One of the best ways to sharpen a shooter’s shotgun skills is the sport of 5-Stand. Shooters rotate through five stations where they will experience clay targets flying left and right, toward, and away from them at different angles and speeds.  It’s like trap or skeet on steroids.

The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center is hosting an Introduction to 5-Stand class Tuesday, July 15 from 5:30 – 7 p.m.  The event is free and open to ages 16 years and up.  Participants should note that this is an intermediate level class, so those who attend should already be familiar with the basics of shotgun shooting.

This program will start in the classroom covering all the rules of 5-stand, along with safety and etiquette considerations.  Following this, participants will go to the shotgun field for a live fire session to get hands-on practice at several different shooting stations.

“If you shoot trap or skeet and want a new challenge, 5-stand is a shooting sport that has many different shooting scenarios with different targets thrown from different angles,” said MDC Outdoor Education Center Manager, Bryant Hertel. 

Since the targets in 5-stand imitate the flight patterns of some of Missouri’s most popular game birds, it is also an excellent way for shooters to prepare themselves for game bird hunting.

Attendees must bring their own firearm and ammunition and must already be proficient in handling a shotgun, Hertel noted.

Introduction to 5-Stand is a free program, however advanced online registration is required at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4Fr.

The August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center is located at 3550 Route D in Defiance, approximately five miles west of Highway 94.

Sign up for email or text alerts to stay informed of MDC’s latest programs and events by going to  https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZoP.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) will close one eastbound lane on Route 100 in Franklin County starting Monday, July 14.

The closure will start at 8 a.m. at the bridge over Missouri Eastern Railroad. During the bridge work, the maximum width on the bridge will be reduced to 15’.

This closure is expected to last until mid-November.

All work is weather-dependent. For up-to-date traffic and travel info, motorists can check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.

Frequent rains earlier this spring caused a slight delay in planting sunflowers at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area (CA) this season.  However, sunflower lovers will still have the opportunity again this summer to view and photograph the amazing sunflower displays. 

Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) staff has planted multiple sunflower plots on the area again this year, however wetter than normal conditions put some of the planting efforts behind by about two weeks. 

“The sunflowers at Columbia Bottom are beginning to bloom right now. The first fields planted were the dove hunting field, so that they can be finished blooming and dried ahead of dove hunting opening on September 1^st,” said Clinton Owenby, MDC Regional Resource Management Supervisor.

Showy sunflower fields have been an annual tradition at Columbia Bottom CA.  MDC staff have been planting sunflowers for years as part of their management for mourning doves.  The area is known for dove hunting each September.  The large flowers supply seeds that entice the birds, and their lofty stalks create cover for the hunters who pursue them.  Sunflowers also benefit a wide variety of other birds and pollinators.  They lure plenty of photographers, too.

MDC work crews have planted extra sunflower stands in addition to the regular dove management fields again this year.  These viewing fields are close to and easily spotted from the road and intended to provide convenient access for taking photos. 

“The smaller viewing fields were staggered every couple of weeks following the initial planting to provide later bloom viewing for the public,” Owenby said.   “Peak viewing should start ramping up this weekend.”

MDC crews stagger the timing of the plantings throughout the 4,300-acre area to spread their blooming periods out over a longer period.  Sunflowers usually take about 60 days from planting to flowering.  At the peak of their 10-day blooming period each planting decorates the area with vibrant bursts of gold.  This strategy ensures sunflowers will be blooming successively somewhere on the area through at least mid-August.  Signs posted along area roads will direct visitors to the current fields in bloom.

The common sunflower (Helianthus annulus) is an extremely large and showy member from the same plant family as daisies.  The impressive height and brilliant yellow rays of a single sunflower are a striking sight.  Uniform rows of hundreds can be positively mesmerizing.  Sunflower fields have always been a popular draw for sightseers, nature buffs, and photographers.

MDC reminds visitors not to pick the sunflowers.  Vehicles should park in designated parking lots or on the shoulders and avoid blocking roadways or gates.  MDC also reminds visitors to pack out any items they bring with them for the consideration of others.

