Local News

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. The Monthly Reimbursement Report will precede Old Business, which will include the Fidelity (CTI) Tower Lease consideration and finalizing the bank account for Bond Payments with the Bank of Salem. In New Business the Board will consider Traffic Safety Equipment, review the Bunks Across America Bed Build, and plan for the Dent County Courthouse 155th Celebration. Chief Dennis Floyd will present his report, followed by setting the date for the next meeting and closed session if necessary, before adjournment.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams was in to report the sales tax receipts for September. The General Revenue and Law Enforcement Sales Tax Funds each received $107,727.54, which was up $4,580.05 from September of 2024. Year-to-date each fund is up $69,840.76 or about 8.3%. She said the Road and Bridge Fund received $50,897.05, and that’s up $2,398.83 from last September. Year-to-date, the Road and Bridge Fund is up $36,453.82 and that’s about 9.4%. Williams reported both Jail Funds received $102,215.99, which was an increase of $4,797.82 from September of 2024. Year-to-date each fund is up $72,985.62, an increase of over nine percent. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said it was still too dry to grade so brush would be cut on Dent County Roads 6210, 6220, and 6390. He indicated a crew member would be going to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal repair this week. Green also stated a crew would be replacing crossover pipes in District 1 on county roads 2460 and 2470. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported workers will be adding rock on Dent County Road 3140 while brush will be cut on county road 2060. He stated Grader #40 was in the shop for full maintenance and a crew will be preparing roads for chip and seal repairs next week. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson wanted to remind citizens about the special electronics and tire collection that will be held this Saturday from 9:00 in the morning until noon at the City of Salem Water and Sewer Construction Building at Third and Grand Streets. Drop off old computers, cassette players, stereos, hair dryers, and other items that run on battery or electricity for no charge. There may be a charge from some items like TV’s and monitors. The Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District will also be collecting old used tires for a small charge. If you have any questions, please contact the MRPC at 573-265-2993 and ask for Jill Hollowell. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said her office balanced with the collector and assessor for the month of August on all collections, abatements and add-ons. 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 School district held a special meeting on Thursday afternoon at 12:00 in the administration building located at 1409 W. Rolla Road. After approving the agenda, the board voted to approve the Compass Therapy Solutions contract for SLP and SLPA services. The motion passed, with board member Marjorie Pyatt abstaining, noting a conflict of interest. The meeting then adjourned. The next regular meeting for the Salem R-80 School district will be held Thursday September 18 at 5:30 in the administration building, and is open to the public. 

The following reports were released for the end of August and beginning of September from the Dent County Sherriff’s office. On Wednesday August 27th deputies responded to the 900 block of County Road 5440 for a reported animal abuse. The victim advised one of his cows had been shot. The investigation is pending. Then on Friday August 29th deputies responded to the 1000 block of County Road 6160 for a missing person. A report was generated, and the investigation is ongoing. On Sunday August 31st deputies responded to the 2200 block of County Road 4110 for a report of several mailboxes that had been damaged in the area. Then on Tuesday September 2nd deputies conducted a traffic stop on N. Highway 19 and Highway 68. During the stop, two suspects were arrested for active warrants and transported to the Dent County Jail. Later that week on Thursday September 4th deputies conducted a “knock and talk” in the 3100 block of Highway 68. Suspected narcotics were located, and the investigation is ongoing. If you have any information on an ongoing investigation, please contact the sheriffs’ office at 573-729-3241.

An accident occurred on Friday September 5th around 11:30 in the morning in Texas County on Hwy AW about a mile south of Evening Shade. According to the highway patrol report a 2014 Ford Fusion driven by a 36-year-old male from Calico Rock, Arkansas travelling northbound was overtaking a 2003 Peterbilt truck being driven by a 29-year-old male from Salem which was also traveling northbound. The Ford impacted a 2018 Ford F150 being driven by a 29-year-old female from Plato who was turning onto the roadway. Then the Fusion impacted the Peterbilt, travelled off the left side of the roadway impacting a mailbox bank and coming to rest. The female suffered minor injuries along with a 4-year-old male juvenile in the Ford F150, both were transported to General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital by a private vehicle. They were both wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The 36-year-old male suffered minor injuries and was transported to Texas County Memorial Hospital by Texas County EMS. The report goes on to state he wasn’t wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. Both Ford vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Arrington Automotive. The Peterbilt sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene.

