Archive for 2023

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning for their regular meeting. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams presented the sales tax revenue monies received in August from the state. She reported the General Revenue Fund and Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund each received $88,687.64 which is $11,860 less than for August of 2022. Year-to-date, the General Revenue Fund and the LEST funds are down $18,027.56. The Road and Bridge Fund received $43,367.63 in August which is down $4,626.34 from August of 2022. Year-to-date, that fund is down $6,207.08. The Jail Operating and Trust funds each received $87,157.20 and that is down $8,797.35 from August 2022 receipts. Year-to-date, that fund is down $8,970.46. These figures are all net of the monthly withholding by the Department of Revenue. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said grading would be done on Dent County 6210 Monday and the road would then get re-rocked Tuesday. He went on to say materials would be added to county road 6320, as well as to county road 5080 where they will also be installing culverts in preparation for that road being prepared for chip and seal next year. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said materials would be added and grading done on county roads 2240 and 2270. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he attended the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management Advisory Committee meeting. He said at the meeting the board wanted to get more input from the advisors, and it was disclosed that Dent County had the most illegal dump sites in the district. Larson said he learned at the meeting that it may be possible for the county to get a glass recycling container for residents. The county will look into that further. Larson also wanted to remind citizens about the electronics and tire collection that will be held in Salem on September 9th from 9:00 until noon at the 3rd and Grand Streets at the City Water and Construction Building. Engineer Corky Stack was in attendance to let the commission know that most of the new dormers and the windows have arrived. The dormers will now have to be painted at Hi-Tech Collision in Rolla before being installed. The peak dormers have not yet arrived. He also said the final payment for the balance of the dormers and windows as well as work on the courthouse was due in the amount of $291,401.30. There was a discussion on the new electric pole for the electric service coming into the building. Stack wanted to put up a new pole while Commission Larson questioned why the concrete pole on the county square couldn’t be used. Stack said he would talk with the city about that and get an answer back to the commission. He also presented some preliminary information about the new Christmas lights for the courthouse. Stack mentioned the commission could use a single light LED system or a three light LED system from Trim Light out of Ste. Genevieve. Stack guesstimated a cost of $35,000 to near $47,000, depending on the system. The LED triple bulb strips would constitute a change order from the contract, but the state auditor said if the contractor took down the lights, they needed to put them back up allowing Stack to get more prices. Courtney Wegman from A.J. Hart discussed a preliminary analysis on the construction funds leftover in the UMB Bank account. She said the funds could be left in the account for any future work on the jail allowed from the ballot language; declare the project completed and transfer those funds to the certificate fund to pay principal and interest; or prepay a portion of the bonds to save interest expense. The Commission made no decision. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Thursday at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will hold their tax rate hearing and regular meeting this evening at 6:00 at the fire station located at #2 South Main Street. The Board is then expected to review and approve the minutes of the July meeting before hearing the financial report, approve the bills, as well as reviewing the budget and calendar. After the monthly reimbursement report, any old business will be addressed. In new business, the board will hold their tax rate hearing. The current tax rate is 0.2377. Due to the Consumer Price index, reassessment and the Hancock Amendment, the rate will have to remain the same. No increase is available for the district. Fire Chief Brad Nash will make his report to the Board and the date will then be set for the September meeting before adjournment. The meeting and hearing is open to the public.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will meet at 6:00 this evening in the City Hall Council Chambers. After the consent agenda, the board will discuss the sanitation bid for the City of Salem from WCA, discuss the purchase of Lora modules for the west side of town, discuss a preventative maintenance agreement for city lift stations, hear and discuss Resolution #25-2023 authorizing the mayor to execute a one-year memorandum of understanding between the City of Salem and the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce for the continued operation of the Visitor Center at 1136 South Main, and hear and discuss Resolution #26-2023 authorizing the mayor to sign supplemental agreement #1 between the City of Salem and H.W. Lochner to perform professional engineering and project oversight of six T-hangers at the Salem Memorial Airport. The board will hear two recommendations from the Salem Planing and Zoning Commission for conditional use permit requests from Chris Hendrix at 1000 Scenic Rivers Blvd to add crematory services, and from Michael Florence to do motorcycle work at 1507 South Gertrude. After the planning and zoning recommendations, the mayor will make a recommendation to fill the term of the late Gary Brown on the Salem Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. Five bills will be read for the first time including the setting of a procedure to disclose potential conflicts of interest for certain municipal officials, the authority to allow the mayor to execute a contract for waste services with WCA for three years, creating an ordinance to allow the subdivision of 1506 South MacArthur, the creating of an ordinance to allow the subdivision of 501 North Washington and a bill to rezone the property at 903 West Scenic Rivers Blvd from Residential R-1 to Commercial C-1. The board will hear the second reading of bill #3554 to amend the annual budget for the City of Salem beginning July 1, 2022. After the reports of city officials, the board will go into closed session. The meeting of the Salem Board of Aldermen is open to the public.

