Archive for 2025

An accident occurred Wednesday morning around 10:30 in Crawford County on Mo 19 about 5 miles north of Cuba. According to the highway patrol report a 2007 Hyundai Tiburon driven by an 18-year-old Female from St. James was traveling southbound and travelled off the right side of the roadway and struck a guardrail. The Hyundai returned to the roadway then travelled off the left side of the roadway and struck a guardrail, before coming to rest on the right side of the road. The driver suffered minor injuries and was transported to Missouri Baptist Sullivan by North Crawford Ambulance. The report says she was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Hyundai sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Chris and Son’s Towing. The highway patrol was assisted by the Cuba Fire Department and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held a workshop on Tuesday evening at 5:30, in the Auditorium located at 202 N. Washington Street, prior to the start of their regular meeting, to discuss action to be taken regarding vacant buildings within city limits. Following the call to order, pledge of allegiance, and prayer, the Board approved the agenda and consent agenda. Mayor Greg Parker recommended appointing ten individuals to the Community Involvement Committee; the motion carried, with Alderman John Whelan casting the only dissenting vote. The Board conducted the first and second readings of Bill No. 3682, allowing the city to continue operating under the Missouri Ethics Commission’s conflict-of-interest requirements, and Bill No. 3684, a change order from Archer-Elgin Engineering for the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Phase 2A project. The change order includes elevating the VFD controls on a platform to protect against future flooding and raising the UV system pad above flood level. The total cost of these changes is $49,647.00, and both bills passed unanimously. The Board also heard the first reading of Bill No. 3683, proposing a 2025 tax levy of $0.06780 per $100 of assessed valuation on real estate and personal property within city limits for general revenue purposes. Under new and miscellaneous business, the Board approved revisions to the Demolition Policy and Agreement, specifying that the city will cover only the costs of dumpsters, transportation, and tipping fees for asbestos removal, and will no longer require inspections by individual homeowners, once these remediations have been conducted. These changes aim to reduce costs and shorten project timelines for property owners. Kylie Clift and Jamie Cantrell were granted approval for a Mobile Home Park License. The Board also awarded several bids:  A bid from SASCO for a new Graco Paint Striping Machine in the amount of $5,999.00 that will be paid out of the Street Department Capital Improvement Fund, there is  $6,600 budgeted for this item; a bid from Fletcher-Reinhardt Company in the amount of $9,881.25 for 75 LED Luminaire dusk to dawn street lights, which will be paid out of the electric department’s street light fund; a $6,195.00 bid from Sunbelt Solomon for the purchase of a single phase pad mount 100kVA transformer for the Doss Road Cell Tower project, which will come out of the electric department’s transformer fund; a bid from Luby Shoring Services in the amount of $9,347.00 for shoring equipment that will increase team member safety in trenching situations. This will be evenly paid from the water and WWTP budget; and a bid for the purchase of 15 HP Elite Mini 800 Desktops for $13,275.00, that will replace the current desktops at the Administration Building, as well as in the Electric, Water, Wastewater, Construction, Streets, and Parks and Recreation Departments. There is $35,000 in the CIP budget for the purchase of new desktops, monitors, and installation of these desktops. After the reports of the city officials, the meeting entered executive session to discuss legal matters and contract negotiations, before adjourning.

Come and learn how to finger knit a large lap throw or chunky blanket.  Bring a friend and make it a party at the Creative Arts Center with Danielle Norris this Friday August 15th from 5:00 in the evening until 8:00. Ages 10 and are welcome. This is a beginner friendly class and is fun for all ages! No prior crochet or knitting experience is required but will be beneficial. Colors and patterns will be provided. The cost is $75. A minimum of 5 people is needed to hold the class and a maximum of 12. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center.

At the Dent County Commission meeting Monday morning, Deloris Gray Wood and Mary Beth Cook were in attendance to ask the commissioners to move the Dent County Courthouse Birthday celebration from September to Saturday, October 4th starting at 10:00 in the morning. They asked permission to use the courthouse lawn, surrounding streets, provide electric and allow them to monitor the parking areas. They also got business cards from each commissioner as a contact person for the event. The commission was good with the date change. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said materials would be added where needed and grading done on Dent County Roads 4080, 5380, 5580 and 5360, while brush will be cut on county road 5600. He also said a crew would be working with riprap on Dent County Road 6580 to shore up the banks where washouts have occurred. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said workers will be adding rock and grading Dent County Roads 2020, 2030, 2040 and 4330, while other crew members will be changing the grader blade on Grader #37. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson had nothing to report and Deputy Clerk Melissa Piatt said payroll would be done. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk came in and reported the cost of the software update for the Dent County Collector’s office to accommodate the Senior Tax Credit came in at $13,500 which is about $5,000 less than expected. The county commission approved paying the bill. 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 City of Salem, is inviting applications for a range of critical municipal roles, offering an exciting opportunity for qualified individuals to contribute to the community’s well-being. Most notably, the city is actively recruiting an Electric Line Superintendent, a pivotal leadership position responsible for overseeing the operation, maintenance, and strategic development of Salem’s electric distribution system. This full-time role, open until filled, requires a minimum of eight years of lineman experience—at least five of which must be in a supervisory capacity—as well as journeyman lineman certification and a valid Missouri Class B CDL. The successful candidate must demonstrate strong leadership skills, regulatory and safety compliance, project management prowess, and the ability to mentor and coordinate crews in both routine and emergency situations. Compensation ranges from $37.64 an hour to $44.99 an hour, depending on experience and qualifications. In addition to this specialized utility position, the city website lists two additional employment opportunities, a Water Department General Laborer, and Seasonal Cemetery Maintenance Worker. Prospective applicants are encouraged to consult the full job listings or contact the Public Works Director Steve Paine at 573-729-4811 ext 110 or via email at publicworks@salemmo.com  for more comprehensive information. Applicants should submit a resume, completed application, and copies of relevant certifications to Tammy Koller, City Clerk, via email to cityclerk@salemmo.com. Whether ensuring the reliability of the electric grid or supporting the water distribution infrastructure, these roles are foundational to the community’s safety and quality of life. Ambitious professionals with relevant experience are encouraged to consider these opportunities promptly, as the city continues its search until suitable candidates are selected.