Archive for 2026

A fatal accident occurred Monday morning at approximately 10:25 in Texas County on Highway VV two miles southeast of Licking. According to the Highway Patrol report a 64-year-old Licking woman was eastbound in a 2003 Jeep Wrangler. The Jeep traveled off the left side of the roadway, stuck a tree, and overturned. The woman was pronounced deceased by Dr. Schafer of Texas County Memorial Hospital at 10:46. The report stated that the woman was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Jeep sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Jay’s Automotive at Trooper’s request. The Highway Patrol was assisted by the Licking Police Department and the Licking Fire Department.

The City of Salem Area Chamber of Commerce has released that the July 4th parade this past Saturday had fantastic floats come out for America’s 250th anniversary. Judges had a hard decision to make but ultimately decided on two winners for the commercial and non-commercial categories. The commercial winner was JeT Tires & Auto, and the non-commercial winner was the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Congratulations!

There will be a fundraiser for Scenic Rivers Industries, Inc. (SRI) at Pizza Hut today from 5:00 to 9:00 in the evening, in which 20% of the net amount of all sales will be paid to SRI. SRI is a Sheltered Workshop in Salem, providing dignified employment for people with disabilities since 1977. Visit the SRI website at scenicriversind.org for more information.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds deer hunters to apply online through July 31st for a shot at more than 140 managed deer hunts throughout the state. There are hunts for archery, muzzleloader, shotgun, and modern firearms from mid-September through mid-January at designated conservation areas, parks, national wildlife refuges, and other public areas. Some managed deer hunts are offered specifically for youth, beginner hunters, or people with disabilities. Hunters are selected by a weighted random drawing. Get more information on managed deer hunts, preview hunt details, and apply starting July 1st at mdc.mo.gov/managedhunt. In order to register for a hunt, you will need a valid conservation ID number for yourself and those in your party.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is asking the public to help it monitor the state’s wild turkey population this summer by reporting wild turkey sightings. This survey used to be conducted using postcards but has switched to electronic for accessibility and streamlining purposes. MDC has conducted an annual Wild Turkey Brood Survey every year since 1959 to determine the success of the annual hatch. Observations of all wild turkeys MDC staff and volunteers observe during June, July, and August are recorded at the county level and summarized by region and statewide. While anyone can contribute observations to the brood survey, registering to become an official brood survey cooperator has additional benefits. Cooperators will receive a reminder email that the survey is about to begin and a summary report at the end of each survey. To learn more and to sign up to report wild turkey sightings, visit mdc.mo.gov and search “wild turkey brood survey.”

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist with energy costs. LIHEAP provides federally funded assistance to reduce the costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repair. LIHEAP can help you stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer through programs that reduce the risk of health and safety problems that arise from unsafe heating and cooling situations and practices. This summer, LIHEAP might be able to help you by helping to pay your cooling bills; providing assistance to service, repair, or replace an air conditioner; helping with the purchase of an air conditioner; distributing or loaning air conditioning units or air source heat pumps; or establishing or providing transportation to a cooling center. If you or someone you know needs help with cooling bills, LIHEAP may be able to help. For more information, visit energyhelp.us, email energyassistance@ncat.org, or call 866-674-6327, weekdays from 9:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the evening. 

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 will be July 16th through July 18th at 7:00 in the evening. There will be two matinees on July 18th and July 19th 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!

