AGP Executive Report

Extreme Weather Watch: A dangerous heat wave plus severe thunderstorms is expected to sweep across much of the U.S., raising wildfire and flash-flood risk for travelers planning outdoor stops. Public Health & Outdoors: A new study says more than half of mapped U.S. parks sit near toxic chemical-reporting facilities and Superfund sites—an eye-opener for anyone who hikes, camps, or visits green space. Road Trip Safety: Multiple Missouri crashes reported this week, including a deadly three-vehicle crash on U.S. 63 in Osage County and serious injuries in other collisions across the state—reminding drivers to slow down on summer roads. Local Travel Disruptions: MoDOT outlined planned Northern Missouri roadwork and closures for Aug. 10-16, with more maintenance and bridge work ahead. Gas Prices: Fuel costs vary by county, with GasBuddy reporting some of the week’s lowest midgrade and diesel prices in parts of Missouri. Family & Community Events: Springfield City Council will vote on extending a study tied to bringing professional soccer to the city—aimed at boosting sports tourism. Heat Illness Alert: Colorado’s outdoor festival saw dozens treated for heat-related illness, a warning for Midwest eventgoers to check advisories and hydrate. ICE at Rodeo: ICE detained Sikeston rodeo-goers after beer ID checks, sparking community outrage and raising questions about how visitors are screened.

Road Safety: A 21-year-old man died after a van struck a pedestrian on I-44 near exit 46 in Mount Vernon; the crash closed the interstate briefly before reopening. More Crashes: In Osage County, a Hartsburg motorcyclist died and two others were hurt in a pickup-and-motorcycle collision on Highway 63; and in southeast Missouri, a minivan hit two pedestrians on State Highway DD, killing one and sending another to an out-of-state hospital. Gas Prices for Travelers: GasBuddy reports Missouri premium gas hit a low of $4.27 in Laclede County (week ending Aug. 1), while the national average regular price fell to about $4.06 as crude eased. Back-to-School Help: Missouri Ozarks Community Health hosted a back-to-school bash in Ava with backpacks and supplies for families. Local Tourism/Travel Flavor: A Missouri cattle-producer visit by Rep. Jason Smith highlighted farm stays and Airbnbs tied to Prairie Base near St. James.

Road Safety (Osage County): A Hartsburg man died and two others were hurt in a Highway 63 crash involving a pickup and two motorcycles; the motorcycle driver was ejected and later pronounced dead. Road Safety (DeKalb County): A Weatherby man suffered serious injuries after his SUV left Highway 6 and hit a stop sign and embankment. Road Safety (DeKalb County): Four people, including two teens, were injured in a Highway 36 crash near Osborn when one driver pulled into another’s path at a stop sign. Road Safety (I-435): Kansas City police are investigating a high-speed crash near the I-435/I-35 split that left one passenger in critical condition. Travel Planning (MoDOT): Mid-Missouri roadwork continues Aug. 10-16, with sidewalk, pavement, bridge, and ramp closures—drivers are urged to check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map. Back-to-School Help (Ava & Kansas City): Missouri Ozarks Community Health hosted a back-to-school bash with backpacks and supplies, while Kansas City’s Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council handed out 400 school-ready backpacks. Gas & EV Costs: The national regular gas average fell to about $4.06; Lake of the Ozarks boaters are also being urged to check weekend fuel prices before heading out. Outdoor Health Watch: Tick season is stretching longer, and health officials say tick-bite ER visits remain elevated. Lake of the Ozarks (Boating Safety): Local vendors are promoting reflective dock address signs to help emergency responders find boats fast.

New Road & Travel Planning: MoDOT is hiring winter maintenance crews and reminding drivers to slow down and move over in work zones, while Mid-Missouri travelers should watch for ongoing construction impacts including I-70 lane shifts in Callaway County and limited access to Exits 144/148 for months. Fuel Watch for Road Trips: GasBuddy reports show E15 prices around $3.70–$3.77 in parts of Missouri for the week ending Aug. 1, with premium gas lows like $4.19 in Cole County and $4.27 in Saline County—useful if you’re plotting a weekend drive. Lake of the Ozarks Boating: LakeExpo’s Boat Gas Report is out for Aug. 8–9, with fuel prices and tips to fuel up before heading out. Family & Community Stops: A Kirksville school supply giveaway (“Project Pencils and Patrol”) helped students return to class with backpacks, supplies, and free food. Wildlife & Outdoors: A Missouri guide highlights how to identify the state’s venomous snakes and why they’re protected—good reading for hikers and campers. Food & Health Note: Missouri’s alpha-gal sensitization rates are highlighted in a CDC report, a reminder for travelers with tick exposure and allergy concerns.

