Local News

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held its regular meeting Thursday evening in the administration building. Following the call to order and the Pledge of Allegiance, the board approved an amended agenda, which included the addition of an item under communications, as well as the consent agenda. Board President Dru Howard then read a letter formally recognizing Superintendent Dr. Nathan Wills for earning a national certification for excellence in school finance and operations. Due to a miscommunication between the superintendent and the Salem High School principal, no student recognitions were presented; however, both noted they would be prepared for next month’s meeting. In his report, Dr. Wills provided updates on the district’s CSIP goals, roof repairs, faculty and student surveys, upgrades to the baseball dugouts, and the district leadership meeting. Following reports from the administrative team, the board moved on to new business. The board approved a conflict-of-interest ordinance and authorized the opening of a new checking account for electronic food service transactions. This account will allow the district to accept debit and credit card payments for student lunch balances. Following the first reading of MSBA policy updates, the meeting adjourned into executive session, during which personnel and student matters were discussed. Mackenzie Stoner was approved for hire as middle school physical education teacher, high school head volleyball coach, and middle school head volleyball coach, contingent upon satisfactory background verification. Two volleyball-related resignations were also approved. Hannah Terrill resigned as freshman volleyball coach, and Alaina Santhuff resigned as assistant high school volleyball coach. In student-related business, a unanimous vote was taken to deny unqualified student attendance appeals. Action was also taken on administrative contracts, with approval of an extension of  Assistant Superintendent Dan Copeland’s contract through June 30, 2028, and Superintendent Dr. Nathan Wills’s contract through June 30, 2029.  The meeting then re-entered the open session before adjourning. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Salem R-80 Board of Education will be held February 19th in the administration building and is open to the public. 

On Thursday, January 8th, U.S. District Judge Zachary M. Bluestone sentenced 45-year-old Brian K. Ditch of Salem to 156 months in prison for neglecting his uncle, a U.S. Army veteran with quadriplegia, for years and concealing his corpse to fraudulently obtain $1.8 million in his uncle’s disability benefits. Ditch became solely responsible for his uncle’s care in 2008. At some point, instead of properly caring for his uncle, Ditch kept him locked away and subjected him to insufficient care and verbal abuse. Ditch fraudulently gained access to his uncle’s financial accounts and regularly wired himself money. After his uncle’s death around 2019, Ditch concealed his death from relatives, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Social Security Administration so that he could continue to steal his uncle’s money. Ditch hid the body in a shed behind his house, telling relatives that he had moved his uncle into a nursing home and police that his uncle was living with someone else. Since 2008, the VA’s Disability Compensation program deposited approximately $1.6 million into the victim’s account. Ditch’s uncle also received a total of $235,210 in benefits from the Social Security Administration. Ditch used the money for personal purchases, including exotic reptiles and firearms. As a convicted felon, Ditch is barred from possessing firearms. On January 8th, Judge Bluestone ordered Ditch to repay the money. Ditch pleaded guilty in October to four felony counts of wire fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The Salem Police Department, the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Wiseman prosecuted the case. 

