News – Wednesday, May 20th, 2026

The Salem Police Department has released that on May 18th, officers conducted an investigation into a suspicious person during their normal patrol duties. After contact was made, the subject’s identity was obtained and discovered to have an active warrant for his arrest through Phelps County. Officers followed up with the subject at his residence where he was located. The subject, Ian Dale, was placed under arrest and transported to the Dent County Jail. Dale is being held on a $10,000 Cash/surety bond warrant for 2nd Degree Kidnapping and 2nd Degree Domestic Assault. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

The City of Salem’s Board of Adjustment will hold a Public Hearing and Public Meeting tonight at 5:30 at the Old City Hall Auditorium at 202 N. Washington. The purpose of the hearing and meeting is to consider requests for variance from Section 405.130 of the City of Salem Code of Ordinances. The requests are for property at 800 South Carty owned by Kevin and Jennifer Stacy, and at 707 West First Street owned by Paul and Cecilia Zandvliet. The meeting will be open to the public.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors held its regular meeting Monday evening at 7:00 in the Doctors’ Library at the hospital. Following the call to order and approval of the previous meeting’s minutes, the board approved updated Human Resources policies and procedures regarding the responsible and secure use of mobile devices. In her report, CEO Brooke Bollman highlighted several operational updates, including the hospital’s decision to begin outsourcing medical records requests, DOT grant writing, employee year-end evaluations and raises, and fiscal year 2027 budget preparations. Bollman noted that the HRSA audit has been completed and results are expected in October. During April, the hospital recorded 42 inpatient admissions and 5 Swing Bed admissions, along with 1,080 outpatient registrations, 1,393 cardiopulmonary procedures, 609 emergency room visits, and 155 ambulance runs. Total operating revenue for April was approximately $2.2 million, with total operating expenses of about $2.1 million, yielding a net profit of $197,615.82. The hospital currently has 32 days of cash on hand. 340B revenue for the month was $71,539 against expenses of $73,510, resulting in a net loss of $1,971. It was noted that the hospital has yet to receive payment from the Walmart pharmacy. During the Chief Nursing Officer’s report, CNO Amber Hogan recognized Nurse Lisa Cummings on receiving the Nurse of the Year award. The hospital has also implemented an employee referral program and is working to develop a more personalized approach to new hire orientation. Following the Quality Improvement/Risk Management report, the meeting adjourned to executive session to discuss personnel matters. The next regular meeting of the Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30th, at 7:00 in the Doctors’ Library at the hospital and is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has shared that Detective Luc Burns will be retiring after more than a decade of dedicated service. Detective Burns began his career with the department in 2014 after graduating from the Missouri Sheriffs Association Training Academy. He first served in patrol and was promoted to Detective in 2020, where his professionalism, determination, and commitment to justice made a lasting impact on the department and community. Throughout his career, Burns completed specialized training in Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigations, REID Interview and Interrogation Technique, crime scene investigation and processing, and detailed investigations. He also served as a member of the ICAC Task Force and the Missouri Investigators Association. A proud United States Army Veteran, Detective Burns has served both his country and his community with honor, integrity, and dedication. Thank you and congratulations to Detective Luc Burns on his outstanding service!

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist with energy costs. LIHEAP provides federally funded assistance to reduce the costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repair. LIHEAP can help you stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer through programs that reduce the risk of health and safety problems that arise from unsafe heating and cooling situations and practices. This summer, LIHEAP might be able to help you by helping to pay your cooling bills; providing assistance to service, repair, or replace an air conditioner; helping with the purchase of an air conditioner; distributing or loaning air conditioning units or air source heat pumps; or establishing or providing transportation to a cooling center. If you need help with cooling bills, LIHEAP may be able to help. For more information, visit energyhelp.us, email energyassistance@ncat.org, or call 866-674-6327, weekdays from 9:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the evening. 

There will be a “Mommy and Me Paint Party” at the Creative Arts Center at 204 South Main this Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 with Danielle Norris. Come and paint your choice of two matching pics for a late mother’s day gift! Kids can either paint the picture solo, or they can bring their mom or grandparent to paint with. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for kids! Register by going to the SACBA website, click on Programs category and then go the Salem Creative Arts Council link. If you have a question about any class, email salemartscenter@salemcommunitybetterment.com.