AGP Executive Report

Holiday Road Closures: Jefferson City is closing downtown streets starting 5 a.m. July 4 for Salute to America, with roads reopening by 2 a.m. July 5; Kirksville also has July 4 parking limits and multiple downtown street closures from 5 a.m. to noon. Travel Safety & Weather: A dangerous heat wave has put more than 160 million Americans under heat alerts ahead of the July 4 weekend, with humidity making conditions worse. Outdoor Planning: Mosquitoes are expected to surge with recent rain and warm temps—watch for standing water around homes and yards. Local Tourism Notes: Osage Beach and other area fireworks plans were disrupted after issues with AM Pyrotechnics, including a rescheduled Osage Beach show to July 11. Missouri Road Work: MoDOT posted north Missouri maintenance schedules for July 6–12, with many projects resuming after a July 3 holiday pause. Family Fun: A Missouri Harry Potter-themed Airbnb in Branson is drawing attention for its immersive, kid-friendly details. Fishing Spotlight: Osage Beach angler Michael Harlin rebounded to win a Bassmaster Open on the Upper Mississippi River.

Holiday Travel & Safety: Missouri’s Department of Conservation reminds visitors that fireworks are strictly prohibited on conservation areas, warning about wildlife disruption, debris, and fire risk—especially as campgrounds fill for the 4th. Severe Weather Watch: The Tri-States face storm chances Friday and Saturday, with strong winds and large hail the main threats, so travelers should plan for delays and check conditions. Road Updates (MoDOT): Multiple projects are affecting travel, including a Fly Creek Bridge reopening on Route 42 (Maries County), planned closures and lane restrictions across Northeast and Northwest Missouri, and an upcoming U.S. 36/Kellogg Avenue intersection closure in Macon. Animal Travel Rules: Missouri tightened animal import requirements from states with New World screwworm, shortening inspection timing to 14 days and urging farmers to monitor livestock closely. Big Summer Attraction: Union Pacific’s Big Boy 4014 steam locomotive is headed to Philadelphia for July 4, part of a multi-state America 250 tour.

Rural Health & Travel Access: U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley introduced the Rural Hospital Emergency Room Guarantee Act, aiming to keep Missouri rural emergency rooms open with a 10-year funding plan (at least $1M/year per qualifying hospital plus possible one-time help for those at risk). Fourth of July Safety & Planning: AAA expects record travel for the holiday weekend, while Missouri-area fireworks plans are getting attention—Osage Beach rescheduled its show after its fireworks vendor ran into trouble, and local leaders are urging safe, weather-aware celebration. Outdoor Recreation: Pierre opened the Missouri River Overlook Trail, a new 2.5–3 mile natural-surface loop for walking, hiking, and mountain biking with river views. Road Closures & Detours: MoDOT scheduled overnight ramp closures for U.S. 54 near Camden County Route Y and other planned work that could affect holiday travel routes. World Cup in Missouri: Ghana’s Black Stars arrived in Kansas City ahead of their Round of 32 match vs. Colombia, bringing more sports tourism to the metro. Local News for Visitors: Fire in the Sky returns to Columbia’s Stephens Lake Park with music, family activities, and fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Traffic Alerts: Multiple fatal crashes across the state this week highlight the need for extra caution on rural roads and highways.

Fourth of July Plans in Missouri: Columbia’s “Fire in the Sky” at Stephens Lake Park is set for July 4 with a 9:15 p.m. fireworks launch, live music, kids’ activities, food trucks, and free parking/shuttles from city garages. Local Travel Disruptions: MoDOT work is affecting Route 66 in Joplin, with overnight closures July 6-7 and ongoing sidewalk, pavement, stormwater, and utility relocation updates. Roadwork Across the State: Expect more travel delays as MoDOT schedules bridge and pavement projects, including Route 36 repairs in Shelby/Marion counties starting July 13 and other lane reductions/closures tied to bridge maintenance. Lake Life Watch: Table Rock Lake residents are pushing for stronger rules on ballast-equipped wake/surf boats, citing shoreline erosion, dock damage, and water impacts. Family Fun & Outdoor Events: Festus’ Twin City Firecracker Festival drew about 22,000–25,000 despite rain, and Oasis Lake of the Ozarks is building “Dragon Run,” a family suspended coaster inspired by the lake’s curves. Safety Reminder: Missouri State Highway Patrol is urging sober driving, seat belts, and extra care around fireworks ahead of the holiday weekend.

