States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
N.Y. PSC: Corning Directed to Provide More Information About Renewable Natural Gas Purchases
ALBANY, New York, Dec. 19 -- The New York State Public Service Commission issued the following news release on Dec. 18, 2025:
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Corning Directed to Provide More information about Renewable Natural Gas Purchases
Southern Tier Gas Company also Directed to Improve its Modeling and Forecasting Methods
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The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today directed Corning Natural Gas Corporation (Corning) to begin to provide additional information about renewable natural gas purchases. The company must also improve its modeling and forecasting methods overall over the next five
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ALBANY, New York, Dec. 19 -- The New York State Public Service Commission issued the following news release on Dec. 18, 2025:
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Corning Directed to Provide More information about Renewable Natural Gas Purchases
Southern Tier Gas Company also Directed to Improve its Modeling and Forecasting Methods
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The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today directed Corning Natural Gas Corporation (Corning) to begin to provide additional information about renewable natural gas purchases. The company must also improve its modeling and forecasting methods overall over the next fiveyears within the context of the company's final long-term gas plan.
"Staff's analysis identified a need for the company to provide additional information and reports on renewable natural gas purchases, modeling of distribution pressures and gas quality, differentiated natural gas purchases, demand forecasting accuracy, and coordination with the local electric utility on non-pipes alternatives," said Commission Chair Rory M. Christian. "The gas planning procedures we have adopted will ensure that gas utilities continue to provide safe, adequate, and reliable service while striving to meet the state's greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets."
Given the relatively small size of the utility, the Commission directed these actions for Corning within the next five years. Further, in the company's next long-term plan filing, staff recommends that the company use an appropriate gas price forecast in its benefit-cost analysis. Corning operates nearly 450 miles of pipeline to transport natural gas to approximately 15,000 customers. Gas deliveries span 23 towns and villages, over 400 square miles, throughout the Southern Tier and central regions of New York State.
Further, the Commission directed the company to report on renewable natural gas purchases, modeling of distribution pressures and gas quality, differentiated natural gas purchases, demand forecasting accuracy, and coordination on non-pipes alternatives with the electric utility serving the same area. The Commission also directed the company to include additional information in its periodic updates, all part of the Commission's groundbreaking planning process to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the state's natural gas delivery system.
Modernizing the gas planning procedures is important so that local gas distribution companies' long-term plans are subjected to transparent review and ensure that they conform to state policies while ensuring that the gas utilities can continue to provide safe and adequate service. Pursuant to the Commission's long-term planning proceeding, utilities are required to make filings with their proposed long-term plans. Each filing begins a stakeholder engagement process, aimed at developing a consensus long-term plan. Utilities will also be required to provide annual updates to their long-term plans.
Today's decisions may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission's Web site at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Number 24-G-0629 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission documents may also be obtained from the Commission's Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.
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Original text here: https://dps.ny.gov/news/corning-directed-provide-more-information-about-renewable-natural-gas-purchases
N.Y. PSC: Con Edison Directed to Develop Reliability Contingency Plan for New York City
ALBANY, New York, Dec. 19 -- The New York State Public Service Commission issued the following news release on Dec. 18, 2025:
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Con Edison Directed to Develop Reliability Contingency Plan for New York City
Action Follows Recent NYISO Warning of Potential Downstate Energy Shortfalls As Early As Next Year
Utility Ordered to Propose Non-Emitting Solutions Plan That Prioritizes Cost-Effectiveness And Ease of Deployment
Commission Encourages Long Island Power Authority to Undertake Similar Planning Exercise
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The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today opened a proceeding
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ALBANY, New York, Dec. 19 -- The New York State Public Service Commission issued the following news release on Dec. 18, 2025:
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Con Edison Directed to Develop Reliability Contingency Plan for New York City
Action Follows Recent NYISO Warning of Potential Downstate Energy Shortfalls As Early As Next Year
Utility Ordered to Propose Non-Emitting Solutions Plan That Prioritizes Cost-Effectiveness And Ease of Deployment
Commission Encourages Long Island Power Authority to Undertake Similar Planning Exercise
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The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today opened a proceedingand directed Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. (Con Edison) to develop a Reliability Contingency Plan to address reliability needs identified in New York City. The order builds on the continuing work of the Commission to ensure the safe and reliable operation of our electric system while responsibly developing a modern transmission and distribution system to meet the evolving needs of the state.
