Local News

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors held their regular meeting Tuesday evening at 7:00 in the Doctor’s Library. The meeting began with approval of the agenda and minutes, followed by Brooke Bollman’s CEO’s report on various operational updates. The single audit for grant funding is still in progress, the Medicare cost report for fiscal year 2024 has been desk reviewed, with an expected receivable of $372,000 more than anticipated. Leadership is implementing several improvement initiatives including charge audits, employee onboarding, marketing plans, and workforce development through grants and internship programs. The Board discussed a potential partnership with the local health department to share healthcare providers. The proposal involves a tentative 12-week contract where providers from the health center could serve at the hospital, particularly for acute care cases. Board members expressed support while acknowledging potential concerns about patient confusion and continuity of care. The arrangement was deemed cost-effective and beneficial for both organizations, especially given the current staffing challenges. The financial report showed positive performance with a net profit of $1.1 million, Bollman noted ongoing reconciliation work to improve financial accuracy, including adjustments for payroll taxes and retirement benefits, as well as transitioning to more accrual-based accounting practices. The ambulance department was awarded approximately $62,000 from the Dent County opioid relief settlement to purchase three Lucas devices (automated CPR machines). Staff are updating marketing materials for swing bed services and developing policies to allow LPNs to administer IV medications after appropriate training. Human resources reported hiring a full-time dietary manager and part-time dietary cook/aide in January, while losing four full-time employees including a radiology technician, clinic nurse practitioner, phlebotomist, and CNA. The hospital has been receiving more LPN applications and plans to recruit at Texas County Technical College when nursing students begin their clinicals. The emergency department’s performance metrics were reviewed, showing favorable results compared to state and national averages. Grant activities were discussed, including the Missouri kiosk pilot project which provides Medicaid recipients with access to manage their benefits. The TORCH program has facilitated 57 referrals impacting 41 clients, with 61.4% of referrals being accepted. Community-based organizations servicing Dent County have handled 85 referred cases affecting 71 clients, with 53% successfully resolved. The meeting concluded with scheduling the next board meeting for March 25, at 7:00 in the Doctor’s Library, then moving into closed session.

The City of Salem’s Parks and Recreation Board will meet tonight at 5:00 at the Old City Hall Auditorium located at 202 N. Washington Street. After the roll call, the board will hear the director’s report before they get a financial update. The board will discuss filling available board seats before discussing playground ground cover bids and pool prices for the 2025 season. The meeting will then be adjourned. The Salem Park and Recreation Board meeting is tonight at 5:00, called by Parks and Recreation Board President Carlos Lopez, and the meeting is open to the public.

The Creative Arts Center in Salem will hold a “Sign N’ Wine” class this Friday, from 6:30 until 9:00 with Danielle Norris. Participants can come and paint a new front porch welcome sign which will cost $30, or bring your sign from a previous class and paint the back of it for $20. Guests may bring beverages and snacks! All of the art supplies are included. There must be 5 people sign up to hold the class and it will be limited to 16. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center.

