Monthly Archives: June 2025

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Rock Island Trail Progress: Trail Advocates Gather In May To Hail Trail Extension

by Don Corrigan

Residents and officials with Gerald, Owensville, and Belle, Mo., hosted separate ribbon cuttings to mark progress on the Rock Island Trail on May 31. They were joined by Friends of Rock Island Trail State Park.

There was a packed schedule of events on May 31 that required a bit of travel to cover the trail route. The entire trail will cross much of Missouri. Among the different celebratory events:

•  At 9 a.m, May 31, there was a ribbon cutting in Gerald that hailed the opening of one mile of trail at the Gerald Trailhead. An impressive 100-foot mural commemorating the Rock Island Railway was visible. It is supported by local firefighters.

• At 11 a.m. – An Owensville ribbon cutting marked the grand opening of 2.5 miles of trail in Owensville. Bikers and hikers on the Rock Island Trail through Owensville can enjoy local dining options and learn more about the biggest horseshoe known to man.

• At 1 p.m. – The Belle groundbreaking ceremony for a remarkable stretch of trail commenced. The trail extension in Belle is highlighted by views of the Largest Cow Bell on Earth, a caboose, and classic feed mill.

A reception followed at the Zumwalt Feed Mill. Activities included book signings by Dan Burkhardt of Magnificent Missouri and Brett Dufer of Pebble Publishing.

“Thanks to the strong trail community partnerships, support from regional economic organizations and dedicated advocacy by a legion of trail supports, we’re turning vision into reality,” noted a spokesperson for Friends of Rock Island Trail State Park. “We are building a legacy for generations to enjoy.”

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Posted on June 26, 2025 in Home, Local Events

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Lone Elk Park Welcomes Two Baby Bison Calves

Saint Louis County is excited to announce the birth of two bison calves at Lone Elk Park. The two calves were born overnight on May 6, 2025.

The arrival of the calves marks the beginning of a new chapter for the park’s bison herd and a special opportunity for visitors to witness native wildlife in action.

The reddish-orange calves can be seen trailing closely behind their mothers in the bison pasture. While the new arrivals are a heartwarming sight, park officials urge visitors to remain in their vehicles and observe all wildlife from a safe distance.

“These calves are a sign of a healthy herd and a successful habitat,” said Pat Curry, Park Supervisor at Lone Elk Park. “They’ll spend the next few months bonding with their mothers and gradually gaining independence. It’s a special time for the herd, and we’re thrilled to share it with the public.”

Lone Elk Park is a unique, free drive-through wildlife experience operated by St. Louis County Parks and Recreation. It is home to bison, elk, deer, and other native species. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset.

Visitors are welcome to enjoy the park’s scenic views but are reminded to follow all posted guidelines and avoid approaching or feeding wildlife.

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Posted on June 22, 2025 in Home, Outdoor/Nature

C-SPAN Award Winner: KHS Student Nora Schroeder Wins Video Award With Her, “Radioactive Waste Crisis: A Hidden Hazard”

Posted on June 11, 2025 | Leave a comment

by Don Corrigan

Seven Kirkwood High School students have shown their stuff making documentaries to raise people’s awareness of critical issues. One of the seven video champs scored especially big in a media competition.

Nora Schroeder won a $1,500 prize and placed second for her piece involving the toll of the atomic age on St. Louis with her documentary, “The Radioactive Waste Crisis: A Hidden Hazard.”

Schroeder’s documentary is proving timely as the U.S. Congress has been deciding this session on how much attention to give to remediating the radioactive waste sites in St. Louis. The hazardous waste has been a source of controversy for decades.

However, the waste received little attention in the years when it was initially dumped at several North County sites and along Coldwater Creek. It’s removal from a chemical plant in north St. Louis and subsequent dispersal was haphazard and careless at best.

Government Cover-Up

Schroeder said research she did on the dawn of the atomic age – and the radioactive waste contamination of north St. Louis County – shocked her. She is even more surprised that few of her classmates seem to know about the contamination issue.

In her documentary, U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Missouri, charges that the government lied about dangerous materials processed in St. Louis to make the atomic bomb. Then, officials covered up how neighborhoods were contaminated with dumped radioactive waste.

“My main message is that the President needs to address the issue because the federal government caused the problem,” said Schroeder. “There needs to be more awareness of this problem.

“People need help,” added Schroeder. “If I was diagnosed with cancer because of something like this, I would want there to be some responsibility for what happened.”

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