"Ensuring the safety and reliability of our electric grid is a top priority for the Commission," said Commission Chair Rory M. Christian. "Given that fact, it is critically important that we turn over every stone to fully understand and plan for any reliability needs in our largest metropolitan area."
The Commission's action is based on a review of recent short-term system reliability projections published by the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), which identified reliability needs arising as early as next year in New York City and Long Island, and the NYISO's longer-term Comprehensive Reliability Plan (2025-2034), which points to system adequacy issues due to the age of New York's generation fleet, the rapid growth of new large loads, and challenges in developing new dispatchable resources. In addition, Con Edison's latest Local Transmission Plan identifies a reliability need starting in 2030 and increasing into the decade.
To address these concerns, the Commission directed Con Edison to submit a filing in 30 days that identifies the specific reliability needs along with the underlying assumptions and methodologies used to determine these needs. At the same time, Con Edison is required to issue a Request for Information (RFI) seeking a broad array of potential non-emitting solutions and host a Technical Conference on the need determination and the RFI.
Informed by the results of the RFI, Con Edison is directed to propose a plan containing its recommended non-emitting solutions, prioritizing cost-effectiveness and ease of deployment, and minimizing impacts to disadvantaged communities. The plan must specify the timelines for proposed solutions to be online and describe major milestones for measuring progress. It should also identify and assess generation, transmission, and other resources under development that could contribute to meeting reliability needs.
Once filed, the Reliability Contingency Plan will be made available for public review and comment. The Commission will address the solutions proposed in the Reliability Contingency Plan following the submission of public comments.
Additionally, given similar reliability needs identified on Long Island by the NYISO, the Commission encouraged the Long Island Power Authority to conduct a similar planning exercise and develop a Long Island contingency plan that reflects the principles and technical considerations in the order.
Today's decision may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission's Web site at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Number 25-E-0764 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission documents may also be obtained from the Commission's Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.
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Original text here: https://dps.ny.gov/news/con-edison-directed-develop-reliability-contingency-plan-new-york-city
N.Y. PSC: Commission Advances Efficient Use of Ratepayer Funding to Support Clean Energy Initiatives
ALBANY, New York, Dec. 19 -- The New York State Public Service Commission issued the following news release on Dec. 18, 2025:
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Commission Advances Efficient Use of Ratepayer Funding to Support Clean Energy Initiatives
The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today approved New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's (NYSERDA) 2026 Clean Energy Standard (CES) administrative budget, including funding the Zero Emission Credit (ZEC) program. The Commission also accepted the final Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (SGEIS) related to the ZEC program
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ALBANY, New York, Dec. 19 -- The New York State Public Service Commission issued the following news release on Dec. 18, 2025:
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Commission Advances Efficient Use of Ratepayer Funding to Support Clean Energy Initiatives
The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today approved New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's (NYSERDA) 2026 Clean Energy Standard (CES) administrative budget, including funding the Zero Emission Credit (ZEC) program. The Commission also accepted the final Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (SGEIS) related to the ZEC programextension proposal and NYSERDA's petition regarding its Clean Transportation Prize program.
"The decisions we make today support the continued private investment in New York State's growing clean energy economy," said Commission Chair Rory M. Christian. "By supporting advanced, emissions-free transportation and generation, we are spurring the creation of a clean energy economy, helping to create good paying jobs, and ensuring that New York's energy system remains reliable and affordable for customers."
Clean Energy Standard: The Commission approved, with modifications, NYSERDA's 2026 CES administrative budget, including funding the ZEC program via an administrative adder. NYSERDA had requested $34.78 million to support the 2026 CES compliance year budget. The Commission ultimately approved a budget of $31.4 million, a 15 percent decrease from the CES 2025 budget. This budget modification was to reflect the current renewable project landscape and reduce the burden on ratepayers. This funding will support NYSERDA's CES staff salaries and overhead, system development, technical support, and the New York State Cost Recovery Fee. NYSERDA will fund its 2026 CES administrative budget with revenues from previous years including bid fees, alternative compliance payments, and interest income. The ZEC program would continue to be funded with an administrative adder. NYSERDA's CES budget addresses the continued growth of workload for the administration of CES programs including managing more than 100 renewable energy generator contracts.
