Local News

The Dent County Commission met for its meeting Thursday morning at the courthouse. District One Commissioner Keith Green reported that crew members are planning to grade county roads 5400 and 6350. A pipe is being installed on County Road 5150. Green encouraged the public to exercise patience with crew members, as they work to improve the roads for longevity. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported that crew members are planning to grade in the Boss area, along with county roads 5300, 5305, 5280, 4340, 4030, and 2540. Four dump trucks are hauling rock to County Road 2540 – one road which participates in the Missouri Department of Conservation’s CART program, and that the county will cost share on gravel. This is an annual program covering the conservation area, and the deadline has been moved up to the end of May. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported that he will be attending several meetings at MRPC tonight, including a TAC meeting, MRPC meeting, and Housing Advisory meeting. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that she has balanced with the collector and assessor on all monthly collections, abatements, and add-ons for the month of March. Curley thanked the voters who came out and voted in the April Municipal Election. Voter turnout was low, with some elections being decided by just a handful of voters. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk reminded those that are 62 and over and own their own home to pick up an application for SB190 from the collector’s office. Applications are available until June 30th. Office hours for the collector are Monday through Friday from 8:00 in the morning to 4:30 in the afternoon. Contact her office at 573-729-3911 if you have any questions. In addition, $201,297.36 has been turned over for the month in collections. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams reported on sales tax receipts received for April, stating that General Revenue and Law Enforcement received $85,007.59, a 1.5% increase year-to-date. The Road and Bridge Fund received $42,503.96, a 5.3% increase year-to-date. Both Jail Funds received $18,912.96, and year-to-date those funds increased by 5.3%. In addition, Crime Victim Advocate Cynthia Nash and Prosecutor Andrew Curley emphasized the importance of Cynthia’s position, stating that from 2020-2025 there have been 2,474 victims. The position of  Crime Victim Advocate is paid on a VOCA Grant reimbursement program, funded by the federal government of which has become a shortfall. The shortfall of $4,824.16 will need to be navigated between April 1st and Sept. 30th. After Oct. 1st, it is unknown what will happen with the grant. Finally, the commission approved the Burlington Northern Railroad Right a Way Quit Claim Deed between Dent County and Carty Brothers. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 in the courthouse, and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident happened Monday afternoon just after 3:00 in Washington County on Route P near the Pigeon Roost Road that left a woman from Viburnum with moderate injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 2013 Kia Sorento, driven southbound by a 62-year-old Viburnum woman, traveled off the right side of the roadway. The woman was transported by the Washington County Ambulance District to Mercy Hospital South. The woman was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Kia was totaled and removed from the scene by Elliott’s Towing.

Dent County Health Center is currently investigating a confirmed case of Legionnaires’ Disease that could be associated with Seville Care Center. Dent County Health Center has been working closely with Seville Care Center and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to ensure appropriate public health measures are in place. Legionnaires’ Disease is a serious type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. The bacteria are typically spread through inhalation of contaminated mist or water vapor. Legionnaires’ Disease is not normally spread person to person. The investigation is ongoing. Public health officials and facility leadership are collaborating to review potential sources of exposure, evaluate environmental conditions, and determine whether any additional actions are needed to protect residents, staff, and visitors. Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available. To view more information on Legionnaires’ Disease, visit cdc.gov/legionella. 

The Salem Community Garden will host a presentation on Pest Control tonight at 6:00 behind the Salem United Methodist at 801 East Scenic Rivers Blvd. Everyone is welcome to attend the presentation, and you do not have to have a plot to participate. Plots are still available and your first plot is free. Accessible garden beds are also available. For more information, contact the Dent County Extension at 573-729-3196 or Thom Haines at 573-247-7952.

The City of Salem Parks & Recreation registration for ball season, including baseball, t-ball, and softball, is open today for $35. Late registration begins tomorrow through April 16th at $45. Practice is to start at the beginning of May with coaches to contact with more information. For more information on how to sign up, contact Parks Director Melissa DuBois by calling 573-729-6290 or emailing salemparks@salemmo.com.

Salem Upper Elementary will be presenting The Lion King Jr. today, Friday, and Saturday at the Salem Civic Theater located at 200 North Washington Street. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Today and Friday, shows will take place in the evening at 6:30. On Saturday, there will be one showing in the early afternoon at 2:00 and another in the evening at 6:30. Come out and support the show!

