Archive for 2026

An 18-year-old Salem resident was involved in an accident late Sunday night at approximately 11:14 in Phelps County on County Road 3060 a quarter of a mile east of Rolla. According to the Highway Patrol a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado that was driven by the Salem man traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a mailbox, and a tree. A 21-year-old Rolla male passenger suffered serious injuries and was transported by Mercy Lifeline to University Hospital in Columbia. A 20-year-old Rolla female passenger also suffered serious injuries and was transported by St. James Ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital. A 17-year-old female passenger from Newburg suffered serious injuries and was transported by Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health. An 18-year-old Rolla male passenger suffered minor injuries and was transported by St. James Ambulance to Phelps Health. The driver suffered minor injuries and was transported to Phelps Health by Law Enforcement. The report stated that none of the five occupants of the vehicle were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Silverado was totaled and removed from the scene by D and D Towing.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has released that it is seeking community input for a 2027 Hwy. 19 bridge rehabilitation project in Dent County, just south of Salem over Spring Creek. The bridge is due for a deck overlay in 2027. Built in 1986, the bridge’s driving surface has deteriorated and is in need of repair. At this time, the project calls for one lane to remain open throughout construction. The comment period is open now through Aug. 31st. Share your thoughts with MoDOT through the MoDOT Central Missouri District email at CDCR@modot.mo.gov; mailing to address 1511 Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City, MO 65109; or by visiting the MoDOT website at modot.org and searching “Missouri Route 19 Bridge Rehabilitation over Spring Creek in Dent County.” Click the page with that same title, and scroll to the bottom to find the feedback form.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds deer hunters, landowners, and others of changes to regulations of the Wildlife Code of Missouri for the upcoming deer-hunting season. The antlered buck limit has been reduced for nonresidents from two to one. Nonresidents who qualify for nonresident landowner permits will maintain an antlered buck harvest limit of two. The Early Youth Portion has been moved one week earlier this year to Oct. 24th and 25th to help avoid conflicts with Halloween activities at the end of October. The antler-point restriction (APR) for the 18 counties where it was most recently in place has been removed to help minimize the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD.) Further, the designations of the CWD Management Zone has been removed. A majority of Missouri counties either have had a case of CWD or are within 10 miles of a confirmed case of the disease, so a designated CWD Management Zone is no longer needed. MDC will also continue to prohibit the placement of feed and minerals for deer in counties within 10 miles of where CWD has been found. Placing feed and minerals for deer has been prohibited in counties close to where CWD has been detected since CWD was first found in Missouri as it artificially congregates them, resulting in an increased risk of disease transmission. The CWD Portion of firearms deer season has been removed. Meanwhile, mandatory CWD sampling during the opening weekend of the November Portion of the firearms deer season has been moved to a four-year county rotation. Mandatory sampling for this season will be conducted in 28 counties on Nov. 14th and 15th. MDC has increased the minimum acreage requirement for CWD Management Permits and simplified the application process. Landowners are now required to have at least 20 contiguous acres in a CWD Core Area to receive CWD Management Permits. Lastly, as a result of public engagement and continued evaluation, MDC will not conduct targeted deer removals after the season and currently has no plans to resume the activity.

This Thursday, Aug. 20th, will be filled with activities at Salem High School and Middle School. Open House will be going on from 4:00 until 6:00 providing students the chance to tour campus, meet teachers, and ask questions. Chromebook insurance, parking passes and t-shirts will be available for purchase. The supply lists for the school year are online at salemr80.org/page/supply-lists. The Student Council will be conducting a Dignity Day drive to collect new, unopened travel-size personal care and hygiene items to help support middle school and high school students. Every donation, large or small, can make a meaningful impact. Donation ideas include toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, body wash, etc. Middle School students can take part in “Pick Your Locker Night” as they get their last-minute questions answered. High School students are invited to visit the High School Library from 4:30 to 5:00 to fill out an application for dual credit classes. A representative from Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-SP) will be on hand to help and answer questions. Students enrolled in dual credit classes are highly encouraged to attend. The MSU-WP rep will remain onsite afterwards for individual questions.

