Archive for 2026

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met for its regular board meeting Thursday afternoon. Superintendent Nathan Wills presented the 2026-27 Salem R-80 District Budget to board members. Due to reduced state revenues, the State Adequacy Target (SAT) was set at $6,700 rather than $7,145. The district has been transferring 7% of its Weighted Average Daily Attendance (WADA) to Fund 4 for facilities and capital improvements; that being said, to offset losses, the district will transfer only 5% moving forward to keep more funds in salaries and general revenue. The state mandates that teacher salaries be set at $40,000, with grant funding allotted from the state to subsidize the difference between the base salary and the mandate; however, grant funding is expected to go away. With that in mind, Wills proposed the standard base salary be increased every year by $1,000 to ensure when grant funding is pulled the district is financially prepared. The coming fiscal year the standard base salary was set at $36,750. Health insurance increased 9%, which is approximately $68 increased per person. The projected fund balances to end the fiscal year were presented, with $5.1 million in the General Fund or Fund 1; Fund 2 has to be set at $0 by state statute and is utilized for teacher salaries, transferred later from the General Fund; $440,000 in the Debt Service or Fund 3; and then Capital Projects, or Fund 4, will contain $1.5 million. Under anticipated revenues, local revenue is expected to drop by roughly $110,000, primarily because it’s a non-reassessment year. Using a five-year historical average for similar years, Wills projects a negative 0.3% assessed value. Based on the calculation tool utilized by the Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE), tuition is projected to increase approximately $5 per student resulting in $9,780 per student. The total expected tuition revenue is $2.5 million. Anticipated expenditures were provided with the highest cost to be staff salaries and benefits at about 73%. Capital projects are estimated at $700,000, to include parking lots, bathroom renovations, and painting the high school gym, among others. The estimated unrestricted fund balance is 31.84%, which indicates the district is in a good financial position and not in any current financial distress. Moving forward to salary increases, Wills shared that he is working hard to eliminate salary compression out of the salary table. The district has made consistent, gradual progress toward raising pay for both certified and non-certified staff, with an almost 25% increase for non-certified pay in a few years, from $12 to $15 an hour. In only four years, the teacher base salary increased from $32,000 to $36,750. Wills further disclosed some data: next year, Salem R-80 will have the highest average teacher salary in the county; the student to teacher ratio is the highest in the county at 14 students per teacher; and the administrators oversee more students than any other district in the county, all of which indicates the district is not overstaffed. Wills encouraged district staff to push for families to fill out eligibility forms for free and reduced lunch to ensure an accurate dataset for the population served by the district. This dataset affects funding as well as grant opportunities for the district. The cohort survival rate, which indicates student body population increase or decline and therefore staff consolidation, was reported at a decline of approximately 25 students within the next six to seven years. Several CIP projects were discussed, including a gym painting project, parking lot work, new fencing, and potential upgrades to the baseball and football facilities. The board approved the proposed 2026-27 budget, all applicable fund transfers, participation in the state salary grant programs, and amended the 2024-25 budget to reflect actual expenditures and revenues. Reports from school administration were provided, with many administrators praising their custodial and maintenance staff for a job well done in preparing facilities for the upcoming school year. A first read of MSBA policy updates were provided. Two out of state trips were approved, including a trip for FFA and another for the 2026-27 National Choir Trip, following discussion by the board. The board also discussed head lice procedures and policies, ultimately asking administration to discuss with nurses the best practices moving forward. The annual District Reassessment Plan was approved, alongside the request for proposals to replace the Suburban. A change to the 2026-27 calendar was approved, with staff off and paid for on Martin Luther King Day. An annual MOU with Compass Health was approved, allowing the entity to provide services to students with no cost to the district. Finally, the board amended a previous action taken regarding the ECSE process coordinator position salary to meet position requirements. Under staff changes, a transfer was made of Amanda Walker; several hires were made, including Mark Panagoss, Beau Lyle, Regeana Schafer, Shelly Karr, Faith Milligan, Adrian Gant, Kaylee Utley, Lisa Blackwell, and Miranada McCurdy; and one resignation was made of Elyse White. The board moved into closed session for the discussion of personnel, in which several hires were approved including Junior Rictor, Nick Gover, Angela Browne, Janice Griffith, Stephanie Grace, and Tessa Gorman. Resignations were approved from Heidi Ross and Jackie Fanson. The resignation of Matt Parker was denied, to activate the contract buyout provision. The next meeting of the Salem R-80 Board of Directors will be Thursday, July 17th, at 5:30 in the evening and is open to the public.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors will conduct their regular monthly business meeting this evening at 7:00. This meeting will take place in the Hospital Library and is open to the public. After the call to order and approval of the agenda and previous meeting minutes, including minutes of May 18th, May 22nd, and June 18th, the board will hear public comments, if any. After, the board will hear operational reports, to include a vote considering the approval of the monthly financial reports. Under new business, the board will consider the approval of bank signers, the budget, a new candidate, and Show-Me HVN. Part of the meeting will be closed for discussion of personnel. After a return to open session, the board will adjourn. Except for the executive session, the meeting of the Salem Hospital Board of Directors is open to the public. Anyone that would like to attend by telephone or electronic means should contact the SMH Administration office at 573-729-6626 Extension 4005.

