Archive for 2022

The Salem Board of Aldermen held a special meeting Tuesday evening at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. At the meeting, the board approved Resolution #19-2022 that added June 19th or “Juneteenth” to its list of state holidays where city employees will receive paid time-off. Mayor Greg Parker recommended the addition of Angie Hammons to the Salem Public Library Board to replace Joe Brand who resigned from the board, and also to add Thomas Relford to the Capital Improvement Committee. The board approved his recommendations. The board also approved the closing of South Water from the intersection of Franklin and Water Streets and the end of the Grace Community Church parking lot from 2:00 until 6:30 for the church’s Kids Crusade this Friday, June 10th. The board went on to approve a partial payment of $40,170.75 to Godi Excavating for clearing and erosion work on the Certified Site in the Masters’ Industrial Park. That amount came to 60% of the contracted cost of $70,475. The special meeting was followed by the Utility Committee meeting to discuss electric rates. The committee was provided updated information from Finance Director Stacey Houston on the electric fund, water fund, and sewer fund. The numbers showed the projected balance of the electric fund at the end of the 2021-2022 year at a negative $15,768 with a projected negative balance at the end of the next fiscal year of $1,381,229. The water and sewer fund also showed negative balances at the end of the next fiscal year calling for the committee to adjust rates. Utility Committee Chairman Kyle Williams discussed a Service Availability Fee to cover the deficit, a straight rate increase, or a combination of a fee and rate increase. Not only was the negative fund balance a concern for the utility committee, but the lack of reserves for the electric department. It was determined the city was charging $0.106 per kwh after the last rate increase as the wholesale price they were paying was 6.8 cents per kwh. But after the calculation was made for the last full year, the city was paying $0.1037 per kwh for electric expenses. The committee came down to three options which they voted on: a Service Availability Fee of $43 for everyone every month, a 27% rate increase by itself to cover the deficit, or a hybrid of a $10 Service Availability Fee with a sunset after one year to add money to the electric reserves and a 27% rate increase to cover the deficit. The committee unanimously agreed to recommend the hybrid of a Service Availability Fee and rate increase to the Board of Aldermen at the next meeting. The meeting was then adjourned.

A one vehicle accident happened early Wednesday morning just after 5:30 in Phelps County on Highway 68 about 8 miles south of St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a 2018 Mazda CX5 being driven south by 25-year-old Kathy Piatt of Salem, struck a tree that had fallen onto the roadway. Piatt was taken by a private vehicle to the Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The Mazda sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing.

An accident happened Tuesday afternoon just after 12:30 in Pulaski County on westbound Interstate 44 near the 167.5 mile-marker. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2022 Mazda CX5 being driven by 34-year-old Hillary Sullivan of High Ridge was struck from behind by a 2014 Ford Escape being driven by 46-year-old David Bridges of Rolla. Bridges suffered serious injuries. The driver of the Mazda, along with two passengers, 68-year-old Cynthia Asher of Crestwood and a 12-year-old girl, all suffered minor injuries. All of the injured parties were transported by ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla. The report went on to state that all involved were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by T and C Towing.

The Missouri Department of Conservation invites the public to get hooked on fishing through its Free Fishing Days this Saturday and Sunday. During Free Fishing Days, anyone may fish in the Show-Me State without having to buy a fishing permit, trout permit, or trout park daily tag. Free Fishing Days is an annual MDC event that takes place statewide during the Saturday and Sunday following the first Monday in June. Aside from not needing permits, other fishing regulations remain in effect during Free Fishing Days, such as limits on size and number of fish an angler may keep. Special permits may still be required at some county, city, or private fishing areas. Trespass laws remain in effect on private property. MDC reminds anglers in Missouri that fishing permits are required before and after June 11th and 12th, unless an angler is exempt by age or other factors. All other fishing regulations are also in effect.

Montauk State Park will be hosting a free Fly-Fishing Clinic this Saturday afternoon at 1:00. The clinic will be held in the field adjacent to the Dorman L. Steelman Lodge. The clinic is open to all ages and skill levels. Experienced anglers will demonstrate fly fishing and casting techniques. Participants will be able to practice in the open field. Trout park fishing strategies and successful trout fishing tactics will be discussed. No registration is required. For more information contact the park at 573-548-2201.