In a related ZEC action, the Commission accepted the final SGEIS related to the ZEC program extension proposal. With the SGEIS finalized, the Commission may now prepare a findings statement as required under the State Environmental Quality Review Act. A findings statement is required before the Commission may act on the underlying ZEC program extension proposal.
Clean Transportation Prize: The Commission approved, with modifications, NYSERDA's petition for its Clean Transportation Prize Program. In its petition, NYSERDA requested a two-year extension for nine of the 10 Clean Transportation Prize winners and a five-year extension for one of the Clean Transportation Prize winners. After the petition was filed, NYSERDA submitted a notice advising that two of the awarded projects had been cancelled. Additionally, NYSERDA requested a budget increase of approximately $500,000, or 15 percent, to provide additional program implementation support to administer the program for a longer period than originally anticipated. Finally, the petition proposes additional, publicly available, reporting requirements.
The Commission also approved the additional reporting requirements to ensure greater visibility and oversight of NYSERDA's administration of the Clean Transportation Prize Program, but the Commission denied the budget modification NYSERDA sought because there are now fewer projects to manage.
Today's decisions may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission's website at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Numbers 15-E-0302 (Clean Energy Standard) or 18-E-0138 (Clean Transportation) in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission documents may also be obtained from the Commission's Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.
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Original text here: https://dps.ny.gov/news/commission-advances-efficient-use-ratepayer-funding-support-clean-energy-initiatives
N.Y. PSC Greenlights Solar Array Project
ALBANY, New York, Dec. 19 -- The New York State Public Service Commission issued the following news release on Dec. 18, 2025:
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PSC Greenlights Solar Array Project
Project Expected to Power 64,000 Average-Sized Homes with Clean, Renewable Energy
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The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today granted Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCNs) to an upstate solar array totaling 250- megawatts (MWs) or enough electricity for 64,000 averaged-sized homes. Granting of a CPCN allows construction of a project to commence.
"I am pleased to announce that the developer
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ALBANY, New York, Dec. 19 -- The New York State Public Service Commission issued the following news release on Dec. 18, 2025:
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PSC Greenlights Solar Array Project
Project Expected to Power 64,000 Average-Sized Homes with Clean, Renewable Energy
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The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today granted Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCNs) to an upstate solar array totaling 250- megawatts (MWs) or enough electricity for 64,000 averaged-sized homes. Granting of a CPCN allows construction of a project to commence.
"I am pleased to announce that the developerhas satisfied the statutory requirements for the granting of this certificate to construct the facility," said Commission Chair Rory M. Christian. "This important project demonstrates we are strengthening our commitment to improve grid reliability and build clean energy. This project joins the more than 30 projects that New York has approved over the last few years. This is a testament to New York's commitment to sustainability, affordability, and resiliency."
The Commission granted Fort Covington Solar, LLC a CPCN to construct and operate a 250-MW solar array in the Town of Fort Covington, Franklin County. That $505 million project is expected to contribute millions of dollars to the local economy and create more than 150 construction jobs. Fort Covington will also provide $1.25 million in electric utility bill credits to town residents over a 10-year period in addition to funding improvements to the Fort Covington Fire Department as well as Rainbow Park. It is expected to generate enough electricity to power 64,000 average-sized homes in New York State. Fort Covington received its siting permit from the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission on August 21, 2025.
New York State's Climate Agenda
New York State's climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors.
Today's decision may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission's website at www.dps.ny.gov and enters Case Number 25-E-0603 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission documents may also be obtained from the Commission's Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.
