Local News

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors held its regular meeting Tuesday evening in the Doctor’s Library at the hospital. The board approved the agenda after revising it to move two items from New Business, the approval of policies and procedures and an ambulance purchase update, to the beginning of the meeting. Following approval of the minutes from previous meetings, the board approved the annual review of the Facilities and Maintenance Manual. The board then discussed options for purchasing a new ambulance and upgrading existing ambulatory vehicles. Hospital Chief Executive Officer Brooke Bollman emphasized that the discussion was preliminary and sought board approval to officially solicit bids. The board approved the request. During the Chief Executive Officer’s report, Bollman highlighted an education facilities tour with Representative John Hewkin, potential changes to the 340B program, the hospital’s audit and cost report, and an upcoming update to the hospital’s price transparency information on its website. She also outlined several upcoming events, including the SMH Health Fair on January 6, the staff and employees’ Winter Ball, and various departmental meetings. For the month of November, the hospital reported increases in inpatient admissions and cardiopulmonary procedures, along with decreases in outpatient registrations and emergency room visits. Ambulance runs remained consistent. Net patient revenue for November totaled approximately $1.7 million, a slight decrease from the previous month, while total operating expenses were approximately $2.2 million, resulting in a monthly loss of about $297,000. The hospital currently has 27 days of cash on hand. Net income from 340B revenue was reported at $110,941, and it was noted that Vandivort Drug is no longer participating in the program. After approving the financials, Bollman informed the board that due to a malfunctioning water valve, water service to the entire hospital campus and outbuildings will be shut off beginning the morning of January 8th at 8:00 to allow for repairs and replacement. Hospital officials anticipate water service will be restored to outbuildings within two hours and to the main hospital building within six hours. Large water totes will be filled and stored indoors in advance to meet washing and janitorial needs. During the Chief Nursing Officer’s report, Amber Hogan stated the hospital is currently seeking two full-time day-shift nurses and paramedics, as well as several day-shift certified nursing assistants. Hogan also reported she has earned her certification as a Rural Health Chief Nursing Officer. Bollman presented the Human Resources report, noting there were no new hires and that five employees had departed. Following the Quality Improvement report presented by Kendra Mobray, the board addressed the remaining items under New Business. The board retroactively approved the emergency purchase of a new induction warmer in the amount of $7,552.24. The warmer is used to keep patient food at safe temperatures during transport. Board member Zach Moser stated that future emergency purchases exceeding the $5,000 threshold outlined in the hospital’s bylaws should be approved through a special meeting that may be conducted virtually. The board then began discussion regarding a potential change in workers’ compensation insurance from a fully funded plan to a self-funded plan. That discussion was continued in executive session as well as to address legal and personnel matters. The next meeting of the Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors is scheduled for January 27 at 7:00 p.m. in the Doctor’s Library and is open to the public.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held its regular meeting Tuesday, December 23rd in the auditorium at 202 North Washington Street. Prior to calling the meeting to order, Mayor Greg Parker opened a public hearing regarding a request from Terry and Shirley Perkins for annexation into the city limits. As no individuals were present to speak on the matter, the public hearing was closed and the regular meeting was called to order. Following prayer and roll call, the Board approved the agenda and consent agenda and appointed Richard LaBrash to an additional four-year term on the Salem Housing Authority. The Aldermen also approved a bid in the amount of $11,000 from Capital Quarries of Salem for the purchase of limestone rock for the Street Department. Although this was not the lowest bid received, department officials noted that supporting a local vendor would result in faster turnaround times and reduced fuel and labor costs. Funds for this purchase will be paid from the Street Maintenance line item in the Street Department budget, which has $35,000 allocated. Under New and Miscellaneous Business, the Board approved Resolutions No. 29-2025 and 30-2025. These resolutions authorize the mayor to execute a memorandum of understanding between the City of Salem and the Salem R-80 School District for the provision of a school resource officer (SRO), as well as a memorandum of understanding regarding the dual commission of an SRO between the Salem Police Department, the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, and the Salem R-80 School District. The cost is estimated at approximately $14,000 in compensation, which will be included in a future budget. Additional costs will be incurred for SRO-specific training required by the state; however, the Salem Police Department has a general ledger category that will cover these training expenses, and no budget adjustment is necessary at this time. Funding for the position will be split 75/25, with the school district covering 75 percent of the compensation. The Board then heard the first and second readings of Bill No. 3694, authorizing approval of Change Order No. 6 to the Downtown Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Project contract with Maggi Construction Company. The change order calls for the complete removal of the existing sidewalk from the front of the Bank of Salem building to the curb, including heat pads, and replacement with new sidewalks and heat pads consistent with the remainder of the project. The work will also include installation of a metal grid system to serve as the ceiling over the exposed basement structure. The total cost of the change order is $36,600. The Bank of Salem has agreed to contribute $5,000, and $7,200 will be paid from city funds previously reserved for such corrections. The remaining $24,400 will be split evenly between the City of Salem and Archer-Elgin, with each contributing $12,200. No matching funds will be provided by MoDOT. The change order will require a budget adjustment using prior-year funds and a timeline extension of 183 days, moving the project completion date from August 1, 2025, to February 1, 2026. The Aldermen voted to approve this change order. Finance Director Stacy Houston was absent from the meeting; however, her report was submitted in writing. Following reports from city officials, the Board adjourned into executive session for discussion of legal and personnel matters.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green and District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said crews would be out checking roads for downed limbs and trees from the high winds Sunday night and Monday. Williams also said a crew would be putting rock in a ditch on Dent County Road 2240 that had previously washed out while other crews would be doing shop maintenance and cutting up trees for the wood furnace at the shop. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson had nothing to report and Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said work continues on the budget, and the deadline to file for an elected position on a school board, hospital board, positions for the cities of Salem and Bunker for the April 7th Municipal Election ends today. Contact the local tax entities you are interested in serving to find out more about the requirements to file for an open position. At the last meeting, Dent County Emergency Management Director Derrick Marfitt discussed with the commission about him becoming an LLC to perform emergency management services for the county. The commission agreed to draft a contract and run it by Missouri Association of Counties attorney Travis Elliott for his opinion. The courthouse will be closed Thursday for New Year’s Day. 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.

Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk wants to remind everyone her office will have extended hours for those wanting to pay their tax bills in person from 8:00 this morning until 5:30. Payments mailed in must be postmarked NO LATER than December 31st. She recommends if you mail your payment to take your payment envelope inside the post office at the window to have the date hand stamped on your envelope. There is also a drop box in the front of the courthouse at the southwest corner of the courthouse square where you can leave your payments through midnight tonight. Payments can also be made online by following the instructions on your real estate and personal property tax bills. Payments received after December 31st or that are postmarked after December 31st will be assessed penalties and late fees. If you have questions, please call the Dent County Collector’s office at 573-729-3911.

Colonel Michael A. Turner, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, encourages everyone to make good decisions regarding their New Year’s celebration. No one wants to start 2026 with a traffic crash or DWI arrest. During the 2024-2025 New Year’s period, one person was killed and 118 injured in 264 traffic crashes in Missouri. The 2026 New Year’s holiday counting period begins at 6:00 Wednesday night, December 31st, 2025, and ends at 11:59 Sunday night, January 4th, 2026. If your plans to welcome the new year include alcohol, please designate a sober driver or utilize a ride share service or taxi to ensure you arrive home safely. The roadway is no place for a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you plan to travel this New Year’s, remember to buckle up and make sure all your passengers do the same. Remember that Missouri is now a hands-free state. Pay attention, obey all traffic laws, and when in doubt, yield the right-of-way. Due to ongoing road construction throughout the state, the Patrol suggests that travelers use the MoDOT Traveler Information Map to plan their travel days. The map provides up-to-date information such as road closures, delays, construction zones, and alternative routes. You can download the app for free to your smart device or access it here. Missouri law states if you’re using your windshield wipers, your headlights must be turned on. You are encouraged to call the Patrol’s Emergency Assistance Number 800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone if you witness criminal activity or experience an emergency.

The next edition of Your World Today will be distributed on Friday, January 2, 2026.

