Archive for 2024

The City of Salem Utility Committee held their regular meeting on Wednesday August 14th at 6:15 in the Auditorium. The committee approved the agenda as well as the minutes from the July 10, 2024 meeting. During the Reports and Updates portion of the meeting Stacy Houston provided the financial updates on which are on average are down from this time last year. During the Billing Updates, the utilities department sent out 2,531 total bills 103 customers signed up for email billing, 340 paid online, and 369 have their accounts on auto draft and 231 people have opted out of the serve line. A question was asked if there was a system in place to remind customers that their bill is due at a certain time. Administrator Sally Burbridge explained that if customers would like a reminder about their bill payment, they can sign up for Text alerts by texting the word “UTILITY” to 855-435-4811. In the work reports from utility crews. Steve Payne gave a detailed report on the wastewater update from the last few weeks, which had already been reported during the Alderman Board meeting on August 14. He did state that he has been in contact with the Water Superintendent stating they are working on getting a sand particulate filtration system for Well 8, which currently pumps turbid water. He clarified that when the boil water advisory was issued over the weekend of August 10th, there was no sewage in the water, it was just turbidity due to low water pressure that could have put someone at risk. A committee member asked how does the water company get that information out to the public, in a timely manner. Steve explained when there is an issue with the water, such as a boil water advisory, They contact the local radio stations, they make a post on social media, and they reach out to local news outlets. Citizens can sign up for City Announcements via Text alerts by texting the word CITY to 855-435-4811. Sally Burbridge then provided the update on the MMMPEP meeting held on July 30th. She stated the City of Salem is on their list to have them look into the infrastructure and provide an audit on any deficiencies and areas of improvement. The city is also looking for an electric prepay option, similar to the natural gas prepay option they currently provide. The committee then moved on to discussing water meter fees, where committee member John Hambacker stated he is working on a proposal for replacing the service fee for 4 and 6 inch meters to $75 and $150 a month respectively, with no change to service fees for meters less than 4 inches. The committee agreed to table this proposal for a month, until they can get sufficient feedback from the currently approved rate increase. During the questions and comments portion of the meeting, a citizen asked about the Emergency Alert siren, Sally answered that MRPC is currently working on writing a grant to replace our current system. Several citizens mentioned experiencing a considerable jump in their utility bills due to leaks and asked what was being done about that problem. She explained that they are in the process of streamlining their billing process. They run reports each month, before bills go out so they can identify any potential leaks and notify residents. She stated the new meters use a doppler effect for reading usage and as such are more sensitive and accurate than the old meters, which had a history of reading lower usage. Customers with grievances were advised to go into the utility office and discuss this matter in person. The meeting adjourned at 8:09pm.

An accident happened Saturday morning at 10:47 in Franklin County on Interstate 44 westbound at the 232.2 mile marker. According to the highway patrol report, 24-year-old Christian Sgroi of Salem, was operating a black 2024 Suzuki and traveling westbound on Interstate 44 when Sgroi avoided a collision with another vehicle. Sgroi lost control and the Suzuki traveled off the right side of the road and overturned, ejecting Sgroi. Both the Suzuki and Sgroi came to rest off the north side of the roadway. Sgroi suffered serious injuries and was taken to the Mercy Hospital in St. Louis by the St. Clair Ambulance District. The Suzuki was totaled and removed from the scene by Chuck’s Towing.

