News – Thursday, August 8th, 2024

The Planning and Zoning Board of Commissioners held a Public Hearing and Meeting, in the Old City Call Auditorium on Tuesday August 6th, to discuss the requests to rezone: 905 & 907 W. Scenic Rivers Blvd from residential (R1)  to commercial; 909 W. Scenic Rivers Blvd from Residential (R1)  to Commercial; and 900 W. Hobson St from residential (R1)  to commercial. The fourth request for conditional use recommendation for an automobile service station at 400 E. Fourth St was withdrawn and not discussed during the meeting. There were no citizens from the public to speak on any of the requests made, so the board moved on to the public meeting, where all three rezoning requests were voted on and approved unanimously by the board. The meeting adjourned at 6:10pm.

August has arrived and with it the 2024-2025 school year. The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to encourage parents to include conversations about safety when preparing their students for school. It’s also important that drivers be prepared for the change in traffic patterns as students begin another year of instruction. In 2023, four people were killed and 403 injured in traffic crashes involving a school bus. In Missouri last year, a total of 877 traffic crashes involved school buses. Troopers hope everyone will review the following safety tips. Students walking to school should stay alert! Cross the street at intersections or marked crosswalks and never between parked cars. Make eye contact with drivers when crossing the street to make sure they see you. Use sidewalks when they are available. If it is necessary to walk on the roadway, stay close to the left edge and step off to the left when traffic approaches. Never dash into the street after a friend or to retrieve something. Riding a bicycle to school is a fun way to travel. If you’re riding your bike, be sure to wear a helmet and obey all traffic signs and signals. Ride as near to the right side of the roadway as is safe and use the proper hand signals when you plan to change directions, slow, or stop. Never carry passengers. Keep both hands on the handlebars except when signaling. Also, it’s important to maintain your bicycle in good condition. If you ride a school bus, check the weather and dress accordingly. Wait in line for the bus on the shoulder or sidewalk. Use the handrail when getting on or off the bus. Never try to retrieve items that fall under the bus, alert your bus driver. Walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus when crossing the street. Sit quietly on the bus and keep the aisle clear. If anything goes wrong, stay calm and follow the instructions of the bus driver. Most traffic crashes involving young drivers (under the age of 21) occur between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., when school typically lets out. Many of these drivers are young and inexperienced. Parents: It is important to encourage those young drivers to remember driving is a full-time job. Using a cell phone, texting, or adjusting the radio can be the distraction that leads to a traffic crash. It’s also against the law. Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about riding a bus, walking, or driving to school in a safe manner. If they ride a bike, please make sure they wear a helmet and follow traffic laws.

A one vehicle accident happened Tuesday afternoon at 1:09 in Phelps County on Interstate 44 near the 181 mile-marker. According to the highway patrol report, a 2015 Chevy Silverado, driven westbound by 60-year-old Scott Jackson of Rolla, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a rock wall. Jackson suffered minor injuries and was transported by a private conveyance to Phelps Health. Jackson was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Silverado sustained moderate damages and was removed from the scene by C&C Towing.

An accident occurred in Phelps County Monday night at 9:53 at County Road 4030 and County Road 4010. According to the Highway Patrol report a northbound 2024 Polaris RZR, operated by 19-year-old Logan King of Rolla, failed to negotiate a curve, traveled off the right side of the roadway, became airborne and overturned before striking a tree. A passenger, 18-year-old Aubrey Reeves of Vienna, suffered moderate injuries and was transported by Phelps Health Ambulance District to Phelps Health in Rolla. The report stated that both Reeves and King were wearing safety devices at the time of the accident. The Polaris sustained moderate damage and was towed from the scene by Tune’s Towing.

Montauk State Park is hosting a special Kids Free Fishing Day on Saturday, August 10th. Children aged 15 and under can fish for free throughout the park. To participate, children must obtain a free fishing tag from the park lodge. These tags will be available for pickup on Friday evening after 7 pm or anytime on Saturday. Unlike regular fishing days, kids will have the opportunity to fish anywhere inside the park, with no designated fishing areas set aside. Adults accompanying children must have a valid daily trout tag to assist with fishing.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds hunters, trappers, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts they can get free copies of its updated booklets on 2024 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information, Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations, and Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations  which are now available at MDC regional offices, MDC nature centers, and other places where permits are sold. View booklet information online at mdc.mo.gov using the search tool at the top of the homepage. The handy booklets have information on related permits, seasons, species, regulations, limits, conservation areas, sunrise and sunset tables, and more. Learn more about hunting and trapping in Missouri at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping. Learn more about fishing in Missouri at mdc.mo.gov/fishing.