MISSOURI LAUNCHES ENHANCED POTHOLE PATROL

The Missouri Department of Transportation will kick off an enhanced pothole repair initiative next week. Maintenance crews will commit to repairing a pothole with asphalt within 24 hours of it being reported on weekdays. MoDOT's goal is to aggressively tackle potholes to keep highways smooth and safe for St. Louis motorists.

When a pothole is reported to MoDOT, it will be filled within 24 hours on a weekday. Crews aim to tackle potholes early and get the asphalt mix filled in the hole while it is still small, benefiting both the department and motorists. MoDOT urges motorists to report potholes to by calling 1-888 ASK MoDOT.  

IT'S OFFICIALLY SPRING!

It's officially springtime. That also means it's officially the season of construction, pothole repairing, and striping work for MoDOT crews and their multiple "moving" work zones. Pothole patching and striping operations require frequent short-term stops or reduced speed on busy interstates and roadways. Motorists should be on the lookout for trucks and give them plenty of room to work.  When motorists see orange signs, they are there for a reason:  Please slow down and be alert.  For additional work zone information, go to modot.org. For real time traffic, visit gatewayguide.com. All work is weather permitting and may be shifted due to inclement weather.  

CLARKSON ROAD WORK BEGINS WEEK OF MARCH 25:

MoDOT will begin temporary pavement repair work at various locations on Clarkson Road between Clayton Road and Lea Oak next week. The temporary repairs will begin Tuesday, March 26, weather permitting. Crews will focus on this section with a one-lane closure on weekdays from 9:00 a.m., to 3:00 p.m. Motorists can expect delays, so allow plenty of time for your commute.  MoDOT's maintenance crews will continue to frequently sweep this section of Clarkson Road and patch potholes. As we move out of winter-like temperatures, MoDOT has a resurfacing project funded for Clarkson Road from Clayton Road to Lea Oak that will begin in late April to permanently repair this important route.

FROM PARKS AND RECREATION:  All hikes are FREE, open to ALL AGES, and will be held rain or shine.

Saturday March 30, 10:00 a.m. Geology Hike. Meramec Highlands Quarry at Dee Koestering Park, 1703 Marshall Road.  Spend an hour or more learning about the local geology of Missouri at Meramec Highlands Quarry at Dee Koestering Park. The historic Quarry is listed in the National Register of Historic Places for its geological discoveries. Many of the large quarry stones and spoils are still on site and provide a view of the unique geology and fossils of the area. An experienced geologist will guide us. Bring weather-appropriate gear, a magnifying glass, and a notebook, if desired.     Meet in the Parking Lot.

Saturday April 6, 10:00 a.m. Spring Wildflower Hike. Emmenegger Nature Park, 11991 Stoneywood Drive. Enjoy the first blooms of spring as Emmenegger Nature Park comes alive with an abundance of extraordinary "spring ephemeral" wildflowers. An experienced naturalist from the Missouri Native Plant Society will guide us and identify these natural beauties as they come into bloom. Bring weather appropriate gear, camera, notebook, or field guide.   Meet at the trailhead kiosk.

Saturday April 13, 10:00 a.m. Mushroom Hike. Emmenegger Nature Park, 11991 Stoneywood Drive. Join a member of the Missouri Mycological Society and discover a whole new world hiding in plain site along the trails of Emmenegger Nature Park. Our guide will lead us on a delightful and educational mushroom hike. Both edible and inedible fungi will be identified along with an introduction to their odd and fascinating characteristics. Bring weather-appropriate gear, camera, and notebook. Meet at the trailhead kiosk.

Saturday April 20, 10:00 a.m. Bird and Butterfly Hike, Emmenegger Nature Park, 11991 Stoneywood Drive.  Join a member of the North American Butterfly Association and American Audubon Society on a hike in Emmenegger Nature Park to discover the birds who are migrating through the St. Louis area and those who are permanent residents. In addition, we will learn to identify butterflies by using field marks such as color, size, shape, and wing patterns. We will also learn the relationship between butterflies and their larva with native plants. Bring weather-appropriate gear, cameras, and binoculars, if you have them. Meet at the trailhead kiosk.

CURRENTLY AT THE STATION:    The work of cartoonist Phil Berwick will be on display through April 1. 

IN APRIL AT THE STATION:  Kirkwood High School's Advanced Placement Art Students will display their work in April.  Please join us Thursday, April 4, from 5:30-7:00 p.m., for the opening reception to introduce the students. Their multi-media exhibit will run through April 29.

IN MAY AT THE STATION:  Our May exhibit will feature transportation photography by local artists. If you have work you would like to submit for consideration please contact Linda Epp 821-2250 or lindaepp@peoplepc.com. 

The Kirkwood train station is located at the corner of Argonne & South Kirkwood Road in Downtown Kirkwood. Art may be viewed when the station is open for passengers.

~ BE ENTERED FOR A $60 GIFT CARD TO BIG SKY CAFE WHEN YOU REGISTER FOR THE ADULT EGG HUNT!!    Adult Egg Hunt.   THIS FRIDAY, March 22, 8:00 p.m. $5 if you pre-register; $10 at the door. Hunt will be held at Wehner Park in Shrewsbury.  Call 314-822-5855 for additional information, or register online at: kirkwoodmo.org/recreation. TROPICAL MOOSE WILL BE SELLING WAFFLES!!