Local News

The Salem Memorial Hospital has released that it has been officially awarded approximately $1.7 million through Missouri’s ToRCH Care Strategic Strategic Minor Renovations (Horizon 1) initiative, funded through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). SMH received its fully executed contract on Sept. 9th following final approval by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Missouri Department of Social Services. The award will allow SMH to address critical facility needs that support the safety, reliability, and continued delivery of healthcare services to the communities throughout the hospital’s district. The funded project, titled the Critical Infrastructure Stabilization and Safety Preservation Initiative, includes improvements to several essential areas of the hospital campus. Planned work includes replacement of the hospital’s aging roofing system, HVAC equipment, nurse call systems, and a portion of the hospital’s oldest exterior windows and doors. The project also includes repairs to existing parking areas and improvements to drainage and access at the Emergency Department and ambulance entrance. The award requires SMH to provide a 10% match toward the project. The SMH Foundation has committed funding equal to 5% of the required match, providing significant support toward the hospital’s obligation. SMH expressed appreciation to the SMH Foundation, its members, leadership, and supporters for their continued investment in the hospital. The Foundation’s contribution toward the required match will help SMH maximize the funding opportunity and move these critical improvements forward. SMH also extended its appreciation to State Representative John Hewkin, Four Rivers Community Health Center, Compass Health, and the Dent County Health Center, each of whom provided letters of support for the hospital’s application. The executed contract establishes a project period of Sept. 9th, 2026, through Oct. 30th, 2027. With the award now finalized, SMH can begin moving forward with the approved projects and coordinating the work necessary to complete these critical improvements within the award period.

Join the Salem Public Library this Thursday night from 6:00 to 7:00 for the opening night of the Salem Chess Club! Have you been interested in chess but have no one to play with? Or do you wish to learn how to play but don’t know where to start? Here is a fun opportunity to play and learn the rules of chess with members of the local community. This chess club is beginner friendly and appropriate for all ages. It will take place in the north basement meeting room. There is no library card or fee required to participate. Non-alcoholic drinks and food are allowed.

The 40th annual Old Miners’ Days, a festival that celebrates the rich mining history of southeast Missouri, will be celebrated in Viburnum Friday through Sunday, Oct. 2nd through Oct. 4th. The free event features entertainment for all ages, including live music, mine tours, kids’ games, food trucks and booths, craft vendors, a community parade, and much more. Friday will see a Tiny Tot Contest and Miss Viburnum Scholarship Pageant. Saturday will see an evening concert with American Idol 2026 Winner Hannah Harper. On Sunday, there will be a community church service and a car show along St. Joseph Street. For more information about Old Miners’ Days, including a full schedule of events, visit oldminersdays.com.

The Ozark Riverways Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and its preservation and promotion of the Current and Jacks Fork rivers. Join the foundation for the National Public Lands Day Jacks Fork River Cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 26th from 8:00 to 7:00 in the evening. Attendees may choose one of three float routes for the cleanup: Bay Creek to Alley Spring; Alley Spring to Eminence; or Eminence to Two Rivers. Bay Creek to Alley Spring and Alley Spring to Eminence will be put into the water at 10:00 in the morning, while Eminence to Two Rivers will be put into the water at 9:00 in the morning. Make sure to arrive in time to complete sign-in forms and for a river safety briefing. All floats are estimated to end between 2:00 and 3:00 in the afternoon. Join the group for music, food, and prizes at 5:00 on the Rock Bar and Grill pavilion, where there will be a drawing for a free kayak, paddle, and Personal Flotation Device. Find more information by visiting ozarkriverwaysfoundation.org. 

The 2nd Annual Benefit for Project Win with a Current River Cruisers Car Club Cruise In will be this Saturday, Sept. 19th. The event will be located around the Dent County Courthouse square from 10:00 in the morning to 3:00 in the afternoon. Performances will be heard from Southern Sound at 11:00 and Kevin & Kim Abney at Noon. There will also be special Jiu-Jitsu Outlet entertainment. Food and drink will be available on-site, alongside a bake sale. Registration is $25 with the first 25 cars registered to get a Dash Plaque. All proceeds will go to Project Win Cancer Group, which supports Dent County residents. For more information, contact 573-261-0856.