On December 12th, 2021, Marvin Rice was charged with two counts of 1st degree murder for the deaths of Annette Durham, his former girlfriend, and Steven Strotkamp, Durham’s boyfriend. The state certified the case for Capital Punishment (potential death sentence) and venue was transferred to St. Charles County after a mistrial in Wayne County, the jury convicted Rice of One Count of Murder in the 1st Degree (Durham) and One Count of Murder in the 2nd Degree (Strotkamp). The jury was unable to unanimously agree on the sentence and by law, the sentencing reverted to Judge Parker, who sentenced Rice to death in Count One and a concurrent sentence of life in Count Two. Rice appealed his convictions and sentences to the Missouri Supreme Court. The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction of Murder in the 1st Degree, but reversed for a new sentencing phase in Count One and a new guilt phase in Count Two. The new sentencing phase was held March 25th – April 1st, 2022. Presiding over the sentencing was Judge Daniel Pelikan of St. Charles, Missouri. At the conclusion of the sentencing hearing, the jury found the existence of statutory required aggravating circumstances and further found that the aggravating circumstances outweighed the mitigating circumstances and thereby recommend a sentence of death. On May 23rd, 2022, Judge Pelikan sentenced Rice to life without the possibility of parole. Rice later pled guilty to Count Two and was sentenced to a concurrent 25-year sentence in the Missouri Department of Corrections. On November 9th, 2022, Rice filed a pro se motion to set aside his conviction of Murder in the 1st degree. Prosecutor Andrew M. Curley filed a response and a motion to dismiss Rice’s motion. By law, the public defender system was appointed to represent Rice. The court appointed attorney amended Rice’s motion on July 10th, 2024, alleging that Rice’s former attorneys failed to exercise the customary skill and diligence that reasonably competent attorneys would have by not investigating and present evidence showing that Rice had not shot Durham was she was lying on the ground; and also failing to consult, retain, and call a pharmacological expert to support Rice’s defense that his prescription drug regiment affected his ability to deliberate. On September 23rd, 2024, a hearing was held in St. Charles concerning prosecutor Curley’s motion to dismiss, which was taken under advisement, but ultimately denied on October 9th, 2024. On December 16th, 2024, an evidentiary hearing was held on Rice’s request for relief. Prosecutor Curley represented the state of Missouri and Marvin Rice appeared, along with his attorney, after being transported from the department of corrections. Rice’s former attorneys, a pharmacy professor and forensic pathologist testified on behalf of Rice at the hearing. Following their testimony, arguments were heard from Prosecutor Curley and Rice’s attorney. On February 18th, 2025, Judge Pelikan overruled and denied Rice’s motion.

The Healthy Dent County Fitness Center will be holding a youth Salem Spring Volleyball League at the Salem Community Center@The Armory Gymnasium at 1200 West Rolla Road for kids age 5 through the 6th grade. This introductory league helps children learn fundamentals, teamwork and sportsmanship while participating in games to get experience. Register your child by Friday, February 28th. Registration forms are only available at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Please complete the forms and return them to Armory. For more information, call 573-247-8085 and talk with Dottie Steelman.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams presented the CART taxes received by the county in February. She said the county received $88,293.83 which is up $10,520.04 from last February, and year-to-date, CART taxes are up $17,477.88 which is an 11.2% increase. Grant Wilson from Representative Jason Smith’s office was in attendance and said congress would be voting on the budget resolution bill today that would continue the Trump tax cuts from his first term; plus eliminate taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security as well as promoting manufacturing. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk presented the bid from Clearbasin for software for $5,000 for the Senate Bill 190 application with the assessor the Homestead Tax Credit available to those who qualify. The software is subscription based with an annual cost for updates and changes. The commissions approved going with Clearbasin. Curt Faigle from the 100-Acre Wood Rally was in and said the Road Rally this year would be on March 14th and 15th with the Parc Expose being held from 8:30 to 11:00 around the courthouse the morning of March 15th. The first car should leave out around 10:30 and the county roads used have all be used before. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said crews were removing a snowplow from a truck and working on a bad cylinder on another. He also said they were doing road maintenance as well as checking roads for any remaining slick spots. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said crews were removing the snowplow on County Truck #122 and removing the spreader box from another truck. He also said crews were using the Ultimate Paving Materials on select chip and seal roads. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said the commissioners would be at their annual CCAM training February 26th through the 28th.  Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said excused absentee voting for the April Municipal Election will begin today, and not everyone will need to vote. Curley says elections will be held in April for the City of Salem, Dent County Fire Protection District, Rolla Rural Fire Department, Rolla Schools, Bunker R-3 School, and the Iron County R-4 School. If you vote in those taxing entities and want to vote, don’t forget to bring your photo ID with you. Curley says sample ballots are available in her office, or she can e-mail one to you. You can also keep up to date on election information on the Dent County Election/County Clerk Facebook page. Dave Cowell on Highway 119 would like to put in a family cemetery on his property. The first step is to let the commission know if it’s less than half of an acre as he has already built a road for public access. He will record it in the Recorder of Deeds of office. He also is doing a project called the Confederate Medal of Honor. The men who served in the units would pick someone for that medal and Dent County has one. His name was James Hulsey, and he survived the war. It’s a medal and certificate to be public displayed, they pay for it, no cost to the county. He feels it is one of our men from this county and is a part of history. The commission made no decision at this time. The commission updated the policy handbook for 2025. The handbook was from 2021 and with the two new commissioners, they both signed it. With no meeting Thursday, the next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday, March 3rd at 9:00 at the courthouse and it will be open to the public.