Columbia Bottom CA is located at 801 Strodtman Road.  The area can be reached by taking the Riverview Drive Exit from I-270 and travelling north approximately three miles.  Columbia Bottom is open every day from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour past sunset. 

Those in St. Charles County might want to see the sunflower plantings on Weldon Spring Conservation Area off Highway 94.  MDC staff have planted sunflowers for dove management along the road to the Missouri River boat ramp.  Planting at Weldon Spring was also delayed due to this year’s wet spring. Depending on weather conditions, these sunflowers will likely bloom in August.

On July 3, 2025, deputies from the Gasconade County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop in the 100 block of Fourth Street in Hermann, Missouri, for an equipment violation.

Upon making contact with the driver, the deputy observed that the individual appeared visibly nervous and was shaking while being spoken to. The driver informed the deputy that he did not possess a valid driver’s license.

The deputy requested the driver to exit the vehicle due to the lack of a valid Missouri operator’s license. While the driver was exiting, the deputy observed a clear plastic bag containing a white substance on the floorboard. The driver appeared to be attempting to conceal the bag with his foot.

The deputy issued verbal commands for the driver to step out of the vehicle and stop moving. The driver ignored these commands and continued to conceal the bag. After multiple verbal commands and physical resistance from the driver, the deputy was able to gain control of the situation and place the individual in handcuffs.

The plastic bag containing the white substance was seized as evidence. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of additional crystal-like substances on the passenger side, which were also seized.

Field testing of both the bag and the additional substances yielded positive results for methamphetamine. The baggie, including packaging, weighed approximately 7.5 grams, while the additional crystals weighed approximately 1.2 grams.

On July 4, 2025, Brent R. Callaway, of Hermann, Missouri, was formally charged in the Circuit Court of Gasconade County with the following offenses:

-Possession of a Controlled Substance Except 35 Grams or Less of  Marijuana/Synthetic Cannabinoid

-Resisting Arrest

-Operating a Motor Vehicle on the Highway Without a Valid License – 1st Offense

Callaway’s bond was set at $10,000 cash or surety.

I would like to thank my deputies for their hard work and continued dedication to keeping Gasconade County a safe place to live and raise families.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds Missouri deer, turkey, waterfowl, and dove hunters that new booklets for upcoming hunting seasons are now available. Hunters and others can get the most current information on upcoming fall hunting from the MDC 2025 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet and the MDC Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2025-2026.

MDC’s 2025 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet has detailed information on fall deer and turkey hunting seasons, limits, permits, managed hunts, regulations, conservation areas to hunt, post-harvest instructions, chronic wasting disease (CWD) updates, and more. The booklet is available where permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov.

MDC’s Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2025-2026 has detailed information on waterfowl hunting along with hunting doves and other migratory game birds such as rail, snipe, and woodcock. It also has information on needed permits and duck-stamp requirements, hunting seasons and limits, hunting areas, regulations, and more. The digest is available where permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov.

East Central College’s Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program is launching a new program to prepare adults for entry-level construction careers through hands-on training, earning participants nationally recognized certification.

Thanks to a partnership with the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) and the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), ECC will offer NCCER Core: Introduction to Basic Construction Skills. The course is funded through a Lowe’s Foundation grant that provides $20,000 in startup resources for each of 25 programs nationwide.

ECC’s program will focus on construction and carpentry fundamentals, including safety, hand and power tools, construction math, blueprint reading, materials handling, and employability skills. Students will also earn OSHA-10 and CPR/First Aid certification and complete a capstone carpentry project.

Orientation sessions are scheduled for July 28 and 30 from 5–9 p.m. at the ECC Training Center, Room 112. Classes begin in early August and will meet Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5–9 p.m., with additional lab time for hands-on training.

The course is open for up to 15 adult students, with the goal of helping each participant gain meaningful employment in the construction industry. ECC is also seeking employer partners to participate in mock interviews and classroom discussions in October, providing students with valuable industry insight and networking opportunities.

Alice Whalen, AEL Director at ECC, said the new training program addresses the growing demand for workers in the skilled trades—and employer participation could play a key role.

“There is a clear need for trained construction professionals in our region,” she said. “This program gives employers a chance to connect directly with motivated individuals preparing to enter the field. That kind of early engagement can help businesses build a strong workforce pipeline.”