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Original text here: https://dps.ny.gov/news/psc-greenlights-solar-array-project
Minn. Gov. Walz Applauds Today's Fraud Charges
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Dec. 19 -- Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, issued the following news release:
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Governor Walz Applauds Today's Fraud Charges; Highlights Minnesota's Multi-Year, Comprehensive Effort to Combat Fraud, Protect Taxpayer Dollars
Governor Tim Walz today applauded the fraud charges brought against individuals accused of defrauding public programs and highlighted Minnesota's comprehensive, multi-year efforts to combat fraud and protect taxpayer dollars. The Governor emphasized that today's developments validate Minnesota's earlier decision to audit and pause payments for 14 high-risk
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ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Dec. 19 -- Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, issued the following news release:
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Governor Walz Applauds Today's Fraud Charges; Highlights Minnesota's Multi-Year, Comprehensive Effort to Combat Fraud, Protect Taxpayer Dollars
Governor Tim Walz today applauded the fraud charges brought against individuals accused of defrauding public programs and highlighted Minnesota's comprehensive, multi-year efforts to combat fraud and protect taxpayer dollars. The Governor emphasized that today's developments validate Minnesota's earlier decision to audit and pause payments for 14 high-riskMedicaid programs tied to the federal investigation and shut down Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) entirely, demonstrating why the state moved early to strengthen oversight, stop improper payments, and support criminal prosecutions.
"This is exactly the type of strong action we need from prosecutors to ensure fraudsters are put behind bars," Governor Walz said. "This infuriating greed and criminal activity is why we took action earlier this year to shut down Housing Stabilization Services and hired an outside firm to audit these programs and stop payments to fraudulent providers. We will not tolerate fraud, and we will continue to work with federal partners to ensure fraud is stopped and fraudsters are caught."
Over the last several years, Governor Walz and state leaders have taken sustained action to strengthen program integrity across state government. These efforts include executive action, bipartisan legislation, enhanced enforcement tools, and partnerships with outside experts to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes.
In October, Governor Walz ordered a third-party audit of billing for 14 high-risk Medicaid services and paused payments while suspicious claims were reviewed. Using funding approved during the 2025 legislative session, the Minnesota Department of Human Services contracted with Optum to analyze fee-for-service claims data, flag irregularities, and prevent improper payments before funds are distributed. That work remains ongoing, and Minnesota continues to support federal law enforcement as investigations proceed.
Through executive action, bipartisan legislation, and agency-level reforms, Minnesota has also:
* Ordered audit and pause of payments for 14 high-risk Medicaid programs tied to the federal investigation and shut down HSS entirely
* Created a centralized fraud investigations unit within the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
* Established a statewide Inspector General Coordinating Council to improve cross-agency collaboration
* Funded additional auditors, internal control specialists, and grant oversight professionals
* Expanded whistleblower protections and anti-kickback penalties
* Required enhanced licensing, documentation, training, and unannounced site visits for high-risk providers
* Implemented new tools for data analytics, prepayment review, and fraud reporting
Last Friday, Governor Walz announced the appointment of Tim O'Malley as Director of Program Integrity and a partnership with WayPoint to implement a statewide fraud prevention program. This initiative will establish consistent investigative standards across agencies, improve data sharing, and enhance auditing and enforcement capacity statewide.
"We are thankful for the charges brought today. The public should expect these investigations to continue until we root out all criminals who seek to defraud Minnesotans of their hard-earned tax dollars," Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans said. "Our financial crimes and fraud agents and analysts are highly experienced, highly trained and will continue to work alongside and in coordination with other local, state and federal investigative and prosecution entities to get the job done."
Governor Walz emphasized that Minnesota will continue to pursue fraud aggressively at every level of government.
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Original text her: https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/#/detail/appId/1/id/716808
Md. Natural Resources Dept.: Maryland's 5 Million Trees Program Surpasses 1.5 Million Trees Planted
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Dec. 19 -- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources issued the following news on Dec. 18, 2025:
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Maryland's 5 Million Trees Program Surpasses 1.5 Million Trees Planted
More than 555,330 Added in FY2025 Toward 2031 Goal
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Maryland's 5 Million Trees program has reached more than 1.5 million native trees planted, marking a major milestone and reflecting strong momentum toward reaching the state's ambitious goal of planting 5 million trees by 2031.
More than 555,330 trees were planted in Fiscal Year 2025, according to a new annual report prepared for the Maryland
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ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Dec. 19 -- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources issued the following news on Dec. 18, 2025:
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Maryland's 5 Million Trees Program Surpasses 1.5 Million Trees Planted
More than 555,330 Added in FY2025 Toward 2031 Goal
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Maryland's 5 Million Trees program has reached more than 1.5 million native trees planted, marking a major milestone and reflecting strong momentum toward reaching the state's ambitious goal of planting 5 million trees by 2031.
