Local News

An accident occurred Saturday morning around 10:50 in Crawford County on Old Route 66 East of Grotemac Road. According to the highway patrol report a 2009 Yamaha XV1900 driven by a 47-year-old male from Rolla was travelling eastbound and was struck by a deer. The driver lost control, ejecting the driver and passenger a 15-year-old male juvenile from Rolla. The juvenile suffered serious injuries and was transported by North Crawford Ambulance to Children’s Hospital St. Louis. The adult male also suffered serious injuries and was transported to Missouri Baptist Hospital Sullivan by Missouri Baptist Ambulance. He was later transferred to Mercy Hospital Washington. Both were wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident. The Yamaha sustained moderate damage and was secured roadside for private tow.

You’re invited to attend the next Salem and Dent County meeting of “Sleep in Heavenly Peace” this afternoon, June 2nd, starting at 5:30 in the evening at the Salem Community Center@The Armory in the Rotary Room! The Dent County Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a 501c3 non-profit that provides a new, free bed to children in need in our community who do not have a bed between the ages of 3 and 17. Mark your calendars and please join them, and new volunteers are welcome!! If you are not able to help physically, donations of new bedding are always welcome to help provide a good night’s sleep to the area children. Monetary donations are also accepted. Please make checks payable to Sleep in Heavenly Peace and designate the MO-DENT County Chapter. If you have questions, please contact Patti McKeown at 703-964-6495 or e-mail her at patti.mckeown@shpbeds.org.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held a public hearing for public comments regarding sewer rates and changes. The meeting was held Tuesday evening at 6:00, at the Old City Hall Auditorium located at 202 N. Washington St. Several citizens approached the podium referencing an email that was sent to members of the Board, prior to the meeting with questions from members of the community. The Board of Aldermen clarified that the public hearing was to listen to comments or concerns from citizens, and that they will not be answering any questions. Though, Alderman Letchworth did state that someone will take the time to reply to the email that was sent, at a later time. With no other comments from the public, the meeting adjourned to executive session before reconvening for their regular meeting.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen convened their regular meeting Tuesday evening following a public hearing and executive session. After approving the consent agenda, the Board approved a bid from Pierce Asphalt LLC in the amount of $113,664.00 for hot mix asphalt to be used to pave and repair East Coffman, West 1st Street, and South Oak Street, including a 2-inch overlay. This project will be paid for out of the Special Street Fund. The Board also approved a bid from Key Equipment in St. Louis for $9,433.77 to repair the City’s 11-year-old street sweeper, which has been non-operational for several weeks. During new business, the Board voted to approve Ordinance No. 3654 amending the water rates; Alderwoman Cathy Dent dissented. The base rate for customers within city limits will increase from $6.00 to $8.00, with the rate per 1,000 gallons rising from $5.39 to $7.50. Customers outside of city limits will see the base rate increase from $12.00 to $16.00, with the volume rate per 1,000 gallons rising from $6.78 to $9.49. Commercial manufacturers averaging over 350,000 gallons will have a base rate of $8.00 and a volume rate of $4.86 per 1,000 gallons.The request for utilities by Terry Perkins was tabled until a meeting can be had with the City’s attorney, James Weber. The Firework Committee’s request to close the City park to drive-through traffic on the Fourth of July, allowing access only to pedestrians and vendors, was approved unanimously.The Board approved Bills 3654 – 3657 all regarding amending sections of the utility policy to remain in line with the current policy, and correct clerical errors and typos. Before the reports by city official’s the Board heard the first readings of Bills 3662 – 3671 regarding Sewer Rate Codes 710.290-710.430 , and the repeal of section 700.230. During the reports of city officials, Public Works Director Steve Paine stated that the Wastewater Treatment Plant continues to prepare for construction. The department is also working on replacing street lights, completing submitted work orders, and conducting street painting projects as weather permits. City Administrator Sally Burbridge encouraged citizens to sign up for the City’s text blast services but noted that message delivery is based on the phone number’s originating area code. As a result, phone numbers originating in different time zones will receive messages at different times than those originating in Central Standard Time. The next regular meeting of the City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be held on June 10th and is open to the public.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. Deloris Gray Wood was in attendance to talk with the commission about a celebration centered on the 155th anniversary of the Dent County Courthouse. She said the 150th anniversary celebration could not be held due to COVID. She said the celebration could start around 10:00 around the courthouse with gospel music, local musicians performing and she suggested the high school band could play military songs as well as other selections. She also said this celebration could be held to also honor Dent County’s part in World War II as she said there was an Army Air Corps B-17 Flying Fortress that was on a training mission when it crashed in the Meramec Township on September 4th, 1943, which killed pilot William Dean from Dyersburg, Tennessee and other crew members. She said the celebration could be held in late August or early September, depending upon when the sidewalk renovation work begins at the courthouse. She also said she would like to have a 2-foot by 3-foot wayside created telling the story of the plane crash that could be permanently placed on the courthouse lawn. The commissioners said they will try to get a more definitive time frame as to when the sidewalk work would begin so a date could be selected for the celebration and get back with her, but Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said the commission receives a lot of requests to have a monument or items placed on the courthouse lawn and they would have to talk about that before making a decision. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said he has two men out and the remaining crews will be cleaning out pipes on Dent County Road 6400. He said right now crews are filling a lot of potholes with rock on roads that are to be graded soon, but he is asking the public to be patient as they are working on the worst roads now and will get back to other roads as soon as they can. Green also reported men from District 1 are working with a crew from District 2 on Dent County Road 5400 where rock is being hauled and grading continues. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams echoed Commissioner Green’s report on county road 5400, plus added that rock is being added to county road 5330. Williams went on to report that work is also being done in the Boss area, mostly on county road 5323. Presiding Commissioner Larson said he attended the Tourism Tax Committee meeting on May 19th and said an application by the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce was approved after there were some reductions in the amount requested, and two requests for reimbursement were approved. He also reported the roof on the Judicial Building needs to be replaced and it may still be under warranty which could reduce that cost. He also said the roof on the county annex building will be looked at Monday where repairs need to be made for leaks. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley wanted to remind any Dent County Business who has a liquor license needs to have their application for renewal into her office before June 30th. She also said she received the financial audit report from Deidiker, Alvarado and Associates, LLC. They said audit was good and Mr. Deidiker confirmed that the county maintains strong fiscal management, operates with a responsible budget, and prioritizes transparency. The county achieved a balanced budget and conservative cost saving measures to ensure financial stability. Sean McGonigle with Missouri Association of Counties Workers Compensation Trust came in to update the county on their Workman’s Comp and he said they have had only one claim filed so far this year. He also updated the commission that the legislature is discussing that $1.75 of the prisoner per diem received by the county will go to the Sheriff’s Retirement Fund. This is due to voters defeating Amendment 6 in the November election. McGonigle said a human resource seminar is going to be held at Farm Bureau in Jefferson City next week on personnel and all members of the Workman’s Comp Board including Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams are invited to attend. Brian Williams with McCoy Construction came in to talk about John Deere graders. The commissioners held a closed session with no decisions made before adjourning the meeting. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will hold a special meeting this evening at 6:00 at the Old City Hall Auditorium at 202 N. Washington Street. After the agenda is approved, the board will go into closed session to discuss actions of litigation. Following the closed session, the board will hear a request for utility from Terry Perkins before they discuss Bill #3662 that repeals Chapter 700, Division III, Section 700.230 due to updates to Section 710. After that, the board will discuss nine bills from Bill #3663 to Bill #3671 that establish a user charge system for the City of Salem’s wastewater system to provide funds needed to pay for all expenses associated with the wastewater system. The meeting will then be adjourned. The special meeting of the Salem Board of Aldermen tonight is open to the public.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors held their regular meeting Tuesday evening at 7:00 in the Doctor’s Library. After approving the agenda and previous meeting’s minutes, pending minor changes, Jean Nyberg of Forvis-Mazars presented the audit report for fiscal year 2024, highlighting that the audit remains in draft form due to an incomplete inventory count. She reviewed key financials, noting a decrease in total assets from $15 million in 2023 to $13.8 million in 2024, primarily due to ongoing operating losses and reduced cash flow. Receivables from self-pay patients increased, reflecting industry trends associated with high-deductible insurance plans. Nyberg reported an overall net loss of $965,000 in 2024, a significant improvement from the previous year’s $2.3 million loss. She also identified notable deficiencies in the segregation of duties, attributed to limited staffing. After the Board approved the interim audit report, Hospital CEO Brooke Bollman delivered the administrative report and operational summary. She noted that inpatient admissions and outpatient registrations have remained relatively steady, while emergency room visits and ambulance runs declined slightly from the previous month. Total operating revenue for April was approximately $2.132 million, with total operating expenditures at a similar level, resulting in a net profit of $7,103.62. 340B program revenue for April totaled $62,368, while expenses reached $76,368, resulting in a deficit of $14,536, largely due to missing contract payments, at the time of reporting. The Hospital currently has 31 days of cash on hand. During the Chief Nursing Officer’s report, Amber Hogan noted that several positions remain open and that an EMT-B training program is expected to begin in August. Kendra Mobray presented the quality report, citing 21 risk management incidents related to medication documentation errors. All were promptly addressed, and meetings with department heads have been scheduled to determine corrective actions. Board elections were also held, with Dr. Leigh Ann Price elected as Chair, Zach Moser as Vice Chair, and Frank Barnitz as Secretary. Before adjourning, the Board approved a memorial to be painted in honor of Monty Kitchen. The next Hospital Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for June 24th at 7:00 in the Doctor’s Library and is open to the public.

