Archive for 2025
Obituaries – Monday, October 13th 2025
Funeral services for Deborah “Debbie” Elaine (Quick) Vallero of Salem, age 70, will be Friday at 1:00 at the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel. Visitation will be from 11:00 until service time. Burial will be in the Jadwin Cemetery.
Sports – Monday, October 13th 2025
The Salem Football Tigers fell to the Mountain Grove Panthers Friday night by the score of 30-6. Sylis Dubois rushed the ball 15 times and scored the lone Salem touchdown on a 60-yard run. Salem falls to 2-5 on the year and 1-4 in the SCA Conference. Mountain Grove improved to 6-1 and 5-0 in the SCA Conference. Salem will be at Mountain View Friday night to face the Liberty Eagles starting at 7:00.
The Salem JV Football Tigers will host Mountain Grove tonight at 6:00 at the SHS Football Field at Bill Schuchardt Stadium. The JV enters the contest with a 1-3 record.
Thursday night, the Salem Football 8th Grade Tigers shutout Houston, 48-0 to go to 5-0 on the year. Also on Thursday night, the Salem 7th graders beat Houston, 12-0 to improve to 4-0-1 on the year. The Salem 7th and 8th Grade Football Teams will be at West Plains Thursday to finish out their regular season starting at 5:30 with the 7th grade game with the 8th grade game to follow.
The Salem Lady Volleyball Tigers will host the Plato Lady Eagles tonight starting at 5:00. Originally, a freshman contest was to be held at 5:00, but that match has been cancelled. The JV Match will begin at 5:00 with the varsity contest will follow around 6:00. The Salem Varsity Lady Volleyball Tigers enter the contest with an 10-19-2 record while Plato is 11-11-2. The match can be heard on KSMO Radio (AM 1340 and 95.7 FM) and video streamed on KSMO Media (ksmoradio.com, the KSMO Stream Facebook Page, and the KSMO YouTube Page) starting with Tiger Talk and Coach Madison Satterly around 5:45.
The Salem Lady Volleyball Tigers have been seeded 4th in the Class 3, District 9 Tournament that will be held in Cuba starting on Tuesday, October 21st at 5:00. Salem will face the host Cuba Lady Wildcats at that time with the winner of that match facing the #1 seeded Sullivan Lady Eagles on Thursday afternoon at 5:00.
Last Thursday, the Salem Cross Country teams participated in the Licking Wildcat Invitational. The Salem Boys team finished 11th. Individually, Stetson Mobray finished 66th with a time of 21:29, followed by Nicholas Thies in 67th place with a time of 21:31. Zoey Elliott was the highest placing girl at Licking coming in 25th place with a time of 23:31. The Salem Cross Country squad will be at Willow Springs this afternoon.
Jake Neighbours scored two goals as the Blues scored two late 3rd period goals to break a 2-2 tie and beat Calgary Saturday afternoon, 4-2. Robert Thomas and Pius Suter scored for the Blues who will be in Vancouver today and you can hear the Blues with a slightly delayed broadcast on KSMO Radio right after Salem Lady Tiger Volleyball around 7:30.
Last night the 2-3 Kansas City Chiefs hosted the 4-1 Detroit Lions. The Lions kicked a field goal on their opening possession and the Chiefs quickly responded with a touchdown. They traded touchdowns in the second quarter and Kansas City held a three point advantage at halftime. Kansas City would begin to separate from Detroit in the second half by out scoring the Lions 17-7 for a final score of 30-17. Patrick Mahomes threw for three touchdowns and no interceptions for a 132.2 quarterback rating. Kansas City will host the Las Vegas Raiders next Sunday afternoon.
Obituaries – Friday, October 10th 2025
Memorial services for Bonnie Jean Graves of Salem, age 82, will be held at 1:00 this afternoon in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel. Visitation will be held from noon until service time at the chapel. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Salem First Baptist Church for the Quilters Guild.
Funeral services for Rachel Nicole Counts Brooks of Danville, Indiana, formerly of Salem, age 23, will be held at 12:00 noon Saturday in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel. Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 tonight in the chapel. Burial will be in the New Harmony Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Riverways Pregnancy and Family Resource Center.
A graveside service for Ruth M. Fleet, age 89, of Rolla will be held at 11:00 Sunday morning in the Ozark Memorial Gardens in Rolla. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Phelps Hospice. All arrangements are under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary of Rolla.
