Archive for 2022

Preslie Strader, daughter of Willie and Stephanie Strader, is the exhibitor of the 2022 Grand Champion market lamb at the Missouri State Fair. Preslie is from Salem and is a member of the Salem FFA Chapter. Preslie’s prize-winning market lamb weighed 147 pounds. Preslie also received the Missouri State Fair Reserve Champion Showmanship Award. On Saturday, August 20th, Preslie will sell her lamb in one of 16 lots offered in the Missouri State Fair Sale of Champions. Proceeds from the annual sale benefit both the winning exhibitors and the Missouri State Fair Youth in Agriculture (YIA) Scholarship Program, administered by the Missouri State Fair Foundation. Congratulations Presley!

An accident happened in Iron County at 7:52 Thursday evening on Highway 32 about 7½ miles east of Bixby that took the lives of two men from the area. According to the highway patrol report, a 1997 Chevrolet Silverado driven southbound by 65-year-old Keith Johns of Salem, crossed the centerline and struck head- on a 2006 Chevrolet Escape driven northbound by Daniel Martin of Viburnum. Both Keith Johns and Daniel Martin were pronounced dead at the scene by the Iron County Deputy Coroner Johnny Setzer. Both bodies were transported to the Iron County Morgue in Pilot Knob by the deputy coroner. Suffering serious injuries were two passengers in the Chevy Escape: 40-year-old Sharon Davis of Farmington and 21-year-old Devin Martin of Fredericktown. Davis and Martin were flown by Air Ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. According to the report, Keith Johns and Devin Martin were not wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident while Sharon Davis and Daniel Martin were. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Adam’s Wrecker in Arcadia.

An accident happened Saturday afternoon at 5:38 in Dent County on Route K about a mile south of Jadwin. According to the highway patrol report, 26-year-old Brittany Taylor of Salem was driving a 2001 Dodge Ram southbound when she ran off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. Taylor suffered minor injuries and was transported to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by a private vehicle. Taylor was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The highway patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at the scene.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will be meeting Tuesday night at 6:00 at the hospital library after their tax rate hearing which is to be held at 5:45 in the hospital library. After the roll call, the board will hear the Administrator’s report from Interim Chief Executive Officer Don Babb. The summary of operations and statistics for the month of July will be presented by the Chief Financial Officer JoeAnn Hammond. Chief Nursing Officer Ashley Sullins will give her report followed by a report on the hospital foundation as well as the marketing and community perception report. The Board will then address any old business, followed by new business including purchases and an update on the meet and greet with Delta Regional Community Health System Development Program. The board may go into closed session if needed. The regular meeting of the Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors is open to the public.

The Salem R-80 School District will hold their tax rate hearing for 2023 tax rate on Thursday afternoon at 5:45 at the district administrative offices. The current tax rate for the school district is $2.75 per $100 assessed valuation with a 45-cent debt service levy for a total of $3.20 per $100 assessed valuation. The total assessed valuation for the district for the 2021-2022 school year was $72,693,570 that generated $2,326,194. The expected tax rate to be set for the 2022-23 school year is again $3.20. The amount of the assessed valuation for the 2022-23 school year is $78,528,420 which would generate $2,512,909 for the district with the $3.20 rate. The hearing is open to the public at 1409 West Rolla Road.

The Doe Run Company is pleased to share another successful summer with a near record- breaking number of interns. This summer, 29 college-level students are receiving hands-on experience working alongside the company’s talented employees as part of The Doe Run Company’s internship program. The opportunity to learn outside the classroom and apply concepts is a great way for these young minds to prepare for their future careers in mining, engineering, and geology. This year’s intern class includes students from 15 colleges and universities in 10 states, including 16 students from Missouri schools. Internships are offered at Doe Run’s Southeast Missouri Mining and Milling Division, Exploration Department, Research and Technical Development Center, the Metals Division, and corporate office. The majority of the interns are working in Doe Run’s Exploration Department, where they will help analyze and digitize historical drilling data. Doe Run Interns gain hands on experience in the mining and metals industry. Mining is a thriving Missouri industry. The mining sector is expected to grow to 671,300 jobs by 2030, a 17% increase compared with 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees will hold a tax rate hearing this Thursday evening at 5:00 at the Dent County Health Center located at 1010 E Scenic Rivers Blvd. The hearing is open to the public.

