Lifestyle
Missouri’s Rock Island Trail Set to Boost Local Economies
The Rock Island Trail in Missouri is on the brink of becoming a major economic driver for the state. The 144-mile trail, which is being developed from the old Rock Island Line, is set to connect multiple rural communities and create new opportunities for tourism and outdoor recreation.
The project has been in the works for years, with the state of Missouri officially taking ownership of the corridor in 2021. Since then, small towns along the route have been preparing for the new influx of visitors by investing in trailheads, signage, and other amenities.
The Rock Island Trail is expected to have a significant economic impact on the region, with estimates suggesting it could generate millions of dollars in revenue each year. The trail will also create new jobs in the tourism and hospitality sectors, providing a much-needed boost to local economies.
Comparing the Katy Trail in Missouri Rock Island Trail in Missouri is a great way to understand the potential economic impact of recreational trails on local communities.
The Katy Trail, which is already established, has a direct economic impact of $18 million per year and attracts 400,000 visitors annually. This has significantly boosted the revenue of towns along the trail, such as Augusta, where businesses like Kate’s Coffee House and the Augusta Guest House attribute a large portion of their revenue to trail users.
The Rock Island Trail, which is currently in the process of being developed, has the potential to bring similar economic benefits to the towns along its route. Missouri State Parks estimates that fully developing the trail in sections over several years will cost $100 million. However, the investment is expected to pay off in the long run, with the trail potentially generating a return on investment even larger than the annual return of the Katy Trail. This is due to the Rock Island Trail passing through more towns with restaurants and amenities.
In addition to its economic benefits, the Rock Island Trail will also provide residents and visitors with a new way to explore the state’s natural beauty. The trail will pass through rolling hills, lush forests, and scenic farmland, offering stunning views and a chance to experience the great outdoors.
The Rock Island Trail is part of a larger effort to develop a 400-mile trail network that will span the entire state, from Kansas City to St. Louis. The project has garnered support from both local communities and state officials, who see it as a way to promote healthy lifestyles, protect the environment, and stimulate economic growth.
The Rock Island Trail land rights have been a topic and negotiation in recent years. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been working with various stakeholders to acquire the rights to the Rock Island Corridor, which stretches from Windsor to Beaufort, Missouri.
In December 2021, the Missouri Central Railroad Company, a subsidiary of Ameren Missouri, donated the 144-mile corridor to the Missouri DNR at no cost. This donation paved the way for the development of a public recreational trail, which will be managed by Missouri State Parks.
The National Trails System Act allows for the conversion of out-of-service railroad corridors into recreational trails, a process known as “railbanking.” This ensures that the corridor remains intact for potential future rail use while also providing a recreational resource for the public.
Landowners along the Rock Island Trail will have the opportunity to work with Missouri State Parks to establish agreements for crossings, access, and occupations of the corridor. The state will honor any preexisting real estate agreements between landowners and the Missouri Central Railroad.
There has been some opposition to the development Rock Island Trail in Missouri from a few landowners and organizations. These groups have expressed concerns about potential impacts on their private property rights and the use of public funds for the project. However, the majority of public responses to the project have been overwhelmingly positive, with over 95% of feedback supporting the new State Park.(According to a public comment period held by Missouri State Parks in 2021, over 95% of the feedback received was in favor of the state accepting the Rock Island Corridor and developing it into a new statewide trail. This strong public support is a testament to the potential benefits the trail could bring to the state and its residents.) It is important to consider the rights and concerns of all parties involved, including landowners, local communities, and recreational trail users.
As the development of the Rock Island Trail progresses, it is essential to consider the rights and concerns of all parties involved, including landowners, local communities, and recreational trail users.
As the Rock Island Trail continues to take shape, it is clear that it will have a transformative impact on the communities it passes through. With its potential to create jobs, attract tourists, and improve the quality of life for residents, the trail is poised to become a major asset for the state of Missouri.
Lifestyle
DJ Koldbeer Drops Modern Music Remixes
Shawn Kober is an individual known for his passion for travel and exploration, particularly within the United States. With a keen interest in showcasing the hidden gems of Missouri, Shawn has leveraged his enthusiasm through his social media presence, notably on X under the handle @travelmissouri. His content focuses on promoting local attractions, cultural heritage, and lesser-known destinations, making travel accessible and appealing to a broad audience.
Recently, Shawn has stepped up his multimedia game by releasing a series of music mixes. These mixes blend ambient sounds of nature, cultural tunes from Missouri, and contemporary beats, creating a unique auditory experience that complements his visual storytelling. This new venture into music curation not only diversifies his content but also enhances the sensory journey for his followers, providing a soundtrack to the scenic landscapes he often explores and shares.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Shawn is involved in community initiatives aimed at preserving natural landscapes and historical sites in Missouri. He believes in the power of travel to educate and connect people, fostering a deeper appreciation for one’s surroundings.Professionally, Shawn has carved out a niche in digital content creation, blending his love for photography, storytelling, and travel into a career that informs and inspires others to explore. His work often highlights sustainable travel practices and the importance of understanding and respecting local cultures and environments.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Shawn is involved in community initiatives aimed at preserving natural landscapes and historical sites in Missouri. He believes in the power of travel to educate and connect people, fostering a deeper appreciation for one’s surroundings.
