Archive for 2026

The National Weather Service of Springfield issued a hazardous weather outlook, indicating that thunderstorms are expected to form Friday afternoon and continue through overnight hours. The severe storms will be capable of producing hazards including large hail, damaging wind gusts up to 70 miles per hour, and possble tornadoes. There are two rounds of storms expected Friday afternoon and evening. Early indications suggest supercell thunderstorms in the afternoon into evening, before merging into a squall line by Friday night. The greatest large hail and tornado risk will be west of Highway 65 with the supercells Friday afternoon/evening. Damaging winds then become the primary risk with an embedded tornado risk with the squall line across the entire area late Friday evening and night. The probability of severe hail is 15-29% within Dent County; severe wind, 15-29%; and tornados, 2-4%. Remember that if a forecast calls for severe weather: Start preparing now by ensuring you have emergency supplies, knowing a safe place to hunker down, and having a family communication plan. Remember to have plenty of gas in your vehicle and extra batteries, matches, propane, charcoal and firewood. Other tips include having a portable, battery-powered radio and alarm clock, a non-portable phone that will work even if power is interrupted, and coordinating with neighbors for care of the elderly and disabled living alone. For more information on staying safe in severe weather, visit intercountyenergy.net/safety-education. Also remember that to report power outages within the City of Salem, save the phone number 833-703-4811 to your phone as “Salem Power Outage.” Text or call the number when an outage occurs. When outages are reported, they will populate the map found on website hometowngrid.com/salem. 

The Bunker Police Department has released its activity report for the month of February. Officers conducted 47 traffic stops during the month and assisted the county on five calls. Police responded to five 911 hang-up calls. The department handled three dog-related calls, one investigation, and five general calls for service. Officers responded to four domestic-related calls and made one arrest during the month. The department also executed one search warrant. The Bunker Police Department encourages residents to continue reporting suspicious activity and working alongside officers to maintain a safe community.

Join the Dent County Historical Society for a special Fireside Chat with longtime Dent County resident Jim Glenn on Saturday, March 7th at 10:00 in the morning at the James Family Center at 103 W. Center Street in Salem. Jim will share stories of growing up in the New Hope Community to the early bluegrass roots of the Dillard family. Learn about the historic Cumberland Presbyterian Church, the old rural schools, and the close-knit families who shaped this musical community. For more information, contact Deloris Gray Wood at 573-729-2545. Come experience local history brought to life! 

Preschool Registration will be held Wednesday, March 12th, from 8:30 until 5:00 and Thursday, from 8:30 until 2:30 at William Lynch Elementary. Preschool students must be 4 years of age by July 31st. Appointments are to be made by calling 573-729-6611 and are not a guarantee of placement. Proof of residence, shot records, and birth certificate is required.

According to a press release from the South Central Missouri Computer Crime Task Force, on March 3rd, 2026, Edward Lee Lane, age 59, of Salem was arrested in the 800 block of East Ellis Street for possession of child pornography and failure to register as a sex offender. Lane was incarcerated at the Dent County Jail, pending warrants. Filed by the Dent County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office March 4th were 20 counts of Possession of Child Pornography (Class B Felony) and four counts of Failure to Register As A Sex Offender. The investigation of Lane was initiated as a result of a Cyber Tipline Report by an electronic service provider. During the investigation, information was developed that Lane is a convicted sex offender, and currently on parole with Missouri Department Of Corrections. Assisting the South-Central Missouri Computer Crimes Task Force were Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, Dent County Sheriff’s Office, and Salem Police Department. The charges which Lane has been arrested are merely accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before the court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

The City of Salem Water Department was awarded “2025 Water System of the Year” on Tuesday, March 3rd, at the Missouri Rural Water Association’s conference in Branson. Representing the city to accept the award were Steve Paine, public works director; Chris McGuirt, water and wastewater superintendent; and Sally Burbridge, city administrator. Also at the conference, McGuirt was recognized for his 30 years of service. 

