Local News

On Saturday February 14th, Patrolmen from the Salem Police Department initiated an investigation into the whereabouts of a wanted fugitive who had been evading authorities for a Phelps County warrant, for approximately four years. Officers responded to the 100 block of South Jackson Street after receiving information that the subject was inside a residence. Officers issued verbal commands for the individual to exit the residence; however, the subject initially refused to comply. Additional assistance was requested from the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, and a perimeter was established. The subject, identified as Thomas Weaver, was subsequently taken into custody without incident. Weaver was transported to the Dent County Jail, where he is being held on the following charge: Failure to Appear for driving while revoked. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Meramec Regional Planning Commission’s Revolving Loan Fund has over $700,000 to loan to businesses in any of the eight counties served by the Meramec Regional Planning Commission which includes Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski, and Washington counties.  Any individual business can apply for up to $200,000 in a revolving fund loan. Benefits of this loan program include fixed rate financing for the borrower, improving a locality’s quality of life, a lower down payment for the eligible passive concern, and longer maturities to repay the debt for the borrower. For any business needing assistance, call the MRPC office today at 573-265-2993.

Ameren Missouri is reminding residential customers across the state that a wide range of resources remain available to support qualifying households with their energy bills in 2026. In addition to programs funded by the company, Ameren partners with the Energy Assistance Foundation and hundreds of Community Action Agencies to ensure customers can apply for funds, including the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). In Dent and Phelps counties, Ameren Missouri provides natural gas services. Ameren also invites customers who are able to give back to their communities to partner with the company by making a one-time or recurring contribution to the “Dollar More” program. The “Dollar More” program provides eligible households up to $600 per calendar year. Also, qualifications for the program have increased up to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. Throughout 2025, Ameren Missouri partnered with hundreds of Community Action Agencies to make more than $140 million in energy assistance and LIHEAP support available to customers across Missouri as well as in Illinois. For more information on all available resources, visit Ameren.com/Assistance.

A “Junk Journals” class will be held on Thursday evening, February 19th from 5:00 to 8:00 with Gail Phelan at the Creative Arts Center. Attendees will make a booklet out of mailers, envelopes, and scraps of packing paper. Use pretty much anything you would normally toss in the bin to make a journal. The class will learn the ‘3-hole pamphlet stitch’ to bind your book together. The class is for those who are 6-years and up with adult. The cost of the class is $20 All materials and supplies will be provided. At least four people must sign up for the class, and it will be limited to 13.  To sign up for this class or future classes like Chunky Knit Blankets, Oil Painting, and Clay Sculpting, go to the SACBA website, click on the “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen have called a special meeting today in the Old City Hall Auditorium at 5:00. Following roll call and approval of the agenda, the board will discuss the MPUA invoice approval, before adjourning. This meeting is open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds Missouri hunters and anglers that related annual permits expire at the end of February, including 2025 permits for small game, fishing, trout fishing, and combination hunting and fishing. You can buy Missouri hunting and fishing permits from one of many vendors around the state, online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, or through MDC’s free mobile apps, MO Hunting and MO Fishing, available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices. Save time by buying hunting and fishing permits for multiple people in a single transaction. Select the “Additional Customer” option during the permit purchase. Avoid having to manually renew permits each year by using MDC’s Permit Auto-Renewal Service. It allows customers to enroll eligible permits in a service that will automatically renew their permits prior to the start of the next season or permit year. The process was designed to ensure customers never have expired permits when they need them most. Learn more about this service at mdc.mo.gov/permits/permit-auto-renewal. Commercial and lifetime permits can be purchased only through the MDC Permit Services Unit by calling 573-522-0107. Contact them for an application. 

