Archive for 2025

MRPC Executive Director Bonnie Prigge, MRPC Planning Manager Anne Freund. MoDOT Central District Area Engineer Preston Kramer, the Dent County Commission, Zach Moser from the Dent County Health Department, Salem City Administrator Sally Burbridge and Salem Economic Development Director Carrie Sutterfield were in attendance to the Dent County Transportation Needs annual meeting held at the Dent County Courthouse Thursday. Kramer reported the “Standing Rock Bridge” in Gladden on Highway 19 has been completed and is now removed from the list. Kramer further added the bridge on Highway 32 East at Boss over the West Fork of the Huzzah Creek, the bridge on Highway 19 north over Spring Creek in Salem, and the Route B bridge over Dry Fork have all been added to the Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan for replacement in the next few years so these projects no longer have to be included to the priority list. The group discussed all the identified transportation needs from previous years, and one new item was added to the list. It was the Meramec River bridge on Route B. There was more discussion on the issues caused by the new entrance to McDonald’s on Highway 32-72 at Highway 19 where people heading eastbound are turning left into McDonald’s from the designated westbound left turn lane to go south on Highway 19. This was first identified last year after McDonald’s moved locations. The priorities determined from the meeting are still a new bridge on Route TT over Crooked Creek near Sligo and that work is currently being scoped by MoDOT engineers, the addition of a right turn lane heading north on Highway 19 South at the intersection of Roosevelt, shoulder and alignment issues on Route B, and new shoulders and safety improvements on Highway 119 to Montauk. If additional money becomes available for repairs, the high priority unfunded projects would be for safety improvements to be made at the intersection of Highway 19 and Franklin Street as well as the new McDonald’s entrance issues. The board also reviewed multi-modal needs such as the need for increase or availability of public transportation for everyone such as the services provided by the SMTS busses for the public as well as for non-medical needs after hours, adding sidewalks on the east side of Highway 19 from Center Street to Highway 32, adding sidewalks from Route J to Highway 72 north, and adding sidewalks from Carty Street to the Craig Industrial Drive on Highway 32 East (Scenic Rivers Blvd). Also discussed was adding crosswalks at Highway 32-72 and Babb Lane, crosswalks at Highway 32-72 at the Warfel/Doss Road intersection and adding crosswalks at Highway 19 at Center Street as well as Highway 19 at Franklin. There was discussion to possibly turn the Second Street bridge in the city that is currently closed into a pedestrian and/or bike bridge, but the city did not take action on that for this year’s budget, and to paint bike paths on the shoulders of Highway 32-72 east from the city limits to Highway 19 where it is wide enough. Prigge said the priority road information will be discussed when MRPC and other regional commissions get together with MoDOT to address transportation issues in December at the MRPC Transportation Advisory Committee meeting. She also said MRPC recognizes that not everyone could attend this meeting and if you have a priority road issue or multi-modal issue you would like to contribute, please call the MRPC offices at 573-265-2993. 

The Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) will be presenting eleven awards at its Annual Awards Dinner on October 23rd at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Each year, the MRPC honors residents and organizations of the Meramec Region who volunteer their time and talents and give support to their communities. Individuals being recognized by MRPC for Outstanding Contributions to a Community in the immediate Dent County area include Kelly Money of St. James, nominated by MRPC Board Member Taisia Gordon; and Dana Richter of Steelville, nominated by Crawford County Presiding Commissioner Steve Black. A locally elected official was also nominated and that is Dent County Clerk Angie Curley of Salem, nominated by Dent County Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson. Also being recognized as an Outstanding Local Agency Representative is Rolla City Administrator John Butz of Rolla, nominated by MRPC board members Kent Bagnall and Dawn Bell. The public is invited to attend the event in Salem. The 2025 Eugene E. Northern award, the highest honor given by MRPC for volunteers and community service, will also be announced at the Annual Dinner. The Eugene E. Northern award recipient remains a secret until announced at the Annual Dinner. Dent County is proud to have been home to the last two Eugene E. Northern award winners in Stan Podorski and Deloris Gray Wood. The deadline for reservations is October 9th. Reservations are $40 per person and can be made by contacting Linda Carroll: 573-265-2993.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held its regular meeting Tuesday evening in the City Auditorium at 202 N. Washington Street. After approving the agenda and consent agenda, City Administrator Sally Burbridge provided an update on the cemetery mapping project. The city is partnering with Diamond Maps to create an online database to help the public locate the burial sites of deceased loved ones. In addition, the city is working with the State Archives in Jefferson City to preserve the original 150-year-old cemetery record books. The board approved the Abatement on Consent (AOC) letter outlining the schedule of improvements for the wastewater treatment plant, a grant requirement that must be submitted to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The Aldermen also approved engaging Viking Industrial Coating to begin discussions and prepare a proposal and contract negotiations for routine water tower maintenance on what will soon be four city towers. There is currently no fiscal impact to the city, as costs will be determined upon proposal and contract development. The purchase of eight HP Elite Mini Desktops from Hewlett-Packard for $7,960, was approved; this is a $216 increase from the original September quote. The purchase will be funded through the CIP Budget, which has a remaining balance of $12,930. In New and Miscellaneous Business, the board approved the annual Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) membership renewal at the basic membership level for $4,097.44, to be paid from the Non-Departmental Memberships fund, which has a $5,700 budget. Bill No. 3689 amending Ordinance 515.350 regarding electric fees, maintaining the $15 monthly fee for incandescent dusk-to-dawn lights and reducing the fee for LED lights to $5 per month, Bill No. 3690 to amend Ordinance 700.060, extending the forecast lead time for utility disconnects from 24 hours to 72 hours in accordance with new Public Service Commission rules were approved as well as Bill No. 3691 establishing a refundable $100 deposit for faucet water meter rentals, and Bill No. 3692 authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement between the City of Salem and the Rolla Area Drug Enforcement Task Force. During the city officials’ reports, Administrator Burbridge mentioned the upcoming MRPC banquet on October 23, Mayor Greg Parker highlighted several upcoming community events, and Public Works Director Steve Paine provided updates on utility operations, recognizing Josh Hunt for being named Wastewater Operator of the Year by Missouri Water. Economic Development Director Carrie Sutterfield announced she received a scholarship from the National Rural Economic Developers Association, covering her attendance at the annual conference and a one-year membership valued at $2,000. The meeting then adjourned into executive session to discuss legal matters.