Three people died in traffic crashes over the 2025 Memorial Day weekend counting period which began at 6:00 Friday evening, May 23rd, and continued through 11:59 Monday night, May 26th. Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers investigated 182 traffic crashes involving 83 injuries and three fatalities over holiday weekend. The patrol also made 78 DWI over the holiday weekend. There were three boating crashes resulting in no injuries during the same period. The patrol made no boating while intoxicated arrests during the counting period. During last year’s 2024 counting period, the patrol investigated 275 traffic crashes, which included 161 injuries and seven fatalities. Also, over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday, Marine operations troopers investigated seven boating crashes, which included no fatalities and seven injuries. Troopers made 128 driving while intoxicated arrests and six boating while intoxicated arrests. No one drowned over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. Last year statewide, there were 10 people who died and 486 that were injured in 1,046 vehicle crashes on all roads.

On Thursday, June 5th at the Old City Hall Basement Meeting Room located at 200 North Washington Street, the Dent County Extension will be holding a hands-on Dry Cured Bacon Workshop from 5:30-6:30 in the evening. The focus of the workshop is to learn how to make dry-cured bacon, including the curing and aging process, and how to smoke and prepare it for a meal. The cost of the workshop is $35, and all supplies are included. Participants will leave with a 4 to 6-pound slab of bacon. You MUST register by today to participate. Call the Dent County Extension Office at 573-729-3196 or register online at extension.missouri.edu/events and type in dry-cured-bacon-workshop-3 in the search bar.

The draft FY 2026-2030 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) was presented to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission the beginning of May, kicking off a public review and comment period. The draft STIP makes available $13.2 billion of federal and state revenues for all modes of transportation over the next five years. Of the $13.2 billion, the draft STIP details $9.5 billion in road and bridge construction contractor awards, averaging approximately $1.9 billion per year. It also contains programming details for the remaining $1.7 billion of General Revenue for the Improve I-70 program, which in full includes $2.8 billion for the costs to plan, design, construct, reconstruct, rehabilitate and repair three lanes in each direction on nearly 200 miles of the corridor. This year’s STIP also makes available $577.5 million for I-44 as part of the Forward 44 effort to study and bring improvements to the corridor. Other General Assembly funded projects account for another $118 million programmed into this year’s STIP. In the past 10 years, MoDOT and its construction partners have completed 4,099 projects worth $10.1 billion, and delivered them $385 million below budget and 93% on time. The draft FY 2026-2030 STIP lists transportation projects planned by state and regional planning agencies for fiscal years 2026-2030 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2030) and reflects the transportation needs of communities across the state. The proposed program is available for public review. Those interested in seeing the program or offering comments can contact MoDOT by email at STIPcomments@modot.mo.gov, by calling customer service at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636), or by mail to Transportation Planning, Program Comments, P.O. Box 270, Jefferson City, MO 65102. The program is also available on MoDOT’s website: modot.org/DRAFTSTIP. The formal comment period ends June 6, 2025. A summary of the comments will be presented to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission following the public review period. After reviewing the summary and the final transportation program, it will be considered for approval at the July 9 MHTC meeting.

The Missouri House passed an Invasive Plant Bill May 15th, just one day before the session adjourned. Senate Bill 105 now awaits the Governor’s signature and that will end the sale of six plants in Missouri, helping to reduce the negative impacts of invasive plants in the state. The Missouri Invasive Plant Council (MoIP) thanks Representative Sassmann and Senator Bernskoetter for their leadership; the many citizens who contacted their Missouri representatives and senators in support of the bills; the numerous groups, including the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association; Missouri Municipal League; Missouri Stream Teams United; and the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM), who advocated for the legislation alongside MoIP and the Missouri Prairie Foundation; Missouri legislators who supported the bill; and Kyna Iman, CFM lobbyist, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to build support for the bills in the Missouri Capitol. Missouri Governor Kehoe has until July 14, 2025 to sign the bill into law. The law will halt the sale in Missouri of six invasive plants: sericea lespedeza, burning bush (cultivar ‘Compactus’), Callery pear, Japanese honeysuckle, perilla mint, and wintercreeper (variety Coloratus). The implementation date for the legislation is August 28, 2025.

