Archive for 2026

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees will be meeting Thursday, May 21st at 5:00 at the Dent County Health Center Annex Building at 1014 E. Scenic Rivers Boulevard in the Conference Room. After the call to order and approval of the minutes of the April meeting, the board will hear the operations reports, administrator’s report, and consider the approval of the financial reports. The board will then vote to close part of the meeting to discuss personnel. The board will then adjourn. The open session portion of the meeting is open to the public.

City of Salem Economic Development Director Carrie Sutterfield will be hosting a community conversation on building a stronger workforce in Salem at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory in the Rotary Room on Wednesday, May 27th from noon to 1:00 in the afternoon. Business owners, business managers, and aspiring entrepreneurs are invited to join in on the conversation. Goals of meeting include boosting your ability to find skilled, reliable hires in our community, and how participating in the ACT Work Ready Community (WRC) program can save time, training costs, and turnover. To RSVP, email ecnomic@salemmo.com or call/text 573-453-8994.

Healthy Dent County is now offering a free to the public HealthBot Kiosk, located in the hallway next to the fitness center entrance by the cardio room. This kiosk offers blood pressure readings, health rate monitoring, weight tracking, and BMI measurements. This is a simple way to check in, stay informed, and track your progress over time. Your information stays private, and the system allows you to monitor your personal progress each visit. Stop by anytime, take a few minutes for yourself, and take control of your health—no membership required. 

If you are planning a holiday weekend of cleaning out the basement or garage, be sure to designate items for the annual special waste collection event in Rolla coming up on June 13th. The annual collection will be 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 – no materials from businesses will be accepted. Stoves, washers, dryers, hot water heaters, and other appliances will be collected free of charge. Free electronics also include computer components, laptop computers, keyboards, VCR/DVD players, cell phones, hair dryers, power tools or anything that runs on a cord or battery. Please note the following items will NOT be accepted: transformers, capacitors or ballasts not clearly marked “No PCBs”; smoke detectors; thermostats; medical waste; gas containers such as propane, oxygen, nitrous oxide; anything leaking oil or acid, such as batteries; broken ink or toner cartridges; alkaline batteries; broken CRT TVs or monitors. Fees on certain items will be collected including $25 for CRT TVs over 27 inches and wood console TVs; $20 for CRT TVs under 26 inches; $15 for flat screen TVs; $10 for all computer monitors and refrigerated appliances with Freon; and $5 for printers, scanners or copiers. Fees for tires are $3 each for passenger tires; $7.50 each for semi-truck tires; and $35 each for tractor tires. 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. Counties eligible for the event include Dent, Phelps, Crawford, Gasconade, Maries, Pulaski, and Washington. 

With the approach of warmer temperatures and higher humidity, it’s important to remember that ticks are most active during the warmer months between April and September. Ticks live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas, or even on animals. There are three species of ticks commonly found within Missouri: the lone star tick, often identified by the white dot in the center of the back; American dog tick; and deer tick. Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Ehrlichiosis, Bourbon virus, Heartland virus, and other diseases. Alpha-gal syndrome, which can cause a serious allergic reaction to eating red meat, is associated with being bitten by lone star ticks. To help prevent tick bites, wear clothes that make it hard for ticks to get to your skin. Wear pants, even on hot days, and tuck them into your socks. Boots can keep ticks away from your feet, and clothing that fits tightly around your ankles and wrists is helpful. Apply EPA-approved insect repellent to your skin and clothing, including socks and pant legs. After you return from the outdoors, make a habit of inspecting your body and clothing for ticks. Do this as soon as possible. Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing. If the clothes are damp, additional time may be needed. If the clothes require washing first, hot water is recommended. Cold and medium temperature water will not kill ticks. When conducting a full-body check, check these parts: under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, back of the knees, in and around the hair, between the legs, and around the waist. The sooner you find and remove ticks, the better. Remove ticks with tweezers, grabbing it as near the head as possible. Flush the tick down the toilet and wash the bite site with soap and hot water. For more information, visit cdc.gov/ticks.

