Archive for 2025

On November 22, 2025, Patrolmen 114 and 118 of the Salem Police Department responded to the 1100 block of West Scenic Rivers Boulevard regarding a reported theft in progress. According to the department’s Facebook page, upon arrival, officers located and apprehended a suspect as he attempted to leave in his vehicle. Both responding officers possess advanced criminal interdiction training, and during the course of their investigation, they observed indicators suggesting additional criminal activity beyond the original incident. After the suspect declined to consent to a vehicle search, K9 Mid and Corporal 607 from the Dent County Sheriff’s Office were requested to assist. K9 Mid provided a positive alert for the presence of illegal narcotics. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of approximately 507 grams (1.18 pounds) of methamphetamine-laced marijuana, 67.4 grams of liquid methamphetamine, and additional drug paraphernalia. The suspect, identified as Randy Lindberg, was taken into custody and transported to the Dent County Jail pending formal charges. A probable cause statement was submitted to the Dent County Prosecutor’s Office for, Trafficking Drugs 1st Degree, Burglary 1st Degree, and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The Salem Police Department extends its gratitude to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, K9 Mid, Missouri State Highway Patrol and Dent County Prosecutor’s Office for their crucial assistance and teamwork during this investigation.

Colonel Michael A. Turner, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, reminds everyone there will be an increase in traffic over the Thanksgiving holiday. The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with Wednesday and Sunday being the most heavily traveled times. Drivers should expect more traffic and the possibility of delays throughout the weekend. Regardless of traffic patterns, safety should remain a priority. The counting period for the 2025 Thanksgiving holiday weekend is from 6:00 Wednesday evening to 11:59 Sunday night, November 30th. Troopers will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E., which stands for Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort, enforcing all traffic laws, and by being available to assist the public. Over the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday counting period, 11 people were killed and 571 injured in 1,664 traffic crashes. If you plan to travel over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, be aware of work zones, obey all traffic laws, and make sure everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seat belt or secured in the appropriate child safety seat for their size and age. Remember: Missouri is a hands-free state, so put the phone down and buckle up. There is never a reason to speed, drive aggressively, or drive impaired. Drivers should also be aware of some ongoing road construction throughout the state. The Patrol suggests that travelers use the MoDOT Traveler Information Map to plan their travel days. The map provides up-to-date information such as road closures, delays, construction zones, and alternative routes. If being on or near the water is part of your Thanksgiving holiday weekend plans, remember that the water is becoming colder, and hypothermia is a concern. The body loses heat 25 times faster in water than in the air of the same temperature. The proper use of life jackets is imperative. The public is encouraged to call the Patrol’s Emergency Report Line 800-525-5555 or *55 on your cellular phone if they witness criminal activity, observe driving behavior that could cause a crash, or experience an emergency. These phone numbers are operational for both highway and water emergencies. 

The Missouri State Parks, in partnership with the University of Missouri, is gathering feedback to better understand how our parks and historic sites bring value to visitors and local communities. Anyone who has visited one of Missouri’s 93 state park or historic sites in the past 12 months is encouraged to take the 5-minute survey. Responses are completely anonymous and will help improve visitor experiences while strengthening communities across the state. This essential feedback will help Missouri State Parks better understand the true economic and social value our parks bring to visitors and local communities. At first glance,survey takers may feel the questions are out of place, with the first question asking the respondent if they most recently visited the Katy Trail State Park or another park or site. However, the survey was carefully designed to serve two purposes: It will provide a Katy Trail-specific report and a system-wide analysis of all Missouri state parks, historic sites and trails. That particular question will help separate data for two reports. The survey was designed by a collaborative University of Missouri research team from the School of Natural Resources, the Division of Applied Social Sciences and the Assessment Center. To take the survey, visit mizzou.us/mo-state-parks. The survey, funded by a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, will close November 30th. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

