Local News

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. Jimmy Martin from Dent County Road 5323 was in to discuss washouts at his driveway and District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said he will be out later to check it out. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said crews would be out checking for washouts and clogged culverts after the intense rain on Wednesday. He also said glass will be installed in the backhoe if it comes in. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said his crew would be stockpiling six and eight-inch rock at the road and bridge department, plus another crew would be adding rock to county roads 4050 and 4055. Williams said some posts and signs will be put out on county roads 2500 and 2510. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson had nothing to report while Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the voter registration canvassing begins today. Her office will mail out about 10,000 postcards, which is required by the Revised Statutes of Missouri Section 115.179. This is done to assure the accuracy and integrity of the voter records in the jurisdiction. When you receive the voter registration card, if you have had a address change or have legally changed your name, update the card on the back and return it to the Dent County Clerk’s office by mail or in person. If the information is correct, no action is needed, and you can keep the cards for your records. The commissioners discussed selling the gazebo on the front lawn of the courthouse as it could be in the way when work on the courthouse sidewalks TAP grant begins, plus there needs to be some maintenance work done to it that was not budgeted. The commission agreed to accept bids on the gazebo until 10:00 in the morning on June 2nd. The commission has the right to accept or reject any and all bids. The commissioner also approved the memorandum of understanding from the Dent County Health Department submitted by Zach Moser for employee drug screening services for Dent County at $16 per test. Moser was in attendance in case they had any questions. The Dent County Commission will NOT be meeting on Thursday, May 8th due to it being Truman’s Birthday. At the last meeting, Healthy Dent County Executive Director Sherry Lea visited with the commissioners about the MRPC Annual Banquet proposal and what their thoughts were about some of the questions she had so that her proposal to the MRPC could be finished and sent to them. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MoDNR) invite young anglers to learn about fishing and to fish for trout for free at Montauk State Park’s Kids’ Fishing Day tomorrow from 6:30 in the morning until 5:00 in the evening. Kids aged 15 and under will not be required to purchase a daily trout tag and can get a free trout tag for the day at the park registration booth from 2:00 to 5:00 on May 2nd or on the day of the event. The spring branch will be reserved for young anglers and stocked with trout throughout the day. Volunteers will be on hand to assist. Children are encouraged to bring their own fishing equipment. Parents are welcome to help the kids, but only one pole may be used between the helper and the child. Adults are not allowed to fish by themselves. Fishing isn’t the only attraction of Montauk State Park Kids’ Fishing Day. Attendees can get free tree seedlings, watch fly-tying demonstrations, visit a mobile aquarium, and try archery on an archery range. There will also be drawings for door prizes throughout the day. Individuals must be present to win. Free hotdogs and soda will be served from 11:00 to 1:00. Volunteers are needed to help with this event. Individuals wishing to volunteer do not need to be experienced anglers. To volunteer or donate to Kids Fishing Day, or for more information about the event, contact the Montauk Hatchery at 573-548-2585 or Hatchery Manager Kyle Case at Kyle.Case@mdc.mo.gov. Montauk State Park is located at the headwaters of the Current River southwest of Salem. For more information or for directions, visit mostateparks.com.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board will be holding a special board meeting Tuesday evening at 7:00 at the hospital library. After public comments are heard, the board will go into Executive Session.

Three cases were heard in front of Judge Michael Randazzo on April 23rd in the 42nd Judicial Circuit Court. In the first case, Michael Scott of Salem pled guilty to a felony charge of driving while having his license revoked and not having insurance. Scott was sentenced to serve 15 days in jail as recommended by Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley. In the next case heard, McKayla Black of Salem who was on probation for two felony possession of controlled substance charges, had absconded from drug court. A probation hearing was held where Prosecutor Curley sought a seven-year sentence pursuant to Section 559.115 of the Revised Missouri State Statutes as requested by the Missouri Department of Corrections. Black sought continued probation. Over the objection of the state, Black was granted continued probation with an added condition to complete the New Sanctuary Beginnings Program. Also on Wednesday at the conclusion of an Alford hearing, Albert Terrill of Salem was found guilty of felony stealing and for driving while having his license revoked. Terrill was sentenced to serve seven years in the Missouri Department of Corrections as recommended by Prosecutor Curley. 

