Archive for 2025

An accident involving a Dent County woman occurred in Phelps County Thursday night at 7:00 on Highway 63 twelve miles south of Rolla. According to the Highway Patrol report a southbound 2006 Ford F150, driven by a 40-year-old female from Salem, hydroplaned to the right side of the roadway and struck a guardrail. The Ford then traveled to the left side of the roadway and struck another guardrail. The woman suffered minor injuries and was transported by Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital. The report stated that she was wearing a safety restraint. The Ford sustained moderate damage and was towed from the scene by Lucas Garage.

An accident occurred Friday evening around 10:23 in Crawford County on Edgar Road about a ½ mile east of Crooked Creek Road. According to the highway patrol report a 2023 Kia Forte driven by a 51-year-old male from Mount Vernon was travelling westbound fleeing from Crawford County deputies when he encountered flooding on the roadway. The Kia travelled off the right-side of the roadway and struck a tree. The driver suffered serious injuries and was transported to Phelps Health Rolla by Steelville Ambulance. The Kia was totaled and removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing. The report goes on to say the driver was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident.

The low-water crossing on Dent County Route TT was damaged and closed in April of 2025 and reopened in mid-May. However, only the most critical repairs to reopen the roadway were completed at that time, due to a material shortage. The additional materials have arrived and crews from the Missouri Department of Transportation plan to close Route TT again today, to complete the repairs. The closure is only short-term, however, and crews plan to reopen the roadway on or before June 27th. During the closure, motorists will need to use an alternate route. For the safety of all travelers, NEVER move or drive around barricades. Our crews place them for your safety and that of motorists who may come after you. Moving barricades not only puts yourself in danger, but other drivers who may come through later and drive into floods or onto damaged roadways without warning. This can be especially dangerous at night. MoDOT asks all motorists to work with us by buckling up, putting your phone down, obeying all traffic signs, and slowing down and moving over in work zones. Motorists are advised to use extra caution through work zones, obey all traffic signs, and avoid any distractions. For traffic updates or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636). 

The City of Salem Parks and Recreation Board held their regular meeting Thursday at 6:00 in the Auditorium located  at 202 N. Washington Street. After approving the agenda and the minutes from the previous meeting, Melissa Dubois presented the Director’s Report. She noted a decline in summer ball sign-ups, possibly due to the growing number of traveling leagues. The lighting project at the Al Brown Fields has been completed, and the concession stand is now in use. The City Park is nearing completion; however, Dubois emphasized that it will not open until the glue has fully dried and cured, as premature foot traffic could damage the surface. Barring any weather-related delays, she anticipates the park will be open to the public within the week. Dubois also reported a significant drop in banner sponsor renewals for the city’s sports leagues. When asked about the cause, she explained that her demanding workload has limited her ability to contact businesses directly, though she encouraged any interested parties to reach out to her. The Board then approved an amendment to its bylaws allowing meeting-specific communications to be conducted via email. Finance Director Stacy Houston presented the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026, which includes an estimated deficit of $26,875, largely due to capital improvement projects such as upgrading parking lots at the T-ball fields and swimming pool, and installing security cameras. The Board approved the budget and agreed to cover the shortfall using funds from prior years’ balances. Before adjourning, the Board voted to appoint Luke Heithold as Vice President.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held a special session and budget workshop last Thursday evening at 5:30 in the administrative building. Following approval of the agenda, Superintendent Dr. Nathan Wills presented his report, noting progress on several Comprehensive School Improvement Plan goals and providing an update on the projected 2025-2026 budget. In new business, the Board unanimously approved soliciting bids for parking lot and track repairs. The meeting then moved into a closed executive session for personnel matters before adjourning.

Representatives from Missouri State Parks invite the public to provide input for Echo Bluff State Park’s conceptual development plan update. The 30-day comment period began earlier this month and a survey is currently available online at mostateparks.com/CDP. For more information call Daniel Engler, planning section manager, at 573-751-8462. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Friday evening at the Fire Station at #2 South Main. After the call to order and the roll call, the consent agenda was approved including previous meeting minutes review and approval, review of the financial report with an ending balance of $365,887.97, review and approval of the bills, and review and approval of the budget. The monthly reimbursement report showed a total of 16 calls for the month and 143 calls for the year. In old business the Board accepted the revised By-Laws, including changes made at the May 2025 meeting. In new business Mary Martin from American Midwestern Insurance was on hand to discuss insurance from VFIS and ESIP for the department and answer questions from the Board. Povident Insurance information from Town and Country Insurance was presented. The Board asked to see some changes in the policy and different options from American Midwestern. Chief Floyd reported that there was an increase of $5,000 on skid units due to a new tariff charge and he will have them re-bid. In his report on tanker trucks Floyd said that after looking at three truck manufacturers, it appears Banner Truck fits our needs better than the Fouts or Sentinel trucks. The Board decided that a special meeting would be required to move forward with brush trucks, so a tentative date was set for June 25th or 26th. Before adjournment July 8th was set for the next regular Board meeting at 6:00.

