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 said a culvert was being installed on Dent County Road 5690 as well as rock being added and grading done on that road. He said brush would be cut on county roads 5150 and 5170. District Two Commissioner Gary Polk reported that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2210 and 5280, while rock will be added and grading done on county road 5300. Polk said brush would be cut on county road 4380. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he was signing the Department of Agriculture Grant for the remonumentation of corners that allows for eight corners to be remonumented by the surveyor, and the county will receive $350 for each corner with a maximum amount returned to the county of $2,800. Larson also said tickets for the MRPC Annual Dinner, that will be held in Linn, Missouri on October 24th are now available for $40 each. Contact the MRPC at 573-265-2993 for more information. Commissioner Larson reported the commission would be discussing getting Coroner Ben Pursiful a different truck for the coroner’s office. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the last day to register to vote for the General Election will be on October 9th, absentee voting with an excuse begins September 24th, while “no excuse” absentee voting will begin on October 22nd. The last day to mail a ballot will be October 23rd and if anyone needs to update their voter registration, such as an address change or name change, the sooner that can be done the better, at the County Clerk’s office. Curley also said she balanced with the collector and assessor for the month of August on all abatements, add-ons, and collections. Shawn McGonigle from the MAC Trust stopped by to let the commission know the county will see a reduction between 25 and 30% in their workman compensation premiums for the next year. He said there is still one open claim, and that is about to be wrapped up. He also said MAC will be deciding during a Zoom call meeting to build an office and training center in Jefferson City for meetings and more. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning in the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Utility Committee held their regular meeting last night at 6:15 in the Auditorium. The board approved the agenda and the minutes from the last meeting. The Financial Report, was given by Stacy Houston. As of August 31st, the ending fund balance in all three electric funds is $2.9 million; the ending balance on all three water funds is $1.6 million; and the ending balance on all sewer funds is $872,000. During the building updates, City Administrator Sally Burbridge stated she reached out to BHNG, The company doing the unit rate study and audit on the utilities billing system, and they are expecting a presentation anytime between November and December. Utility director Steve Payne gave an update on water and sewer. During the discussion about water meter fees, Board Member John Hambacker asked for clarification about the consumption total with the new service availability fees. Burbridge and Board member Kyle Williams explained how those numbers are calculated. John talked about the fees he proposed at the last meeting that would be applied only to motels and hotels in the city only, not other businesses. Sally explained that they have to be careful about implementing changes that single out specific individuals and businesses. Kyle stated that overall meter rate based on size would be appropriate, but not to include any additional verbiage that singles out hotels and motels specifically. John then made a motion that the base rates be changed to service availability fees for sewer only where meters less than 3 inches is $12, 3 inches is $60, 4 inches is $120, 5 inches is $150, and 6 inches is $190 per month. The fee for meters outside the city would remain the same. The motion carried. During the Sewer Adjustment Policy portion, a motion was made to amend the policy to state the utilities department will adjust the most recent three months. Motion passed. During the question portion of the meeting, There was a question about postage. Sally stated they are in the process of trying to get a quote for outsourcing the printing and mailing of the bills, though there is no timeline on when that will be. The next utility meeting will be Wednesday October 9th. 

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday evening at the fire station at #2 South Main Street. The minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed and approved. The financial report was reviewed with an ending balance of $162,732.83. All bills, payments, and statements were reviewed and signed. The budget was reviewed and approved as presented. The monthly reimbursement report showed a total of 12 calls for the month of August bringing the total calls year to date to 185. Some of those calls included one building fire, carbon monoxide incident, and a medical assist. In old business grants for the AFG radios open next week. They are also looking at Harris radios. Chief Floyd will put information together to compare the two. In new business the draft audit results were discussed as sent by KD Audit, Kristen Deluca. It was noted that internal control of financial statements was weak due to the limited number of people working in the office. The recommendation was for the board to thoroughly review the monthly financial statements and supporting documentation as a mitigating control. The board discussed having a predetermined amount of time at each board meeting to review and discuss the finances. Also, each quarter the board will spend more time looking at finances. They will look for further ways to make the finances better. In the Chiefs report to the board, he asked that Greg Thies be paid for the smoke machine Thies purchased for the department. Also, a Basic Firefighters class is being held and graduation will be in about three weeks. Chief Floyd stated that the bays are striped for the trucks and the department is in need of a nozzle for 8020 at approximately $300.00 to $900.00. The date for the October board meeting was set for 6:00, Tuesday evening, October 8th at the Dent County Fire Station. 