The Salem Police Department has released that on May 18th, officers conducted an investigation into a suspicious person during their normal patrol duties. After contact was made, the subject’s identity was obtained and discovered to have an active warrant for his arrest through Phelps County. Officers followed up with the subject at his residence where he was located. The subject, Ian Dale, was placed under arrest and transported to the Dent County Jail. Dale is being held on a $10,000 Cash/surety bond warrant for 2nd Degree Kidnapping and 2nd Degree Domestic Assault. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

The City of Salem’s Board of Adjustment will hold a Public Hearing and Public Meeting tonight at 5:30 at the Old City Hall Auditorium at 202 N. Washington. The purpose of the hearing and meeting is to consider requests for variance from Section 405.130 of the City of Salem Code of Ordinances. The requests are for property at 800 South Carty owned by Kevin and Jennifer Stacy, and at 707 West First Street owned by Paul and Cecilia Zandvliet. The meeting will be open to the public.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors held its regular meeting Monday evening at 7:00 in the Doctors’ Library at the hospital. Following the call to order and approval of the previous meeting’s minutes, the board approved updated Human Resources policies and procedures regarding the responsible and secure use of mobile devices. In her report, CEO Brooke Bollman highlighted several operational updates, including the hospital’s decision to begin outsourcing medical records requests, DOT grant writing, employee year-end evaluations and raises, and fiscal year 2027 budget preparations. Bollman noted that the HRSA audit has been completed and results are expected in October. During April, the hospital recorded 42 inpatient admissions and 5 Swing Bed admissions, along with 1,080 outpatient registrations, 1,393 cardiopulmonary procedures, 609 emergency room visits, and 155 ambulance runs. Total operating revenue for April was approximately $2.2 million, with total operating expenses of about $2.1 million, yielding a net profit of $197,615.82. The hospital currently has 32 days of cash on hand. 340B revenue for the month was $71,539 against expenses of $73,510, resulting in a net loss of $1,971. It was noted that the hospital has yet to receive payment from the Walmart pharmacy. During the Chief Nursing Officer’s report, CNO Amber Hogan recognized Nurse Lisa Cummings on receiving the Nurse of the Year award. The hospital has also implemented an employee referral program and is working to develop a more personalized approach to new hire orientation. Following the Quality Improvement/Risk Management report, the meeting adjourned to executive session to discuss personnel matters. The next regular meeting of the Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30th, at 7:00 in the Doctors’ Library at the hospital and is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has shared that Detective Luc Burns will be retiring after more than a decade of dedicated service. Detective Burns began his career with the department in 2014 after graduating from the Missouri Sheriffs Association Training Academy. He first served in patrol and was promoted to Detective in 2020, where his professionalism, determination, and commitment to justice made a lasting impact on the department and community. Throughout his career, Burns completed specialized training in Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigations, REID Interview and Interrogation Technique, crime scene investigation and processing, and detailed investigations. He also served as a member of the ICAC Task Force and the Missouri Investigators Association. A proud United States Army Veteran, Detective Burns has served both his country and his community with honor, integrity, and dedication. Thank you and congratulations to Detective Luc Burns on his outstanding service!

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 need 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. 

There will be a “Mommy and Me Paint Party” at the Creative Arts Center at 204 South Main this Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 with Danielle Norris. Come and paint your choice of two matching pics for a late mother’s day gift! Kids can either paint the picture solo, or they can bring their mom or grandparent to paint with. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for kids! Register by going to the SACBA website, click on Programs category and then go the Salem Creative Arts Council link. If you have a question about any class, email salemartscenter@salemcommunitybetterment.com.

The Salem Police Department released that on May 7th, a detective responded to a business in the 100 block of South Main and discovered a male had shattered the glass of the business while entering. An investigation was conducted and as a result, Christopher Turner, was located on May 13th and arrested. Turner was transported to the Dent County Jail. A probable cause statement was submitted to the Dent County Prosecutor’s Office. Assistant Prosecutor Weber filed a felony complaint in the circuit court of Dent County. A $5,000 Cash/Surety bond warrant was issued by the Honorable Judge Kelsaw for Property Damage in the 1st Degree. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

