Archive for 2026

The Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) has officially approved the financing package for Spring Creek Ridge, a new 40-unit affordable senior housing development in Salem designed for residents aged 55 and older. The Commission voted on December 9th to award the project a combination of federal and state Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and an MHDC HOME loan, securing the resources needed to proceed to closing and construction. Spring Creek Ridge is being developed through a partnership between the Salem Housing Authority, RCH Development, South Central Missouri Community Action Agency, and a highly experienced group of project partners. The development team is led by Chad Hartle, a veteran affordable housing developer with over three decades of experience delivering LIHTC communities throughout Missouri. The housing development commission funding round was highly competitive, with 86 applications submitted from communities across Missouri and only 29 developments approved statewide. Securing an award required exceptional coordination, local commitment, and broad-based support. The approval of Spring Creek Ridge reflects years of preparation and a unified effort by the Salem Housing Authority, Salem Mayor Greg Parker, City Administrator Sally Burbridge, the Salem City Council, State Representative John Hewkin, and State Senator Justin Brown as well as private partners working together toward a shared goal of expanding affordable senior housing. Carrie Sutterfield, Salem’s Economic Development Director, and Melissa Shaw, Executive Director of the Salem Housing Authority, played key roles in advancing the proposal. According to the housing development commission reservation letter, Spring Creek Ridge has been awarded$1,080,000 in Federal 9% Housing Tax Credits, $756,000 in State 9% Housing Tax Credits and $650,000 in MHDC HOME funding. These resources will finance a modern senior housing community featuring 32 affordable units and 8 market-rate units. Affordable two-bedroom units are projected at $690 per month, while market-rate units are set at $775. The City of Salem has demonstrated exceptional support for the project, including donating the development site and passing resolutions committing to rezoning. Spring Creek Ridge will also fund $400,000 in critical sewer upgrades—improvements long needed by the City. Spring Creek Ridge will consist of ten residential buildings and a community building, offering 40 spacious two-bedroom apartments, on-site social services and resident support, energy-efficient construction and modern amenities, high-speed broadband infrastructure and a community-focused design that fosters safety and independence. The commission will now proceed with the Conditional Reservation Agreement and environmental review processes, with closing anticipated late in 2026.

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, with National Human Trafficking Awareness Day taking place on Sunday, January 11th. With employees working on the state’s roads every day, the Missouri Department of Transportation is on the front lines of our state’s fight against human trafficking. This January, MoDOT asks everyone to help prevent human trafficking by learning the signs and what to do if you suspect human trafficking is occurring. Places such as rest stops, gas stations, convenience stores, fast-food establishments and hotels are common locations for the practice of human trafficking. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, in 2024 there were 272 cases of human trafficking identified in Missouri involving 539 victims, up from 247 cases a year earlier. Nationally, these numbers jump to nearly 12,000 cases identified in 2024 alone, with nearly 22,000 victims. MoDOT provides specialized training to employees on how to identify the common indicators of human trafficking and what to do when trafficking is suspected in Missouri. Some of the warning signs of a potential trafficking situation include signs of physical abuse, wearing clothing inappropriate for the weather or location, not being in possession of their own money or identification, body language indicating discomfort, lack of eye contact with anyone except their trafficker or not being allowed to speak for themselves. If you suspect someone is being forced to engage in any activity from which they can’t leave, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text BeFree (233733). Information is available online at humantraffickinghotline.org. Please save the National Human Trafficking Hotline number and if someone is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.

