Local News

The Salem R-80 District Board of Education will conduct its regular monthly meeting today beginning at 5:30 in the evening. This meeting will take place at the Salem R-80 Administration Office and is open to the public until closed. After approval of agenda and consent agenda, Superintendent Nathan Wills will read communications received from Kim and Dee Moser. Students of Salem Upper Elementary will then be recognized by the board. Wills will make his report, which will then be followed by administration board reports. Under new business, there will be a first read of policy updates. Then, the board will consider adoption of a local compliance plan consistent with the 2025 Missouri state plan for special education. The board is to then consider a bid for the agricultural program barn, alongside a bid for the parking lot of Salem Upper Elementary. Approval of electronic payments will also be considered along with declaring itemized district property as surplus. Through the Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO), the board is to consider the opening of the Salem FBLA Student Opportunity Fund. A bus purchase is also to be considered for approval. Non-certified staffing changes will then be presented before the board moves into executive session for the purposes of discussing personnel and student issues.

The City of Salem’s Utility Committee will be holding a meeting tonight at 6:15 in the evening at the Old City Hall Auditorium. This meeting is open to the public. After approval of the agenda, any public comments will be heard. Previous meeting minutes will then be approved before a report is given by Utility Committee Chair Alderman Nathan Kinsey. The committee will then discuss utility meter testing and then receive reports including financial updates, billing updates, MMMPEP & MPUA meeting notes, and work reports from utility crew members. Current utility CIP information will also be discussed. The committee will then adjourn.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held its regular meeting Tuesday night. After approval of the agenda and consent agenda, the board approved a bid from Scenic Rivers Vehicle Outfitters at $18,887.78 for patrol vehicle upfits, to include equipment, labor, pickup and delivery of two patrol vehicles. The board also voted to reject the sole bid received for cold mix asphalt from Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. at $165 a ton. Public Works Director Paine explained the bid was nearly twice the average cost of cold mix, and the company operates out of St. Louis, making the transfer of the material costly, as well. The board approved a bid from Cogent for soft start for Well No. 6 at $7,000. A proposal from Virginia Lamb regarding a little free library at Craig Plaza was tabled in order to request more information. Community support applications were then considered, with the total requested from all organizations at $27,500; the budgeted amount is $20,000. The organizations of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Salem Mo. Fireworks, and Salem Area Community Betterment Association (SACBA) each requested $5,000, while the Dent Co. Extension requested $12,500. The board approved providing each organization the amount of $5,000. The board then discussed the selection process and service needs required of the next city attorney, as City Attorney James Weber will be moving on beginning next year. City Administrator Sally Burbridge asked the board to consider what qualifications are sought in the next city attorney. A Request For Qualifications will be advertised soon for the position. After candidates apply, it will be a mayoral appointment with board approval. Under reports of city officials, Burbridge reminded the board to submit any changes or additions to the list of the city’s legislative priorities. Public Works Director Steve Paine reminded residents not to blow leaves or yard waste into the streets, as this can impact the stormwater system. Alderwoman Catherine Dent reported that the DCAWS building has been given to Ozark Pet Rescue. Plans to reopen the building are in the works and will be announced at a later time. The board then adjourned. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be 6:00 in the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 27th. To watch a livestream of Tuesday’s meeting, or future city meetings, visit the City of Salem YouTube page at youtube.com/@CityofSalemMissouri.

The Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center (ONCRC) will be holding a “Stitched and Stuffed” Scarecrow Contest this year through Friday, Nov. 6th. Your scarecrow won’t have to be afraid of wind or rain – it will be safe and sound inside and on-display within the ONCRC building at 202 South Main Street. Build and design your scarecrow and share it with the entire community for a chance to win a prize. Your creation can be attached to a wall grid or sat in a chair. In addition, there will be a drawing and coloring contest for students through 4th grade who can submit up to three pictures or drawings. The student’s name and a phone number should be on the back of their work and left with an ONCRC volunteer. For more information, contact 573-729-0029 or email oncrc@salemcommunitybetterment.com.

