Archive for 2025

The Dent County Commissioners held their 2025 tax rate hearing Monday morning at 10:00 at the courthouse. Amanda Sapaugh was present at the public hearing. The General Revenue tax rate for 2024 was $0.0171 cents per $100 assessed valuation. For 2025 after the rollback was calculated, the tax rate came to $0.0397 per $100 assessed valuation which the commissioners approved. Amanda Sapaugh representing the SB 40 Board said their board wanted to keep their tax rate the same as last year with a voluntary reduction to $0.1341 per $100 assessed valuation. The current maximum tax rate ceiling for 2025 set by the state auditor for SB 40 is $0.1343 per $100 assessed valuation. The lower rate was approved by the commission. The Road and Bridge Fund tax rate last year was 25.50 cents per $100 assessed valuation. The commission went with the recommended rate by the state auditor of 25.53 cents per $100 assessed valuation for 2025. The Senior Citizen Service Fund tax rate for 2024 came in at 4.80 cents per $100 assessed valuation. The maximum rate allowed by the state auditor’s office came in at 4.81 cents per $100 assessed valuation for 2025 which the commission approved. The hearing was then adjourned. 

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports for the week of August 9th through the 15th. On August 9th, deputies attempted to perform a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling on East Highway 32-72 near Doss Road. A multi-county pursuit ensued and the suspect, a 40-year-old Bunker man, was eventually apprehended. The suspect was transported to the Dent County Jail, where a capias arrest warrant was issued for the man. On Thursday, August 14th, deputies took a report for lost or stolen cattle from the 1100 block of Route B. That investigation is pending. On Friday, August 15th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Highway 19 at Phil-Mart. The operator, a 44-year-old Salem man, was arrested, booked and released for failure to maintain financial responsibility on the vehicle. Also on Friday, Dent County deputies assisted EMS with a call in the 3000 block of Highway 68. During the course of the call, a significant amount of illegal narcotics was discovered. A 40-year-old Salem woman was then arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail pending the issuance of formal charges. If you have any information about an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 573-729-3241.

The FY2025 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) Regionalization Grant application period is closing soon on August 22nd at 5:00 pm. Local and state government, emergency response agencies and nonprofits are encouraged to apply. SHSP is designed to enhance the capabilities of state and local governments as well as nonprofits in preventing, protecting against, and responding to terrorist attacks. This program is a part of a comprehensive set of measures authorized by Congress and implemented by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to strengthen the nation’s communities against potential terrorist threats. Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) facilitates the Region I Homeland Security Oversight Committee (RHSOC). Each RHSOC across the state is given a certain amount of funding to be awarded as grants as part of the SHSP. For FY 2025, Region I (Crawford, Dent, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski and Laclede counties) is receiving approximately $70,693.38 for regional projects. Those interested in applying can visit https://dpsgrants.dps.mo.gov/. For more information, contact Samantha Sherman at 573-265-2993 or via email at ssherman@meramecregion.org.  

The Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) has introduced a significantly upgraded version of its virtual assistant, “DORA,” adding artificial intelligence capabilities to enhance customer service. First launched in 2019, DORA has been providing 24/7 assistance to Missourians on topics such as taxation, motor vehicles, and driver licensing. Since its debut, the chatbot has handled more than 11 million inquiries across 2.6 million sessions. The new AI-powered version expands DORA’s ability to address more complex questions while delivering faster and more accurate responses. Drawing on content from the DOR website, the system now offers broader, more relevant information tailored to customer needs. The enhancement also strengthens DORA’s integration with the department’s live chat service. This allows for quicker resolution of issues and enables a smooth transition to a live customer service representative when necessary. According to the department, the improvements are part of an ongoing effort to streamline operations, reduce costs, and provide more efficient public service. Residents can access the updated DORA platform by visiting dor.mo.gov.

