Archive for 2026

An accident happened at 12:03 Wednesday morning on Route P at Forest Service Road 1516 in Phelps County that left two people with injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 2004 Nissan Frontier driven westbound by a 20-year-old man from Vichy, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. The driver, who was not wearing a seat belt, suffered serious injuries and was flown by Phelps Air to the University Hospital in Columbia. The passenger, a 20-year-old man from Steelville, suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Phelps Health by the Phelps Health Ambulance. The passenger was wearing his seat belt at the time of the accident. The Nissan was totaled and removed from the scene by D&D Towing. The highway patrol was assisted by the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held its regular meeting Tuesday evening in the auditorium at 202 North Washington Street. After approving the agenda and consent agenda, the board approved the request for street closure from Tim Dotson for the purposes of a bike show from 9:00 in the morning to 2:00 in the afternoon August 29th around the courthouse. The board also approved the recommendation of James Taylor to fill a vacancy on the Parks Board. Under new and miscellaneous business, the board approved an annual contract with Landmark Aquatics for opening and winterizing the city pool, along with a budget adjustment to fund the replacement of fencing around Billy’s Playground. Several first and second readings of bills were approved, including an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement for engineering services with Toth and Associates, INC.; an ordinance authorizing the mayor to execute an aviation project consultant agreement with H.W. Lochner, Inc. for the city airport; and an ordinance authorizing submission of requests for reimbursement for the six t-hangar project. Finally, there was a first reading for an ordinance authorizing the mayor to accept and execute an access easement from HMH Properties, LLC. for permanent access and utility purposes. During reports from city officials, City Administrator Sally Burbridge reported she attended an MPUA board meeting. Mayor Greg Parker shared that Spring Cleanup is scheduled for May 4th through May 8th, along with May 11th through May 15th, following the annual citywide yard sale. Public Works Director Steve Paine reported construction crew members continue making progress on the t-ball parking lot. Parks Director Melissa DuBois commended the construction crew members for their work on the t-ball parking lot. The concession stand deep freeze is in need of repair. Summer ball registrations have begun and the parks department is in need of coaches. Alderman Nathan Kinsey commended the community for the recent 100 Acre Wood Rally and its success. With no further reports, the board adjourned. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be held April 14th and will be open to the public. 

The Salem Area Arts Council’s “Art Across the Ages,” a Community Art Show is coming to an end Friday at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center. Now is your last chance to recognize the amazing talent and creativity that exists in our schools and community. This is a family friendly art show. The exhibit has visiting hours from 9:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon. Don’t miss it before it is gone! Come out and support the arts.

The Bunker R-III School District will be having a Fish Fry for graduating seniors this Saturday from 10:00 in the morning to 2:00 in the afternoon at the Old Conway Feed Store. Join the district for a delicious meal to help support its graduating seniors. The menu includes a catfish plate with a choice of two sides from the following options: hush puppies, coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans. Drinks and dessert may also be purchased separately. The cost is $10 with all proceeds going toward the senior trip and graduation. Carryout or local delivery is also available within the Bunker area, just call or text 573-851-9858 or 573-604-4241. Help spread the word and bring a friend to the event. 

Students in Mr. Wofford’s creative writing class at the Salem High School competed for spots in the Unsolved issue of Young Writers, an organization which runs national writing contests for schools, helping to turn students’ imagination and creative talent into confidence and writing skills. The contest’s prompt asked students to create mystery-themed mini-sagas (100 word stories.) According to a representative from Young Writers, there were many entries and only the best entries submitted were placed in the issue. Those included in the Unsolved issue were local students Lilly Standley, Phoebe Taylor, Marshall White, and Ivan Brooks! Congratulations!

The City of Salem Parks & Recreation registration for ball season, including baseball, t-ball, and softball, is open now through April 9th for $35, with late registration available from April 10th through April 16th at $45. Practice is to start at the beginning of May with coaches to contact with more information. For more information on how to sign up, contact Parks Director Melissa DuBois by calling 573-729-6290 or emailing salemparks@salemmo.com. 

