Archive for 2024

The Salem Public Library Board of Trustees held their regular meeting on Thursday evening at 5:00 in the library’s conference room. Before the meeting commenced, Dent County Clerk, Angie Curley spoke about and gave advice on becoming a county library. The Board also celebrated Library Director, Kate McBride’s fifteenth year anniversary working with the library. After approving the minutes from the last meeting, McBride provided the Librarian’s Report, noting that while there has been a slight drop in books circulation, and adult programs, there has been an increase in e-books and audio books circulation, as well as children’s and passive programs. McBride also presented the treasurer’s report and spoke about ongoing building updates. Thanks to the library’s technology grant, Microsoft Office has been installed on all computers, and the scanners and receipt printers have been replaced. She also stated that they have had the most successful pumpkin decorating contest yet, with twenty-seven entries across multiple age groups. The library is currently hosting their annual food drive, and will be accepting non perishable food donations until Friday; all donations will be given to a local food pantry for distribution. 

The Dent County Commission approved a new Nuisance Animal Ordinance on October 31, 2024, following increased complaints to the sheriff’s office about unrestrained animals. Prosecuting Attorney Curley announced that the ordinance addresses vicious animals, threatening animals, and nuisance dogs running at large in the county. Under the new ordinance, it is unlawful for owners to allow vicious, threatening, or destructive animals to run off their property without supervision. The rule excludes law enforcement K-9 units. When complaints are filed, law enforcement may issue a warning to the animal’s owner unless the animal has caused property damage or injury. Violations can result in fines up to $500, which will fund the sheriff’s department’s enforcement of the ordinance. First-time offenders may have fines waived if they demonstrate permanent solutions to contain their animals. The ordinance defines a nuisance animal as one that significantly interferes with others’ property enjoyment, including through excessive barking, running loose, or causing damage. Owners will be responsible for any costs related to impounding such animals.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Water Resources Center is seeking public comment on a newly developed publication designed to help inform Missouri landowners about working in or near streams on their properties. The publication contains information about bank stabilization techniques and permitting, instream gravel excavation, technical and financial assistance, and other related topics. It also contains links to a variety of useful resources and contact information for several relevant organizations. The information in the guide applies to all Missouri landowners, but it may be especially interesting to farmers or other rural landowners facing excessive streambank erosion or stream management challenges. Though the guide seeks to provide information and resources about permitting and various types of stabilization structures, it is not a definitive resource for regulatory guidance, nor an engineering design resource, and should not be used as such. The department invites the public to review and offer written comments on the proposed publication until 5:00 in the evening on Friday. The public notice webpage can be found at dnr.mo.gov/calendar/event/268846. Written comments may be submitted by mail to Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Water Resources Center, ATTN: Noah Cadwell, PO Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102, or by email to Noah.Cadwell@dnr.mo.gov.  