An accident occurred Monday morning at 6:48 on Highway 63, 3 miles south of Edgar Springs that left both drivers with serious injuries. According to the Highway Patrol report a 2018 Ford Focus, driven by an 18-year-old Plattsburgh, NY man, crossed the center of the roadway and struck head on a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado operated by a 48-year-old man from West Plains. The New York man suffered serious injuries and was transported by Air Evac to Cox Hospital in Springfield. The West Plains man also suffered serious injuries and was transported by Phelps Health Air to University Hospital in Columbia. According to the report the driver of the Ford was wearing a safety restraint, while the driver of the Chevrolet was not. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Lucas Garage. The Highway Patrol was assisted by the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department and the Rolla Rural Fire Department.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports 10 people died in traffic crashes during this year’s Christmas holiday counting period which ran from 6:00 Wednesday evening, December 24th, through 11:59 Sunday night, December 28th. There were no boating crashes or drownings. During the Christmas holiday counting period, troopers report the following preliminary traffic statistics for 2025. The Patrol investigated 258 traffic crashes that resulted in 94 injuries and 10 fatalities. The Patrol made 93 DWI arrests. During the 2024 Christmas holiday counting period, troopers investigated 81 traffic crashes, which included four fatalities and 44 injuries. Statewide, five people died and 133 people were injured in 295 traffic crashes over last year’s Christmas holiday. Troopers arrested 18 people for driving while intoxicated during the 2024 Christmas holiday counting period. There were no boating crashes, boating fatalities, drowns, or boating while intoxicated arrests during the 2025 Christmas holiday counting period. Further details related to the traffic crashes and arrests can be found on the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s website. It’s important to note that the Christmas Day holiday counting period varies from 1.25 to 4.25 days in length, depending on which day of the week the holiday falls. In 2025, Christmas Day fell on a Thursday, making the holiday period 4.25 days. In 2024, Christmas Day fell on a Wednesday, making the holiday period 1.25 days. Follow the Missouri State Highway Patrol on X @MSHPTrooperGHQ

Volunteers for AARP have been helping Dent County Citizens with free tax filing assistance at the Salem Community Center@ the Armory for the many years. You can make your appointment now, but the earliest date for an appointment is Friday, February 6th. Appointments can be made by calling the Salem Community Center at 729-8163 with the last day for appointments being Friday, April 3rd. This local service is provided entirely by AARP trained volunteers and will be the 22nd year that Healthy Dent County has partnered with AARP to provide this free tax service to our community. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers are trained in filing certain tax forms and schedules, including the Form 1040. However, the Volunteer Protection Act requires that our volunteers stay in the scope of the program. If counselors feel they do not have adequate knowledge or your return is too complex, you may need to seek another qualified counselor or paid tax assistance. Items you will need to bring with you to have your tax returns prepared include: Proof of identification such as a picture ID; Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents; or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration. You should also bring birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return. Also needed are wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-Misc from all employers; year-end Social Security Statements showing total SS received and Medicare payments; and interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099). You should bring a copy of last year’s federal and state returns if available; plus proof of bank account routing numbers and account numbers for Direct Deposit, such as a blank check or deposit slip. To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms. The Salem Community Center @ the Armory is located at 1200 West Rolla Road. Appointments can be made by calling 729-8163.

The Dent County Commission met last Monday morning at the courthouse. District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 5400 while only grading will be done on county road 6430. He also stated brush would be cut on county road 5615 and reflector signs are being installed on county road 5130. A crew will check other roads to see if reflectors need to be added. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported rock will be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 2140 and 4130, while only grading would be done on county roads 2120 and 2130. He did state brush would be cut on county road 2200 and that a crew is straightening out a pipe at the intersection of county roads 2240 and 2260 where it was apparently run over. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said her office continues working on the budget for 2026. At 9:30, the commissioners approved an amended budget by the SB40 board for 2025 as they received insurance proceeds from the fire at the sheltered workshop and they also had larger than anticipated expenses from the fire cleanup. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams presented the CART receipts for the month of December. She stated the county received $91,450.98 and that is down $788 from the December of 2024. Williams reported that year to date that CART is up $72,782.18 which is about a 7.4% increase. At 10:00, the commission opened bids for the creation of a 1st floor ADA compliant bathroom at the courthouse. They received and approved the only bid and that was from Thomas Excavation for $20,990. At 11:00 Jeff Banderet from Great Rivers Engineering came in to talk about ongoing projects, starting with the sidewalk TAP grant around the courthouse. He felt the county will be able to advertise the project for bids in February with the construction possibly starting as early as late April or May. Banderet also talked about the FLAP project for the paving of the county gravel road as the backway to Montauk State Park. He said once he hears back from the state, the county will have to secure easements or get land donations from the existing landowners before the project can begin. Dent County Emergency Management Director Derrick Marfitt was in attendance and said the county has been reimbursed $183,646 which covers four FEMA projects out of the nine requests by the county for funding from the flooding of 2025. The commission authorized Great Rivers Engineering to proceed with the design phase for funded FEMA projects. According to Marfitt, Dent County still has outstanding requests for funding from FEMA of $1,437,000. Banderet went on to say there is funding for BRO bridge replacement projects, and those applications need to be submitted this spring. At the last meeting, the commissioner approved the revision to the County Personnel Policy and also heard from Craig Faigle from the 100-Acre Wood Road Rally. He said the event this year will be held in Dent County March 14, 2026. The commissioners went on to employ Joe Pogue as the new janitor at the courthouse after interviewing him and he will begin this Friday. The next meeting will be this morning at 9:00 in the courthouse. The meeting is open to the public. 