The Dent County Health Center will be holding their Spring 2025 Health Fair and Vaccine Clinic Friday, May 2nd, from 7:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon. No appointments are necessary. Dent County residents can get free basic screenings of blood pressure, height and weight, and BMI calculation. Rapid Heart Health Screenings are available for Lipid (Cholesterol) and A1C for $34.50. Expanded services will be available for blood chemistry for $3.80, a Vitamin D test for $13.75, Basic Thyroid test at $3.50 and Blood Counts for $3.00. Other services available include Free Rapid Blood Lead Screening, Free household item lead testing, plus free Narcan and free STD Testing. Updated COVID-19 vaccines will also be available. Information and scheduling for additional services will be available. No orders are needed for the screenings as the Dent County Health Center has a standing order for health screenings. In order to speed up the process, no insurance will be accepted. The DCHC is located at 1010 East Scenic Rivers Boulevard, across from Town and Country Bank. To answer other questions about the Health Center Spring Health Fair and Vaccine Clinic feel free to call 573-729-3106.

Saturday, May 3rd will be the Community Wide Yard Sale in Salem as yard sales will be occurring all over town and out in the county. Maps for the location of local yard sales will be available at the Salem Chamber of Commerce in the Crossroads. A central sale location will be held at the city administration parking lot on Saturday. You can still reserve a space on the city parking lot at 4th and Iron Street for $8.00 for two parking spaces by calling 729-4117 or stopping by the administrative offices. Those spaces are reserved on a first come, first serve basis. Don’t forget that the following two weeks in the City of Salem is the semi-annual GFL Residential Spring Clean-Up Weeks. This is for Salem residents only and is done on your normal trash day from May 5th through the 9th and again May 12th through the 16th. Remember, tires, appliances, yard waste, car batteries, oil, chemicals, solvents and paint as well as non-compactable items like concrete, tree stumps, steel, etc. cannot be picked up. If anyone has questions about what can be or cannot be picked up, they are welcome to contact GFL at 1-800-926-3953 of 1-417-741-7714.

MoDot has ongoing plans for road work in Dent County on the following routes; Roadside work continues on Route 19 at Standing Rock Creek, south of Route N, as part of a bridge replacement project. Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures for the duration of the work, which is expected to be complete in May 2025. Resurfacing continues on Route H from Missouri Route 72 to Route M in Phelps County. One lane will remain open, and flaggers with a pilot car will direct motorists through the work zone. The project is scheduled for completion in May 2025. Route TT is CLOSED due to flood damage at Crooked Creek. Motorist must use an alternate route until further notice. In Crawford County Roadside work planned on Route 19 from Missouri Route 49 to Edgar Road. One lane will remain open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zone.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley has provided the following press release. From January 1, 2025 through April 24, 2025 the Dent County Prosecutor’s Office, working alongside the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and Salem Police Department, have apprehended and detained 2 alleged illegal immigrants. Both individuals are the subject of Homeland Security immigration detainers. These detainers are issued by Homeland Security in connection with immigration removal proceedings. Defendants John Sanchez Merino and Josuel Morales-Valencia were each apprehended on separate criminal charges involving stealing and subsequently held in the Dent County Jail. Both were quickly transferred to Federal Custody for conclusion of their immigration proceedings. Prosecutor Curley went on to state that Homeland Security is taking the most aggressive action he has seen in his career, which is a direct result of the Laken Riley Act and President Trump’s Administration. The recently enacted legislation requires Homeland Security to detain an individual who (1) is unlawfully present in the United States or did not possess the necessary documents when applying for admission; and (2) has been charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or admits to having committed acts that constitute the essential elements of burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. In addition, the Dent County Jail has been approved to act as an Enforcement and Removal hub for immigration detainees for Dent County and the surrounding area. On behalf of local law enforcement, Prosecutor Curley indicated, “We have zero tolerance for immigrants that have entered the country unlawfully, especially those committing crimes and/or creating victims in our community. We will continue to assist Homeland Security in their effort to stop illegal immigration. Illegal Immigration is a slap in the face to all immigrants that have entered this country legally.”

