News – Monday, July 6th, 2026

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.