Archive for 2024

Seven people died in traffic crashes, two people died in a boating crash, and one person drowned during the 2024 Labor Day holiday weekend. The 2024 counting period for the Labor Day holiday was from 6:00 Friday evening August 30th, through 11:59 Monday night, September 2nd. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the following enforcement activity during 2024 Labor Day holiday. These are preliminary statistics. There were 233 crashes resulting in 115 injuries which resulted in 7 fatalities. There were 108 DWI arrests and 5 Drug arrests. Preliminary MSHP Boating indicate there were 3 crashes, resulting in 8 injuries and 2 fatalities. There was 1 drowning and 8 Boating While Intoxicated arrests. The fatality statistics in this news release could change if late deaths occur, if other departments report fatalities after this news release was sent out, or if a fatality is determined to be caused by a medical condition rather than a traffic/boating/drowning incident.

The Maries County Public Water Supply District No. 1 has been awarded a $30,000 grant by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. This Drinking Water Engineering Report Grant will enable the district to evaluate its drinking water system and identify necessary improvements. The grant is part of a program designed to help communities assess their public drinking water systems. With this funding, the district will be able to pinpoint any upgrades needed to maintain reliable service and meet drinking water quality standards. Department officials stressed the importance of water infrastructure in supporting community health and economic vitality. This evaluation will allow the district to address current needs and plan for future growth. The project is funded in part or whole by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources, through its Financial Assistance Center, offers various funding opportunities for communities with water infrastructure needs. For more information on water-related funding opportunities, interested parties can visit the department’s website at dnr.mo.gov.

Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) is accepting public comment on its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) until September 7th. A CEDS is designed to identify regional priorities for economic and community development. An effective plan allows the region to maximize its economic development potential, as well as engage with the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and other federal partners to receive infrastructure and technical assistance grants. MRPC Planning Manager Anne Freand said that the CEDS is important to the region because it identifies locally grown strategies that will guide regional economic development, encourage partnerships and collaboration and improve economic outcomes and overall quality of life in our region. The CEDS document is the result of a year-long planning process, which included data gathering and input from people who live and work in the Meramec Region. The draft plan can be found online at www.meramecregion.org. For additional questions or to submit feedback email Freand at afreand@meramecregion.org or call the MRPC office at 573-265-2993. Feedback can also be mailed to MRPC Attention Anne Freand, #4 Industrial Drive, St. James, MO 65559 or individuals can stop by the office in person between 8:00 and 4:30, Monday through Friday.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways will offer free, one-day fly fishing workshops for youth ages 12-16 on September 8, 15, and October 6 at Mt Zion Church north of Akers. Park Ranger Mark Van Patten, a 2023 National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame inductee, will lead the sessions. The workshops will cover casting techniques, catch and release methods, fly presentation, aquatic entomology, equipment, and water reading. Each session is limited to 10 youth participants, with a required parent or guardian for each. Participants should bring a valid Missouri fishing permit (if 16 or older), trout permit, waders, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, lunch, and water. Some equipment will be provided. For reservations, contact Round Spring Ranger Station at (573) 858-3297. 

The Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) is accepting applications for the Show-Me Entrepreneurial Grants for Agriculture (SEGA) Innovation Grant Program until October 4, 2024. The program offers grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 for Missouri entities seeking to add value to agricultural products. Recipients must provide a minimum 25% cash match. Eligible projects include facilities, equipment upgrades, services, and cooperative marketing efforts related to value-added agriculture. For application forms and more information, visit www.masbda.com or contact MASBDA at (573) 751-2129 or masbda@mda.mo.gov.

