +0000 Department of Natural Resources accepting Source Water Protection Project Grant applications Rachel Bruemmer Thu, 01/29/2026 - 14:46 Release Date Thursday, January 29, 2026 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JAN. 29, 2026 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will begin accepting applications for Source Water Protection Project Grants from eligible public water systems Feb. 1, 2026. The grant offers up to $25,000 to eligible community water systems that produce all or a portion of their drinking water from a raw water source, such as groundwater, lakes or rivers. Source water protection plan implementation projects and source water protection plan development or revision projects are eligible for funding.Development projects are for eligible applicants seeking to develop an original, local and voluntary source water protection plan, or to update an existing plan that has an expired endorsement. Grant applicants must submit a new or revised source water protection plan to the department before they can receive reimbursement for eligible project activities. Implementation projects are for eligible applicants that have a source water protection plan with a current department endorsement. These may include activities and best management practices to achieve action items, goals or objectives documented within an existing protection plan, coordination of outreach or educational activities or other efforts that advance goals described within a protection plan. Community public water systems that produce all or a portion of their water from a raw source are eligible to apply for reimbursement funding through this program. Complete applications the department receives Feb. 1 through March 31, 2026, are ranked competitively and awarded in order of priority rank. Complete applications received April 1 through May 31, 2026, may be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis if available funding remains. The department is committed to helping Missouri communities protect their drinking water sources and protect human health. For more information, please visit the Source Water Protection Grant webpage at dnr.mo.gov/water/what-were-doing/financial-assistance-opportunities/source-water-protection-project-grant or contact the Source Water Protection Program Coordinator by phone at 573-526-0269 or by email at SourceWaterProtection@dnr.mo.gov.  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://www.modot.org/node/82700 82700 at https://www.modot.org Thu, 29 Jan 2026 13:50:02 +0000 MoDOT to Host Public Meeting for US 61 Improvements at Donna Drive in Jackson, MO Visitor (not verified) Thu, 01/29/2026 - 13:50 Join Us! SIKESTON-The Missouri Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5 to discuss improving U.S. Route 61 from Donna Drive to Kimbel Lane in Jackson, Missouri. The meeting will be held at Riverside Regional Library, located at 1997 East Jackson Blvd. in Jackson. The project includes upgrading the traffic signal infrastructure at the U.S. 61 and Donna Drive intersection, addressing two closely spaced intersections, and providing a pedestrian crossing on U.S. 61. This will be accomplished by: Widening U.S. 61 with eastbound and westbound right turn lanes at Donna Drive Replacing the Donna Drive span wire signals with mast arm mounted signals Replacing lighting, signing and pavement markings Converting the southern Kimbel Lane approach to a Right In/Right Out intersection Providing a north-south pedestrian crossing Ultimately, the improvements will separate slowing and turning traffic from U.S. 61 main lane traffic, provide dedicated turn lanes and a pedestrian connection, update aging traffic signals, and simplify traffic movements along this stretch of U.S. 61. Tentatively, the project could be let in April 2027, with construction beginning as early as summer 2027. During this time, motorists should anticipate lane closures with flaggers in place to guide traffic through the work zone. Completion is anticipated in winter 2027. The public meeting 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). MoDOT is committed to providing equal access for all participants. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact Shimbo (573-472-5389) or MoDOT’s Customer Service Center (1-888-275-6636) by Friday, Jan. 30. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may also contact MoDOT’s External Civil Rights department through Relay Missouri Services at (800) 735-2966 or 7-1-1 (Toll Free – TTY). ### Districts Involved Southeast Published On Thu, 01/29/2026 - 06:45 https://www.modot.org/node/82699 82699 at https://www.modot.org Thu, 29 Jan 2026 13:00:02 +0000 Callaway County Route F to close next week Visitor (not verified) Thu, 01/29/2026 - 13:00 Local crews to conduct roadside tree removal Feb. 4 JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Local crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation plan to close a short segment of Callaway County Route F on Wednesday, Feb. 4, for roadside tree removal.   The closure will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will impact Route F from County Road 323 to County Road 257. During the closure, local property owners will be able to access driveways, but through traffic will need to seek an alternate route.  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 Thu, 01/29/2026 - 05:57 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/82698 82698 at https://www.modot.org Thu, 29 Jan 2026 11:20:01 +0000 REVISED: Off ramp lane closure on I-435 to Truman Road in Jackson County, Feb. 4-5 Visitor (not verified) Thu, 01/29/2026 - 11:20 Revised from Feb. 2 JACKSON COUNTY – The Missouri Department of Transportation will conduct a lane closure on the off-ramp on I-435 to Truman Road onto I-435 northbound on Wed., Feb. 4 until Thurs., Feb. 5 between approx. 