News – Monday, August 24th, 2026

A fatal accident occurred in Phelps County Saturday evening at approximately 9:30 at Highway YY, one mile west of the Crawford County line. According to the Highway Patrol report, a westbound 2005 Ford F-150, operated by a 48-year-old Saint James man, failed to negotiate a curve, travelling off the right side of the roadway and overturning, ejecting the driver. The vehicle came to rest in the roadway. The driver was pronounced deceased on scene by Phelps County Deputy Coroner Theresa Talermo at 9:50. This is Troop I’s second fatality for the month of August and 23rd for 2026. The driver was transported by the Phelps County Coroner to Rolla Crematorium. The report stated the man was not wearing a safety restraint. The vehicle was totaled and removed from the scene by D&D Towing.

An accident occurred in Phelps County Thursday afternoon at approximately 3:00 at Highway 72 and County Road 5285. According to the Highway Patrol report a westbound 2003 Ford F150, operated by an 18-year-old Rolla man, failed to yield to and collided with an eastbound 2012 Chevrolet Impala driven by a 59-year-old Eminence man. The Eminence man suffered serious injuries and was transported by Phelps Health Air to University Hospital in Columbia. The report stated that both men were wearing safety restraints. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by D & D Towing.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors will be holding its regular meeting at 7:00 Tuesday evening in the Hospital Library. After the call to order and approval of the agenda and previous meeting minutes, the board will hear any scheduled public comments or presentations. Under new business, the board will be discussing the Helping Hands Auxiliary and the resolution of potential conflicts of interest. The board will then hear operational reports. A vote will then be taken to move into executive session for the discussion of personnel before adjournment. Until a vote to close is taken, this meeting is open to the public. Anyone that would like to attend by telephone or electronic means should contact the SMH Administration office at 573-729-6626 Extension 4005.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met for its Tax Rate Hearing and regular board meeting Thursday evening. Superintendent Nathan Wills recommended a continuation of the $2.75 operating levy and a $0.45 debt service levy for a total tax rate of $3.20 for the district. This is not a change from previous years. Wills also explained that there has been a 2% increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) generating an additional $58,555 of revenue. Under the superintendent’s report, Wills shared some updates on facilities, stating the floors of the Salem Middle School are almost finished; the next portion of work is planned for Thanksgiving break, to include another coat of epoxy. Work is ongoing to the men’s bathrooms, with work expected to be completed before or shortly after school begins. The new Request for Bids (RFB) for the Upper Elementary parking lot has not yet been drafted. A fence has been constructed at the Upper Elementary baseball field. The Salem Middle School has reported leaks in the hallway near the cafeteria, so a roofer has been reached out to. New Tiger Training has been completed with Wills reporting enthusiasm from incoming staff, and the first back-to-school professional development day has also been completed. Under new business, the board approved MSBA 2026 policy updates regarding fringe benefits for staff and support staff, alongside the preliminary 2025-26 Annual Secretary of the Board Report (ASBR.) Additionally, the board approved the annual i-Ready contract for the middle school. Non-certified staffing changes were approved, including hires of Jovee Gollaher, Corey mcCurdy, Delaney Owen, and Penny Gordan. The board then moved into closed session to discuss personnel before adjourning. The next regularly scheduled Salem R-80 Board of Education meeting will be Sept. 17th at 5:30 in the evening. These meetings are open to the public. To view a recording of the Aug. 20th meeting, visit the KSMO Media Youtube channel at youtube.com/@ksmomedia.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) would like to encourage parents to include conversations about safety when preparing their students for the 2026-27 school year. It’s also important that drivers be prepared for the change in traffic patterns as students begin another year of instruction. In 2025, one person was killed and 284 injured in traffic crashes involving a school bus. Last year, a total of 871 traffic crashes involved school buses in Missouri. For students, remember to stay alert while crossing the street at intersections or marked crosswalks – and never cross between parked cars. Use sidewalks when available. If you ride a school bus, follow all safety tips: if waiting in line for the bus on the shoulder or sidewalk, never try to retrieve items that fall under the bus; walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus when crossing the street, and sit quietly on the bus and keep the aisle clear. If an incident occurs, stay calm and follow the instructions of the bus driver. Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about riding a bus, walking, or driving to school in a safe manner. Motorists are encouraged to always be vigilant, especially near school zones, playgrounds, bicycle paths, and crosswalks when schools are in session. Drivers should expect a change in traffic patterns and prepare by allowing extra time to reach your destination. Missouri law states that on a two-lane road, if a school bus is stopped and is displaying warning signals while loading or unloading children, drivers must stop when meeting and following the bus. However, it is only necessary to stop on a four-lane highway when following the bus. Drivers, when you see a stopped school bus, stay alert and follow the law. Children may not be aware of traffic and dart unexpectedly into the roadway.