Local News

This is a Notice of Public Hearing. The Dent County Fire Protection District Board will be holding a public tax levy hearing at the Dent County Fire Protection District Firehouse located at #2 South Main on Tuesday, Aug. 11th at 6:30 in the evening. The meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Commission has given notice that its regular meeting scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 6th has been cancelled. The next regularly scheduled meeting for the Dent County Commission will be 9:00 in the morning Monday, Aug. 10th at the courthouse.

An accident occurred early Sunday morning around 3:35 in Pulaski County on Highway O at the intersection of Concord Road. According to the highway patrol report a 2017 GMC Canyon driven by a 45-year-old female from Dixon travelled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. The driver suffered serious injuries and was transported by Dixon Ambulance District to Phelps Health Rolla. The report states she was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The GMC sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by TC Towing.

An accident occurred Saturday afternoon around 12:18 in Phelps County at 16226 Highway O. According to the highway patrol report a 2002 Ford Explorer driven by a 34-year-old female from St. James was travelling northbound and traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. The driver suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Phelps Heath by Phelps Health EMS. The report states she was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford sustained extensive damage and was towed by Tunes Towing.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors held its regular meeting on Tuesday evening at 7:00 in the Doctor’s Library.  A presentation was given by the auditing firm Wipfli for the 2025 Fiscal Year audit, led by Paul Traczek and David Goodman. A clean opinion on the financial statements for 2025 was issued. Key highlights included a noted operating margin of 1.4%, net days inpatient accounts receivable at 62 days, an average financial age of 19 years or fixed assets, and a debt service coverage ratio of 4.08. Several internal control issues were flagged in need of improvement, including segregation of duties due to limited staff, and 29 audit adjustments causing a $3 million decrease to the bottom line, credited to late reconciliations from 2024 and the 2024 audit. Despite this decrease, Goodman noted that there was still a positive bottom line with income from operations over $500,000 in comparison to a loss in 2024 of $2.5 million. Traczek wrapped up the presentation by noting that the landscape of rural healthcare is changing rapidly, due to Medicaid and Medicare funding changes, incoming impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), and the Rural Health Transformation fund allocating $50 billion over the next five years, split into two $25 billion tranches. The first $25 billion will be distributed through the states. In Missouri, $216 million has been allocated for the state to disburse, with anticipation of $200 million being allocated to the state annually over the next four years. The next tranche of $25 billion will be distributed directly by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) through competitive applications with a requirement of “innovation” for proposals. All $50 billion must be expended or have a congressionally approved plan by the end of the 5‑year program period. Traczek encouraged board members and staff to stay updated on these upcoming changes and challenges and continue looking for grant opportunities as they come available. The board approved the audit, as presented. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors will be held on Aug. 25th at 6:45 in the Doctor’s Library and is open to the public. At that time, a tax hearing will precede regular business.

The Salem R-80 High School will be holding another walk-in registration day this Thursday, Aug. 6th for anyone needing a device or internet connection to complete their online registration for the upcoming school year. This will be held from 8:00 in the morning to 3:00 in the afternoon.  Please enter through the High School library’s doors. If you have already completed your registration, or plan to register on your own device, you do not need to attend.

A traveling exhibit on loan from the State Historical Society of Missouri Springfield Research Center has landed at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center, titled “Broadcasting the Ozarks: A History of RadiOzark Enterprises.” The exhibit showcases the history of Springfield’s RadiOzark Enterprises, the company behind nationally-known syndicated radio programs such as The Tennessee Ernie Ford Show, The Red Foley Show, and Shorty Thompson’s Dalle Rockin’ Rhythm. At the exhibit, learn about Springfield’s legacy as the “Crossroads of Country Music” and the RadiOzark Record Collection housed at the State Historical Society of Missouri’s Springfield Research Center.

In the July 30th edition of Your World Today, there was a reported accident that occurred on July 28th involving two juveniles in a 2011 Ford Focus at 13900 Highway E. We need to issue a correction to this story: the 16 year old female juvenile that was driving is from Vienna, Missouri. The 16 year old female juvenile passenger is from Rolla, Missouri. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.

An accident occurred around 10:35 in Dent County on Friday evening on Hwy. 32 about 500 feet west of County Road 2405. According to the highway patrol report, a 2004 Ford F150 driven by a 59-year-old male from Salem was travelling westbound and struck a 46-year-old male pedestrian from Cook Station walking in the roadway. The pedestrian suffered serious injuries and was flown by Mercy Life Line to Mercy Hospital in Springfield. The Ford sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene.

An accident occurred Friday evening around 6:30 in Phelps County on Hwy. 68 near County Road 4470. According to the highway patrol report, a 2013 Dodge Dart driven by a 30-year-old female from Salem was travelling southbound and hydroplaned off the right side of the roadway and struck a fence and overturned. The female suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Phelps Health. The report goes on to state she was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Dodge was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

An accident occurred Saturday afternoon around 12:18 in Phelps County at 16226 Hwy O. According to the highway patrol report, a 2002 Ford Explorer driven by a 34-year-old female from St. James was travelling northbound and traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. The driver suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Phelps Heath by Phelps Health EMS. The report states she was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford sustained extensive damage and was towed by Tunes Towing.

