News – Wednesday, September 24th 2025

A fatality accident occurred Monday evening at 6:13 in Maries County on Highway 63 approximately one quarter of a mile south of Highway 68. According to the Highway Patrol report a southbound 2013 Dodge Ram 3500, operated by a 35-year-old Rolla man, crossed the center line and struck a northbound 2000 Ford F-150 head on, which was driven by a 69-year-old Vichy man. An occupant of the Ford, a 63-year-old Vichy woman, was pronounced deceased at the scene by Maries County Deputy Coroner Amanda Sanbothe at 6:59. The body was transported by the Deputy Coroner to the Maries County Coroner’s Office. The male driver of the Ford F-150 suffered moderate injuries and was transported by Maries Osage Ambulance District to University Hospital in Columbia. Both occupants of the Ford were wearing safety restraints, while it is unknown whether the driver of the Dodge Ram was. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Fast Lane Towing.

The Salem Parks and Recreation Board will be meeting today at 5:00 at the Old City Hall Auditorium. After the call to order, roll call and approval of the agenda will be the consideration and approval of the June 12th, 2025, minutes. The Parks and Recreation Director will report, followed by LWCH Grant Discussion, and Budget Update. The meeting called by Parks and Recreation Board President Carlos Lopez will then adjourn.

MDC invites deer hunters, landowners and managers, wildlife watchers, and others interested in Missouri’s white-tailed deer to an MDC Wild Webcast on Deer Management on Monday evening, September 29th, from 6:00 – 7:00. The Wild Webcast will include information about new deer regulations for the coming season, MDC’s deer management plan for the next decade, and MDC’s efforts to keep Missouri deer healthy. The webcast will also include new information on chronic wasting disease (CWD), epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD), and how MDC is working with hunters, landowners, and other partners to keep Missouri deer healthy. Register in advance for the MDC Wild Webcast on Deer Management. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov.
The Creative Arts Center will be holding an art in the parking lot fundraiser event on Saturday September 27th from 10:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon at the Salem ONCRC, Creative Arts Center, and Farmers Market parking lot located at 202 South Main in Salem. Admission is free, bring your friends and family for an afternoon of fun! There will be vendors, food & drink trucks, the Ozark Heritage Student Art show and art sale inside the Creative Arts center, the Riverways exhibit inside the ONCRC, a car show outside Regine’s Common Kitchen, live entertainment and seating under the Farmers Market pavilion, various art demonstrations and free activities for kids, giveaways, silent auction items, and MORE!!! Designated parking will be available at the Fire Station and in the parking lot of the Brick House on the S-curve. For additional information, or if you would like to volunteer your time helping at the event, please email salemartscenter@salemcommunitybetterment.com.

Salem Memorial District Hospital is proud to announce that its Clinical Laboratory has received excellent results from its most recent Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) inspection. Surveyors praised the lab team’s performance, noting only four minor items—areas they said are often cited only when no significant issues are present. Brooke Bollman, SMDH CEO, noted that this outcome is a testament to the skill, dedication, and professionalism of the laboratory staff. Every test performed in the lab plays a vital role in patient care, and the community can be confident that those results are held to the highest standards of quality and accuracy. CLIA inspections are rigorous reviews conducted by federal regulators to ensure laboratories meet strict standards for safety, accuracy, and reliability in testing. The overwhelmingly positive report reflects the hospital’s ongoing commitment to patient safety and continuous improvement. Bollman shared that this success is about more than just passing an inspection—it represents the culture of excellence they are building at Salem Memorial District Hospital. She said that patients, families, and the community deserve the very best. The hospital extended gratitude to its laboratory professionals for their hard work and to the entire clinical team for supporting high-quality patient care across all departments. For more information about Salem Memorial District Hospital and its services, visit https://www.smdh.net/.

The Salem High School Track remains closed to the public through this Friday for cleaning, repairs, and resurfacing. The Tiger Trail is open to the public at the Salem Upper Elementary School at 1601 Doss Road as well as the Frisco Trailhead on 3rd and Grand Street and the Lake Ziske Trailhead located at the Shawnee Mac Conservation Area.