An accident occurred Saturday afternoon around 12:10 in Laclede County on Hwy 32 east of Hwy U. According to the highway patrol report a 2025 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by a 45-year-old male from Stilwell, OK was travelling eastbound and struck a dog in the roadway. The man suffered moderate injuries and was transported by EMS to Mercy Hospital in Lebanon. The Harley sustained minor damage and was removed by a private party.

The Salem R-80 School district held a special meeting on Thursday afternoon at 12:00 in the administration building located at 1409 W. Rolla Road. After approving the agenda, the board voted to approve the Compass Therapy Solutions contract for SLP and SLPA services. The motion passed, with board member Marjorie Pyatt abstaining, noting a conflict of interest. The meeting then adjourned. The next regular meeting for the Salem R-80 School district will be held Thursday September 18 at 5:30 in the administration building, and is open to the public.

You’re invited to attend the next Salem and Dent County meeting of “Sleep in Heavenly Peace” Monday afternoon, September 8th, starting at 5:30 to 6:30 in the evening at the Salem Community Center@The Armory in the Rotary Room! Upcoming events, needs, and more will be discussed. 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 Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. Dent County Emergency Management Director Derrick Marfitt discussed submitting an Emergency Management Performance state grant that would double Marfitt’s salary as Dent County Emergency Management Director. He would have to be certified and have to use the NIMS program for reporting. This was approved and signed by the commission. Marfitt also said the hazmat plan for the region is being reviewed by the emergency management directors and said nothing has changed. He also reported the county is waiting on FEMA for the payment in the 60–90-day window before submitting the next phase. Also, the Dent County Sheriff’s Department wanted to submit a Local Violent Crime Prevention Grant for new radios for patrol vehicles. Their current radios have reached their end of the useful life and this grant will provide up to $25,000 to buy new radios. They are looking at the E.F. Johnson VM-8000 which has already been approved for use for this grant. The current radios do not always reach in the Boss, Bunker, Cedar Grove and Lecoma areas. This is a Missouri Public Safety state grant, and the window closes on this grant September 15th. The commission approved and signed the grant for submission. There was also a request to use the courthouse lawn and square for a car show fundraiser on October 11th to benefit the “Project Win Cancer Program” which was approved by the commission. New Dent County Assessor Alisa Brookshire was also in attendance at the meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said it was too dry to grade so crews will be out in numerous locations putting in pipes where necessary such as on county road 6420 and the Canoak Road. Green went on to say chip and seal repairs continue on county road 5015. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported workers will be grading in the Boss area on Dent County Roads 4405, 5260 and 5340, while brush will be cut on county road 2050. Williams indicated that a number of roads are having their ditches pulled with the dry weather. He went on to say rock is being added and the backhoe will be on county road 3140 working on a low water crossing. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson had nothing to report while Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she received all the tax entities tax rates on time. Dent County Health Center Administrator Zack Moser reported on the “Care Cab” that is now available in Dent County for any transportation need. The cab runs from 8:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon, Monday through Friday. It is a local ride service for Dent County residents who need dependable transportation. Currently there is no charge to use the Care Cab as it was funded by the opioid settlement funds, but this is for a limited time before there will be a slight charge to use it. You can book the Care Cab online at the CareCab.org app or call the Dent County Health Center at 573-729-3106. Moser said flu and COVID vaccines will be available at the drive-through that will be held on October 2nd at the Dent County Fire District Firehouse. He also reported April Greener is no longer at the Dent County Health Center as she is now instructing at the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, and two new nurse practitioners have come on board: Kyla Hobson, MSN, FNP-BC, and Amanda Stites, MSN, FNP-BC. 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.

On Wednesday, September 10th, Respect Missouri Voters will begin gathering signatures across the state to place a constitutional amendment on the November 2026 ballot to ban legislators from attacking the will of the people. Launch parties will be held throughout Missouri, where volunteers can pick up supplies to begin gathering signatures. Three parties will be held in the Rolla area, each beginning at 6:00 in the evening. The closest launch party will be at the Phelps County Courthouse Meeting Room at 200 North Main Street in Rolla. The Initiative was fueled by the actions of legislators who worked to overturn two initiatives voters approved last year: paid sick leave and women’s healthcare. The legislature also passed Senate Bill 22 which may make it easier for politicians to put deceptive language on the ballot. These actions add to the long record of Missouri politicians overturning initiatives passed by Missouri voters. Clean Missouri, an anti-corruption and redistricting reform initiative passed in 2018, was gutted by lawmakers in 2020 through misleading ballot language. Similarly, the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act, approved by voters in 2010, was repealed by the legislature the following year. Missourians can learn more about the September 10 launch day events and how to get involved at respectMOvoters.org/launch-day.