According to a post on the City of Salem Facebook page, there have been reports of businesses and entities receiving emails with Secure Documents and a potential title of, “Annual Special Report – City of Salem 2026” allegedly sent on behalf of the mayor. This IS NOT communication from the City of Salem. The city strongly urges residents to not click any links in such an email. This email does not originate from an actual city email address. For more information, you can contact the city administration office at (573) 729-4811.

The Dent County Commission has cancelled its meeting for this morning at the courthouse, as commissioners have been invited to attend Congressman Jason Smith’s annual farm tour. The next County Commission will be 9:00 in the morning Thursday and will be open to the public.

The Missouri’s 2026 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday begins on August 7th at 12:01 in the morning and continues through Sunday, August 9th until midnight. Certain back-to-school purchases, such as clothing, school supplies, computers, and other items as defined by statute, are exempt from all state and local sales or use taxes for this time period only. The sales tax exemption is limited to clothing with any article having a taxable value of $100 or less; school supplies that do not exceed $50 per purchase; computer software with a taxable value of $350 or less; personal computers that do not exceed $1,500; computer peripheral devices that do not to exceed $1,500; and graphing calculators that do not exceed $150. In the “clothing” category, this includes any article of wearing apparel intended to be worn on or about the human body including, but not limited to, disposable diapers for infants or adults and footwear. The term shall include but not be limited to, cloth and other material used to make school uniforms or other school clothing. Items normally sold in pairs shall not be separated to qualify for the exemption. The term shall not include watches, watchbands, jewelry, handbags, handkerchiefs, umbrellas, scarves, ties, headbands, or belt buckles. In the “personal computers” category, this would include laptop, desktop, or tower computer systems which consists of a central processing unit, random access memory, a storage drive, a display monitor, a keyboard, and devices designed for use in conjunction with a personal computer, such as a disk drive, memory module, compact disk drive, daughterboard, digitalizer, microphone, modem, motherboard, mouse, multimedia speaker, printer, scanner, single-user hardware, single-user operating system, soundcard, or video card. In the “school supplies” category, this would include items normally used by students in a standard classroom for educational purposes, including but not limited to, textbooks, notebooks, paper, writing instruments, crayons, art supplies, rulers, book bags, backpacks, handheld calculators, graphing calculators, chalk, maps, and globes. The term shall not include watches, radios, CD players, headphones, sporting equipment, portable or desktop telephones, copiers or other office equipment, furniture, or fixtures. School supplies shall also include graphing calculators valued at $150 or less and computer software having a taxable value of $350 or less.

Healthy Dent County and Titan Paving & Yard Drainage invites the community to an unforgettable evening of music, laughter, and audience participation at its Dueling Pianos Fundraiser this Friday at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. The event will feature The Flying Ivories, an exciting dueling-piano act that combines live music, comedy, sing-alongs, and audience requests. Gather your friends and prepare for a lively evening. Line Dancing and Karaoke will also be part of this fun evening. Doors are to open at 5:30 in the evening and the show will be from 6:30 to 9:30 in the evening. A VIP table for six is $250, and individual tickets are $25. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. There will be concessions and a cash bar at the event. For more information about The Flying Ivories, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/flyingivories. For event questions, call 573-729-8163 or email Jackie@SalemCommunityCenter.org.

An accident occurred in Dent County Wednesday afternoon at approximately 5:00 on Highway 32 at County Road 5020. According to the Highway Patrol report a westbound 1998 Ford Contour, driven by an 18-year-old Salem man, experienced a mechanical failure, traveled off the right side of the roadway, and struck a fence.  A 19-year-old male passenger suffered moderate injuries and was transported by Salem Ambulance to Salem Memorial Hospital. The driver suffered minor injuries and was also transported by Salem Ambulance to SMH. The report stated that neither driver was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

An accident occurred in Dent County Wednesday afternoon at approximately 2:50 on Highway 32 about 10 miles west of Salem. According to the Highway Patrol report a southbound 2001 Chevrolet 2500, driven by a 54-year-old Salem man, was exiting a private driveway. A westbound 2006 Harley Davidson, driven by a 63-year-old Salem man, crested a hill and struck the side of the Chevrolet. The Harley Davidson operator suffered moderate injuries and was transported by EMS to Salem Memorial Hospital. The report stated that neither operator was wearing safety devices at the time of the accident. The Harley was totaled and secured at a nearby residence. The Chevrolet sustained moderate damage and was driven from the scene. 