The Missouri State Highway Patrol wishes everyone a merry and safe Christmas and holiday. When traveling during the holidays, remember to wear your seat belt and obey traffic laws. Over the 2024 Christmas holiday, there were 295 traffic crashes statewide during the 30-hour counting period. In those crashes, five people were killed and another 133 were injured. The 2025 Christmas Day holiday period runs from 6:00 this evening through 11:59 Sunday night, December 28th. If you plan to travel during the holiday, be aware of work zones, obey all traffic laws, adjust driving speeds to the weather, and make sure everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seat belt or secured in the appropriate child safety seat for their size and age. Remember: Missouri is a hands-free state, so put the phone down and buckle up. There is never a reason to speed, drive aggressively, or drive impaired. The public is encouraged to call the Patrol’s Emergency Report Line 800-525-5555 or *55 on your cellular phone if they witness criminal activity, observe driving behavior that could cause a crash, or experience an emergency. If your holiday festivities include intoxicants, designate someone else to drive. Don’t become a statistic.

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 Dent County Commission attended a hearing last Thursday in the Judicial Building on the Carty Property and the Former Burlington Railroad Easement. The hearing was held in the Judicial Building courtroom. Ben Carty and his wife, represented by Attorney Steven Patterson; Brian Carty and his wife, represented by Attorney Kenegy Brooks; Prosecutor Andrew Curley, Collector Shannon VanKirk and Kenny VanKirk were all present, along with Sergeant Len Pabin. The commissioners heard from both attorneys representing their clients, with each one wanting the county owned Burlington Railroad piece of property to be quit claimed to their client. Each attorney presented their case. The exception was left off the deed, and the tax bills were created based on the way the deed was read. Ben has been paying taxes since 2018. The commission has four options to consider: the county can keep the land as they own it, they could quit-claim it to Ben, they could quit-claim it to Brian; or they could quit-claim it to both. No decision was made as the commission will look at the records, discuss it and meet again.

The Dent County Fire Protection District recently announced they’ll be holding a family friendly New Years Eve party on December 31st from 8:00 in the evening until midnight. This party is open to the public as a small way to say thank you to the community for all of its support to the DCFPD. The department will have hot dogs, and chili while supplies last. There are plans to have a movie playing in the training room, as well as possibly a karaoke machine and corn hole tournament. There is no cost to attend the event, and feel free to bring any non-alcoholic beverages to the party. If you, your business, or organization would like to contribute to the festivities you are welcome to do so by either providing supplies or a fun activity. If you’d like to learn more please contact the DCFPD on their facebook page at facebook.com/DCFPD.

From all of us at Your World Today, we’d like to  wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas! The next edition of Your World Today will be distributed on Monday, December 29th.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held its regular meeting Thursday evening at the administration building. Following the unanimous approval of the meeting agenda and consent agenda, Dr. Rachel Green recognized the Middle School Student Leadership Team, honoring teacher Lori Wilson and students Jermaine Watson, Zola Mendenhall, and Tayah Terrill for their leadership and involvement. During the superintendent’s report, Dr. Nathan Wills provided updates on district improvement goals, food service operations, and the Annual Performance Review. He also informed the board on student leadership initiatives, recent building visits, and ongoing facility projects, including roof repairs at the Upper Elementary and track drainage repairs at the senior high school. Dr. Wills thanked the Judson Young Foundation for its generous donations benefiting the construction trades program, the chamber choir, and the district as a whole. Additional updates were presented on Missouri’s average total spending per student and its national ranking, school modernization efforts, and the Missouri State Board of Education’s support of open enrollment. Administrative reports were also presented by district principals and department leaders. In new business, the board unanimously approved MSBA policy updates, a memorandum of understanding for the School Resource Officer program, FFA student trips to the Washington Leadership Conference and Industry Leadership Tour, and the district’s 2026–2027 tuition rate.The board recognized the hiring of Janine Edwards as a high school paraprofessional and accepted the resignations of Ron Light, Chastity McConnell, and Rowdy Mackley. The board then entered executive session to discuss personnel and student matters before adjourning.