The Dent County Fire Protection District (DCFPD) recognized Sarah Montoya on her successful completion of the national registry of emergency medical technicians’ certification. Montoya has dedicated months studying and preparing for the milestone. According to the social media post by the DCFPD, the certification not only expands her opportunities in the emergency services career field, but also strengthens the level of care and service she brings to the Dent County community. An emergency medical technician provides out of hospital emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical services (EMS) system.

Two Mizzou School of Music professors are now Grammy Award winners after taking home one of the industry’s top honors in February. Stefan Freund and Bill Kalinkos, founding members of the contemporary ensemble Alarm Will Sound, earned the award for their album “Land of Winter.” The album is available on all streaming platforms and on YouTube. This is the first Grammy Award associated with the University of Missouri.

The US Forest Service is looking for a volunteer on-site camp host for Sutton’s Bluff near Bunker this year from April 26th to October 26th. Hosts are required to be on site every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and they must put in 30 hours each week. No training is required but a background check and reference check will be required. Those interested can apply at 401 Fairgrounds Road in Rolla. For more information, contact Hunter Harris at hunter.harris@usda.gov or Kimberly Houf at kimberly.hauf@usda.gov.

The South Central Community Action Agency wants to remind low-income citizens that they can offer energy assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program which is also known as LIHEAP. Energy Assistance is designed to provide financial assistance to help pay primary fuel source heating bills for Missourians during the months of October through March. Eligibility requirements for this assistance are based on monthly income, family size, available resources and responsibility for payment of home heating costs. The amount you  receive is also based on the type of energy source used in the home. Other assistance available is Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) funds. These funds can be used to prevent or restore disconnected service, assist with emergency repairs and furnace replacements and even purchase wood stoves. To qualify for the ECIP assistance, households must be in a crisis in making energy payments to keep their services with their provider. The winter ECIP is available now through May based on available funding with the maximum amount of funding at $800. Applications are being accepted. For more information or to learn how to apply for LIHEAP, call the South Central Community Action Agency Satellite office in Salem at 729-3500 or call the South Central Missouri Community Action Agency in Winona at 800-325-4633. You can also get the application online at scmcaa.org/energy-assistance.

At the Dent County Commission meeting Monday, March 2nd, County Clerk Angie Curley reported the updated filings for the primary election August 6th. Candidates in order of filing are Nathan T. Kelsaw, Associate Circuit Judge; AJ Seay, Presiding Commissioner; James K. Weber, Prosecuting Attorney; Jessica Dooley, Recorder of Deeds; Kristi Morton Craig, Circuit Clerk; Shannon VanKirk, Collector; Denita Williams, Treasurer; and Melissa Piatt, Recorder of Deeds. The last day to file is Tuesday, March 31st. For more information, contact the Dent County Courthouse by calling 573-729-4144 or visiting 400 North Main. 

The City of Salem provided information yesterday, March 3rd to the public on how city staff address turbidity. Turbidity, referring to water that appears cloudy due to tiny suspended particles, can occur in any water system and can be caused by equipment, lightning strikes, earthquakes or seismic activity, or changes in direction or amount of water flow. As Salem relies on well water, turbidity is more likely when underground conditions shift. In particular, one of the city’s wells draws from an aquifer influenced by the New Madrid Fault Line, which means even minor tremors can disturb sediment. Once sediment enters the system, the only way to remove it is by flushing the water mains. This is done by opening fire hydrants and allowing sediment-laden water to exit the system. Hydrant flushing also exercises hydrant valves, confirms hydrants open and close properly, and ensures readiness for fire and emergency use. Customers can review Salem’s official water quality reports, including annual Consumer Confidence Reports, by visiting the city’s public works webpage at salemmo.com/city/government/departments/public_works.

According to the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency, this week is Severe Weather Preparedness Week for 2026. Last year was the deadliest year for Missouri tornadoes in 14 years. The National Weather Service (NWS) reports 16 Missourians died because of tornadoes in 2025, making it the deadliest since 158 people were killed in the 2011 Joplin EF-5 tornado. There will be a statewide tornado drill at 11:00 this morning however, according to the Salem Police Department, there will not be a tornado drill within the City of Salem, as it has recently updated its storm system, which automatically tests itself each morning. For more information on staying safe in severe weather, the NWS provides several safety tips and educational information on its Severe Weather Preparedness Week page at weather.gov/lsx/severeweek. 