The Board of Directors of Salem Memorial District Hospital will conduct their regular monthly meeting this evening at 7:00. The meeting will take place in the Hospital Library and may be fully conducted and attended by telephone or other electronic means and the public may observe and attend any portion of the meeting not closed to the public pursuant to Chapter 610.021 RSMo. After the call to order, roll call, and approval of the agenda the board will hear public comments and presentations, speakers must sign-in and keep comments to 3 minutes. Then the board will hear the CEO report followed by the Hospital reports. They will discuss old and new business before going into executive session. Any person that would like to attend by telephone or electronic means should contact the SMH Administration office at 573-729-6626 ext. 4005, to obtain access information.

The City of Salem will be testing the storm sirens tomorrow at 10:00. If there is inclement weather the test will be on Wednesday, March 5th.

The Salem R-80 School Board meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM Thursday evening in the administration building. After approving the agenda and consent agenda, the board recognized student Maggie Hogan for winning the Missouri Forest Products Speech Contest, and received an update on the upcoming changes to the ACT college entrance exam. These changes include: 44 fewer test questions, shorter the remaining questions, more time allotted to complete each section, and an optional Science portion. During his report, Superintendent Dr. Wills provided several updates, including building survey results, the February 14th professional development day, plans to transition first grade to the Salem Upper Elementary, and ongoing progress on the Construction Trades building. He also discussed a proposal from the City of Salem Fireworks Committee to use the football practice field for their upcoming fireworks display. This issue was tabled until the next board meeting, pending additional information on insurance and legal liability from the Committee. In new business, the board approved several key items: the 2025-2026 school calendar, purchases of Hobart dishwashers, a transfer of $18,264.56 for the Construction trades project, budget revisions for updated salaries, and a contract with BalanceHQ. They also set Summer School dates for May 27 to June 13, 2025. The board acknowledged several staffing changes, including resignations from Calvin Malone (7th grade boys basketball), Jordan Haynes (custodian), and Rebecca Earls (UE paraprofessional), as well as the retirements of Angela Dingess and Sue Tucker. During the closed session, the board approved new coaching positions, appointing Alaina Santhuff as High School Assistant Volleyball coach and the team of Shelby Botkin and Ashton Mink as Middle School Volleyball coaches for the upcoming season. They also approved contracts for all recommended principals and directors for the 2025-2026 school year. The meeting adjourned at 7:09 PM.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports for the week of February 10th. On Tuesday, February 11th,  Dent County deputies responded to the 5100 block of West Highway 32 for a reported burglary.  It was reported that a person or persons had entered a local business and stole money from their location. Information on the suspects was developed and two subjects were arrested. That same day,  deputies responded to Dent County Road 3260 for a reported wanted subject. A 43-year-old Salem woman was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail where she was incarcerated. On Friday, February 14th, deputies conducted a traffic stop at the Salem City Park.  A 26-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked and was released pending formal charges. On Sunday, February 16th, deputies responded to the 10000 block of East Highway 32 for a well-being check. During the course of the investigation, an animal neglect case was developed and the investigation is ongoing. If anyone has any information regarding an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green and District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams stated that crews would be out grading, plowing and salting roads still covered with snow and ice. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson stated he had been in touch with an elevator company to discuss installing one at the courthouse and they needed more information from him. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley attended a Missouri Association of Counties Board meeting by Zoom and heard from Ray McCarty from Associated Industries of Missouri about a use tax, heard from Trent Watson who gave legislative updates, and heard from attorney Travis Elliott on the medical marijuana tax. Curley said she applied for and received an election grant from the Missouri Secretary of State’s office in the amount of $3,135.60. She said any political subdivision holding an election needs to get their estimated election costs submitted to the clerk’s office by the end of the month. Curley went on to say the first day to vote absentee with an excused absence is Tuesday, February 25th. Curley also reported that State Representative John Hewkin was in support of the new election bill that will protect election officials, poll workers and others. She also stated that Curt Faigle from the 100-Acre Wood Rally would be at the commissioner’s meeting on Monday. Commissioner Larson said the commission would not be meeting on February 27th due to their required training. Deputy Rick Letchworth came in with the recommendations made by the Opioid Fund Committee to the MRPC, who then reviewed the applications to make sure they met the required qualifications. Four applications were then presented by Letchworth to the commissioners for their review.  The applications were from the Dent County Sheriff’s Department for 75,380.00; Dent County Health Center for $53,000.00; Council for Healthy Dent County for $55,108; and the Salem Memorial Hospital for $62,522. The total amount of funding came to $246,910.97. The commissioners approved the applications. The Commission signed a letter of support for the 100-Acre Wood Rally and also a letter of support for the Conexon Connects Bead Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program which will provide high speed internet, who is currently building within multiple counties in Missouri.  The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

