Jefferson City, Missouri - Missourians may see their first widespread winter event this weekend, as accumulating snow and ice are forecast for much of the state this afternoon and into Monday.

The Missouri Department of Transportation is carefully monitoring weather forecasts and preparing to plow and treat state routes as needed. Travelers should also take their own precautions, or stay off the roads if possible.

Remember that even light precipitation can cause roads to become slick with ice or snow. While MoDOT works hard to treat and plow Missouri highways when winter weather hits, it's important to allow extra time for travel and to check road conditions before you head out. Remember the following tips when driving in inclement weather:

•         Slow down.

•         Steer and brake gently.

•         Accelerate slowly at intersections.

•         Allow extra space between your vehicle and the one ahead of you.

•         Stay back 100 feet from snow plows that may be spreading salt. Avoid passing snow plows, even when on a multi-lane road.

•         Be aware that bridges and overpasses generally experience freezing conditions first.

One of the best ways to prepare for winter travel is to check road conditions before you go. MoDOT's Traveler Information Map, at http://www.modot.org/, provides current road conditions for Missouri's interstates and major highways. Conditions for these routes are color coded to give you the information you need at a glance.

For smartphone and tablet users, the Traveler Information App brings the same information to mobile devices. The app is available for free from the iPhone and Android app stores by searching for "MoDOT."

MoDOT also provides road conditions information through our Customer Service Center. Dial 888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636) to speak to one of our expert customer service representatives. They are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Poplar Bluff, Missouri - On Wednesday, Feb. 4, in E.T. Peters Gym, Ozark Federal Credit Union hosted a Reality Fair, its third budget-planning event involving Poplar Bluff Schools, with the participation of 280 high school seniors along with 38 local businesses and organizations.
 
Students each received a unique packet stating their occupation, salary, debt history, marital status and whether or not they had children. Then they were assigned to visit with real industry professionals to purchase necessities such as a mock house, transportation, furniture, clothing and food. The object was to attempt to keep within budget in a workbook.
 
Sponsored by the Missouri Credit Union Association in partnership with the Missouri Council for Economic Education, the Ozark Federal Credit Union Reality Fair has become the largest in the state, according to Davine Conover, business development specialist. The Ozark FCU is a certified community development financial institution under the U.S. Department of Treasury, teaching financial literacy in a six-county region, including Butler.
 
Shown in the photo: Jamie Hobbs, a PBHS senior, visits the ‘fun stuff’ table manned by Sgt. Clark Parrott of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, to select from entertainment activities including sports equipment, hobby supplies, movies, concert tickets and vacation packages.
 
Submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Coordinator, Poplar Bluff R-1 School District.

Cape Girardeau, Missouri - The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) presents an Effective Wingshooting workshop March 14 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Duck Creek Conservation Area. This course is designed for upland bird, waterfowl and turkey hunters and is an advanced shotgunning education program designed to evaluate wingshooters and identify problem areas.

“One of the complaints from hunters is that their shooting skills are inconsistent but they can’t determine the cause,” said DeeDee Dockins, MDC Outdoor Skills Specialist.

After evaluating shooting skills, modifications will be applied to existing shooting techniques to improve participants’ wingshooting skills.

“Corrections to existing shooting techniques, gun fit, and gun mount can make huge improvements resulting in more consistent performance in the field,” Dockins said. “Taking fewer marginal shoots, spending less money on equipment and ammunition, and most importantly reducing the wounding loss of the resource are paramount to being an ethical and successful hunter.”

Distance estimation, equipment and ammunition selection will also be topics covered in the course. In addition to boosting wingshooting performance and conservation results, this training can help save money on expenses with fewer wasted shells, she said.

Registered attenders should bring their hunting shotgun, choke tubes, nontoxic shotgun ammunition to pattern, eye and ear protection, a stool or chair, a sack lunch and drink. Clay targets, 12 and 20 gauge non-toxic practice ammunition will be provided.

Dockins said the course is free, but registration is required since space is limited. The MDC’s Southeast Regional Office is taking registrations at (573) 290-5730. For information on other conservation related events in southeast Missouri, go online to mdc.mo.gov/capenaturecenter.

Missouri - This spring, the Missouri Department of Transportation will see a change in leadership when MoDOT Director Dave Nichols retires on May 1.

Nichols announced his plans for retirement on Feb. 5, and the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission will now begin the process to replace him.

"The commission is grateful for Dave's long career of dedicated, results-oriented service to MoDOT," said Commission Chair Stephen Miller. "He exemplifies exactly what it means to be a public servant, having spent the last 30 years of his life doing great work for the citizens of Missouri."

Throughout his career, Nichols watched the department evolve into a nationally-respected leader among state transportation departments.

"MoDOT is filled with talented and dedicated employees, and it has been a great privilege to work with them," said Nichols. "I have watched this team rise to whatever challenge they've faced time and time again, and I know they will continue to lead and innovate."

Nichols became director of MoDOT in April 2013, after having served as chief engineer for two years. In his 30-year span at the department, he has held a variety of leadership roles, including the department's first director of program delivery, a position he held for 11 years. He also served as district engineer for the department's Northwest District, headquartered in St. Joseph, and worked in MoDOT's Kansas City District.

Kennett, Missouri – Don Tomlinson, a Kennett sports legend and one of the best basketball players to emerge from Kennett school history passed away Wednesday at the age of 66.  A tribute to Tomlinson will be Friday evening as Kennett will host Cape Central. 

A patch with Tomlinson’s initials will be worn on the varsity athlete’s jerseys during the game.  There will be an empty chair on the Indian’s bench.  Before the beginning of the varsity game, a chair will be placed at mid-court, draped with his #42 jersey along with a coach’s whistle.  An insert in the Friday night’s program will highlight his career.

He is a member of the Kennett Indian Hall of Fame.  He was All State Basketball from 1964-1966, All Conference Basketball 1964-1966, All District Basketball 1964-1966, Basketball All American 1966, and he set the Kennett and SEMO Conference scoring records in 1966.

He attended the University of Missouri and was the team captain in 1970 and All Big-8 Conference.  He even led the Mizzou Tigers in scoring in the 1969-1970 basketball season.  He was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

He coached at Hayti and Southland High Schools before returning to Kennett High School. 

He is survived by his wife, Brenda, his son Trent and daughter, Tara.

Visitation will be held at the McDaniel Funeral Home in Kennett on Saturday, February 7^th from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 

Funeral Services will be at 2:00 p.m. following visitation at the McDaniel Chapel. 

Burial will be in Memorial Gardens in Kennett.  Online condolences may be made at www.mcdanielfuneralservice.com.