August has arrived and with it the 2023-2024 school year. The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to encourage parents to include conversations about safety when preparing their student for school. It’s also important that drivers be prepared for the change in traffic patterns as students begin another year of instruction. In 2022, two people were killed and 361 injured in traffic crashes involving a school bus. In Missouri last year, a total of 884 traffic crashes involved school buses. Troopers ask that motorists always be vigilant, but especially near school zones, playgrounds, bicycle paths, and crosswalks when schools are in session. Expect pedestrian and bicycle traffic to increase near schools on days where the weather is good. When schools are in session, drivers should expect a change in traffic patterns ─ school buses, parents taking their children to school, and many young drivers will join other motorists on the road and affect the morning and afternoon commute. Whatever route you drive, expect this additional traffic and prepare by allowing extra time to reach your destination. Missouri law states that on a two-lane road, if a school bus is stopped and displaying warning signals while loading or unloading children, drivers must stop when meeting and following the bus. However, it is only necessary to stop on a four-lane highway when following the bus. Drivers, when you see a stopped school bus, stay alert and follow the law. Children may not be aware of traffic and dart unexpectedly into the roadway. Students walking to school should stay alert! Cross the street at intersections or marked crosswalks and never between parked cars. Use sidewalks when they are available. If it is necessary to walk on the roadway, stay close to the left edge and step off to the left when traffic approaches. Never dash into the street after a friend or to retrieve something. Riding a bicycle to school is a fun way to travel. If you’re riding your bike, be sure to wear a helmet and obey all traffic signs and signals. Ride as near to the right side of the roadway as is safe and use the proper hand signals when you plan to change directions, slow, or stop. Never carry passengers. Keep both hands on the handlebars except when signaling. It’s important to maintain your bicycle in good condition. If you ride a school bus, check the weather and dress accordingly. Wait in line for the bus on the shoulder or sidewalk. Use the handrail when getting on or off the bus. Never try to retrieve items that fall under the bus and walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus when crossing the street. Sit quietly on the bus and keep the aisle clear. If anything goes wrong, stay calm and follow the instructions of the bus driver. The start of school also increases the amount of traffic on the road with young and inexperienced drivers. lMost traffic crashes involving young drivers (under the age of 21) occur between 3:00 and 4:00 in the afternoon when school typically lets out. Parents: It is important to encourage those young drivers to remember driving is a full-time job. Using a cell phone, texting, or adjusting the radio can be the distraction that leads to a traffic crash. It’s also against the law for this age group.

The Salem R-80 School Registration for the 2023-24 school year is this week at all of the schools. At the high school library from 10:00 until 2:00, seniors will register today, juniors tomorrow, then sophomores on Wednesday followed by freshmen on Friday and that includes new students. A late registration will be held on Tuesday, August 15th from 4:00 in the afternoon to 8:00 that evening. If a family has more than one child or sibling in high school, you are more than welcome to register all of them on the same day when one of the students is required. At the middle school in the cafeteria from 8:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon, 8th graders will register today with the 7th graders registering tomorrow, and 6th graders on Wednesday New students and those that missed their designated registration date can register on Friday. The high school and middle school will have an open house on Monday, August 21st from 4:30 until 7:00. The Salem Upper Elementary School student registration will be held from today through Wednesday from 10:00 in the morning until 6:00 in the evening. The William Lynch Elementary School registration will be held Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00 in the morning to 2:00 in the afternoon. All students must have a parent or guardian with them to register at any school. If you have questions, please call the school you child attends.

A one vehicle accident happened early Saturday morning just after 2:35 in Crawford County on Route O just north of Riverside Drive. According to the highway patrol report, a 2019 ChevroletEquinox being driven by 26-year-old Amber Smith of Cuba, was traveling northbound and traveled off the left side of the road striking a group of trees. The vehicle then overturned coming to rest on its side. Smith along with a passenger, 34-year-old Sheri Miller also of Cuba, suffered serious injuries. Both were taken by the North Crawford County ambulance to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. Neither were wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Equinox sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Chris and Sons Towing. Smith was arrested by the highway patrol for driving while intoxicated leading to a crash with physical injury.

