News – Monday, April 6th, 2026

MoDOT has released the following road work planned for the week of today through Sunday within Dent County: On Highway 19, culvert replacement is planned from today through Thursday from Route TT to Route VV in Crawford County. On Route W, pothole patching is planned from today through Wednesday. On Route EE, pothole patching is planned Wednesday and Thursday. Route B at the bridge over Dry Creek remains closed, due to deterioration near one of the supporting structures. Keep in mind that weather conditions may postpone scheduled work. Many projects will include lane closures which could cause delays. 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. 

The Sleep in Heavenly Peace, or SHP, Dent County Chapter will be holding its community meeting today from 5:30 to 6:30 in the afternoon at the Salem Armory Walden Conference Room, with discussions including events, needs, and more. Updates from the local chapter can be found on its Facebook page at facebook.com/shpdentco. SHP is an international non-profit 501(C)(3) organization that builds, assembles and delivers new beds to children in need who do not have a bed. Anyone can apply for their child on the SHP website at shpbeds.org. At the top of the page, click “Apply for a Bed.” Volunteers are welcomed from all ages. Contact the Dent County SHP chapter at 1-844-432-2337 for more information.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds Missourians interested in hunting black bear and/or elk in the state this fall that they need to apply for a limited number of hunting permits for each in May. MDC will offer 2,000 permits to harvest up to a maximum of 60 black bears across three MDC black-bear management zones in the southern part of the state during the 2026 Missouri black-bear hunting season, Oct. 17th  through Oct. 30th. MDC increased the number of available permits from 600 to 2,000 and increased the harvest quota limit from 40 to 60 bears to expand hunting opportunities. Missouri has an estimated population of about 1,100 bears.  Get more information on black-bears and bear hunting in Missouri at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/bear. MDC will again also offer five permits to hunt bull elk in Missouri this fall with at least one permit designated for qualifying landowners who own property in Carter, Reynolds, or Shannon counties and the remaining permits for qualifying residents. MDC has designated the 2026 elk archery portion to run Oct. 17th through Oct. 25th, and the elk firearms portion to run Dec. 12th through Dec. 20th. Get more information on elk and elk hunting at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/elk.  

The Salem Community Garden will host a presentation on Pest Control Thursday night at 6:00 behind the Salem United Methodist at 801 East Scenic Rivers Blvd. Everyone is welcome to attend the presentation event, and you do not have to have a plot to participate. Plots are still available and your first plot is free. Accessible garden beds are also available. For more information, contact the Dent County Extension at 573-729-3196 or Thom Haines at 573-247-7952.