Road & Traffic Updates: MoDOT says I-35 resurfacing in Harrison County starts Aug. 17, narrowing lanes to one with an 11-foot width limit and delays through early October; in Mid-Missouri, crews are also shifting I-70 traffic in Callaway County and limiting access to Exits 144 and 148 for months. Back-to-School Savings & Support: Missouri’s tax-free weekend is underway through Sunday for eligible school items, clothing, and electronics; Kansas City-area nonprofit High Aspirations is distributing backpacks as families face rising school costs. Food Safety for Travelers: Health officials report the cyclosporiasis and salmonella outbreaks tied to recalled iceberg lettuce and jalapeños, with Missouri listed among affected states—check recalls and avoid eating recalled products. Local Culture & Stops: Huntington, Missouri, is bringing a Missouri Pacific caboose back to Centennial Park after buying it for $1. Community & Safety: Kirksville’s “Project Pencils and Patrol” school supply giveaway helped students head back with backpacks, supplies, and food.

Rural Health & Tourism: Nineteen future healthcare students took part in Missouri’s 2026 Rural Immersion Program, touring northwest counties (Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Mercer, Nodaway) to see how rural health connects to agriculture, education, culture, and natural resources. Nature & Family Fun: Powder Valley Nature Center is celebrating its 35th anniversary with a “Passport to Powder Valley” activity booklet running July 14–Oct. 31, with a sticker for completers and a drawing prize at month’s end. Roadwork for Travelers: MoDOT plans resurfacing/widening on Route 47 in the Hawk Point area (lane maintained; short closures possible) plus more Northeast Missouri maintenance and bridge work that will affect Route D (Carter/Reynolds) and Route Z (Cape Girardeau). Back-to-School Savings: Missouri’s tax-free weekend starts 12:01 a.m. Aug. 7 through Sunday night, covering qualifying clothing ($100 cap), school supplies ($50 cap), and select computers/electronics. Route 66 Spotlight: Springfield’s Birthplace of Route 66 Festival returns with a bigger downtown footprint, 700+ classic cars, live music, and a new CW taping tied to the Route 66 centennial. Safety Note: A series of Missouri crash reports highlights ongoing risks on highways—expect delays around work zones and drive defensively.

Road & Rail Travel Updates: MoDOT is wrapping up Phelps County Route J bridge rehab near I-44 (Exit 169) with a possible reopening as early as Aug. 14, while Route 72 bridge work in Rolla continues with westbound closures and possible mid-October reopening; MoDOT also scheduled short-term closures for U.S. Route 59 in St. Joseph (Aug. 12-14) and overnight access limits on south Bob Griffin Road in Cameron (Aug. 12-13). World Cup Mobility: MoDOT says Kansas City’s 2026 FIFA World Cup travel flow improved thanks to traffic management and expanded Missouri River Runner Amtrak service, moving 11 teams and 400,000+ fans. Back-to-School Savings: Missouri’s tax-free weekend runs Friday-Sunday (Aug. 7-9), with tips from the Better Business Bureau on budgeting, checking which items are truly exempt, and using store deals/loyalty programs. Health Alerts for Travelers: Springfield-Greene County Health Department reports rising cyclosporiasis cases tied to iceberg lettuce recall; officials warn symptoms can appear up to two weeks after exposure. Outdoor Day Trip: Otter Slough Conservation Area near Dexter is highlighted for its cypress-tupelo swamp boardwalk, wildlife viewing, and duck-hunting season pause. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports Missouri regular averaging about $3.80 for the week ending Aug. 1, with local lows like $3.66 in Montgomery County and $3.59 in Marion County.

