AGP Executive Report

Road & Travel Updates: MoDOT is rolling out Northeast Missouri highway work with closures and lane restrictions in Adair, Audrain, and Knox counties through early September, so check the Traveler Information Map before you drive. Gas Prices: AAA says the national regular gas average is $4.0997, down a penny week-over-week, but August is on track to set a new record for the most expensive month at the pump. Truck Parking Expansion: MoDOT broke ground on a $33M I-70 project adding 255 truck parking spaces by late 2028, plus major safety upgrades along 191 miles. Family-Friendly Astronomy: Defiance’s Broemmelsiek Park hosts DobsonFest Sept. 19 with telescope viewing, kids’ activities, and DarkSky Missouri info. Food & Fun: Kansas City’s burnt ends craze gets a nod with National Burnt Ends Day on Sept. 1—when the city’s pitmasters keep the scraps from “running wild” elsewhere. Tourism Spirits: Buffalo Trace’s free “on tour” tastings return to Missouri (Kansas City) plus Branson, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Denver—tickets open Sept. 2. School Safety Law: Missouri’s new school bus stop-arm penalties kick in today, with fines starting at $500 and escalating for repeat offenses.

Travel & Tourism Updates: Buffalo Trace is bringing back its traveling tasting experience, “Buffalo Trace Distillery On Tour,” with free, ticketed sessions in Branson (Oct. 1–4) and Kansas City (Oct. 8–11), plus stops in Texas and Denver. Local Tourism Meetings: Kirksville’s Tourism Advisory Board meets Wednesday to review tourism and lodging reports and set up a busy fall calendar. Road & Access for Travelers: MoDOT plans a major I-70 traffic shift near Columbia next month, narrowing westbound I-70 to one lane and rerouting drivers over the U.S. 63 connector (Sept. 11–14, weather permitting). Community Events: Macon County will hold a ribbon-cutting Sept. 3 for completed safety improvements at the U.S. 63/36 interchange. Rural Comfort Care: A mobile podiatry clinic, Happy Feet Podiatry, is coming to the Tri-States to bring foot care to patients at home. Safety Note: Independence pedestrians face a long-running sidewalk blockage near Truman Road after a retaining wall collapse, with repairs tied up between city and MoDOT.

Roadwork & Access: MoDOT says westbound I-70 near the I-70/U.S. 63 Connector in Columbia will narrow to one lane and face ramp restrictions while crews install remaining girders for a new flyover ramp (Sept. 11–14), with detours via Route 763 and Route 740 and backups expected. Outdoor Ideas: A new map highlights Missouri’s Ozark Trail network, totaling about 430 miles across connected and unconnected segments—streams, waterfalls, hills, and springs included for hikers and backpackers. Skywatching: A deep partial lunar eclipse will be visible late Aug. 27 into early Aug. 28, with the best views likely where skies clear across parts of the Midwest and West. Tourism & Lodging: UMusic Hotels is converting Kansas City’s historic Scarritt Building into a 169-room music-focused UMusic Hotel Kansas City, with a venue, recording studio, spa, and dining planned. Health & Safety: Whole Foods upgraded a guacamole dip recall to the FDA’s highest risk level over possible salmonella exposure, including Missouri stores. Local Travel Support: Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center expands its nurse extern program to give local students more clinical exposure across departments.

Road Safety & Construction: St. Charles is moving ahead with a redesign of First Capitol Drive after crash data showed 444 collisions from 2019-2023, including pedestrian and cyclist incidents. Traffic Alerts: MoDOT will close the U.S. 63 ramp to westbound I-70 in Columbia overnight Thursday (8 p.m. to about 6 a.m. Friday) and suggests using St. Charles Road as an alternate route. Speed Limit Watch: A new Missouri law allows up to 75 mph on eligible rural interstates starting Aug. 28, but MoDOT says Jefferson County and I-70 won’t change yet until evaluations are done. Local Travel Planning: Mizzou moved its Week 3 home kickoff vs. Troy to 6 p.m. Sept. 19 (from 11:45 a.m.), which could affect game-day traffic and lodging. Scam & Consumer Notes: Bridgeton ranked among Missouri’s higher scam-report cities in July, and BBB Scam Tracker data shows employment and online purchase schemes are common. Gas Prices Snapshot: Missouri fuel remains volatile, with GasBuddy reporting the lowest premium in Madison County at $4.01 (week ending Aug. 15) and the lowest E85 in Laclede County at $2.37.

