Archive for 2024

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the courthouse. In the road report, District One Commissioner Wes Mobray stated brush would be cut on Dent County Roads 4245, 5140, 5190, 6320, 6350 and 6480. He said it is still too dry to grade. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk was not in attendance, so Mobray gave the report for District 2 as well. He said a crew would be replacing the coolant tank on county truck #124 while another crew would be patching chip and seal county roads 2240 and 2300. He also said a crew member would be relocating field dirt. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported he attended a Tourism Tax Committee meeting this week. Larsons said the committee received two applications for funding of which one was denied, and another proposal was partially funded. He said one request that was tabled from a previous meeting due to a lack of information, was tabled again as the committee still did not have enough information presented to them. Larson also attended the MRPC Annual Awards banquet Thursday night at Osage View in Linn. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said “no excuse” absentee voting is going on now and the last day to absentee vote will be Monday, November 4th from 8:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon at the courthouse. Curley indicated her office will be open from 8:00 in the morning until 12:00 noon on Saturday, November 2nd for absentee voting. Curley said since Tuesday, they have been averaging about 150 people per day for absentee voting and have had almost 700 people vote absentee. She said the county is on pace to set a new record for absentee voting. If you need to make changes to your voter registration such as a name or address change, please do that as soon as possible so that it will be completed before you go to vote. The next meeting will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem R-80 School Board held their regular meeting on Wednesday evening at 5:30. The Board approved the amended agenda, and the consent agenda then read a thank you note received from Mrs Cheatham. During Student Recognitions, students from Salem High School gave a presentation about Next to Rise, a youth-led anti-smoking and vaping coalition. Assistant Superintendent Dan Copeland then presented information on last term’s MAP and EOC scores, which have shown a strong improvement in all areas from the previous year. He stated that they will continue to prioritize increasing performance levels to above the state’s average. Superintendent Nathan Wills then gave his report, in which he stated the construction of the FEMA storm shelter is about one month ahead of schedule, and will hopefully be completed by Christmastime. Roof repairs throughout the district are nearly complete, and the dates to file for School Board seats will be December 10th – 31st. Mr. Copeland updated the Board on the George & Liz Gruendel Enrichment Grant winners, and Dr. Wills also gave an update on Senate Bill 727. SCA prices will be going up as soon as basketball season starts. The new prices will be $4 for adults and $2 for children. The Board then heard reports from the administrators. William Lynch Principal, Herman Blau would like to invite the public to the school’s Veterans Day Assembly at City Hall on the morning of November 11. Branden Piatt, the Upper Elementary Principal, stated they will be having a family night on October 29, and the Middle School Principal, Rachel Green stated they are working on student-led announcements and looking forward to their first dance in December, and Red Ribbon spirit week, starting Monday. High School Principal, Jody Heavin stated they are continuing to work on their early identification system, to help and support students that need academic and emotional assistance. The High School was recently awarded a $2,500 Feminine Hygiene Grant, and for a current list of events, Rachel encouraged citizens to check the calendar on the R-80 School’s app. During New Business, the Board selected Kaison Wilmont as the Belcher Scholarship nominee. The Board set the date for graduation in the spring. They voted to approve declaring English books as surplus property, and updating the High School Tardy Policy. After discussing resignations, retirements and hires, the meeting went into closed session.

This Saturday, October 26th from 2:00 until 8:00, it will be “Halloween” in the park at Echo Bluff State Park. Pick up a bat scavenger hunt sheet from the Betty Lea Lodge or the check station for a prize when completed. For those staying at the park, camper and cabin decorating contest forms can be picked up from the front desk of the lodge or at the check station. Prizes will be awarded for the top three campsites and top three cabin doors. Everyone is welcome to join in a spooky and crazy animal changing hike at 2:00. Meet at the “Steps to Nowhere” for this transforming hike. Trick-or-treating will begin at 5:00 in the afternoon, departing from the Union Hill Carpenter Cemetery, just south of the campground. At the end of the night, guests will share stories, myths, legends, folktales and old wives’ tales around a campfire across from the check station. Are they fact or fiction? You be the judge! Echo Bluff State Park is located at 35244 Echo Bluff Drive north of Eminence.

A fatal accident occurred Tuesday evening around 10:04 in Phelps County on County Road 7340 about four miles southwest of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report a 2013 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by 49-year-old Steven MacCash of Rolla was travelling eastbound and struck a deer in the roadway. MacCash was ejected and was pronounced deceased at 22:07 by Phelps County Deputies. MacCash was transported to Rolla Cremation by Phelps County Coroner Ernie Coverdell. The Harley was totaled and removed from the scene by Ron Dishmans.

The Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting on Tuesday evening at 6:00 in the Old auditorium. The agenda and consent agenda were approved after removing the Police Department Monthly Report and the Proposal for SCADA System under New and Miscellaneous Business. There were no public comments scheduled for this meeting. The Board approved the bid from Harry Cooper Supply Company for light poles for the Downtown Project, in the amount of $74,101.00. The bids for the Salem Water System Improvements Project, for the new well and water tower, were split into three parts. The Board approved the Notice of Award to BuildTec Construction for $785,331, for the well house, tank and well site and the Notice of Award to Caldwell Tanks for $1,583,200, for the multi-column elevated tank base and 400,000 gallon water tower. The board adjusted this bid approval to remove $1,500 that would have had to be paid by the City of Salem to have the town’s logo painted on the tank instead of just SALEM in block letters. The board also approved the Notice of Award to B&H Well Drilling & Pump Services for $548,949.93, for the well itself. This project is part of the $3,730,000.00 ARPA Grant received by the City. The Board also approved the proposal from Vandevanter Engineering for $39,860.00 for the SCADA Control System that electronically controls all of the City’s wells and pumps. The 2024-2025 State of Missouri State and Federal Legislative Priorities were also approved by the board. Melissa DuBois presented a request for a budget adjustment for the Al Brown Concession Stand Renovation Project. The request for an additional $8,500 will pay for the three retractable security shutter doors for the windows, new paint, and the replacement of two doors that have previously been damaged. The board approved this request. The Board approved a new lease agreement for the 2024 T-hangars with the lease amounts of $0.10 per square foot. During the City Officials Reports, City Administrator, Sally Burbridge stated that work for the Downtown Project will commence on October 28. She will put together an official media release with more information. The first section to be worked on will be the south side between Iron and Highway 19. Each section is estimated to last about two to three weeks. She anticipates the new light poles to be delivered in February 2025. Mayor Greg Parker gave an update on upcoming community events. There will be a Trunk or Treat event at Salem Residential Care on Friday evening from 4:00 to 6:00, and an indoor Trunk-or-Treat event at First Baptist Church on Halloween from 5:45 to 8:00. The Trunk-or-Treat event on 4th Street will take place between McArthur and Highway 19, and will go from 6:00 to 8:00 Halloween night. Public Works Director Steve Paine stated that the Feeder Line Clearing Project will begin on November 1st. They will be knocking on doors and speaking to residents the day before the line crews begin work, and residents he cannot reach will get a flier on their door with more information about what to expect during this project. He also stated the Electrical Crew is working on temporary light fixtures for the downtown area until the new poles can be delivered and installed. Finance Director, Stacy Houston gave an update on financials, and Melissa DuBois gave an update on the Hot Air Balloon Glow happening all day on Saturday. She also stated that registration for youth basketball will open in November. Alderwoman Kala Sisco announced her resignation from The Board, her last meeting will be November 12. The meeting then adjourned to closed session. 

Ozark National Scenic Riverways still is offering a series of guided hiking adventures this fall, showcasing the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Ozarks. The 2024 Fall Hiking Series runs until November 9th, featuring hikes that are free and open to the public. The Autumn Colors Hike will be at Devil’s Well this Saturday, and offers a 4.6-mile journey through diverse landscapes. That same evening, families can participate in a short Halloween hike looking for glowing spider eyes in the haunted hills at Alley Spring near Eminence. The series concludes on Saturday, November 9 with a Hike to Honor Veterans which is a five-mile round trip to Stegall Mountain. All hikes begin at 10:00 in the morning, except for the Spider Night Hike at Alley Spring which begins at 6:00 pm. Hikers are advised to come with appropriate gear, water, and snacks. For more information on meeting locations, call (573) 226-3945 or visit the park’s website. Experience the fall colors and diverse ecosystems of the Ozarks while learning about the area’s geological and cultural significance. 

