Archive for 2026

The Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, or “STIP,” lists transportation projects planned by state and regional planning agencies and reflects the transportation needs of communities across the state, from high-volume interstate construction projects to low-volume routes in rural areas. The draft FY 2027-2031 STIP was presented to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (MHTC) at an open meeting, allowing for a 30-day public review and comment period on the proposal. This draft STIP makes available $13 billion of federal and state revenues for all modes of transportation over the next five years and details $9.3 billion in road and bridge construction contractor awards, averaging approximately $1.9 billion per year. In Dent County specifically, proposed highway and bridge construction projects include bridge rehabilitation over Spring Creek; repair slide 0.3 mile south of County Road 4050; bridge replacement over Huzzah Creek; bridge improvement over Dry Creek; scour repair and bridge painting at Dry Branch; bridge improvement over Crooked Creek; bridge improvements over Dry Fork Creek and Barnitz Prong Dry Creek and on Hwy. 32 over Dry Fork Creek and Pigeon Creek. There are also a few pavement resurfacing projects proposed, including from Hwy. 72 to Hwy. 32. Scoping for bridge improvements over Dry Fork of Meramec River is also among the proposed projects for Dent County. You can review the proposed STIP in full and comment at the website modot.org/DRAFTSTIP. Those interested in seeing the program or offering comments can also contact MoDOT by email at STIPcomments@modot.mo.gov; by calling customer service at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636); or by mailing Transportation Planning, Program Comments, P.O. Box 270, Jefferson City, MO 65102. The formal comment period ends tomorrow, June 5th. A summary of comments will then be presented to MHTC. After review, the proposal will be considered for approval at the July 1st MHTC meeting. 

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. 

Interested in learning how to safely preserve your favorite food at home? Join a hands-on Water Bath Canning Workshop on Thursday, June 18th 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 City of Salem’s Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades are ongoing, with the city notifying residents on the west side of town they may notice a stronger than normal odor over the next month as work continues. As part of construction, the contractor will be temporarily transferring liquids from the oxidation basin to the temporary storm overflow area while improvements are made to the oxidation ditch. During this process, treatment plant staff and on-site contractors will do everything possible to help reduce odors; however, odors may remain above normal levels until work on the oxidation ditch is completed, materials are transferred back, and the new upgrades are fully operational. The odors may be unpleasant, but the city encourages and appreciates the community’s patience and understanding as the important infrastructure improvement project moves forward.

Our community has always shown up when people need it most, and now it’s time to rally around Zach Moser and his family. “We’ve Got Your Back, Zach” will be held Friday, June 19th from 5:00 to 9:00 in the evening at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory and will include an auction, dessert auction, concessions, T-shirts, and community support for a family facing an incredibly difficult battle with Stage 4 Sarcoma. Organizers are currently seeking auction item donations, dessert donations, monetary sponsorships for food and t-shirts, and businesses or individuals willing to support the event in any way. No donation is too small. If you would like to donate or help support this fundraiser, please contact Susie Cahill at susie@salemcommunitycenter.org. Items can be dropped off at the community center Monday through Friday from 8:00 in the morning to 4:00 in the afternoon with desserts being dropped off Friday, June 19th. In addition to auctions, organizers will also be holding a pickleball tournament on Saturday, June 20th beginning at 10:30 in the morning. Registration will be $25 per player. A competitive 3v3 basketball tournament will be held Saturday, June 27th, with registration at $60 per team. All proceeds from the fundraisers will help Zach and his family with treatment expenses, travel, and daily living costs as he continues his fight against cancer. For more information about these fundraisers, please call 573-739-1127 or email Susie@SalemCommunityCenter.org.

The August 4th Primary Election is just around the corner, so it’s important to keep in mind some key facts and upcoming deadlines. Not only will the primary election allow each political party to determine its nominee for the general election in November, but it will also contain four constitutional amendments. The last day to register to vote for the Primary Election is July 8th. 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.

Four constitutional amendments will be seen on the August 4th Primary Election ballot following signed proclamations from Governor Mike Kehoe. All ballot measures, if certified, will be on the November general 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.