An accident happened in Phelps County Saturday afternoon at 5:22 on Route F at Highway 72. According to the highway patrol report, a 2016 Ford F-150 driven eastbound by 47-year-old Gregory Gibbs of Rolla, went off the left side of the Route F and struck a tree. Gibbs suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Phelps Health by the Phelps Health Ambulance. Gibbs was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. The Ford sustained minor damage and removed from the scene by Tunes Towing.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse with special guests Salem Memorial Hospital CEO Brooke Bollman and Hospital Executive Secretary Hannah Harris, and Dent County Fire Protection District Chief Dennis Floyd and fire board secretary Dave Wells, plus Tad Headrick and Collector Shannon VanKirk. The discussion was centered around Senate Bill 190 and the effects it could have on all entities. Wells stated that any reduction in taxes to the entities would be detrimental especially with new state regulations and mandates that put a further burden on the entities. Collector VanKirk said if the county adopted an ordinance, they would have to define the meaning of the term “homestead” and what that would entail, for example just a house that is their principal domicile, or other land and structures, etc. She said they would also have to phrase the definition not to include investment property. The amount of credit to be determined would be based on the assessed value of that definition. She reported that she calculated 22.3% of registered voters are 65 years of age or older in Dent County, but with the Senate Bill 756 update that lowered the qualifying age to 62, she estimated that number to be closer to 25%. With Dent County having 3,948 some registered voters 62 or over, VanKirk said she expected no more than 1,200 would be eligible. If adopted, VanKirk said the county would set up a time to apply, probably from April 1st to June 30th, to give the county time to check each applicant. Also, many seniors do not own real estate or live in subsidized senior housing, and they would not qualify. Each applicant would have to fill out a form, provide a copy of their driver’s license or ID and a copy of the deed from the recorder’s office. This process would have to be repeated every year to get the Homestead Credit.  Collector VanKirk said many seniors can use Form 948 to receive a state tax credit, but there are income limitations to receive that credit. She also said that bonds and the State Blind Pension Fund are exempt from the reduction. VanKirk also wanted to say a raise in the tax rate would NOT change the value of the homestead credit dollar figure, but it would on ALL the other property or other real estate. The number of people who would apply for the Homestead Credit is unknown and the amount of money that would be lost by any entity is also unknown. Salem Hospital CEO Bollman said she wanted to clarify that any loss of income to the hospital during this time of financial crisis is critical for any reason, and this Homestead Credit tax reduction on its own would not close the hospital, but it could definitely help contribute to the financial struggles. The hospital also gets tax monies from Shannon, Iron and Crawford counties and those dollars could also be affected by what those counties do. The commission said they want to do what is best for the county and there is currently a poll on Senate Bill 190 online at salemnewsonline.com. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 6660 and 6670, while only grading would be done on county roads 5070, 5075 and 5650. Mobray said brush would be cut on county road 4220. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said rock would be added and grading on Dent County Road 5260 and 3335, while only grading would be done on county roads 3330, 3333, 3334 and 3337. Polk said brush would be cut on county roads 5320 and 5325. The next commission meeting will be this morning at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has announced several road maintenance projects for Dent County and nearby areas for this week. In Dent County, Route 19 will undergo pothole patching from Route JJ to Route TT. Roadside work is scheduled on Route K, and pavement repairs are planned for Route CC from Route C to Route H. For all these projects, one lane will remain open with flaggers directing traffic through the work zones. In Crawford County, pothole patching will continue on Route 19 from Mill Springs Road to Seven Cedars Road. Route 8 will see pothole patching from Meramec Farms Road to Route 68 in Phelps County. Both of these projects are scheduled for August 19-22. Phelps County will have ongoing work on I-44, with road resurfacing and reconstruction continuing from Exit 186 in Rolla to Exit 195 in St. James. Motorists should expect around-the-clock lane closures from U.S. Route 63 to Missouri Route 68, with an 11-foot width restriction in place. This project is set for completion in late fall 2024. MoDOT reminds drivers to be cautious in work zones. All work is weather permitting, and schedules may change.

SMH Family Medicine has announced the clinic will end its Saturday clinic services effective August 31. According to a press release from the hospital, the decision aims to reallocate resources and ensure that the highest quality of care is delivered during regular weekday hours. In addition, Terry Bruno, a long-serving and valued provider at SMH will be departing the clinic on September 13. The SMH Family Medicine Clinic acknowledged that these changes might cause some inconvenience but emphasized its ongoing commitment to providing exceptional healthcare.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting on Tuesday August 13 in the auditorium. Mayor Greg Parker and Alderman John Whelan were absent, Alderman Shawn Bolerjack presided. At the public tax rate hearing, a citizen asked about the levy of 67.50 cents for every $100 assessed and valuation of real estate and personal property within city limits, City Administrator Sally Burbridge clarified that this is the same tax rate as last year, not an increase. The board then made a modification to the meeting agenda, before approving it. During public comments, a citizen asked if a business was legally allowed to operate without their electricity being on. City Attorney James Weber stated that if this presents a problem with public safety or a code violation, the incident would need to be reported to either local law enforcement or or to the Code Enforcement Office. Former Alderman Kyle Williams made a presentation on public transportation, including ideas for a free public city bus. This bus would be provided through the Federal 5311 Formula Grant. He used the City of Houston, Missouri as a case study, as they have been successfully operating a similar shuttle through this grant. He estimates the City’s financial contribution would be around $40,000 on average. The deadline to apply for this grant is the end of September. Alderman Bolerjack would like more research and other options before proceeding. The Board approved a bid requested by Josh Kotchdoff, with the Electric Department, in the amount of $11,500 to purchase as many streetlights as possible. There is currently $15,000 in that budget. The board also approved the request to replace the existing lift pump at the Al Brown fields. The money will come from the Waste Water Treatment Plan budget. During new business, the board approved resolution 20-2024 authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with the IDA for contributions to the Economic Development position salary in the amount of $1,000 a month for 36 months once the position has been filled. The request for a budget increase of $81,890.00 to pay the invoice from Flynn Drilling Company, for the repairs on pump 4, following the July 17th lightning strike, was approved. Funds will come out of the Water Reserve account which currently has a balance of $239,576. The city will be filing an insurance claim for the damages to pump 4. During the second reading of bills: Bill No. 3618, establishing new rates for sewer services provided by the City of Salem was approved. Bill No. 3620, amending the annual budget for the City of Salem beginning July 1, 2023 and appropriating funds thereto was approved. Bill No. 3621 an ordinance of the City of Salem and the MO Highways and Transportation Commission to aid in shoulder resurfacing along Rte J and MacArthur St locations was approved. The board heard the first and second readings of Bill No. 3623 for the tax levy, and Bills No. 3624, 3625, and 3626 to rezone three properties currently zoned as residential to commercial. Sally Burbridge did not have anything to report during the City Officials Report. Steve Payne with Public Works gave a detailed explanation on the ongoing water issues with pump 4 As well as the boil water advisory that went out the weekend of August 10th, due to a control system failure which caused water pressure to drop below what is considered safe to consume. This problem was resolved on Monday August 12. The results of the smoke tests did not show any major problems or openings. Melissa Dubois, with the Parks and Rec Department stated registration for flag football is currently open, and there will be flyers at the school. Renovations to the concession stand at Al Brown are underway. She hopes to have them completed by the start of flag football, but there is no guarantee. There was nothing to report from Alderwoman Dent or Alderwoman Sisco. Alderman Bolerjack wanted to remind the citizens that with the start of a new school year, to be mindful of children walking to and from school, and waiting at bus stops so that everyone can get to and from school safely. Meeting adjourned at 7:18pm.

