Until the river runs dry
Rivers were a big part of my life growing up, and still are. As a kid, I would dig for worms and catch grasshoppers and crickets, and go fishing. Sometimes it was with some buddies, but mostly, it was just me, my dog, and my
Fish & really hot weather
I live about 300 yards from the Mississippi River. Over the past two months, it has been over 95 degrees on multiple days here and as a result, the Mississippi is loaded with dead fish, slowly wending their way toward New Orleans. Bill Hoagland Normally,
3 generations
“Grandpa took us gigging.” That is perhaps how young Miss Scarlett will describe the past weekend’s events to classmates later. Grandpa, 86-year-old Tod, did indeed take “us” gigging. He purchased a gigging trip at a 4-H fundraiser, paying a bit over $500. We were
Public access to Columbia Bottom Conservation Area boat ramp road reopens
SPANISH LAKE, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has re-opened the road to the Missouri River boat ramp at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area. Access to the rest of the area is still restricted for the time being due to the setback levee construction
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Deer- and rabbit-resistant spring flowering bulbs
By Melinda Myers Plan and plant a variety of colorful spring flowering bulbs this fall to welcome in spring with a beautiful floral display. Fill garden beds with deer- and rabbit-resistant bulbs like daffodils, hyacinths, alliums, fritillaria and ranunculus. Deciding how many bulbs are needed
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No state law polices gun storage, despite leading fatality among suicide attempts
By Erin Hynes, Missouri News Network In Missouri, roughly 752 people die by firearm suicide each year. While firearm suicide is not the most common way, it is the most fatal. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that firearm attempts are 91% fatal, compared to
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Treasuring friends, doing more with less
“I have lived so long and learned so much, I can’t begin to remember everything I’ve learned!” Rick Mansfield So explained my dear friend Ray Joe Hastings, author, gig-maker, historian and all-around good guy. He had just recently coined that phrase in an attempt
Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway to host inaugural Mother Road Conference on historic 100th anniversary of Route 66
Springfield, Ill. — On Nov. 11, exactly 100 years after the commissioning of the legendary Route 66, the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway will host its inaugural Mother Road Conference at Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill, Museum & Entertainment Complex, 600 Toronto Road, in Springfield, Ill.
Non-hunters out in nature during hunting seasons should practice simple safety measures
With deer and turkey hunting underway in Missouri, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds non-hunters to practice safety measures when afield during hunting seasons. “Safety while hunting is ultimately the responsibility of the hunter,” said MDC Hunter Education Coordinator Justin McGuire. ““Hunters must
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Missouri Conservation Commission holds meeting
The Missouri Conservation Commission met Sept. 11 for an open workshop, closed executive session, and regular open meeting at MDC headquarters, 2901 W. Truman Blvd. in Jefferson City. Commissioners attending the open meeting were: Raymond T. (Ray) Wagner Jr., chair; Frank H.B. Kruse, vice chair;
Unstaffed shooting range is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2027
PLEASANT HOPE, Mo. – Construction will soon be underway at Pleasant Hope Conservation Area Shooting Range. The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) unstaffed shooting range has been closed since July 2021 due to public misuse and safety concerns. The range was a popular destination with
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The circle of life
From my combination man cave/workshop behind our house, I can still look out and see the old tree in my mind’s eye. I had known it for a long time until one afternoon this past March when high winds brought it to the ground from