Archive for 2026

The City of Salem Finance and Capital Improvements Committees will hold a joint meeting at the old City Hall Auditorium tonight starting at 6:00. At the meeting, the committees will discuss the draft Capital Improvement Plan for the fiscal year 2026-27 and then discuss the draft city budget for the fiscal year 2026-27. The meeting was called by Mayor Greg Parker, and it is open to the public. 

The 141st Graduation Ceremonies of the Salem R-80 High School is scheduled to be held Friday evening at 7:00 at the Bill Schuchardt Football Stadium. After the procession of 133 graduating students, the National Anthem will be performed by the Salem High School Chamber Choir Singers. Administrator Clay Moody will present the Senior Class Citizenship Awards, while Administrator Jim Moore will present the Best Overall Excellence Awards to one girl and one boy. Senior High School Principal Jody Heavin will introduce the A-Plus students, students who are entering the military, the career and technical certified students as well as those students’ entering the workforce. Senior Class President Ave Wofford will give her speech before Senior Class-Vice President Alexis White gives her speech. Diplomas will then be awarded to the Class of 2026 students by Superintendent Dr. Nathan Wills and President of the R-80 Board of Education, Drusilla Howard, followed by the tossing of the caps. The graduation exercises will be streamed live on KSMO Media. Those wanting to stream the graduation exercises can go to the Salem R-80 website which is www.salemr80.org, go to their activities menu and you will find a link to the KSMO Stream which is our Twitch account. People can also go directly to the KSMO Radio website at ksmoradio.com and from the homepage, they can click on the stream of their choice including the KSMO Stream Facebook page, KSMO Twitch page and on KSMO’s YouTube page. There is NO charge to watch the services. Should the exercises be rained out, they will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:00.

There will be a collection box at the Salem Public Library for old, damaged, or soiled American flags. Anyone may leave a flag between now and Friday, June 12th. The library will deliver flags in need of retirement to American Legion Post 99. The Legion will properly dispose of them in accordance with the United States Flag Code.

Dent County Assessor Alisa Brookshire has announced the 2026 Dent County Plat Books will be available for purchase in her office starting Monday, May 18th. For purchase information, contact the Dent County Assessor’s Office at 573-729-6010.

The Missouri Department of Conservation encourages motorists to brake if turtles are seen crossing the road. Spring rains and warmer weather encourage turtles, like three-toed box turtles, ornate box turtles, and common snapping turtles, to cross the roads in search of food, new territory, nesting sites, or mates. This can put turtles at risk of being struck by motor vehicles. MDC encourages motorists to slow down when they see a turtle in the road and check to be sure they can safely steer around it. If helping a turtle cross a road, keep human safety as the number-one concern. Check for traffic and move the turtle across the road in the direction it is traveling. Leave wild turtles wild. Keeping a wild turtle as a pet usually ends in a slow death for the captive turtle.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met last night for its meeting within the City Hall Auditorium located at 202 North Washington Street. After the call to order, Pledge of Allegiance, and roll call, the board approved the agenda and consent agenda, which included disposal of records and the April Salem Police Department monthly report. Under new and miscellaneous business, the board approved the disposal of the Electric Department’s 2007 Ford F-150. The board approved four maintenance contracts between the city and Viking Painting, LLC. for the maintenance, inspection, and rehabilitation of its water towers. The board also approved two ordinances annexing adjacent territory into the city. An ordinance authorizing subcommittees under the Community Involvement Committee failed due to a lack of a motion. Meanwhile, the board heard a first reading of two amendments to city codes to reflect Water Department operations, stating the city does not install, inspect, or test backflow devices, and has not for several years. Two ordinances authorizing a task order with Toth and Associates, Inc. for professional land surveying services had first and second readings, one related to the Westwood Drive lift station property for $5,500 and the other with the Ninth Street Right-of-way dedication for $8,500. Both task orders were approved. There were then reports from city officials. Mayor Greg Parker reported that spring clean-up has been successful so far with approximately 116 tons transported. Public Works Director Steve Paine reported construction crew members have finished a stormwater issue on Coffman Street, resolving an issue where a home was taking on water. Crew members have also begun replacement of a stretch of sidewalk on Coffman and Pershing reported as a tripping hazard. Street department crew members are hauling riprap from the quarry to the city park for a ditch remediation project funded partially by FEMA. City mechanic interviews have been conducted and the hiring process has begun. Paine reminded the public that if there are any public works issues to call the Administration Office at 573-729-4811 during daytime hours. If after hours, call the Salem Police Department at 573-729-4242. Meanwhile, Aldermen Rick Letchworth reported that after receiving notice from several residents, he reached out to a property owner off of Center Street regarding the current state of their property, to which the owner assured Letchworth it was temporary and will be cleaned up within 60 days. The board then adjourned. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be May 26th and will be open to the public.

Montauk State Park has released that contractors are to begin repairing the damaged section of asphalt parking lot at the White Oak Hole, along with two sections of main road through the campground. These sections were damaged by flooding in November 2024 and repairs are being funded by FEMA. Visitors will still be able to use the campground road, but traffic will be limited to one lane during repairs.

