Local News

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.

The Dent County Commission met for its meeting Thursday morning at the courthouse. In the road reports, First District Commissioner Keith Green reported crew members have installed a pipe on Dent County Road 5150 and are planning to do ditch work on that same road. Crew members are hauling rock and grading on County Roads 6600 and 5150. Second District Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported crew members are planning on hauling rock and grading on Dent County Roads 2050 and 5110. Dump truck #122 has a hydraulic leak and requires maintenance. Crew members are planning on opening up culverts on County Road 4290. On County Road 4283, crew members will be retrieving washed off gravel with the backhoe and returning it to the roadway. Two pipes were replaced yesterday on County Road 5300. Williams emphasized many culverts have been filled with gravel due to the recent washouts from rainstorms, and crew members have been stretched thin due to the recovery efforts. He urged residents to grant them patience and grace as they work to restore the roads. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported that MRPC’s Executive Director Bonnie Prigge reached out to presiding commissioners within the eight county region and urged them to contact their representatives regarding Senate Bill 1586, an act modifying and creating new provisions relating to solid waste management. Larson said the bill would eliminate solid waste management plans and create five new solid waste management regions; however, nothing in the legislation determines operations, leadership, or financial plans for the new regions. Larson shared that due to correspondence from the presiding commissioners, Senator Ben Brown of District 26, the sponsor of the bill, has placed the bill on an informal calendar to allow more time for public review and comment. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that no excuse absentee voting continues through April 6th. From 8:00 in the morning until 12:00 noon Saturday, April 4th, the courthouse will be open for absentee voting in the county clerk’s office. On April 7th, polls will be open from 6:00 in the morning to 7:00 in the evening. Curley urged residents to make sure their addresses are correct in order to avoid confusion at the polls. Addresses may be changed up until the day of voting. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams reported $84,166.81 in CART funds for the month. This is up year-to-date from last year 6.4%. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 in the courthouse, and the meeting is open to the public. 

The Salem Police Department works to keep the community safe, and invites residents to help make a difference. If you have any information, big or small, don’t hesitate to reach out and help keep Salem safe by submitting tips to email SPDTips@salemmo.com or 573-729-4242. Information related to the following investigations is accepted: narcotics activity, stolen property, murder investigations, or burglary incidents.

An accident happened at 12:03 Wednesday morning on Route P at Forest Service Road 1516 in Phelps County that left two people with injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 2004 Nissan Frontier driven westbound by a 20-year-old man from Vichy, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. The driver, who was not wearing a seat belt, suffered serious injuries and was flown by Phelps Air to the University Hospital in Columbia. The passenger, a 20-year-old man from Steelville, suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Phelps Health by the Phelps Health Ambulance. The passenger was wearing his seat belt at the time of the accident. The Nissan was totaled and removed from the scene by D&D Towing. The highway patrol was assisted by the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held its regular meeting Tuesday evening in the auditorium at 202 North Washington Street. After approving the agenda and consent agenda, the board approved the request for street closure from Tim Dotson for the purposes of a bike show from 9:00 in the morning to 2:00 in the afternoon August 29th around the courthouse. The board also approved the recommendation of James Taylor to fill a vacancy on the Parks Board. Under new and miscellaneous business, the board approved an annual contract with Landmark Aquatics for opening and winterizing the city pool, along with a budget adjustment to fund the replacement of fencing around Billy’s Playground. Several first and second readings of bills were approved, including an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement for engineering services with Toth and Associates, INC.; an ordinance authorizing the mayor to execute an aviation project consultant agreement with H.W. Lochner, Inc. for the city airport; and an ordinance authorizing submission of requests for reimbursement for the six t-hangar project. Finally, there was a first reading for an ordinance authorizing the mayor to accept and execute an access easement from HMH Properties, LLC. for permanent access and utility purposes. During reports from city officials, City Administrator Sally Burbridge reported she attended an MPUA board meeting. Mayor Greg Parker shared that Spring Cleanup is scheduled for May 4th through May 8th, along with May 11th through May 15th, following the annual citywide yard sale. Public Works Director Steve Paine reported construction crew members continue making progress on the t-ball parking lot. Parks Director Melissa DuBois commended the construction crew members for their work on the t-ball parking lot. The concession stand deep freeze is in need of repair. Summer ball registrations have begun and the parks department is in need of coaches. Alderman Nathan Kinsey commended the community for the recent 100 Acre Wood Rally and its success. With no further reports, the board adjourned. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be held April 14th and will be open to the public. 

