News – Friday, February 28th 2026

On February 24, 2026, the Board of Aldermen met in Closed Session in accordance with RSMo. 610.021(3) to discuss personnel matters. Following a roll call vote of 4-0 (Kinsey – yes, Whelan – yes, Dent – yes, Letchworth – yes), the board approved a pay adjustment for Economic Development Director Carrie Sutterfield to $60,000 annually effective immediately. Since Sutterfield’s appointment in July 2025 and successfully completing her probationary period, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to her job responsibilities and consistently serves the community with professionalism, integrity, and dedication. 

Every March 1st, hundreds of die-hard anglers line the banks at one of Missouri’s trout parks for opening day of catch-and-keep trout season. This year, Sunday morning, March 1st, at 6:30 marks the opening of the season that runs through October 31st. To participate, Missouri residents ages 16 to 64 and nonresidents 16 and older are required to purchase a fishing permit. In addition to a fishing permit, trout anglers must also purchase a daily trout tag. Tags can be purchased at the trout parks: Roaring River State Park near Cassville, Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon and Montauk State Park near Salem. A daily trout tag at the three state parks costs $5 for adults and $3 for youth 15 years and younger. Daily fishing permits are $9. The daily limit is four trout, and the possession limit is eight. For more information on fishing at trout parks visit mdc.mo.gov. In Dent County Montauk State Park store hours for Friday, February 27th are 8:00 in the morning until 7:00 in the evening. The restaurant will be open from 8:00 until 6:00. Then on Saturday, February 28th, the store hours are from 8:00 in the morning until 11:00 at night and that time is new this year. The restaurant will be opening up at 8:00 and remain open until 8:30 in the evening. Finally on Sunday, March 1st the store hours will be from 5:00 am until 9:00 pm, while the restaurant will be open from 7:00 am. until 8:30 pm. For more information on trout season opening, visit mostateparks.com or call Montauk State Park at 573-548-2201, Roaring River State Park at 417-847-2539, or Bennett Spring State Park at 417-532-4338.

You’re invited to attend the next Salem and Dent County meeting of “Sleep in Heavenly Peace” Monday afternoon, March 2nd starting at 5:30 and lasting until 6:30 in the evening at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. If you have questions, please contact Patti McKeown at 703-964-6495 or e-mail her at patti.mckeown@shpbeds.org.