The Dent County Commission met last Thursday morning at the courthouse. District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray was not in attendance due to a prior commitment, so Road Supervisor Jason Akins gave the road report. He stated rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 6370, while only grading would be done on county roads 5380 and 6280. Akins also said brush would be cut on county roads 5130 and 5150. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said rock would be added and bridge maintenance would be done on Dent County Road 4060, while limbs would be trimmed on county road 4280, new blades would be put on grader #37, a brush cutter will be picked up at Heritage Tractor, and a snow plow will be taken to Knapheide in Jefferson City to make sure it works for the winter. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said the county will put out for bid the purchase of 3,500 gallons of propane for the winter. The bids need to be submitted to the county clerk’s office by 10:00, Monday morning, September 9th, to be considered. He also said the county received a notice from their insurance company that they county received a notice from their insurance company that they will pay up to $584,537.88 for hail damage to county buildings. He said bids will have to be let out for that work to be done. Larson said there is a grant opportunity through the MRPC for the centennial celebration of Route 66. Details can be found on the MRPC website or call 573-265-2993. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the commission received a petition to set the speed limit on Dent County Road 2070 to 25 MPH and the commission approved the request. Also, the road and bridge department did phone bids for diesel fuel and received bids from Phil-Mart, County Fuels and MFA Oil. Phil-Mart had the lowest price at $2.49 which was accepted by the commission. Curley said she would be gone part of next week for a county clerk’s meeting and wanted voters to update their voter information for the General Election in November. She said the first day for an excused absentee ballot will be September 24th, and the first day for a no-excuse absentee ballot will be October 22nd. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk said she sold eight parcels of property on the courthouse steps Monday in the tax sale and turned over $102,456.69 plus $250 in advertising fees to the county treasurer. She said the original owners of the property sold still have one year and one day to pay the back taxes to recover their property. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday, September 5th, at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley has released information on a number of cases heard in front of Judge Michael Randazzo. Dawn Smith of Salem, pled guilty to two counts of second degree drug trafficking, two counts possession of meth, one count possession of suboxone, one count maintaining a public nuisance, and one count of felony resisting arrest. Smith was sentenced to 15 years in the Department of Corrections pursuant to RSMo Section 217.362, long term drug treatment program, as recommended by Prosecutor Curley. Jen Moller of Salem, was sentenced to seven years in the Department of Corrections as requested by Assistant PA James Weber; due to failing to register as a sex offender. Brianna Nichols previously pleaded guilty to possession of fentanyl. A sentencing hearing was held, and the defendant sought probation. Nichols was sentenced to serve seven years in the Department of Corrections under RSMo Section 559.115, as requested by Prosecutor Curley. Hope Bell of Salem, pled guilty to possession of meth and felony stealing. Bell’s sentence was suspended and required to complete the Dent County Alternative Sentencing Court, a.k.a. drug court, with five years’ supervised probation.

There will be a Community Blood Center of the Ozarks blood drive at the First Baptist Church at 201 North MacArthur today from noon until 6:00. Successful donors will receive a voucher to the Dickerson Park Zoo, valid through July of 2025. Donors may also receive a limited-edition zoo themed T-shirt, while supplies last. Appointments can be made at cbco.org/donate-blood or by calling 417-227-5006.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors have announced they plan to affiliate with Phelps Health to continue to provide much needed quality health care to residents of Dent and surrounding counties. The two entities entered into a non-binding letter of intent Wednesday, August 28th which describes their shared vision of the arrangement. The negotiated affiliation would begin early in 2025 after both parties do their due diligence concerning the business side of the affiliation. Brooke Bollman, the CEO of the Salem Hospital, said representatives from the hospital and Phelps Health have been in discussion and believe this partnership could be a significant step forward on a shared mission of providing quality healthcare for years to come. According to Jason Shenefield, the CEO of Phelps Health, the collaboration between Phelps Health and the Salem Memorial Hospital is driven by a shared commitment to improving community health.

The 10th Annual Salem Area Chamber of Commerce pro rodeo, sanctioned by IPRA/ACRA/MRCA and produced by Outlaw Rodeo Productions will be held this Labor Day weekend on Saturday, and Sunday, beginning at 7:30 each night at The Commons on Highway 72 North with the gates opening at 5:00 for family activities. There will be a number of events held including team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping and breakaway roping with a boot toss for the kids age 10 and under as well as the Mini Buckers! Making a special appearance this year will be 2024 Miss Rodeo USA Kaelanne Quinonez and the 2024 Missouri Miss Teen Rodeo Jacie Jost. A special half-time show will be put on by trick rider Sophia Duch. Advanced tickets are still available at both Bank of Salem locations, both locations of Town and Country Bank, Progressive Ozark Bank, Riverways Federal Credit Union and the Salem Chamber of Commerce office at 1136 South Main in the Crossroads Shopping Center. Ticket prices in advance are $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 5-11, while at the gate, ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for children.  If you have any questions, call the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce at (573) 729-6900.