Ozark National Scenic Riverways will host its annual Junior Ranger Day at Alley Spring on Thursday, May 1, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Area students and youth organizations are invited to participate in a day of environmental education, featuring interactive learning opportunities and live presentations. The event’s highlight will be a raptor program presented by the World Bird Sanctuary. Additional sessions will cover topics such as bats, snakes, large mammals, fish, wildfires, river safety, hellbenders, and owls. Activities are geared toward fourth- and fifth-grade students but are open to all ages. Schools and education groups planning to attend should RSVP by contacting Josh Chilton at 573-226-3945 or email josh_chilton@nps.gov. Participants should bring a picnic lunch and dress appropriately for outdoor activities. During the lunch break, attendees will be sworn in as official Junior Rangers. Alley Spring is located five miles west of Eminence on State Route 106. For more information, call 573-226-3945, or visit the park’s website; nps.gov/ozar/.

Warmer weather usually means an increase in outside projects that may require digging or excavation work. If you are building a deck, planting a tree, or completing a large project, Missouri law requires anyone digging underground to notify Missouri-811 by calling 8-1-1 or placing a locate request online at www.missouri-811.org before any excavation begins. The call will be taken by the Missouri 811 Call Center, which then notifies all relevant utilities in the project area. Once Missouri 811 is notified, utility companies will mark the approximate location of their underground lines, request additional information or advise you that they do not have facilities at the excavation site. Hitting an underground line can cause serious injury, it could disrupt service to you and other customers, and it could potentially result in heavy fines and repair costs. Don’t forget it is very important to contact Missouri-811 by dialing 8-1-1; or go online at www.missouri-811.org to place a locate request before starting to dig so underground utility lines can be marked. By doing so, citizens will help protect yourself, your family and property. Call before you dig. It’s free and it’s the law. For more information, visit the website missouri-811.org.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the courthouse.  In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said crews are working on repairing the Durapatcher for chip and seal repair. They will do patching work on a number of roads once the Durapatcher has been repaired. Green said crews will be replacing some culverts today and looking for others that need to be replaced. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said crews would be pulling ditches, adding materials and grading on Dent County Roads 3270 and 3273, while only grading will be occurring on county road 3275. Williams said the backhoe will be taken to the Boss area to remove debris from pipes. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he attended the Tourism Tax Committee meeting, and they approved one request by the Dent County Commons for funding for their Summerfest, and they also approved one reimbursement. Dent County Deputy Clerk Melissa Piatt said bills were to be paid and the office is beginning their voter canvassing. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk said she attended the Collector’s Conference in Columbia last week. She said 291 Homestead Tax Credit applications have been sent out and about 150 have been submitted. VanKirk wanted to remind the public that only those who are 62-years of age and older as of January 1st can apply for the Homestead Tax Credit and they must be submitted by June 30th. The applications are free and if you have any questions, please contact Collector VanKirk at 573-729-3911. At the last meeting, the commissioners took phone bids for 7,000 gallons of diesel fuel and MFA oil was the low bidder at $2.38 per gallon. The commission also agreed to seek bids on finishing the salt shed at the road and bridge department. This is a 40-foot by 36-foot shed to sit on existing concrete. Bids will be due in the county clerk’s office by 10:00 in the morning on May 19th. Bid specs are available at the county clerk’s office or by contacting Commissioners Williams or Green. The commissioners next meeting will be Thursday at the courthouse at 9:00 in the morning and the meeting is open to the public.

Despite the poor weather conditions the Salem Scrambler Rally was held on Saturday, April 19th. The unique event combined elements of off-road navigation with environmental cleanup. A group of 20 volunteers in 9 vehicles competed to collect as much trash as possible and return to a weigh-in within four hours. According to a press release from organizer Kyle Williams the teams were able to remove 7,940 pounds of trash in a little over three hours from illegal dump sites across 10 locations within the Mark Twain National Forest. Some of the items removed included, televisions, couches, vinyl siding, mattresses and over 125 tires. The event was supported by Dent County Ag who provided the use of their scales and space for weigh-ins, JeT Tires & Auto assisted with tire support, while Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District supplied gloves, bags, grabbers, and dumpsters. The top three teams included Erik and Clarissa Votipka of Kansas City who removed 1,100 pounds, placing third. Chris Martise & Michael Callahan of Sullivan who removed 1,200 pounds, placing second. Taking first place with 1,800 pounds of trash removed from two large sites was Doug Leibman of Mansfield. The organizers of Salem Scrambler, Kyle Williams, Ryan Fairless, Donny White, John Schweer, and Dustin Privett are apart of the broader Missourah Endurah community of rally enthusiasts who combine adventure with public land stewardship. More cleanups are being planned for summer 2025, along with volunteer participation in the Missourah Endurah fall event. For more information about this and future events you can contact Kyle directly at KyleRally789@gmail.com, or by phone at 573-247-2474.