The Dent County Commission met for its regular meeting Monday morning at the courthouse. First District Commissioner Keith Green was absent, so Second District Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported on both first and second district road reports. First district crew members will be grading on County Road 5170, alongside preparing chipseal roads for overlay. Second district crew members are planning to grade and haul rock to county roads 4380, 4010, 4480, and 3330. In addition, a crew member is traveling to Springfield to retrieve oil for chipseal repair, which is planned for county roads 3230, 3240, and 3220. County Clerk Angie Curley reminds all businesses with liquor licenses that they are due by June 30th. For the Aug. 4th Primary Election, Curley reminds voters that excused absentee voting begins June 23rd, Tuesday. If any voters have any questions or changes to make to voter registration records, be sure to contact the County Clerk’s office at 573-729-4144 as soon as possible. Sample ballots are now available at the office, alongside fair ballot language on the amendments. County Treasurer Denita Williams reported on CART Tax. There has been $90,460.11 received, which is up year-to-date $30,008.36 or an increase of 6%. Under public comments, resident Katie Ann Gaither asked if commissioners would consider moving one meeting per month to the evening so more residents may be able to attend outside of working hours. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson stated this had occurred several years ago, but that it was short-lived as the meetings were not well-attended. Upon reviewing previous meeting minutes, Gaither asked for clarification on who the commissioners were consulting with for legal counsel which stated that no law allows flock cameras or data centers to be voted on. Larson said he would provide the answer at a later time. Collector Shannon Vankirk reported that there are only seven business days left for those eligible to apply for the SB190 Senior Tax Freeze. She also reported that 39 delinquent 2023 taxes will need to be paid by June 30th. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be on Thursday, June 25th at 9:00 in the morning in the courthouse. These meetings are open to the public.

The Salem Public Library will be hosting a “Hamilton” trivia night on Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30. Adults 18 and over are invited to test their knowledge of the “Hamilton” Broadway musical about pivotal figures in American history. Be in the room where it happens! Costumes are optional. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are welcome.

The generosity of many over Friday evening at the “We’ve Got Your Back, Zach” event has raised over $44,000 for Zach Moser and his family, who face a difficult battle with Stage 4 Sarcoma. Organizers express their thanks to all who donated and lent a hand to make a difference. If you missed the event, there is still time to help with a competitive 3v3 basketball tournament to be held Saturday, June 27th, with registration at $60 per team. All proceeds will help Zach and his family with treatment expenses, travel, and daily living costs as he continues his fight against cancer. For more information, please call 573-739-1127 or email Susie@SalemCommunityCenter.org.