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has released its 2025 Progress Update for the Missouri Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy. The update highlights the state’s significant progress in reducing nutrient pollution, improving water quality and strengthening statewide conservation efforts. The Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy is Missouri’s long-term, adaptive approach to reducing nitrogen and phosphorus pollution to help protect local waterways and downstream ecosystems. The update outlines progress Missouri has made through collaboration with state agencies, conservation districts, agricultural partners and local communities. Chris Wieberg, deputy director of MoDNR’s Missouri Geological Survey said that Missouri’s Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy reflects the state’s commitment to balancing agricultural productivity, economic growth and environmental stewardship. Key highlights from the 2025 Progress Update include: More than $168 million invested in conservation practices through the Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax from 2022 to 2025. Prevention of more than 5.2 million tons of soil and associated nutrients from entering Missouri waterways. Expansion of cover crop adoption, with more than 168,000 acres served in 2025. And implementation of more than 50 active 4R Nutrient Stewardship contracts covering over 4,300 acres by MoDNR’s Soil and Water Conservation Program. The report also highlights Missouri’s participation in national efforts to address Gulf Hypoxia, the development of nutrient trading programs and ongoing research through edge-of-field monitoring and innovative other conservation practices. In addition to documenting progress, the update outlines priorities for 2026 and 2027. These include expanding nutrient trading, increasing watershed modeling, strengthening partnerships with USDA-NRCS and advancing research on emerging conservation technologies.

Applications for the 54th Cadet Patrol Academy are now being accepted. The joint program between the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the American Legion is looking for young men and women ages from 16 to 18 to join the 54th Cadet Patrol Academy class. This week-long class begins June 7th and gives students an opportunity to gain hands on experience and an understanding of law enforcement. Additionally, students can explore different career paths within the Patrol. The Cadets will spend the week mirroring the work recruits do during the Patrol academy. A graduation ceremony will be held for participants on Friday, June 12th. Students who apply must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher, be of good moral character, have a valid driver’s license or permit, turn 16 prior to April 1st, and have an interest in pursuing a career in the Criminal Justice System. Those interested may obtain an application from their local American Legion Post. Questions regarding the Cadet Patrol Academy can be directed to Corporal Michael Halim at 573-522-7650.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held a workshop prior to its regular meeting Tuesday evening in the auditorium at 202 North Washington Street to discuss policies regarding the use of City Hall. Discussion items included the installation of gates and the locking of certain rooms to restrict access to sensitive areas and protect records; safety concerns related to opening the balcony to the public; and the possible placement of a mat to protect the stage floor. The board also addressed damage to the floor finish caused by tape, paint splatter on the exterior stairs, and security concerns related to locking and unlocking the building after business hours. Additional topics included implementing a refundable cleaning and damage deposit, posting a PDF version of the facility’s rental application on the city’s website, exploring keycard or pin-pad entry systems, and considering discounted fees for productions requiring extended use of the facility over several weeks. Upon conclusion of the workshop, the Board of Aldermen called its regular meeting to order. Following prayer and approval of the agenda and consent agenda, City Administrator Sally Burbridge presented the annual Net Metering Report, noting that the city received 14,663 kWh from three residences within city limits that utilize solar power. The board voted to table action on engineering firm recommendations until the next meeting to allow additional research on the firms under consideration. The aldermen also approved painting the new water tower blue in accordance with the results of a public vote. Alderman John Whelan cast the sole dissenting vote. Parks and Recreation Director Melissa DuBois requested a $10,000 budget adjustment for the purchase of rock to mitigate creek erosion. Funding will come from the prior year’s fund balance, which currently totals approximately $636,000. A portion of eligible expenses may be reimbursed by FEMA, which would offset the fund balance expenditure if approved. Installation of the rock will be completed by the City of Salem Street Department staff. The board approved the request. The board also approved a bid from Behlmann Dodge for the purchase of a new 2026 Dodge Ram truck with a utility bed and 21 miles for $61,879 to replace the Construction Department’s 2005 Ford F-450, which has 131,000 miles, a history of extensive repairs, and a current oil leak. In response to a question from Mayor Greg Parker regarding warranty coverage, Public Works Director Steve Paine stated the vehicle includes a five-year, 60,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. A second reading of Bill No. 3695, concerning mid-year budget adjustments, excluding the recently approved Parks and Recreation adjustment, was approved. The board also approved first and second readings of the following measures: Bill No. 3696, authorizing Change Order No. 2 for the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Phase 2 Improvements Project, to extend a 1.25 inch potable water supply line across the WWTP, totaling $12,469.00 to be paid out of prior year’s funds; Bill No. 3697, and Bill No. 3698, to install lighting on the water tower. The cost of this project comes to $81,800.25 and will include strengthening the handrail support for lights to illuminate the tower face/logo facing the AirEvac pad and highway. This would cost the city the 1% match in the amount of $468.00. Following reports from city officials and the aldermen, the board adjourned into executive session to discuss matters related to attorney-client privilege, real estate, and contracts. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Aldermen is scheduled for February 24 at 6:00 in the Auditorium, and is open to the public. 