The City of Salem’s Water and Wastewater Department has achieved statewide recognition. Superintendent Chris McGuirt and Wastewater Leadman Josh Hunt represented the City of Salem in the final round of Missouri’s Drinking Water Taste Testing, held in Jefferson City.  Salem proudly earned 3rd place in the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Statewide Drinking Water Taste Testing—an achievement that reflects the hard work and dedication of the city’s utility staff to providing high-quality drinking water to our community.

On Friday, April 25th Your World Today reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission would hold their meeting that evening at in the Old City Hall Auditorium. This was published in error. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Instead, the City of Salem Planning and Zoning Commission will be holding a public workshop at 6:00 this evening in the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. The workshop discussion will be focus on an introduction to planning and zoning, the ordinances and definitions, and the zoning map before the workshop is adjourned. This workshop was called by Keith Inman and is open to the public.

The Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting on Tuesday evening at 6:00 in the Auditorium at 202 N. Washington Street. The meeting agenda was approved following the removal of the closed session, and the consent agenda was also approved. During the meeting, the Board viewed a presentation from Show Me Smoke Free, appointed former Alderman Shawn Bolerjack to represent the City with the Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC), and approved bids  for fencing repairs and replacements at the City Park and Al Brown Sports Complex. The bids, totaling $3,500 and $14,500 respectively, will be funded through the prior year’s fund balance. The City is actively collaborating with FEMA to secure a 75% reimbursement for the total project cost. The Board also approved a letter to be presented to state legislators at the Capitol, aimed at raising awareness of infrastructure challenges currently facing the City of Salem. In addition, a request from Salem R-80 for $1,000 to support Project Graduation was approved. This annual event provides Salem High School graduates with a safe, substance-free celebration following commencement. The expenditure will be drawn from the Non-Departmental Community Support line item. There is currently $2,000 left in that budget line. During the City officials’ reports, City Administrator Sally Burbridge presented mock-ups of four potential color schemes for the new water tower, with a final decision to be made at a later date. Finance Director Stacy Houston delivered the financial report, noting that sales tax revenue has increased by approximately 9% compared to the same period last year. The total ending balance across all funds stood at approximately $13.9 million as of March 31. Mayor Greg Parker reminded residents of the upcoming city-wide yard sale scheduled for May 3, followed by the city-wide clean-up over the subsequent two weeks. Public Works Director Steve Paine reported ongoing efforts to obtain FEMA reimbursement and announced scheduled power outages in June. Official notifications will be issued detailing the dates and areas affected. He also noted that Forester will begin the second phase of their contract, focusing on trimming the City’s main feeder lines. With no further reports from the Aldermen, the meeting was adjourned.

The City of Salem Utility Committee held a meeting Wednesday evening at 6:15 in the Auditorium located at 202 N. Washington Street. After approving the agenda, the committee discussed a five year plan for the Capital Improvement Fund, as well as a water rate increase. The Committee voted to present the Board of Aldermen with the recommendation of raising the base rate from $6.00 to $8.00 and increasing the volume rate to $7.50. Before the meeting adjourned, Mayor Greg Parker presented Committee member John Hambacker with a recognition of appreciation.

The 10th Annual Veteran Affairs Day will be held today from 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon at the American Legion Post 99 located at 2522 Highway 32 West in Salem. Come out and learn about changes and requirements for benefits, and enroll in the VA health care. Veteran Affairs Day is an annual outreach to Veterans of central rural Missouri to provide easier access to VA services. It includes American Legion District 16 and VFW District 2 which includes Camden, Cole, Crawford, Dent, Howell, Laclede, Maries, Miller, Phelps, Osage, Pulaski, Reynolds, Shannon, Texas and Wright counties. Representatives from the Department of Veteran Affairs will include enrollment, claims processing specialists, suicide prevention and a community employment coordinator from the Truman VA Medical Center, as well as benefit advisors from the Veteran Benefit Administration St Louis Regional Office. The Columbia Veteran Center will have a counselor and advisors on hand in their mobile unit. Don’t miss out on your hard-earned benefits.

