Photo by Meredith Fontana on Unsplash

Missouri’s first elk hunting season is now underway.

The nine-day archery portion will run until October 25^th.

The Firearm portion will be between December 12^th and the 20^th.

It’s the first Elk Hunt in over 100 years.

Read more from our news partner KY3 TV

Governor Mike Parson is asking you to do two things when driving, especially on Friday.

Buckle up, and put the phone down.

The Governor’s declared October 16^th Buckle Up Phone down Day in the Lake Area and across Missouri.

He’ll be teaming up with race car driver Carl Edwards for a virtual presentation on MoDOT’s Facebook page beginning at 9 am Missouri time.

Other officials and crash survivors will also be taking part in the online discussion.

It’s the fourth year for Buckle Up Phone Down Day in Missouri.

If you’re one of 70 million on Social Security, and increase is heading your way.

Officials say they’re expecting a 1.3% increase in benefit payments starting in January, to account for the rising cost of living.

The SSA says that amounts to around $20 more per month for the average person on SSI, however if you started at full retirement age it could go as high as $137 per month.

Retirement age is now 67 for those born 1960 or later.

The agency also has a new taxable income threshold on which workers will owe the 6.2% Social Security payroll tax.

Starting next year, the first $142,800 of a person’s wages is subject to that tax, up from $137,700 currently.

Those who are self-employed would owe around 12.4% in payroll taxes, because they would owe both the employee (6.2%) and the employer (6.2%) portions of the payroll tax.

The State Fire Marshal is asking residents to “avoid burning” or starting brush fires, at least for the time being.

In a news release, Fire Marshal Tim Bean says with the ongoing drought conditions throughout the Ozarks, any fire started could quickly spiral out of control into a much larger brush or wildfire.

He says the significant lack of rainfall, low humidity, gusty winds and warm temperatures are also a major factor.

Because of the threat of fires rapidly spreading because of a lack of significant rainfall, low humidity values, dry fuels, and gusty winds and warm temperatures Tuesday and Wednesday, State Fire Marshal Tim Bean is discouraging outside burning.

“Under the current drought and weather conditions, even a small outdoor fire can get out of control and spread rapidly, with the potential for property damage and injury,” State Fire Marshal Bean said. “It is extremely important for all Missourians to remain vigilant about the fire danger across the state and to help avoid tragedies resulting from ill-advised outdoor burning.”

According to the United States Drought Monitor, the following Missouri counties are currently experiencing Extreme Drought: Barry, Christian, Greene, Lawrence and Stone.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Missourians have been spending time on home improvements and landscaping and clean-up projects around their homes. These projects can in include gathering and burning leaves, limbs, dead trees, grass, and other debris. Bean urged Missourians to delay any burning and to comply with local recommendations.

While Missouri is not known for the large wildland fires that regularly affect some western states, dry conditions, low humidity and strong winds can often combine to create dangerous brush and wildland fires. Arid and windy conditions can lead to wildfire dangers at any time of year.

Fire Marshal Bean reminded Missourians to never throw out lit cigarettes and always check for local burn bans or restrictions before conducting any open burning.

For questions or concerns about outdoor burning, please contact the Division of Fire Safety at (573) 751-2930. More outdoor burning safety tips are available on the DFS website here.

A World War 2 Sailor who died in the line of duty has finally been laid to rest in his hometown of Tipton.

Officials say Gunner’s Mate Second Class Harold Lee Dick was buried on Saturday, following a 76-year-long search for his missing remains.

Family members say Dick joined the Navy in 1941 and was 1 of 39 sailors killed when the USS Colorado was attacked by the Japanese.

His remains were lost due to a mislabel of his last name, but thanks to DNA samples from his sister and cousin, they were found in the Philippines at the Manila American Cemetery.

Dick’s remains were then flown to Kansas City and transferred to Tipton with a road ceremony performed on Highway 50, which included a flyover from the Whiteman Airforce Base.

It’s deer mating season in the Lake Area, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol wants you to watch out.

At this time of year you might come across deer in places you’re not expecting.

The ‘Patrol says hunting and crop harvesting can cause the deer to move around, and that could mean accidents on the road or highway.

Over 43-hundred deer were hit causing crashes in Missouri in 2019, and those accidents caused 449 injuries and nine deaths.

If you see deer in the road, the ‘Patrol says you should slow down and proceed with caution because where there’s one deer, there’s often more.