An event put on in partnership between Parsons Chiropractic and the City of Salem Parks and Recreation, the Salem Mo. Spectacular Balloon Glow, is returning to brighten the dark autumn skies of Salem once more. This annual event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 24th at the Al Brown Complex, beginning at 11:00 in the morning and going into the night. The evening will be full of hot air balloons, food, crafts, and musical entertainment provided by the Greer Company. Stay tuned on what’s coming up by following the official Facebook page: Find it by searching Facebook for “Salem, MO Spectacular Balloon Glow Event.”

An accident occurred in Dent County Saturday evening at 6:35 on County Road 5015 north of County Road 5070, which left a Dent County Juvenile with minor injuries. According to the Highway Patrol report a southbound 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, driven by a 16-year-old male, lost control of the vehicle. The driver then overcorrected and the Cobalt traveled off the right side of the roadway before overturning. The report stated that the Juvenile was wearing a safety restraint and he suffered minor injuries. He was transported by Salem Memorial Ambulance District to Salem Memorial Hospital. The Chevrolet sustained extensive damage and was removed for the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. The Highway Patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Office.

The Dent County Commission met for its regular meeting Monday morning at the courthouse. Under public comments, citizen Cindy Jones presented commissioners with an article printout discussing the implementation of AI monitoring with Flock technology, and its potential benefits. Assessor Alisa Brookshire reported that reassessment surveys are to begin next week with staff members to be out within the county conducting surveys. For road reports, District One Commissioner Keith Green shared that crew members will be installing a driveway pipe on County Road 4220 and ditch work will be completed on County Road 4280. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported that crew members will be attempting to grade County Road 6160 and completing a project on County Road 2613. The chip and seal crew are within the county and beginning work on County Road 6150. Both Williams and Green stated they were aware that county roads are in desperate need of grading, but that the current weather has been too dry to do so. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson shared that he attended several meetings Thursday night in St. James with the Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC.) One such meeting was with the Phelps County Housing Advisory Board (PHA), in which the board reviewed financials for the year. The Housing Choice Voucher program was also discussed which has a total of 630 recipients and 653 current applicants; meanwhile, 168 voucher recipients await placement, with Larson sharing that often voucher recipients may wait four to six months for placement. The MRPC meeting also discussed the upcoming annual dinner and Missouri legislature updates. Commissioners held a closed session at 10:00 in the morning to discuss legal actions. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be 9:00 in the morning Thursday at the courthouse and is open to the public. 

Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams has reported on the sales tax received for the month of August. For the General Revenue fund, the county has received $104,831.93, an increase of $22,835.17 or 2.7% year-to-date. The Road and Bridge fund has received $52,415.69, an increase of $18,182.47 or 4.3% year-to-date. The Jail funds have received $105,252.77, an increase of $35,589.30 or 4.2% year-to-date.

The Fall Community Wide Yardsale is coming up soon on the first Saturday of October, Oct. 3rd. Parking spaces will be available at the Administrative Office parking lot for $8. For questions on availability, contact the Administrative Office at 573-729-4811. The yard sale will be followed by the Fall Community Cleanup for City of Salem residents the week of Oct. 5th through Oct. 9th. Have all items for pickup sitting curbside the night before your regularly scheduled trash day. As a reminder, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) law does not allow collection for the following materials: yard waste, batteries, tires, motor oil, chemicals or solvents, paint, appliances or non-compactable items such as concrete, tree stumps, steel, construction debris, etc. All mattresses must be wrapped in plastic and loose items must be bagged to be picked up. For any questions, contact 1-800-926-3953 or 1-417-741-7714. 

The Dent County Clerk’s Office has given notice that a public test of the automatic absentee voting equipment is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 21st at 2:00 in the afternoon at the Dent County Courthouse. Then, another public test of the automatic voting equipment is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 7th at 10:00 in the morning. These tests are open for public viewing.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) is an international non-profit 501(C)(3) organization that builds, assembles and delivers beds to children who do not have a bed. If interested in lending a hand or learning more, the SHP Dent County chapter will be holding its regular monthly meeting on Monday, Sept. 28th, beginning at 5:30 in the evening. This meeting will take place at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory in the Walden Conference Room. There will be discussions on upcoming events, needs, and more. More updates from the chapter can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/shpdentco or visit shpbeds.org/chapter/mo-dent-co. 