The Dent County Commission met for its regular meeting Thursday morning at the courthouse. A group of about 12 residents were in attendance for the public comment portion of the meeting. Resident Cheri Low presented commissioners with a petition with more than 1,500 signatures, provided by both residents of and those with ties to Dent County. The petition is to express opposition to data centers being built within the county. Commissioners received the petition and agreed that they also do not want data centers within Dent County, and that they would continue looking into options. In discussions with Phelps County commissioners, local realtors, and Intercounty Electric Cooperative (IECA), Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson shared that it has been noted the infrastructure of Dent County is not equipped to handle a data center, nor have the commissioners been approached by anyone wanting to construct a data center within the county. When seeking legal advice, commissioners were previously informed that with no existing zoning ordinances within the county, options are limited for preventing data center construction. Commissioners further shared they do not wish to infringe on property rights of residents or put in state any such zoning ordinances. Residents also expressed opposition to Flock cameras, to which commissioners stated the Flock cameras were outside of their jurisdiction and encouraged the residents to reach out to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. Moving on to road reports, District One Commissioner Keith Green reported that crew members would be cutting brush on County Road 6300; grading on county roads 5600 and 6633; and then hauling rock to County Road 6640. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported that crew members are continuing work on County Road 3200, which includes hauling rock, pulling ditches, widening the road, and replacing culverts. Cutting brush is planned for County Road 4055 and County Road 3334, alongside hauling rock to and installing a culvert on County Road 3250. Ditches are being cleaned out on County Road 3233 in preparation for a chip and seal recoat. In his report, Larson shared that he attended a meeting with the Meramec Regional Community Foundation (MRCF) where trade scholarships were discussed and finalized. Grants were also discussed. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that no excuse absentee voting is to continue through next Monday, Aug. 3rd. The County Clerk’s Office will be open for no excuse absentee voting on Saturday, Aug. 1st from 8:00 to noon. Next Tuesday, Aug. 4th, the polls will be open from 6:00 in the morning to 7:00 in the evening. If any voters need to update their information, call the County Clerk’s Office at (573) 729-4144 to do so. Sample ballots are available upon request, as well as fair ballot language for the amendments. There will be a public testing of voting equipment Friday morning at 10:00 within the commissioner’s office at the courthouse. Curley also reported that there have been zero claims for workman’s comp for the county this year, and thanked office holders and employees for continuing to practice safety. The County Assessor has turned over new assessed values totaling $221,081,231. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday at 9:00 in the morning at the courthouse and will be open to the public.

The City of Salem Animal Shelter located at 1401 Mullnack Drive is open from Monday through Friday from 8:30 in the morning to 3:30 in the afternoon. For more information on the Salem Animal Shelter, visit its Facebook page run by a group of dedicated volunteers by searching “Friends of Salem Animal Shelter, MO.”

An accident happened Tuesday morning at 11:37 in Phelps County at 13900 Highway E. According to the highway patrol report, a 2011 Ford Focus driven northbound by a 16-year-old female from Vienna, traveled off the right side of the roadway. The driver overcorrected causing the vehicle to go off the left side of the roadway and overturn. The driver and a 16-year-old female passenger from Rolla, each suffered moderate injuries in the accident and were transported to Phelps Health. Neither girl was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Tune’s Towing.

On Tuesday, two policemen from the Salem Police Department assisted the Reynolds County Sheriff’s Office with an interagency investigation to locate a wanted probation absconder who was the subject of a full United States extradition warrant. After checking multiple residences, the Salem Policemen located the subject, identified as David Stull Jr., at a residence in the 1300 block of East Third Street in Salem. Stull was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Dent County Jail, where he was booked and held on the Reynolds County warrant. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

You still have time to cast your absentee vote at the Dent County Courthouse in the clerk’s office for the Aug. 4th Primary Election. Both excused and unexcused absentee voting will continue through Monday, Aug. 3rd at the courthouse during regular business hours from 8:00 until 4:30, except for Monday when they will be open until 5:00. Don’t forget that during the Primary, you may only vote for one party and everyone will vote on the four constitutional amendments. For more information, contact the Dent County Clerk’s office at 573-729-4144.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday night at the Old City Hall Auditorium. Under new and miscellaneous business, the board approved the extension of the lead service line inventory grant from Jan. 14th to Dec. 31st, 2026. The project will need to be wrapped up by that time. This is an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant of $100,000, previously awarded to the city in 2024 to meet EPA’s mandate for an inventory of lead service lines within Salem. For bids, the board approved a bid for two new patrol cars for the Salem Police Department (SPD) at a total cost of $89,364 from Behlman Dodge of Troy, Missouri. This is for the ongoing fleet management program. The board also approved new firearms and trade in of current duty weapons at a total cost of $10,680 for the SPD. Under reports of city officials, Mayor Greg Parker commended electric and water department crew members for their continued efforts in pole replacements and water main repairs. He further commended the SPD for increased patrols. City Administrator Sally Burbridge reported that a pump failed at the sewer treatment plant – this pump is still under warranty. An emergency purchase was made in order to lease an interim unit until the pump can be officially replaced by the company. Public Works Director Steve Paine reported that the wastewater treatment plant is healthy. The oxidation ditch is now operational with new rotors installed. The wastewater treatment plant lead has put in his notice, so the search is on to fill that role as well as the Superintendent position at the plant. Water service line repairs have been conducted, and new sewer and water lines have been installed. The hydrant contractors will be painting 25 hydrants this week. The new water tower has been filled, chlorinated, drained, refilled, and tested, with test results to be received soon to officially put the new water tower online. The well has been shocked with 10,000 gallons of chlorinated water and is currently being flushed to be tested. Meanwhile, the water tower in the Industrial Park is being sand blasted and will be painted via roll-on, not sprayed. Once the new water tower is up and running, the Industrial Park tower will be drained and interior worked on. The electric department has replaced 60 poles since January. The construction department has replaced sidewalks near the Four Rivers facility and continues repairs throughout the city. Alderwoman Catherine Dent reported that the Salem Community Choir has partnered with pastors and ministers in the area to provide a community Thanksgiving service in November to be held at the Old City Hall Auditorium. The board then adjourned into closed session for discussion of real estate. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be Tuesday, Aug. 11th and is open to the public.

