Fishing can become a lasting passion and enable a person to develop a lifelong connection to nature.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants to help families and kids learn how to fish through its Discover Nature Fishing (DNF) program.  DNF consists of four progressive lessons that move newcomers through all the basics of the sport and gives them the knowledge and confidence to go fishing on their own. 

MDC will offer the first lesson of the DNF sequence Saturday, May 4 from 9 - 11 a.m. at Shaw Nature Reserve. To register, visit http://short.mdc.mo.gov/46x. 

Lesson 1 covers equipment, casting, and proper fish handling.  Participants will learn how to cast a spincast reel and rod properly and safely, the key parts of a fishing rod, how to fasten basic fishing tackle and how to properly handle and release a fish.

All DNF lessons combine instruction with hands-on fishing practice to teach young anglers and families basic fishing techniques and skills.  The main focus of the program is kids 8-15 years of age, but it also emphasizes family involvement and encourages parents, guardians, and youths, 16 and over, to participate as well. 

All children 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.  Adults new to fishing have the opportunity to learn the basics right alongside their children.  However, DNF is not intended as an adult-only program. 

The class is free, and all fishing equipment is provided.  Participants 16 to 64 years of age do not need a fishing permit to fish during this program.

MDC’s DNF classes 2-4 will be offered at various times.  Those lesson topics include:

• How to Tie a Knot and Bait a Hook
• Five Common Missouri Fish - Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle
• Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations

Each person who completes all four classes in the same DNF season will receive a free rod and reel combo, tackle box, landing net, or tackle box kit.

Shaw Nature Reserve is located in Gray Summit at 307 Pinetum Loop Road, on the south side of I-44 off exit #253.

To find out more about the program and links to register for other DNF classes online, visit  http://short.mdc.mo.gov/Zty.     

Brood XIX, which is a group of cicadas that emerge once every 13 years, is in the headlines across Missouri and throughout the Midwest now. In addition to these periodic cicadas, there are annual cicadas that emerge every summer.

People can learn more about these fascinating insects and their unique lifestyles at the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) virtual program “Insects: Year of the Cicada.” This online program will be from 3-4 p.m. on May 3 and is being put on by the staff of MDC’s Springfield Conservation Nature Center. This program will not be recorded. People can register at

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/200123

At this program, MDC naturalist Morgan Wyatt and Jordanya Raos will discuss the different species of cicadas found in Missouri and will have information about emergence of Brood XIX, the 13-year periodical cicadas that will be emerging across parts of Missouri in May. Annual cicadas are the buzzing insects that appear annually in late summer. There are differences between these two types of cicadas, but these insects also share a number of similar traits. This program is for all ages.

Though this program is free, registration is required. 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.

MDC’s Springfield Conservation Nature Center is located in southeast Springfield at 4601 S. Nature Center Way. People can stay informed about upcoming programs at the nature center by signing up for text alerts and e-mail bulletins. People who have questions about how to sign up for text alerts from the Springfield Nature Center can call 417-888-4237.

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

• Glaser Road will be closed Tuesday, April 30, 2024, from 8am to 3pm to crosspipe installation. The closure will be 2.1 miles east of State Highway 185 (.9 mile west of State South Service Road). The road will be closed to all traffic, including emergency vehicles.

• Glaser Road will be closed Wednesday, May 1, 2024, from 8am to 3pm for crosspipe installation. The closure will be 2.2 miles east of State Highway 185 (.8 mile west of State South Service Road). The road will be closed to all traffic, including emergency vehicles.

• Glaser Road will be closed Thursday, May 2, 2024, from 8am to 3pm for crosspipe installation. The closure will be 3.1 miles east of State Highway 185 (100 feet west of State South Service Road). The road will be closed to all traffic, including emergency vehicles.

If you have any questions, please call the Franklin County Highway Department at 636-583-6361.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering Hunter Education (HED) Skills Sessions in the St. Louis Region, which will give new hunters the chance to get HED certified before the fall rush.   

The HED Skills Sessions will be held at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center in Kirkwood and the August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center in Defiance.  These will enable students who have finished the online or self-study guide knowledge portion of the program to complete their certification for fall hunting seasons.

Hunter Education (HED) certification is required for all hunters born on or after January 1, 1967, and who are 16 years of age or older.  There is an 11-year-old age minimum requirement to take the Missouri HED Class.  The HED program can serve as a refresher for seasoned hunters as well. 

