Archive for 2025

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the courthouse. Citizens Gary and Vivian Fitszinger were in attendance to discuss a low-water crossing on Dent County Road 3040. They said the one culvert pipe that is open is rusted through and water is leaking from the pipe into the gravel and coming out under the concrete, undermining the crossing. The other three pipes are compacted with gravel. Second District Commissioner Jimmy Williams said they will check it out as soon as they can to see what can be done. In the road report, District One Commissioner Keith Green said brush would be cut on Dent County Roads 5100, 5103 and 5105. He stated a crew would be changing a tire on a grader in the Bunker area and then continue grading on county road 5670 as well as other roads near Route A. Where needed, gravel will be added to those roads. Green said a truck needed to be taken to the shop and potholes will be patched on chip and seal roads. District Two Commissioner Williams reported that rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 2380 and 4280. He said a grader has broken down and John Deere has been contacted for repairs. Williams went on to say a truck that has been repaired would be picked up from Springfield. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported on the local special recycling collection event that will be held on September 13th at 3rd and Grand Streets in Salem for electronics that includes anything with a cord or battery from 9:00 in the morning until noon. There may be a charge from some items like TV’s and monitors. The Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District will also be collecting old used tires for a small charge. If you have any questions, please contact the MRPC at 573-265-2993 and ask for Jill Hollowell. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said bills were being approved by the commissioners for payment, and she again wanted to remind all tax entities such as the City of Salem, all school districts, the Salem Memorial Hospital, the Dent County Health Center, the fire districts, etc., that they need to properly publish their tax rate hearing dates as soon as possible. The commissioners set their tax rate hearing for August 18th at 10:00. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk reported six real estate parcels will be sold on the courthouse steps on August 25th at 10:00. Persons interested in those properties can pick up a list at the collector’s office in the courthouse. She also said the county received and approved 436 applications for the SB190 Homestead Real Estate Tax credits for senior citizens. Those who are 62 years of age and older will have to reapply again next year for the tax credit, but VanKirk set there will be a simpler way to renew if they qualified this year. VanKirk said she will notify all of the tax entities by November 15th and provide them with their expected tax revenues. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday, August 4th at the Dent County Courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

Missouri families looking to save on back-to-school shopping will get a break during the state’s annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, which began today, and continues through midnight on Sunday. During this three-day period, purchases of qualifying school-related items will be exempt from both state and local sales taxes. The tax exemption applies to a variety of items essential for the upcoming school year. Clothing items priced at $100 or less per item are eligible, Materials used to make school uniforms or other school clothing are also included. School supplies are also included, provided they do not exceed $50 per item. This category covers classroom essentials such as textbooks, notebooks, writing instruments, crayons, rulers, backpacks, chalk, maps, handheld calculators under $150, and computer software valued at $350 or less. In addition, personal computers and computer peripheral devices priced at $1,500 or less qualify for the tax holiday. For 2025, all cities, counties, and special tax districts in Missouri are participating, meaning that shoppers will receive the full tax exemption across the state. For more information about eligible purchases and reporting requirements is available at the Missouri Department of Revenue’s website, dor.mo.gov.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors held its regular monthly business meeting Tuesday evening in the Doctor’s Library at the hospital. Following the call to order, roll call, and approval of the agenda, the board heard a public comment from Long Term Care resident Judy Thompson, who expressed a desire to see improvements in the Long Term Care menu. She noted that the current menus have remained unchanged for decades and that the food provided is unappealing. CEO Brooke Bollman responded by stating that one of the hospital’s priorities for the current fiscal year is to update menu options. After approving the minutes, Bollman delivered her report, highlighting that the hospital had completed its fiscal year 2025 performance evaluations, begun upgrading computers to Windows 11, updated its price transparency information, and helped raise $1,400 in support of the 4-H FFA Expo. She also announced that the Salem Memorial Hospital Foundation Meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 6 at noon, and the Monty Memorial Dedication is scheduled for Sunday, August 24 at 2:00 p.m. Bollman went on to review several key accomplishments from fiscal year 2025, including reducing Accounts Payable from $2.6 million this time last year to $600,000. Looking ahead, she outlined plans to invest more in capital equipment, update employee service discounts, and implement a five-year strategic plan. In June, the hospital experienced a decrease in inpatient admissions and outpatient registrations, but an increase in emergency room visits and ambulance runs. Total operating revenue for June was just over $2 million, with operating expenses around $2.6 million, resulting in a net loss of $500,000. Despite that, the hospital ended the fiscal year with a $5.5 million profit. Additionally, there was a net profit of $61,230 in 340B revenue, and the hospital currently has 30 days of cash on hand. After approving the financial report, Amber Hogan presented the Chief Nursing Officer’s report, and Jennifer Hugenot delivered the Human Resources report. During the Quality and Risk report, Kendra Mobray noted that staff continues to cultivate a “Culture of Caring,” and there were 22 reported events, the majority of which were documentation errors. In new business, the board approved policy updates regarding dress code, information technology, and the quality performance improvement plan. They also passed Resolution 2601, authorizing the filing of their annual conflict of interest statement with the Missouri Board of Ethics. The board scheduled a public tax meeting for August 26 at 6:55 p.m., to be held just before their regular business meeting. The session concluded with an adjournment to executive session to discuss personnel matters.

