THIS WEEK IS NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
Police officers are in the spotlight this week for National Police Week.
National Police Week is dedicated to remembering and honoring those who gave their lives in the line of duty.
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week.
According to Ozark National Scenic Riverways, the names of newly fallen officers are engraved on a memorial site every year in Washington DC. On this list, there are countless names from all branches of federal, state, and local law enforcement: over 23,700 and growing.
A Candlelight Vigil was held over the weekend in honor of those who lost their lives and in support of their surviving friends and family.
OVER 47,000 BIRDS HARVESTED DURING SPRING TURKEY SEASON
Missouri hunters harvested over 47,000 birds during turkey season.
Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation shows turkey hunters checked 47,121 birds during Missouri’s 2024 regular spring turkey season, which ran from April 17th through May 7th.
Young turkey hunters also harvested 3,721 turkeys over the youth weekend at the beginning of April, bringing the overall 2024 spring turkey harvest to 50,842 – the highest harvest total since 2016.
Officials say that last year, young turkey hunters harvested 2,566 turkeys over the spring youth season and hunters harvested 44,536 during the regular spring season for a 2023 spring season total harvest of 47,102.
MULTI-MONTH ROAD PROJECT TO BEGIN TODAY ON BUSINESS 60 IN BUTLER COUNTY
Business Route 60 in Butler County will be reduced beginning today as contractor crews remove and replace islands at various intersections.
As work is underway, eastbound and westbound Business Route 60 will be reduced to one lane in each direction in the vicinity of the intersection.
The work zones will be located between Route NN and Route B in Poplar Bluff.
Weather permitting, work will take place today through Friday, June 28th from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
MAY IS MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH
Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like to make the public aware that May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
Preliminary 2023 statistics indicate there were 2,459 crashes involving motorcycles. In these crashes, 2,141 people were injured and 175 people were killed.
Olson says that it's important for motorcyclists to take an active role in their wellbeing, including dressing for safety. Wear a helmet and eye protection. Wear bright clothing. Wear thick or leather clothing for protection.
Motorcycle riders are also encouraged to think safety while riding. Give yourself space to react to other motorists’ actions. Use lane positioning to increase visibility. Watch for turning vehicles. Signal your next action in advance. Pretend you’re invisible and drive defensively.
NEXT WEEK IS NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK
Next week is National Safe Boating week and Missouri officials are stressing the importance of safety while on the waterways.
Colonel Eric Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, tells KWOC News that National Safe Boating week is purposefully scheduled just prior to Memorial Day weekend, which many people consider the kickoff to the boating season.
Boaters are encouraged to arrange for a thorough inspection of your boat prior to taking it out on the water.
The Patrol’s marine operations troopers are available to inspect the required equipment on your boat, at your request, to make sure you’re in compliance with state law.
For more information contact your local Highway Patrol Troop Headquarters.
ISLAND REPLACEMENT PROJECT TO START TODAY ON US ROUTE 60 IN BUTLER AND STODDARD COUNTIES
U.S. Route 60 in Butler and Stoddard Counties will be reduced beginning today as contractor crews remove and replace islands at various intersections.
According to officials with the Missouri Department of Transportation, as work is underway, eastbound and westbound Route 60 will be reduced to one lane in each direction in the vicinity of the intersections.
The islands are located between County Road 565 in Butler County and County Road 717 in Stoddard County.
Weather permitting, work will take place from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Friday, August 16.
