ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The following is a listing of general highway maintenance and construction work in the Northwest Missouri region planned for the week of July 2 – 8 from the Missouri Department of Transportation.

Most routine work zones will stop at noon Tuesday, July 3 and resume at 7 a.m. Thursday, July 5 for the Independence Day holiday, but some closures may remain in place.

In addition to the work listed below, there may be pothole patching, mowing, shoulder work, bridge maintenance, striping, brush cutting, guardrail repairs, litter pick up and other road work conducted throughout the region. Many of these will be moving operations and could include lane closures with delays. All scheduled maintenance and construction projects are subject to change.

MoDOT reminds the public to stay alert, watch for road work, buckle up, slow down, and drive with extreme caution through work zones and in changing weather conditions.

For more information about a project, please contact MoDOT at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (888-275-6636) or visit modot.org/northwest. You can also follow MoDOT’s Northwest Missouri District on Twitter @ModotNorthwest and on Facebook.

Andrew County

Interstate 29 – Bridge deck replacement project at the Nodaway River Bridge. Traffic is head-to-head in the northbound lanes. This traffic pattern will be in place through August and includes a 13-foot width restriction.

U.S. Route 71 – Guardrail, rumble strips and striping from Route 48 to Route A (Nodaway County), July 2, 3, 5, 6

Atchison County

I-29 – Pavement repair from mile marker 124 near the Iowa state line to mile marker 111 near Route 111, July 2,3,5,6

U.S. Route 275 – Resurfacing project from the Iowa state line to U.S. Route 136, July 2,3,5,6

Buchanan County

U.S. Route 169 – Pedestrian Crossing improvement projects at Route AC and Pickett Road intersection and Commons Road (South Belt Wal-Mart), July 2,3,5,6

Caldwell County

U.S. Route 36 – Resurfacing project and turn lane construction at Bob Griffin Road, July 2,3,5,6

Carroll County

U.S. Route 65 – Sealing and resurfacing project from the Missouri River to the city limits of Chillicothe, July 2,3,5,6. This project includes a 12-foot width restriction.

Clinton County

Route 116 – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project at the McGuire Creek Bridge. The road will be closed through July. A signed detour is in place.

Route O – Pavement repair from 225th Street south to the end of the route, July 2 – 3

Route C – Resurfacing and shoulder project from Route 116 to Route CC, July 2,3,5,6. A pilot car and a flagger will direct traffic through the work zone.

Daviess County

Route 13 – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project at the Honey Creek Bridge. The road will be closed through September. A signed detour is in place.

Route P – CLOSED for a culvert replacement from Route K to Route YY, July 2, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Grundy County

U.S. Route 65 – Sealing project from the north city limits of Chillicothe to the Iowa state line, July 2,3,5,6. This includes a 12-foot width restriction.

Route 6 – Resurfacing project from Iowa Boulevard to No Creek, July 2 – 3. Flaggers and a Pilot Car will direct motorists through the work zone.

Harrison County

Route AA/H – CLOSED for a bridge deck replacement at the I-35 overpass. The bridge will be closed through July. One lane of I-35 may be closed in each direction during the project.

I-35 – Resurfacing project from the Iowa state line to Route N at Eagleville, July 2,3,5,6. This includes a 16-foot width restriction and will include overnight lane closures.

Route OO – CLOSED for a sealing project, July 2, 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Route Z – CLOSED for a sealing project, July 2, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and July 3, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Route D – Drainage work from Route 136 to Route F, July 2, 3, 5

Route KK – CLOSED for a sealing project, July 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Holt County

I-29 – Bridge deck replacement at the Nodaway River Bridge. Traffic is head-to-head in the northbound lanes. This traffic pattern will be in place through August and includes a 13-foot width restriction.

Linn County

U.S. Route 36 – Pavement repair project westbound from Route 11 to Route FF, July 2

U.S. Route 36 – Shoulder improvements and guardrail work from just east of Route 11 to Route 5, July 2,3,5,6. This project includes a 16-foot width restriction.

Route V – CLOSED for a culvert replacement project from Route C to Inca Road, July 3, 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Mercer County

U.S. Route 65 – Sealing project from the north city limits of Chillicothe to the Iowa state line, July 2 – 3. This includes a 12-foot width restriction.

