Archive for 2024

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 6080 while only grading would be done on county roads 5150 and 5600. Mobray reported that MoDOT approved to pay up to 80% for the professional engineering for TAP Project 9901871 for the improvements to the sidewalks around the courthouse square not to exceed $39,953.27 The total cost of this part of the project is $49,941.59 of which Dent County would be responsible for at least $9,988.32. The county is working with Great Rivers Engineering on this project. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk reported rock would be added and grading done on county roads 3050, 3165 and 4300 while only grading was going to be done on Dent County Road 3020. Polk also said rock was going to be added to county road 3070. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson indicated he and Sheriff Bob Wells attended a meeting in Van Buren on the NG911 system for the region. Larson said he signed the Memorandum of Understanding to move forward with a grant with INDigital that would provide the new and improved system to Dent County that would involve no costs for the first five years with an average cost of $35,380 per year for years six through eight. Larson said the Salem Police Department would also be a part of the system and their cost after the first five years would be an average of $19,798 per year for years six through eight. Larson said the there are 13 entities from this region that would be served by the new NG911 and they include the counties of Dent, Shannon, Oregon, Carter, Ripley, Perry, Bollinger, Madison, Wayne, Reynolds and St. Francois that would also affect St. Genevieve and Iron County. Two police departments were also included and they were Salem and Thayer. There was not a timetable given on this project. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the courthouse would be closed today for Good Friday. She said her office would be open for absentee voting Saturday from 8:00 in the morning until noon, then again on Monday from 8;00 in the morning until 5:00. On Tuesday, the polls will be open from 6:00 in the morning until 7:00 in the evening. She wanted to remind people that if you have made an address or name change and have not yet contacted her office, you need to so. If you have questions, please call 729-4144. Curley also wanted to remind people to bring with them a picture ID when they go to vote. This could be a valid Missouri Diver’s License, valid Missouri Non-Drivers License, US passport or military ID. She also wanted to remind candidates they need at least verbal permission from property owners to place signs on their property. Candidates also cannot place signs on MoDOT, county or municipal street rights-of-way; and each sign must have clearly indicated on the sign “paid for by (name) or (committee.)” Using “Paid for by candidate” is not permissible. If any candidate has any questions, they should also contact the Dent County Clerk’s office at 729-4144. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and it is open to the public.

Want to see Missouri state parks from a new perspective? Join the Learn2 Climb program and learn the basics of outdoor rock climbing from a certified instructor and then try it out on real rock. This beginner-level course will allow you to enjoy nature from new heights! From 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon Saturday, April 6th and Sunday, April 7th, Missouri State Parks is hosting an introductory rock climbing program at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park. This opportunity allows participants to try a new activity while experiencing some of Missouri’s vertical attractions. All equipment (harness, helmet and climbing shoes) and expertise is provided; participants just need to provide enthusiasm and eagerness to discover nature and a new skill. They should wear appropriate clothing and footwear for hiking and rock climbing activities, and bring a packed lunch and enough water for the day. This program is free, but preregistration is required. Participants must be at least 10 years of age; children ages 10-14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout the entire program. Register at icampmo.usedirect.com. If you have questions, please send an e-mail to taylor.ratcliff@dnr.mo.gov. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is located at 148 Taum Sauk Trail in Middle Brook. For more information, contact 573-546-2450. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The time is now to start thinking about the Salem Community Garden behind the Salem United Methodist Church. If you are interested in a plot, contact Master Gardener Charlie Grimm at 573-368-9902 and he will assign you a plot. You can get more than one plot, but there will be a slight charge for each additional plot. Water and tools are provided, and all you need to bring is your love of gardening and the seeds you want to plant. For more information, call Master Gardener Charlie Grimm or the Dent County Extension at 729-3196.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting at the Salem Community Center @The Armory on Tuesday evening. The board heard public comments from five citizens regarding the proposed housing project by the Salem Housing Authority and three citizens regarding their support of the lease between the City and Healthy Dent County for the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. The board approved the resignation of Interim Public Works Director Joe Chase. Assistant City Clerk Wanda Suhr gave the oath of office to new Public Works Director Steven Paine. The board heard from Lyndell Decker who requested and received approval to close parts of Fourth, Iron and Fifth Streets for a Back to School Bash on August 17th. The board heard a presentation from Salem Housing Authority Board member Sherman Odom regarding the proposed housing development on Tenth Street. Odom explained that the Housing Authority would like to seek grant funding from the Federal Home Loan Bank in the amount of $3 million to build 24 low-income housing units on 3.2 acres of the 4 acre parcel. A letter of commitment to donate the land only if the grant is awarded is needed from the City to include in the grant application. After his presentation, the neighbors in attendance had the opportunity to ask questions. No action was taken by the board. Brandi Richardson with the Dent County Extension presented their Annual Report and thanked the City for supporting their programs. The board approved the Salem Housing Authority’s recommendation to add Michael Rushing to their board, replacing Rose Kinerk’s expired term. Stacy Houston presented financial reports, including the total sales tax revenues, utility usage and revenues, and a fund balance summary. The board approved Bill No. 3607 allowing the city to receive additional Transportation Enhancement Funds for the TAP grant project. The City’s previous total match was $198,700, this agreement decreases the City’s match to $171,600. The City solicited a Request for Terms for a Tax-Exempt, bank-qualified fixed rate bond in the amount of $400,000 to help pay for the Phase 2a and 2b Sewer upgrades. The board approved moving forward with short-term financing from Town and Country Bank to purchase the City’s Revenue bonds. The board approved the bid from Donald Maggi Inc in the amount of $496,692.04 to complete the downtown TAP grant project. The board approved Bill No. 3605 amending the Codes of the City of Salem to allow for e-mail and electronic delivery of utility bills. The board approved Bill No. 3606, amendments to the current agreement with Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Utility Commission. The board approved Bill No. 3601, allowing the property at 306 E. Second Street to be available for sale. The board approved Bill No. 3602 a lease agreement with Council for a Healthy Dent County for the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. The board then went into closed session.