The “Listening to Americans” townhall meeting will be held at the Leach Theatre in Rolla on Tuesday evening August 26th from 6:30 till 8:30. The townhall is sponsored by Voters for Informed Action. For any questions or comments please email: voteria2025@gmail.com

Do you need a place to spread your crafts out, or do you hate crafting alone? There is a place for you! This upcoming Sunday as well as August 31st from 2:00 in the afternoon until 6:00 in the evening the Creative Arts Center will be doing general crafts. Bring your supplies and hang out. Just enjoy spending time with other crafty people. You do have to have all your own supplies and only the front room and bathrooms will be available.  A donation is appreciated to go towards utilities. No children without an adult please. Nicole Curtis will be there to assist participants age 16-years-old and older.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will hold a special meeting this evening at 6:00 in the Auditorium located at 202 N. Washington St to discuss Resolution No. 24-2025 regarding a donation of property by the City of Salem to the Housing Authority of the City of Salem for the development of 40 affordable housing units. This meeting is open to the public. 

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said materials would be added where needed and grading done on Dent County Roads 4080, 5450, 5460 and 5465. He indicated brush would be cut on county road 5600, and the Blevins Paving will be doing chip and seal patching on county roads 5015, 5080 and 5085. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported workers will be adding rock and grading on Dent County Roads 2120 and 4405, while only grading will be done on county roads 2130, 4400 and 5260. Williams said brush will be cut on county roads 2075. and 2080. He also stated that a grader blade will be changed out on grader #42. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson attended the TAC meeting, External Relations Committee meeting and regular MRPC meeting Thursday in St. James. Larson reported it was announced that Federal Land Access Program funds are available for low-water crossings adjacent to federal forest land and it is a 100% reimbursement. He said they have three million dollars available. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported on the Missouri Association of Counties Board meeting she attended last week. She said there were discussions about the lack of newspaper publications in some rural areas to meet the required public notice laws, discussion on mental health programs, the need of a rural transportation system, received a report from Trent Watson on legislative issues, heard about state redistricting, heard about petition reform, heard about educating 9-1-1 operators using artificial intelligence, and also heard from attorney Travis Elliott about the Supreme Court decision on marijuana tax issues passed by cities and counties and how the taxes are to be collected. At the last meeting, the commission approved County Surveyor Elwood to move forward with the remonumentation of eight county corners. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department will be testing the storm sirens this Wednesday morning at 10:00. If there is inclement weather, the test will be postponed to the following Wednesday morning, the 27th, at 10:00.

The Enhanced Enterprise Zone Board for Salem and Dent County will hold its annual meeting on Thursday evening August 21st at 5:00 at the Salem Community Center – The Armory in the Rotary Room. The tentative agenda is as follows call to order, approval of agenda items, approval of last years minutes, review and approval of annual filing statement. Other business includes EEZ recertification and City of Salem Mo Economic Development Director.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be meeting Thursday at 5:30 in the R-80 Board Room. After the Call to Order and the Pledge of Allegiance the Board will approve the agenda followed by a vote to appoint a Board Member to fill a vacancy. The Board will then approve an appointee to serve until the April election. The consent agenda will be approved followed by communications. In the Superintendent’s Report CSIP Goals will be addressed in all reports, updates will be shared on the FEMA building, the Football Field drainage, parking lots and roofs. Administration reports will be heard from William Lynch, Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School, Athletics and Activities, Special Education, Technology, and Maintenance. In new business, after the second reading the board will approve the MSBA policy updates to leaves and vacation, the First Student Transportation contract for ECSE, the LTE & Public Placement Fund Addendum, and the 2024-2025 Annual Secretary of the Board report. The Board will address the hiring of Sarah Wells ECSE personal aide, Heather Whitlock classroom paraprofessional at UE, Lynn Mast aide, and Codee Sagdalen UE aide, plus the resignation/retirement of Molly Toothaker WL paraprofessional. There will be a tax rate presentation followed by public comments and adoption. The Board will enter closed session to discuss personnel, followed by adjournment after returning to open session. The regular meeting of the Salem R80 Board of Education is open to the public.