On September 2nd, Your World Today reported that the Salem Public Library would be holding their Recollections meeting at 10:30 Tuesday morning. This is the scheduled time for the “Story Time” program that is returning to the library. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. The Recollections meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 10th at 10:30. This program is for all adults 60 years of age and older. It is free, and no library card is required to attend.

City of Salem City Administrator Sally Burbridge responded to the talk regarding a citizen’s petition for a State Audit of the City of Salem. Burbridge says in a press release that she wants to be clear that the city welcomes opportunities to strengthen their processes and improve services for the citizens. She says her concern is not with the value of oversight, but with the significant cost that would ultimately be borne by local residents. Burbridge says a state audit is estimated to cost between $80,000 and $125,000. She puts that in perspective that the cost of an audit is comparable to projects already included in the city budget that directly benefit the community such as annual street paving that costs $120,000, the costs for new utility billing and citywide financial software upgrades that are coming in around $100,000 or more, the $109,000 annual debt payments for the Alice Lou Craig Municipal pool, the budgeted $110,000 which is half the cost of paving the T-Ball parking lot at City Park, the recently board approved upgraded storm siren system that will cost $88,900, as well as the annual debt payments of $103,411 for the water utility. Burbridge points out that while not all of these items come directly from the General Fund which is where the audit cost would be incurred, they illustrate the types of projects and obligations an audit of this size could displace. Burbridge says her responsibility as City Administrator is to ensure taxpayer dollars are used in ways that provide the greatest benefit to our community. That is the lens through which she views this potential expenditure.

Healthy Dent County is launching a Mentoring Makes a Difference program and seeking caring adults to mentor local students. The initiative matches mentors with youth in local schools to provide guidance, encouragement and support. Mentors will meet weekly with their matched student in a group school setting for one hour. They will play games, help with homework, listen and build relationships. Mentors help students develop confidence and life skills. Occasional family and recreational events are planned throughout the year. Mentoring sessions begin Wednesday, September 10th at three locations: North Wood R-4 School for 3rd through 6th grade students on Wednesdays from 3:45 to 4:45 in the afternoon; Salem R-80 Middle School for 6th grade students on Thursdays from 8:06 to 8:55 in the morning; and Salem R-80 Upper Elementary for 3rd through 5th grade students on Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:30 in the afternoon. Research shows mentored youth are less likely to misuse drugs or alcohol, more likely to respond positively to teachers and parents, more confident in themselves, and better at developing social skills. They are also less likely to feel isolated and more likely to do better in school. For more information, contact Liberty Ross at 573-729-8163 or email Liberty@SalemCommunityCenter.org.

The Dent County Fire Protection District is teaming up Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a national nonprofit with a local Dent County chapter that is dedicated to making sure every child has a bed to sleep in. On Saturday, September 13th,  firefighters, volunteers, and community members will gather at the Dent County Fire Station on South Main Street in Salem. Starting at 9 in the morning they’ll be building and assembling beds for children in need, at no cost to the family of the child that needs one. Fire Chief Dennis Floyd says the project goes beyond fighting fires, helping meet a basic need for some of the most vulnerable in the community. Sleep in Heavenly Peace Chapter President Patti McKeown adds that too many kids in the area are going to sleep each night without a bed of their own. The event runs until 1 in the afternoon and is open to volunteers, spectators, and donors. In addition to monetary support, donations of new twin-size bedding—like sheets, blankets, and pillows—are also needed. If you’d like to help or learn more, visit shpbeds.org or on facebook at Facebook.com/SHPDentCo.

Five people died in traffic crashes and one person drowned during the 2025 Labor Day holiday weekend, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The counting period ran from 6:00 Friday evening, August 29, through 11:59 Monday night, September 1. Troopers worked 222 traffic crashes with 104 injuries during the holiday period. They made 100 driving while intoxicated arrests and 14 drug arrests. Two people died Saturday, August 30. A 52-year-old man from Clarkton died when his motorcycle drove off a dead-end road into a ditch on a farm road one mile east of Clarkton in New Madrid County. He was not wearing a helmet. A 48-year-old female pedestrian from Excelsior Springs was killed while walking on southbound Missouri 291 north of Middlebrook Drive in Clay County. Two people were killed Sunday, August 31. A 46-year-old man from Bunker died when his vehicle traveled off the right side of westbound Missouri 72, overcorrected, went off the left side and overturned 10 miles east of Bunker in Reynolds County. He was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle. A 42-year-old male pedestrian was killed while attempting to cross Missouri 364 near Jungermann in St. Charles County. One person died Monday, September 1. A 16-year-old male was killed when the UTV he was driving overturned while making a turn on private property three miles east of Anderson in McDonald County. He was not using a safety device. On the water, troopers investigated three boating crashes with four injuries and no fatalities. They made nine boating while intoxicated arrests. One person drowned at Lake of the Ozarks at Public Beach Two in Camden County Saturday. The victim was a 19-year-old male from Glenwood, Illinois, who entered the water by unknown means and did not resurface.

