News – Monday, June 22nd, 2026

An accident occurred in Reynolds County Friday morning at approximately 3:10 on Highway 72 six miles east of Bunker. According to the Highway Patrol report a westbound 2009 Subaru Outback, driven by a 61-year-old woman from New Bloomfield, Missouri, crossed the center line and struck an eastbound 2016 Freightliner driven by a 56-year-old man from Bellview, Missouri. The report stated that the Freightliner continued off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. The woman suffered serious injuries and was transported by ambulance to Mercy South in St. Louis. According to the report the man suffered no injuries. The report stated that the woman was not wearing a safety restraint, while the man was. The Subaru was totaled and removed from the scene by Rowdy’s Towing. The Freightliner sustained moderate damage and was also removed by Rowdy’s Towing.

An accident occurred late Saturday afternoon around 4:40 in Dent County at the intersection of Hwy K and Hwy Z. According to the highway patrol report a 2018 GMC Acadia driven by a 38-year-old female from Illoinos was traveling northbound and failed to yield to a 2025 Toyota Tundra driven by a 46-year-old male from Jadwin that was travelling southbound. A 45-year-old female from Jadwin in the Toyota suffered moderate injuries and was transported by Salem Ambulance to Salem Hospital. She was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

The City of Salem announced it will be conducting road construction and pavement on East Hawkins Street and West Ninth Street, this coming week. They respectfully ask that all vehicles are removed from the roadway. If vehicles remain in the roadway, officers will attempt to locate the owner, but if unsuccessful, they will tow the vehicle at the owner’s expense. The city would like to thank you for assisting them in making Salem a better place to live.

Intercounty Electric Cooperative Association (IECA) will be holding its 90th Annual Meeting on Friday, June 26th at the Old City Park in Licking on Maple Avenue from 3:00 to 8:30 in the evening. The event will include hot air balloon rides from 3:30 to 5:30, weather depending, and a car cruise-in with prizes and awards, along with yard games, face painting, pony rides, a petting zoo, and even a performance from the Kimble Parker Band from 3:30 to 4:30 and another at 7:30 to 8:30 in the evening. This event is free and everyone is welcome to attend, member or not, but only members will be able to vote for board members.

As black bear sightings increase within the area, remember that intentionally feeding them puts people and property at risk and can lead to the bear’s death. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds people to be BearWise. Unsecured food sources around homes and outbuildings could attract the attention of a hungry bear. It is important that people remove or secure bear attractants from their property, such as bird feeders, trash, barbeque grills, pet food, and food waste. Feeding bears makes them lose their natural fear of humans, and teaches them to see humans as food providers. They will learn to go to places like homes, campsites, and neighborhoods to look for food, instead of staying in the forest. While hiking or camping, stay alert and avoid confrontation – make noise so you don’t surprise a bear by clapping, singing, or talking loudly. If you see a bear, leave it alone and do not approach. Back away slowly with your arms raised and speak in a calm, loud voice. Do not turn your back to the bear. Walk away slowly and do not run. For more information, such as tips and tricks on keeping your food secure, visit mdc.mo.gov and search “camping and hiking in black bear country.” According to the MDC, most Missouri bears live just south of Interstate 44, but as the population continues to grow, bears have started to inhabit new areas of the state. For more information on how to be BearWise and to report a bear sighting, visit mdc.mo.gov/bearwise.

Feral hogs remain a major threat to agriculture and wildlife in southeastern Missouri, but the state is gaining ground. Jason Sumners, Missouri Conservation Department Director, told the Conservation Commission May 29th that the state and the federal USDA are making significant progress in the war against wild hogs. According to Sumners, the use of drones and helicopters continues to be an effective and efficient method of removing feral hogs from the landscape. Last year, the state and federal partnership removed over 6,100 feral hogs. More than 2,700 feral hogs were removed by aircraft. Feral hogs can be aggressive and have been known to attack people, though the greater risk is from infectious diseases carried by wild hogs. Anyone who sees one or more feral hogs is strongly advised not to shoot them, as that will cause them to scatter and make trapping them more difficult. Feral hog sightings should instead be reported to the Missouri Department of Conservation or to the USDA. Report feral hog sightings to 573-522-4115, ext. 3296, or online by visiting mdc.mo.gov and searching “feral hogs in Missouri.”

The Dent County Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) is in need of more volunteers to assist with bed deliveries on the outskirts of Dent County, including Bunker and Sligo. If you are someone willing and able to lend a hand, join SHP, an international non-profit that builds, assembles, and delivers new beds to children in need to ensure no child sleeps on the floor of our town. Contact Patti McKeown at patti.mckeown@shpbeds.org or call the chapter at 1-844-432-2337 for more information.