Hunter Education Skills Sessions with openings still available are listed by county below, including links to pre-register:

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center

Wednesday, May 15 from 6-9 p.m.: http://short.mdc.mo.gov/46Y

Wednesday, June 12 from 6 – 9 p.m.: http://short.mdc.mo.gov/46M

August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center

Monday, May 6 from 5 – 8 p.m.: http://short.mdc.mo.gov/46f

Missouri’s HED offers two components.  The knowledge portion can be completed by taking an online/mobile course, using a self-study guide available at MDC offices, or in a traditional in-person classroom setting.  The hands-on skills session enables students to demonstrate their understanding of the concepts taught in the knowledge portion.

Those age 11-15 must complete either the self-study guide, online, or classroom portion, and attend a skills session.  Anyone 16 and older may complete the book or classroom portion and attend the free skills session or complete the class exclusively online for a fee which is paid to the online vendor. 

Participants should bring their skills session qualifier certificate or a student manual with the review questions completed. Students 15 and under must also bring a copy of their birth certificate or other proof of age. The final exam will be administered at the end of the skills session.  Please arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before the beginning of the class to complete registration; late arrivals will not be admitted.

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is located at 11715 Cragwold Road in Kirkwood, near the intersection of I-44 and I-270.  The August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center is located at 3550 Route D, approximately five miles west of Highway 94 in Defiance. 

Hunter education has reduced hunting accidents and deaths by more than 70 percent since it became mandatory in 1987.

Prescribed fire is a valuable tool that can help land managers achieve their goals and benefit native plants and wildlife at the same time. 

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering prescribed burn certification training Friday, May 10 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center in Kirkwood.  This training is for those interested in learning how to properly utilize prescribed fire.  It is also open for anyone who may want to learn more about prescribed fire in general.

Prescribed burning can be a valuable tool for managing native plant diversity and controlling undesirable vegetation, but it can be dangerous and ineffective when not used properly. This workshop will provide basic information about how to plan and execute a prescribed burn for grassland and forestland management.  Participants will learn about burn equipment, burn line prep, safe weather parameters, ignition operations, and other techniques to safely conduct a prescribed fire.  There will not be a live burn demonstration at the event, however. 

The Missouri Prescribed Burn Certification training consists of two parts:  The first is an online training which can be taken at the participant’s own pace but must be completed before attending the in-person training at Powder Valley on May 10^th if seeking certification.  Participants can access the online training at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/46p.  There is a $25 charge to a third-party host for the online portion and it usually takes between 2-4 hours to complete

To sign up for the in-person portion at the nature center, go to http://short.mdc.mo.gov/46G.

This course meets the new requirements for Missouri House Bill 369 which went into effect in 2021. The class is not required for those utilizing contractors to conduct prescribed fires, but it is required for those who plan to get cost share in the future and carry out the burn themselves.

Powder Valley Nature Center is located at 11715 Cragwold Road in Kirkwood, near the intersection of I-270 and I-44.

To learn more about prescribed fire, go to https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Zrf.

In a unanimous 150-0 decision, the Missouri House has passed HB 2797, a bill that underscores the state's commitment to honoring its local heroes by designating various highways and bridges after them. The bill, sponsored by State Representative Cyndi Buchheit-Courtway, received overwhelming bipartisan support and aims to pay tribute to the remarkable contributions and sacrifices made by individuals who have served their communities and country with valor and distinction.

HB 2797, aptly titled the "Memorial Highways and Bridges Act," encompasses a wide array of designations across the state, recognizing the selflessness and dedication of law enforcement officers, military personnel, and other community leaders.

Representative Buchheit-Courtway filed the legislation to honor fallen Police Officer Lane Burns, who was fatally shot while responding to a disturbance at a motel. Despite being wounded, Officer Burns and his partner returned fire, killing the assailant. Officer Burns, survived by his children and fiancée, served with the Bonne Terre Police Department for five years.

Notably, the bill designates highways and bridges in memory of esteemed individuals such as Dr. Dan Brown, Police Chief Mason Griffith, Sheriff John Harlow, Sheriff Roy Patterson, and many others, spanning various counties including Phelps, Gasconade, Barton, Jasper, and more.