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. (revised from Feb. 2) to prepare for overhead sign truss improvements. All work is weather permitting. Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention while driving in work zones. Not all work zones look alike. Work zones can also be short-term, temporary lane closures to make quick repairs or remove debris form 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 Thu, 01/29/2026 - 04:17 Katie Majors Senior Communications Specialist Kansas City District Email: katelynn.majors@modot.mo.govPhone: (816) 607-2027 https://www.modot.org/node/82650 82650 at https://www.modot.org Thu, 29 Jan 2026 10:00:01 +0000 I-70 to CLOSE between Grain Valley & Oak Grove for bridge demolition, Feb. 15-16 Visitor (not verified) Thu, 01/29/2026 - 10:00 Project Improve I-70: Blue Springs to Odessa JACKSON COUNTY – The Missouri Department of Transportation will close eastbound and westbound Interstate 70 between Routes AA/BB (Exit 24 in Grain Valley) and Routes F/H (Exit 28 in Oak Grove) on Sunday, Feb. 15 at approximately 7 a.m., for the demolition of the Lefholz Rd. bridge over I-70 at mile marker 26. Access to the bridge will also close on Sunday, Feb. 15 at approximately 7 a.m. Westbound I-70 is expected to reopen on Monday, Feb. 16 at approximately 7 a.m. and eastbound I-70 is expected to reopen on Monday, Feb. 16 at approximately 3 p.m. A signed detour for eastbound and westbound I-70 traffic will be in place and will utilize Route BB (Buckner Tarsney Rd.), Route FF (E Truman Rd.), and Route H. The Lefholz Rd. bridge will remain closed for reconstruction and is anticipated to be completed in July 2026. All work is weather permitting. Improve I-70: Blue Springs to Odessa is the third project in MoDOT’s Statewide Improve I-70 Program and will add a third lane of travel in each direction to I-70 from just west of MO Route 7 in Blue Springs to approximately MO Route H. The project also includes interchange improvements at Route D in Bates City and at MO Route 131 in Odessa. The project was awarded in Spring 2025 and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 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.   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 Kansas City Published On Thu, 01/29/2026 - 02:55 Matthew Rinehart Senior Communications Specialist Kansas City District Email: matthew.rinehart@modot.mo.govPhone: (816) 282-4685 https://www.modot.org/node/82649 82649 at https://www.modot.org Thu, 29 Jan 2026 08:50:02 +0000 Caldwell County Route D Shoal Creek Bridge now open Visitor (not verified) Thu, 01/29/2026 - 08:50 Project Route D Bridge Replacement in Caldwell County St. Joseph, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Transportation contracted Cale Seymour Construction, LLC to complete a bridge replacement project on the Caldwell County Route D Bridge over Shoal Creek. The bridge reopened to traffic yesterday, Wednesday, Jan. 28. The bridge had been closed since March 2025. To learn more about the project, visit: Route D Bridge Replacement in Caldwell | Missouri Department of Transportation (modot.org) MoDOT asks drivers to work with us by always buckling up, keeping your phone 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 by visiting www.modot.org/northwest. Facebook | X | Instagram Take the Challenge! Buckle Up/Phone Down ### Route D Bridge Replacement in Caldwell | Missouri Department of Transportation (modot.org) Districts Involved Northwest Published On Thu, 01/29/2026 - 01:49 NW Customer Service Northwest District Email: nwcr@modot.mo.govPhone: 816-901-4529 https://dese.mo.gov/dese-accepting-nominations-missouri-teacher-year 33141 at https://dese.mo.gov Wed, 28 Jan 2026 16:17:57 +0000 DESE Accepting Nominations for Missouri Teacher of the Year Nicholas Luebrecht Wed, 01/28/2026 - 16:17 Read more about DESE Accepting Nominations for Missouri Teacher of the Year Click here to see the full News Release and subscribe to future releases. https://www.modot.org/node/82647 82647 at https://www.modot.org Wed, 28 Jan 2026 14:10:02 +0000 TRAFFIC ALERT: Off ramp lane closure on I-435 to Truman Road in Jackson County, Feb. 2 Visitor (not verified) Wed, 01/28/2026 - 14:10 JACKSON COUNTY – The Missouri Department of Transportation will conduct a lane closure on the off-ramp on I-435 to Truman Road onto I-435 northbound on Monday, Feb. 2 between approx. 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to prepare for overhead sign truss improvements. All work is weather permitting. Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention while driving in work zones. Not all work zones look alike. Work zones can also be short-term, temporary lane closures to make quick repairs or remove debris form 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 Wed, 01/28/2026 - 07:02 Katie Majors Senior Communications Specialist Kansas City District Email: katelynn.majors@modot.mo.govPhone: (816) 607-2027 https://www.modot.org/node/82648 82648 at https://www.modot.org Wed, 28 Jan 2026 14:10:02 +0000 REVISED: Permit work requires lane/ramp closures near I-29 and Cookingham Dr., Feb. 6 - May 2026 Visitor (not verified) Wed, 01/28/2026 - 14:10 This work has been rescheduled from Tuesday, Feb. 3 PLATTE COUNTY – Permit work by the Ambassador Building Community Improvement District, for the construction of a roundabout and roadway intersection improvements, will require the following lane/ramp closures. All work is weather permitting. The following lane and ramp closures will be in place from Feb. 6 until May 2026  Right lane CLOSED on the Interstate 435 to Cookingham Dr. fly over ramp to west of NW Prairie View Rd. I-29 NB entrance ramp CLOSED from EB and WB Cookingham Dr. traffic. I-29 SB exit ramp to Cookingham Dr. CLOSED Left turn CLOSED to Prairie View Rd. from EB Cookingham Dr. Left turn CLOSED to I-29 SB entrance ramp from WB Cookingham Dr. Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention while driving in work zones. Not all work zones look alike. Work zones can also be short-term, temporary lane closures to make quick repairs or remove debris form 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 Wed, 01/28/2026 - 07:00 Macy Melton Communications Specialist Kansas City District Phone: (816) 789 - 9891Email: macy.melton@modot.mo.gov https://www.modot.org/node/82646 82646 at https://www.modot.org Wed, 28 Jan 2026 14:00:02 +0000 Ramp closure on WB I-670 to Locust Street in Jackson County for girder work, Feb. 11 Visitor (not verified) Wed, 01/28/2026 - 14:00 JACKSON COUNTY – The Missouri Department of Transportation will CLOSE the westbound I-670 ramp to Locust Street in preparation for the upcoming girder installation work. This ramp closure will begin on Wed., Feb. 11 between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. All work is weather permitting. This work is a part of a larger project to replace the Holmes Street Bridge over I-670. For details, visit the project page: Holmes Street Bridge Replacement over Interstate 670 in Jackson County | Missouri Department of Transportation  Upcoming EB and WB I-670 closures below: Eastbound: REVISED Full closure of EB I-670 and ramp closures in Jackson County for girder work, Feb. 6-9 | Missouri Department of Transportation Westbound: Full closure of WB I-670 and ramp closures in Jackson County for girder installation, Feb. 13-16 | Missouri Department of Transportation Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention while driving in work zones. Not all work zones look alike. Work zones 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 workzone updates or call 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636). Districts Involved Kansas City Published On Wed, 01/28/2026 - 06:56 Katie Majors Senior Communications Specialist Kansas City District Email: katelynn.majors@modot.mo.govPhone: (816) 607-2027 https://www.modot.org/node/82645 82645 at https://www.modot.org Wed, 28 Jan 2026 12:20:02 +0000 Closure of MO 7 in Pleasant Hill for Bridge Replacement, Feb. 16 - Dec. 2026 Visitor (not verified) Wed, 01/28/2026 - 12:20 Project Missouri Route 7 Bridge Replacement over Big Creek and the Rock Island Trail in Cass County CASS COUNTY – The Missouri Department of Transportation will CLOSE the Missouri Route 7 bridge over Big Creek and the Rock Island Trail in Pleasant Hill for replacement beginning on Monday, February 16 at 7:00 a.m. until December 2026. Official signed detours: Northbound Traffic: Missouri Route P to MO 291 and MO 58 Southbound Traffic: MO 58 to MO 291 The current truss bridge (Dr. Fred L Seevers Memorial Bridge) was built in 1948 and is nearing the end of its service life. This project will require the closure of MO 7 during construction and intermittent impacts to the Rock Island Trail. The bridge will be replaced with a girder-style bridge. Details on the project can be found here: Missouri Route 7 Bridge Replacement over Big Creek and the Rock Island Trail in Cass 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. Work zones 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 workzone updates or call 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636). Districts Involved Kansas City Published On Wed, 01/28/2026 - 05:15 Katie Majors Senior Communications Specialist Kansas City District Email: katelynn.majors@modot.mo.govPhone: (816) 607-2027 https://governor.mo.gov/press-releases/archive/governor-kehoe-announces-three-gubernatorial-appointments 15936 at https://governor.mo.gov Tue, 27 Jan 2026 16:40:35 +0000 Governor Kehoe Announces Three Gubernatorial Appointments Madelyn.Warren… Tue, 01/27/2026 - 16:40 November 7, 2025 Jefferson City Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced three gubernatorial appointments to various boards and commissions.Stephanie Dooley, of St. Louis, was appointed to the Missouri Ethics Commission.Ms. Dooley has served as the director of admission and placement at City Academy Elementary School for over a decade. In addition to her professional career, she is also a member of the regional disciplinary committee for the Supreme Court of Missouri. Dooley earned her bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and a Master of Business Administration from Webster University.Melinda Robertson, of Bolivar, was appointed to the Missouri Ethics Commission.Ms. Robertson is a seasoned government professional with nearly 30 years of experience serving as county clerk and south associate commissioner for Polk County. After retiring in 2024, she now works as a part-time tax and bookkeeping clerk at Winfield Tax Service. Robertson previously served on the Missouri Judicial Finance Commission. Erwin "Erv" Switzer, of St. Louis, was reappointed to the Missouri Technology Corporation.Mr. Switzer is a partner and assistant general counsel at UB Greensfelder. He previously served on the advisory board for former Attorney General Josh Hawley's Military Legal Assistant Team. He is a member of several organizations, including the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, the American Bar Association, and FOCUS St. Louis. Switzer earned his bachelor's degree in political science and his law degree from St. Louis University. ###