News – Wednesday, July 16th 2025

The City of Salem will be testing the storm sirens this morning at 10:00. If there is inclement weather, the test will postpone to the following Wednesday, July 23rd.

The Dent County 4-H & FFA Expo kicked off Tuesday with the setting up of the Exhibit Entries. Those entries will be judged starting this morning at 10:00. This evening at 6:00 will be the Dessert Auction. Dessert items must be brought in between 3:00 and 5:00 today to the multi-purpose building at the Commons. Tomorrow will be livestock registration from 9:30 until 11:30 and all livestock MUST be in place by 11:00. Weigh-ins will start at 12:00 with the Small Animal Show to begin at 3:00. The “Pig Pals” practice is scheduled for 4:00 with the show to follow at 5:00. The exhibitor and family supper will be at 6:00. Friday the shows kick off at 7:00 in the morning with the Hog show, followed by the Sheep and Goat show. The Beef and Dairy shows will start at 2:00 Friday afternoon, followed by the Buyer’s Supper at 6:30. Saturday morning the highlight of the Expo will be the 4-H and FFA Market Sale, which will begin at 9:00. The auction will be carried live on KSMO (AM 1340 and FM 95.7) and also live streamed on KSMO Media (ksmoradio.com, KSMO Stram Facebook, and the KSMO YouTube & Twitch Channels.) For additional information contact the Dent County Extension office at (573) 729-3196.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be meeting tomorrow at 5:30 in the R-80 Board Room. After the Call to Order and the Pledge of Allegiance the Board will approve the agenda and the consent agenda. Stacey Hall, Angela Dingess and Alivia Parker will share information with the Board. In the Superintendent’s Report CSIP Goals will be addressed in all reports, updates will be shared on the FEMA building, track, parking lots, and roofs. Building Handbooks will be reviewed, surplus bus bids will be considered, and the Personnel Handbook will be reviewed. Administration reports will be heard from William Lynch, Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School, Athletics and Activities, Special Education, Technology, and Maintenance. In new business the board will consider approval of the AMI Plan, hear second read of MSBA 2025B policy updates, hear first read of MSBA policy updates to leaves and vacation. Approve Baseline Salary Grant participation, track bid, parking lot bid, and 25-26 Personnel Handbook. They will also set meal prices for the 25-26 school year, tax rate hearing time and date, and August regular board meeting date and time. The Board will consider the hiring of Mystee Swank (WL Personal Aide) before adjourning and moving into Executive Session to consider personnel.

As summer temperatures rise, the Siteman Cancer Center is reminding the public to take steps to protect their skin and stay safe in the sun. Medical experts warn that any amount of tanning — and especially sunburn — can damage the DNA in skin cells. Over time, this damage can increase the risk of developing skin cancer and lead to signs of premature aging such as wrinkles, rough skin, and discoloration. According to Dr. McEvoy, a dermatologist at Washington University Medicine in St. Louis, skin damage from the sun affects people of all skin tones, and protection is important for everyone. To lower the risks, experts recommend using sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of 30 or higher. A full adult application should be about an ounce, and sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours. Protective clothing is also key. Long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats can shield the skin without the need for reapplication. Clothing with a high ultraviolet protection factor — or UPF — provides additional defense against harmful UV rays. For young children, shade and protective clothing are especially important. Sunscreen is not recommended for infants under six months, and active older children may require extra attention to ensure consistent coverage. Staying cool is also essential during the hot summer days. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and access to shade can reduce overheating. Hydration is just as important be sure to keep a bottle of plain water or a low-sugar sports drink nearby can help prevent dehydration during outdoor activities. Wearing a sun-protective shirt and wetting it down can help keep body temperature down while still protecting the skin. Summer is a time to enjoy the outdoors, but health professionals urge everyone to do so safely by taking simple, proactive steps to reduce sun exposure and stay cool.

The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds deer hunters to apply online from July 1st through the 31st for a shot at 145 managed deer hunts throughout the state. There are hunts for archery, muzzleloader, shotgun, and modern firearms from mid-September through mid-January at designated conservation areas, state and other parks, national wildlife refuges, and other public areas. Some managed deer hunts are held specifically for youth, beginning hunters, or for people with disabilities. Hunters are selected by a weighted random drawing. Draw results will be available starting August 15. Applicants who are drawn will receive area maps and other hunt information by email or mail. Get more information on managed deer hunts, preview hunt details, and apply starting July 1st at mdc.mo.gov/managedhunt. Details about managed deer hunts can also be found in MDC’s 2025 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet available starting in early July at MDC offices and nature centers, from permit vendors around the state, and online at mdc.mo.gov.