Archive for 2024

Meramec Regional Planning Commission is hosting a Second Chance Job Fair from 10:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon on Tuesday, April 23, at 202 North Smith Street in Cuba. The job fair focuses on employers willing to hire individuals who are justice involved or in recovery from substance-use-disorder. Employers attending include Walmart, Aerofill, Aspeq, Imperial, Manchester Packaging and Cohen Woodworking with other employers still reserving spaces to attend. The Missouri Job Center, Missouri Baptist Hospital of Sullivan and Invent Yourself, LLC will also be at the event to provide resources to potential employees. This event is open to the public and attendees will be eligible to win a door prize. This project is funded through a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, totaling $1,000,000 awarded to MRPC in 2021. Employers and prospective job candidates needing information, can call 573-265-2993 ext. 141 for more information.

An accident occurred in Shannon County Monday afternoon at 2:20 on Highway 19 four miles south of Eminence. According to the Highway Patrol report a 2017 Nissan Altima, driven southbound by 34-year-old Ashley Lewis of Bunker, crossed the center line of the roadway and struck a northbound 2011 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 37-year-old Jessica Sartin of Eminence. Lewis suffered serious injuries and was transported by ambulance to Mercy St. Francis in Mountain View. Sartin suffered moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to Cox South in Springfield. A passenger in the Nissan, 30-year-old Nicole Holly of Bunker, suffered minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to Cox South in Springfield. It was not know whether Lewis was wearing a safety restraint, while Sartin was not and Holly was. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Baker’s Towing of Birch Tree.

Yesterday the Missouri House of Representatives announced the passage of HB 1886, a comprehensive legislative measure sponsored by State Representative Rudy Veit, that encompassed a wide range of legal reforms in Missouri. It introduces significant changes to Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), broadening reasons for court dissolution and establishing a non-binding alternative dispute resolution process. It updates definitions in legal proceedings, adjusts provisions for spousal trusts, and introduces procedures for electronic wills and estate documents. The bill raises the age limit for admissible statements in criminal proceedings and expands the definition of “vulnerable person.” It sets minimum compensation for jurors and allows counties to adjust compensation. It establishes procedures for out-of-state subpoenas and shields individuals exercising constitutional rights from certain civil actions. It makes adjustments to court fees, modifies guardianship proceedings, fee payments, and excludes criminal proceedings from privileged information protections for probation and parole officers. It raises the age limit for certain offenses and adjusts penalties based on the ages of individuals involved. The legislation now moves to the Missouri Senate for further consideration.

The Creative Arts Center will be holding a Pokemon Painting Party with Isabella Knaack on Friday evening, April 19th from 4:00-6:00. If you are a PokeFan, come create your own Fakemon or replicate an existing character. While this painting is geared towards a younger audience, but all ages are welcome to come and paint. This class will be a step-by-step format. The cost is $15 for with all supplies provided. Class registrations are first come, first serve basis, with online registrations. Interested salemcommunitybetterment.com website for have at least two people sign up to hold the persons can sign up under “Programs” at the class which will topped out at 15.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse. 120th District legislative candidate Lance Blair was in attendance and Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson asked about his campaign. Blair responded that voters have concerns over inflation, uncertainty about their future, and paying their bills. He said he feels his campaign is going well. In the road report District One Commissioner Wes Mobry said that grading would be done and rock would be added to Dent County Roads 5410 and 6020, plus grading only would be done on county road 6380. Furthermore, brush would be cut on county road 6470. District Two Commissioner Gary Polk indicated that grading would be done and rock would be added to Dent County Roads 2500 and 2540, while grading only would be done on county roads 4030, 4400, 4403, and 5245. Larson said he attended the TAC Committee meeting last Thursday in St. James and learned from Preston Kramer information that corrected some inaccuracies in last week’s release about the Standing Rock Bridge. He said the state has purchased adequate property for the entire bridge to be built during Phase 1. Then during Phase 2 signage will be established, the roadway route to the new bridge would be completed and there would be temporary traffic signals during Phase 2. Larson also reported that at the MRPC meeting last week he was appointed to the Meramec Regional Community Foundation. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that bills were being approved by the Commissioners for payment. She said she balanced with Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams on all county accounts for March. It was reported that the Commissioners took phone bids for 7,500 gallons of diesel. The winning and lowest bid was from County Fuels for $2.93 per gallon. At 10:00 bids were opened for chip and seal this summer. Blevins Asphalt bid was $1.91 per unit single coat, double coat was $3.65 per unit, and $.91 per unit for primer only on double coat and they can begin in June. West Contracting of Pacific bid $2.24 per unit on single coat and $4.86 per unit on double coat with no extra cost for primer. The Commissioners voted 3-0 to go with the low bid by Blevins Asphalt. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Phelps County Public Housing Agency (PHA) will host a public hearing to accept comments on the PHA’s annual plan this afternoon at 2:00 during the Meramec Regional Planning Commission, #4 Industrial Drive in St. James. The Phelps County PHA provides HUD Section 8 rental assistance to persons in Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps (outside the city of Rolla) and Washington counties. The plan is a comprehensive guide to PHA policies, programs, operations and strategies for meeting local housing needs and goals. The annual plan is submitted to HUD every year. The plan is available for review at MRPC/Phelps County PHA through April 16th. Written comments will be accepted through April 17 and can be submitted to MRPC, attention Donald Keeney, Housing Program Manager. For more information contact Kenney at, dkeeney@meramecregion.org or call 573-265-2993.