The Salem Police Department has provided the following press release. The Salem Police Department successfully apprehended a wanted fugitive from Dent County following a coordinated investigation and search effort. Officers from the Salem Police Department initiated a short-term investigation into the whereabouts of the suspect. Patrolman #114 and Corporal #107 responded to the 600 block of South Jackson Street after receiving credible information regarding the fugitive’s location. Upon arrival, officers observed the male subject in the backyard of a residence. When officers attempted contact, the suspect fled on foot. A perimeter was quickly established with assistance from the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The suspect was tracked to another residence, where he attempted to hide from authorities. Officers issued commands for the individual to exit the residence, and he complied without further incident. The suspect, identified as Korey Denney, was taken into custody and transported to the Dent County Jail. Denney is being held on the following charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance (Probation Violation). The Salem Police Department extends its appreciation to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol for their cooperation and assistance during this incident. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

An accident occurred Saturday afternoon around 1:50 in Dent County on Hwy 32 at County Road 4160. According to the highway patrol report a 2005 Ford Explorer driven by a 67-year-old Salem man was traveling westbound and hydroplaned on the wet roadway. The Ford travelled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. The man suffered minor injuries and was transported to Salem Memorial Hospital by Salem Ambulance. He was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. Harry Johnson who lives on Dent County Road 5170 came in to report brush needed to be cut and the road was washboardy. First District Commissioner Keith Green stated his grader operator has been working in that area and should be getting to that road soon, but his district has only has one brush cutter that makes rounds in the county and is currently in another location. He would check on when that road would be graded and brush cut. In the road report, Commissioner Green said brush would be cut on county road 5520. He also reported the crews will be performing service work on county truck #119 and a grader. They will also be putting on six new tires on another grader and changing the blades on the graders. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said workers will be adding rock and grading Dent County Road 2200, while only grading would be done on county roads 2190, 2210, 2370, 3190, 3193. and 3195. He also said brush would be cut on county road 2110 while debris will be removed from a low water crossing on county road 2330. He added that a crew would be patching a concrete culvert on county road 3160. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson stated he attended a meeting Saturday on Highway 19 put on by the Department of Conservation and Extension about feral hogs and how they strategically remove them from property to prevent further damage. He also said there will be a “No Kings” rally in Salem this Saturday. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

Empower Missouri is Hosting a Free Town Hall Event in St. James at the old train depot at 116 West Springfield Street on Monday, October 20th from 2:00 to 3:00 to discuss the “Food Access for a Lifetime” program in Phelps County. Empower Missouri’s team wants to hear from Missouri communities about each of their core issue areas. For older adults, good nutrition is key to continuing to live an independent and healthy life, but with rising food costs, many older Missourians are finding it harder to make ends meet. The good news is there are resources and programs available to help. Refreshments will be provided. Please reply by copying this link, EmpowerMissouri.org/FAFAL-PhelpsCounty, and putting it your browser to let them know you are coming.

There will be a Kids “This or That” Fall Paint Party on Friday, October 24th with Danielle Norris from 5:30 until 7:30 at the Creative Arts Center at 202 South Main. Grab those kiddos and come have a spooky fun time painting one of two choices for fall! You will be guided step by step through the whole process! This event is perfect for the whole family. At least six people need to sign up for the class which would be limited to 25 attendees. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children. To register, go online to the SACBA website, click on Programs category and then go to the Salem Creative Arts Council link. If you have a question about any class, please e-mail salemartscenter@salemcommunitybetterment.com.

The Turtle Cove Farm, just about two miles east of Lenox at 10031 and 10037 Highway H, will be holding their Fall festival this Saturday from 7:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon. There will be a Scavenger Hunt for prizes from 10:00 to 11:00 in the morning followed by the 2nd Annual Chicken Races at 11:30. There will also be a Pumpkin Painting Contest with prizes awarded at 1:00. Face painting and bounce houses will be available for children, and the Lenox Fire Department will be doing a vehicle rescue demonstrations.  Vendors will also be there, and it will be fun for the whole family as everyone is welcome!

This Saturday at the Creative Arts Center at 202 South Main will be Harvest Fest as well as the Ozark Heritage Artisans Show and Sale from 9:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon. Stop by and shop for some unique handmade arts and craft items for your home or for gifts!