News – Wednesday, September 16th, 2026

The Salem Memorial Hospital has released that it has been officially awarded approximately $1.7 million through Missouri’s ToRCH Care Strategic Strategic Minor Renovations (Horizon 1) initiative, funded through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). SMH received its fully executed contract on Sept. 9th following final approval by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Missouri Department of Social Services. The award will allow SMH to address critical facility needs that support the safety, reliability, and continued delivery of healthcare services to the communities throughout the hospital’s district. The funded project, titled the Critical Infrastructure Stabilization and Safety Preservation Initiative, includes improvements to several essential areas of the hospital campus. Planned work includes replacement of the hospital’s aging roofing system, HVAC equipment, nurse call systems, and a portion of the hospital’s oldest exterior windows and doors. The project also includes repairs to existing parking areas and improvements to drainage and access at the Emergency Department and ambulance entrance. The award requires SMH to provide a 10% match toward the project. The SMH Foundation has committed funding equal to 5% of the required match, providing significant support toward the hospital’s obligation. SMH expressed appreciation to the SMH Foundation, its members, leadership, and supporters for their continued investment in the hospital. The Foundation’s contribution toward the required match will help SMH maximize the funding opportunity and move these critical improvements forward. SMH also extended its appreciation to State Representative John Hewkin, Four Rivers Community Health Center, Compass Health, and the Dent County Health Center, each of whom provided letters of support for the hospital’s application. The executed contract establishes a project period of Sept. 9th, 2026, through Oct. 30th, 2027. With the award now finalized, SMH can begin moving forward with the approved projects and coordinating the work necessary to complete these critical improvements within the award period.

Join the Salem Public Library this Thursday night from 6:00 to 7:00 for the opening night of the Salem Chess Club! Have you been interested in chess but have no one to play with? Or do you wish to learn how to play but don’t know where to start? Here is a fun opportunity to play and learn the rules of chess with members of the local community. This chess club is beginner friendly and appropriate for all ages. It will take place in the north basement meeting room. There is no library card or fee required to participate. Non-alcoholic drinks and food are allowed.

The 40th annual Old Miners’ Days, a festival that celebrates the rich mining history of southeast Missouri, will be celebrated in Viburnum Friday through Sunday, Oct. 2nd through Oct. 4th. The free event features entertainment for all ages, including live music, mine tours, kids’ games, food trucks and booths, craft vendors, a community parade, and much more. Friday will see a Tiny Tot Contest and Miss Viburnum Scholarship Pageant. Saturday will see an evening concert with American Idol 2026 Winner Hannah Harper. On Sunday, there will be a community church service and a car show along St. Joseph Street. For more information about Old Miners’ Days, including a full schedule of events, visit oldminersdays.com.

The Ozark Riverways Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and its preservation and promotion of the Current and Jacks Fork rivers. Join the foundation for the National Public Lands Day Jacks Fork River Cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 26th from 8:00 to 7:00 in the evening. Attendees may choose one of three float routes for the cleanup: Bay Creek to Alley Spring; Alley Spring to Eminence; or Eminence to Two Rivers. Bay Creek to Alley Spring and Alley Spring to Eminence will be put into the water at 10:00 in the morning, while Eminence to Two Rivers will be put into the water at 9:00 in the morning. Make sure to arrive in time to complete sign-in forms and for a river safety briefing. All floats are estimated to end between 2:00 and 3:00 in the afternoon. Join the group for music, food, and prizes at 5:00 on the Rock Bar and Grill pavilion, where there will be a drawing for a free kayak, paddle, and Personal Flotation Device. Find more information by visiting ozarkriverwaysfoundation.org. 

The 2nd Annual Benefit for Project Win with a Current River Cruisers Car Club Cruise In will be this Saturday, Sept. 19th. The event will be located around the Dent County Courthouse square from 10:00 in the morning to 3:00 in the afternoon. Performances will be heard from Southern Sound at 11:00 and Kevin & Kim Abney at Noon. There will also be special Jiu-Jitsu Outlet entertainment. Food and drink will be available on-site, alongside a bake sale. Registration is $25 with the first 25 cars registered to get a Dash Plaque. All proceeds will go to Project Win Cancer Group, which supports Dent County residents. For more information, contact 573-261-0856.

An event put on in partnership between Parsons Chiropractic and the City of Salem Parks and Recreation, the Salem Mo. Spectacular Balloon Glow, is returning to brighten the dark autumn skies of Salem once more. This annual event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 24th at the Al Brown Complex, beginning at 11:00 in the morning and going into the night. The evening will be full of hot air balloons, food, crafts, and musical entertainment provided by the Greer Company. Stay tuned on what’s coming up by following the official Facebook page: Find it by searching Facebook for “Salem, MO Spectacular Balloon Glow Event.”