News – Thursday, March 26th 2026

An accident happened at 12:03 Wednesday morning on Route P at Forest Service Road 1516 in Phelps County that left two people with injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 2004 Nissan Frontier driven westbound by a 20-year-old man from Vichy, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. The driver, who was not wearing a seat belt, suffered serious injuries and was flown by Phelps Air to the University Hospital in Columbia. The passenger, a 20-year-old man from Steelville, suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Phelps Health by the Phelps Health Ambulance. The passenger was wearing his seat belt at the time of the accident. The Nissan was totaled and removed from the scene by D&D Towing. The highway patrol was assisted by the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held its regular meeting Tuesday evening in the auditorium at 202 North Washington Street. After approving the agenda and consent agenda, the board approved the request for street closure from Tim Dotson for the purposes of a bike show from 9:00 in the morning to 2:00 in the afternoon August 29th around the courthouse. The board also approved the recommendation of James Taylor to fill a vacancy on the Parks Board. Under new and miscellaneous business, the board approved an annual contract with Landmark Aquatics for opening and winterizing the city pool, along with a budget adjustment to fund the replacement of fencing around Billy’s Playground. Several first and second readings of bills were approved, including an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement for engineering services with Toth and Associates, INC.; an ordinance authorizing the mayor to execute an aviation project consultant agreement with H.W. Lochner, Inc. for the city airport; and an ordinance authorizing submission of requests for reimbursement for the six t-hangar project. Finally, there was a first reading for an ordinance authorizing the mayor to accept and execute an access easement from HMH Properties, LLC. for permanent access and utility purposes. During reports from city officials, City Administrator Sally Burbridge reported she attended an MPUA board meeting. Mayor Greg Parker shared that Spring Cleanup is scheduled for May 4th through May 8th, along with May 11th through May 15th, following the annual citywide yard sale. Public Works Director Steve Paine reported construction crew members continue making progress on the t-ball parking lot. Parks Director Melissa DuBois commended the construction crew members for their work on the t-ball parking lot. The concession stand deep freeze is in need of repair. Summer ball registrations have begun and the parks department is in need of coaches. Alderman Nathan Kinsey commended the community for the recent 100 Acre Wood Rally and its success. With no further reports, the board adjourned. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be held April 14th and will be open to the public. 

The Salem Area Arts Council’s “Art Across the Ages,” a Community Art Show is coming to an end Friday at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center. Now is your last chance to recognize the amazing talent and creativity that exists in our schools and community. This is a family friendly art show. The exhibit has visiting hours from 9:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon. Don’t miss it before it is gone! Come out and support the arts.