Even though Missouri is still in the dog days of summer, the Missouri Department of Transportation has begun preparations to make sure it has the right number of people, in the right places, ready to plow and treat winter weather conditions on Missouri's 33,891 miles of state roads. While the department's 2,400 maintenance employees are ready to plow, if a big regional or statewide storm hits, MoDOT must rely on extra help. Each year the department recruits seasonal workers and emergency snowplow operators to fill the gaps and get the job done.

"Hiring seasonal maintenance and emergency snowplow operators is one of the most cost-effective ways we can get extra help during winter storms," said MoDOT State Maintenance Engineer Beth Wright. "We staff our maintenance forces at a level that will allow us to maintain excellent service to Missourians, but if a winter storm hits and crews are working around the clock, we need to make sure we have enough people to operate safely." 

MoDOT requires maintenance worker applicants to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma and possess a commercial driver's license, Class A or B, with no airbrake restrictions. Applicants must also successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screening. Emergency snowplow operators do not have guaranteed working hours, but qualified applicants receive extensive training so they are able to perform entry-level duties related to MoDOT's snow removal operations. Those hired as emergency operators can earn $13.82 to $15.63 per hour, depending on their level of experience.  To learn more about these positions, or to apply, visit www.modot.org/jobs, or call 888-275-6636.   

~ Thursday, August 14:  Vondrukes. Sponsored by Bar Louie

~ Thursday, August 21:  Emily Wallace.  Sponsored by Bar Louie

~ Thursday, August 28:  Kirkwood Stock. Sponsoried by Kirkwood United Methodist Church  

PUBLIC COMMENTS ARE INVITED 

The Missouri Department of Conservation is inviting public comment regarding Russell E. Emmenegger Nature Park (in Kirkwood) and Possum Woods Conservation Area to aid staff in developing a 10-year management plan.  Interested persons or groups, including recreational users, neighboring landowners, conservation groups, elected officials, and government agencies, are invited to view the proposed management plan at mdc.mo.gov/areaplans.  The plan includes a link for supplying comments and input.

The plan will remain available for public comment during the entire month of August.  The public comment period for the Russell E. Emmenegger Nature Park and Possum Woods Conservation Area plan will close August 31, 2014.

Russell E. Emmenegger Nature Park and the adjacent Possum Woods Conservation Area provide 134 acres of natural area for Kirkwood residents to enjoy. The nature park provides expanded interpretive and recreational opportunities in a riverine environment. Visitors can traverse through diverse natural communities, such as dolomite glades and woodlands, and riverfront forests.  MDC and the City of Kirkwood share in the operation of the park through a management agreement between the two agencies.

KPL ONE BOOK/ONE KIRKWOOD AUTHOR VISIT TONIGHT