The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (MHTC) has awarded the fifth project in MoDOT’s Improve I-70 Program, between Boonville and Rocheport, to Capital Paving and Construction. Improve I-70: Boonville to Rocheport, designed by Burns & McDonnell, is the first project of the Improve I-70 Program to be delivered through the traditional design-bid-build process. With an approximate low bid of $104 million, Capital Paving will make improvements and add a third lane of travel in each direction to Interstate 70 in the 13-mile section of interstate between approximately Missouri Route 5 in Boonville and the Lance Corporal Leon Deraps I-70 Missouri River Bridge at Rocheport.

In design-bid-build procurement, designs are completed before the plans are provided to contractors for bid. The lowest responsive bidder wins the construction contract.

Public information meetings regarding the design of this project were held in July 2025. Public meeting materials and project plans are available by visiting the project webpage. A formal groundbreaking will be held in spring 2026. Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2026 and completion is anticipated in late 2028.

Missouri’s FY2024 budget from the General Assembly and signed into law by the governor provides $2.8 billion in General Revenue for the costs to build a third lane of I-70 across the state. The program will plan, design, construct, reconstruct, rehabilitate, and add a third lane in each direction on nearly 200 miles of I-70, from Blue Springs to Wentzville.

The goals of the Improve I-70 Program include:

• Provide a third lane of travel to eastbound and westbound Interstate 70 from Blue Springs to Wentzville.
• Improve the interstate while modernizing the existing pavement and bridges through innovation.
• Increase the efficiency of freight movements along Interstate 70.
• Minimize construction impacts with a focus on work zone safety, communications, and construction staging.
• Expand a diverse workforce through the creation of jobs.

On February 1st, 2026, at approximately 6:00pm, Franklin County Deputies were dispatched to a residence in 700 Block of Mandy Way in regards to a Burglary/Vehicle Theft that had just occurred. The victim reported, he and a family member had been working in an outbuilding on the property. He heard his vehicle start, and being revved. The suspect ultimately drove the vehicle out of the garage exiting the property via the driveway.  The victim entered another vehicle and gave chase.  The chase entered St. Clair city limits.  Near the area of I44 and Hwy 47, the victim attempted to block the suspect in. The suspect accelerated and rammed the victim. The suspect was last seen entering I44 westbound from the 240 mile marker.  Information was given out to surrounding agencies regarding the burglary and theft.

Deputies responded to the residence to conduct the investigation. It was found the suspect entered the occupied residence and stole a handgun and a backpack from the residence before stealing the vehicle from the garage.

While conducting the investigation, Franklin County investigators were notified that deputies with the Crawford County Sheriff's Office were out with the stolen vehicle at a business on the North Outer Road in Leasburg, MO.  The suspect was ultimately taken into custody without incident by Crawford County Deputies.  Upon the arrival of Franklin County Deputies custody of the suspect was transferred.  A search of the vehicle was conducted resulting in the stolen items being located inside. 

The suspect identified as William Wyrick a 33-year-old male from the Owensville area was transported to the Franklin County Adult Detention Facility. 

Deputies applied for and received in custody warrants on charges of;

Burglary 1st degree                                          Class B Felony

Assault 1st degree                                          Class B Felony

Stealing Firearm                                              Class C Felony

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon   Class D Felony

Stealing Motor Vehicle                                    Class D Felony

Property Damage 1st                                       Class E Felony

with a total bond of $100,000 cash only.

Following 10 days of testimony and jury deliberations, a verdict of guilty with a recommended sentence of death was returned last week on the charge(s) of Murder in the 1^st degree, the defendant will be formally sentenced in June by the Honorable Judge Hellmann for the charge of murder and the additional charges of Assault 1^st,2 counts of Armed Criminal Action, 2 counts of Unlawful possession of a firearm, Resisting Arrest and Possession of Controlled Substance. The case stemmed from an incident that occurred on March 12,2023, resulting in the death of Herman Detective Sergeant Masson Griffith and the shooting of Herman Officer Adam Sullentrup.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office worked with the Honorable Judge Hellmann and staff, Circuit Clerk Connie Ward and staff on the change of venue case from Gasconade County. The trial was conducted in accordance with due process and the rule of law, allowing for the careful presentation and review of all evidence in the charges .

