News – Thursday, July 2nd, 2026

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission has approved the FY 2027-2031 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP.) The program lists transportation projects planned by state and regional planning agencies from July 1st, 2026 – June 30th, 2031. The five-year program is one of the largest to date and includes additional funding from General Revenue, passed by the Missouri General Assembly and signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe. Funding is allocated for improvements to Interstates 70 and 44 as well as improvements to airports and roadways. The STIP makes available 13 billion dollars of federal and state revenues for all modes of transportation over the next five years. Of the $13 billion, the STIP details $9.3 billion in contractor awards for road and bridge construction – averaging approximately $1.8 billion per year. In Dent County, scoping for bridge improvements on Route B over the Meramec River is scheduled for the 2026-27 year, while bridge rehab on Highway 19 over Spring Creek, repairing part of Highway 19 about 3/10ths of a mile south of Dent County Road 4050 caused by the 2024 November flood, and the Highway 32 bridge replacement over Huzzah Creek is all scheduled in the next fiscal year to be done. Other projects to be done in the 2026-27 year are the scour repair and painting of the Route B bridge over Dry Branch from the November 2024 flood, and pavement resurfacing of Route C from Highway 72 to Highway 32. Other Dent County projects in future years are the Route FF bridge improvements over Dry Fork Creek, Route H bridge improvements over Dry Fork Creek and the Barnitz Prong Dry Creek, bridge improvements on Highway 32 over the Dry Fork Creek and Pigeon Creek, pavement resurfacing on Route P from Highway 72 to the end of state maintenance which will also include Route JJ from Route N to the end of state maintenance, and the building of a new bridge on Route TT over Crooked Creek. The STIP details improvements to Missouri’s 33,814 miles of highway and 10,427 bridges and culverts. The draft version of the STIP was released in May for public review, with MoDOT receiving 65 comments.

Interstate 44 in downtown St. Louis, between the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge and the Poplar Street Bridge, has reopened. The work to support the bridge column exposed by the recent water and sewer breaks under I-44 has been completed; however, Broadway near Biddle will remain closed for an extended amount of time as several utilities, including the Metropolitan Sewer District and the city’s water department, must complete work at the scene. The following remains closed: Eastbound I-70 express lanes at Union Boulevard; Broadway exit (292B) from westbound I-44; and Broadway is closed in both directions north of Biddle, which restricts access to the eastbound I-44 on ramp.

The Salem Police Department reminds the public of the ordinance related to the discharge of fireworks, which states fireworks only may be discharged from July 1st through July 6th from 8:00 in the morning to 10:00 in the evening, except for July 4th which allows discharging fireworks until midnight. Only Class 1.4G fireworks in unmodified form are allowed to be discharged during those times. It is against the law for those under the age of 18 to be in possession of fireworks without the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or person over the age of 18. Do not discharge fireworks on public property, public roadways, or from a motor vehicle.

Everyone is invited to Montauk State Park’s Amphitheater this Friday at 9:00 in the evening for a tour of Montauk from its founding to today. A slide show will be shown highlighting dozens of incredible photos from the archives. Everyone is invited to learn about the vibrant milling community that existed at the location long before it became a park. Tour Montauk through the decades as staff celebrates the park’s 100th anniversary with a centennial summer event. Interested parties can also visit the Montauk Mill this Sunday from 10:30 in the morning to 12:30 in the afternoon to learn about its history and what life was like 100 years ago along the Upper Current River.

The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will be holding a Salem Community Blood Drive at the First Baptist Church of Salem on 201 North MacArthur Avenue on Tuesday, July 7th from noon to 6:00 in the evening. While supplies last, donors can look forward to receiving a free velour beach towel, along with a chance to win a $10,000 dream vacation. For rules and details, visit cbco.org/vacation. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged to minimize potential wait times. Call 417-227-5006 to book yours. Donors are asked to take a few steps to ensure donations operate smoothly on the day of the drive: drink plenty of water the night and morning before you donate; eat a well-balanced meal around 2 to 3 hours before giving; and bring your photo ID, as this is required now for all donors.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds deer hunters to apply online from July 1st through July 31st for a shot at more than 140 managed deer hunts throughout the state. There are hunts for archery, muzzleloader, shotgun, and modern firearms from mid-September through mid-January at designated conservation areas, parks, national wildlife refuges, and other public areas. Some managed deer hunts are offered specifically for youth, beginner hunters, or people with disabilities. Hunters are selected by a weighted random drawing. Get more information on managed deer hunts, preview hunt details, and apply starting July 1st at mdc.mo.gov/managedhunt. In order to register for a hunt, you will need a valid conservation ID.

The Salem Public Library will be holding a local author book signing on Tuesday, July 7th with fantasy author B.D. Welch and her novel “Tiny Dragon: The Chainbreaker Rebellion.”  “Tiny Dragon” is a fantasy adventure full of thieves, dragons, rebels, secrets, and one very unusual tiny dragon named Clive. Meet the author, check out the book, and stay after for an author read-aloud!