The Doe Run Company’s Maroon mine rescue team was awarded two first place awards and two third-place awards at the 2024 Tennessee Southeast Regional mine rescue contest in Sevierville, TN. The team competed against 26 coal and metal/non-metal mine rescue teams to earn first place in Team Tech and Team Trainer competitions. The Maroon team also took home 3rd place in the two-day mine rescue field problem competition and were awarded third place overall in the grand champion category which includes results for field, tech and first aid, combined. The competition consisted of two days of separate Mine Rescue Field problems including: simulating underground emergency situations, a first aid competition with a CPR and first-responder scenario, a breathing apparatus Benchman contest, and a team technician competition to test technical troubleshooting of mine rescue equipment and calculate ventilation readings. Each event also included a written test to assess the team’s knowledge. The U.S.Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) judged the event. Doe Run’s mine rescue teams train on a voluntary basis and compete in mine rescue competitions annually. The Doe Run Maroon Team is comprised of Luke Davis (Benchman) and Brandon “Buck” Roderman (first-aid), Andrew Hampton (Team Captain and Team Tech), Michael Snyder (first-aid), Jarred Tackett (first-aid), Richie Brewer, Ethan Kerr, Jake Piatt (Team Tech), and Steve Setzer (Team Trainer). The teams consistently place near or at the top at regional and national mine rescue competitions. Doe Run’s focus on safety is evident beyond mine rescue. Several sites have gone years without a lost-time accident, including Sweetwater Mill reaching 26 consecutive years with no lost-time accidents; Brushy Creek Mill with 17 years; and Buick Mill with 12 years. In addition, the Sweetwater Mine surface team has reached 19 years with no lost-time accidents.

The Salem FFA Chapter was named the Gahr Truck and Equipment New Holland Blue Ribbon FFA Chapter during National FFA Week. The chapter competed with 10 area schools. Points were accumulated by Salem winning the essay contest, posting over 50 supervised agriculture experience pictures, and taking over 60 FFA members to tour Gahr Truck and Equipment in St. James. Gahr Truck and Equipment presented the Salem FFA with a $1000 check, as well as a Gahr Truck and Equipment 2024 New Holland Blue Ribbon FFA Chapter plaque and a large framed poster of the history of New Holland. Congratulations Salem FFA Chapter!!!