Warmer weather usually means an increase in outside projects that may require digging or excavation work. Remember that if you are building a deck, planting a tree, or completing a large project, Missouri law requires anyone digging underground to notify Missouri 811. Always remember to place your locate requests at least three working days before you dig. Call 811 or place a locate request online at missouri-811.org before any excavation begins. Requests can be made at no cost, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 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. Wait three days until a professional locator comes out to mark natural gas, electric, water, sewer, telephone and cable lines. The approximate location of buried utilities will be marked with paint or flags so you can avoid them. Each utility type corresponds to a specific color of paint or flag, and all must be marked before you can dig. Once the site has been clearly marked, proceed with caution. Avoid digging within 18 to 24 inches of each utility mark, if possible. Hitting an underground line can cause serious injury and could disrupt service to you and other customers. It could potentially result in fines and repair costs. According to Ameren, an increase in damage to its underground natural gas and electric facilities has been experienced. A significant driver of these incidents are customers hammering stakes into the ground without having their utility lines located. Even after the facilities are marked, always dig by hand within the tolerance zone of the marked facilities, 24 inches on either side of the line. Contact Missouri 811 at 811 or go online at missouri-811.org to place a locate request.

A municipal election was held Tuesday in Dent County and a total of 901 voters cast ballots for 10.29% of the 8,760 registered voters. The unofficial results of challenged races are from Dent County only and are as follows:

* indicates winners

SALEM R-80 SCHOOL BOARD, 3 YEAR TERM 

(Vote for 3)

Andrew Wynn* 335 votes

Luke Heithold* 352 votes

Drusilla Howard* 310 votes

Kris Bieker 132 votes

SALEM R-80 SCHOOL BOARD, 1 YEAR TERM

Larry Lundy 173 votes

Brady Adams* 314 votes 

SALEM EAST WARD ALDERMAN

Nathan Kinsey* 76 votes

Dylan McGinnis 61 votes

Lana Grove 58 votes

SALEM WEST WARD ALDERMAN

Catherine Dent* 112 votes

Kyle Williams 104 votes

OAK HILL R-I PROPOSITION RAIDERS

Yes 45 votes

No* 100 votes

DENT PHELPS R-III SCHOOL BOARD 

(Vote for 3)

Joshua Summers* 78 votes

Nick Gover 76 votes

Caleb Gidcumb* 78 votes

Bill Manthey* 80 votes

NORTH WOOD R-IV SCHOOL BOARD 

(Vote for 3)

David Massengale* 44 votes 

Jenna Dunn* 41 votes

Aaron Brooks* 48 votes

Noah Sapp 34 votes

CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 4 IRON COUNTY BOARD MEMBERS 

(Vote for 3)

Fred Bozic* 20 votes

Brian Matt 5 votes

David Major* 21 votes

Adam Asher* 23 votes

QUAD COUNTY FIRE BOARD DIRECTOR 

Robert Hicks 12 votes

Bradly Hubbs 12 votes

The Licking Police Department made the public aware of an incident that occurred Monday. According to the department an assault involving a firearm was reported just outside the city limits of Licking. The suspect subsequently fled the scene and entered the city limits, where he struck a vehicle at the Dollar General store, plus caused damage to an additional vehicle, before continuing to the Licking Police Department. At the department, the suspect drove over the curb and nearly struck the building with his vehicle. He then exited the vehicle, retrieved a floor jack from the vehicle, and used it to destroy two entry doors and severely damage an interior safety window before barricading himself inside the lobby. Two Licking Police Officers quickly secured the scene until additional officers arrived. After a brief negotiation, the suspect exited the building and was taken into custody without further incident. He was transported to the Texas County Jail. The department assured the community that there is no ongoing threat to the public at this time. Additional information, including formal charges, will be released once the investigation is complete. Due to the damage sustained during the incident, the department lobby will remain closed until further notice. The department can still be reached by phone at 573-674-2278. Chief Burton noted that the department appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation.

Elevated fire danger is expected today as winds gust in the 25 to 30mph range and afternoon humidity levels drop into the 25 to 35% range, according to the NOAA. Fires can spread rapidly in these conditions. Outside burning is discouraged except by experienced fire personnel.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors has called a special, executive session meeting this afternoon in the Doctor’s Library at the hospital. This meeting will not be open to the public. The minutes will likely be reviewed and approved during the open session of their regularly scheduled board meeting on the evening of April 25th, at 7:00, which is open to the public.