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said a pipe would be installed on Dent County Road 4122, while other crews are stockpiling rock and getting the chips for the chip and seal road work this year. Green went on to say other pipes on various county roads were going to be checked to see if they need to be unclogged or replaced. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 3330 while only grading would be done on county road 4410. Williams stated brush would be cut on county road 2590 and maintenance work is being done on a hydraulic pump on a county dump truck. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson stated he attended Industrial Development Authority meeting Wednesday where they went over financials, discussed payments from the IDA to the city for economic development, and also heard from Economic Development Director Carrie Sutterfield who discussed the new Spring Creek Ridge housing development project. The project will begin being constructed in November at a cost of over 13 million dollars. Larson also reported the courthouse would be closed Monday for the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday observation. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley stated the tentative preliminary budget is available to the public at the clerk’s office, or anyone interested can call them at 573-729-4144 and have the budget e-mailed to you. She again reiterated that all political subdivisions need to get their election or non-election certification submitted to her office by 5:00 on January 27th. Curley went on to say that she would be attending a Missouri Association of Counties board meeting on Thursday, January 22nd. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk said the county collected over $7,034,000 in taxes in December. She said $6,732,251.73 of the personal property and real estate taxes collected will be distributed to the political subdivisions while surtax that was collected in December will be held back for distribution in February. VanKirk also reported a total of $204,336.03 was collected for the railroad and utility taxes that will be distributed while the surtax amount of $28,732.76 will be held for distribution until February. At the last meeting, the county Road and Bridge Department sold a 2006 Ford 450 truck on Purple Wave for $18,500, and those funds were deposited in the Road and Bridge Fund. The county received a quote from Thomas Excavating on relocating furniture, building a stub wall and creating two workspace for $11,500 in the county assessor’s office due her office losing space for the building of a handicapped accessible bathroom on the east side of the courthouse first floor. The commission also approved to seek bids for chip and seal work. Those bids must be turned in to the county clerk’s office by 10:00 in the morning on February 19th at 400 North Main Street in Salem. If anyone has questions about the bid, they should call the commissioner’s office at 573-729-3044 between 9:00 in the morning and noon on Mondays and Thursdays. The commission will have the right to accept or reject all bids. 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.

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 codes related to renting and leasing City Hall space. Topics included implementing a refundable damage and cleaning deposit, charging a flat rental fee regardless of in-town or out-of-town residency, and updating the event cancellation policy. City Administrator Sally Burbridge stated she will prepare a draft  policy and ordinance for review at the next workshop. Following the workshop, the Board of Aldermen called its regular meeting to order. After prayer and approval of the agenda and consent agenda, there were no public comments. Additionally, the representative from the U.S. Small Business Administration was not in attendance to deliver a scheduled presentation, and the meeting moved on to new and miscellaneous business. The board approved a request to have three effluent pumps rebuilt at a cost of $6,750 each, for a total of $20,250. This unplanned expense will be paid using prior-year funds. City officials noted that failure to rebuild the pumps could result in equipment failure, potentially shutting down the UV system and causing an overflow or sewage release. The pumps will be rebuilt while being serviced at the vendor’s facility and are expected to be back in service by April. A request to approve $12,563 for the repair and rebuild of the Wastewater Treatment Plant sewer jetting and clearing trailer was also approved. This repair was planned, with $15,000 previously set aside in the Water Department’s Equipment Maintenance account. The aldermen approved Resolution 1-2026, an agreement between the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and the Salem Wastewater Treatment Facility to enter into a voluntary one-year Memorandum of Understanding for participation in wastewater surveillance for public health monitoring. Under the agreement, DHSS will coordinate sample collection and conduct approved testing for specific pathogens, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. The midyear budget adjustment for fiscal year 2025–2026 was approved. These adjustments are primarily related to damages incurred during the November 2024 flood. The budget reflects a total increase in revenues of $590,672.98 and an increase in expenditures of $388,829.60, resulting in an overall fund balance increase of $117,564.78. During reports from city officials, Mayor Greg Parker highlighted upcoming community events, and Alderwoman Catherine Dent discussed an upcoming beautification project expected to be completed by spring. City Administrator Burbridge also reported that she has contacted Salem R-80 Superintendent Dr. Nathan Wills about the possibility of students in the high school metallurgy class using their new plasma cutter to create trash receptacles for the downtown area. Alderwoman Dent expressed concern about the potential for hot metal trash cans to cause burns during the summer months. With no further official reports, the board adjourned to executive session to discuss legal matters. The next regular meeting of the City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be held January 27 in the auditorium and is open to the public.