You might notice your headlights reflecting off the eyes of deer at night or early in the morning before sunrise.

Cute but deadly

Watch for sudden deer movement on state roads through November

JEFFERSON CITY — Cooler temperatures and longer nights mean more wildlife movement along and across state roads. The Missouri Department of Transportation reminds motorists to be prepared for the sudden appearance of wild animals such as deer and coyote on Missouri roadways during the fall.

“Deer/vehicle collisions are at their peak from mid-October through the end of November,” said Natalie Roark, state maintenance director. “Shorter days mean motorists are driving on dark roads when deer are more active, which leads to a larger number of crashes involving deer and other wildlife.”

Fall is breeding season and deer are on the move, especially at dawn and dusk. Drivers should never swerve to avoid animals in the road as it can cause loss of control of their vehicles, resulting in serious injury or death. To avoid hitting a deer, always be cautious and keep your eyes scanning both sides of the roadway.

“Distracted driving—particularly when wildlife is on the move—can be deadly,” Roark said. “Always buckle up and put your phone down when driving.”

Some collisions are unavoidable. If a deer/vehicle collision has resulted in the death of the deer, there are several options a motorist can take:

• Missouri law allows an individual who has struck and killed a deer with their vehicle to claim the deer carcass if written authorization to possess the deer is granted by a Missouri Department of Conservation agent.
• Do not jeopardize your safety to remove the animal in a high traffic area. Notify MoDOT at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636). Crews will address any deer/animal/debris on a highway that is a safety hazard, meaning that the carcass is in the driving or passing lane, or partially in either lane or on the shoulder. Crews will drag the carcass to the outer portion of the right of way, outside any active drainage ditch or channel.
• If the deer is completely off the roadway, MoDOT will not pick it up unless it impedes mail delivery or is located in a neighborhood, especially at or near a bus stop.

If a deer is located on the shoulder, MoDOT will address the deer during normal work hours. MoDOT crews will not be called out after hours to remove an item, unless it is a safety hazard. MoDOT does not have specialized crews assigned to remove dead animals from the roadway and does not contract out any roadkill removal.

We now know the winner of the annual PAW PAW contest at Bennet Spring State Park in Lebanon.

Officials say that Robert Wolkwitz brought in a whopping 13.7 ounce PAW PAW, which he found from a tree in St. Louis County.

Wolkwitz will receive a certificate and a few prizes, including pocket guide books on Wild Edible foods and plants.

Paw Paw’s can group up to 6 inches long and were first found by explorers Lewis and Clark during their journey through the state of Missouri.

Bennett Spring State Park recognizes Robert Wolkwitz as winner of pawpaw contest

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, SEPT. 30, 2020 – Robert Wolkwitz is the winner for his 13.7 ounce submission in the Picking up Pawpaws Contest held by Bennett Spring State Park nature center. Wolkwitz found his prize pawpaw in St. Louis County and was awarded a certificate and prize including the Foraging for Wild Edible Foods, Edible Wild Plants and Mushrooms pocket guides.

Missouri’s state fruit tree, the pawpaw grows in river valleys with deep, rich, moist soil. It has a sweet pulp that can be eaten raw and tastes like a cross between a banana and a mango.

On the last day of the contest, nature center visitors enjoyed pawpaw bread made by Dan and Bobbi Slais of Lebanon. Enjoying other wild edibles with fresh-caught trout is an enjoyable part of camping outdoors.

The contest ran Sept. 16 through Sept. 26.  Pawpaws can grow up to 6 inches long. Lewis and Clark were known to eat them on their expedition in 1806. 

For more information on edible wild plants, visit the Bennett Spring nature center. Bennett Spring State Park is located at 26250 Highway 64A in Lebanon.

For more information on Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Time is short to get counted by the US Census.

September 30^th is the final day to be added and there are phone and online options available.

October 5th is the final day to enter any information period.

Missouri Census 2020 says the state loses around 13-hundred dollars each year in federal funding for every adult and child not counted.

If you happen to drive through Jefferson City when heading out from the Lake Area on Sunday, you’ll notice the dome of the state capitol will be red.

Governor Mike Parson has ordered the red lighting to honor fallen firefighters and National Fire Prevention Week.

The lighting also falls in line with the annual memorial weekend of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

Governor Parson will be posting photos on his Flickr page and you can also share photos of the red capitol lighting using hash tag LightTheNight.

The dome will remain lit red until October 3^rd.

