Archive for 2026

The Salem Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) concluded a joint operation Wednesday night as part of the ongoing investigation into the unsolved homicide of Rosalee Byrd. As a result of Wednesday’s investigative efforts, the Salem Police Department confirmed that positive progress had been made in this case. While the investigation remains active, detectives continue to pursue all available evidence and leads. Appreciation has been extended to the FBI, City of Salem staff, and the community for its assistance and support throughout the day’s search efforts. The SPD has confirmed that a suspect has been identified in the case.

The Dent County Commission met for its regular meeting Thursday morning at the courthouse. Under public comments, a private citizen shared grievances with the commissioners on the policy requiring disclosure of the recording of meetings, alongside the institution of Flock cameras within Dent County. When asked for their name for the minutes, the citizen requested legal documentation to justify disclosing their name; with no legal documentation presented, their name was not given. The citizen further alleged that a public record showing who is recording is illegal according to the State Attorney General’s office. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson interrupted the citizen and attempted to move the meeting forward. The citizen stated that because they were interrupted, they were prevented from speaking. Larson asked if the citizen had anything else to comment, and the citizen stated they had been dismissed. Moving on to road reports, District One Commissioner Keith Green shared that crew members would be hauling rock to County Road 6660 and moving on to County Road 6490 next week. Crew members are continuing to mix up rock for that project. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams shared that crew members would be continuing to rebuild County Road 3200. A truck has broken down and will require maintenance. A brush cutter will be working on County Road 4060. Fuel bids have been received, with MFA Oil bidding $4.039; Philmart bidding $4.10; and County Fuels bidding $4.25. Commissioners approved the fuel bid from MFA Oil at $4.039. Larson reported that he has several meetings to attend Thursday evening, including a meeting with the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC), Phelps County Public Housing Agency Housing Advisory Board (PHA), and Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC.) He notified that the 2027 grant round for the Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is now open, available for cities, counties, public-school districts to be used for outdoor recreation projects. For questions or more information, contact grants management staff at mspgrants@dnr.mo.gov. The deadline to apply is Nov. 13th. County Treasurer Denita Williams reported on sales tax received for the month of July, stating General Revenue has received $97,431.92; Road and Bridge has received $48,742.62; and the Jails have received $97,230.29. The Dent County Commission meeting for Monday has been canceled. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be Thursday at 9:00 in the morning at the Dent County Courthouse. These meetings are open to the public.

Community members are invited to go wild about saving lives by donating blood at the Salem Community Blood Drive on Tuesday, Sept. 1st from noon to 6:00 in the evening. The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) and Dickerson Park Zoo are partnering throughout September and October to help boost the regional blood supply for local patients. Successful donors will receive a voucher for two free general admissions to the Dickerson Park Zoo, a $38 value, along with a limited-edition otter themed T-shirt while supplies last. CBCO donors provide every drop of blood for patients at Salem Memorial District Hospital, as well as dozens of hospitals across the Ozarks. Salem area residents will have the opportunity to donate within the Fellowship Hall of the First Baptist Church located at 201 North MacArthur Street. Photo identification is required. Donors should eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids prior to donating. Eligible donors must be at least 16 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and have not donated blood within the past 56 days. Appointments are strongly encouraged to help reduce wait times. To schedule an appointment, visit cbco.org/zoo or call 417-227-5006.

On Saturday, Sept. 12th from 7:00 in the morning to 7:00 in the evening, veterans are able to fish for free at Montauk State Park. Veterans can pick up their free fishing tag the day of the event at the Dorman Steelman Lodge in Montauk State Park. The spring branch will be reserved for veterans and their family members only. The veteran-founded nonprofit “Hooked on Vets” will be providing assistance and attendance prizes. Lunch will be provided. Tagged fish will be stocked with prizes available as well. Registration is not required.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol invites the public to take part in a public opinion survey regarding safety and security, officers’ attitudes and competency, overall agency performance, and concerns regarding crime and social issues. The 2026 Public Opinion Survey is now open and runs to the end of August. Members of the public may access the survey at surveymonkey.com/r/2026_Public_Opinion.