Echo Bluff State Park is hosting a series of free concerts over Labor Day weekend. The events will take place at the park’s amphitheater from August 31 to September 2. On Saturday, August 31 at 8 p.m., Jimmy Hill and Friends will perform a mix of classic country and rock. Sunday, September 1 at 8 p.m. features James Vankirk, a veteran musician with 36 years of experience. The Baker Family will close out the series on Monday, September 2 at 7 p.m., offering classic country, bluegrass, and original tunes. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs to the amphitheater, located at 35244 Echo Bluff Drive in Eminence. In addition, Lake Wappapello State Park will host a free movie night on Saturday, August 31. The film “Migration” will be shown at dusk in the park’s amphitheater. Lake Wappapello State Park is located at 8005 State Highway 172 in Williamsville. For more information on these and other state park events, visit mostateparks.com/events.

As Missourians prepare for the 2024 Labor Day weekend, Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, is urging everyone to plan ahead and prioritize safety, both on the roads and on the water. The Labor Day holiday is a time of heavy travel and recreational activities, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol will be actively participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort) to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors. For those hitting the road, Colonel Olson emphasizes the importance of vehicle maintenance and safe driving practices. He reminds drivers to ensure their vehicles are in good working condition before setting out, to obey all traffic laws, and to stay focused and buckle up. The 2024 counting period for the Labor Day holiday will run from 6:00 PM on Friday, August 30th, through 11:59 PM on Monday, September 2nd. Reflecting on the previous year, Missouri saw 15 fatalities and 477 injuries resulting from 1,058 traffic crashes over the Labor Day weekend in 2023, equating to one person being killed or injured every 9.5 minutes. Additionally, 125 individuals were arrested for driving while intoxicated during that period. For those planning to spend time on Missouri’s waterways, safety remains equally critical. Colonel Olson advises boaters to inspect fuel lines, test batteries, and follow proper procedures when refueling to avoid accidents. The effects of alcohol are intensified on the water due to boating stressors like sun, wind, and engine noise. Boaters are encouraged to drink responsibly and never operate a vessel under the influence of alcohol. In 2023, the state recorded 12 boating crashes during the Labor Day weekend, resulting in three injuries and zero fatalities. Marine enforcement troopers will be patrolling the waterways, focusing on preventing accidents and ensuring compliance with boating laws. Whether on land or water, the Missouri State Highway Patrol will have all available troopers on duty, enforcing speed limits, seat belt use, and laws against impaired driving, as well as assisting motorists and boaters.

The Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting on Tuesday the 27th of August in the Auditorium. After approving the agenda and consent agenda, there were no public comments. The board approved road closure for the Football Parade that will be held on Friday September 6th at 5:30pm and will go from the courthouse to the high school football field. The board then approved a bid for a used 2016 John Deere 310 backhoe, located in Cuba, MO. The construction crew has paid over $7,000 into repairing their oldest backhoe, and it still does not meet requirements for safety and quality standards. The proposed bid is the only one that fits within the $80,000 budget that also provides a 1 year or 1,000 hour warranty. While bids for other machines had lower pricing, none provided a warranty. The $80,000 budgeted for this purchase will be split equally between the Capital Improvements and General Fund. During New and Miscellaneous business, Resolution No. 19-2024 was presented by Police Chief Joe Chase. The resolution will allow the City of Salem to execute a 9-1-1 services and software license agreement between Indigital Inc. and the Salem Police Department, bringing the ability to text 9-1-1 services to 13 counties in southern Missouri with Dent county being the Head County. Dent County has two Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) and qualifies for a $250,000 five year, no cost grant for each location. After the 5 year grant expires, it is estimated that the cost for maintenance could be anywhere between $6,000 and $19,000 which would be split evenly between the City of Salem and Dent County. Resolution 19-2024 was passed by the board. The resolution No. 21-2024 modifying Resolution No. 4-2022 to incorporate changes in the Affordable Housing Program was passed with Alderwoman Sisco abstaining from the vote. The meeting moved on to the reports of City officials. City of Salem Administrator, Sally Burbridge gave an update on the storm siren. They have submitted a Letter of Intent to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for a grant to replace the siren. She explained that once SEMA acquires funds from FEMA, they will review all notices submitted and send out invitations to apply for grants. Sally Spoke with a representative from the MRPC who stated there is a good chance that the City of Salem’s Letter of Intent will be accepted and funded because it is a matter of need, and not just a software upgrade. The letter of Intent is good for two years, giving the City two chances to be approved. Mayor Greg Parker stated the city offices will be closed on Monday September 2nd for Labor Day, but trash services will run their normal schedule. He also noted there are a lot of roof and construction projects going on, and wanted to remind everyone to be sure all nails are cleared from the area. Parks and Recs Director, Melissa Dubois, provided an update on the city pool. The liner has been installed. They are working with West Core for the final touches and to get the pool winterized. She stated there is no time for them to open the pool this year, but they will be ready next year. Melissa did state a leak was found under the building and has already been addressed. Stacy Houston gave an update on financials. None of the Aldermen and Women had anything further to report. The meeting then adjourned to close session.

The Salem Memorial Hospital held their Public Tax Meeting on Tuesday, August 28th in the hospital library. The current and proposed tax rate is $0.24 per $100, the motion to approve the tax rate was unanimously approved before the Public Tax Meeting was adjourned. 

The Salem Memorial Hospital (SMH) Board of Directors held their regular meeting on Tuesday at 7:00pm in the hospital library. The board approved the meeting minutes. During the CEO Report Brooke Bollman gave an update on her 30 day strategic plan for the month of July. The hospital’s accomplishments included: Implementing a spending freeze, reallocating expenses, realigning roles and responsibilities, passing Mammography and Physicist inspections for Radiology, and reevaluating service contracts. Brooke stated her main priority at the moment is focusing on cash flow and debt repayment. Ms. Bollman also provided the Summary of Operations report for the month of July. Inpatient, outpatient admissions and emergency room visits are down from this time last year. With the priority being placed on cash flow, the hospital has managed to lower their debt from $2 million to $1.4 million. The hospital’s total operating revenue for July was around $2.2 million dollars, And total operating expenses were around $2 million dollars providing a profit of $150,700. The July 340B program revenue totaled $48,676. As for the hospital’s “Cash on Hand”, the report currently shows the hospital having cash on hand for 28 days. Ms. Bollman explained that the amount was not accurately figured, so the number of days will drop significantly once it is properly adjusted. She explained that the reason for the discrepancy is due to Foundation monies being included in that amount, and that is not money the hospital is allowed to spend, and that should not be figured into that report. Ms. Bollman also explained that there are a lot of misallocations and double posting within the budget that she is working to correct. The Board then moved on to the Chief Nursing Officer and Human Resources Report provided by Kayla Chamberlain. There have been 7 new hires in the month of July as well, 6 employees have left for various reasons. The hospital has received many LPN applications and they hope to begin interviews soon. Long Term Care is fully staffed, and they have five ambulances in operation. Kayla stated she plans to go to the Texas County School of Nursing to introduce herself and let students know, SMH is available as an option for rotations. During new business, Dr. Leigh Ann Price stated Board Member Wanda Tatom submitted her letter of resignation this week. The board approved the resignation, then opened nominations for election of officers. Dr. Leigh Ann Price was voted as Board Chairman, and Zach Moser was nominated and elected for the Vice Chair position. The board then adjourned and entered closed session. The next SMH Board meeting will be held on September 24th at 7pm.