Archive for 2026

This morning at The Commons, livestock registration for the Dent County 4-H and FFA Expo will be from 9:30 until 11:30. All livestock MUST be in place by 11:00. Weigh-ins are scheduled to start at 12:30 with the Small Animal Show beginning at 2:00. The “Pig Pals” practice will be at 5:00 with the show to follow at 5:30. The exhibitor and family supper will be held at 6:00. The yearly Dent County 4-H and FFA dessert auction was held last night and successfully raised $10,332 with all proceeds to benefit Dent County Youth through the 4-H and FFA programs. The Salem FFA Chapter and all the Dent County 4-H Clubs thank everyone who attended the auction for their generosity and support. On Saturday morning at 9:00, the highlight of the Expo, the 4-H and FFA Market Sale, will be carried live on KSMO Radio (AM 1340 and FM 95.7) and also live streamed on KSMO Media (ksmoradio.com, KSMO Stream Facebook and the KSMO YouTube Channel.) 

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be meeting Thursday at noon at the Administration Office on J Highway. This meeting is open to the public. After reports of administrative staff, the board will consider the approval of the 2026-27 AMI Plan; MSBA 2026 policy updates; the 2026-27 Personnel Handbook; and meal prices for the 2026-27 school year. The board will also be setting a tax rate hearing time and date, alongside the next regular August board meeting time and date. An updated agenda released Wednesday morning added that the board will also be considering the approval of an amended contract with Compass Therapy Solutions and Stepping Stones Group. The board will then adjourn and move into executive session to discuss personnel.

The Dent County Fire Protection District (DCFPD) Board of Directors met for its regular meeting Tuesday night. The board first voted to amend the agenda to include a quote for the repair of the air conditioning. After approval of the agenda, the board also approved the consent agenda including minutes from the previous meeting; financial reports, bills, payments, and statements; and budget and reconciliations. The board reviewed the findings of the audit conducted by Kristen Deluca. Further noted within the meeting was that an MRL was signed, and that the board will be receiving reports throughout the month on financials to ensure accountability. Under old business, the CTI Tower Lease is awaiting an invoice. Compressor quotes were presented to replace the current unit with a quote from Sentinel at $59,109.14 approved after discussion. A bid from Victor Heating and Cooling at $10,700 to repair the air conditioning heat pump was also approved. Meanwhile, Fire Chief Derek Thomas provided the monthly reimbursement report with a total of six calls for the month and 121 total calls for the year. Incidents included one carbon monoxide alert; one gas leak odor report; one motor vehicle collision; and one unknown problem. Thomas reported that the 2018 brush truck is having problems following recent repairs and is going back in for service. Crew members will need new medic bags, which will cost an estimate of $250 to $300 each. He noted to the board that he will be using $400 for HazMat awareness training for crew members to receive qualifications. The board then adjourned. The next meeting of the DCFPD will be 6:00 in the evening Tuesday, Aug. 11th and is open to the public.

The Oak Hill R-I Board of Education met for its regular meeting on Thursday, June 11th. After amendments were made to the agenda to postpone DCI updates and the first reading of MCE policies and regulations until next month, the board approved the agenda and minutes of the previous meeting minutes. The payment of June 2026 bills and May 2026 payroll were presented and approved. Under new business, the board approved fund transfers for Fiscal Year 2026 and the final Fiscal Year 2026 Budget ending amendments. The budget for the 2026-27 school year was discussed and the ending Fiscal Year 2026 budget was adopted as the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. After discussion, the board approved the 2026-27 AMI application, evaluation of food services, and raised student/adult meal prices by 10 cents. The board discussed bids for food and food service items, with the only bid being received from Springfield Grocer, even though US Foodservice was contacted multiple times. The bid from Springfield Grocer was approved. In closed session, the board approved the salary increase of Shannon Lewis for the 2026-27 school year. The board resumed open session and then adjourned. Oak Hill R-I Board of Education meetings occur every second Thursday of the month at 6:30 in the evening. These meetings are open to the public.

Rep. John Hewkin of the 120th District released in his most recent Capitol Report that the General Assembly has adopted several measures to recognize Missouri’s heritage, communities, and historical contributions in celebration of the 250th anniversary of America. This includes Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 21, encouraging Missourians to participate in educational programs, patriotic observances, community events, and historical commemorations as part of the statewide “Show-Me America 250” initiative. In addition, Senate Bill (SB) 1544 was also approved, which establishes a number of memorial highway and bridge designations across Missouri honoring individuals whose contributions have made a lasting impact on their communities. House Bill (HB) 3080, which updates provisions of state law relating to facilities of historic significance, was also approved.