The City of Salem reports that due to a system error, customers who normally receive their utility bills by e-mail will NOT receive an e-mailed bill this month. For this billing cycle only, utility bills will be sent by regular U.S. mail. The city apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciates your understanding.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said materials would be added where needed and grading would be done on Dent County Roads 4080 and 5490. He also indicated brush is still being cut on county road 5615 and crews should finish that up this week. Green went on to say that rock will also be stockpiled at the county road and bridge department. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported workers will be adding rock, brush cutting and grading on Dent County Road 2313, while only grading will be done on county roads 4437, 6140 and 6160. Williams said he received a petition to have 20 MPH speed limit signs installed on Dent County Road 2155 which the commission approved. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson attended the Public Housing Authority meeting, External Relations Committee meeting and the regular MRPC board meeting Thursday evening ion St. James. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported her office continues to work on the county 2026 budget. She again reported that all political subdivisions will need to get their election or non-election certification submitted to her office by 5:00 on January 27th. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Conservation set turkey and deer hunting dates for the 2026-2027 seasons. The Missouri Conservation Commission approved the dates at its December 12 meeting at MDC headquarters in Jefferson City. The Commission also gave final approval to reduce the nonresident spring turkey harvest limit from two bearded turkeys to one bearded bird. Nonresident landowners will maintain a harvest limit of two bearded birds with only one allowed during the first seven days of the season. Spring turkey season dates include the youth portion April 11-12 and regular season April 20 through May 10. Fall archery turkey portion runs September 15 through November 13 and November 25 through January 15, 2027. Fall firearms turkey portion is October 1-31 in open counties. Archery deer season runs September 15 through November 13 and November 25 through January 15, 2027. Firearms deer dates include the early antlerless portion October 9-11 in open counties, early youth portion October 24-25, November portion November 14-24, late youth portion November 27-29, late antlerless portion December 5-13 in open counties, and alternative methods portion December 26, 2026 through January 5, 2027. The Commission approved changes to move the early youth portion one week earlier in years when it overlaps with Halloween. Detailed information will be included in the MDC 2026 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet and the MDC 2026 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available closer to the seasons. The booklets will be available where permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov.

The Cardinal Caravan will return to Rolla to the Rolla High School Gymnasium on Saturday, January 17th around 5:30. This year’s players lineup will include Victor Scott II, J.J. Wetherholt, Jose Fermin and Kyle Leahy. The emcees will be Ricky Horton and Mike Claiborne while Cardinal alumni Kerry Robinson will also be in attendance. New this year, fans 16-years of age and older will receive two tickets to a 2026 Cardinal game, while kids 15-years of age and under through the door on the day of the event can get one autograph from each current and former player. Autographs will only be available for the fans who are 15 years of age and under. 

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees met, December 18th for their monthly meeting. Administrator Zach Moser presented the Service and Statistics report for the month of November. In the Communicable Disease Report, he stated there were no cases of COVID-19 reported, however the virus is known to be present in the community, while the active lead cases were reported at 72, plus 5 communicable disease cases. There was one Influenza A case, 6 animal bites were reported, and there were 11 screenings for sexually transmitted infections, resulting in 30 total tests. The November environmental report showed there where 12 total inspections or re-inspections conducted. The Maternal-Child Health (MCH) statistics showed there were 6 car seats distributed, there were no Show-Me Healthy Women appointments, no CPR Courses, no consultation for Childcare Health, and there were 10 Title X appointments reported. There was one Presumptive Eligibility (Temporary Medicaid), while there were 354 WIC appointments. The Community-Specific Services Summary showed 519 total appointments other than WIC, 97 total provider appointments, 198 treatment court visits, 116 lab appointments and 88 immunization appointments. Nurse Practitioner Service Details showed no Show-Me Healthy Women appointments, 6 family plannings, one well-child visit, 2 other well-woman exam, 6 other physicals, 7 SEMO physicals, plus 24 other visits, and 51 acute illness appointments for a total of 97 visits. Laboratory details showed 146 Lab Draws, 2 appointments for Rapid Test for COVID, Flu, RSV or Strep, one pregnancy test, 3 lead tests were reported, plus 24 other urine drug screenings. Phlebotomy appointments totaled 110, while all Lab appointments totaling 116. Immunizations for November showed 30 for COVID-19 and 58 for Influenza, plus 69 other vaccines given during 88 appointments. In the Administrator’s report, Moser reported that no DCHC Board of Trustee positions were expiring this year, so no election is necessary in April. He updated the Board on continued delays in payments by the State of Missouri. At the end of November there was well over $100,000 in payments owed to the DCHC by the State. Jessica Ricks provided written reports to the Board regarding her team’s activities and the progress on the Community Health Improvement Plan and accreditation. Moser suggested that the Board consider granting the DCHC Staff off December 26th, given that it falls on a Friday this year. The Board approved the staff being off December 26th. The financial reports for November were reviewed. Current assets at the end of November were $1,139,348.32. Total assets were $1,986,647.67, total liabilities were $365,693.02, and equity was $1,620,954.65. Revenue for November was $71,634.70, expenses were $113,397.87 for a net operating revenue deficit of $41,763.17. After other revenue and expenses, net revenue was a negative $46,582.65. The report from H&R Block was also reviewed. Moser noted that November was a three-payroll month. After discussion of the financial effects of the State’s delinquency in payments, the financial report was approved. During new business Zach presented the 2026 budget for consideration and after lengthy discussion the budget was approved. He presented two proposed changes to the bylaws and explained the rationale behind them. The decision was tabled to be discussed with the full Board at a future meeting. Moser presented the proposed Policy Manual and an accompanying resolution which would detail the transition from a Board-edict style management to a policy management, in which the Board would set policy, the Administrator would set procedure, and the Administrator would be responsible for ensuring compliance with policies. The issue was tabled for further Board member review and discussion with the full Board at a future meeting. The Board entered closed session at 6:15 to discuss personnel. At 6:35 the Board returned from closed session where the Board voted to modify an employee’s salary for 2026. Prior to adjournment the next regular meeting date was set for Thursday, January 15th, 2026, with the hearing for the Environmental Fees starting at 5:00.

The Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) is issuing this advisory to correct inaccurate information being circulated through some media outlets, most likely generated from artificial intelligence (AI) sources regarding changes to Missouri vehicle registration requirements. Several outlets have released information reporting Missouri, beginning January 1, 2026, will no longer require vehicle inspections and will expand vehicle registration options allowing drivers to select longer registration periods for vehicles. This information is incorrect. Missouri law has not changed regarding these issues. Vehicle registration and safety requirements remain unaltered. For clarity, similar proposals have been introduced in recent legislative sessions but never became law. When misinformation is circulated it causes confusion and inconvenience. The Missouri Department of Revenue encourages the public and media to rely on official Missouri DOR communications and website resources for accurate and up-to-date information regarding motor vehicle laws and requirements. For resources pertaining to vehicle inspections, titling, and registration, visit the Missouri Department of Revenue’s official website at dor.mo.gov.

Colonel Michael A. Turner, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, provides the following preliminary statistics related to the New Year’s holiday. Five people died and 87 were injured in 187 traffic crashes during the 2026 New Year’s holiday counting period, which began at 6:00 Wednesday evening, December 31st, 2025, and ended at 11:59 Sunday night, January 4th, 2026. The Highway Patrol made 112 arrests for DWI. There were 0 boating crashes and 0 drownings over the 2026 New Year’s holiday counting period. During the 2024-2025 New Year’s holiday counting period one person was killed and 118 injured in 264 traffic crashes in Missouri. Further details related to the traffic crashes and arrests can be found on the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s website. These fatality statistics could change if late deaths occur, or if other departments report fatal traffic crashes after this news release is sent to the media. Please note that the New Year’s holiday counting period varies from 1.25 to 4.25 days in length each year, depending on which day of the week the holiday is on. Follow the Missouri State Highway Patrol on X @MSHPTrooperGHQ.

With funding from the Delta Regional Authority’s State Economic Development Assistance Program, the city of Edgar Springs will begin improvements to Broadway Street, which is the main street in town that accesses small businesses and organizations serving the community and surrounding rural areas. Broadway Street connects Highway 63 to routes ZZ and H. The project will address drainage issues that causes localized flooding, repave the driving surface, install storm boxes and storm pipes, add concrete and granular paving and complete asphalt repair with a chip and seal. These improvements will decrease flooding and create a more resilient surface to withstand local and truck traffic. The total project will cost approximately $272,680 of which $267,500 will be covered by the Delta Regional Authority’s grant, which includes administrative costs. There are 27 Missouri counties in the Delta Regional Authorities eight-state service area, including Dent, Crawford, Phelps and Washington counties within the Meramec Region. Meramec Regional Planning Commission is the designated Local Development District for the four Meramec counties in the regional authority. To learn more about the Delta Regional Authority’s programs and initiatives, visit www.dra.gov. 

The Missouri Department of Conservation will host a prescribed fire demonstration program January 16 from 9:00 in the morning to 1:00 in the afternoon on private property in Phelps County. Participants must complete an online course before attending the field demonstration. The demonstration burn will be held at 11887 County Road 3000 in Rolla. Attendees will receive hands-on experience on how to execute a prescribed burn. MDC Private Land Conservationist Luke Anderson will discuss equipment needed for a burn, burn line installation, safe weather parameters, ignition operations and other aspects needed to conduct a safe and successful prescribed burn. Participants must register on MDC’s website and complete the online portion of the class, which takes two to four hours. The online course requires a $25 fee paid to a third-party host. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate that must be brought to the January 16 demonstration. For more information, contact Luke Anderson at Lucas.Anderson@mdc.mo.gov. Additional MDC programs are available on MDC’s website.