The Dent County Commission held its meeting Monday morning at the courthouse. First District Commissioner Keith Green reported that crew members are planning to grade county roads 5510 and 6500. Crew members will also be maintaining the backhoe. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported that crew members are planning to grade county roads 4290 and 4437. Crew members will also be hauling rock and grading the conservation area’s County Road 2530. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that payroll will be approved. No excuse absentee voting continues at the courthouse today from 8:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the afternoon. Tomorrow, voters will have to go to their individual polling locations, and those locations will be open from 6:00 in the morning to 7:00 in the evening. If unsure of your voting location, call the Dent County Clerk’s office at 573-729-4144. If your polling location is the Green Forest R-II School Gym, it will not be an active polling site for this election. When voting, please remember to bring your photo ID. Curley reported that estimations for voter turnout for the April Municipal Election are between 10 – 13%. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 in the courthouse, and the meeting is open to the public.  

According to a press release from the office of Christopher R. Pieper, a law firm in Missouri, the Salem Bowling Center has filed a Sunshine Law Lawsuit against the City of Salem on April 3rd, in the Circuit Court of Dent County. The petition alleges the city and three of its officials, including City Clerk Tammy Koller, City Administrator Sally Burbridge, and Mayor Greg Parker, knowingly and purposefully violated Missouri’s Sunshine Law by charging unauthorized fees and failing to produce records responsive to six public records requests related to the city’s utility billing practices. The records requests were part of Salem Bowling Center’s efforts to investigate alleged improper utility billing practices by the city, the subject of which has a pending investigation by the Missouri State Auditor. The petition further alleges the city’s Sunshine Law violations were deliberate in order to prevent the Salem Bowling Center from prosecuting its utility billing appeal by unlawfully preventing access to public records, and that the city responded to each records request with delay, incomplete production, and procedural non-compliance — repeatedly failing to provide the detailed explanations for delay required by law, refusing to produce records in the requested format, and assessing fees the Sunshine Law does not permit. Furthermore, the petition alleges the city sat on its own internal technical reports for months before disclosing them to the Bowling Center on the same day it denied the utility billing appeals, a move the petition characterizes as a deliberate effort to deny the Bowling Center any meaningful opportunity to respond. The seven-count petition seeks civil penalties of up to $5,000 per Sunshine Law violation, injunctive relief requiring the city to produce withheld records and refund unauthorized fees, and an award of attorneys’ fees and costs as authorized by Section 610.027, RSMo. The petition names the city, city clerk, city administrator, and mayor jointly and severally liable for the alleged violations. At the time of this publication, the City of Salem has not responded to a request for comment.

MoDOT has released the following road work planned for the week of today through Sunday within Dent County: On Highway 19, culvert replacement is planned from today through Thursday from Route TT to Route VV in Crawford County. On Route W, pothole patching is planned from today through Wednesday. On Route EE, pothole patching is planned Wednesday and Thursday. Route B at the bridge over Dry Creek remains closed, due to deterioration near one of the supporting structures. Keep in mind that weather conditions may postpone scheduled work. Many projects will include lane closures which could cause delays. Other moving operations such as pothole patching, brush cutting, and pavement repairs continue in various locations. Motorists should travel with care and be alert for slow-moving equipment. 

The Sleep in Heavenly Peace, or SHP, Dent County Chapter will be holding its community meeting today from 5:30 to 6:30 in the afternoon at the Salem Armory Walden Conference Room, with discussions including events, needs, and more. Updates from the local chapter can be found on its Facebook page at facebook.com/shpdentco. SHP is an international non-profit 501(C)(3) organization that builds, assembles and delivers new beds to children in need who do not have a bed. Anyone can apply for their child on the SHP website at shpbeds.org. At the top of the page, click “Apply for a Bed.” Volunteers are welcomed from all ages. Contact the Dent County SHP chapter at 1-844-432-2337 for more information.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds Missourians interested in hunting black bear and/or elk in the state this fall that they need to apply for a limited number of hunting permits for each in May. MDC will offer 2,000 permits to harvest up to a maximum of 60 black bears across three MDC black-bear management zones in the southern part of the state during the 2026 Missouri black-bear hunting season, Oct. 17th  through Oct. 30th. MDC increased the number of available permits from 600 to 2,000 and increased the harvest quota limit from 40 to 60 bears to expand hunting opportunities. Missouri has an estimated population of about 1,100 bears.  Get more information on black-bears and bear hunting in Missouri at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/bear. MDC will again also offer five permits to hunt bull elk in Missouri this fall with at least one permit designated for qualifying landowners who own property in Carter, Reynolds, or Shannon counties and the remaining permits for qualifying residents. MDC has designated the 2026 elk archery portion to run Oct. 17th through Oct. 25th, and the elk firearms portion to run Dec. 12th through Dec. 20th. Get more information on elk and elk hunting at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/elk.  