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday, February 10th at the firehouse for their regular monthly meeting. After previous board meeting minutes were approved, the financial reports as well as the bills, payments and statements were also reviewed and they were all approved. The board discussed the Junior Firefighter Program policy and the board approved to adopt the policy as presented by Derrick Marfitt. The board is still waiting on more information on the lease on the old Fidelity Tower, now owned by CTI, so that was again tabled. The board approved a policy with spending limits for the fire chief as well as emergency spending and disposal. Under New Business, the board approved allowing the Red Knight Motorcycle Club to use the fire station parking lot on June 13th or on their rain date of June 27th. Coroner Ben Pursiful was not able to attend the meeting and that discussion will have to held at a later date. Fire Chief Derek Thomas presented the monthly reimbursement report that showed the fire district responded to 18 calls in January and a total of 33 calls for the year. There were nine fire calls comprised of a chimney fire, four grass fires, two structural fires, and two other outside fires. Other calls responded to were an electrical hazard short circuit, a carbon monoxide release, a motor vehicle collision, a motor vehicle entrapped extraction, a fire alarm, two unknown calls and a standby call. The next board meeting was then set for March 10th at 6:00 in the evening at the Dent County Fire Protection District firehouse. Following the closed session, the meeting was adjourned.

The City of Salem Utility Committee meeting will be tonight at 6:15 at the Old City Hall Auditorium at 202 North Washington. At the meeting following any public comments, the committee will hear reports from the chairman, hear financial updates from Stacey Houston and get the report from MPUA concerning the January electric bills. The committee will discuss utility meter testing centered around a discussion to create a charge for electric meter testing, then discuss policy amendments including requiring a building inspection if there has been no utilities for a certain amount of months, and citizens must be 18-year-old or older to open a utility account. Also to be discussed is the royalty and marketing agreement for the service line warranty program. The committee will then be updated on the sewer plant mitigation projects and the water tower maintenance contract. The committee will then hear billing reports, the annual net metering report, hear work reports from the city utility crews and review the MMMPEP meeting notes. A utilities Capital Improvement Plan will be discussed before the meeting is adjourned. The Utility Committee meeting of the City of Salem will be tonight at 6:15 and it is open to the public.

Bunker R-3 school will be dismissing at twelve noon today due to a water main leak. The City of Bunker will be shutting off water at noon to resolve the leak. When the water does come back on citizens will be notified and will be under a boil order for 24 hours afterwards. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call the Bunker City Hall at 573-689-2444.

The Salem Police Department has announced the assignment of Patrolman Rictor as the School Resource Officer at the Salem R-80 School District. Patrolman Rictor brings six years of law enforcement experience to this role. His professional training includes Firearms Instructor certification, Sniper training, REID Interview and Interrogation techniques, and Narcotics training, among others. In addition to his law enforcement background, Patrolman Rictor has served on a local school board and recognizes the critical importance of maintaining a safe and secure learning environment for students and staff. The Salem Police Department commends the Salem R-80 School District for taking this important step toward enhancing the safety and well-being of our children and school community.