The Salem Area Arts Council will be presenting “Art Across the Ages,” a Community Art Show starting March 3rd and lasting until March 31st at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center to celebrate the arts in our community. March is “Youth Art Month” and the Arts Council wants to recognize the amazing talent and creativity that exists in our schools and community! They are excited to invite individuals of all ages from around our area to submit recent artwork to the show for free! This is a family friendly art show and artwork may be left to the discretion of the committee to accept or reject pieces based on the number of submissions, the space available, tasteful content, etc. There is a wide variety of artists who give many perspectives, adding to the vision of an artist evolving from childhood to adult. Maturity adds to and sometimes detracts from vision and the ability to express ideas, which is why having art examples from both youth and adults is so much fun! To submit artwork for display (2-D or 3-D), please email salemartscenter@salemcommunitybetterment.com. You can then arrange a time to come and hang your work/set up your display. This year the Arts Council are adding a couple of new things.  First, they hope to have live music at the reception; and second, they plan to give each artist an opportunity to sell their artwork if they want. No money will be handled at the show, but the artist is welcome to write their price on the name tag attached to the piece. The Arts Council will collect phone numbers with each entry, and if someone expresses an interest in purchasing a particular piece, they can share the phone number with that person with the artist’s permission. Come and enjoy this unique art exhibit highlighting the talent of area artists of all ages. The exhibit begins Monday, March 3rd at the ONCRC, with an open house and reception for all artists & families being held on Tuesday, March 4th, from 4:00 until 7:00.  Live music and light snacks will be provided.  The reception provides a great opportunity for families to meet the child’s art teacher and other artists, as well as take photos. Set-up will be in the ONCRC gallery room on Thursday and Friday, February 27th and 28th, from 9:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon; as well as on Saturday, March 1 from 10:00 in the morning until 12:00 noon. The exhibit will have visiting hours from 9:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon, Monday through Friday depending on the volunteers available.

Associated Electric Cooperative, the wholesale power generator for Intercounty Electric, is requesting members conserve energy due to extreme winter weather and maximum load on the electric grid. The City of Salem is also asking citizens to conserve energy as well. To help safeguard the grid, please help conserve energy Thursday morning from 6:00 to 10:00 by lowering your thermostat a degree or two and turning off any non-essential electric devices. By taking these small steps to save energy together, we all can make a big difference. Remember, if a new peak demand is reached, it causes everyone’s bill to be higher.

