Archive for 2026

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen meeting that was scheduled for Tuesday, January 27th, has been postponed until the next regularly scheduled meeting date which will be February 10th at the Salem City Hall Auditorium.

Dent County Opioid Fund Disbursement Board Chairman Rick Letchworth has called a meeting of the Dent County Opioid Settlement Committee at 6:00 tonight at the Dent County Associate Courtroom at 112 East 5th Street. After the roll call and approval of previous meeting minutes, the agenda calls for the reading of the applications for funding that were received before the committee will accept questions and comments from applicants. The committee will then discuss the applications and determine which ones should be approved for funding. The committee will then set future application for funding deadlines and set the next meeting date for future applications approval before adjourning. The Dent County Opioid Settlement Committee meeting tonight is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released two reports that occurred in the last few days. The first report was in regard to the arrest of a Salem woman on a felony arrest warrant which occurred on January 23rd. According to their report, three Salem Police patrolmen conducted a short-term investigation into the whereabouts of a wanted fugitive. The officers responded to the 300 block of East Fourth Street where they located the subject and identified her as Alexis Alguilar. Alguilar was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Dent County Jail. Alguilar had an active probation violation stemming from the original charge for the Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and is currently being held without bond. In the second report that occurred on January 27th, a Salem Police patrolman and detective conducted a short-term investigation regarding the whereabouts of a wanted fugitive related to a prior narcotics investigation. Officers responded to the 400 block of West Ninth Street where they located the subject and identified him as David Howell. Howell was taken into custody and transported to the Dent County Jail. Howell had failed to appear in court on the charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance and Keeping or Maintaining a Public Nuisance. Howell is currently being held without bond. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has released the following statistics from this past weekend’s winter storm. According to the release the patrol responded to 1,437 calls for service and assisted 289 stranded motorists. They responded to 207 minor crashes that resulted in 30 injuries. The patrol stated that there was one fatality crash, but it was not related to the weather.

The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds hunters that portable tree stands must be removed from conservation areas by February 1st. This applies to areas where black bear, deer, or elk hunting is allowed, allowed by special-use permit, or except as otherwise authorized in the Wildlife Code of Missouri. According the Wildlife Code, only portable tree stands are allowed on conservation areas, and only from September 1st through January 31st. Unattended stands must be plainly labeled on a durable material with the full name and address, or conservation number, of the owner and must be removed from the area before February 1st. Use of nails, screw-in steps, and any material or method that would damage the tree is prohibited. Any tree stand found on conservation areas after February 1st may be removed and seized as evidence by conservation agents until an owner can be determined or a court order for its disposition can be obtained. Get more information on the Wildlife Code of Missouri from MDC online at mdc.mo.gov.

Signups for the City of Salem Park and Recreation Department’s Youth Soccer program are going on now for $35 per person until February 6th. Planned age divisions are four and under, six and under, eight and under, ten and under, 12 and under and 14 and under. To sign up, go to the Salem Park and Recreation Facebook page and find the link to Teamsnap to register your child online. Late registration begins February 7th and will last until February 13th and there will be an additional $10 charge. If you have a problem getting registered, e-mail Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois at salemparks@salemmo.com.

