News – Thursday, July 16th, 2026
This morning at The Commons, livestock registration for the Dent County 4-H and FFA Expo will be from 9:30 until 11:30. All livestock MUST be in place by 11:00. Weigh-ins are scheduled to start at 12:30 with the Small Animal Show beginning at 2:00. The “Pig Pals” practice will be at 5:00 with the show to follow at 5:30. The exhibitor and family supper will be held at 6:00. The yearly Dent County 4-H and FFA dessert auction was held last night and successfully raised $10,332 with all proceeds to benefit Dent County Youth through the 4-H and FFA programs. The Salem FFA Chapter and all the Dent County 4-H Clubs thank everyone who attended the auction for their generosity and support. On Saturday morning at 9:00, the highlight of the Expo, the 4-H and FFA Market Sale, will be carried live on KSMO Radio (AM 1340 and FM 95.7) and also live streamed on KSMO Media (ksmoradio.com, KSMO Stream Facebook and the KSMO YouTube Channel.)
The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be meeting Thursday at noon at the Administration Office on J Highway. This meeting is open to the public. After reports of administrative staff, the board will consider the approval of the 2026-27 AMI Plan; MSBA 2026 policy updates; the 2026-27 Personnel Handbook; and meal prices for the 2026-27 school year. The board will also be setting a tax rate hearing time and date, alongside the next regular August board meeting time and date. An updated agenda released Wednesday morning added that the board will also be considering the approval of an amended contract with Compass Therapy Solutions and Stepping Stones Group. The board will then adjourn and move into executive session to discuss personnel.
The Dent County Fire Protection District (DCFPD) Board of Directors met for its regular meeting Tuesday night. The board first voted to amend the agenda to include a quote for the repair of the air conditioning. After approval of the agenda, the board also approved the consent agenda including minutes from the previous meeting; financial reports, bills, payments, and statements; and budget and reconciliations. The board reviewed the findings of the audit conducted by Kristen Deluca. Further noted within the meeting was that an MRL was signed, and that the board will be receiving reports throughout the month on financials to ensure accountability. Under old business, the CTI Tower Lease is awaiting an invoice. Compressor quotes were presented to replace the current unit with a quote from Sentinel at $59,109.14 approved after discussion. A bid from Victor Heating and Cooling at $10,700 to repair the air conditioning heat pump was also approved. Meanwhile, Fire Chief Derek Thomas provided the monthly reimbursement report with a total of six calls for the month and 121 total calls for the year. Incidents included one carbon monoxide alert; one gas leak odor report; one motor vehicle collision; and one unknown problem. Thomas reported that the 2018 brush truck is having problems following recent repairs and is going back in for service. Crew members will need new medic bags, which will cost an estimate of $250 to $300 each. He noted to the board that he will be using $400 for HazMat awareness training for crew members to receive qualifications. The board then adjourned. The next meeting of the DCFPD will be 6:00 in the evening Tuesday, Aug. 11th and is open to the public.
The Oak Hill R-I Board of Education met for its regular meeting on Thursday, June 11th. After amendments were made to the agenda to postpone DCI updates and the first reading of MCE policies and regulations until next month, the board approved the agenda and minutes of the previous meeting minutes. The payment of June 2026 bills and May 2026 payroll were presented and approved. Under new business, the board approved fund transfers for Fiscal Year 2026 and the final Fiscal Year 2026 Budget ending amendments. The budget for the 2026-27 school year was discussed and the ending Fiscal Year 2026 budget was adopted as the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. After discussion, the board approved the 2026-27 AMI application, evaluation of food services, and raised student/adult meal prices by 10 cents. The board discussed bids for food and food service items, with the only bid being received from Springfield Grocer, even though US Foodservice was contacted multiple times. The bid from Springfield Grocer was approved. In closed session, the board approved the salary increase of Shannon Lewis for the 2026-27 school year. The board resumed open session and then adjourned. Oak Hill R-I Board of Education meetings occur every second Thursday of the month at 6:30 in the evening. These meetings are open to the public.
Rep. John Hewkin of the 120th District released in his most recent Capitol Report that the General Assembly has adopted several measures to recognize Missouri’s heritage, communities, and historical contributions in celebration of the 250th anniversary of America. This includes Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 21, encouraging Missourians to participate in educational programs, patriotic observances, community events, and historical commemorations as part of the statewide “Show-Me America 250” initiative. In addition, Senate Bill (SB) 1544 was also approved, which establishes a number of memorial highway and bridge designations across Missouri honoring individuals whose contributions have made a lasting impact on their communities. House Bill (HB) 3080, which updates provisions of state law relating to facilities of historic significance, was also approved.