Whalen added that access to training close to home is essential for many adults.

“For some entry-level workers, traveling to St. Louis for training and job opportunities just isn’t feasible,” she explained. “We want to bring the training to our communities, where people live and work.”

This fast-track training initiative supports workforce development efforts by offering practical education and direct pathways into high-demand, sustainable careers in the skilled trades.

To learn more or schedule an orientation, visit www.eastcentral.edu/ael/college-and-career-preparation. For questions or to become an employer partner, contact ECC’s Adult Education and Literacy program at ael@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6532.

• Old Cove Road (Union/St. Clair) is closed at the Moselle Road end due to water over the road.
• Robertsville Road (Robertsville) is closed at the gates due to flooding.
• St. Mary’s Road (dead end at Choteau Claim) is closed at the gate due to water over the road.

4M Building Solutions, a leader in the commercial cleaning and janitorial service industry, has acquired FKI Cleaning Services, a trusted, customer-focused cleaning provider serving Franklin, Warren, and St. Louis counties.

With this acquisition, 4M Building Solutions expands its footprint in Missouri’s east-central region. Headquartered in St. Louis and operating since 1978, 4M already maintains a strong market presence throughout the state. The integration of FKI Cleaning Services brings more than 80 client accounts and 46 Team Members into the 4M organization, further strengthening its service capacity and regional coverage.

“FKI Cleaning Services is a natural fit for 4M. Their outstanding reputation in Washington and the surrounding areas speaks for itself, and their customer-first approach aligns perfectly with our culture and commitment to excellence,” said Tim Murch, CBSE, CEO and managing partner of 4M. “As we continue to grow in our home state of Missouri, it’s satisfying to welcome a company so deeply rooted in the local community. We’re excited to build on the foundation they’ve created and bring even more value to the clients and Team Members who made that success possible.”

FKI Cleaning Services was founded in January 2010 by brothers Shawn Thiemann, president and owner, and Casey Thiemann, operations director and partner. The company’s roots started as a family business. Their father, Steve, a longtime police officer in the community,  retired to start a small janitorial company called Four Kings Inc. With his sudden passing in 2009, the family faced a pivotal moment. At the time, Shawn was working for a food company in Kansas City. He and his wife, Amy, moved back to Washington to help his mother, Joy, manage the business. Together with Casey, they restructured and evolved Four Kings Inc. into a new company, FKI Cleaning Services. Amy stepped in as HR Director, a role she held for nine years, and their mom played a key part in supporting the business in its early years. That original four-person operation has since grown to 46 employees.

The company has established a robust client base across various industries, including schools, medical facilities, financial institutions, and city administration buildings. Known for its customized approach and commitment to quality, FKI offers comprehensive commercial cleaning and janitorial services, including carpet and floor care.

Nearly all FKI frontline Team Members will transfer to 4M, which will continue operations from FKI’s current office, 1642 E. 5th Street in Washington.

FKI President Shawn Thiemann will step down shortly after the sale of the business. His brother, Casey Thiemann, will remain with 4M as a District Manager, covering Franklin County and other communities in east-central Missouri.

“It’s been an incredible privilege to build FKI alongside my wife, brother, and, in the early days, with the help of our mom,” said Shawn Thiemann, president and owner. “We’ve poured our hearts into creating a company grounded in trust, quality, and community service. Most of all, it’s been meaningful to build a business that I know would make our dad proud.

“As I step away, I know our employees and clients are in great hands. 4M shares our values and brings tremendous opportunity for our team’s continued growth and success,” Thiemann added.

The acquisition of FKI Cleaning Services marks the 38th acquisition for 4M Building Solutions since its founding in 1978. It also reflects the company’s continued strategic growth following a significant investment in January 2023 from O2 Investment Partners, a Midwestern-based private investment firm.

 All snakes can swim, but those that belong to the genus Nerodia are commonly referred to as “watersnakes” because water is a key part of their habitat.