A Celebration of Life for Betty J. Martin, age 79, of Salem, will be held Sunday afternoon from 2:00 until 5:00 at the Spring Creek Golf Club in Salem.
Funeral Services for Charles Donald Harper of Steelville, age 82, will be Monday at 11:00 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville. Visitation will be Sunday from 5:00 until 8:00. Interment will be at the Steelville Cemetery.
Sports – Friday, October 10th 2025
The Salem Lady Varsity Volleyball Tigers lost in three straight sets Thursday night to the Licking Lady Wildcats at the SHS Gymnasium in non-conference play by the score of 13-25, 15-25 and 25-27. Salem falls to 10-19-1 on the year while Licking improves to 12-13-3. They will host Plato Monday night, and it will be Senior Night. The varsity match should begin between 6:45 and 7:00 and it can be heard on KSMO Media.
The Salem JV Lady Volleyball Tigers rallied in the first set and won it 25-23 before taking the second set, 25-19 to improve to 16-3-1 on the year. The JV Tigers and Freshman Tigers will also be in action Monday starting at 5:0 against the Plato Lady Eagles.
The Salem Varsity Football Tigers will host the Mountain Grove Panthers tonight in an SCA Conference game starting at 7:00 and it will be Senior Night where the seniors from this year’s team will be recognized before the game. Salem enters the game with a 2-4 record and 1-3 in the SCA Conference. The Panthers enter the game with a 5-1 record and 4-0 in the SCA Conference. You can hear the game on KSMO Radio (AM 1340 and 95.7 FM) or video stream the contest on KSMO Media (ksmoradio.com, the KSMO Stream Facebook Page and KSMO YouTube page) starting around 6:30.
The Missouri Football Tigers will host Alabama Saturday morning at 11:00 in a key SEC Conference matchup. Missouri enters the game with a 5-0 record while Crimson Tide is 4-1. You can hear the game on KSMO Radio.
The St. Louis Blues opened their season at home against the Minnesota Wild last night. While the Blues held several stat lines in their favor the one that mattered most was the score and it read 5-0 for the Wild. This was the first loss for the Blues on home ice in fifteen games, excluding preseason games. The Blues next game will be at Calgary to take on the Flames Saturday afternoon starting at 3:00. You can hear the game on KSMO Radio 1340 AM & 95.7 FM after Missouri Tigers Football.
The Kansas City Chiefs will host the Detroit Lions Sunday night starting at 7:20 on NBC TV. The Chiefs are 2-3 on the year while Detroit is 4-1.
News – Friday, October 10th 2025
The City of Salem Utility Committee held its regular meeting Wednesday evening at 6:15 in the Auditorium located at 202 N. Washington Street. The agenda was approved after removing discussion of the Electric Meter Fee from the proposed utility policy amendments. The committee approved updates to the City of Salem’s Identity Theft Prevention Program, specifically the Preventing and Mitigating Identity Theft section. They also approved a recommendation by committee member David Weiss to remove City Clerk Tammy Koller’s name from the Program Administration Oversight section. The city has issued a Request for Qualifications from firms capable of performing scheduled inspections, maintenance, and as-needed rehabilitation services on its three existing water towers, as well as the fourth tower currently under construction. Two companies, Maguire Water Tank Construction & Maintenance and Viking Water Tower Painting & Maintenance, were reviewed, with the committee voting to recommend Viking to the Board of Aldermen. Finance Director Stacy Houston presented the city’s financial report, noting that year-to-date the city has billed approximately 14.1 million kilowatt-hours in electric usage, generating $1.9 million in revenue, including $45,000 in service availability fees. Water billing totaled around 35 million gallons, producing roughly $316,000 in revenue, $53,000 of which came from base rates. Sewer usage totaled 31.4 million gallons, generating about $420,000 in revenue, with $77,000 from base rates. Committee member Harold Hamilton inquired why sewer billing was higher than water billing. City Administrator Sally Burbridge explained that Spring Creek is designated as an impaired waterway, meaning it already faces environmental challenges. Because Salem’s plant is the only permitted user on the creek, stricter discharge limits are enforced, leading to phased facility upgrades and incurred debt for phases 2B and potentially phase 3. Committee member Kyle Williams added that treating sewage requires more chemicals than treating water, contributing to the higher costs. Public Works Director Steve Paine recognized Josh Hunt, who received the 2024 Missouri Rural Water Operator of the Year award and the Water Drop Award. Paine noted that a formal press release will be issued to highlight Hunt’s achievement. He also reported that the city is still awaiting delivery of meter boxes from contractors to complete the downtown lights project and anticipates the fourth water tower will be completed by July 2026. Before adjournment, Alderman Nathan Kinsey announced that future Utility Committee agendas will include a public comments section. Residents who cannot attend meetings in person may email their questions directly to him for inclusion in the discussion.
