Archive for 2026

An accident occurred in Dent County Wednesday afternoon at approximately 5:00 on Highway 32 at County Road 5020. According to the Highway Patrol report a westbound 1998 Ford Contour, driven by an 18-year-old Salem man, experienced a mechanical failure, traveled off the right side of the roadway, and struck a fence.  A 19-year-old male passenger suffered moderate injuries and was transported by Salem Ambulance to Salem Memorial Hospital. The driver suffered minor injuries and was also transported by Salem Ambulance to SMH. The report stated that neither driver was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

An accident occurred in Dent County Wednesday afternoon at approximately 2:50 on Highway 32 about 10 miles west of Salem. According to the Highway Patrol report a southbound 2001 Chevrolet 2500, driven by a 54-year-old Salem man, was exiting a private driveway. A westbound 2006 Harley Davidson, driven by a 63-year-old Salem man, crested a hill and struck the side of the Chevrolet. The Harley Davidson operator suffered moderate injuries and was transported by EMS to Salem Memorial Hospital. The report stated that neither operator was wearing safety devices at the time of the accident. The Harley was totaled and secured at a nearby residence. The Chevrolet sustained moderate damage and was driven from the scene. 

The Dent County Commission met for its regular meeting Thursday morning at the courthouse. A group of about 12 residents were in attendance for the public comment portion of the meeting. Resident Cheri Low presented commissioners with a petition with more than 1,500 signatures, provided by both residents of and those with ties to Dent County. The petition is to express opposition to data centers being built within the county. Commissioners received the petition and agreed that they also do not want data centers within Dent County, and that they would continue looking into options. In discussions with Phelps County commissioners, local realtors, and Intercounty Electric Cooperative (IECA), Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson shared that it has been noted the infrastructure of Dent County is not equipped to handle a data center, nor have the commissioners been approached by anyone wanting to construct a data center within the county. When seeking legal advice, commissioners were previously informed that with no existing zoning ordinances within the county, options are limited for preventing data center construction. Commissioners further shared they do not wish to infringe on property rights of residents or put in state any such zoning ordinances. Residents also expressed opposition to Flock cameras, to which commissioners stated the Flock cameras were outside of their jurisdiction and encouraged the residents to reach out to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. Moving on to road reports, District One Commissioner Keith Green reported that crew members would be cutting brush on County Road 6300; grading on county roads 5600 and 6633; and then hauling rock to County Road 6640. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported that crew members are continuing work on County Road 3200, which includes hauling rock, pulling ditches, widening the road, and replacing culverts. Cutting brush is planned for County Road 4055 and County Road 3334, alongside hauling rock to and installing a culvert on County Road 3250. Ditches are being cleaned out on County Road 3233 in preparation for a chip and seal recoat. In his report, Larson shared that he attended a meeting with the Meramec Regional Community Foundation (MRCF) where trade scholarships were discussed and finalized. Grants were also discussed. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that no excuse absentee voting is to continue through next Monday, Aug. 3rd. The County Clerk’s Office will be open for no excuse absentee voting on Saturday, Aug. 1st from 8:00 to noon. Next Tuesday, Aug. 4th, the polls will be open from 6:00 in the morning to 7:00 in the evening. If any voters need to update their information, call the County Clerk’s Office at (573) 729-4144 to do so. Sample ballots are available upon request, as well as fair ballot language for the amendments. There will be a public testing of voting equipment Friday morning at 10:00 within the commissioner’s office at the courthouse. Curley also reported that there have been zero claims for workman’s comp for the county this year, and thanked office holders and employees for continuing to practice safety. The County Assessor has turned over new assessed values totaling $221,081,231. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday at 9:00 in the morning at the courthouse and will be open to the public.

The City of Salem Animal Shelter located at 1401 Mullnack Drive is open from Monday through Friday from 8:30 in the morning to 3:30 in the afternoon. 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.”