An accident happened Thursday morning just after 9:20 in St. Francois County on Route NN south of Highway 221. According to the highway patrol report a 2018 GMC Terrain being driven north by 55-year-old Lisa Francis of Black hydroplaned on wet pavement and ran off the roadway and struck a tree. Francis, who was wearing a seat restraint, suffered minor injuries and was taken by St. Francois County ambulance to Parkland Health Center in Farmington. The GMC sustained moderate damage and was towed from the scene by Marlers Towing.

The Current River State Park Lodge will host a “Wild Spa Night” for ladies only Thursday from 6:00 until 8:00. Ladies will learn how to make teas from plants found in the “wild” that are very tasty. You can also make your own facial and body scrubs. For more information call Connie at 573-751-1224 or you can e-mail her at connie.weber@dnr.mo.gov.

Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors Chairman Ray Bruno reported Thursday in a press release that effective immediately, Jason Edwards would become the interim CEO of the Salem Hospital until further notice. Edwards has served the hospital in a variety of roles for 20 years. Bruno says under Edwards leadership, the hospital will continue to move forward and provide the highest quality patient-centered healthcare with compassion and professional excellence. He will be replacing Wayne Reid who had been the hospital CEO since last August. Bruno said he was sad that board members A.J. Seay and Willie Strader elected to resign from the board, rather than work on the different philosophies the board members had for the future of the hospital. He indicated the board is looking to fill the two board vacancies from the resignations. There is now an opening for a new member from District 4 and a new member from District 6. Anyone who is interested in serving on the board from those districts may apply at the Salem Hospital administrative office during regular business hours. Bruno said a special Board of Directors meeting would be held on Tuesday, August 15th to interview candidates for the board. In response to the 30-day termination letter, Bruno commented that RHG was hired to an original 90-day contract back in February of 2022 to stabilize the financial operations of the hospital and they did. In April of 2022, the contract was extended for a full year to help continue to improve the operations and get the hospital through the payback of Medicare payments. In April of 2023, the board renewed the contract for one year with a 30-day out by a 4-2 vote, and RHG used that out to terminate their management services. Later Thursday after the press release, Rural Health Group said the naming of Edwards as CEO was in violation of the contract signed in April. They sent a letter to Chairman Bruno giving the hospital until the close of business Monday to sign an amendment that RHG provided handing pay and supervision of the CEO over to the SMH Board of Directors. The amendment would release any employees or agents of RHG from liability. If the hospital does not sign the amendment, RHG can terminate the agreement immediately by written notice to the hospital. Also in the letter, RHG was willing to stay on until September 1st to help with the transition provided the amendment is signed and that the hospital would continue to honor the terms and provisions of the agreement.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning in the courthouse. In the road report District One Commissioner Wes Mobray said that brush would be cut on Dent County Road 5130 and his crew was out checking roads after Wednesday night’s storms. He indicated there were probably a lot of trees down. District Two Commissioner Gary Polk reported that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2183, 2190, 2200 and 2370, plus rock would be put on the hill on county road 2210 and they would be patching a washout on county road 2150. He also reported that rock would be hauled to county roads 2150, 2190, 2200 and 2370. Polk noted that his crew would be patching a washout around the Anutt Community Center. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported he received information from MRPC about MoDOT’s Central District public meeting in Jefferson City August 8th, to discuss the draft of the updated High Priority Unfunded Needs list for transportation in central Missouri. The meeting will be held Tuesday afternoon and evening from 4:30 until 6:00 at the Missouri River Regional Library Art Gallery at 214 Adams Street. Larson went on to say that he would attend the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting Thursday afternoon and that there would be a special waste collection in Salem in September. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reminded the public entities to advertise their upcoming tax rate hearings. Mobray said the commission would seek lease-purchase financing for the two new graders scheduled to arrive in September. He will notify the banks by phone and will be delivering bid specs to them. Mobray said bids will be due in to the Dent County Clerk’s office by 10:00 Monday, September 11th and the amount to be financed is $485,897.15. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday morning at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew M. Curley on Thursday, August 3rd, presented a check for the sum of $40,527.19 to the Missouri Department of Social Services. The money returned to the state of Missouri is the result of efforts by law enforcement involving the recovery of misused Medicaid funds that occurred in Dent County.

An accident happened early Thursday morning at 1:15 in Phelps County on Highway 63 about two miles south of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2003 Ford Escape being driven by a 16-year-old male juvenile of St. James, was traveling south when he failed to negotiate a curve and traveled off the right side of the road and struck several trees. The teen suffered moderate injuries and was transported by a private vehicle to Phelps Health Hospital. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by D&D Towing. The reported stated that the juvenile was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.