Archive for 2026

The City of Salem’s Parks and Recreation Board will meet this afternoon at 5:00 at the Old City Hall Auditorium. After the call to order, roll call, and approval of the minutes, the board will review and approve the budget, which will be followed by adjournment. The meeting was called by Parks and Recreation Board President Carlos Lopez.

Due to weather, the starting date for the project to replace the driving surface of the Little Piney Creek Bridge on Route 63 at Yancy Mills has been postponed. Originally scheduled to begin Tuesday, contractors working with the Missouri Department of Transportation now plan to narrow Route 63 to one lane at the bridge today. In order to leave one lane open during construction, temporary traffic signals will be in place to direct vehicles safely through the work zone. All work is weather-permitting, and schedules are subject to change.

There will be a work day to help clean up Craig Plaza this Saturday, May 9th, at noon and volunteers are welcome. Chris Price and Jimmy Robbers will be leading the Craig Plaza team. Give whatever amount of time you have and don’t forget to bring some gloves! There will be weeds to pull as well as mulch to be spread. All help will be greatly appreciated! There will be more work days announced in the future to help keep the plaza looking great! If you have any questions, call or text Chris Price at 573-205-1671.

Dent County Health Center has released that it received two awards from the opioid settlement funds this year. One of those awards focused on establishing three 24/7 Community Overdose Response Boxes in high-visibility, accessible locations. The boxes will provide free, anonymous access to naloxone, overdose response instructions, and harm reduction supplies, with the goal of preventing opioid-related overdose deaths and increasing community readiness to respond to overdose emergencies. The Overdose Response Strategy team of the Department of Health & Senior Services shared that a total number of 34 fatal drug overdoses occurred between the five year period of 2020-2024. The 15 to 34 age group made up 21% of fatal drug overdoses over the five year period, while the 35 to 54 age group made up 50%. The 55+ age group made up 26%. The less than 15 age group made up about 3%. The report shows that Dent County continues to experience the impacts of the opioid epidemic. Signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose include small, constricted “pinpoint pupils,” falling asleep or loss of consciousness; slow, shallow breathing; choking or gurgling sounds; limp body; discolored skin (especially in lips and nails.) Narcan, also referred to as Naloxone, is a proven, life-saving intervention. It works to block the effects from opioids like fentanyl, heroin and prescription painkillers. By reducing barriers and increasing community readiness, the 24/7 Naloxone Boxes strengthen community safety and will help prevent opioid-related overdose deaths. Three boxes were made on April 17th and delivered by April 22nd. The boxes feature instructions on how to respond to an opioid overdose emergency, and a QR code to show how to use naloxone. To date, the Health Center has placed two of the three boxes at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory and the Salem Public Library.

The City of Salem Animal Shelter located at 1401 Mullnack Drive is accepting donations and could always use a little help from the community. The open office hours of the animal shelter is from Monday through Friday from 8:30 in the morning to 3:30 in the evening. Donations can be dropped off directly at the animal shelter during open hours. Donations sought include clumping kitty litter, dry kitty food, or dry dog food. If you’re able to donate, even a small bag makes a big difference. Your kindness helps staff and volunteers keep every pet fed, healthy, and comfortable while they wait for their forever homes. For more information on the Salem Animal Shelter, visit its Facebook page run by a group of dedicated volunteers by searching “Friends of Salem Animal Shelter, MO.” 

MoDOT reminds the public to take shelter during a tornado. Do not seek refuge in a vehicle, outside, or under an overpass. A highway overpass does not provide safety from a tornado. Do not seek shelter under an overpass or a tree. This puts you at greater risk of being killed or seriously injured by flying debris from the powerful tornadic winds. If in a vehicle, drive to a designated shelter, basement, or safe room. The next best option is a small, windowless room or hallway on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. It is not safe to be in a higher level room, rooms with windows, doors or exterior walls. It’s better to be in an interior room in the lowest level without windows, including bathrooms or a mattress for added protection. The best option is to be in an interior room in the basement, without windows. Visit stormaware.mo.gov for more information.

An accident occurred in Dent County Sunday afternoon at approximately 3:05 on Highway VV three miles east of Highway 119. According to the Highway Patrol report an eastbound 2010 Harley Davidson Super Glide, driven by a 64-year-old Hartville man, traveled off the right side of the roadway, striking a tree and ejecting the driver. The man suffered moderate injuries and was transported by Air Evac to Cox South in Springfield. The report stated that he was wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident. The Harley Davidson sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by a private party.

