News briefs from around the region

MODOT EVALUATING RURAL INTERSTATE SPEED LIMITS (SUBMITTED) – Senate Bill 1408, which permits MoDOT to increase the maximum speed limit up to 75 miles per hour on rural interstates, went into effect Aug. 28, but no changes to the speed limit have been made while the department evaluates eligible locations. MoDOT aims to complete its evaluations by the end of the year. Factors evaluated at each location include passenger and commercial traffic volume, crash history, terrain and road design, existing speed limits of border states in areas near the state line, and active construction.

BRANSON BANK PARTNERS WTH FHLB DES MOINES TO AWARD MEMBER IMPACT FUND GRANTS (SUBMITTED) – Branson Bank, with the support of Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, presented contributions totaling $50,000 to four area nonprofits. Contributions supported Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks, Veterans of the Ozarks, Christian Action Ministries, and Table Rock Career Center.

H2OZARKS ANNOUNCES 26th ANNUAL MISSOURI SHORELINE CLEANUP (SUBMITTED) – H2Ozarks invites the community to join its 26th Annual Missouri Shoreline Cleanup to remove litter and debris from lakes across southwestern Missouri. This year’s cleanup takes place Friday, September 25 through Sunday, September 27, 2026. To volunteer or sponsor the event, visit: h2ozarks.org/event/missouri-annual-shoreline-cleanup-2026 or email: cleanup@h2ozarks.org. Pick up supplies from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday - Friday at the H2Ozarks office (11 Oak Drive, Kimberling City). Please call 417-739-5001 or send an email to cleanup@h2ozarks.org to have your supplies ready for pickup.