Archive for 2024

The City of Salem Utility Committee meeting will be held tonight at 6:15 at the Old City Hall Auditorium at 202 North Washington. The committee will hear receive updates on the financials from Stacey Houston which will include the end of the year reports on electric, water and sewer funds. The committee will hear reports from the utility crews, hear about the effective dates of the utility rates, discuss the removal of the availability fee for the 7/15 through 8/15 bill that would be received on September 1st, trash rate changes as per the new three-year agreement that will begin September 1st raising to $18.90 the first year, sewer rate changes with a public hearing to be held on July 23rd. The rate changes would be scheduled to go into effect for the bill your would received October 1st. The committee will discuss the mutual aid agreement with MPUA and discuss water meter fees. The committee will hear questions and comments before adjourning. The Utility Committee meeting tonight at 6:15 at the City Hall Auditorium is open to the public. 

The Lifeway Center has rescheduled it’s hours to be open today. They had to close yesterday due to the heavy amounts of rainfall the Salem area received. The Lifeway Center is located at 701 N. Main St. in Salem. If you have any questions you can give them a call them at 730-1030.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the following 2024 July Fourth holiday statistics for the counting period of 6 p.m., Wednesday, July 3, through 11:59 p.m., Sunday, July 7, 2024. Troopers worked ten boating crashes, which included seven injuries and zero fatalities. Troopers made 11 boating while intoxicated arrests. One person drowned over the holiday weekend. In 2023, there were 11 boating crashes, which included two injuries and no fatalities. One person drowned during last year’s July Fourth holiday. Troopers made 10 boating while intoxicated arrests over last year’s July Fourth holiday weekend. Troopers worked 382 traffic crashes, which included 159 injuries and eight fatalities. Troopers also made 147 DWI arrests. During the 2023 counting period, 15 people were killed and 646 injured in Missouri over the holiday in 1,505 traffic crashes. Last year during the counting period, troopers arrested 125 people for driving while intoxicated. 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.

An accident occurred in Crawford County Monday afternoon at 12:25 on I-44 at the 214-mile marker in Bourbon. According to the Highway Patrol report a westbound 2023 GMC Sierra crashed as the driver, 56-year-old Travis Hall of St. James, had a medical issue. The GMC

travelled off the right side of the roadway striking a sign and a bridge. Hall suffered serious injuries and was flown by Arch Helicopter to Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur. The report stated that Hall was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The GMC was totaled and removed from the scene by Chris and Sons Towing.

The Missouri Department of Transportation is conducting an environmental study, called Forward 44, of more than 250 miles of Interstate 44 from the Oklahoma state line to the Route 100 east interchange near Gray Summit in Franklin County. This summer, MoDOT is holding a series of public meetings and encourages the public to give input on their concerns and observations along I-44. I-44 is a vital east-west link across Missouri. A 2008 study showed the aging route needs additional roadway capacity to accommodate the increased travel demand. Since the highway was built more than 50 years ago, evolving engineering standards and safety components mean many portions of I-44 are inconsistent with current design standards, and the pavement and bridges need repairs. The Forward 44 project is an effort to update and validate the outcomes of that 2008 Purpose and Need Study and provide the opportunity for input from stakeholders and the public along the I-44 corridor. MoDOT Assistant Southwest District Engineer Greg Chapman and lead for the Forward 44 study said that I-44 continues to be one of Missouri’s most important corridors for passenger travel and commercial trucking. This study is the first step in preparing for future projects along this interstate. He went on to note that getting input from the public who travel the roadway daily will help identify areas of concern and can assist MoDOT with improving safety and mobility for generations to come. The public is invited to attend one of the public meetings to be held along the I-44 corridor in Missouri. Of the five scheduled meetings the closest for Dent County residents will be Thursday evening, July 18th, from 5:00 to 7:00 at the Rolla City Hall, 901 N. Elm Street in Rolla. The public is welcome to attend the session and location that is most convenient. All meetings will share the same information which will also be available on the project website. The public will be able to provide comments in person or online at modot.org/forward44 from July 10 through Aug. 21. For more information on the I-44 Corridor Study and the dates and locations of other public meetings, call MoDOT at ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or visit the Forward 44 website for the latest updates and to sign up for Forward 44 news.

The Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri Community Forestry Council are accepting nominations for the 2024 Missouri Arbor Award of Excellence. The annual award recognizes communities, institutions, businesses, organizations and individuals that make significant and long-lasting efforts to care for trees in their communities. The Arbor Award of Excellence shines the spotlight on anyone who has improved trees in their community. Any significant program, project, or event that contributes to the care or maintenance of trees could qualify for an award. Winners receive a framed award, a full registration scholarship to the MCFC conference in August, an extra ticket to the award banquet during the conference, a community forestry reference book, and a $50 gift card. Nominations are due by Monday, July 15. For more information and nomination forms, visit mdc.mo.gov.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Monday morning in the courthouse. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley appointed District One Commissioner Wes Mobray as acting Presiding Commissioner in the absence of Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson who was absent due to a prior commitment. In the road report Mobray said that brush would be cut on Dent County Roads 5100, 5103, and 5105, plus a mechanic was coming from Jefferson City to work on the other brush cutter that has been broken down in the Montauk area for nearly two months. He also reported that the transmission was being serviced on Grader #38, since the oil sample from the last service contained metal shavings. He also noted that due to those test results the commission is considering the purchase of extended warranties on the last two Cat graders that were purchased. Mobray said that Pickup #123 has a tailgate problem the men are working on, plus his crew will be checking roads in southern Dent County for storm damage from last Thursday and Friday. District Two Commissioner Gary Polk reported that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2590, 2593, 2600 and 4290, plus brush was going to be cut on county roads 2437 and 3220. He noted that weather permitting his crew would be installing a culvert on county road 6160. Curley reported that 

bills were being approved by the commissioners for payment and that registration to vote in the August 6th primary continues through August 5th, plus absentee voting with an excuse continues through the 5th. She said that no excuse absentee voting will be July 23rd through August 5th and that her office would be open Saturday, August 3rd from 8:00 until 12:00 for absentee voting, plus she noted that the voting equipment will be tested July 24th at 9:00 in the morning. Curley also reminded voters to bring a photo id to the polls and no electioneering is allowed in the polls or within 25 feet of the polls. This includes hats, buttons, clothing, etc. She noted that this is a primary election and that voters will have to select a party ballot between the Republican, Democratic or Libertarian parties and sample ballots are available by mail, email, fax, or they can be picked up in her office. She said anyone with questions can contact her office at 573-729-4144. Curley also said she balanced with the collector and assessor for the month of June on all abatements, add-ons, and collections. At last Thursday’s meeting the commission signed the assessor’s contract for map and land transfers with Justin Basham for $600 in monthly installments and the contract runs from July 15, 2024, through December 31, 2024. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning in the courthouse 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 at 202 North Washington. After approval of the agenda and the consent agenda the Board will hear Public Comments. The Board will then consider approval of bids for 2 Police Department Dodge Durangos and a variety of Police Department Equipment. The next item of business will be the Second reading of Bill No. 3612 repealing Chapter 710, Article III, Section 710.350 of the City Code, and

Bills No. 3613, 3614, and 3615, all dealing with the provision of electric services by the City of Salem. City Officials will then present reports followed by adjournment. The meeting this evening of the City of Salem Board of Aldermen is open to the public.

An accident occurred in Crawford County Sunday evening at 7:02 on White River Road two miles east of Highway 19. According to the Highway Patrol report an eastbound 2005 Polaris Ranger, operated by a 15-year-old male juvenile from Cuba, Missouri, began skidding and traveled off the right side of the roadway. A passenger, 27-year-old Kandis Barton of Cuba, suffered moderate injuries and was transported by Steelville Ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. The report stated that Barton was wearing safety equipment, while the juvenile was not. The Polaris sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by a private party.

The Dent County Sheriff’s office has released some reports. On Monday, July 1st, Deputies took a report for a burglary in which firearms, camping equipment and other items were stolen. The incident occurred in the 10,000 block of Highway 19 North. The victim, an 80-year-old Salem man, advised that the property was broken into on June 29th or June 30th. The investigation is ongoing. Then on Tuesday, July 2nd, Deputies responded to the 1400 block of West Scenic Rivers Boulevard for a wanted

subject. The suspect, a 31-year-old Salem man, was taken into custody and transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated. The suspect was in possession of suspected methamphetamine and the investigation is ongoing. Also, on the 2nd Deputies responded to the 400 block of Private Lane 333 for report of property damage. The victim, a 29-year-old Salem man, advised that a known subject damaged a tire to his vehicle. The investigation is ongoing. Finally on the 2nd Deputies responded to the 100 block of County Road 6100 for a report of stolen firearms. The victim, a 40-year-old Salem woman, stated a known subject stole multiple firearms from the residence. Further investigation revealed a portion of the firearms had been pawned or sold in other jurisdictions. Suspect information was obtained, and the investigation remains open. If you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s office at 573-729-3241.

