Local News

Tomorrow, Wednesday, July 8th is the deadline to register to vote for the August 4th Primary Election. If you would like to check your registration, visit the website provided by the Missouri Secretary of State Danny Hoskins at voteroutreach.sos.mo.gov. If you have any questions, please call the Dent County Clerk’s office at 573-729-4144.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning for its regular meeting at the Dent County Courthouse. Deloris Gray Wood thanked commissioners for the use of the courthouse steps on Saturday for the reading of the 88 names of the men from South Central Missouri who registered here for the Missouri Militia during the Civil War. She suggested commissioners should pursue the designation of a location on the courthouse square to indicate the signing occurred here. Under road reports, District One Commissioner Keith Green shared his crews were out checking roads for downed trees which hadn’t been reported over the weekend. Crew members would be finishing the removal of trees on County Road 6580. Grading is planned for county roads 6245, 6220, and 6570. Brush would be cut on County Road 2400. Green also reported that one of the tractors requires a shifter cable to be replaced in order for crew members to resume brush-hogging. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported that crew members would be checking for downed trees that were not reported, in addition to the two locations that were called in. Grading is planned for county roads 3150, 3140, 5300, and 5305, plus rock would be added to county roads 3150 and 3140. Williams went on to report that brush would be cut on county roads 6690, 2103, 2100, and 2320. He noted that one of the John Deere graders was having a cylinder replaced as well as some other work, and that the ancient fuel tank pump was being worked on. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported that the commission needed to review the agreement he received from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) concerning the moving of utilities as part of the Boss Bridge project. Larson indicated this was a formality relative to the bridge replacement and bypass to be constructed, and it will require commissioner signatures. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reminded voters of deadlines for voting including this Wednesday’s deadline to register to vote. She also noted that bills were being approved by the commissioners for payment. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse, and the meeting will be open to the public.

Colonel Michael A. Turner, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, provided the following preliminary statistics related to the July 4th holiday counting period, which began at 6:00 in the evening Thursday, July 2nd and continued through 11:59 in the evening Sunday, July 5th. The 2026 July 4th holiday traffic statistics showed there were 235 Traffic Crashes, resulting in 9 fatalities and 113 injuries. There were 125 DWI arrests. The Boating Statistics indicated there were 3 Crashes, 3 Injuries, and no fatalities. However, there were 3 Drownings and 9 BWI’s. During the 2025 July 4th holiday counting period, the patrol investigated 273 traffic crashes involving nine fatalities and 138 injuries. Statewide, 13 people died and 414 were injured in 993 vehicle crashes in 2025. Eleven boating crashes were investigated throughout Missouri in 2025. Further details related to the traffic crashes and arrests can be found on the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s website. The fatality statistics in this news release could change if later deaths occur, or if other departments report fatal traffic crashes.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) is an international non-profit 501(C)(3) organization that builds, assembles and delivers beds to children who do not have a bed. The monthly meeting of the SHP Dent County chapter previously reported to take place on Tuesday, July 7th, will be rescheduled for another date in August, to be announced at a later time. More updates from the chapter can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/shpdentco.

The Dent County Toy Drive will be holding its 6th annual Christmas in July fundraiser on Saturday, July 25th at the Dent County Commons. 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. 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 ToyDrive Facebook page at facebook.com/TheDentCountyToyDrive. 

A free hands-on Compass Orienteering course will be held for those 10 and older at Rolla’s Ber Juan Park, hosted by the City of Rolla Parks and Recreation and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC.) The event will be Wednesday, July 22nd from 6:30 to 8:00 in the evening located at the Ber Juan Park Pavillion at 1200 East 14th Street. An MDC conservation educator will guide attendees through a brief classroom portion to learn how to read maps and use a compass, and then those new skills will be put to the test outdoors. Pre-registration is required as space is limited to 30 participants. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes with good ankle support for the outdoor practice portion. To register, visit the MDC website at mdc.mo.gov, click “Events” at the top of the page, then search “compass orienteering.”

Staff at Ozark National Scenic Riverways (ONSR) have notified that the lower river landing at Round Spring is closed as of Tuesday, July 6th for repaving. The closure is expected to last approximately one week. All visitors getting on or off the river at Round Spring should plan to use the upper landing behind Carr’s Store until the lower landing is reopened. Work began on June 15th to replace the low water crossing leading to the Round Spring pavilion, playground area, and main parking lot for Round Spring itself. The closure is tentatively expected to last for the remainder of the summer season.

A fatal accident occurred early Friday morning around 1:23 in Phelps County on I-44 near mile marker 190.6. According to the highway patrol report, a 2010 Honda Odyssey driven by a 29-year-old female from California failed to stop at a stop sign on the outer road. The Honda travelled into the westbound lanes of I-44 causing a 2021 Freightliner Cascadia driven by a 37-year-old male from Texas to strike the Honda. The driver of the Honda was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Phelps County Coroner Ernie Coverdell at 2:59 in the morning. The report goes on to state she was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Honda was totaled, and the Freightliner sustained moderate damage. Both vehicles were removed from the scene by Ron Dishman Towing.