The Salem Police Department has recently released their report for the month of December. The department responded to 14 accidents during the month. Officers responded to seven  alarms sounding and addressed 57 animal calls, investigated two assaults or fights, four burglaries, performed 30 well-being checks and21 area checks in December. Police investigated 8 domestic disputes, four verbal disturbances and one physical disturbance, conducted 47 follow-up investigations and provided 27 escorts. They investigated five harassment reports, four parking complaint calls, three intoxicated pedestrians, four fraud charges, six trespassing calls and six property damage reports. The Salem Police wrote three stealing reports, responded to 10 traffic complaints and assisted four motorists. Officers responded to three reports of a suicidal person, 14 suspicious circumstance calls and two suspicious vehicle calls. The Salem Police in December investigated two reports of shots fired, three reports of shoplifting, a report of a prowler, three peace disturbances and they checked out an abandoned vehicle call. Officers attempted to serve three warrants, and they conducted 33 traffic stops during the month. The police responded to a total of 445 incidents in December with the average response time to calls being two minutes and 12 seconds. The average time spent on the scene was 20 minutes and 54 seconds. If you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation, contact the Salem Police Department by calling their non-emergency phone number at (573) 729-6550 or speak with them in person at 500 N. Jackson Street in Salem. 

A public hearing will be held by the Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees on Thursday afternoon, February 19th at 5:00 in the DentCounty Health Center Conference Room located at 1014 E. Scenic Rivers Blvd in Salem. The purpose of the hearing is to receive public comment on proposed changes to the Dent County Health Center environmental fee schedule prior to consideration of adoption by the Board. The hearing is open to the public.

There are many upcoming classes at the Salem Creative Arts Center, such as a Junk Journals, Paint N Sip, and Clay Sculpting to name a few. Visit SACBA website, click on the “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will meet this evening at 6:00 at the Fire Station at #2 South Main. After the Call to Order and Roll Call will be the approval of the Consent Agenda, which includes review of previous meeting minutes, the financial report and approval of bills, plus the budget review. In Old Business the Board will address the Junior FF Program, Fidelity (CTI) Tower Lease, and the Chief spending limit.  In New Business the Board will consider the Red Knights Club and meet with Ben Pursifull. Chief Thomas will give his report, which will include the Monthly Reimbursement Report, followed by the setting of the date for the next meeting and closed session, if necessary, before adjournment. The regular meeting of the DCFPD Board of Directors is open to the public.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams gave the sales tax receipts report for February. She stated the General Revenue and Law Enforcement Sales Tax Funds each received $98,718.40, and year-to-date those funds are $13,851.22 over the total collected through February 2025. That is about a 7.6% increase. The Road and Bridge Fund received $49,359.19 in February, and that fund is up year-to-date $13,368.41 from the same time last year which is about a 15.7% increase. Williams reported both Jail Funds received $99,139.52, and year-to-date those funds are each up $26,677.14 over what was received through February of 2025. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said grading work will try to be done on Dent County Roads 4210 and 6090 with some rock being added to county road 6090 as needed. He also stated that a crew will be out patching potholes in chip and seal roads with the ultimate paving material where needed. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported some of his crew will also be checking chip and seal roads for potholes and filling them with UPM. Williams went on to say some of his workers will be washing the trucks and road equipment to remove the salt. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he will be attending the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting Wednesday at 4:30 as well as the MRPC regular meeting around 7:30. Those meetings were moved up from Thursday due to Lincoln’s Birthday. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said excused absentee voting will begin on February 24th at the courthouse. There will be no commissioner meeting on Thursday due to Lincoln’s Birthday, and no meeting on Monday due to President’s Day. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning, February 19th, at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public. 