An accident happened in Maries County on Highway 63 north of the Highway 28 junction. According to the highway patrol report, a 2012 Chrysler driven southbound by a 59-year-old male of Rolla, was slowing as the driver’s view was obstructed by snow. As the Chrysler was slowing down, a 39-year-old male from Vichy driving a 2024 Volkswagen Atlas, failed to notice the reduction in speed and struck the Chrysler from behind. Suffering minor injuries in Chrysler was the driver and a 44-year-old female passenger from Columbia, Missouri. They were both taken by the Osage Ambulance to the Phelps Health Hospital with minor injuries. Everyone involved in the accident was wearing a seat restraint. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage. The Chrysler was removed from the scene by Plaza Towing while the Volkswagen was secured roadside.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be meeting today at 5:30 in the R-80 Board Room. After the Call to Order and the Pledge of Allegiance the Board will approve the agenda and the consent agenda. The Board will hear communications from the Parker Family, student recognition of Salem High School by Maggie Hogan and be updated on ACT by Robyn Taylor. In the Superintendent’s Report CSIP Goals will be addressed, surveys will be discussed, and the WL/UE 1st grade transition plan will be reviewed. Administration reports will be heard from William Lynch, Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School, Athletics and Activities, Special Education, Technology, and Maintenance. In new business the board will approve the 2025-2026 School Calendar, dishwasher purchases, moving $18,264.56 from YOP checking to general account, budget revisions updating salaries, FEMA change orders, BalanceHQ contract, and Summer School dates of May 27 to June 13. The Board will address resignations, hires and transfers before adjourning and moving into Executive Session to hear personnel issues. Due to the recent weather this meeting could be cancelled or postponed. Visit KSMOradio.com and click on “Current Closures” to stay up to date.

Compass Health Network is seeking participants in Dent County for a focus group in order to gain valuable insights into the criminal justice system. You can share personal insights or experiences from friends and family. Their goal is to develop community-based strategies to enhance our community’s response to behavioral health needs. This program is being funded by the Missouri Foundation for Health. Please contact Julie Riggs, the Community Coordinator for Compass Health, at 573-247-9921 to share your feedback, and to ask any questions you have.

Missouri’s Drought Assessment Committee will meet at 3:30 Wednesday afternoon, February 26th, to coordinate a comprehensive state and federal response to drought conditions affecting portions of the state. The meeting is open to the public and will be live streamed via Webex at stateofmo.webex.com. The Drought Assessment Committee is composed of representatives from state and federal partner agencies who provide information, recommendations and coordination to mitigate impacts of the drought. Executive Order 24-13 declared a drought alert October 29th, 2024, until March 31st, 2025, for Missouri counties that are in moderate, severe, extreme or exceptional drought. Nearly all of Missouri has experienced at least abnormally dry conditions over the past year. Missouri was previously under a Drought Alert from May 2023 to September 2024 as well as from July 2022 to March 2023. This will be the committee’s first meeting in 2025. Residents are encouraged to assist local, state and national decision makers better understand drought conditions in their area by submitting a survey form via the Condition Monitoring Observer Reports service. Updated drought information, including a link to the U.S. Drought Monitor map of Missouri, is available at dnr.mo.gov/drought.

Missouri turkey hunters can apply online during February for 2025 spring turkey managed hunts through the Missouri Department of Conservation website at mdc.mo.gov and you will find the managed hunts on the front page or go to the search bar and type in “turkey managed hunts.” Managed hunt details and application procedures are outlined on the webpage. Drawing results will be posted starting March 15. The spring turkey hunting youth portion will be April 12th and 13th with the regular spring season running April 21st through May 11th. Beginning in March, detailed information on spring turkey hunting will be available in the Department of Conservation’s 2025 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available where permits are sold. The 2024 regulation change extending shooting hours from a half-hour before sunrise to sunset on private land is still in effect in 2025. Public land shooting hours will remain a half-hour before sunrise to 1:00 in the afternoon. To learn more about turkey hunting in general in Missouri, visit the Department of Conservation’s website at mdc.mo.gov. Missouri hunting permits are available from numerous vendors around the state, online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, or through the MDC free mobile app called “MO Hunting” which is available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $2.5 million in financial assistance to the city of Licking for upgrades to the city’s water distribution systems. The funding will cover the total cost of the project, which is anticipated to be completed by December 2025. During the project, the city will replace several thousand feet of water mains, along with service lines and hydrants on existing mains at multiple locations. These improvements will enable the city to continue offering its citizens safe drinking water for years to come with a modern and well-functioning drinking water system. Project funding consists of a $1.27 million grant and a $1.27 million low-interest loan, both provided through the department’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. This funding is estimated to save the city’s ratepayers $1.27 million in principal and approximately $435,000 in interest over the loan’s 20-year term. Kurt Schaefer, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources said that the department works with communities like Licking to support water and wastewater projects that help them grow and develop while keeping customers’ utility bills affordable. The department’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund finances improvements to water treatment plants, distribution systems, water storage and supply facilities, along with interconnection or consolidation projects. Communities that borrow from the fund benefit from the below-market interest rate and from assistance provided throughout their project from a project manager. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. For more information on wastewater and drinking water funding opportunities, visit dnr.mo.gov.