The Habitat Association, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring and conserving healthy ecosystems across North America, has teamed up with the National Wild Turkey Federation to bolster the future of wild turkey conservation in Missouri and to support broader ecosystem enhancements. Years in the making, the donation from The Habitat Association helped the National Wild Turkey Federation purchase a 7-by-14-foot enclosed trailer, which will serve as a vital asset for habitat management efforts in the Show Me State. Specifically, this trailer will support prescribed fire operations, a key tool in maintaining and improving wild turkey habitat. Aaron Warbritton, a board member of The Habitat Association said he started working with Brian Gray at NWTF on potential project ideas a few years ago. Warbritton said Gray and John Burk, NWTF district biologist, began looking into the prescribed fire trailer, and then The Habitat Association worked collaboratively with NWTF to fund the trailer. The trailer will be used to transport prescribed fire equipment, increasing the frequency and acreage of burns on both private and public lands across Missouri. Returning fire to these landscapes is crucial for restoring woodlands, glades and forests — creating the essential habitat wild turkey broods need to thrive. The unit will be stationed with the Twin Rivers Prescribed Burn Association in eastern Missouri, further strengthening the state’s expanding network of conservationists committed to responsible land management. The Prescribed Burn Associations were first established in Missouri in 2015 with support from NWTF grants, local Quail Forever chapters and the Missouri Department of Conservation. Burk said that the Prescribed Burn Association development has exploded in Missouri over the last three years. He went on to note that they started with just four in existence, and now they’re nearing 20 statewide, bringing them closer to full state-wide coverage. With this investment, The Habitat Association and the NWTF continue to advance conservation efforts, ensuring a healthier future for wild turkeys and their habitats across Missouri.

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees met Thursday evening, July 17th at 5:00. Administrator Zach Moser presented the Service and Statistics report for the month of June. In the Communicable Disease Report, he stated there were no cases of COVID-19 reported, while the active lead cases were reported at 74, plus 16 CD cases There was one Influenza A case, 8 animal bites were report, and there were 5 screenings for sexually transmitted infections, resulting in 16 total tests. The June environmental report showed there where 9 total inspections conducted. The Maternal-Child Health (MCH) statistics showed there were two car seats distributed, and one Show-Me Healthy Women appointment, there were 2 CPR Courses, no consultations for Childcare Health, and 14 Title X appointments were reported. There was one Presumptive Eligibility (Temporary Medicaid), while there were 344 WIC appointments. The Community-Specific Services Summary showed 457 total appointments other than WIC, 115 total provider appointments, 162 treatment court visits, 146 lab appointments and 21 immunization appointments. Nurse Practitioner Service Details showed one Show-Me Healthy Women appointment, 6 family plannings, one well-child visits, no online appointments, 3 other well-woman exams, 14 other physicals, 8 SEMO physicals, 42 other visits, and 40 acute illness appointments for a total of 115 visits. Laboratory details showed 174 Lab Draws, one appointment for Rapid Test for COVID, Flu, RSV or Strep, 2 pregnancy tests, 8 lead tests reported, plus 37 other urine drug screenings. Phlebotomy Appointments totaled 136, while all Lab Appointments totaling 146. Immunizations for June totaled none for COVID-19 or for Influenza, and 42 other vaccines given during 21 appointments. In the Administrator’s report, Moser reported that the Health Center is planning to hold a Back-to-School Drive Through for vaccines August 9th, COVID/Flu Drive Through October 2nd, and the Fall Health Fair October 17th. He reported on the Community Health Assessment has now closed and the final report is being created. Moser said the transportation program is finalizing interviews with a target of starting in late August. He discussed key personnel changes coming in the next weeks. Financials were discussed with Moser explaining the changes that reversed May’s large loss, attributed mostly to the timing of expenses and receipts. As of June 30th, DCHC had a net income of $35,860.74. The Board approved the financial reports for the month of June. Moser discussed the $250,000 CD currently held at Progressive Ozark Bank that is set to expire at the end of July. The Board voted to authorize Moser to secure the best rate and make the new deposit. No closed session was held, and the next regular meeting of the Board and the tax rate hearing was set for Thursday, August 21st, 2025, at 5:00.

The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds Missouri deer, turkey, waterfowl, and dove hunters that new booklets for upcoming hunting seasons are now available. Hunters and others can get the most current information on upcoming fall hunting from the Department of Conservation 2025 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet and the Department of Conservation Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2025-2026. The 2025 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet has detailed information on fall deer and turkey hunting seasons, limits, permits, managed hunts, regulations, conservation areas to hunt, post-harvest instructions, chronic wasting disease (CWD) updates, and more. The booklet is available where permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov. The Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2025-2026 has detailed information on waterfowl hunting along with hunting doves and other migratory game birds such as rail, snipe, and woodcock. It also has information on needed permits and duck-stamp requirements, hunting seasons and limits, hunting areas, regulations, and more. The digest is available where permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov. Buy Missouri hunting and fishing permits from numerous vendors around the state or online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits.