The City of Salem Utility Committee met Wednesday night but did not have a quorum. Even though no decisions could be made to recommend to the Salem Board of Aldermen, Chairman Kyle Williams handed out budgeted numbers for the month of July where the expenses and revenues were reviewed for the electric department as well as water and sewer department. Also distributed was the report on the consumption of electricity and costs by the city for the first six months of the year as well as comparison rates for electric and water to other rural cities. The committee went through the water fund budgeted numbers that showed the current rates are currently covering the costs of the city to maintain the water distribution system. Williams discussed doing a tour of the water treatment plant, but City Administrator Ray Walden relayed that maybe a drone visit may be better for the committee members as recommended by Jeff Medows of Archer-Elgin. The committee discussed including the utility committee meeting dates on the monthly utility bill that goes out, but Public Works Director Mark Nash said that he was told that would create a two-page utility bill if the information were to be included on the bill. There was discussion of using an insert, possibly having the meeting dates printed on the envelope as well as on the back of the bill, but Nash said the Salem News, KSMO Radio, Your World Today, Facebook and the city’s website do a good job of providing the public the chance to find out the information about city meetings. Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge said an insert concerning the discontinuation of the brush and limb pickup by the city in January could include the information, but there was no formal determination by those in attendance. After a discussion about commercial electric rates that compared numerous towns to each other, Nash reported there are so many different ways that towns determine their commercial electric rates that there is no specific solution that will fit all needs. The meeting was then adjourned.

An accident occurred Wednesday evening around 5:10 in Dent County on Route HH about a tenth of a mile south of Salem. According to the highway patrol report a 2005 Chrysler Town and Country Van driven by 32-year-old Allie Haines of Salem was travelling southbound at a high rate of speed. The Chrysler had a blow out, Haines lost control, ran off the left side of the roadway, and overturned. Haines suffered serious injuries and was flown by Phelps Health Air Ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia. She was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Chrysler sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by American Muffler.

An accident occurred Wednesday afternoon at approximately 3:20 in Dent County on Highway N about 4 miles east of Highway 19. According to the Highway Patrol report an eastbound 2011 BMW R12800GS Motorcycle, driven by 64-year-old Donald Lipe of Elsberry, struck a deer in the roadway and Lipe was ejected from the motorcycle. He suffered moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to Salem Memorial District Hospital. The report stated that Lipe was wearing safety devices at the time of the accident. The report went on to say that the motorcycle sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

In the 2022 State by State Bill Pay Market report, it was calculated that Salem residents pay $1,574 per month on the ten most common household bills. This is 7.7% lower than the state average of $1,706 per month on those same bills, and 21.4% lower than the national average of $2,003. Salem is the 49th most expensive city in Missouri for household bills while the state of Missouri is the #40 most expensive state for household bills. The City of Rolla came in as the 41st most expensive city in the state for household bills paying $1,627, and Salem is way below Branson who came in as the 6th most expensive city in Missouri for household bills where residents pay an average of $2,028 per month.

The Salem Community Choir will return to perform a concert Sunday afternoon at 2:00 on the Courthouse lawn. Selections being performed include “Dry Bones,” two Irish numbers, a salute to Judy Garland and selections from popular television shows. There is no charge to attend, and everyone is welcome. Refreshments will be served by the Cosmopolitan Club.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors is holding a public hearing on Tuesday, evening at 5:45 at the SMDH hospital library at which time citizens may be heard on the property tax rate proposed to be set by Salem Memorial District Hospital, a political subdivision. The tax rate shall be set to produce the revenues for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023. The tax rate is determined by dividing the amount of revenue required by the current assessed valuation. The result is multiplied by 100 so the tax rate will be expressed by cents per $100 valuation. The real estate estimated assessed valuation for 2023 tax year is $196,858,606. The estimated assessed valuation of real estate for tax year 2022 was $194,023,384. The personal property estimated assessed valuation for 2023 tax year is $95,083,891 for tax year 2022 was $72,179,651. The amount of property tax revenues projected for 2023 with the assessed valuation is $700,662. The hospital board has proposed a tax rate for 2023 of 24 cents per $100 assessed valuation which is the same as the tax rate for 2022.