Today is the last day to share your favorites in the 2026 Best of Rural Missouri Reader’s Choice Contest! From hometown diners to hidden hiking spots, Rural Missouri Magazine want to know the places and people that make Missouri shine. Your nominations decide who earns the title of “Best of Rural Missouri.” Simply enter the name and location of your nomination at ruralmissouri.org. Example: “Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Camdenton” Some past favorites have earned their spot in the Best of Rural Missouri Hall of Fame — meaning they’ve won five or more times since 2012 and now get to rest on their well-earned laurels. The current Hall of Famers are Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que in Cuba, Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Camdenton, St. James Winery in St. James, Silver Dollar City in Branson. The cities of Branson and Lake of the Ozarks. To keep things uniquely Missouri, please exclude national or out-of-state chains.

The Industrial Development Authority (IDA) of Dent County will meet tonight at 6:00 in the Salem Public Library Meeting Room. After the call to order will be the approval of the agenda followed by the approval of the minutes. The IDA will consider the status of member appointments of Dean Jones, Camron Erway and Lori Plank, which will be followed by the review of financial statements for the period ending December 31st, 2025. The board will approve payment of bills including the City of Salem Economic Development for $1,500 for October, November, and December 2025, plus $1,500 for January, February, and March of 2026. The IDA Board will hear a report from Economic Development Director Carrie Sutterfield, plus consider other business that may come before the board. Prior to adjournment the IDA may vote to go into closed session to discuss real estate.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be meeting tomorrow at 5:00 in the R-80 Board Room. After the Call to Order and the Pledge of Allegiance the Board will approve the agenda and the consent agenda. Salem High School students will receive recognition. In the Superintendent’s Report CSIP Goals will be addressed in all reports. Administration reports will be heard from William Lynch, Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School, Athletics and Activities, Special Education, Technology, Maintenance, and Transportation. In new business, the Board is to approve a conflict-of-interest ordinance. No Transfers, Hires, or Resignations/Retirements are scheduled to be considered. The Board will enter executive session, followed by adjournment after returning to open session. The regular meeting of the Salem R80 Board of Education is open to the public.

The Internal Revenue Service has announced tax relief for individuals and businesses in parts of Missouri affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that began on March 30th, 2025. These taxpayers now have until March 30th, 2026, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments. Following the disaster declaration issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), individuals and households that reside or have a business in these counties in our area qualify for the tax relief. They are Iron, Maries, Reynolds, Shannon and Texas counties. As a result, affected individuals and businesses will have until March 30th, 2026, to file returns and pay any taxes that were originally due during this period. The March 30th, 2026, deadline applies to individual income tax returns and payments normally due on or after March 30th, 2025, and before March 30th, 2026; and 2025 contributions to IRAs and health savings accounts for eligible taxpayers. This relief also applies to the estimated tax payments normally due on or after March 30th, 2025, and before March 30th, 2026. Penalties on payroll and excise tax deposits due on or after March 30th, 2025, and before April 14th, 2025, will be abated as long as the tax deposits were made by April 14th, 2025. In addition, quarterly payroll and excise tax returns normally due on July 31th, 2025, October 31st, 2025, and January 31st, 2026, are postponed until March 30th, 2026, for affected businesses. If an affected taxpayer receives a late filing or late payment penalty notice from the IRS that has an original filing, payment or deposit due date that falls within the postponement period, the taxpayer should call the telephone number on the notice to have the IRS abate the penalty. The IRS automatically identifies taxpayers located in the covered disaster area and applies filing and payment relief. But affected taxpayers who reside or have a business located outside the covered disaster area should call the IRS Special Services toll-free number at 866-562-5227 to request this tax relief. Tax practitioners in the covered disaster area, who maintain records necessary to meet a filing or payment deadline for taxpayers located outside the disaster area, may contact the IRS Special Services; if the practitioner maintains the necessary records of ten or more clients, please refer to Bulk requests from practitioners for disaster relief for additional guidance. Again, this tax relief is only for those in Iron, Maries, Reynolds, Shannon and Texas counties.

The Department of Revenue announced recently that vehicles produced in or after 2016 are exempt from required safety inspections, however the department highlighted that the vehicles must have less than 150,000 miles. Newer vehicles still require the ID/OD Check (VIN & odometer verification) when applicable. The Department also sent a notice stating that the vehicle registration and safety requirements remain unaltered, and drivers should continue following existing inspection laws. For more information and to learn about other exemptions visit the Department of Revenue’s website at dor.mo.gov.