Do you have your tickets yet for the upcoming 10th Annual Salem Area Chamber of Commerce pro rodeo, sanctioned by IPRA/ACRA/MRCA and produced by Outlaw Rodeo Productions? The rodeo will be held this Labor Day weekend on Saturday, August 31st and Sunday, September 1st 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 (pronounced keen yone’ ace) and the 2024 Missouri Miss Teen Rodeo Jacie Jost. A special half-time show will be put on by trick rider Sophia Duch. (pronounced Duke) Advanced tickets are 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.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be holding their tax rate hearing and regular meeting this evening in the Salem R-80 board room. The Tax Rate Hearing will be conducted at 5:15 which would include any public comments, to be followed by the regular meeting. After the consent agenda is approved, the Board will hear communications followed by the Superintendent’s report by Dr. Nathan Wills before the principal reports are heard from William Lynch, the Upper Elementary, the Middle School, and the Senior High. Phillip Karr will then give an update on athletics and activities followed by reports on Special Education, Technology, and Maintenance. In new business, the board will approve the Preliminary 2023-2024 Annual Secretary of the Board Report, Bids for Gas and Pest Control, Board Policy Updates, adopt the Tax Rate derived from the Public Tax Hearing, the Evaluate Contract and the 2024-2025 Emergency Response Plan. The board will then declare band uniforms and chromebooks as surplus property before approving the updated 2024-2025 school calendar. The Board will hear any resignations before moving into Executive Session to discuss student issues, personnel, and real estate. The Board will then return to open session to adjourn. The Salem R-80 School District meeting is open to the public.

An accident occurred Tuesday morning around 11:47 in Phelps County on US Hwy 63 about 3 miles south of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report a 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier driven by 20-year-old Carre Karnes of Edgar Springs was turning into the southbound lane and failed to yield to a 2000 Chevrolet Equinox driven by 76-year-old Harry Colm of Houston. Two occupants of the Cavelier suffered minor injuries 27-year-old Jody Folsom of Houston and 29-year-old Brandon Quick of Edgar Springs. Also, a 15-year-old female juvenile suffered moderate injuries. Colm and 36-year-old Scott Folsom of Houston both suffered minor injuries. All injured parties were transported by Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage and were removed from the scene by D&D Towing.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday evening at the fire station at #2 South Main Street. The board reviewed the tax assessed evaluation for the Dent County FPD. Real estate tax was $85,927,438.00 and personal property was $40,513,349.00 for a total of $126,440,787.00. New construction and improvements related to real estate $3,017,560.00. An increase in personal property of $3,266,048.00 for a total of $6,283,608. The directors voted to keep the current tax rate of 0.2377 for the district. The financial report was reviewed with an ending balance of $182,548.55. 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 17 calls for the month of July bringing the total calls year to date to 173. Some of those calls included one building fire, carbon monoxide incident, and extrication from vehicle. In old business they’re still waiting on the AFG grant for radios to open up. In the Chiefs report to the board, he stated Purple Wave would be here Wednesday to look at items we have for them, Dodge Pickup, John Deere Gator, Mobil Skid unit. Chief Floyd asked where we were on tax increase and bond issues. The board is looking into a bond or tax levy. Captain Jarvis reported that the hanging furnace and the air conditioner in the basement are not working. He also informed the board he needed to order 2 more SCBA masks for new firefighters. The board went into closed session, after returning the board announced that after interviewing and on recommendation approved Robert J. Atkinson and Kelby Parker to join the department as firefighters. The date for the September board meeting was set for 6:00, Tuesday evening, September 10th at the Dent County Fire Station.

For those who pre-registered, the 2024 School Readiness Event will be held this Saturday at the Salem Community Center @The Armory from 9:00 until 11:00 in the morning. At the event, kids will be given free backpacks and school supplies. There will be prizes and giveaways and fun. If you weren’t able to register for this event there will be a free “back-to-school” bash on the Salem Courthouse Square hosted by community churches and fellowships from noon until 5:00 in the evening. There will be more back to school supplies available, games, food, prizes. At the “back-to-school” bash, Brad Bennett will be the special guest along with Elevate Outreach. For more information or a ride, call Pastor Lyndell Decker at 573-739-9235, Sister Ahleesha Elwood at 573-247-2921 or the Walking Faith Ministries at 573-729-7500.