The Dent County Fire Protection District has launched its brand-new, official website at dentcountyfire.org. The modern, user-friendly site offers the latest news and updates on department activities, board meetings and minutes. You can track the progress of Proposition Fire with a live Google Sheet, listen live to firefighters in action, and quickly access critical resources like weather alerts and fire-safety guidance. Visit dentcountyfire.org today, explore the features, and share your feedback. 

A special waste collection for residential electronics, appliances and tires will be held from 8:00 to noon Saturday at Brewer Science, 2401 Brewer Drive in Rolla. Brewer Science, the City of Rolla and Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC), with funding through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District (ORSWMD), are partnering on the collection. The collection is for residential items only – no materials from businesses will be accepted and is open to residents from Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties. Stoves, washers, dryers, hot water heaters, and other appliances will be collected free of charge. Free electronics also include computer components, laptop computers, or anything that runs on a cord or battery. Oil and fuel must be emptied from tanks of any items such as push mowers. All items must be free of debris. Tires on rims will not be accepted. Please note the following items will NOT be accepted: transformers, capacitors or ballasts not clearly marked “No PCBs”; smoke detectors; thermostats; medical waste; gas containers such as propane, oxygen, nitrous oxide; anything leaking oil or acid; broken ink or toner cartridges; alkaline batteries; light bulbs and fluorescent tubes; broken CRTs, TVs or monitors. Fees on certain items will be collected including $25 for CRT TVs over 27 inches, projection screens and wood console TVs, $20 for CRT TVs under 26 inches, $15 for flat screen TVs, $10 for all computer monitors and refrigerated appliances with Freon and $5 for printers, scanners or copiers. Fees for tires are $2 each for passenger tires, $7.50 each for semi-truck tires and $35 each for tractor tires. Electronics and appliances are recycled by Midwest Recycling Center and tires are recycled through Champlin Tires. For more information on items accepted or the fee structure, please contact Jill Hollowell at MRPC at 573-265-2993 Ext. 109 or at jhollowell@meramecregion.org. To keep up with the latest MRPC news and events, visit the MRPC website at www.meramecregion.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/meramecregion/.

The Salem Park and Recreation Board will be holding a meeting today at 5:00 in the afternoon at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. At the meeting, the board will hear from Parks and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois before discussing a by-law amendment. The board will then review and discuss the 2025-26 budget before they appoint new officers for the upcoming year. The Salem Park and Recreation Board meeting is open to the public.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold a budget workshop and special meeting today at 5:30 at the Salem R-80 Administrative Offices. At the workshop, a number of CSIP goals will be addressed, while as part of the special meeting, the board will approve soliciting bids for parking lot work and also soliciting bids for the High School track repair. The board will move into executive session where personnel will be discussed before the meeting is adjourned. The Salem R-80 Board of Education Workshop and Special Meeting are open to the public.

The Salem Board of Aldermen was scheduled to meet Tuesday evening at the City Hall Auditorium to discuss five resolutions covering a number of topics, but due to a lack of a quorum, the meeting was cancelled. The next Salem Board of Aldermen meeting is scheduled for June 24th at 6:00 at the City Hall Auditorium.

On Tuesday, June 10th, Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley reported that Jeremy Jackson from Bowling Green, Missouri, was sentenced to serve five years in the Missouri Department of Corrections consecutive to all previously imposed sentences for a total of 20 years in the department of corrections. On May 21st, Jackson had pled guilty in front of Judge Michael Randazzo. Jackson was currently serving a 15-year sentence for a multitude of past crimes involving stealing, burglary and passing bad checks, was charged with the possession of fentanyl as a persistent felony offender.

