News – Thursday, August 21st 2025

An accident happened Sunday evening in Iron County on Iron County Road 74 about three miles south of Bixby. According to the highway patrol report, a 2024 Can Am UTV driven southbound by a 50-year-old male, struck a downed tree in the roadway, then ran off the roadway and overturned. The man suffered minor injuries and was taken by a private conveyance to the Iron County Medical Center in Ironton for treatment. The man was not wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident. The Can AM UTV sustained extensive damage and was driven from the scene.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held a special meeting Tuesday evening at 6:00 in the Auditorium at 202 N. Washington Street to consider Resolution No. 24-2025, regarding the donation of city-owned property to the Salem Housing Authority for the development of 40 affordable housing units. Mayor Greg Parker was not in attendance. Following roll call and approval of the agenda, Alderman Michael Letchworth addressed the public, noting that the Board had received numerous emails opposing the resolution. The emails proposed opening the floor for public comment but he clarified that the meeting was not a Town Hall, and therefore public comments or questions would not be heard at that time. However, he encouraged residents to submit their input via email, assuring them that someone would follow up. Letchworth then asked attendees to indicate their position on the resolution by standing, with the count resulting in eight opposed and eight in favor. The Board proceeded with a brief presentation from the developer, who outlined the reasoning behind the project. After the first and second readings of Resolution No. 24-2025, Letchworth called for a vote, and the resolution passed, with Alderwoman Catherine Dent casting the sole dissenting vote.

A pit bull named Bronx was euthanized August 18th following a court-ordered destruction after the dog attacked Bryan Smith on County Road 5140 on June 8th. Smith required 14 stitches for his injuries. The dog escaped through an unsecured gate from a fenced enclosure owned by Jeannie Bates and attacked Smith on his own property. Dent County Sheriff’s deputies seized the animal and provided Bates with a Notice of Disposal on June 9th. Under Missouri Revised Statute 578.024, dogs that attack and cause serious injury must be seized immediately and destroyed after a 10-day impoundment period. The law also makes it a crime to keep a dangerous dog that has previously bitten someone and bites again. Penalties range from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class D felony depending on the severity of injuries and whether the dog has a history of attacks. Bates filed an appeal June 18th, which allows owners to contest the destruction in circuit court. The case was specially assigned to 25th Circuit Judge Brendon Fox after two local judges recused themselves. A trial was held July 14th with Prosecutor Andrew M. Curley representing the sheriff’s office. Judge Fox found the dog attacked without provocation and caused serious injury. He ordered the sheriff to humanely euthanize the animal as required by state law. Evidence presented at trial showed the dog had previously shown aggression toward others and had repeatedly escaped its enclosure. Since there was no evidence the dog had previously bitten another person, no criminal charges were filed under the statute. Prosecutor Curley emphasized the responsibility of owners to maintain control of their animals to prevent harm to others.

With the start of the new school year, the Salem Police Department is urging drivers to stay alert and use extra caution in and around school zones. Officers say motorists can expect to see increased foot traffic in the mornings and afternoons as students make their way to and from school. Police are reminding drivers to slow down in designated school zones, watch for children at bus stops, and obey all traffic laws when driving near school buses. The department also says officers will have a visible presence in school zones to help ensure drivers are following the rules and keeping kids safe. The Salem Police Department would like to wish the students, parents, and teachers a safe and successful school year. They encourage everyone to stay focused, work hard, and remember that determination will lead to success. For more updates from the Salem Police Department, follow them on Facebook or contact the department directly at 573-729-6550.