Time is running out if you have not yet visited the 2025 Trees and Trains “Candy Cane Lane” display at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource center on 202 South Main Street in Salem. The display will be open today from 9:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon. Tomorrow, which is Christmas Eve, they will be open for the final day of the display from 9:00 in the morning until 12:00 noon. These beautiful and unique tree displays come from many organizations and businesses is truly a Christmas gift to our community. The fun trains that run around the exhibit hall adds to the festive atmosphere. There is no charge to attend the exhibit. However, donations are accepted at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center. The Salem Area Community Betterment Association wants to send out their thanks to all the volunteers who give their time during the holidays to make this event special.

The DCFPD members, their families, and close friends of the DCFPD met the evening of December 13th to honor volunteers and celebrate Chief Dennis Floyd’s retirement. Rookie of the Year and Firefighter of the Year, which is chosen by the Firefighters, went to Firefighter Dell Hoffmeister. Firefighter Sarah Montoya was named the Firefighter of the Year, which is an Officers’ Choice award, plus the Top Responder with 186 calls responded to. The Officers’ award of Top Responder went to Assistant Chief Derrick Marfitt with 136 calls. The Firefighters Choice Officer of the Year was also awarded to Marfitt. Lt. Greg Thies was awarded the Officer of the Year, which is an Officer’s Choice award. Fire Chief (Retired) Dennis Floyd was celebrated after having served the DCFPD for 33 years. Floyd was presented with multiple gifts, including a retired ceremonial pickhead fire ax from DCFPD’s original aerial snorkel truck, an award from the Missouri Division of Fire Safety, his retired firefighting helmet, a shadow box containing his firefighting coat, and a newly commissioned sign proclaiming the department’s training room as the “Fire Chief Dennis L. Floyd Training Center.” 

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has announced the driver and written examinations normally held in Salem at the Salem Community Center@The Armory on Wednesdays will not be held on Christmas Eve, December 24th. They also want to remind everyone that all driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed on Thursday, December 25th and Friday, December 26th in observance of Christmas. For more information, call 573-466-1740.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said brush will be cut on Dent County Road 5610 and maintenance will be done at the shop. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported a crew will be doing some grading on Dent County Road 2440, plus they will be doing maintenance on a county dump truck. Crews will also be patching potholes on county road 3290. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he attended an MCEC Zoom meeting Wednesday where that board reviewed financial information. He mentioned he also attended a Tourism Tax Committee meeting Tuesday where one application was partially funded by the committee. They also approved three requests for reimbursement and denied one. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the courthouse will be closed December 24th through the 26th. They will reopen on Monday, December 29th with extended hours in the Collector’s office from 8:00 to 5:30 through Wednesday, December 31st. She also mentioned candidates can still file for offices for the April 7th Municipal Election for school boards, hospital boards, City of Salem alderman positions, etc. She said those who want to file will do so at the entities office, NOT at the courthouse, and if they have any questions about the qualifications to run for the position they choose, potential candidates need to contact those individual entities themselves, not her office. She also wanted to remind those candidates to call the taxing entities to find out about their holiday hours, especially those wanting to run for school boards, as they may only have those hours posted on the door. She also mentioned that her office continues working on the budget for 2026. Curley went on to say she has prepared an updated personnel policy for the commission to review before it is approved. At the last meeting, the commission discussed FEMA funding and projects with Emergency Management Director Derrick Marfitt, and they heard from Assessor Alisa Brookshire who indicated she would be asking for more funds to be transferred from the County General Revenue Fund to the Assessment Operating Fund due to rising costs when she submits her budget as it has been at $39,000 for many years. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be this morning at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public. 

An accident happened at 10:23 Thursday morning in Phelps County on Highway 63 about five miles south of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2016 Hyundai Veloster driven northbound by a 36-year-old male from Licking, traveled off the right side of the roadway where the vehicle became airborne and overturned. The driver of the Hyundai suffered moderate injuries, and a four-year-old female passenger suffered minor injuries in the crash. Both were taken by the Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. The driver was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident while the four-year-old girl was wearing a seat restraint. The vehicle was totaled and removed from the scene by D&D Towing.

The City of Salem reports the city administration office building offices will be closed from noon until 2:00 in the afternoon today for a staff Christmas luncheon. If paying your bill utility bill, please use one of the city’s remote payment options. You can call the Automated Phone Pay at 1-888-443-4087, pay on the web at www.salemmo.com/city and then scroll to “Online Utility Payments”, or you may use the Drop Box in the drive-through at the administrative office. 

