News – Monday, August 18th 2025

An accident occurred in Phelps County Wednesday evening at approximately 6:06 on Highway 63, five miles south of Rolla. According to the Highway Patrol report a 2024 KIA Telluride, driven by a 43-year-old Salem man, traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a culvert, and overturned. The driver, a 6-year-old female passenger, and a 13-year-old female passenger, all suffered minor injuries. The man and the 13-year-old were both transported by EMS to Phelps Health Hospital, while the 6-year-old was taken to Phelps Health by private conveyance. The report stated that the 6-year-old female was the only one in the vehicle wearing a safety restraint. The KIA was totaled and removed from the scene by D & D Towing.

The Salem Police Department has announced it is now accepting applications for the position of Animal Control/Code Enforcement Officer. The role offers an annual salary ranging from $38,084 to $45,510. The position comes with a competitive benefits package, including health insurance, vacation and sick leave, paid holidays and overtime, LAGERS L-6 retirement, provided uniforms and gear, and free gym membership. New hires will also receive training and a $1.15 per hour night shift differential. Applicants must possess a valid Missouri driver’s license, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and be able to pass a background check, drug screening, and criminal history review. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and willing to work all shifts. For more information, interested individuals can contact Lt. Jonathon Counts at (573) 729-4242 or jcounts@salemmo.com.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Missouri Geological Survey presented research on critical minerals during the fifth annual Resilient Supply of Critical Minerals workshop August 6-7 at Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla. The two-day workshop brought hundreds of geologists, engineers, academics and industry members to Rolla for networking and collaboration on critical minerals research. Missouri hosts 30 of the 50 critical minerals identified by the U.S. Geological Survey. The Missouri Geological Survey currently has multiple projects studying potentially viable critical mineral deposits across Missouri. Critical minerals are essential for modern devices and technological systems but are susceptible to supply chain disruptions. Survey geologist Cheryl Seeger is leading the critical mineral studies. The geologic data gathered will also be useful for local developments, conservation projects and other uses beyond critical minerals research. The workshop included a tour of the Missouri Geological Survey’s Rolla campus, featuring the renovated rock lab that processes well cuttings to safeguard water quality and the McCracken Core Library with more than 8 million feet of subsurface geological materials. New rock core scanners purchased in partnership with Missouri S&T will be used to study critical minerals at underground sites. More information on critical minerals in Missouri is available at dnr.mo.gov/land-geology/geology/rocks-minerals-fossils/critical.

Summer days sign n wine with Danielle Norris is happening at the Creative Arts Center this Friday from 6:00 in the evening until 9:00. Create your one-of-a-kind front porch sign, or a square sign to be used inside or outside! Theres of stencils to choose from and are adding more all the time! All supplies provided you just bring snacks and a beverage! You will be taught how to make the sign with teacher assistance. Porch leaners are $30 and a square 15×15 sign is $32. A minimum of 6 people is needed to hold the class and a maximum of 16. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center.