Missouri’s Good Neighbor Week is just around the corner from Sept. 28th through Oct. 4th. Signed into law in 2022, Missouri Good Neighbor Week encourages residents to participate in events and activities to establish connections with their neighbors. This will be the fifth year of the celebration. You can perform and report acts of neighbors any time of the year, then during Missouri Good Neighbor Week from Sept. 28th – Oct. 4th awards will be presented. As of June 7th, 2026, there have been 14,420 acts of neighborliness reported at the website missourigoodneighborweek.com. Submit your stories at that same site, and make nominations for several categories.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met for a special meeting on Wednesday at noon. After approval of the agenda, the board approved the annual ECSE First Student Transportation contract, alongside a three-year contract with Wagner Photography. The board discussed and approved a bid for a Ford Expedition by Schicker Automotive of St. Louis, pending an inspection and test drive. Power School, a website the district utilizes for hiring and hosting job applications, was approved for renewal for the upcoming school year, as well. Superintendent Nathan Wills discussed with the board the bids received for the Upper Elementary parking lot. After further inspection, it was revealed the parking lot requires more than just the overlay that had been bid. The parking lot contains severe cracking, described Wills, and may need asphalt and concrete replacement. With that being said, the board rejected the bids received with the intention to put out another Request for Bids (RFB) later in the year. Wills described that work on the parking lot may need to be phased out over several years in order to lessen cost impacts. Finally, the board approved prepayment of the Series 2020 bonds in the amount of $180,291.67. Under personnel, the board approved the hiring of Sydney Dothage as an ECSE Aide and Jessey Kissir as a Middle School Paraprofessional, along with the resignation of Angel Hunter as a ECSE Paraprofessional. The board then voted to enter executive session for the discussion of personnel. The next regular meeting of the Salem R-80 Board of Education will be Thursday, Aug. 20th at 5:30 in the evening and will include the annual tax rate hearing. These meetings are open to the public.

The Dent County Fire Protection District (DCFPD) Board of Directors met for its regular meeting Tuesday evening. The board began the meeting with the Tax Rate Hearing. No changes were made with the tax rate remaining at .2382 and the bond rate at .2300. The consent agenda was then approved, containing minutes from the previous meeting, financial reports, bills, payments, and statements, and budget and reconciliations. Fire Chief Derek Thomas presented the monthly reimbursement report with a total of 19 calls for the month and 140 total calls for the year. The board then went into closed session to discuss legal actions and personnel. The next regular meeting of the DCFPD Board of Directors will be Tuesday, Sept. 8th at 6:00 in the evening and is open to the public.

The Phelps County Public Housing Agency is seeking landlords for the Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly known as Section 8. Landlords are needed in Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps and Washington counties. The program assists low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities afford decent, safe and sanitary rental housing from private landlords. Some of the benefits of accepting Housing Choice Vouchers include a large pool of potential tenants, guaranteed rental income, free advertising of available units, lower vacancies and unit oversight by qualified housing inspectors. Currently, there are 173 families with Housing Choice Vouchers in the Meramec Region searching for approved housing and another 415 families on the waiting list. For more information or questions, contact Housing Manager Donald Keeney at 573-265-4200 ext. 128 or via email at dkeeney@meramecregion.org.

Missouri Crayfish Finders is the newest citizen science project being conducted in cooperation with Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC.) This project assists MDC by tracking populations of invasive crayfish throughout the state and updating the known distribution of Missouri’s diverse crayfish communities. Missouri is home to over 40 species of crayfish, including 26 Species of Conservation Concern.Those interested in participating are encouraged to take photos for scientists to accurately identify crayfish species. This project is open to anyone to participate across the state, so long as you have a valid Missouri fishing permit in order to catch and release crayfish. Interested in participating? Learn more by visiting the link to the Missouri Stream Team website at mostreamteam.org/missouri-crayfish-finders. 

Mentoring makes a difference where one hour per week can help change a child’s life. Mentors are already providing this service to students at the Salem R-80 Middle School, Salem R-80 Upper Elementary school, the North Wood R-4 School for 3rd through 6th graders, and this year the program has been expanded to cover Dent-Phelps R-3 school and Oak Hill R-1 as well, but more mentors are needed. Mentors can be a friend to these children, helping them with homework or just playing a game with them offering encouragement and support. Mentored youth are less likely to misuse alcohol and drugs, respond more positively to teachers and parents, and have greater feelings of self-worth with improved confidence and social skills. Healthy Dent County is the coordinator of this program. If you have one hour per week to become a mentor at any of the schools listed, contact Liberty Ross at 573-729-8163, text 573-247-4886 or email liberty@salemcommunitycenter.org.

It’s that time of year again. School is getting ready to get started! Be sure to be prepared by attending the Back to School Fair at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory this coming Friday, Aug. 14th from 3:00 to 7:00 in the afternoon. There will be free backpacks and school supplies, games and prizes, free food, free socks and underwear, giveaways, and community resources. Call Donna at South Central Missouri Community Action Agency (SCMCAA) to preregister at 573-729-3500.

It was released Tuesday night that the Salem Police Department, in coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) St. Louis Field Office, will be conducting a joint search operation on Wednesday, Aug. 12th along the walking trail between Rolla Road and the Salem Care Center. The walking trail will be closed to public access from 8:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon. This operation is part of an ongoing investigative effort related to a 2015 homicide case. Community members are asked to avoid the area during the operation and provide investigators with the space necessary to conduct their work. The Salem Police Department appreciates the community’s understanding, cooperation, and continued support as it remains committed to seeking answers and pursuing justice for the community.