The Dent County 4-H and FFA Expo Exhibit Entries will be judged starting this morning at 10:00 at The Commons. This evening at 6:00 will be the Dessert Auction. On Thursday, July 16th, livestock registration will be from 9:30 until 11:30 and all livestock MUST be in place by 11:00. Weigh-ins are scheduled to start at 12:30 with the Small Animal Show beginning at 2:00. The “Pig Pals” practice will be at 5:00 with the show to follow at 5:30. The exhibitor and family supper will be held at 6:00. On Friday, July 17th, the shows will kick off at 7:00 in the morning with the hog show, followed by the Sheep and Goat Show. The Beef and Dairy Show will start at 1:00 Friday afternoon. On Saturday morning, July 18th, at 8:00, there will be a breakfast that will be followed at 9:00 with the highlight of the Expo, the 4-H and FFA Market Sale. The auction will be carried live on KSMO Radio (AM 1340 and FM 95.7) and also live streamed on KSMO Media (ksmoradio.com, KSMO Stream Facebook and the KSMO YouTube Channel.) For additional information, contact the Dent County Extension office at (573) 729-3196. Come out and support our hard working youth! 

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be meeting Thursday at noon at the Salem R-80 Administration Office on J Highway. This meeting is open to the public. After reports of administrative staff, the board will consider the approval of the 2026-27 AMI Plan; MSBA 2026 policy updates; the 2026-27 Personnel Handbook; and meal prices for the 2026-27 school year. The board will also be setting a tax rate hearing time and date, alongside the next regular August board meeting time and date. The board will then adjourn and move into executive session to discuss personnel.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met for its regular meeting Tuesday evening. After approval of the agenda and consent agenda, the board heard a public comment from resident Dylan McGinnis who observed that the trailer court being constructed on Center Street had not yet continued its progress. He further expressed frustration at board members’ social media conduct. Meanwhile, Chris Vetter, an audit manager of the Missouri State Auditor’s office, informed that the audit of the city’s finances has begun and will be underway for the next few months. A rough estimate of the city’s payment for the audit was provided as between $80,000 – $125,000. The audit will focus primarily on Fiscal Year 2026, with the caveat that the audit may go further back at the discretion of auditor staff. Further, Vetter emphasized that the work being done is confidential until the report comes out. Next, Sue Hubbs was approved to fill the next four-year term of the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. Under new and miscellaneous business, Public Works Director Steve Paine presented two purchases which were also approved by the board, including a purchase of a Vac-Truck remote replacement at a cost of $5,413.60 and meters, antennas, and supporting hardware from NexGrid at a cost of $26,875.92. Finally, the board approved several second readings, including a change order for the Salem Water System Improvements project and several ordinances establishing rates for electric services. A first and second reading was also approved in order to extend the interim bond with Town & Country Bank, utilized for the engineering design costs for Phase 2B of the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Improvement Project, through July 1st, 2027. City Administrator Sally Burbridge elaborated that the construction plans, design, and permit were all submitted to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in March of 2025 but have not yet been signed due to staffing shortages and ARPA projects. Under reports of city officials, Finance Director Stacey Houston reported that the total sales tax revenues collected for Fiscal Year 2026 is $4.9 million, including the General Fund, Parks and Recreation Fund, and the Capital Improvement fund. This is an increase of approximately 2.7%. For Fiscal Year 2026, the city has brought in 91% of the budgeted amount and spent 84% of the budgeted amount.  The ending total of all funds is $17.4 million. The board then went into closed session for real estate and litigation. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be Tuesday, July 28th, and is open to the public. 

The Scenic Rivers Performing Arts, the community theater of Salem, will be performing “The Sound of Music” this July. The cast and crew will feature a talented cast from Salem and the surrounding areas. Showtimes on Thursday through Saturday will be 7:00 in the evening. There will be two matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 in the afternoon. Tickets will be available at the door, or you can search Facebook for “Scenic Rivers Performing Arts” to purchase your tickets online and in advance. Come out and support the arts!