Pony Express & Film Festivals: A Wyoming PBS documentary, “Before the Wire: The Legacy of the Pony Express,” will screen at the WYO Film Festival Oct. 1-4 in Sheridan, bringing the 2025 Pony Express Re-Ride to life across Wyoming’s high country. Wildlife & Conservation: Kirkwood’s Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center continues to spotlight plastic pollution with “Peanut the Turtle,” a decades-old mascot for litter cleanup. Gas Prices (Travel Budget Watch): GasBuddy reports the lowest midgrade deal in Ralls County at $3.94 (week ending Aug. 15), plus E15 and E85 price updates across Missouri counties for drivers planning road trips. Hunting & Outdoor Planning: Missouri is rolling out new chronic wasting disease deer sampling rules for the 2026 season, with mandatory collection in 28 counties on Nov. 14-15. Family-Friendly Sports: Kansas City Chiefs fans get game-day details for the Aug. 28 preseason matchup at Arrowhead, including Backyard Football and NFL PLAY 60 activities. Road & Park Updates: MoDOT schedules an I-35 truck parking closure Aug. 26 for pavement work, and the Upper Missouri River Breaks adjusts interpretive center hours and seasonal boating restrictions. Local Culture: A Centennial Sculpture honoring Northwest Missouri State University’s first 100 years is moving to a new plaza location this fall.

State Park Planning: Lake of the Ozarks State Park will host a public conceptual development planning meeting Sept. 28 at 5 p.m. at Public Beach #1 Shelter, with a 30-day comment period and an online survey for people who can’t attend. Tourism & History: The Yankton/Vermillion Missouri River Water Trail was selected for South Dakota’s Destination Development Program, aiming to boost rural visitor experiences through community-driven planning. Outdoor Travel: A Yankton native completed a Mississippi River “Triple Crown” canoe run, adding another long-distance chapter to the elite Missouri/Mississippi/Yukon challenge. Family Fun & Local Events: The Springfield Cardinals will rebrand in 2027 after the 2026 season, with a free brand launch party Oct. 6 at Route 66 Stadium. Big Local Attraction: American Royal’s new $375M Kansas City, Kansas facility is set for a Sept. 10 opening, followed by major horse and barbecue events. Safety & Nature: Missouri DNR says a Leadwood wastewater plant polluted Big River with sewage, triggering high E. coli readings and ongoing weekly water testing. Travel Tips: Lake of the Ozarks Shootout returns, with guidance on where to watch from the water or land for the best racing views. Road Updates: MoDOT will narrow eastbound I-44 near the Stoutland exit to one lane Aug. 26-27 for emergency bridge deck repairs.

Road & traffic updates: MoDOT crews will reduce lanes for roadside work on Route 114 (Stoddard County) and Route FF (Stoddard County) Aug. 26–28, 7 a.m.–4 p.m., with one-lane traffic and caution urged. Joplin Route 66 work: Missouri American Water will close access to St. Louis Ave. from Route 66 (7th St.) Aug. 31–Sept. 1 while keeping at least one Route 66 lane open. I-35 reopening: Southbound I-35 between Route 116 and Shoal Creek near Cameron reopened Monday after paving; expect narrowed lanes and a 12-foot width restriction during remaining work through Sept. 2026. Local projects & community: West Plains Bank and Trust partnered with FHLB Des Moines to award $368,000 in grants to 10 local recipients. Consumer safety: BBB Scam Tracker shows Orrick logged 1 scam report in July, tying for 68th among Missouri cities; St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield lead the state list. Travel inspiration: A list from Travel + Leisure spotlights Greensboro, Georgia as a romantic fall getaway—useful for Missouri travelers planning similar lake-and-resort weekends. Health access: Howard County Public Health plans to add more than a dozen lab tests so residents can avoid trips to Columbia.

Arts & Culture: Kansas City’s Historic 18th & Vine District will host the 4th Annual 18th & Vine Arts Festival Sept. 25–27, featuring 100+ visual artists, nine fashion designers, live music/DJs, and 11+ food trucks. Family Fun: Riverboat Days and Summer Arts Festival wrapped up with strong crowds and improved weather, plus a new D.C. Lynch Carnival addition at Riverside Park. Road & Transit Updates: MoDOT is planning overnight guardrail work with an I-44 Exit 46 ramp closure Aug. 26, and U.S. 65 bridge rehabilitation in Pettis County will bring lane closures starting Aug. 31 (through Spring 2027). Local Tourism Spotlight: U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison promoted the Route 66 Drive-In Theatre in Carthage as part of a Southwest Missouri tourism push. Safety on the Road: A wrong-way crash near Hollister on U.S. 65 killed a passenger and injured others, including Missouri State Trooper Colten Henderson. Transit Security: MetroLink’s $62M secure platform plan is complete, finishing turnstiles and fare gates across all platforms.