Throughout the month of July, Missouri State Parks is offering visitors to state parks and historic sites the opportunity to honor the men and women who have served our country through the Veterans Roundup Program. Visitors will have the chance to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar, with the funds raised going to programs that recognize and benefit veterans. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps support events, such as the popular Hero Deer Hunt and Veteran Deer Hunt. Normally, the money raised from the round up program is used at the park where the purchase is made. However, in July all funds raised will go toward helping fund special events and programs for veterans.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, July 8th is the deadline to register to vote for the August 4th Primary Election. If you would like to check your registration, visit the website provided by the Missouri Secretary of State Danny Hoskins at voteroutreach.sos.mo.gov. If you have any questions, please call the Dent County Clerk’s office at 573-729-4144.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning for its regular meeting at the Dent County Courthouse. Deloris Gray Wood thanked commissioners for the use of the courthouse steps on Saturday for the reading of the 88 names of the men from South Central Missouri who registered here for the Missouri Militia during the Civil War. She suggested commissioners should pursue the designation of a location on the courthouse square to indicate the signing occurred here. Under road reports, District One Commissioner Keith Green shared his crews were out checking roads for downed trees which hadn’t been reported over the weekend. Crew members would be finishing the removal of trees on County Road 6580. Grading is planned for county roads 6245, 6220, and 6570. Brush would be cut on County Road 2400. Green also reported that one of the tractors requires a shifter cable to be replaced in order for crew members to resume brush-hogging. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported that crew members would be checking for downed trees that were not reported, in addition to the two locations that were called in. Grading is planned for county roads 3150, 3140, 5300, and 5305, plus rock would be added to county roads 3150 and 3140. Williams went on to report that brush would be cut on county roads 6690, 2103, 2100, and 2320. He noted that one of the John Deere graders was having a cylinder replaced as well as some other work, and that the ancient fuel tank pump was being worked on. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported that the commission needed to review the agreement he received from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) concerning the moving of utilities as part of the Boss Bridge project. Larson indicated this was a formality relative to the bridge replacement and bypass to be constructed, and it will require commissioner signatures. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reminded voters of deadlines for voting including this Wednesday’s deadline to register to vote. She also noted that bills were being approved by the commissioners for payment. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse, and the meeting will be open to the public.

Colonel Michael A. Turner, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, provided the following preliminary statistics related to the July 4th holiday counting period, which began at 6:00 in the evening Thursday, July 2nd and continued through 11:59 in the evening Sunday, July 5th. The 2026 July 4th holiday traffic statistics showed there were 235 Traffic Crashes, resulting in 9 fatalities and 113 injuries. There were 125 DWI arrests. The Boating Statistics indicated there were 3 Crashes, 3 Injuries, and no fatalities. However, there were 3 Drownings and 9 BWI’s. During the 2025 July 4th holiday counting period, the patrol investigated 273 traffic crashes involving nine fatalities and 138 injuries. Statewide, 13 people died and 414 were injured in 993 vehicle crashes in 2025. Eleven boating crashes were investigated throughout Missouri in 2025. Further details related to the traffic crashes and arrests can be found on the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s website. The fatality statistics in this news release could change if later deaths occur, or if other departments report fatal traffic crashes.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) is an international non-profit 501(C)(3) organization that builds, assembles and delivers beds to children who do not have a bed. The monthly meeting of the SHP Dent County chapter previously reported to take place on Tuesday, July 7th, will be rescheduled for another date in August, to be announced at a later time. More updates from the chapter can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/shpdentco.

The Dent County Toy Drive will be holding its 6th annual Christmas in July fundraiser on Saturday, July 25th at the Dent County Commons. This is a special year for the toy drive as it will be celebrating its 50th anniversary serving children in Dent County.  There will be plenty to enjoy at the event, including pulled pork sandwiches, music throughout the day, and a free kids carnival. Attendees can also look forward to the car show, craft show, and poker run. The event will be held rain or shine. Attendees are asked to bring a toy to fill the truck, although not required to attend. For updates, visit the Dent County ToyDrive Facebook page at facebook.com/TheDentCountyToyDrive. 

A free hands-on Compass Orienteering course will be held for those 10 and older at Rolla’s Ber Juan Park, hosted by the City of Rolla Parks and Recreation and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC.) The event will be Wednesday, July 22nd from 6:30 to 8:00 in the evening located at the Ber Juan Park Pavillion at 1200 East 14th Street. An MDC conservation educator will guide attendees through a brief classroom portion to learn how to read maps and use a compass, and then those new skills will be put to the test outdoors. Pre-registration is required as space is limited to 30 participants. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes with good ankle support for the outdoor practice portion. To register, visit the MDC website at mdc.mo.gov, click “Events” at the top of the page, then search “compass orienteering.”

Staff at Ozark National Scenic Riverways (ONSR) have notified that the lower river landing at Round Spring is closed as of Tuesday, July 6th for repaving. The closure is expected to last approximately one week. All visitors getting on or off the river at Round Spring should plan to use the upper landing behind Carr’s Store until the lower landing is reopened. Work began on June 15th to replace the low water crossing leading to the Round Spring pavilion, playground area, and main parking lot for Round Spring itself. The closure is tentatively expected to last for the remainder of the summer season.