The Dent County Commission met for its regular meeting Monday at the courthouse. Under road reports, First District Commissioner Keith Green reported that crew members are hauling rock to County Road 5070 and stockpiling. Crew members will be grading county roads 6220, 5070, 6370, and, if there’s time and manpower, 6410. Cutting brush will be done on County Road 5690. Second District Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported crew members will be hauling rock to County Road 4380. Grading is to be done on county roads 4380, 2330, and 2320. Crew members will also be out maintaining culverts as time allows. Meanwhile, County Clerk Angie Curley reported that bills and payroll is to be approved. Curley will be attending a Missouri Association of Counties board meeting in Jefferson City on Thursday. Curley also reported that the Dent County Courthouse will be closed in observance of Truman Day on Friday, May 8th. 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.  

Montauk was formally established as a state park in 1926, 100 years ago. To celebrate Montauk’s 100th birthday, the park will be hosting several special events throughout the 2026 on-season. The celebration will begin with Old Mill Days this Friday and Saturday 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. Presenters will demonstrate historical skills such as blacksmithing, archery, Dutch oven cooking, weaving, rope making, wood carving, and more. There will also be an arts and craft fair showcasing the finest products that local artisans have to offer, including homemade pottery, jewelry and clothing. 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.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds Missourians interested in hunting black bear and/or elk in the state this fall that they need to apply for a limited number of hunting permits for each in May. MDC will offer 2,000 permits to harvest up to a maximum of 60 black bears across three MDC black-bear management zones in the southern part of the state during the 2026 Missouri black-bear hunting season, Oct. 17-30. MDC increased the number of available permits from 600 to 2,000 and increased the harvest quota limit from 40 to 60 bears to expand hunting opportunities. Missouri has an estimated population of about 1,100 bears.  Get more information on black-bears and bear hunting in Missouri and apply during May at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/bear. MDC will again also offer five permits to hunt bull elk in Missouri this fall with at least one permit designated for qualifying landowners who own property in Carter, Reynolds, or Shannon counties and the remaining permits for qualifying residents. MDC has designated the 2026 elk archery portion to run Oct. 17-25, and the elk firearms portion to run Dec. 12-20. Missouri has an estimated 325 free-ranging elk under MDC’s elk restoration and management program. Get more information on elk and elk hunting at the website mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/elk.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew M. Curley has reported that Felton Metcalf, charged on Oct. 26th, 2024, has plead guilty on April 22nd, 2026. Metcalf was charged with aggravated fleeing, trafficking drugs in the second degree and felony driving while revoked, based on a probable cause statement submitted by Sergeant Michael Loveday of the Salem Police Department. Metcalf was sentenced to 12 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections. According to the probable cause statement, Metcalf had fled a traffic stop with a Missouri State Trooper at Hwy. 32. In the ensuing chase, Metcalf’s vehicle reached estimated speeds in excess of 100 mph and ultimately collided with another vehicle, whose occupant was taken to a hospital for potential serious injuries. Following a search, a large amount of methamphetamine, approximately 74.5 grams, was located in Metcalf’s vehicle. Both vehicles were totaled in the crash. 

The Salem Police Department have charged four individuals following a robbery and assault this past Saturday. Officers responded to a local hospital on Saturday regarding a male subject who sustained physical injuries related to a reported robbery. Two officers initiated an investigation that led to a coordinated operation with the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. As part of this joint effort, law enforcement officers secured a residence in the 300 block of East Second Street in Salem to preserve potential evidence. Occupants of the residence were detained during the operation and a search warrant executed. Officers located evidence consistent with an assault and robbery, as well as quantities of illegal narcotics and related paraphernalia. Four individuals were subsequently taken into custody and transported to the Dent County Jail. Following interviews with witnesses, victims, and suspects, the following individuals have been charged: Cheri Sturdivant, Steven McCarter, Larry Breeding, and James Dixon. McCarter, Breeding, and Dixon were all charged with robbery in the second degree and assault in the third degree. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

MoDOT has released that a project to replace the driving surface of the Little Piney Creek Bridge on Hwy. 63 at Yancy Mills is set to begin on Tuesday, May 5th. Contractors will narrow Hwy. 63 to one lane at the bridge, with a 10-foot width restriction. In order to leave one lane of 

Hwy. 63 open during construction, temporary traffic signals will be in place to direct vehicles safely through the work zone. Motorists are urged to slow down and use extreme caution as they approach the work zone and the stopped traffic at the signals. Significant delays are expected and drivers may want to plan alternate routes during construction, which is expected to continue through early October 2026. Meanwhile, pedestrian facility upgrades continue in the city limits of Salem on Hwy. 19 and 32, with minimal traffic impacts expected during the project, which is expected to be completed by September 2026.

