(KFVS) - Ameren Missouri has joined the Missouri State Highway Patrol in an initiative to promote the importance of wearing life jackets while boating on the Lake of the Ozarks.

The main focus is children, but the initiative will also educate boaters of all ages about the life-saving importance of life jackets.

“Safety is our primary concern, and teaming with the Missouri State Highway Patrol provides a tremendous opportunity to emphasize the importance of wearing life jackets on Missouri’s lakes and waterways,” said Jeff Green, supervisor of shoreline management, Ameren Missouri.

Ameren Missouri is providing the troopers with T-shirts bearing the message, “I got caught wearing my life jacket.” Troopers will hand out the T-shirts as a reward to children “caught” wearing their life jackets during the early summer boating season.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KFVS) - The City of Cape Girardeau says work will begin on the Howell Street Bridge near Jane Drive at 7 a.m. on May 28.

Work will close the bridge for about five weeks, weather permitting. Tasks will include removing the existing box culvert structure and replacing it with a new single span bridge structure.

Contractor Zoellner Construction from Perryville, Mo. was awarded the contract for $508,000. Funding was made available by the 2008 Parks and Recreation Stormwater Tax.

According to the city, once the Howell Street Bridge is complete, possibly in early July, work will begin on the Cape Rock Drive Bridge near Dennis Scivally Park.

The city's 2010 traffic study data indicates that over 7,000 people use the Cape Rock Bridge every day.

Detour signs will be set up to guide drivers around the work area, and drivers are asked to use caution and consider using alternate routes.

(KFVS) - Gov. Jay Nixon has proclaimed May 18 as National Kids to Parks Day in the state and encouraged Missourians of all ages to get outside and enjoy our state and local parks.

This national event is sponsored by the National Park Trust and endorsed by Missouri State Parks.

“Whether visiting a local municipal park or one of our state parks and historic sites, the opportunities for enjoying nature are nearly endless,” Gov. Nixon said. “Participating in activities at our parks, from hiking to fishing, create meaningful family memories that contribute to a life-long appreciation of the outdoors.”

Gov. Nixon created the Children in Nature Challenge to encourage activities that introduce children to nature year round. Communities and families can participate in the challenge and learn more at childreninnature.mo.gov.