People can learn more about the species of watersnakes found in Missouri at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) virtual program “Amphibians and Reptiles: Watersnakes of Missouri” on July 18. This free virtual program, which will be from 3:30-4:30 p.m., is being put on by the staff of MDC’s Springfield Conservation Nature Center. This program is open to all ages. People can register at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/209180

At the July 18 program, MDC Naturalist Jordanya Raos will discuss the various species of watersnakes found in Missouri. The preferred habitat for these non-venomous snakes are swamps, marshes, sloughs, oxbow lakes, and drainage ditches. Missouri’s watersnakes often get mistaken for the venomous cottonmouth. From a taxonomic viewpoint, cottonmouths do not fall into the “watersnake” category because they belong to the genus Agkistrodon instead of the genus Nerodia. However, because cottonmouths are frequently found near water and are associated with habitats adjacent to water, Raos will also talk about cottonmouths at the July 18 program.

Though this program is free, registration is required to participate. Use the link above. Registrants must provide an e-mail, so a program link can be sent to them. This program will include a chat-based question-and-answer period where participants can interact with the presenters.

Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding virtual and in-person programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/events.

In 1988, a small group of anglers became fed up with unsightly trash disrupting their fishing in Roubidoux Creek in Pulaski County. These conservation-minded Missourians decided to clean this section of stream, thus forming the first Missouri Stream Team in 1989.

Fast forward more than three decades later. The Roubidoux Fly Fishers Association (Stream Team #1) is still going strong and has been joined by more than 6,000 Stream Teams around the state with more than 135,000 volunteers – who helped Missouri’s streams in some impressive ways last year.

“Missouri Stream Team just released our 2024 Annual Report with some impressive accomplishments by Stream Teams and their members,” said Stream Team Volunteer Programs Manager Rebecca O'Hearn. “During 2024, Stream Teams collected 504 tons of trash, planted 1,303 trees, stenciled 557 storm drains, conducted 398 water monitoring trips, held 271 educational events, gave more than 95,300 volunteer hours, and much more.”

The Missouri Stream Team Program is a volunteer-led effort to conserve Missouri streams. Sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM), the program focuses on education, stewardship, and advocacy for Missouri stream resources.

O'Hearn added that the ongoing work of more than 6,000 Stream Teams and their volunteers have made significant positive impacts on the health of Missouri’s streams over the last 35 years. That work includes volunteers giving more than 3.5 million hours of time, removing more than 14,127 tons of trash from Missouri waterways, planting 405,794 trees along streams, conducting 35,049 water quality monitoring trips, and stenciling 21,741 storm drains.

Learn more about Missouri Stream Team and read the 2024 Annual Report at mostreamteam.org/annual-reports.

Annual Watershed Celebration July 26 at Meramec State Park

Missouri Stream Team and Stream Teams United invite Stream Teams from around the state to come together for the 29th Annual Watershed Celebration at Meramec State Park on July 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hickory Ridge Conference Center and Overlook Pavilion. Free Stream Team camping will be available. Lunch will be provided, and attendees are encouraged to bring a dessert to share. The day will include a variety of fun and educational activities for all ages. For more information, including a full list of activities and calendar of the Watershed Celebration Weekend, visit Stream Teams United at streamteamsunited.org/watershed-celebration-picnic.html.

With the Fourth-of-July coming up, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourage people to look for red, white, and blue in nature through a holiday hike, bird watching, backyard fun, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

MDC offers some suggestions to get started finding red, white, and blue in nature:

• Red Royal Catchfly Flowers,
• Red Male Summer Tanagers,
• White Beard-Tongues or Foxgloves, 
• White Great Egrets,
• Blue False Indigos, and
• Blue Male Indigo Buntings.

Want more information on these and other Missouri plants and animals, including where to find them? Use the handy and helpful MDC online Field Guide at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide.

Need suggestions for outdoor adventures? Find Things to Do with MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/activities. Offerings include cycling on trails, backyard nature fun, birdwatching, fishing, camping, floating, outdoor cooking, hiking, hunting, nature photography, wildlife watching, and more.

Need to find Places to Go for outdoor adventures? Visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places.

Find MDC outdoor offerings based on select types of outdoor activities, locations, and more with the free MDC mobile app -- MO Outdoors. It is available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/mobile-apps/mo-outdoors.