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees will meet in a special called meeting tonight at 5:00 at the Health Center Annex at 1010 East Scenic Rivers Blvd. After the call to order, the board will consider the re-authorization of the current Conflict of Interest Policy followed by other business, if necessary. The board may vote to go into closed session for the discussion of personnel. Except for the possible closed session, the meeting will be open to the public.

The North Wood R-IV Board of Education met for its regular meeting Thursday, Sept. 10th. After approval of the agenda, the board approved the consent agenda with additions. After discussions of the strategic plan, business after hours dinner, and stakeholder involvement, Davy Gray provided the board with updates on kitchen renovations. A quote from Mertz Music was presented to update the intercom system in the gymnasium, which was approved. The board also approved a quote from Rommell for an upgrade to the fire alarm system. Policy updates were tabled for the October board meeting. MAP data was presented to the board for the 2025-26 school year, and Superintendent Jeff Dodson informed the board that enrollment was at 10 for Pre-Kindergarten and 169 for Kindergarten through 8th Grade. Attendance was at 98%. The board discussed the MARE conference in October and the MSBA conference. Board refresher training was also discussed. Mileage reimbursement was approved to be increased to $0.66 per mile. The board then went into closed session. After returning to open session, the board then adjourned. The next regular board meeting of North Wood R-IV Board of Education will be Thursday, Oct. 15th at 6:00 and is open to the public.

Dent County Clerk Angie Curley has been working for Dent County as the election authority since 1988. She was surprised recently at the annual fall conference of the Missouri Association of County Clerks and Election Authorities (MACCEA) with the Rosemary Plitt Award for Excellence in Election Administration. This prestigious award is given by the Missouri Secretary of State’s office to honor Rosemary Plitt, an election authority of St. Louis who excelled in her community and her election administration. Out of all the county clerks within Missouri, one is chosen to receive the award, nominated and voted on by their peers. Curley was surprised at the conference with not just the award, but her family was hidden at the conference to come out and celebrate the achievement when it was announced. Congratulations, Dent County Clerk Angie Curley, and thank you for your dedication to the community!

The Dent County Commission met for its regular meeting Thursday morning at the courthouse. Not in attendance was District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams. Under road reports, District One Commissioner Keith Green reported on behalf of both districts: for district one, pipes are being installed by crew members on County Road 4215 and 4080, alongside ditch work and hauling rock on County Road 4080. A truck is down for maintenance. For district two, crew members are upgrading pipes on County Road 4283, and a grader is being serviced. Green notified the public that Blevin’s Asphalt will be in the county on Friday to begin chip and seal topcoating on various roads. In Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson’s report, he shared congratulations to County Clerk Angie Curley for receiving the Rosemary Plitt Award at the fall conference of the Missouri Association of County Clerks and Election Authorities (MACCEA.) Larson commented that the award was well-deserved. Larson also reported he will attend several meetings with the Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) Friday evening. Curley reported that bills are to be approved and that commissioners have reviewed and approved the August monthly reports. Under public comments, resident Tammy Hulsey requested clarification from commissioners on County Road 5280 and if there were records to reflect that it was decommissioned by the county. After discussion, Hulsey was instructed to speak with the Recorder of Deeds and the Assessor, and that Green would look into the issue further. The next regular meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday, Sept. 14th at 9:00 in the morning at the courthouse and is open to the public.

The Dent County Clerk’s Office has given notice that a public test of the automatic absentee voting equipment is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 21st at 2:00 in the afternoon at the Dent County Courthouse. This test is open for public viewing.

