Archive for 2026

At its February Board of Directors meeting, the Dent County Fire Protection District approved two initiatives aimed at strengthening volunteer firefighter recruitment: the first is the reintroduction of the Junior Firefighter Program and the second is an update to the district’s residency requirement.  The Junior Firefighter Program is designed to introduce young adults to the fire service while building foundational skills that support personal and professional development. Junior Firefighters will be allowed to participate on incident scenes in a support role, train in a controlled environment, and represent the department at public relation events. Eligible applicants must be between 16 and 18 years of age, maintain a minimum “C” grade average, and obtain parental or guardian consent. Assistant Chief Derrick Marfitt emphasized this program allows young adults to experience the fire service while learning valuable skills such as teamwork, responsibility, and discipline. The Board also approved changes to the department’s residency requirement. Previously, volunteer firefighters were required to reside within district boundaries. Under the updated policy, applicants residing anywhere in Dent County may now be considered, provided they have not been affiliated with another Dent County fire department within the previous year. This restriction ensures the Dent County Fire Protection District does not recruit active members from neighboring departments. The revised policy also allows the Board of Directors flexibility to consider applicants with unique circumstances. Anyone who is interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter is encouraged to apply online at www.dentcountyfire.org or visit the fire station at #2 South Main Street in Salem during regular training nights held on the first and third Thursday nights of each month from 7:00–10:00. The Dent County Fire Protection District is comprised of more than 20 volunteer firefighters who respond to emergencies across approximately 127 square miles of Dent County, including the City of Salem. The district responds to an average of 240 emergency calls each year. 

Come out and support the Salem FFA Chapter at their upcoming Community & Supporter Fish Fry on Wednesday, February 25th from 11:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon at the Salem FFA Metal Shop at the Ag Building. The cost is by donation only! Give What You Can! Enjoy a delicious fish fry meal while supporting the hard-working members of the Salem FFA chapter. All the proceeds help fund student leadership opportunities, competitions, and agricultural education activities throughout the year. Bring your family, invite your friends, and come hungry! We appreciate the continued support from our amazing community.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds hunters that Missouri youth, archery, and firearms turkey hunters can apply online for 2026 spring turkey managed hunts during February at mdc.mo.gov/springturkeyhunts. Managed hunt details and application procedures are outlined on the webpage. Drawing results will be posted starting March 15th. Spring turkey hunting opens with the spring youth portion April 11th and 12th followed by the regular spring turkey season from April 20th through May 10th. Detailed information on spring turkey hunting will be available in MDC’s “2026 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information” booklet, available where permits are sold beginning in February. Learn more about turkey hunting in Missouri at mdc.mo.gov.

There will be a Polymer Clay Sculpting Class this afternoon from 1:00 to 3:00, with Jan Craig at the Creative Arts Center. To sign up, visit the SACBA website at sacba.org.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. Victoria Luby was in attendance to talk with the commission about issues she is having on Private Lane 601 and that she has not been able to get the sheriff’s department to respond. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson contacted Major Lenny Pabin who then met with the woman to hear her concerns. Deloris Gray Wood was in attendance to request permission to use the courthouse steps and lawn on July 4th and September 4th for special events and the commissioners approved. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said one grader is down as a Caterpillar service person is doing repair work on it. He stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 6080 and 6083, while a driveway crossover pipe will be installed and rock added on county road 2460. Green went on to say brush will be cut on county road 5620 and rock will be stockpiled at the Road and Bridge Department. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said workers will be grading Dent County Roads 3140 and 3180, while brush will be cut on county road 2210. Williams indicated trees will be trimmed on county roads 2210 and 3260, and a sign will be installed on county road 3250. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson stated last Wednesday he attended the TAC meeting and regular MRPC meeting in St. James. Larson said he was informed that funding has been found to build a new bridge on Route TT near Sligo and it will be added to the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program to be built in 2028 or 2029. Larson went on to report he attended a tourism tax committee meeting and one request was submitted and approved by Flat Nasty, and there were no requests for reimbursement. Larson also said he would be attending a meeting at the MRPC offices today concerning the future of solid waste management districts as there is legislation that would eliminate the districts. Larson then talked with both Commissioner Green and Williams about a request from Joanie Prenger from MoDOT for an updated inventory of the county roads being maintained or that have been abandoned. Larson also asked the commissioners about a request he received from Jeff Dotson from Northwood R-4 to use two of the county hours they receive from the MRPC for paying their annual fees for grant preparation and the commission approved his request. Deputy Clerk Melissa Piatt said bills would be paid and she was checking poll pads for the upcoming excused absentee voting for the Municipal Election that will begin on February 24th at the courthouse. At 10:00, the commission opened bids for chip and seal. They received two bids: one from Blevins Asphalt from Mount Vernon for 10 miles of chip and seal work for $205,920, and the other was from West Brothers out of Pacific for $249,588.24 for 10 miles of chip and seal work. The commission will review the bids before making a final decision. The commissioners also signed the letter saying the commission supports holding the “Rally in the 100 Acre Wood” in Dent County put on by the American Rally Association. At the last meeting, Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk gave her report on the January turnover which came to $364,693.60. VanKirk also asked the commission to outlaw the 2023 unknown real estate and 2020 personal property taxes totaling $7,608.08 and they approved. She also stated that Dent County will no longer be accepting E-checks online to pay taxes due to too many errors being made by customers typing in misinformation on their accounts causing red flags. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public. 