It’s been an active year for earthquakes in the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ), with 293 minor quakes reported in the past 12 months. Though most were too small to be felt, they are an important reminder that southeast Missouri is located in the heart of the NMSZ, which generated some of the most powerful earthquakes ever to jolt the nation. A series of major quakes occurred in 1811-1812, destroying buildings, ringing church bells hundreds of miles away and briefly causing the Mississippi River to run backward. The area has remained seismically active ever since and averages more than 200 small quakes annually. Each February, Missouri observes Earthquake Awareness Month to emphasize preparedness for the risk of another major earthquake occurring in the NMSZ. While no one can predict when an earthquake will occur, scientists agree that large earthquakes in this zone still pose a risk. Experts estimate a 25% to 40% chance of a large earthquake occurring in the next 50 years. State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Director Jim Remillard said a large earthquake in southeast Missouri could potentially be the worst natural disaster Missouri has ever seen, and it would occur without warning. He went on to note that Earthquake AwarenessMonth is an important time to learn about the risks and how to protect yourself and your family. When shaking starts, the best way to stay safe and protect yourself from falling debris is the “Drop, Cover and Hold On” technique. Drop to your knees, cover your head, get under a desk or table if possible and hold on until the shaking stops. Experts say that in developed countries with modern structures, falling debris is the most common source of injury. More resources for families, schools and businesses are available on SEMA’s earthquake preparedness website, including fact sheets, interactive maps and informational videos explaining what to do in the event of an earthquake. For more information, visit sema.dps.mo.gov/earthquake_preparedness.

Dent County Assessor Jamie Homeyer wants to remind everyone your annual assessment forms that list your personal and business property for 2024 are due March 1st. You may drop off your assessment list at the assessor’s office at the courthouse. They are open from 8:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon. There is also a drop box on the front lawn of the courthouse for your convenience if you can’t make it by until after hours. You can also mail in your assessment list forms but make sure you have a postal clerk postmark your envelope by taking it to the desk inside at the post office. You can also e-file your assessment list form online until April 30th. Just follow the instructions on the assessment form you received in the mail. The penalty for not getting in your assessment form on time is determined at $10 per every $1,000 of assessed valuation with a maximum penalty of $100 if you have assessed valuation of $10,000 or more. If you have any questions or need assistance with the online form, call Dent County Assessor Jamie Homeyer at the Dent County Courthouse at 573-729-6010 or stop by during regular business hours.

According to preliminary data, 954 fatalities occurred on Missouri roadways in 2024. This is a decrease of 4% when compared to 2023, and a decrease of 10% compared to 2022. This is the second consecutive year that Missouri has seen a decrease in roadway fatalities. Despite the continued progress, this still amounts to nearly three lives lost on Missouri roadways every day, leaving plenty of room for improvement in 2025. The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety stresses how the four simple actions of Buckle Up, Phone Down, Slow Down and Drive Sober could put a big dent in the fatality numbers. While overall roadway fatalities were down, a record number of pedestrian fatalities occurred in 2024, with 148 pedestrians being struck and killed. This is a 16% increase from 2023 and continues a concerning trend of rising pedestrian deaths. That’s the highest number ever reported in Missouri. Additionally, a notable percentage of the pedestrian fatalities were individuals who exited their vehicle due to a prior crash or breakdown on the side of the road. State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer Jon Nelson said that we still have a lot of work to do in Missouri, and we are especially concerned by the rising number of pedestrian fatalities in our state. We all have a responsibility to use the transportation system in a safe manner, and both drivers and pedestrians can make safe choices to help make this happen. He went on to say let’s keep our heads up, watch out for each other, slow down, and put all distractions aside, whether we’re behind the wheel or taking a walk. In contrast, preliminary numbers indicate motorcyclist fatalities in Missouri were down 23%, with 133 motorcyclists killed on Missouri roadways in 2024. This is the lowest number of motorcyclist deaths since Missouri repealed the all-rider helmet law in 2020. But, prior to the repeal, motorcycle deaths were typically around 120 per year. Cell phones have proven to be one of the most persistent and consequential distractions. Distracted driving contributed to more than 100 deaths in both 2023 and 2024, and statistically, more than half of the victims are someone other than the distracted driver. Missouri’s new Siddens-Bening Law now prohibits the use of handheld electronic devices, including cell phones, by all drivers. The law has already had a positive impact and is expected to continue doing so with citations now in effect for violating the law. Missouri’s strategic highway safety plan, Show-Me Zero, takes a comprehensive approach in creating a safe system to reduce and eliminate traffic fatalities. For more information on the Show-Me Zero plan and to learn how all Missourians can help make the roadways safer, visit www.savemolives.com.