The Dent County Museum is holding a “W. P Elmer Day” this Saturday at the museum location at 400 North Pershing Street from 1:00 until 4:00 in the afternoon as a celebration of Dent County History. Rick Mansfield will portray Elmer who owned the home where the museum is now located. Elmer was a local lawyer as well as prosecuting attorney for Dent County and also served as a state representative. There will be patriotic music from the Dent County Choir, and the museum will be open.
Looking for a new place to bow hunt this fall? The Missouri Outdoor Recreational Access Program (MRAP) offers several archery-only and all-access properties across the state that are open for public archery hunting! For more details, visit https://mdc.mo.gov/mrap.
News – Thursday, October 9th 2025
Mentoring makes a difference where one hour per week can help change a child’s life. Numerous mentors are already providing this service to students at the Salem R-80 Middle School in the morning from 8:06 until 8:55 for 6th graders, at the Salem R-80 Upper Elementary school from 3:30 to 4:30 for 3rd through 5th graders, and the North Wood R-4 School for 3rd through 6th graders from 3:45 to 4:45, but more are needed. Mentors can be a friend to these children, helping them with homework or just playing a game with them offering encouragement and support. Mentored youth are less likely to misuse alcohol and drugs, respond more positively to teachers and parents, and have greater feelings of self-worth with improved confidence and social skills. Healthy Dent County is the coordinator of this program and if you have one hour per week to become a mentor and make a difference in a child’s life, contact Liberty Ross at 573-729-8163, text her at 573-247-4886 or e-mail her at liberty@salemcommunitycenter.org.
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is seeking public input on deer management in Missouri and welcomes comments online through October 17th. MDC invites deer hunters, wildlife watchers, landowners and managers, and others to comment about Missouri’s deer population, deer management, chronic wasting disease (CWD) management, and deer seasons and regulations. Learn more and comment online through October 17th at short.mdc.mo.gov/4yd. MDC invites deer hunters, wildlife watchers, landowners and managers, and others to comment about deer management in Missouri online through October 17th at short.mdc.mo.gov/4yd. In addition to welcoming public comments online, MDC also invites the public to community open houses on deer management it is holding around the state. Stop by anytime from 4:00 in the afternoon until 8:00 in the evening. No registration is required. Attendees can talk with MDC staff about deer management and regulations, impacts of CWD and epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) on deer populations, managing private land for deer, and MDC’s Deer Management Assistance Program. The MDC deer management open houses nearest our area will be on October 15th in West Plains at the Civic Center, 110 St Louis Street. MDC invites deer hunters, wildlife watchers, landowners and managers, and others to comment about deer management in Missouri online through October 17th at short.mdc.mo.gov/4yd.
A “Hocus Pocus Front Porch Sign N’ Wine” class will be held Friday evening, October 10th, from 6:00 until 9:00 at the Creative Arts Center with Danielle Norris. Come and follow along step by step to make a “Hocus Pocus” sign just in time for spooky season! Or go amuck and create your own porch sign leaner or 15×15 square sign for fall or Halloween! Stencils will be available for letters and personalization! The cost is $30 for porch leaner, or $32 for the 15 x 15 square sign. At least six people need to sign up for the class which will be limited to no more than 20. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center. For more information, e-mail salemartscenter@salemcommunitybetterment.com
The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to remind the public that driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed on Monday, October 13, in observance of Columbus Day. Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
Obituaries – Thursday, October 9th 2025
Memorial services for Bonnie Jean Graves of Salem, age 82, will be held at 1:00 Friday afternoon in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel. Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon until service time Friday at the chapel. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Salem First Baptist Church for the Quilters Guild.
