Obey the Sign or Pay the Fine!

Missouri law enforcement officials have announced they will conduct a speed enforcement blitz throughout the state from July 21-July 23, 2017. "Obey the Sign or Pay the Fine" is an intensified effort to crack down on speeding. Similar crackdown efforts are occurring across the region in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Up and down the highways and roadways of these states in the country's midsection, officers will be ticketing anyone exceeding the speed limit. 

 "Speeding translates to death on our roadways. It greatly reduces a driver's ability to steer safely around another vehicle, a hazardous object - or an unexpected curve. Speeding drivers put themselves, their passengers and other drivers at tremendous risk. All drivers need to be on alert - the posted speed limit is the law. When it comes to speeding, no more warnings and no more excuses - Obey the Sign or Pay the Fine," said Susan DeCourcy, Regional Administrator NHTSA Region 7. 

National and Statewide speeding deaths

In 2015, speeding was a contributing factor in 27 percent of all fatal crashes in the U.S. and more than 9,500 lives were lost in such crashes, according to the latest data available from the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 

In Missouri during 2015, there were 869 total traffic fatalities with 310 of them (36 percent) speeding related. 

"During the "Obey the Sign or Pay the Fine" blitz in Missouri, officers will intensify enforcement of posted speed limits in Missouri. We'll stop and ticket anyone caught speeding - especially on Interstates 70, 44, 55, 35, where most of our speed-related crashes occur," said Colonel Sandra Karsten of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Dorena, Missouri - The Dorena-Hickman Ferry is closed due to a mechanical issue according to officials with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

Repairs will be made Sunday, July 16 when a mechanic arrives. The ferry will be closed for the remainder Saturday, July 15 and will likely be closed part of the day Sunday. 

For more info on the Dorena-Hickman Ferry and a schedule of operating hours go to http://www.dorena-hickmanferryboat.com/.

The Dorena-Hickman Ferry connects KY 1354 at Hickman, Kentucky, with Missouri Route A and Route 77 near Dorena, Missouri.

Dexter, Missouri -  Do you like Transformers?  Well you can meet Bumblebee and other Transformers in Dexter on Sunday from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Transformers are coming to Walmart Supercenters in Dexter, Sikeston, and Poplar Bluff.

Walmart and Hasbro have teamed up to launch a retail tour that will include 870 Walmart Supercenters across the United States.

Bumblebee and other Transformers will be at the stores in support of the new movie, Transformers 5: The Last Knight.

Autobots and Decepticons can be found at the following locations on Sunday, July 16:

1303 S Main St., Sikeston, Mo 63801 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

333 S Westwood Blvd., Poplar Bluff, Mo 63901 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

2025 W Business U.S. 60, Dexter, Mo 63841 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

There will be a meet and greet and photo opportunity offered as well as new merchandise.