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 Fidelity (CTI) Tower Lease.  In New Business the Board will consider FF 1&2 Program, Candidates for FF Training School, Chief Spending Limit, and Training Equipment Quotes. 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 City of Salem Board of Aldermen will meet this evening at 5:30 at 202 N. Washington in the Old City Hall Auditorium. The meeting will open with a workshop to discuss the Old City Hall’s auditorium, basement, and kitchen, then proceed with the regularly scheduled meeting. Following approval of the agenda, and consent agenda, the board will hear any public comments, followed by a presentation from the U.S. Small Business Administration. After the presentation the board will hear the project discussion for rebuilding the Wastewater Treatment Plant’s effluent pumps, as well as a request to approve a sewer trailer repair/rebuild presented by Public Works Director Steve Paine. Resolution 1-2026, an agreement between the City of Salem and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services will also be voted on. The board will hear the first reading of Bill NO. 3695 regarding the Mid-Year budget adjustments, from Finance Director Stacy Houston. After the reports of city officials the Board of Aldermen will enter executive session to discuss legal matters. The meeting tonight of the City of Salem Board of Aldermen is open to the public.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said grading will be done on Dent County Roads 4090 and 5450 with rock being added on those roads where needed. Grading will also begin on county road 2400 with brush being cut on county road 5680. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 4030 while only grading would be done on county roads 4480, 5330 and 5333. Williams stated brush would be cut on county road 2313 and maintenance work is being done on tractor #9. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson stated Thursday he attended Phelps County Public Housing Authority meeting where they went over their financial reports as well as their audit. At the MRPC External Relations Committee meeting, they discussed state and legislative priorities for the upcoming year; and finally, at the MRPC meeting Thursday, a number of state and federal office representatives were in attendance to hear about concerns in the region. Larson reported the IDA Board would be meeting Wednesday at 6:00 at the Salem Public Library. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said her office balanced with the collector and assessor for the month of December on all collections, abatements, and add-ons; and her office balanced with the treasurer on all accounts for the 2025 fiscal year. Curley also stated the tentative preliminary budget will be ready for the public to pick up after 10:00 today at the clerk’s office or call them at 573-729-4144 and have the budget e-mailed to you. At the last meeting, Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams presented the January tax money received from the state. The General Revenue and Law Enforcement Sales Tax Funds each received $96,745.48, which was up from funds received in December of 2025. The Road and Bridge Fund received $48,372.69, and that’s up from December 2025 totals. Williams reported both Jail Funds received $97,096.82, which was also up from December 2025 totals. Dent County Health Center Administrator Zach Moser gave its monthly report, and Deputy Derrick Marfitt told the commission he had created the Mid-Missouri Emergency Solutions, LLC that could perform emergency management duties for the county. The commission is waiting on legal counsel to review the contract. 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.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is asking the public for help and Operation Game Thief is offering a $15,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the poacher or poachers who illegally shot and left an adult bull elk as waste at Peck Ranch Conservation Area in southern Missouri on Tuesday, November 25th. Visitors driving through the area on Wednesday, November 26th, first reported the animal’s location to the conservation department. Conservation agents immediately responded and began investigating the scene for evidence. Agents noted the animal was lying in an open field about 40 yards off of Trail 1 and had a bullet hole in its left shoulder. Tire tracks were also visible entering the field toward the elk, then circling back to the gravel trail and aggressively spinning away from the scene. A December 1st social-media post on the incident by MDC generated photographs of the elk from two sources. The first individual had photographed the elk peacefully grazing in the field at 5:15 the afternoon of November 25th. The second had photographed the elk dead in the field at 8:05 in the morning on November 26th. Conservation agents noted that this was not a case of someone hunting legally and somehow mistaking the elk for a deer. Missouri’s Operation Game Thief hotline is (800) 392-1111 and they are asking anyone with any information related to this investigation to call. Callers may remain anonymous.

The Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) has officially approved the financing package for Spring Creek Ridge, a new 40-unit affordable senior housing development in Salem designed for residents aged 55 and older. The Commission voted on December 9th to award the project a combination of federal and state Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and an MHDC HOME loan, securing the resources needed to proceed to closing and construction. Spring Creek Ridge is being developed through a partnership between the Salem Housing Authority, RCH Development, South Central Missouri Community Action Agency, and a highly experienced group of project partners. The development team is led by Chad Hartle, a veteran affordable housing developer with over three decades of experience delivering LIHTC communities throughout Missouri. The housing development commission funding round was highly competitive, with 86 applications submitted from communities across Missouri and only 29 developments approved statewide. Securing an award required exceptional coordination, local commitment, and broad-based support. The approval of Spring Creek Ridge reflects years of preparation and a unified effort by the Salem Housing Authority, Salem Mayor Greg Parker, City Administrator Sally Burbridge, the Salem City Council, State Representative John Hewkin, and State Senator Justin Brown as well as private partners working together toward a shared goal of expanding affordable senior housing. Carrie Sutterfield, Salem’s Economic Development Director, and Melissa Shaw, Executive Director of the Salem Housing Authority, played key roles in advancing the proposal. According to the housing development commission reservation letter, Spring Creek Ridge has been awarded$1,080,000 in Federal 9% Housing Tax Credits, $756,000 in State 9% Housing Tax Credits and $650,000 in MHDC HOME funding. These resources will finance a modern senior housing community featuring 32 affordable units and 8 market-rate units. Affordable two-bedroom units are projected at $690 per month, while market-rate units are set at $775. The City of Salem has demonstrated exceptional support for the project, including donating the development site and passing resolutions committing to rezoning. Spring Creek Ridge will also fund $400,000 in critical sewer upgrades—improvements long needed by the City. Spring Creek Ridge will consist of ten residential buildings and a community building, offering 40 spacious two-bedroom apartments, on-site social services and resident support, energy-efficient construction and modern amenities, high-speed broadband infrastructure and a community-focused design that fosters safety and independence. The commission will now proceed with the Conditional Reservation Agreement and environmental review processes, with closing anticipated late in 2026.

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, with National Human Trafficking Awareness Day taking place on Sunday, January 11th. With employees working on the state’s roads every day, the Missouri Department of Transportation is on the front lines of our state’s fight against human trafficking. This January, MoDOT asks everyone to help prevent human trafficking by learning the signs and what to do if you suspect human trafficking is occurring. Places such as rest stops, gas stations, convenience stores, fast-food establishments and hotels are common locations for the practice of human trafficking. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, in 2024 there were 272 cases of human trafficking identified in Missouri involving 539 victims, up from 247 cases a year earlier. Nationally, these numbers jump to nearly 12,000 cases identified in 2024 alone, with nearly 22,000 victims. MoDOT provides specialized training to employees on how to identify the common indicators of human trafficking and what to do when trafficking is suspected in Missouri. Some of the warning signs of a potential trafficking situation include signs of physical abuse, wearing clothing inappropriate for the weather or location, not being in possession of their own money or identification, body language indicating discomfort, lack of eye contact with anyone except their trafficker or not being allowed to speak for themselves. If you suspect someone is being forced to engage in any activity from which they can’t leave, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text BeFree (233733). Information is available online at humantraffickinghotline.org. Please save the National Human Trafficking Hotline number and if someone is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.