The Dent County Sheriffs office has released some reports. On Saturday, April 6th, deputies responded to the 600 block of County Road 2480 for a theft report. The victim, a 61-year-old Iowa man, told officers that an ATV had been taken from his property by an unknown suspect or suspects. The investigation is continuing. On Monday the 8th deputies responded to the 4500 block of County Road 2050 for another theft report. A 77-year-old Salem man, told deputies that a known suspect had taken a 2006 Ford F-150 without his permission. The investigation is ongoing. Thursday the 11th, deputies responded to the 1100 block of West Scenic Rivers Blvd. for a wanted subject. The suspect, a 40-year-old Salem woman, was arrested on an outstanding warrant and transported to the Dent County Jail where she was incarcerated. The next day deputies responded to the 600 block of County Road 2075 for a domestic disturbance. A 29-year-old Salem man and a 29-year-old Rolla woman, had assaulted one another. Neither party wished to pursue charges and the Missouri 12 Hour Rule was invoked. If you have any information regarding an investigation please the sheriffs office at 729-3241.

The spring season brings blooms, sunny skies, warmer temperatures, and a variety of newborn animals. Young wildlife can pull on our heartstrings as they look to be abandoned, but that’s rarely the case. The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds the public that the best place for wildlife is in the wild. A common newborn species we may encounter in the spring is young birds. When you see newborns alone, that means the parents are likely out searching for food and will return. If you see a chick with feathers hopping on the ground, leave it alone because it’s a fledgling and its parents are nearby keeping watch. Fledglings can spend up to 10 days on the ground learning to fly. If you find one that has no feathers, it likely fell out of its nest and you can return it to the nesting area if possible. Another animal you shouldn’t interfere with is young rabbits. Rabbits seldom survive in captivity and can actually die of fright from being handled. A common myth is that human scent does will cause wild mothers to reject their young but that’s not true. It takes a lot of knowledge to care for and rehabilitate wild animals and it requires special training, permits, and facilities. Not to mention, it’s illegal to possess many wild animals without a valid state or federal permit. Wildlife can become dangerous as they mature, and can carry disease, parasites, and cause property damage. People have good intentions, and it can be tempting to take these cute, young animals in our homes, but the best thing we can do for wild animals is to leave them in the wild.

The City of Salem Park and Recreation Board will be meeting this evening at 5:30 at the Salem Community Center at The Armory. During a previous meeting of the board, they had approved the acquisition of a 5.6 acre parcel of property known as the “old fairgrounds” on Franklin Street. In the current budget year, the parks and recreation department is budgeted to make the final 25,000.00 payment to complete a loan from the capital improvement fund to the parks and recreation fund for the purchase of the property. Members of the board of aldermen are requesting the parks and recreation board consider trading the “old fairgrounds” property for 5 acres on 10th Street known as the “old middle school”. This would meet the previously discussed need for a park on the east side of town and could potentially provide a connection between the city park and the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History. The meeting will be open to the public.

