Archive for 2026

In Wednesday’s Your World Today, we erroneously reported that the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center exhibit of the Civilian Conservation Corps artifacts would be closing at the end of May. They have extended that exhibit now until the end of July. We apologize for the error.

If you haven’t visited the Ozark Natural Cultural Resource Center’s historical display of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) artifacts, you now have more time. The ONCRC will have the CCC display open until the end of July. The ONCRC is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the evening. The Indian Trail State Park will be celebrating its 100-year anniversary later this year, and the Civilian Conservation Crews were based at the area from 1933 to 1946, building most of the area’s 55 miles of access roads, constructing the pond, and planting pine trees in many of the open areas. This Saturday morning at 10:00, Jason Stotler will present a “Walk and Learn” program at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center. Attendees will learn about the Civilian Conservation Corp artifacts on display and hear stories about those who worked to develop Indian Trail Park as well as other parts of our area. The program is free and open to the public. 

The Shannon County Sheriff’s Office has released that on Monday, May 25th, dispatch received a call from an individual who stated that a neighbor had physically assaulted him. Deputies responded and made contact with the alleged victim. The victim advised deputies his neighbor had assaulted him, causing significant bodily injury. The victim further stated the suspect had threatened to kill law enforcement officers if they responded to the scene. Due to the nature of the call and the threats made toward law enforcement, deputies requested assistance from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Deputies staged near the location of the alleged altercation until additional units arrived. Once deputies and a trooper arrived at the residence, they observed a male subject standing outside. Upon seeing law enforcement, the male ran inside the residence and shut the doors and windows to the residence. The male then began yelling he had explosives and that he would kill law enforcement officers. Shortly thereafter, the male pointed a rifle at a deputy. The deputy fired twice, striking the subject. Emergency Medical Services were immediately requested, and medical aid was rendered at the scene. The subject was later transported to an area hospital for treatment of his injuries. During a subsequent search of the residence, officers located four children and an adult female inside. Investigators also determined the male subject had an active felony warrant from Tennessee for Aggravated Assault. The adult female was found to have an active felony warrant from Tennessee for Aggravated Burglary. Members of the Shannon County Sheriff’s Office contacted the Department of Social Services (DSS) and requested them to respond to the scene. DSS representatives took the children into protective custody. A Shannon County Sheriff’s Office Chaplin was also contacted and responded to the scene to provide support. There is no known threat to the community. The officer-involved shooting is being investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control. This is an active investigation, and further details can’t be released at this time.

The Dent County Health Center, in cooperation with the Dent County Extension and Salem Community Garden, will provide handwashing education at the Community Garden behind the Salem Methodist Church this evening at 6:00. They will share important public health information concerning lead dust awareness in the soil, safe gardening practices, and the importance of handwashing. The session will focus on the importance of removing any possibility of having lead dust being ingested by citizens by washing hands and fresh produce after gardening or working in their own soil. This education is free and open to everyone. For more information on why this is so important, listen to the KSMO Interview from May 15th with Master Gardener Thom Haines and Emily Marshall, Dent County Health Center’s Grants and Strategic Initiatives Coordinator, which is available on the KSMO Facebook Page and the KSMO YouTube Page.  The Dent County Health Center, in cooperation with the Dent County Extension and Salem Community Garden, will provide handwashing education at the Community Garden behind the Salem Methodist Church this evening at 6:00. They will share important public health information concerning lead dust awareness in the soil, safe gardening practices, and the importance of handwashing. The session will focus on the importance of removing any possibility of having lead dust being ingested by citizens by washing hands and fresh produce after gardening or working in their own soil. This education is free and open to everyone. For more information on why this is so important, listen to the KSMO Interview from May 15th with Master Gardener Thom Haines and Emily Marshall, Dent County Health Center’s Grants and Strategic Initiatives Coordinator, which is available on the KSMO Facebook Page and the KSMO YouTube Page. 

An accident occurred in Dent County Friday afternoon at approximately 2:40 on Highway FF in the 900 Block. According to the Highway Patrol report a westbound 2012 Jeep Wrangler, driven by a 52-year-old Salem woman, traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck an embankment, and overturned. The woman suffered moderate injuries and was transported by Salem EMS to Salem Memorial Hospital. The report stated that the lady was wearing a safety restraint. The Jeep sustained moderate damage and was left at the scene.

Colonel Michael A. Turner, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, provides the following preliminary statistics related to the Memorial Day holiday. Eight people died and 99 were injured in 234 traffic crashes during the 2026 Memorial Day holiday counting period, which began at 6:00 Friday evening, May 22, 2026, and ended at 11:59 Monday night, May 25, 2026. The holiday traffic statistics included 234 traffic crashes, 99 traffic crash injuries, 8 crash fatalities, and 107 DWI’s. Boating statistics 4 crashes resulting in 6 injuries. There were no fatalities or drownings, while there were 7 BWI’s. During the 2025 Memorial Day holiday counting period, the Patrol investigated 203 traffic crashes involving three fatalities and 92 injuries. Statewide, four people died and 356 were injured in 868 vehicle crashes in 2025. Three 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 late deaths occur, or if other departments report fatal traffic crashes after this news release is sent to the media. 

