Archive for 2024

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will be meeting this evening at 6:00 at the fire station at #2 South Main Street. After the roll call will be the approval of the consent agenda which includes the review of minutes, the financial report and bills, the checking account, and budget. The monthly reimbursement report will be reviewed followed by old business. The board will discuss the AFG grant status for radios before new business. The board will review the audit results and conduct the signing of the management representation letter (MRL). A representative of LJ Hart and Company will be in attendance to discuss bonds with the department. Chief Floyd will then give his report to the board. The date will be set for the November meeting before the board adjourns. The meeting this evening is open to the public.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Monday morning in the courthouse. In the road report, District One Commissioner Wes Mobray stated rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 5440 while only grading would be done on county roads 2460 and 5115. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk was not in attendance and road supervisor Travis Turner reported rock will be added and grading done on Dent County Road 2340 while only grading would be done on county roads 2200, 2560 and 4290. He also said brush would be cut on county roads 2070 and 5240. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he will be attending the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District Executive Board meeting today to discuss the grant applications that had been scored a couple weeks ago. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said this Wednesday is the last day to register to vote for the November election. She said so far 142 people have voted absentee during the “Excused” portion of that voting and the “No Excuse” absentee voting will begin October 22nd. This Friday, Curley said she will be at Dent-Phelps R-3 to educate 4th graders on the election and hold a “mock” election. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk reported her September turnover report showed she collected $36.608.63 which has been distributed to the taxing entities. VanKirk said for the fiscal year, county collections are up 24% over 2023 and that comes to $125,971.85. VanKirk said she received the tax book for 2024 and she balanced with the assessor and clerk. She said tax bills will be mailed out November 5th and people will be able to view their tax bill online on the Dent County Portal beginning today. She said online payments of your tax bills will begin November 1st. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams gave her sales tax report for the money collected this month. She said the General Revenue Fund and Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund each received $94,263.96 which is $15,831.44 more than for October of 2023. Year-to-date, the General Revenue Fund and the LEST funds are up about $57,408.64 which is about a 6.5% increase. The Road and Bridge Fund received $44,013.24 this month, and that is up $7,101.33 more than October of 2023. Year-to-date, that fund is up $25,698.63 which is close to a 6.3% increase. The Dent County Jail Operating and Trust funds each received $88,447.19 in October and that is up $14,195.28 from the October 2023 receipts. Year-to-date, those funds are up $52,580.72 which is about a 6.4% increase. Jeff Bandaret with Great Rivers Engineering was in to discuss the Flap 077 project for the back way into Montauk State Park. He said the county should have received a supplemental agreement that will extend the submission of the project from March of 2024 to September of 2025. This is partially due to a required Cultural Resource Study which must be done and will cost about $10,000. Great Rivers is currently getting bids from archaeologists to do the work. If they find extensive cultural artifacts, it could kill the project, but Bandaret didn’t think this would be a problem for this project. He also discussed TAP Grant 9901 for the courthouse sidewalks. He had some questions like the size of the dumpster cut out that will be needed, the color of the retaining wall and more. Bandaret said he would get the measurements of the dumpster area while he was here. Bandaret also said BRO funds are available, and the county would need to apply for them by November 15th. There would be no more than a 20% maximum match for the county. They could be used for the low water crossings. He also said the bridge in the city on 2nd Street that is currently closed would also qualify for BRO funds. The commission also received the annual contribution election from CERF. This is for the employees’ portion of 4% of retirement funds to be paid by county funds or through payroll deductions. The commission voted 2-0 for the employees to pay their own retirement through payroll deductions. Sheriff Bob Wells and Sergeant Len Pabin presented an ordinance to the commission regarding the welfare of the citizens of the County of Dent that would prohibit vicious threatening animals being allowed to run at large, and the penalties for violation of the ordinance. No decision was made since all three commissioners were not at the meeting. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident happened Saturday afternoon around 4:38 in Franklin County that took the life of a woman from Salem. According to the highway patrol report, 41-year-old Jody A. Pierce of Salem, was driving a 1999 Ford northbound on Oak Grove Church Road when the Ford traveled off the right side of the road, then returned to the road where the front left corner of a 2009 Chevrolet Impala driven northbound by 45-year-old Donald Pierce of Union, struck the rear right corner of the Ford. The Ford then crossed the center of the roadway and went off the left side of the road where it began overturning with the vehicle top striking a tree. According to the report, the Ford continued down an embankment and came to rest on its top in the Little Meramec River. After the collision, the Chevy left the scene with moderate damages. Jody Pierce was pronounced dead at the scene at 4:57 on Oak Gove Church Road north of Mill Hill Road by the Meramec Ambulance personnel. Her body was taken to the St. Louis Morgue by the Superior Mortuary Transport Service. The Ford was totaled and was removed from the scene by Vogelsang Towing. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by the Union Police Department and the Franklin County Deputies.

