Road Closures & Repairs: MoDOT says St. Louis Ave. in Joplin (north of Route 66/7th Street) will close starting Oct. 21 for up to three weeks for storm sewer and sidewalk work, with access maintained during business hours. Travel Planning: MoDOT also has multiple reduced-road and lane-impact projects across southeast and central Missouri, including Route M (Jasper County) closing Oct. 15-16 for railroad crossing repairs, plus Route B (New Madrid County) reduced Oct. 15, Route 53 (Dunklin County) reduced Oct. 13, Route H (Dunklin County) reduced Oct. 8, and Route 72 (Reynolds County) reduced Oct. 6-7. Wildlife Safety: MoDOT warns deer-vehicle crashes spike in October and November, especially 6-7 a.m. and 6-9 p.m., urging drivers to slow down and avoid swerving. Family-Friendly Fun: The Missouri Day Festival returns Oct. 16-17 in Trenton with vendors, a parade, and kids’ activities, plus related events Oct. 18. Local Attractions & Events: Geode Family Fest brought 1,165 hunters from 26 states plus Japan and Quebec to Keokuk, boosting hotels, restaurants, and local shops. Gas Watch (for road trips): GasBuddy reports lowest E85 in Henry County at $3.39 (week ending Sept. 26) and diesel lows like $5.95 in Washington County and $5.89 in Daviess County.