News – Wednesday, February 4th 2026

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will meet at 6:00 this evening in the Fire Station at #2 South Main. After the Call to Order and Roll Call will be the approval of the Consent Agenda, which includes review of previous meeting minutes, the financial report and approval of bills, plus the budget review. In Old Business the Board will address the Junior FF Program before adjournment. The regular meeting of the DCFPD Board of Directors is open to the public.

Saturday night in front of a large crowd at the SHS Gym, seven dance couples entertained the audience at the Salem Memorial Hospital Foundation’s “Dancing with the Salem Stars” event. Taking first place was Luke and Hannah Heithold with Shannon Wright and Bella Mutz capturing second place. The People’s Choice Award went Bub Partin and Lisa Godi for their entertaining dance. Other dance routines as part of the show were performed by the students at the Salem Academy of Dance taught by Ashlyn Patterson. The hospital foundation board thanks all those attending the event and especially the dancers who made it fun for all those who attended. 

Missouri leaders announced data showing that traffic fatalities declined in 2025 for the third year in a row, marking a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing effort to improve roadway safety. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe joined the Missouri Department of Transportation, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and other safety partners in making the announcement, which also served as a call for continued action to save lives on Missouri roadways. Preliminary figures show there were 911 fatalities on Missouri roadways in 2025, down from 955 the previous year – a 5% decrease. Compared to three years ago, Missouri has achieved a 14% reduction in roadway deaths. This marks the first time the state has seen a three-year decline since 2019.

Time is running out for Missouri agriculture students to apply for a 2026 Missouri Corn Scholarship. The Missouri Corn Foundation is continuing the longstanding tradition of awarding seven deserving students $1,000 scholarships in 2026. Applications for the Missouri Corn Scholarship Program are available online for high school seniors and college juniors pursuing a degree in agriculture. Missouri Corn Scholarship Chair Brian Willott of Mexico, Missouri noted that investing in the future of our industry goes beyond building markets. It’s also investing in the people, the families, and the future leaders in agriculture. Whether it’s corn production, marketing, agronomy, or policy work, our industry is ever changing, and we want to invest in the students who are ready to take on the challenges to help move agriculture forward. Applications for the 2026 Missouri Corn Scholarships are available at mocorn.org under the Education tab and must be submitted online. To be eligible, students must submit an application, official high school or college transcript, and at least one letter of recommendation by February 13th, 2026. High school senior applicants must be Missouri residents from a Missouri farm or rural area. They must plan to attend a two- or four-year college or university and major in an agriculture-related field. The scholarship funds will apply toward the freshman year of college expenses for high school winners. College applicants must also be Missouri residents from a Missouri farm or rural area and currently a junior enrolled in a four-year college or university majoring in an agriculture-related field. The scholarship funds will apply toward the senior year of expenses for college winners. The Missouri Corn Scholarship Committee will review the applications, and recipients will be notified by mail on or before April 15th, 2026. To learn more about Missouri Corn programs, visit mocorn.org.

Calling Parents of 8th Graders! If your student is NOT currently enrolled in Salem R-80 school district but plans to attend Salem High School for the 2026–2027 school year, please be sure to attend the Pre-Enrollment Day! Pre-enrollment is an important first step because it allows the school to officially enter your student into their system. This helps the high school build accurate class schedules, create student profiles, plan courses, staffing, and support services. Getting your student pre-enrolled early ensures a smoother transition to high school and helps the school best prepare for your child’s success. Pre-Enrollment Day Wednesday Feb. 11th from 8:30 in the morning until 6:30 in the evening in the Salem High School Library.