The Missouri Department of Conservation indicates that orders can be submitted now through April 15th for shrubs and tree seedlings from the George O. White State Forest Nursery near Licking. Native trees and shrubs can help improve wildlife habitat and soil and water conservation while also improving the appearance and value of private property. A variety of low-cost native tree and shrub seedlings are sold for reforestation, windbreaks, erosion control, wildlife food and cover, and other purposes. The nursery provides mainly one-year-old, bare-root seedlings with sizes varying by species. Seedling varieties include: pine, bald cypress, cottonwood, black walnut, hickory, oak, pecan, persimmon, river birch, maple, willow, sycamore, blackberry, buttonbush, hazelnut, redbud, ninebark, elderberry, sumac, wild plum, witch hazel, and others. New this year, MDC will offer four bundle types of seedlings: wildlife, pollinator, edible, and nut bundles. Each customer is limited to only two of each bundle. Seedlings are available in bundles of 10 or increments of 25 per species. Prices range from 40 cents to $1.17 per seedling. Sales tax will be added to orders unless tax exempt. There is a shipping fee and a $9 handling charge for each order. Receive a 15% discount up to $20 off seedling orders with a Conservation ID Number. The nursery grows millions of seedlings each year, but some species are very popular and sell out quickly and some seedlings occasionally succumb to harsh weather or hungry wildlife, despite the nursery staff’s best efforts. Even if a species is listed as “sold out,” customers can still place an order for those seedlings because other orders may get canceled, freeing up inventory. Customers won’t be charged for seedlings unless they are available to ship. Orders will be shipped or can be picked up at the nursery near Licking from February through May. The 2025-26 seedling order forms are available at MDC regional offices and nature centers, or you can contact the George O White State Forest Nursery at 573-674-3229. You can also request a form by e-mail StateForestNursery@mdc.mo.gov. Trees or shrub seedlings can also be ordered on the Missouri Department of Conservation website at mdc.mo.gov.

Missouri, traffic fatalities in the state are down – so far – for the third consecutive year. Preliminary data shows from January 1st through August 24th, 2025, 577 people were killed in Missouri traffic crashes, down from 589 during the same period last year. While the 2% decrease is encouraging, it’s too early to know if progress will hold, especially as Missourians transition to fall traffic patterns. Last year, 344 people lost their lives in a Missouri traffic crash after September 1st, through December 31st, 2024, and there were 364 such fatalities for the same time frame in 2023. If Missouri is to end the year with another reduction in traffic fatalities, continued gains in the final four months of the year will be crucial. MoDOT is encouraging all Missourians to help keep momentum by committing to four simple actions: Buckle up, phone down, slow down, and drive sober. Drivers can plan their trip ahead of time with MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at www.traveler.modot.org, where they can find current work zones, closures and incidents. Missouri’s strategic highway safety plan, Show-Me Zero, provides more information for how all Missourians can do their part to achieve zero traffic fatalities. The plan can be viewed at www.savemolives.com.