The Salem Area Arts Council’s “Art Across the Ages,” a Community Art Show is coming to an end Friday at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center. Now is your last chance to recognize the amazing talent and creativity that exists in our schools and community. This is a family friendly art show. The exhibit has visiting hours from 9:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon. Don’t miss it before it is gone! Come out and support the arts.

The Bunker R-III School District will be having a Fish Fry for graduating seniors this Saturday from 10:00 in the morning to 2:00 in the afternoon at the Old Conway Feed Store. Join the district for a delicious meal to help support its graduating seniors. The menu includes a catfish plate with a choice of two sides from the following options: hush puppies, coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans. Drinks and dessert may also be purchased separately. The cost is $10 with all proceeds going toward the senior trip and graduation. Carryout or local delivery is also available within the Bunker area, just call or text 573-851-9858 or 573-604-4241. Help spread the word and bring a friend to the event. 

Students in Mr. Wofford’s creative writing class at the Salem High School competed for spots in the Unsolved issue of Young Writers, an organization which runs national writing contests for schools, helping to turn students’ imagination and creative talent into confidence and writing skills. The contest’s prompt asked students to create mystery-themed mini-sagas (100 word stories.) According to a representative from Young Writers, there were many entries and only the best entries submitted were placed in the issue. Those included in the Unsolved issue were local students Lilly Standley, Phoebe Taylor, Marshall White, and Ivan Brooks! Congratulations!

The City of Salem Parks & Recreation registration for ball season, including baseball, t-ball, and softball, is open now through April 9th for $35, with late registration available from April 10th 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. 

The “Non”-Newlywed Game Show will be held in the evening of Friday, April 3rd at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Doors open at 5:30, and the game starts at 6:30. This event is sure to be a night of laughter as local couples compete to see how well they really know each other in the “Non”-Newlywed Game Show. This year’s couples are Brian & Candi Mink, Wes & Kendra Mobray, Jake & Marissa Conway, andShane & Leanna Paine. Tickets are $25 and available at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. For more information or questions, call 573-729-8163.

The Salem Area Arts Council “Creative Arts Center” will be hosting a Kids’ Art Camp from June 22nd through June 26th, called “Libby’s Art Adventure Camp.” Ticket sales start April 1st and close on June 18th. The camp will be hosted by Tana Kettner, Danielle Norris, Hannah Heithold, Nicole Curtis, and other teachers at the Creative Arts Center. The target age range will be those aged 6 to 16. The art camp will be 8:00 in the morning to noon with light snacks provided. All proceeds gathered will go toward Arts Center renovation projects. For more information or to sign up, visit sacba.org and click on “Salem Creative Arts Center.” Then, click on “browse and register for events.” 

The Salem Memorial District Hospital is offering a 20% tax season discount between now and May 31st. The discount is offered to all patient accounts, regardless of insurance status; the account must be paid in full during the discount period; and patients must call patient account services to have the discount applied. Contact patient account services at 573-729-6626 to learn more or make a payment. 

The Sleep in Heavenly Peace, or SHP, Dent County Chapter will be holding its community meeting in the afternoon of April 6th from 5:30 to 6:30 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. Volunteers are welcomed from all ages. Contact the Dent County SHP chapter at 1-844-432-2337 for more information or visit the chapter’s website at shpbeds.org/chapter/mo-dent-co.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting this evening at 6:00 in the Old City Hall Auditorium. After the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call and approval of the agenda and consent agenda, the board will hear any scheduled public comments. The board will be hearing a request for street closure from Tim Dotson and will also be considering the recommendation of James Taylor to fill a vacancy on the Parks Board. Under new and miscellaneous business, the board will consider the approval of a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute an aquatic care pool opening and winterizing agreement with Landmark Aquatic, as well as a budget adjustment to fund the replacement fencing around Billy’s Playground. There will be several first and second readings of bills, including: an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement for engineering services between the city and Toth and Associates, INC.; an ordinance authorizing the mayor to execute an aviation project consultant agreement with H.W. Lochner, Inc. for professional services at the airport; and an ordinance authorizing the submission of requests for reimbursement for the hangar project. Then there will be the first reading of one bill, an ordinance authorizing the mayor to accept and execute an access easement from HMH Properties, LLC for permanent access and utility purposes. Finally, there will be reports from city officials, followed by adjournment. The meeting of the City of Salem Board of Alderman is open to the public.