The City of Salem’s Utility Committee will be holding a meeting tonight at 6:15 in the evening at the Old City Hall Auditorium on 202. North Washington Street. This meeting is open to the public. After approval of the agenda and any scheduled public comments, the committee will consider the approval of the previous meeting minutes and then hear reports from the chairman. The board will then discuss utility meter testing, solid waste pickup and disposal bids, and the Nexgrid customer portal. Under reports, the committee will hear a financial and billing update, discuss notes from the Missouri Public Utility Alliance (MPUA) and Mid-Missouri Municipal Power Energy Pool (MMMPEP) meetings, and hear work reports from utility crew members. The committee will then adjourn.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held a meeting Tuesday evening at the Old City Hall Auditorium. With no public comments, the board moved along to approving a street closure for the annual “Trunk-or-Treat” from Macarthur to 4th Street on Halloween, Oct. 31st. The appointment of Derrick Marfitt to the Utility Committee was then approved. The East Roosevelt Project was discussed, which is planned to replace aging waterlines, sewerlines, pavement, and potentially sidewalks from Hwy. 19 to Mildred Street. The preliminary opinion of Toth & Associates’ indicates a total project cost of approximately $2.5 million. The board approved several motions to submit an application to the Delta Regional Authority’s (DRA) Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF) grant for the East Roosevelt Project for $1 million, the maximum amount for the grant; if awarded, the grant will be utilized for the sewer line portion of the project. The remaining $1.5 million is planned to come from the Special Streets, Capital Improvements, and Water funds. If the city is not awarded a minimum of $500,000 in grant funding, the project will not proceed until other grant or outside funding is found. Under bids, the board approved an emergency purchase of an additional $3,150 to inspect and reinstall the Wastewater Treatment Plant’s RAS pump. The board approved two ordinances between the city and Archer-Elgin for engineering services related to the Wastewater Treatment Facility improvements, recommended by Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR.) One of these ordinances will allow for additional hard and electronic copies of plans and specifications to be made, while the other will allow for additional engineering scope for the disposal of existing biosolids at a cost of $128,834, funded through the MDNR Clean Water SRF Emerging Contaminants grant. In reports of city officials, Mayor Greg Parker recognized and thanked Water Superintendent Chris McGuirt, who has served the city for 30 years and will be retiring. McGuirt expressed his appreciation of the current City of Salem’s administration. City Administrator Sally Burbridge shared that the Roosevelt Project is one of several key areas where infrastructure improvements are planned in the future. Grants and outside funding is constantly being sought by staff to ensure the least amount of impact on rates for residents. Burbridge further shared a report on recent meetings with the Missouri Public Utility Alliance (MPUA) and its power pool, Mid-Missouri Municipal Power Energy Pool (MMMPEP.) Burbridge shared that MMMPEP has awarded a bid to Tesla for an 8 megawatt battery pack capable of deploying 2 megawatts for up to 4 hours, in order to shave peak demand during  peak alerts for the entire power pool. Site selection is underway by MPUA for that pilot project. Finance Director Stacey Houston shared a financial update, stating that July Fiscal Year 2026-27 sales tax revenues have seen a 30% increase over prior year at $429,961. For electric, revenues billed totalled $621,472; for water, revenues billed were $123,301; and for sewer, revenues billed were $138,618. The city has paid MPUA $544,867. Houston shared that overall expenditures, a total of $2.1 million, exceeded overall revenues, a total of $1.5 million, primarily due to significant grant-related expenses being paid before reimbursements were posted. The combined fund balance of all city funds is approximately $16.9 million. Parks and Recreation Director Melissa DuBois shared that flag football and cheerleading season is ongoing with registration open; work is ongoing for the Salem MO Spectacular planned for Oct. 24th; and a mural is being painted by Hannah Heithold behind the splash pad. The board then voted to enter closed session for the purposes of discussing real estate and attorney-client privileges. To watch this meeting recorded, visit youtube.com/@CityofSalemMissouri. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be Tuesday, Aug. 25th at 6:00 in the evening.

The City of Salem Parks & Recreation reminds that registration is open for Flag Football and Cheerleading with a $10 late fee until Aug. 18th. This is for those within 1st to 6th Grade, with practice to start the week of Aug. 31st and games to start Sept. 26th. The cost is $35 for Flag Football and $45 for Cheerleading. For more information, contact salemparks@salemmo.com or visit the City of Salem Parks & Recreation Facebook page at facebook.com/SalemMoParks.