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ State Historic Preservation Office announced the opening of the 2026 application cycle for Historic Preservation Fund grants. The program expects to bring more than $400,000 to Missouri’s historic communities. Pre-applications are due February 27. The grants support projects relating to the identification, evaluation or protection of historic properties. Eligible uses include construction projects for protecting, rehabilitating or restoring properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places that have maintained historic integrity. Only one construction project will be awarded in this grant round. Other eligible uses include training for historic preservation commission members or city staff, workshops and conferences, walking tours of National Register sites, preservation plans, design guidelines, historic contexts, internships, inventorying archival files, architectural and archeological surveys, nominations to the National Register, and maintenance and construction documents for publicly owned National Register-listed buildings. Certified Local Governments, county governmental entities, municipalities and nonprofit organizations with a historic preservation mission are eligible to apply. The department will first consider applications from Certified Local Governments in accordance with federal regulations. For more information or to apply, visit the Missouri State Parks website. For questions contact the Missouri State Historic Preservation Office grants manager at 573-751-7958 or moshpo@dnr.mo.gov.

On Saturday, Patrolmen from the Salem Police Department conducted a short-term investigation regarding the whereabouts of a wanted fugitive. Officers responded to the 1800 block of South Oak Street, where contact was made with a resident who granted consent to search the residence for the subject. The wanted individual, Robert Lewis, was subsequently located concealed in a bedroom and taken into custody without incident. Lewis was transported to the Dent County Jail, where he is currently being held on a capias bond warrant for the following charges; Possession of a Controlled Substance and Resisting/Interfering with Arrest. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Missouri Department of Transportation will conduct highway maintenance and construction work in Dent County this week. Weather conditions may postpone scheduled work, and lane closures could cause delays. Route N will have culvert replacement work. One lane will remain open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zone. Route TT will have bridge maintenance over Crooked Creek. One lane will remain open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zone. MoDOT asks motorists to buckle up, put phones down, obey traffic signs and slowdown in work zones. For traffic updates, visit MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map or call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT. Work zone updates can be sent directly to email by signing up at modot.org.

Missouri Lieutenant Governor David Wasinger recently announced the “Lieutenant Governor’s Award for American Patriotism” as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. The contest invites Missouri students in grades K-12 to submit letters explaining why they are proud to be an American. Students may choose one of two prompts: “I am proud to be an American because…” or “I love America because…” Word count requirements are 50 words for grades K-3, 100 words for grades 4-6, and 200 words for grades 7-12. All letters must be postmarked no later than March 1, 2026, and mailed to the Office of Lieutenant Governor David Wasinger, Missouri State Capitol, 201 Capitol Avenue, Room 224, Jefferson City, Missouri 65101. Wasinger said the contest is a call to young people to celebrate the blessings of liberty, the sacrifices of founders, and the enduring values that have made the United States exceptional. He noted it is important to instill in children a deep love for America when many voices seek to divide and diminish shared heritage. State Representative Darrin Chappell recalled the tremendous celebrations of the Bicentennial of 1976 and said his pride in the country has continued to grow. He noted that educating children in the unique qualities of liberty enshrined in the nation’s 250-year history is imperative for them to mature into well-rounded citizens. Renee Pace, Chairwoman of America 250 Missouri Commission, said the writing project falls under the Educate Initiative focusing on school-aged youth K-12. Award winners will be invited to a recognition ceremony and lunch at the Missouri State Capitol on June 26, 2026, where they will read their letters. For more information, contact Chris Walker at Chris.Walker@ltgov.mo.gov or 573-751-4727.

Bunker High School held it’s “Enchanted Red” Homecoming Court Ceremonies Friday night following their Basketball games versus St. Pius X of Festus. The flower girl for the ceremony was Henley Ritter, joined by crown bearer, Gus Young. The Homecoming Queen Candidates this year were, Kinsey Barton, Jesslynn Damouth, Regan Bowen, Kiera McClanahan, Kiera Martin, Bella Sanders, Hadley Martin, and Keira Turnbough. Hadley Martin was awarded as the second runner up, Jesslynn Damouth was the first runner up, the 2026 Homecoming Queen is Kinsey Barton, the daughter of Larry and Cassidy Barton of Bunker. She was escorted by Senior Brayden Radford, son of Kenneth Radford of Bunker and Samantha Radford of Salem.