Among the highlights of HB 2797 are:

• Designation of the "Dr. Dan Brown Memorial Highway" in Phelps County
• Designation of the "Police Chief Mason Griffith Memorial Highway" in Gasconade County
• Designation of the "Sheriff John Harlow Memorial Highway" in Barton County
• Designation of the "Constable W Earl Gowdy Memorial Highway" in the city of Liberal in Barton County
• Designation of the "Sheriff Charles LaRew Memorial Highway" in Cedar County
• Designation of the "Patrolman E.O. Bray Memorial Bridge" in the City of Carthage in Jasper County
• Designation of the "POW/MIA SSG Paul Hasenbeck Memorial Highway" in Osage County
• And many more deserving recognitions (full list available in the bill).

Furthermore, HB 2797 not only acknowledges the sacrifices of public servants and military personnel but also celebrates the legacies of families and individuals who have left an indelible mark on their communities. This includes the designation of the "Dillard Family Highway" in Dent County and the "Cotton Fitzsimmons Memorial Highway" in Pike County, among others.

The Department of Transportation will oversee the installation and maintenance of appropriate signage for these designated highways and bridges. While the costs for signage on some memorials will be covered by the Department of Transportation, others will be funded through private donations, exemplifying the community's involvement and support for these meaningful tributes.

“In passing this legislation, we are showing our enduring gratitude and respect for those who have served and sacrificed for the betterment of their communities and the nation,” Buchheit-Courtway, R-Festus, said. “By immortalizing their names on the roads and bridges they once traversed, we ensure that their memories and contributions will continue to inspire generations to come.”

“So many Missourians have dedicated their lives to serving others, and in passing HB 2797, we pay homage to the bravery and contributions of Missourians past and present." House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres, said.

With its passage in the Missouri House, HB 2797 now advances to the Senate for further consideration.

A Missouri Lottery player in Franklin County won a $777,777 top prize on a “Triple Red 777” Scratchers ticket he purchased at Murphy USA, 1645 A Roy Drive, in Washington.

The prize was claimed at the Missouri Lottery’s St. Louis regional office.

In FY23, players in Franklin County won more than $31.4 million in Missouri Lottery prizes. Retailers received over $2.1 million in commissions and bonuses while more than $5.7 million went to educational programs in the county.

A new podcast by East Central College, “ECC Insiders”, will take a deeper look at the opportunities and trends at East Central College, community colleges and higher education in general. The podcast is co-hosted by Leigh Kolb, Associate Professor of English and Joel Doepker, Vice President of External Relations.

Many of the topics will apply to listeners outside the region, to provide a better and deeper understanding about the positive impact and challenges facing community colleges and higher education.

"ECC Insiders aims to provide our community and beyond with information and conversations surrounding East Central College, its role in the community, and higher education's role in our society," said Kolb. 

Episodes will feature interviews with college employees, students, alumni, business and community leaders.

“There is no time limit for an episode, which gives us the opportunity to conduct in depth interviews that provide a deeper and better understanding of the topic being discussed,” Doepker added.

A new episode will be available every month. It is available on multiple podcast platforms, including Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Spotify and is also featured at www.eastcentral.edu/podcast/.

Listener comments and topic suggestions can be sent to ECCInsiders@eastcentral.edu.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer 400 permits for the taking of a maximum of 40 black bears during the 2024 Missouri black-bear hunting season this fall, Oct 21-30.

MDC will also offer five permits to hunt bull elk in Missouri this fall with at least one permit designated for qualifying landowners that own property in Carter, Reynolds, or Shannon counties and the remaining permits for qualifying Missouri residents. MDC has designated the elk archery portion to run Oct. 19-27 and the elk firearms portion to run Dec. 14-22. The five permits will be for bull elk with at least one antler being six inches or greater in length and will be valid for both archery and firearms portions.

Only Missouri residents who will be at least 11 years of age by the first day of the hunt for which they are applying are eligible to apply for bear and elk permits during the application period of May 1-31. All permits will be assigned through a random drawing.

The Missouri Conservation Commission gave final approval to the bear and elk season recommendations from MDC during its April 5 open meeting in Rolla.

BLACK BEAR HUNTING

MDC has established three Bear Management Zones (BMZ) in southern Missouri and will issue annual permit numbers and harvest quotas for each of the three BMZs. Each permit will be for a specific BMZ and may be used on public or private property within the BMZ. Once the specific harvest quotas are filled for each BMZ, the season for that BMZ will be closed.

There is a fee of $10 per applicant. Applicants must select one of three BMZs. Those selected will then be eligible to buy a BMZ-specific permit at a cost of $25.

