Archive for 2026

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met for its regular meeting on Thursday at the Administrative Office. Food Service Director of Opaa!, Chasity Harris, informed the board that the ongoing summer feeding program served 9,415 breakfasts and 9,415 lunches throughout the month of June. With the assistance of Harris, Wills relayed that staff have completed applications to qualify for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which provides the option to offer free meals to all students in eligible high poverty Local Education Agencies (LEA) and schools without the need to collect household applications. Wills shared that the payment for June’s free summer program was $114,000. After payments are made to Opaa!, the anticipated profit is approximately $45,000. Looking at the food service finances, Wills shared he anticipates the Salem High School will be able to provide free breakfast and lunch. Under the superintendent’s report, Wills shared that the FEMA building tiles have been having issues with humidity and needed to be stripped and waxed. Staff will be keeping an eye on the issue. The High School Gym has been repainted with compliments given by the board for a job well done. Renovating the lobby’s men’s bathrooms will be started as soon as the gym is finished. Flooring work is ongoing at the middle school and high school. Wills also noted personnel handbook changes which added policies to the handbook, thereby lessening video training required for personnel. Under new business, the board approved the Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) plan, which provides three days to utilize at staff’s discretion for weather or sickness. The board also approved MSBA 2026 policy updates, and the annual increase of 10 cents for meal prices for the 2026-27 school year. In addition, the board approved an amended contract with Compass Therapy Solutions and Stepping Stones Group. The board adjourned into closed session to discuss personnel. The next regular meeting of the Salem R-80 Board of Education will be Thursday, Aug. 20th at 5:30 in the evening, and will include the annual tax rate hearing. This meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Commission met for its regular meeting Monday morning at the courthouse. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson commended organizers and exhibitors for a great 2026 4-H/FFA Expo and Livestock Auction. He also commended the community for its continued support of the annual event. Under road reports, both commissioners urged the community to have patience as the districts work through cutting brush. Commissioners are aware of the overgrowth and are working through it as able. District One Commissioner Keith Green reported that crew members will be completing service on the grader, and a tractor will be undergoing maintenance. Grading will be done around the area of County Road 5600, and cutting brush is planned for County Road 5490 and the Gladden and Jadwin area. Crew members will also be stockpiling rock. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams shared that a culvert will be installed on County Road 3030. Grading is planned for county roads 3050, 5260, and 2090. Cutting brush is planned for 4020 and 4030, and hauling rock is planned for 5260, 3030, and 2090. Crew members will also be hauling broken concrete to line a creek bank on County Road 3030 for washout prevention. County Clerk Angie Curley reported bills are to be approved, and that no excuse absentee voting begins Tuesday and will continue through Aug. 3rd. The courthouse will be open for absentee voting on Saturday, Aug. 1st from 8:00 in the morning to noon. The last day to request an absentee ballot will be Wednesday. So far, approximately 130 ballots have been cast, which Curley shared is on par with previous years. Closed session minutes of last Thursday’s meeting were approved. The next Dent County Commission meeting will be Thursday at 9:00 in the morning at the courthouse and is open to the public.

The Bunker R-III Board of Education met for its regular meeting on Thursday, July 16th. The board approved its agenda and minutes of the previous meeting. The June and July 2026 expenditures were approved. The Professional Development (PDC) Handbook and Building School Improvement Plan (BSIP) were also approved, as submitted. The board accepted the bid from Honda Jefferson City for a School Van as submitted at a cost of $42,500; further, the board approved for a check to be written prior to the next board meeting to purchase the van. The purchase of a school truck for snow removal died for lack of a motion. The board went into closed session, during which it approved the previous meeting’s closed session minutes, and then adjourned. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Bunker R-III Board of Education will be Thursday, Aug. 20th at 6:00 in the evening and is open to the public.

Intercounty Electric Cooperative will be holding several Family Movie Nights this summer, including one in Salem this Friday at the Salem City Park. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a free movie showing of Zootopia 2. Popcorn/snacks and water will be provided. Movies will start at dark.

