News – Wednesday, February 18th 2026

Yesterday Your World Today reported that you could e-file your personal and/or business assessment forms online up to April 30th. Dent County Assessor Alisa Brookshire notified us that the e-filing service has been discontinued. We appreciate the clarification from the Assessor’s Office and apologize to our readers for any confusion. If you have any questions regarding your assessment form you can contact the Dent County Courthouse at 573-729-6010 or stop by during regular business hours.

A public hearing will be held by the Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees tomorrow afternoon, at 5:00 in the Dent County Health Center Conference Room located at 1014 E. Scenic Rivers Blvd in Salem. The purpose of the hearing is to receive public comment on proposed changes to the Dent County Health Center environmental fee schedule prior to consideration of adoption by the Board. The hearing is open to the public.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be meeting tomorrow at 5:30 in the R-80 Board Room. After the Call to Order and the Pledge of Allegiance the Board will approve the agenda and the consent agenda. The Board will hear communications from Wes and Dana Connell. Salem High School CTE (Career & Technical Education) and FACS (Family & Consumer Science) receive recognition. In the Superintendent’s Report CSIP Goals will be addressed in all reports. Administration reports will be heard from William Lynch, Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School, Athletics and Activities, Special Education, Technology, and Maintenance. In new business, the Board will approve MSBA contract for policy services, MSBA policy updates, updated principal’s contract, 2026-2027 School Calendar, and the Wagner Picture Contract. No Transfers, Hires, or Resignations/Retirements are scheduled to be considered. The Board will enter closed session to discuss personnel and student issues, followed by adjournment after returning to open session. The regular meeting of the Salem R80 Board of Education is open to the public.

Earthquakes are among the last thing Missourians are thinking about during the month of February. But that’s the point of Missouri Earthquake Awareness Month, which is observed across the state each February.  State Emergency Management Agency Director Jim Remillard said a major earthquake for Missouri is what’s known as a “high-impact, low-frequency” event, which is why most people don’t think about them at all. “But these types of natural disasters – unpredictable, but with the potential for catastrophic consequences when they do occur – require training, planning, exercises and building resilience in the emergency management, business and transportation sectors. We urge residents to consider their preparedness as well. Earthquakes warrant special attention in Missouri because of the presence of the New Madrid Seismic Zone, in southeast Missouri, which in 1811-12 generated some of the most powerful earthquakes to ever jolt the U.S. Buildings were destroyed, church bells rang hundreds of miles away and the Mississippi River briefly flowed backward. The NMSZ is still active, with an average of over 200 tiny earthquakes, most of which can’t be perceived, each year. Experts estimate there is a 25-40% chance of a large earthquake occurring in the next 50 years. Residents in southeast Missouri, should check to make sure they are prepared in case of an earthquake. When shaking starts the way to stay safe and protect yourself is to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” if an earthquake occurs. Get under a table or desk, drop to your knees, cover your head and hold on until the shaking stops. Falling debris is the most common cause of injury in nations with modern building codes. There are a number of other preparedness steps Missourians should take. Resources for families, schools and businesses are available on SEMA’s Earthquake Preparedness website, including fact sheets, interactive maps and informational videos that explain what to do in the event of an earthquake.