Healthy Dent County will be hosting an informational meeting to help women learn how to navigate their way to hormonal happiness and maintain a healthy and happy life through menopause on Tuesday, September 17th at the

Salem Community Center at the Armory. April Greener, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, with the Dent County Health Department will be the guest speaker. The cost to attend this meeting is free and this event is open to the public. The meeting will begin in the evening at 5:30 and last until 6:30 in the Rotary Conference Room. For more information, call the Healthy Dent County Fitness Center at 573-739-1127 or email susie@salemcommunitycenter.org. 

Missouri hunters should note several changes for the upcoming deer and turkey hunting seasons, as announced by the Missouri Department of Conservation. These changes affect hunting dates, permits, and regulations aimed at managing wildlife populations and controlling Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Archery deer and turkey seasons open September 15 and run through November 15, reopening November 27 until January 15, 2025. For deer, the firearms season kicks off with the Early Antlerless Portion on October 11-13, followed by various portions throughout November and December. Turkey hunters will need to purchase a new fall turkey-hunting permit, as it’s no longer included with the archery deer-hunting permit. The harvest limit for turkeys has been reduced to two birds for both archery and firearms portions combined. Several counties, including Dent, Phelps, and Shannon, have been added to the CWD Management Zone. This expansion removes the antler-point restriction in these areas to help control CWD spread. During the November portion opening weekend (November 16-17), hunters in CWD Management Zone counties must take harvested deer to mandatory sampling stations. Other notable changes include increased antlerless permit limits in some counties and the allowance of drones for tracking wounded deer and turkeys. Hunters are strongly encouraged to review the full regulations at mdc.mo.gov/CWD before the season begins.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly half of all car seats are used incorrectly. To address this, They are hosting several free car seat check events to be held during Child Passenger Safety Week, September 15-21. Certified technicians will inspect car seats, review expiration dates, and provide installation guidance at several locations, including Licking and West Plains. Other participating cities are Cape Girardeau, Marble Hill, Mountain Grove, Perryville, Poplar Bluff, Sikeston, and Van Buren. Each 30-minute check could make a crucial difference in your child’s safety. Key safety tips include use of age and size appropriate car seats and boosters. Children under 13 are safest riding in the back seat. Remember to never leave a child alone in a vehicle, as temperatures can quickly rise to a very dangerous level. Always set a good example and wear your seatbelt. For more information visit www.savemolives.com or contact Emily Church at (573)339-6365.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting last night in the old auditorium at 6:00. The agenda was approved with the addition of a review for an emergency purchase of a new UV Control Panel. The board then approved the consent agenda. During public comments, John Heimbecker approached and spoke about the Frisco Trail Sign located on West 3rd Street and Grant Intersection. He extended his gratitude toward Chief Joe Chase, and Utility Director Steve Payne for their assistance on the project. The board then presented University of Missouri Extension office representative, Brandi Richardson with a proclamation recognizing their involvement in promoting Missouri Good Neighbor Week. Ms. Richardson then spoke briefly about the extension office and thanked everyone involved in cultivating a successful 4-H program in the area. The Board then approved adding Kyle Williams as a member to the Salem Public Library Board of Trustees. City Administrator, Sally Burbridge read a bid for Pool Media Approval. The bid came in from WestPort Pools and includes removing and disposing of the old pool media, sand, and replacing it with a glass media. Using glass in the pool filtration system will catch much smaller particles than sand, allowing for cleaner water. Glass media also has an estimated life expectancy of up to 10 years as opposed to the 5-7 years life expectancy for sand. The cost of the project is $25,500. Alderwoman Sisco asked if the bid included any kind of warranty. Burbridge was unable to answer that question. The bid approval was tabled, until further information can be obtained, in a 3-1 vote with Alderman Whelan dissenting. The Board then approved resolution No. 22-2024; a resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement between the City of Salem and the Meramec Regional Planning Commission for membership services. This will be paid out of Non-Departmental Memberships. Line item 100-512-50315. With a budget of $5,500. Before the City Officials Reports, the Board approved the emergency purchase of a new UV Control Panel for the Wastewater System. The old system has stopped working, and there is no time to open up for bids. The new system is estimated to cost around $7,500. During the Reports of City Officials, Mayor Parker stated the Fall City-wide Yard Sale date will be held on October 5th with the city wide cleanup on October 21 through 25. He also wanted to remind citizens that if they are experiencing issues with their water or sewer they need to contact the city before they contact the DNR. Steve Payne gave the utility report in his report he mentioned signing an easement for the construction of a new water tower and pump over by the hospital. On this, Sally Burbridge stated, they are set to start accepting bids as early as next week. Steve said they also opened bids for the Fire Hydrant Maintenance Project. This project will repaint and add reflectors to hydrants throughout town, making them much easier to locate by the fire department, at night. He stated that there is no estimated time of completion for this project, as finding contractors has been difficult. He gave an update on the new backhoe that was recently purchased and delivered by the city. He said it is a great machine and is working wonderfully. Alderman Bolerjack, in his report, stated that the Missouri Good Neighbor Week will take place September 28 through October 4th. For more information, please visit the missourigoodneighborweek.com Alderwoman Sisco stated the Fireworks Committee met last week to discuss upcoming fundraising events for next year’s Fourth of July Fireworks display. She explained that the Fireworks Committee is not operated by the city in any way. For more information and updated event times, please visit the Salem Missouri Fireworks Facebook Page. The meeting then adjourned. 

