Archive for 2026

As part of National Work Zone Awareness Week April 20-24, the Missouri Department of Transportation is reminding motorists to “work with us” by making safe and responsible choices behind the wheel. In 2025, 24 people were killed in Missouri work zone crashes. Distracted driving contributed to at least 11 of those fatalities as well as more than 400 work zone crashes overall. Distracted driving and driving too fast for the conditions remain the top contributors to work zone crashes. State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer Jon Nelson said that on any given day on Missouri’s roadways this construction season, it’s expected to have as many as 1,000 active work zones in place. It’s more than a courtesy to slow down and move over in work zones — it’s the law. Missouri’s Move Over law requires drivers to change lanes, when safe, as they approach state vehicles, law enforcement, or any emergency vehicle with flashing lights. If a lane change isn’t possible, drivers must slow down when passing. Nelson added that MoDot’s protective vehicles in work zones were struck 50 times, 16 times more than the year prior. These protective vehicles are often times the only thing shielding highway workers from an errant vehicle, and the fact they were hit 50 times is a sobering reminder of just how critical it is that drivers pay attention and respect the work being done. The best way drivers can “work with us” is by slowing down, putting down the phone, and navigating work zones with patience. Drivers can visit MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at www.traveler.modot.org and find out what work zones they’ll encounter along their trips this construction season.

Apply now through May 1st, 2026 to receive the Missouri Century Farm recognition. Families who have owned a farm for 100 consecutive years or more are eligible to become a Missouri Century Farm through this MU Extension Program. If your farm has been in the family for 100+ years as of Dec. 31, 2026, apply for the Century Farm designation and receive a certificate, sign and booklet to commemorate your heritage. The program honors the long‑standing contributions of Missouri farmers and ranchers and the legacy they continue to build. So far, more than 8,000 farms have received this recognition. For more information, visit extension.missouri.edu, click “Programs”, and search “Century Farms.” Or contact the local MU Extension office by calling 573-729-3196 or visiting the office at 112 East 5th Street Suite 4, Salem. 

Congratulations to Lea Deller, a Salem High School student who was honored at the 2026 Youth Art Month celebration at the Missouri State Capitol for her work. Deller received the prestigious President’s Choice Award, along with art supplies and a $100 Blick gift certificate. Cody Nickles, art teacher of Salem High School, was also recognized with a $200 Blick gift certificate. Representing Salem High School alongside Deller were Haley Yerk, Madison Reese, and Jhonine Maralit, each showcasing high-quality work that reflected the talent and creativity of the students in our community. Organized by the Missouri Art Education Association, Youth Art Month (YAM) is a nationwide observance held each March to emphasize the importance of visual arts education for all students. The 2026 theme, “The World Needs Art,” was highlighted through a statewide exhibit featuring exceptional K–12 artwork from across Missouri, displayed in the Capitol from mid-March through April. Each MAEA member art teacher may submit up to four student artworks, ensuring broad representation from schools statewide. The celebration concluded with an awards ceremony on April 9th in the Capitol Rotunda, where top honors—including the Governor’s Mansion Award, the Governor’s Award, the MAEA Chairman Award, and the MAEA President’s Award—recognized both student achievement and the dedication of art educators.

The Show Me Green Sales Tax Holiday returns this week through April 25th. All Missouri cities, counties, and districts participate in the appliance sales tax holiday, according to Missouri Director of Revenue Trish Vincent. According to Missouri statute, state sales tax will be waived on qualifying Energy Star certified appliances – a certification which indicates that a product has been independently verified to meet strict standards. Clothes washers, dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, and refrigerators with the Energy Star certification are just some of the items that are exempt from state sales tax on the first $1,500 of each appliance purchased. For more information, visit the Department of Revenue website at dor.mo.gov and search “Show-Me Green Sales Tax Holiday.”