The University of Missouri Extension invites you to join them at 3:00 Sunday afternoon as Carey Portell launches the International Year of the Woman Farmer with an inspiring keynote webinar for Pearls of Production. Portell is a resilient force in the agricultural world who has overcome the physical limitations she suffered in a serious car crash to become a successful cattle farmer, author and speaker as she discovered a “new normal” with the support of the Missouri AgrAbility program. Portell adapted her cattle production by implementing innovative tools and strategies that ensure both the sustainability of her operation and her long-term success. Her incredible journey underscores the importance of adaptive agriculture and resilient leadership by encourage producers to transform their challenges into opportunities for growth. You can register for the webinar by going to the University of Missouri Extension Website. If you have questions, contact Heather Conrow at hconrow@missouri.edu or 660-248-2272.

The Salem Police Department is asking for your help to solve an open homicide investigation. On March 9th, 2015, Rosalee Byrd was found deceased inside her home. Authorities determined the cause of death to be homicide resulting from blunt force trauma. Since that time, investigators have pursued numerous leads and continue their efforts to identify and apprehend the individual or individuals responsible. The Salem Police Department’s Investigative Unit believes there are members of the public who may possess critical information related to this case. This remains an active investigation, and any detail, no matter how small, could be significant. For official tips or to speak directly with the Salem Police Department, you may call (573) 729-4242 or email: SPDTIPS@salemmo.com.  If you have information and wish to remain anonymous, please contact the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477) – tips@stlrcs.org. Your assistance could make a difference in helping to solve this case.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors held its regular meeting Tuesday at 7:00 in the Doctor’s Library. The agenda was approved with revisions to move public comments, the 340B mock audit discussion, and the Childcare Allowance Benefit/Grant to the beginning of the meeting. During public comments, a local resident called regarding an incident that occurred last year on hospital grounds. Because the matter involved a patient, the board elected to discuss it in closed session. Under Policies and Procedures, the board approved the Long-Term Care Resident and Staff Immunization Policy. The approval of the Infection Prevention – Healthcare Worker Immunization Policy was again tabled pending accurate information on how many of the hospital’s 180 employees have been vaccinated against measles. The current immunization policy recommends certain vaccines but only requires the influenza vaccine; employees may decline vaccinations for medical, religious, or other exempt reasons. The hospital has been selected for a HRSA audit in April, which requires completion of a 340B mock audit in advance. The hospital’s attorney agreed to conduct the mock audit on short notice, ahead of schedule at a cost of $12,000—$2,000 above the amount budgeted. The board approved the additional expense. Local childcare center director Nancy Major attended the meeting to answer questions regarding the proposed Childcare Allowance Benefit/Grant. The request would provide $5 per child per day, capped at $30,000 annually. The board authorized CEO Brooke Bollman to pursue the grant opportunity, with a formal press release to follow once details are finalized. In her report, Bollman highlighted ongoing recruitment efforts, strategic planning initiatives, and updates regarding the Missouri Independent Hospital Network, revenue cycle, and the hospital’s pending 2024 audit. In January, inpatient admissions remained steady at 55. Outpatient registrations totaled 1,101, slightly higher than December, and laboratory testing increased due to the hospital’s January health fair. Emergency room visits and ambulance runs also rose. Total operating revenue for January was approximately $2.1 million, with operating expenses of about $1.8 million, resulting in a monthly operating gain of about $398,000. The hospital currently maintains 40 days of cash on hand. Net 340B revenue for January was $43,434, which was consistent with December. Following reports from the Chief Nursing Officer, Human Resources, and Quality Improvement, the board reviewed the hospital’s FY2026–2031 Strategic Plan and approved the Mission, Vision, and Values statement pending minor grammatical revisions. The Capital Budget was approved, with infrastructure updates removed until further strategic planning can occur. The Equalize Revenue Cycle Management agreement was also approved. Bollman announced that, beginning March 1, the hospital will offer tax-season discounts for patients who choose to pay their accounts in full. The  next regular meeting of the Salem Memorial Hospital board of Directors will be held March 31st at 7:00 in the Doctor’s Library, and is open to the public. 

