News – Thursday, November 7th 2024

The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to inform the public of upcoming changes to the driver license testing process. In preparation for the transition, driver examination stations throughout the state will close at 12 noon today,  and all-day tomorrow. Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, November 12, following the Veterans Day holiday. Driver examination testing facilities will be closed due to converting to a modernized system, directly integrated into the Department of Revenue’s new driver license system. Follow this link for further information on the driver’s license system changes being implemented by the Missouri Department of Revenue MV-DL System Changes (mo.gov). As part of this upgrade, the Patrol will now offer the Class F written test in a total of 20 languages, which includes a newly created sign language video version of the test made possible by the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The new system will provide a direct digital reporting network to the Department of Revenue. The system will increase efficiency by sending test results directly to the Department of Revenue. The new system will also help deter driver license fraud. For more information, please visit our website at mshp.dps.mo.gov.

Due to flooding in the area, the Taum Sauk Mountain State Park and Jay Nixon Backcountry conceptual development plan meeting originally scheduled for November 9th has been postponed to Saturday, December 7th at 9:00 in the morning. The guided hikes being held in conjunction with the meeting, including the overnight trip to Jay Nixon Backcountry, are also postponed due to flooded trails. Representatives from Missouri State Parks invite the public to attend rescheduled informational meetings for both the Taum Sauk Mountain State Park and Jay Nixon Backcountry on Saturday, December 7th. The public is invited to share comments and ask questions about the facilities and their operations. These informational meetings are being held in conjunction with the two parks’ conceptual development planning open house. The open house will be held at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park. In the event of inclement weather, the open house may be moved to a different location, but an update will be provided prior to the date. As the long-range plan for the park is updated, the public is encouraged to come learn more about the planning process, ask questions and provide input regarding future park use and development. A 30-day comment period will begin December 7th with a survey available online at mostateparks.com/CDP. A guided hike to Mina Sauk Falls will be available for those attending and will begin at 10:30 December 7th and it is a strenuous 3.5-mile hike. Input from the public is important to Missouri State Parks. These informational meetings are being heldvirtually or in-person in all state parks and historic sites to help create two-way communication with the public. The meetings will inform the public on the current status and future plans for the park or historic site and offer visitors the opportunity to comment on the facilities.

An accident occurred Tuesday morning around 7:30 in Dent County on Hwy 19 and County Road 5520. According to the highway patrol report a 2015 Toyota Corolla driven by a 54-year-old Salem female was travelling northbound and lost control of the vehicle. The Toyota ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree and a fence. The female suffered minor injuries and was transported by private conveyance to Salm Memorial District Hospital. The Toyota was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. The report goes on to state that she was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident.

Due to significant flooding, Montauk State Park is closed to guests until further notice. Park crews are responding and assessing safety concerns and damage to the infrastructure. As floodwaters recede, they will gain a better understanding of the extent of the damage and the scope of work necessary to reopen the park. Montauk State Park is located at 345 State Road 6670 in Salem. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The Creative Arts Center will hold a beginner and intermediate Seed Beading class on Saturday, November 9th from 1:00 to 4:00 in the afternoon with Cynthia Grigsby. The class is appropriate for all ages! Children (with parent/legal guardian) and adults alike can participate. Each participant will learn the history seed beaded jewelry and make a piece for a keepsake. The cost of the class is $30 and all supplies are included. There must be five people sign up to hold the class and it will be limited to 15. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center.