The Dent County Commission held a quick regular meeting and 2026 budget hearing Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. Before the hearing, Commissioners Keith Green and Jimmy Williams reported road crews were out grading and treating roads to make sure they are all drivable. Jack Todd from Victor Heating and Cooling, LLC wanted to thank the road crews for doing a fantastic job on the roads making it possible for repair personnel to get to those people who need services performed during these extremely cold days. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson had nothing to report and called to order the budget hearing. Larson reported the General Revenue Fund ended 2025 with net cash available at $2,759,096.93. The estimated revenues for 2026 are $2.371 million dollars while estimated expenses for 2026 are expected to be $2.892 million dollars. This would result in an estimated ending balance of $2,238,303.33 as of December 31st, 2026.  The Road and Bridge Fund ending cash balance in 2025 was $781,311.46. The commissioners have estimated revenues in 2026 at $3.440 million dollars, and estimated expenses of $3.417 million dollars. This would result in an estimated ending balance of $803,628.92 at the end of 2026. The county is still expecting reimbursements from FEMA for the expenses incurred for road repairs from the rains of 2025 but are still not sure when to expect them. The Assessment Fund ending balance for 2025 was $91,000.66. The estimated revenues for 2026 came to $246,975.00, and with estimated expenses of $313,914.67, an estimated ending balance at the end of 2026 of $24,060.99 would be expected. The Law Enforcement Sales Tax (LEST) Fund ending balance in 2025 was $1,003,610.92. With estimate revenues in 2026 expected to be $1.411 million dollars and estimated deductions of $1.690 million dollars, this should leave an estimated ending balance of $723,815.04 at the end of 2026. The 9-1-1 fund had an ending balance of $50,034.73 in 2025. With expected estimated revenues of $34,000 in 2026 and estimated expenses of $29,700, there would be an expected ending balance at the end of 2026 of $54,334.73. The Jail Construction and Operations Fund finished the 2025 year with cash available of $2,625,543.15. The fund is expected to have revenues in 2026 of $2.504 million dollars, and with estimated expenses of $2.762 million dollars, that would leave an estimated ending balance of $2,367,560.67 at the end of 2026. The Jail Construction Trust Fund finished 2025 with an ending balance of $1.672 million dollars. The commissioners estimated revenues of $1.217 million dollars, and with anticipated expenses of $1.360 million dollars, that would leave the fund with a projected ending balance of $2,200,804.31 at the end of 2026. A question was asked if there was money put into the 2026 budget to cover the cost of adding an elevator to the courthouse as asked for by 42nd Judicial Circuit Judge Megan Seay and Commissioner Larson said there was not. He stated the commission will be investigation whether the elevator should be built onto the old courthouse or be part of a new courtroom that would be built next to the jail. The commission will be meeting with a representative from Hart and Associates out of St. Louis soon to see where the county stands with their current jail fund balances, and what process they would need to do to meet to construct the new ADA courtroom. The budget for 2026 was then approved unanimously by the commissioners. At a special meeting held Friday, January 23rd, the commission met to discuss and sign an agreement with Mid-Missouri Emergency Solutions, LLC, to provide emergency management services and oversight for Dent County in line with state statutes. After discussion, the commission approved and signed the agreement. The hearing was then adjourned.

The Salem Memorial Hospital ToRCH Community Leadership Board is excited to announce Capacity Building Grant funding available through the Transformation of Rural Community Health (ToRCH) Project. These grants are designed to enhance the capacity of our community partners to support the goals identified by the ToRCH initiative. The ToRCH Community Leadership Board will be awarding grants to address gaps in available services within the community. These grants are intended to enhance the capacity of community partners whose work supports the goals identified by the ToRCH initiative and directly benefits individuals and families served by Medicaid. Funding will be awarded to address gaps in services that impact access, quality, and outcomes for the Medicaid population, particularly in rural settings where smaller-scale operations may face resource limitations. Grant funding may be used to strengthen organizational capacity through expanded staffing, facility improvements, equipment purchases, and solutions to logistical or operational challenges. Priority areas for funding include Community Service; Transportation; Behavioral Health Access; Diabetes Prevention; Food Insecurity; Maternal/ Child Health; Obesity Prevention; Primary Care Access; and Quality of Life. As of January 19th, grant proposals will be accepted year-round. Proposals will be evaluated and voted on either individually or during quarterly review cycles, based on the importance and time sensitivity of each submission. A total of $250,000.00 is available. For further information or to request an application, please contact Sarah Arnett, ToRCH Program Manager, at sarnett@smdh.net. 