A fatal accident occurred early Friday morning around 1:23 in Phelps County on I-44 near mile marker 190.6. According to the highway patrol report, a 2010 Honda Odyssey driven by a 29-year-old female from California failed to stop at a stop sign on the outer road. The Honda travelled into the westbound lanes of I-44 causing a 2021 Freightliner Cascadia driven by a 37-year-old male from Texas to strike the Honda. The driver of the Honda was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Phelps County Coroner Ernie Coverdell at 2:59 in the morning. The report goes on to state she was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Honda was totaled, and the Freightliner sustained moderate damage. Both vehicles were removed from the scene by Ron Dishman Towing.

A fatal accident occurred Friday evening around 11:40 in Crawford County on Ransom Road at Old Leasburg Road. According to the highway patrol report a 2024 Polaris Sportsman 44-year-old male from Bourbon was travelling southbound and failed to negotiate a curve. The Polaris travelled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree, ejecting the driver. The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene at 2359 hours by Crawford County Coroner Darren Dake. He was transported to the Crawford County Morgue by the Crawford County Coroner. The report goes on to state the driven was not wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident. The Polaris sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Chris and Sons Towing.

On July 2nd, the Salem Police Department, in collaboration with the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, concluded a multi-week operation to locate and apprehend a wanted fugitive with an active parole absconder warrant. Investigators developed information regarding the whereabouts of the wanted subject, who was reportedly preparing to leave the Dent County area. Investigators conducted surveillance and positively identified the subject as Mitchell Warren. Officers continued surveillance until Warren entered an area where law enforcement could safely conduct an apprehension while minimizing the risk of a vehicle or foot pursuit. An arrest team assembled near Dollar General and coordinated the apprehension of Warren. Warren was located inside a vehicle and attempted to flee; however, the strategic positioning of patrol vehicles prevented the vehicle from leaving the area. Officers issued verbal commands for Warren to exit the vehicle, and he was subsequently taken into custody without further incident. Warren was transported to the Dent County Jail, where he is being held without bond on a parole absconder warrant stemming from an original offense of stealing a motor vehicle. Collaborative efforts among local law enforcement agencies are essential to effectively addressing and suppressing criminal activity within our communities. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will be holding a Salem Community Blood Drive at the First Baptist Church of Salem on 201 North MacArthur Avenue on Tuesday from noon to 6:00 in the evening. While supplies last, donors can look forward to receiving a free velour beach towel, along with a chance to win a $10,000 dream vacation. For rules and details, visit cbco.org/vacation. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged to minimize potential wait times. Call 417-227-5006 to book yours. Donors are asked to take a few steps to ensure donations operate smoothly on the day of the drive: drink plenty of water the night and morning before you donate; eat a well-balanced meal around 2 to 3 hours before giving; and bring your photo ID, as this is required now for all donors. 

Join the City of Salem Parks & Recreation and Parsons Chiropractic for the third annual Balloon Glow, planned for Saturday, Oct. 24th at 11:00 in the morning at the Al Brown Complex. If you want to be part of the celebration, organizers are now accepting applications for both food and craft vendors. The cost for food vendors is $80, and the cost for craft vendors is $30, with both types of vendors asked to be set up by 10:30 in the morning. To apply, find the application by searching for the “Salem, MO Spectacular Balloon Glow Event” Facebook page. The link to the application form will be pinned at the very top of the page.

Girls’ Night Out will be celebrating its 15th anniversary on Sept. 10th, 2026. This annual event will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 in the evening at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Participating vendors will have a variety of products and services tailored to women’s interests, and admission is limited to all women and girls 12 years of age and older. Plan to bring your girlfriends for an evening of pampering, shopping, and eating! This event is now accepting vendors. If interested or in need of more information, contact Jackie@salemcommunitycenter.org or call 573-729-8163.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds deer hunters to apply online from July 1st through July 31st for a shot at more than 140 managed deer hunts throughout the state. There are hunts for archery, muzzleloader, shotgun, and modern firearms from mid-September through mid-January at designated conservation areas, parks, national wildlife refuges, and other public areas. Some managed deer hunts are offered specifically for youth, beginner hunters, or people with disabilities. Hunters are selected by a weighted random drawing. Get more information on managed deer hunts, preview hunt details, and apply at mdc.mo.gov/managedhunt. In order to register for a hunt, you will need a valid conservation ID number for yourself and those in your party.

