News – Monday, September 28th, 2026

An accident occurred in Phelps County Thursday night at approximately 11:37 on County Road 7220 near Highway W. According to the Highway Patrol report an eastbound 1999 BMW 323I, driven by a 20-year-old Rolla man, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. The driver suffered minor injuries. Another Rolla man, a 19-year-old, suffered moderate injuries, while a third occupant, an 18-year-old Newburg man, suffered minor injuries. All three men were transported by Phelps Health Ambulances to Phelps Health. The report stated that both Rolla men were wearing safety restraints, while the Newburg man was not. The BMW was totaled and removed from the scene by D and D Towing.

The Dent County Commission met for its regular meeting Thursday morning at the courthouse. Under road reports, District One Commissioner Keith Green shared that with the recent rain crew members have a long list to grade, including county roads 5610, 5140, 4230, 4235, 4247, and 6505. Rock will be hauled, with the assistance of district two crew members, to County Road 5610 and 6280. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported crew members would be grading County Road 2510 and 4290. Cutting brush will also be done on County Road 4290. Green further reported that bids have been received for fuel, with MFA bidding $3.73 and County Fuel bidding $3.98 per gallon of gas. The bid from MFA was chosen. On Monday, Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported that he attended a Tourism Commission meeting with one application tabled, two applications approved, and two reimbursements approved. On Wednesday, Larson attended a meeting with the Meramec Community Enhancement Corporation (MCEC) where board members discussed finances. Larson also shared that the courthouse is looking for applicants for a full-time custodian position. Those applications can be picked up from the Dent County Clerk’s office. For the FEMA crossing on county roads 3210 and 5150, the bid was awarded to the lowest bidder of Build Tec Construction, LLC. at $66,950. Commissioners signed off on the award letter which will then be returned to Great Rivers Engineering. County Clerk Angie Curley reported that the last day to register to vote for the Nov. 3rd General Election is Oct. 7th. Excused absentee voting has begun and no excuse, in-person absentee voting will begin Oct. 20th. Absentee voting will continue through Nov. 2nd. The deadline to return ballots to the election authority will be no later than 7:00 in the evening Tuesday, Nov. 3rd. Reach out with any questions to the Dent County Clerk’s Office by phone at 573-729-4144 or email at dent@sos.mo.gov. Under public comments, a representative of VFW Post 6280 of Salem stated that the organization has been commissioned by the State Commander to build a little free library. The organization has discussed possible locations and requested permission to construct one at the Dent County Courthouse before April 2027. The commission recommended seeking elsewhere, such as the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center, Craig Plaza, or Forum Plaza, due to the ongoing courthouse sidewalk project and the complications it could cause. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday, Sept. 28th at 9:00 in the morning at the courthouse and is open to the public.

Friday night before the Salem Tiger Football game, senior Abby Terrill was crowned the 2026 Salem Tiger Football Homecoming Queen by the 2025 Homecoming Queen, Maggie Hogan. Her court was comprised of freshman Ella Bass, sophomore Alayah Norris, junior Emma Schlag, and seniors Emma Purcell, Morgan Hollis and Trista Dooley. Congratulations Abby!