To keep your trips to Missouri’s State Parks safe and fun, be sure to check the weather forecast before you go and keep an eye on upstream conditions. Visit the Park and Site Status Map located at the Missouri State Parks website at mostateparks.com and click the “Park/Site Status” button at the very top of the page. This useful tool can help keep your future visits safe.

The Salem R-80 High School will be holding walk-in registrations today from 8:00 in the morning to 6:00 in the evening for anyone needing a device or internet connection to complete their online registration for the upcoming school year. Enter through the High School Library’s doors. If you have already done registration or plan to do registration on your own device, you do not need to attend.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has updated the Missouri Flood & Drought app to include boundaries and labels for all 93 state parks and historic sites, making location tracking seamless for visitors. Developed over three years, this free app uses a statewide network of streamgages and soil-moisture sensors to deliver real-time water level data and local weather impacts. Users can set custom alerts for nearby streams to receive safety notifications and plan safe routes during flooding events. Track stream levels, water velocity, and soil saturation directly on the app or desktop at mohic.hub.arcgis.com. For mobile download, visit Google Play or App Store and search “Missouri Flood & Drought.”

Healthy Dent County and Titan Paving & Yard Drainage invites the community to an unforgettable evening of music, laughter, and audience participation at its Dueling Pianos Fundraiser on Friday, Aug. 7th at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. The event will feature The Flying Ivories, an exciting dueling-piano act that combines live music, comedy, sing-alongs, and audience requests. Guests are encouraged to gather their friends and prepare for a lively evening filled with favorite hits and nonstop entertainment. Line Dancing and Karaoke will also be part of this fun evening. Doors are to open at 5:30 in the evening and the show will be from 6:30 to 9:30 in the evening. A VIP table for six is $250, and individual tickets are $25. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. There will be concessions and a cash bar at the event. For more information about The Flying Ivories, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/flyingivories. For event questions, call 573-729-8163 or email Jackie@SalemCommunityCenter.org.

As families head outdoors with warmer weather, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds everyone to appreciate wildlife from a distance this summer. Young wildlife that may appear orphaned or abandoned may have a mother nearby watching and waiting for humans to leave before they return. If you encounter wildlife that may be injured or you suspect may be truly orphaned, contact your local MDC office before taking any action. Picking up, feeding, or attempting to care for wild animals disrupts their natural behaviors and may violate state wildlife laws. In addition, Missouri law prohibits the possession of many species of wild animals without a valid permit. To report concerns about wild animals, visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov or contact your local MDC office.

The Missouri Geological Survey will identify and map the location of historic landslides in southeastern Missouri through a grant recently awarded by the U.S. Geological Survey. The study area will be along the I-55 corridor through the Benton Hills area of Scott and Cape Girardeau counties. The Missouri Geological Survey will release maps and other data generated through the study to the public in the fall of 2027. Future goals of the effort include building on this project with available funding to conduct additional landslide studies in other areas of Missouri. The study’s funding, in the amount of $39,106, comes from the U.S. Geological Survey Cooperative Landslide Hazard Mapping and Assessment Program. 

The Salem Police Department has released that Patrolman Jonathan Stroot has graduated from East Central College’s Police Academy after completing nearly 700 hours of intensive training. This milestone reflects Patrolman Stroot’s unwavering dedication, perseverance, and commitment to serving the citizens of Salem with honor, integrity, and professionalism.  