New Trail Opening (Pierre): Pierre has opened the Missouri Overlook Trail, a new 2.5–3 mile natural-surface loop system with panoramic Missouri River views, designed for walking, hiking, and mountain biking. Family Fun at the Lake (Lake of the Ozarks): Oasis at Lake of the Ozarks has started building “Dragon Run,” a family suspended roller coaster (about 1,500 feet of track, up to 42 mph) as part of its $400 million entertainment resort. Road-Trip & Summer Travel (I-70): MoDOT will pause work zones along I-70 from Blue Springs to Wentzville for the Fourth of July holiday, aiming to reduce lane closures during the commute. Tourism & Events (Mid-Missouri July 4): Columbia’s “Fire in the Sky” at Stephens Lake Park (music plus fireworks) and Jefferson City’s two-day Independence Day celebrations are set for the 250th anniversary. Safety Watch (Crashes): Multiple Missouri crashes this week sent riders and drivers to hospitals, including serious injuries in Camden County and Randolph County.

Roadwork & detours: MoDOT is asking drivers to plan ahead for multiple Missouri closures and lane reductions, including a westbound U.S. 54 ramp closure near Camden County Route Y (overnight July 7), Route T bridge deck replacement input in Osage County (public meeting July 14; comments through July 21), and major Spring River/Route 43 bridge rehab near Joplin starting the week of July 6 (up to 160 days). State parks & summer plans: Missouri state parks and historic sites are rolling out July events like guided hikes, stargazing, and junior naturalist programs—good timing for holiday weekend visitors. Outdoor recreation: The Missouri Department of Conservation opens managed dove hunt applications for Columbia Bottom Conservation Area on July 1 (online only, random drawing). Travel culture & community: Kansas City welcomed the Netherlands World Cup team with a huge Oranje Walk, and local stories highlight Missouri landmarks and summer happenings. Tourism-adjacent safety: Missouri Highway Patrol is issuing July 4 safety reminders as the holiday travel rush ramps up.

Medical Education: Mizzou leaders celebrated the opening of a new medical school facility in Springfield, a $10.3 million building that will let students complete all four years in the city starting next year. Gambling Crackdown Lawsuits: Two lawsuits in Cole County challenge Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway’s crackdown on slot machine games, arguing businesses are being threatened with prosecution without clear legal standards or due process. World Cup Travel Buzz: Kansas City is set for its first-ever World Cup knockout match Friday, with Colombia taking on Ghana at 8:30 p.m., drawing major fan interest from the metro area and beyond. Holiday Safety & Heat: Missouri State Highway Patrol is urging July 4 travelers and boaters to plan around construction, use MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map, and follow safety rules as Independence Day traffic and boating enforcement ramps up. Outdoor & Fire Safety: Missouri’s Department of Conservation reminds families to keep fireworks and campfires under control and watch for wildfire risk during dry summer conditions. Road & Travel Disruptions: MoDOT plans a major Route Y bridge closure in Henry County starting the week of July 6 for up to 73 days, with signed detours in place. Family Park Plans: Northeast Missouri state parks are rolling out July activities, including dark-sky programming and petroglyph tours at Thousand Hills State Park. Local Tragedies on the Road: Multiple serious crashes across the state are reported, including a fatal pedestrian hit on I-270 and deadly motorcycle crashes in Gentry County and elsewhere.

Missouri State Parks Tax Vote: Missourians will vote in August on renewing a 40-year-old state parks sales tax, with advocates warning the message could get lost amid multiple ballot measures. July 4 Safety for Travelers: The Missouri Department of Conservation is urging fireworks, campfire and outdoor-burn caution as dry conditions raise wildfire risk. Road-Trip Planning (I-70): MoDOT cut speeds to 55 mph across a 25-mile I-70 work zone (Blue Springs to Odessa) through late 2028, and also rescheduled overnight ramp closures in Columbia and other areas—expect detours and extra travel time. World Cup in Kansas City: Colombia vs. Ghana brings a major crowd to Kansas City Stadium, with local organizers expecting thousands of Colombian fans and big tourism energy. Holiday Weekend Driving Reminder: The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety is pushing sober-driver plans and phone-free driving ahead of Independence Day travel. Outdoor Fun for Families: A nature center is hosting a kids fishing camp and offering free boater education sessions—good options for visitors looking for low-cost, hands-on Missouri-style recreation.

