News – Thursday, July 30th, 2026

An accident happened Tuesday morning at 11:37 in Phelps County at 13900 Highway E. According to the highway patrol report, a 2011 Ford Focus driven northbound by a 16-year-old female from Vienna, traveled off the right side of the roadway. The driver overcorrected causing the vehicle to go off the left side of the roadway and overturn. The driver and a 16-year-old female passenger from Rolla, each suffered moderate injuries in the accident and were transported to Phelps Health. Neither girl was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Tune’s Towing.

On Tuesday, two policemen from the Salem Police Department assisted the Reynolds County Sheriff’s Office with an interagency investigation to locate a wanted probation absconder who was the subject of a full United States extradition warrant. After checking multiple residences, the Salem Policemen located the subject, identified as David Stull Jr., at a residence in the 1300 block of East Third Street in Salem. Stull was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Dent County Jail, where he was booked and held on the Reynolds County warrant. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

You still have time to cast your absentee vote at the Dent County Courthouse in the clerk’s office for the Aug. 4th Primary Election. Both excused and unexcused absentee voting will continue through Monday, Aug. 3rd at the courthouse during regular business hours from 8:00 until 4:30, except for Monday when they will be open until 5:00. Don’t forget that during the Primary, you may only vote for one party and everyone will vote on the four constitutional amendments. For more information, contact the Dent County Clerk’s office at 573-729-4144.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday night at the Old City Hall Auditorium. Under new and miscellaneous business, the board approved the extension of the lead service line inventory grant from Jan. 14th to Dec. 31st, 2026. The project will need to be wrapped up by that time. This is an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant of $100,000, previously awarded to the city in 2024 to meet EPA’s mandate for an inventory of lead service lines within Salem. For bids, the board approved a bid for two new patrol cars for the Salem Police Department (SPD) at a total cost of $89,364 from Behlman Dodge of Troy, Missouri. This is for the ongoing fleet management program. The board also approved new firearms and trade in of current duty weapons at a total cost of $10,680 for the SPD. Under reports of city officials, Mayor Greg Parker commended electric and water department crew members for their continued efforts in pole replacements and water main repairs. He further commended the SPD for increased patrols. City Administrator Sally Burbridge reported that a pump failed at the sewer treatment plant – this pump is still under warranty. An emergency purchase was made in order to lease an interim unit until the pump can be officially replaced by the company. Public Works Director Steve Paine reported that the wastewater treatment plant is healthy. The oxidation ditch is now operational with new rotors installed. The wastewater treatment plant lead has put in his notice, so the search is on to fill that role as well as the Superintendent position at the plant. Water service line repairs have been conducted, and new sewer and water lines have been installed. The hydrant contractors will be painting 25 hydrants this week. The new water tower has been filled, chlorinated, drained, refilled, and tested, with test results to be received soon to officially put the new water tower online. The well has been shocked with 10,000 gallons of chlorinated water and is currently being flushed to be tested. Meanwhile, the water tower in the Industrial Park is being sand blasted and will be painted via roll-on, not sprayed. Once the new water tower is up and running, the Industrial Park tower will be drained and interior worked on. The electric department has replaced 60 poles since January. The construction department has replaced sidewalks near the Four Rivers facility and continues repairs throughout the city. Alderwoman Catherine Dent reported that the Salem Community Choir has partnered with pastors and ministers in the area to provide a community Thanksgiving service in November to be held at the Old City Hall Auditorium. The board then adjourned into closed session for discussion of real estate. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be Tuesday, Aug. 11th and is open to the public.

To keep your trips to Missouri’s State Parks safe and fun, be sure to check the weather forecast before you go and keep an eye on upstream conditions. Visit the Park and Site Status Map located at the Missouri State Parks website at mostateparks.com and click the “Park/Site Status” button at the very top of the page. This useful tool can help keep your future visits safe.