News – Thursday, April 23rd, 2026

As part of National Work Zone Awareness Week April 20-24, the Missouri Department of Transportation is reminding motorists to “work with us” by making safe and responsible choices behind the wheel. In 2025, 24 people were killed in Missouri work zone crashes. Distracted driving contributed to at least 11 of those fatalities as well as more than 400 work zone crashes overall. Distracted driving and driving too fast for the conditions remain the top contributors to work zone crashes. State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer Jon Nelson said that on any given day on Missouri’s roadways this construction season, it’s expected to have as many as 1,000 active work zones in place. It’s more than a courtesy to slow down and move over in work zones — it’s the law. Missouri’s Move Over law requires drivers to change lanes, when safe, as they approach state vehicles, law enforcement, or any emergency vehicle with flashing lights. If a lane change isn’t possible, drivers must slow down when passing. Nelson added that MoDot’s protective vehicles in work zones were struck 50 times, 16 times more than the year prior. These protective vehicles are often times the only thing shielding highway workers from an errant vehicle, and the fact they were hit 50 times is a sobering reminder of just how critical it is that drivers pay attention and respect the work being done. The best way drivers can “work with us” is by slowing down, putting down the phone, and navigating work zones with patience. Drivers can visit MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at www.traveler.modot.org and find out what work zones they’ll encounter along their trips this construction season.

Apply now through May 1st, 2026 to receive the Missouri Century Farm recognition. Families who have owned a farm for 100 consecutive years or more are eligible to become a Missouri Century Farm through this MU Extension Program. If your farm has been in the family for 100+ years as of Dec. 31, 2026, apply for the Century Farm designation and receive a certificate, sign and booklet to commemorate your heritage. The program honors the long‑standing contributions of Missouri farmers and ranchers and the legacy they continue to build. So far, more than 8,000 farms have received this recognition. For more information, visit extension.missouri.edu, click “Programs”, and search “Century Farms.” Or contact the local MU Extension office by calling 573-729-3196 or visiting the office at 112 East 5th Street Suite 4, Salem. 

Congratulations to Lea Deller, a Salem High School student who was honored at the 2026 Youth Art Month celebration at the Missouri State Capitol for her work. Deller received the prestigious President’s Choice Award, along with art supplies and a $100 Blick gift certificate. Cody Nickles, art teacher of Salem High School, was also recognized with a $200 Blick gift certificate. Representing Salem High School alongside Deller were Haley Yerk, Madison Reese, and Jhonine Maralit, each showcasing high-quality work that reflected the talent and creativity of the students in our community. Organized by the Missouri Art Education Association, Youth Art Month (YAM) is a nationwide observance held each March to emphasize the importance of visual arts education for all students. The 2026 theme, “The World Needs Art,” was highlighted through a statewide exhibit featuring exceptional K–12 artwork from across Missouri, displayed in the Capitol from mid-March through April. Each MAEA member art teacher may submit up to four student artworks, ensuring broad representation from schools statewide. The celebration concluded with an awards ceremony on April 9th in the Capitol Rotunda, where top honors—including the Governor’s Mansion Award, the Governor’s Award, the MAEA Chairman Award, and the MAEA President’s Award—recognized both student achievement and the dedication of art educators.

The Show Me Green Sales Tax Holiday returns this week through April 25th. All Missouri cities, counties, and districts participate in the appliance sales tax holiday, according to Missouri Director of Revenue Trish Vincent. According to Missouri statute, state sales tax will be waived on qualifying Energy Star certified appliances – a certification which indicates that a product has been independently verified to meet strict standards. Clothes washers, dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, and refrigerators with the Energy Star certification are just some of the items that are exempt from state sales tax on the first $1,500 of each appliance purchased. For more information, visit the Department of Revenue website at dor.mo.gov and search “Show-Me Green Sales Tax Holiday.”