Agingbest wants to see every person live the best life possible. To help our community do this they are asking for volunteers. There are many volunteer opportunities here are a few: meal delivery to homebound clients, lawn care, technology education assistance, pet care assistance, and many more. Call 800-369-5211 to volunteer in one of the 19 counties in Central Missouri.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors will be meeting this evening at 7:00 in the hospital library. After public comments by speakers who must sign in and are limited to 3 minutes, the Board will approve minutes of the April regular meeting and the May special meeting, plus hear a FY2024 Audit presentation. Chief Executive Officer Brooke Bollman will present her report before hearing the summary of operations for the month of April as well as reviewing and approving the monthly financials. The Board will hear the Chief of Nursing Report, the Human Resources report, and the Chief of Staff Report. Old business will include the Election of Officers. In new business, the Board will get an update on a memorial and a shed. The Board may then go into Executive Session for discussion with legal counsel and consider personnel matters. The regular meeting of the Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors is open to the public.

An accident occurred Friday afternoon at 1:06 on Highway 32 four miles east of Salem. According to the Highway Patrol report a 2002 Peterbilt 379, operated by a 54-year-old Salem man, swerved to avoid another vehicle, ran off the right side of the roadway, striking a tree and a fence. The report stated that the man suffered moderate injuries and was transported by Salem Ambulance to Salem Memorial Hospital. The report went on to state that the man may be flown by unknown helicopter to Mercy St. Louis. It was unknown whether the driver was wearing a seat restraint. The Peterbilt was totaled and left roadside on Highway 32 at Dent County Road 4237 to be towed by Chris and Sons Towing.

The Finance Committee held a workshop Thursday evening at 6:00 in the Old City Hall Auditorium located at 202 N. Washington, to review the draft budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, presented by City Administrator, Sally Burbridge, and Finance Director Stacy Houston. The proposed budget totals $29 million and is balanced, reflecting a 17% increase over the 2024–2025 fiscal year. This increase is primarily due to grant-funded projects, which account for approximately $10.4 million in total expenditures. The draft includes a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for all City employees, along with merit-based increases of up to 1% for eligible staff based on performance evaluations. In preparing the budget, staff incorporated several key assumptions, including the adoption of a new employee health insurance plan and adjustments to the pay schedule to maintain market competitiveness with minimum wage requirements. After presenting the draft budgets for the different committees in the City, Houston noted that several of these committees have not yet convened to approve their respective budgets for the upcoming fiscal year.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released the following reports. On Monday May 12th deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 3800 block of E. Highway 32. During the course of the stop, a 43-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while suspended/revoked and other traffic violations. The subject was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was booked and released. Then on Wednesday May 14th deputies responded to Shawnee Mac Lakes for a report of a possible assault. During the course of the investigation, a 20-year-old Salem man was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail. The next day Thursday May 15th deputies arrested a 31-year-old Salem man on an active arrest warrant. The subject was transported to the Dent County Jail where he bonded out on the warrant. Later the same day deputies took a report for a fraud that occurred in the 200 block of County Road 3040. The victim, a 29-year-old Salem man, advised he was scammed out of over $9,000 online. The investigation is pending. If you have any information relative to these ongoing investigations, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 573-729-3241.

The Missouri Department of Transportation has announced another extension of an allowance for heavier-than-normal truckloads of rock, sand and gravel on Missouri highways for flood relief, levees and other public infrastructure flood repair. The waiver allows private and for-hire motor carriers to haul up to 10% more than their licensed weight on Missouri highways. The waiver will remain in effect through June 30, 2025. While the waiver is in effect, participating motor carriers must abide by the following limitations. A loaded, gross weight is not to exceed 10% above the gross licensed weight of the commercial motor vehicle. The waiver applies to transportation of rock, sand and gravel only within the state of Missouri. Drivers must obey posted bridge weight limits. When crossing a bridge, the driver must restrict the vehicle speed to no more than 30 mph. Travel under this allowance is only allowed on non-interstate highways. Those taking advantage of the weight allowance cannot operate on any portion of the interstate highway system. Drivers can check the Traveler Information Map at traveler.modot.org for up-to-date road closure information.