This upcoming Sunday and Monday from 5:30 in the evening until 8:00 join Terrie Welch in a two day Barn Quilt class. You will draw a quilt block design of your choice on a sanded and primed 2’x2′ piece of plywood. You will then tape off areas to create sharp-edged lines and paint it with chosen colors of house paint.  When you finish, you will want to take and proudly gift it or display it on your barn or home! The class is for participants 13-years-old and older. The cost is $55 per person and all supplies are included. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then Creative Arts Center.

An accident occurred in Phelps County Wednesday evening at approximately 6:06 on Highway 63, five miles south of Rolla. According to the Highway Patrol report a 2024 KIA Telluride, driven by a 43-year-old Salem man, traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a culvert, and overturned. The driver, a 6-year-old female passenger, and a 13-year-old female passenger, all suffered minor injuries. The man and the 13-year-old were both transported by EMS to Phelps Health Hospital, while the 6-year-old was taken to Phelps Health by private conveyance. The report stated that the 6-year-old female was the only one in the vehicle wearing a safety restraint. The KIA was totaled and removed from the scene by D & D Towing.

The Salem Police Department has announced it is now accepting applications for the position of Animal Control/Code Enforcement Officer. The role offers an annual salary ranging from $38,084 to $45,510. The position comes with a competitive benefits package, including health insurance, vacation and sick leave, paid holidays and overtime, LAGERS L-6 retirement, provided uniforms and gear, and free gym membership. New hires will also receive training and a $1.15 per hour night shift differential. Applicants must possess a valid Missouri driver’s license, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and be able to pass a background check, drug screening, and criminal history review. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and willing to work all shifts. For more information, interested individuals can contact Lt. Jonathon Counts at (573) 729-4242 or jcounts@salemmo.com.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Missouri Geological Survey presented research on critical minerals during the fifth annual Resilient Supply of Critical Minerals workshop August 6-7 at Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla. The two-day workshop brought hundreds of geologists, engineers, academics and industry members to Rolla for networking and collaboration on critical minerals research. Missouri hosts 30 of the 50 critical minerals identified by the U.S. Geological Survey. The Missouri Geological Survey currently has multiple projects studying potentially viable critical mineral deposits across Missouri. Critical minerals are essential for modern devices and technological systems but are susceptible to supply chain disruptions. Survey geologist Cheryl Seeger is leading the critical mineral studies. The geologic data gathered will also be useful for local developments, conservation projects and other uses beyond critical minerals research. The workshop included a tour of the Missouri Geological Survey’s Rolla campus, featuring the renovated rock lab that processes well cuttings to safeguard water quality and the McCracken Core Library with more than 8 million feet of subsurface geological materials. New rock core scanners purchased in partnership with Missouri S&T will be used to study critical minerals at underground sites. More information on critical minerals in Missouri is available at dnr.mo.gov/land-geology/geology/rocks-minerals-fossils/critical.

Summer days sign n wine with Danielle Norris is happening at the Creative Arts Center this Friday from 6:00 in the evening until 9:00. Create your one-of-a-kind front porch sign, or a square sign to be used inside or outside! Theres of stencils to choose from and are adding more all the time! All supplies provided you just bring snacks and a beverage! You will be taught how to make the sign with teacher assistance. Porch leaners are $30 and a square 15×15 sign is $32. A minimum of 6 people is needed to hold the class and a maximum of 16. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center.