Salem Memorial District Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer Brooke Bollman will be stepping down from her role effective May 31st, 2026, the hospital announced yesterday. Named as Interim CEO by the Board of Directors was Chief Nursing Officer and Nurse Practitioner Amber Hogan, effective June 1st, 2026. Bollman has served as the CEO since her appointment in July 2024 and throughout her tenure provided leadership to strengthen operations and improve the hospital’s overall financial position. In statements shared within the press release, Bollman and Chair of the Board of Directors Dr. Leigh Ann Price emphasized that the hospital remains well-positioned for continued success, with multiple strategic initiatives and growth opportunities in progress, along with a strong leadership team. The hospital will continue to serve patients and the community without interruption. Updates regarding leadership transition will be shared as they become available, concluded the press release.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson was absent. First District Commissioner Keith Green was designated Acting Presiding Commissioner. Derrick Marfitt, Dent County Emergency Management Director, attended to discuss the estimates on the projects from Great River Engineering’s preliminary plans for three different crossings. It is still unknown at this time how much will be covered by FEMA/SEMA, due to funding approval for the organizations still pending from Congress. A discussion on payroll for the position of Dent County Emergency Management Director was held. In road reports, Green reported that crew members will be hauling rock to county roads 5130 and 2460. Grading will be done on those same roads, along with County Road 5500. Crew members will also be working on maintenance for the durapatcher. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported crew members would be hauling rock to county roads 4300, 2540, 2240, and 4290. Grading will be done on 4300, 2270, and 2240. Crew members will also be cutting brush on County Road 2540 and will be installing a crossover pipe on County Road 2240. Andrew Wynn, Vice President and Lending Officer of Salem’s Town & Country Bank, attended the meeting regarding the lease purchase agreement for two 2026 Mach Trucks for the road department, which the commissioners signed. Meanwhile, Dent County Clerk Angie Curley shared that bills and payroll have been approved. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday at 9:00 at the courthouse, and the meeting is open to the public.

Dent County Health Center (DCHC) provided an update regarding the investigation of a confirmed case of Legionnaires’ disease, suspected of being associated with Seville Care Center. Environmental health testing conducted at Seville Care Center found no Legionella bacteria throughout the facility. At this time, the investigation has been completed. DCHC worked closely with Seville Care Center and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services throughout the investigation process. Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which is typically spread through inhalation of contaminated mist or water vapor. It is not normally spread person to person. 

The Ozark Heritage Artisans’ Springfest will be held Saturday from 9:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon. The free event will be held at the Salem Creative Arts Center at 202 South Main. You will find arts, crafts, baked goods, demonstrations and fun!

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met for both its reorganization meeting and monthly board meeting on Thursday, April 16th. Newly elected board members Dru Howard, Andrew Wynn, Luke Heithold, and Brady Adams were sworn in by Assistant Superintendent and Recording Secretary Dan Copeland. The board also elected its officers, with Dru Howard retaining the position of president, Sammi Parker retaining vice-president, Andrew Wynn retaining secretary, and Jason Green retaining treasurer. Luke Heithold was chosen as the MSBA delegate, and Brady Adams was chosen as the alternate delegate. Moving on to its regular meeting, the board approved its agenda and consent agenda, after which Superintendent Nate Wills shared communication from Lisa Mast and Daniel Jennings. The board then recognized the cast of the Lion King Jr., including Rowan McGrail, Sadie Wynn, Rose McCoy, and Adrian Miller, introduced by Shannon Phelps. In the superintendent report, Wills documented CSIP goals and updated board members that the last day of school will be May 15th; Senior’s Last Day will be May 8th; and a special board meeting, for appeals, will be held May 7th at 5:00 in the afternoon. Wills also updated board members regarding MSHSAA changes, the status of school and state finances, the annual school bus inspection results, the district health insurance premium increase, the Upper Elementary roof project, the state proposed A-F Report Card, and the district track access to the public. Wills thanked the Junior class and Stuco for donating $8,000 toward a new gym floor covering. The board was also updated on the partnership with the Salem Police Department for FEMA building access during tornado warnings after hours, along with the status of the FEMA building and rekeying/key fob installation. The board then received updates and reports from district administrators. Under new business, the board approved the Shroepfer Insurance health insurance renewal with a vote of 5-0-2. A vision specialist contract was also approved, with a vote of 5-0-2. A contract with CTS for virtual SLP, SLP-A, and PT services was approved with a vote of 5-0-2. A lawn mower purchase of $11,315 from Dent County Farm Supply was also approved, with a vote of 4-0-3. A first reading of MSBA policy updates was heard by the board. Personnel changes were noted, including the hire of Sydney Dothage (ECSE P/T Aide), and the resignation of Sarah Montoya as a Upper Elementary aide. The board then moved into a closed executive session to address student and personnel matters. The next meeting of the Salem R-80 School Board of Education is scheduled for May 21st in the Administration Building and will be open to the public.

Montauk was formally established as a state park in 1926, 100 years ago. To celebrate, the park will be hosting special events throughout the 2026 on-season, to begin with Old Mill Days on May 8th and May 9th from 9:00 in the morning to 4:00 in the afternoon, both days. This annual event features guided and self-guided history tours, as well as games and other activities. Demonstrations of historical skills such as blacksmithing, archery, Dutch oven cooking, weaving, rope making, wood carving, beekeeping and more will be available. See an arts and craft fair showcasing all the products local artisans have to offer. All activities will take place around the old Montauk Mill. Admission is free and open to the public, and there is no need to register. Stop by to learn a new skill, immerse yourself in local history, and support small businesses. For more information, call the park office at 573-548-2201 or visit the Montauk State Park Facebook page at facebook.com/montaukstateparkofficial.