Archive for 2026

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees will be holding its monthly board meeting at 5:00 in the evening Thursday at the Dent County Health Center Annex Building at 1014 E. Scenic Rivers Boulevard in the Conference Room. The tentative agenda includes the approval of the previous meeting minutes. Under old business, the board will be presented the operations reports, administrator’s report, and will consider the approval of the financial reports. Under new business, the board will be presented a continuity planning proposal. The board will then vote to close part of this meeting. Then, the board will adjourn. Until closed, the meeting is open to the public.

The North Wood R-IV School District has released that it has been selected as this year’s district award recipient for the Dr. Mary Miller Richter Award. In honor of Mary Richter, Ph.D., Missouri’s founding Director of the Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support (SW-PBS) initiative, one school and one school district is honored annually that exemplifies the ideals, principles, and practices of positive behavior support. The award recipients demonstrate a firm commitment to improving the lives of students, the educators who teach them, and the community in which the school resides through innovation, creativity, and/or a firm commitment in staying the course despite barriers. Congratulations to the dedicated staff at North Wood R-IV for their much deserved recognition for their commitment to building a positive culture for students!

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 Dent County Toy Drive will be holding its 6th annual Christmas in July fundraiser on Saturday, July 25th at the Dent County Commons. Vendors are wanted with outdoor spots still available. Indoor spots are full. This is a special year for the toy drive as it will be celebrating its 50th anniversary serving children in Dent County. Royal Oak Enterprises will be catering delicious pulled pork, and Backwoods Productions DJ will be keeping the music going throughout the event. As always, attendees will be able to enjoy a free kids carnival, car show, craft show, and poker run. To learn more or apply to be a vendor, visit the Dent County Toy Drive Facebook page at facebook.com/TheDentCountyToyDrive.

Four constitutional amendments will be seen on the August 4th Primary Election ballot. Amendment 1 – If approved by the voters, continues for 10 years the one-tenth of one percent sales/use tax that is used for soil and water conservation and for state parks and historic sites. Amendment 2 – if approved by voters, requires that all charter counties, including Jackson County, elect a county assessor and that such assessors comply with training requirements established by state law. Amendment 4 – if approved by voters, modifies current requirements that a simple statewide majority of voters may approve initiative petitions to amend the constitution, requires a majority of voters in each congressional district to approve initiative petitions to amend the constitution, and makes available to each voter the full text of initiative petitions with their ballot. Amendment 5 – if approved by voters, requires the phase out and elimination of the individual income tax based on revenue growth, requires the reduction of property taxes and other local taxes to offset any local sales tax revenue increases, while preserving local funding for public schools. The last day to register to vote for the Primary Election is July 8th. Excused absentee voting at the Dent County Clerk’s Office will begin June 23rd and continue through August 3rd. No excuse absentee voting will begin July 21st. To stay up to date on upcoming deadlines and voting information, be sure to follow the Dent County Elections Facebook page by searching Facebook for “Dent County Elections/County Clerk-Angie Curley.” For more information, visit the Missouri Secretary of State website at sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri.

The City of Salem’s Airport Board will be holding a meeting tonight at 6:00 in the evening in the Old City Hall Auditorium at 202 North Washington. After the call to order and approval of agenda and minutes, the board will receive updates regarding the airport and its new hangar. Public comments will be heard, if any. The board will then adjourn. This meeting is open to the public.

