News – Thursday, June 18th, 2026
An accident happened Tuesday afternoon in Iron County around 12:18 on Route KK about three miles south of Bixby. According to the highway patrol report, a 65-year old Bunker man, driving a 2004 Peterbilt southbound, ran off the right side of the roadway and overturned. The man suffered moderate injuries and was taken from the scene by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis. The man was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The vehicle was removed from the scene by Buckley’s Towing.
The North Wood R-IV Board of Education met for its monthly meeting Tuesday evening. After the approval of the agenda and consent agenda, the board went into closed session during which the board approved allowing Katie Sapp to withdraw her letter of resignation. Back in open session, the board approved the hiring of Brandy Lariomore and Katelyn Shipman for the 2026-27 school year. The board approved reassigning the duties of homeless coordinator, ELL coordinator, and foster care coordinator to Katie Sapp. The strategic plan was discussed and the stipend schedule for the 2026-27 school year was presented and approved. The budget for the 2025-26 school year was amended to actual numbers, and the board approved using the current budget until the new one is presented in August. Several bids were also approved, including a bid for food service from US Foodservice; a bid for propane from Ferrell Gas; a bid for trash service from GFL Environmental; a bid for pest control from Integrity Pest; and a bid for milk from Hiland Dairy. Bus routes were approved as presented. The board was presented with and approved a copy of the AMI plan for the 2026-27 school year. Updates were approved for several board policies and regulations. Finally, the board adjourned. The next meeting of the North-Wood R-IV Board of Education will be on Aug. 21st from 8:30 to 11:30 in the evening.
The Dent-Phelps R-III Board of Education met for its monthly meeting May 21st in the conference room. After the approval of the agenda and consent agenda, which contained bills, previous meeting minutes, and the May financial report, the board approved the bid from Brown Heating & Cooling for the HVAC preventative maintenance schedule for the 2026-27 school year. The board also approved soliciting bids for milk and propane for the 2026-27 school year. The Dent-Phelps R-III Literacy Plan Revision and Comprehensive Needs Assessment was approved as presented. The board approved going into closed session and then returned to open session before adjourning. No votes were made during the closed session. The next meeting for the Dent-Phelps R-III Board of Education will be on Tuesday, June 23rd at 6:00 in the evening.
Everyone is being asked to rally around Zach Moser and his family this Friday night. “We’ve Got Your Back, Zach” will be held Friday evening from 5:00 to 9:00 at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. The event will include an auction, dessert auction, concessions, T-shirts, and community support for a family facing an incredibly difficult battle with Stage 4 Sarcoma. All monetary donations will be accepted as no donation is too small. If you would like to donate or help support this fundraiser, please contact Susie Cahill at susie@salemcommunitycenter.org. In addition to auctions, organizers will also be holding a pickleball tournament on Saturday morning beginning at 10:30. Registration will be $25 per player. A competitive 3v3 basketball tournament will also be held Saturday, June 27th, with registration at $60 per team. All proceeds from the fundraisers will help Zach and his family with treatment expenses, travel, and daily living costs as he continues his fight against cancer. For more information on how to donate, please call 573-739-1127 or email Susie@SalemCommunityCenter.org.
The City of Salem Animal Shelter is located at 1401 Mullnack Drive and is open for adoptions. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 in the morning to 4:00 in the afternoon. To contact the Salem Animal Shelter for more information, contact 573-247-4057. Community members interested in volunteering can reach out through the Friends of Salem Animal Shelter Facebook page found by searching “Friends of Salem Animal Shelter” on Facebook. The Friends of Salem Animal Shelter Facebook page also features a showcase of adoptable dogs.
The Salem Public Library will be hosting a “Hamilton” trivia night on Thursday, June 25th from 6:30 to 8:30. Adults 18 and over are invited to test their knowledge of the “Hamilton” Broadway musical about pivotal figures in American history. Be in the room where it happens! Costumes are optional. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are welcome.