To mark this summer’s biggest meteor shower, the Perseids, Elephant Rocks State Park will be open to the public for a rare after-dark event on Friday, Aug. 14th from 8:00 to midnight. If you like stargazing or light shows and are able to brave the August bugs and heat, visit the park to create a lifelong memory. Elephant Rocks State Park is located at 7406 Highway 21, Belleview. This viewing event is free and open to the public; there is no need to register. Park staff will be available to direct you to the best and safest areas to view the shower. You do not need to use any viewing devices to see the shower, but you are welcome to bring your own devices if you want. Attendees are expected to be respectful of others and should avoid excessive noise and use of artificial light. No tents or other invasive camping equipment such as lanterns or propane heaters will be allowed, but you can bring portable chairs for seating and blankets to keep warm. Absolutely no campfires will be allowed. If there is bad weather, the event will be moved to Saturday, Aug. 15th, 8:00 to midnight.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) is seeking information regarding a 1985 Dent County death investigation. Criminal investigators with the DDCC are seeking the public’s assistance regarding the suspicious death of William “Bill” Sundermeyer, 68, of Rolla, MO. The death was initially investigated in 1985, and the case has remained unsolved. Sundermeyer’s family have recently offered a monetary reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for his death. Sundermeyer was last seen on June 7 or 8, 1985, in Rolla, MO. Sundermeyer’s deceased body was located June 10, 1985, in rural Dent County. Since 1985, several tips and investigative leads have been forwarded to law enforcement, and DDCC investigators have followed up on these leads. Sergeant Bradley R. Germann said that Sundermeyer was 68 years old at the time of his death; however, there is evidence and/or circumstances regarding this case which make it suspicious in nature. Germann noted that they believe there are individuals who know details about the incident and what happened to Sundermeyer. They are asking those individuals who know more about the incident to contact investigators. The Sundermeyer family deserve to know what happened to their father and grandfather. Germann also said he believes this case can be solved with the help from the community. Criminal investigators are seeking information from anyone who may have knowledge about this case. They are encouraged to contact Corporal Jonny Fariole, at 573-368-2345 extension 3950. 

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be holding its regularly scheduled meeting tonight at 6:00 at the Old City Hall Auditorium on 202 North Washington Street. After approval of the agenda and consent agenda, the board will hear any scheduled public comments. Under new and miscellaneous business, the board will consider approval of an amendment to extend the lead service line inventory project to Dec. 31st, 2026. Under bids, the board will consider approval of two new patrol cars at a total cost of $89,364 from Behlman Dodge of Troy, Missouri and new firearms at a total price of $10,680 for the Salem Police Department. The board will then hear reports of city officials. The board will move into closed session pertaining to discussion of real estate before finally adjourning. This meeting is open to the public. Anyone may watch meetings streaming live or the recorded versions on youtube.com/@CityofSalemMissouri.

The Dent County Commission met for its regular meeting Monday morning at the courthouse. Under road reports, District One Commissioner Keith Green reported that crew members will be grading and hauling rock to County Road 6040 and then submitting documentation for that road to FEMA for reimbursement. Crew members will also be grading County Road 4245, and the Mantis tractor will be undergoing service. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported that crew members will be cutting brush on county roads 4030 and 4050 and replacing culvert pipes on county roads 3200 and 3330. A flat will be fixed on one of the tractors, and crew members will be stockpiling rock. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported that he would be attending a Meramec Regional Community Foundation (MRCF) meeting Tuesday afternoon. Larson also reported that there is a hole within the sidewalk around the courthouse which will be filled today, due to posing a danger to pedestrians. In addition, a resident of County Road 2403 B, a private road, has called and requested that commissioner Williams consider making it a county road again. Williams agreed to look into the matter. County Clerk Angie Curley reported that payroll and bills are to be approved. Absentee voting continues through Aug. 3rd. This Saturday, Aug. 1st, the County Clerk’s Office will be open for absentee voting from 8:00 in the morning to noon. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse.

The Bunker R-III School District has released that New Student Registration will be taking place on Aug. 11th from 10:00 in the morning to 2:00 in the afternoon at the High School Counselor’s Office. Current students may contact Mrs. Barton for any scheduling questions at the phone number 573-689-2211 ext. 107. This story previously reported by Your World Today erroneously left out a digit. We apologize for any confusion.

Pulltite Campground will be closed for paving beginning at 5:00 in the evening Aug. 2nd to 3:00 in the afternoon Aug. 7th. It will reopen to campers for the nights of Aug. 7th and Aug. 8th and then close again from 5:00 in the evening Aug. 9th to 3:00 in the afternoon Aug. 14th. During the closure, floaters may still put in and take out at the Pulltite landing, but floaters should be aware that the pull-through loop on the gravel bar will not be available and parking will be limited. No vehicles may be left in the campground or in the paved parking lots during the paving closures.  Multi-day floaters will need to park shuttle vehicles in overflow parking behind the ranger station or in other designated areas. This work is part of a park-wide project to repair and renew roadways throughout ONSR.

According to the National Weather Service out of Springfield, an Extreme Heat Warning is in effect now through 7:00 in the morning Tuesday. Afternoon heat index values are estimated to land between 100 to 115 degrees, and then high temperatures in the middle 90s to around 100 degrees. There may be minimal overnight relief with temperatures in the upper 70s to 80s. It’s advised to avoid outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day; Drink plenty of water, sports drinks, or natural fruit juices to stay hydrated; Avoid alcohol and beverages that contain caffeine as these tend to be dehydrating; and, if outdoor activity is unavoidable, take plenty of breaks in the shade, or in an air conditioned environment away from the heat. Residents are reminded that the Salem Public Library is a cooling center and is available and accessible to everyone, whether you have a library card or not. Food and drinks are not permitted within the library but a water fountain is available.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has released that the following general highway maintenance and construction work is planned for the Dent County area through Aug. 2nd. Pavement repairs are planned through July 30th on Hwy. DD, FF, and U. The bridge over Dry Creek on Hwy. B remains closed until its completion planned for sometime in August this year. On Hwy. 32, resurfacing continues through Aug. 2nd with crew members planning to work nightly from 7:00 in the evening to 6:00 in the morning within the city limits of Salem. Crew members will be returning to daytime paving east of Salem as the project continues toward Iron County. On both Hwy. 19 and 32, pedestrian facility upgrades continue within city limits of Salem.

Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick is launching a petition audit of the City of Salem that will provide a thorough review of the governmental operations. Auditors officially began field work on the performance audit on Monday, July 20. Fitzpatrick said his office takes the efforts and concerns of the Salem residents who signed the petition very seriously and will do their best to provide a detailed look at how their city government is operating while also identifying any areas that can be improved. He went on to state that his office is aware that many of the citizens of Salem have taken issue with their utility bills and these concerns will be looked at closely to make sure the city is in compliance with all relevant state laws. The goal is to make sure the city is operating in a manner that is effective, efficient, and accountable. Petitioners needed 278 signatures to trigger the audit and were able to accumulate 284 signatures that were certified by the Dent County Clerk. The City of Salem was last audited by the State Auditor’s Office in 2010. The report, which was also triggered by a citizen petition, found the city had transferred substantial amounts from the Electric Fund to the General Fund without adequate justification. The audit also found the city had not adequately documented the calculation of utility rate increases. Individuals may provide information confidentially for consideration during the audit of the City of Salem to the State Auditor’s Whistleblower Hotline at 800-347-8597, by email at moaudit@auditor.mo.gov, or by visiting www.auditor.mo.gov/hotline.

It’s that time of year again. School is getting ready to get started! Be sure to be prepared by attending the Back to School Fair at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory on Friday, Aug. 14th from 3:00 to 7:00 in the afternoon. There will be free backpacks and school supplies, games and prizes, free food, free socks and underwear, giveaways, and community resources. Call Donna at South Central Missouri Community Action Agency (SCMCAA) to preregister at 573-729-3500. The Bunker R-III School District has released that New Student Registration will be taking place on Aug. 11th from 10:00 in the morning to 2:00 in the afternoon at the High School Counselor’s Office. Current students may contact Mrs. Barton for any scheduling questions at the phone number 573-689-221 ext. 107.

Dent County Health Center’s community transportation service, CareCab, is here to help you get where you need to go, safely and reliably. CareCab is a local ride service for Dent County residents who need dependable transportation, designed for residents without reliable transportation; older adults and caregivers; students, job seekers, and community members; and anyone in Dent County who needs a convenient way to get around. To book a ride with CareCab, visit dentcountyhealthcenter.org/services/carecab or call 573-729-3106. Riders must be able to get in and out of the vehicle independently or with minimal assistance (such as using a cane or walker.) If you need wheelchair-accessible transportation or assistance with mobility, you are encouraged to contact SMTS for specialized services.

The Dent County Commission met for its regular meeting Thursday morning at the courthouse. Under road reports, District One Commissioner Keith Green reported crew members are planning to patch chip and seal roads on county roads 4110, 4120, and 6180. Crew members will be hauling rock as needed with grading planned for county roads 4210, 5530, 6660, and 6633. Cutting brush is planned for County Road 5490 and 5500. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported that crew members are planning on hauling rock to county roads 3200 and 5240; grading in the Boss area around county roads 4350 and 4353; and replacing three culverts on County Road 3200. County Treasurer Denita Williams reported on the CART Tax received for the month of July. The amount received was up from last July a total of $3,850.91. This is up YTD a total of $33,859.27 or 5.8%. Under public comments, a printout of the two-year contract between the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and Flock Safety, Inc. was provided to commissioners for review by resident Katie Anne Gaither. Commissioners approved a request from Tanna Kettner of the Salem Area Arts Council for a cruise-in at the parking lot around the courthouse for the “Art Walk” event on Sept. 26th. Commissioners also approved Kevin James for a seat on the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) board. County Clerk Angie Curley reported that there will be a public testing of voting equipment Friday morning at 9:00. The public is invited to attend and learn more about the voting equipment utilized for our elections. Approximately 240 ballots have been cast so far, reported Curley. No excuse absentee voting will continue through Aug. 3rd. The County Clerk’s Office at the courthouse will be open Saturday, Aug. 1st, from 8:00 to noon for absentee voting. On Election Day, Aug. 4th, polls will open at 6:00 in the morning and close at 7:00 in the evening. As this is a primary election, voters have the choice between several ballots including Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, or non-partisan. Non-partisan ballots will only feature the four amendments. Sample ballots are available upon request within the County Clerk’s Office. If voters have any questions or need to update their information, visit the office or call at 573-729-4144. After casting your ballot, voters are encouraged to post a selfie outside the courthouse with the special “I Voted” sticker celebrating America’s 250th. Voters are reminded to not post a photo of their filled out ballots anywhere, as this is considered a class four election offense within Missouri. Curley also commended a Dent County poll worker of over 55 years, Joan Gray, and shared that this will be Gray’s last election in which she will be working. Later, commissioners were visited by Project Manager Krysta Swartz of Great Rivers Engineering (GRE) and Emergency Management Director Derrick Marfitt of Dent County for an update on ongoing FLAP, TAP, and FEMA projects. The repair projects planned for County Road 5150 and 3210 have been approved by FEMA. Commissioners signed documentation for the project. Swartz estimated a bid opening date sometime in mid-September with construction estimated to take place this winter. FEMA staff have requested additional documentation for the County Road 4210 bridge, so GRE will be in contact with the US Army Corps of Engineers after receiving a signature from the commissioners for approval. Moving on, Swartz updated the commissioners on the FLAP Project in Montauk on County Road 6670. Changes to that project have been approved by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT.) Contact will be made for right-of-way acquisitions with adjacent landowners. Commissioners were assured the project is still estimated to come under the originally budgeted $800,000. As for the TAP Sidewalk Project surrounding the courthouse, rebidding is planned for Aug. 24th. Several cost-saving changes to the project were suggested, with the commissioners approving stamped concrete walls, with no paint or stain, and an option for contractors to pursue pre-cast walls rather than onsite pouring. Work at the earliest may start in October. Swartz closed with a notice that MoDOT has funding for the Bridge Engineering Assistance Program (BEAP) available, as of July 1st. BEAP is fully funded by MoDOT  to complete bridge engineering studies for local public agencies. Williams shared that Danny Brown of The Nature Conservancy will be visiting several lowwater bridges on Tuesday to review possible grant eligibility. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday at 9:00 at the courthouse and is open to the public.