Colonel Michael A. Turner, the superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, reminds Missouri’s travelers and boaters to make smart choices and celebrate safely during the Independence Day holiday. During the 2025 Fourth of July counting period, 13 people were killed and 415 were hurt in 993 traffic crashes across Missouri. Troopers arrested 118 people for driving while intoxicated. During the same period, there were 11 boating crashes, which included four injuries and no fatalities. Troopers also made 13 boating while intoxicated arrests. No drownings were reported during the holiday weekend. The 2026 July Fourth holiday counting period will begin at 6:00 Thursday night, July 2nd, and continue through 11:59 Sunday night, July 5th. Due to ongoing road construction across the state, the Patrol encourages travelers to use the MoDOT Traveler Information Map when planning their trips accessible at traveler.modot.org. The map provides up-to-date information on road closures, delays, construction zones, and alternate routes. Motorists and boaters are reminded to follow all of Missouri’s laws, be courteous, buckle up when traveling in a vehicle, and wear a life jacket when near, on, or in the water. The public is encouraged to call the Patrol’s Emergency Report Line (800) 525-5555 or *55 on your cellular phone if they witness criminal activity or experience an emergency.

An accident occurred in Reynolds County Friday morning at approximately 3:10 on Highway 72 six miles east of Bunker. According to the Highway Patrol report a westbound 2009 Subaru Outback, driven by a 61-year-old woman from New Bloomfield, Missouri, crossed the center line and struck an eastbound 2016 Freightliner driven by a 56-year-old man from Bellview, Missouri. The report stated that the Freightliner continued off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. The woman suffered serious injuries and was transported by ambulance to Mercy South in St. Louis. According to the report the man suffered no injuries. The report stated that the woman was not wearing a safety restraint, while the man was. The Subaru was totaled and removed from the scene by Rowdy’s Towing. The Freightliner sustained moderate damage and was also removed by Rowdy’s Towing.

An accident occurred late Saturday afternoon around 4:40 in Dent County at the intersection of Hwy K and Hwy Z. According to the highway patrol report a 2018 GMC Acadia driven by a 38-year-old female from Illoinos was traveling northbound and failed to yield to a 2025 Toyota Tundra driven by a 46-year-old male from Jadwin that was travelling southbound. A 45-year-old female from Jadwin in the Toyota suffered moderate injuries and was transported by Salem Ambulance to Salem Hospital. She was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

The City of Salem announced it will be conducting road construction and pavement on East Hawkins Street and West Ninth Street, this coming week. They respectfully ask that all vehicles are removed from the roadway. If vehicles remain in the roadway, officers will attempt to locate the owner, but if unsuccessful, they will tow the vehicle at the owner’s expense. The city would like to thank you for assisting them in making Salem a better place to live.

Intercounty Electric Cooperative Association (IECA) will be holding its 90th Annual Meeting on Friday, June 26th at the Old City Park in Licking on Maple Avenue from 3:00 to 8:30 in the evening. The event will include hot air balloon rides from 3:30 to 5:30, weather depending, and a car cruise-in with prizes and awards, along with yard games, face painting, pony rides, a petting zoo, and even a performance from the Kimble Parker Band from 3:30 to 4:30 and another at 7:30 to 8:30 in the evening. This event is free and everyone is welcome to attend, member or not, but only members will be able to vote for board members.

As black bear sightings increase within the area, remember that intentionally feeding them puts people and property at risk and can lead to the bear’s death. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds people to be BearWise. Unsecured food sources around homes and outbuildings could attract the attention of a hungry bear. It is important that people remove or secure bear attractants from their property, such as bird feeders, trash, barbeque grills, pet food, and food waste. Feeding bears makes them lose their natural fear of humans, and teaches them to see humans as food providers. They will learn to go to places like homes, campsites, and neighborhoods to look for food, instead of staying in the forest. While hiking or camping, stay alert and avoid confrontation – make noise so you don’t surprise a bear by clapping, singing, or talking loudly. If you see a bear, leave it alone and do not approach. Back away slowly with your arms raised and speak in a calm, loud voice. Do not turn your back to the bear. Walk away slowly and do not run. For more information, such as tips and tricks on keeping your food secure, visit mdc.mo.gov and search “camping and hiking in black bear country.” According to the MDC, most Missouri bears live just south of Interstate 44, but as the population continues to grow, bears have started to inhabit new areas of the state. For more information on how to be BearWise and to report a bear sighting, visit mdc.mo.gov/bearwise.