An accident occurred Friday evening around 5:04 in Phelps County on Hwy 63 at Virgil Faulkner Drive. According to the highway patrol report, a 2026 Chevrolet 1500 driven by a 16-year-old from Rolla was traveling northbound and crossed the center of the roadway, striking a 2022 Freightliner Cascadia driven by a 49-year-old from Florida who was traveling southbound. The Chevrolet then struck a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu driven by a 43-year-old from Rolla traveling southbound, striking a 2015 Kia Optima driven by a 54-year-old from Licking, also traveling southbound. The driver of the Kia suffered serious injuries, as well as a 7-year-old juvenile from Rolla in the Chevrolet 1500. Both injured parties were flown by Phelps Air to University Missouri Hospital in Columbia. The juvenile was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident, but the driver of the Kia was not. The driver of the Chevrolet 1500, and a 10-year-old juvenile both suffered moderate injuries and were transported by Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health Rolla. The driver was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident, but the juvenile was. The driver of the Chevrolet Malibu suffered minor injuries. A 41-year-old occupant from Rolla suffered moderate injuries and was transported by Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health Rolla. The report goes on to state they were not wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The two Chevrolet’s and the Kia were totaled and removed from the scene by D&D Towing. The Freightliner sustained moderate damage and was towed by C&C Towing.

The 2026 4-H and FFA Expo and Livestock Auction was held at The Commons this past weekend with auctioneers Roger Schafer and Brady Hagler. Shows kicked off bright and early at 7:00 in the morning on Friday with the Hog Show. The Grand Champion Hog was awarded to Blake Manthey, and the Reserve Champion Hog awarded to Olliver Hutchings. Swine Showmanship Awards went to Olliver Hutchings for Junior, Daxton Hutchings for Intermediate, and Blake Manthey for Senior. The Hog Show was followed by the Sheep and Goat Show, with Champion ribbons being given to Avery Shaw, Wyatt Shaw, Porter Seay, and Dallie Chapman, and Reserve Champion ribbons being given to Wyatt Shaw, Porter Seay, and Avery Shaw. The award of Grand Champion Goat went to Sawyer Camden, and the Reserve Champion Goat award went to Greta Vogel. Grand Champion Lamb went to Edlyn Cunningham, and Overall Reserve Lamb went to Joleigh Nash. Goat Showmanship awards went to Kynlee Garrison for Junior, Camden Sawyer for Intermediate, and Greta Vogel for Senior. The Beef and Dairy Show followed, with Champion ribbon recipients being Kohen Garrison’s Charolais Heifer; Josie Radford’s Hereford Heifer; Kagan Carty’s Red Angus Heifer; Baylor Chapman’s Shorthorn Heifer; Hadie Simpson’s Simmental Heifer; Chase Simpson’s All Other Breed Heifer; and Ella Yates’ Crossbred Heifer. Reserve Grand Champion ribbon winners were Brentlee Easter’s Charolais Heifer and Emeri Yates’ Crossbred Heifer. The Grand Champion Heifer went to Kohen Garrison, and the Reserve Champion Heifer went to Chase Simpson. Finally, the Grand Champion Steer went to Brentlee Easter, and the Reserve Champion Steer went to Lynlee Easter. In addition, each year, Brownfield Network donates two belt buckles to go toward 4-H or FFA Exhibitors who show outstanding mentorship and volunteerism throughout the Expo. Recipients for this year were Abbi Terrill and Izzy Thomas. The Salem FFA Chapter and all the Dent County 4-H Clubs thank everyone who attended the auction and Expo this year for their generosity and support. If you missed this year’s auction you can go back and watch it on either the KSMO YouTube page or Facebook page.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has released that one lane of eastbound I-44 in Pulaski County is to close around-the-clock for three weeks through early to mid-August. During that time, either the right or left lane may be closed. The work began last night at 9:00. The lane will be closed to work on a project along the I-44 corridor to add a climbing lane in each direction between Exit 159 and mile marker 157.2 in the St. Robert/Waynesville area of Pulaski County.

Flash flooding can happen fast, even if it’s not raining where you are. To keep your trips to Missouri’s State Parks safe and fun, be sure to check the weather forecast before you go and keep an eye on upstream conditions. When in doubt, move out. Keep an eye on the conditions of Missouri State Parks by visiting the Park and Site Status Map located at the Missouri State Parks website at mostateparks.com and clicking the “Park/Site Status” button at the very top of the page.

The Dent County Toy Drive will be holding its 6th annual Christmas in July fundraiser this Saturday at the Dent County Commons. This is a special year for the toy drive as it will be celebrating its 50th anniversary serving children in Dent County. There will be plenty to enjoy at the event, including pulled pork sandwiches, music throughout the day, and a free kids carnival. Attendees can also look forward to the car show, craft show, and poker run. The event will be held rain or shine. For updates, visit the Dent County Toy Drive Facebook page at facebook.com/TheDentCountyToyDrive.