An accident happened at 5:57 Thursday evening in Crawford County at 136 Highway E that left two people with serious injuries and two others with injuries as well. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Honda Accord driven southbound by a 17-year-old female from Steelville, went off the right side of the roadway. The driver overcorrected and then re-entered the roadway when the vehicle crossed over the centerline. The Honda then traveled off the right side of the road again where it struck an embankment and overturned, ejecting all four occupants. Suffering serious injuries were the female driver and a 22-year-old male passenger from Sullivan. An 18-year-old male passenger from Steelville suffered moderate injuries while a 22-year-old male passenger from Sullivan suffered minor injuries. The driver was transported by EMS to the Mercy Hospital in St. Louis while the 22-year-old male who suffered serious injuries was taken by Air Evac to the Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. The other two male passengers were transported by EMS to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. None of the occupants were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident. The Honda was totaled and removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released that on Aug. 10th, after an investigation into the compliance of a convicted sex offender with the Sex Offender Registry requirements, a deputy arrested 64-year-old Dent County man, Jimmy Lee Channel. On Aug. 11th, Judge Nathan Kelsaw issued a warrant charging Channel with Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Channel is being held in Dent County Jail pending the posting of a $25,000.00 bond. Listed charges are merely accusations and do not constitute evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has released the project to repair the driving surface of the Phelps County Hwy. BB (10th Street) over BNSF Railway, in Rolla, is scheduled to begin Monday, Aug. 17th. Built in 1974, the supporting structures of the bridge are in good condition, but the driving surface needs rehabilitation. The project will be completed half at a time with traffic shifted. One lane each direction will remain open, with no center turn lane through the work zone. While the bridge will remain open throughout construction, motorists should expect delays during peak traffic hours. For motorists’ safety while work is occurring overhead, intermittent closures of Oak Street and Olive Street beneath the bridge will be necessary when crews are working in the immediate area. Work is expected to continue through November 2026.

ServMO has announced the recipients of the America 250-Grants, which will support meaningful, community-driven service projects in honor of the 9/11 Day of Service and Missouri Good Neighbor Week from Sept. 28th through Oct. 4th. These mini-grants are funded in partnership with Missouri’s Show Me America 250 Commission. ServMO announced the $15,000 funding opportunity with the goal of supporting mini-grant projects ranging from $500 – $3,000. Recipients include the following organizations: Bismarck United Methodist Church, which will provide a free family style meal for the community; Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO), which will coordinate the Ozark Foothills Community Connection Day of Service; Community Partnership of SEMO (CPSEMO), which will implement a beautification landscaping project throughout the South Cape neighborhood of Cape Girardeau; Missouri State Public Defender (MSPD), which will participate in meal pack events hosted by the National 9/11 Day Organization; St. Joseph Youth Alliance Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC), which will design and host an “Answering the Call” project honoring firefighters; St. Lucas United Church of Christ, which will host a community meal; and West Central Missouri Community Action Agency, which will host “The Community Heroes in Action” event.

Flash flooding can happen fast, even if it’s not raining where you are. To keep your trips to Missouri’s State Parks safe and fun, be sure to check the weather forecast before you go and keep an eye on upstream conditions. Set up camp on higher ground. Avoid low-lying areas 

The Salem Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) concluded a joint operation Wednesday night as part of the ongoing investigation into the unsolved homicide of Rosalee Byrd. As a result of Wednesday’s investigative efforts, the Salem Police Department confirmed that positive progress had been made in this case. While the investigation remains active, detectives continue to pursue all available evidence and leads. Appreciation has been extended to the FBI, City of Salem staff, and the community for its assistance and support throughout the day’s search efforts. The SPD has confirmed that a suspect has been identified in the case.

