News – Wednesday, December 3rd 2025

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports three people died in traffic crashes during this year’s Thanksgiving holiday counting period–from 6:00 Wednesday evening, November 26th, through 11:59 pm, Sunday, November 30th. There were no boating crashes or drownings. During the Thanksgiving holiday counting period, troopers investigated 304 traffic crashes with 82 injuries and 3 fatalities. The Highway Patrol made 87 DWI arrests. During the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday counting period, troopers investigated 462 traffic crashes, which included six fatalities and 158 injuries. Statewide, 11 people died and 571 people were injured in 1,664 traffic crashes over last year’s Thanksgiving holiday. Troopers arrested 106 people for driving while intoxicated during the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday counting period. The statistics in this news release are preliminary and subject to change if late deaths occur, or if other agencies report traffic crashes after this news release is published. Follow the Missouri State Highway Patrol on X @MSHPTrooperGHQ

Fourteen state parks will be temporarily closed to the public for managed deer hunts to safely and effectively manage the parks’ deer population. The hunts are a coordinated effort between the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks and the Missouri Department of Conservation. Only one of the state parks in our immediate area affected is Montauk State Park at 345 County Road 6670 in Salem. They are currently closed for a managed hunt until opening to the public again on Friday, December 5th. Guests are encouraged to not visit the parks on those days, as they will be turned away for their safety. Missouri state parks are usually wildlife refuges where hunting is not permitted. However, when an overpopulation of deer develops, the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Conservation hold special managed hunts to prevent harm to the ecosystem. This year, studies at the parks determined the deer population showed an overcrowded number of deer per acre. The managed hunt will help other wildlife and the ecosystem by reducing the number of deer in the area. The Missouri Department of Conservation has already selected hunters for these hunts.

The City of Salem and the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce announced signups for their Holiday Lighting Contest are now being accepted. The contest is designed to spark community spirit, brighten our neighborhoods and business districts, and celebrate the magic of the holiday season. The contest is open to all residential properties as well as commercial storefronts within the city limits. Each category will be judges spertately. Residents and businesses that are located outside the city are also welcome to participate and will be featured on the Christmas Light Map; however, only participants with a City of Salem electric account are eligible to win electric bill credits. First Place will be $100 worth of electric credits; 2nd Place is a $50 electric credit and 3rd Place is a $25 electric credit. All decorations will need to be in place by Friday, December 5th, and remain in place through at least Christmas Day. Winners in each category will be announced on December 26th. Judging will be based on creativity, originality, holiday spirit and overall presentation. People can register their home or business at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Office at 1136 South main Street in the Crossroads, or at the City of Salem Administrative Offices Building at the utility office. A physical address is necessary on the application for judging as well as your city utility number should you be a winner. For more information, call Catherine at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Office at 573-729-6900. Applications for both categories need to be submitted by Thursday, December 4th.

Yesterday, Your World Today reported on an approved COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) the Dent County Salary Commission approved in November. For clarification this vote was not unanimous. A 10-1 vote saw all attending members of the commission approve the COLA increase with the exception of Alisa Brookshire and per her request as a member of the commission we’d like to document that vote accordingly. For more information regarding the meeting minutes or the COLA increase you can contact the Dent County Clerk’s office at 573-729-4144.