Food Assistance Pressure: A St. Louis-area food pantry says grocery prices are forcing smaller, pricier swaps and more families are showing up as SNAP losses spread. Boating Safety: A woman was injured after being struck by a pontoon boat’s propeller while re-entering the vessel on Table Rock Lake. Roadwork & Detours: MoDOT plans a Route D one-lane, 10-foot width restriction in Carter County for shoulder repairs and resurfacing (July 20–Oct. 31). Bridge Update: The Moniteau County Route CC bridge over South Moreau Creek reopened ahead of schedule after a deck replacement. Travel Weather & Planning: A heat wave is expected to hit much of the eastern U.S. just as Independence Day travel ramps up. Romance Getaway Ideas: Travel+Leisure highlights Louisiana’s City Park and its botanical garden as a top romantic date spot. Safety Reminder: Multiple Missouri crashes over the weekend included fatal motorcycle wrecks and injuries on Highway 61.

Aviation Safety: A skydiving plane crash in northeastern France near Nancy killed all 11 aboard (pilot, five instructors, five novice jumpers), with officials citing a malfunction and investigators (BEA) still working to confirm details. Missouri Travel & Tourism: The Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation says applications for 77 marijuana microbusiness licenses open July 13–27, with a lottery set for Sept. 9—an update that could affect how some visitors and local businesses plan for the summer season. Air Travel: Columbia Regional Airport (COU) manager says Allegiant’s new nonstop Florida routes (Orlando Sanford and Destin) are “going fantastic,” with St. Pete/Clearwater service starting Nov. 19. Road Trip Planning: Lake of the Ozarks boating incident: a Camdenton man was seriously injured after a pontoon struck a dock walkway; patrol reports he was intoxicated. Community & Culture: Holliday, Mo. marked its 150th birthday with a sesquicentennial celebration featuring food trucks, vendors, and volunteers. Family Fun: Quilters are marking Route 66’s centennial with a landmark-themed art quilt project.

Missouri Tourism & Community: Jackson, Mo. is getting a new “Welcome to Jackson” gateway sign, funded by the Missouri Division of Tourism, with a July 7 ribbon-cutting at East Main Street and Old Orchard Road. Local Travel Infrastructure: The Gene Field Road Bridge over I-29 in St. Joseph reopened June 27 after a replacement project, with possible short lane closures for remaining shoulder work. Outdoor & Road Safety: Lake of the Ozarks boating crash sent a Camdenton man to the hospital after a pontoon hit a dock walkway; Missouri State Highway Patrol also reported multiple serious crashes across the state this weekend. Family-Friendly Events: Holliday, Mo. celebrated its 150th birthday with a sesquicentennial event featuring food trucks, vendors, and community volunteers. Travel Season Watch: AAA reports gas prices continue to fall heading into the summer travel rush.

Missouri Travel & Tourism: Jackson, Mo. is getting a new “Welcome to Jackson” gateway sign, funded by a Missouri Division of Tourism grant. The $30,000 sign will be unveiled at a ribbon-cutting July 7 at 2 p.m. at East Main Street and Old Orchard Road. Road & Travel Updates: A major bridge project is wrapping up in St. Joseph— the Gene Field Road Bridge over I-29 reopened June 27 after a replacement that added sidewalks and a wider span; expect possible short lane closures while crews finish shoulder work. Outdoor & Water Fun: Lake of the Ozarks is being highlighted as one of the cleanest big lakes in the U.S., ranking fourth in a Lake.com study of 100 largest lakes. Family & Safety: Missouri State Highway Patrol reports two serious crashes—one in Miller County (two women injured after a rollover on U.S. 54) and another in Audrain County (three occupants injured after a rollover on MO-22). Animal Travel Rules: Missouri updated animal movement requirements after New World screwworm was detected in Texas, and CBP reminded travelers that even U.S.-origin dogs returning from Mexico must be inspected and meet USDA/CDC rules.