Nodaway County

U.S. Route 71 – Guardrail, rumble strips and striping from Route A to just north of Route 48 (Andrew County), July 2, 3, 5, 6

U.S. Route 136 – Shoulder improvements from the east of the city limits of Maryville to Route 46 in Ravenwood, July 2 – 3

Route A – Pothole patching, July 5 – 6

Putnam County

U.S. Route 136 – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project at the West Locust Creek Bridge. The road will be closed through September. A signed detour is in place.

U.S. Route 136 – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project at the Elm Branch Bridge. The road will be closed through September. A signed detour is in place.

Route N – Pothole Patching, July 2, 3, 5

The month of July has been designated as Parks and Recreation month.

The Parks Department always encourages people to get up, get out, and get moving and a special emphasis is placed on this during the month of July. To celebrate, the parks department is hosting events at all of their facilities during the month of July.

– The Aquatic Park will be celebrating Parks and Recreation month the week of July 2-7. Monday, July 2, 6 p.m. – Wanting to know what level of swimming lesson is best for your child, join instructors who will skill test students so that parents will know which swimming lessons their child is ready to complete. This event is open to persons 4 and older.

All day Wednesday, July 4, swimmers will have an opportunity to win door prizes, upon entry into the Aquatic Park. All Day Friday, July 6, a variety of yard games will be available for guests to play.

– July 8-14 $1.00 fountain drinks will be available at Heritage Park  all week long and free admission at the gate on Sunday, July 8 for all players and spectators.

– At Fairview the week of July 8-15:

July 8 Couples Golf Tourney, 12:00 pm Complimentary Bag of Tees Day

July 9 Open Play/Evening Leagues Taco Monday, 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

July 10 Ladies and Evening Leagues $1 large fountain drinks all day

July 11 Open Play/Men’s League $1 deli sandwiches

July 12 Senior Legends/Ladies Night Secret Special

July 13 Hall of Fame/Shootout 5 p.m. Complimentary appetizers after Shootout for participants and guests

July 14 Club Championship $1 large fountain drinks/$1 deli sandwiches

July 15 Club Championship $1 hot dogs

– July 15-21 enjoy specials at the Rec Center all week with half price Shake-This shakes and half price day passes to the fitness room all week ($3) In addition, Monday, July 15 and Friday, July 20 will be free track days.

– At Bode Ice Arena
July 22 – Open House 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. – Free skating, door prizes and instruction
July 23 – Family Night 6 – 8 p.m. – Hot Dog, chips, drinks and skating (includes skate rental) $5.00
July 24 – Learn to Curl 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Free on-ice instruction
July 25 – Twisted Wednesday 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Pretzel and Drink and skating (includes skate rental) $5.00
July 26 – Learn to Play Hockey 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Free on-ice instruction. Door prizes and drink
July 27 – BOGO 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Buy one admission and skate rental/Get one free $6.00 admission / $2.00 skate rental
July 28 – Free session 1 – 5 p.m.

– At the Missouri Theater
Two sessions are available for touring:
July 24, 2-3:30 p.m. and July 25, 2-3:30 p.m.

– At the Remington Nature Center
10 a.m. Wednesday, July 25th at Mid-Continent Library, Blue Ridge Branch. (9253 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64138)
Snakes Alive Program with Naturalist Shelly Cox: Meet live snakes in a safe, hands‐on manner. Whether you love them or fear them, most everyone is fascinated by them. This program addresses the fears and myths associated with snakes. Join us as we discover the truth about our slithery friends. Free to attend.
10:30 a.m., Friday, July 27th Friday Fish Feeding at Remington Nature Center
Kids can assist in cutting up worms to feed the aquarium fish, and then watch as staff feeds the fish in the 7,000 gallon indoor aquarium. All participants will receive a special fish feeding sticker badge. Activity is included in the standard admission price.
5-11 p.m., Friday, July 27th Night at the Museum
Join Shelly Cox, Naturalist and Remington Nature Center staff to participate in a firefly make and take craft from 5-7 p.m. Tour the museum
during their extended hours this evening and participate in our indoor scavenger hunt. Enjoy learning more about the creatures of the night beginning at 9 p.m. with Naturalist Shelly Cox then view and identify insects outside under our special lighting until 11 p.m.

1 p.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, July 28th: Saturday Craft Session (Make a Firework Poster)
Celebrate America’s birthday by making your own “paint brushes” to create “fireworks” on a poster. This activity is included in the admission price, and is a make-and-take event. Feel free to join anytime between 1-3 p.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Anytime the Remington Nature Center is open, kids can participate in the July monthly scavenger hunt, as they try to locate the 12 hidden items inside the nature center. If they find and write down the locations of all 12, they will receive a prize. This activity is included in the standard admission price.

