Archive for 2026

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.

A Salem woman was involved in an accident in Reynolds County Sunday afternoon at approximately 3:30. According to the Highway Patrol report the accident occurred on Highway 21 four miles south of Ellington when a 2014 Jeep Renegade traveled off of the left side of the roadway, overturned and struck a tree. The report stated that the 75-year-old female suffered serious injuries and was transported by aircraft to Mercy South in St. Louis. The report went on to indicate that the woman was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Jeep sustained moderate damage and was towed from the scene by Assie’s towing at trooper’s request.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors will hold their regular meeting tonight at 7:00 in the hospital’s library. After the call to order, roll call and approval of the agenda, the board will discuss approval of policies and procedures from Infectious Diseases, including the Healthcare Worker Immunization Policy. Any registered public comments or presentations will be heard before the operational reports from Chief Executive Officer Brooke Bollman, Chief Nursing Officer, Amber Hogan, and Quality Improvement Director Kendra Mobray. There is no unfinished business on this meeting’s agenda. Under New Business, the board will discuss the 340B Mock Audit, the hospital’s strategic plan through fiscal year 2031, and the Childcare Allowance Benefit/Grant. The meeting will then adjourn to executive session to discuss legal and personnel matters, before adjourning. Except for the executive session, the meeting of the Salem Hospital Board of Directors is open to the public. Anyone that would like to attend by telephone or electronic means should contact the SMH Administration office at 573-729-6626 Extension 4005.

Dent County Assessor Alisa Brookshire wants to remind everyone your annual assessment forms that list your personal and business property for 2025 are due March 1st. You may drop off your assessment list at the assessor’s office at the courthouse. They are open from 8:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon. There is also a drop box on the front lawn of the courthouse for your convenience if you can’t make it by until after hours. You can also mail in your assessment list forms but make sure you have a postal clerk postmark your envelope by taking it to the desk inside at the post office. You can also e-file your assessment list form online until April 30th. Just follow the instructions on the assessment form you received in the mail. The penalty for not getting in your assessment form on time is determined at $10 per every $1,000 of assessed valuation with a maximum penalty of $100 if you have assessed valuation of $10,000 or more. If you have any questions or need assistance with the online form, call Dent County Assessor Alisa Brookshire at the Dent County Courthouse at 573-729-6010 or stop by during regular business hours.

On Saturday February 14th, Patrolmen from the Salem Police Department initiated an investigation into the whereabouts of a wanted fugitive who had been evading authorities for a Phelps County warrant, for approximately four years. Officers responded to the 100 block of South Jackson Street after receiving information that the subject was inside a residence. Officers issued verbal commands for the individual to exit the residence; however, the subject initially refused to comply. Additional assistance was requested from the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, and a perimeter was established. The subject, identified as Thomas Weaver, was subsequently taken into custody without incident. Weaver was transported to the Dent County Jail, where he is being held on the following charge: Failure to Appear for driving while revoked. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Meramec Regional Planning Commission’s Revolving Loan Fund has over $700,000 to loan to businesses in any of the eight counties served by the Meramec Regional Planning Commission which includes Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski, and Washington counties.  Any individual business can apply for up to $200,000 in a revolving fund loan. Benefits of this loan program include fixed rate financing for the borrower, improving a locality’s quality of life, a lower down payment for the eligible passive concern, and longer maturities to repay the debt for the borrower. For any business needing assistance, call the MRPC office today at 573-265-2993.

Ameren Missouri is reminding residential customers across the state that a wide range of resources remain available to support qualifying households with their energy bills in 2026. In addition to programs funded by the company, Ameren partners with the Energy Assistance Foundation and hundreds of Community Action Agencies to ensure customers can apply for funds, including the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). In Dent and Phelps counties, Ameren Missouri provides natural gas services. Ameren also invites customers who are able to give back to their communities to partner with the company by making a one-time or recurring contribution to the “Dollar More” program. The “Dollar More” program provides eligible households up to $600 per calendar year. Also, qualifications for the program have increased up to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. Throughout 2025, Ameren Missouri partnered with hundreds of Community Action Agencies to make more than $140 million in energy assistance and LIHEAP support available to customers across Missouri as well as in Illinois. For more information on all available resources, visit Ameren.com/Assistance.

A “Junk Journals” class will be held on Thursday evening, February 19th from 5:00 to 8:00 with Gail Phelan at the Creative Arts Center. Attendees will make a booklet out of mailers, envelopes, and scraps of packing paper. Use pretty much anything you would normally toss in the bin to make a journal. The class will learn the ‘3-hole pamphlet stitch’ to bind your book together. The class is for those who are 6-years and up with adult. The cost of the class is $20 All materials and supplies will be provided. At least four people must sign up for the class, and it will be limited to 13.  To sign up for this class or future classes like Chunky Knit Blankets, Oil Painting, and Clay Sculpting, go to the SACBA website, click on the “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center.