News – Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026

A Salem resident was involved in an accident in Reynolds County Monday evening at approximately 7:45. The accident occurred at Highway KK and Highway J fourteen miles north of Bunker. According to the Highway Patrol report a westbound 2007 Ford F150, operated by a Steelville juvenile, crossed the highway and impacted a ditch due to mechanical failure. A passenger, a 31-year-old Salem female, suffered minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to Iron County Medical Center. The report stated that the Salem woman was not wearing a safety restraint and neither was the juvenile driver. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Rowdy’s Towing at the county’s request.

The Agricultural Education program at Salem High School of the Salem R-80 School District has been awarded a Horizon and Rising Sun grant from the Missouri FFA Foundation in the amount of $50,000. This award is part of a grant program created to help address critical gaps in agricultural education across Missouri. A Horizon Grant supports expansion or upgrades to existing ag education programs, while a Rising Sun Grant helps launch new programs and certificate offerings. The grant will be utilized to build and equip a 40×80 Animal Science Facility, providing students with hands-on opportunities to learn animal science, livestock production, animal health, nutrition, handling, breeding, and management. Offering a Vet Tech, Pet Grooming, Artificial Insemination and Animal Quality Assurance certification is another goal of the facility. The agriculture education program teachers of SHS, Heather Johnson and Dalton Sanders, shared that the facility would allow students to work with animals, gain real-world skills, explore careers, earn valuable certifications, and see possibilities beyond the classroom. The Missouri FFA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which secures strategic partnerships and the financial resources to enhance, strengthen, and support the educational and leadership opportunities that promote premier leadership, personal growth, and career success for Missourians in agricultural education.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met for its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, Sept. 17th. Under student recognitions, William Lynch Elementary Principal Dr. Herman Blau recognized students John White, Mobel Preston, Lillian Light, and Sammie Enloe as September Students of the Month. The students led the board meeting in saying the Pledge of Allegiance. The board then approved the agenda and consent agenda before moving on to Superintendent Nathan Will’s report. Wills updated board members on payment options for cafeteria a la carte items, stating that debit cards are now accepted and there are hopes to expand the privilege to other items like parking fees, Chromebook insurance, etc. The High School men’s lobby restroom project is now complete. Staff are working on the Request For Proposals (RFP) for the Upper Elementary parking lot for concrete rather than asphalt. In addition, staff are working on a RFP for the Animal Science Facility for the ag. department. The district may be keeping the suburban for the remainder of the year, so the district has two SUVs on-hand. Wills also shared an update on the bus accident, stating that the district is awaiting a final check from insurance and staff is looking for another bus to replace it. Wills discussed with the board the Missouri A-F school and district grading framework, approved Tuesday, Sept. 15th by the Missouri State Board of Education. The board was also updated that the district will be going out for bid on food service. Enrollment for the district was shared at 1,273, a slight decrease due to kindergarten enrollment. A presentation was provided by Assistant Superintendent Dan Copeland on MAP and EOC scores. Reports were then provided by administrators. Under new business, the board approved the bus routes for the 2026-27 school year; the SCMCAA Headstart MOU and Transition Plan Agreement; and the MOU with Texas County Technical College for nursing students. Under personnel changes, Leah Parker was hired as William Lynch custodian and several resignations and retirements were heard, including Cole Mackley, maintenance; Katlyn Steelman, custodian; and Kim Warden, para. The board then approved moving into executive session for the purpose of personnel issues. After returning to open session, the board adjourned. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Salem R-80 Board of Education will be Oct. 15th at 5:30. 

Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams has reported on the County Aid Road Trust (CART) funds received by the county for the month of September 2026. The county has received $96,335.95.