The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) is highlighting Vehicle Theft Prevention Month this July. With vehicle thefts up 25% nationwide and occurring every 31 seconds, DCI recommends: Park in well-lit areas and always lock your vehicle. Hide valuables and never leave keys inside. Don’t leave running vehicles unattended and consider anti-theft devices. If your vehicle is stolen, contact law enforcement immediately, then your insurance carrier. DCI notes that auto policies typically only cover vehicle-related items. Personal belongings may require separate homeowners or renters’ insurance claims. Find more theft prevention tips at NHTSA.gov/theft.

This week is your last chance to see nineteen art reproductions of paintings by Rudolph (Rudy) Wendelin, courtesy of Mark Twain National Forest, on display at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center in Salem. The Wendelin exhibit showcases the historic artist’s iconic Smokey Bear campaign imagery that he created during his decades of service to the U.S. Forest Service, starting in the 1930s. The exhibit will be concluding this Friday July 12th. You can visit the ONCRC Monday through Friday from 9:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the afternoon. On loan from the USDA National Agricultural Library, these replica paintings were completed from 1977 through 1995 and remain the most famous depictions of Smokey Bear. Painter Rudy Wendelin worked for the Forest Service as an illustrator beginning in 1933 and was the mastermind behind Smokey’s human-like appearance in his signature ranger hat and blue jeans. Thanks to Wendelin’s art, Smokey’s message “Only YOU can prevent wildfires” has prevailed through the generations. Jordan Mays, Community Engagement Specialist for Mark Twain National Forest helped arrange this special event and hopes it will spread awareness of Smokey Bear and his important message of caring for forests through wildfire prevention. Forest Service staff, art presentations, educational content, commemorative memorabilia, and special appearances by Smokey Bear have been ongoing during the scheduled showing that began mid June. If you missed him during the parade you can go back and watch in on the various KSMO social media sites. The ONCRC is located at 202 S Main St in Salem. If you have any questions about the exhibit, contact Jordan Mays at (573) 210-5393 or the Forest’s office in Salem at (573) 729-6656. 

The Dent County Fire Protection district board of directors will be meeting Tuesday evening at 6:00 at the fire station at 2 South Main Street. After the roll call and approval of the consent agenda, the minutes from the May and June meetings will be reviewed before hearing the financial report and approval of bills followed by a review of the budget. Discussion will then by held on the repair, sealing, and restriping of the parking lot and surplus equipment. New business to be brought before the board include the discussion of legal representation for the department and the new insurance policy, the AFG grant, and reimbursement requests. Chief Floyd will then give his report to the board. The date will then be set for the August meeting before adjourning. The meeting Tuesday evening will be open to the public.

The Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center at 202 S Main Street here in Salem will host a presentation of the book “Summers at Cedar Grove” this Saturday morning at 10. The author of the book Ben Timson, will be available for a book signing session. Timson was a professor of Biomedical Sciences at Missouri State University for 32 years before retiring two years ago. Summers at Cedar Grove, The Rise and Fall of an Ozark Village, is Timson’s book about his summers spent at Cedar Grove and the history of Cedar Grove, Missouri, along the Current River. The Dent County Historical Society is the sponsor of the event. For more information, please call

Deloris Gray Wood, president of the Society, at 573 729-2545 or send an email to uppercurrentriver@gmail.com.

This Thursday the 11th the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History will be having their Mudbugs Waterfest! A swimming pool full of water, some squirt guns, and of course Popsicles! They’re going to have fun games to try out this year, and maybe even an old-fashioned seed-spittin’ contest. Parents, you’ll want to bring some towels or dry clothes for the drive home. The Mudbugs Waterfest will start at 2:00 this Thursday afternoon. Suggested donation is $2 per child and any additional donations are always welcome. All funds go to the Bonebrake Center. These programs are geared for ages 6-12, but all ages are welcome! Parents, are requested to please accompany their children.

An accident occurred Saturday afternoon at 1:45 in Phelps County on Highway 68 a mile east of county road 4380. According to the Highway Patrol report a westbound 2021 Harley Davidson CVO Road Glide, operated by 52-year-old Michael Weber of Collinsville, Illinois, failed to negotiate a curve causing the vehicle to cross the center of the roadway and overturn ejecting the driver. Weber suffered serious injuries and was flown by Phelps Air to Mercy Hospital St. Louis. The report stated that Weber was not wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident. The motorcycle sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Spurgeons Towing.

Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District announced that 22 Dent County students were honored with first and second place awards and honorable mentions in the 33rd Annual Earth Day Poster, Trash and Graphic Art contest. This year’s contest theme was “Plastic vs. Planet.” From the Oak Hill R-1 School District where students were under the direction of Rachel Privett, 1st Place winners in Poster Art were 5th grader Carmen Woodruff, 2nd grader Ashton Poor and 3rd grader Ava England. Second place winners in Poster Art included Kindergartner Alixandrau Cox and 3rd grader William Anderson, while three students received Honorable Mention honors for their Poster Art. Those students from Oak Hill were Kindergartner Raelynn England, 4th grader Ada Greener and 5th grader Dylan Mayberry. Dent Phelps R-3 students concentrated on Trash Art under the direction of Kayla Wisdom with four students taking 1st place in their grade. Those students are 8th grader Quentin Barbee, 5th grader Jackie Hanson, 4th grader Chase Gover and 3rd grader Michael Johnson. Dent-Phelps R-3 had two students receive 2nd place in Trash Art and they were 5th grader Hayden Gidcumb and 4th grader Grace Heithold; plus they had eight students get Honorable Mention in the Trash Art Category. Those students included 7th grader Abby Edmondson, 6th grader Brantley Thompson, 5th graders Emma McMullen and Colt Watkins, 4th grader Riley Duncan and 3rd graders Cira Bright, Callie Hayes and Rowen Parker. Congratulations goes out to all these students and their instructors. The contest required participants to repurpose trash into three-dimensional pieces of art or create posters that were hand drawn or graphically designed, based on the year’s theme. There were 935 entries from 17 schools in the district and three home school groups. The contest was open to kindergarten through 12th grade, home school, college and university students who reside or attend school in Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties. The 2024 Earth Day Contest was funded through an Ozark Solid Waste management District grant, made possible through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, along with donations from the following area sponsors: Legends Bank – Belle, Steelville Chamber of Commerce, The Missouri Bank – Hermann, Belgrade State Bank, The Maries County Bank – Vienna, Mid America Bank, DML LLC, Infuze Credit Union, Security Bank of Pulaski County, Phelps County Bank – Rolla, Bank of Crocker and Town & Country Bank.

The newly appointed Superintendent of the Salem R80 School District, Nathan Wills, expressed his deep appreciation for the opportunity to lead and serve the Salem community in a heartfelt letter addressed to the public. In the letter he wrote about his excitement to work alongside students, parents, educators, and community members. Reflecting on the dedication and passion observed within the district, the new Superintendent acknowledged the strong foundation of excellence in Salem, which he aims to build upon collaboratively. Looking ahead, Superintendent Wills shared his primary goal is to provide a top-notch education for every student, preparing them for success in an ever-changing world. This mission is anchored in the values of academic excellence, community connection, and continuous improvement. In the coming months, the district will focus on several key priorities, including elevating academic standards to meet the diverse needs of all students, emphasizing the critical role of regular school attendance in student success, fostering a culture of innovation, professional growth among staff, data-informed decision-making, strengthening communication and partnerships with the community to support the district’s goals. He emphasized the importance of open communication, collaboration, and feedback as essential components in achieving these goals. The community can expect regular updates from Superintendent Wills on a wide range of school related topics, including transportation, state testing, snow days, and facilities. Grateful for the opportunity to serve as the district’s leader, he looks forward to working together to shape the future of Salem R80 and lead the district towards a bright and successful future, ensuring that every student receives the quality education they deserve. You can read this letter in its entirety on our KSMO Radio/Your World Today Facebook page.

Montauk State Park officials announced today that Campground Loop 4 has reopened and is now accepting reservations. The campground, which had been closed since March 4 for electrical upgrades, is once again available to visitors starting July 3. The reopening comes after months of construction aimed at improving guest experiences at one of Missouri’s most popular state park campgrounds. The project, which faced delays due to issues with electrical component deliveries, took longer than initially anticipated to complete. The park is pleased to have the new facilities operational and would like to thank visitors’ patience and understanding during the construction period. The closure of Loop 4 had necessitated adjustments to camping reservations made between March 4 and April 30. Park officials had worked to accommodate existing reservations in other areas of the park during the closure. Visitors interested in making reservations for Campground Loop 4 or seeking more information can contact the Missouri State Park reservation call center at 877-422-6766.