During Thursday’s Small Animals’ Show at the Dent County 4-H/FFA Expo, Hawk Phelps had a standout day, earning Grand Champion Male Breeding Poultry, Reserve Champion Female Breeding Poultry, Grand Champion Buck Rabbit, Grand Champion Doe Rabbit, and Grand Champion Market Rabbit Pen. The Grand Champion for Female Breeding Poultry was awarded to Bella Dunlap, while Karlie Jex won Reserve Champion Buck Rabbit. Reserve Champion Doe Rabbit went to TaLula La Rue, and Kassidy Case received Reserve Champion Rabbit Pen. For Poultry Showmanship Awards: Junior was given to Liam Flowers; Intermediate to Hawk Phelps; and Senior to Conner Jex. For Rabbit Showmanship Awards: Junior was given to Kassidy Case; Intermediate to Dallie Chapman; and Senior to Charlee Duncan. Congratulations to all! Today, the shows will kick off at 7:00 in the morning with the hog show, followed by the Sheep and Goat Show. The Beef and Dairy Show will start at 1:00 Friday afternoon. On Saturday morning at 8:00, there will be a breakfast that will be followed at 9:00 with the highlight of the Expo, the 4-H and FFA Market Sale. The auction will be carried live on KSMO Radio (AM 1340 and FM 95.7) and also live streamed on KSMO Media (ksmoradio.com, KSMO Stream Facebook and the KSMO YouTube Channel.)

The Dent County Commission met for its regular meeting Thursday morning at the courthouse. Under public comments, resident Sean Collins urged action to be taken to prevent further usage of the Flock cameras. Collins argued the cameras violated the 4th Amendment of the United States Constitution, and that the cameras violate citizen’s privacy. Collins further argued the cameras are owned by the private company Flock Group Inc., doing business as Flock Safety, and that the data collected is also owned by that company, and its usage of the data can not be guaranteed. Commissioners reiterated that the question of the Flock cameras can not be put on the ballot, citing previous legal advice provided by Attorney Travis Elliot of the Missouri Association of Counties. Moving on to road reports, First District Commissioner Keith Green reported that crew members are planning to grade and haul rock to County Road 6020, a  road eligible for reimbursement from FEMA, and County Road 4220. Cutting brush is planned for county roads 6240 and 6245. Second District Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported crew members are planning to grade county roads 5225 and 5240 and cut brush on county roads 4010 and 4020. Grader #42 is to be serviced. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported he has signed a reimbursement invoice from Great Rivers Engineering on the FLAT project totaling $11,286.20. County Clerk Angie Curley reported that bills are to be approved. No excuse absentee voting is to begin next Tuesday, July 21st. The courthouse will be open for absentee voting on Saturday, Aug. 1st from 8:00 in the morning to noon. Absentee voting will be open until Aug. 3rd. For any questions on voting or the voting process, please contact the County Clerk’s Office at 573-729-4144. The commission also signed the Deputy Sheriff Salary Supplementation Fund (DSSSF) 2026 Grant for $40,000. Each deputy will receive an additional $3,000 annual salary. The next meeting of the County Commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and is open to the public.

The Scenic Rivers Performing Arts, the community theater of Salem, will be performing “The Sound of Music” this weekend. The cast and crew will feature a talented cast from Salem and the surrounding areas. Showtimes will be Thursday through Saturday at 7:00 in the evening. There will be matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 in the afternoon. Tickets will be available at the door, or you can search Facebook for “Scenic Rivers Performing Arts” to purchase your tickets online and in advance. 

An economic impact analysis conducted by the University of Missouri revealed Missouri’s state park system generates about $1.5 billion in total business sales and supports approximately 12,000 jobs from Missouri’s 93 state parks and historic sites. According to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Director Kurt Schaefer, the system operates on a $68 million annual budget. The study surveyed visitors in state parks statewide and analyzed Katy Trail State Park. When initial visitor spending is combined with purchases, such as hiking gear, camping supplies or outdoor apparel, and calculated against economic effects, the total footprint of Missouri’s approximately 20 million park visitors a year includes: $1.5 billion in total sales for Missouri businesses; $882.7 million added directly to the state’s Gross Domestic Product; $514.7 million produced in local labor and payroll income; and 11,890 jobs sustained across Missouri. On an individual level, day-trippers spend an average of $46 to 67 per day, while overnight guests increase that spending to $64 to 148 per day during their stays. This data was collected via comprehensive surveys managed by University of Missouri researchers in cooperation with Missouri’s Division of State Parks to assess direct visitor expenditure and secondary economic impacts using recognized economic modeling metrics.