Five bridges in Crawford County along Interstate 44 are in poor condition and in need of rehabilitation or replacement. The Missouri Department of Transportation is seeking community input on these projects. Exhibits are available online at modot.org for the Route J Bridge Replacement over Boone Creek, the Outer Road off Interstate 44 Bridge Rehabilitation over Little Bourbeuse River, and the Route C, Route FF, and Beamer Lane Bridge Rehabilitation over Interstate 44. Interested parties can make comments or questions at the meeting. Comments will be accepted online and in writing during the three-week comment period which will run through October 29th.  Input can be submitted online through a form modot.org, emailed to CDCR@modot.mo.gov, or mailed to the Crawford County Bridge Bundle, c/o MoDOT, 1511 Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City, MO, 65102. All comments must be received or postmarked by October 29th.

An accident happened in Dent County Monday afternoon at 5:30 on Highway 32 about eight miles east of Salem that took the life of two Dent County residents. According to the highway patrol report, a 2008 Chevy Aveo being driven westbound by 21-year-old Austin Bramson of Salem, was passing a 2001 International Conventional driven by 62-year-old Rodney Hammock of Salem, when Bramson swerved to avoid an eastbound 2021 Nissan Versa being driven by 34-year-old Angela Petro of Boss. Bramson lost control of the Aveo, striking the Nissan head-on before colliding with the International. Bramson and Angela Petro were both pronounced dead at the scene by Dent County Deputy Coroner Gina White at 6:29 in the evening and both bodies were taken to the Wilson Mortuary in Salem. A passenger in the Nissan, 41-year-old Dennis Petro of Boss, suffered serious injuries and was taken by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. The Aveo and Nissan were both totaled. The Aveo was removed from the scene by American Automotive and Towing, while the Nissan was taken from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. The International sustained moderate damages and was removed from the scene by Big Boys Towing. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by Dent County Sheriff’s department, the Dent County Fire Protection District and MoDOT.

The Salem Memorial Hospital ToRCH Community Leadership Board is excited to announce an Information Meeting and brainstorming session for their recently announced community grants through the Transformation of Rural Community Health (ToRCH) Project. These grants are designed to enhance the capacity of our community partners to support the goals identified by the ToRCH initiative. This information meeting will be held on Monday afternoon, October 28th, at 2:00 at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Any and all community partners are invited to attend and discuss ideas that may be eligible for these capacity-building grants. The ToRCH Community Leadership Board will be awarding grants to address gaps in available services within the community. These grants are intended to resolve capacity and resource issues that may arise due to the smaller scale of operations. Potential uses for the funding include expanding staffing, securing larger facilities, purchasing necessary equipment, and overcoming logistical challenges.  Grant categories include:  Community Service; Transportation; Behavioral Health Access; Diabetes Prevention; Food Insecurity; Maternal/Child Health; Obesity Prevention; Primary Care Access; Quality of Life. The grant applications are due December 2nd with proposals being awarded on January 6th, 2025.  A total of $240,000 is available. For further information or to request an application, please contact Tabitha Stanfast, Director of Quality, at tstanfast@smdh.net.

The Bonebrake Center of Nature and History is gearing up to host their “Halloween in the Hollers: All Hallow’s Eve” event! Located just two blocks from downtown Salem, this event will offer something for everyone. Festivities will kick off at noon with a variety of food trucks and booth vendors offering delicious food and unique wares. Local vendors are encouraged to participate, and those interested can reach out via email at sstanford1182@gmail.com. At 3:30 in the afternoon the family-friendly activities will begin, including games, face painting, photo booths, and a silent auction. Most games and activities will be low-cost or free, ensuring fun for all ages. For those looking for a more immersive Halloween experience, the not-so-spooky “haunted” house will open for tours at 4:30. Tickets for the fun house tour are $5. Visitors may even spot characters from local ghost stories as they wander the grounds! As night falls around 6:30, they’ll have the grand debut of the All Hallow’s Eve haunted trails. For $10, brave visitors can navigate the trails for a scare they won’t soon forget. Organizers hope this will become an annual tradition, so don’t miss out on the inaugural event! The Bonebrake Center, a non-profit dedicated to cultural and historical education, will use all proceeds from the event to support the care and maintenance of its historic house and 12-acre grounds, as well as future programs and events.

