News – Tuesday, June 23rd, 20226

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors will conduct their regular monthly business meeting this evening at 7:00. This meeting will take place in the Hospital Library and is open to the public. After the call to order and approval of the agenda and previous meeting minutes, including minutes of May 18th, May 22nd, and June 18th, the board will hear public comments, if any. After, the board will hear operational reports, to include a vote considering the approval of the monthly financial reports. Under new business, the board will consider the approval of bank signers, the budget, a new candidate, and Show-Me HVN. Part of the meeting will be closed for discussion of personnel. After a return to open session, the board will adjourn. Except for the executive session, the meeting of the Salem Hospital Board of Directors is open to the public. Anyone that would like to attend by telephone or electronic means should contact the SMH Administration office at 573-729-6626 Extension 4005.

The Dent County Commission met for its regular meeting Monday morning at the courthouse. First District Commissioner Keith Green was absent, so Second District Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported on both first and second district road reports. First district crew members will be grading on County Road 5170, alongside preparing chipseal roads for overlay. Second district crew members are planning to grade and haul rock to county roads 4380, 4010, 4480, and 3330. In addition, a crew member is traveling to Springfield to retrieve oil for chipseal repair, which is planned for county roads 3230, 3240, and 3220. County Clerk Angie Curley reminds all businesses with liquor licenses that they are due by June 30th. For the Aug. 4th Primary Election, Curley reminds voters that excused absentee voting begins June 23rd, Tuesday. If any voters have any questions or changes to make to voter registration records, be sure to contact the County Clerk’s office at 573-729-4144 as soon as possible. Sample ballots are now available at the office, alongside fair ballot language on the amendments. County Treasurer Denita Williams reported on CART Tax. There has been $90,460.11 received, which is up year-to-date $30,008.36 or an increase of 6%. Under public comments, resident Katie Ann Gaither asked if commissioners would consider moving one meeting per month to the evening so more residents may be able to attend outside of working hours. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson stated this had occurred several years ago, but that it was short-lived as the meetings were not well-attended. Upon reviewing previous meeting minutes, Gaither asked for clarification on who the commissioners were consulting with for legal counsel which stated that no law allows flock cameras or data centers to be voted on. Larson said he would provide the answer at a later time. Collector Shannon Vankirk reported that there are only seven business days left for those eligible to apply for the SB190 Senior Tax Freeze. She also reported that 39 delinquent 2023 taxes will need to be paid by June 30th. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be on Thursday, June 25th at 9:00 in the morning in the courthouse. These meetings are open to the public.

The Salem Public Library will be hosting a “Hamilton” trivia night on Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30. Adults 18 and over are invited to test their knowledge of the “Hamilton” Broadway musical about pivotal figures in American history. Be in the room where it happens! Costumes are optional. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are welcome.

The generosity of many over Friday evening at the “We’ve Got Your Back, Zach” event has raised over $44,000 for Zach Moser and his family, who face a difficult battle with Stage 4 Sarcoma. Organizers express their thanks to all who donated and lent a hand to make a difference. If you missed the event, there is still time to help with a competitive 3v3 basketball tournament to be held Saturday, June 27th, with registration at $60 per team. All proceeds will help Zach and his family with treatment expenses, travel, and daily living costs as he continues his fight against cancer. For more information, please call 573-739-1127 or email Susie@SalemCommunityCenter.org.

Colonel Michael A. Turner, the superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, reminds Missouri’s travelers and boaters to make smart choices and celebrate safely during the Independence Day holiday. During the 2025 Fourth of July counting period, 13 people were killed and 415 were hurt in 993 traffic crashes across Missouri. Troopers arrested 118 people for driving while intoxicated. During the same period, there were 11 boating crashes, which included four injuries and no fatalities. Troopers also made 13 boating while intoxicated arrests. No drownings were reported during the holiday weekend. The 2026 July Fourth holiday counting period will begin at 6:00 Thursday night, July 2nd, and continue through 11:59 Sunday night, July 5th. Due to ongoing road construction across the state, the Patrol encourages travelers to use the MoDOT Traveler Information Map when planning their trips accessible at traveler.modot.org. The map provides up-to-date information on road closures, delays, construction zones, and alternate routes. Motorists and boaters are reminded to follow all of Missouri’s laws, be courteous, buckle up when traveling in a vehicle, and wear a life jacket when near, on, or in the water. The public is encouraged to call the Patrol’s Emergency Report Line (800) 525-5555 or *55 on your cellular phone if they witness criminal activity or experience an emergency.