The City of Salem Police Department has released that on June 10th, three officers responded to the 100 block of East Tenth Street regarding reports of an intoxicated female subject causing a disturbance in the neighborhood by yelling profanities and disrupting residents. During contact with officers, the suspect, identified as Joyce LoBaido, continued to yell profanities and behave in a disorderly manner before ultimately fleeing on foot when officers attempted to take her into custody. Officers pursued her and a taser was deployed during the course of the pursuit. LoBaido was successfully restrained and placed in handcuffs. After obtaining medical clearance for confinement, LoBaido was transported to the Dent County Jail, where she was charged with peace disturbance and resisting arrest. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse for its regular meeting. Under road reports, District One Commissioner Keith Green reported that crew members will be picking up cold-mix asphalt in Lebanon and then plan to spend the week patching County Road 4110, to prepare for overlay. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported crew members plan on hauling rock to County Road 3370 and then grading county roads 3336, 3370, 4400, 4403, and 4370. A crew member will be sent to Springfield to pick up oil for chipseal roads. Williams thanked crew members within both districts for removing a large tree that had downed over the weekend and required two pieces of equipment to remove. In Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson’s report, this week he plans on attending a Tourism Commission meeting, a Solid Waste Committee meeting in St. James, and then a meeting in Jefferson City which will provide more information on data centers. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that payroll and bills are to be approved. Excused absentee voting is to begin on June 23rd. Sample ballots will be available after June 23rd. Sample ballots will also be published online on the Dent County Election’s Facebook page, found by searching “Dent County Elections/County Clerk-Angie Curley” on Facebook. Further, she reminds residents that, should they need to update their voter registration or have any questions on the upcoming election, to contact her office at 573-729-4144. Residents are also able to come into the office in-person from Monday through Friday from 8:00 in the morning to 4:30 in the afternoon. Under public comments, the commissioners heard from a resident on the topic of data centers and Flock cameras. The resident advised commissioners against data centers coming into Dent County, warning of resource depletion which could affect the stability of the Ozark Aquifer. Additionally, the resident warned against Flock cameras, citing privacy concerns. The resident also advised the commissioners to be wary of signing any non-disclosure agreements. Larson reiterated that the commissioners are against data centers and will be attending the meeting in Jefferson City for more information on how to protect the county. In addition, Larson stated the county does not have the infrastructure to support a data center. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will take place Thursday morning at 9:00 at the Dent County Courthouse. These meetings are open to the public.

The Dent County Fire Protection District (DCFPD) Assistant Fire Chief Derrick Marfitt has released that Junior Firefighters Connor Montoya and Colleen Montoya successfully completed the Sullivan Fire Department Junior Firefighter Academy. The academy was an intensive, week-long course which both Connor and Colleen dedicated time, energy, and determination. Participants were exposed to a variety of hands-on training opportunities designed to prepare the next generation of firefighters. Connor and Colleen embraced every challenge, gaining valuable experience that will help them better protect and serve their community in the future. David Eigenberg, known to millions as firefighter “Christopher Herrmann” from the television series Chicago Fire, took time to personally instruct academy participants, sharing his experiences and working alongside the junior firefighters throughout training evolutions. His presence provided a unique and memorable learning opportunity, inspiring these young men and women as they continue their journey in the fire service. The Dent County Fire Protection District is extremely proud of Connor and Colleen for their accomplishment and for their dedication to becoming better firefighters. Their willingness to invest an entire week into training reflects their commitment to excellence and their passion for serving others. Congratulations to Connor and Colleen!

Interested in learning how to safely preserve your favorite food at home? Join a Water Bath Canning Workshop on Thursday, 6:00 to 9:00 in the evening at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Whether you’re brand new to canning or want a refresher on safe water bath canning techniques, this workshop will guide you step-by-step through the process. The cost is $25 per participant, and registration is required. Feel empowered and prepared as you learn techniques for safely canning high-acid foods, using equipment correctly, and following tested recipes. Build skills that protect your health, reduce food waste, and help you preserve nutritious foods for your family year-round. To register, visit MU Extension’s website at extension.missouri.edu and search “Water Bath Canning Workshop.” A registration link will be available at the first result.

The Missouri Department of Transportation has released a resurfacing project spanning across Dent County along Hwy. 32, originating from Hwy. 63 in Texas County and ending at Hwy. KK in Iron County, is scheduled to start. Resurfacing work is scheduled to begin today. Paving work in Licking and Salem will take place at night, with all other work scheduled during daytime hours. A 10-foot width restriction is in place around-the-clock for the duration of the project, which is expected to be completed by mid-September. One lane will remain open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zones.