The City of Salem Utility Committee meeting will be held tonight at 6:15 at the Old City Hall Auditorium at 202 North Washington. At the meeting, the committee will hear financial updates, billing updates and hear work reports  from utility crews. The committee will also discuss water meter fees, discuss a sewer policy adjustment, and hear public comments before adjourning. The meeting, called by Alderwoman Catherine Dent, is open to the public. Those unable to attend the meeting in person, may watch the live broadcast on the City of Salem Missouri Youtube channel.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 5100 and 5400 while only grading would be done on county road 6350. Mobray said a man would be going to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal repair. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 5300 where work crews will also be cutting out some curves to straighten the road. He said brush would be cut on county roads 2390 and 4380. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson had nothing to report and Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported on the MAC Conference she attended last week. She said she has been appointed to the mentoring committee, the legislative committee and scholarship committee. She said they heard reports on A.I., cyber security, the opioid health settlement, mental health, and their group took a tour of the St. Louis County Election Warehouse near Westport Plaza. She said it was very impressive with all the information they have and the layers of data they have on every voting district. She said she will have a zoom meeting with the MAC Board this Thursday. The commissioners accepted bids for propane for the courthouse for the winter at 10:00 and received three bids: Chilton Oil in Salem, Ferrellgas in Salem and MFA Oil from Rolla. The Commission elected to go with the the bid from Ferrellgas for $1.659 per gallon. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk brought in the August turnover and said her office collected $87,583.39 during the month which has been distributed to the tax entities. She also said her office issued the Collector’s Deeds to the properties sold in 2023 on the courthouse steps for unpaid taxes. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will hold their regular meeting this evening at 6:00 in the Old City Hall Auditorium. After the call to order and roll call, the Board will approve the agenda and the consent agenda, followed by public comments. The University of Missouri Extension will make a presentation followed by a Library Board appointment. Bids for Pool Media will be considered for approval. In new and miscellaneous business the Board will hear Resolution No. 22-2024, a resolution authorizing the mayor to executed an agreement between the City of Salem and the Meramec Regional Planning Commission for membership services. City officials will then report followed by adjournment. The City of Salem Board of Aldermen meeting tonight, is open to the public, and will also be live streamed through the City of Salem Missouri Youtube Channel.

In a letter from the Salem R-80 District Superintendent, Nate Wills talks about the importance of open and transparent communication between students, parents, teachers and staff. In his letter he explains that clear communication for students is crucial to their success and well being as they have access to the resources they need to thrive. Parents and guardians also benefit from clear communication about their child’s progress and school activities, allowing them to be more engaged and supportive partners in their child’s education. By sharing ideas and concerns openly the school can address challenges more efficiently and develop innovative solutions. Superintendent Wills would also like to invite families to Coffee Connections, an event that will take place several times throughout the school year, where the school district will share what is happening at the schools and get feedback from community members, parents, and friends of Salem R-80. Wills will be present at the Coffee Connections meetings. The first meeting will be held on the morning of Wednesday September 25th from 8-9 at William Lynch Elementary. Future dates will be posted to the Salem R-80 District Facebook Page. To read this letter in its entirety, please go to the KSMO Radio/Your World Today Facebook page.

In November 2023, the Missouri Department of Conservation received a report of a mature bull elk found shot dead and left to rot near Klepzig Mill in Shannon County. Shannon County agents led the nine month investigation. The investigation ended recently with 15 charges of multiple violations of the Wildlife Code of Missouri being filed in court against three Missouri men from the Bonne Terre area. Poaching is the taking of wildlife outside of season, without the proper permit, or in other violation of the Wildlife Code of Missouri, and hurts Missouri wildlife and those who appreciate it as hunters, anglers, and nature watchers. The Operation Game Thief (OGT) hotline allows Missourians to protect nature by reporting poaching. Please report possible violations of the Wildlife Code to your local conservation agent or call OGT at 800-392-1111. Callers may remain anonymous and may be considered for a reward. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/about-us/about-regulations/operation-game-thief.