There will be a Chunky Knit Blanket class this Friday, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Creative Arts Center with Danielle Kissir. Learn how to finger knit a large lap throw/chunky blanket in your favorite colors, sports team colors, cancer awareness colors, etc!  Bring a friend and make it a party! This is a beginner friendly class and is fun for all ages! No prior crochet or knitting experience is required, but will be beneficial. Six skeins of chunky yarn (2 of each color) and patterns will be provided for $75, or bring your own chosen colors of chunky yarn (2-3 of each color for a total of six) for $35. This class is for those who are 10 years if age and up. At least five people must sign up for the class and it will be limited to 10.  To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on the “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center.

Yesterday Your World Today reported that you could e-file your personal and/or business assessment forms online up to April 30th. Dent County Assessor Alisa Brookshire notified us that the e-filing service has been discontinued. We appreciate the clarification from the Assessor’s Office and apologize to our readers for any confusion. If you have any questions regarding your assessment form you can contact the Dent County Courthouse at 573-729-6010 or stop by during regular business hours.

A public hearing will be held by the Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees tomorrow afternoon, at 5:00 in the Dent County Health Center Conference Room located at 1014 E. Scenic Rivers Blvd in Salem. The purpose of the hearing is to receive public comment on proposed changes to the Dent County Health Center environmental fee schedule prior to consideration of adoption by the Board. The hearing is open to the public.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be meeting tomorrow at 5:30 in the R-80 Board Room. After the Call to Order and the Pledge of Allegiance the Board will approve the agenda and the consent agenda. The Board will hear communications from Wes and Dana Connell. Salem High School CTE (Career & Technical Education) and FACS (Family & Consumer Science) receive recognition. In the Superintendent’s Report CSIP Goals will be addressed in all reports. Administration reports will be heard from William Lynch, Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School, Athletics and Activities, Special Education, Technology, and Maintenance. In new business, the Board will approve MSBA contract for policy services, MSBA policy updates, updated principal’s contract, 2026-2027 School Calendar, and the Wagner Picture Contract. No Transfers, Hires, or Resignations/Retirements are scheduled to be considered. The Board will enter closed session to discuss personnel and student issues, followed by adjournment after returning to open session. The regular meeting of the Salem R80 Board of Education is open to the public.

Earthquakes are among the last thing Missourians are thinking about during the month of February. But that’s the point of Missouri Earthquake Awareness Month, which is observed across the state each February.  State Emergency Management Agency Director Jim Remillard said a major earthquake for Missouri is what’s known as a “high-impact, low-frequency” event, which is why most people don’t think about them at all. “But these types of natural disasters – unpredictable, but with the potential for catastrophic consequences when they do occur – require training, planning, exercises and building resilience in the emergency management, business and transportation sectors. We urge residents to consider their preparedness as well. Earthquakes warrant special attention in Missouri because of the presence of the New Madrid Seismic Zone, in southeast Missouri, which in 1811-12 generated some of the most powerful earthquakes to ever jolt the U.S. Buildings were destroyed, church bells rang hundreds of miles away and the Mississippi River briefly flowed backward. The NMSZ is still active, with an average of over 200 tiny earthquakes, most of which can’t be perceived, each year. Experts estimate there is a 25-40% chance of a large earthquake occurring in the next 50 years. Residents in southeast Missouri, should check to make sure they are prepared in case of an earthquake. When shaking starts the way to stay safe and protect yourself is to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” if an earthquake occurs. Get under a table or desk, drop to your knees, cover your head and hold on until the shaking stops. Falling debris is the most common cause of injury in nations with modern building codes. There are a number of other preparedness steps Missourians should take. Resources for families, schools and businesses are available on SEMA’s Earthquake Preparedness website, including fact sheets, interactive maps and informational videos that explain what to do in the event of an earthquake.