ServMO, a nonpartisan State Commission approved by AmeriCorps and consisting of 15-25 members appointed by the governor, will soon be accepting applications for the America 250 Missouri Mini-Grant opportunity in celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary. Organizations are invited to submit applications in support of meaningful, community-driven service projects in the month of September 2026. Mini-grants of up to $3,000 will be available to fund projects taking place on or around 9/11 Day of Service and/or Missouri Good Neighbor Week, September 28th through October 4th, 2026. The application cycle for the grant opportunity is now through June 19th, 2026. More information, including the application form and guidelines for all interested parties, are now available at serv.mo.gov/grant-opportunities.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse for its regular meeting. First District Commissioner Keith Green reported that crew members would be out grading and hauling rock where needed on county roads 6190, 6230, and 2400. County Road 4110 will be prepared for resurfacing. The Mantis brushcutter will be receiving maintenance. Under public comments, commissioners heard from a resident of County Road 6190, who requested work done due to recent washouts. Additionally, the resident notified Green that there is a culvert in need of replacement on that road, alongside a speed limit sign. Green shared that crew members are aware of the issue but are attempting to catch up on the detour routes traffic are taking due to the closure of the bridge on Hwy. B and Yancy Mills on Hwy. 63. Second District Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported that crew members will be out grading on county roads 4290, 2590, 2513, 2600, and 2160. Crew members will be cutting brush on County Road 2330 and hauling rock on county roads 2590 and 2160. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported that he will be attending a Meramec Community Enhancement Corporation (MCEC) meeting in St. James on Wednesday. Larson further shared he will be stepping down from his position as chairman on that board but remain as a regular member. Finally, Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that bills and payroll are to be approved. She further reported she attended the Missouri Election spring conference last week where officials heard legislative updates. Additionally, Curley participated in the Show-Me Certification program, a training for Missouri local election officials provided through the Missouri Association of County Clerks. Absentee voting for the Aug. 4th Primary Election will begin on June 23rd. Bids were opened on culverts, with the following received: Consolidated Pipe and Supply, Co. for $31,764.60; Metal Culverts for $39,582.05; Viebrock Sales and Service for $32,442.60; and Roberts Judson Lumber Co. for $36,329.88. Commissioners accepted the bid from Consolidated Pipe and Supply Co. for $31,764.60. Great Rivers Engineering (GRE) called later during the meeting and reported that one bid was submitted on the TAP project for the sidewalks of the courthouse. GRE will be rejecting the bid and will be rebidding the project due to the amount being double the budgeted amount. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will take place at 9:00 in the morning Thursday, June 4th at the courthouse and is open to the public.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees held its regular meeting on May 21st. The minutes of the April meeting were presented and approved. Within the Administrator’s Report, Health Center Administrator Zach Moser reported that the Inaugural Gala revenue was $10,333 and expenses were $5,433.94, and that the Spring Health Fair had 54 participants. Moser further discussed with the board options to improve continuity in the event of his absence. The board received the operations report. In communicable disease, there have been seven CD cases, 49 STI tests, eight influenza cases, and four animal bites. There were 59 active lead cases and eight total inspections. Under immunizations, there was one influenza vaccine, 40 other vaccines, and 19 total appointments. For community-specific services, all laboratory appointments totalled 157; all appointments other than WIC was 562; all provider appointments was 133; all immunization appointments was 19; and CareCab rides totalled 347. Meanwhile, the financial reports for March were reviewed and approved. In closed session, the board approved a workplace accommodation for an employee. The next meeting will be held June 18th at 5:00 at the DCHC.

After applying and receiving grant funds from CoBank and Sho-Me Power Electric Cooperative, Intercounty Electric Cooperative Association (IECA) chose two groups to donate the funds to: local sheltered workshops and local CASA chapters. Local CASA chapters that assist children in the service territory of Intercounty include CASA of South Central Missouri, Mid-Ozark CASA, and 37th CASA. Each CASA chapter received $7,000 to assist in their efforts to support local kids. Local sheltered workshops include Scenic Rivers Industries, Inc.; Opportunity Sheltered Industries, Inc.; Unique Services, Inc.; Phelps County Industrial Solutions; and Choices for People. Each of the workshops received a check for $3,500.

With school out for the summer, a free summer feeding program through Opaa! Food Management Inc. will be available to keep the community’s kids stay fueled, healthy, and happy. If you have children aged 18 or younger living in Dent County or the surrounding area, you can pre-order a bag packed with five days worth of nutritious breakfast and lunch options. You can pick-up at the Salem R-80 High School on Mondays starting June 8th through July 31st from 4:00 to 6:00 in the evening. For more information, please call Chasity at 573-201-1516.