The Healthy Dent County Prevention Coalition, along with local law enforcement, will collect unused, unwanted or expired medications at Walmart on Saturday, Oct. 24th from 10:00 to noon. Residents are encouraged to clean out their medicine cabinets and stop by for free, safe medication disposal. The local collection is part of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, a campaign led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) each April and October to help prevent prescription drug misuse. Leftover medication from a surgery, an unfinished prescription or an expired bottle can easily be forgotten. Keeping these medications in the home can allow them to fall into the wrong hands. Safe disposal helps protect families and reduces opportunities for prescription drug misuse. Residents are invited to the Drug Take Back event but are also reminded that there are two permanent medication drop boxes located at the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and the Salem Police Department. These free disposal options provide a safe, convenient way to turn in unused or unwanted medications. Collected medications are handled by local law enforcement for proper disposal through incineration.

The Salem Public Library has a book club that meets once a month and is open to everyone, whether you have a library card or not. The program is intended for adults. Join the book club on Wednesday, Oct. 21st at 1:00 in the afternoon in the conference room to discuss either “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson or “The Turn of the Screw” by Henry James. For more information on how to participate, ask a librarian at the circulation desk or call 573-729-4331.

The Meramec Regional Planning Commission will be presenting 16 individual awards and two organizational awards at its Annual Dinner on October 29th at the Bear River Ranch in Phelps County. Each year, the MRPC honors residents and organizations of the Meramec Region who volunteer their time and talents and give support to their communities. Two individuals being recognized by the MRPC for their Outstanding Contributions to a Community in the immediate area are Ed Carmack of Salem, nominated by Dent County Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson; and Stevie Kearse of Rolla, nominated by MRPC Board Member Aimee Campbell. Two organizations are also being recognized for Outstanding Contributions to the community, and they are the Dent County Historical Society, nominated by MRPC Board Member John Smith; and the “Love Thy Neighbor” program in Dent County, nominated by MRPC Board Member Shawn Bolerjack. The public is invited to attend the event in Phelps County. The deadline for reservations is October 16th. Reservations are $40 per person and can be made by contacting Linda Carroll at 573-265-2993. A reception, featuring a silent auction, will begin at 5:30 the evening on October 29th. Dinner, catered by Bear River Ranch, will start at 6:30 with a program and awards presentation following. For more information, contact MRPC at 573-265-2993.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will be meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 13th at 6:00 in the evening at 2 South Main Street, Salem. After the call to order and roll call, the board will consider approval of the night’s consent agenda, containing minutes of the previous meeting, financial report and bills and a budget review. Under Old Business, the board will consider the CTI Tower lease. Under Fire Chief Derek Thomas’ reports, the monthly reimbursements will be presented. The board will then set the date for the next meeting and move into closed session, if necessary, before adjournment. These meetings are open to the public until closed.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be holding its next regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 13th at 6:00 in the evening at the Old City Hall Auditorium. After the board approves the agenda and consent agenda, any scheduled public comments will be heard. The board will then consider approval of a patrol vehicle upfit bid and a Well No. 6 soft start invoice. The board will also consider the rejection of a cold mix asphalt bid. After, the board will hear a proposal from Virginia Lamb regarding a little free library. Community support applications will then be considered from organizations including Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Salem Mo. Fireworks, Dent Co. Extension, and the Salem Area Betterment Association. The board will then hold a discussion of City Attorney service needs and the selection process. Reports of city officials will then be heard before a vote to adjourn is made. These meetings are open to the public.

The annual Trunk or Treat on 4th Street in Salem is just around the corner. Businesses are invited to attend and make a safe and fun event for the kids of Dent County. The event will run Oct. 31st from 6:00 to 8:00 in the evening on West 4th Street between MacArthur and Hwy. 19. The event will be co-hosted by Derrick Marfitt and Chris Robbins. If interested in participating and handing out candy, contact either Marfitt or Robbins by email at derrickmarfitt@gmail.com or crobbins1264@gmail.com. Information needed includes the name of your group; number of spots requested; and the point of contact for your group. Businesses will set up after the road closure and distribute candy.