The Dent County Commission met for its meeting Monday morning at the courthouse. First District Commissioner Keith Green reported crew members are planning to haul rock and grade to county roads 5440, 5400, 5450, 6575, and 4160. The backhoe will be brought to county roads 6175 and 6633. Second District Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported crew members are planning to grade county roads 3020, 2080, 2070, cut brush on County Road 2570, and haul rock to county roads 3125 and 2070. The backhoe will be brought to County Road 4380 to work on a low water crossing project. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that payroll is to be approved. Meanwhile, no excuse absentee voting begins Tuesday and ends April 6th. The last day to apply and mail out an absentee ballot will be Wednesday. The R-2 School District has nothing to vote on. Remember to bring your photo ID when voting. 

In Rolla, construction will be starting and is to continue through August to rehabilitate the Business U.S. 44/Missouri Route 72/Kingshighway bridge. One eastbound lane will remain open throughout construction, but all westbound lanes on the bridge will be closed. A signed detour will direct motorists along I-44 to Exit 186, then back onto I-44 to Exit 184. While the supporting structures of these bridges are in good condition, the bridge decks have deteriorated and require rehabilitation work to extend their useful life. For more information about MoDOT projects, please visit the Traveler Information Map at traveler.modot.org or call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636).

Route 106 in Shannon County is closed for bridge inspection. This section of roadway is located from Route D to County Road 423 in Alley Springs. Weather permitting, work will take place April 9th from 6:00 in the morning to 8:00 in the evening. The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.

The Salem Police Department has released these reports for the middle of March. On Saturday, March 14th, Patrolmen #114 and #115 located a vehicle in the 1100 block of East Scenic Rivers Boulevard after multiple reports of an erratic driver. Officers found the vehicle to be occupied by the driver and two children. An investigation was conducted and the driver, Deseray Deshurley was arrested for DWI, with a person less than 17 in the vehicle. On Wednesday, March 18th, Patrolman #114, Sergeant #105, and Lieutenant #103 conducted an investigation into the whereabouts of a wanted fugitive. Officers responded to the 400 block of West Ninth. The subject was located concealed in a shed on the property. Deseray Fish was taken into custody. Another male subject was arrested for hindering prosecution and resisting arrest and was later released pending formal charges. Thursday, March 19th, Patrolman #113, #106, #104, and #103 responded to the area of the Ranch Motel for a domestic in progress. Officers conducted an investigation and observed injuries on a victim and her property to be damaged. As a result, Logan Walker, was arrested for domestic assault4th and property damage. From March 13th to March 20th, officers of the Salem Police Department responded to 187 calls for service, completed six additional city ordinance arrests and took 23 reports for various offenses.

The Dent County Sheriff’s office released that on Tuesday, March 17th, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 13,000 block of South Highway 19 for several equipment violations. K9 Mid was called to the scene and alerted to the scent of narcotics coming from the inside of the vehicle. A vehicle search was conducted and a substantial amount of methamphetamine, as well as items of paraphernalia were located. Logan Walker, age 21, of Salem was arrested. Walker was booked into the Dent County Jail on a 24-hour hold. Honorable Judge Kelsaw issued a warrant for Walker’s arrest, charging him with trafficking drugs in the second degree, along with several other traffic offenses. Walker’s bond was set at $25,000 cash or professional surety. The methamphetamine seized totaled 87.31 grams, or 3.08 ounces. The Sheriff’s Office is committed to eradicating these poisonous substances from Dent County. The above listed charges are merely accusations and do not constitute evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

Also according to a press release from the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, on March 21st, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the Salem City Limits for a traffic violation. K9 Mid was deployed and alerted to the scent of illegal substances from inside the vehicle. A vehicle search was conducted. Deputies located approximately 1.46 grams of suspected methamphetamine along with a loaded firearm, which had been reported stolen. Arrested was Terry Hutchison, age 60, of Edgar Springs. Hutchison was booked into the Dent County Jail on a 24-hour hold. Honorable Judge Kelsaw issued a warrant for Hutchison’s arrest, charging him with possession of a controlled substance, felony stealing, and unlawful use of a possessed weapon, and felony controlled substance. Hutchison’s bond was set at $25,000 cash or professional surety. At the time of this post, Hutchison remains incarcerated. The above listed charges are merely accusations and do not constitute evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