The Salem Police Department has released that on Wednesday, officers conducted a traffic stop in the area of Hwy. 19 and Hwy. 68. Officers conducted a consent search of a vehicle resulting in the discovery of a bag containing a white substance, suspected of being a controlled substance, as well as two handguns. An adult female was taken into custody as a result of the investigation, with charges being sought for possession of a controlled substance and two counts of unlawful use of a weapon. All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Lots of closures abound in Dent County and the City of Salem in observance of Independence Day. Salem Memorial Hospital’s Administrative Offices and Family Medicine Clinic will be closed. The Emergency Department will remain open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide emergency medical care. The Dent County Courthouse will be closed, as well as City of Salem offices. The Healthy Dent County Fitness Center will also be closed, and the Sweet & Low and Tai Chi classes will be canceled; however, members with 24-hour access will still be able to access the Fitness Center during the closure. For other businesses, be sure to check business hours in advance.

The Dent County Commission met in open session Thursday morning at the courthouse. District One Commissioner Keith Green was appointed  acting Presiding Commissioner by County Clerk Angie Curley in the absence of Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson. Under road reports, Green reported that crew members would be working on roads affected by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared disaster of Nov. 2024. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported that crew members are planning on hauling rock to County Road 3185 and grading county roads 3130, 3185, 3180, and 3245. Crew members are also planning to cut brush on county roads 3190 and 3180. County Clerk Angie Curley reported that the deadline to register to vote for the upcoming primary election is next Wednesday, July 8th. So far, there have been 38 absentee votes cast. No excuse absentee voting will begin July 21st. Absentee voting will continue through Aug. 3rd. Commissioners also approved the Current River Cruiser’s request to utilize the courthouse lawn on Saturday, Sept. 19th for the purposes of holding a car show fundraiser for local cancer support group, Project Win. Under public comments, resident Katie Anne Gaither requested a correction to the minutes of June 22nd, in which she had been misquoted. Commissioners agreed to look into getting the minutes corrected. Collector Denita Williams reported that work reimbursed to the county so far for both FEMA and State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) eligible projects is currently at a total of $224,518.62. Commissioners reported that the process of repairs to county roads from the disaster of November 2024 has been slowgoing and far from completion, crediting the reasoning to challenging administrative burdens, set by both the state and federal government. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be at the courthouse at 9:00 Monday morning. The courthouse will be closed in observance of Independence Day on Friday.

This July 4th Independence Day, which is the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, there will be numerous events going on in Salem. At 7:30 in the morning, there will be a pickleball tournament at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory. The Salem Community Choir will be singing at the Salem City Hall Auditorium with the first performance at 2:00 followed by a second performance at 4:00. Near 5:00, food trucks, vendors and boutiques will be opening near the pavilion, and Devon Sutterfield will begin performing. There will be a break in the music just in time to head down to the parade route and pick a spot. The parade starts at 6:00 in the evening from the Grand and Franklin, traveling north on MacArthur, then east on 4th Street to the courthouse square. At the conclusion of the parade, the Salem Community Center @ The Armory will be open from 6:30 to 9:00 with free use of their three bounce houses and gymnasium for basketball and pickleball. Children must be supervised by their parents. Also at the Salem City Park, Sutterfield will resume performing and those attending can check out the vendors and food trucks, while waiting for the fireworks. At 9:25, the Leathers Family will sing our National Anthem followed by the fireworks show that will begin around 9:30 at the Salem City Park. KSMO Media will stream the parade beginning around 6:15 on ksmoradio.com, KSMO Stream Facebook and the KSMO YouTube Channel.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) is an international non-profit 501(C)(3) organization that builds, assembles and delivers beds to children who do not have a bed. The SHP Dent County chapter will be holding its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 in the evening. This meeting will take place at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory in the Walden Conference Room. There will be discussions on upcoming events, needs, and more. More updates from the chapter can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/shpdentco.