Are you needing a gift for a birthday, or a thank you? You can now get gift certificates from the Creative Arts Center. Simply fill out the informational form at sacba.org/event-details/digital-gift-certificate, and either print it or have it emailed. The card is worth $25 and can be used towards any class or event now up to December 30, 2026.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors held a public tax hearing last Tuesday evening at 7:00 in the Doctor’s Library, prior to their regular meeting. The board voted to maintain the current tax rate of $0.24 per $100 of assessed valuation on real estate and personal property. State Representative John Hewkin attended the meeting, where he introduced himself, spoke about his time in office, and shared his legislative goals. He noted that he had toured the hospital to better understand its operations and expressed his strong impression of the facility. Representative Hewkin added that he hopes to secure an appropriation for the hospital, though he could not yet estimate the amount. Following approval of the agenda and previous meeting’s minutes, CEO Brooke Bollman presented her report. She highlighted future efforts to transition hospital employees from a self-funded insurance plan with limited coverage to a state-funded plan offering improved benefits, with implementation targeted for January 2027. Bollman also discussed work on strengthening the hospital’s revenue cycle, updating the website, and her recent interview with KSMO Media, available on the station’s YouTube page. She announced that September 8–12 will be Salem Memorial Hospital’s anniversary week, and booths and activities will be announced later. Operational reports showed a decline in inpatient admissions, which the hospital plans to address in 2026. Outpatient registrations and ambulance runs increased compared to June, while emergency room visits declined. For July, gross operating revenue totaled approximately $1.5 million, while expenses reached about $2.4 million, resulting in a net loss of $816,012.38. Net 340B revenue was $60,094, slightly lower than the prior month. The hospital currently holds 28 days of cash on hand. After financials were approved, Chief Nursing Officer Amber Hogan delivered her report, noting the launch of a nursing education series, Basic Life Support training for Dent County Jail staff, and the upcoming EMT program scheduled to begin October 7. She also reported that a grant request has been submitted to the State Homeland Security program for new handheld and mobile ambulance radios. Hogan further noted ongoing recruitment efforts for several RN and CRNA positions. Bollman then presented the Human Resources Report, noting two new hires and six resignations, and stated that departments continue updating the Employee Handbook. Kendra Mobray followed with the Quality and Risk Report, highlighting 31 reported events, most related to documentation errors, which remain an area of improvement. In new business, the board voted to retain Wipfli LLP as the new audit firm for cost reporting and audit filings. The board also approved the recruitment of two international lab technicians, from either the Philippines or Dubai, due to local staffing shortages. Each candidate will sign a three-year employment contract, valued at $15,000–$18,000, under an H1B visa. The hospital is working with UB Greensfelder LLP, through the Delta Regional Authority, to expedite this process with immigration counsel. With no further business, the board adjourned into executive session.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met Thursday evening, August 31st, at 5:00. Three of the five trustees were present constituting a quorum. The tax rate hearing was held, and Health Center Administrator Zach Moser presented the relative data received from the State Auditor and County Clerk. With no citizens present no public comments were made and a motion was moved, seconded and adopted to set the Public Health Levy at $0.0960 per $100 assessed valuation. The rate will generate an estimated $200,584 in tax revenue. Board member Dennis Floyd had another obligation at 5:30, which would leave the Board without a quorum, so Moser asked to modify the agenda and the modification was accepted by unanimous consent. Moser proposed Resolution 2025-R002, which is a Conflict-of-Interest ordinance. The resolution was approved by the Board. Resolution 2025-R004 was proposed to join the MOSIP investment program. After discussion a motion to approve the Resolution was made, seconded and approved. Moser then presented bids for CD’s from MOSIP, Bank of Salem, and Progressive Ozark Bank. A motion was made to invest $150,000 in a 9-month CD with Bank of Salem at 4.25% and $100,000 in a 1-year CD with MOSIP for 4.35%. The motion was seconded and approved. With all urgent business attended to and the imminent loss of a quorum, the remainder of the agenda was suspended, and the meeting was adjourned at 5:25.

The Salem Public Library will host their monthly Recollections meeting next Tuesday morning at 10:30 in the North Basement meeting space, located at 403 N. Jackson Street, in Salem.

At the Dent County Commission meeting Thursday morning, Grant Wilson from Representative Jason Smith’s Rolla office reported Smith just wrapped up his 2025 Farm Tour visiting 23 out of the 28 counties he serves. He visited crop farms, dairy farms, cattle farms and even a tree farm as well as some businesses. Wilson said that after the Labor Day weekend, Smith stated Congress will be working on trade deals with other countries to increase US exports to those countries. When Wilson was asked about when the change would occur for the reduction in taxes for overtime and tips, Wilson said he believed that would be retroactive to 2025 as would the Social Security temporary credit of $6,000 per filer, $12,000 if filing jointly and both spouses qualify. The commissioners thanked him for his follow up with FEMA as FEMA personnel found the Dent County paperwork that was submitted, and they should issue the first round of funding in the next 60-90 days. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said maintenance was being done on a grader, while chip and seal repair work is being done on Dent County Road 5015 also known as the Doss Road. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said workers would be adding rock and grading Dent County Road 4290, while only grading was being done on county roads 4300 and 4310. He stated brush is being cut on county road 2300 and a crew is working on replacing an airline on a dump truck. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson stated new carpet has been installed on the back steps of the courthouse, and there was a report of water being heard running at the Annex. Larson said a plumber investigated and found there was water line going into the building next to the Annex that was leaking and Commissioner Larson asked him to install a shut off valve between the buildings to stop the water flow. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the courthouse would be closed Monday for Labor Day. She also said the new assessor, Alisa Brookshire, would be sworn in this morning to take over the position from Jamie Homeyer. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk said the tax sale of real estate was held Monday and all five of the properties sold for a total of $2,974.74, but there were no bids on the mineral rights tax sale. She stated that those who purchased property at the 2024 tax sale should now come in and get the Collector’s Deed as one year has passed. VanKirk also indicated that real estate and personal property tax bills will be mailed out on Tuesday, November 4th. 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. 