Memorial Day ceremonies will be held at each of the five Missouri Veterans Cemeteries today. Each of the ceremonies will include a keynote speaker, firing volley, and a reading of the names of all Veterans that were interred in the cemetery during the last year. Missouri Veterans Cemeteries Executive Director Paul Kirchhoff said that being present at these Memorial Day ceremonies is a small way we can show respect and honor our military members and thank their families for their dedication and sacrifice. He encourages everyone to attend one of these events and pay tribute to these heroes. Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day was established as a day for Americans to honor those who were killed during the Civil War. MVC continues the tradition of honoring fallen military members with remembrance events at all locations. In South Central Missouri the Missouri Veterans Cemetery – Ft. Leonard Wood is located at 25350 Highway H, Waynesville, with ceremonies starting at 1:00. For more information about the Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Waynesville contact Stacy Wilson at 573-774-3496. The Missouri Veterans Commission operates seven State Veterans Homes, five Veterans Cemeteries, the Veterans Suicide Prevention Program, and the Veterans Services Program. The Commission is committed to honoring and serving Missouri’s Veterans whose dedication and sacrifices have preserved our nation and its freedoms. For more information about the Missouri Veterans Commission programs, call 573-751-3779 or visit mvc.dps.mo.gov.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds hunters and anglers that squirrel, and black bass seasons is open. The hunting season on eastern gray and fox squirrels runs through Feb. 15, 2026. Allowed methods include shotguns, rifles, and other legal firearm methods, as well as archery equipment, slingshots, or atlatls. Squirrels may also be harvested with cage-style traps during the hunting season as long as hunters have a valid Small Game Hunting permit. Traps must be labeled with the hunter’s full name and address, or Conservation Number, be attended daily, and have an opening of 144 square-inches or smaller. The daily limit for hunting, including the use of cage-style traps, is ten and the possession limit is 20. Hunters must have a permit valid for hunting small game or be exempt. Get more information on squirrel hunting and trapping from MDC’s 2025 Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations online at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4yJ. Need recipe suggestions? Browse squirrel recipes at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZcQ. Anglers may catch-and-keep black bass, such as largemouth, smallmouth, spotted/Kentucky bass, through Feb. 28, 2026. Black bass can be found statewide but have a closed season part of the year in most streams south of the Missouri River. Black bass can be caught and released legally throughout the year anywhere in Missouri, and legal-sized bass may be kept all year long from impoundments and streams with no closed season. In most state waters, the daily limit on black bass is six. Fish taken from most rivers and streams must be 12-inches long. Additional regulations may apply to specific waters or areas. Anglers must have a valid fishing permit or be exempt. Find more information on bass fishing in MDC’s 2025 Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations, available where permits are sold, or online at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4yU. Find tips from MDC on cooking fish at their website, https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Zrk.

A rural Dent County man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly firing an AR-15 rifle at two utility workers early Tuesday morning, injuring both, and later telling authorities he believed he was the victim of a conspiracy. According to the Dent County Prosecutor’s Office, 49-year-old Jimmy “Shane” Hoornaert was charged with two counts of second-degree assault, armed criminal action, possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), and unlawful use of a weapon while in possession of drugs. The charges stem from an incident that occurred around 4:00 on the morning of May 20, 2025, near his residence on South Highway 19, south of Salem. Deputies responded after Intercounty Electric Cooperative reported that two of their employees had been shot while working to restore power following storm damage. The men were reportedly sitting on a company ATV in a neighboring driveway when gunfire erupted. According to the probable cause statement, Hoornaert fired three rounds from a Del-Ton AR-15. The bullets struck the ATV, and metal fragments injured one worker in the knee and the other in the ear. A medical exam later confirmed that one victim had metal fragments embedded in his leg, while the other had a superficial wound consistent with a burn from a bullet fragment. Initially, Hoornaert told deputies he had fired the weapon “into the air” to scare off people he claimed were harassing him. During a later interview, he admitted to possibly hitting the ATV, he claimed the shooting was accidental and denied intent to harm anyone. Earlier Hoornaert also made claims, alleging that local residents used cloaking devices, night vision goggles, and even an armed child to harass him and steal his cattle. He denied recent methamphetamine use, though deputies reported dilated pupils and bloodshot eyes, and a urine test later returned positive for methamphetamine and amphetamines. A later search of his camper uncovered methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and four additional firearms, including pistols and a revolver with the serial number removed. Investigators also recovered large quantities of ammunition in various calibers. On May 20, Judge Nathan Kelsaw issued an arrest warrant citing that Hoornaert posed a danger to others. The court set bond at $500,000 with strict conditions, including drug testing and no contact with victims. Hoornaert appeared in custody within 48 hours and was read the charges and his rights during his initial court appearance. A request to reduce bond was denied, and Hoornaert remains in custody at the Dent County Jail. Charges set forth in a criminal complaint are only accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. A bond hearing is scheduled for June 3, 2025, at 10:00 in the morning.