The following is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work planned in the Dent County area now through March 29th, according to a press release from MoDOT. On Route 19, culvert replacement is planned now through March 26th from Route TT to Route VV. One lane will remain open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zone. On Routes EE, FF, and W, pothole patching is planned from March 25th through March 26th. One lane will remain open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zone. On Route B, the bridge over Dry Creek remains closed, due to inspectors finding a sinkhole developing near one of the supporting structures. Motorists may use Missouri Routes 19, 32 and 72 as detoured routes around the closure. A project to replace the bridge is scheduled to be completed this year. Weather conditions may postpone scheduled work. Many projects will include lane closures which could cause delays. In addition to the work listed, other moving operations such as pothole patching, brush cutting, and pavement repairs continue.

The Dent County Commission met for its regular meeting Thursday morning at the courthouse. In road reports, First District Commissioner Keith Green reported crew members would be grading county roads 5220, 5130, 6575, and 6460. Crew members would also be hauling rock to County Road 6575. Second District Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported crew members would be grading county roads 3160, 3050, 3020, 3060, 3070, and 3080. They would also be hauling rock to county roads 3020, 3050, and 3090, and cutting brush on County Road 2510. A resident requested maintenance on County Road 4340, with Williams affirming crew members would be out to take care of it. Williams also reported commissioners will be putting bids out for a lease and purchase agreement for two dump trucks. Those bids are planned to be opened April 6th at 10:00 in the morning. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson shared the Tourism Commission heard one request and approved three reimbursements Tuesday. At the Ozarks Solid Waste Management District, members went over finances and approved a grant request. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that bills have been approved. For the April municipal election, March 25th is the last day to mail out absentee ballots. No excuse absentee voting begins March 24th through April 6th. From 8:00 in the morning until 12:00 noon Saturday, April 4th, the courthouse will be open for absentee voting in the county clerk’s office. On April 7th, voting will be open from 6:00 in the morning to 7:00 in the evening. Sargent Lenny Pabin with the Sheriff’s Office requested approval in applying for a DSSSF grant, which would allot approximately $2,000 a year per deputy. With 13 deputies, this would be $26,000. The commissioners approved submitting the application for the grant. Meanwhile, under public comments, Missouri State Representative of the 124th District, Don Mayhew, stopped by to discuss legislative issues, including how the state owed counties roughly $43 million in jail per diem. Mayhew, along with three other representatives, were put on a subcommittee to seek solutions to the issue. According to Mayhew, approximately 62% of the $43 million lies in pre-trial confinement. In 2025 alone, 856 people had spent more than a year in county jails, with 82 spending more than three years, with many being arrested on a charge that wouldn’t have drawn a three year sentence, Mayhew shared with the commissioners. With that being the case, the cost is mainly tied to waiting on mental-health evaluations or treatment for mental health conditions. Mayhew proposed to legislators utilizing a state prison located in Cameron, Missouri as a dedicated mental-health facility, which would allow for the transportation of detainees with mental illness there, rather than holding the detainees indefinitely in county jails. Despite support expressed from county sheriffs and commissioners for the idea, Mayhew shared that a study must be done first, which requires funding. In addition, Mayhew is working on a bill which would mandate consent from inmates for mental health treatment, modeled after bills within Texas and Florida. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 in the courthouse, and the meeting is open to the public.

