Archive for 2021

Over the past week, the Ozark hillsides have really started to show nice color. This coming week will probably begin the peak. Maples, common in cities and towns, have recently become colorful, their leaves changing from faded yellowish greens to bright crimson red and orange. Mature neighborhood maples, bathed in sunlight, with large, open-grown crowns, are positively regal. The sides of the tree most exposed to the sun (facing south and west) typically change first and have the brightest color. Maples are also a minor component of Ozark forests. Sugar and red maples are the most common species in uplands, while silver maple grows along rivers and drainages. Individual trees are easy to recognize now with their distinctive bright yellow and red crowns dotting the forested landscape. The various species of hickories that hadn’t changed earlier are now bright yellow. Some oaks are beginning to turn, although scarlet oak is yet to change. The trees with the brightest crimson red leaves are still black gum, sassafras, and sumacs. Shortleaf pines, with their dark green canopies, are contrasting nicely against the mosaic of oaks and hickories. Although there is some variability across the Ozarks, our region is a sight to behold. With the predicted cool nighttime temperatures, this week should be a great time to see the color. Get out and enjoy it while it lasts! Some of the hottest spots to enjoy the color is along the spring fed rivers in the area. The Current, Jacks Fork, and Eleven Point rivers are all beautiful this time of year. Floating on crystal-clear water, past majestic rock bluffs amid a backdrop of fall color, is unforgettable. These rivers are part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways (National Park Service). Local canoe liveries offer shuttles to put in and take out. Camping is allowed along the banks of the rivers.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Tuesday night for a special meeting at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. At the meeting, Mayor Kim Steelman swore in new full- time City Clerk Tammy Koller removing her temporary status. The board approved Resolution #31-2021 which authorizes Mayor Steelman to execute a five-year agreement between the City of Salem and Omnigo Software for record management at the Salem Police Department. The fees will be billed twice a year and start at $19,239.28 for the 2021 year and finish up at $23,385.44 in 2025. Clerk Tammy Koller told the aldermen that Tokio Marine HCC offered $41,379.00 for the 2010 Freightliner dump truck that was totaled in an accident. The tow and storage bill of $2,200 was also to be paid by the insurance company. The $1,000 deductible was applied to the loss. The board accepted the offer by the insurance company. The city could also keep the truck as well as the money or have the insurance company take the truck which the city chose to do. Public Works Director Mark Nash said he was able to find a new Peterbilt 337 4 by 2 dump truck in Kansas City. He said the company was getting ready to put the dump bed on the chassis. Nash said the cost of the truck would be $105,791. He said that if the truck was purchased by the city, it would be taken to Springfield where it would be outfitted with brackets and a snow blade for an additional $18,000. The truck was to be paid for from the insurance proceeds, $40,000 from the budget and a budget adjustment would have to be made to the Special Street Fund for the remainder of the balance. The board approved the purchase and Nash said the company said they would try to have the truck ready by the first week of December. The board went into closed session to hear about ARPA funds and also to discuss their current audit report from the auditor. The meeting was then adjourned.

The week of October 17th through the 23rd yielded the following reports from the Salem Police Department. On Sunday, October 17th just after midnight, an officer arrested 22-year-old James Wallace on three active arrest warrants out of the Dent and Phelps County. Wallace was incarcerated at the Dent County Jail awaiting bond. That same night at approximately 7:30, an officer arrested 58-year-old Robert Simmons for a no bond warrant out of Dent County. Simmons was incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. On Wednesday afternoon, October 20th at around 5:00, an officer arrested 23-year-old Austin Bishop for outstanding warrants out of the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. Bishop’s warrants had no bond, and he was incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Just over an hour later near 6:30, an officer arrested 38-year-old James Cole for having an outstanding warrant out of Dent County. Cole was incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Finally, that same night at approximately 10:30, an officer arrested 38-year-old Michael Stewart for a no bond warrant out of Dent County. Stewart was incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. If you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation, please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242.

This Friday, November 5th from 9:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon, a course on being a woodland land steward will be offered at the Wurdack Research Farm at Cook Station. This one-day course covering chain saw safety will introduce participants to the fundamentals of safe chainsaw use. Topics that will be covered are selecting the right saw, chainsaw personal protective equipment, parts of the chainsaw, chainsaw maintenance, and five-step felling plans. There will also be a felling demonstration. Lunch is included. The cost of the 6 hour course is $50. For more information email Sarah Havens at havenss@missouri.edu or call 573-458-6260.

Trails are a major attraction for visitors to our area. Many come to float and paddle on the river trails. Horse enthusiasts travel from great distances to participate in area trail rides. The Ozark Trail passes through the park and local communities. Volunteer groups attract hundreds of people to build and maintain trails. Trails are an important part of the local heritage and of the recreational opportunities available in the Ozarks today. Fall is the perfect time to enjoy all that the area trails have to offer. Saturday, November 6th you, your family, and friends can hike to Honor Veterans. This hike will begin with a brief flag ceremony at 10:00 that morning at Rocky Falls in honor of our veterans. Pack a lunch and hike 2.5 miles on the Ozark Trail to the top of Stegall Mountain. Following lunch, participants will hike back to Rocky Falls, for a total distance of five miles. Bring your favorite veteran or just come show appreciation for others. Ozark Riverways Foundation will provide special recognition for all veterans in attendance. For more information about any of the hikes, contact Skyler Bockman at (573) 323-8093 visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/ozar.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold a special Zoom meeting Thursday morning at 11:15 to discuss policy SRCSP. Again, this meeting will be by Zoom only and may be attended by contacting the school at 729-6642.