The Dent County Commission held its regular meeting Thursday morning at the courthouse, during which Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported that the Dent County Sheriff’s Office has given commissioner’s notice that it is suspending Flock cameras. Larson specified that the reason why was not provided. A press release is forthcoming from the Sheriff’s Office for more information, and that press release will be disseminated with the public as soon as it is received. Under road reports, District One Commissioner Keith Green shared that stockpiling of rock is to be done, and grading is planned for County Road 5615 and County Road 5070. Cutting brush is planned for County Road 6280. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported that crew members are planning to service graders and then grade on county roads 2360, 2350, and 4380. Williams also elaborated that, with it being incredibly dry, crew members will be pushing gravel off of road ways to fix the washboard effect afflicting several county roads. The gravel will not be put back until it rains, as they will not compact properly until there is moisture. Meanwhile, County Clerk Angie Curley reported that no excuse absentee voting is to begin on Tuesday, Oct. 20th. The deadline to have an absentee ballot mailed is Oct. 21st. For more information on the upcoming election, search Facebook for the Dent County Elections/County Clerk-Angie Curley Facebook page, contact the county clerk’s office at 573-729-4144, or email dent@sos.mo.gov. There will be no Dent County Commission meeting held on Monday morning, as the courthouse will be closed in observance of Columbus Day, Oct. 12th. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday, Oct. 15th beginning at 9:00 in the morning at the courthouse. These meetings are open to the public.

Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams has reported on the sales tax received for the month of September. For General Revenue, the county has received $98,252.19; this is up year-to-date $17,240.80. For the Road and Bridge department, the county has received $49,121.64; this is up year-to-date $15,380.91. Finally, for the county jails, the county has received $98,664.69; this is up year-to-date $29,968.18.

The Salem Police Department is introducing a bicycle registration program, CycleSafe, to help increase the likelihood of lost or stolen bicycles being returned to their owners beginning on Thursday, Oct. 15th. To register, bring your bicycle to the Salem Police Department located on 500 North Jackson Street. An officer will record your bicycle’s identifying information in the registration log and issue a registration number to be placed on your bike. The registration form will require the owner’s name, phone number, and address so the police department can make contact if your bicycle is recovered. For questions or to receive a registration form ahead of time, email Detective Stephenson at tstephenson@salemmo.com or contact 573-729-4242.

Not only is being a poll worker an excellent way to participate in our democracy, but it’s also a paid position. Poll workers are paid for their service on Election Day and often for attending training sessions prior to Election Day. Your local election authority determines how much you will be paid. Poll workers and election judges staff polling places on Election Day and help ensure the voting process goes smoothly. Poll workers check in registered voters, answer questions and make sure everyone who is eligible is given the opportunity to vote. You will need to attend at least one training session conducted by your local election authority prior to Election Day. These training sessions usually take place about four to six weeks prior to Election Day and provide you with everything you need to know about the voting equipment used in your jurisdiction, legal processes and procedures, along with information for answering voter questions. The amount of time required for training will vary based on your election jurisdiction, but usually lasts from two to eight hours. Poll workers must open the polls at 6:00 in the morning on Election Day and keep them open until 7:00 in the evening. Qualifications sought in a potential poll worker include being a registered voter; being able to speak, read, and write English; not appearing on the current ballot or have a close relative appear on the current ballot; and not holding an elective office at the time of service as a poll worker. If you’re interested in signing up to be a poll worker, visit the Secretary of State website at sos.mo.gov/pollworker for more information, such as frequently asked questions and to sign-up. If more information is desired, contact Dent County Clerk Angie Curley’s office at 573-729-4144 or email dent@sos.mo.gov. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 in the morning to 4:30 in the afternoon.

The Meramec Regional Planning Commission will be presenting 16 individual awards and two organizational awards at its Annual Dinner on October 29th at the Bear River Ranch in Phelps County. Each year, the MRPC honors residents and organizations of the Meramec Region who volunteer their time and talents and give support to their communities. Two individuals being recognized by the MRPC for their Outstanding Contributions to a Community in the immediate area are Ed Carmack of Salem, nominated by Dent County Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson; and Stevie Kearse of Rolla, nominated by MRPC Board Member Aimee Campbell. Two organizations are also being recognized for Outstanding Contributions to the community, and they are the Dent County Historical Society, nominated by MRPC Board Member John Smith; and the “Love Thy Neighbor” program in Dent County, nominated by MRPC Board Member Shawn Bolerjack. The public is invited to attend the event in Phelps County. The deadline for reservations is October 16th. Reservations are $40 per person and can be made by contacting Linda Carroll at 573-265-2993. A reception, featuring a silent auction, will begin at 5:30 the evening on October 29th. Dinner, catered by Bear River Ranch, will be served buffet-style starting at 6:30 with a program and awards presentation following. Dinner will be smoked ribs, barbeque grilled chicken, house salad, baked potato bar, grilled corn on the cob, rolls, peach cobbler and German chocolate cake. The 2026 Eugene E. Northern award, the highest honor given by MRPC for volunteers and community service, will also be announced at the Annual Dinner. The Eugene E. Northern award recipient remains a secret until announced at the Annual Dinner. For more information, contact MRPC at 573-265-2993.