An accident happened in Dent County Wednesday evening at 5:45 on Dent County Road 2050 about a mile west of Dent County Road 2055 that took the life of a man from Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2008 Polaris being driven westbound by a 28-year-old Rolla man, traveled off the left side of the roadway and the driver overcorrected. The Polaris then returned to the roadway and overturned, ejecting the man from the Polaris. The Rolla man was pronounced dead at the scene by Dent County Coroner Ben Pursifull at 6:40 Wednesday evening. His body was taken to the Dent County Morgue by the coroner. The driver was not wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident. The Polaris sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by the owner of the vehicle.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams presented the CART tax money received in November. She said the county received $93,591.45 which is up from November of 2024 by $11,449.28. Year-to-date, the CART tax is up $73,570.55 over 2024 which is an increase of about 8.3%. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green stated crews were doing maintenance as well as training a new employee on the backhoe and possibly on a grader. They will also be out checking roads from the storms Tuesday morning and Thursday morning. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said workers would be cutting brush on county road 2160 and in the Lennox area. Williams said maintenance will be done on county tractor #6 as well. Dent County Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he attended the tourism tax committee meeting Monday where one application and two reimbursements were approved. Larson said the tourism tax fund still has money available to help market special events in Dent County provided people submit a request that follows the committee’s guidelines. Larson also reported on the MRCF meeting he attended where they funded the Phelps County Disaster Relief Fund and other fund applications, scholarships and they also discussed general information. He also said there will be no commission meetings next week due to the MAC meeting the commission will be attending Monday and the Thanksgiving Holiday. The courthouse will be closed both Thursday and Friday, November 27th and 28th. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley stated her office is working on the county budget for 2026. The commission will be putting out for bid the construction of a new ADA accessible bathroom in the courthouse. Bids will be due by 10:00 in the morning, December 22nd, at which time they will be opened. For more information, contact the commission. Commissioner Larson also announced there will be an opening for a janitor at the courthouse after Christmas. At the last meeting, the commissioners agreed to sell a 1998 Pup Trailer and a 2006 Ford 450 Truck from the Road and Bridge Department on Purple Wave, and anyone can bid on those items. The deadline will be announced later. The commission also agreed to add a county policy requiring people to disclose or acknowledge that they will be video recording or audio recording the commission meetings. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning, December 1st, at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public. 

MoDot has plans for general highway maintenance and construction work in the mid–Missouri area that is ongoing through the 23rd. Weather conditions may postpone scheduled work. Many projects will include lane closures which could cause delays.  There will be moving operations such as pothole patching, mowing, and pavement repairs continuing in various locations. Motorists should travel with care and be alert for slow-moving equipment. In Dent County Missouri Routes 19, B, K, and N have culvert replacements planned to be completed later today. One lane will remain open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zones. All work is weather permitting, and schedules are subject to change. 
A “Taste of the Masters” painting class will be held on Sunday, November 23rd from 3:00 until 5:00 with art teacher Beth Rosenkoetter at the creative Arts Center. This is a monthly class where you will paint and learn a little about impressionism and expressionism, learn techniques and and work on your own skill and style. This month’s class will look at ways to paint water, working from selected photos of nature to emulate the masters work in our own studies of color, tint, shadow, balance, and form. This class is for those 16 years of age and older, and at least four people need to sign up to hold the class. It will be limited to no more than 10 attendees. The cost of class is $45 and all supplies are included. 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.