The Salem Community Garden will host a presentation on Pest Control Thursday night at 6:00 behind the Salem United Methodist at 801 East Scenic Rivers Blvd. Everyone is welcome to attend the presentation event, and you do not have to have a plot to participate. Plots are still available and your first plot is free. Accessible garden beds are also available. For more information, contact the Dent County Extension at 573-729-3196 or Thom Haines at 573-247-7952.

The Dent County Commission held its meeting Thursday morning at the courthouse. With District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams absent and crew members out in observance of Good Friday and Easter weekend, road reports from District One Commissioner Keith Green were minimal. Green reported that crew members have been busy grading this week in the conservation area and installing a culvert pipe, around County Road 5150. Meanwhile, Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported that he attended the Meramec Regional Community Foundation meeting in St. James, in which several scholarships were disseminated to students. The foundation requested names of businesses in Salem, along with businesses across the region, and will be reaching out to see if the businesses would be willing to donate toward trade scholarships. Bills have been reviewed by commissioners and approved. Curley has balanced with Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams on all monthly accounts for the month of March. The Dent County Clerk’s office will be open on Saturday from 8:00 in the morning to noon for voting. On April 6th, Monday, the courthouse will be open for voting from 8:00  in the morning to 5:00 in the afternoon. On April 7th, Tuesday, voters will have to go to their individual polling locations, and those locations will be open from 6:00 in the morning to 7:00 in the evening. If unsure of where your voting location is, call the Dent County Clerk’s office at 573-729-4144. When voting, please remember to bring your photo ID. Health Department Administrator Zach Moser discussed with commissioners the health fair, which will be from 7:00 in the morning to 1:00 in the afternoon May 1st at the Dent County Health Center. He also shared that there will be an upcoming Awards Gala April 24th, in which awards will be presented and money raised for services at the Dent County Health Center. Moser shared that currently there are three cases of Legionnaires Disease within the county. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 in the courthouse, and the meeting is open to the public.

Prosecutor Andrew M. Curley and Sheriff Bob Wells presented to Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams a check in the amount of $469.85 for the sale of firearms in the cases of State v. Michael Munson, State v. Stephen Mock, and State v. Jessica Carnell. These firearms were seized in connection with the arrest and prosecution of each criminal case. The proceeds are to be used for the benefit of Dent County. In addition to the criminal conviction, the seizure and sale of the firearms is authorized by Missouri law as a punishment and deterrent to persons that illegally own/possess/use firearms.