The Dent County Toy Drive will be holding its 6th annual Christmas in July fundraiser on Saturday at The Commons from 9:00 in the morning to 3:00 in the afternoon. This is a special year for the toy drive as it will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. There will be plenty to enjoy at the event, including pulled pork sandwiches, music throughout the day, and a free kids carnival. Attendees can also look forward to the car show, craft show, and poker run. The event will be held rain or shine. Attendees are asked to bring a toy to fill the truck, although not required to attend.

No excuse absentee voting is officially underway and will continue through Aug. 3. The courthouse will be open for absentee voting on Saturday, Aug. 1 from 8:00 in the morning to noon. To stay up to date on upcoming deadlines and voting information, be sure to follow the Dent County Elections Facebook page by searching Facebook for “Dent County Elections/County Clerk-Angie Curley.” For more information, visit the Missouri Secretary of State website at sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri.

Salem R-80 High School has given notice that online registration is now open for the 2026-26 school year. Find online registration directions on the district website under the “District” tab at salemr80.org/page/onlineregistration. New families do not have a Parent Portal account, so please use the link located under “Brand New Families to the District” to begin the registration process. Returning families (including those that did Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and Freshmen pre-registration), visit your Campus Parent Portal and click “Menu” and then “More” to find your online registration. If you do not have the Campus Parent app, you can find the link on the Salem R-80 website at salemr80.org under the “Parents” tab. If you have a new student to add, you can do so during your registration process. If you have forgotten your username or password, the Campus Parent Portal homepage has the option to send the information to your security email. If you need to change your Campus security email, you may contact kara.constance@salemr80.org.

Join Salem Public Library this evening from 6:00 to 8:00 for an engaging presentation from Mike Snyder of WildWise Botanicals on edible wild mushrooms of the region. Snyder has been hunting and studying Missouri’s fungi for 15 years and is the author of the forthcoming Foraging Mushrooms of the Ozarks. Presenting a slideshow of original photography, Snyder will walk attendees through some mushroom basics and cover how to find delicious mushrooms in our region, along with tips on their utilization in the kitchen. Several of the most common toxic species will be covered as well. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to learn about the fascinating fungi that grow right outside our doorsteps. There is no cost or library card required to attend, and the event will take place in the Shirley Seay Hospitality Room.

The Dent County Toy Drive will be holding its 6th annual Christmas in July fundraiser this Saturday at the Dent County Commons from 9:00 in the morning to 3:00 in the afternoon. This is a special year for the toy drive as it will be celebrating its 50th anniversary serving children in Dent County. There will be plenty to enjoy at the event, including pulled pork sandwiches, music throughout the day, and a free kids carnival. Attendees can also look forward to the car show, craft show, and poker run. Of course, there will also be Santa on the beach visiting from 10:00 to noon. The event will be held rain or shine. Attendees are asked to bring a toy to fill the truck, although not required to attend. For updates, visit the Dent County Toy Drive at its page at facebook.com/TheDentCountyToyDrive.

The Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) has released that it has received a 2026 Excellence in Transportation Planning award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO.) The award recognized 22 projects nationwide. The award received by MRPC recognized the Active Transportation Plans completed for the City of Salem. Executive Director Bonnie Prigge and Planning Manager Anne Freand attended the 2026 National Regional Transportation Conference in Atlanta and participated in the awards reception Monday evening where the project was shared with fellow planners. Thanks was given by MRPC to Freand along with Orin Pogue, MRPC community development specialist, for their work on the project, and the City of Salem stakeholders and leadership. Thanks was also given to the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services for funding the project. To learn more about the project, visit the City of Salem website at salemmo.com and search “Active Transportation Plan.”