Governor Parson Orders Capitol Dome and Governor’s Mansion Lighted Red in Honor of Fallen Firefighters and National Fire Prevention Week

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – Governor Mike Parson has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome and Missouri Governor’s Mansion to shine red beginning Sunday, September 27, 2020, until Saturday, October 3, 2020, in honor of fallen firefighters and National Fire Prevention Week.

 “As part of Missouri’s Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters commemoration, we proudly honor firefighters who gave their life in service to their community. The sacrifices they made, and that firefighters everywhere continue to make, will never be forgotten,” Governor Parson said. “As we see the challenges these brave men and women are facing across the country, we must also remember the importance of fire safety and understand that fire prevention is a job for all.”

The dome and Governor’s Mansion will light up at sunset on September 27 and remain lit until sunrise each day through the morning of October 3. The color red was chosen as it represents firefighters across the state and nation. 

Pictures of the lighting will be available on Governor Parson’s Flickr page. Citizens are encouraged to share pictures of the Capitol lighting on social media using #LightTheNight.

The lighting coordinates with the annual memorial weekend of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend is the official national tribute to firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year. The tribute will be held virtually this year and be broadcast on Sunday, October 4.

The state will hold its own virtual memorial service for Missouri’s fallen firefighters on October 11.

“We will also honor Missouri’s fallen firefighters on Sunday, October 11 with a virtual ceremony from Missouri’s Fire Fighters Memorial in Kingdom City,” State Fire Marshal Tim Bean said. “Lighting the Capitol dome and Governor’s Mansion red is a fitting tribute to their sacrifices and reminds the public of the importance of fire safety in everything we do throughout the year.”

The Missouri Judicial Performance Review committee is expected to release details today on 53 judges in the state who are standing in retention elections this November.

The group made up of non-lawyers, active lawyers and retired judges, say they will announce whether each judge substantially overall met performance standards or not in a virtual conference held at 11AM this morning (Tuesday.)

The chair of the group will also discuss how the reviews were conducted, why the reviews were necessary and what it means for Missouri voters.

Missouri Judicial Performance Review Committee to announce findings for nonpartisan judges on November ballot

Committee chair to share results on the first day of absentee voting

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Judicial Performance Review Committee, composed of non-lawyers, lawyers and retired judges, has reviewed the performance of 53 judges who will be standing in retention elections Nov. 3, 2020. The committee’s chair, Dale Doerhoff, will announce the committee’s findings on whether each judge substantially overall meets judicial performance standards at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 22, via a virtual press conference.

The state chair will discuss how the reviews were conducted, why this extensive review process was adopted and how the information is available to the public to assist them in casting informed ballots in the Nov. 3 election. All Missouri voters will have at least two judges appear in retention elections on their ballot this November. In addition to the committee’s findings, the results of the surveys of lawyers’ ratings of each judge and jurors’ ratings of trial judges will be made available online at YourMissouriJudges.org that same day.

Judicial Performance Reviews Virtual Announcement

When:        11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 22. Media may join at 10:45 a.m. to test technology.

Location:   Zoom Video Conference, link provided upon request to ffite@mobar.org.

Who:          Dale Doerhoff, Judicial Performance Review Committee Chair

The Missouri Bar is tasked with sharing the independent committee’s findings with the public. The Missouri Bar is a statewide organization dedicated to improving the legal profession, the law and the administration of justice for all Missourians.

Missouri Senator Roy Blunt is speaking out on the nomination of a new Supreme Court Justice, following the Death of Ruth Bader Ginsberg last week.

Speaking on CBS’s Face the Nation, Blunt says some nominees are vetted and approved quickly, but others are not.

Blunt says the same situation happened with the Obama Administration.

He says the constitution is clear, a sitting President can decide if they want or don’t want to appoint someone despite an election, and then congress also has to choose if they want to take up the vote at this time.

Columbia College is adding another holiday to its school calendar.

Officials on Tuesday naming “Juneteenth” as their newest school paid holiday for staff members.

The college says the holiday is one of the “Oldest nationally celebrated holidays” and it recognizes the ending of slavery in the US.

Columbia College President Scott Dalrymple stated that the holiday is one of “Hope and Celebration” marking the time when the Union army went from town to town, informing the nation that all salves where free.

The holiday officially starts for the school on June 19^th in 2021, but since it’s a Saturday the school plans to take the holiday on the Friday before.

It’s Paw Paw season and Bennett Springs State park in Lebanon is hosting a Paw Paw event.

