Archive for 2024

The Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting yesterday evening at 6:00 in the auditorium. The session began with a public hearing regarding a utility committee recommendation to increase sewer fees for water meters three inches and larger, followed by a citizen’s concerns about a fire hydrant and a dilapidated house. Notable approvals included an $18,400 bid from Willard Asphalt for hot mix asphalt that will be used for street repairs and a $4.2 million bid from Midstate Pipeline Maintenance for the grant-funded Water Tower Project. The Board addressed multiple legislative items, including the first reading of Bill 3630 concerning sewer service fees, and approved second readings of bills 3631, 3632, and 3633 related to the water tower construction. They also reviewed and approved Bill 3634, which requested a change order for the Downtown Sidewalk Project, adding $1,943 in concrete work pending MoDOT approval. Additionally, the Board approved the sale of three vehicles from the Police Department through Purple Wave, with proceeds going to the General Fund. City officials provided various updates during their reports. Finance Director Stacy Houston discussed city finances, while City Administrator Sally Burbridge covered ongoing projects and announced BHMG Engineers will be making a presentation during the next Utility Committee meeting. Public Works Director Steve Paine reported on utility crew activities and reminded citizens that the proper procedure for reporting utility issues, within city limits, is contacting the administration office at 573-729-4811. The meeting concluded with several community announcements, including the upcoming Christmas Parade on December 7th and PJs and Pancakes event on December 14th. Former Alderwoman Kayla Sisco received an award for her service, and Alderman John Whelan promoted the ongoing Trees and Trains exhibit at the Ozark Natural & Cultural Resource Center. The meeting then adjourned to closed session. 

The Dent County Commission met last Thursday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. In other business address late in the meeting, Alexander Construction Company talked with the commissioners about the roof repairs and the Christmas Lights. The commission awarded the roof repair bid to Trainer and Company, but the commissioners are still having trouble with the Christmas Lights. Alexander recommended to the commission to talk with the company and have their warranty begin from the date of November 21st as Alexander will no longer be responsible. He said the commissioners need to take pictures when there is a problem to send to the company. Alexander also talked about the vent that was damaged from the storm and water that is leaking through that. The commission approved Alexander repair the exterior vent damage. The commission talked with Curt Faigle from the 100-Acre Wood Rally which will be held March 14th and 15th. The only difference from last year’s rally is this year Dent County Road 5550 will be used. A landowner that lives on the road is a big supporter and loves the rally. The commissioners also discussed nominating a person for the CLERF Board. The commission nominated and approved adding Will Woolman to the board. The meeting was then adjourned. The commission will be meeting Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.
The Creative Arts Center will hold a Flat Reed Basket Weaving class on Monday evening, December 2nd from 6:30-8:30 with Connie Light Come and make a white oak flat reed napkin basket! Basket will be approximately 8” square. You will finish the basket in class, so you can take it home that day. No prior knowledge is required. The class is appropriate for all those 14 and older. The cost of the class is $40 and all supplies are included. There must be two people sign up to hold the class and it will be limited at six. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Salem will hold the Christmas Parade of Lights in Salem on Saturday, December 7th starting at 6:00 with this year’s theme: “Have Your Elf a Merry Little Christmas.”  This year’s Grand Marshalls will be Mike and Diane Godi. Entry forms are now available at the office of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce in Salem. Forms need to be returned by December 2nd. If you have any questions, you can call the Chamber at 573-729-6900.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, reminds everyone there will be an increase in traffic over the Thanksgiving holiday. The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with Wednesday and Sunday afternoon/evenings being the most heavily traveled times. Drivers should expect more traffic and the possibility of delays throughout the weekend. Regardless of traffic patterns, safety should remain a priority. The counting period for the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday weekend is from 6 p.m. Wednesday, November 27, 2024, to 11:59 p.m. Sunday, December 1, 2024. Troopers will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E., enforcing all traffic laws, and available to assist the public. Over the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday counting period, nine people were killed and 4,823 injured in 1,342 traffic crashes. If you plan to travel over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend be sure your vehicle is in good condition, obey all traffic laws, and be sure everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seat belt or secured in the appropriate child safety seat for their size and age. Remember: Missouri is now a hands-free state and there is never a reason to speed, drive aggressively, or drive impaired. The MoDOT Traveler Information Map can be a helpful tool while you are traveling. The map provides up-to-date information such as road closures, delays, construction zones, and alternative routes. You can download the app for free to your smart device or access it by using this link: traveler.modot.org/map. If being on or near the water is part of your Thanksgiving holiday weekend plans, remember that the water is becoming colder, and hypothermia is a concern. The body loses heat 25 times faster in water than in the air of the same temperature. The proper use of life jackets is imperative. The public is encouraged to call the Patrol’s Emergency Report Line (800) 525-5555 or *55 on your cellular phone if they witness criminal activity, observe driving behavior that could cause a crash, or experience an emergency. These phone numbers are operational for both highway and water emergencies. If your celebration includes intoxicants, designate someone else to drive whether you are in a boat or vehicle. Please don’t become a statistic.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley has released information on a sentencing hearing that was held following a probation revocation hearing in front of Judge Michael Randazzo on Monday November 25th.The Defendant, Andrew Terrill of Salem, was sentenced to 10 years in the Department of Corrections, as requested by Prosecutor Curley. The Defendant had previously completed a 559.115 RSMO program in 2023. 

