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Thursday, May 14, 2026
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Get hooked on fishing with MDC Free Fishing Days June 6 and 7
Free Fishing Days is an annual MDC event that takes place statewide during the Saturday and Sunday following the first Monday in June.
Aside from not needing permits, other fishing regulations remain in effect, such as limits on size and number of fish an angler may keep. Special permits may still be required at some county, city, or private fishing areas. Trespass laws remain in effect on private property.
Conservation makes Missouri a great place to fish, and Free Fishing Days encourages people to sample Missouri’s abundant fishing opportunities. Missouri has more than a million acres of surface water, and most of it provides great fishing. More than 200 different fish species are found in Missouri, with more than 20 of them being game fish for the state's more than 1.1 million anglers.
For information on Missouri fishing regulations, fish identification, and more, get a copy of MDC’s 2026 Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations, available where permits are sold, or online at mdc.mo.gov/about-us/about-regulations/summary-missouri-fishing-regulations.
Want to learn to fish? MDC’s Discover Nature – Fishing Program provides a series of free lessons throughout the state. All fishing gear is provided. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/fishing/discover-nature-fishing.
Need fishing gear? MDC works with numerous libraries and other locations around the state to loan fishing gear for free. Loaner gear includes fishing poles and simple tackle box with hooks, sinkers, and bobbers. Worms, minnows, or other bait are not provided. Find MDC Rod and Reel Loaner Program locations at mdc.mo.gov/fishing/get-started-fishing/rod-reel-loaner-locations.
MDC’s free MO Fishing app can help anglers find the best places to fish in Missouri, access regulation information, identify fish by species, and more. Anglers can also buy, store, and show fishing permits right on their mobile devices. MO Fishing is available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/mobile-apps/mo-fishing.
MDC is committed to accessibility at all its nature centers, regional facilities, and conservation areas. To request ADA accommodation for participation in MDC programs, visit mdc.mo.gov/accessibility
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Bates County Memorial Hospital Celebrates National Hospital Week by Highlighting the People Behind the Care
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As part of National Hospital Week, Bates County Memorial Hospital is recognizing the employees who help make BCMH “The Heart of Our Community” through their dedication to patients, coworkers, and the communities they serve across Bates County.
Observed nationally each May, Hospital Week celebrates the important role hospitals and healthcare workers play in supporting the health and wellbeing of their communities. This year’s theme at BCMH focuses on the many ways employees serve both inside the hospital and beyond its walls.
Throughout the week, BCMH is sharing employee stories that reflect the personal connections, purpose, and commitment behind healthcare careers in a rural community.
For many healthcare professionals, that calling begins early in life.
“For me, pursuing a career in healthcare was a personal calling,” said Doncella Liggins, RHIT, Director of Health Information Management at BCMH. “Both my mother and grandmother worked in the field, and their dedication and passion served as a strong influence on my decision to work in healthcare.”
Others say the meaningful nature of healthcare work extends far beyond direct patient care roles.
“I chose healthcare because it allows me to contribute to something bigger than myself,” said Joe Harris, BCMH Director of Materials Management. “Even though my role is on the operational side, I know the work I do supports caregivers and directly impacts patient care.”
Harris added that BCMH’s role within Bates County is something he values personally.
“BCMH isn’t just a hospital, but a cornerstone of Bates County,” he said. “I’m proud to be part of a place that puts people first and works together to support the wellbeing of our community.”
For nurses working in rural healthcare, relationships with patients and families often become one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
“I chose healthcare in a rural community because it allows me to build strong, lasting relationships with my patients,” said Heather Haddix, RN. “Developing trust over time and being a consistent, dependable presence lets me provide more personal, meaningful care.”
Ann Donohue, RN, said those personal relationships are part of what makes serving at BCMH unique.
“Working at BCMH is like being a part of a large family,” Donohue said. “We offer many services but still have the small-town benefit of caring for our neighbors, friends and loved ones. We give personalized care that you don’t often get at other facilities.”
BCMH officials say those stories reflect the heart of rural healthcare and the many individuals who help support patient care each day.
“Hospital Week is an opportunity to recognize the people behind the work,” said Greg Weaver, CEO. “Whether employees serve patients directly or support operations behind the scenes, every role contributes to the care and wellbeing of our communities.”
In addition to recognizing employees during Hospital Week, BCMH is also highlighting staff involvement throughout Bates County through volunteer service, school activities, community organizations, coaching, church groups, and local events.
“Many of our employees serve the community long after their workday ends,” Weaver said. “That spirit of service is part of what makes BCMH special.”
National Hospital Week will be celebrated May 10-16, 2026.
Learn more about BCMH at bcmhospital.com.
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