An accident happened in Franklin County on Highway 47 near Route K Monday afternoon at 3:46. According to the highway patrol report, a 2019 Chevy Spartan Cargo Van driven northbound by 50-year-old John Brame, Jr. of Steelville, failed to yield to a 2016 Freightliner driven westbound by 73-year-old Stephen Seipp of Collinsville, Illinois, as they entered the intersection. The highway patrol report indicates the Freightliner swerved to avoid the cargo van and went into the ditch striking an embankment where the Freightliner’s cargo tank overturned. The cargo van traveled off the left side of the roadway into the ditch and struck an embankment. Suffering serious injuries was John Brame, Jr and he was taken by the St. Clair Ambulance District to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. Everyone involved was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Freightliner was totaled while the cargo van sustained extensive damage. They were both removed from the scene by Hoffman’s Towing.

An accident happened on Highway 17 in Summersville Monday afternoon at 5:20. According to the highway patrol report, a 2000 GMC Sierra driven westbound by a 17-year-old juvenile of Eminence, failed to yield and pulled into the path of a 2002 Jeep Wrangler driven southbound by 40-year-old Samuel Jordan of Salem, where the Wrangler struck the Sierra. A nine-year-old juvenile of Salem suffered serious injuries while a 10-year-old minor from Salem suffered minor injuries. Both were taken to the St. Francis Hospital in Mountain View by the Summersville Police Department. Everyone except the driver of the GMC Sierra was wearing their seat restraint at the time of the accident. The GMC Sierra was removed from the scene by Baker’s Towing of Birch Tree while the Wrangler was left roadside with moderate damages.

An accident happened in Texas County on Highway 63 about four miles north of Houston Sunday afternoon around 5:00. According to the highway patrol report, a 2012 Ford Fusion driven by 26-year-old Jessica York of Summersville, crossed over the centerline and struck a 2019 Ford Edge driven northbound by 55-year-old Steven McGuire of Licking. The collision caused both vehicles to overturn. McGuire suffered serious injuries and was taken by a private vehicle to the Texas County Memorial Hospital. Both drivers were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Jay’s Automotive.

You are invited on Friday to the Creative Arts Center for a Locker Hook Class with Jan Rensch of Licking, from 5:00 until 7:00. Locker hooking requires a special hook that has a crochet type hook on one end and an eye on the other. During the process of locker hooking yarn is pulled through the loops made by pulling strips of fabric through a canvas, which “locks” the fabric in place. Locker hook can be used to make trivets (hot pads), placemats, runners, coasters, pillows, and wall hangings to name a few of the endless possibilities. To register for the class, call 573-247-0651. The cost for the class is $30 and that includes all supplies.

In closed session on Thursday, June 2nd, the Salem R-80 Board of Education hired Middle School Special Education instructor Janeal Tominitz, Middle School Education teacher Janet Creek, High School Special Education instructor Lisa Mast, STUCO Sponsor Brook Rogers, and Junior Class Sponsor Sarah Sanders. The board approved reimbursing Gannon Craig for the cost of being released from his existing contract, and to pay Hazel Krewson a $2,500 stipend to combine the ISS and credit recovery. In sports, the board agreed to hire Jordan McLaurin for High School Golf, and Kolson Seay as an Assistant Football Coach and Assistant Track Coach. The board went on to employ Sarah Russell to a one-year contract as the Middle School Principal for the 2022-2023 school year. The board then exited out of closed session before adjourning the meeting.

Team members at Echo Bluff State Park invite women to participate in a Dutch oven cooking class from 6:00 until 8:00 this Thursday evening. This class is part of the “Women Outdoors” series of classes for women taught by women being held at Echo Bluff State Park and Current River State Park from April to September. In this class participants will learn how to cook “wild” and store-bought dishes, including a vegetarian dish. All equipment will be provided. Participants must be 16 years old to attend. Registration is required. For information on these series of classes or to register, contact Connie at 573-751-1224 or connie.weber@dnr.mo.gov.