Back-to-School Savings: Missouri’s tax-free weekend kicks off Aug. 7 at 12:01 a.m. and runs through Aug. 9, covering school supplies, computers, clothing (with limits), and more—just in time for families planning classroom shopping. Outdoor Festival in the Ozarks: Ozark Outdoors Resort and iHeartRadio’s 93.7 THE BULL are bringing back the 23rd Annual Bull Float Trip Aug. 28–29 along the Meramec River, with daytime floats, live country sets, and 21+ camping parties. Branson Baseball Spotlight: Dover’s 12-year-old Cal Ripken team starts World Series play in Branson Aug. 7, with pool games before bracket action. Health Alert for Travelers: Missouri is seeing a sharp rise in cyclosporiasis cases tied to an iceberg lettuce outbreak, with health officials urging people to avoid specific recalled items. Road-Trip Reality Check: MoDOT’s Route 367 safety project in North St. Louis County is reshaping lanes and turning access between I-270 and Hall’s Ferry Circle—drivers should expect changing traffic patterns during construction. Local Culture: Jefferson City’s ragtime duo Cherry & Jerry returns Aug. 15 to play at Jefferson Landing State Historic Site.

Public Health: Missouri is now tied to a growing nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak, with the CDC linking 15 states and reporting 568 known illnesses in Missouri (third-highest). Missouri’s health department lists 1,095 confirmed cases statewide, including 96 in Boone County. Road Updates: MoDOT has reopened the Dry Creek Bridge on Route 49 in Crawford County after flash-flood damage, earlier than expected. In Springfield, MoDOT plans a major closure: the eastbound I-44 off-ramp to Glenstone Avenue (Loop 44) will shut Aug. 16 for up to 24 days as part of the Forward 44 improvements. Travel Stops & Tourism: Buc-ee’s will open its first Arkansas travel center in Benton on Aug. 17, bringing 74,000 square feet, 120 fueling positions, and 200+ jobs. Family Budgeting: Missouri’s back-to-school tax-free weekend runs Friday through Sunday, exempting qualifying items like clothing, school supplies, and computers from state and local sales/use taxes. Local Community Support: NECAC Lewis County held a free back-to-school supply handout in Canton, giving away 590 donated backpacks to families.

Lake & Boating: Low water on Lake Sakakawea is forcing officials to consider using old, submerged boat ramps again, a reminder that drought can quickly change access for reservoir visitors. Health & Food Safety: A cyclospora outbreak tied to contaminated lettuce is expanding, with Missouri now among the states reporting more than 1,000 cases—plan for extra caution with produce and watch for local health updates. Fall Travel Planning: The Old Farmer’s Almanac released its 2026 fall foliage map, offering peak color timing by state for road trips and scenic hikes. Local Events: Hampton’s second annual BBQ championship drew a record crowd of 41 teams, plus family activities and live music. Road Trip Reality Check: Multiple Missouri crash reports this week highlight the need for slower driving—especially at night and in deer-prone areas. Politics (Missouri): Rep. Wesley Bell won Missouri’s Democratic primary rematch, setting up the next phase of the race in St. Louis’ 1st District.

Road Work & Detours: MoDOT says Route 89 resurfacing (Chamois to Linn/Spur 89) keeps one lane open with flaggers, with rough pavement possible overnight in Belle as crews work Aug. 6 onward. Bridge Milestone: MoDOT and its I-70 Warrenton to Wentzville team will hold a “ribbon-joining” ceremony for the new Missouri Route 47 Bridge at Warrenton on Aug. 17 at 5 p.m., with the bridge opening to traffic late evening. Parks Funding: Missouri DNR thanked voters for backing the Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax, which funds 93 state parks/historic sites plus soil and water conservation. Local Travel Disruptions: Expect nightly closures on the southbound I-55 exit to US 67 in Jefferson County (Aug. 5-7, 9 p.m.-5 a.m.) and a Route W one-lane narrowing in Jefferson City starting Aug. 7 for about two months. Community & Tourism: Joplin approved new data center rules (noise, water, emissions) as part of ongoing city growth planning.

Road Work & Traffic: MoDOT plans a temporary lane shift on westbound Missouri Boulevard in Jefferson City starting Aug. 10 (6 a.m.–4 p.m., up to two days) and a separate preventative maintenance push on Route 135 in Cooper County, including seal coating that reduces traffic to one lane and a short I-70 ramp closure Aug. 13. Safety on the Road: A motorcyclist died in an early-morning crash on MO-152 near Kansas City after losing control on a curve and striking a tree; investigators say the case is ongoing. Local Safety Demo: MoDOT will temporarily limit Route 367 (Lewis and Clark Boulevard) in north St. Louis County to one lane each direction for about a year to study traffic behavior and reduce crashes. Travel Health Watch: A new report highlights cyclosporiasis cases tied to travel, with officials warning the risk could rise for travelers heading to the U.S. Retail for Travelers: Walgreens is closing additional stores in 2026, including two in the St. Louis area (Bridgeton and St. Louis).