Several community Easter celebrations are planned for this weekend. The Grace Community Church located at 600 Water Street will be hosting a community Easter Egg Hunt this Saturday at 1:00 in the afternoon to 4:00 in the field behind the church. This event is for ages 2 through sixth grade. The First Baptist Church of Salem will be holding its community-wide Easter Egg Hunt this Saturday at 11:00 in the morning, for ages up to third grade. Custard by C-Sue located at 500 East 4th Street will also be holding a free Easter Egg Hunt at 2:00 in the afternoon this Saturday. From 2:00 to 3:00, you can get photos with the Easter Bunny courtesy of William Lynch Parents As Teachers. From 2:00 to 7:00, the custard shop will be open.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors held its regular meeting Tuesday evening at 7:00 in the Doctor’s Library at the hospital. After approving the agenda and the previous meeting’s minutes, the board discussed bids for a new transit ambulance and box remount. Representatives from Pinnacle Emergency Vehicles and TESCO Specialty Vehicles were present at the meeting. After much deliberation, the board approved the transit ambulance bid from Pinnacle in the amount of $167,820, which includes a three-year/100,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-month lead time. The board also approved the box remount bid from TESCO in the amount of $118,681, which includes a 12-month labor-only warranty and a 90–120 day lead time. Financing for the transit ambulance will go through Pinnacle for 60 months at 4.89% interest, and the box remount will be financed through the Bank of Salem at 6% interest for 60 months. Neither option carries early payoff penalties. Medical staff privileges were approved for providers across six departments, and new privileges were granted to five new providers in Teleradiology, Psychiatry Long-Term Care, and Pathology. Policies and procedures and departmental manuals were approved for Infection Prevention, the Emergency Department, and 340B. The Quality Assurance Performance Improvement Plan for 2026 was also approved. In her report, Chief Executive Officer Brooke Bollman highlighted updates on the hospital’s recruitment efforts, strategic planning, Revenue Cycle, and the potential for service line growth, as well as upcoming hospital events in May. For the month of February, the hospital recorded 55 inpatient and four Swing-bed admissions. There were 1,027 outpatient registrations, 1,319 cardiopulmonary procedures, 564 Emergency Room visits, and 192 ambulance runs; these numbers remained consistent with the previous month. The Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation department collected its first revenue in February, totaling $2,646.00. Swing bed revenue was $75,600.00, approximately $45,000 less than the revenue collected in January. Total operating revenue for February was approximately $2 million. The hospital paid $943,714.94 in salary and fringe benefits and $20,716.12 in marketing, which includes recruitment. Total operating expenses were approximately $1.9 million, for a profit of around $354,000.00. The hospital currently has 31 days of cash on hand. 340B net revenue for February totaled $47,168. Amber Hogan delivered the Chief Nursing Officer’s report, highlighting efforts to transition Long-Term Care (LTC) to an electronic medication records program and to update or replace LTC’s call light system. The hospital continues to prioritize education and training. Several employment openings remain in the Med/Surg, Emergency, EMS, and LTC departments. There were four new hires and four departures in February. During the Quality Improvement and Risk Management report, Kendra Mobray noted that the hospital’s new website is nearing completion and may be ready within a month. The meeting then entered into executive session before adjourning. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors is set for April 28th at 7:00 in the Doctor’s Library and is open to the public.

Don’t forget that Healthy Dent County and the University of Missouri Extension will be hosting an Alpha-Gal Syndrome educational session tonight from 5:30 to 6:30 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory at 1200 West Rolla Road. The cost of this course is $5.00 per person, payable at the event. This event is open to the public and designed for anyone interested in understanding and managing Alpha-Gal Syndrome, including individuals, families, and caregivers. For more information, call 573-729-8163.

There are still some VIP tables and individual tickets available for the “Non-Newlywed Game” this Friday evening at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory beginning at 6:30 with doors opening at 5:30. A limited number of individual tickets will be sold for $25 per ticket. Get your tickets now by calling 573-729-8163 or dropping by the Salem Community Center @ the Armory.

An accident occurred in Dent County Monday afternoon at approximately 5:00 on Highway 19 at Dent County Road 4060. According to the Highway Patrol report, an eastbound 2005 Ford F150, driven by a 69-year-old Salem man, ran off the right side of the roadway. The driver overcorrected, and the Ford ran off the left side of the roadway where it overturned. The man suffered serious injuries and was transported by Salem Ambulance and then Air Evac. The report stated that the man was not wearing a safety restraint. The F150 was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing of Salem. 

An accident occurred in Dent County Monday evening at approximately 7:00 on Highway H near Dent County Road 2380. According to the Highway Patrol report a westbound 2000 Dodge Ram 1500, driven by a 34-year-old Edgar Springs man, ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. The man suffered minor injuries and was transported by Salem Ambulance to Salem Memorial Hospital. The report stated that the man was not wearing a safety restraint. The Dodge Ram was totaled and removed from the scene by the owner. 

This guide provided by Dent County Clerk Angie Curley provides essential information for residents for the general municipal election: The final day to vote no-excuse absentee in-person is next Monday, April 6th. Election Day will be next Tuesday, April 7th, and polls will be open from 6:00 in the morning to 7:00 in the evening. You must present a valid government-issued photo ID at your polling location. If your polling location is the Green Forest R-II School Gym, it will not be an active polling site for this election. If unsure of where your polling location is, contact the Dent County Clerk’s office at 573-729-4144. You can obtain a sample ballot also by contacting the Dent County Clerk’s office. Remember that there is no electioneering allowed within or near the polls on Election Day within 25 feet. This includes asking someone for their vote, distributing campaign literature, wearing campaign shirts, hats, pins, etc. Make sure all of your voting information is up to date, such as your address or name. 

