News – Thursday, June 11th, 2026

The Dent County Fire Protection District (DCFPD) board of directors held its monthly meeting Tuesday night. After the roll call, the consent agenda was approved, which included previous meeting minutes, financial reports, bills, payments, statements, budget and reconciliations. Under old business, the board tabled the CTI Tower Lease discussion due to a need for a legal update. Revised bylaws were presented and accepted. Under new business, Mary Martin of American Midwest Insurance discussed the insurance with the board, stating that the insurance increased $33 for the renewal. The coverage and premiums were discussed, with no action taken. In chief reports, Fire Chief Derek Thomas presented the monthly reimbursement report with 17 calls for the month and 115 total calls for the year. Thomas also reported the Ladder Truck was still in the shop for repair. Compressor bids were given from three companies; after discussion, the board moved to receive more quoted information to make an accurate assessment of the compressors being bid. The next meeting of the DCFPD board of directors was set for July 14th at 6:00 in the evening. The board then adjourned. 

The City of Salem Board of Adjustments will be meeting tonight at 5:30 for a public hearing, as well as its regular public meeting to follow directly after. After the call to order, the board will recognize anyone that wishes to speak. The board will then hear a request for a variance from Section 405.130 of the City of Salem Code of Ordinances, to allow construction of a single-family residential structure inside the front setback of Lot 5 Shady Oaks Estates, owned by Bee Fork Development LLC. During its regular meeting, the board will consider the approval or rejection of the variance. The board will then adjourn. This meeting is open to the public and will be held in the Old City Hall Auditorium at 202 North Washington. 

Not only is being a poll worker an excellent way to participate in our democracy, but it’s also a paid position. Poll workers are paid for their service on Election Day and often for attending training sessions prior to Election Day. Your local election authority determines how much you will be paid, but in Missouri the daily pay ranges from $64 to $100 for the day. Poll workers and election judges staff polling places on Election Day and help ensure the voting process goes smoothly. Poll workers check in registered voters, answer questions and make sure everyone who is eligible is given the opportunity to vote. You will need to attend at least one training session conducted by your local election authority prior to Election Day. These training sessions usually take place about four to six weeks prior to Election Day and provide you with everything you need to know about the voting equipment used in your jurisdiction, legal processes and procedures, along with information for answering voter questions. The amount of time required for training will vary based on your election jurisdiction, but usually lasts from two to eight hours. Poll workers must open the polls at 6:00 in the morning on Election Day and keep them open until 7:00 in the evening.  Any voter who is in line at 7:00 in the evening is allowed to vote. Qualifications sought in a potential poll worker include being a registered voter; being able to speak, read, and write English; not appearing on the current ballot or have a close relative appear on the current ballot; and not holding an elective office at the time of service as a poll worker. Exceptions to the elective office provision include: political party committee, township office, or board or commission member of a political subdivision or special district (unless an issue or candidate relevant to that entity is on the ballot where you are working.) If you’re interested in signing up to be a poll worker, visit the Secretary of State website at sos.mo.gov/pollworker for more information, such as frequently asked questions and to sign-up. If more information is desired, contact Dent County Clerk Angie Curley’s office at 573-729-4144 or email dent@sos.mo.gov. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 in the morning to 4:30 in the afternoon.

As temperatures rise this summer in our county, remember to safeguard yourself, friends, and family against heat-related illnesses. Keep your body cool and hydrated by using light, loose-fitting clothing. Drink water regularly, with a recommendation of 1 cup of water per hour and at least 2-3 litres per day. Regularly check in with vulnerable people in your circle, especially people over 65 years old and those with heart, lung or kidney conditions, or living alone. Regularly apply SPF 30+ sunscreen in order to protect your skin and take breaks in shaded areas or air-conditioned spaces when possible. Heatstroke is a potentially fatal medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention: if you or others feel faint, dizzy or nauseous, stop sweating, or lose consciousness seek care as soon as possible. It’s crucial to take heatstroke seriously and act quickly, as delays can lead to severe complications or even death. Use any available means to cool the person down while waiting for medical help. Remove any unnecessary clothing to help the person cool down. Move the person to a shady or air-conditioned location immediately and apply cold, wet cloths to their body. Use ice packs and fans if available.

Join MU Extension and Healthy Dent County for a walk at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. As a part of the 100 Miles, 100 Days challenge, this free event is a fun way to move and stay motivated. All ages and abilities welcome – whether you join the full challenge or just want to go on a quick walk! Interested participants are asked to bring a water bottle, comfortable attire, and outdoor protection like sunscreen. The challenge will take place on Tuesday, June 16th to begin at noon at the front of the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. The event will run through Thursday, Sept. 24th. For more information or to register, visit MU Extension’s website at extension.missouri.edu and search “2026 100 miles, 100 days.”