Permit and harvest quotas for the Oct. 21-30 bear season will be:

• BMZ 1: Permit quota of 200 issued with a harvest quota of 20 bears.
• BMZ 2: Permit quota of 150 issued with a harvest quota of 15 bears.
• BMZ 3: Permit quota of 50 issued with a harvest quota of 5 bears.

Hunting hours will be a half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sunset. Hunters must call MDC prior to hunting each day to determine the closure status of the BMZ for which they are permitted. Hunters will be allowed to use both archery and firearms methods with allowable methods being the same as those for deer and elk, except the use of an atlatl. Baiting and the use of dogs will not be allowed.

The harvest limit will be one bear per permit. Only lone black bears may be taken. Hunters may not take bears that are known to be in the presence of others bears, including female black bears with cubs. Bears may not be disturbed, pushed, harassed, or taken from a den.

Learn more about black bears and bear hunting in Missouri at mdc.mo.gov/bearhunting.

Apply for the bear-permit random drawing May 1 - 31 online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, through MDC's free MO Hunting app, through a permit vendor, or by calling 1-800-392-4115. Results of the bear-permit random drawing will be available online by July 1.

Missouri hunters harvested 12 black bears during the 2023 bear-hunting season.

ELK HUNTING

MDC will require a $10 application fee for elk-permit applicants. Those selected will then be eligible to buy a permit at a cost of $50. All elk-hunting permits, including those allocated to qualifying area landowners, can be used in Carter, Reynolds, and Shannon counties, except the refuge portion of Peck Ranch Conservation Area.

The archery portion will run Oct. 19-27 and the firearms portion will run Dec. 14-22. The allowed hunting methods for each elk season portion will be the same as for deer hunting. The permits will allow for the harvest of one bull elk with at least one antler being six inches or greater in length. For more information on elk and elk hunting in Missouri, visit mdc.mo.gov/elkhunting.

Apply for the elk-permit random drawing May 1-31 online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, through MDC's free MO Hunting app, through a permit vendor, or by calling 1-800-392-4115. Results of the elk-permit random drawing will be available online by July 1.

Missouri hunters harvested one bull elk during the 2023 archery portion and two during the 2023 firearms portion.

Attention scouts of all stripes.  The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites you to MDC’s Annual St. Louis Regional Spring Scouting Event and Family Fun Day on Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center in Kirkwood.  This is an event for all nature lovers too.

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America, and American Heritage Girls are all welcome.  But the event is also open to any families interested in discovering and learning more about nature and the outdoors.  Affiliation with a scouting program is not required to attend.

This Scouting event is free and will offer Scouts and their families the opportunities to test their outdoor skills, work toward several conservation-related merit badges and explore the diversity of career opportunities with MDC.  Found throughout the grounds at the nature center, activity stations will help Scouts and their families appreciate nature and acquire valuable skills they can use in the future.

Activities will include: 

• Fire building
• Outdoor cooking
• Knot tying
• Compass and orienteering
• Crafts
• And more

Activity stations will be both indoors and outdoors. Participants should bring a refillable water bottle, dress for the weather, and wear sturdy shoes.

Scout leaders should note that MDC will offer activities that may be applied towards merit badges, but the department is not authorized to sign off on badges. It’s recommended that participants working toward badges bring their own counselors to certify them. 

Scouts and outdoors lovers can learn vital outdoor skills, connect with nature, and flex creative muscles at this fun event.  Powder Valley Nature Center is an educational nature oasis in the middle of Kirkwood. It is nestled within 112 acres of oak hickory forest in a quiet corner of a busy urban world. The area has three trails, all of them paved, and one that offers interpretive signage and is disabled accessible.

St. Louis Spring Regional Scouting Event and Family Fun Day is a free event, but registration is required at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/46c.  Please individually register everyone who will be attending.

Powder Valley Nature Center is located at 11715 Cragwold Road in Kirkwood, near the intersection of I-270 and I-44.

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 Conservation Commission has selected Jason Sumners as the next director of the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), effective June 1, 2024. Sumners currently serves as the deputy director of resource management for MDC and will succeed Sara Parker Pauley, who will retire this spring after 30 years of public service, as director.

“The Commission did a national search for the director position because we knew we had tough shoes to fill with Sara leaving,” said Missouri Conservation Commission Chair Steven Harrison. “Jason is uniquely poised for this director role with his background, experience, and national connections in conservation. We are looking forward to a smooth transition with Jason at the helm with high expectations with him as the next director.”