The Nurses Honor Guard was first established in 2003 by the Kansas State Nurses Association. There are now more than 250 professional local chapters nationwide, including the South-Central Missouri Nurse Honor Guard LLC., a volunteer organization of active and retired nurses who come together to honor their nursing colleagues that have passed away. The organization currently has 12 members and cover services held in five counties including Phelps, Dent, Crawford, Texas, and Pulaski County. The 5-10 minute tribute during the funeral or memorial service recognizes the lifelong commitment of the nurse who dedicated their life to caring for others. The volunteers wear traditional white uniforms, white caps, and nursing capes. The honor guard provides this service free of charge to families and includes a special reading of the Nightingale Pledge, a personal tribute to the deceased, and a final call to duty. A white rose is then placed on the casket or with the urn, and a Nightingale lamp is given to the family. Families or funeral directors can request a ceremony by contacting Bev Martin at 573-626-4699 or Carol Lacy at 573-453-4977. Meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at the Community Center at the Salem Armory at 4:00 in the afternoon. Nurses interested in joining the South-Central Missouri Nurse Honor Guard may also contact Bev or Carol. Any individual, family, or business interested in helping cover the cost of the lamps, brochures, and other items needed for ceremonies can donate by mailing a check payable to the South-Central Missouri Nurse Honor Guard c/o Carol Lacy, 1108 South Louise Street, Salem, Missouri 65560.

Travis Pastrana along with co-driver Rhianon Gelsomino in their Subaru won the 2026 ARA 100-Acre Wood Rally this past weekend with a time of 1:27:35.5 with an average speed of 74.48 MPH, easily beating the team of Patrick Gruszka and Florian Barral in their Hyundai who won the battle for second place coming in just 4/10ths of a second in front of the team of Tom Williams and Ross Whitlock who captured third place driving a 2024 Skoda Fabia. Finishing in fourth place just three seconds behind the team of Williams and Whitlock was the team of Lia Block and Alessandro Gelsomino who were driving a 2023 Hyundai. The 100 Acre Wood Rally is the second round of the 2026 ARA National Championship and comes on the heals of the Sno Drift Rally. As the season’s first gravel rally, it traditionally rewards those who are fearless in their commitment to driving fast relying on their lightning-fast reflexes to navigate some of the quickest roads in North American rallying. This year’s rally did not disappoint and was well attended at both Parc Exposes in Potosi and Salem as well as the spectator locations.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) announced formal charges against Jerry S. Barnett, age 38, of Norwood, Missouri, Justin L. Emery, age 42, of Mountain Grove, Missouri, and Jared D. Mings, age 44, of Mountain Grove, Missouri. The three men were arrested following an investigation conducted by the Rural Crimes Investigation Unit (RCIU) of the patrol. Investigators were made aware of a possible livestock theft in rural Texas County in September. The owner of the cattle resided out of state and reported the cattle were stolen. Three suspects were identified and the patrol followed up on additional leads and obtained evidence connecting Barnett to the theft of the livestock. Investigators later discovered Barnett obtained assistance from Emery and Mings, who sold the cattle under their respective names. The above charges are a mere accusation and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. DDCC is committed to serving those in its rural communities and encourages anyone with information regarding livestock theft to report it to the Missouri Livestock and Farm Protection Task Force at 888-484-8477.

The City of Salem will resume tree trimming and clearing around electric distribution lines beginning this week through the next several months. This work is part of the city’s ongoing effort to maintain a safe and reliable electric system and is required by Missouri state statute. Trimming and clearing will take place in the area roughly south of 2nd Street and east of Hickory Street and north of Scenic Rivers Boulevard. Aproject map outlining the specific locations is available on the city’s website by searching “city projects,” or you may ask for a printout at the City Administration Office located at 400 North Iron Street. Crews will work as quickly and safely as possible to limit any inconvenience to residents. Note that the crew may drop limbs and branches on your property. Crew members will return to clean up the limbs within 2-3 days. Please give the crew this grace period before calling to ask for a cleanup to occur. For more information, contact the City of Salem Utility Office at 573-729-4811.

The Dent County Health Center will be holding its first annual charity gala and awards dinner dedicated to celebrating community members and organizations who embody the mission of public health, while raising funds to support disease prevention and community wellness initiatives across Dent County. Scheduled for April 24th at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory, the gala will bring together local leaders, businesses, healthcare partners, and residents for an evening focused on connection, recognition, and impact. Proceeds from the gala will directly support Dent County Health Center programs. Based on community input, a final list of nominees has been compiled for the awards, representing the very best in healthcare, public health and community service. To vote, visit dentcountyhealthcenter.org and search “final voting.” Winners will be honored and announced at the gala and awards banquet April 24th.

