AGP Executive Report

SEC football in Missouri spotlight: Mizzou opened its 2026 season with a 54-14 rout of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, with Austin Simmons throwing 4 TDs as the Tigers’ schedule ramps up for a Kansas rivalry game next. Volleyball at a major travel draw: Nebraska vs. Missouri’s historic Wrigley Field match was postponed after humidity left the court too slippery, turning a once-in-a-lifetime Chicago outing into a safety-first pause. Road-trip costs check (gas): Week ending Aug. 29 saw standout low prices in Missouri—midgrade at $3.89 in Cass County and regular as low as $3.65 in McDonald County—plus diesel at $4.99 in Cape Girardeau County. Scam watch (planning ahead): Grovespring and Linn Creek each logged 1 scam report in July, tying for 68th among Missouri cities with at least one BBB Scam Tracker report. Safety on the move: A Hazelwood late-night crash killed a St. Louis-area motorcyclist after a car ran a red light, and MoDOT roadwork continues across mid-Missouri for the Sept. 7-13 stretch. Outdoor travel tip: Missouri Conservation Commission is moving toward a camping-permit system for conservation areas starting March 2027, with limits per person and online purchasing.

Historic sports tourism in Chicago: Missouri and Nebraska’s women’s volleyball match at Wrigley Field was delayed twice and then suspended due to excessive moisture, with the event not able to be rescheduled at the ballpark—still, tens of thousands turned out for the Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge. Local travel safety: Missouri State Highway Patrol and MoDOT are urging extra caution for Labor Day weekend, warning that construction zones and reduced speeds remain in effect. Roadwork updates: MoDOT scheduled mid-Missouri roadwork and closures, including I-70 connector impacts in Boone County and other lane restrictions across the region. Fuel watch for travelers: GasBuddy reports show varied prices heading into the holiday, including low premium gas in Schuyler County ($4.54) and low midgrade gas in Cape Girardeau County ($3.22). On-the-road incidents: A serious crash near East Prairie sent one driver to a Cape Girardeau hospital; a Branson-area motorcycle crash also left a rider seriously injured. Outdoor plans: A Missouri teal-hunting guide highlights early-season tactics like using spinning-wing decoys to improve odds.

Labor Day Travel & Gas Prices: AAA says the national average for regular gas is about $4.14, the highest for this time of year, as crude stays pricey and demand shifts—so road trips may cost more than usual. Local Fuel Watch (Missouri): GasBuddy reports some of the week’s lowest spots: Jefferson County E15 at $3.67, Mercer County regular at $3.64, Ripley County regular at $3.79, and Bollinger County diesel at $5.19 (all for the week ending Aug. 29). Ozarks Events: Ava hosts the Missouri Fox Trotter World Show & Celebration (Sept. 6–12), drawing riders from around the world and boosting downtown spending. Branson Weekend Buzz: Branson’s Wings of Pride Air Show runs through Monday at Branson Airport, with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headlining, while PBR Thunder Days continues at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena. Safety on the Road: A Stoddard County crash on U.S. 60 near Essex killed a 52-year-old woman and injured others; in Kansas City, a motorcyclist died after a high-speed I-435 crash near Holmes Street. Community & Remembrance: CBP plans a temporary Del Rio International Bridge shutdown for the Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony, and Kansas City’s 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb drew 343 firefighters.

Arts & Culture: Eureka Springs’ Museum of Eureka Springs Art spotlights Louis Freund and Elsie’s legacy, tracing how a 1936 tourist-shop moment helped shape Missouri’s creative tourism story. Community & Travel Safety: A Shenandoah man was seriously injured in an Atchison County motorcycle crash on U.S. 59, a reminder to slow down on rural highways. Labor Day Weather: The National Weather Service warns of extreme heat across the central U.S. plus severe storms and flash-flood risk for parts of the country over Sept. 5–7—plan outdoor time carefully. Gameday & Heat Impacts: Texas fans reported heat-related medical emergencies during a Longhorns game, underscoring why travelers should pack water and shade for late-summer events. Local Events: Kansas City’s Pitchside Coffee is relocating to the Current riverfront game-day district near CPKC Stadium, aiming for an early November opening. Family-Friendly Memorial: Hundreds of riders joined a 9/11 Tribute to Heroes Ride in Blue Springs, raising funds for the Missouri Firefighters Memorial Foundation. Road Conditions: MoDOT has planned Labor Day weekend roadwork and closures in parts of Northwest Missouri and the St. Louis area.