More than 555,330 trees were planted in Fiscal Year 2025, according to a new annual report prepared for the MarylandGeneral Assembly. Plantings done by organizations and individuals other than the state were more than 5 times higher than the year before as many more Marylanders reported their tree plantings on the website.
"We have been encouraging Marylanders to 'Plant a Tree, Make it Count, and Breathe Easier,'" said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain. "Every tree makes our state healthier and more resilient, and this milestone underscores our shared commitment to a stronger environment for generations to come."
Trees are a powerful tool for climate action. They store carbon, cool neighborhoods, protect waterways, and improve air quality, making them an essential part of the state's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build climate resilience. The initiative is a partnership between the Maryland departments of environment, natural resources, transportation, agriculture, as well as the Chesapeake Bay Trust and other nonprofit groups.
"Trees strengthen our communities and provide cleaner water, cooler temperatures, and healthier ecosystems," said Secretary Josh Kurtz of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. "Planting 5 million trees is an ambitious goal, and we're well on our way to achieving it. The hard work of the Maryland Forest Service, our many partners, and Maryland citizens makes that possible, and we're excited to get even more trees in the ground next year."
Progress in Fiscal Year 2025 includes:
* More than 366,000 trees were planted by the Department of Natural Resources through the John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery and the Tree-Mendous Maryland program.
* Tree plantings led by private landowners, companies, municipalities, communities, and other non state entities grew more than five times from 8,365 in FY24 to 43,169 this year in FY25 thanks in part to a new advertising campaign.
* Planting events were held all around the state with community partners, including Waterford Lake Park in Anne Arundel County, Carroll Park and Druid Hill Park in Baltimore City, Salisbury Branch in Wicomico County, and Thomas Stone High School in Charles County. The largest planting of the initiative so far occurred this year at Browns Branch Wildlife Management Area in Queen Anne's County, where about 200,000 trees were planted.
"Planting trees is a way for Marylanders to take meaningful action for their communities," said Dr. Jana Davis, President of Chesapeake Bay Trust. "We're proud to administer the Urban Trees component of the Five Million Trees Initiative, empowering more people to green their neighborhoods."
Marylanders are encouraged to get involved by planting trees at home, joining community tree plantings, and registering trees already planted to ensure they count toward the statewide goal. Participating in an incentive program can also help the state reach its goal. DNR offers a $25 coupon toward the purchase of a tree from participating retail nurseries and garden centers, and donations through the Gift of Trees program also contribute to the goal.
Individuals can also reach out directly to Isaac Whitmore, DNR's 5 Million Trees program coordinator, at isaac.whitmore@maryland.gov for more information about how to have trees planted at a specific property.
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Original text here: https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2025/12/18/marylands-5-million-trees-program-surpasses-1-5-million-trees-planted/
MDC Welcomes Six New Conservation Agents to Southeast Missouri
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Dec. 19 -- The Missouri Department of Conservation issued the following news on Dec. 18, 2025:
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MDC welcomes six new conservation agents to southeast Missouri
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has assigned six new conservation agents in southeast Missouri.
These six agents will work to protect Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife resources while supporting the community through education, outreach, and enforcement of the Wildlife Code of Missouri.
Missouri's Southeast Region welcomes six new agents to the area including:
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JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Dec. 19 -- The Missouri Department of Conservation issued the following news on Dec. 18, 2025:
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MDC welcomes six new conservation agents to southeast Missouri
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has assigned six new conservation agents in southeast Missouri.
These six agents will work to protect Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife resources while supporting the community through education, outreach, and enforcement of the Wildlife Code of Missouri.
Missouri's Southeast Region welcomes six new agents to the area including:
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Dominick Montileone III -- St. Francois County
Montileone holds a Bachelor of Science in paramedicine from Lindenwood University. Before joining MDC, he served as an EMT with the Big River Ambulance District for four years, gaining extensive experience in public safety, emergency response, and community service.
"I am proud to step into the role of conservation agent in St. Francois County," said Montileone. "I'm excited to help protect its natural resources and wildlife. I look forward to serving my community and working together to keep our outdoors safe and enjoyable for everyone."
Montileone may be contacted at 573-330-8038, or by email at Dominick.Montileone@mdc.mo.gov.
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Hunter Ridenour -- Pemiscot County
Ridenour is a 2016 graduate of Logan-Rogersville High School. He went on to attend College of the Ozarks in Hollister, Mo., where he earned a degree in agronomy and agricultural development in 2020.
