Local News – Monday, April 13th, 2020

Following state and federal guidance, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is extending the temporary closures of its facilities and cancellations of its public events and programs through April 30th. MDC will reassess the situation at that time. To help protect people amid increasing coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns, MDC temporarily closed its regional offices, department headquarters in Jefferson City, staffed shooting ranges, nature centers, visitor centers, and educational centers around the state to the public in March. MDC also temporarily cancelled its public events and programs, including hunter education classes, nature center programs and events, shooting range programs and events, and landowner workshops. While MDC offices are closed to general visitation, offices will still be staffed. Visitors with official business will need to notify the office to gain access. Find MDC office contact information at mdc.mo.gov. Conservation areas, nature center trails, and boat accesses remain open to the public. Hunting, fishing, and trapping seasons continue as scheduled. MDC managed hunts and mentored spring turkey hunts continue as planned. For more information on MDC, to contact MDC offices, to buy permits, and more, visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov.

The following is a listing of general highway maintenance and construction work in the mid-Missouri area for the period of April 13th through the17th. The projects listed will include lane closures that could cause traffic delays. Work will take place during the entire week, unless otherwise noted. Weather conditions may postpone the work schedule. In Dent County, pavement repair will take place on Highway 19 between Highway 68 and Route TT, and on Highway 32 between Highway 19 and Highway 72. Edge rut repair will take place on Highway 68 between Route FF and Highway 19, and on Route B between Highway 19 and Highway 72. MoDOT reminds motorists to buckle up, slow down, follow posted signs and drive safely through work areas. For more information about a project, please contact MoDOT at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636). You can also follow MoDOT’s Central Missouri District on Twitter and Facebook.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways asks for assistance from the public to identify those responsible for a recent wildfire and to prevent future arson in the park. Each year, several wildfires within the Riverways are caused by arson. While carefully planned prescribed burning has a variety of benefits for Ozark landscapes and ecosystems, wildfires caused by arson have the potential to damage natural and cultural resources, historic structures, and private dwellings within the park boundary. Landmarks such as the Wallace Barn near Devils Well, consumed in an arson fire in August 2016, are forever lost. Responding to wildfires also puts the lives of firefighters at risk. Recently, the Pot Hole Wildfire, near Pulltite Campground, burned within sight of a private dwelling that had been rebuilt after a previous wildfire destroyed the original cabin. The National Park Service is offering up to $10,000 for information that leads to convictions in arson cases. If you have information that can help catch arsonists, please provide as much information as you can about the suspected arson, including the location, date and time of the fire; the description of vehicles or persons observed at the scene; any names of persons responsible or involved plus any other pertinent information. Caller’s contact information will be needed for reward purposes. To report an arson, call or text the Investigative Services Branch Tip line at 888-653-0009 or E-mail to nps_isb@nps.gov.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley reported that in the 42nd Judicial Circuit Court on Friday in front of Judge Megan Seay, Herbert helms of Salem had his probation revoked and he was sentenced to five years in the Department of Corrections. Also on Friday, Curley reported that Heath Bradley who was incarcerated in the Department of Corrections under a long-term treatment order of one year for charges involving the felony possession of a controlled substance and for receiving stolen property, incurred a conduct violation while in the program. Judge Seay ordered that his seven year sentence now be fully executed.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol announces that the Patrol is extending the suspension of all written and skills-based driver road testing at all locations until April 27th, 2020. This includes operator, commercial driver license, and motorcycle testing. In addition, the Patrol is extending the suspension of all salvage inspections at all locations and all bus inspections until April 27th. This does not affect local businesses that are the providers of safety and emission inspections for the public and may continue to be open for services depending on their circumstances. The Patrol is monitoring the status of the COVID-19 pandemic and will update the public on testing and inspections as more information becomes available. The Missouri State Highway Patrol appreciates the public’s cooperation in this effort to ensure public health and safety.