Join Parsons Chiropractic on this Saturday for their first inaugural Balloon Glow, food truck and craft fair spectacular! All the fun starts at 11:00 in the morning with food trucks and a craft fair for everyone to enjoy at the Al Brown’s Softball Fields. To finish the evening, you will be able to mark off your bucket list of seeing multiple hot air balloon up close! You will be able to talk to the pilots and watch the balloons glow in all different colors! Admission to the event will be $5 each for ages 2 and up. Make sure to bring out the family for a fun filled night that you won’t want to miss. All activities are contingent on the weather.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Monday morning in the courthouse. Commissioner Wes Mobray was not in attendance due to a prior commitment. Grant Wilson from Jason Smith’s Rolla office was in attendance and reminded everyone to vote their conscious by November 5th. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams gave the CART Tax report and said the county received $88,956.90 which is $6,325.44 more than October of 2023. Year-to-date, the county has received over $810,000 in 2024 which is $41,272.25 more than last year. That is a 5.4% increase in collections. In the road report, District One Road Supervisor Billy Sheppard said culverts were going to be replaced on Dent County Road 6580 and rock would also be added to that road. He added that brush would be cut on county roads 5160, 5170 and 6300. District Two Commissioner Gary Polk said work crews would be replacing the bridge on Dent County Road 4480. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he attended the Opioid Settlement Committee meeting held Thursday where they did approve their by-laws. Larson indicated they would be holding one or two more meetings before any applications for distribution would be accepted. He said they will let the public know when that will be happening. Larson also said there will be four openings on the Tourism Tax Committee after the meeting Monday night and he is looking for replacements. Some of the positions will need to include persons in the tourism industry such as lodge workers or camping proprietors. If you would be interested in serving on that committee or finding out more information, contact Commissioner Larson or leave your name at the Dent County Clerk’s Office so he can contact you. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said today will be the first day for “no excuse” absentee voting. She also stated Wednesday is the last day to request a mail out absentee ballot, and the last day to absentee vote will be Monday, November 4th from 8:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon at the courthouse. Curley indicated her office will be open from 8:00 in the morning until 12:00 noon on Saturday, November 2nd for absentee voting. If you need to make changes to your voter registration such as a name or address change, please do that as soon as possible so that it will be completed before you go to vote. She said so far about 350 people have voted absentee during the “Excused” portion of absentee voting. At the last meeting, Kevin Crider from the University of Missouri Extension updated the commission on the feral hog program. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that hunters harvested 5,741 deer during the state’s firearms early antlerless portion of deer season, October 11-13. The top three harvest counties were Franklin with 156 deer harvested, Howell with 140, and Bollinger with 135. Last year’s early antlerless portion harvest total was 16,553. County totals in our area of antlerless deer harvest include Crawford 64, Dent 69, Phelps 64, Texas 54, and Shannon 49. Get more information on harvest summaries by county at mdc.mo.gov. MDC’s Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle attributes the decreased harvest to the stark contrast in weather conditions between the two years. He noted that the unseasonably warm temperatures this year undoubtedly kept many hunters out of the woods, resulting in far fewer deer being harvested. Isabelle said we were fortunate to have caught a cold front during last year’s inaugural early antlerless portion, which resulted in increased deer movement and greater hunter participation. Archery deer hunting in Missouri opened September 15th and runs through November 15th. It reopens November 27th and runs through January 15th, 2025. Firearms deer hunting in Missouri continues with the Early Youth Portion November 2-3. The November Portion runs November 16th-26th followed by the CWD Portion November 27th–December 1st in open counties. The Late Youth Portion runs November 29th–December 1st followed by the Late Antlerless Portion December 7th-15th in open counties and then the Alternative Methods Portion December 28th through January 7th, 2025. Get more information on deer hunting from MDC’s 2024 Fall Deer & Turkey Regulations and Information booklet, available where permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov.

Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors has called for a special meeting tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 in the Hospital Library. After the call to order and roll call, and agenda approval the Board will vote to go into closed session, followed by adjournment.

MoDOT will hold a public meeting to discuss the rehabilitation of four bridges in Phelps County. The meeting is scheduled for this Thursday afternoon from 4:30 to 6:00 at Rolla City Hall, located at 901 E. Elm St. Residents can drop in at any time during these hours, as there will be no formal presentation. The bridges, set for rehabilitation in 2025, are on Route D, Route E, Route J, and County Road 8490. Three of these bridges will be closed during construction. Project team members will be available to answer questions, provide information, and receive input from the public. For those unable to attend, MoDOT offers alternative ways to participate. Comments can be submitted until November 7th either online, by email, or by mail. The project website, which contains all meeting exhibit information, can be found at modot.org by searching for “Phelps County Bridge Bundle.” Mailed comments can be sent to Missouri Department of Transportation, 1511 Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City, MO 65109, referencing the Phelps County Bridge Bundle.