The City of Salem reports that due to a system error, customers who normally receive their utility bills by e-mail will NOT receive an e-mailed bill this month. For this billing cycle only, utility bills will be sent by regular U.S. mail. The city apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciates your understanding.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said materials would be added where needed and grading would be done on Dent County Roads 4080 and 5490. He also indicated brush is still being cut on county road 5615 and crews should finish that up this week. Green went on to say that rock will also be stockpiled at the county road and bridge department. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported workers will be adding rock, brush cutting and grading on Dent County Road 2313, while only grading will be done on county roads 4437, 6140 and 6160. Williams said he received a petition to have 20 MPH speed limit signs installed on Dent County Road 2155 which the commission approved. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson attended the Public Housing Authority meeting, External Relations Committee meeting and the regular MRPC board meeting Thursday evening ion St. James. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported her office continues to work on the county 2026 budget. She again reported that all political subdivisions will need to get their election or non-election certification submitted to her office by 5:00 on January 27th. 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 Missouri Department of Conservation set turkey and deer hunting dates for the 2026-2027 seasons. The Missouri Conservation Commission approved the dates at its December 12 meeting at MDC headquarters in Jefferson City. The Commission also gave final approval to reduce the nonresident spring turkey harvest limit from two bearded turkeys to one bearded bird. Nonresident landowners will maintain a harvest limit of two bearded birds with only one allowed during the first seven days of the season. Spring turkey season dates include the youth portion April 11-12 and regular season April 20 through May 10. Fall archery turkey portion runs September 15 through November 13 and November 25 through January 15, 2027. Fall firearms turkey portion is October 1-31 in open counties. Archery deer season runs September 15 through November 13 and November 25 through January 15, 2027. Firearms deer dates include the early antlerless portion October 9-11 in open counties, early youth portion October 24-25, November portion November 14-24, late youth portion November 27-29, late antlerless portion December 5-13 in open counties, and alternative methods portion December 26, 2026 through January 5, 2027. The Commission approved changes to move the early youth portion one week earlier in years when it overlaps with Halloween. Detailed information will be included in the MDC 2026 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet and the MDC 2026 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available closer to the seasons. The booklets will be available where permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov.

The Cardinal Caravan will return to Rolla to the Rolla High School Gymnasium on Saturday, January 17th around 5:30. This year’s players lineup will include Victor Scott II, J.J. Wetherholt, Jose Fermin and Kyle Leahy. The emcees will be Ricky Horton and Mike Claiborne while Cardinal alumni Kerry Robinson will also be in attendance. New this year, fans 16-years of age and older will receive two tickets to a 2026 Cardinal game, while kids 15-years of age and under through the door on the day of the event can get one autograph from each current and former player. Autographs will only be available for the fans who are 15 years of age and under. 