Find out how to skin and process the deer you harvest this year at a Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Deer Processing Workshop at the Rolla MDC Office at 12655 State Route Y, Rolla. This workshop will be instructed by Dwight Warnke on Saturday, Oct. 10th beginning at 1:00 and ending at 4:00 in the afternoon. Registrants must be 11 years old by the day of the workshop. MDC staff will process a deer and take you from skinning, to deboning, to packaging the venison for your freezer. Staff will discuss equipment and tools used and provide answers to any questions you may have about the do-it-yourself processing. All attendees must be registered for the workshop. Registration is limited to 50 participants ages 11 and older. Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult attendee. To register, visit mdc.mo.gov/events and put “Rolla” in the “Location” tab to find the event called “Deer Hunting: Field to Freezer.”

The City of Salem will begin a planned street improvement project on Pershing Avenue on Wednesday. The project will include the entire length of Pershing Avenue, from the intersection with Scenic Rivers Boulevard and continuing north to where Pershing Avenue ends at 10th Street. Crews will first remove the top layer of the existing pavement. The street will then be repaved with a 2-inch asphalt overlay. The city has a $306,797 contract with Pierce Asphalt, LLC. to complete the project. This was a planned and budgeted street improvement and will be paid for with Motor Fuel Tax funds. These are funds the city receives from the tax paid on gasoline and other motor fuel, designated for local street improvements. Drivers and residents along Pershing Avenue should expect construction equipment, temporary traffic delays, and possible lane restrictions while work is underway. Please use caution, follow posted signs and directions from crews, and give workers plenty of room.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors has released a notice of vacancy for the director of election district four. The vacancy on the board shall be filled by appointment by the remaining board of directors. The appointee will hold office until the municipal election to be held in April 2027. Candidates for director of the hospital district shall be a citizen of the United States, voter of election district four, have resided for one year in that district for one year preceding the election, and be at least 30 years of age. Those interested in being considered can complete and file a Request for Appointment obtained in person at the administrative office of the hospital between 8:00 in the morning and 4:30 in the afternoon Monday through Friday. Applicants are expected to appear at the regular board meeting on Oct. 27th for a brief interview. District boundary information can be obtained at the administrative office. For more information, contact Salem Memorial Hospital at 573-729-6626.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) will be holding two open-house style informational meetings to provide the public an update on improvements along Interstate-44 in and near the communities of Rolla and St. James. Both meetings will be held next Tuesday, Oct. 13th with no formal presentation, allowing attendees to come and go at the designated hours. The materials presented at both locations will be the same, so interested parties can choose the time and location that is most convenient for them. In Rolla located at the Rolla City Hall, 901 North Elm Street, the meeting will be held from 1:30 to 2:30 in the afternoon. In St. James located at the St. James Council Chambers, 1320 Nelson Hart Drive, the meeting will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 in the evening. MoDOT is committed to providing equal access to these events for all participants. If you need a reasonable accommodation or translation service, please contact MoDOT by calling 573-522-5178 or by emailing CDCR@modot.mo.gov so arrangements can be made.

The Dent County Fire Protection District reminds county residents that a Burn Ban remains in effect until its expiration on Oct. 17th. The Dent County Commission has not reversed the Burn Ban. Although parts of Dent County have received rain, the entirety of the southern portion of the county remains dry, as well as other areas throughout the county. Outdoor burning and open burning are prohibited, including the burning of trees, logs, brush, stumps, leaves, grass clippings and other vegetative material, as well as burn barrels and agricultural burning. Anyone maintaining an outdoor fire may be held responsible for fire suppression costs and damages caused by the fire. Violations of the ordinance may constitute a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 365 days in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, or both. Limited exceptions are provided within the ordinance, including cooking or grilling with charcoal, wood, propane, or natural gas in appropriate cooking/grilling appliances, as well as certain heating, 