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees met on April 17th, where Administrator Zach Moser presented statistics for March. Highlights included no COVID-19 cases, 47 active lead cases, 16 Influenza A cases, and 24 STI tests. Environmental reports noted six inspections without issues. Maternal-child health data indicated low activity except for 334 WIC appointments. Community-specific services totaled 456 appointments outside of WIC. Nurse Practitioner services accounted for 101 visits, while Physician services totaled 94 visits. Laboratory appointments numbered 182, including 203 lab draws and 17 lead tests. Immunizations included 82 doses administered during 44 appointments. Moser announced a Health Fair scheduled for May 2nd and encouraged community participation in the ongoing Community Health Assessment survey. The Board approved a $5,000 budget for new HR management software to improve efficiency. March financials were reviewed and approved. The next meeting is scheduled for May 15.

This Saturday at the Creative Arts Center on Highway 19 behind the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center, the Spring Fest Art show and Sale starting at 9:00 in the morning and lasting until 3:00 in the afternoon with the Ozark Heritage Artisans. You are invited to stop by and shop for unique handcrafted gifts and home accessories created by local artists at the annual Spring Fest Art Show and Sale! There will be demonstrations, free snacks and a free kid’s craft table, an elementary art show, and more!  Thanks for supporting the Arts and shopping local in our community!

Don’t know what to do with unused or expired medications? They can be properly disposed of safely in Salem at drop off boxes the Salem Police Department and Dent County Sheriff’s Department everyday. This reminder is being brought to you by the Healthy Dent County Prevention Coalition as some communities are holding their drug “Take Back Day” Saturday. Salem and Dent County are fortunate to have drop boxes available to the public on a daily basis. Please make sure that you have your medications in pill bottles or a plastic bag, and no syringes will be accepted.

An accident occurred Tuesday afternoon around 2:01 in Phelps County on County Road 1000 and County Road 1010. According to the highway patrol a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt driven by a 17-year-old male juvenile of St. James was traveling eastbound and failed to negotiate a curve. The Cobalt travelled off the left side of the roadway and became airborne; it came to rest facing southbound. The driver suffered serious injuries and was flown to University of Columbia by Phelps Air. The report goes on to say he wasn’t wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Cobalt was totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing. The highway patrol was assisted by the St. James Fire Department and Phelps Air.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors convened their regular meeting on Tuesday evening at 7:00 in the Doctor’s Library at the hospital. The minutes from both the previous regular meeting and a special meeting were approved, with revisions made to the special meeting minutes. During the Chief Executive Officer’s report, Brooke Bollman noted that the hospital continues to engage in affiliation negotiations, with a strong focus on quality improvement and staff recruitment. She also reported that a lightning strike during the April 5th storm caused significant damage to computers, cameras, servers, and other hardware. The hospital plans to file an insurance claim to cover the losses.During the summary of operations, there has been a decrease in inpatient admissions and an increase in outpatient registrations while emergency room visits have remained consistent. For the month of March, the hospital reported approximately $1.9 million in net patient revenue, $2.2 million in total operating revenue, and $2.1 million in total operating expenses, resulting in a net profit of about $266,000. Additionally, gross 340B revenue totaled approximately $165,000, with a profit of around $87,000. The hospital currently maintains 32 days of cash on hand. The financial report was unanimously approved by the Board. Bollman also presented the Chief Nursing Officer’s report, stating that several nursing positions remain unfilled, including one full-time floating nurse role. In March, there were two new hires and three resignations. The Board approved departmental policies, contingent on departments resolving any interdepartmental discrepancies. The meeting concluded with the Board entering an executive session to discuss legal and personnel matters. The next meeting of the Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors is scheduled for May 27 at 7:00. in the Doctor’s Library at the hospital.

These reports were released by the Dent County Sheriff’s office for April. On Sunday April 13th deputies responded to Seville Care Center for a reported assault. During the course of the investigation, a 53-year-old Salem man was arrested on an active arrest warrant. Subject was incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Later that same day deputies responded to Salem Memorial Hospital for a reported assault. It was reported that several parties were involved in an incident in the parking lot. The investigation is ongoing. Then on Wednesday April 16th deputies responded to the 5200 block of Highway O for a reported burglary. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that an unknown suspect(s) entered a business and stole money from the location. The investigation is ongoing. Later in the week on Friday April 18th deputies responded to Green Forest R-2 school for a reported property damage. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that an unknown suspect(s) damaged the parking lot of the location. The investigation is ongoing. If you have any information about an ongoing investigation please call #573-729-3241.