“I am excited and humbled by this opportunity the Commission has entrusted me with and the conservation team I get to work with across the state and country,” Sumners said. “The Missouri outdoors have defined my personal and professional life, so getting to serve in this capacity and continue to tackle the ever-evolving challenges in conservation is an exciting endeavor.”

MDC protects and manages the fish, forest, and wildlife resources of the state, and provides opportunities for citizens to use, enjoy, and learn about these resources. Sumners will become the tenth director in the Conservation Department’s 87-year history.

"We congratulate Jason on being named the new MDC Director and thank the Conservation Commission for its thoughtful and thorough search to replace Director Pauley," said Governor Mike Parson. "While we'll miss Sara's leadership, we look forward to Jason using his unique qualifications to build upon Missouri's rich history of fish, forest, and wildlife preservation. MDC is one of the best departments in the nation, and we thank Jason for his commitment to continuing that legacy as a member of our cabinet."

“Jason brings a wealth of leadership experience in conservation, both at the state and national level, as well as a diverse background in wildlife management,” said Pauley. “I’m confident he will continue that exceptional leadership he has exemplified during his career at MDC as he becomes your next director, including working collaboratively with partners and the public to carry out the conservation mission.”

As deputy director of resource management, Sumners had responsibility and oversight for the resource management efforts of the agency, including statewide resource management, regional resource management, and protection. He also led the regulations committee. Prior to his deputy director role, Sumners served as Science Branch chief, leading a team of more than 80 scientists that specialize in fish, forest, and wildlife research and management. He began his career at MDC in 2008 as a private lands deer biologist and later became the head of the state’s deer management program.

During Sumners’ tenure at MDC, he has been instrumental in developing the agency’s strategic and operational direction, served as chief of the Wildlife Division, led the state’s white-tailed deer management program, took part in Missouri’s elk reintroduction efforts, developed a private lands deer management program, and led the Department’s effort to develop and implement a chronic wasting disease (CWD) management and surveillance strategy. Jason also worked at the national level on the Relevancy Roadmap for state fish and wildlife agencies to enhance conservation efforts through broader engagement.

Jason received a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife from the University of Missouri and a Master of Science in Biology from Mississippi State University. He is a National Conservation Leadership Institute fellow, professional member of the Boone and Crockett Club, active with many non-government organization partners, represents MDC on numerous regional and national committees, and has been recognized by the Conservation Federation of Missouri and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for his leadership in science-based approaches to wildlife conservation. He has published popular and scientific articles on wildlife, natural resources management, and conservation relevancy.

Sumners grew up in the small town of Lincoln, Mo., where his love for the outdoors began. His interests include hunting, fishing, and camping. He and his family live in Hartsburg, Mo.

Eric Eoloff, President of Mercy Washington, will deliver the commencement address at East Central College's graduation ceremony on May 11. Since 2016, Eoloff has served in his role at Mercy Washington, the largest employer in Franklin County, overseeing the operations of Mercy's clinics and hospital in the Four Rivers area.

ECC’s Commencement ceremony will be inside the College gym in the Donald D. Shook Student Center on the Union campus, starting at noon. Attendees are urged to be in the gym by noon. There will be no entry once the processional begins.

In anticipation of the ceremony, Eoloff expressed his appreciation for ECC and its role in nurturing professionals across various career paths.

He emphasized the college's focus on practical training and partnerships with local facilities, which not only prepare students for success but also contribute to the overall health consciousness of the community.

"I greatly appreciate East Central College in our community for its commitment to nurturing talent," Eoloff said. "The college's emphasis on practical training and partnerships ensures a pipeline of skilled professionals and fosters a sense of community health consciousness that aligns seamlessly with our hospital's mission."

Furthermore, Eoloff highlighted Mercy's longstanding partnership with ECC, facilitating the delivery of healthcare services in Franklin County and neighboring areas. He expressed eagerness to recruit ECC graduates, citing their readiness and often, prior experience in clinical settings.

"Mercy enjoys our longstanding partnership with ECC. It allows more services to be delivered locally here in greater Franklin County and neighboring counties. We are eager to hire ECC graduates because they come to us well-prepared and, quite often, already experienced in our settings."

Background on Eoloff

Before assuming his current position, Eoloff held various leadership positions within Mercy, including Chief Operating Officer of Mercy Hospital St. Louis and President of Mercy Laboratories. His extensive tenure at Mercy, a healthcare system spanning 45 acute care hospitals and over 1,000 physician practices across multiple states, reflects his commitment to advancing excellence.