A fatal accident occurred Friday evening around 11:40 in Crawford County on Ransom Road at Old Leasburg Road. According to the highway patrol report a 2024 Polaris Sportsman 44-year-old male from Bourbon was travelling southbound and failed to negotiate a curve. The Polaris travelled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree, ejecting the driver. The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene at 2359 hours by Crawford County Coroner Darren Dake. He was transported to the Crawford County Morgue by the Crawford County Coroner. The report goes on to state the driven was not wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident. The Polaris sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Chris and Sons Towing.

On July 2nd, the Salem Police Department, in collaboration with the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, concluded a multi-week operation to locate and apprehend a wanted fugitive with an active parole absconder warrant. Investigators developed information regarding the whereabouts of the wanted subject, who was reportedly preparing to leave the Dent County area. Investigators conducted surveillance and positively identified the subject as Mitchell Warren. Officers continued surveillance until Warren entered an area where law enforcement could safely conduct an apprehension while minimizing the risk of a vehicle or foot pursuit. An arrest team assembled near Dollar General and coordinated the apprehension of Warren. Warren was located inside a vehicle and attempted to flee; however, the strategic positioning of patrol vehicles prevented the vehicle from leaving the area. Officers issued verbal commands for Warren to exit the vehicle, and he was subsequently taken into custody without further incident. Warren was transported to the Dent County Jail, where he is being held without bond on a parole absconder warrant stemming from an original offense of stealing a motor vehicle. Collaborative efforts among local law enforcement agencies are essential to effectively addressing and suppressing criminal activity within our communities. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will be holding a Salem Community Blood Drive at the First Baptist Church of Salem on 201 North MacArthur Avenue on Tuesday from noon to 6:00 in the evening. While supplies last, donors can look forward to receiving a free velour beach towel, along with a chance to win a $10,000 dream vacation. For rules and details, visit cbco.org/vacation. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged to minimize potential wait times. Call 417-227-5006 to book yours. Donors are asked to take a few steps to ensure donations operate smoothly on the day of the drive: drink plenty of water the night and morning before you donate; eat a well-balanced meal around 2 to 3 hours before giving; and bring your photo ID, as this is required now for all donors. 

Join the City of Salem Parks & Recreation and Parsons Chiropractic for the third annual Balloon Glow, planned for Saturday, Oct. 24th at 11:00 in the morning at the Al Brown Complex. If you want to be part of the celebration, organizers are now accepting applications for both food and craft vendors. The cost for food vendors is $80, and the cost for craft vendors is $30, with both types of vendors asked to be set up by 10:30 in the morning. To apply, find the application by searching for the “Salem, MO Spectacular Balloon Glow Event” Facebook page. The link to the application form will be pinned at the very top of the page.

Girls’ Night Out will be celebrating its 15th anniversary on Sept. 10th, 2026. This annual event will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 in the evening at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Participating vendors will have a variety of products and services tailored to women’s interests, and admission is limited to all women and girls 12 years of age and older. Plan to bring your girlfriends for an evening of pampering, shopping, and eating! This event is now accepting vendors. If interested or in need of more information, contact Jackie@salemcommunitycenter.org or call 573-729-8163.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds deer hunters to apply online from July 1st through July 31st for a shot at more than 140 managed deer hunts throughout the state. There are hunts for archery, muzzleloader, shotgun, and modern firearms from mid-September through mid-January at designated conservation areas, parks, national wildlife refuges, and other public areas. Some managed deer hunts are offered specifically for youth, beginner hunters, or people with disabilities. Hunters are selected by a weighted random drawing. Get more information on managed deer hunts, preview hunt details, and apply at mdc.mo.gov/managedhunt. In order to register for a hunt, you will need a valid conservation ID number for yourself and those in your party.

The Salem Police Department has released that on Wednesday, officers conducted a traffic stop in the area of Hwy. 19 and Hwy. 68. Officers conducted a consent search of a vehicle resulting in the discovery of a bag containing a white substance, suspected of being a controlled substance, as well as two handguns. An adult female was taken into custody as a result of the investigation, with charges being sought for possession of a controlled substance and two counts of unlawful use of a weapon. All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Lots of closures abound in Dent County and the City of Salem in observance of Independence Day. Salem Memorial Hospital’s Administrative Offices and Family Medicine Clinic will be closed. The Emergency Department will remain open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide emergency medical care. The Dent County Courthouse will be closed, as well as City of Salem offices. The Healthy Dent County Fitness Center will also be closed, and the Sweet & Low and Tai Chi classes will be canceled; however, members with 24-hour access will still be able to access the Fitness Center during the closure. For other businesses, be sure to check business hours in advance.

The Dent County Commission met in open session Thursday morning at the courthouse. District One Commissioner Keith Green was appointed  acting Presiding Commissioner by County Clerk Angie Curley in the absence of Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson. Under road reports, Green reported that crew members would be working on roads affected by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared disaster of Nov. 2024. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported that crew members are planning on hauling rock to County Road 3185 and grading county roads 3130, 3185, 3180, and 3245. Crew members are also planning to cut brush on county roads 3190 and 3180. County Clerk Angie Curley reported that the deadline to register to vote for the upcoming primary election is next Wednesday, July 8th. So far, there have been 38 absentee votes cast. No excuse absentee voting will begin July 21st. Absentee voting will continue through Aug. 3rd. Commissioners also approved the Current River Cruiser’s request to utilize the courthouse lawn on Saturday, Sept. 19th for the purposes of holding a car show fundraiser for local cancer support group, Project Win. Under public comments, resident Katie Anne Gaither requested a correction to the minutes of June 22nd, in which she had been misquoted. Commissioners agreed to look into getting the minutes corrected. Collector Denita Williams reported that work reimbursed to the county so far for both FEMA and State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) eligible projects is currently at a total of $224,518.62. Commissioners reported that the process of repairs to county roads from the disaster of November 2024 has been slowgoing and far from completion, crediting the reasoning to challenging administrative burdens, set by both the state and federal government. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be at the courthouse at 9:00 Monday morning. The courthouse will be closed in observance of Independence Day on Friday.

This July 4th Independence Day, which is the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, there will be numerous events going on in Salem. At 7:30 in the morning, there will be a pickleball tournament at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory. The Salem Community Choir will be singing at the Salem City Hall Auditorium with the first performance at 2:00 followed by a second performance at 4:00. Near 5:00, food trucks, vendors and boutiques will be opening near the pavilion, and Devon Sutterfield will begin performing. There will be a break in the music just in time to head down to the parade route and pick a spot. The parade starts at 6:00 in the evening from the Grand and Franklin, traveling north on MacArthur, then east on 4th Street to the courthouse square. At the conclusion of the parade, the Salem Community Center @ The Armory will be open from 6:30 to 9:00 with free use of their three bounce houses and gymnasium for basketball and pickleball. Children must be supervised by their parents. Also at the Salem City Park, Sutterfield will resume performing and those attending can check out the vendors and food trucks, while waiting for the fireworks. At 9:25, the Leathers Family will sing our National Anthem followed by the fireworks show that will begin around 9:30 at the Salem City Park. KSMO Media will stream the parade beginning around 6:15 on ksmoradio.com, KSMO Stream Facebook and the KSMO YouTube Channel.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) is an international non-profit 501(C)(3) organization that builds, assembles and delivers beds to children who do not have a bed. The SHP Dent County chapter will be holding its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 in the evening. This meeting will take place at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory in the Walden Conference Room. There will be discussions on upcoming events, needs, and more. More updates from the chapter can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/shpdentco.

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission has approved the FY 2027-2031 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP.) The program lists transportation projects planned by state and regional planning agencies from July 1st, 2026 – June 30th, 2031. The five-year program is one of the largest to date and includes additional funding from General Revenue, passed by the Missouri General Assembly and signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe. Funding is allocated for improvements to Interstates 70 and 44 as well as improvements to airports and roadways. The STIP makes available 13 billion dollars of federal and state revenues for all modes of transportation over the next five years. Of the $13 billion, the STIP details $9.3 billion in contractor awards for road and bridge construction – averaging approximately $1.8 billion per year. In Dent County, scoping for bridge improvements on Route B over the Meramec River is scheduled for the 2026-27 year, while bridge rehab on Highway 19 over Spring Creek, repairing part of Highway 19 about 3/10ths of a mile south of Dent County Road 4050 caused by the 2024 November flood, and the Highway 32 bridge replacement over Huzzah Creek is all scheduled in the next fiscal year to be done. Other projects to be done in the 2026-27 year are the scour repair and painting of the Route B bridge over Dry Branch from the November 2024 flood, and pavement resurfacing of Route C from Highway 72 to Highway 32. Other Dent County projects in future years are the Route FF bridge improvements over Dry Fork Creek, Route H bridge improvements over Dry Fork Creek and the Barnitz Prong Dry Creek, bridge improvements on Highway 32 over the Dry Fork Creek and Pigeon Creek, pavement resurfacing on Route P from Highway 72 to the end of state maintenance which will also include Route JJ from Route N to the end of state maintenance, and the building of a new bridge on Route TT over Crooked Creek. The STIP details improvements to Missouri’s 33,814 miles of highway and 10,427 bridges and culverts. The draft version of the STIP was released in May for public review, with MoDOT receiving 65 comments.

Interstate 44 in downtown St. Louis, between the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge and the Poplar Street Bridge, has reopened. The work to support the bridge column exposed by the recent water and sewer breaks under I-44 has been completed; however, Broadway near Biddle will remain closed for an extended amount of time as several utilities, including the Metropolitan Sewer District and the city’s water department, must complete work at the scene. The following remains closed: Eastbound I-70 express lanes at Union Boulevard; Broadway exit (292B) from westbound I-44; and Broadway is closed in both directions north of Biddle, which restricts access to the eastbound I-44 on ramp.

The Salem Police Department reminds the public of the ordinance related to the discharge of fireworks, which states fireworks only may be discharged from July 1st through July 6th from 8:00 in the morning to 10:00 in the evening, except for July 4th which allows discharging fireworks until midnight. Only Class 1.4G fireworks in unmodified form are allowed to be discharged during those times. It is against the law for those under the age of 18 to be in possession of fireworks without the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or person over the age of 18. Do not discharge fireworks on public property, public roadways, or from a motor vehicle.

Everyone is invited to Montauk State Park’s Amphitheater this Friday at 9:00 in the evening for a tour of Montauk from its founding to today. A slide show will be shown highlighting dozens of incredible photos from the archives. Everyone is invited to learn about the vibrant milling community that existed at the location long before it became a park. Tour Montauk through the decades as staff celebrates the park’s 100th anniversary with a centennial summer event. Interested parties can also visit the Montauk Mill this Sunday from 10:30 in the morning to 12:30 in the afternoon to learn about its history and what life was like 100 years ago along the Upper Current River.

The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will be holding a Salem Community Blood Drive at the First Baptist Church of Salem on 201 North MacArthur Avenue on Tuesday, July 7th from noon to 6:00 in the evening. While supplies last, donors can look forward to receiving a free velour beach towel, along with a chance to win a $10,000 dream vacation. For rules and details, visit cbco.org/vacation. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged to minimize potential wait times. Call 417-227-5006 to book yours. Donors are asked to take a few steps to ensure donations operate smoothly on the day of the drive: drink plenty of water the night and morning before you donate; eat a well-balanced meal around 2 to 3 hours before giving; and bring your photo ID, as this is required now for all donors.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds deer hunters to apply online from July 1st through July 31st for a shot at more than 140 managed deer hunts throughout the state. There are hunts for archery, muzzleloader, shotgun, and modern firearms from mid-September through mid-January at designated conservation areas, parks, national wildlife refuges, and other public areas. Some managed deer hunts are offered specifically for youth, beginner hunters, or people with disabilities. Hunters are selected by a weighted random drawing. Get more information on managed deer hunts, preview hunt details, and apply starting July 1st at mdc.mo.gov/managedhunt. In order to register for a hunt, you will need a valid conservation ID.

The Salem Public Library will be holding a local author book signing on Tuesday, July 7th with fantasy author B.D. Welch and her novel “Tiny Dragon: The Chainbreaker Rebellion.”  “Tiny Dragon” is a fantasy adventure full of thieves, dragons, rebels, secrets, and one very unusual tiny dragon named Clive. Meet the author, check out the book, and stay after for an author read-aloud!

The Salem Police Department has released that on Sunday, patrolmen conducted a traffic stop near North Grand Street and Rolla Road for a speeding violation. During the traffic stop, officers conducted a driver’s license check and found the driver, Bradley Land, was operating the vehicle while driving privileges were suspended. Land was subsequently placed under arrest. A records check of the passenger identified as Ginger Land revealed an active warrant in Texas County for the charges of both sodomy in the first degree and sexual contact in the course of duty. Both subjects were arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail and held, pending further proceedings. All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

The City of Salem has released that with the rising summer temperatures, the Salem Police Department lobby and the Old City Hall will be made available as cooling centers if extreme heat conditions occur. If the need arises, contact the Police Department at 573-729-4242 and city staff will open the Old City Hall to provide relief from the heat for anyone needing a safe, air-conditioned place to cool off. Folks can also visit the Salem Public Library for needed cooling. The library is open from 10:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the afternoon on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday; 10:00 in the morning to 7:00 in the evening on Thursday; and 10:00 in the morning to 1:00 in the afternoon on Saturday. No library card is required. The heat wave previously reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has been extended to over the July 4th weekend, into Tuesday, July 7th. Heat indices of 100-110 degrees are possible. Stay safe, hydrated, and frequently check on friends, family, and neighbors.

A list of maintenance and construction work planned for Dent County this week has been released by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Highway DD, FF, and U have pavement repairs planned through today. One lane will remain open. The bridge over Dry Creek on Highway B remains closed with its project scheduled for completion in July. The resurfacing project along Highway 32 through Dent County began yesterday with work to take place during nighttime hours from 7:00 in the evening to 6:00 in the morning. That project is expected to be completed by September. Pedestrian facility upgrades continue in the city limits of Salem on Highway 19 and 32, expected to be completed in September. Most routine work zones will stop for the Independence Day holiday, but some long-term work zones and closures will remain in place. If possible, work zones will stop at noon on Thursday, July 2nd, and resume the morning of Monday, July 6th. 

Get outside and discover nature with frogging season! The season will continue through Oct. 31st after beginning just this week. Anyone with a fishing permit or small game hunting permit may go frogging for bullfrogs and green frogs. The daily limit, combined for both species of bullfrogs and green frogs, is eight. With a fishing permit, frogs may be taken by gig, trotline, throw line, limb line, bank line, jug line, snagging, snaring, grabbing, or pole and line. With a hunting permit, frogs may be taken by crossbow, pellet gun, or .22 or smaller caliber rim-fire rifle or pistol. With either permit frogs may be taken by hand, hand net, bow, or atlatl. Frogs may be pursued during the day or at night with an artificial light. Ponds, lakes and river banks, wetlands, and other vegetated waterways are all great places to find frogs. 

This July 4th Independence Day, which is the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, there will be numerous events going on in Salem. At 7:30 in the morning, there will be a pickleball tournament at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. The Salem Community Choir will be singing at the Salem City Hall Auditorium with the first performance at 2:00 followed by a second performance at 4:00. Near 5:00, food trucks, vendors and boutiques will be opening near the pavilion, and Devon Sutterfield will begin performing. There will be a break in the music just in time to head down to the parade route and pick a spot. The parade starts at 6:00 in the evening from Grand and Franklin, traveling north on MacArthur, then east on 4th Street to the courthouse square. At the conclusion of the parade, the Salem Community Center @ The Armory will be open from 6:30 to 9:00 with free use of their three bounce houses and gymnasium for basketball and pickleball. Children must be supervised by their parents. Also at the Salem City Park, Sutterfield will resume performing and those attending can check out the vendors and food trucks while waiting for the fireworks. At 9:25, the Leathers Family will sing our National Anthem followed by the fireworks show that will begin around 9:30 at the Salem City Park. If you are unable to attend the parade, KSMO Media will stream the parade beginning around 6:15 on ksmoradio.com, KSMO Stream Facebook and the KSMO YouTube Channel.

Dent County Health Center’s community transportation service, CareCab, is here to help you get where you need to go, safely and reliably. Whether it’s a trip to the grocery store, a local event, a job interview, or a visit with a friend, CareCab makes it easier for you to stay connected and independent. CareCab is a local ride service for Dent County residents without reliable transportation. 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. If you need wheelchair-accessible transportation or assistance with mobility, you are encouraged to contact SMTS for specialized services.

An accident occurred Sunday afternoon around 2:40 in Phelps County in the 21000 Block of Highway J. According to the Highway Patrol report a southbound 2005 Toyota Camry, driven by a 21-year-old male of Rolla, travelled off of the right side of the roadway, overcorrected, then travelled off of the left side of the roadway, overcorrected, and travelled off the right side of the roadway, where it struck a fence and a tree. A 29-year-old female passenger from Rolla was pronounced deceased at the scene at 2:40 by Phelps County Coroner Ernie Coverdell. The driver suffered serious injuries and was transported by Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital. The report stated that neither occupant was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Toyota was totaled and removed from the scene by D&D Towing.

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 plan to haul rock to County Road 6580 and where needed; grade on county roads 6410, 6435, and 6580; and cut brush on County Road 6580. Patching is planned for the Bunker area, where a few washouts occurred with heavy rains over the weekend. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported that crew members plan to haul rock to county roads 3305, 3390, and where needed; grade county roads 5330, 5333, 3110, 3305, 3295, 3253, and 3255; and cut brush along chip-and-seal roads on 3260, 3265, 3270, 3273, and 3275. Resident Katie Ann Gaither asked commissioners for their goals for this year. Commissioners answered their goals are maintaining and repairing infrastructure, which includes tackling the challenge of utilizing Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds for eligible projects affected by the flooding of November 2024. Meanwhile, Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson cautioned that he may be absent in upcoming meetings due to his wife’s health. County Clerk Angie Curley reminds voters and residents that the voter registration deadline for the Aug. 4th Primary Election is July 8th. Excused absentee voting continues through Aug. 3rd, with 20 votes cast so far. No excuse absentee voting begins July 21st. She further notified that the County Clerk’s Office will be open for absentee voting in the morning of Saturday, Aug. 1st from 8:00 to noon. Payroll and bills are to be approved. Curley reminds businesses within Dent County that liquor licenses are due by June 30th. The county commission will also be conducting a closed session this afternoon at 1:00. The next regularly scheduled open session meeting of the Dent County Commission is Thursday, July 2nd at 9:00 in the morning at the courthouse and is open to the public.

The Bunker R-III Board of Education met for its regularly scheduled meeting Thursday. After the call to order and approval of the agenda and previous meeting minutes, the board approved both May and June expenditures with one abstention from board member Allen Ritter. Budget amendments for the 2025-26 school year, to reflect actual receipts, expenditures, and transfers, were approved. Several bids for the 2026-27 school year were also approved, including from Holloway Distributing for bread; Hiland Dairy for milk; Ferrall Gas for propane; and Mike Ragsdale Construction for asphalt. Other items approved by the board included: a Pepsi Contract for the 2026-27 school year; a weight equipment bid from Big Time Results, LLC.; calendar changes for the 2026-27 school year; an early check to Santander; and the AMI Plan for the 2026-27 school year. Finally, the board approved the 2026-27 school year budget and salary schedule, as presented. The board then went into closed session and approved several hires, including Andrea Cromer as Special Education Aide, pending substitute certificate and background check; Eva Hodges as a substitute teacher, cook, and full-time bus driver; and Mike Plank as the bus lease coordinator for the 2026-27 school year. The board also approved resending DJ Goodwin’s bus lease coordinator contract. The board then adjourned. The next meeting of the Bunker R-III Board of Education will be 6:00 in the evening on Thursday, July 16th at Bunker R-III and is open to the public.

This week is supposed to be incredibly hot and incredibly humid, to boot. A heat advisory for the area has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) through Friday this week, with a daily heat index ranging between 100 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat can strain vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Plan accordingly and limit prolonged heat exposure, and keep an eye on friends, family, and neighbors. The Salem Public Library is a cooling center and is open from 10:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the afternoon on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday; 10:00 in the morning to 7:00 in the evening on Thursday; and 10:00 in the morning to 1:00 in the afternoon on Saturday. No library card is required.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) is an international non-profit 501(C)(3) organization that builds, assembles and delivers beds to children who do not have a bed. If interested in lending a hand or learning more, the SHP Dent County chapter will be holding its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 7th, from 5:30 to 6:30 in the evening. This meeting will take place at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory in the Walden Conference Room. There will be discussions on upcoming events, needs, and more. More updates from the chapter can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/shpdentco.

A fatal accident occurred early Saturday morning around 1:18 in Lacade County on Highway B near Creek Road. According to the highway patrol report a 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 driven by a 17-year-old male juvenile was traveling southbound and travelled off the right side of the roadway. The driver overcorrected, then travelled off the left side of the roadway, and overturned. The juvenile was pronounced deceased at the scene by Mercy Paramedic Tatiana Bashant at 2:30 in the morning. The report goes on to say the driver was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Dodge was totaled and removed from the scene by C&S Towing.

An accident occurred early Saturday morning around 2:25 in Pulaski County on Highway AB north of Southbend. According to the highway patrol report a 2021 Toyota Tacoma driven by a 31-year-old female was traveling northbound when she failed to negotiate a curve. The Toyota travelled off the right side of the roadway, striking a culvert, and going airborne before overturning. The female suffered serious injuries and was transported by Pulaski County Ambulance District to Lake Regional Hospital. The report states she was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Toyota was totaled and removed from the scene by J&S Towing.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors held its regular meeting on Tuesday evening at 7:00 in the Doctor’s Library. Following the call to order,  there were no public comments. During the operational reports, both the Chief Executive Officer Report and Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Report were presented by Amber Hogan, CNO. Hogan highlighted several hospital updates, including applications for Transformation of Rural Health funding and the Safe Streets Grant, ongoing Show-Me High Value Network Committee meetings, the cancellation of the contract with Cardinal Health, ongoing National Rural Health Day meetings, budget updates and revisions to the hospital’s charge-master for Medical Imaging and Physical Therapy. Hogan also recognized nurse Chantel Garrison, who is transitioning into the role of Infection Prevention Director, and announced the upcoming Summer Family Picnic and Pool Party on July 18th, as well as Cost Report Training with Stoudwater scheduled for today at noon. Hannah Harris presented the Statistical Summary of Operations. She noted that in May, inpatient admissions was 54, with 134 swing-bed census days. Outpatient registrations totaled 1,042, while cardiopulmonary procedures numbered 1,470 and clinic visits totaled 812. The hospital recorded 654 emergency room visits, 38 transfers, 41 admissions, and 200 ambulance runs. Total operating revenue for May was approximately $2.1 million. Total operating expenses were also approximately $2.1 million, resulting in a net profit over expenses of $195,469.26. The board approved the financial reports as presented. Harris also presented a report on the hospital’s aging accounts receivable, ranging from current to over 120 days. The hospital carries approximately $11.7 million in bad debt, which it will begin working with Equalize RCM to collect in the coming year. The hospital currently has 26 days of cash on hand. Net 340B revenue for May was $97,560. There were six new hires and three departures in May. A CEO offer was accepted by Brent Peirick, who will join the team beginning August 24th. The hospital currently has open positions in several departments. Under new business, the board approved the removal of Kayla Chambers from the bank signatory list, retaining Karen Brown and Dr. Leigh Ann Price as authorized signatories. The board also voted to authorize Amber Hogan to execute leases for one or both ambulance loans when needed. The proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year was discussed and approved. Proposed total operating revenue is approximately $27.9 million, proposed operating expenses are approximately $28.6 million, and proposed non-operating revenue is $1.14 million, for a proposed excess of revenue over expenses of $402,401.70. Harris noted that this budget does not include the salary for the incoming CEO. Will Mahurin was approved as a new candidate for the Board of Directors and will be sworn in at the next regular meeting in July. Following the approval of two contracts, the meeting adjourned to executive session to discuss personnel matters. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors will be held on July 28th at 7:00 in the Doctor’s Library and is open to the public.

A resurfacing project on Hwy. 32 spanning 46 miles is set to begin today. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) plan to resurface Hwy. 32 through Dent County beginning at Hwy. 63 in Texas County and ending at Hwy. KK in Iron County. Work is expected daily, Monday through Friday, beginning in Texas County and working east through early September. Work within the city limits of Licking and Salem will occur at night. One lane is expected to remain open. No work is scheduled to take place between noon on Thursday, July 2nd, and 6:00 in the morning Monday, July 6th, to minimize impacts to holiday travel.

An accident occurred in Dent County Wednesday evening at approximately 6:25 on Dent County Road 2500 west of county road 2540. According to the Highway Patrol report an eastbound 2001 Harley Davidson Heritage, which was driven by a 60-year-old male from Bay St. Louis, Mississippi who lost control causing the Harley to overturn ejecting the man. He suffered serious injuries and was flown by Air Evac 13 to University Hospital in Columbia. The report stated that the driver was not wearing any safety equipment. The Harley Davidson was removed from the scene by American Muffler.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning for its regularly scheduled meeting. After corrections, commissioners approved the previous meeting minutes. Under road reports, District One Commissioner Keith Green reported that crew members would be patching chipseal on county roads 4110, 4180, and 4120. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported crew members would be grading and hauling rock on county roads 4060, 3310, and 4437. Crew members will also be cutting brush on county roads 3235, 3280, 3233, and 3260. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported the commissioners will be conducting a closed session Monday afternoon with Travis Elliot, legal counsel with the Missouri Association of Counties. Commissioners will be meeting with Jeff Chronister, an insurance representative of Ollis, Akers, and Arney, who will be offering updates on insurance for the county and its claims. County Collector Denita Williams reported on Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funds received. PILT is federal funds provided to local governments from the Department of Interior to offset property tax losses due to nontaxable federal lands within the county. These funds are received annually in June and can be utilized for any governmental purposes, including emergency response, public schools, and roads, among others. The amount received this year is $227,766, which is an increase from last year of $41,634 or approximately 22%. County Clerk Angie Curley reported that July 8th is the deadline to register to vote in the Aug. 4th Primary Election. Excused absentee voting will continue until Aug. 3rd. No excuse absentee voting will begin on July 21st. The next regular meeting of the County Commission will be 9:00 in the morning on Monday at the Dent County Courthouse. These meetings are open to the public.

A competitive 3v3 basketball tournament, part of the “We’ve got your Back, Zack” fundraiser, will be held this Saturday at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory with the men’s bracket starting at 10:00 in the morning and the women’s tournament beginning at 2:00 in the afternoon. The cost is $60 per team. Registration forms are available at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory or call Henry at 573-247-1301 or 573-729-8163. You can also e-mail henry@salemcommunitycenter.org. All proceeds raised will help Zach Moser and his family with treatment expenses, travel and daily living costs. Your help with this community effort is greatly appreciated.

An accident occurred in Dent County Tuesday morning at approximately 3:40 on Highway O just south of the Dent & Phelps’ County line. According to the Highway Patrol report a northbound 1999 Peterbilt 385, driven by a 60-year-old Salem man, was conducting an improper turn on the highway and traveled into the path of a southbound 2008 Chrysler Town & Country driven by a 19-year-old Rolla woman. The woman suffered moderate injuries and was transported by EMS to Salem Memorial Hospital. According to the report both drivers were wearing safety restraints. The Chrysler was totaled and removed from the scene by American Automotive. There was no damage to the Peterbilt and it was driven from the scene. The Highway Patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Office.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met Tuesday night for its regular meeting. Under public comments, resident Katie Gaither expressed frustration at inconsistent monthly utility bills, trash pickup, and quality of services offered by the city and requested the board give further consideration to rate increases. Meanwhile, the Memorandum Of Understanding with the Missouri State University, West Plains and its continued use of the classroom space at the Old City Hall for the Adult Education and Literacy program was approved. The board approved two conditional use permits: one for 707 W. First Street, in which a manufactured home is proposed to be installed and readdressed as 4 N. Grand Avenue, and 1005 E. Third, in which the home is proposed to be used for a short-term vacation rental. First readings were then heard, including a change order to utilize the remaining ARPA funds for BuildTec to replace four fire hydrants and control valves, along with extending the contract to Aug. 1st, 2026. Several ordinances establishing rates for electric services, concerning the demand meters, commercial customers, employment incentive rates, and large industrial user rates, were also heard, recommended by a cost of service study performed by UFS in February 2025. Several second readings were heard, including two task orders with Toth and Associates, Inc.: one task order to replace the sewer line running west from Hickory Street at a cost of approximately $41,500 and another for the Roosevelt Street sidewalk survey at a cost of approximately $9,000. Both task orders were approved by the board. A contract extension with Archer-Elgin for the water tower project was also approved, in order to accommodate a delay in delivery for a pitless adapter. In addition, the board approved five amendments to the code of ordinances relating to engineering firms in order to allow contracting out engineering services. Finally, the board approved an ordinance for year-end budget adjustments to the FY 2025-26 budget. The board approved the FY 2027 proposed budget, with proposed revenues of $23.9 million; anticipated expenditures of $23.3 million; and intergovernmental transfers of $3.9 million. City Administrator Sally Burbridge stated the city did not shut down the marijuana dispensary, dispelling rumors circulating on social media. Public Works Director Steve Paine reported that the construction crew fixed a drainage issue at the Salem Community Center parking lot. Following reports of city officials, the board adjourned the meeting. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be Tuesday, July 14th, and is open to the public.

The Salem Community Choir will present its second annual Patriotic Spectacular Saturday afternoon, July 4th at the Salem City Hall. There will be performances at 2:00 and 4:00. The choir will feature soloists including Jimmy Cotner, Rachel Rush, Sophie Krautmann, Steve Morton and Michelle Smith. The narrator for the event will be Ruth Ann Parker. The choir is under the direction of Catherine Dent.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met for its regular board meeting Thursday afternoon. Superintendent Nathan Wills presented the 2026-27 Salem R-80 District Budget to board members. Due to reduced state revenues, the State Adequacy Target (SAT) was set at $6,700 rather than $7,145. The district has been transferring 7% of its Weighted Average Daily Attendance (WADA) to Fund 4 for facilities and capital improvements; that being said, to offset losses, the district will transfer only 5% moving forward to keep more funds in salaries and general revenue. The state mandates that teacher salaries be set at $40,000, with grant funding allotted from the state to subsidize the difference between the base salary and the mandate; however, grant funding is expected to go away. With that in mind, Wills proposed the standard base salary be increased every year by $1,000 to ensure when grant funding is pulled the district is financially prepared. The coming fiscal year the standard base salary was set at $36,750. Health insurance increased 9%, which is approximately $68 increased per person. The projected fund balances to end the fiscal year were presented, with $5.1 million in the General Fund or Fund 1; Fund 2 has to be set at $0 by state statute and is utilized for teacher salaries, transferred later from the General Fund; $440,000 in the Debt Service or Fund 3; and then Capital Projects, or Fund 4, will contain $1.5 million. Under anticipated revenues, local revenue is expected to drop by roughly $110,000, primarily because it’s a non-reassessment year. Using a five-year historical average for similar years, Wills projects a negative 0.3% assessed value. Based on the calculation tool utilized by the Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE), tuition is projected to increase approximately $5 per student resulting in $9,780 per student. The total expected tuition revenue is $2.5 million. Anticipated expenditures were provided with the highest cost to be staff salaries and benefits at about 73%. Capital projects are estimated at $700,000, to include parking lots, bathroom renovations, and painting the high school gym, among others. The estimated unrestricted fund balance is 31.84%, which indicates the district is in a good financial position and not in any current financial distress. Moving forward to salary increases, Wills shared that he is working hard to eliminate salary compression out of the salary table. The district has made consistent, gradual progress toward raising pay for both certified and non-certified staff, with an almost 25% increase for non-certified pay in a few years, from $12 to $15 an hour. In only four years, the teacher base salary increased from $32,000 to $36,750. Wills further disclosed some data: next year, Salem R-80 will have the highest average teacher salary in the county; the student to teacher ratio is the highest in the county at 14 students per teacher; and the administrators oversee more students than any other district in the county, all of which indicates the district is not overstaffed. Wills encouraged district staff to push for families to fill out eligibility forms for free and reduced lunch to ensure an accurate dataset for the population served by the district. This dataset affects funding as well as grant opportunities for the district. The cohort survival rate, which indicates student body population increase or decline and therefore staff consolidation, was reported at a decline of approximately 25 students within the next six to seven years. Several CIP projects were discussed, including a gym painting project, parking lot work, new fencing, and potential upgrades to the baseball and football facilities. The board approved the proposed 2026-27 budget, all applicable fund transfers, participation in the state salary grant programs, and amended the 2024-25 budget to reflect actual expenditures and revenues. Reports from school administration were provided, with many administrators praising their custodial and maintenance staff for a job well done in preparing facilities for the upcoming school year. A first read of MSBA policy updates were provided. Two out of state trips were approved, including a trip for FFA and another for the 2026-27 National Choir Trip, following discussion by the board. The board also discussed head lice procedures and policies, ultimately asking administration to discuss with nurses the best practices moving forward. The annual District Reassessment Plan was approved, alongside the request for proposals to replace the Suburban. A change to the 2026-27 calendar was approved, with staff off and paid for on Martin Luther King Day. An annual MOU with Compass Health was approved, allowing the entity to provide services to students with no cost to the district. Finally, the board amended a previous action taken regarding the ECSE process coordinator position salary to meet position requirements. Under staff changes, a transfer was made of Amanda Walker; several hires were made, including Mark Panagoss, Beau Lyle, Regeana Schafer, Shelly Karr, Faith Milligan, Adrian Gant, Kaylee Utley, Lisa Blackwell, and Miranada McCurdy; and one resignation was made of Elyse White. The board moved into closed session for the discussion of personnel, in which several hires were approved including Junior Rictor, Nick Gover, Angela Browne, Janice Griffith, Stephanie Grace, and Tessa Gorman. Resignations were approved from Heidi Ross and Jackie Fanson. The resignation of Matt Parker was denied, to activate the contract buyout provision. The next meeting of the Salem R-80 Board of Directors will be Thursday, July 17th, at 5:30 in the evening and is open to the public.