Public Safety (Carroll County): Missouri authorities are asking for help in a rural double homicide investigation near Route MM and County Road 250. A person of interest, Ryan A. Munson, 48, of Carrollton, is considered armed and dangerous; he was last seen driving a black 2017 Ram quad cab (MO plate 3YHG01) north on U.S. 61 near Hannibal. Drivers & Travel Safety: A new Missouri law takes effect Aug. 28 with tougher penalties for illegally passing stopped school buses—up to $1,000, five points, and a 90-day suspension for a first offense—plus a reminder to watch for kids walking, biking, and crossing. Road Work (MoDOT): Route K in Perry County will be reduced to one lane with a 10-foot width limit for bridge maintenance Aug. 26 (8 a.m.–3 p.m.). Route AA in Oregon County will see one-lane reductions with a 12-foot width limit for pavement repairs Sept. 7–Oct. 30 (7 a.m.–7 p.m.). Lake of the Ozarks (Events): The 38th annual Lake of the Ozarks Shootout runs Aug. 26–30, with a free “Shootout on the Strip” street party on the Bagnell Dam Strip Aug. 26 and more boating events through the weekend. Lodging (Kansas City): BWH Hotels expanded its Aiden by Best Western brand with a new Aiden by Best Western Kansas City Downtown opening in June, adding design-led boutique stays for travelers.

Road & Safety Updates: MoDOT says a $3.8 million roundabout project will start the week of Aug. 31 at the Route 7 and Cold Spring Ave intersection in Warsaw, aiming to cut crashes on a busy tourism corridor; MoDOT says a roundabout can reduce collision points and crashes, while some RV/boat drivers worry about delays. Lake of the Ozarks Boating: A 51-year-old Jefferson City woman was injured after her jet ski hit a wake and she struck the returning craft near the Osage Arm; she was taken to Lake Regional Hospital with moderate injuries. Travel-Related Crashes: A St. Charles man died in a Linn Creek pickup crash in Camden County; separate fatal rollovers were reported in Phelps County (driver ejected) and near Kansas City on I-70. Scam Watch: BBB Scam Tracker ranked Jackson among Missouri cities tied for 31st in July scam reports, with two reports and $489.26 in losses. Gas Prices (Fuel for Trips): GasBuddy reports the lowest premium gas in Atchison County at $4.57 (week ending Aug. 15), plus other county-by-county lows and statewide averages as crude and refinery factors keep prices jumpy. Outdoor/Events: The American Legion’s Legacy Run kicks off as a four-day motorcycle ride toward Louisville, with Missouri stops on the route.

Back-to-School Boycott: The American Federation of Teachers is urging shoppers to skip Target, saying the retailer stayed silent on ICE operations tied to its Minnesota headquarters. Cold Case Update: Illinois State Police and the FBI say they’re pursuing a new person of interest in the 1992 Tammy Zywicki murder—Theresa “Teri” Belenske—asking the public for tips about her possible connections to a truck driver; Zywicki’s body was found in Missouri. Local Safety & Travel Disruptions: Jefferson City will close lanes at Chestnut Street and Holiday Drive for water main work (noon–6 p.m. Monday; 6 a.m.–6 p.m. Tuesday). Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest E15 price in Nodaway County at $3.27 (week ending Aug. 15), plus several Missouri diesel low-price spots including Laclede ($4.49) and McDonald ($4.58). Family Fun in Missouri: Crowder State Park announces September/October events like free Toddler Tuesdays, a guided nighttime hike, and a Dutch oven cooking contest weekend. Tourism & Community: A “Prison Break” obstacle run returns at the Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City, with adults and kids taking on the muddy course.

Roadside & Safety Updates: A pursuit near Gower ended with an explosion inside the suspect’s vehicle, sending shrapnel into patrol cars; no officers were hurt. Local Travel Alerts: MoDOT says a new ramp connecting eastbound I-70 to southbound U.S. 63 in Columbia is now open, aiming to cut congestion at the interchange. Family-Friendly Outdoors: Crowder State Park is rolling out September–October programs, including free Toddler Tuesdays, a guided nighttime hike, and a Dutch oven cooking contest weekend. Weekend Getaway Ideas: A new roundup highlights 20 Missouri towns for a quick weekend escape. Scam Watch (for travelers too): BBB Scam Tracker reports show Maryville tied for 31st in Missouri for July scam reports, while Norwood and Rockaway Beach also appear in the state’s scam-report rankings. Food & Fun: Weston’s Made for KC BBQ Championship returns with dozens of regional teams and a big prize purse, plus a host-partner kickoff at Holladay Distillery. Sports Tourism: The BMW Championship in St. Louis continues as Wyndham Clark builds a lead heading into the final round.