An accident occurred in Dent County Wednesday night at 8:05 involving a Rolla juvenile. According to the Highway Patrol report a 2001 Subaru Legacy, driven by a 16-year-old male, was westbound on Highway H five miles west of Salem. The report stated that the Subaru traveled off right side of the roadway. The juvenile overcorrected and the vehicle overturned. The driver suffered minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to Salem Memorial Hospital. The report stated that he was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Subaru was totaled and removed from the scene by American Towing.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. The commission approved the reappointment of Grant Hamlet, Shawn Bolerjack and Becky Steiner to the SB 40 Board as submitted to the commission by Amanda Sapaugh. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said maintenance work will be done at the road and bridge department shop, plus the crews will be stockpiling rock. Green went on to say that a tree was nearly down on Dent County Road 6180, and it will be removed. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams stated that rip rap will be taken to a low-water crossing on Dent County Road 3165 and work will be done on that road, while another crew would be working on a low-water crossing on county road 4050. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said the bid has been let out on the sidewalk ADA improvements that need to be made on Highway 32 and 19 as part of the MoDOT STIP program to Garrett Power Construction. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said her office balanced with the collector and assessor for the month of January on all collections, abatements, and add-ons. Her office also balanced with the treasurer for the collections for the month of January. She did say that absentee voting will begin on February 24th for the April 7th Municipal Election. Curley went on to report the courthouse would be closed on February 12th for Lincoln’s Birthday and February 16th for President’s Day. It was also announced the road and bridge department will have surplus equipment to sell by sealed bid. They have available four Husqvarna chainsaws, a hydraulic engine hoist, a 1998 Wheel dump pup trailer and a different dump pup trailer that does not have a title. Bids will need to be submitted to the county clerk’s office by March 5th at 10:00 in the morning. On the outside of the envelope of your sealed bid, please indicate which piece of equipment you are submitting a bid on. A person can submit bids on all the equipment or just one of the pieces of equipment. Persons interested in seeing the equipment before they bid are welcome to come to the road and bridge department shed on Highway 32-72 West. You may want to call 573-729-7770 to make sure someone is there before stopping by. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public. 

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Wednesday evening at 6:00 at the Fire Station. After roll call a motion was made, seconded and carried to approve the Consent Agenda, which included review and approval of the minutes from the previous meeting. Bills and statements were also reviewed and approved. In old business the Junior FF Program was discussed. All aspects of the program and the contact with the insurance company were taken into consideration. During discussion changes were suggested and will be made and sent to the board for review. The final decision and vote will be taken at the next board meeting. With no further business a motion was made, seconded and passes to adjourn at 7:15. 

The public meeting for the Missouri Route 32 bridge replacement over Huzzah Creek in Dent County has changed venues and dates. Built in 1931, the bridge is in poor condition and has reached the end of its useful life. The roadway is anticipated to remain open during construction with a one-lane temporary bypass and temporary traffic signals directing motorists through the work zone. The new dates for the open-house style meeting is Tuesday, February 10 at Boss Assembly of God Church, 22518 State Highway 32 in Boss. Visitors may stop by anytime between 4:30 and 6:00 in the evening to speak with project team members, view exhibits outlining planned work and proposed detours, ask questions and leave comments. There will be no formal presentation. Meeting materials will also be available online. A three-week open comment period is ongoing now through February 17. Input may be submitted online through a form on the project webpage, emailed to CDCR@modot.mo.gov, or mailed to 1511 Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102. All comments must be received or postmarked no later than February 17th. More details are available on the project’s webpage on MoDOT’s website, where interested parties may sign up for project-specific updates. MoDOT asks motorists to buckle up, put phones down, obey traffic signs and slowdown in work zones. For traffic updates, call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT or visit MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map.