Heather Johnson of the Salem R-80 School District was recently awarded the Celebrate Rural Schools grant of $5,000 through the Louis L. and Julia Dorothy Coover Foundation, a partnership between Community Foundation of the Ozarks and The Commerce Trust Company. The Celebrate Rural Schools grant program helps support projects that celebrate, strengthen, and elevate the unique identity of rural schools and the communities they serve. The program encourages districts to amplify local voices, showcase student success, and strengthen community connections. This grant will support the 2027 High School Service Project Day, allowing students to continue making a positive impact through community service projects throughout the City of Salem. Congratulations to Mrs. Heather Johnson!

In celebration of Get Caught Reading Month, the Salem Public Library will be hosting a competition now through May 26th. To participate, residents are encouraged to send a picture of themselves or someone they know getting caught reading in an unusual place, anywhere you wouldn’t expect someone to be reading. Pictures can be sent through Facebook messenger on the Salem Public Library Facebook page or handed to a librarian at the circulation desk. Be sure to include your name, age, and phone number. Those who submit a photo will have their names entered in a drawing. Winners will be selected randomly. This competition is for fun and to encourage literacy as summer vacation begins. This program is appropriate for all ages, and there is no fee or library card required to participate.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at 6:00 within the City Hall Auditorium located at 202 North Washington Street. After the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call and approval of the agenda and consent agenda, which includes disposal of records and the April Salem Police Department monthly report, the board will hear any scheduled public comments. Under new and miscellaneous business, the board will consider a 2007 Ford F-150 for disposal. In addition, the board will consider the contract between the city and Viking Painting, LLC. for the maintenance, inspection, and rehabilitation of its water towers. There will be a second reading of three bills which will require consideration for approval from the aldermen, including two ordinances annexing territory into the city and an amendment to authorize subcommittees under the Community Involvement Committee. A first reading of two amendments to the city codes will be heard, both related to backflow prevention devices. A first and second reading of two task orders with Toth and Associates, Inc will be heard and require consideration for approval. One will be for professional land surveying services related to the Westwood Drive lift station, and the other will be for professional land surveying services related to the Ninth Street Right-of-way dedication. Finally, there will be reports from city officials and then adjournment. To watch city meetings live, visit youtube.com/@CityofSalemMissouri. To view the city agendas and meeting packets, go to salemmo.com and click “City,” mouse over the “Government” tab, and click “Agendas & Minutes.”  

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse. Not in attendance Monday was District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams, so no road reports were presented for the district. District One Commissioner Keith Green reported that crew members would be stockpiling and hauling rock as needed to county roads and will be out grading county roads 6220, 2440, and 5015. Cutting brush will be done on County Road 5630. Crew members will be preparing County Road 4210 for resurfacing. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson shared that he has several meetings to attend later this week. Deputy County Clerk Melissa Piatt reported that bills are to be paid. Collector Shannon VanKirk reported the April turnover amount for tax collections was $124,932.13. In addition, there are 89 parcels that are three years delinquent on tax sale properties. Individuals have until June 30th to pay the oldest year due before all three years are declared due on July 1st. Further, redemptions have been sent in the mail for last year’s tax sale. Individuals who made purchases last year will receive their collector’s deed this fall if no responses are received during the redemption period. VanKirk also reminded those that are 62 and over and own their own home to pick up an application for SB190 from the collector’s office. Applications are available until June 30th. Office hours for the collector are Monday through Friday from 8:00 in the morning to 4:30 in the afternoon. Contact her office at 573-729-3911 if you have any questions. There will be no meeting Thursday of the Dent County Commission. The next meeting will be 9:00 in the morning Monday at the Courthouse, and the meeting is open to the public.

There will be a Salem Community Blood Drive today from noon to 6:00 in the evening at the First Baptist Church of Salem at 201 North MacArthur Avenue. The event will be hosted by the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks with appointments encouraged to minimize wait times but walk-ins welcome. To make an appointment, call 417-227-5006. Donor rewards, while supplies last, include a free ¾ sleeve All American T-shirt, and a voucher for admission and free activities to several attractions, including the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, Frit’s Adventure, SuperSplash USA, and Andy B’s Springfield. Donors are asked to take a few steps to ensure donations operate smoothly on the day of the drive: drink plenty of water or juice the night and morning before you donate; eat a well-balanced meal 2-3 hours before giving; and remember to bring your photo identification, which is now required for all donors. 

If you need financial assistance in having your pet fixed, Carol House Quick Fix-It Clinic located in Rolla at 13651 South Hwy. 63 offers two subsidized, low-income programs. No proof of vaccinations are needed. Contact Carol House for eligibility details or to make your appointment at 573-465-3099 or email reception.rolla@quickfixpetclinic.com. For more information, visit stlspayneuter.org/rolla. Dogs, cats, or feral cats are dropped off in the morning and picked up later that same day.