The City of Salem’s Parks and Recreation Board held a meeting on Thursday evening at 5:00 in the Old Auditorium. After approving the agenda, the board heard a consideration to adjust the budget for the Al Brown Field concession stand renovations, presented by Melissa DuBois. The concession stand has been allocated $9,000 from the Parks Capital Improvements Budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Several significant upgrades to the building have already been completed, including: removing the ceiling, upgrading electrical outlets, breakers, and wiring, and purchasing new food handling equipment. These improvements have helped to make the space operational as a concession stand. However, to ensure the longevity of these upgrades and protect these investments, Melissa stated that they would need to upgrade two doors that have previously been damaged, and all three windows, to enhance security at the Al Brown location. She stated they have received a quote for $4,723.50, plus shipping, for three manually retractable security shutter doors. For the replacement of the two steel doors, they received a quote from a local vendor of $1,100 each. Additionally, the construction crew has estimated the cost for exterior paint and supplies to be around $1,100. The board approved a budget adjustment by transferring $8,500 from the prior year’s fund balance to the Parks Capital Improvements fund to complete upgrades to the Al Brown concession, restrooms, and storage building. The Board also approved the Salem R-80 High School FFA’s request to use the Old Fairgrounds property for their upcoming Field Day, then adjourned the meeting. 

One of the simplest steps Missourians can take to protect their families is to install smoke alarms in their homes. Installing smoke alarms reduces the risk of dying in a home fire by more than 50%. That’s why this year’s theme for Fire Prevention Week that began yesterday and continues through the 12th is “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” State Fire Marshal Tim Bean says it cannot be emphasized enough the importance of having working smoke alarms in your home. Many Missouri fire departments, working with the American Red Cross, can even provide and install smoke alarms for families at no cost. Families in need of assistance should contact the American Red Cross of Missouri through a form at www.redcross.org. A report this year from the National Fire Protection Association showed that while in 1977 less than one-quarter of U.S. households had smoke alarms, it’s now estimated that over 90% of homes have at least one smoke alarm. But it is essential that smoke alarms are regularly tested, and batteries are replaced so that they remain in working order. Bean says people should install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home. They should also test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button; but replace any smoke alarm that is 10-years-old or older. Bean also wants to remind people that the end of daylight saving time, when clocks are adjusted to “fall back” an hour, can serve as an easy reminder to change smoke and CO alarm batteries. This year, daylight saving time ends at 2:00 in the morning on Sunday, November 3rd. Remember, when you change the time, change the batteries. According to Bean, smoke alarms need to meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities. Smoke alarms provide precious time to escape a burning home. Each family member should know escape routes from every room in a residence. Families should also regularly practice their fire escape plans.

MoDOT has scheduled highway maintenance on Route H from Route 72 to U.S. Route 63 in Phelps County. During these operations, one lane will remain open with flaggers directing traffic through work zones.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the courthouse. In the road report, District One Commissioner Wes Mobray was not in attendance and District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk gave his report. He said rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 5110 and 5410 in District 1, while rock will be added and grading done on county road 4280 in District 2. He also stated grading would be done on county roads 2580 and 2610 while new blades will be put on Grader #37. He also indicated that a mechanic from Mack was doing diagnostic testing and working on two trucks. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said that there has been concern and questions over the ballot language for the County of Dent Senior Homestead Property Tax Credit Question on this years ballot. Larson said the ballot language was prepared by legal council and not the commission, and all numbers presented are estimates that were provided by the collector. Dent County Deputy Clerk Melissa Piatt said excused absentee voting continues at the courthouse. At 10:00, bids were opened for the repair work to the courthouse roof and judicial building screens. The county received only one bid and that was from Trainor and Sons for a cost of $18,209.96. The county unanimously approved the bid. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

All ages! Children (with a parent/legal guardian) and adults alike can participate in a Seed Beading workshop with Cynthia Grigsby tomorrow afternoon from 1:00 till 4:00. Participants will learn about the history of seed beading and techniques used. Each participant will make a seed beaded jewelry piece for a keepsake. Beadwork is quite beautiful and was originally discovered in burial grounds dating back to the 14th century B.C. Beading materials used by Native Americans varied from stones, bones, seeds, as well as other tiny objects. You will use a loom to make a Native American inspired seed bead bracelet. No prior experience is needed, the cost is $50 per person. Class registrations are on a first come, first serve basis with online registrations. Interested persons can sign up under “Programs” at the salemcommunitybetterment.com website for activities at the Creative Arts Center.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways will host heritage demonstrations at Alley Spring on October 5, 12, and 19 from 10 am to 4 pm each day. The events will showcase pioneer skills and traditions that were essential to early Ozark settlers. On October 5 and 19, visitors can observe blacksmithing and leatherworking demonstrations. October 12 will feature lye soap making and broom making. These skills represent just a few of the many crafts that Ozark pioneers used to create essential items for their daily lives and for bartering. The demonstrations are free and open to the public. Alley Spring is located five miles west of Eminence on State Route 106. For more information, call (573) 226-3945 or visit the park’s Facebook page or website at www.nps.gov/ozar. Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserves the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork rivers, the surrounding resources, and the unique cultural heritage of the Ozark people. These demonstrations offer a glimpse into the resourcefulness and self-sufficiency that characterized early Ozark settlers.