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday, December 9th, at #2 South Main. Previous minutes were approved, the financial reports were reviewed, bills, payments and statements were reviewed and approved, the current budget and reconciliations were reviewed and approved, the 2026 Budget was reviewed and approved, and the monthly reimbursement report, which showed 15 calls for November and 251 for the year, was approved. In Old Business the Fidelity (CTI) Tower Lease was approved to be paid. Chief Thomas went over the Rescue Tools Quotes, and he said they needed about $2,500.00 of hose fittings. The Board approved a maximum expense $2,500.00 for fittings. The Policies and Procedures were reviewed and left as is. New Business the Board agreed to sponsor a table at the Hospital Fundraiser Dancing with the Salem Stars. Chief Thomas reported that the Christmas Parade went well and that the Firehouse grant contract is in and ready to be signed. The next meeting date and time were set for January 13th at 6:00 at DCFPD. The Board went in to closed session at 7:18 to discuss personnel and contracts and returned from closed session at 9:15. In closed session the Board voted to add Colleen Montoya and Connor Montoya to the department Jr FF Roster. The meeting adjourned at 9:29.

Would you like to schedule a call with a tax representative regarding your tax matters? Appointments can be scheduled with a tax representative regarding individual income tax questions or business tax questions including “MyTax” portal; business tax registration; sales; use; employer withholding; or corporate income tax. Tax preparers can also schedule a call for individual income tax or business tax questions. Simply enter dor.mo.gov/taxation/scheduletaxcall into your browser to go to the site to schedule your appointment. 

Create a Chunky Knit Blanket tomorrow afternoon from 4:00 to 7:00 at the Creative Arts Center with Danielle Kissir at 204 South Main Street. Learn how to finger knit a large lap throw/chunky blanket in the colors of Christmas! This is a beginner friendly class and is fun for everyone age 10 and above. The cost is $75 which includes six skeins of colored chunky yarn and patterns, or $35 if you bring your own chosen colors of chunky yarn totaling six. You must sign up for this class by 11:50 tonight. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center. For more information, e-mail salemartscenter@salemcommunitybetterment.com

Nine Salem R-80 High School students had works that placed at the Arts Rolla High School Competition. Taking 1st place was Ellie Turner, while Clara Cooper took 2nd place. Honorable mention winners included Haley Yerk, Clara Cooper, Ruby Allen, Deanna Moore, Lea Deller, Olivia Hardin-Metcalf, and Allie Walters. Congratulations to these students!

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse. District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said work continues on Dent County Road 2440 as workers continue to rebuild portions of the road by adding rock and spreading it out. He also stated another crew will be inspecting roads with low water crossings and bridges to make sure the debris has been removed from those areas. Green went on to report that county truck #79 is being worked on. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported some of his crew will also be working on Dent County Road 2440 with the District 1 crews by hauling and spreading rock. He went on to say that brush is being cut on county road 2270 and another county truck is being serviced at the shed. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he attended the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting last Thursday at the MRPC offices and the bridge on Route TT has slipped from the highest TAC priority for repair to third. They also discussed fatalities in the Meramec Region as well as statewide. With the fatality accident last week on Highway 72, Dent County has had five people killed in auto crashes this year. Statewide, the number of fatalities has fallen from 880 in 2024 to 848 in 2025 with still just over two weeks remaining. Larson also said at the External Relations Committee meeting, it was reported this year’s Awards Banquet in Salem actually made money for the MRPC. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said candidates can file for available positions for the April 7th Municipal Election for school boards, hospital boards, City of Salem alderman positions, etc. She said those who want to file will do so at the entities office, NOT at the courthouse, and if they have any questions about the qualifications to run for the position they choose, potential candidates need to contact those individual entities themselves, not her office. Curley also mentioned that her office continues working on the budget for 2026. She went on to say her office balanced with the Dent County Treasurer’s Office on all accounts for the month of November. At the last meeting, Dent County Assessor Alisa Brookshire came in to discuss two new hires in her office and their pay scale. They will start at $16 per hour and in six months, will receive a 4% cost of living adjustment. 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 Salem R-80 Board of Education will be meeting tonight at 5:30 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 Middle 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, and Maintenance. In new business, the Board is to approve MSBA Policy upgrades and an SRO MOU. The Board will consider FFA Trips and will approve tuition for the 2026-2027 school year. No Transfers are to be considered, the hiring of bus drive John Nolan will be considered, and Ron Light’s resignations/retirement will be considered. The Board will enter closed session, followed by adjournment, after returning to open session. The regular meeting is open to the public.