A new online resource from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources offers information to landowners on best practices and methods for stream management. Developed in coordination with the Missouri Farm Bureau, “A Landowner’s Guide to Stream Management” details strategies for preventing eroding banks, property loss, excessive gravel and other challenges. Noah Cadwell of the department’s Waters Resources Center said that this guide is designed to empower landowners and give them a greater sense of independence when addressing their streams. He went on to say that the guide includes necessary regulatory information and the most effective stream management strategies. It will assist landowners in overcoming some common challenges that come from living by a stream while maintaining the stream’s ecosystem. Cadwell said the department developed the guide in response to concerns from farmers and landowners who face growing property loss stemming from past riparian corridor damages and historical land use changes. More than a year in the making, the guide includes information provided by experts from the department and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as well as from other agencies and organizations.  According to Cadwell this guide is designed to clarify the fundamentals of stream regulation for landowners and to explain what options may be available for different situations, plus he noted that our hope is by making this information more accessible and transparent, landowners will feel more comfortable considering projects benefiting their streambanks. This guide also provides information for obtaining technical assistance and financial support for landowners who are considering taking on larger projects. “A Landowner’s Guide to Stream Management” provides information on permitting needs and processes but is not intended to be a resource for regulatory guidance. Landowners need to read the applicable permits and consider consulting the proper regulatory agency before beginning stream work. The new guide is available at dnr.mo.gov.

Starting this Wednesday at the Salem Community Center@The Armory, Luke and Hannah Heithold will hold the nine-week course from the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University on the fastest way to beat debt and build wealth presented by the Bank of Salem and Healthy Dent County, and sponsored by Joe Brand. The course will be held nine consecutive Wednesday evenings from 5:30 until 7:00 in the Rotary Room and will feature discussions on budgeting, understanding insurance, buying and selling your home, building wealth, outrageous generosity and more. Seating is limited and the cost is $60 per person for the entire course. Imagine a life with no debt, credit card payments and no car payments where every dollar you earn was building your future instead of paying off your past. Discover how financial freedom can be yours! The deadline to register for this class is Tuesday, February 18th! You can register by calling Carlos at 573-729-8163 or e-mailing him at Carlos@salemcommunitycenter.org.