The Missouri Rural Health Conference was held on Sept. 10th. During this annual event, 2026 Rural Health Excellence Awards for the categories of Innovation, Advocacy, and Leadership are given. Zachary Moser of Dent County was awarded the 2026 Rural Health Excellence Award for Leadership. His wife, Mary Moser, was there to accept the award on his behalf.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met for its regular meeting Tuesday night at the Old City Hall Auditorium. After approval of the agenda, the board approved the consent agenda, containing Aug. 25th public hearing and regular meeting minutes, municipal court monthly report, and the police department monthly report. Following, the board heard a public comment from Dave Davison, representing a group against data centers advocating for a ban for the city. Another public comment was heard from Lana Grove, who spoke as a representative of citizens concerned about non-disclosure agreements. Grove encouraged board members not to sign NDAs, warning that it would be a conflict of interest and could interfere with the Sunshine Law. Next, the board approved the appointment of the assistant city clerk, who was then sworn into office led by City Clerk Tammy Koller. Under new and miscellaneous business, the board approved the renewal of the annual Laserfiche cloud subscription agreement with Sumner One, enabling staff to scan, store, and preserve documents electronically. Also approved was a contract for uniform rental services from Cintas Corporation No. 2. This is a contract term of 5 years. Cintas provides uniforms which are then routinely laundered, repaired, and replaced, as needed. For bids, the board approved a bid from Flynn Drilling at an anticipated, budgeted cost of $120,000 for Well No. 6, which requires repairs and equipment replacement due to age and conditions of pump, starter, and associated wiring. Finally, the board approved, after a thorough discussion, a change order to the contract with Midstate Pipeline Maintenance LLC. for the wastewater treatment facility phase 2A improvements. In city reports, City Administrator Sally Burbridge introduced to the board several new employees of the city, including Kyle Wofford, water and wastewater superintendent, and Matt Hutzel, wastewater lead man. Mayor Greg Parker presented a proclamation recognizing Missouri Good Neighbor Week, observing Sept. 28th through Oct. 4th. Parker encouraged everyone to connect with their neighbors through a small act of kindness. Alderwoman Catherine Dent reported on the movements of Advocates for Animals, who are continuing to fundraise and complete TNR with Dr. Gabby Moore. The board then adjourned. The next regular meeting of the City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be Tuesday, Sept. 22nd and is open to the public. To watch past meetings, visit the City of Salem Youtube page at youtube.com/@CityofSalemMissouri.

Healthy Dent County will host their 15th Annual “Girls Night Out” today starting at 4:30 and lasting until 7:30. This event is for women and girls age 12 and older ONLY, and there is a $5.00 charge to attend. Ladies will find a variety of vendors as they browse the many aisles enjoying the numerous product selections. Healthy Dent County is also hosting a food drive during this event! Bring in any non perishable canned food for a chance to win a gift card. One ticket per item. The more you donate, the more your chances increase to win the gift card. The food donations will be given to the Sacred Heart Food Pantry and Grace Harbor. Enjoy an evening out with friends, do some shopping, have a little fun, and take time to treat yourself to an evening with the girls!

The Salem Public Library will be hosting an event on Sept. 15th at 10:00 in the morning with author Sivani Ishaya who will be reading her new book “The Golden Hum” in the children’s section of the library. After the reading, an activity is planned for children to participate in. A copy of the book will be available for check-out. This program is intended for children ages 3 to 8 and is free to attend with no library card required.

The Board of Directors of Salem Memorial Hospital will hold a special meeting Thursday evening, Sept. 10th, at 6:00 in the evening. After approval of the agenda, the board will enter executive session for the discussion of personnel.

The City of Salem Planning & Zoning Board of Commissioners will be meeting at 6:00 this evening at the Old City Hall Auditorium on 202 N. Washington Street. After the call to order, anyone that wishes to speak will be recognized for a public hearing. Conditional use for vacation properties will be considered, including on 809 W. Glendale; 400 and 402 S. MacArthur and 403 S. Henderson; 601 S. Carty; and 700 S. Askins. Another will be considered for conditional use for esthetician services located at 603 S. Carty St, while another will be considered for subdivision plat correction for the Westwood N. Subdivision located in the 1000-1200 block on the northside of W. Roosevelt. Finally, approval or recommendation of a planned community development with 40 units on the property located at 301 E. Tenth St., owned by the City of Salem, will be considered. The public hearing will then be closed and the meeting will begin, with the board to consider each property accordingly. The board will then adjourn. To watch meetings live, visit the City of Salem Youtube page at youtube.com/@CityofSalemMissouri.