This case placed significant demands on our personnel and resources, I would like to formally recognize and thank the members of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office for their professionalism and dedication throughout this process, including those assigned to court security, jury sequestration, and the safe transportation of jurors to and from Greene County. Their efforts were essential to maintaining the integrity and security of the judicial proceedings. Our office had approximately 101 deputies and support staff assigned to the trial with over 2,500 hours invested in the planning and coordination of the trial.

This case has had a profound impact on the victim’s family, the defendant’s family, as well as the Franklin and Gasconade County communities. We also extend our appreciation to the jurors for their service and commitment.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office thanks all agencies, court personnel, and community members who cooperated and assisted throughout the trial. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all affected by this incident.

In closing, I would like to thank Judge Craig Hellmann, the Circuit Court and staff at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office for the professionalism they exhibited to ensure justice, this case underscores Franklin County’s commitment to justice for the victims of violent crime and the importance of holding individuals accountable for such heinous acts. The Sheriff’s Office wants to take thank the jurors for their careful deliberation and the court’s adherence to the rule of law through the proceedings.

The Missouri Department of Transportation is helping build future leaders by encouraging youth to explore careers at MoDOT. The department invites students across Missouri to apply for the 2026 Youth Transportation Conference (YTC) in Jefferson City. Each year, MoDOT sponsors this event to give students the opportunity to apply STEM concepts learned in school to real-world transportation challenges.

The conference will be held on July 6-10 on the campus of Lincoln University and is free to students in grades 9-12. Students finishing 8th grade this school year and graduating seniors are also eligible to apply. Applications are currently being accepted through April 24, and up to 40 students will be selected to participate.

The academic conference curriculum includes sessions on bridge building, bridge design, construction and materials, public administration and safety. Other activities include field trips, office/site tours and speakers from various divisions within MoDOT and related organizations. The conference also allows students to experience the numerous careers in transportation and engineering available at MoDOT, while making meaningful connections with department staff as they consider their future career path.

To apply, students must complete an application accompanied by one letter of recommendation. Interested students can find more information and download the application from the conference website: modot.org/modot-youth-transportation-conference-ytc.

Hunting seasons may be winding down, so it’s time to put away the ammo and break out the memory cards, or even film if that’s your preference.  As spring approaches, it becomes hunting season with a camera—and there are no restricted species or limits.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is holding a free Outdoor Photography program Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center in Defiance.  It will help photographers to learn how to sight in their lenses to create those Instagram-worthy shots.  The class is open to anyone age 14 years and up.

“Most hunting seasons are coming to a close, but it is very rewarding to get out and take photographs of the animals in their natural habitat,” said MDC Outdoor Education Manager Bryant Hertel.  “A great wildlife photo is a lasting trophy you can share with your friends, family, and on social media.”

Getting that great shot is about getting a great camera, and more about mastering the right skills and techniques.  This program will dive into the basics of outdoor photography and arm participants with the knowledge to improve their wildlife photos. It will cover equipment, techniques, and how to locate and hide to get the best possible photograph.  Improving field craft is the most effective way to land impressive shots.

Outdoor Photography is a free program; however advanced online registration is required at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/ow3.

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 Conservation (MDC), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation (MCHF) invite both new and experienced birders to join the 2026 Missouri Birding Challenge (MBC) May 1-22! Registration will be open April 1-30.

In preparation for the 2026 MBC, join MDC and USFWS bird experts for this special series of webinars on birding, key issues around birds, and bird conservation in Missouri:

• Birdwatching: Introduction and Benefits with USFWS Ornithologist Sarah Kendrick on Feb. 11 from 6-7 p.m. -- New to birding? No idea where to start? Wondering what all the fuss is about? No problem! Join Sarah to learn about the basics of birding, including how to get started, why birding is so beneficial to our health, why we need birds, why birds need us, and more. Register at mdc.mo.gov/o3P
• Birding for (and with) Kids with MDC Naturalist Austin Lambert on March 12 from 6-7 p.m. -- Birding has a reputation for being a “retirement hobby.” In reality, it’s one of the most kid-friendly, curiosity-fueling, low-cost outdoor activities out there. Children are naturally good birders! They are observant, energetic, and fascinated by small details adults often overlook. Join Austin for this child-friendly presentation that will break down what kids need to get started birding, lay the foundation for basic observation and bird identification skills, and discuss what parents can do to make the experience fun rather than frustrating. Register at mdc.mo.gov/o3M
• Missouri Birds and Habitats with MDC Ornithologist Kristen Heath-Acre on April 16 from 6-7 p.m. -- New to birding or need a refresher? Join Kristen for a primer on identification of Missouri’s common birds by sight and sound and their associated habitats. Whether new to birding or experienced, there are always tips and tricks to learn in the world of birds. Register at mdc.mo.gov/o3A

