News – Wednesday, July 8th, 2026

A fatal accident occurred Monday morning at approximately 10:25 in Texas County on Highway VV two miles southeast of Licking. According to the Highway Patrol report a 64-year-old Licking woman was eastbound in a 2003 Jeep Wrangler. The Jeep traveled off the left side of the roadway, stuck a tree, and overturned. The woman was pronounced deceased by Dr. Schafer of Texas County Memorial Hospital at 10:46. The report stated that the woman was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Jeep sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Jay’s Automotive at Trooper’s request. The Highway Patrol was assisted by the Licking Police Department and the Licking Fire Department.

The City of Salem Area Chamber of Commerce has released that the July 4th parade this past Saturday had fantastic floats come out for America’s 250th anniversary. Judges had a hard decision to make but ultimately decided on two winners for the commercial and non-commercial categories. The commercial winner was JeT Tires & Auto, and the non-commercial winner was the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Congratulations!

There will be a fundraiser for Scenic Rivers Industries, Inc. (SRI) at Pizza Hut today from 5:00 to 9:00 in the evening, in which 20% of the net amount of all sales will be paid to SRI. SRI is a Sheltered Workshop in Salem, providing dignified employment for people with disabilities since 1977. Visit the SRI website at scenicriversind.org for more information.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds deer hunters to apply online through July 31st for a shot at more than 140 managed deer hunts throughout the state. There are hunts for archery, muzzleloader, shotgun, and modern firearms from mid-September through mid-January at designated conservation areas, parks, national wildlife refuges, and other public areas. Some managed deer hunts are offered specifically for youth, beginner hunters, or people with disabilities. Hunters are selected by a weighted random drawing. Get more information on managed deer hunts, preview hunt details, and apply starting July 1st at mdc.mo.gov/managedhunt. In order to register for a hunt, you will need a valid conservation ID number for yourself and those in your party.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is asking the public to help it monitor the state’s wild turkey population this summer by reporting wild turkey sightings. This survey used to be conducted using postcards but has switched to electronic for accessibility and streamlining purposes. MDC has conducted an annual Wild Turkey Brood Survey every year since 1959 to determine the success of the annual hatch. Observations of all wild turkeys MDC staff and volunteers observe during June, July, and August are recorded at the county level and summarized by region and statewide. While anyone can contribute observations to the brood survey, registering to become an official brood survey cooperator has additional benefits. Cooperators will receive a reminder email that the survey is about to begin and a summary report at the end of each survey. To learn more and to sign up to report wild turkey sightings, visit mdc.mo.gov and search “wild turkey brood survey.”

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist with energy costs. LIHEAP provides federally funded assistance to reduce the costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repair. LIHEAP can help you stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer through programs that reduce the risk of health and safety problems that arise from unsafe heating and cooling situations and practices. This summer, LIHEAP might be able to help you by helping to pay your cooling bills; providing assistance to service, repair, or replace an air conditioner; helping with the purchase of an air conditioner; distributing or loaning air conditioning units or air source heat pumps; or establishing or providing transportation to a cooling center. If you or someone you know needs help with cooling bills, LIHEAP may be able to help. For more information, visit energyhelp.us, email energyassistance@ncat.org, or call 866-674-6327, weekdays from 9:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the evening. 

The Scenic Rivers Performing Arts, the community theater of Salem, will be performing “The Sound of Music” this July. The cast and crew will feature a talented cast from Salem and the surrounding areas. Showtimes will be July 16th through July 18th at 7:00 in the evening. There will be two matinees on July 18th and July 19th at 2:00 in the afternoon. Tickets will be available at the door, or you can search Facebook for “Scenic Rivers Performing Arts” to purchase your tickets online and in advance. Come out and support the arts!

Throughout the month of July, Missouri State Parks is offering visitors to state parks and historic sites the opportunity to honor the men and women who have served our country through the Veterans Roundup Program. Visitors will have the chance to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar, with the funds raised going to programs that recognize and benefit veterans. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps support events, such as the popular Hero Deer Hunt and Veteran Deer Hunt. Normally, the money raised from the round up program is used at the park where the purchase is made. However, in July all funds raised will go toward helping fund special events and programs for veterans.