After a successful first offering, Healthy Dent County will again offer Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University beginning Sunday, February 8 at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. The seven-week workshop will meet weekly on Sundays from 2:00 to 3:30 in the afternoon at 1200 W. Rolla Road in Salem. Financial Peace University is a nationally recognized program that teaches step-by-step strategies for budgeting, wise spending, understanding insurance, buying and selling a home, building wealth and practicing generosity. Luke Heithold will lead the class and guide participants through lessons and group discussion in a supportive environment. Organizers said the workshop gives people realistic tools they can use in everyday life after seeing the impact from the first class offering. The cost to attend is $60, and seating is limited. Advance registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, call 573-729-8163. Questions may be emailed to Carlos@salemcommunitycenter.org.

Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick announced his office will conduct a thorough review of governmental operations in Reynolds County. The regularly scheduled performance audit of the county located in southeast Missouri officially commenced with a meeting with county officials on Monday, February 2nd. Auditor Fitzpatrick said that it’s good to regularly shine the light of transparency on county governments as it gives citizens a better understanding of how their government is operating and how it can improve. It also gives county officials a roadmap for how they can make changes that will lead to a system of government that is more accountable and less vulnerable to waste, fraud, or abuse. Fitzpatrick went on to say that we encourage anyone who may have information that is useful to our office while we conduct this audit to contact our Whistleblower Hotline. We appreciate the information we receive, and we keep every submission confidential. The Missouri State Auditor’s Office last conducted a performance audit of Reynolds County in 2018. The audit provided the county with a rating of “good” while making recommendations to improve procedures in the Sheriff’s office, including ensuring appropriate oversight of financial transactions. The State Auditor’s Office also released a closeout audit of the Reynolds County Collector in 2022. The report found the county collector did not properly review fees withheld on utility and delinquent taxes calculated by the property tax system for accuracy and, as a result, the county collector over withheld some fees. Individuals may provide information confidentially for consideration during the audit of Reynolds County to the State Auditor’s Whistleblower Hotline at 800-347-8597, by email at moaudit@auditor.mo.gov, or by visiting www.auditor.mo.gov/hotline.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will meet at 6:00 this evening in the Fire Station at #2 South Main. After the Call to Order and Roll Call will be the approval of the Consent Agenda, which includes review of previous meeting minutes, the financial report and approval of bills, plus the budget review. In Old Business the Board will address the Junior FF Program before adjournment. The regular meeting of the DCFPD Board of Directors is open to the public.

Saturday night in front of a large crowd at the SHS Gym, seven dance couples entertained the audience at the Salem Memorial Hospital Foundation’s “Dancing with the Salem Stars” event. Taking first place was Luke and Hannah Heithold with Shannon Wright and Bella Mutz capturing second place. The People’s Choice Award went Bub Partin and Lisa Godi for their entertaining dance. Other dance routines as part of the show were performed by the students at the Salem Academy of Dance taught by Ashlyn Patterson. The hospital foundation board thanks all those attending the event and especially the dancers who made it fun for all those who attended. 

Missouri leaders announced data showing that traffic fatalities declined in 2025 for the third year in a row, marking a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing effort to improve roadway safety. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe joined the Missouri Department of Transportation, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and other safety partners in making the announcement, which also served as a call for continued action to save lives on Missouri roadways. Preliminary figures show there were 911 fatalities on Missouri roadways in 2025, down from 955 the previous year – a 5% decrease. Compared to three years ago, Missouri has achieved a 14% reduction in roadway deaths. This marks the first time the state has seen a three-year decline since 2019.

Time is running out for Missouri agriculture students to apply for a 2026 Missouri Corn Scholarship. The Missouri Corn Foundation is continuing the longstanding tradition of awarding seven deserving students $1,000 scholarships in 2026. Applications for the Missouri Corn Scholarship Program are available online for high school seniors and college juniors pursuing a degree in agriculture. Missouri Corn Scholarship Chair Brian Willott of Mexico, Missouri noted that investing in the future of our industry goes beyond building markets. It’s also investing in the people, the families, and the future leaders in agriculture. Whether it’s corn production, marketing, agronomy, or policy work, our industry is ever changing, and we want to invest in the students who are ready to take on the challenges to help move agriculture forward. Applications for the 2026 Missouri Corn Scholarships are available at mocorn.org under the Education tab and must be submitted online. To be eligible, students must submit an application, official high school or college transcript, and at least one letter of recommendation by February 13th, 2026. High school senior applicants must be Missouri residents from a Missouri farm or rural area. They must plan to attend a two- or four-year college or university and major in an agriculture-related field. The scholarship funds will apply toward the freshman year of college expenses for high school winners. College applicants must also be Missouri residents from a Missouri farm or rural area and currently a junior enrolled in a four-year college or university majoring in an agriculture-related field. The scholarship funds will apply toward the senior year of expenses for college winners. The Missouri Corn Scholarship Committee will review the applications, and recipients will be notified by mail on or before April 15th, 2026. To learn more about Missouri Corn programs, visit mocorn.org.