The Creative Arts Center is holding a 5-week class focused on throwing pottery on the wheel. There will be 2-3 days for throwing, 1-2 days for trimming, and a final day for glazing. This is a 5-week class for both beginners looking for something new and those who are looking for a little more time and practice on the wheel. Time will be spent working on the basic skills and techniques of creating a piece on the wheel and gain new insight and techniques as we are able to spend more time in the class focusing on your work. Expect to create 5 to 10 pieces from this class. Beth Rosenkoetter will be the instructor of the 5 Monday night the classes start August 4th and last till Sept. 1st.  Class will be from 5:30 in the evening until 7:30. The cost is $160. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors will hold their regular meeting tonight at 7:00 in the hospital library. After the call to order, roll call and approval of the agenda, public comments or presentations that are limited to 3 minutes will be heard. No old business is on the agenda, however new business to be conducted includes discussing bank and conflict of interest resolutions, and reviewing policies and procedures. The board will go into executive session to discuss personnel and legal issues. Except for the executive session the meeting of the Salem Hospital Board of Directors is open to the public. Anyone that would like to attend by telephone or electronic means should contact the SMH Administration office at 573-729-6626 Extension 4005.

The Board of Directors of the Dent County Fire Protection District at a regular meeting on May 14, 2025 approved the sale of $3,500,000 General Obligation Bond Issue to its Municipal Bond Underwriter, L.J. Hart & Company of St. Louis. The bonds were finalized on June 23, 2025. These General Obligation Bonds were approved by voters at the April 8, 2025 election, for the purpose of providing funds for acquiring new fire trucks and other fire fighting and medical equipment for the first responders of the District. The bond marketing process provided the first opportunity to invest to local financial institutions, and according to L.J. Hart & Company representatives, the Bank of Salem purchased $120,000, Progressive Ozark Bank acquired $330,000, Town and Country Bank bought $570,000, and $275,000 was made available through Edward Jones. The local support was very helpful to the success of the financing. The information shared by L. J. Hart & Company indicated that the bonds are scheduled to mature on March 1st, 2028 through March 1st, 2045 at a 5.00% interest rate with reoffered yields ranging from 3.35% to 5.05% which produces additional funds in the amount of $92,254.60. The interest income from the bonds is exempt from federal and state of Missouri income taxes and the bonds were available in $5,000 denominations. The bonds do contain optional redemption (call) provisions on March 1st, 2030 at no penalty that will facilitate the reduction of future interest expense in the event of prepayment or a future refunding to lower rates if market conditions make it economically feasible. The financing proceeds became available to the District on July 17, 2025 and will be reinvested by the District to earn additional interest for use in the completion of the projects. 

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning in the courthouse. Dave Thompson from Dent County Road 4020 was in attendance and thanked the commission for the work done on the road, but said the hill was still in need of attention. Second District Commissioner Jimmy Williams said he would look into it. In the road report, 1st District Commissioner Keith Green said a new tire will be put on the Mantis brush cutter before crews continue work on county roads 5080 and 5085. He also said a crew will be changing out grader blades on two graders before moving them to the Bunker area for grading scheduled on today. Second District Commissioner Williams stated new driveway pipes will be installed on county roads 2010, 2050 and 2110. Rock will also be added to those roads were needed He said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2180, 2183, 2185 and 4290 while a downed limb will be removed on Dent County Road 3233. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson had nothing to report, and Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said bills and payroll would be approved.  The next meeting of the Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the Dent County Courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

The flood recovery team, consisting of staff from Montauk State Park, Rock Island State Park and members of the statewide construction unit with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks, has been selected as the department’s Team Members of the Month for July 2025. The group was selected for their service to the department and their effort with cleanup after flooding severely damaged portions of Montauk State Park in November 2024. Members of the recovery team include Jeremy  Anthony, Alan Briscoe, David Callahan, Jim Duryee, John Foster, Jeffrey Gibson, Carl Gisselbeck, Chad Kearbey, Curtis Johnson, Brian Meyer, Jessie Nyman, Daryn Ruble, Chad Smith, Kevin Wilkins, and Caleb Wright. In early November 2024, heavy rains led flooding along the Current River. The river rose to an unprecedented 19.58 feet. The floodwaters destroyed two cabins; washed out sections of the road; damaged playgrounds, the shower house and the historic Montauk Mill; and shorted out electrical systems in the campground. In addition, many areas were inundated with debris, sand and gravel once floodwaters receded.  Pete Hovey, the park superintendent, who nominated the team for the award, said that thankfully, no injuries were reported. He went on to say that the goal was to have the park reopen by March 1 for opening day of catch-and-keep trout season. Within days, the team was in the park with excavators and dump trucks removing tons of sand, gravel and woody debris. The team removed an estimated 300 truckloads of sand and gravel, repaired sections of washed-out roads, cleared what was left of the two cabins, and replaced electric infrastructure in the campground. With pure grit and determination, the crew met their goal of getting the park open in time for the trout season opener, an event steeped in tradition for many Missourians. Hovey said that these individuals did a lot of the repetitive heavy lifting in fair and foul weather, and we would not have recovered without them.