Colonel Michael A. Turner, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, provides the following preliminary statistics related to the Labor Day holiday. Eight people died and 82 were injured in 213 traffic crashes during the 2026 Labor Day holiday counting period, which began at 6 pm. Friday, September 4, 2026, and continued through 11:59 pm. Monday, September 7, 2026. The Patrol also made 123 arrests for DWI. Additionally, there were 9 boating crashes resulting in 1 injury. There were no fatalities or drownings, and 5 people were arrested for BWI. During the 2025 Labor Day holiday counting period the Patrol investigated 252 traffic crashes involving four fatalities and 123 injuries. Statewide, six people died and 423 were injured in 931 vehicle crashes in 2025. Nine boating crashes were investigated throughout Missouri in 2025. Further details related to the traffic crashes and arrests can be found on the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s website. The fatality statistics could change if late deaths occur, or if other departments report fatal traffic crashes after this news release is sent to the media.

A press release received Sept. 4th from the Office of the United States Attorney of the Eastern District of Missouri, Thomas C. Albus, states that a caregiver of Dent County, Loretta Pyeatt, pleaded guilty in the US District Court in St. Louis to one count of fraud in connection with access devices. Pyeatt admitted that she worked for a victim from roughly July 2023 to September 2025. At the time she started, the victim had at least $232,026 and was receiving Social Security Administration retirement benefits and Veteran’s Affairs benefits monthly. He gave Pyeatt his debit cards so she could buy groceries for him. Pyeatt, however, used the card to make cash withdrawals and additional unauthorized purchases. Before Pyeatt started working for the victim, he had 20 to 30 debit transactions per month. That ballooned to as many as 330 transactions per month. By July 2025, the victim’s account balance had declined to less than $5,600. Pyeatt is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 9th. The charge carries a potential penalty of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both prison and a fine. The Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General and the Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jolene Taaffe is prosecuting.

An accident occurred in Phelps County Thursday midday at approximately 11:38 on County Road 5280 five miles south of Rolla. According to the Highway Patrol report a westbound 2021 Honda Rebel 300 motorcycle, operated by a 22-year-old Rolla man, traveled off the right side of the roadway before returning to the roadway, and overturning. The man suffered serious injuries and was flown by Phelps Air to University Hospital in Columbia. The report stated that the man was wearing a safety device. The Honda sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by R & R Towing. The Highway Patrol was assisted by the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office, Phelps Health Ambulance, and the Rolla Rural Fire Department.

The Office of Governor Mike Kehoe has released that President Donald J. Trump has approved on Wednesday, Sept. 2nd Missouri’s request for a major disaster declaration for nine counties heavily impacted by the historic flash flooding and severe storms of July 9th through July 11th. The request for the disaster declaration was made on July 29th by Gov. Kehoe after joint Preliminary Damage Assessments confirmed more than $26.5 million in emergency response expenses and damage to public infrastructure. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance program is now available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and qualifying nonprofits for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding in Bollinger, Crawford, Iron, Madison, Morgan, Reynolds, Ripley, Washington and Wayne counties. This is Missouri’s third federal disaster declaration of the year. Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way at 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. For additional resources and information on disaster recovery in Missouri, including general cleanup information, housing assistance, and mental health services, please visit recovery.mo.gov.

The Salem Area Arts Council, alongside Salem Area Community Betterment Association (SACBA), invites the community to attend the “Art Walk” that will take place on 4th Street on Saturday, Sept. 26th from 10:00 in the morning to 3:00 in the afternoon. For the past three years, the annual “Art in the Parking Lot” has grown with over 600 attending in 2025. With hopes to bring more business downtown, the new “Art Walk” on 4th Street, from the Bank of Salem to The Local, will involve art vendors, live music, demonstrations, food, free crafts for kids, a bucket raffle, cake and craft walks, and much more. Consider volunteering, promoting the event, or donating items to the “Cake and Craft Walk” by reaching out to Naomi Niemann at 919-534-5299. Learn more about the upcoming Art Walk, alongside other fun events and programs hosted by the Salem Area Arts Council, at sacba.org/salem-creative-arts-center-events.

The Nov. 3rd General Election is coming up, with voters encouraged to reach out with any questions to the Dent County Clerk’s Office by phone at 573-729-4144 or email at dent@sos.mo.gov. Absentee voting is set to begin on Sept. 22nd and no excuse, in-person absentee voting will begin on Oct. 20th. Absentee voting will continue through Nov. 2nd. The last day to register to vote will be Oct. 7th. The deadline to return ballots to the election authority will be no later than 7:00 in the evening Tuesday, Nov. 3rd. For more information on this upcoming election, visit the Missouri Secretary of State website at sos.mo.gov/elections. To check your voter registration, visit the website provided by the Secretary of State at voteroutreach.sos.mo.gov. Stay up to date on voting deadlines by following the Dent County Elections Facebook page by searching Facebook for “Dent County Elections/County Clerk-Angie Curley.” 