Bull elk and black bear hunting remain very popular in Missouri, based on the number of people applying for permits. According to Missouri Net the latest numbers from the Missouri Department of Conservation show 5,249 bear applications and 8,409 bull elk applications were received last month for this year’s respective hunting seasons. Last year, the department received 9,300 bull elk applications and 5,969 black bear applications. Two years ago, 5,374 people applied for bear permits and over 8,562 for elk permits. Conservation staff said the numbers of applicants fluctuates from year-to-year and that this year’s drop is not concerning. The application process is a money maker for the conservation department – it charges applicants $10 each for both black bear and bull elk. Those awarded permits have to pay extra fees – $25 extra for bear hunters and $50 extra for elk hunters. Last year, the state agency collected $162,940 in fees from bull elk and black bear applications. The department will select 600 applicants for black bears permits this year, which is a significant increase. In April, the Missouri Conservation Commission approved increasing the number of applications from 400 to 600. No more than 40 bears can be shot down during the season. Only five permits for bull elk will be issued. One of the five permits has to go to someone who owns land in either Shannon, Reynolds, or Carter counties, which is where Missouri’s elk range is located. Black bear season runs from October 18-31. The state has two bull elk seasons – archery season runs from October 18-26, and firearm season is scheduled from December 13-21. Last year, hunters killed 15 black bears and five bull elk. In 2023, 12 black bears and three bull elk were killed by hunters in Missouri.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the Courthouse. In the road report District One Commissioner Keith Green said he had a man going to Springfield for oil for chip and seal. His crew is going to work on Dent County Road 5080, commonly called the Frankie Schartz Road, as they prepare it to be re-chipped and sealed. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams said his district had lots or rain, particularly in the northern portion with 5 plus inches Thursday and more Sunday night. He said his crew worked on the worst spots after the rain Thursday and were returning to work there today, plus hopefully do some grading tomorrow. Williams noted that MoDot is going to close TT for work on the low water crossing so the detour road will be graded as soon as its dry enough. He reported on several breakdowns including repairs Monday to flat tires on Truck #124 and Grader #40. Williams also said that Truck #122 has a major coolant leak that the guys are working to locate and repair if possible. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson had nothing to report. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reminded businesses that the Liquor License renewal deadline is June 30th. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams was in to report on sales tax receipts. Road and Bridge Fund received $51,490.82, which is up $3,383.73 from June of 2024 and year-to-date it’s up $17,890.08 or about 7%. The Jail Operating and Jail Trust Funds each received $103,403.97, an increase of $6,768.06. Year-to-date these funds are up $35,858.22 and that’s another increase of about 7%. General Revenue received $108,825.11, which reflects an increase of $5,616.63 and year-to-date it’s up $4,577.32 or about .9%. At last Thursday’s meeting Dent County Collector Shannon Vankirk was in to remind everyone age 62 and over of the June 30th deadline for SB190 applications. She also reminded those with delinquent real estate taxes for 2022 that payment is due by June 30th for the one year and after July 1st all three years will be declared due. Vankirk noted she has 67 delinquents left to collect. Her May monthly turnover was $98,692.35. The Commissioners agreed 3-0 to seek proposals for hiring an engineering firm to provide services for 3 FEMA disaster relief projects on Dent County Roads 3210, 4210, and 5150. Firms are to submit a letter of interest to the Dent County Commission, 400 North Main, Salem, MO, 65560. The sealed proposals are to be marked Sealed Engineering Bid and are due July 7th at 10:00 am. Questions should be directed to EMD, Derrick Marfitt at dentcountyemd@gmail.com or contact Gary Larson at 573-368-9099. The next meeting of the Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the Dent County Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Colonel Michael A. Turner, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announces the results of the Driver and Vehicle Safety Division’s 2025 annual school bus inspection program. Missouri’s 2025 school bus inspection results indicate that 10,144 School buses rated as “approved” upon initial inspection, 799 were rated defective, and 312 were rated as “out-of-service” upon initial inspection. Buses with identified defective components require repair within 10 days. Buses placed out-of-service require the correction of the component(s), re-inspection, and a return to service by Patrol personnel prior to further usage in transporting passengers. Colonel Turner said that Missouri State Highway Patrol personnel, with the cooperation of pupil transportation professionals, completed the successful inspection of 11,255 school buses in accordance with Missouri revised state statutes. These efforts help the Patrol, Missouri schools, and private pupil transportation companies ensure schoolchildren are safe while they travel on school buses. Missouri school bus inspection results are a matter of public record. Individual school district results for 2025 are available on the State Highway Patrol Website. Online results show that Dent-Phelps R-III had 4 buses approved, 4 defective, and 2 out-of-service. Green Forest R-2 bus inspection resulted in 2 approved, and 5 found to be defective. Northwood R-IV’s inspection results were 5 approved, 1 defective, and 1 out-of-service. Oak Hill R-1 inspection showed 2 approved, 2 defective, and 1 ruled out-of-service. Salem R-80 buses were 10 approved and 1 defective. For more news, follow the Missouri State Highway Patrol on X @MSHPTrooperGHQ.