News – Wednesday, March 4th 2026

At the Dent County Commission meeting Monday, March 2nd, County Clerk Angie Curley reported the updated filings for the primary election August 6th. Candidates in order of filing are Nathan T. Kelsaw, Associate Circuit Judge; AJ Seay, Presiding Commissioner; James K. Weber, Prosecuting Attorney; Jessica Dooley, Recorder of Deeds; Kristi Morton Craig, Circuit Clerk; Shannon VanKirk, Collector; Denita Williams, Treasurer; and Melissa Piatt, Recorder of Deeds. The last day to file is Tuesday, March 31st. For more information, contact the Dent County Courthouse by calling 573-729-4144 or visiting 400 North Main. 

The City of Salem provided information yesterday, March 3rd to the public on how city staff address turbidity. Turbidity, referring to water that appears cloudy due to tiny suspended particles, can occur in any water system and can be caused by equipment, lightning strikes, earthquakes or seismic activity, or changes in direction or amount of water flow. As Salem relies on well water, turbidity is more likely when underground conditions shift. In particular, one of the city’s wells draws from an aquifer influenced by the New Madrid Fault Line, which means even minor tremors can disturb sediment. Once sediment enters the system, the only way to remove it is by flushing the water mains. This is done by opening fire hydrants and allowing sediment-laden water to exit the system. Hydrant flushing also exercises hydrant valves, confirms hydrants open and close properly, and ensures readiness for fire and emergency use. Customers can review Salem’s official water quality reports, including annual Consumer Confidence Reports, by visiting the city’s public works webpage at salemmo.com/city/government/departments/public_works.

According to the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency, this week is Severe Weather Preparedness Week for 2026. Last year was the deadliest year for Missouri tornadoes in 14 years. The National Weather Service (NWS) reports 16 Missourians died because of tornadoes in 2025, making it the deadliest since 158 people were killed in the 2011 Joplin EF-5 tornado. There will be a statewide tornado drill at 11:00 this morning however, according to the Salem Police Department, there will not be a tornado drill within the City of Salem, as it has recently updated its storm system, which automatically tests itself each morning. For more information on staying safe in severe weather, the NWS provides several safety tips and educational information on its Severe Weather Preparedness Week page at weather.gov/lsx/severeweek. 

In Dent County, culvert replacement on Route 19 is planned from now to March 6th north of Salem from County Road 4122 to County Road 4126. One lane will remain open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zone. In addition, other moving operations such as pothole patching, brush cutting, and pavement repairs continue in various locations. Motorists should travel with care and be alert for slow-moving equipment. All work is weather permitting, and schedules are subject to change.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol, in conjunction with the American Legion, is now accepting applications for the 54th Cadet Patrol Academy. The joint program between the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the American Legion is looking for young men and women ages from 16 to 18 to join the 54th Cadet Patrol Academy for the 2026 class. The week-long class begins June 7th and gives students an opportunity to gain hands on experience and an understanding of law enforcement. Additionally, students can explore different career paths within the Patrol. The Cadets will spend the week mirroring the work recruits do during the Patrol academy. A graduation ceremony will be held for participants on Friday, June 12th. Students who apply must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher, be of good moral character, have a valid driver’s license or permit, turn 16 prior to April 1st, and have an interest in pursuing a career in the Criminal Justice System. Those interested may obtain an application from their local American Legion Post. Questions regarding the Cadet Patrol Academy can be directed to Corporal Michael Halim at 573-522-7650.