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees met, December 18th for their monthly meeting. Administrator Zach Moser presented the Service and Statistics report for the month of November. In the Communicable Disease Report, he stated there were no cases of COVID-19 reported, however the virus is known to be present in the community, while the active lead cases were reported at 72, plus 5 communicable disease cases. There was one Influenza A case, 6 animal bites were reported, and there were 11 screenings for sexually transmitted infections, resulting in 30 total tests. The November environmental report showed there where 12 total inspections or re-inspections conducted. The Maternal-Child Health (MCH) statistics showed there were 6 car seats distributed, there were no Show-Me Healthy Women appointments, no CPR Courses, no consultation for Childcare Health, and there were 10 Title X appointments reported. There was one Presumptive Eligibility (Temporary Medicaid), while there were 354 WIC appointments. The Community-Specific Services Summary showed 519 total appointments other than WIC, 97 total provider appointments, 198 treatment court visits, 116 lab appointments and 88 immunization appointments. Nurse Practitioner Service Details showed no Show-Me Healthy Women appointments, 6 family plannings, one well-child visit, 2 other well-woman exam, 6 other physicals, 7 SEMO physicals, plus 24 other visits, and 51 acute illness appointments for a total of 97 visits. Laboratory details showed 146 Lab Draws, 2 appointments for Rapid Test for COVID, Flu, RSV or Strep, one pregnancy test, 3 lead tests were reported, plus 24 other urine drug screenings. Phlebotomy appointments totaled 110, while all Lab appointments totaling 116. Immunizations for November showed 30 for COVID-19 and 58 for Influenza, plus 69 other vaccines given during 88 appointments. In the Administrator’s report, Moser reported that no DCHC Board of Trustee positions were expiring this year, so no election is necessary in April. He updated the Board on continued delays in payments by the State of Missouri. At the end of November there was well over $100,000 in payments owed to the DCHC by the State. Jessica Ricks provided written reports to the Board regarding her team’s activities and the progress on the Community Health Improvement Plan and accreditation. Moser suggested that the Board consider granting the DCHC Staff off December 26th, given that it falls on a Friday this year. The Board approved the staff being off December 26th. The financial reports for November were reviewed. Current assets at the end of November were $1,139,348.32. Total assets were $1,986,647.67, total liabilities were $365,693.02, and equity was $1,620,954.65. Revenue for November was $71,634.70, expenses were $113,397.87 for a net operating revenue deficit of $41,763.17. After other revenue and expenses, net revenue was a negative $46,582.65. The report from H&R Block was also reviewed. Moser noted that November was a three-payroll month. After discussion of the financial effects of the State’s delinquency in payments, the financial report was approved. During new business Zach presented the 2026 budget for consideration and after lengthy discussion the budget was approved. He presented two proposed changes to the bylaws and explained the rationale behind them. The decision was tabled to be discussed with the full Board at a future meeting. Moser presented the proposed Policy Manual and an accompanying resolution which would detail the transition from a Board-edict style management to a policy management, in which the Board would set policy, the Administrator would set procedure, and the Administrator would be responsible for ensuring compliance with policies. The issue was tabled for further Board member review and discussion with the full Board at a future meeting. The Board entered closed session at 6:15 to discuss personnel. At 6:35 the Board returned from closed session where the Board voted to modify an employee’s salary for 2026. Prior to adjournment the next regular meeting date was set for Thursday, January 15th, 2026, with the hearing for the Environmental Fees starting at 5:00.

The Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) is issuing this advisory to correct inaccurate information being circulated through some media outlets, most likely generated from artificial intelligence (AI) sources regarding changes to Missouri vehicle registration requirements. Several outlets have released information reporting Missouri, beginning January 1, 2026, will no longer require vehicle inspections and will expand vehicle registration options allowing drivers to select longer registration periods for vehicles. This information is incorrect. Missouri law has not changed regarding these issues. Vehicle registration and safety requirements remain unaltered. For clarity, similar proposals have been introduced in recent legislative sessions but never became law. When misinformation is circulated it causes confusion and inconvenience. The Missouri Department of Revenue encourages the public and media to rely on official Missouri DOR communications and website resources for accurate and up-to-date information regarding motor vehicle laws and requirements. For resources pertaining to vehicle inspections, titling, and registration, visit the Missouri Department of Revenue’s official website at dor.mo.gov.

Colonel Michael A. Turner, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, provides the following preliminary statistics related to the New Year’s holiday. Five people died and 87 were injured in 187 traffic crashes during the 2026 New Year’s holiday counting period, which began at 6:00 Wednesday evening, December 31st, 2025, and ended at 11:59 Sunday night, January 4th, 2026. The Highway Patrol made 112 arrests for DWI. There were 0 boating crashes and 0 drownings over the 2026 New Year’s holiday counting period. During the 2024-2025 New Year’s holiday counting period one person was killed and 118 injured in 264 traffic crashes in Missouri. Further details related to the traffic crashes and arrests can be found on the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s website. These fatality statistics could change if late deaths occur, or if other departments report fatal traffic crashes after this news release is sent to the media. Please note that the New Year’s holiday counting period varies from 1.25 to 4.25 days in length each year, depending on which day of the week the holiday is on. Follow the Missouri State Highway Patrol on X @MSHPTrooperGHQ.

