KIRKSVILLE, Mo.- The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites the public to finish their hunter education certification in northeast Missouri this March. This training session is the final step to becoming hunter education certified, and the class is designed for participants ages 11 and older. MDC staff will be hosting several events throughout the month.

• March 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Monroe County Extension Office: The office is located at 229 North Washington in Paris. Register at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/oio.
• March 8 from 12:30-4:30 p.m. at the MDC Hannibal Office: The office is located at 8965 Hwy 36 Suite 1 in Hannibal. Register at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/oi3.
• March 12 from 5-9 p.m. at Steve’s Builder Hardware: Steve’s Builder Hardware is located at 410 North Pearl Street in Milan. Register at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/oiw.
• March 14 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at First Assembly of God Church: First Assembly of God Church is located at 312 Dearborn Street in Scott City. Register at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/oi5.
• March 14 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church is located at 363 North Washington Street in Kahoka. Register at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/oiT.
• March 21 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Scotland County Firehouse: The Scotland County Firehouse is located at 116 West Madison Street in Memphis. Register at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/oi7.
• March 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the MDC Northeast Regional Office: The office is located at 3500 South Baltimore in Kirksville. Register at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/oic.
• March 21 from 12-4 p.m. at the Putnam County Library: The Putnam County Library is located at 115 South 16^th Street in Unionville. Register at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/oi6.
• March 21 from 3-7 p.m. at Crossroads Christian Church: Crossroads Christian Church is located at 1816 North Missouri Street in Macon. Register at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/oiG.
• March 28 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at United Methodist Church: United Methodist Church is located at 200 South Main Street in Edina. Register at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/oix.

Prior to attending, participants will need to complete the knowledge portion of the certification process either online or by filling out the student manual chapter review questions. Those who choose to fill out the student manual will need to bring the booklet to the event for the instructor to review at no cost. The online knowledge portion and information about the student manuals can be found on MDC’s website at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZCt. Student manuals are also available at any MDC office.

Learn more about hunter education in Missouri at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZCt.

MDC is committed to accessibility at all its nature centers, regional facilities, and conservation areas. To request an ADA accommodation for participation in MDC programs, visit https://mdc.mo.gov/accessibility.

QUINCY, Il – The Illinois Department of Transportation on Wednesday announced two suggested detours for commercial truck traffic following the closure of the Quincy Memorial Bridge (eastbound U.S. 24) over the Mississippi River. Additionally, IDOT is offering scheduled escorts for farm equipment and wide loads to cross the bridge on weekends.

Message boards have been placed by IDOT and the Missouri Department of Transportation, recommending truck traffic coming to Illinois from Missouri travel to Hannibal to cross the Mississippi River at Interstate 72 or, if using the Bayview Bridge, continue on Broadway Street and use Interstate 172 to access Illinois 57.

Drivers of farm equipment and wide loads (12 feet or wider) are asked to contact IDOT at 217-785-0288 or David.Vereen@illinois.gov to schedule a crossing in advance. The crossings will take place on weekends during off-peak hours. Requests for an escorted crossing must be arranged before 3:30 p.m. on Fridays. ? ?

The Memorial Bridge closed Monday for emergency repairs for an estimated four weeks, weather permitting. ?

The bridge’s replacement is included in IDOT’s latest multi-year program as a joint project with the Missouri Department of Transportation, with construction tentatively scheduled to begin in 2029. ?

For more information on IDOT projects, click here. Find traffic and road conditions at www.gettingaroundillinois.com. You also can follow IDOT on Facebook and X.

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) announced that he has secured $5 million to build a weather radar station in Knox County to fill in some critical gaps in Northeast Missouri. Graves included the funding in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148) which was signed into law by President Trump on February 3, 2026. 

“We’re investing in critical projects in North Missouri, while reining in the size of government,” said Graves. “When Baring was hit by a tornado in 2023, it was a stark reminder that adequate weather radar stations are critical for proper warnings to keep folks safe. I’m proud to include funding to help fill in this gap in radar coverage, so residents across Northeast Missouri are able to receive timely weather warnings and remain safe during severe weather.”

The weather radar station will be operated by the University of Missouri at the Greenley Research Farm in Novelty. The project will build a state-of-the-art radar system and deploy Mesonet equipment to support weather monitoring across North Missouri, ensuring enhanced weather warning capabilities and resident safety. The radar system will provide real-time data and advanced forecasting crucial for timely alerts of severe weather, including tornadoes, safeguarding lives, property, and critical infrastructure.  

“We are proud to partner with Congressman Graves for this project which will increase the safety and planning abilities of Northern Missouri producers and residents in keeping with the University’s Land Grant Mission,” said Jeff Case, Director, Northern Missouri Research, Extension and Education Center.