Alderman Nathan Kinsey, Chair of the City of Salem’s Utility Committee, has called a meeting of the committee for this evening at 6:15 at the Old City Hall Auditorium, 202 North Washington. After the welcome, roll call and approval of the agenda the committee will review the draft budget for water in the city. That will be followed by a review of the water rate, followed by adjournment. The meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has recently released their report for the month of March. The department responded to eight accidents during the month. Officers responded to three alarms sounding, addressed 52 animal calls and responded to one call for an animal bite. The police investigated four assaults or fights, three burglaries, performed 10 well-being checks and 16 area checks in March. Officers investigated 11 domestic disputes, 13 verbal disturbances, conducted 33 follow-up investigations and provided 24 escorts. They investigated five harassment reports, three parking complaint calls, an intoxicated driver call, four problems with juvenile reports, seven trespassing calls and four property damage reports. The Salem Police wrote nine stealing reports, had four shoplifter complaints, responded to four traffic complaints, assisted two motorists and addressed a panhandling complaint. Officers responded to two reports of a suicidal person, 16 suspicious circumstance calls, three suspicious person calls, and had four found property reports. The Salem Police in March investigated two nuisance violations, had a report of a missing person, and checked out an abandoned vehicle call. Officers attempted to serve nine warrants and conducted 41 traffic stops during the month. The police responded to a total of 415 incidents in March with the average response time to calls being two minutes and six seconds. The average time spent on the scene was 34 minutes and 30 seconds. If you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation, contact the Salem Police Department by calling their non-emergency phone number at (573) 729-4242 or speak with them in person at 500 N. Jackson Street in Salem.

The Dent County Prosecutor’s Office has issued a notice to all deer and turkey hunters for this season. Whether using a traditional paper permit or the MO hunting app, hunters must notch their permit immediately after harvesting a deer or turkey and then tele-check their harvest. To notch a paper permit, hunters should tear a small notch in the month and day of harvest on the permit. To notch a permit using the MO Hunting app, hunters should select the permit they wish to use from the list in the app and follow the short prompts on the screen. Once the permit is notched, hunters may transport their deer or turkey within Missouri. Carcass movement regulations apply in CWD management Zone counties. As long as hunters stay with their harvested game, they don’t need to tag it, but if they leave their deer or turkey, they must attach a tag. Hunters with paper permits can simply attach their notched permit to the deer or turkey. It is recommended to seal the permit in a zip-top bag and attach the bag with a string, wire, or tape. Hunters using the MO Hunting app must attach a label with their full name, address, permit number, and date of harvest to the deer or turkey. All deer or turkey must be Telechec by 10:00 pm on the day of harvest, before processing the game, or before leaving the state, whichever comes first. After the deer or turkey has been telechecked, it may be processed, stored, or transported by anyone as long as it is labeled with the hunter’s full name, address, date taken, and Telecheck confirmation number.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board meeting will be held this evening at 7:00 at the hospital library. At the meeting after public comments are heard, the board will hear a report from Chief Executive Officer Brooke Bollman before hearing the summary of operations for the month of March as well as reviewing and approving the monthly financials. The board will hear the Chief of Nursing and Human Resources reports before discussing old business which included a policy review. In new business, the board will get an update on the Pyxis Profiling system before the election of board officers is conducted. The board may then go into executive session to discuss legal issues and personnel. The Salem Memorial Hospital Board meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will meet at 6:00 Tuesday evening at 202 North Washington at the Old City Hall Auditorium. After the call to order, pledge of allegiance, prayer, and roll call will be the approval of the agenda. The Consent Agenda including the minutes of the April 15th meeting will be approved followed by public comments, Sho Me Smokefree Presentation by Youth Advocates, plus Board and Committee Appointments. Bids for park fencing will be reviewed. New and miscellaneous business will include a letter to legislators and community support request for funding. City officials will then report followed by closed session if necessary. The meeting of the City of Salem Board of Alderman is open to the public.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the courthouse. At the meeting, Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams brought in the CART receipts received by the county. She stated the county received $75,330.30 which is $3,795.85 more than last year, and year-to-date, the CART funds are up $25,264.59 over 2024. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green and District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams both said crews would be out checking road conditions after the storm this weekend as well as cleaning out culverts. Williams also said the County Dump Truck #126 had to go Knapheide in Jefferson City for hydraulics and the other dump truck needs a new turbo. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson had nothing to report, and Clerk Angie Curley said bills were to be paid. The commissioners will not be meeting Thursday, and their next meeting will be Monday, April 29th at the courthouse.

