News – Tuesday, June 16th, 2026
The City of Salem’s Airport Board will be holding a meeting tonight at 6:00 in the evening in the Old City Hall Auditorium at 202 North Washington. After the call to order and approval of agenda and minutes, the board will receive updates regarding the airport and its new hangar. Public comments will be heard, if any. The board will then adjourn. This meeting is open to the public.
The City of Salem Police Department has released that on June 10th, three officers responded to the 100 block of East Tenth Street regarding reports of an intoxicated female subject causing a disturbance in the neighborhood by yelling profanities and disrupting residents. During contact with officers, the suspect, identified as Joyce LoBaido, continued to yell profanities and behave in a disorderly manner before ultimately fleeing on foot when officers attempted to take her into custody. Officers pursued her and a taser was deployed during the course of the pursuit. LoBaido was successfully restrained and placed in handcuffs. After obtaining medical clearance for confinement, LoBaido was transported to the Dent County Jail, where she was charged with peace disturbance and resisting arrest. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse for its regular meeting. Under road reports, District One Commissioner Keith Green reported that crew members will be picking up cold-mix asphalt in Lebanon and then plan to spend the week patching County Road 4110, to prepare for overlay. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported crew members plan on hauling rock to County Road 3370 and then grading county roads 3336, 3370, 4400, 4403, and 4370. A crew member will be sent to Springfield to pick up oil for chipseal roads. Williams thanked crew members within both districts for removing a large tree that had downed over the weekend and required two pieces of equipment to remove. In Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson’s report, this week he plans on attending a Tourism Commission meeting, a Solid Waste Committee meeting in St. James, and then a meeting in Jefferson City which will provide more information on data centers. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that payroll and bills are to be approved. Excused absentee voting is to begin on June 23rd. Sample ballots will be available after June 23rd. Sample ballots will also be published online on the Dent County Election’s Facebook page, found by searching “Dent County Elections/County Clerk-Angie Curley” on Facebook. Further, she reminds residents that, should they need to update their voter registration or have any questions on the upcoming election, to contact her office at 573-729-4144. Residents are also able to come into the office in-person from Monday through Friday from 8:00 in the morning to 4:30 in the afternoon. Under public comments, the commissioners heard from a resident on the topic of data centers and Flock cameras. The resident advised commissioners against data centers coming into Dent County, warning of resource depletion which could affect the stability of the Ozark Aquifer. Additionally, the resident warned against Flock cameras, citing privacy concerns. The resident also advised the commissioners to be wary of signing any non-disclosure agreements. Larson reiterated that the commissioners are against data centers and will be attending the meeting in Jefferson City for more information on how to protect the county. In addition, Larson stated the county does not have the infrastructure to support a data center. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will take place Thursday morning at 9:00 at the Dent County Courthouse. These meetings are open to the public.
The Dent County Fire Protection District (DCFPD) Assistant Fire Chief Derrick Marfitt has released that Junior Firefighters Connor Montoya and Colleen Montoya successfully completed the Sullivan Fire Department Junior Firefighter Academy. The academy was an intensive, week-long course which both Connor and Colleen dedicated time, energy, and determination. Participants were exposed to a variety of hands-on training opportunities designed to prepare the next generation of firefighters. Connor and Colleen embraced every challenge, gaining valuable experience that will help them better protect and serve their community in the future. David Eigenberg, known to millions as firefighter “Christopher Herrmann” from the television series Chicago Fire, took time to personally instruct academy participants, sharing his experiences and working alongside the junior firefighters throughout training evolutions. His presence provided a unique and memorable learning opportunity, inspiring these young men and women as they continue their journey in the fire service. The Dent County Fire Protection District is extremely proud of Connor and Colleen for their accomplishment and for their dedication to becoming better firefighters. Their willingness to invest an entire week into training reflects their commitment to excellence and their passion for serving others. Congratulations to Connor and Colleen!
Interested in learning how to safely preserve your favorite food at home? Join a Water Bath Canning Workshop on Thursday, 6:00 to 9:00 in the evening at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Whether you’re brand new to canning or want a refresher on safe water bath canning techniques, this workshop will guide you step-by-step through the process. The cost is $25 per participant, and registration is required. Feel empowered and prepared as you learn techniques for safely canning high-acid foods, using equipment correctly, and following tested recipes. Build skills that protect your health, reduce food waste, and help you preserve nutritious foods for your family year-round. To register, visit MU Extension’s website at extension.missouri.edu and search “Water Bath Canning Workshop.” A registration link will be available at the first result.