The Salem Public Library Board of Trustees held its regular meeting Thursday evening at 5:00 in the library’s conference room. After approving the minutes from the previous meeting, Library Director Kate McBride presented the Librarian’s Report, noting that the library’s e-book and audiobook circulation, as well as its children’s, adult, and passive programming, had increased over the same period last year. Following the treasurer’s report, the board discussed book reviews. Under Old Business, McBride updated the board on ongoing renovations to the library’s south basement, and the board voted to approve an insurance quote from State Farm of approximately $12,000, pending clarification on coverage details. Under New Business, the board approved the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. After an update on upcoming library events, the meeting adjourned. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Salem Public Library Board of Trustees will be held July 9 at 5:00 in the conference room and is open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is investigating the presence of dead fish within the tributary of the West Fork of the Black River located in Reynolds County. Following an alert from a concerned citizen, the department immediately notified the Missouri Department of Conservation and began an investigation into the cause. On the evening of June 6th, the Doe Run Company notified the department of a potential release from the company’s wastewater treatment facility. The released wastewater was suspected of exceeding permitted effluent limits of pH contributing to the fish kill. The department collected water quality samples upstream and downstream of the West Fork of the Black River, including sampling points for several miles downstream on the river. The water quality monitoring results were within acceptable levels for pH and dissolved oxygen, and are protective for whole-body contact for human health and aquatic species. This event is no longer an environmental emergency, and the department continues to investigate. Any violations discovered during this investigation will be referred for enforcement action.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the upcoming Independence Day parade on Saturday, July 4th at 6:00 in the evening. Line up for entrants begins at 5:00 on Grand Street, in front of Southwest Baptist University. The  parade will depart east on Franklin, North on MacArthur, East on Fourth Street, and end at the Dent County Courthouse. The theme of this year’s parade will be America’s 250th: Celebrating Our Past, Present and Future. To sign up or for more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 573-729-6900. If you can’t make it to the parade, KSMO Media will be streaming the parade LIVE on the KSMO Stream Facebook page, the KSMO YouTube channel and on ksmoradio.com which is our Twitch channel. All three of the streams are free and will be available at the KSMO website home page (ksmoradio.com). The parade will probably begin streaming around 6:15. If you can’t watch it live, it will be archived for playback at a later time. After the parade, visit the City of Salem Park for a fireworks show put on by the Firework Committee.

Interested in learning how to safely preserve your favorite food at home? Join a hands-on Water Bath Canning Workshop this Thursday from 6:00 to 9:00 in the evening at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Whether you’re brand new to canning or want a refresher on safe water bath canning techniques, this workshop will guide you step-by-step through the process. The cost is $25 per participant, and registration is required. Feel empowered and prepared as you learn techniques for safely canning high-acid foods, using equipment correctly, and following tested recipes. Build skills that protect your health, reduce food waste, and help you preserve nutritious foods for your family year-round. To register, visit MU Extension’s website at extension.missouri.edu and search “Water Bath Canning Workshop.” A registration link will be available at the first result.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol will be holding its 2026 Youth Academy Program in Piedmont at Eagle Sky at 1 Eagle Sky Drive from Aug. 3rd through Aug. 7th, with a deadline to apply by this Friday. There is no cost to attend the program. This program is for those interested in a career in law enforcement and must be high school students or recent graduates between the ages of 16 to 18. Cadets must be in good physical condition, capable of enduring aerobic and endurance activities requiring a reasonable fitness level. Cadets must reside at the camp facility for the duration of the program. For more information or to receive an application, contact Cpl. Logan Bolton at 314-348-4428 or email logan.bolton@mshp.dps.mo.gov. 

Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk reminds those that are age 62 or over and own their own home to pick up an SB190 application from the collector’s office. Applications are available until June 30th. For questions, call 573-729-3911.