The Salem Memorial Hospital has received notice of individuals going door-to-door claiming to raise funds on behalf of the hospital and requesting immediate payment. Please be aware the hospital is NOT conducting any door-to-door fundraising campaigns. The hospital encourages everyone to use caution and avoid providing cash, personal information, or payment details to anyone making these claims. If you have concerns or encounter suspicious activity, please contact local law enforcement.

Eagle-eyed residents may have noticed a new addition around the Dent County Fire Protection District (DCFPD) building. What some may think is a wrestling ring or a stage is actually a vertical ventilation roof prop, with the design, creation, and installation completed by Outlaw Fabrication. Built for training purposes, the prop is fully adjustable and will allow firefighters to train on a variety of roof pitches. The prop will allow firefighters to train to the highest standards in vertical ventilation techniques—skills that are critical to protecting lives and property across the district. The realistic, durable design ensures that crew members can practice safely, efficiently, and with the confidence needed when responding to real-world emergencies.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is accepting applications for the 127th Recruit Class. The Patrol is encouraging qualified individuals of all backgrounds to apply. Testing will be held in Jefferson City, MO. Those who successfully complete testing will move forward in a multi-phase selection process. This process is designed to identify individuals with discipline, grit, and commitment to becoming Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers. The 127th Recruit Class is scheduled to begin training on January 4, 2027. To be eligible, candidates must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent and be 21 years of age upon graduating from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy. Upon graduating from the Patrol’s Academy, troopers are eligible to earn credit hours through Mineral Area College, the University of Central Missouri, through Missouri State University, or through Southwest Baptist University. During the Academy, recruits may also be eligible to receive an associate of applied science degree at Mineral Area College by completing general education credit hours through online courses. The starting annual salary when entering the Academy is $66,432. Upon graduation, the salary increases to $73,824. Salary increases will occur after three years of service and additional salary increases may reach a maximum annual salary of $98,448 after 12 years of service. Other benefits include group health insurance, contributory retirement, career advancement, and more. The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s uniform guidelines allow troopers to have tattoos or brands as long as they meet requirements. The selection process is a multi-phase testing procedure including a written examination, a physical fitness for duty assessment, polygraph examination, background investigation, and an oral interview. After a conditional offer of employment, the applicant must successfully complete a medical examination, a psychological examination and interview, drug screening, and final applicant review. Successful applicants will be notified of their duty assignment prior to the start of the academy. Interested individuals can learn more about the qualifications by contacting a Patrol recruiter by calling 1-800-796-7000. Apply now at www.joinmshp.us.

If you haven’t visited the Ozark Natural Cultural Resource Center’s historical display of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) artifacts, you now have more time. The ONCRC will have the CCC display open until the end of July. The ONCRC is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the evening. The Indian Trail State Park will be celebrating its 100 year anniversary later this year, and the Civilian Conservation Crews were based at the area from 1933 to 1946, building most of the area’s 55 miles of access roads, constructing the pond, and planting pine trees in many of the open areas.

Did you ever wonder if there was a recall on a piece of equipment you own or on a food product you may have purchased? The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission allows you to sign up and receive e-mails or texts on product recalls, safety education and more. It is absolutely free! Keep yourself up-to-date and sign up at cpsc.gov.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held their regular meeting Wednesday night in the administration building located at 1409 West Rolla Road. After the call to order, the board approved the agenda and consent agenda. A communication was read by Superintendent Nathan Wills from Amanda Walker. Under the Superintendent’s Report, Wills updated board members regarding the 2026 Senior High and Kindergarten Graduations. A workshop outlining capital improvements, expenditures, and revenues for the 2026-2027 district budget was held, with the budget to be considered for approval at the June meeting. Under new business, the board conducted its yearly review of the building handbooks. The board unanimously approved the following: Proposed MSBA policy updates; An increase in substitute teacher pay for the 2026-2027 school year, increasing from $100 to $110 per day; The 2026-2027 Professional Development Plan; Renewal of the Developmental Preschool Lease Agreement; and the 2026 Salem R-80 District Wellness Plan, a tri-annual agenda item which illustrates a commitment to wellness for students and staff regarding mental health, exercise, and a healthy diet. Renewal of the Healthy Dent County Partnership, a contract in which the district provides $10,000 annually as sponsors, was also approved with a vote of 4-0-1, with board member Andrew Wynn abstaining. Building administrators and directors provided reports to board members. Under personnel changes, those hired included Allison McDonald, Kylie Smith, Heather Franklin, and Donna Smith. Those resigning or retiring included Lynn Mast and Crystal Strange. The board then adjourned and moved to executive session for the purpose of student and personnel issues. During closed session, the following votes were made: Approving qualified attendance appeals; Denying unqualified attendance appeals; and approving a Discovery School’s Contract. Also during closed session, the board approved the hiring of Rebecca Head, 3rd Grade Teacher; Sheradyn Kartchner as 2nd Grade Teacher; and Kristi Nakanishi as Kindergarten Teacher. Additionally, the board approved a stipend for Tiffanie McNamee as Process Coordinator for Early Childhood Special Education. The board then adjourned after returning to open session. The next meeting of the Salem R-80 Board of Education is scheduled for June 18th at 5:30 in the administration building and will be open to the public.

