Local News – Monday, September 28, 2020
If you’re looking for an outdoor hiking and paddling adventure this fall, the Ozark National Scenic Riverways (ONSR) has just the activity for you! ONSR, in partnership with Missouri State Parks and Ozark Trail Association, is inviting visitors to complete the Current River Challenge (CRC) along the upper Current River. This self-guided challenge includes three “legs” to complete. These are a 4-mile hike from Round Spring to Echo Bluff State Park, a 4-mile hike from Echo Bluff to Current River State Park, and a 4-mile float from Current River State Park to Round Spring. Hikers can pick up an informational map brochure at the Round Spring Ranger Station or Echo Bluff State Park. At the conclusion of each leg, participants will stamp their map at designated kiosks. After completion of all three legs, participants can present their stamped map at the Round Spring Ranger Station to receive an award recognizing the accomplishment. Because this is a self guided activity, it can be completed at your own pace, in any order and timeframe desired. It can be completed in one day or over multiple days. It’s up to you to decide how you want to challenge yourself! For more information about the Current River Challenge, contact Skyler Bockman at (573) 323-8093
An accident occurred Thursday evening shortly after 7:00 on highway 68 four miles north of Salem. According to the report released by the highway patrol a 2016 Honda Metropolitan being operated by 71 Charles Immekus of Salem was northbound when he lost control, overturned, and was ejected. Immekus was not wearing a safety device at the time of the accident and suffered moderate injuries. He was transported by Salem EMS to Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment. The Honda sustained minor damage and was removed from the scene by a private party.
The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds anglers that a definition for “invasive fish” has been added to the Wildlife Code of Missouri and effects what type of fish is allowed for use as live bait. The definition includes a list of bighead carp, silver carp, grass carp, and common carp. Invasive carp were imported into the United States for many purposes. Due to releases or escapes caused by flooding, they’ve spread in recent decades and thrive in many rivers and lakes. These species eat native fishes’ food, can hurt boaters, and damage equipment. Anglers can use invasive carp as bait if the fish are dead. It is recommended that netted bait fish be placed on ice in coolers. The temperature shock kills the carp, but keeps them fresh for use as bait. Additionally, anglers should use caution when using live bait in any lake or river, including small community lakes. Unused bait from any source should be contained and put into the trash, rather than dumped into the water. For more information on invasive carp, visit the MDC website.