“Sleep in Heavenly Peace” is an international non-profit 501(C).(3) organization that builds, assembles and delivers new beds to children in need, who do not have a bed. Anyone can apply for a child on the SHPbeds.org website. Would you like to join their team of volunteers? You’re invited to attend the next Salem and Dent County meeting of “Sleep in Heavenly Peace” Monday afternoon, October 7th, at 5:30 in the evening at the Salem Community Center@The Armory! The Rolla Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace is already helping to provide new beds to children in need in our Salem community, and efforts are underway to start a Dent County Chapter. For more information about Sleep in Heavenly Peace, contact Patti at 703-964-6495. You can also e-mail Patti at patti.mckeown@shpbeds.org.

An accident happened on Monday afternoon at 1:34 in St. Charles County on Highway 94 at 3rd Street that left a Salem woman with serious injuries. According to the highway patrol report, 18-year-old Ian Schroeder of Florissant, driving a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado westbound on Highway 94, apparently fell asleep at the wheel and traveled off the right side of the roadway striking a MoDOT electronic traffic control sign and post. The Silverado’s direction was diverted from the collision and it came back onto pavement on 3rd Street where the pickup began to slide towards the post office striking a yellow parking post and a pedestrian identified as 54-year old Kristian Flett of Salem. Flett suffered serious injuries and was taken by the St. Charles County Ambulance District to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. The Silverado sustained moderate damages and was driven from the scene. Schroeder was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident but had no insurance.

The Salem Park and Recreation Board will be holding a meeting today at 5:00 at the Old City Hall Auditorium to discuss a budget adjustment needed to cover improvements to the Al Brown Field Concession stand. The cost of the improvements exceeded the budgeted amount of $9,000 and the Park Board will either approve allocating funds from the previous years beginning balance to cover the difference, or to take the money from the proposed bleacher purchase. The meeting is open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is conducting its annual search for a large Christmas tree for use on the governor’s mansion lawn in Jefferson City. MDC is asking landowners, homeowners, businesses, and communities that may have possible candidate trees to contact the Department. MDC is looking for a tree that is about 30 to 40 feet tall. The preferred species for the tree is eastern red cedar, Norway spruce, or white pine. The best candidates will be fully branched on all sides and easily accessible by large equipment. The right tree may either be near the end of its life or may need to be removed for other reasons. Often evergreens are planted too close to homes and buildings and eventually grow too large for the space. MDC Community Forestry Coordinator Russell Hinnah said that most of the trees we find were planted decades ago and have outgrown their space at the end of their life. Hinnah went on to note that donating a tree like that is a great way to share its beauty with thousands of Missourians who visit the mansion during the holidays. Once the tree is selected, MDC staff will coordinate the cutting and delivery of the tree to the governor’s mansion at no cost to the owners. The donor will receive a thank-you from the governor and an invitation to the lighting ceremony, which will take place on Friday, December 6th. Hinnah asks people to take photos of candidate trees and email them to holidaytrees@mdc.mo.gov. Be sure to include a contact telephone number, location of the tree, and several pictures taken from different angles and distances. Candidate tree nominations can also be submitted by mail to: Missouri Department of Conservation, ATTN: Mansion Christmas Tree, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102. All entries must be submitted by Oct 10. Full guidelines are available at mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/governors-mansion-christmas-tree-search. For more information or questions, contact MDC Communications Specialist Holly Dentner at 573-751-4115, ext. 3110.

The Power of Hope Equestrian Center will have it’s Annual Charity Barn Dance October 5th at the Power of Hope Barn, located at #3 Farm House Lane Steelville. The doors will open at 4:00 and the band will start playing at 7:00. This year’s barn dance will feature live music by Missouri’s Most Wanted Outlaw Band and catered food by 19/49 Junktion. There will be a silent and reverse auctions with fantastic items up for grabs. The event will feature guest speakers and testimonials from participants whose lives have been transformed by the Power of Hope programs. Dinner and band tickets are $50, while band only tickets are $25. Tickets can be purchased at powerofhopeec.com. All proceeds from the event will directly support programs that continue the life changing equine therapy for children, adults, veterans, and first responders. Funds raised will allow participants to benefit from the therapeutic power of working with the program’s horses.

This City Wide Yard Salem will be held Saturday, October 5th. Copies of the maps will be available at area convenience stores and the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, also be printed in the Salem News. Spaces are available on the parking lot behind the City Administration Building at 4th and Iron Streets on a first come, first serve basis.