Increases in maintenance costs over the past 15 years have led to the need for the USDA Forest Service to adjust fees at Mark Twain National Forest’s developed recreation sites. New and increased fees will take effect on Jan. 1, 2024. Over time, this will also help in making improvements at multiple recreation sites in line with the Forest’s recreation strategic plan. A vast majority of the Forest is free for visitors to access and enjoy, but fees are needed to maintain the sites that offer amenities — things like fire rings, trash service, potable water, electricity, paved parking and more. more

On Monday, Oct. 2, Governor Mike Parson announced a total of 566 school districts, charter schools and nonpublic schools have received grant funds from the second round of funding for the School Safety Grant Program. more

The heat of summer has broken, making way for cooler temperatures and more outdoor exploration for many areas of Mark Twain National Forest, including the Chadwick Off-Highway-Vehicle (OHV) Riding Area. The Chadwick OHV Riding Area has more than 70 miles of trails to explore. Motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs less than 50 inches in width can ride the trails with Forest Service OHV permits and as long as the vehicles are safe to operate and the drivers understand the rules of trail riding. more

Chadwick Motorcycle and ATV Use Area is one of two motorized trail systems in Mark Twain National Forest (Forest). Located on the Ava Unit of the Ava/Cassville/Willow Springs (ACW) Ranger District, this network of trails gives Forest visitors a place to ride and enjoy their ATVs, UTVs and off-road motorcycles. The only thing the Forest Service requires is for visitors to purchase the proper riding permit. Unfortunately, several factors have created a bottleneck in pass sales. ACW Ranger District employees recognize this and are working to fix this issue. more

Chadwick Motorcycle and ATV Use Area is one of two motorized trail systems in Mark Twain National Forest (Forest). Located about 35 miles to the southeast of Springfield, this network of trails provides Forest visitors a place to ride their ATVs, UTVs and off-road motorcycles. A Chadwick Recreation Area project is being proposed to make multiple improvements to this trail system. Public feedback is encouraged and an open house to learn more will be held May 13 in Sparta. Specifically, the project proposes the following actions: more

Gretchen House is on her way to Jefferson City for the Class 1 State Track Meet this weekend and is planning a trip to Hamburg, Germany, for the World Triathlon Series next year. more

For Chadwick freshmen phenoms Raeleigh Little and Kerrigan Guerin, their first go-around in the post-season has seen them lead the Lady Cardinals to the Class 1 Sectional round. more

Clayton Rains is glad to be a part of Chadwick’s second straight District championship and the Cardinals’ full-court pressure. more

For Kerrigan Guerin and her Chadwick teammates, a Class 1 District 4 championship plaque made all the photos they posed for Saturday worthwhile. more