The Show Me Green Sales Tax Holiday is going on now giving Missourian’s the opportunity to save money on select purchases while stimulating economic activity in the state. According to the Missouri Department of Revenue, all of Missouri is participating in the appliance sales tax holiday. According to Missouri statute, from April 19th through April 25th, state sales tax is waived on qualifying ENERGY STAR® certified appliances. This certification indicates that a product has been independently verified to meet strict standards – which can mean superior performance and long-term energy savings. Many items with the Energy Star certification are exempt from state sales tax on the first $1,500 of each appliance purchased. For more information on the sales tax holiday, a list of qualifying items, and frequently asked questions, visit dor.mo.gov and type in “sales tax holiday” in the search bar.

The Salem R-80 School District held its regular meeting on Thursday evening at 5:30 in the Administration Building. Before the start of the meeting, newly elected members, Sammi Parker and Phillip Mercer, were sworn in. The Board also elected its officers, with Dru Howard retaining the presidency, Parker becoming vice-president, Andrew Wynn appointed secretary, Jason Green selected as treasurer, and Marjorie Pyatt named as MSBA Delegate with Mercer chosen as alternate delegate. After approving the amended agenda, and consent agenda, Shannon Phelps introduced the Salem Upper Elementary Musical cast members: Aubrey Jones, Peter Culp, Isaac Hinderliter, and Joshua Culp and invited board members to the upcoming shows. Superintendent Dr. Nathan Wills delivered a comprehensive report addressing various CSIP Goals and updated the board on several operational matters including FEMA building construction, insurance, budget concerns, roof repairs, HVAC status in the Construction Trades Building, bus fleet management, student surveys, and a tornado warning debrief. During the new business portion, the board heard the first reading of the MSBA Board Policy Updates and approved several motions unanimously, including: declaring Bus #12 and old choir attire as surplus property, the 2025-2026 Career Ladder Plan, contracting with Alcorn Therapy and Consulting for Occupational/Physical Therapy Services, and renewing health insurance with no increase. The Board also approved the I-Ready agreement through Curriculum Associates. Personnel changes were also noted, including Tammy Herpich’s transfer and Madison King’s resignation from a custodial position. The Board then moved into a closed executive session to address student and personnel matters.

The City of Salem’s Parks and Recreation board convened its regular meeting on Thursday evening at 5:00 in the Community Center at the Armory. After approving the amended agenda, and consent agenda, the Board deliberated and approved bids for fence repairs at City Park and Al Brown Fields. J&M Construction & Fencing LLC was awarded $3,500.00 to replace the bent cross brace and repair existing fence and tension wire on the Red and Green ball fields The same contractor received approval for $14,500.00 to repair and replace damaged fencing and posts at the Al Brown Sports Complex. These expenditures will be funded from the prior year’s balance, which currently stands at approximately $439,000.00, with potential FEMA reimbursement eligibility. Additionally, the Board authorized use of City Park for July 4th Fireworks viewing, stipulating that no parking will be permitted on park grounds, though vendors and activities will be available for spectators. The Board also approved rate adjustments for the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Swimming Pool, increasing daily admission to $6.00 for all patrons and family passes from $200 to $220 for families of four, with each additional member costing $45. Fees for parties, individual passes, aerobics classes, and swimming lessons will remain unchanged. Finally, the Board voted to amend its bylaws to update the designated meeting location from the Community Center at the Armory to the Old City Hall Auditorium.

The 10th Annual Veteran Affairs Day jointly hosted by American Legion Post 99 and All-American VFW Post 6280 on Friday, from 10:00 to 2:00. The event will be located at 2522 Hwy 32 West in Salem.