Missing Person: Kansas City police are searching for Jun S. Kim, 62, last seen Aug. 20 around 4 a.m. at 4701 Deramus Ave.; he was wearing a blue hat, white shirt and blue pants and carrying a black backpack. Road & Traffic: MoDOT opened a new direct ramp connecting eastbound I-70 to southbound U.S. 63 in Columbia, part of the Improve I-70 program; more closures are planned statewide, including I-70 work near 18th St. and scrub seal delays on U.S. 36 in Caldwell/DeKalb. Lake of the Ozarks Boating: LakeExpo’s Boat Gas Report highlights fuel prices for the Aug. 22–23 weekend, plus tips for planning around Shootout season. State Parks & Outdoors: Crowder State Park is hosting free “Toddler Tuesday” events in September, and Thousand Hills State Park has a “Snake Survival” program. Travel Safety & Scams: Rockaway Beach ranked 68th in Missouri for July scam reports (tied with 93 cities); BBB Scam Tracker notes a $738 online purchase loss there. Local Events/Attractions: Carthage’s 66 Drive-In Theatre drew a tourism-focused visit from U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison.

Road & Interchange Updates: MoDOT has opened a new direct ramp in Columbia connecting eastbound I-70 to southbound U.S. 63, part of the Improve I-70: Columbia to Kingdom City plan to add a third lane and ease congestion. More Local Driving Impacts: In the same region, MoDOT also outlined upcoming work affecting access near Cameron (Bob Griffin Road) and other Northwest Missouri road projects, with overnight closures and lane restrictions posted for drivers. State Parks & Family Fun: Missouri state parks are rolling out late-summer events, including Toddler Tuesday at Crowder State Park and an evening “Exploring the Dark” hike, plus a Snake Survival program at Thousand Hills. Outdoor Tourism & Nature Education: The Southeast Dakota Prescribed Burn Association is hosting a field demonstration near Yankton, highlighting how fire supports native grasses and wildflowers. Travel Weather Watch: NOAA’s seasonal outlook points to a warmer-than-average fall for much of the U.S., with Missouri sitting in “equal chances” territory. Local Attractions: Congressman Eric Burlison toured Carthage’s historic 66 Drive-In Theatre, underscoring its role in affordable family entertainment and southwest Missouri tourism.

Road Closures & Travel Planning: MoDOT crews will close the eastbound I-70 exit ramp to Wentzville Parkway (Exit 208) overnight Aug. 28-29, with detours via Exit 206; the work is part of the $600M Improve I-70: Warrenton to Wentzville project, aiming to add a third lane across much of I-70 by 2028. More MoDOT Updates: Route AH in Franklin County will close Aug. 25 (8 a.m.-3 p.m.) for pipe replacement, and Route 32 (Broadway Street) in Bolivar is set to close Aug. 27 (7-10 a.m.) for a box culvert. Gas Prices Watch: AAA says the national regular average is $4.10, up 3 cents week-over-week; Missouri reports show E15 as low as $3.54 in Cole County and diesel as low as $4.86 in Moniteau County (GasBuddy). Rural Access to Services: The Missouri Bar is surveying rural residents about finding legal representation, including how far people would travel and whether virtual visits help. Weather & Travel Risk: Forecasters warn an El Niño could become the largest in living memory, raising odds of extreme weather into 2027. Scam Alerts: BBB Scam Tracker lists Hermitage among Missouri cities tied for 68th in July scam reports, with online purchase scams still driving losses.

Sports Tourism: Cape Girardeau leaders are weighing a $23 million expansion of the SportsPlex, adding 92,000 square feet to keep up with growing weekend tournament demand and boost visitor spending. Road Trip Planning: MoDOT is evaluating rural interstates for possible 75 mph speed limits starting Aug. 28, but drivers won’t see immediate changes; U.S. 36 and U.S. 63 are not affected, and I-70 work zones remain unchanged. Local Travel Disruption: Columbia’s Clark Lane at Hanover Boulevard will close for 60 days starting Aug. 24 for a roundabout and pavement work, with businesses still accessible via the Hanover entrance. Family Outdoor Fun: Cricket Creek Campground on Table Rock Lake offers a day-fee lake beach, splash/play area, picnic spots, and marina rentals (including tritoons and fishing boats) through mid-September. Budget Reality Check: GasBuddy reports show Missouri fuel prices are still volatile, with one Monroe County station hitting $4.19 for midgrade in the week ending Aug. 15. Community Events: Pevely Days runs Aug. 20-22 with carnival rides, live music, food and vendors, plus a Saturday car show.