– At the Senior Center

Come down to the JRP Senior Center anytime between the hours of 8 a.m.-5 p.m. for a free tour of the facility. This is a great place for persons 50 and older to meet, socialize and get fit. During this week a special display will be available showing the history of the JRP senior center and the parks, recreation and civic facilities department. Many events are scheduled here this week and we hope you will join in the fun and pick up your ticket for a t-shirt drawing. Tickets are available throughout the week at the front desk, one per person. The drawing will be held Friday, July 27 at 2:00 pm. Need not be present to win.
July 24, 8 a.m.-noon – Pool Players Association Exhibition with light refreshments.
July 24, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. – JRP Kitchen Rhythm Band Practice.
July 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., come meet our new Fitness Center Coordinator, Jena Kieser and enjoy some light refreshments.
July 27, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – All ages are welcome to join us for pan-fried chicken or meatloaf lunch. This meal is $5.00 and includes your drink. Carry-outs are available. Please call ahead if you plan to come with a group of six or more (816-271-4738).

 

– City of St. Joseph Parks, Recreation, & Civic Facilities Press Release –

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – As people celebrate this summer, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds everyone to be extremely careful with fireworks, campfires, and other sources of fire that could cause a wildfire.

FIREWORKS

Don’t light fireworks in any areas where the sparks could ignite dry grass, leaves, or other potential fire fuel. Always have an approved fire extinguisher and an available water supply to douse sparks or flames. Wet the area around where fireworks are being discharged. Check with local ordinances and authorities for bans on fireworks and open burning.

OUTDOOR BURNING

Don’t burn during wrong conditions. Dry grass, high temperatures, low humidity, and wind make fire nearly impossible to control. Check with local fire departments regarding burn bans that may be in place. A person who starts a fire for any reason is responsible for any damage it may cause.

DRIVING OFF ROAD

Wildfires can start when dry fuel, such as grass, comes in contact with catalytic converters. Think twice before driving into and across a grassy field. Never park over tall, dry grass or piles of leaves that can touch the underside of a vehicle. When driving vehicles off road, regularly inspect the undercarriage to ensure that fuel and brake lines are intact and no oil leaks are apparent. Always carry an approved fire extinguisher on vehicles that are used off road. Check for the presence of spark arresters on ATV exhausts.

MAKING A CAMPFIRE

Clear a generous zone around fire rings. Store unused firewood a good distance from a campfire. Never use gasoline, kerosene, or other flammable liquid to start a fire. Keep campfires small and controllable. Keep fire-extinguishing materials, such as a rake, shovel, and bucket of water, close. Extinguish campfires each night and before leaving camp, even if it’s just for a few moments.

CALL FOR HELP

Call 911 at the first sign of a fire getting out of control.

REPORT FOREST ARSON

Wildfires are sometimes set by vandals. Help stop arson by calling 800-392-1111 and reporting any potential arson activities. Callers will remain anonymous and rewards are possible.

MANAGED FIRE

Fire used in the wrong way can create disasters. Used in the right way, fire can help create habitat for wildlife. For more information on using prescribed fire as a land-management tool, visit mdc.mo.gov/prescribedfire.

– MDC Press Release –

Sparklers are one of the leading causes of fireworks injuries and a reminder of the dangers consumer fireworks can pose.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, across the U.S., an average of 250 people a day go to emergency rooms with fireworks related injuries in the month around July 4th.

“Public fireworks shows are the safest way to enjoy fireworks,” State Fire Marshal Tim Bean said. “If you are thinking about using consumer fireworks, it is essential that you consider how to eliminate the many risks they present – from dangerous burns and other injuries to house fires. Also, find out whether fireworks are even legal to use where you live.”

Bean said nationally, fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires with an average of $43 million in direct property damage from those fires.

“Shooting the fireworks inappropriately or in inappropriate areas causing grass fires and those fires spread to structures or vehicles, that’s the most common error when it comes to fireworks,” Bean said. “You want to keep your fireworks away from young children. Always wear eye protection, make sure you have a garden hose or a bucket of water nearby in case something goes wrong. A common mistake is… attempting to relight a firework that has malfunctioned… you should wait a period of time and then dispose of that in a bucket of water so you know it’s safe.”

