The weather outside might get frightful, but this winter, savings on Amtrak travel are delightful. Missouri River Runner passengers can save 20 percent on adult fares for travel Jan. 5 through March 31. Book your seat using discount code V419 effective now through March 30, 2015. Reservations are required at least one day in advance of travel on the route between Kansas City and St. Louis, which includes stops at Kirkwood, Washington, Hermann, Jefferson City, Sedalia, Warrensburg, Lee's Summit and Independence.

Complete your plans now for the lowest fares. Savings are possible by booking through the "Deals" tab at Amtrak.com or by calling 800-USA-RAIL.You can also purchase tickets using Amtrak eTicketing and simply print your boarding documents from any printer or present them on board electronically via your smartphone.

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission and MoDOT have selected Melinda Grace-Beasley as the new Assistant Chief Counsel-Human Resources.

Grace-Beasley graduated from the University of Kansas School of Law in 1991 and has represented the commission and department for 20 years. She began her career in 1994 as an assistant counsel with the MoDOT's Chief Counsel's Office in Jefferson City after being in private practice in Kansas City for three years.

Throughout the past two decades, she has performed various roles of increasing responsibility at the department, including senior assistant counsel from 1999 to 2003, and then regional counsel from 2003 until this year.

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