Shawn’s personal journey is one of continuous learning and adventure, always seeking new experiences to share with his followers, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and discover the beauty in their own backyards. His bio is not just about travel; it’s about creating a narrative that connects people to places, history, and each other.
Lifestyle
Camdenton’s Transparency in Question: COVID Funds Spent on Video System, Meetings No Longer Broadcast
CAMDENTON, MO – In the small town of Camdenton, Missouri, a recent expenditure of federal COVID relief funds has sparked controversy and debate over local government transparency. The Camdenton City Council, aiming to enhance public access during the height of the global health crisis, invested in a video system to broadcast their meetings online. This move was initially seen as a step towards greater openness, allowing residents to engage with local governance without the risk of contracting the virus.
However, residents have recently noticed that these public meetings are no longer being streamed. Despite the significant investment in equipment designed to facilitate remote participation, the council has seemingly ceased using the system for broadcasting. This development has led to a wave of frustration among the community members who have come to rely on these virtual meetings for staying informed about local governance issues.
The equipment, which was purchased with funds intended to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis, was supposed to be a long-term solution for public engagement. The cessation of broadcasts has led to speculation and concern about how these funds are being managed and what the implications are for future public access to government proceedings.
Council members have yet to issue an official statement on why the broadcasts stopped, although there have been unverified reports of technical difficulties with the equipment. Some speculate that the decision might be tied to some bad publicly earlier in the year when the Camdenton Chamber raised some concerns with the city on a different topic.
The issue has caught the attention of local media, with some outlets like the Camden Citizen reporting on the matter. The broader conversation now includes calls for accountability, with residents demanding explanations and assurances that such investments will not be made in vain in the future.
This situation in Camdenton serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges many small towns face in balancing fiscal responsibility with public service during and after a global health crisis. As the town looks forward, the community hopes for a resolution that not only addresses the current lack of transparency but also ensures that future decisions reflect the needs and expectations of its citizens.
For now, Camdenton residents are left pondering the effectiveness of their local government’s use of federal funds and the ongoing commitment to open governance.
Lifestyle
Be Safe while cooking this season, Thanksgiving Holiday Fire Safety
Thanksgiving, the day Americans gather with family and friends to celebrate, cook and eat, is the nation’s leading day for cooking fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (USFA), the number of cooking fires on Thanksgiving is three times as high as on any other day of the year.
In addition to the hazards posed by jammed stovetops and crowded kitchens, turkey fryers and candles contribute to the elevated fire risk on Turkey Day. Preventing fires is simple when following some basic precautions. Remember, while you should always have a fire-extinguisher nearby and know how to use it, don’t delay calling 9-1-1. Ideally, use the extinguisher immediately, as someone else calls 9-1-1.
Stovetops and Ovens
Busy cooks can become distracted preparing several dishes at once while also trying to entertain guests. Cooking fires can easily be prevented by following a few simple precautions:
- Start the holiday cooking with a clean stove and oven. Remove food and grease buildup from burners, stovetop, and oven.
- Stay in the kitchen when cooking and don’t become distracted by guests.
- Stay in the home when cooking turkey, set a timer, and check on it frequently.
- Keep children away from the stove. Preferably use the back burners.
- Keep a flame-resistant oven mitt, potholder or lid nearby to smother any flames.
- For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
- Have working smoke alarms in the home and have an escape plan that the entire family knows if there is a fire.
Turkey Fryers
Never use a turkey fryer indoors, in the garage or on a covered patio because of the fire hazard. Never overfill the oil in a turkey fryer. Many turkey fires occur while the oil is being heated. Units can easily tip over, spilling hot, scalding oil onto anyone or anything nearby, leading to fires, burns or other injuries. Since most units do not have automatic thermostatic controls, oil may heat until it catches fire. The sides, lids, and handles get extremely hot and may cause burns.
Safety tips:
- Read and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Completely thaw the turkey.
- Do not overfill the fryer with oil. Before dumping a few gallons of oil into the fryer, test it out with water. Place the turkey inside and then fill it with water until the bird is submerged. Remove the turkey and mark the water line on the fryer so you will know how much oil to put in the fryer.
- Never leave the fryer unattended.
- Keep children and pets well away from the fryer. Remember the oil will remain dangerously hot for hours.
- Only use the oil recommended by the manufacturer. Different types of oil have different ignition temperatures.
- Allow at least two feet of space between the liquid propane tank and the fryer burner.
- Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts; wear safety goggles to protect eyes from oil splatter.
- If oil begins to smoke, immediately turn OFF the gas supply.
- Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby.
- Never use water to extinguish a grease fire.
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