Memorial Day weekend brings Missouri to life with busy state parks, lakes, and attractions. Our state has a lot to offer, especially when the weather is nice. A little planning will go a long way to making Memorial Day weekend activities a success. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds everyone to include safety when they plan their holiday weekend. Everyone should expect more travelers on Missouri’s roadways and an increase in boating traffic on the state’s lakes and rivers. Drivers and boat operators are reminded to always wear a seat belt when traveling in a vehicle, and wear a life jacket when near, on, or in the water. This year’s Memorial Day holiday counting period begins at 6:00 this evening and ends at 11:59 pm., Monday, May 26, 2025. Every available trooper will be on the road or on the water, enforcing Missouri laws and assisting people. The Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort) during Memorial Day weekend. Over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday weekend, there were 1046 vehicle crashes statewide which injured 486 people and killed 10 (Troopers worked 275 traffic crashes involving seven fatalities and 161 injuries). The Memorial Day weekend is also an unofficial start to the boating season. During the 2024 Memorial Day weekend, there were seven boating crashes which included no fatalities and seven injuries. No one drowned over last year’s Memorial Day weekend. Last year, troopers made 128 driving while intoxicated and six boating while intoxicated arrests. Motorists or boaters in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use the Highway Patrol’s Emergency Assistance number 1-800-525-5555 (or *55 on a cellular phone). For road condition reports, travelers can visit the MoDOT website to view their traveler map, download the MoDOT app, or call 1-888-275-6636. Motorists and boaters are encouraged to do their part to make Missouri’s road and waterways safer.  You can follow the Patrol on “X” for the most current news @MSHPTrooperGHQ

The City of Salem’s Finance Committee will be holding a workshop this evening in the Old City Hall Auditorium located at 202 N. Washington Street at 6:00, to discuss the draft budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees met Thursday evening, May  15th at 5:00. Administrator Zach Moser presented the Service and Statistics report for the month of April. In the Communicable Disease Report, he stated there was one case of COVID-19 reported, while there were 46 active lead cases, zero Influenza A cases, two animal bites report, and there were 6 screenings for sexually transmitted infections, resulting in 24 total tests. The April environmental report showed there where 14 total inspections conducted, no recalls, no sewer complaints, and no environmental questions were fielded. The Maternal-Child Health (MCH) statistics showed there were no car seats distributed, no CPR Courses held, no consultations for Childcare Health, two Show-Me Healthy Women appointments, and 30 Title X appointments were reported. There was one Presumptive Eligibility (Temporary Medicaid), while there were 339 WIC appointments. The Community-Specific Services Summary showed 607 total appointments other than WIC, 167 total provider appointments, 169 treatment court visits, 166 lab appointments and 87 immunization appointments. Nurse Practitioner Service Details showed one Show-Me Healthy Women appointment, 7 family plannings, 5 well-child visits, no online appointments, 3 other well-woman exams, no other physicals, no SEMO physicals, 63 other visits, and 71 acute illness appointments for a total of 158 visits. Physician Service Details showed no well-visits, no online appointments, 8 other physicals, no SEMO Physicals, 3 other visits, and 6 acute illness visits. Laboratory details showed 208 Lab Draws, 2 appointments for Rapid Test for COVID, Flu, RSV or Strep, 3 pregnancy tests, and there were 3 lead tests reported. Phlebotomy Appointments totaled 158, while all Lab Appointments totaling 166. Immunizations for April totaled one for COVID-19, one for Influenza, and 114 other vaccines given, including 77 MMR vaccines, for a total of 116 total doses given during 87 total appointments. In the Administrator’s report, Moser reported that the Health Center Health Fair May 2nd, was a success with 87 patients. He reported on the Community Health Assessment and that the Community Survey is now open and collecting feedback from the community. The survey can be completed by going to https://dentcohealth.org/cha/cha2025/. Moser said that the audit report is expected soon. Moser discussed the transportation program pause to figure out a plan for dispatching. He said that Human Resource Management Software is nearing a decision. Moser requested changes in the leave policies, particularly around unpaid leave and procedure for when leave is exhausted. The Board approved the changes. DCHC financials for April were reviewed, discussed, and approved. The Board went in to closed session where no motions were made. After the closed session the next regular meeting of the Board was set for Thursday, June 19th, 2025, at 5:00.
Northwood R-4 School has earned the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Tier 3 Award of Excellence. This is R-4’s first year of receiving Tier 3 recognition, highlighting their commitment to supporting every student’s academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. Hats off to Mr. Flores, the teachers, staff, and administration for their outstanding work and dedication to student success.

