News – Thursday, November 13th 2025

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley has released two reports from cases heard in the 42nd Judicial Circuit Court held Wednesday, November 12th in Dent County front of Judge Michael Randazzo. In the first case heard, McKayla Black of Salem, who was on probation for the possession of a controlled substance in the form of methamphetamine and fentanyl, had her probation revoked by Judge Randazzo and she was sentenced to serve seven years in the Missouri Department of Corrections as requested by Prosecutor Curley. In the second case heard Wednesday, Phylicia Tinker of Salem had her probation for possession of a controlled substance revoked by Judge Randazzo. Tinker will now serve seven years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.

The Missouri Department of Transportation is seeking community input on a project which will replace the Dent County Route B bridge over Dry Creek in 2026. Built in 1939, the Dry Creek bridge is in poor condition showing signs that it has reached the end of its useful life, and in need of replacement. Currently, construction will require a full roadway closure for Route B at the bridge, with a signed detour. The public is invited to attend an open-house style meeting on Thursday, November 20th at the Salem Public Library, north basement meeting space located at 403 N. Jackson Street in Salem. Visitors may stop by at any time that afternoon between 4:30 and 6:00 to speak with project team members, view exhibits outlining the planned work and proposed detour, ask questions and leave comments. There will be no formal presentation. Meeting materials will also be available online. In addition to the public meeting, there will be a three-week open comment period running November 13th through December 4th. Input may be submitted online through a form on the project webpage, emailed to CDCR@modot.mo.gov, or mailed to 1511 Missouri Blvd, Jefferson City, MO, 65102. All comments must be received or postmarked by December 4th, 2025. More details are available about the project are available online at modot.org/projects/route-b.

There will be a Gilmore Girls Night Paint N’ Sip class this Friday night from 6:00 until 9:00 at the Creative Arts Center instructed by Danielle Norris. The class is being held in honor of the 25th Anniversary of Gilmore Girls, as the class will get reacquainted with the quaint little town of Stars Hollow! Paint one of two choices of either a famous landmark or a collage of mementos. The artist will take you step by step through the process. You won’t want to miss this fun night! The cost of the program is $30 and all supplies will be provided and you must be 13 years of age or older to participate. The class will be limited to 6 attendees and will be maxed out at 22 people. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center. For more information, e-mail salemartscenter@salemcommunitybetter ment.com.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds drivers to watch for deer, which are more active this time of year, especially during evening and nighttime hours. Deer behavioral changes will be occurring due to mating season, which may cause an increase in roadway crossings. Hunting and crop harvesting may result in these animals being in places they aren’t usually seen. Drivers are urged to remain alert. When deer are seen, slow down and proceed with caution. Deer often travel in groups – stay on guard after a close call or when you see one deer. Natural features also affect deer movement. In areas where there are streams or wooded corridors surrounded by farmland, more deer may be present to cross roadways. Remember: Rural areas are not the only place where deer/vehicle strikes occur. In 2024, 21.1 percent of the traffic crashes involving deer happened in urban areas. Last year, Missouri had 2,951 traffic crashes where deer-vehicle strikes occurred. One deer strike occurred every 2.98 hours in the state. In these crashes, four people were killed and 420 injured. The majority of deer strike crashes occur from October through December each year, with the largest number taking place in November. The majority of deer strikes occur during the evenings from 8 to 9. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds drivers that an attempt to avoid striking a deer could result in a more serious crash involving oncoming traffic. Stay alert and make sure you and the occupants of your vehicle buckle up.