Archive for 2018

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday night at the city hall council chambers after a Salem Planning and Zoning Commission hearing and meeting. The board did not receive any bids for Fiberglass Primary Electric Enclosures or the 4/0 Aluminum TRXPLE underground primary wire. Both will have to be rebid. The board did receive two bids for 20-foot and 30-foot utility poles from Bridgewell and McFarlane Cascade. The board went with the bid from McFarlane Cascade as the 30-foot poles are $195 each and the 40-foot poles are $301/each. This is a budgeted item and there is still room in the budget for the purchase. The board received two bids for the electric department for 25 KVA and 37.5 KVA transformers: one from Solomon and the other from T&R Electric. The board went with the T&R Electric bid for 10 25 KVA transformers for $517 each, and five 37.5 KVA transformers for $623 each. The total cost came to $8,285 that falls within the budgeted amount. The board approved the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board to annex the Al Brown Fields into the city limits along with other city owned property at 400, 402, 500 and 502 N. Water Street. They did table a request from the Walk by Faith Ministries concerning the old Brickhouse Restaurant property as more information was needed. City Administrator Ray Walden said city crews held a work day at the Cedar Grove Cemetery before Memorial Day. He wanted to let people know the city would be picking up storm debris all week as long as people have the limbs and biodegrable bags at their curb side. Walden had Parks and Recreation Director Tye Lydon give a report on the pool and the Summer Kickoff event at the City Park held Saturday sponsored by the city and Healthy Dent County. A re-dedication of the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Swimming Pool was held followed by free swimming where the pool was literally packed with people. The movie was postponed due to the weather, but it will be rescheduled at a later date. Lydon did say the new healthy foods added to the menu were selling very well at the concession stand. The board approved bill #3389 creating an ordinance that will allow Premier Pyrotechnics to shoot off the fireworks for the 2018 Independence Day fireworks display at The Commons. The board approved the appointment of Josh Gordon to the Library Board to replace Will Hubbs who no longer lives in the city limits and had to resign. They also approved the purchase of cold mix for street repair from Capital materials for $4,319.70 before going into closed session.

The Salem Police Department has released more reports. On Friday night, May 25th, at about 8:21, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 26-year old male of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $8.10. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Friday afternoon, May 26th, close to 5:41, an officer transported a 20-year-old male of Black, MO from Howes Mill to the Dent County Jail due to an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. The suspect was incarcerated pending a court appearance. Later that same afternoon at about 5:50, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. That Investigation led to the arrest of a 23-year old male and a 26- year old male for stealing merchandise from the store. The two suspects were issued summonses to appear in court and released. Later that evening at approximately 8:10, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 28-year old male of Salem for the possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Then on Sunday morning, May 27th, at almost 11:00, an officer transported a 19-year old male of Salem from Phelps County Jail to Dent County Jail due to an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. The suspect was incarcerated pending a court appearance. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

This Thursday morning starting at 10:30 and lasting about an hour, all preschoolers are invited to explore rhymes and rhythm at Rhyme Tyme Preschool Program at the Salem Public Library. This story time comes complete with silly songs and a simple craft as part of the fun! The library is located at 403 North Jackson Street in Salem. For more information, call the Salem Public Library at 729-4331.

It’s time for the “Libraries Rock” Summer Reading Program for students in grades 6 through 12 at the Salem Public Library at 403 North Jackson Street. Those students are invited to get creative at the library! Prizes will be awarded for the most awesome entries in 2 categories: for those in grades 6-8 and those in grades 9-12. The artwork may be drawn any time between 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM this Thursday. Judging will take place at 5:30 PM. For more information, call the Salem Public Library at 729-4331.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated Montauk State Park received five inches of rain on Thursday evening in just under an hour and a half and another 2.5 inches on Saturday afternoon. Road crews had to address damages to the roads around and to the park. After the Saturday rain, Dent County Road 6600 sustained extensive damage as the road and road base eroded causing a hole of about 30 feet wide and 20 or so feet deep, totally washing out the road. Road crews from both districts put 26 truckloads of gravel in the crevice to make the road passable. Crews were continuing to work on washouts throughout both districts. Purcell said that regular grading schedule for the county has been postponed as the crews continue their emergency repairs. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported materials would be added and grading would be done on Dent County Road 2510 while materials will be added and patch grading done on county road 2120. Grading is also going to be done on Dent County Road 4430. Larson said grader #27 was being worked on with a hydraulic line that blew out. Larson went on to say that a man would be patching pot holes on chip and seal roads with the ultimate paving material. Larson again wanted to remind everyone to be patient as the county continues to address emergency road situations before their normal grading schedule can be addressed. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended an MRPC Investment Committee meeting Friday to discuss the fee structure that member cities and counties will need to pay to the MRPC. The committee will make their recommendation to the entire MRPC Board. Skiles also said the time is now for all entities involved to review the draft of the Hazard Mitigation Plan for Dent County and make their comments by June 13th. It is also imperative the entities involved in the program, which includes the schools, need to submit a record of the time they have put in reviewing the plan to MRPC. This will help reduce the cost of the plan to the county. That information needs to be submitted as quickly as possible. For more information, people or entities can contact Ryan Dunwoody at 265-2993. The commission received one carpet bid for the courthouse courtroom and adjacent areas and elected not to open the bid. Instead they elected to re-bid the project and extend the deadline to June 24th at 10:00. The county did receive three bids for the installation of the windows on the 3rd floor of the courthouse. The county selected the bid from Armin Scheller of Restoration Services for $10,750.00. Kendra Mobray from the Dent County Health Center was in to make a presentation to the commission to get a resolution that would allow the health center to become part of the St. Louis County’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. The commission voted to approve moving forward to join the program as it applies to Schedule 2 through 5 narcotic prescriptions at an annual cost of $264.10. A resolution to that effect will be presented at the next commissioner meeting that will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse it will be open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released the following reports. On Thursday evening, May 24th, at about 8:24, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 700 block of West First Street in reference to a domestic disturbance. The investigation of the report revealed that a 45-year old male of Salem had assaulted a 20-year old female of Salem. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was incarcerated pending the application for a warrant. Later that night at approximately 10:26, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. That investigation led to the arrest of a 41-year old male of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $22.47. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Then on Friday morning, May 25th, at about 8:26 an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of North Pershing Street in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed a person or persons unknown took a push type lawn mower valued at $300.00. The report is under investigation. That afternoon at approximately 2:00, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 600 block of South Hickory Street in reference to a theft from a vehicle. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown took a Stihl weed eater valued at $329.00 from the back of a truck. The report is under investigation. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have information regarding an ongoing investigation.