The Dent County Commission met for its regular meeting Thursday morning at the courthouse. Under public comments, a private citizen shared grievances with the commissioners on the policy requiring disclosure of the recording of meetings, alongside the institution of Flock cameras within Dent County. When asked for their name for the minutes, the citizen requested legal documentation to justify disclosing their name; with no legal documentation presented, their name was not given. The citizen further alleged that a public record showing who is recording is illegal according to the State Attorney General’s office. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson interrupted the citizen and attempted to move the meeting forward. The citizen stated that because they were interrupted, they were prevented from speaking. Larson asked if the citizen had anything else to comment, and the citizen stated they had been dismissed. Moving on to road reports, District One Commissioner Keith Green shared that crew members would be hauling rock to County Road 6660 and moving on to County Road 6490 next week. Crew members are continuing to mix up rock for that project. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams shared that crew members would be continuing to rebuild County Road 3200. A truck has broken down and will require maintenance. A brush cutter will be working on County Road 4060. Fuel bids have been received, with MFA Oil bidding $4.039; Philmart bidding $4.10; and County Fuels bidding $4.25. Commissioners approved the fuel bid from MFA Oil at $4.039. Larson reported that he has several meetings to attend Thursday evening, including a meeting with the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC), Phelps County Public Housing Agency Housing Advisory Board (PHA), and Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC.) He notified that the 2027 grant round for the Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is now open, available for cities, counties, public-school districts to be used for outdoor recreation projects. For questions or more information, contact grants management staff at mspgrants@dnr.mo.gov. The deadline to apply is Nov. 13th. County Treasurer Denita Williams reported on sales tax received for the month of August, stating General Revenue has received $97,431.92; Road and Bridge has received $48,742.62; and the Jails have received $97,230.29. The Dent County Commission meeting for Monday has been canceled. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be Thursday at 9:00 in the morning at the Dent County Courthouse. These meetings are open to the public.

Community members are invited to go wild about saving lives by donating blood at the Salem Community Blood Drive on Tuesday, Sept. 1st from noon to 6:00 in the evening. The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) and Dickerson Park Zoo are partnering throughout September and October to help boost the regional blood supply for local patients. Successful donors will receive a voucher for two free general admissions to the Dickerson Park Zoo, a $38 value, along with a limited-edition otter themed T-shirt while supplies last. CBCO donors provide every drop of blood for patients at Salem Memorial District Hospital, as well as dozens of hospitals across the Ozarks. Salem area residents will have the opportunity to donate within the Fellowship Hall of the First Baptist Church located at 201 North MacArthur Street. Photo identification is required. Donors should eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids prior to donating. Eligible donors must be at least 16 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and have not donated blood within the past 56 days. Appointments are strongly encouraged to help reduce wait times. To schedule an appointment, visit cbco.org/zoo or call 417-227-5006.

On Saturday, Sept. 12th from 7:00 in the morning to 7:00 in the evening, veterans are able to fish for free at Montauk State Park. Veterans can pick up their free fishing tag the day of the event at the Dorman Steelman Lodge in Montauk State Park. The spring branch will be reserved for veterans and their family members only. The veteran-founded nonprofit “Hooked on Vets” will be providing assistance and attendance prizes. Lunch will be provided. Tagged fish will be stocked with prizes available as well. Registration is not required.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol invites the public to take part in a public opinion survey regarding safety and security, officers’ attitudes and competency, overall agency performance, and concerns regarding crime and social issues. The 2026 Public Opinion Survey is now open and runs to the end of August. Members of the public may access the survey at surveymonkey.com/r/2026_Public_Opinion.