He holds a master's degree in healthcare administration from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. Eoloff is dedicated to fostering talent in the field and serves as a distinguished leader.

Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, Eric and his wife, Gina, have six children and three grandchildren.

For more information about the commencement ceremony and East Central College, visit www.eastcentral.edu.

On April 16th, 2024, at approximately 9:50pm, Franklin County Deputies responded to a residence in the 800 block of Sparrow Lane for a report of an assault in progress.  Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the victim who stated the suspect identified as Leslie Rector a 29 year of age male from the Villa Ridge area had assaulted him. The victim told deputies he was on his front porch and was approached by Rector. He advised, Rector began asking about the location of his girlfriend and after being told his girlfriend was not in the home, Rector began assaulting him. After the assault, Rector walked away from the residence.

Upon deputies arriving in the area and speaking with the victim they observed Rector walking in the roadway.  Upon attempting to speak with Rector it was clear he was in an intoxicated state.   Deputies attempted to detain Rector and he began physically resisting arrest. He was ultimately taken into custody and transported to the Franklin County Detention Facility for outstanding warrants of Felony Driving While Intoxicated. 

On April 17th, at approximately 1:30am, Pacific Police Department contacted Franklin County 911 regarding a female they were out with at the Pilot gas station. The female victim had extensive and serious injuries to her face and head, and it was obvious she had been the victim of a brutal assault. Upon deputies arriving, they were able to establish a rapport with the victim and learned the suspect in this incident was Leslie Rector and the victim was his significant other. She was transported to a Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of her injuries.  The victim provided information to deputies that she was assaulted by Rector and left the vehicle, ultimately walking to the gas station where she was located by law enforcement. 

Deputies responded to a residence in the 400 block of Northridge which is shared by Rector and the victim. Upon arriving at the residence, they located a blue/gray van in the driveway. While looking into the van via an open window, deputies observed numerous areas with blood splatter.  The victims’ dog was located on the passenger side floorboard of the van deceased from a gunshot.   A handgun magazine was located on the ground outside the driver’s side door as well as a pistol on the driver’s side floorboard. Bullet holes were also observed in the interior of the vehicle.  The van was seized as evidence and a search warrant was obtained for a thorough search of the vehicle. 

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office Detective Bureau was contacted to assist in the investigation.  After processing the vehicle for evidence and conducting further interviews with both the victim and Rector the detectives presented in custody charges to the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review. 

In the afternoon of April 17th, the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued a NO BOND warrant on charges of Domestic Assault 1st degree (Serious Physical Injuries), Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, and Animal Abuse 1st degree against Rector. 

Missouri's smoothed seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady in March 2024 at 3.3 percent. The March 2024 rate was half of a percentage point higher than the March 2023 rate. The estimated number of unemployed Missourians was 103,681 in March 2024, up by 718 from the revised February total of 102,963. In addition, the estimated number of employed Missourians also increased in March, growing by 2,639 to reach a total of 3,000,264.

The state's not-seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate decreased in March 2024 by three-tenths of a percentage point to 3.7 percent from the February 2024 not-seasonally-adjusted rate of 4 percent. A year ago, the not-seasonally-adjusted rate was 3.2 percent. The corresponding not-seasonally-adjusted national rate for March 2024 was 3.9 percent.

Missouri's labor force participation rate was 63.1 percent in March 2024, four-tenths of a percentage point higher than the national rate of 62.7 percent. Missouri's employment-population ratio was 61 percent in March 2024, seven-tenths of a percentage point higher than the national rate of 60.3 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate was 3.3 percent in March 2024, half of a percentage point lower than the national rate of 3.8 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate has been at or below the national rate for more than eight years.

Frying isn’t the only method people can use to get caught fish onto the dinner table.

People who would like to learn more about various ways to prepare fish they’ve caught at area lakes and streams should register for the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) program “Pond to Plate, Fish Cooking: Other Methods,” a free virtual event from 2:30-3 p.m. on April 25. This online program is being put on by the staff of MDC’s Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center in Joplin. MDC Education Administrative Specialist Tim Smith will discuss smoking, canning, pickling, salting and other ways to prepare the sportfish that can be caught in Missouri. People can register for this program at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/197914

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.

People can stay informed about upcoming programs at MDC’s Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center and other MDC facilities by signing up for text alerts and e-mail bulletins. People who have questions about how to sign up for text alerts from the Shoal Creek Center can call 417-629-3434.

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.