News – Monday, February 9th 2026

On Saturday, Patrolmen from the Salem Police Department conducted a short-term investigation regarding the whereabouts of a wanted fugitive. Officers responded to the 1800 block of South Oak Street, where contact was made with a resident who granted consent to search the residence for the subject. The wanted individual, Robert Lewis, was subsequently located concealed in a bedroom and taken into custody without incident. Lewis was transported to the Dent County Jail, where he is currently being held on a capias bond warrant for the following charges; Possession of a Controlled Substance and Resisting/Interfering with Arrest. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Missouri Department of Transportation will conduct highway maintenance and construction work in Dent County this week. Weather conditions may postpone scheduled work, and lane closures could cause delays. Route N will have culvert replacement work. One lane will remain open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zone. Route TT will have bridge maintenance over Crooked Creek. One lane will remain open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zone. MoDOT asks motorists to buckle up, put phones down, obey traffic signs and slowdown in work zones. For traffic updates, visit MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map or call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT. Work zone updates can be sent directly to email by signing up at modot.org.

Missouri Lieutenant Governor David Wasinger recently announced the “Lieutenant Governor’s Award for American Patriotism” as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. The contest invites Missouri students in grades K-12 to submit letters explaining why they are proud to be an American. Students may choose one of two prompts: “I am proud to be an American because…” or “I love America because…” Word count requirements are 50 words for grades K-3, 100 words for grades 4-6, and 200 words for grades 7-12. All letters must be postmarked no later than March 1, 2026, and mailed to the Office of Lieutenant Governor David Wasinger, Missouri State Capitol, 201 Capitol Avenue, Room 224, Jefferson City, Missouri 65101. Wasinger said the contest is a call to young people to celebrate the blessings of liberty, the sacrifices of founders, and the enduring values that have made the United States exceptional. He noted it is important to instill in children a deep love for America when many voices seek to divide and diminish shared heritage. State Representative Darrin Chappell recalled the tremendous celebrations of the Bicentennial of 1976 and said his pride in the country has continued to grow. He noted that educating children in the unique qualities of liberty enshrined in the nation’s 250-year history is imperative for them to mature into well-rounded citizens. Renee Pace, Chairwoman of America 250 Missouri Commission, said the writing project falls under the Educate Initiative focusing on school-aged youth K-12. Award winners will be invited to a recognition ceremony and lunch at the Missouri State Capitol on June 26, 2026, where they will read their letters. For more information, contact Chris Walker at Chris.Walker@ltgov.mo.gov or 573-751-4727.

Bunker High School held it’s “Enchanted Red” Homecoming Court Ceremonies Friday night following their Basketball games versus St. Pius X of Festus. The flower girl for the ceremony was Henley Ritter, joined by crown bearer, Gus Young. The Homecoming Queen Candidates this year were, Kinsey Barton, Jesslynn Damouth, Regan Bowen, Kiera McClanahan, Kiera Martin, Bella Sanders, Hadley Martin, and Keira Turnbough. Hadley Martin was awarded as the second runner up, Jesslynn Damouth was the first runner up, the 2026 Homecoming Queen is Kinsey Barton, the daughter of Larry and Cassidy Barton of Bunker. She was escorted by Senior Brayden Radford, son of Kenneth Radford of Bunker and Samantha Radford of Salem.