News – Thursday, October 1st, 2026

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met for a special meeting Tuesday night at the Old City Hall Auditorium, called for by Mayor Greg Parker. This meeting was called to rescind a bid approval from Flynn Drilling for the Well #6 pump replacement and repairs granted during the Sept. 8th board meeting. The board approved the rescindment. Public Works Director Steve Paine stated the rescindment was necessary following observations that the well needed more work than was included within the bid packet. The bid packet for the Well #6 project will be made more comprehensive and then put out for bid at a later time. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be Oct. 13th at 5:00 in the evening at the Old City Hall Auditorium and is open to the public.

The Dent County Tourism Commission met for its regular meeting Monday, Sept. 21st at 5:00 in the afternoon at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce office. After approval of the August meeting and agenda, the board moved onto application requests. A request was heard from the Dent County Historical Society for an America 250 celebration of the Akers, Missouri post office in the amount of $5,625. The request was tabled to October’s meeting for further discussion, due to the event being located in Shannon County. A request was heard and approved for $3,815  from the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, City of Salem Parks & Recreation, and Tyler Parsons for the 2026 Balloon Glow. The final request was heard and approved for $570 from the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce for a half-page ad in Montauk Talks. Moving on to reimbursements, a reimbursement request for $4,574.48 was heard from the Dent Co. Commons for the 2026 Summer Carnival. Reimbursement was approved for the amount originally approved in April by the commission at $4,361.71. The final reimbursement request was approved from the Salem Area Community Betterment Association for the Walking Tour signs at $4,720. This report is summarized from the unofficial minutes of the Sept. 21st meeting. Minutes are unofficial until approved by board members at the following meeting. The Dent County Tourism Commission meets on the third Monday of each month at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce office at 5:00 in the afternoon. Members meet to determine disbursement of tourism funds for community marketing purposes. These meetings are open to the public. There are currently two vacancies for the Dent County Tourism Commission. Board members are looking for community members who are passionate about promoting tourism, marketing, and economic growth in Dent County. Backgrounds in local lodging, recreation, or business are helpful, but anyone interested in serving the community is welcome to apply. Interested individuals can request an application through the Dent County Commission, who meet every Monday and Thursday at the Dent County Courthouse from 9:00 in the morning to noon, or by contacting the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce office at 573-729-6900.

The Missouri Department of Transportation has informed that construction crews were able to restore two-way traffic at the Little Piney Creek Bridge on Hwy. 63 at Yancy Mills Wednesday evening. A project to replace the bridge’s driving surface began in early May with traffic narrowed to one lane. The temporary traffic signals used to direct vehicles safely through the work zone have now been turned off.

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. Saturday will see an evening concert with American Idol 2026 Winner Hannah Harper. For more information about Old Miners’ Days, including a full schedule of events, visit oldminersdays.com.

The Ozark Heritage Artisans will be holding a Harvest Fest on Saturday, Oct. 17th from 9:00 in the morning to 3:00 in the afternoon at the Creative Arts Center. This group of talented individuals bring a wealth of creative skills to the table with unique items for sale, including pottery, paintings, and much more. There will also be baked goods, plants, demonstrations, snacks, a free activity for the kids, and an elementary student Art Show by the students of art teacher Amy Hallinar. Don’t miss it!