The 2026 Salem High School Art Club calendars are available at the circulation desk! These calendars feature amazing artwork from our community’s talented students and are just $15.00 each.  All money from the sale of the calendars goes to the Salem High School Art Club.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors will hold their regular meeting tonight at 7:00 in the hospital’s library. After the call to order, roll call and approval of the agenda, the board will approve policies and procedures from several departments including: Cardiopulmonary, Family Medicine Clinic, Dietary, Revenue Cycle, Infection Prevention, and Nursing Services, as well as approving the credit card and Telehealth policies. Public comments or presentations that are limited to 3 minutes will then be heard. Chief Executive Officer Brooke Bollman will present her report as well as the previous month’s financials. Following the financials report, the board will hear reports from the Chief Nursing Officer, Human Resources, as well as Quality Improvement. No old business is on the agenda, however new business to be conducted includes discussion about the Salem Memorial Hospital Employee Handbook, the 2026-2031 strategic plan, laboratory director recruitment, and approval of medical staff privileges. The board will go into executive session to discuss personnel and legal issues. 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 City of Salem Board of Aldermen will meet for their regular meeting tonight at 6:00 in the Old City Hall Auditorium at 202 North Washington. Following the approval of the agenda and the consent agenda, the board will hear public comments. In new and miscellaneous business, the Annual Net Metering Report will be considered. The second reading of Bill No. 3695 will occur, followed by the first and second readings of Bill No. 3696 approving Change Order No. 2 for the Salem Wastewater Treatment Facility Phase 2 Improvements Project, Bill No. 3697 approving Change Order No. 2 for the City of Salem Water System Improvements-Contract B, Elevated Storage Tank Project, and Bill No. 3698 approving Change Order No. 3 for the City of Salem Water System Improvements-Contract C, Pitless Well Project. The reading of bills will be followed by reports from City Officials. The Board of Aldermen will then go into Closed Session, followed by adjournment.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) thanks Missourians for staying off the roads during this weekend’s winter storm. It’s estimated that traffic volumes were 75–80% lower than normal throughout the state over the weekend. That cooperation allowed crews to respond more quickly and safely, contributing to significantly fewer serious incidents. MoDOT Director Ed Hassinger said we are grateful to everyone who did their part by staying home and giving our crews room to work. Our teams have been out continuously in extremely cold conditions, and their efforts – combined with the public’s cooperation – helped keep this storm’s impacts from being far worse. People staying off the roads was probably the single most important thing that allowed us to make the progress we’ve made so far. As we head through these next few days, please continue to plan ahead, slow down and consider delaying travel if you can. As of Monday morning, MoDOT crews had already traveled more than 1 million miles in response, working around the clock to clear highways. Despite the storm’s severity, Missouri recorded just one weather-related traffic fatality statewide – well below average for a storm of this magnitude, and notably below the average for a typical weekend in Missouri. Over the next few days, MoDOT will continue working around the clock. Major routes should continue progressing toward mostly clear conditions, but many secondary roads may remain covered. If you must travel, plan your commute, leave early, and drive for conditions – take it slow and brake, steer and accelerate gently. Check local road conditions before heading out at traveler.modot.org. Carry extra fuel and pack essentials – blankets, warm clothes, water, snacks and a phone charger. If you slide off the road or are involved in a crash, remain inside your vehicle with your seat belt fastened until help arrives. And remember give snowplows and emergency vehicles plenty of room – do not tailgate or attempt to pass. For more information, call MoDOT at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org. To receive the latest statewide news and text alerts, sign up for e-updates. Follow MoDOT on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube.

The Dent Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees met Thursday evening, January 22nd at 5:00. The 2026 Health and Benefits plan proposed by Administrator Zach Moser was reviewed. Changes from last year include offering two-tiers of insurance to provide employees with options. Dental and vision stayed the same. A 30% employee premium share was suggested. The proposal was reviewed, discussed and approved by the board. Current CDs and CD rates were evaluated. The board moved to purchase a $200,000 CD from MOSIP at 4% interest. The meeting was adjourned at 5:08.

Congratulations go out to Mrs. Jennifer Rensch who was selected as the Salem R-80 District January 2026 Teacher of the Month, and to Mrs. Kathy Grover who was selected as the Salem R-80 January 2026 Staff Member of the Month. In total, there were thirty-seven nominations submitted from throughout the district from other members, parents, students, and community members to highlight contributions made by nominees designed to support student learning in every aspect.

