News – Wednesday, May 27th 2026

An accident occurred in Dent County Friday afternoon at approximately 2:40 on Highway FF in the 900 Block. According to the Highway Patrol report a westbound 2012 Jeep Wrangler, driven by a 52-year-old Salem woman, traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck an embankment, and overturned. The woman suffered moderate injuries and was transported by Salem EMS to Salem Memorial Hospital. The report stated that the lady was wearing a safety restraint. The Jeep sustained moderate damage and was left at the scene.

Colonel Michael A. Turner, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, provides the following preliminary statistics related to the Memorial Day holiday. Eight people died and 99 were injured in 234 traffic crashes during the 2026 Memorial Day holiday counting period, which began at 6:00 Friday evening, May 22, 2026, and ended at 11:59 Monday night, May 25, 2026. The holiday traffic statistics included 234 traffic crashes, 99 traffic crash injuries, 8 crash fatalities, and 107 DWI’s. Boating statistics 4 crashes resulting in 6 injuries. There were no fatalities or drownings, while there were 7 BWI’s. During the 2025 Memorial Day holiday counting period, the Patrol investigated 203 traffic crashes involving three fatalities and 92 injuries. Statewide, four people died and 356 were injured in 868 vehicle crashes in 2025. Three boating crashes were investigated throughout Missouri in 2025. Further details related to the traffic crashes and arrests can be found on the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s website. The fatality statistics in this news release could change if late deaths occur, or if other departments report fatal traffic crashes after this news release is sent to the media. 

The Salem Memorial Hospital has received notice of individuals going door-to-door claiming to raise funds on behalf of the hospital and requesting immediate payment. Please be aware the hospital is NOT conducting any door-to-door fundraising campaigns. The hospital encourages everyone to use caution and avoid providing cash, personal information, or payment details to anyone making these claims. If you have concerns or encounter suspicious activity, please contact local law enforcement.

Eagle-eyed residents may have noticed a new addition around the Dent County Fire Protection District (DCFPD) building. What some may think is a wrestling ring or a stage is actually a vertical ventilation roof prop, with the design, creation, and installation completed by Outlaw Fabrication. Built for training purposes, the prop is fully adjustable and will allow firefighters to train on a variety of roof pitches. The prop will allow firefighters to train to the highest standards in vertical ventilation techniques—skills that are critical to protecting lives and property across the district. The realistic, durable design ensures that crew members can practice safely, efficiently, and with the confidence needed when responding to real-world emergencies.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is accepting applications for the 127th Recruit Class. The Patrol is encouraging qualified individuals of all backgrounds to apply. Testing will be held in Jefferson City, MO. Those who successfully complete testing will move forward in a multi-phase selection process. This process is designed to identify individuals with discipline, grit, and commitment to becoming Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers. The 127th Recruit Class is scheduled to begin training on January 4, 2027. To be eligible, candidates must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent and be 21 years of age upon graduating from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy. Upon graduating from the Patrol’s Academy, troopers are eligible to earn credit hours through Mineral Area College, the University of Central Missouri, through Missouri State University, or through Southwest Baptist University. During the Academy, recruits may also be eligible to receive an associate of applied science degree at Mineral Area College by completing general education credit hours through online courses. The starting annual salary when entering the Academy is $66,432. Upon graduation, the salary increases to $73,824. Salary increases will occur after three years of service and additional salary increases may reach a maximum annual salary of $98,448 after 12 years of service. Other benefits include group health insurance, contributory retirement, career advancement, and more. The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s uniform guidelines allow troopers to have tattoos or brands as long as they meet requirements. The selection process is a multi-phase testing procedure including a written examination, a physical fitness for duty assessment, polygraph examination, background investigation, and an oral interview. After a conditional offer of employment, the applicant must successfully complete a medical examination, a psychological examination and interview, drug screening, and final applicant review. Successful applicants will be notified of their duty assignment prior to the start of the academy. Interested individuals can learn more about the qualifications by contacting a Patrol recruiter by calling 1-800-796-7000. Apply now at www.joinmshp.us.

If you haven’t visited the Ozark Natural Cultural Resource Center’s historical display of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) artifacts, you now have more time. The ONCRC will have the CCC display open until the end of July. The ONCRC is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the evening. The Indian Trail State Park will be celebrating its 100 year anniversary later this year, and the Civilian Conservation Crews were based at the area from 1933 to 1946, building most of the area’s 55 miles of access roads, constructing the pond, and planting pine trees in many of the open areas.

Did you ever wonder if there was a recall on a piece of equipment you own or on a food product you may have purchased? The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission allows you to sign up and receive e-mails or texts on product recalls, safety education and more. It is absolutely free! Keep yourself up-to-date and sign up at cpsc.gov.