Fireworks sales at licensed seasonal retailers are legal in Missouri through July 10.

For more fireworks safety tips, click here. To report illegal fireworks sales, contact the Division of Fire Safety at (573) 751-2930.

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce announced a new company coming to town is expected to create 50 new jobs.

According to Chamber Director of Communications and Marketing Kristi Bailey, Yellow Frog Graphics will build a nearly $4 million facility in Mitchell Woods Business Park.

Bailey said the company will take up the last available spot in the business park and offer jobs with high paying wages.

“This is really just a great example of how the chamber is working with our partners, with the city, county, state and KCP&L to bring quality jobs to the community,” Bailey said. “These jobs at Yellow Frog Graphics are engineers, managers, designers, installers, so, a wide variety of jobs and a really great opportunity for St. Joseph.”

Currently, Yellow Frog Graphics operates out of its sister company facility, Summit Truck Bodies, in Wathena, Kan.

Yellow Frog Graphics specializes in custom vehicle graphics and wraps. With the new facility in St. Joseph, it will have room to expand its product offering to include  apparel, embroidery, commercial window tinting and more.

For more information, visit yellowfroggraphics.com.

Due to a significant overnight vandalism incident at the St. Joseph Aquatic Park, the facility will not be open to the public Friday.

According to a news release from the City of St. Joseph, sometime between 9 p.m. Thursday and 6 a.m., Friday, a large amount of trash was dumped into the pools at the Aquatic Park. Due to the amount of trash and garbage in the water, parks staff decided to treat and sanitize the water as a safety precaution with an anticipated reopening on Saturday, June 30.

“It is regrettable that an incident of vandalism forced the closure of the Aquatic Park on one of the hottest days of the year,” said Parks Director Chuck Kempf. “However, the safety and health of our patrons is of upmost importance.”

Residents are encouraged to enjoy the hot summer weather at Krug Pool which is open from noon to 6 p.m.

With the Fourth of July holiday approaching, the Friends of the St. Joseph Animal Shelter is offering pet safety tips and a half-price special.

Kappy Hodges with the Friends of the Animal Shelter said the days following the Fourth of July are often the busiest days for animal shelters.

“The animals get panicked when they hear firecrackers, they try to run away, they try to hide… a lot of animals end up in the animal shelter the next few days,” Hodges said. “Our animal shelter has this experience as well so the Friends of the Animal Shelter and the shelter together are already running a special starting (Friday) to try to clear out the shelter as much as possible in anticipation of the extra animals that will be coming in next week.”

The half-price adoption special runs through Monday. For more information click here.

Hodges offers a Top Ten list of safety tips for pets during the Fourth of July weekend:

1. Keep pets indoors.
2. Don’t put insect repellent on your pets that is not specifically meant for pets.
3. Don’t let pets have alcohol.
4. Don’t bring your pets to fireworks displays.
5. Have your pet properly identified with a tag or microchip in case they escape.
6. Keep your pets away from glow sticks and jewelry.
7. Never use fireworks around pets.
8. Don’t give your pet table food.
9. Keep lighter fluid and matches away from pets.
10. Limit pets exposure to citronella products.

For more details on Fourth of July safety tips, visit the ASPCA’s website.

A 23-year-old driver has been charged after a fatal head-on crash last month.

According to charging documents, Andrew Willis of Savannah has been charged with felony first degree involuntary manslaughter in reference to a crash May 10th on the Belt Highway.

As previously reported,  the crash occurred shortly after 8:30 p.m. in the area of 2200 South Belt. According to the probable cause statement, Willis was driving a Nissan Juke north on the Belt Highway from Pickett Road after a witness woke him up by honking at him several times at a green light because he appeared to be passed out behind the wheel. It is believe that Willis passed out again while driving north on the Belt and crossed over the center turn lane into the southbound lanes, almost crashing into one vehicle before crashing head-on with a Honda Prelude. The driver of the Honda, 33-year-old Elvin Garcia-Silvestry of St. Joseph later died at the hospital from injuries.

According to the probable cause statement, Willis appeared to be under the influence of intoxicants due to his inability to account for what happened. Blood sample results showed Willis was under the influence of Difluoroethane, a chemical found in inhalants such as Dust-Off, which was found in Willis’ vehicle.

Bond is set at $25,000. An arraignment is scheduled for July 3rd.