Officials with the Missouri State Parks say they will host a contest for the “biggest edible” Paw Paw’s Today (Wednesday the 16^th) through September 26^th.

Entries will be accepted daily from 10AM to 3PM and they must be from Missouri grown tree.

The winner will be announced on September 26^th and they will receive a certificate, prize and a photo of the winning fruit.

The Paw Paw is Missouri’s State fruit tree, that can grow up to 6 inches long and are often compared to a Banana with a Mango flavor.

Bennett Spring State Park hosts 2nd annual pawpaw contest Sept. 16-Sept. 26

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, SEPT. 15, 2020 – Bennett Spring State Park is looking for Missouri’s largest pawpaw! Pawpaws, the state’s biggest edible fruit, ripen in September. Those interested in entering the contest can bring their pawpaw entries to the Bennett Spring nature center for weigh-in Wednesday, Sept. 16, through Saturday, Sept. 26. Entries will be accepted daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Entries must be obtained from Missouri. The largest pawpaw will be announced Saturday, Sept. 26 and will receive a certificate and prize. Photos will be taken of the participant and entry at weigh-in. 

Missouri’s state fruit tree, pawpaws can grow up to 6 inches long and are often compared to a banana with mango flavor. Lewis and Clark were known to eat them on their expedition in 1806. 

Bennett Spring State Park is located at 26250 Highway 64A in Lebanon. For more information about the contest, call the nature center at 417-532-3925 or fish hatchery staff at 417-532-4418.

For more information on Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

A local member of the Missouri Highway Patrol is moving up the ranks.

Sgt. Scott White will become Lieutenant Scott White on October 1^st.

White joined the patrol in 2007 and will now be moving on to the Professional Standards Division.

He graduated from Missouri Southern State University in Joplin in 1997 and has been serving in Troop F, Zone 11, which includes Camden and Miller counties.

Sgt. Scott White Promoted To Lieutenant

Captain Kirk A. Davis, director of the Professional Standards Division of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announces the following promotion effective October 1, 2020.

Sergeant Scott B. White, Troop F, is being promoted to lieutenant and assigned to the Professional Standards Division, General Headquarters, Jefferson City, MO.

White was appointed to the Patrol on January 8, 2007, as a member of the 86th Recruit Class. After graduating from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy, he was assigned to Troop F, Zone 11, Camden and Miller counties. He was promoted to corporal February 2012 and assigned to marine operations as assistant zone supervisor of Troop F, Zone 16, Lake of the Ozarks. In January 2014, White transferred to Zone 18, Miller County, where he was designated assistant zone supervisor. He transferred to Troop F Headquarters in April 2015 to serve as the public information and education officer. White was promoted to sergeant in October 2015 and remained in that position.

Lieutenant White grew up in a military family and lived in Iowa, North Carolina, and New Jersey. He graduated from Pemberton Township High School in Pemberton, NJ, in 1991. In 1997, he graduated from Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, MO, having earned a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice administration. Prior to joining the Patrol, White served as a police officer with the Carthage (MO) Police Department. Lieutenant White and his wife, Angela (Wilson), have a daughter, Chloe.

More than 400 people have now signed up to be a substitute teacher in the Show Me State.

It comes after DESE officials changed the rules, so that anyone 21 or older could take a simple 20-hour online course, rather than previously required 60 college credit hours.

DESE’s Mallory McGowin.

Now staffing companies like PENMAC are taking it a step further and covering the costs of the classes.

Branch Manager Steven Sparkman.

He tells KY 3 TV many of those working with his agency end up at schools like Lebanon and Waynesville.

DESE Officials say the program runs through the end of the month and they will re-evaluate it for November.

Drivers making their way out of the lake area to Interstate 44 in Pulaski County may see some delays.

Officials with MODOT say they’ll be doing road work on bridge surfaces starting this evening through Wednesday Morning.

Crews will focus on the Big Piney River bridge east of Route 28 and the Roubidoux Creek Bridge in St. Robert.

The work will take place from 7PM to 6AM and one lane in each direction will be closed.

Additional work in Laclede County will affect drivers next week as well.

In Pulaski County:

Maintenance Will Close One Lane of Interstate 44 in Pulaski County

 PULASKI COUNTY – Missouri Department of Transportation crews will seal joints and cracks on bridge surfaces along Interstate 44 in Pulaski County next week.