The Dent County Sheriff’s office released these reports for the beginning of november.On Friday November 8th deputies responded to Salem Memorial Hospital and arrested a 45-year-old Salem man on an outstanding arrest warrant. The suspect was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated on the warrant. That same day deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 3200 block of Highway P. During the course of the stop, Deputies arrested a 35-year-old Salem man on an outstanding arrest warrant.  The suspect was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated on the warrant. On Tuesday November 12th deputies took a report for a stolen license plate that occurred in the 6200 block of S. Highway 19. The plate was entered into a nationwide database as stolen. Later that same day deputies took a report for a damaged mailbox that occurred in the 300 block of County Road 5080. Unknown person(s) damaged the victim’s mailbox, causing approximately $150 in damages.  The investigation is pending. The 3rd incident on Tuesday deputies took a report for a stolen ATV that occurred in the 14000 block of W. Highway 32. The ATV was valued by the victim at approximately $3000 and the investigation is pending. On Thursday November 14th deputies took a report for a forgery that occurred online. The victim, a 42-year-old Jadwin man, advised unknown person(s) took out a loan in the victim’s name. The investigation is pending. If you have any information on any ongoing investigation, please contact the Sheriff’s office at 573-729-3241.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. Keith Green and Jimmy Williams were in attendance. In the road report District One Commissioner Wes Mobray said his crews continue replacing culverts and patching Dent County Roads 2400 and 4080. He noted that county road 4210 is closed at the bridge, but residents on both sides have alternative ways to get out. Mobray said that the commissioners will be meeting with FEMA Monday the 18th and that pictures of damages have been sent to Grant Wilson to be forwarded to Congressman Jason Smith’s Washington Office. He said that Montauk is closed and all county roads leading in to Montauk have been closed. District Two Commissioner Gary Polk reported that his crew will be grading on Dent County Road 2120 and 4380, plus rock is being hauled to 4380. He added that rock is also being added to county road 2370. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported that he would be going to St. James Thursday afternoon to re-evaluate the Ozarks Solid Waste Management District grant applications since they were not previously done according to DNR guidelines. He said he would also be attending the Phelps County Housing Authority meeting followed by the MRPC committee meetings and the board meeting. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said her office is working on the budget, plus getting prepared for the April election and that candidate filings begin December 10th. She reported that she balanced with the Collector and Assessor on all collections, abatements, and add-ons for the month of October. Curley said she would be attending a Library Board meeting Thursday evening. She noted that the commissioners were approving bills for payment and that they need to approve the county’s health insurance application, which includes a slight increase in the amount the county pays on each employee to $907.86 per month. The application was approved by the commissioners 3-0. County Coroner Ben Pursiful stopped by so the commission could see the new truck which has now been outfitted with graphics, lights and siren. Commissioner Mobray expressed thanks to all the farmers and equipment operators that had pitched in with equipment to help get many roads back to passable after the flooding. He did say that those wanting to provide help should probably check with the commission before additional assistance is provided because FEMA will need to verify damages the county has sustained. Presiding Commissioner Larson complimented Mobray and Polk on their work and efforts following the flood, even though their terms are ending. There was extensive discussion between the commission, plus Green and Williams on road repair efforts, equipment, operations, budgets, etc. The next regular meeting of the commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday evening at the fire station at #2 South Main Street. The board reviewed and approved minutes from the previous meeting. The financial report was reviewed with an ending balance of $191,520.59. All bills, payments, and statements were reviewed and approved. The budget was reviewed and approved as presented, plus it was noted that the 2025 budget is in the works. The monthly reimbursement report showed a total of 19 calls for the month of October bringing the total calls year to date to 218. Some of those calls included five fires, four accidents, two Hazmat, and two medical assists. In old business Chief Floyd said they’re still waiting on the AFG grant for radios to open up and he hoped they were still going to have the grants. The Board discussed the Bond/Tax Issue and decided to talk to the bonding company for ideas on how to go forward. In the Chiefs report to the Board, he stated that Steve Paine with the City of Salem stopped by to give an update on the Fire Hydrants. They are working now to test, paint and rebuild if necessary. Floyd noted that the roof is leaking, and he is looking into getting it repaired. He also reported that the radio FCC License has been renewed for another 10 years. The date was set for the December Board meeting for 6:00, Tuesday evening of the 10th at the Dent County Fire Station. 

Attention deer hunters in Crawford County, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has an important update regarding Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) sampling this year. Due to flood conditions, the mandatory CWD sampling station at Huzzah Valley Resort in Steelville has been closed. However, hunters have two alternative options in Crawford County. The Cuba Knights of Columbus Hall at 7057 Old Route 66 in Cuba, and the Steelville Fire Protection District Station No. 2 at 20437 Highway 19 near Cherryville. Hunters in the CWD Management Zone counties can also take their deer to any other mandatory sampling station across the state. Remember, MDC requires mandatory CWD sampling of all deer harvested in the CWD Management Zone during the opening weekend of the November firearms season, which is November 16 and 17 this year. Hunters must present their deer at a sampling station on the same day they are harvested so biologists can collect tissue samples for testing. This data helps MDC track the extent of CWD, which has already been confirmed in several counties around the Ozarks. For a full list of mandatory CWD sampling station locations, visit the MDC website. Be sure to plan ahead and find a convenient station near you.

The Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting on Tuesday evening at 6:00 in the Old Auditorium. The agenda and consent agenda were approved, with an amendment to the former to remove a bill regarding sewer service fees. The board approved several items, including the purchase of a new 2025 half-ton Chevy Crew Cab pick up truck for $41,233.00, from Ed Morse Chevrolet, for the Wastewater Treatment Plant, for the buyout of a lease for a John Deere Loader, for $84,411.71,  and a contract for an annual Laserfiche cloud subscription for $5,900.00 allowing the City to store their digitized documents on a Cloud server. Financial Director Stacy Houston presented a request for the mayor to sign documents related to a $3.73 million ARPA grant the city received to install a new well, well house, and water tower. The total project cost is $3.768 million, with the city providing a $38,000 match. The board approved this request. The board also approved a resolution for the April 8, 2025 municipal election and heard first readings of bills related to the water tower construction project. Mayor Parker appointed Michael Letchworth as the new Eastward Alderman. Sally Burbridge provided updates on ongoing construction on 4th Street and possible grant applications. Mayor Parker stated the upcoming Christmas parade will be held on December 7th. Line up will begin at 5:00 and spots will be based on a first come first served basis, with the exception of the first six, that will be reserved for the Color Guard and the American Legion. Public Works Direct, Steve Paine, gave updates on the different utility crews, the Fire Hydrant Repair Project, as well as the ongoing flood cleanup at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Board then adjourned the meeting to closed session. 

The Missouri Department of Conservation will close its regional offices during opening weekend of firearms deer season, the 16th and 17th. Staff will be available at CWD mandatory sampling stations or at the Missouri Department of Conservation Call Center at 573-751-4115. The public can also submit questions via the MO Hunting app feedback form. Find mandatory sampling locations in the 2024 Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information Booklet. All Department of Conservation offices will return to regular operating hours on Monday the 18th.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has announced that the winter catch-and-release trout season at Montauk State Park in Dent County and Maramec Spring Park in Phelps County has been postponed due to flood damage. Both parks remain closed following heavy rainfall earlier this week. MDC’s winter catch-and-release fishing season is set to run now through February 10th, but with Montauk and Maramec Spring closed, fishing will not be allowed at those locations until they reopen. When the season resumes, fishing hours will be from 8:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon daily at Maramec Spring Park and on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays at Montauk State Park. For more information about winter fishing opportunities in Missouri visit mdc.mo.gov.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that hunters checked 1,857 turkeys during the firearms portion of Missouri’s fall turkey season, October 1st-31rd. Top harvest counties were Gasconade with 51 birds harvested, Osage with 48, and Cedar with 46. Harvest totals in our area include Crawford with 36, Dent with 38, Iron 8, Maries 34, Phelps with 40, Shannon with 10, and Texas County 38. For current fall firearms turkey harvest results by county, go online to MDC’s website at mdc.mo.gov. Hunters harvested 2,220 birds during the 2023 fall firearms turkey season. MDC Turkey Biologist Nick Oakley said that a very warm and dry October likely impacted turkey and hunter behavior. When it’s 80 degrees and windy, the birds may not be in their usual haunts and hunters aren’t as interested in literally sweating it out to find birds. Fall archery turkey hunting continues through November 15th and resumes November 27th through January 15th, 2025. Get more information about fall turkey hunting at mdc.mo.gov.

On November 12, Sheriff Bob Wells and Prosecutor Andrew M. Curley presented a check for the sum of $294.00 to Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams to be placed into the general revenue fund for Dent County. The money is the result of efforts by law enforcement involving the seizure of firearms possessed in connection with the arrest by Missouri Conservation Agent Jason Midyett and prosecution of Frank Gorman for unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on November 11, 2023. In addition to the criminal conviction, the seizure and sale of the firearms is authorized by Missouri law as a punishment and deterrent to persons that illegally own/possess firearms. This money will be used for the benefit of the local community.

The Creative Arts Center in Salem will hold a “This or That” Fall Paint N’ Sip class on Friday, from 6:30 to 9:00 in the evening with Danielle Norris. Guests may bring their favorite beverages and snacks to this event. The class is open to those 13 years of age and older. The cost of the class is $25 and all supplies are included. There must be at least six people sign up to hold the class. To sign up, visit the SACBA website, click on “Programs” and on the Creative Arts Center.