Scam Alerts for Travelers: Van Buren is among 93 Missouri cities tied for 68th in July BBB Scam Tracker reports, with 1 report—another reminder to watch for fraud during peak travel season. Fuel Watch (GasBuddy): Labor Day travel is getting a little easier in spots: Dallas County’s lowest E85 hit $2.97/gal (week ending Aug. 29), Ste. Genevieve’s lowest regular was $3.54, Webster’s lowest midgrade was $3.82, and Livingston County’s lowest diesel was $5.29. Lake of the Ozarks Boating: LakeExpo’s Boat Gas Report is out for the holiday weekend, urging boaters to check dock prices before heading out. Road Safety: A Kansas City mini dirt bike crash sent a driver to the hospital with serious injuries, and a Rolla-area motorcycle crash led to an airlift for serious injuries. Kansas City Gameday Upgrade: Pitchside Coffee is relocating to the Current Landing riverfront district near CPKC Stadium, with an early-November opening planned. Sports on TV: Sunday Sept. 6 schedules are posted for major matchups.

Labor Day travel costs: AAA says gas prices are on track to hit the highest Labor Day levels on record, with Missouri averaging about $3.80 a gallon—still cheaper than the national average, but up sharply year over year. Road-trip planning: Missouri Highway Patrol is urging fans to leave early for Mizzou games as I-70 construction and other work zones mean narrowed lanes, reduced speeds, and heavier traffic around Columbia. Local tourism & culture: Branson alderwoman Ashley Harkness highlights “think local” quality-of-life projects—sidewalks, trails, parks, and recreation—as tourism fuel. Community events: Warsaw’s Maag Memorial Blood Drive drew a record turnout at the Bott Center, honoring three loved ones. Travel options: Greyhound launched a new Kansas City to Minneapolis/St. Paul route, giving UMKC students another Midwest travel choice. Transit & infrastructure: Mercer County’s Muddy Creek Bridge reopened after a replacement project, and Joplin’s Route 66 (7th Street) work continues with planned closures and traffic shifts.

Bridge & Roadwork: MoDOT says the Mercer County U.S. Route 136 Grand River Overflow Bridge deck replacement will shift traffic Sept. 14–15 with intermittent up to 15-minute closures, then continue as a one-lane, signal-controlled job with a 15-foot width limit; the reopening is now expected in mid-November 2026. Labor Day Travel Watch: AAA reports the national gas average at about $4.14, with Missouri regular averaging around $3.82—nearly a dollar higher than last year—while the Missouri State Highway Patrol plans full patrol coverage on roads and waterways from 6 p.m. Friday to 11:59 p.m. Monday. Safety on the Road: Missouri’s new law lets MoDOT raise speed limits on some rural interstates from 70 to 75 mph, and the Highway Patrol is also increasing holiday weekend patrols amid rising travel. Local Tourism Spotlight: Catfish Charlie’s Restaurant & Lounge in Wellington will be featured on America’s Best Restaurants’ Roadshow, filming an interview Sept. 18. Community Preservation: Prescott’s Nevada County Depot Museum launched a fundraising push to restore its historic 1912 Missouri Pacific Depot, aiming to raise a $15,000 cash match for grant-required repairs. Scam Alerts: BBB Scam Tracker shows Warsaw tied in July with one report, while Neosho logged two online purchase scams. Fuel Deals (Quick Hits): GasBuddy lists Henry County’s lowest E85 at $3.07 and Boone County’s lowest diesel at $4.99 for the week ending Aug. 29.

Labor Day Boating Safety: Calloway County Fire-Rescue is urging lake-goers to slow down and stay alert after noting no boating drownings so far this year, but reminding travelers that a Labor Day weekend death occurred in 2019 on Kentucky Lake. St. Louis Bird-Friendly Tourism: The Gateway Arch will turn off exterior lights to help migrating birds navigate safely, with lights returning Oct. 1. Road-Trip Reality Check: MoDOT says I-70 construction is driving record highway work zones for Mizzou fans heading to Columbia, and it’s also adjusting schedules and closures around game days. Gas Watch (Travel Budget): GasBuddy reports the lowest Lawrence County regular gas at $3.57/gal (week ending Aug. 29) and Ray County regular at $3.74/gal, with E85 deals also showing up in parts of the state. Local Getaway Idea: Piedmont’s Lon Sanders Canyon Conservation Area is being highlighted as a low-key shut-in spot for rocky creek scrambling, picnics, and cooling off. Public Safety Reminder: Authorities issued an Endangered Silver Advisory for missing 77-year-old Peggy Pohlman in Jackson, Mo., asking anyone with info to call 911 or the sheriff’s office.