With funding from the Delta Regional Authority’s State Economic Development Assistance Program, the city of Edgar Springs will begin improvements to Broadway Street, which is the main street in town that accesses small businesses and organizations serving the community and surrounding rural areas. Broadway Street connects Highway 63 to routes ZZ and H. The project will address drainage issues that causes localized flooding, repave the driving surface, install storm boxes and storm pipes, add concrete and granular paving and complete asphalt repair with a chip and seal. These improvements will decrease flooding and create a more resilient surface to withstand local and truck traffic. The total project will cost approximately $272,680 of which $267,500 will be covered by the Delta Regional Authority’s grant, which includes administrative costs. There are 27 Missouri counties in the Delta Regional Authorities eight-state service area, including Dent, Crawford, Phelps and Washington counties within the Meramec Region. Meramec Regional Planning Commission is the designated Local Development District for the four Meramec counties in the regional authority. To learn more about the Delta Regional Authority’s programs and initiatives, visit www.dra.gov. 

The Missouri Department of Conservation will host a prescribed fire demonstration program January 16 from 9:00 in the morning to 1:00 in the afternoon on private property in Phelps County. Participants must complete an online course before attending the field demonstration. The demonstration burn will be held at 11887 County Road 3000 in Rolla. Attendees will receive hands-on experience on how to execute a prescribed burn. MDC Private Land Conservationist Luke Anderson will discuss equipment needed for a burn, burn line installation, safe weather parameters, ignition operations and other aspects needed to conduct a safe and successful prescribed burn. Participants must register on MDC’s website and complete the online portion of the class, which takes two to four hours. The online course requires a $25 fee paid to a third-party host. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate that must be brought to the January 16 demonstration. For more information, contact Luke Anderson at Lucas.Anderson@mdc.mo.gov. Additional MDC programs are available on MDC’s website.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said materials would be added where needed and grading would be done on Dent County Roads 4150, 4155, 4157, 5400, and 5490. He also indicated brush would be cut on county road 5615. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported workers will be adding rock and grading on Dent County Road 2110, while only grading will be done on county roads 2025, 2115 and 4350. Williams said crews will be installing signs on county roads 2240 and 2250. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson had nothing to report. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported her office and the treasurer’s office balanced on all accounts for the month of December. She reported that all political subdivisions will need to get their election certification submitted to her office by 5:00 on January 27th whether they are having an election or not. Curley went on to say that her office and the commissioners will continue to work on the 2026 county budget after hearing budget requests last week from Sheriff Bob Wells, Circuit Clerk Kristi Craig and Assessor Alisa Brookshire. The commission then set the 2026 county budget hearing for 10:00 Monday, January 26th in the commissioner’s office at the courthouse with the 2026 tentative budget being available to the public after 10:00 the morning of January 15th in the county clerk’s office. 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.

Salem R-80 Superintendent Dr. Nathan Wills has earned a national certification recognizing excellence in school finance and operations. The Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) announced that Dr. Wills has received the Certified Administrator of School Finance and Operations, also known as the SFO certification. The designation recognizes school leaders who demonstrate advanced knowledge and expertise in managing school district finances and operations. The SFO certification is an internationally recognized credential that sets a high standard for fiscal responsibility in education. ASBO International Executive Director James Rowan says professionals who earn the certification are highly sought after for their ability to responsibly allocate resources and plan for both current and future district needs. To earn the SFO designation, candidates must meet strict requirements, including education and work experience, passing a comprehensive exam, and adhering to a professional code of conduct. Those who earn the certification must also complete ongoing professional development and undergo recertification every three years. ASBO International is a nonprofit organization founded in 1910 and represents approximately 30,000 school business professionals worldwide.

The Department of Public Safety has notified the first 48 volunteer fire departments of their approval for up to $15,000 in state equipment grants. In October, the department announced the first-ever Missouri Volunteer Fire Department Grant was available for small departments that had annual operating budgets of $50,000 or less for the purchase of firefighting equipment. There is a 5% local cash match, which means for equipment costing $15,789.47, the local match share would be $789.47 and the state share of 95% would be $15,000. For the initial grant recipients, the top requested equipment includes radios, hoses and nozzles, firefighter turnout gear, extrication equipment, and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Two of the local rural fire department are recipients of the grant and they are the Montauk Rural Fire Department and the Timber Community Fire Protection District.