It has been just over a year that Brooke Bollman was named the Salem Memorial Hospital Chief Executive Officer. This Wednesday, Bollman sat down for an interview with Stan Stevens to discuss her first year at the helm and what has happened over the last 12 months from the negotiations with Phelps Health, to the paying down of accounts payable, to creating a “Culture of Caring” prioritizing patient care and workforce retention, plus much more. She also discusses possible future impacts of the “Big Beautiful Bill” for rural hospitals. Listen on AM 1340 or 95.7 FM starting at 8:30 this morning, or you can listen to the interview anytime online on ksmoradio.com on the KSMO YouTube Page or KSMO Stream Facebook page.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said materials would be added where needed and grading done on Dent County Roads 4080, 5440 and 5500. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said workers will be adding rock and grading Dent County Road 5260 in Boss which received extensive damage from the last heavy rain. His crew will also be grading 2140 and 2155, while brush will be cut on county road 2070. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson stated he participated in an interview with MRPC’s Jill Hollowell on KSMO Radio Tuesday morning about the electronic and tire waste recycling collection that will be held September 13th at the City of Salem Water and Sewer Construction Building at 3rd and Grand Streets. That interview will be rebroadcast in September and can be heard on the KSMO YouTube Page. You can find it by clicking on the “home” button. Larson then attended the TAC meeting at the MRPC in St. James Thursday followed by the External Relations Committee and the regular Meramec Regional Planning Commission meeting. Deputy Clerk Melissa Piatt said bills would be paid. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at the courthouse at 9:00 with the tax rate hearing for the General Revenue Fund, the Road and Bridge Fund, the Senate Bill 40 Fund and the Senior Citizens Service Fund to follow at 10:00. The meeting and hearing are open to the public.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday evening at the Fire station at #2 South Main. After the call to order and roll call, the Board amended the agenda new business to include Friends of Dent County Fire. The Board approved the consent agenda, reviewed and approved the minutes from the previous meeting, reviewed the financial report which showed an ending balance of $340,821.90, reviewed and approved the bills, payments and statements, plus the budget was reviewed and approved. In the tax rate hearing it was pointed out that the current tax rate was at 0.2377 and that the maximum legal rate in compliance with Missouri laws is 0.2382. The Board decided to take a voluntary reduction in the bond percentage from the state allowed 0.2959 to 0.2300 since that was the number given to the voters. The Board voted to set the new tax rate at 0.2382 and bond at 0.2300. The Monthly Reimbursement Report showed a total of 14 calls for July and a total of 171 year-to-date. John Knight will look into different options for the Fidelity (CTI) Tower Lease and report back. In new business Resolution 0812-2025 for MEC filing was read followed by a roll call vote for President Mike Godi to sign and Treasurer Dave Wells to file the registration with the State of Missouri MEC Commission. Three trucks were declared surplus, which included the 2002 Sterling Tanker with 2,000 gallon tank, 1995 Freightliner Firemaster Pumper with 1500 GPM pump and 1,000 gallon tank, and the 1993 International Tanker with a 2,500 gallon tank. Bids for equipment were opened and the Board voted to accept the bid from Kinder Farm Supply in Licking for bed and bumper, THL Fire Equipment for 2 Skid Units, and Scenic Rivers Vehicle Outfitters for light-bar, antenna wiring including labor and connection to repeater system, and siren setup. Previous Conoco fuel cards no longer work so the department will be going to new cards. The bid from A&W Communications was approved for the radio for Truck #8010. The closing of Friends of Dent County Fire was discussed and the Bond Steering Committee will be meeting to close final minutes and finances in the near future. Chief Dennis Floyd reported that the Dent County Health Center will be having a vaccination clinic at the station on October 2nd. The next meeting date was set for September 9th, at 6:00 at the DCFPD Boardroom. The Board went into closed session to discuss personnel, but no votes were reported. The meeting and tax rate hearing were adjourned at 9:38.

Salem Memorial Hospital will hold a public hearing on Tuesday evening, August 25, 2025, at 7:00 in the hospital library to discuss the proposed property tax rate for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2026. The hospital is proposing to keep the rate the same as last year of $0.2400 for every $100, which is expected to bring in about $668,204 in revenue.