The Salem R-80 School District held their regular meeting on Thursday evening at 5:30 in the administration building. After approving the agenda and consent agenda, the board recognized Barrett Larimore and Kole Martin, from William Lynch Elementary, who represented the Students of the Month and students with 100% attendance, respectively. Mr. Larimore and Mr. Martin led the Pledge of Allegiance. Dr. Nathan Wills provided the Superintendent’s report which included updates on the FEMA Storm Shelter progress, calendar options, and district attendance improvement. The board approved the purchase of cafeteria tablets from Fellers Food Service Equipment, a bond prepayment of $175,000 to pay down existing bonds, Board Election Filing dates of December 12 through 31, as well as the school district audit report. The meeting then adjourned to closed session. 

The November episode of Archives & Airwaves will air tomorrow morning at 10:30. This show, hosted by Sally Granowski, will feature library director Kate McBride. They will be discussing some of the many services provided by the library, as well as upcoming events and closures for the month of December. You can tune in to listen at 1340 AM/95.7 FM as well as the KSMO Media YouTube channel. This monthly program airs on the last Wednesday of each month. 

When a deer is involved in a collision with a vehicle MoDOT State Maintenance Engineer Darin Hamelink said no one should ever jeopardize their safety by attempting to remove an animal in a high-traffic area. Instead, contact MoDOT’s customer service line at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636). He went on to note that crews will address any animal or debris that poses a safety hazard, meaning the item is in the driving lanes. Crews will safely drag the large animal debris to the outer portion of the grassy roadside, outside any active drainage ditch or channel. If a deer is located on the shoulder, MoDOT will address the deer during normal weekday work hours. MoDOT crews are not called out after hours to remove an item unless it is a road safety hazard in a driving lane. MoDOT does not employ any specialized crews assigned to remove dead animals from roadways or contract out any roadkill removal. If a deer is struck along a state-maintained road and is completely off the roadway, MoDOT will not pick it up unless it impedes mail delivery or is in a neighborhood, especially at or near a bus stop.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has announced they will be closed for Thanksgiving Day. For more news, follow the Missouri State Highway Patrol on X @MSHPTrooperGHQ.

The Salvation Army will once again partner with Wal-Mart for the annual Angel Tree program as well as the Dent County Toy Drive to help local children this Christmas. Local residents have always enjoyed adopting a child, and shopping for clothing, coats, hats, and toys.  Some families use this time of year to teach their children the importance of giving during the holiday season. The Angel Tree will be available beginning today, through Saturday, December 14th. For additional information please call 573-729-8163 or e-mail sherry@salemcommunitycenter.org. The Dent County Toy Drive can be contacted by messaging on Facebook.

The City of Salem is excited to share updates on the Downtown Sidewalk Project as the first half-block nears completion. While the project will be fully finalized in early spring with the installation of new light poles and fixtures as well as street and parking area paint striping, the current progress already reflects a bold vision for a safer, more welcoming downtown featuring new curb extensions, or “bump-outs,” which are a key feature of the project. These extensions will help slow down traffic by narrowing traffic lanes, provide ADA Compliance with wider curb spaces, provide parking protection offering additional visual cues to drivers and protecting cars from potential impact. The design includes textured pavers and delineated zones for planters, trash receptacles, and possible benches which will come after this project are completed. The wider sidewalks allow for easier movement, accommodating pedestrian gatherings and events, while providing space for future amenities. Most of the parking spaces have been maintained and temporary street lighting will be installed to maintain visibility and safety in the area. As we adapt to these changes, the city encourages drivers to familiarize themselves with the new layout. With safety, aesthetics, and accessibility at its core, this initiative is an investment in our community’s future city looking forward to unveiling the finished design in early 2025. 

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors held their regular meeting Thursday evening at 7:00 in the Hospital Library. Before the start of the meeting, Board Chairman, Dr. Leigh Ann Price announced that Hospital CEO Brooke Bollman was awarded the 2024 Missouri Rural Health Champion Award. The Board then went on to approve the agenda as well as the minutes from the October 29th and November 19th meetings. During the CEO Report, Ms. Bollman stated they are continuing to work on the cost report analysis, including Medicare bad debt, reallocations, and unclaimed expenses. They also continue to work on training and compliance, inpatient census, and wrapping up their due diligence regarding their affiliation with Phelps Health. During the operations report, it was noted that inpatient and outpatient admissions, emergency room visits, and ambulance runs have gone up slightly in the month of October, while radiology procedures and rehabilitation treatments have gone down. Total operating revenue for October was $2.9 million. Salaries and payroll taxes continue to decrease; however, health insurance continues to increase. Total operating expenses were $2.3 million in October resulting in a profit of $769,000. However, Bollman clarified that all revenue goes into accounts payable, which is now down to $1.2 million. The hospital saw a net 340B revenue of $87,000 in October, and they are currently operating at 21 days cash on hand. There are currently six employment openings for LPNs, RNs, and PRN RNs. Ambulance re-licensure is due in December and will be a virtual training this year. During the human resources report, it was noted that there has been one new hire, and three employees who left in October. The hospital continues to work on enhancing the patient experience by streamlining registration and providing ongoing customer service training. There were a total of 43 reported incidents in October, including 19 administrative/no harm medication events and 11 patient falls in Long Term Care, Acute Care, and outpatients. The ToRCH Grant applications are due December 2nd, and funding announcements will be made January 6, 2025. During the Chief of Staff report, the Board approved new privileges for three doctors in Pathology and Teleradiology, and approved amendments to the bylaws. The Board also approved the High Alert Medication Policy and Sepsis Protocol Policy. The next board meeting will be held on Monday evening, December 23rd at 7:00 in the Doctors’ Library.