This morning at The Commons, livestock registration for the Dent County 4-H and FFA Expo will be from 9:30 until 11:30. All livestock MUST be in place by 11:00. Weigh-ins are scheduled to start at 12:30 with the Small Animal Show beginning at 2:00. The “Pig Pals” practice will be at 5:00 with the show to follow at 5:30. The exhibitor and family supper will be held at 6:00. The yearly Dent County 4-H and FFA dessert auction was held last night and successfully raised $10,332 with all proceeds to benefit Dent County Youth through the 4-H and FFA programs. The Salem FFA Chapter and all the Dent County 4-H Clubs thank everyone who attended the auction for their generosity and support. On Saturday morning at 9:00, the highlight of the Expo, the 4-H and FFA Market Sale, will be carried live on KSMO Radio (AM 1340 and FM 95.7) and also live streamed on KSMO Media (ksmoradio.com, KSMO Stream Facebook and the KSMO YouTube Channel.) 

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be meeting Thursday at noon at the Administration Office on J Highway. This meeting is open to the public. After reports of administrative staff, the board will consider the approval of the 2026-27 AMI Plan; MSBA 2026 policy updates; the 2026-27 Personnel Handbook; and meal prices for the 2026-27 school year. The board will also be setting a tax rate hearing time and date, alongside the next regular August board meeting time and date. An updated agenda released Wednesday morning added that the board will also be considering the approval of an amended contract with Compass Therapy Solutions and Stepping Stones Group. The board will then adjourn and move into executive session to discuss personnel.

The Dent County Fire Protection District (DCFPD) Board of Directors met for its regular meeting Tuesday night. The board first voted to amend the agenda to include a quote for the repair of the air conditioning. After approval of the agenda, the board also approved the consent agenda including minutes from the previous meeting; financial reports, bills, payments, and statements; and budget and reconciliations. The board reviewed the findings of the audit conducted by Kristen Deluca. Further noted within the meeting was that an MRL was signed, and that the board will be receiving reports throughout the month on financials to ensure accountability. Under old business, the CTI Tower Lease is awaiting an invoice. Compressor quotes were presented to replace the current unit with a quote from Sentinel at $59,109.14 approved after discussion. A bid from Victor Heating and Cooling at $10,700 to repair the air conditioning heat pump was also approved. Meanwhile, Fire Chief Derek Thomas provided the monthly reimbursement report with a total of six calls for the month and 121 total calls for the year. Incidents included one carbon monoxide alert; one gas leak odor report; one motor vehicle collision; and one unknown problem. Thomas reported that the 2018 brush truck is having problems following recent repairs and is going back in for service. Crew members will need new medic bags, which will cost an estimate of $250 to $300 each. He noted to the board that he will be using $400 for HazMat awareness training for crew members to receive qualifications. The board then adjourned. The next meeting of the DCFPD will be 6:00 in the evening Tuesday, Aug. 11th and is open to the public.

The Oak Hill R-I Board of Education met for its regular meeting on Thursday, June 11th. After amendments were made to the agenda to postpone DCI updates and the first reading of MCE policies and regulations until next month, the board approved the agenda and minutes of the previous meeting minutes. The payment of June 2026 bills and May 2026 payroll were presented and approved. Under new business, the board approved fund transfers for Fiscal Year 2026 and the final Fiscal Year 2026 Budget ending amendments. The budget for the 2026-27 school year was discussed and the ending Fiscal Year 2026 budget was adopted as the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. After discussion, the board approved the 2026-27 AMI application, evaluation of food services, and raised student/adult meal prices by 10 cents. The board discussed bids for food and food service items, with the only bid being received from Springfield Grocer, even though US Foodservice was contacted multiple times. The bid from Springfield Grocer was approved. In closed session, the board approved the salary increase of Shannon Lewis for the 2026-27 school year. The board resumed open session and then adjourned. Oak Hill R-I Board of Education meetings occur every second Thursday of the month at 6:30 in the evening. These meetings are open to the public.

Rep. John Hewkin of the 120th District released in his most recent Capitol Report that the General Assembly has adopted several measures to recognize Missouri’s heritage, communities, and historical contributions in celebration of the 250th anniversary of America. This includes Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 21, encouraging Missourians to participate in educational programs, patriotic observances, community events, and historical commemorations as part of the statewide “Show-Me America 250” initiative. In addition, Senate Bill (SB) 1544 was also approved, which establishes a number of memorial highway and bridge designations across Missouri honoring individuals whose contributions have made a lasting impact on their communities. House Bill (HB) 3080, which updates provisions of state law relating to facilities of historic significance, was also approved.