The “Non”-Newlywed Game Show will be held in the evening of Friday, April 3rd at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Doors open at 5:30, and the game starts at 6:30. This event is sure to be a night of laughter as local couples compete to see how well they really know each other in the “Non”-Newlywed Game Show. This year’s couples are Brian & Candi Mink, Wes & Kendra Mobray, Jake & Marissa Conway, andShane & Leanna Paine. Tickets are $25 and available at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. For more information or questions, call 573-729-8163.

The Salem Area Arts Council “Creative Arts Center” will be hosting a Kids’ Art Camp from June 22nd through June 26th, called “Libby’s Art Adventure Camp.” Ticket sales start April 1st and close on June 18th. The camp will be hosted by Tana Kettner, Danielle Norris, Hannah Heithold, Nicole Curtis, and other teachers at the Creative Arts Center. The target age range will be those aged 6 to 16. The art camp will be 8:00 in the morning to noon with light snacks provided. All proceeds gathered will go toward Arts Center renovation projects. For more information or to sign up, visit sacba.org and click on “Salem Creative Arts Center.” Then, click on “browse and register for events.” 

The Salem Memorial District Hospital is offering a 20% tax season discount between now and May 31st. The discount is offered to all patient accounts, regardless of insurance status; the account must be paid in full during the discount period; and patients must call patient account services to have the discount applied. Contact patient account services at 573-729-6626 to learn more or make a payment. 

The Sleep in Heavenly Peace, or SHP, Dent County Chapter will be holding its community meeting in the afternoon of April 6th from 5:30 to 6:30 at the Salem Armory Walden Conference Room, with discussions including events, needs, and more. Updates from the local chapter can be found on its Facebook page at facebook.com/shpdentco. Volunteers are welcomed from all ages. Contact the Dent County SHP chapter at 1-844-432-2337 for more information or visit the chapter’s website at shpbeds.org/chapter/mo-dent-co.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting this evening at 6:00 in the Old City Hall Auditorium. After the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call and approval of the agenda and consent agenda, the board will hear any scheduled public comments. The board will be hearing a request for street closure from Tim Dotson and will also be considering the recommendation of James Taylor to fill a vacancy on the Parks Board. Under new and miscellaneous business, the board will consider the approval of a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute an aquatic care pool opening and winterizing agreement with Landmark Aquatic, as well as a budget adjustment to fund the replacement fencing around Billy’s Playground. There will be several first and second readings of bills, including: an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement for engineering services between the city and Toth and Associates, INC.; an ordinance authorizing the mayor to execute an aviation project consultant agreement with H.W. Lochner, Inc. for professional services at the airport; and an ordinance authorizing the submission of requests for reimbursement for the hangar project. Then there will be the first reading of one bill, an ordinance authorizing the mayor to accept and execute an access easement from HMH Properties, LLC for permanent access and utility purposes. Finally, there will be reports from city officials, followed by adjournment. The meeting of the City of Salem Board of Alderman is open to the public.

The Dent County Commission met for its meeting Monday morning at the courthouse. First District Commissioner Keith Green reported crew members are planning to haul rock and grade to county roads 5440, 5400, 5450, 6575, and 4160. The backhoe will be brought to county roads 6175 and 6633. Second District Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported crew members are planning to grade county roads 3020, 2080, 2070, cut brush on County Road 2570, and haul rock to county roads 3125 and 2070. The backhoe will be brought to County Road 4380 to work on a low water crossing project. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that payroll is to be approved. Meanwhile, no excuse absentee voting begins Tuesday and ends April 6th. The last day to apply and mail out an absentee ballot will be Wednesday. The R-2 School District has nothing to vote on. Remember to bring your photo ID when voting. 

In Rolla, construction will be starting and is to continue through August to rehabilitate the Business U.S. 44/Missouri Route 72/Kingshighway bridge. One eastbound lane will remain open throughout construction, but all westbound lanes on the bridge will be closed. A signed detour will direct motorists along I-44 to Exit 186, then back onto I-44 to Exit 184. While the supporting structures of these bridges are in good condition, the bridge decks have deteriorated and require rehabilitation work to extend their useful life. For more information about MoDOT projects, please visit the Traveler Information Map at traveler.modot.org or call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636).

Route 106 in Shannon County is closed for bridge inspection. This section of roadway is located from Route D to County Road 423 in Alley Springs. Weather permitting, work will take place April 9th from 6:00 in the morning to 8:00 in the evening. The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.