Colonel Michael A. Turner, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, encourages everyone to plan for a safe 2025 Labor Day weekend. The 2025 counting period for the Labor Day holiday will be from 6:00 this evening, and will last through 11:59 Monday night, September 1st. The Labor Day holiday is a busy boating weekend. Before you take your boat on the water, inspect fuel lines and hose connections for leaks, and test the battery to confirm it is charged. When refueling, turn off any electrical devices which could create a spark. After refueling, open the engine compartment to visually inspect and smell for fuel leaks. Activate the blower system for at least four minutes before restarting the vessel. In 2024, there were four boating crashes which included two fatalities and eight injuries. One person drowned during last year’s Labor Day holiday. Troopers arrested six people for boating while intoxicated during last year’s counting period. If you’ll be on the road this Labor Day holiday, make sure your vehicle is in good working condition before you depart. Drive courteously and obey all of Missouri’s traffic laws. Remember to buckle up and pay attention as you travel. In Missouri, 17 people died and 498 were injured in 1,047 traffic crashes over the 2024 Labor Day holiday. This means one person was killed or injured every 9.1 minutes. Troopers arrested 110 people for driving while intoxicated during last year’s holiday weekend. The Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort) over the Labor Day holiday weekend. Speed, inattention, and impaired driving are leading causes of traffic crashes. All available troopers will be patrolling Missouri’s roadways and waterways. The public is encouraged to call the Patrol’s Emergency Report Line (800) 525-5555 or *55 on your cell phone if they witness criminal activity or experience an emergency on the water or on the road. 

On Monday August 25th Patrolmen #115 and Sergeant #105 responded to the 900 block of South Warfel for a stolen vehicle. After a thorough initial investigation, they identified the suspect as Johnny L Barton. The officers worked to track the whereabouts of Barton and with the assistance of the Rolla Police Department, the vehicle was located abandoned. Patrolmen #116 and Detective #106 conducted a thorough follow up investigation and located Barton and took him into custody, with assistance from the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. Barton was transported to the Dent County Jail and is awaiting formal charges. A Probable Cause Statement was filed with the Dent County Prosecutor’s Office. Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley filed a Felony Complaint in the Circuit Court of Dent County. The Honorable Judge Kelsaw issued a $50,000 CASH/SURETY BOND warrant for the following: tampering with a motor vehicle 1st degree, operating vehicle Without a valid license. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held a workshop prior to their regular meeting on Tuesday evening at 5:30 in the Auditorium at 202 N. Washington, to discuss a proposed amendment to the Municipal Code regarding vacancy registration procedures for abandoned or vacant properties within the city. Under Section 4, properties that are reported or appear to be vacant will be investigated, and if they meet the criteria outlined in the amendment, owners will be notified by the Code Official and assessed a vacancy registration fee at their expense. Section 5 specifies that fees may not exceed $200 per six months for residential properties, and $0.05 per square foot for commercial properties, with charges beginning in the second calendar quarter after notice is issued. Property owners will have 30 days from notification to file objections or appeals. Failure to pay the required fees may result in additional fines. The proposed amendment will be reviewed by City Attorney James Weber before being presented to the Board of Aldermen for a vote and potential ratification. Following the workshop, the Board of Aldermen convened their regular meeting. After approving the agenda and consent agenda, the board authorized several street closures: 5th Street, Iron Street, and 4th Street up to the Library for the Dent County Historical Society’s anniversary celebration on October 10 from 8:00 to 7:00 in the evening; 4th Street, McArthur, and 3rd Street up to the High School for the School Kickoff Parade on the Friday before the football game; and the road at the Al Brown fields, requested by Michael Conners, for a musical concert on September 13 from 9:00 to 11:00 at night. The board also appointed Carolyn Christesen to the Library Board of Trustees. The board then conducted first and second readings of several ordinances: Bill No. 3683, levying a 2025 property tax of 67.80 cents per $100 of assessed valuation on real estate and personal property within the city for general revenue purposes; Bill No. 3685, reducing fees associated with the Abatement on Consent agreement between the city and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, allowing time for improvements to the wastewater treatment system while maintaining compliance with environmental standards; and Bills No. 3686, 3687, and 3688, regarding annexation, and zoning classifications to a 14.36-acre property owned by Brady Adams into the City of Salem. All ordinances passed unanimously. In other business, the board approved a bid from Table Rock Alerting Systems in the amount of $88,900 for the city’s storm siren system. The city had previously applied for, but was denied, funding through the Community Development Block Grant and lost necessary funding from the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency’s Hazard Mitigation Program. The city had budgeted $25,000 for the project as a grant match, and the remaining $63,900 will be covered from prior-year funds. The board approved both the bid and the corresponding budget adjustment. After receiving reports from city officials, the meeting was adjourned.

