Archive for 2020

City of Salem Public Works Director Mark Nash has announced that due to the remodeling at the city of Salem Administration Offices, the Salem Utility Office will be operating remotely. The Drive-up facility is temporarily closed until further notice. For utility questions or to pay by phone, please call 729-4117.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse with District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell absent. At the meeting, Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge gave her month report for the month of September. Tod Kinerk with the Salem Chamber of Commerce came in to inquire about putting a wooden square frame on the Courthouse lawn for those who want to take pictures in front of the courthouse, but no decision was made. In the road report, Rodney Atkinson, the road supervisor for District 1, said crews will be doing ditch work and grading on Dent County Roads 5220 and 2400. He said maintenance would be done on grader #24, and dumptruck #119. He also said crews would be cleaning out pipes in various areas. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 4220 and 5240, plus materials would be added and grading performed on county road 5225. Larson said materials would also be added to county road 5220 while brush would be cut on county roads 3020 and 3040. Larson also sent a man to Springfield after a load of oil for chip and seal repairs. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he will be attending an Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District meeting in St. James today. The Commissioners approved putting out for proposals for financial audit bids, and they approved three CARES Act proposals. The first is from Salem R-80 for $22,164.00, the second one is from the Council for Healthy Dent County for $1960.67 and the third application was approved from Jadwin Lumber for $50,000. There are still funds available for small businesses and entities to use. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported she balanced with the Treasurer on all monthly accounts for the month of September. She also wants to remind anyone who has not registered to vote for the November 3rd General Election, the last day to do so is Wednesday, October 7th at her office and online. She also says absentee voting continues in her office. Also on Monday, a discussion was held on the transportation needs in Dent County. In attendance were Bonnie Priggee, Anne Friend with the MRPC, City of Salem Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge, TAC member Gary Brown, City Administrator Ray Walden and Modot Engineer Preston Kramer joined by phone for this meeting to talk about prioritizing Transportation needs for Dent County. Also, Sheriff's Bob Wells wanted to put out for bid to sell the 2011 Dodge Charger patrol car. It has 155,386 miles on it. Bids must be delivered to the County Clerk by Monday, November 2nd at 10:00 in the morning to bid on the car. The Courthouse will be closed for Columbus Day and the commission will next meet on Tuesday, October the 13th.

Governor Mike Parson has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome and Missouri Governor’s Mansion to shine purple TODAY in recognition of Alzheimer’s Awareness Day. Governor Parson said Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that affects many of our loved ones. It is important to spread awareness and remember that there is still much work to be done to find a cure. He continue Tuesday night, we will light the dome and the People’s House purple to show our support for the many Missourians impacted by this illness. The dome and Governor’s Mansion will light up at sunset on October 6 and remain lit through sunrise on October 7. The color purple is the signature color of the Alzheimer’s Association. Combining the calmness of blue and the passion of red, purple represents the uncompromising strength of the Alzheimer’s Association and its supporters. In coordination with the lighting, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) will host a department walk in Jefferson City from 11:00-2:00 today in recognition of Alzheimer’s Awareness Day. There will also be a Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Jefferson City on October 11. Please visit the Walk to End Alzheimer’s website to find a walk near you. Jessica Bax, DHSS Division of Senior and Disability Services Director said Alzheimer’s disease will continue to be a growing public health crisis until we find a cure. The most recent data shows there are 210,000 people age 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s in Missouri and creating awareness during this month reminds us all of the importance to work together to support Missouri families affected by this disease.

The City of Salem Board of Alderman held their regular meeting Monday evening in the City Hall Council Chambers. City Administrator Ray Walden reported that the city wide clean-up is being held this week with days of pick up the same as your regular trash day. The July electric bills went out this week, the August bills will be sent out around October 9th and the September bills will be on tract to process the end of October. Letters were also mailed to customers that are over four months past due giving them options to get their bill paid. Utility bills may be dropped in the door mail slot at the City Hall Council Chambers located on 3rd Street. All city offices will be closed on Monday, October 12th in observance of Columbus Day. The board approved the following community members to serve on a City Communications Workgroup; Stan Podorski, Donald Dodd, Catherine Wynn, Kelsey Schatz and Tabatha Utley. This committee, along with city staff, will review the current communication plan, access the current messaging needs and channels and create a plan for board approval. The board then set the Halloween Trick-or-Treating hours for Saturday, October 31st from 6:00 to 8:00 in the evening. The board then went into closed session to talk about real estate.