News – Monday, February 23rd 2026

At its February Board of Directors meeting, the Dent County Fire Protection District approved two initiatives aimed at strengthening volunteer firefighter recruitment: the first is the reintroduction of the Junior Firefighter Program and the second is an update to the district’s residency requirement.  The Junior Firefighter Program is designed to introduce young adults to the fire service while building foundational skills that support personal and professional development. Junior Firefighters will be allowed to participate on incident scenes in a support role, train in a controlled environment, and represent the department at public relation events. Eligible applicants must be between 16 and 18 years of age, maintain a minimum “C” grade average, and obtain parental or guardian consent. Assistant Chief Derrick Marfitt emphasized this program allows young adults to experience the fire service while learning valuable skills such as teamwork, responsibility, and discipline. The Board also approved changes to the department’s residency requirement. Previously, volunteer firefighters were required to reside within district boundaries. Under the updated policy, applicants residing anywhere in Dent County may now be considered, provided they have not been affiliated with another Dent County fire department within the previous year. This restriction ensures the Dent County Fire Protection District does not recruit active members from neighboring departments. The revised policy also allows the Board of Directors flexibility to consider applicants with unique circumstances. Anyone who is interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter is encouraged to apply online at www.dentcountyfire.org or visit the fire station at #2 South Main Street in Salem during regular training nights held on the first and third Thursday nights of each month from 7:00–10:00. The Dent County Fire Protection District is comprised of more than 20 volunteer firefighters who respond to emergencies across approximately 127 square miles of Dent County, including the City of Salem. The district responds to an average of 240 emergency calls each year. 

Come out and support the Salem FFA Chapter at their upcoming Community & Supporter Fish Fry on Wednesday, February 25th from 11:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon at the Salem FFA Metal Shop at the Ag Building. The cost is by donation only! Give What You Can! Enjoy a delicious fish fry meal while supporting the hard-working members of the Salem FFA chapter. All the proceeds help fund student leadership opportunities, competitions, and agricultural education activities throughout the year. Bring your family, invite your friends, and come hungry! We appreciate the continued support from our amazing community.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds hunters that Missouri youth, archery, and firearms turkey hunters can apply online for 2026 spring turkey managed hunts during February at mdc.mo.gov/springturkeyhunts. Managed hunt details and application procedures are outlined on the webpage. Drawing results will be posted starting March 15th. Spring turkey hunting opens with the spring youth portion April 11th and 12th followed by the regular spring turkey season from April 20th through May 10th. Detailed information on spring turkey hunting will be available in MDC’s “2026 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information” booklet, available where permits are sold beginning in February. Learn more about turkey hunting in Missouri at mdc.mo.gov.

There will be a Polymer Clay Sculpting Class this afternoon from 1:00 to 3:00, with Jan Craig at the Creative Arts Center. To sign up, visit the SACBA website at sacba.org.