News – Thursday, June 25th, 2026

An accident occurred in Dent County Tuesday morning at approximately 3:40 on Highway O just south of the Dent & Phelps’ County line. According to the Highway Patrol report a northbound 1999 Peterbilt 385, driven by a 60-year-old Salem man, was conducting an improper turn on the highway and traveled into the path of a southbound 2008 Chrysler Town & Country driven by a 19-year-old Rolla woman. The woman suffered moderate injuries and was transported by EMS to Salem Memorial Hospital. According to the report both drivers were wearing safety restraints. The Chrysler was totaled and removed from the scene by American Automotive. There was no damage to the Peterbilt and it was driven from the scene. The Highway Patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Office.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met Tuesday night for its regular meeting. Under public comments, resident Katie Gaither expressed frustration at inconsistent monthly utility bills, trash pickup, and quality of services offered by the city and requested the board give further consideration to rate increases. Meanwhile, the Memorandum Of Understanding with the Missouri State University, West Plains and its continued use of the classroom space at the Old City Hall for the Adult Education and Literacy program was approved. The board approved two conditional use permits: one for 707 W. First Street, in which a manufactured home is proposed to be installed and readdressed as 4 N. Grand Avenue, and 1005 E. Third, in which the home is proposed to be used for a short-term vacation rental. First readings were then heard, including a change order to utilize the remaining ARPA funds for BuildTec to replace four fire hydrants and control valves, along with extending the contract to Aug. 1st, 2026. Several ordinances establishing rates for electric services, concerning the demand meters, commercial customers, employment incentive rates, and large industrial user rates, were also heard, recommended by a cost of service study performed by UFS in February 2025. Several second readings were heard, including two task orders with Toth and Associates, Inc.: one task order to replace the sewer line running west from Hickory Street at a cost of approximately $41,500 and another for the Roosevelt Street sidewalk survey at a cost of approximately $9,000. Both task orders were approved by the board. A contract extension with Archer-Elgin for the water tower project was also approved, in order to accommodate a delay in delivery for a pitless adapter. In addition, the board approved five amendments to the code of ordinances relating to engineering firms in order to allow contracting out engineering services. Finally, the board approved an ordinance for year-end budget adjustments to the FY 2025-26 budget. The board approved the FY 2027 proposed budget, with proposed revenues of $23.9 million; anticipated expenditures of $23.3 million; and intergovernmental transfers of $3.9 million. City Administrator Sally Burbridge stated the city did not shut down the marijuana dispensary, dispelling rumors circulating on social media. Public Works Director Steve Paine reported that the construction crew fixed a drainage issue at the Salem Community Center parking lot. Following reports of city officials, the board adjourned the meeting. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be Tuesday, July 14th, and is open to the public.

The Salem Community Choir will present its second annual Patriotic Spectacular Saturday afternoon, July 4th at the Salem City Hall. There will be performances at 2:00 and 4:00. The choir will feature soloists including Jimmy Cotner, Rachel Rush, Sophie Krautmann, Steve Morton and Michelle Smith. The narrator for the event will be Ruth Ann Parker. The choir is under the direction of Catherine Dent.