News – Monday, September 8th 2025
An accident occurred on Friday September 5th around 11:30 in the morning in Texas County on Hwy AW about a mile south of Evening Shade. According to the highway patrol report a 2014 Ford Fusion driven by a 36-year-old male from Calico Rock, Arkansas travelling northbound was overtaking a 2003 Peterbilt truck being driven by a 29-year-old male from Salem which was also traveling northbound. The Ford impacted a 2018 Ford F150 being driven by a 29-year-old female from Plato who was turning onto the roadway. Then the Fusion impacted the Peterbilt, travelled off the left side of the roadway impacting a mailbox bank and coming to rest. The female suffered minor injuries along with a 4-year-old male juvenile in the Ford F150, both were transported to General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital by a private vehicle. They were both wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The 36-year-old male suffered minor injuries and was transported to Texas County Memorial Hospital by Texas County EMS. The report goes on to state he wasn’t wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. Both Ford vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Arrington Automotive. The Peterbilt sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene.
An accident occurred Saturday afternoon around 12:10 in Laclede County on Hwy 32 east of Hwy U. According to the highway patrol report a 2025 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by a 45-year-old male from Stilwell, OK was travelling eastbound and struck a dog in the roadway. The man suffered moderate injuries and was transported by EMS to Mercy Hospital in Lebanon. The Harley sustained minor damage and was removed by a private party.
The Salem R-80 School district held a special meeting on Thursday afternoon at 12:00 in the administration building located at 1409 W. Rolla Road. After approving the agenda, the board voted to approve the Compass Therapy Solutions contract for SLP and SLPA services. The motion passed, with board member Marjorie Pyatt abstaining, noting a conflict of interest. The meeting then adjourned. The next regular meeting for the Salem R-80 School district will be held Thursday September 18 at 5:30 in the administration building, and is open to the public.
You’re invited to attend the next Salem and Dent County meeting of “Sleep in Heavenly Peace” Monday afternoon, September 8th, starting at 5:30 to 6:30 in the evening at the Salem Community Center@The Armory in the Rotary Room! Upcoming events, needs, and more will be discussed. The Dent County Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a 501c3 non-profit that provides a new, free bed to children in need in our community who do not have a bed between the ages of 3 and 17. Mark your calendars and please join them, and new volunteers are welcome!! If you are not able to help physically, donations of new bedding are always welcome to help provide a good night’s sleep to the area children. Monetary donations are also accepted. Please make checks payable to Sleep in Heavenly Peace and designate the MO-DENT County Chapter. If you have questions, please contact Patti McKeown at 703-964-6495 or e-mail her at patti.mckeown@shpbeds.org.