Cold Case Update: A Kansas City man, Joel Bremer, was indicted for the 1988 deaths of his wife and unborn child in Christian County, after detectives reopened the case with help from a documentary team. Road Work & Travel Planning: MoDOT is moving ahead with multiple projects, including a St. Charles Road bridge ribbon cutting over I-70 Aug. 10, a Cameron intersection improvement phase starting Aug. 4, and several August resurfacing/bridge replacement plans that will mean lane reductions or closures. Hiring for Winter Readiness: MoDOT is recruiting maintenance workers for winter operations statewide, with pay starting around $20 an hour and benefits. Public Health Alert: Walmart-distributed bettergoods pistachio nut butter is recalled in 19 states after salmonella was found. Outdoor & Local Fun: Missouri River low water is tied to a planned drawdown for dam repairs in Montana, while Missouri event listings include nature walks and outdoor classes. Safety Watch: Two separate fatal I-70 crashes in Montgomery County shut down westbound lanes and caused major backups.

Missouri Water Safety: Two separate drownings over the weekend claimed lives—an Osage County man drowned in the Gasconade River near Rollins Ferry, and a Parkville man died at Moonshine Beach on Table Rock Lake; neither victim was wearing a flotation device. State Fair Season: The Missouri State Fair returns Aug. 13–23 in Sedalia with a patriotic theme, “Show Me Stars and Stripes,” celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary. Lake & Boating Watch: Low water conditions are affecting access at Lake Sakakawea, with submerged ramps and longer waits—an important reminder for Missouri boaters to check ramp status before heading out. Family Travel & Activities: Missouri State Fair public camping opens Aug. 7, and the Powder Valley Nature Center (turning 35) is running its “Passport to Powder Valley” program through Oct. 31 with trail, animal, and learning stops plus a raffle. Road Trip Planning: MoDOT has overnight closures and ramp work planned around I-55 and I-70 in the St. Louis area, so travelers should check the Traveler Information Map before driving. Back-to-School Deals: A Missouri back-to-school tax holiday runs Aug. 7–9 for select items, timed just after the income-tax vote.

Public Safety (Road Crashes): A string of Missouri crashes left multiple people dead or hurt, including a fatal three-vehicle motorcycle crash in Stoddard County, a deadly head-on on Highway 160 in Ripley County, and a woman killed in a Stoddard County intersection crash on Highways Y and N. Public Safety (Motorcycle Fatalities): Lebanon lost a rider after a Laclede County crash, while other motorcycle crashes injured riders in Boone County and elsewhere. Public Safety (Lake Safety): A Parkville man drowned at Moonshine Beach on Table Rock Lake, a reminder to watch conditions and swim limits at Missouri’s summer hotspots. Travel Infrastructure (MoDOT Road Work): MoDOT scheduled lane restrictions and closures across northern Missouri, including Route K in Adair County and Route E in Knox County, with details posted on the Traveler Information Map. Family & Community (Back-to-School Help): Crossing Church hosted a Back-to-School Fair with backpacks, sports physicals, and vision screenings for K-12 students. Local Alerts (Missing Child): Kansas City police asked for help locating an 11-year-old boy last seen near East 13th Street and Lydia Avenue. Travel Culture (Ozarks Attractions): An abandoned Ozark amusement park is getting a new life as Marble Falls Nature Park, adding trails and a trout hatchery.

Road Safety: A fatal two-vehicle crash in Stoddard County killed a 53-year-old woman and sent four others to hospitals, including a driver airlifted for serious injuries. More Crash Updates: Another head-on crash in Ripley County left two men dead and a 42-year-old driver seriously injured. Lake Life Reminder: A 25-year-old man drowned at Table Rock Lake’s Moonshine Beach after struggling in the water and not resurfacing. Travel Planning for Locals: MoDOT is adjusting traffic in St. Joseph with crossover changes on U.S. 59 starting Aug. 3, plus planned roadwork across northeast and northwest Missouri (lane restrictions, closures, and scrub seal work on U.S. 36). Family Fun & Learning: Learning in Retirement is organizing road trips and includes a St. Louis outing with a Civil War museum stop and a narrated riverboat cruise. Tourism Spotlight: The Smoking Mule in Chamberlain, South Dakota made USA Today’s Bars of the Year list, drawing travelers heading toward the Black Hills.