Lake of the Ozarks Boating: LakeExpo’s Boat Gas Report spotlights this weekend’s marina fuel prices, with July 4 week expected to bring heavy boating traffic. Lake Health: A new Lake.com study ranks Lake of the Ozarks among the cleanest big lakes in the U.S., citing low pollution indicators. Historic Preservation: Fiddletown plans to reinstall a stolen 1950 historical marker after nearly a year of work by local preservationists. Rail & Local Planning: Republic unveiled plans for an 80-bed memory care assisted living complex, while railroad crossing closures are drawing public discussion. Family Travel Safety: Missouri State Highway Patrol reports a serious UTV crash in Mississippi County that injured a 10-year-old. Big Boy Train Stop: Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 will visit Jefferson City July 21, with public viewing along Main Street before it heads to California, MO and Kansas City. Rodeo Changes: Cheyenne Frontier Days announced new qualifying rules for its 130th anniversary rodeo. Weather Watch: A moderate flood risk targets areas around Springfield, Rogers, and Stillwater as storms repeat over saturated ground. Road Updates: MoDOT work includes Route D seal-coat improvements starting July 6 in Dunklin/New Madrid counties, plus ongoing regional maintenance and bridge/deck updates.

Missouri Road Updates: MoDOT says the Moniteau County Route CC bridge over South Moreau Creek is now open after a deck replacement, and more North Missouri work is planned for the week of June 29–July 5 (with many projects pausing for July 4 travel). I-70 Changes in Mid-Missouri: A westbound I-70 on-ramp at Providence Road in Columbia closes overnight June 29–July 1, and MoDOT also plans lane shifts at the I-70/I-64/U.S. 61 interchange starting July 1 in St. Charles County. Travel Planning for the Fourth: AAA expects record July 4 travel, and Missouri officials are urging heat safety as forecasts point to upper 90s to low 100s plus high heat index values. Family Road-Trip Stops: Wally’s travel center is set to open in Whitestown, Indiana, with big fuel and EV charging capacity—another sign of Midwest road-trip growth. Local Culture: New Direction Community Theater in St. Leonard is staging “The Glass Menagerie,” set in St. Louis, Missouri.

Road & Travel Alerts: MoDOT says nightly lane closures start June 30 on I-70 between Concordia and Boonville for bridge geotechnical work, with the project expected to run through July 31 (weather permitting). Safety on the Road: A three-vehicle crash in Coffey County sent one passenger to the hospital after a semi maneuver and a Kia entered the median near I-35; injuries were otherwise reported as minor/no apparent injuries. Local Tourism & Community: Kirksville’s Tourism Advisory Board will hold an open meeting July 1 to review funding requests, past event reports, and upcoming community events like the Red, White & Blue Festival and the NEMO Fair. Holiday Prep: Missouri’s Highway Patrol is urging travelers and boaters to plan around construction using MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map and to buckle up and wear life jackets during the July 4 holiday period. Outdoors & Fire Safety: The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds campers and fireworks fans to follow wildfire-safe practices, including obeying bans in conservation areas and clearing fuel around campfires. River Adventure: A team of four paddlers is attempting a Missouri River speed record, aiming to cover the full 2,341-mile route from Montana to the Mississippi near St. Louis in a continuous push.

Road Work & Detours: MoDOT crews are resurfacing Boone County Route CC (U.S. 63 to Route V in Sturgeon) with one lane open and flaggers, aiming to finish before the July 4 holiday. Bridge Updates: The Sugar Tree Road bridge over I-44 in Phelps County reopened to traffic after deck rehabilitation; other nearby I-44 bridge work continues with lane limits and signed detours. Overnight I-70 Closures: Eastbound I-70 ramps at the Route T/W interchange in Foristell will close overnight June 30–July 1 for paving. Short Repairs on I-57: Southbound I-57 in Mississippi County will be reduced to one lane June 29 for pavement repairs near mile marker 2.8. Travel Season Perks: Yesway and Allsup’s launched “Summer of America,” offering app-based spins and fuel/food discounts for road trips. Missouri Tourism Spotlight: A Missouri Route 66 mystery keeps drawing visitors nightly—the Joplin Spooklight—still unexplainable and still a draw for curious travelers.