Feral hogs remain a major threat to agriculture and wildlife in southeastern Missouri, but the state is gaining ground. Jason Sumners, Missouri Conservation Department Director, told the Conservation Commission May 29th that the state and the federal USDA are making significant progress in the war against wild hogs. According to Sumners, the use of drones and helicopters continues to be an effective and efficient method of removing feral hogs from the landscape. Last year, the state and federal partnership removed over 6,100 feral hogs. More than 2,700 feral hogs were removed by aircraft. Feral hogs can be aggressive and have been known to attack people, though the greater risk is from infectious diseases carried by wild hogs. Anyone who sees one or more feral hogs is strongly advised not to shoot them, as that will cause them to scatter and make trapping them more difficult. Feral hog sightings should instead be reported to the Missouri Department of Conservation or to the USDA. Report feral hog sightings to 573-522-4115, ext. 3296, or online by visiting mdc.mo.gov and searching “feral hogs in Missouri.”

The Dent County Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) is in need of more volunteers to assist with bed deliveries on the outskirts of Dent County, including Bunker and Sligo. If you are someone willing and able to lend a hand, join SHP, an international non-profit that builds, assembles, and delivers new beds to children in need to ensure no child sleeps on the floor of our town. Contact Patti McKeown at patti.mckeown@shpbeds.org or call the chapter at 1-844-432-2337 for more information.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. Under road reports, District One Commissioner Keith Green reported that both district one and district two crew members are off for the holiday of Juneteenth. Over the course of the week, district one crew members have been working on hauling and stockpiling rock, as well as preparing County Road 4110 for overlay. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported that district two crew members have been working on grading roads in the Sligo area and preparing chipseal roads for overlay. Crew members will be continuing preparation for overlay into next week. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported that at the Solid Waste Committee meeting in St. James, a nomination of officers was held with Larson remaining as chairman. Financials were also approved at that meeting. Larson attended a Missouri Association of Counties (MAC) “Data Center Summit” meeting held in Jefferson City. The meeting was educational, but Larson ultimately reiterated the commissioners are against data centers and for safeguarding the county. Commissioners will be seeking legal counsel on possible preventative actions the county may take. Larson also attended a Tourism Commission meeting, in which the board approved four reimbursements. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that bills are to be approved, and that excused absentee voting will begin on June 23rd. A representative of the Salem Chambers Singers, Jackson Harris, requested the use of the courthouse front lawn to sell snowcones on July 4th. The commissioners approved the request. Meanwhile, under public comments, resident Katie Ann Gaither advocated against Flock camera technology, citing concerns of it violating constitutional rights of residents. Gaither encouraged commissioners to take actions to remove the devices from the county. Commissioners informed Gaither that the devices were outside of their control, and that she should contact the Sheriff’s Office for more information on how the cameras are utilized to protect the county. County Collector Shannon VanKirk and County Assessor Alisa Brookshire came in to suggest Dent County become an occupancy county and to have legal counsel draft the ordinance or order, if approved. If approved, it would begin in 2026. No decision was made, as the commissioners will gather more information on the issue. The Dent County Courthouse will be closed June 19th in observance of Juneteenth. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be on Monday, June 22nd at 9:00 in the morning in the courthouse. These meetings are open to the public.

A representative of Mercy Clinic Family Medicine has confirmed with Your World Today that the clinic in Salem and Steelville will be shutting down. The Salem primary care clinic will be closing June 29th, and the Steelville Clinic will be closing July 9th, after 32 years of service. According to a statement provided by Mercy, the decision comes as rural healthcare providers face significant cuts to federal healthcare funding. Mercy is currently working with patients to transition their care to nearby clinics in Rolla and Saint James. If you have any questions regarding the Salem Clinic you’re encouraged to call (573) 729-6225 or visit their office at 404 West Rolla Road in Salem.

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.

Missouri S&T will be hosting a Community Job Fair located at the Innovation Lab on 650 Tim Bradley Way in Rolla this Saturday, beginning at 10:00 in the morning and ending at 2:00 in the afternoon. Attendees will have a chance to connect face-to-face with a variety of local employers and campus departments all in one place. This is an opportunity to learn about current and future job openings, ask questions, and make meaningful connections. There will be free career workshops, including some on resume writing tips, interview skills and confidence, and military transition support. No registration is required. Attendees are encouraged to bring copies of their resume.