With warming weather and the many wonders of nature awakening in spring, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds people to be BearWise. Missouri’s estimated 1,000+ black bears are waking up and are focused on fattening up after a long winter’s sleep. Unsecured food sources around homes and outbuildings could attract the attention of a hungry bear. It is important that people remove or secure bear attractants from their property, such as bird feeders, trash, barbeque grills, pet food, and food waste. Intentionally feeding bears can be dangerous because it makes them comfortable around people and can lead bears to cause significant damage to property while searching for food. Most Missouri bears live just south of Interstate 44, but as the population continues to grow, bears have started to inhabit new areas of the state. For more information on how to be BearWise and to report a bear sighting, visit mdc.mo.gov/bearwise.

The City of Salem Parks and Recreation Board held a meeting Monday evening at the Old City Hall Auditorium located at 202 N. Washington Street. Only one item was on the agenda, and that was to amend the previously adopted motion on March 11th calling for a budget adjustment for Billy’s Playground fence replacement and repair in the amount of $10,500. The amount was increased to reflect the actual amount needed of $10,750. The amount was previously incorrect due to a typing error, explained Parks Director Melissa DuBois. The budget adjustment was approved to be amended.

The Dent County Health Center will be holding its monthly board meeting at 5:00 in the evening Thursday at the Dent County Health Center Annex Building, at 1014 East Scenic Rivers Boulevard, in the Conference Room. Tentative agenda topics include a call to order; approval of February minutes; old business, including operations reports, administrator’s report, and financial reports; new business, including a position request, audit draft approval, and leasing part of 1014 East Scenic Rivers Boulevard. This meeting is open to the public. 

Healthy Dent County announced a new addition to its roster of fitness classes with a Bungee Fitness class, a low-impact workout that combines cardio, strength training, and high-energy movement using a supportive bungee harness system. Classes are designed to help participants build strength, improve cardiovascular fitness, and enjoy a new style of exercise in a safe and engaging environment. Whether individuals are looking to change up their fitness routine or simply try something new, Bungee Fitness provides a dynamic workout experience suitable for a wide range of fitness levels. Classes are $10 for Fitness Center members and $15 for non-members. For the class schedule or more information, visit the Healthy Dent County Fitness Center Facebook page or call 573-729-8163.

Dent County Historical Society will be holding a “Fireside Chat” at 10:00 in the morning this Saturday at the James Family Center, located across the street from James & Gahr Mortuary in Salem. Terry Cunningham will be discussing the history of the timber industry in Carter, Dent, Reynolds, Ripley, Shannon, and Texas Counties, and how the wood products of the Ozarks shaped those communities. Cunningham spent his career in the forest after serving as a Second Lieutenant in the U. S. Army. He studied at the University of Missouri-ROTC, in which he earned a B.S. Degree in Forestry in 1971. He was hired by Leo A. Dry, owner of Pioneer Forest, in 1972. Cunningham retired after 41 years. For more information, call Deloris Gray Wood, Dent County Historical Society President, at 573-729-1496.

Receive a free native tree through a program offered by the Missouri Department of Conservation and its partners. Participants are invited to cut down one or more Callery pear trees on their properties and receive one free, native tree at the event. The replacement trees will be potted in three-gallon containers and will be between 2 and 4 feet tall. One free native tree will be provided to each registered participant at the selected location on the day of the event. Register for the 2026 Callery Pear Buyback from now through April 16th. Then pick up native trees in more than 20 communities around the state on April 21st: Cape Girardeau, Columbia, Doniphan, Hannibal, Jefferson City, Joplin, Kansas City, Kirksville, Lebanon, Liberty, Moberly, Park Hills, Parkville, Pineville, Riverside, Rolla, Sikeston, Springfield, St. Charles, St. Joseph, St. Louis, Warrensburg, and West Plains. For more information, visit moinvasives.org and click on “Pear Buyback.”

Warmer weather usually means an increase in outside projects that may require digging or excavation work. If you are building a deck, planting a tree, or completing a large project, Missouri law requires anyone digging underground to notify Missouri 811. Always remember to place your locate requests at least three working days before you dig. State and federal holidays are not considered a working day. Call 811 or place a locate request online at www.missouri-811.org before any excavation begins. The call will be taken by the Missouri 811 Call Center, which then notifies all relevant utilities in the project area. Once Missouri 811 is notified, utility companies will mark the approximate location of their underground lines, request additional information or advise you that they do not have facilities at the excavation site. Hitting an underground line can cause serious injury, it could disrupt service to you and other customers, and it could potentially result in fines and repair costs. Contact Missouri 811 at 811; or go online at www.missouri-811.org to place a locate request before starting to dig, so underground utility lines can be marked. For more information, please go to Missouri 811 at www.missouri-811.org.