The Dragonfly Wings Foundation’s Flemings Variety on 4th will be holding a holiday event from Nov. 6th through the 8th. There will be pies, cheeseballs, cookies, and candy homemade, frozen, and ready to take home for holiday treats, alongside handmade and retail items to peruse. Raffles for quilts and auction items will also be available. Every penny spent supports teachers and educational programs all throughout Dent County. To learn more about the Dragonfly Wings Foundation, visit their website at dflyw.org. To stay up to date on their upcoming events, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/dragonflywingsfoundation.

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees will be holding its regular meeting Thursday evening at 5:00 located at 1014 E. Scenic Rivers Boulevard. This meeting will be open to the public. The board will consider the approval of the June meeting minutes. Under old business, the board will be presented with operations reports, the administrator’s reports, and will consider the approval of the financial reports. Under new business, the board will consider changes to employee benefits. A portion of the meeting will be closed to the public to discuss personnel. Then, the board will adjourn.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met for its regular meeting Thursday, June 18th. After the approval of the May minutes, the board reviewed the Operations Report. Under Communicable Disease, there were 13 reports of STI encounters, two reports of STI treatments, 11 reports of influenza, and eight animal bites. Under Maternal-Child Health, there were 343 total WIC visits, two car seats distributed, one crib distributed, three childcare health consultations, and 12 Title X appointments. There were eight total environmental inspections conducted. Under laboratory detail, there were 234 laboratory draws, two rapid tests, five pregnancy tests, four lead tests, four urine drug screens, and 122 phlebotomy appointments. Under immunizations, there were 22 vaccines administered other than COVID or influenza. There were a total of 139 lab appointments conducted, 109 provider appointments, 27 immunization appointments, and 510 appointments conducted other than WIC. There were also 261 CareCab Rides provided. Health Administrator Zach Moser discussed with the board a search for options regarding IT continuity, and he presented a draft of a generalized administrative continuity plan. Moser reported on a Missouri Foundation for Health Grant to improve and expand the Teen Maze and to integrate firearms safety education into the program for $50,000. Moser further reported on staffing shortages and facing difficulty in recruiting. The financial reports were reviewed with a report of current assets at the end of March to be $1.3 million. Revenue for the month was $135,185.84, After other revenue and expenses, net revenue was $12,769.33. A report for May from H&R block was received and reviewed. The board approved financial reports. In closed session, the board approved the continuity planning proposal from Momentum CPAs and Advisors. The next meeting of the Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees will be Thursday, July 23rd, at 5:00 in the afternoon, and will be open to the public.

The Dent-Phelps R-III Board of Education met for its regular meeting Thursday, July 16th. After approval of the agenda and consent agenda, including open session minutes of the June 23rd meeting, July financial reports, bills, and the substitute list additions, the board approved a time and date for the Tax Levy Hearing. The board also approved the following as presented: Revisions to the 2025-26 Budget; Art and Library Job Descriptions; and the Parent/Student Handbook for the 2026-27 school year. The board approved raising regular student and adult lunches and breakfasts 10 cents, with milk to remain the same. Extra Duty Assignment Stipends were approved, with amendments. The Driver/Staff training curriculum was tabled, and the board took a walkthrough of the facilities. After a closed session for the purposes of personnel, the board adjourned. The next meeting of the Dent-Phelps R-III Board of Education will be Aug. 20th at 6:00 in the evening to immediately follow the Tax Levy Hearing. 

The North Wood R-IV Board of Education met for its regular meeting Tuesday, July 14th. After approval of the agenda and consent agenda, the board discussed the strategic plan and set dates for meetings in August. The next stakeholders meeting will be Aug. 21st from 8:30 to 11:30 in the morning. Chad Heithold and Davy Gray were present during discussion of facilities and kitchen renovations. Superintendent Jeff Dodson provided an update on the budget, sharing he is working on tax rates for the tax rate hearing in August. An audit will be conducted on Aug. 11th. Dodson informed the board he will be attending the DESE conference and law seminars in the next few weeks. Under old business, Principal Kristina Jackson congratulated teacher Nikki McMullin for getting in the top 20 for the DESE Regional Teacher of the Year Award. For the 2025-26 school year, North Wood had also received the Mary Miller Richter PBIS award. Within closed session, the board accepted a letter of resignation from Aiden Brooks, with board member Aaron Brooks abstaining. The board then adjourned. The next meeting of the North Wood R-IV August board meeting and tax rate hearing will be on Aug. 18th at 6:00.

Lots of events are planned this weekend at Montauk State Park’s campground amphitheater. Beginning on Friday from 9:00 to midnight, visit and learn about owls. Then, Saturday afternoon at 2:00, return to meet Jake the Snake and learn all about snakes. Not only will you meet a snake up close, but you’ll also be able to learn practical information like what to do if you’re ever bitten by one. Build a cute, crafty snake you can take home. Later on Saturday evening at 9:00, return to the campground amphitheater to join Kyle Case from the Missouri Department of Conversation and learn about hatchery operations and how trout are raised, stocked, and maintained. This behind-the-scenes tour offers a look into what’s involved in bringing outstanding fishing to Montauk’s waters!