Calling Parents of 8th Graders! If your student is NOT currently enrolled in Salem R-80 school district but plans to attend Salem High School for the 2026–2027 school year, please be sure to attend the Pre-Enrollment Day! Pre-enrollment is an important first step because it allows the school to officially enter your student into their system. This helps the high school build accurate class schedules, create student profiles, plan courses, staffing, and support services. Getting your student pre-enrolled early ensures a smoother transition to high school and helps the school best prepare for your child’s success. Pre-Enrollment Day Wednesday Feb. 11th from 8:30 in the morning until 6:30 in the evening in the Salem High School Library.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green crews would be performing maintenance on all the vehicles and equipment. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported workers would be removing fallen trees on county road 2240. They will also be working on county dump truck #122 as well as cutting more firewood for the county shed. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson stated he did not attend the Opioid Committee meeting last Thursday as something came up, but the committee did receive four requests for funding but have not yet forwarded any recommendations to the commission. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley stated she has sent a letter out to the taxing entities per Missouri State Statues that provides an estimate for cost of the April Municipal Election. Curley said Green-Forest R-2 School District, Reynolds County Ambulance and Timber Fire District will not have elections this April. Curley also said absentee voting will begin February 24th and if voters have moved since the last election to please update your voter registration in her office. Also, the offices of the Assessor and Collector in the courthouse closed Monday due to a plumbing issue in the restroom. A plumber is scheduled to be at the courthouse for repairs today. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public. 

Thursday a helicopter carrying three Missouri state parks team members and a private pilot crashed into the Meramec River. The state park team members were conducting an aerial ecological survey of Meramec State Park when the aircraft may have struck a power line. All those aboard the helicopter were rescued from the river and are under medical care at Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital.  Kurt Schaefer, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, said that while we continue to investigate, we want to thank the first responders for their quick actions, and we are very thankful that everyone appears to be OK. The Department of Natural Resources continues to collect information. Missouri state parks rangers and other emergency personnel are on site assisting. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The Missouri Department of Transportation is seeking community input on a project which will replace the Highway 32 bridge over Huzzah Creek in Dent County, southwest of Viburnum. Built in 1931, the Huzzah Creek bridge is in poor condition, showing signs it has reached the end of its useful life, and is in need of replacement. Currently, Highway 32 is expected to remain open during construction, with a one-lane temporary bypass in place and temporary traffic signals directing motorists through the work zone. The public is invited to attend an open-house style public meeting today, at the Quad County Fire Department located at 80 Highway 49 in Viburnum. Visitors may stop by at any time between 4:30 and 6:00 this evening to speak with project team members, view exhibits outlining the planned work, ask questions and leave comments. There will be no formal presentation. Meeting materials will also be available online. In addition to the public meeting, there is a comment period running through February 17th. Input may be submitted online through a form on the project webpage, emailed to CDCR@modot.mo.gov, or mailed to 1511 Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City, MO, 65102. All comments must be received or postmarked by February 17th.  

Signups for the City of Salem Park and Recreation Department’s Youth Soccer program are going on now for $35 per person until February 6th. Planned age divisions range between four and under, up to 14 and under. To sign up, go to the Salem Park and Recreation Facebook page and use the link to Teamsnap to register your child. For help email, salemparks@salemmo.com.