Before joining MDC, Ridenour worked in the bass boat industry for three years as a boat parts salesman and manager. He later served as a District Specialist with the Taney County Soil and Water Conservation District, where he assisted landowners with conservation practices and resource management. He remained with the district for one year before being accepted into MDC's Conservation Agent Trainee program.
"It is an honor to be the new Pemiscot County conservation agent," said Ridenour. "I cannot wait to serve the community and protect the great outdoor resources it has to offer."
Ridenour can be reached at 573-757-8357, or by email at Hunter.Ridenour@mdc.mo.gov.
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Nick Freeman -- Perry County
Freeman is originally from Jackson, Mo., and is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, where he earned a degree in ecological biology. He began his career with MDC as an intern working for the regional recreational use specialist at the Southeast Regional Office. He later served as a fisheries technician until being accepted into the Conservation Agent Training Academy in March 2022.
After graduating from the academy, Freeman received his first assignment in Ralls County, where he served as conservation agent until Sept. 1, 2025. He then transferred to Perry County.
"In my short time here in Perry County I have enjoyed meeting plenty of local people and exploring the diverse landscape," said Freeman. "I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Missouri in my new assignment."
Freeman can be reached at 573-517-9056 or by email at Nicholas.Freeman@mdc.mo.gov.
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Dalton DeHart -- Mississippi County
DeHart is from Commerce, Mo., and is a graduate of Thomas W. Kelly High School. He later attended Southeast Missouri State University, where he earned a degree in wildlife and conservation biology with a minor in criminal justice.
DeHart previously worked as a resource technician at Ten Mile Pond Conservation Area, where he assisted with habitat management, wildlife surveys, and equipment maintenance. He also participated in MDC's Volunteer Protection Program, gaining field experience in conservation law enforcement, public engagement, and daily operations alongside conservation agents. These combined experiences strengthened his passion for protecting Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife resources.
"My passion for conservation began when my grandpa, James DeHart, introduced me to fishing as a young child," Agent DeHart said. "Now, as a conservation agent, I'm proud to help protect the lands and waters that have given generations of Missourians memories like mine."
DeHart can be reached at 573-233-5570, or by email at Dalton.DeHart@mdc.mo.gov.
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Josh Slocum -- Wayne County
Slocum graduated from Magnolia High School in Magnolia, Texas, in 2019. He later earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Ouachita Baptist University in 2024. While attending the university, he worked as a campus police officer, gaining valuable experience in public safety and law enforcement.
After completing his degree, Slocum moved to Springfield, Mo., where he worked for Menard's before applying for MDC's 2025 Conservation Agent Training Academy. He completed the academy in September 2025, becoming a commissioned conservation agent.
"I grew up in the south, where hunting and fishing was my life," said Slocum. "I always had a dream of becoming a game warden and my dream came true when I became a Missouri conservation agent. Wayne County has endless hunting opportunities, and my hope is that I will create lasting relationships with the community and leave a positive impact through my enforcement and education efforts."
Slocum can be reached at 573-944-1174 or by email at Joshua.Slocum@mdc.mo.gov.
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Bradley Laux -- New Madrid
Laux graduated from Belleville East High School in 2014 before entering the United States Marine Corps, where he served multiple deployments with the Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team and later with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment as an 0311 rifleman and team leader. He completed his Marine Corps career at Camp Pendleton's Horno Rifle Range, serving as the line staff non-commissioned officer and a combat marksman coach.
Following his military service, Laux attended Southeast Missouri State University with the support of the GI Bill. He graduated in December 2024 with a major in wildlife and conservation biology and a minor in environmental science.
"My passion for conservation goes back to landing my first big fish with my dad and brother and shooting my first big buck on our family farm," Laux said. "Now I'm happy to see those moments in other people's lives and help protect the resources that create those special memories and connections with nature."
Laux can be reached at 573-326-0886, or by email at Bradley.Laux@mdc.mo.gov.
These new agents join nearly 200 existing MDC agents in serving and protecting Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife. To find a list of conservation agents by county, go to https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4ok.
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Original text here: https://mdc.mo.gov/newsroom/mdc-welcomes-six-new-conservation-agents-southeast-missouri
