News – Thursday, August 13th, 2026

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met for a special meeting on Wednesday at noon. After approval of the agenda, the board approved the annual ECSE First Student Transportation contract, alongside a three-year contract with Wagner Photography. The board discussed and approved a bid for a Ford Expedition by Schicker Automotive of St. Louis, pending an inspection and test drive. Power School, a website the district utilizes for hiring and hosting job applications, was approved for renewal for the upcoming school year, as well. Superintendent Nathan Wills discussed with the board the bids received for the Upper Elementary parking lot. After further inspection, it was revealed the parking lot requires more than just the overlay that had been bid. The parking lot contains severe cracking, described Wills, and may need asphalt and concrete replacement. With that being said, the board rejected the bids received with the intention to put out another Request for Bids (RFB) later in the year. Wills described that work on the parking lot may need to be phased out over several years in order to lessen cost impacts. Finally, the board approved prepayment of the Series 2020 bonds in the amount of $180,291.67. Under personnel, the board approved the hiring of Sydney Dothage as an ECSE Aide and Jessey Kissir as a Middle School Paraprofessional, along with the resignation of Angel Hunter as a ECSE Paraprofessional. The board then voted to enter executive session for the discussion of personnel. The next regular meeting of the Salem R-80 Board of Education will be Thursday, Aug. 20th at 5:30 in the evening and will include the annual tax rate hearing. These meetings are open to the public.

The Dent County Fire Protection District (DCFPD) Board of Directors met for its regular meeting Tuesday evening. The board began the meeting with the Tax Rate Hearing. No changes were made with the tax rate remaining at .2382 and the bond rate at .2300. The consent agenda was then approved, containing minutes from the previous meeting, financial reports, bills, payments, and statements, and budget and reconciliations. Fire Chief Derek Thomas presented the monthly reimbursement report with a total of 19 calls for the month and 140 total calls for the year. The board then went into closed session to discuss legal actions and personnel. The next regular meeting of the DCFPD Board of Directors will be Tuesday, Sept. 8th at 6:00 in the evening and is open to the public.

The Phelps County Public Housing Agency is seeking landlords for the Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly known as Section 8. Landlords are needed in Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps and Washington counties. The program assists low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities afford decent, safe and sanitary rental housing from private landlords. Some of the benefits of accepting Housing Choice Vouchers include a large pool of potential tenants, guaranteed rental income, free advertising of available units, lower vacancies and unit oversight by qualified housing inspectors. Currently, there are 173 families with Housing Choice Vouchers in the Meramec Region searching for approved housing and another 415 families on the waiting list. For more information or questions, contact Housing Manager Donald Keeney at 573-265-4200 ext. 128 or via email at dkeeney@meramecregion.org.

Missouri Crayfish Finders is the newest citizen science project being conducted in cooperation with Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC.) This project assists MDC by tracking populations of invasive crayfish throughout the state and updating the known distribution of Missouri’s diverse crayfish communities. Missouri is home to over 40 species of crayfish, including 26 Species of Conservation Concern.Those interested in participating are encouraged to take photos for scientists to accurately identify crayfish species. This project is open to anyone to participate across the state, so long as you have a valid Missouri fishing permit in order to catch and release crayfish. Interested in participating? Learn more by visiting the link to the Missouri Stream Team website at mostreamteam.org/missouri-crayfish-finders. 

Mentoring makes a difference where one hour per week can help change a child’s life. Mentors are already providing this service to students at the Salem R-80 Middle School, Salem R-80 Upper Elementary school, the North Wood R-4 School for 3rd through 6th graders, and this year the program has been expanded to cover Dent-Phelps R-3 school and Oak Hill R-1 as well, but more mentors are needed. Mentors can be a friend to these children, helping them with homework or just playing a game with them offering encouragement and support. Mentored youth are less likely to misuse alcohol and drugs, respond more positively to teachers and parents, and have greater feelings of self-worth with improved confidence and social skills. Healthy Dent County is the coordinator of this program. If you have one hour per week to become a mentor at any of the schools listed, contact Liberty Ross at 573-729-8163, text 573-247-4886 or email liberty@salemcommunitycenter.org.

It’s that time of year again. School is getting ready to get started! Be sure to be prepared by attending the Back to School Fair at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory this coming Friday, Aug. 14th from 3:00 to 7:00 in the afternoon. There will be free backpacks and school supplies, games and prizes, free food, free socks and underwear, giveaways, and community resources. Call Donna at South Central Missouri Community Action Agency (SCMCAA) to preregister at 573-729-3500.