The 12th Annual Salem Area Chamber of Commerce pro rodeo, sanctioned by IPRA/ACRA/MRCA and produced by Outlaw Rodeo Productions will be held this Labor Day weekend on Saturday and Sunday beginning at 7:30 each night at The Commons on Hwy. 72 North with the gates opening at 5:30 for family activities. There will be a number of events held including team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping and breakaway roping with a boot toss and Pony rides for kids ages 10 and under. Kids can also sign up for Mutton Bustin’ by 5:45 each afternoon by the announcers stand. Vendors will be available selling food and beverages as well as other merchandise both evenings. As a special treat on Sunday night, the Greers will be singing at the stage starting at 5:30. Advanced tickets are available at both Bank of Salem locations, both locations of Town and Country Bank, Progressive Ozark Bank, Riverways Federal Credit Union and the Salem Chamber of Commerce office at 1136 South Main in the Crossroads Shopping Center. Ticket prices in advance are $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 5-11, while at the gate, ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for children. If you have any questions, call the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce at 573-729-6900.

An accident occurred in Phelps County Tuesday afternoon at approximately 3:30 on westbound I44 at the 179.8-mile marker. According to the Highway Patrol report a 2022 Freightliner Cascadia, driven by a 69-year-old man from Cleveland, Texas, failed to yield to a 2019 International MoDot Truck that was stationary with active placards in a construction zone and struck the MoDot Truck in the rear. The driver of the Freightliner suffered minor injuries and was transported by Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. The occupants of the MoDot Truck, a 66-year-old man and 72-year-old man, were both from Rolla. They also suffered minor injuries and were transported by Phelps Health Ambulance to Rolla Phelps Health. According to the report the driver of the Freightliner was wearing a safety restraint, while the two MoDot workers were exempt. The Freightliner was totaled and removed from the scene by D & D Towing. The MoDot Truck sustained moderate damage and was removed by Ron Dishman’s Towing. The Highway Patrol was assisted by the Doolittle Fire District and the Phelps County Ambulance District.

An accident occurred in Phelps County Tuesday evening at approximately 8:13 in the 1500 Block of Highway 72 in Rolla. According to the Highway Patrol report a 20-year-old man from Edgar Springs on an eastbound 2022 Honda Dirt Bike left a parking lot at a high rate of speed, lost control, traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a mailbox, and some bushes. The man suffered serious injuries and was flown by Phelps Air to University Hospital in Columbia. The report stated that the man was wearing a safety device at the time of the accident. The Honda was totaled and removed from the scene by C & C Towing.

The City of Salem has released that the planned citywide power outage has now been moved forward to Wednesday, Sept. 23rd from the previously released date of Friday, Sept. 18th. The power outage will take place Sept. 23rd from 1:00 to 3:00 in the early hours of the morning.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol encourages everyone to plan for a safe 2026 Labor Day weekend. The 2026 counting period for the Labor Day holiday will be from 6:00 Friday evening, and will last through 11:59 Monday night, September 7th. 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 2025, there were nine boating crashes which included six injuries and no fatalities. One person drowned during last year’s Labor Day holiday. Troopers arrested nine 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 as it will be extremely hot. Drive courteously and obey all of Missouri’s laws. Remember to buckle up and pay attention as you travel. In Missouri, six people died and 423 were injured in 931 traffic crashes over the 2025 Labor Day holiday. Troopers arrested 104 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. 

