1-31-2024 Unionville Republican

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Working for Conservation Submitted by Jake Myers, Conservation Agent The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has been working since 1937 to keep wildlife and conservation ingrained in the culture of Missouri citizens. The department has strived to preserve and protect our native habitats and species. It is easy to only see the mission of the Department without seeing the gears that operate it. MDC operates with the help of countless employees performing jobs that require dedication and a drive to leave the environment better for the next generations to come. There are many different job titles within the department. The title that I have taken up is that of a Conservation Agent. A Conservation Agent, or more commonly called “Game Warden”, is a peace officer who enforces fish and game laws in the state of Missouri. Some of the com-

mon enforcement actions that we take are checking hunters and anglers for size and bag limits of whatever game they are hunting. We also enforce specific hunting seasons and investigate wildlife crimes such as individuals shooting from the roadway or spotlighting deer. Although law enforcement is a large component of what a Conservation Agent does, Agents are expected to wear many hats. Conservation Agents host a variety of classes and programs in their respective counties. One of the most common educational roles that an Agent performs is that of a Hunter’s Education instructor. Agents are expected to provide education on safe hunting procedures and etiquette to prospective hunters. This is one of the most rewarding roles of an

Conservation ... Cont. to pg. 12

Graves Announces INFRA Grant for Improve I-70

WA S H I N G T O N , DC – Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06), Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced that the Improve I-70 Project has received a nearly $93 million INFRA (Infrastructure for Rebuilding America) Grant. The $92.88 million grant will fund three segments of the larger program to reconstruct 191 miles of I-70 across Missouri. The scope of the project includes reconstruction of Segment A (Blue Springs to Odessa), Segment D (Route 63 to Route 54), Segment F (Warrenton to I-64), including new truck parking facilities and truck parking information systems, ITS additions, and other enhancements such as broadband infrastructure and smart work zone information systems. “Securing this INFRA

Grant will be incredibly helpful in fully improving I-70,” Graves said. “This is a highly competitive grant that was established in the FAST Act. We were already able to get the Rocheport Bridge Project rolling with one and I’m thrilled that this funding will help supplement the state funding that was already committed. Congratulations to Governor Parson and MoDOT, who worked hard to secure this funding and whose foresight ensures that I-70 will be used easily and more efficiently by Missourians and the Nation for years to come.” Graves previously secured an $81 million INFRA Grant in 2019 to replace the Rocheport Bridge on I-70. The INFRA Grant program was established in 2016 by the FAST Act, a longterm transportation bill which Graves authored.

The Unionville

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Volume One Hundred Fifty-seven, Issue Number 31

January 31, 2024

Warm-season Grass Establishment Workshops Scheduled for NE Missouri

Learn about warm-season grass benefits this February in northeastern Missouri. Photo credit: MDC KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and partners invite the public to a series of warm-season grass establishment workshops around northeastern Missouri. Native warm-season grasses have deep root systems which

make more efficient use of water and soil nutrients. They can grow and thrive during the summer when cool-season grasses cannot, and they tend to need less fertilizer and lime than cool-season grasses. These workshops will discuss the benefits and

economics of establishing warm-season grasses, establishment techniques, how to manage these grasses, and programs available for adding warm-season grasses to your property. Each workshop is free to the public, and lunch will be provided. For all work-

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Unionville City Council was called to order at 5:30 PM on Thursday, January 25, 2024, by Mayor Charley Bill Pittman with aldermen Gary Davis, Kellie Purdy and Eric Lutz present. Alderman Jason Hill entered the meeting at 5:37 PM. Josh Stewart of Benton & Associates presented an update on the sewer project. As a part of phase 1, the survey work is done and the next step is the plan, which will require approval of the Council and a public hearing. Stewart shared that he would like to run phase 1 and phase

2 concurrently to ensure completion within the DNR grant deadline and presented paperwork for phase 2. Davis motioned to approve. Purdy seconded the motion, which passed 4-0. Following review of the Consent Agenda, Purdy motioned to approve. Hill seconded the motion, which passed 4-0. Staff reports were reviewed. T. J. Payne, Water/Wastewater, informed the council that all DNR inspection issues had been taken care of. The department located two major water leaks and those have been shut off. Mayor Pittman re-

ported that there are leaks at McCalment on the northeast and southeast walls. Moisture is also an issue on the east wall. These need to be taken care before interior work progresses. Payne stated that Doug Seaton will look at it and see what needs to be done. Mayor Pittman reported that he would be meeting with Jim Garrett and Tom Keedy about the old Rexall building. In Old Business, City Treasurer Amy Homann reported on Economic Development. Lutz made a motion to approve the Airport Feasibility Study. Purdy seconded the motion, which passed 4-0.

shops, the doors will open at 9:30 a.m. and the event will run from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Registration is required by Feb. 7 and can be done at http://short.mdc.mo.gov /4mY. Available workshops in northeastern Missouri are as follows: Feb. 21 in Shelbina at the First Baptist Church (125 W. Chestnut Street) Feb. 22 in Elsberry at the Plant Materials Center (2803 MO Hwy 79) Feb. 27 in Milan at the Milan Communications Center (205 N. Market Street) Feb. 28 in Chillicothe at the Litton Ag-Center (10780 Liv 235) Questions about these workshops can be directed to Lucas Brass at lucas.brass@usda.gov.

City Council Receives Sewer Project Update Davis brought up the issue that the hangers were just for plane storage, however, there are some hangers just being used for storage that do not contain planes. Tenants of these hangers will be contacted. With no objections, Mayor Pittman signed the SF270 Request for Payment for the Airport Feasibility Study so grant funds may be released. In New Business City Clerk Linnette Caley presented the Lead Line Survey Contract, which has been approved by

City Council ... Cont. to pg. 5


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