Crews will seal the Big Piney River bridge, east of Route 28 on Monday, September 14, and the Roubidoux Creek bridge in St. Robert on Tuesday, September 15.

Work will take place from 7 p.m. until 6 a.m. each night. One lane in each direction will be closed in the work areas. Motorists are advised to slow down, stay focused, and obey all traffic signs through the work zone.

This work is weather permitting and could be delayed. For more information about this project or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/central. Follow the MoDOT Central Missouri District on Facebook or Twitter for project updates.

In Laclede County:

Repair Work Scheduled Along Interstate 44 in Laclede County

LACLEDE COUNTY – Missouri Department of Transportation crews will be working along Interstate 44 next week to repair fiber optic cable that runs along the road.

Crews will repair lines in the median of I-44 east of Lebanon, resulting in the closure of the eastbound passing lane from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Thursday, September 17.

Motorists are advised to slow down, stay focused, and obey all traffic signs through the work zone.

This work is weather permitting and could be delayed. For more information about this project or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit modot.org/modot-central-district. Follow the MoDOT Central Missouri District on Facebook and Twitter for project updates.

Fort Leonard Wood is rolling out new uniforms.

Staff from the Army and Air Force Exchange programs began fitting the Fort’s drill sergeants with new uniforms earlier this week.

They are a “pink and green” look, which pays homage to the Greatest Generation’s winter service uniforms worn during World War 2.

More than 280 drill sergeants on the Fort will be fitted through the rest of this month.

Officials say these new uniforms will be an everyday service outfit for all soldiers, and the previous uniforms will now be used for more “formal” occasions.

*Photo Caption: Staff Sgt. Shomone Hemphill, a drill sergeant assigned to Company D, 31st Engineer Battalion, is fitted for his new Army Green Service Uniform Tuesday at the Army and Air Force Exchange Service clothing sales by AAFES inventory control associates Anissa Bibbs-Ward (right) and Kristina Storey. More than 280 Fort Leonard Wood drill sergeants are scheduled to get fittings for the new uniform this month. (Photo by Brian Hill)

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — As part of an ongoing rollout of the new Army Green Service Uniform, staff from the Army and Air Force Exchange Service and Fort Leonard Wood Clothing Initial Issue Point began fitting drill sergeants for the new uniform at the post’s Clothing and Sales Store Tuesday.

The new uniform, sometimes referred to as “pinks and greens,” is a modern throwback to the winter service uniforms worn by Soldiers during World War II. Army officials said the intent is to pay homage to the Greatest Generation by giving current Soldiers an everyday business suit “for professional environments that honors our heritage.”

Staff Sgt. Shomone Hemphill, a drill sergeant with Company D, 31st Engineer Battalion, was one of about 30 drill sergeants being fitted Tuesday. He said he likes the idea behind the change.

“It looks good,” he said. “It feels like it’s embracing the older culture of what the Army was built on. Hopefully, it brings the respect that the Army has always had with it.”

Another drill sergeant being fitted alongside Hemphill – Staff Sgt. Cathy Millan, Company D, 35th Engineer Battalion – noted the increased variety of sizes available.

“It’s more fitting to the individual for sure and more comfortable,” she said.

More than 280 drill sergeants here are scheduled to be fitted for the new uniform this month, and Fort Leonard Wood Exchange General Manager Beth Pritchard said outfitting the drill sergeants was one of the last necessary steps before the uniforms are available for the general active-duty population.

“It’s so exciting because we do have Soldiers coming in and looking at the uniforms,” she said. “It’s being so well received by everyone. We’re going to be taking care of Soldiers – that’s what we’re here for.”

The new uniform fills the gap between formal and utility wear, Army officials said. The AGSU will be the everyday service uniform for all Soldiers and the current Army Service Uniform will be reserved for more formal occasions.

All active component enlisted Soldiers will continue to receive the annual clothing allowance to offset the cost of the AGSU and its implementation will be cost-neutral for the Army as a whole, according to the Army website, www.army.mil/uniforms/.

Read more from the US Army news here: New Uniforms at Fort Leonard Wood

Missouri Governor Mike Parson and three other candidates will be taking part in a forum this month.

Democrat Nicole Galloway, Libertarian Rik Combs and the Green Party’s Jerome Bauer will also attend at the University of Missouri’s historic Missouri Theatre.

Due to ongoing restrictions in place by the campus, the event is not open to the public, but a limited number of journalists and reporters will be allowed.

Additional info: