News – Friday, August 14th, 2026

The Salem Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) concluded a joint operation Wednesday night as part of the ongoing investigation into the unsolved homicide of Rosalee Byrd. As a result of Wednesday’s investigative efforts, the Salem Police Department confirmed that positive progress had been made in this case. While the investigation remains active, detectives continue to pursue all available evidence and leads. Appreciation has been extended to the FBI, City of Salem staff, and the community for its assistance and support throughout the day’s search efforts. The SPD has confirmed that a suspect has been identified in the case.

The Dent County Commission met for its regular meeting Thursday morning at the courthouse. Under public comments, a private citizen shared grievances with the commissioners on the policy requiring disclosure of the recording of meetings, alongside the institution of Flock cameras within Dent County. When asked for their name for the minutes, the citizen requested legal documentation to justify disclosing their name; with no legal documentation presented, their name was not given. The citizen further alleged that a public record showing who is recording is illegal according to the State Attorney General’s office. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson interrupted the citizen and attempted to move the meeting forward. The citizen stated that because they were interrupted, they were prevented from speaking. Larson asked if the citizen had anything else to comment, and the citizen stated they had been dismissed. Moving on to road reports, District One Commissioner Keith Green shared that crew members would be hauling rock to County Road 6660 and moving on to County Road 6490 next week. Crew members are continuing to mix up rock for that project. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams shared that crew members would be continuing to rebuild County Road 3200. A truck has broken down and will require maintenance. A brush cutter will be working on County Road 4060. Fuel bids have been received, with MFA Oil bidding $4.039; Philmart bidding $4.10; and County Fuels bidding $4.25. Commissioners approved the fuel bid from MFA Oil at $4.039. Larson reported that he has several meetings to attend Thursday evening, including a meeting with the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC), Phelps County Public Housing Agency Housing Advisory Board (PHA), and Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC.) He notified that the 2027 grant round for the Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is now open, available for cities, counties, public-school districts to be used for outdoor recreation projects. For questions or more information, contact grants management staff at mspgrants@dnr.mo.gov. The deadline to apply is Nov. 13th. County Treasurer Denita Williams reported on sales tax received for the month of August, stating General Revenue has received $97,431.92; Road and Bridge has received $48,742.62; and the Jails have received $97,230.29. The Dent County Commission meeting for Monday has been canceled. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be Thursday at 9:00 in the morning at the Dent County Courthouse. These meetings are open to the public.

Community members are invited to go wild about saving lives by donating blood at the Salem Community Blood Drive on Tuesday, Sept. 1st from noon to 6:00 in the evening. The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) and Dickerson Park Zoo are partnering throughout September and October to help boost the regional blood supply for local patients. Successful donors will receive a voucher for two free general admissions to the Dickerson Park Zoo, a $38 value, along with a limited-edition otter themed T-shirt while supplies last. CBCO donors provide every drop of blood for patients at Salem Memorial District Hospital, as well as dozens of hospitals across the Ozarks. Salem area residents will have the opportunity to donate within the Fellowship Hall of the First Baptist Church located at 201 North MacArthur Street. Photo identification is required. Donors should eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids prior to donating. Eligible donors must be at least 16 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and have not donated blood within the past 56 days. Appointments are strongly encouraged to help reduce wait times. To schedule an appointment, visit cbco.org/zoo or call 417-227-5006.

On Saturday, Sept. 12th from 7:00 in the morning to 7:00 in the evening, veterans are able to fish for free at Montauk State Park. Veterans can pick up their free fishing tag the day of the event at the Dorman Steelman Lodge in Montauk State Park. The spring branch will be reserved for veterans and their family members only. The veteran-founded nonprofit “Hooked on Vets” will be providing assistance and attendance prizes. Lunch will be provided. Tagged fish will be stocked with prizes available as well. Registration is not required.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol invites the public to take part in a public opinion survey regarding safety and security, officers’ attitudes and competency, overall agency performance, and concerns regarding crime and social issues. The 2026 Public Opinion Survey is now open and runs to the end of August. Members of the public may access the survey at surveymonkey.com/r/2026_Public_Opinion.

Missouri’s Good Neighbor Week is just around the corner from Sept. 28th through Oct. 4th. Signed into law in 2022, Missouri Good Neighbor Week encourages residents to participate in events and activities to establish connections with their neighbors. This will be the fifth year of the celebration. You can perform and report acts of neighbors any time of the year, then during Missouri Good Neighbor Week from Sept. 28th – Oct. 4th awards will be presented. As of June 7th, 2026, there have been 14,420 acts of neighborliness reported at the website missourigoodneighborweek.com. Submit your stories at that same site, and make nominations for several categories.