The Missouri Department of Conservation will be offering a virtual program on squirrel hunting basics from 6:00 to 9:00 in the evening Tuesday, June 9th. This virtual program will provide participants with a basic understanding of squirrel biology and behavior, an overview of squirrel hunting regulations and seasons, information on how to locate places to squirrel hunt, a breakdown of required equipment and hunting strategies, instruction on how to clean and prepare harvested squirrels, and next steps for new hunters who want to further their knowledge or explore hunting opportunities. To register, visit mdc.gov/events and search “Squirrel hunting.”

The Dent County Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace will be holding its monthly Community Meeting today from 5:30 to 6:30 in the evening at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory in the Walden Room. SHP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that builds, assembles and delivers new, free beds to children in need in our community, ages 3-17. The Dent County Chapter is looking for additional volunteers to assist with bed deliveries across Dent County. If you are interested in more information, please contact Dent County Chapter President Patti McKeown through email at patti.mckeown@shpbeds.org or call the Dent County SHP Chapter at 1-(844)-432-2337.

The Dent-Phelps R-3 Board of Education met Thursday, May 21st in the conference room. After the call to order and approval of the agenda and consent agenda, containing bills, open session minutes, and the May financial report, the board discussed bids received for HVAC preventative maintenance for the 2026-27 school year, approving the bid from Brown Heating & Cooling, Inc. at the cost of $925. The board also approved soliciting bids for milk and propane for the 2026-27 school year. On the petty cash account, the board approved removing Victoria Brooker and Denny Melvin as authorized signers and approving Superintendent Karla Tiefenthaler. The board approved the Dent-Phelps R-3 Literacy Plan Revision and Comprehensive Needs Assessment as presented. After moving into closed session, the board approved the hiring of two teachers, Ashley Patterson and Audrey Ray, and one bus driver, Kermit Lonning. The board returned to open session and then adjourned. The next board meeting will take place at 6:00 in the evening Tuesday, June 23rd.

The Department of Public Safety has awarded a total of $1.455 million to 108 fire departments across the state to bolster the firefighting capabilities of small volunteer departments that provide critical protection to their rural communities. The Missouri Volunteer Fire Department Grant provided up to $15,000 for the purchase of equipment to small volunteer departments with annual operating budgets of $50,000 or less, where resources for essential firefighting equipment can be strained. The most requested items were firefighter turnout gear, extrication equipment, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and interoperable radios and repeaters for communication. There was also strong demand for basic supplies like hoses, nozzles, power tools and saws. DPS announced the first-ever Missouri Volunteer Fire Department Grant in October 2025. There was a 5% local cash match, which means for equipment costing $15,789.47, the local match share would be $789.47 and the state share of 95% would be $15,000. The performance period of the grant ended May 15, 2026. Missouri Volunteer Fire Department Grant Recipients in our area included the Ironton Fire Department, Jadwin Volunteer Fire Department, Licking Rural Fire Department, Montauk Rural Fire Department, and the Timber Community Fire Protection District. 

The removal of a crashed vehicle from the roadside of Missouri Route 32 east of Salem will require a 12-hour roadway closure on June 8th and June 9th. To minimize impacts to traffic using this route as a detour for the closure of Dent County Route B and the narrowing of U.S. Route 63 south of Rolla, the closure is planned during the overnight hours June 8th through June 9th. Beginning as early as 7:00 in the evening on June 8th, the towing company, working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, will close Route 32 between Route 72 south and County Road 4350. A signed detour will not be in place, but motorists should use Routes 72, A and 19 to navigate around the closure. The roadway is expected to reopen by 7:00 in the morning on June 9th.  Due to the amount of equipment and effort involved in removing this oversized, heavy vehicle from the roadside, that timing may change. All work is weather permitting, and schedules are subject to change. 

The City of Salem Parks and Recreation Department announced that Water Aerobics will begin today. This is a low-impact, high-energy exercise that welcomes all to build strength, boost cardio, and improve flexibility without stressing joints. This exercise is great for all ages and fitness levels. Water Aerobics will take place weekdays at the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Swimming Pool from 10:30 to 11:30 in the morning. From June 8th through June 19th and July 6th through July 17th, the hours will be 9:30 to 10:30 in the morning. Costs are $5 per class or a $60 monthly pass can be purchased. Contact the pool for any questions or more information at 573-729-6228. Open pool hours are Monday through Saturday noon to 6:00 and Sunday from 1:00 to 6:00.