According to a press release Salem R-80 District Superintendent Nate Wills provided this afternoon, the Salem High School was one of just 37 high schools, out of nearly 1,000 total statewide, to voluntarily participate in an initiative launched in 2025 to test wastewater for illicit drugs of concern. These schools support their communities and the state by helping to identify potential drug trends affecting students and the surrounding community. Participation demonstrates the district’s proactive commitment to prevention, awareness, and early identification of substance use trends. Wills clarified that the wastewater sample connected to the district was not collected from a dedicated sewer line serving only the high school and middle school. Instead, it intersects with the broader municipal system, meaning it reflects wastewater from the city at large, not exclusively from the school facilities. Sampling occurred between 8:00 in the morning and 3:30 in the afternoon over a 10-week period. During that time, a substance identified as a nitazene, a highly potent synthetic opioid, was detected in one week of the sampling. Because the sample was not exclusive to school facilities, this result cannot be necessarily attributed to the Salem R-80 students, staff, or campuses specifically. However, it reinforces the importance of continued awareness, education, and prevention efforts both in our schools and throughout the community. Earlier this week, district leadership met with Jamie Myers, Director of Prevention Consultants of Missouri; David Chirban, Coordinator of Drug Free Communities; Sherry L. Lea, Executive Director of Healthy Dent County; Carlos Lopez, Healthy Dent County Youth Prevention Coordinator; and Jessica Ricks, Population Health Director at the Dent County Health Center to review the findings and determine next steps on prevention and education. In addition to these partnerships, the district continues to actively implement prevention-focused programming for students. These efforts include Teens On Prevention, a student-led coalition that promotes healthy choices and leadership among peers; Teens Teach Prevention, a peer-to-peer model that empowers students to educate and support one another; and Too Good For Drugs, a research-based curriculum provided to students in grades 4–9 that focuses on building decision-making skills, resilience, and resistance to substance use. Data like this is critically important as communities and the State of Missouri work together to counteract dangerous drugs, protect lives, prevent addiction, and reduce the serious health, safety, and social consequences associated with substance use. Wills concluded that if the community has questions or would like more information about resources available to families, please contact any of the Salem R-80 building offices. The district will continue to partner with local organizations and keep the community informed on the issue.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors will hold their regular meeting Tuesday at 7:00 in the hospital’s library. After the call to order, roll call, and approval of the agenda, the board will discuss approval of policies and procedures, including the infection prevention manual, pharmacy 340B policy, emergency department manual, and quality assurance performance improvement plan. Any registered public comments will be heard before the operational reports from Chief Executive Officer Brooke Bollman, Chief Nursing Officer Amber Hogan, and Quality Improvement Director Kendra Mobray. There is no unfinished business on this meeting’s agenda. Under New Business, the board will consider the approval of medical staff privileges; governing body bylaw; and medical staff bylaw. The meeting will then adjourn to executive session to discuss legal and personnel matters, before adjourning. Except for the executive session, the meeting of the Salem Hospital Board of Directors is open to the public. Anyone that would like to attend by telephone or electronic means should contact the SMH Administration office at 573-729-6626 Extension 4005.

The Dent County Commission held its meeting Monday morning at the courthouse. First District Commissioner Keith Green reported crew members are planning to grade county roads 5410 and 5170. Patching is planned for County Road 6100. The backhoe will be brought to county roads 6300 and 6500 to distribute rock. Second District Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported that crew members are planning on grading county roads 2110 and 4280, as well as hauling rock to 2110 and 2060. Cutting brush is planned for County Road 2570. A driveway pipe is planned to be installed on County Road 2060. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported he will be attending a meeting with the Meramec Regional Community Foundation in St. James, the charitable partner of the Meramec Regional Planning Commission, to choose a scholarship recipient out of five finalists–three finalists were from Hermann, one from Owensville, and one from Salem, Ave Wofford. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that no excuse absentee voting continues. This Saturday, the county clerk’s office will be open for voting from 8:00 in the morning to noon. Next Tuesday, April 7th, voting will be from 6:00 in the morning to 7:00 in the evening. Remember to bring your photo ID. Dent County Collector Shannon Vankirk came in to announce that the SB190 applications will be ready for pick up after April 1st in the Collector’s office. The courthouse will be closed this Friday in observance of Good Friday. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 in the courthouse, and the meeting is open to the public.