Three men who have been accused of involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy in Dent County were arrested Monday, Oct. 5th, according to a press release from the office of the United States Attorney of the Eastern District of Missouri, Thomas C. Albus. Those accused include William Wind, age 59, Thomas Wind, age 60, and David Gray, age 58, who all were indicted in the U.S. District Court in St. Louis on Sept. 16th with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. The indictment alleges the drug conspiracy lasted from Jan. 1st, 2025, to at least February 2026. Each man also faces one count of possession with the intent to distribute meth, and Thomas Wind faces a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of three pistols and five rifles seized during the investigation. Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. Those who assisted in the case include the FBI; the Rolla Area Drug Enforcement Task Force (RADE), which is comprised of officers from the Rolla Police Department, the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office; the Salem Police Department; the Licking Police Department; the Texas County Sheriff’s Department and Missouri’s Operation Relentless Pursuit, a coordinated, intelligence-led law enforcement initiative to locate and apprehend fugitives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mohsen Pasha is prosecuting the case.

The Dent County Commission met for its regular meeting Monday morning at the courthouse. Under road reports, District One Commissioner Keith Green shared that crew members will be grading on county roads 5610, 2460, and 5070. Crew members will also be stock piling rock, changing grader blades, and cutting brush on County Road 6280. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams shared that crew members are to be grading on County Road 2310 and cutting brush on County Road 3305 and County Road 3295. Grader blades and tires will be changed. Commissioners further reported that the county-wide burn ban enacted Sept. 17th for a 30-day period is still in effect due to current drought conditions. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported that commissioners have reviewed September’s collections, abatements, and add-ons. Bills and Payroll are to be approved. County Clerk Angie Curley reported that Fair Ballot Language for the Nov. 3rd General Election has been received and is able to be provided to those who request it. There are four constitutional amendments and one proposition to be voted on. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be 9:00 in the morning Thursday at the Dent County Courthouse. There will be no County Commission meeting on Monday, Oct. 12th in observance of Columbus Day.

This past weekend at Montauk State Park saw the 63rd annual Rose Holland Trout Derby, an American Heart Association (AHA) fundraiser. This year raised a record breaking amount of $16,923 for the AHA. The Current River Cruisers Club held a Cruise-in on Friday night, raising $2,348 for the AHA. For Saturday and Sunday, fishing tags sold included 1,398 adults and 185 youth. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) released 100 tagged fish Friday night with a total of 56 caught over the two-day derby. The men’s heaviest fish was 5 lb. 11 oz. caught by Gavin Steinborn of Hazelwood, Mo. The women’s heaviest fish was 3 lb. 8 oz. caught by Vicky Hagen of Norton, Kansas. Heaviest brown trout was 2 lb. 2 oz. by Christina Potts of Houston, Mo. Next year’s event is planned for Oct. 2nd through Oct. 3rd, 2027. This information is provided by Darlene Griffith, Derby Chairman.

The Salem Public Library has a book club that meets once a month and is open to everyone, whether you have a library card or not. The program is intended for adults. Join the book club on Wednesday, Oct. 21st at 1:00 in the afternoon in the conference room to discuss either “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson or “The Turn of the Screw” by Henry James. For more information on how to participate, ask a librarian at the circulation desk or call 573-729-4331.

Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) Executive Director Bonnie Prigge, Planning Manager Anne Freand, and the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) Meramec Area Engineer are preparing to travel throughout the region’s counties to discuss transportation needs on the state roadway systems with county officials and concerned citizens. The meeting for Dent County will be conducted on Nov. 2nd at 10:00 in the morning at the Dent County Courthouse within the commissioner’s meeting room. This meeting will be open to the public.

An accident occurred in Dent County Saturday morning at approximately 7:35 on Hwy. 72 four miles west of Salem. According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2019 Hyundai Sonata, driven by a 54-year-old Salem woman, slowed to make a left turn when a 2015 Nissan Altima, driven by a 16-year-old Salem juvenile, struck the rear of the Hyundai. Both drivers suffered minor injuries and were transported to Salem Memorial Hospital. The report stated both drivers were wearing safety restraints. Both vehicles were totalled and removed from the scene, the Hyundai by American Automotive and the Nissan by Whitaker’s Towing.

The Dent County Commission held its regularly scheduled meeting Thursday morning at the courthouse. Under road reports, District One Commissioner Keith Green shared that crew members would be grading on the following county roads: 5610, 2490, 2450, and – if time allows – 2460. Patching is also to be completed on several chip and seal roads. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams shared that crew members would be working on maintenance for several county vehicles, including replacing a tire on the pup trailer; replacing tires on truck #75; preparing truck #72 for sale; servicing truck #70; and installing a fuel tank in truck #66. Concrete had been poured and a culvert installed on County Road 3200 this week. Green reported that fuel bids for 7,500 gallons of diesel had been received at $5.007 from MFA; $4.99 from Phil-Mart; and $5.10 from County Fuels. The bid was approved for Phil-Mart at $4.99 a gallon. In addition, commissioners approved the yearly renewal for health insurance for county staff. Health insurance increased 1.6%. Commissioners also received a routine quarterly update from representatives of the county’s property and automobile insurance company, Ollis Akers & Arney. County Clerk Angie Curley reported that sample ballots have been received by her office and are able to be given to voters upon request. Fair ballot language will be shipped out to the county clerk’s office at the beginning of this week. Curley stated fair ballot language should be available for Dent County voters by the end of this week. Curley further notified that all voters who use the Northwood R-IV for their polling location will be voting in the newly built FEMA gym rather than the regular gym for this coming election. For more information, visit sos.mo.gov/elections. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be this morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and is open to the public.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors held its regular monthly meeting Tuesday evening in the Doctor’s Library. The board approved the evening’s agenda and previous meeting minutes. Chief Executive Officer Brent Peirick reported that two CDs have been renewed with Town and Country Bank at 4% with a seven-month term, and one CD was renewed with Bank of Salem at 3.95% for a nine-month term. Legal advice was received from Donn Herring of Spencer Fane on formal bidding requirements for Horizon One grant-funded projects; Herring stated bids did not need to be publicized. Under new business, Dr. Leigh Anne Price asked the board to consider leaving Zachary Moser’s board position vacant for a month, out of respect for his family. The board agreed. After discussion, the board decided the position will be publicized at the beginning of October and interviews with candidates will be conducted on Oct. 27th. For the CEO report, Peirick has been working on specialty recruitment for several departments, including OB, general surgery, and cardiology. Peirick stated the hospital has signed a contract with the company Premier Specialty Network, LLC., which will be providing rheumatology services through Dr. Sandra Hoffman beginning in January. Hoffman will work out of the rural health clinic several times a month. For the summary of operations for August, the hospital recorded 54 inpatient admissions, 1,204 outpatient registrations, 560 emergency room visits, and 217 ambulance runs. Fractional Chief Financial Officer Jason Johnson provided the hospital’s financial report. Johnson reported a total operating revenue of approximately $1.7 million, against a total operating expense of approximately $2.3 million. A total loss of roughly $353,000 was reported for August, compared to a loss of roughly $436,000 in July. Days cash on hand was reported at 30. During a recent meeting between hospital staff and Equalize RCM, the company working on Accounts Receivable (AR), it was revealed there is approximately $1.5 million in uncoded claims to be dropped. Equalize RCM’s staff was given the directive to drop that amount to $820,000 by Friday. For 340B, a total net revenue of $40,406 was reported for the month of August. Johnson reported on CDM price structure comparisons between SMDH and other hospitals in the surrounding area, disclosing that SMDH is about 45% below Phelps Health; 20% below Missouri Baptist Sullivan; and 15% above Texas County Memorial Hospital. Johnson reported that the property tax revenue is at the state cap, and that a future levy request could be considered, should the board deem it necessary. Chief Nursing Officer Amber Hogan reported that the current call-light system has failed across the hospital; a wireless interim system is in place while vendor quotes are evaluated. Under Kendra Mobray’s quality improvement and risk management report, the hospital will be completing a Hybrid Hospital-wide Readmission (HWR) report. The hospital has received the executed contract from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for $1.7 million. Parking lot repairs are scheduled to begin next week and are to be completed by the end of October. HVAC repairs are estimated to begin mid-November, alongside window and door replacements. The call-light system is estimated for replacement by early spring. The board then approved entering executive session for legal and personnel discussion. The next regular meeting of the Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors is scheduled for Oct. 27th at 7:00 in the Doctor’s Library and is open to the public.

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!