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt announced that the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District, affirmed the convictions of Eric A. Hines on Thursday, May 26th, in connection with sexual acts that involved a child under 12-years-old in 2017 and 2018. On an appeal from the Circuit Court of Dent County, the Southern District denied his assertion that the trial court erred in overruling Hines’ motion to suppress statements and in overruling Hine’s motion to dismiss in violation of his right to a speedy trial. Hines was convicted of one count of statutory sodomy in the first degree for acts that involved a child under 12-years-old. The jury sentenced Hines to 75 years in prison, and the appeals court affirmed the district court’s ruling.

An accident occurred Sunday afternoon around 1:51 in Dent County on Route K about one mile south of Route E. According to the highway patrol report, a 2010 Dodge Durango driven by 34-year-old Wadonda Todd of Salem, was leaving a driveway and pulled into the path of a 1997 Ford F-150 driven by 33-year-old Randy Camden of Salem. Todd suffered moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. The Ford was totaled and towed by private party to a residence. The Dodge was also totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. The report goes on to state that Todd was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The highway patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Department.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday at the courthouse for their regular meeting. Commissioner Gary Larson was not in attendance due to a previous commitment. At the meeting, Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge gave her monthly report and stated there were three new leads for economic prospects whose specs could be met by available buildings in Dent County. She said to date there are 442 city and county business licenses, and that she purged from the website business directory those businesses that had not renewed their license. She said applications for the “Welcome Home” program are still being accepted and they are specifically needing veteran families to apply to fill some vacancies in future rounds. The certified site needs to be graded and seeded and she is still waiting on the ASTM Standard soils report from April. Burbridge reported the Dent County unemployment rate went from 4.1% in March to 2.8% in April. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated workers would be servicing grader #24 and 38, patching chip and seal roads with the Ultimate Paving Material, and also working on the New Holland tractor getting it ready to sell. For District 2, Road Supervisor Travis Turner reported materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 3180, if weather allows; and grading would be done on county road 2070. Turner said materials would also be added to county roads 2403 and 3200 while brush would be cut on county road 4280. He said a crew was working on the hydraulic lift cylinder on the roller and two guys went to Springfield to get the Mack truck that had to have a software update. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to salute and thank those who made the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo and a “Taste of Dent County” a success this past Saturday in Salem. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the last day to register to vote for the August 2nd Primary will be July 6th. She said she would also be attending a South Central County Clerk’s meeting in West Plains Friday to get update on new things coming up. Amber Pryor representing parents of the Salem High School Chamber Singers asked the commission for permission to sell snow cones on the courthouse lawn during the 4th of July Parade to raise funds for the singers to go to Nationals in Orlando next year. The commission approved the request. The commissioners received three bids for a UTV for the Dent County Sheriff’s Department. Two bids came from Stahlman Powersports from Rolla. One for a 2022 Polaris Ranger Crew 1000 for $34,414.16 and another bid for a 2022 Kawasaki Pro FXT for $34,323.01. They also received one bid from Cowtown USA for a 2022 Can-Am Defender HD9 Max DPS Camo for $32,542.00 with a five-year warranty. Sheriff Bob Wells recommended the Can-Am and the UTV will be paid for out of ARPA funds. At the last meeting, Sheriff Bob Wells discussed a heat pump for the 9-1-1 office and $4,200 will be paid four out of the building and grounds fund for the pump. The next meeting will be held on Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

A special meeting of the Board of Aldermen of the City of Salem will be this evening at 6:00 at The Salem Community Center @ The Armory. The board will consider Resolution No. 19-2022 which would revise and amend the City’s Personnel Manual to recognize and include Juneteenth to the list of paid holidays for City Employees. The board will discuss the appointment of Ms. Angie Hammons to the Salem Public Library Board to replace Joe Brand who resigned from the board. They will also discuss the request from the Grace Community Church to block Water Street from the south end of our parking lot at 600 South Water to the corner of Water and Franklin for the purpose of holding a Kids Crusade on June 10th from 2:00 to 6:30. The board will then review bills over $3,000 which includes one from Godi’s Excavating for Salem lot clearing and erosion control. After the council meeting, the Utility Committee will hold a meeting at 6:30. They will discuss the electric service availability fee and kWh rate recommendations for Aldermen. Next, they will go over water and sewer rates. The meetings are open to the public.