Dent County Health Center’s community transportation service, CareCab, is here to help you get where you need to go. Whether it’s a trip to the grocery store, a local event, a job interview, or a visit with a friend, 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 dentcounthealthcenter.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.) You are encouraged to contact SMTS for specialized services.

The Dent County Commission met for its regular meeting Monday morning at the courthouse. Both First District Commissioner Keith Green and Second District Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported crew members would be out checking for storm damages. Williams also reported crew members would be out checking the roads used for the 100 Acre Wood Rally. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson shared that he attended several meetings last week, including for the Phelps County Housing Authority; External Relations; and the South Central County Commissioner Association. Larson will be attending a meeting with the Dent County Tourism Commission tonight and a meeting for the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District tomorrow. At the South Central County Commissioner Association meeting held on Friday, commissioners reported it was a constructive meeting with plenty of legislative updates. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk has finished the annual settlement and sent it into the state. The total distribution to the districts was reported at $10,805,635.30. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that bills are to be approved and that absentee voting continues. March 24th is the first day for “no excuse absentee” voting which will continue through April 6th. From 8:00 in the morning until 12:00 noon Saturday, April 4th, the courthouse will be open for absentee voting in the county clerk’s office. On April 7th, voting will be open from 6:00 in the morning to 7:00 in the evening. The commissioners also held a closed session meeting from 9:30 to 10:00. No action was taken. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 in the courthouse, and the meeting is open to the public.

The following is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work planned in the mid–Missouri area March 16th through the 22nd. Weather conditions may postpone scheduled work. Many projects will include lane closures which could cause delays. For all counties, in addition to the work listed below, 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. All work is weather permitting, and schedules are subject to change. For Dent County, the following road work is planned: Route B is closed over Dry Creek bridge due to inspectors finding a sinkhole developing near one of the supporting structures. Motorists during the bridge closure can use Missouri Routes 19, 32 and 72 as detoured routes around the closure. Culvert replacement is planned on Route 19 from March 17th through March 19th at 7th street in the city limits of Salem. One lane will remain open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zone. For Route EE, pothole patching is planned March 17th through March 19th. One lane will remain open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zone. For Route F, culvert replacement is planned March 17th through March 19th from Missouri Route 32 to County Road 6400. One lane will remain open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zone. 

The Salem Public Library Board of Trustees held its regular meeting Thursday evening at 5:00 in the library’s conference room. After approving the minutes from the previous meeting, Library Director Kate McBride presented her reports, highlighting a decrease in paperback trades and internet usage during the month of February, along with an increase in passive programs and in e-book and e-audio circulation. Circulation of books and periodicals, as well as items received from and provided to the Missouri Evergreen Consortium, remained consistent. The board also discussed books members had recently read and ongoing maintenance work in the library’s south basement. Board President Angie Hamons read correspondence from two patrons. In new business, the board discussed the Trustee Handbook and reviewed several upcoming library events. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Salem Public Library Board of Trustees will be held April 9 at 5:00 in the library’s conference room and is open to the public.

The Phelps County Public Housing Agency (PHA) will re-open its wait list and begin accepting applications for housing assistance on April 6th, after having been closed since November of 2024. The closure of the waitlist came as a recommendation from the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, the federal agency that provides the rental assistance funding, to head off a projected funding shortfall in 2025. Applications are accepted online at phelpsco.housingmanager.com or in-person Monday through Friday 8:00 to 4:00 at the Phelps County PHA office. Applicants must provide social security numbers and birth dates for every household member and are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Individuals with a drug arrest in the last three years may be ineligible for assistance. The Phelps County PHA provides HUD Section 8 rental assistance to about 609 families in Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps (outside the city of Rolla) and Washington counties at a cost of $2.3 million annually. Persons needing more information should contact Tammy Rigsby at 573-265-4200 or via email at trigsby@meramecregion.org. The Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) provides staffing to the Phelps County PHA.