The Dent County Fire Protection district board of directors met Tuesday evening. After approval of the consent agenda and approval of the March minutes the financial report was heard showing an ending balance of 222,902.27 as of March 31st. Bills, payment, and statements, along with the budget were reviewed and approved. During the calendar review it was noted that on April 15th there would be a walk through at the R-1 school for a fire safety inspection. The monthly reimbursement report showed a total of 33 calls for the month of March and 105 calls year to date. Of those calls for service 16 were fire calls, along with responding to four accidents, three alarm calls, two agency assist, two medical calls, and one each public service and utility problems. Four calls were listed as other. In old business, the lawn care service bids were presented with a 150.00 bid from Scenic Rivers and a bid of 80.00 from Larry Lundy. It was suggested that Chief Floyd take care of getting the lawn mowed. The tower lease information was tabled until after a statement is received as well as bids for the repair of water damage. It was reported to the board that the repeater has been installed and working properly. After a 2nd reading of a bylaw change for closed sessions, a vote was made and carried to accept the latest changes to page 7 of closed sessions and was made a permanent part of the bylaws. The board also discussed the truck and SCBA financing. The bid from the bank of Salem was 9% for five years, Progressive Ozark Bank at 5.49% for 7 years, Community Leasing Partners was 5.99% for 7 years and Town and Country Bank, 5.25% for 10 years. The bid was approved from Town and Country Bank. In new business, Vince Murdock came in to talk to the board about a bill he had received for a fire on his property on March 13th. He had received a bill for 6,636.00. After he explained the situation on how the fire started and that it involved more that just his property, it was decided to rescind the bill. He also offered to make a 500.00 donation to the department which was accepted by the board. A bid from the Darrell Hayes was presented to 12,270.00 for the repair, sealing, and re-striping of the parking lot. Due to the cost being over 3,000.00 the board will need to obtain more bids before a decision can be made. The board also discussed a handicap ramp on the north side of the building but no action was taken. Chief Floyd then gave his report to the board and said that SCBAs are on order but no delivery date has been given. He also mentioned that the vehicle fire training class hosted by Missouri State University of Columbia was a success with 19 attendees present. Floyd also reported that the department is updating the new software with inventory items and that filters and items to service the trucks has been ordered. The date was then set for the next meeting to take place on Tuesday, May 7th at 6:00 at the fire station which will be open to the public. The board then went into closed session where they approved probationary firefighter Mason Blair be added to the roster, and approved to move Assistant Chief Dennis Floyd to the position as Chief and Lieutenant Derrick Thomas to the position of Assistant Chief. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors will hold their regular meeting at 6:00 in the hospital library Tuesday evening. At the meeting, Interim Administrator Jason Edwards will give his report before the board hears the summary of operations for the month of March as well as statistics for the month. The board will hear about the 340B program, receive the Chief Nursing Officer report from Ashley Owens and be updated on Human Resources. In old business the Board will be updated on State and Match Funding, plus receive a Strategic Planning update. In new business the Board will review a Governing Body Bylaw amendment and conduct the election of officers. The board may then vote to go into closed session. The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors meeting Tuesday night is open to the public. To attend the meeting electronically, contact the hospital administration office at (573) 729-6626, extension 4005.