Come out the Salem Community Center@The Armory for a back-to-school fair this Saturday from 9:00 in the morning till 12:00 noon sponsored by the South Central Missouri Community Action Agency. There will be school supplies, local vendors, socks, underwear, backpacks, and so much more. Contact Sarah Arnett to register at 573-729-3500, Ext. 10; e-mail her at sarnett@scmcaa or you may register at the event. Please bring proof of existence for all household members.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday evening at 6:00. After the roll call and approval of the consent agenda, the board members reviewed the minutes of the July meeting before hearing the financial report which showed an ending balance in the general fund of 111,290.87. The budget was then reviewed and compared to last year with about 74% of the total income revenue being received and approximately 88% of the income being used to date. The monthly reimbursement report was presented which showed a total of 18 calls for the month of June and 23 calls in July to bring the total to 175 calls year to date. Of the calls for the two months combined, two were for building fires, two were natural vegetation fires, four were grass fires, three were calls to assist EMS, and five calls were for received for LP or natural gas leaks. The department was cancelled enroute to six calls after being dispatched, responded to five motor vehicle accident with no injuries and two accidents with injuries. The department also responded to four special types of incidents. In old business, Chief Brad Nash presented a plan for an increase in the firefighters and officer’s reimbursement of 50.00 per month, which was carried and approved. Chief Nash also reported that the new work structure for officers and firefighters was ready and was approved by the board. In new business, the board reviewed the tax levy which is at the ceiling according to the Hancock amendment of $0.2377 per $100 assessed valuation. A motion was made and carried to leave the tax rate as is with no change. Nash also presented information and bids for a new washing machine to wash turnout gear. This is a needed item due to the materials now being used in buildings and automobiles that could cause potential health problems in the future as well as eliminate materials that cause cancer to firefighters. The machines will be located in the basement of the department. Payment for the washers will come from $10,000 in ARPA funds which has been approved by MRPC. The machines are American made and are industrial quality. The motion was carried to go ahead with the purchase provided the money is awarded. The Dent County Fire District by-laws were read and discussed by members to be reviewed and voted on at the September meeting. Chief Nash then reported to the board that the department has some items that need to be sold and is waiting for information from the Fire Marshalls office as to the proper procedure. Nash also reported that the new door locks are almost complete and in use, and that new turnout gear has been ordered. The boots and gloves are in but the actual gear would not arrive until late November or early December. Nash reported that acquiring the SCBA air bottles will have to wait until the first of the year. This will enable the department to get the current price rate, but the department will not receive the bottles, allowing them to last longer in operation before having to be replaced. Chief Nash also reported on the broken glass from construction work. He presented a plan to remove the glass and wall in the front show room to be used as a training and meeting room. This would help with heating and cooling and add more functionality to the building. Discussion was then held on the cost and how to go about completing the project. It was noted that part of the construction could be completed in-house, saving the department some of the cost. The board asked Nash to get pricing and get back to the board as soon as possible due to the fact it would need to be completed before the November election. Before adjournment the date for the next meeting was set for Tuesday, September 6th at 6:00 at the fire station at #2 South Main Street. The meeting will be open to the public.

An accident happened Tuesday night just before 10:30 in Dent County of County Road 2010 about a half mile north of Highway OO. According to the highway patrol report a 2008 Hyundai Tiburon being driven north by 36-year-old Tiffany Mourning of Licking was struck from behind by an unknown vehicle and unknown driver that then left the scene. As a result, Mourning ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. Mourning, and a passenger 48-year-old Kenneth Lee, also of Licking, suffered minor injuries but both refused treatment at the scene. The Hyundai was totaled and removed from the scene by American Automotive and Towing. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by the Dent County Sheriff’s Department.

An accident happened Tuesday night in Phelps County on Highway 72 about six and a half miles east of Rolla. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2000 Ford F-150 pickup being driven by 79-year-old George Fromm of Poplar Bluff, was traveling west when he traveled off the left side of the roadway. The Ford then struck an embankment and overturned. Fromm, who was wearing a seat restraint, was taken by Phelps Health ambulance to Phelps Health hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Dishman Towing.

The City of Salem Parks and Recreation Board will hold a meeting this evening at 5:30 at the Salem Community Center@the Armory at 1200 West Rolla Rd for closed session meeting. The meeting will be dealing with sealed proposals and related documents, or any documents related to a negotiated contract until a contract is executed, or all proposals are rejected. Following the closed session, the meeting will be adjourned.

The last Youth Paint Party of the summer will be Friday night from 6:00 until 8:00 at the Creative Arts Center led by Ashley Wilkinson. The instructor will do the work in setting out supplies, preparing and demonstrating the painting in an easy-to-follow, step-by-step fashion. Parents are required to attend and assist children. The cost of the class is $25. Then on Saturday morning from 10:00 until noon, an Adult Clay Workshop will be held that is designed specifically for older children and adults who are interested in learning how to make hand-built pottery and objects with clay. The cost for this workshop is $20. The Creative Arts Center has two easy ways to sign up for events! Call or text 573-247-0651, or go online at salemcommunitybetterment.com and look under programs for the Salem Creative Arts Center.