The Dent County Commission met for its regular meeting Thursday morning at the courthouse. Under road reports, First District Commissioner Keith Green reported that crew members would be hauling rock where needed and stockpiling; in addition, crew members are planning to grade county roads 5600, 6040, and 6200. Cutting brush is planned for County Road 6200. Commissioners also approved a bid for diesel from MFA at $3.523 a gallon. Second District Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported that crew members are planning to haul rock to County Road 3260 and grade county roads 4030, 4370, 2020, and 2025. Brush cutting is planned for county roads 2245, 3210, 3200, 2640, 2630, and 2620. With the county being enrolled with the CART program with the Missouri Department of Conservation, rock used on roads around the White River Trace, alongside other conservation roads, has been reimbursed for $27,500. Roads are still being prepared for resurfacing. Dent County Collector Shannon Vankirk reported that monthly collections have been turned over for May and were $94,001.09. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that bills are to be approved, and that excused absentee voting is to begin on June 23rd. Curley also thanked Representative of District 120 John Hewkin, who was in attendance at the meeting, for his support in getting House Bill 1871 passed, which modifies various provisions relating to elections. Hewkin credited Representative of District 7 Peggy McGaugh for her work on the bill. In Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson’s reports, he stated commissioners are not in support of data centers; furthermore, commissioners do not support planning and zoning laws in the county. Currently, there has been no contact made by representatives of data centers to the commissioners. Larson stated he plans to attend a meeting in Jefferson City on June 17th, which will provide elected officials with education and more information on data centers. On the topic of Flock cameras, Larson stated the cameras were an administrative decision made by the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and commissioners support the sheriff’s decisions. Meanwhile, under public comments, commissioners heard from a resident advocating for ordinances restricting data centers; more specifically, the resident suggested commissioners put preventative parameters in place, such as businesses requiring more than 50kw would need their own power or water source. Commissioners expressed concerns on infringing on county resident property rights but ultimately shared they will continue consulting with legal experts to pursue more options. Rep. Hewkin stated that the conversations on data centers are continuing within Jefferson City. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will take place Monday morning at 9:00 at the Dent County Courthouse. These meetings are open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Transportation has released a resurfacing project spanning across Dent County along Hwy. 32, originating from Hwy. 63 in Texas County and ending at Hwy. KK in Iron County, is scheduled to begin soon. Work will begin with signal work in the city of Salem with resurfacing scheduled to begin Monday, June 15th. Paving work in Licking and Salem will take place at night, with all other work scheduled during daytime hours. A 10-foot width restriction is in place around-the-clock for the duration of the project, which is expected to be completed by mid-September. One lane will remain open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zones. 

This Saturday, two events held by the Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) will be held in Phelps County. An abbreviated friends and family CPR class at the MRPC Office located at #4 Industrial Drive, St. James will be held at 10:00 in the morning. This class provides hands-on CPR training, practice with AEDs, an introduction to first aid and is meant to be an informative and relaxed environment for basic understanding of life-saving measures. The course does not offer certification and is approximately 60-90 minutes long. While registration is required, the class is offered free of charge. To register, email or call Samantha Sherman with MRPC at ssherman@meramecregion.org or 573-265-2993, ext. 101. This training opportunity is funded through a grant provided by Region I Homeland Security Oversight Committee. In addition, MRPC will be holding an annual special waste collection event in Rolla on Saturday from 8:00 in the morning to noon at the Brewer Science, Inc. parking lot located at 2401 Brewer Drive, Rolla. The collection is for residential items only. Stoves, washers, dryers, hot water heaters, and other appliances will be collected free of charge. Free electronics also include computer components, laptop computers, keyboards, DVD players, cell phones or anything that runs on a cord or battery. For more information on items accepted or the fee structure, please contact Jill Hollowell at MRPC at 573-265-2993 Ext. 109 or at jhollowell@meramecregion.org. 

Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk reminds those that are 62 and over and own their own home to pick up an application for SB190 from the collector’s office. Applications are available until June 30th. Office hours for the collector are Monday through Friday from 8:00 in the morning to 4:30 in the afternoon. Contact her office at 573-729-3911 if you have any questions.