If you’re hanging out with family over at Montauk State Park this Labor Day weekend, stop by on Saturday or Sunday from 5:00 to 7:00 in the evening between the rearing pools and the Montauk Mill for an archery lesson provided by certified instructors. Instructors will guide you through safe archery practices and techniques. Or, on Saturday at 2:00 in the afternoon, meet at the Montauk Spring parking lot and head over to Pigeon Creek to catch crawdads, stream bugs, and learn about the aquatic life at the headwaters of the Current Rivers. This is a fun, all-ages event! Attendees are encouraged to wear water shoes and bring bug spray. On Sunday evening at 8:00, meet at the campground amphitheater to learn about the aquatic insects anglers mimic with their fishing flies. The Montauk Mill will also be open for historical tours on Saturday from 3:00 to 5:00 in the afternoon, along with a special candlelit tour beginning at 8:00. Tours will also be available Sunday morning from 10:30 to 12:30.

Arts Rolla invites all to come out to see the September exhibit at The Centre, Rolla’s Health & Recreation Complex at 1200 N. Holloway, Rolla. This month’s exhibit features 79 original works of art by 10 Missouri artists and features the work of artists associated with the Current River Artists of the Texas County Museum of Art and the Ozarks Heritage Artists of Salem. Make plans to attend the opening of the exhibit this coming Friday between 5:00 and 7:00 in the evening.

Dove season began this week and will continue through Nov. 29th. Daily limits for mourning doves and white-winged doves combined are 15 birds with a possession limit of 45. Before you go dove hunting, know that residents of Missouri require a small game hunting permit, for those aged 16 to 64. A migratory bird hunting permit is also required for dove hunters aged 16 and older. Non-residents require a non-resident small game hunting permit if ages 16 or older. A non-resident migratory bird hunting Non-toxic shot is required on many conservation areas — check area regulations before hunting. Shooting hours for doves are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Safety and courtesy are critical. For more information on dove season, hunting regulations, and public hunting areas near you, visit mdc.mo.gov, click on “Hunting and Trapping,” and then scroll down to click on “Dove” in the sidebar. You may also contact the Ozark Regional Office by phone at 417-256-7161 or email OzarkRegion@mdc.mo.gov

The City of Salem has released that Sho-Me Power has scheduled a planned citywide power outage for Salem from approximately 1:00 to 3:00 in the morning of Friday, Sept. 18th. The outage is needed so Sho-Me Power can safely replace an insulator on the transmission system that supplies electricity to the city. Because the work is on the system serving the entire community, all city electric customers should prepare to be without power during the scheduled outage window. Residents and businesses are encouraged to charge phones and other important devices before going to bed Thursday, Sept. 17th. Customers are encouraged to keep flashlights nearby and turn off or unplug sensitive electronic equipment. Anyone who depends on electrically powered medical equipment should make sure a safe backup power source is available. Security systems, medical alerts, electronic clocks, timers and other devices may also be affected. Crew members will work to restore power as soon as the planned work is complete. Customers do not need to report the outage while it is occurring during the announced 1:00 to 3:00 in the morning period. The city will provide additional reminders before the outage. Again, that time will be from 1:00 to 3:00 in the morning of Friday, Sept. 18th.

For 66 years, Farm Family Day at the Missouri State Fair has been recognizing Missouri’s Farm Families, and the role they play in the state’s economy and vitality. Nominated families from each county are selected to represent their county for this honor, based on their farming operation, their activity in their community, their participation in or with 4-H and on upholding the qualities that honor farming’s roots. The Missouri Farm Bureau, along with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, the Missouri State Fair and State Fair Commissioners, MU Extension and Engagement and the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources partners annually to put on this traditional event. The families honored represent all the varied farming operations that make up the state, from row crops and cattle, pork and chicken operations, to organic farms, nut and fruit orchard operations, agritourism and even intercity urban gardening operations — Farm Families represent a slice of rural life in Missouri. The 2026 Missouri Farm Family nominated for Dent County was the JT & Crystal Fleener Family. Congratulations! Nominated by MU Extension County Councils and local Missouri Farm Bureau board members, these families exemplify the innovation, resilience and dedication that keep Missouri agriculture thriving.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) invites the central district to discuss the updated draft of the High-Priority Unfunded Needs list. Participants can view information about unfunded transportation needs in the region and provide feedback in-person at a meeting at MoDOT’s Central District Office, located at 1511 Missouri Boulevard in Jefferson City. Can’t attend the meeting in person? The draft HPUN document and comment forms will be available online through Thursday, Sept. 10th at modot.org/unfundedneeds. Dent County is on the unfunded multimodal needs list, needing sidewalk added from Center Street to Hwy. 32.