Missouri’s Good Neighbor Week is just around the corner from Sept. 28th through Oct. 4th. Signed into law in 2022, Missouri Good Neighbor Week encourages residents to participate in events and activities to establish connections with their neighbors. This will be the fifth year of the celebration. You can perform and report acts of neighbors any time of the year, then during Missouri Good Neighbor Week from Sept. 28th – Oct. 4th awards will be presented. As of June 7th, 2026, there have been 14,420 acts of neighborliness reported at the website missourigoodneighborweek.com. Submit your stories at that same site, and make nominations for several categories.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met for a special meeting on Wednesday at noon. After approval of the agenda, the board approved the annual ECSE First Student Transportation contract, alongside a three-year contract with Wagner Photography. The board discussed and approved a bid for a Ford Expedition by Schicker Automotive of St. Louis, pending an inspection and test drive. Power School, a website the district utilizes for hiring and hosting job applications, was approved for renewal for the upcoming school year, as well. Superintendent Nathan Wills discussed with the board the bids received for the Upper Elementary parking lot. After further inspection, it was revealed the parking lot requires more than just the overlay that had been bid. The parking lot contains severe cracking, described Wills, and may need asphalt and concrete replacement. With that being said, the board rejected the bids received with the intention to put out another Request for Bids (RFB) later in the year. Wills described that work on the parking lot may need to be phased out over several years in order to lessen cost impacts. Finally, the board approved prepayment of the Series 2020 bonds in the amount of $180,291.67. Under personnel, the board approved the hiring of Sydney Dothage as an ECSE Aide and Jessey Kissir as a Middle School Paraprofessional, along with the resignation of Angel Hunter as a ECSE Paraprofessional. The board then voted to enter executive session for the discussion of personnel. The next regular meeting of the Salem R-80 Board of Education will be Thursday, Aug. 20th at 5:30 in the evening and will include the annual tax rate hearing. These meetings are open to the public.

The Dent County Fire Protection District (DCFPD) Board of Directors met for its regular meeting Tuesday evening. The board began the meeting with the Tax Rate Hearing. No changes were made with the tax rate remaining at .2382 and the bond rate at .2300. The consent agenda was then approved, containing minutes from the previous meeting, financial reports, bills, payments, and statements, and budget and reconciliations. Fire Chief Derek Thomas presented the monthly reimbursement report with a total of 19 calls for the month and 140 total calls for the year. The board then went into closed session to discuss legal actions and personnel. The next regular meeting of the DCFPD Board of Directors will be Tuesday, Sept. 8th at 6:00 in the evening and is open to the public.

The Phelps County Public Housing Agency is seeking landlords for the Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly known as Section 8. Landlords are needed in Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps and Washington counties. The program assists low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities afford decent, safe and sanitary rental housing from private landlords. Some of the benefits of accepting Housing Choice Vouchers include a large pool of potential tenants, guaranteed rental income, free advertising of available units, lower vacancies and unit oversight by qualified housing inspectors. Currently, there are 173 families with Housing Choice Vouchers in the Meramec Region searching for approved housing and another 415 families on the waiting list. For more information or questions, contact Housing Manager Donald Keeney at 573-265-4200 ext. 128 or via email at dkeeney@meramecregion.org.

Missouri Crayfish Finders is the newest citizen science project being conducted in cooperation with Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC.) This project assists MDC by tracking populations of invasive crayfish throughout the state and updating the known distribution of Missouri’s diverse crayfish communities. Missouri is home to over 40 species of crayfish, including 26 Species of Conservation Concern.Those interested in participating are encouraged to take photos for scientists to accurately identify crayfish species. This project is open to anyone to participate across the state, so long as you have a valid Missouri fishing permit in order to catch and release crayfish. Interested in participating? Learn more by visiting the link to the Missouri Stream Team website at mostreamteam.org/missouri-crayfish-finders. 

Mentoring makes a difference where one hour per week can help change a child’s life. Mentors are already providing this service to students at the Salem R-80 Middle School, Salem R-80 Upper Elementary school, the North Wood R-4 School for 3rd through 6th graders, and this year the program has been expanded to cover Dent-Phelps R-3 school and Oak Hill R-1 as well, but more mentors are needed. Mentors can be a friend to these children, helping them with homework or just playing a game with them offering encouragement and support. Mentored youth are less likely to misuse alcohol and drugs, respond more positively to teachers and parents, and have greater feelings of self-worth with improved confidence and social skills. Healthy Dent County is the coordinator of this program. If you have one hour per week to become a mentor at any of the schools listed, contact Liberty Ross at 573-729-8163, text 573-247-4886 or email liberty@salemcommunitycenter.org.

It’s that time of year again. School is getting ready to get started! Be sure to be prepared by attending the Back to School Fair at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory this coming Friday, Aug. 14th from 3:00 to 7:00 in the afternoon. There will be free backpacks and school supplies, games and prizes, free food, free socks and underwear, giveaways, and community resources. Call Donna at South Central Missouri Community Action Agency (SCMCAA) to preregister at 573-729-3500.