Funeral services for Rachel Nicole Counts Brooks of Danville, Indiana, formerly of Salem, age 23, will be held at 12:00 noon Saturday in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel. Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 Friday night in the chapel. Burial will be in the New Harmony Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Riverways Pregnancy and Family Resource Center.
A graveside service for Ruth M. Fleet, age 89, of Rolla will be held at 11:00 Sunday morning in the Ozark Memorial Gardens in Rolla. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Phelps Hospice. All arrangements are under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary of Rolla.
A Celebration of Life for Betty J. Martin, age 79, of Salem, will be held Sunday afternoon from 2:00 until 5:00 at the Spring Creek Golf Club in Salem.
Sports – Thursday, October 9th 2025
The Salem Lady Volleyball Varsity Tigers fell to the Cabool Lady Bulldogs Tuesday night in four sets. Cabool won the first set by the score of 25-17, but the Lady Tigers rallied in the second set and won, 25-19. The Lady Bulldogs won the third set, 25-14 and then won the match by winning the 4th set, 25-18. Salem falls to 10-18-1 and will host the Licking Lady Wildcats tonight who are 11-13-3 on the season. The varsity contest should get underway around 7:00 at the SHS Gym. The game will be carried on KSMO Radio (AM 1340 and 95.7 FM) and also video streamed on KSMO Media (ksmoradio.com, the KSMO Stream Facebook Page, and the KSMO YouTube Page) starting with Tiger Talk and Coach Madison Satterly.
The Salem Freshman Volleyball Lady Tigers beat Cabool in two straight sets Tuesday: 25-4 and 25-10. They will host the Licking Freshman Lady Wildcats tonight starting at 5:00.
The Salem JV Volleyball Lady Tigers continued their fine play as they defeated the JV Lady Bulldogs of Cabool Tuesday in two straight sets: 25-7 and 25-10. They will also host Licking tonight starting around 6:00 at the SHS Gym.
The Bunker Lady Volleyball Eagles will host the South Iron Lady Panthers tonight starting at 5:00 with the JV contest with the varsity match to follow around 6:30. The Varsity Lady Eagles are 9-16-2 while South Iron is 5-17 on the year. Saturday, the Lady Eagles will participate in the West County Invitational Tournament.
The Salem 7th and 8th Grade Football Tigers will host Houston tonight starting at 5:30 with the 7th grade game followed by the 8th grade game starting near 6:30 at Bill Schuchardt Stadium at the SHS Football Field. The Salem 7th Grade Tigers are 3-0-1 and the 8th Grade Tigers are 4-0.
The Salem Cross Country Teams will participate in the Licking Wildcat Invitational today.
The St. Louis Blues open their 2025-2026 regular season tonight as they host the Minnesota Wild. The game can be heard on a delayed basis on KSMO Radio following the Salem Lady Tiger Volleyball match with Licking around 9:00.
Obituaries – Wednesday, October 8th 2025
Funeral services for Rachel Nicole Counts Brooks of Danville, Indiana, formerly of Salem, age 23, will be held at 12:00 noon Saturday in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel. Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 Friday night in the chapel. Burial will be in the New Harmony Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Riverways Pregnancy and Family Resource Center.
A graveside service for Ruth M. Fleet, age 89, of Rolla will be held at 11:00 Sunday morning in the Ozark Memorial Gardens in Rolla. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Phelps Hospice. All arrangements are under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary of Rolla.
A Celebration of Life for Betty J. Martin, age 79, of Salem, will be held Sunday afternoon from 2:00 until 5:00 at the Spring Creek Golf Club in Salem.
Sports – Wednesday, October 8th 2025
The Bunker Cross Country teams are traveling to East Carter today. The meet is scheduled to begin at 4:00 this afternoon.
The Salem Lady Tigers will play the Licking Lady Wildcats tomorrow night with the Freshman game starting at 5:00, JV to follow at approximately 6:00, and Varsity at 7:30. Tune into KSMO Radio to listen to the game live or watch it live on KSMO’s YouTube, Twitch, or Facebook pages. The easiest way to access live or previously recorded games is by going to KSMOradio.com and clicking on the “Live Stream” link.
The long NHL offseason is nearly over! The St. Louis Blues will open their season at home tomorrow night against the Minnesota Wild. You can listen to the game on KSMO Radio 1340 AM & 95.7 FM, following Salem Lady Tiger Volleyball.