The Salem Area Arts Council will be presenting “Art Across the Ages,” a Community Art Show starting March 3rd and lasting until March 31st at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center to celebrate the arts in our community. March is “Youth Art Month” and the Arts Council wants to recognize the amazing talent and creativity that exists in our schools and community! They are excited to invite individuals of all ages from around our area to submit recent artwork to the show for free! This is a family friendly art show and artwork may be left to the discretion of the committee to accept or reject pieces based on the number of submissions, the space available, tasteful content, etc. There is a wide variety of artists who give many perspectives, adding to the vision of an artist evolving from childhood to adult. Maturity adds to and sometimes detracts from vision and the ability to express ideas, which is why having art examples from both youth and adults is so much fun! To submit artwork for display (2-D or 3-D), please email salemartscenter@salemcommunitybetterment.com. You can then arrange a time to come and hang your work/set up your display. This year the Arts Council are adding a couple of new things.  First, they hope to have live music at the reception; and second, they plan to give each artist an opportunity to sell their artwork if they want. No money will be handled at the show, but the artist is welcome to write their price on the name tag attached to the piece. The Arts Council will collect phone numbers with each entry, and if someone expresses an interest in purchasing a particular piece, they can share the phone number with that person with the artist’s permission. Come and enjoy this unique art exhibit highlighting the talent of area artists of all ages. The exhibit begins Monday, March 3rd at the ONCRC, with an open house and reception for all artists & families being held on Tuesday, March 4th, from 4:00 until 7:00.  Live music and light snacks will be provided.  The reception provides a great opportunity for families to meet the child’s art teacher and other artists, as well as take photos. Set-up will be in the ONCRC gallery room on Thursday and Friday, February 27th and 28th, from 9:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon; as well as on Saturday, March 1 from 10:00 in the morning until 12:00 noon. The exhibit will have visiting hours from 9:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon, Monday through Friday depending on the volunteers available. 

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, both District 1 Commissioner Keith Green and District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said crews were out checking roads for slick spots and possible downed limbs. Commissioner Gary Larson said he attended the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting at the Community Center at the Nelson Hart Park Thursday before returning to the MRPC building for the External Relations Committee meeting and the regular MRPC meeting. He also said he has been in touch with the elevator companies to do an evaluation of what it would cost to put an elevator on the old courthouse as well as the cost to put it in a new building. He said he wants to get back with Judge Seay on the progress of this issue to make sure the county is moving in the right direction. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said excused absentee voting for the April Municipal Election will begin on February 25th, and she will be attending a Missouri Association of Counties meeting on February 19th. She also said the courthouse would be closed Monday for Presidents’ Day. At 10:00, the commissioners, Clerk Angie Curley, Collector Shannon VanKirk and Assessor Jamie Homeyer heard a presentation from Michael Witt with Clearbasin software for the Senate Bill 190 application process and determining the Homestead Tax Credit available to those who qualify. He said the initial challenges will be the amount of applications the first year, then whether the person is qualified or not qualified, and the consistency in determining those qualifications. Also important will be the security of the information received by each applicant and the coordination of each office holder’s role. Witt said their plan is to create a taxpayer portal where people could fill out online or download the application. If done online, the program will review the information for verification to see if the taxpayer is qualified, then calculate the Homestead Tax Credit that would be sent to the collector to be put on the tax bill. If hand delivered on paper, the application would have to be reviewed to determine eligibility and the tax credit. Witt said each office holder will have their own portal for their portion of the calculation of the tax credit which will be customized for Dent County. Witt said their software is subscription based with an annual cost for updates and changes. Witt did not quote a price for the software at the meeting but would e-mail his quote to the assessor for her review in a day or two. At the last meeting, Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams reported on the sales tax received this month. The General Revenue Fund and Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund each received $91,159.71 in February and the county is up .39% over last year. The Road and Bridge Fund received $41,830.90 in February and that is up .79% over last year. The Dent County Jail Operating and Trust funds each received $84,083.13 this February and that is up .59% from last year. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday, February 20th at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

An accident happened in Dent County Wednesday morning at 9:24 on Highway 72 about a mile south of Highway 32. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 International Tractor-Trailer driven westbound by a 67-year-old man from St. James, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. The man was taken by a private conveyance to Phelps Health after suffering minor injuries. He was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The International Tractor-Trailer was secured roadside.

The Healthy Dent County Fitness Center is bringing back its popular adult co-ed volleyball league for a third year. The league features two divisions: a silver (recreational) division and a gold (competitive) division. Teams must maintain a gender balance on the court, with no more men than women playing at a time, and no two men playing side by side. League games will take place on Tuesday evenings throughout March and April at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory Gymnasium, with a championship tournament set for Saturday, April 26. There will be no games during the last week of March. Each team can have a maximum of eight players, and no additional players can be added after the roster is submitted. The deadline to register is February 27, and registration forms are available at the Healthy Dent County Fitness Center. For more information, contact Susie Cahill at 573-739-1127 or susie@salemcommunitycenter.org.