An accident happened in Dent County Tuesday night at 6:00 on Dent County Road 4110 at Dent County Road 4120. According to the highway patrol report, a 2017 CF MOTO 300 NK driven southbound, struck an animal in the road and the driver, a 31-year-old Salem male, was ejected from the MOTO. The man suffered serious injuries and was transported to the Salem Memorial Hospital by the Salem Ambulance. The man was wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident. The MOTO sustained extensive damage and was taken from the scene by a private party.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be meeting tonight at 5:00 in the R-80 Board Room. After the Call to Order and the Pledge of Allegiance the Board will approve the agenda and the consent agenda. Ken Schultz will present the audit report. William Lynch Elementary students will receive recognition. In the Superintendent’s Report CSIP Goals will be addressed in all reports. Administration reports will be heard from William Lynch, Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School, Athletics and Activities, Special Education, Technology, and Maintenance. In new business, the Board is to set Board Election filing dates for December 9th though 30th, approve MSBA Policy Updates, approve Bond Pre-payment, approve Audit Report, and select Belcher Scholarship nominee. No Transfers or Hires are to be considered, but Resignations/Retirements are scheduled to be considered for Kayla Howard, High School Aide, and Victor Snider, Bus Driver. The Board will enter closed session to discuss personnel and student issues, followed by adjournment after returning to open session. The regular meeting of the Salem R80 Board of Education is open to the public.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors held its regular meeting Tuesday evening in the Hospital Library. Chief Executive Officer Brooke Bollman reported that she recently attended the Missouri Independent Hospital Network meeting and is completing the annual compliance and infection prevention training. She also announced that the hospital’s mammography team raised $5,500 through its annual fundraiser and that updates have been made to the hospital’s discount and co-pay policies. Bollman added that she has been participating in health insurance and 340B optimization meetings with the goal of reducing premiums for both staff and the hospital. She also highlighted several community partnership activities, noting that representatives from the University of Missouri recently toured the facility and that hospital staff decorated a tree for the Trees and Trains exhibit at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center. The hospital is currently hosting a food drive for the month of November, and Long Term Care will hold its Thanksgiving dinner this evening. During the financial report, Bollman stated that October saw 46 inpatient admissions and 1,094 outpatient registrations, both slightly lower than the previous month. Emergency room visits held steady at 633, and ambulance runs remained consistent at 201. October also marked the first month in which no patient left the hospital against medical advice. Total operating revenue for the month was approximately $2.5 million. The hospital recorded an increase of nearly $200,000 in acute inpatient revenue, totaling about $470,000, along with an $89,000 increase in swing bed revenue, totaling $126,000. Additionally, the hospital received $30,000 in grant funding from Aetna for the Practicing Excellence program. Total operating expenses for October were $2.2 million, resulting in a net profit of $390,000. The hospital currently maintains 25 days of cash on hand, and 340B net revenue for the month was $34,308. Chief Nursing Officer Amber Hogan reported one open paramedic position and noted that Med-Surg nurses are working toward Pediatric Advanced Life Support certification. She also stated that the Care Spectrum was approved at the most recent medical staff meeting. Kendra Mobray delivered the human resources and quality improvement reports, noting four new full-time hires and the resignation of four PRN students. Under new business, the board approved policies and procedures from several departments, including Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation, Radiology, General Nursing, Dietary, and Quality Improvement/Risk Management. The board also approved new privileges for Dr. Charles Featherly, D.O. The meeting adjourned to executive session for legal and personnel discussions.

Create a Biscornu Pincushion on Saturday, November 22nd from `10:00 in the morning until noon with M. Emilia Barbosa at the Creative Arts Center. Come make a fun-shaped pincushion named in French because it means “odd,” “quirky”, and “irregular,” so totally out of the ordinary! The class will explore three forms of stuffing pincushions with either traditional ground walnut shells, poly fill, or leftover pieces of yarn and fabric. After assembling the biscornus, buttons will be sewn parallel on each middle center on both sides and tug to make it sturdier. All ages welcome but children must have a parent or legal guardian present. The cost of the class is $35 and that includes all supplies. At least three people need to register and the class will be maxed out at 15 students. 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

Dent County Recorder Cindy Ard wants people to be aware of a new website where you can sign up to find out if someone is recording a document or changing a recorded document with your name on it. The website is www.deedwatch.com and once signed up, you would receive an e-mail letting you know if a document is recorded with your name on it. There is no charge for this service. This service is provided by the Dent County Recorder’s Office to prevent anyone from being scammed out of their property. For more information contact Cindy Ard at the Dent County Recorders Office at 573-729-2198. You can also e-mail her at dcrecorder07@gmail.com.