More About the 2026 Missouri Birding Challenge

MBC participants will compete alone or on teams in five categories based on age, birding location, or experience. Birders will use eBird (eBird.org) to record their lists of birds identified at public natural areas around the state, or even in their own backyards.

There is a fee of $15 per person, or $10 per team in the youth Fledgling category. Fees are collected by MBC partner MCHF and contribute to migratory bird conservation efforts and projects. Registration fees were reduced from last year based on participant feedback, and a new Big Day category will challenge registrants to record as many bird species as possible in the 24 hours of World Migratory Bird Day on May 9.

Once participants complete a category and submit their team’s mandatory eBird report, they will be entered into a drawing for fun, bird-related prizes such as binoculars and gift cards. The Missouri Birding Society (mobirds.org/) and Columbia Audubon Society (columbia-audubon.org) are prize sponsors of the MBC. 

Learn more about the 2026 MBC and register between April 1-30 at mdc.mo.gov/MObirdingchallenge.

Want more wild turkeys on your land? Habitat is key. Join the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) for a free Wild Webcast on Wild Turkey Habitat Help on Wednesday, Feb. 25, from noon to 1 p.m.

MDC Turkey Biologist Nick Oakley and MDC Private Land Conservationist Meagan Duffee-Yates will discuss creating and improving habitat for turkeys and other wildlife through the Turkey Habitat Initiative (THI)

A lack of brooding and nesting habitat is limiting the potential growth of Missouri turkey numbers. Adding or improving nesting and brooding habitat is the surest way to improve nest success and poult survival. 

THI aims to help landowners and land managers enhance and restore habitat for eastern wild turkeys in Missouri. With resources developed by the THI, land managers can better manage their land to give hens and poults the resources they need to thrive and, in doing so, produce more gobblers. Restoring and enhancing turkey habitat benefits not only turkeys but also other wildlife, landowners, and communities. Learn more during the webcast.

In addition to sharing information on turkey habitat help, they will also highlight changes to turkey-hunting regulations for the spring season and other updates.

REGISTER IN ADVANCE for the webcast at mdc.webex.com/weblink/register/r85b2cee23939751569f3438683b1fe4e. Then join the webcast live. Registrants will receive an email confirmation that includes information on how to join the webinar live. Be sure to check Junk and Spam folders.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds hunters that Missouri youth, archery, and firearms turkey hunters can apply online for 2026 spring turkey managed hunts during February at mdc.mo.gov/springturkeyhunts.

Managed hunt details and application procedures are outlined on the webpage. Drawing results will be posted starting March 15.

Spring turkey hunting opens with the spring youth portion April 11-12 followed by the regular spring turkey season from April 20 through May 10.

Detailed information on spring turkey hunting will be available in MDC's “2026 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information” booklet, available where permits are sold beginning in February. Learn more about turkey hunting in Missouri at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/turkey.

Ready to tap into the secret lives of woodpeckers?  How many species call Missouri home and how can you tell them apart?  What’s the secret behind their unusual behavior?  How do they survive during winter?

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will help bird fanciers discover the answers to these questions and more at Winter Woodpeckers, a free virtual program Wednesday, Feb. 4 from 1 – 2:30 p.m.  This online event is free and open to all ages.

Join MDC naturalists as they take a deep dive into woodpeckers, members of the family Picidae and some of Missouri’s most recognizable and charismatic birds.  Participants will explore each of the seven native species of woodpeckers found in the Show-Me-State and how to identify them by sight and sound.  

Each species of woodpecker, the downy, hairy, pileated, red-headed, red-bellied, yellow-bellied sapsucker, and the northern flicker, stays with us all winter.  And each one has their own special and fascinating story to tell.  Afterwards, attendees will have an interactive Q&A session with the naturalists.