An accident occurred in Phelps County Sunday afternoon at approximately 3:56 on Highway 63 300 feet south of Rolla. According to the Highway Patrol report a 2010 Toyota Sienna, driven by a 74-year-old Rolla woman, was northbound. A southbound 2013 Suzuki SX4, operated by a 41-year-old man from Oklahoma City, attempted to make a left turn into a parking lot and struck the Toyota. The woman suffered moderate injuries and was transported by Phelps County EMS to Phelps Health. The report stated that both drivers were wearing safety restraints. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by D and D Towing. 

The Dent County Fire Protection District (DCFPD) Board of Directors will be meeting tonight at 6:00 on 2 South Main Street. After the call to order and roll call, the board will consider the approval of the consent agenda which includes review of the previous meeting minutes, financial report, bills, and the budget. Under old business, the board will discuss the CTI tower lease and compressor quotes. Fire Chief Derek Thomas will present the monthly reimbursement reports. The next meeting date will then be set, and a closed session will be conducted if necessary. The board will then adjourn. This meeting is open to the public.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at 6:00 at the Old City Hall Auditorium on 202 North Washington Street. After the approval of the agenda, the board will consider approval of the consent agenda. The board will then hear any scheduled public comments. A presentation from the Missouri State Auditor will then be provided. An appointment of Sue Hubbs to the Salem Housing Authority will be considered for approval after recommendation by the Salem Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. Under new and miscellaneous business, the board will consider the approval of the purchase of Nexgrid Meters, Antennas, and supporting hardware at a total of $26,875.92, split between the electric and water department funds. The board will also consider the approval to purchase a Vac Truck remote replacement at a cost of $5,413.60, to come out of the wastewater equipment fund. A second reading of bills will be heard, including an ordinance approving a change order for the Salem Water System Improvements and several ordinances establishing rates for electric services. A first and second reading will be heard to extend the Interim Bond with Town & Country Bank, utilized for the engineering design costs for Phase 2B of the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Improvement Project, through July 1st, 2027. The board will then hear reports of city officials, if any, and then go into closed session. This meeting is open to the public. To watch city meetings live, visit youtube.com/@CityofSalemMissouri. To view the city agendas and meeting packets, go to salemmo.com and click “City,” mouse over the “Government” tab, and click “Agendas & Minutes.”

The Dent County Commission met for its regular meeting Monday morning at the courthouse. Commissioners shared their condolences and heartfelt sympathies toward families that have been affected by the flooding in southeast and central Missouri. Under road reports, District One Commissioner Keith Green shared that crew members are planning on hauling rock and grading on county roads 6570, 5530, and 4215. Cutting brush is planned for county roads 6320 and 6240. A load of chips will be hauled to the Dent County Commons for the Dent County 4-H/FFA Expo. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported that crew members plan to grade County Road 3190 and County Road 4480. Additionally, crew members will be in the Sligo and Boss areas to touch-up washouts. County Clerk Angie Curley reported that payroll is to be approved. No excuse absentee voting will begin next Tuesday, July 21st. Absentee voting continues through Aug. 3rd. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and is open to the public. 

Flash flooding can happen fast, even if it’s not raining where you are. 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. Set up camp on higher ground. Avoid low-lying areas and dry creek beds (which can turn into raging rivers in minutes.) Know your exit route out of the campground, and be ready to pack up or move to higher ground if park staff gives the word. When in doubt, move out. If you see water rising or muddying up rapidly, don’t wait around to see what happens. Keep an eye on the conditions of Missouri State Parks by visiting the Park and Site Status Map located at the Missouri State Parks website at mostateparks.com and clicking the “Park/Site Status” button at the very top of the page.

The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds Missouri deer, turkey, waterfowl, and dove hunters that new booklets for upcoming hunting seasons are now available where permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov. Hunters and others can get the most current information on upcoming fall hunting from the MDC 2026 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet and the MDC Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2026-2027. In the 2026 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, hunters will find detailed information on fall deer and turkey hunting seasons, limits, permits, managed hunts, regulations, conservation areas to hunt, post-harvest instructions, chronic wasting disease (CWD) updates including the CWD portion of firearms deer season being removed. The antler-point restriction has also been removed for all counties. In the Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2026-27, detailed information on waterfowl hunting along with hunting doves and other migratory game birds such as rail, snipe, and woodcock are discussed. It also has information on a different permit needed and duck-stamp requirements, hunting seasons and limits, hunting areas, regulations, an increase in the cost of a permit and more.