News – Friday, September 4th, 2026
The 12th Annual Salem Area Chamber of Commerce pro rodeo, sanctioned by IPRA/ACRA/MRCA and produced by Outlaw Rodeo Productions will be held this Labor Day weekend on Saturday and Sunday beginning at 7:30 each night at The Commons on Hwy. 72 North with the gates opening at 5:30 for family activities. There will be a number of events held including team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping and breakaway roping with a boot toss and Pony rides for kids ages 10 and under. Kids can also sign up for Mutton Bustin’ by 5:45 each afternoon by the announcers stand. Vendors will be available selling food and beverages as well as other merchandise both evenings. As a special treat on Sunday night, the Greers will be singing at the stage starting at 5:30. Advanced tickets are available at both Bank of Salem locations, both locations of Town and Country Bank, Progressive Ozark Bank, Riverways Federal Credit Union and the Salem Chamber of Commerce office at 1136 South Main in the Crossroads Shopping Center. Ticket prices in advance are $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 5-11, while at the gate, ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for children. If you have any questions, call the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce at 573-729-6900.
An accident occurred in Phelps County Tuesday afternoon at approximately 3:30 on westbound I44 at the 179.8-mile marker. According to the Highway Patrol report a 2022 Freightliner Cascadia, driven by a 69-year-old man from Cleveland, Texas, failed to yield to a 2019 International MoDot Truck that was stationary with active placards in a construction zone and struck the MoDot Truck in the rear. The driver of the Freightliner suffered minor injuries and was transported by Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. The occupants of the MoDot Truck, a 66-year-old man and 72-year-old man, were both from Rolla. They also suffered minor injuries and were transported by Phelps Health Ambulance to Rolla Phelps Health. According to the report the driver of the Freightliner was wearing a safety restraint, while the two MoDot workers were exempt. The Freightliner was totaled and removed from the scene by D & D Towing. The MoDot Truck sustained moderate damage and was removed by Ron Dishman’s Towing. The Highway Patrol was assisted by the Doolittle Fire District and the Phelps County Ambulance District.
An accident occurred in Phelps County Tuesday evening at approximately 8:13 in the 1500 Block of Highway 72 in Rolla. According to the Highway Patrol report a 20-year-old man from Edgar Springs on an eastbound 2022 Honda Dirt Bike left a parking lot at a high rate of speed, lost control, traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a mailbox, and some bushes. The man suffered serious injuries and was flown by Phelps Air to University Hospital in Columbia. The report stated that the man was wearing a safety device at the time of the accident. The Honda was totaled and removed from the scene by C & C Towing.
The City of Salem has released that the planned citywide power outage has now been moved forward to Wednesday, Sept. 23rd from the previously released date of Friday, Sept. 18th. The power outage will take place Sept. 23rd from 1:00 to 3:00 in the early hours of the morning.