Travel Safety & Road Updates: Missouri State Highway Patrol is warning football fans to leave early and expect slower speeds and lane shifts on I-70 due to statewide construction, plus heat precautions once you arrive. Family-Friendly Outdoors: Missouri’s Pollinator Palooza returns Sept. 19 at the Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center with hands-on activities, native plants, speakers, and food trucks—great for a fall weekend outing. Local Tourism & Events: Rockhurst women’s volleyball is in St. Joseph this weekend at the Fairfield Inn Griffon Volleyball Classic, a reminder that sports travel is heating up across Missouri. Gas Watch for Road Trips: GasBuddy reports show regular gas hitting $3.59 in Jackson County and midgrade as low as $3.94 in St. Louis city, useful for travelers planning around fuel costs. Community Support: “Handle with Care” is helping Missouri schools get early alerts when children may have experienced trauma—supporting students and families during the school year.

Public Health & Travel Safety: Hawaiʻi’s Department of Health says a wastewater sample from Hilo tested positive for dengue virus, with no active cases currently tracked in Hawaiʻi County; officials note dengue is typically travel-associated and urge travelers to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks after returning from higher-risk areas. Disaster Recovery: Adair County commissioners met with FEMA on reimbursement for June storm damage, organizing recovery into roads, bridges, infrastructure, and mitigation projects to reduce future storm harm. Road & Travel Disruptions: MoDOT plans overnight I-44 narrowing near mile marker 150 (Exit 150) on Sept. 8 and 10 for a Route 7 overpass bridge deck project, with no access to/from Route 7 during those periods; drivers should use alternate routes. Local Community & Tourism Support: Ozarks Food Harvest is pushing Hunger Action Month to keep its weekend backpack program funded, serving more than 60,000 bags a year for kids in southwest Missouri. Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest diesel price in Hickory County at $4.89/gal for the week ending Aug. 22. Scam Awareness: BBB Scam Tracker shows Maryland Heights logged five scam reports in July, tying for 16th among Missouri cities with at least one report.

MoDOT Update (Camdenton): Crews have started the next phase of the U.S. 54 widening project in Camdenton, shifting traffic to begin widening westbound lanes; one lane stays open each direction with the center turn lane restored, with completion targeted for late 2027. Road Closures (Strafford): A planned closure on Greene County Route OO/Missouri Route 125 east of Washington Street has been postponed due to construction delays, with a new date expected soon. Road Closures (Springfield): MoDOT scheduled lane closures around I-44 and Route 13 (Kansas Expressway) for core sampling Sept. 16–17, urging drivers to find alternate routes. Fuel Watch (Missouri): GasBuddy reports the lowest Marion County premium price at $4.25 (week ending Aug. 22), while Clark County’s lowest premium hit $4.49; diesel pricing also varied, with Carter County’s lowest diesel at $4.99. Safety & Community: High Ridge water supply district won a Best Tasting Water award from the Missouri Rural Water Association. Travel/Outdoors (Family Fun): Labor Day weekend in the Branson area features the Wings of Pride Air Show (Sept. 5–7) and PBR Thunder Days (Sept. 4–6). Scam Alert (Sedalia): Sedalia ranked tied for 19th among Missouri cities in July BBB scam reports, with four reports totaling about $664.

Road & Travel Alerts: MoDOT is preparing major I-70 traffic shifts for football season and ongoing construction, including planned lane changes near Wright City (Warren County) and other corridor work, plus a separate U.S. 67 shift in Butler County that could briefly disrupt traffic in mid-September. Health & Safety at Rest Stops: Webster County launched the “Rest Easy” naloxone program at I-44 Missouri Welcome Centers, adding overdose-reversal medication access for travelers. Local Tourism & Culture: A tri-state tourism/business alliance is rolling out to promote regional travel. Outdoor & Nature: Missouri’s Catoctin Forest Alliance runs an Artist in Residence program tied to nature parks, and MDC is promoting September outdoor events. Scams & Consumer Watch: BBB Scam Tracker lists multiple Missouri cities tied for 68th with at least one scam report in July, including Vienna, Eolia, and Gravois Mills. Sports (Mizzou): Sterling Webb is seeking another temporary restraining order to keep playing for Missouri, with a hearing set Wednesday. Entertainment (Missouri stops): Lionel Richie remains hospitalized in St. Louis after a concert health scare, with his tour schedule impacted.