The Dent County Commissioners have closed all offices at the Dent County Courthouse, Judicial Building and Annex due to the snow, but the commissioners are going to meet at 10:00 this morning in their office at the courthouse for the 2026 county budget hearing which is open to the public. All access to the courthouse will close after the hearing is adjourned. Also, Judge Michael Randazzo has closed all courts in all the counties served by the 42nd Judicial Circuit Court.

The cold from Winter Storm “Fern” remains which has brought us single-digit temperatures and wind chills well below zero this week, causing very high electric demand across the country. If the City of Salem sets a new Peak Demand for total electric use this morning from 6:00 to 11:00, the city will pay higher electricity costs for the next 12 months. Potentially impacting electric rates for in the future. The city would appreciate your help by safely conserving electricity by lowering your thermostat a few degrees if safe, turn off lights and electronics you are not using, and delay doing laundry, dishwashers, and other large appliances to off peak hours. Everything little thing you do to hold down your electric usage helps protect our electric system and control future costs.

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees met Thursday evening, January 15th at 5:00. Administrator Zach Moser presented the Service and Statistics report for the month of December. In the Communicable Disease Report, he stated there were 5 cases of COVID-19 reported, while the active lead cases were reported at 70, plus 4 communicable disease cases. There were 22 Influenza A cases, 3 animal bites were reported, and there were 19 screenings for sexually transmitted infections, resulting in 70 total tests. The December environmental report showed there where 24 total inspections or re-inspections conducted. The Maternal-Child Health (MCH) statistics showed there were 11 car seats distributed, there was  one Show-Me Healthy Women appointment, no CPR Courses, no consultation for Childcare Health, and there were 14 Title X appointments reported. There were two Presumptive Eligibility (Temporary Medicaid), while there were 330 WIC appointments. The Community-Specific Services Summary showed 568 total appointments other than WIC, 154 total provider appointments, 206 treatment court visits, 152 lab appointments and 56 immunization appointments. Nurse Practitioner Service Details showed one Show-Me Healthy Women appointment, 9 family plannings, 3 well-child visit, no other well-woman exam, 5 other physicals, 10 SEMO physicals, plus 34 other visits, and 93 acute illness appointments for a total of 154 visits. Laboratory details showed 155 Lab Draws, 8 appointments for Rapid Test for COVID, Flu, RSV or Strep, 6 pregnancy tests, 6 lead tests were reported, plus 12 other urine drug screenings. Phlebotomy appointments totaled 123, while all Lab appointments totaling 152. Immunizations for December showed 19 for COVID-19 and 37 for Influenza, plus 19 other vaccines given during 56 appointments. In the Administrator’s report, Moser announced the first Gala date is set for April 24th. He said that during December a number of back payments from the state were received, but that DCHC still came in under the threshold for a Federal Single Audit. Jessica Ricks provided a detailed written report regarding the activities of the Population Health Department. Moser reported that due to the loss of the CareCab driver those services are on hold until a new driver can be hired. He said that the cases of Flu are increasing with some reporting the highest number since 2019. The financial reports for December were reviewed. Current assets at the end of November were $1,263,492.87. Total assets were $2,106,002.85, total liabilities were $362,004.21, and equity was $1,721,062.36. Revenue for December was $251,501.32; expenses were $105,590.54 for a net operating revenue of $126,213.88. After other revenue and expenses, net revenue was $123,024.60. The report from H&R Block was also reviewed. After discussion the financial report was approved. The proposed bylaw changes were reviewed and approved by the board. Resolution 2026-001 regarding Policy-Procedure Governance adoption was reviewed and approved. The new Policy Manual was reviewed, discussed, modified, and approved with changes. During new business Zach presented a Cybersecurity grant that DCHC had been approved for over a year after applying for it. The context around the grant plan had changed since the application was submitted and it was not in the budget. Motion was made, seconded and passed to accept the grant and modify the budget accordingly after Zach determines that the grant still meets DCHC operational needs. The Board entered closed session at 6:20 to discuss personnel. At 6:41 the Board returned from closed session having discussed personnel and taking no votes. Prior to adjournment the next regular meeting date was set for Thursday, February 19th, 2025, with the hearing for the Environmental Fees starting first at 5:00. The hearing was moved to February because the public was not adequately notified by the January meeting.