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees held their regular meeting last Thursday, March 21st. Administrator Zach Moser presented the Service and Statistics report. In the Communicable Disease Report, he stated that there were 16 COVID-19 cases reported, 34 lead cases, 21 screenings for sexually transmitted infections, 37 cases of Influenza and 2 animal bites. The environmental report by Assistant Administrator Roma Jones showed there were 11 total inspections conducted, she had 4 sewer complaints and 10 environmental questions were fielded. A town hall meeting and informational session is being planned to provide information and answer questions about the new Consumer Food Safety Regulation. The Maternal-Child Health (MCH) statistics showed there was one CPR Course, two consultation for Childcare Health, one Show-Me Healthy Women appointment, 27 Title X appointments, five Presumptive Eligibilities (Temporary Medicaid) and 320 WIC appointments. The Community-Specific Services Summary showed 483 total appointments other than WIC, 169 Nurse Practitioner appointments, 85 treatment court visits, 200 lab appointments and 29 immunization appointments. Nurse Practitioner Service Details showed no Show-Me Health Women appointments, 3 family plannings, 75 well-child visits, 9 online appointments, 6 other physicals, 23 SEMO physicals, 9 other visits, and 114 acute illness appointments. Laboratory details showed 219 individual patients, 19 appointments for Rapid Test for COVID, Flu, RSV or Strep, two pregnancy tests and two lead tests. Immunizations for February totaled seven for COVID-19, two for Influenza, and 76 other vaccines, including the new RSV vaccine and new formulations of pneumonia vaccine. In the Administrator’s report, Moser reported that DHSS paid two months of WIC reimbursement in February. He said that an “Extension of Adult Immunization” grant through DHSS and a NACCHO grant was awarded in the amount of $109,000 so an immunization RN position was posted. Moser said that due to a new program as the state level, DCHC will soon begin offering free Hepatitis B and C testing. The Health Center financial reports for February, including the overall results from H & R Block, were reviewed. Discussion was held on the balance sheet, income statement, and budget statements. After these questions were answered, the financial reports and the report from H & R Block were approved. In new business, quotes for a Respiratory Testing Analyzer were presented from GeneXpert and Biofire Spotfire. The Board approved the Biofire Spotfire bid for $34,482.76. A quote from McKesson for a Binx IO analyzer for Chlamydia/Gonorrhea Rapid Testing for $11,500.00 was approved by the Board. Two quotes were considered for counter top autoclave devices and the Board approved the purchase of the automatic door autoclave for $8,039.56. Moser presented the personnel manual which was being revised as part of the strategic plan and previously discussed needs. The changes were discussed line by line and were approved by the Board. He presented the 2023 Annual Report and it was approved by the Board. Moser requested permission to dispose of some assets which were non-inventory assets including a Xerox copier, medical freezer and some chairs. The Board approved disposal of the assets. No closed session was held. The next regular meeting of the Board was set for Thursday, April 18th at 5:00.

An accident happened Monday afternoon just past 2:45 in Franklin County on westbound Interstate 44 at the 242 mile-marker. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 Lexus RX 350 being driven by 63-year-old Amanda Irwin of Salem, was stopped in the left hand lane due to an accident that had occurred ahead. At that time, a 2024 Kenworth T680 being driven by 51-year-old Clifford Day of West Plains, was unable to stop his rig and struck the rear of the Lexus. Irwin suffered minor injuries and was taken by Meramec Ambulance District to Mercy Hospital in Washington. Both drivers were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. The Kenworth sustained moderate damage and was towed from the scene by personal conveyance. The Lexus had minor damage but was able to be driven from the scene.

The Missouri Public Service Commission has adopted recommendations made by the Public Service Commission Staff which reduces the current surcharge that appears on the monthly telephone bills of Missourians to fund Relay Missouri. The surcharge will drop from $0.10 a month per telephone line to $0.06 a month per telephone line. The surcharge is used to fund a statewide dual-party telephone relay service for qualifying Missourians who are unable to use traditional telecommunications equipment. Relay Missouri is funded through a monthly, per telephone line surcharge. Missouri statutes require the Commission to review the surcharge no less frequently than every two years. It also requires the Commission to order changes in the amount of the surcharge as necessary to assure available funds for the programs supported by that fund. After reviewing the PSC Staff pleadings and comments from the Office of the Public Counsel, the Commission adopted the PSC Staff’s recommendations. The Missouri General Assembly established Relay Missouri in 1990. The surcharge level is periodically reviewed by the Commission according to the requirements established by Missouri statutes.