Healthy Dent County and the University of Missouri Extension will be hosting an Alpha-Gal Syndrome educational session on Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory at 1200 West Rolla Road. Community members are invited to attend this informative session focused on understanding and managing Alpha-Gal Syndrome. Attendees will learn what Alpha-Gal Syndrome is, explore common symptoms and how screening works. The program will also provide practical prevention strategies and helpful tips for grocery shopping and reading food labels to avoid hidden sources of alpha-gal. This event is open to the public. The cost of this course is $5.00 per person, payable the night of the event.

An accident occurred in Phelps County Thursday evening at approximately 6:30 that left an 18-year-old Rolla resident with serious injuries. According to the Highway Patrol report, the man was operating a Kawasaki Dirt Bike on County Road 2038 one mile north of Rolla when it traveled off the roadway. The driver over corrected causing the westbound bike to overturn in the roadway. The report stated that he suffered serious injuries and was flown by Phelps Air to University Hospital in Columbia. It went on to report that he was not wearing a safety device. The Kawasaki sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by the owner. 

An accident occurred in Phelps County early Saturday morning at approximately 2:10, resulting in the fatality of a 23-year-old Rolla resident. According to the Highway Patrol report, the driver was eastbound on County Road 1000, one quarter of a mile east of Highway B of St. James. The accident occurred when the driver travelled off the right side of the roadway and struck a culvert before returning to the roadway. The driver then overcorrected, causing the vehicle to travel back off the roadway and overturn, ejecting the driver before striking a mail box and a tree. The driver was pronounced deceased on scene by Phelps County Coroner Ernie Coverdell. Assistance was provided by the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, St James Police Department, St James Fire Department and St James Ambulance District. 

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors will hold a special meeting this morning at 11:00, or at the conclusion of the Medical Staff Meeting, in the hospital’s library. After the call to order, roll call and approval of the agenda, the board will discuss the 340B policy. The meeting will then adjourn. The meeting of the Salem Hospital Board of Directors is open to the public. Anyone that would like to attend by telephone or electronic means should contact the SMH Administration office at 573-729-6626 Extension 4005.

Intercounty Electric Cooperative recently announced their annual Washington, DC Youth Tour winners and Jefferson City CYCLE Tour participants following their interviews. The Youth Tour is an all-expenses paid trip to our nation’s capitol and selected this year from Licking was Lillian Godi; Emma Purcell was chosen from Salem; Gabriel Adams was chosen from St. James; and Ashton Stoney was chosen from Rolla. Congratulations to these winners! The students not selected for the Washington, DC Youth Tour are eligible to go on an all-expenses paid trip to participate in the Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience (CYCLE) in Jefferson City, Missouri. These students include Avery Stephens and Elisabeth Bonine from Licking; Ivan Brooks and Jhonine Maralit from Salem; Autumn French and Preston Hash from St. James; and Monay Lafatshe and Wyatt Stough from Rolla. Alternates were also selected this year, including Alivia Peterson from Licking; Carlnez Head from Salem; and Madison Bobbitt-Harris from St. James. Congratulations to all of these students as well as the Youth Tour winners and CYCLE winners in Mountain Grove, Houston, Plato, Summersville, and Cabool. If you’d like to learn more about the Youth Essay Contest held annually in February for high school juniors only, you can contact Intercounty Electric at 866-621-3679 or visit moyouthtour.com.

​The Love Thy Neighbor workweek will take place the week of June 7th through June 11th. LTN is a collaboration of local churches, coming together to meet the needs of the community—including the elderly, veterans, disabled individuals, and those facing financial hardship. The organization provides essential outdoor home improvements such as deck repairs, roofing, painting, and yard work, all at no cost to homeowners. Consider applying to be a volunteer by visiting ltndent.com/volunteer and filling out the online form by April 1st. There is something for everyone, such as being part of a work crew, kitchen crew, encouragers, prayer warriors, organizers, runners, etc. Most of the work will be done on Monday and Tuesday of the workweek. The “Community Fun Day” will be Wednesday, in which the community will visit the city park for food and fun. Crew bosses will be processing homeowner applications for this year’s workweek throughout this month and into April. For more information, visit the Love Thy Neighbor Facebook page at facebook.com/LTNdent or its website at ltndent.com.