Missouri Department of Revenue is reminding taxpayers, businesses, and consumers that beginning today, sales of child and adult diapers, qualifying feminine hygiene products and incontinence products will be exempt from both state and local sales and use taxes. Businesses that sell any of the qualifying items under this exemption will report the sales as a negative adjustment on their sales or use tax return and will no longer need to report these sales as part of their taxable sales. Businesses and consumers can review the Department’s FAQs page for guidance on which products qualify, as well as other common questions: dor.mo.gov/faq/taxation/business.

Need fishing gear? The Missouri Department of Conservation works with your own Salem Public Library as well as other locations around the state to loan fishing gear for free. Loaner gear includes fishing poles and simple tackle box with hooks, sinkers, and bobbers. Worms, minnows, or other bait are not provided. Call the Salem Public Library at 573-729-4331 or stop by at 403 North Jackson Street.  You can find other locations that offer the Department of Conservation Rod and Reel Loaner Program locations at mdc.mo.gov/fishing and search for the rod and reel loaner program.

An accident occurred in Dent County Monday afternoon at approximately 1:11 on Highway 32 eleven miles east of Salem. According to the Highway Patrol report an eastbound 2005 Dodge Neon, driven by a 23-year-old St. James man, traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. The man suffered minor injuries and was transported by private conveyance to Salem Memorial Hospital. The Dodge was totaled and removed from the scene by American Automotive. The report stated that the driver was not wearing a safety restraint.

The Dent County Fire Protection District has announced the arrival of three new fire apparatus, fulfilling a key commitment made possible by the passage of the Proposition Fire bond initiative. These new vehicles represent a significant upgrade, enhancing the district’s firefighting capabilities and strengthening service to the community. The new additions to the fleet includes a 2025 E-One Fire Engine priced at $889,202; a 2025 Fire Master Pumper Tanker with a 3,000-gallon water capacity for $414,031; and a 2024 E-One Pumper Tanker with a 2,000-gallon water capacity for $467,007. These modern apparatus replace aging vehicles that have served the district for decades, including a 1995 fire engine, a 1992 tanker, and a 2001 tanker. The transition from standard tankers to pumper tankers provides the district with significant advantages, especially in rural areas with limited water supplies. Unlike traditional tankers that only transport water, these pumper tankers can both haul and pump water, giving crews more flexibility and power in fire suppression efforts. The district emphasized that these investments would not have been possible without the public’s support. Fire Chief Dennis Floyd gives the Dent County voters the credit as their support for Proposition Fire made these critical upgrades possible. Floyd says with this new equipment, the department can respond more safely and effectively, especially in our rural areas where water access is a challenge. The Dent County Fire Protection District extends its deepest gratitude to the community for making these purchases possible. The new apparatus represents not just an equipment upgrade, but a lasting commitment to the safety and well-being of all Dent County, the fire district, and neighboring communities with the help of mutual aid. To ensure accountability and transparency, all Proposition Fire expenditures are publicly accessible online at: https://www.dentcountyfire.org/proposition-fire.

The Salem Senior Citizen Passes are now available for all Dent County senior citizens aged 62 years of age and older! Get your pass today at the Salem High School’s Main office located at 1400 Tiger Pride Drive. Bring a photo ID to verify your age and claim your pass. These passes allow the authorized card holder free entry to Salem Tiger Sports home games during the 2025-2026 regular season. These passes cannot be used at away games or post-season games regulated by the Missouri State High School Activities Association. If you have any questions or for more information, contact the High School office at 573-729-6641. 