An accident happened in Crawford County on Highway 8 just east of Eagle Hurst Road at 4:15 Sunday afternoon. According to the highway patrol report, a 2010 Ford Fusion driven eastbound by 22-year old Cody Miller of St. James was slowing to turn into a driveway when the Ford was struck from behind by a 2018 Ford Mustang by 21-year old Bennett Covington of Cadet, Missouri. Suffering minor injuries was 36-year old Tara Martin of St. James who was a passenger in the Fusion. She was taken by the Steelville Ambulance to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center in Rolla. Everyone involved in the accident was wearing seat restraints. The Ford Mustang was totaled and the Fusion sustained extensive damage. Both vehicles were removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing of Steelville.

To reflect estimated changes in the wholesale cost of natural gas, Ameren Missouri customers will see natural gas rates drop under a filing that took effect on Friday, June 1st. Residential customers in Ameren Missouri’s Rolla service area that includes Rolla, Salem and Owensville, will see natural gas rates drop by approximately $0.09 per Ccf. Approximately 55% to 60% of a customer’s current natural gas bill reflects the cost of natural gas from wholesale suppliers. The wholesale cost of natural gas is not regulated by the Missouri Public Service Commission, but they do conduct an annual regulatory review to ensure that regulated natural gas companies make prudent decisions in securing natural gas supplies for their customers. Ameren Missouri serves about 129,500 natural gas customers in Missouri.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at 7:00 in the City Hall Council Chambers for their regular meeting. The board will review bids for fiberglass primary electric enclosures, 2,500 feet of 4/0 aluminum TRXLPE underground primary wire, utility poles, and transformers. City Attorney William Camm Seay will announce a public hearing was held before the Alderman meeting on the annexation of Al Brown Fields and properties on North Water Street. Following the consent agenda Gary Brown, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission, will report on the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting and hearing held prior to the Board of Alderman meeting. City Administrator Ray Walden will give his report followed by Mayor Brad Nash’s report. Bill #3389, an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement between the City of Salem and Premier Pyrotechnics, Inc., for the 2018 fireworks display at The Commons July 4th will be introduced and read. Under new and miscellaneous business, the Library Board is requesting approval to appoint Josh Gordon to the Library Board. Street Superintendent Gary Glenn will request approval to purchase cold mix to repair streets in the amount of $4,319.70. The board will go into closed session to discuss personnel and real estate.

The Dent County Sheriff’s office has released some reports. On Tuesday, May 29th, deputies responded to the 9000 block of Route H for a report of a burglary. After an investigation, it was determined that a 30-year old Salem man had kicked in the door of a residence and entered the house. He was located in the ditch line about 100 yards from the house. He was arrested for 2nd degree burglary and incarcerated in the Dent County Jail. On Wednesday May 30th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 4110. The driver, a 20-year old Salem man, was arrested for driving while under the influence. He was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. On Friday, June 1st, deputies responded to Dent County Road 4155 for a report of trespassing. It was discovered that a 38-year old Salem man at the residence had a warrant. He was arrested and taken to the Dent County Jail. If anyone has information on any incident, please call the sheriff’s department at 729-3241.

Public comment is now being accepted, until June 13, 2018, on the Dent County Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan is available for review on Meramec Regional Planning Commission’s website at www.meramecregion.org and click on publications. The plan is located under the Hazard Mitigation Plans for Dent County. A hard copy of the plan is also available at the Dent County Courthouse. The purpose of the plan is to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural hazards. It is required that the county have a plan in place in order to be eligible for several Federal Emergency Management Agency grant programs. Several entities participated in the planning process to update the plan, including the Dent County Commission, City of Salem, Salem R-80 School District, Oak Hill R-1 School District, Dent-Phelps R-III School District, North Woods R-IV School District, Green Forest R-II School District, Dent County Health Department, The Salem News, Healthy Dent County, Salem Memorial District Hospital, KSMO Radio, Lenox Fire Department, Montauk Fire Department, Intercounty Electric, Seville Care Center, Dent County Sheriff’s Office and Dent County Fire Department. The Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) facilitated focus group meetings and assisted these entities in developing the plan. Following a public comment period, a final draft will be created and sent to FEMA and SEMA for review and approval. If you need assistance locating the plan or have questions, please contact Ryan Dunwoody at MRPC at 573-265-2993.