Archive for 2022

The Missouri Feral Hog Elimination Partnership removed 9,857 feral hogs from the landscape in 2021, making the total number of feral hogs eliminated more than 54,000 since 2016. The Partnership is made up of 13 federal and state agencies along with numerous agriculture and conservations organizations. Partnership employees were able to assist 1,308 landowners and scout more than 3 million acres for feral hog damage last year. The top counties where feral hogs were removed include Iron County with 1,940 hogs, Wayne County with 1,329 hogs, and Reynolds with 1,268 hogs. Feral hogs range spans across at least 35 states, including Missouri. Feral hogs are primarily found in the southern portion of the state and across at least 17 counties. Efforts made by the Partnership have resulted in a 48.5% decrease in the number of watersheds occupied by feral hogs in Missouri since 2016. The partnership is appreciative of the private landowners in Missouri that allowed Partnership staff to access their properties to remove feral hogs. Without private landowners continued support and cooperation our progress toward elimination would be much more difficult. The Partnership plans to continue to work with landowners who need help with feral hog problems. They also aim to expand the use of aerial resources such as helicopters and drones to find feral hogs. If you need help with a feral hog issue or would like to report feral hog damage, please do so by reporting it online at www.mdc.mo.gov/feralhog or call 573-522-4115 ext. 3296.

An Introduction to Tree Syruping workshop for woodland owners, farmers and ranchers will be held at the Wurdack Farm in Cook Station on Friday, February 11th from 1:00 until 4:00 in the afternoon. This half day course will introduce participants to the fundamentals of tree syruping. Topics include setting taps in the trees, sap collection equipment, evaporator basics and other syruping tools, steps for making syrup from sap and forest management of syruping. The cost of the workshop is $5.00. Field Specialist Sarah Havens will lead the workshop. A special emphasis on socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers will be given. For more information, call Sarah at 573-458-6260 or e-mail her at havenss@missouri.edu. You can also call the Dent County Extension Center to register at 729-3196.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley has released results from the 42nd Judicial Circuit Court held Tuesday in Dent County in front of Judge Michael Randazzo. In the first case heard, Scott Mayberry of Salem pled guilty to the distribution of meth. Judge Randazzo sentenced him to serve ten years in the Missouri Department of Corrections. Sumerlee Barnett of Springfield who was on the probation for the possession of a controlled substance and had already completed a Section 559.115 program, had her probation revoked and was sentenced to serve seven years in the Department of Corrections. Terry Reeves from Salem had been charged with failing to register as a sex offender. He pled guilty and was sentenced by Judge Randazzo to serve three years in the Department of Corrections. The last case heard Tuesday was Jesse Light of Salem. He pled guilty to the possession of fentanyl, resisting arrest and assault in the 3rd degree. Judge Randazzo sentenced Light to serve seven years in the Department of Corrections.

A couples or singles paint-n-sip with Danielle Norris will be Friday, February 11th from 6:30 until 8:30 @ the Creative Arts Center. Let Danielle lead you step-by-step through a dreamy painting. Bring a beverage and a friend or family member to enjoy and evening away from the stresses of the day or week! This is a perfect way to celebrate Valentines a little early. Be prepared to get creative. All the supplies for the class are provided and the cost is $25 For more information or to register, call 247-0651 or 247-5306 or you can e-mail salemartscouncil@outlook.com.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Tuesday evening in the City Hall Council Chambers. At the meeting, after the approval of the consent agenda, the board approved Bill #3499 to create an ordinance that would amend Chapter 115, Article 1 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Salem pertaining to the qualifications of elected and appointed officials dealing with exceptions. This ordinance is being updated to follow statue guidelines. The board then approved a bid from Fleetwood Fireworks for the 4th of July Fireworks display at a cost of $12,524. Also approved was a rebuilt fuel pump and card reader for the airport for $8,525 that was purchased from Gas Pump Exchange. The price does not include installation. Police Chief Joe Chase will contact Mid State Petroleum for installation. City Administrator Ray Walden reported the HVAC building maintenance project has begun at four city buildings. There were 7,444 participants in programs and events at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory during the month of January. The city administration offices will be closed Monday, February 21st for Presidents’ Day. Jeff Meadows from Archer-Elgin gave an update on several projects ranging from the upgrade of the Wastewater Treatment facility, the Route J & Highway 72 sewer extension and downtown revitalization. Public Works Director Mark Nash reported staff has been working on snow removal and will address all potholes in the near future. If a citizen would like to report a pothole, they are asked to call the city offices at 729-4811. Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge gave an update on several projects She said Godi Excavating is doing the site clearing at the Industrial Park Certified Site project. Burbridge also reported the city has been awarded the Federal Home Loan Bank Affordable Housing grant in partnership with Riverways Federal Credit Union. Burbridge will update the board after agreements have been signed and training has been conducted. In the aldermen reports, each council member thanked the city employees for their hard work during the recent snowstorm. The board then went into closed session.

Your Community Health Center is excited to announce their name change to Four Rivers Community Health Center. Stuart Gipson, CEO of Four Rivers, said that their mission has always included serving persons from Phelps, Maries, Crawford, Dent and Pulaski counties, but now with their expansion to have physical buildings in these communities, their name will reflect their regional footprint. Four Rivers provides comprehensive healthcare services for pediatrics, adolescents, and adults. Services include primary medical care, dental, behavioral health, oral surgery for all ages, OB/GYN, well-child exams, and medication assisted treatment program to support those struggling with addiction, plus a new service of providing free Medicaid application support. For more information contact Felisha Richards online at frichards@fourrivers.org or call 573-426-6033.

Create a hand-made felted Valentine or other artistic piece out of wool on Thursday, February 10th at the Creative Arts Center. Join Terri Phelps from 6:00 until 8:00 and learn about Felting, which is a tatting technique with a needle on wool, to apply details and create form. You will get to take your creations home and enjoy sharing conversations about your experience creating with this unique technique. All the supplies for the class are provided and the cost is $25 For more information or to register, call 247-0651 or 247-5306 or you can e-mail salemartscouncil@outlook.com.