For free fun for the family, Missouri Department of Conservation has Free Fishing Days coming up statewide the weekend of June 6th and June 7th. During Free Fishing Days, anyone may fish in Missouri without having to buy a fishing permit, trout permit, or trout park daily tag. This is an annual event which takes place statewide during the Saturday and Sunday following the first Monday in June. Other fishing regulations remain in effect, such as limits on size and number of fish an angler may keep. If you’re new to fishing or don’t have fishing gear, consider taking advantage of the Salem Public Library’s Rod & Reel Loaner Program. Through the Rod & Reel Loaner Program, individuals of all ages may check out fishing poles and tackle boxes for free using their library cards. The fishing poles are equipped with standard spin-cast reels. The tackle boxes are supplied with hooks, sinkers, and bobbers for basic fishing opportunities. Individuals need to provide their own live bait or desired lures to bait the hook. Equipment checks out for three days. It’s important to note that fishing rods and tackle boxes need to be returned to the circulation desk, not the book depository, and that items may not be renewed and are subject to overdue fines. For more information on the Rod & Reel Loaner program, contact the Salem Public Library at 573-729-4331. 

Tickets to all Missouri State Fair concerts and events are on sale to the public, while supplies last. This includes all concerts and events in the State Fair Grandstand, presented by CFM Insurance, the Governor Michael L. Parson Arena, the Governor’s Ham Breakfast and $12 advance adult gate admission. These tickets will be available through Etix.com and by phone 1-800-514-ETIX/1-800-514-3849. This year’s fair will take place Aug. 13 through Aug. 23.

In observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 26th, many businesses, banks, and government offices will be closed or operating on reduced hours. Be sure to confirm hours for any appointments or errands.

The Dent County Commission met for its regular meeting Thursday morning at the courthouse. Under road reports, District One Commissioner Keith Green stated crew members will be grading in the area of County Road 5100. Another crew member is being trained on the grader. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams stated crew members will be out grading and completing ditch work on County Road 2313. Crew members will be hauling rock to county roads 3250 and 3260 for preparation for additional work next week. Both districts have been working to widen roads, which is causing more time to be taken in completing rounds. Williams encouraged the public to have patience. Meanwhile, both districts are preparing chip and seal roads for overlay in June, along with patching chip and seal roads which will not be overlayed. Deputy County Clerk Melissa Piatt reported that bills are to be paid and election judges are to be lined up for the Aug. 4th Primary Election. Treasurer Denita Williams shared the CART Tax received for the Road and Bridge Department for the month was $95,809.79 – this is up $8,713.60 from last year, a total of 8%. Year-to-date, this is up $30,950.35. Under public comments, Denver Ellis provided commissioners with a draft ordinance for consideration, which seeks to protect the county against potential long-term impacts of high-intensity industrial data infrastructure development. The proposal seeks to protect groundwater aquifers and springs; rivers, streams, and environmentally sensitive watersheds; county roads and bridges; rural residential communities; agricultural and forest lands; public infrastructure capacity; emergency response capabilities; and the long-term rural character and economic stability of Dent County. Ellis elaborated that the ordinance would act as a deterrent to potential construction of data centers within Dent County and not act as a total ban. Commissioners stated they would consider the ordinance and conduct research into other counties which have approved similar. Grant Wilson, representative for Congressman Jason Smith, updated the commissioners on Smith’s recent legislative actions. The House has passed H.R. 7432 out of the Ways and Means Committee, titled the Foster Youth Housing Opportunity Act. The bill expands states’ permissible uses of federal funds under the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood (Chafee program) to include supportive housing services. Wilson further shared he is continuing to make contact with SEMA on the status of FEMA reimbursements to the county. A meeting with the Forest Service was held recently, which disclosed that the FY2025 Secure Rural Schools funds are with the state. The next meeting will be 9:00 in the morning next Thursday at the Courthouse, and the meeting is open to the public. The courthouse will be closed Monday in observance of Memorial Day.

There will be a collection box at the Salem Public Library for old, damaged, or soiled American flags. Anyone may leave a flag between now and Friday, June 12th. The library will deliver flags in need of retirement to American Legion Post 99. The Legion will properly dispose of them in accordance with the United States Flag Code. 

The Dent County Toy Drive will be holding its 6th annual Christmas in July fundraiser on Saturday, July 25th at the Dent County Commons. Royal Oak Enterprises will be catering pulled pork, and K-KID will be broadcasting live. Backwoods Productions DJ will be keeping the music going throughout the event. Attendees will be able to enjoy a free kids carnival, car show, craft show, and poker run. To learn more, visit the Dent County Toy Drive Facebook page at facebook.com/TheDentCountyToyDrive.

The Green Forest 4-H will be holding a Fish Fry Fundraiser today from 11 in the morning until they sell out. The Fundraiser will be held at the Wilson’s Family Center at 400 North Iron Street here in Salem. If you live in town delivery is available upon request. Call 573-280-2036 for more information.