The Dent County Commission met for their regular meeting at the courthouse Thursday. Attending the meeting was Grant Wilson from 8th District Representative Jason Smith’s office who wanted to let people know Smith would be at the Dent County Republican Lincoln Days on Thursday, April 18th. Also in attendance was Mike Swyers who was asking as a concerned citizen what the status was of the broadband situation in Dent County. He is seeing all the surrounding counties receiving funding from the state for improved broadband but is not seeing anything for Dent County. The commission told Swyers they have been to numerous meetings on this and Presiding Commission Gary Larson said it is brought up at every MRPC meeting. Currently, the Missouri Department of Economic Development has a window open where citizens can challenge what the Missouri Broadband Map shows as having adequate, little or no service. Challengers will be able to provide information that would indicate the locations that should or should not be available for funding. Time is running out as the window for filing challenges will close on Tuesday, April 23rd. If you currently do NOT have broadband, you will need to go to a location that offers public access to a computer or to a location that has Internet service with your phone and go to this website: ded.mo.gov/office-broadband-development and click on the Broadband Availability Challenge and enter the requested information. Candidate for 120th State Representative Lancer Blair was also in attendance at the commission meeting and said he attended the Crawford County Lincoln Days and a meeting of “We the People” in Crawford County. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams gave the sales tax figures the county received from the state this month. In the General Revenue Fund and the Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund, the county received $98,610.46 which is up from April 2023 receipts by $19,157.38. Year-to-date, those funds are up $3,610.28. For the Road and Bridge Fund, the county received $43,386.02 and that is up $8,857.85 from April of 2023. Year-to-date, that fund is down $1,173.18. The Jail Operating and Trust Funds each received $87,193.68 in April and that was up $17,770.96 over last April. Year-to-date, those funds are each down $1,155.95. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said the work crews would be digging up a soft spot on the chip and seal county road 4185. They will be solidifying the base and rebuilding the road at that location. Once done, the county will rechip and seal that part of the road and finish chip and sealing the rest of the roadway. Mobray also said brush was cut on county road 6470. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said workers were stockpiling gravel at the road and bridge department, plus maintenance was being done on grader #40, a new fuel tank was being put on truck #82 and work was being done on the exhaust of truck #122. Commissioner Larson said he and the commissioners attended the MAC Legislative Day and heard from Governor Mike Parsons. He also attended the TAC, HUD and MRPC regular meeting Thursday night. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she attended the MAC Board Meeting on Monday where they discussed numerous issues. She went on to say that she balanced with the collector and assessor on monthly collections, add-ons, and abatements. She said she is also getting preliminary work done for the August Primary election. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Police department has released their report for the month of March. The department responded to 13 accidents during the month. Officers also responded to six alarms sounding and addressed 35 animal calls. Officers investigated eight assaults or fights, one burglary, performed nine well being checks and ten area checks during the month. The department investigated six domestic disputes, five verbal disturbances, conducted 59 follow-up investigations and provided 16 escorts. They investigated five nuisance violations, four reports of fraud, and offered assistance to seven motorists. The Salem Police wrote six property damage reports during March, plus made seven stealing reports and responded to three traffic complaints. Officers investigated 20 suspicious circumstance calls, seven suspicious person calls and eight suspicious vehicle calls. Officers responded to a trespassing call and attempted to serve seven warrants in March. Officers conducted 50 traffic stops during the month. The police responded to a total of 452 incidents in March with the average response time to calls being 2:12. The average time spent on the scene was 15:57.

The Doe Run Company and Missouri Department of Natural Resources will be hosting a free, family fun event at the Missouri Mines State Historic Site in Park Hills on Saturday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The event is called “Spring Rocks ’N Roll” and celebrates minerals, music and memories. The event is an expanded and reimagined version of a former event, “Fall Rocks,” previously held annually in October. Doe Run and its employees will provide indoor and outdoor activities, including a children’s battery-operated, ride and drive mine equipment obstacle course, a drone flying station for adults, “gold” panning, a mineral trivia game, cookie mining, and more. . Doe Run will also host a job recruitment booth for those looking to learn more about working in the mining and metals industry. Visitors are encouraged to register to win one of four free bicycles that will be given away toward the end of the event. This year marks Doe Run’s 160th anniversary and the company has much to celebrate. It recently announced it won a $7 million grant from the Department of Defense to build a demonstration plant that will extract cobalt and nickel from Missouri resources.

The Salem Memorial Hospital will hold a special board meeting Sunday at 2:00 in the hospital library to swear in newly elected board members and discuss a proposed policy and a pledge of confidentiality. The board may then go into closed session before they adjourn. The meeting is open to the public. Any person wanting to attend by phone or electronic means should contact the SMDH administration office by Friday at 573-729-6626, ext 4005 to obtain access information.