An accident happened Tuesday morning at 11:37 in Phelps County at 13900 Highway E. According to the highway patrol report, a 2011 Ford Focus driven northbound by a 16-year-old female from Vienna, traveled off the right side of the roadway. The driver overcorrected causing the vehicle to go off the left side of the roadway and overturn. The driver and a 16-year-old female passenger from Rolla, each suffered moderate injuries in the accident and were transported to Phelps Health. Neither girl was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Tune’s Towing.

On Tuesday, two policemen from the Salem Police Department assisted the Reynolds County Sheriff’s Office with an interagency investigation to locate a wanted probation absconder who was the subject of a full United States extradition warrant. After checking multiple residences, the Salem Policemen located the subject, identified as David Stull Jr., at a residence in the 1300 block of East Third Street in Salem. Stull was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Dent County Jail, where he was booked and held on the Reynolds County warrant. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

You still have time to cast your absentee vote at the Dent County Courthouse in the clerk’s office for the Aug. 4th Primary Election. Both excused and unexcused absentee voting will continue through Monday, Aug. 3rd at the courthouse during regular business hours from 8:00 until 4:30, except for Monday when they will be open until 5:00. Don’t forget that during the Primary, you may only vote for one party and everyone will vote on the four constitutional amendments. For more information, contact the Dent County Clerk’s office at 573-729-4144.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday night at the Old City Hall Auditorium. Under new and miscellaneous business, the board approved the extension of the lead service line inventory grant from Jan. 14th to Dec. 31st, 2026. The project will need to be wrapped up by that time. This is an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant of $100,000, previously awarded to the city in 2024 to meet EPA’s mandate for an inventory of lead service lines within Salem. For bids, the board approved a bid for two new patrol cars for the Salem Police Department (SPD) at a total cost of $89,364 from Behlman Dodge of Troy, Missouri. This is for the ongoing fleet management program. The board also approved new firearms and trade in of current duty weapons at a total cost of $10,680 for the SPD. Under reports of city officials, Mayor Greg Parker commended electric and water department crew members for their continued efforts in pole replacements and water main repairs. He further commended the SPD for increased patrols. City Administrator Sally Burbridge reported that a pump failed at the sewer treatment plant – this pump is still under warranty. An emergency purchase was made in order to lease an interim unit until the pump can be officially replaced by the company. Public Works Director Steve Paine reported that the wastewater treatment plant is healthy. The oxidation ditch is now operational with new rotors installed. The wastewater treatment plant lead has put in his notice, so the search is on to fill that role as well as the Superintendent position at the plant. Water service line repairs have been conducted, and new sewer and water lines have been installed. The hydrant contractors will be painting 25 hydrants this week. The new water tower has been filled, chlorinated, drained, refilled, and tested, with test results to be received soon to officially put the new water tower online. The well has been shocked with 10,000 gallons of chlorinated water and is currently being flushed to be tested. Meanwhile, the water tower in the Industrial Park is being sand blasted and will be painted via roll-on, not sprayed. Once the new water tower is up and running, the Industrial Park tower will be drained and interior worked on. The electric department has replaced 60 poles since January. The construction department has replaced sidewalks near the Four Rivers facility and continues repairs throughout the city. Alderwoman Catherine Dent reported that the Salem Community Choir has partnered with pastors and ministers in the area to provide a community Thanksgiving service in November to be held at the Old City Hall Auditorium. The board then adjourned into closed session for discussion of real estate. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be Tuesday, Aug. 11th and is open to the public.

To keep your trips to Missouri’s State Parks safe and fun, be sure to check the weather forecast before you go and keep an eye on upstream conditions. Visit the Park and Site Status Map located at the Missouri State Parks website at mostateparks.com and click the “Park/Site Status” button at the very top of the page. This useful tool can help keep your future visits safe.