In a separate incident, on May 13th, a sergeant with the Salem Police Department conducted an investigation into the whereabouts of a wanted fugitive and responded to the 100 block of North Pershing where the subject was located. The subject, Buck Prater, was placed under arrest and transported to the Dent County Jail, where he was held on probation and parole with a NO BOND warrant for unlawful possession of a firearm. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse. First District Commissioner Keith Green reported that crew members would be out grading county roads 6320, 5150, and 2460, along with stockpiling rock. Crew members will also be performing maintenance on the brush hog in preparation for use in the coming weeks. A gentleman attended to discuss County Road 5170 with Green, as the road has been utilized as a detour during the closure of the bridge on Route B over Dry Creek. With further usage, the road is in need of more maintenance and monitoring. Green stated crew members will visit the road this week to review what needs done. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported that crew members would be grading and hauling rock on County Road 3180, along with replacing a crossover pipe on the same road. Crew members will also be cutting brush on County Road 2340. A culvert will be cleaned out on County Road 6150. In Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson’s report, he attended a Tourism Commission meeting Monday night. Last week, he attended several meetings at MRPC where attendees discussed details for the annual banquet. Larson received an update on the bridge on Route B over Dry Creek. At its May 6th meeting, the Missouri Highway Transportation Commission awarded a $996,609.65 contract for work to Joe’s Bridge & Grading, Inc. The start date will be shared on the project as soon as it is known. Further, Larson reported that there is a grant cycle starting soon for ServMO’s America 250 Missouri Mini Grant opportunity. Organizations are invited to submit applications in support of meaningful, community-driven service projects in the month of September 2026. The application cycle is June 1st through June 19th. Mini-grants of up to $3,000 will be available to fund projects taking place on or around the 9/11 Day of Service and/or Missouri Good Neighbor Week, September 28th through October 4th. To learn more about this grant, visit serv.mo.gov/grant-opportunities. Deputy County Clerk Melissa Piatt reported that bills and payroll is to be approved, and that District 8 did not have enough signatures for statewide petitions to be checked for certification. Gina White with Salem Memorial Hospital visited, and the commissioners signed its application for a Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant (SS4A.) The next meeting will be 9:00 in the morning Thursday at the Courthouse, and the meeting is open to the public.

The North Wood R-IV Board of Education held its regular meeting Thursday, May 14th. After approval of the agenda and consent agenda, the board went into closed session to discuss personnel. Letters of Resignation were approved from the following during the closed session: Principal JC Flores, Kyesha Flores, Lauren Prugh, and Katie Sapp. In open session, the board discussed the strategic plan; the stakeholders meeting in August; facilities, the FEMA building, kitchen renovations, and summer projects; budget updates; and summer transition camp. Enrollment for April was 162 for Kindergarten through 8th grade, along with 15 for pre-Kindergarten. Attendance was 95.6%. Lunch prices were discussed with the board approving to change student lunch prices to $2.95, adult lunch prices to $4.35, and breakfast prices to $1.95. The board also approved the Title Program evaluation as presented, along with the Title I Reading evaluation as presented. A bid was opened from Lexington Diesel for the surplus buses and approved as presented. Superintendent Jeff Dodson informed the board there will be a second Kindergarten screening in August. The board then adjourned. The next meeting of the board will be June 11th at 6:30 in the evening at the North Wood R-IV school and is open to the public.

The Green Forest 4-H will be holding a Fish Fry Fundraiser this Friday 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 available upon request. Call 573-280-2036 for more information.

There will be a Cemetery Workday at the Mount Olive Cemetery at 3477 Highway VV in Licking, hosted by the Dent County Historical Society, in remembrance of Decoration Day and in celebration of America’s 250th. The cemetery workday will be held the morning of Saturday, May 30th at 10:00. The cemetery will be mowed, so leave the tools at home, they won’t be needed. Join fellow attendees and help clean headstones by bringing rubber gloves and insect repellent, if desired. A spray to clean the green and gray mold from the headstones will be provided for attendees. At noon, there will be a lunch at the Mount Olive Baptist Church. Bring a covered dish to join in the event. For more information, contact Deloris Gray Wood, President of the Dent County Historical Society, at 573-729-2545. To stay up to date on future events, visit the Dent County Historical Society Facebook page at facebook.com/DentCountyHistoricalSociety.