The Dent County Fire Protection District announced it has been awarded a $1,000 grant from the Meramec Regional Community Foundation (MRCF.) This grant will be utilized to support a limited-time free smoke alarm program, prioritizing households within the district which: have at least one household member age 65 or older; have a household member with a disability; or have children under the age of 18. In addition to providing smoke alarms, the district will assist with installation when needed. Residents who wish to apply for a free smoke alarm may call the fire station at 573-729-3250 or online at dentcountyfire.org.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. In road reports, First District Commissioner Keith Green shared that crew members would be hauling rock where needed and are planning to grade county roads 6400, 5070, and 5075. Crew members will also be cutting brush on County Road 5690. Second District Commissioner Jimmy Wiliams reported that crew members are planning to haul rock and grade county roads 2380, 2340, and 2330. Cutting brush is planned for county roads 2550 and 2560. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that bills are to be approved. Collector Shannon VanKirk 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. VanKirk further reported that the SB190 software through FOXPRO has been purchased at $5,000. Meanwhile, the commissioners were invited to the latest exhibit at the ONCRC. There will be a historical exhibit featuring Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) artifacts now through the end of May at the ONCRC, open Monday through Friday from 9:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the evening. Visit the ONCRC to learn more. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday at 9:00 at the courthouse, and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors held its regular meeting Tuesday evening at 7:00 in the Doctor’s Library at the hospital. Prior to approving the agenda, Board Member Mike Swyers made a motion to add an agenda item to swear in Karen Brown for another term on the Board of Directors. The motion was approved. Following approval of the updated agenda and the previous open session meeting minutes, the board heard a presentation from Elizabeth Lawrence, a representative of the Helping Hands Auxiliary. After extensive discussion, three motions were made and approved: to acknowledge and approve the reorganization of the auxiliary; to accept the bylaws, which will be amended to remove the 501(c)(3) designation; and to grant the CEO/acting CEO, as well as one additional administrative staff member, signatory authorization on the auxiliary’s bank account. Karen Brown was then sworn in for another term as a board member. During her report, CEO Brook Bollman highlighted ongoing conversations with Missouri’s independent hospital network: the Show-Me High Value Network; recruitment updates; the completion of the HRSA 340B Audit; and the application for a $5 million DOT grant that, if awarded, would be utilized for emergency services over the course of two years. Bollman noted that Hospital Week will take place May 10–16, and that the hospital’s spring cleanup has been postponed. Inpatient admissions for the month of March totaled 62, with 108 swing bed days. There were 1,026 outpatient registrations, 1,580 cardiopulmonary procedures, and 14 residents in Long-Term Care (LTC). The Emergency Department saw 675 visits in March, along with 175 ambulance runs. Total operating revenue for March was approximately $1.8 million, down slightly from the previous month. Total operating expenses were approximately $2.6 million. This resulted in an overall operating loss of approximately $683,000 and a year-to-date loss of approximately $586,000. Bollman noted that staff are working diligently to close the fiscal year on a positive note. The hospital currently has 24 days of cash on hand. 340B revenue was $55,929, while expenses increased to $99,687, for a net loss of $43,758. Following approval of the financial report, Amber Hogan delivered the Chief Nursing Officer Report. Hogan highlighted updates to LTC’s electronic Medication Administration Record implementation, a luncheon with Texas County Technical College’s RN Program, the update and renewal of the hospital’s Nursing Assistant Site Training Program, ongoing continuing education efforts, and the upcoming Nurses’ Week, May 6–12. The hospital currently has nursing vacancies in several departments. Four new full-time employees were hired in March, while two employees departed. Open positions currently being recruited for include a CEO, paramedic, clinical receptionist, and Infection Control/Employee Health and Education Director. With no Unfinished or New Business items, the meeting adjourned to executive session for legal and personnel matters. The next regular meeting of the Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors is scheduled for Monday, May 18, at 7:00 in the Doctor’s Library at the hospital and is open to the public.

The Dent County Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace will be holding its monthly Community Meeting Monday, May 4th, 5:30 – 6:30 in the evening at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory in the Walden Room.  SHP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that builds, assembles and delivers new, free beds to children in need in our community, ages 3-17, who do not have a bed.