Memorial Day Weekend begins the Summer Concert Series at Echo Bluff State Park on Highway 19 South. Everyone is invited and all the events are free. Bring a lawn chair, quilt or blanket and enjoy these free concert under the stars. On Friday, May 23rd starting at 8:00 in the evening, listeners can enjoy the sounds of the Open Road Band who are new to the Echo Bluff’s summer series. The Open Road Band will open this year’s series with some old-time country music. On Saturday, May 24th at 8:00, Kirk Pierce will perform again at the Echo Bluff concert series. Pierce will use his soothing, sultry voice to perform a mix of covers and original songs. Then on Sunday, May 25th at 8:00 in the evening, the Travelin’ Kind returns to Echo Bluff where members Trish and Mickey are sure to delight once again as they perform covers and original songs. All concerts take place in the amphitheater at 35244 Echo Bluff Drive in Eminence.

This Saturday, starting at 8:30 in the evening, visitors to the Onondaga Cave State Park and observe “Starry Sky Nights.” The public is invited to meet in front of the visitor center at 7556 Route H in Leasburg to view the unobstructed night sky. Visitors will learn about some of the objects that can be seen. Astronomy experts will demonstrate how to use telescopes to identify stars and planets. The program is subject to rescheduling due to poor viewing conditions. Those who wish to attend can register online at icampmo.com to receive updates about the program.

An accident occurred in Dent County Monday afternoon at 12:30 on Highway P 1.5 South of Highway 32. According to the report from the Highway Patrol a 2015 Ford F250, driven by a 53-year-old man from Doolittle, traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a mailbox and a culvert, and went airborne. The driver and a 55-year-old female from Rolla both suffered minor injuries and were transported by Salem EMS to Salem Memorial Hospital. The report stated that the man was wearing a safety restraint, while the woman was not. The Ford sustained minor damage and was removed from the scene by Tune’s Towing.

The City of Salem is pleased to announce that the Hometown Grid power outage reporting system is now being used city-wide. This system was tested over the past several months and has proven to be an effective way for electric customers to report outages and stay informed during service interruptions. Residents are now asked to call or text 833-703-4811 to report a power outage—24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The system provides immediate confirmation, follow-up questions to help identify the cause, and text updates once the source of the outage is found. All reported outages appear on a public map, giving residents real-time information about affected areas at hometowngrid.com/salem. They’re asking residents to use this system instead of calling police dispatch. During outages, dispatchers are often overwhelmed by non-emergency calls. If a true emergency arises—such as a medical crisis, fire, or accident—it’s critical that dispatchers remain available to respond quickly. Reporting outages through Hometown Grid keeps our emergency lines clear and improves response times where it matters most. Customers experiencing a power outage should contact their electric provider directly. City of Salem Electric Customers should Call or text 833-703-4811. Intercounty Electric Cooperative Customers can Call 866-621-3679. The benefits of the Hometown Grid system include faster and more accurate outage reporting, real-time outage map for public viewing, streamlined operations for electric crews, and increased public safety by reducing pressure on emergency services. We encourage all residents to save 833-703-4811 in their phones as “Salem Power Outage” and to use this number any time an outage occurs. For questions, contact the Salem Utility Office at 573-729-4117. Let’s keep Salem safe, informed, and efficient!

Colonel Michael A. Turner, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like to stress the importance of safe boating and make the public aware of National Safe Boating Week, going on now. National Safe Boating Week is purposefully scheduled just prior to Memorial Day weekend, which many people consider the kickoff to the boating season. Before taking that inaugural 2025 summer boat cruise, boaters are encouraged to make time for a thorough inspection of their boat. The Patrol’s marine operations troopers make boating safety a priority and are available, at your request, to inspect the required equipment on your boat to make sure you’re in compliance with state law. Additional information on equipment inspection stations may be obtained from your local troop headquarters. In addition to an inspection, boaters should familiarize themselves with Missouri laws regarding boat operation and traditional navigational rules. Missouri law requires everyone born after January 1, 1984, who operates a vessel on Missouri lakes to possess a National Association of Safe Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating safety identification card. This includes those operating a personal watercraft. When boaters understand and obey the law, and vessels are in good operating order, everyone’s experience becomes safer. It is important for each boat operator to know the capabilities of their boat. Reducing your speed in unfamiliar areas and being aware of unusual 