In Dent County, culvert replacement on Route 19 is planned from now to March 6th north of Salem from County Road 4122 to County Road 4126. One lane will remain open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zone. In addition, other moving operations such as pothole patching, brush cutting, and pavement repairs continue in various locations. Motorists should travel with care and be alert for slow-moving equipment. All work is weather permitting, and schedules are subject to change.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol, in conjunction with the American Legion, is now accepting applications for the 54th Cadet Patrol Academy. The joint program between the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the American Legion is looking for young men and women ages from 16 to 18 to join the 54th Cadet Patrol Academy for the 2026 class. The week-long class begins June 7th and gives students an opportunity to gain hands on experience and an understanding of law enforcement. Additionally, students can explore different career paths within the Patrol. The Cadets will spend the week mirroring the work recruits do during the Patrol academy. A graduation ceremony will be held for participants on Friday, June 12th. Students who apply must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher, be of good moral character, have a valid driver’s license or permit, turn 16 prior to April 1st, and have an interest in pursuing a career in the Criminal Justice System. Those interested may obtain an application from their local American Legion Post. Questions regarding the Cadet Patrol Academy can be directed to Corporal Michael Halim at 573-522-7650.

Opening Day of the Missouri Trout Season occurred Sunday at Montauk State Park and as usual, a great crowd was on hand. According to Kyle Case, the Hatchery Manager at Montauk State Park, there were 1,920 adult trout tags and 336 children’s tags sold for a total of 2,256 tags for opening day. Jean and James Morton fired the starter pistol to start the trout season Sunday morning. The largest lunker caught on Sunday was a 4-pound, 13-ounce rainbow by Andy Gerringer of St. Charles, followed by a 3-pound, 12-ounce rainbow by Gabe Lenox of Rolla. The Missouri Department of Conservation staff spent the days leading up to March 1st stocking about 7,500 rainbow trout in the surrounding pools from Montauk Fish Hatchery. The catch-and-keep season will be in effect until October 31st.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse. Tom Essex from Dent County Road 5130 was in to talk about cut phone lines that occurred twice in a three-week span last year when county employees installed or replaced culverts. District 1 Commissioner Keith Green told him he was aware of one of the incidents but not Commissioner Williams wanted to remind anyone interested in county surplus property that those sealed bids must be turned in to the county clerk’s office by 10:00 in the morning on Thursday, March 5th at 400 North Main Street in Salem. On the outside of the envelope of your sealed bid, please indicate which piece of equipment you are submitting a bid on. A person can submit bids on all the equipment or just one of the pieces of equipment. Persons interested in seeing the equipment before they bid are welcome to come to the road and bridge department shed on Highway 32-72 West. You may want to call 573-729-7770 to make sure someone is there before stopping by. The commission will have the right to accept or reject all bids. Courtney Wageman with LJ Hart & Company came in and went over the Lease Certificates of Participation Series 2027 and a financial analysis. She talked about two different options on how the county could afford a new handicapped accessible courtroom built next to the jail. In her discussion, she went over how much money the county has left in the jail account, which currently is about $2 million dollars, and sales tax inflation over a projected 2% per year annual increase. The first option is a one that does not require a vote of the people. The project would be about a $2.5 to $3.5 million dollar project which would be about a $1 million-dollar, 11-year payment period over the existing sales tax already in place. The second option would require an election by the people that would continue the half cent tax for a $6.5 to $7.5 million dollar project, and it would take over 20 years to pay off the debt. The commission does not want to do the second option but will explore options of going with option 1. Gary will make some phone calls to get some information from Shive-Hattery Engineering who was the engineer for the new jail. Major Lenny Pabin from the Sheriff’s Department was also present to discuss this subject. His concerns were that if it could be built, there would be limited funding in the jail trust fund for the upkeep, repairs, insurance of a new building. No decision was made by commission as they are exploring options. Jack Todd came in to discuss with Commissioner Green the installation of his new culvert. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.