The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

KIRKSVILLE, MO -- With the Memorial Day weekend coming up, many of you probably have plans to hit area parks, lakes, rivers, or even do a little camping, or maybe just do an afternoon drive. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds you to practice safe summer tips when out and about this weekend.

”Memorial Day Weekend is the kickoff to many summer recreational activities and we know that there is going to be a lot of people traveling throughout our nation and participating in a lot of outdoor activities. Whether that’s boating, camping, or just spending time with family and friends we know there’s going to be an added amount of motorist on the highway. Keeping that in mind, our big goal is simple. To make sure people get to their destinations safely and arrive back to their home safely,” said Sgt. Brent Bernhardt with the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E., Combined Accident Reduction Effort, during the long holiday weekend. This means every available officer will be on the road enforcing traffic laws and assisting motorists. Motorists or boaters in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use the Highway Patrol’s Emergency Assistance number by dialing *55 on a cellular phone.

“We will also be participating in click it or ticket campaign in Adair County. On the peak travel days of Friday and Monday we will be participating in a 20 mile trooper program which will be held on highways 24, 63, and 36,” Bernhardt said.

The Memorial Day weekend is also an unofficial start to the boating season. During the 2011 Memorial Day weekend, there were 10 boating accidents across the state. The Missouri State Highway Patrol hopes you will do your part to avoid an accident and that boating while intoxicated is drunk driving.

“Not only promoting safety on our highways, but promoting safety on our lakes and rivers. Trooper are going to be out on the lakes and rivers insuring that boaters are acting appropriately and following Missouri laws,” Bernhardt said.

And with the Memorial Day weekend upon us that means the remaining state parks with beaches in Missouri will be Open for business. Including right here in Kirksville, Thousand Hills State Park.  With temperatures reaching 90 degrees as we head into the weekend, it will be a great weekend to hit the water.

For road condition reports in Missouri, visit the Missouri State Highway Patrols website at www.mshp.dps.mo.gov.