important for each boat operator to know the capabilities of their boat. Reducing your speed in unfamiliar areas and being aware of unusual water conditions depending on the size and type of boat you operate are just a couple of environmental considerations. Additional safe boating tips include being a defensive boat operator, creating distance from other boats gives you more reaction time, adjusting your speed for the conditions and if visibility is poor, or the water is rough, slow down, be sure to turn off the boat while passengers are entering or exiting the water, if you will be out on the water after dark, check your navigation lights before you leave the dock or ramp, and remember every boat operator is responsible for doing whatever they can to avoid a crash. Boaters are reminded to contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol by dialing *55 on a cellular phone if they need assistance or observe another boater operating a vessel in an unsafe manner. Share the waterway and use common sense, good judgment, and courtesy to ensure the safety of all. Life jackets save lives; Wear them! Follow the Missouri State Highway Patrol on X @MSHPTrooperGHQ.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at 9:00 at the Courthouse. In the road report District One Commissioner Keith Green said his crew would be replacing some signs, as well as putting up some new ones. He said pipes will be replaced Tuesday, depending on the predicted storms. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported that Conservation Rock is still being hauled, and grading would be done on Dent County Road 2530. Williams noted that the Conservation Rock contract has be filled by the 23rd, which his crew will accomplish. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he received a message from City Administrator Sally Burbridge that electrical service to the courthouse would be run from the Jail and would cost $35,451, which the Commission has accounted for in the TAP Grant. The service would be partially overhead and partially underground. Larson also stated that he would be attending a Tourism Commission meeting Monday at 5:00. At 10:00 the commission opened bids for the Salt Shed construction at the Road and Bridge Shed. Thomas Excavating and Building submitted a bid for $31,000 and Gray Construction’s bid was for $23,880. The commissioners voted 3-0 to accept the Gray Construction bid. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

The City of Salem right-of-way crews will resume tree trimming and clearing around electric distribution lines beginning this week and continuing through the end of June. This work is part of the City’s ongoing effort to maintain a safe and reliable electric system and is required by Missouri state statute. Trimming and clearing will take place in the area roughly north of 2nd and 3rd Streets and east of portions of Highway 19. A map outlining the specific locations will be available for public viewing at the City of Salem Administrative Offices. The goals of the program are to safely provide citizens with electricity, work safely and efficiently, minimize negative impacts on the environment, protect the electric distribution system, comply with federal, state, and local regulations; reduce power outages and minimize storm cleanup and safety hazards. Crews will work as quickly and safely as possible to limit any inconvenience to residents. The City appreciates the cooperation of property owners in helping us protect the infrastructure that powers our homes and businesses.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Wednesday at the Fire Station at #2 South Main. After the call to order of the outgoing Board the roll call was taken, followed by the approval of the consent agenda, and the review and approval of the minutes of the previous meeting. The bills were then reviewed, approved and signed, plus the budget was reviewed. The monthly reimbursement report showed a total of 27 calls for April and 127 calls for the year-to-date. With no old business, the Board declared the election results where the 3.5-million-dollar bond issue passed with an in-favor vote of 63.65%. Also elected to 6-year terms were Leigh Ann Price, Jeff Stokes Jr., and John Knight. The outgoing Board then adjourned Sine Die. The Oath of Office was administered by the Secretary to Price, Stokes and Knight, followed by the call to order by the Incoming Board. Officer election results were Mike Godi, Chair/President, Dave Wells, Secretary/Treasurer, Jeff Stokes, Budget Officer, and Dennis Floyd, Custodian of Records. In new business L. J. Hart and Company were present to report on the bond. They noted that there is a 30-day waiting period in case the election is contested, then the bonds will be distributed. The Board approved a resolution for the sale and issuance of the Series 2025 General Obligation Bonds, of the Dent County Fire Protection District to L.J.Hart & Company. The Board voted to have an audit conducted every year which will be turned in by June. Signature cards were signed for all documents necessary for banking accounts and CD accounts. The Board voted that Progressive Ozark Bank signatures will be by all of the Board members. The Board then reviewed and updated  the by-laws. Section V Amendment for Electronic Meetings was approved by the Board. Section II change to read minimum age 30 was approved 4-0, with 1 abstention. Also, a motion was made and carried that Board members must reside in the district for 2 years. A Website for the department was presented and reviewed. The approximate cost would be $10 to $30 per year. After reviewing the Website was approved to keep patrons of the department informed of events. The Treasurer presented information about the acquisition of the 7-month CD at Town & Country Bank at 4.25%. Chief Floyd presented the Board with pictures of the decals that are proposed for the new truck. He then reported that the pumper tanker can have a letter of intent placed on the truck locking in the price at $430,000.00. He was also asked to get the best price for 3 trucks. After discussion the Board passed a motion to sign a letter of intent for 2 trucks in order to lock in the price at current rates. Chief Floyd then presented quotes from Sentinel for SCBA for $118,845.85 and $45,000.00 for skid units for the new trucks. He said that due to tariffs these must be purchased now to lock in the prices and quantities. After discussion a motion was made to accept the bids that were presented. The next meeting for the Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors was set for June 10th at 6:00 at the Fire Station pending any necessary changes from insurance representatives.