The Conservation Federation of Missouri is celebrating another great year for its “Share the Harvest” program, thanks to significant contributions from the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council and MFA Incorporated. These generous donations expanded the program’s capacity, enabling hunters to donate more venison than ever before to families in need throughout Missouri. Share the Harvest connects hunters with local food banks by facilitating venison donations through approved meat processors. This year, the program saw a remarkable increase in participation, with hundreds of additional deer harvested and processed. The result was thousands of pounds of high-quality venison distributed to food-insecure Missourians. The program also helped mitigate crop damage caused by deer in some of the state’s top row-crop regions, benefiting both agriculture and local communities. Donating venison through “Share the Harvest” is simple. Hunters can bring their deer to any participating processor and choose how much meat to donate. With this year’s expanded capacity, the program provided more venison than ever before, delivering critical resources to food-insecure communities and addressing agricultural challenges in rural areas. Since its inception in 1992, Share the Harvest has provided nearly 5 million pounds of venison to families in need. The Conservation Federation of Missouri, the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, MFA, countless hunters, and other partners such as Feeding Missouri and the Missouri Department of Conservation have also played a critical role in the program’s success over the years. Share the Harvest exemplifies the power of partnerships to make a meaningful impact across Missouri. For more information about Share the Harvest and how you can get involved, visit confedmo.org/share-the-harvest or go to mdc.mo.gov.

An accident happened Sunday afternoon at 4:22 on Highway 19 about 14 miles north of Eminence that left two Salem girls with injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 12-year-old girl was driving a Polaris Ranger UTV northbound when it went out of control after she made an abrupt turn causing the UTV to overturn onto its left side. The 12-year-old Salem girl sought her own treatment while the 13-year-old girl was transported by the Mercy EMS to Mercy St. Francis Hospital in Mountain View. None of the girls were wearing safety equipment. The Polaris was removed from the scene by a private party. The highway patrol was assisted by the Shannon County Sheriff’s Department and Timber First Responders.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said brush would be cut on Dent County Roads 5040, 5045, 5050 and 5060, while grading will be done on county road 2460. He indicated crews would be replacing crossover pipes in District 1 as well as installing a new driveway pipe off of Route P. He stated rock would be added to county road 5510 where a soft spot is being patched. Green went on to say that work will be done on Dent County Road 6665 Wednesday morning to repair or check on a buried pipeline in that road. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported workers will be adding rock and grading on Dent County Roads 4050 and 4055, while only grading will be done on county roads 5330 and 5333. Williams said brush will be cut on county road 2080 and a crew will be opening culvert pipes on Dent County Road 3180. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said the Missouri Department of Economic Development will hold an update on the Missouri Broadband Initiative this Friday to update the public on the current status of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley wanted to remind tax entities that their board approved tax rates are due in her office by the close of day this Friday. She also will be attending the annual County Clerk Conference in Kansas City in September and is asking Dent County businesses to donate an item to be part of a large gift basket that will be auctioned off at that conference. This is a way that she can showcase what Dent County local businesses have to offer to other county representatives around the state. Contact her office at 573-729-4144 for more information. The Commission then agreed to seek bids for lawncare and snow removal at the Courthouse, Judicial Building and Annex beginning October 1st through September 30th, 2026. Bids will be due and opened at 10:00 in the morning on September 11th. The Commission also agreed to seek bids to provide the courthouse with propane. Bids will be due and opened at 10:15 in the morning on September 11th. The duration of the bid contract will be from October 1st through September 30th, 2026. Further, the commission agreed to seek bids for the county Property/Auto/Liability/Error & Emissions insurance. Bids are due by Thursday, October 23rd and will be opened at 10:00 in the morning. Please contact the County Clerk’s office if you would like any information on the following bid request.  573-729-4144. 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.

General highway maintenance and construction work is planned in the area through the 31st. Weather conditions may postpone scheduled work. Many projects will include lane closures which could cause delays. Moving operations such as pothole patching, mowing, and pavement repairs continue in various locations. Motorists should travel with care and be alert for slow-moving equipment. All work is weather permitting, and schedules are subject to change. Many projects will include lane closures which could cause delays.  In Dent County on Route DD, pavement repairs are planned for until the 28th. One lane will remain open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zone. In Crawford County on Route 19, culvert replacement is ongoing through the 28th from Route 8 to Seven Cedars Road. One lane will remain open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zone.

In Monday’s Your World Today stories about the Salem R-80 and Library Board’s meetings and tax rate hearings, the tax rates did not include the “per $100 assessed valuation” clarification. The Salem R-80 Board tax is $2.75 per $100 assessed valuation for the operating levy, plus there is a 45-cent debt service per $100 assessed valuation for a total of $3.20 per $100 assessed valuation. The Library Board tax rate valuation is 30 cents per $100 assessed valuation. We apologize for the omission.