Archive for 2026

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.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) is seeking information regarding a 1985 Dent County death investigation. Criminal investigators with the DDCC are seeking the public’s assistance regarding the suspicious death of William “Bill” Sundermeyer, 68, of Rolla, MO. The death was initially investigated in 1985, and the case has remained unsolved. Sundermeyer’s family have recently offered a monetary reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for his death. Sundermeyer was last seen on June 7 or 8, 1985, in Rolla, MO. Sundermeyer’s deceased body was located June 10, 1985, in rural Dent County. Since 1985, several tips and investigative leads have been forwarded to law enforcement, and DDCC investigators have followed up on these leads. Sergeant Bradley R. Germann said that Sundermeyer was 68 years old at the time of his death; however, there is evidence and/or circumstances regarding this case which make it suspicious in nature. Germann noted that they believe there are individuals who know details about the incident and what happened to Sundermeyer. They are asking those individuals who know more about the incident to contact investigators. The Sundermeyer family deserve to know what happened to their father and grandfather. Germann also said he believes this case can be solved with the help from the community. Criminal investigators are seeking information from anyone who may have knowledge about this case. They are encouraged to contact Corporal Jonny Fariole, at 573-368-2345 extension 3950. 

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be holding its regularly scheduled meeting tonight at 6:00 at the Old City Hall Auditorium on 202 North Washington Street. After approval of the agenda and consent agenda, the board will hear any scheduled public comments. Under new and miscellaneous business, the board will consider approval of an amendment to extend the lead service line inventory project to Dec. 31st, 2026. Under bids, the board will consider approval of two new patrol cars at a total cost of $89,364 from Behlman Dodge of Troy, Missouri and new firearms at a total price of $10,680 for the Salem Police Department. The board will then hear reports of city officials. The board will move into closed session pertaining to discussion of real estate before finally adjourning. This meeting is open to the public. Anyone may watch meetings streaming live or the recorded versions on youtube.com/@CityofSalemMissouri.

The Dent County Commission met for its regular meeting Monday morning at the courthouse. Under road reports, District One Commissioner Keith Green reported that crew members will be grading and hauling rock to County Road 6040 and then submitting documentation for that road to FEMA for reimbursement. Crew members will also be grading County Road 4245, and the Mantis tractor will be undergoing service. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported that crew members will be cutting brush on county roads 4030 and 4050 and replacing culvert pipes on county roads 3200 and 3330. A flat will be fixed on one of the tractors, and crew members will be stockpiling rock. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported that he would be attending a Meramec Regional Community Foundation (MRCF) meeting Tuesday afternoon. Larson also reported that there is a hole within the sidewalk around the courthouse which will be filled today, due to posing a danger to pedestrians. In addition, a resident of County Road 2403 B, a private road, has called and requested that commissioner Williams consider making it a county road again. Williams agreed to look into the matter. County Clerk Angie Curley reported that payroll and bills are to be approved. Absentee voting continues through Aug. 3rd. This Saturday, Aug. 1st, the County Clerk’s Office will be open for absentee voting from 8:00 in the morning to noon. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse.

The Bunker R-III School District has released that New Student Registration will be taking place on Aug. 11th from 10:00 in the morning to 2:00 in the afternoon at the High School Counselor’s Office. Current students may contact Mrs. Barton for any scheduling questions at the phone number 573-689-2211 ext. 107. This story previously reported by Your World Today erroneously left out a digit. We apologize for any confusion.

Pulltite Campground will be closed for paving beginning at 5:00 in the evening Aug. 2nd to 3:00 in the afternoon Aug. 7th. It will reopen to campers for the nights of Aug. 7th and Aug. 8th and then close again from 5:00 in the evening Aug. 9th to 3:00 in the afternoon Aug. 14th. During the closure, floaters may still put in and take out at the Pulltite landing, but floaters should be aware that the pull-through loop on the gravel bar will not be available and parking will be limited. No vehicles may be left in the campground or in the paved parking lots during the paving closures.  Multi-day floaters will need to park shuttle vehicles in overflow parking behind the ranger station or in other designated areas. This work is part of a park-wide project to repair and renew roadways throughout ONSR.