Winter Woodpeckers is a free virtual program; however, each participant must register in advance online at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/oUz and provide a valid e-mail address to receive an online meeting link.   Log in instructions will be provided by email beforehand.  This online program will be held via Webex.

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.

Missouri leaders today announced data showing that traffic fatalities declined in 2025 for the third year in a row, marking a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing effort to improve roadway safety.

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe joined the Missouri Department of Transportation, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and other safety partners in making the announcement, which also served as a call for continued action to save lives on Missouri roadways.

Preliminary figures show there were 911 fatalities on Missouri roadways in 2025, down from 955 the previous year – a 5% decrease. Compared to three years ago, Missouri has achieved a 14% reduction in roadway deaths. This marks the first time the state has seen a three-year decline since 2019.

“While this is encouraging progress, losing more than 900 people on our roadways in one year is still far too many,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “Every person, every life lost, is a family forever changed. We’re asking all Missourians to commit to making 2026 the fourth year in a row of declining roadway fatalities. Buckle up, put the phone down, and slow down in work zones. These simple actions will save lives.”

MoDOT Director Ed Hassinger called for Missourians to continue to speak up about the need to practice safe habits on Missouri roadways.

“There were times last year when our roadway fatality numbers were trending in the wrong direction, we weren’t seeing the kind of progress we need,” Hassinger said. “But thanks to the hard work of our partners and Missouri drivers who are making safer choices, we were able to turn things around. That kind of change doesn’t happen by chance – it happens because speaking up about safety works. Every driver can make a difference by choosing to drive responsibly and encouraging others to do the same. Our ultimate goal is zero fatalities, and it’s going to take all of us to get there.”

The announcement comes as MoDOT and its partners launch an updated Show-Me Zero plan, a statewide roadmap for reducing traffic fatalities through education, enforcement, engineering and emergency response. Jon Nelson, MoDOT’s State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer, introduced the updated plan and encouraged everyone to get involved in making Missouri’s roadways safer.

“While 2025 continued a positive trend in Missouri, we can’t stop now,” Nelson said. “To keep moving forward, we need every community, every school, every business, and every family to join us in following the strategies in our updated Show-Me Zero plan. Together, we can push Missouri closer to our goal of zero roadway deaths.”

For more information on Missouri’s roadway safety efforts and the Show-Me Zero plan, visit www.savemolives.com.

For more information, call MoDOT at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org. To receive the latest statewide news and text alerts, signup for e-updates.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) thanks Missourians for staying off the roads during this weekend’s winter storm. It’s estimated that traffic volumes were 75–80% lower than normal throughout the state over the weekend. That cooperation allowed crews to respond more quickly and safely, contributing to significantly fewer serious incidents.

“We’re grateful to everyone who did their part by staying home and giving our crews room to work,” said MoDOT Director Ed Hassinger. “Our teams have been out continuously in extremely cold conditions, and their efforts – combined with the public’s cooperation – helped keep this storm’s impacts from being far worse. People staying off the roads was probably the single most important thing that allowed us to make the progress we’ve made so far. As we head through these next few days, please continue to plan ahead, slow down and consider delaying travel if you can.”

All of Missouri received measurable snow that has affected roads. The storm also ushered in dangerously cold air. With temperatures this low, some snow and ice will stay on surfaces throughout the week, especially on less-traveled routes.

As of Monday morning, MoDOT crews had already traveled more than 1 million miles in response, working around the clock to clear highways. Despite the storm’s severity, Missouri recorded just one weather-related traffic fatality statewide – well below average for a storm of this magnitude, and notably below the average for a typical weekend in Missouri.

Over the next few days, MoDOT will continue working around the clock. Major routes should continue progressing toward mostly clear conditions, but many secondary roads may remain covered. If you must travel, plan your commute, leave early, and drive for conditions – take it slow and brake, steer and accelerate gently. Check local road conditions before heading out at traveler.modot.org. Carry extra fuel and pack essentials – blankets, warm clothes, water, snacks and a phone charger. If you slide off the road or are involved in a crash, remain inside your vehicle with your seat belt fastened until help arrives. And remember: give snowplows and emergency vehicles plenty of room – do not tailgate or attempt to pass.

For more information, call MoDOT at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org. To receive the latest statewide news and text alerts, signup for e-updates.