News – Thursday, June 4th, 2026

The Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, or “STIP,” lists transportation projects planned by state and regional planning agencies and reflects the transportation needs of communities across the state, from high-volume interstate construction projects to low-volume routes in rural areas. The draft FY 2027-2031 STIP was presented to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (MHTC) at an open meeting, allowing for a 30-day public review and comment period on the proposal. This draft STIP makes available $13 billion of federal and state revenues for all modes of transportation over the next five years and details $9.3 billion in road and bridge construction contractor awards, averaging approximately $1.9 billion per year. In Dent County specifically, proposed highway and bridge construction projects include bridge rehabilitation over Spring Creek; repair slide 0.3 mile south of County Road 4050; bridge replacement over Huzzah Creek; bridge improvement over Dry Creek; scour repair and bridge painting at Dry Branch; bridge improvement over Crooked Creek; bridge improvements over Dry Fork Creek and Barnitz Prong Dry Creek and on Hwy. 32 over Dry Fork Creek and Pigeon Creek. There are also a few pavement resurfacing projects proposed, including from Hwy. 72 to Hwy. 32. Scoping for bridge improvements over Dry Fork of Meramec River is also among the proposed projects for Dent County. You can review the proposed STIP in full and comment at the website modot.org/DRAFTSTIP. Those interested in seeing the program or offering comments can also contact MoDOT by email at STIPcomments@modot.mo.gov; by calling customer service at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636); or by mailing Transportation Planning, Program Comments, P.O. Box 270, Jefferson City, MO 65102. The formal comment period ends tomorrow, June 5th. A summary of comments will then be presented to MHTC. After review, the proposal will be considered for approval at the July 1st MHTC meeting. 

If you are planning a holiday weekend of cleaning out the basement or garage, be sure to designate items for the annual special waste collection event in Rolla coming up on June 13th. The annual collection will be from 8:00 in the morning to noon at the Brewer Science, Inc. parking lot located at 2401 Brewer Drive, Rolla. The collection is for residential items only – no materials from businesses will be accepted. Stoves, washers, dryers, hot water heaters, and other appliances will be collected free of charge. Free electronics also include computer components, laptop computers, keyboards, VCR/DVD players, cell phones, hair dryers, power tools or anything that runs on a cord or battery. Please note the following items will NOT be accepted: transformers, capacitors or ballasts not clearly marked “No PCBs”; smoke detectors; thermostats; medical waste; gas containers such as propane, oxygen, nitrous oxide; anything leaking oil or acid, such as batteries; broken ink or toner cartridges; alkaline batteries; broken CRT TVs or monitors. Fees on certain items will be collected including $25 for CRT TVs over 27 inches and wood console TVs; $20 for CRT TVs under 26 inches; $15 for flat screen TVs; $10 for all computer monitors and refrigerated appliances with Freon; and $5 for printers, scanners or copiers. Fees for tires are $3 each for passenger tires; $7.50 each for semi-truck tires; and $35 each for tractor tires. For more information on items accepted or the fee structure, please contact Jill Hollowell at MRPC at 573-265-2993 Ext. 109 or at jhollowell@meramecregion.org. 

Interested in learning how to safely preserve your favorite food at home? Join a hands-on Water Bath Canning Workshop on Thursday, June 18th from 6:00 to 9:00 in the evening at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Whether you’re brand new to canning or want a refresher on safe water bath canning techniques, this workshop will guide you step-by-step through the process. The cost is $25 per participant, and registration is required. Feel empowered and prepared as you learn techniques for safely canning high-acid foods, using equipment correctly, and following tested recipes. Build skills that protect your health, reduce food waste, and help you preserve nutritious foods for your family year-round. To register, visit MU Extension’s website at extension.missouri.edu and search “Water Bath Canning Workshop.” A registration link will be available at the first result.