The Salem R-80 High School will be holding walk-in registrations today from 8:00 in the morning to 6:00 in the evening for anyone needing a device or internet connection to complete their online registration for the upcoming school year. Enter through the High School Library’s doors. If you have already done registration or plan to do registration on your own device, you do not need to attend.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has updated the Missouri Flood & Drought app to include boundaries and labels for all 93 state parks and historic sites, making location tracking seamless for visitors. Developed over three years, this free app uses a statewide network of streamgages and soil-moisture sensors to deliver real-time water level data and local weather impacts. Users can set custom alerts for nearby streams to receive safety notifications and plan safe routes during flooding events. Track stream levels, water velocity, and soil saturation directly on the app or desktop at mohic.hub.arcgis.com. For mobile download, visit Google Play or App Store and search “Missouri Flood & Drought.”

Healthy Dent County and Titan Paving & Yard Drainage invites the community to an unforgettable evening of music, laughter, and audience participation at its Dueling Pianos Fundraiser on Friday, Aug. 7th at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. The event will feature The Flying Ivories, an exciting dueling-piano act that combines live music, comedy, sing-alongs, and audience requests. Guests are encouraged to gather their friends and prepare for a lively evening filled with favorite hits and nonstop entertainment. Line Dancing and Karaoke will also be part of this fun evening. Doors are to open at 5:30 in the evening and the show will be from 6:30 to 9:30 in the evening. A VIP table for six is $250, and individual tickets are $25. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. There will be concessions and a cash bar at the event. For more information about The Flying Ivories, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/flyingivories. For event questions, call 573-729-8163 or email Jackie@SalemCommunityCenter.org.

As families head outdoors with warmer weather, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds everyone to appreciate wildlife from a distance this summer. Young wildlife that may appear orphaned or abandoned may have a mother nearby watching and waiting for humans to leave before they return. If you encounter wildlife that may be injured or you suspect may be truly orphaned, contact your local MDC office before taking any action. Picking up, feeding, or attempting to care for wild animals disrupts their natural behaviors and may violate state wildlife laws. In addition, Missouri law prohibits the possession of many species of wild animals without a valid permit. To report concerns about wild animals, visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov or contact your local MDC office.

The Missouri Geological Survey will identify and map the location of historic landslides in southeastern Missouri through a grant recently awarded by the U.S. Geological Survey. The study area will be along the I-55 corridor through the Benton Hills area of Scott and Cape Girardeau counties. The Missouri Geological Survey will release maps and other data generated through the study to the public in the fall of 2027. Future goals of the effort include building on this project with available funding to conduct additional landslide studies in other areas of Missouri. The study’s funding, in the amount of $39,106, comes from the U.S. Geological Survey Cooperative Landslide Hazard Mapping and Assessment Program. 

The Salem Police Department has released that Patrolman Jonathan Stroot has graduated from East Central College’s Police Academy after completing nearly 700 hours of intensive training. This milestone reflects Patrolman Stroot’s unwavering dedication, perseverance, and commitment to serving the citizens of Salem with honor, integrity, and professionalism.  

To mark this summer’s biggest meteor shower, the Perseids, Elephant Rocks State Park will be open to the public for a rare after-dark event on Friday, Aug. 14th from 8:00 to midnight. If you like stargazing or light shows and are able to brave the August bugs and heat, visit the park to create a lifelong memory. Elephant Rocks State Park is located at 7406 Highway 21, Belleview. This viewing event is free and open to the public; there is no need to register. Park staff will be available to direct you to the best and safest areas to view the shower. You do not need to use any viewing devices to see the shower, but you are welcome to bring your own devices if you want. Attendees are expected to be respectful of others and should avoid excessive noise and use of artificial light. No tents or other invasive camping equipment such as lanterns or propane heaters will be allowed, but you can bring portable chairs for seating and blankets to keep warm. Absolutely no campfires will be allowed. If there is bad weather, the event will be moved to Saturday, Aug. 15th, 8:00 to midnight.