Road & Travel Alerts: MoDOT is closing key stretches for work: westbound I-44 ramps near Halltown (Exit 57) Sept. 2–3 for guardrail repair, Route ZZ in Stoddard County Sept. 15–16 for core drilling, and Route O over Weaubleau Creek in Hickory County starting the week of Sept. 8 for bridge rehab (up to 176 days, no signed detour). Route 66 Updates (Joplin): St. Charles Ave. at Route 66 is affected Sept. 2–7 for stormwater structures, with Route 66 still open in both directions but access changes near the north leg. Holiday Safety: Missouri State Highway Patrol will run Labor Day Operation C.A.R.E. with extra patrols on roads and waterways, urging travelers to plan around construction and check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map. Outdoor & Family Fun: TNT Rodeo Weekend returns Sept. 18–19 at Blue Springs Ranch in Bourbon along the Meramec River. Nature & Conservation: MDC added the Otten Unit to Sugar Creek Conservation Area near Kirksville (478+ acres) with a ribbon cutting Sept. 17. Local Deals for Visitors: RaceTrac is offering September perks for truckers (pizza/drinks and double loyalty points), and Carnival Rewards launches for cruise guests.

Lake of the Ozarks Safety: A powerboat crash during the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout sent a driver to the hospital after the “Dirty Duck” hit airtime and flipped at about 213 mph; the throttleman was not hurt. Lake of the Ozarks Fire: Another incident at a Sunrise Beach gas dock near Franky and Louie’s left no injuries from the fire itself, though one person was treated for a foot injury. Road Closures (MoDOT): Route FF in Butler County closes Sept. 1 for culvert replacement, and Buchanan County’s Route AC bridge over U.S. 36 shuts Sept. 14-18; Route TT in Wright County is closed Sept. 8-10. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest midgrade price in McDonald County at $3.85/gal (week ending Aug. 22) and diesel lows in Daviess ($4.83) and Washington ($4.74) counties. Tourism & Community: St. Louis County’s tourism board says it won’t seat two Sam Page appointments, and MoDOT released the 2026-2027 Missouri Airport Directory for travelers. Local History: A list highlights 20 Missouri ghost towns now gone forever, including Times Beach and communities erased by WWII-era projects.

Labor Day Travel Safety: Missouri State Highway Patrol is ramping up Operation C.A.R.E. with extra troopers on roads and waterways from Sept. 4 (6 p.m.) to Sept. 7 (11:59 p.m.), urging drivers and boaters to slow down, buckle up, and check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for construction and closures. I-70 Game-Day Planning: MoDOT warns football fans to build extra time for I-70 work zones as lanes narrow and configurations change during the season. Columbia Connector Shift: A flyover ramp project will narrow westbound I-70 to one lane and close parts of the U.S. 63/I-70 connector Sept. 11–14, with detours via Route 763 and Stadium Blvd. Local Road & ADA Work: Sidewalk and ADA improvements are set to begin the week of Sept. 8 in Vernon, Henry and St. Clair counties, with multiple street-by-street impacts. Family Fun on the Water: Stockton Lake’s PRCA Rodeo added an End of Summer Luau with Polynesian food, music and dance. Lake of the Ozarks Incident: A boat fire at Franky and Louie’s Beachfront bar and grill caused heavy damage; no injuries reported. MDC September Outdoors: Missouri Department of Conservation is rolling out virtual events in September, from native plant color palettes to monarch waystations and turkey hunting guidance. Scam Watch: BBB Scam Tracker shows Marshfield logged two debt-collection scam reports in July, part of a wider Missouri pattern. Springfield Olympic Buzz: Springfield City Council is set to consider an agreement for the 2028 Olympic Torch to pass through the city.

Retiree Migration Watch: Florida’s pull is slipping as property insurance troubles and higher living costs push more retirees to look elsewhere; 2025 data shows Florida added only a small net gain of retirees (+815) after 45,696 moved in and 44,881 left, with South Carolina emerging as a top alternative. Monarch Migration in Missouri: The Missouri Conservation Corps is scheduling butterfly tagging sessions in September tied to the monarch migration, including events at Bonnie View Nature Center (Columbia) and Big Muddy National Wildlife Refuge (Boonville), plus a free Monarch Migration Family Day at the Katy Depot. Road & Travel Disruptions: MoDOT is rolling out more mid-Missouri roadwork and closures for the coming week, with lane restrictions and culvert/bridge projects across multiple counties—drivers are urged to check the Traveler Information Map. Local Safety Notes: A St. Robert motorcyclist was seriously hurt after striking a deer in Miller County, and a Pulaski County crash sent two people to hospitals after ejection. Scam Alerts: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Platte City and Richmond among Missouri cities with multiple scam reports in July, including online purchase scams and phishing losses.