News – Monday, June 16th 2025
An accident involving a Dent County woman occurred in Phelps County Thursday night at 7:00 on Highway 63 twelve miles south of Rolla. According to the Highway Patrol report a southbound 2006 Ford F150, driven by a 40-year-old female from Salem, hydroplaned to the right side of the roadway and struck a guardrail. The Ford then traveled to the left side of the roadway and struck another guardrail. The woman suffered minor injuries and was transported by Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital. The report stated that she was wearing a safety restraint. The Ford sustained moderate damage and was towed from the scene by Lucas Garage.
An accident occurred Friday evening around 10:23 in Crawford County on Edgar Road about a ½ mile east of Crooked Creek Road. According to the highway patrol report a 2023 Kia Forte driven by a 51-year-old male from Mount Vernon was travelling westbound fleeing from Crawford County deputies when he encountered flooding on the roadway. The Kia travelled off the right-side of the roadway and struck a tree. The driver suffered serious injuries and was transported to Phelps Health Rolla by Steelville Ambulance. The Kia was totaled and removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing. The report goes on to say the driver was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident.
The low-water crossing on Dent County Route TT was damaged and closed in April of 2025 and reopened in mid-May. However, only the most critical repairs to reopen the roadway were completed at that time, due to a material shortage. The additional materials have arrived and crews from the Missouri Department of Transportation plan to close Route TT again today, to complete the repairs. The closure is only short-term, however, and crews plan to reopen the roadway on or before June 27th. During the closure, motorists will need to use an alternate route. For the safety of all travelers, NEVER move or drive around barricades. Our crews place them for your safety and that of motorists who may come after you. Moving barricades not only puts yourself in danger, but other drivers who may come through later and drive into floods or onto damaged roadways without warning. This can be especially dangerous at night. MoDOT asks all motorists to work with us by buckling up, putting your phone down, obeying all traffic signs, and slowing down and moving over in work zones. Motorists are advised to use extra caution through work zones, obey all traffic signs, and avoid any distractions. For traffic updates or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636).
The City of Salem Parks and Recreation Board held their regular meeting Thursday at 6:00 in the Auditorium located at 202 N. Washington Street. After approving the agenda and the minutes from the previous meeting, Melissa Dubois presented the Director’s Report. She noted a decline in summer ball sign-ups, possibly due to the growing number of traveling leagues. The lighting project at the Al Brown Fields has been completed, and the concession stand is now in use. The City Park is nearing completion; however, Dubois emphasized that it will not open until the glue has fully dried and cured, as premature foot traffic could damage the surface. Barring any weather-related delays, she anticipates the park will be open to the public within the week. Dubois also reported a significant drop in banner sponsor renewals for the city’s sports leagues. When asked about the cause, she explained that her demanding workload has limited her ability to contact businesses directly, though she encouraged any interested parties to reach out to her. The Board then approved an amendment to its bylaws allowing meeting-specific communications to be conducted via email. Finance Director Stacy Houston presented the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026, which includes an estimated deficit of $26,875, largely due to capital improvement projects such as upgrading parking lots at the T-ball fields and swimming pool, and installing security cameras. The Board approved the budget and agreed to cover the shortfall using funds from prior years’ balances. Before adjourning, the Board voted to appoint Luke Heithold as Vice President.
The Salem R-80 Board of Education held a special session and budget workshop last Thursday evening at 5:30 in the administrative building. Following approval of the agenda, Superintendent Dr. Nathan Wills presented his report, noting progress on several Comprehensive School Improvement Plan goals and providing an update on the projected 2025-2026 budget. In new business, the Board unanimously approved soliciting bids for parking lot and track repairs. The meeting then moved into a closed executive session for personnel matters before adjourning.
Representatives from Missouri State Parks invite the public to provide input for Echo Bluff State Park’s conceptual development plan update. The 30-day comment period began earlier this month and a survey is currently available online at mostateparks.com/CDP. For more information call Daniel Engler, planning section manager, at 573-751-8462. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.