Archive for 2025

There will be a special meeting of the Board of Alderman this evening at 6:00 in the Old City Hall Auditorium located at 202 North Washington Street. After call to order, roll call, and approved agenda the board will have first reading of Bill 3673, Bill 3674, Bill 3675, Bill 3676, and Bill 3677. These bills all are an ordinance establishing rates for electric services provided by the City of Salem. Next is Bill 3678 an ordinance authorizing the mayor to execute Change Order No 5 with Donald Maggi, Inc. for the Salem sidewalk improvements project. Then Bill 3679 an ordinance adopting an annual budget for the City of Salem. Up next is Resolution No 23-2025 authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement between the city and the Meramec Regional Planning Commission for technical assistance. The board will also discuss credit and debit card processing charges and Bid-3 phase demand meters before going into closed session.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson was not in attendance due to prior commitments. District 1 Commissioner Keith Green acted as the temporary Presiding Commissioner. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams presented the PILT monies received and that total came to $186,132.00 which is $7,814 more than last year. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Green said the crews will be grading around the Highway 119 area and then move towards Montauk. He also said a crew was going to repair some washouts on Maledy Ford and Dent Ford Roads. He said all graders were in operation. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 2210, 2360 and 3250. He said grading would be done on county roads 4020, 4270 and 4280 that will be used more now with the MoDOT closure of Route TT in Sligo. Williams also indicated that brush would be cut on Dent County Roads 3260, 3270, 3273 and 3275.  He also said the county has been reimbursed $30,100 from the Department of Conservation for the work the county did on the roads leading to conservation areas. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reminded businesses that the Liquor License renewal deadline is June 30th and there are still 10 businesses that have not yet renewed their license. Grant Wilson from Representative Jason Smith’s Rolla office was in and said Smith continues to work on the passage of the Trump “One Big, Beautiful Bill” by Independence Day. Commissioner Green said bids were taken for red dye diesel fuel and the low bid was County Fuels at $2.48 per gallon. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk said people have until June 30th to pay their 2022 real estate tax bill to keep that property from being sold on the courthouse lawn. VanKirk said any payment now needs to be made with cash or a cashier’s check. Personal checks will NOT be accepted. At the last meeting, Kevin Crider from the University Extension came to the meeting to discuss the feral hog situation. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be this morning at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

On Wednesday, June 25th in the 42nd Judicial Court held in Dent County, Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley reported that Isaac Ghormley of Salem, who was currently serving an imposed sentence in the Department of Corrections for the Possession of a Controlled Substance, pled guilty to the possession of methamphetamine. He was again sentenced to serve seven years in the Department of Corrections as recommended by Prosecutor Curley.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held its regular meeting Tuesday evening at 6:00 in the City Hall Auditorium. Following the removal of language referencing a closed session, the agenda was approved. Police Chief Joe Chase presented a bid from RCC Radio Communications of Washington, Missouri, for the purchase of a Harris XL200P radio. The total bid, which includes a trade-in promotion for the inoperable radio, came to $5,728.70. The Board approved the purchase. Several resolutions were reviewed and approved. Resolution No. 18-2025 renewing the agreement with the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce for the continued use of the Visitor Center for fiscal year 2026; Resolution No. 19-2025 authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding with MSU–West Plains to continue using the City Hall basement to host the Adult Education and Literacy Program; Resolution No. 20-2025 renewing the agreement with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) for sewer shed disease trend monitoring. Under the agreement, DHSS will provide testing supplies, and the city’s Sewer Department will deliver weekly samples to the local health department. The city will be reimbursed $100 per sample, up to $5,000 during the contract period. Resolution No. 21-2025 authorizing Mayor Greg Parker to sign the renewal of the city’s health insurance plan through United Healthcare, as required by the Affordable Care Act; Resolution No. 22-2025 approving an agreement with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) to begin construction on the ADA Transition Plan Improvements, with work anticipated to start in February 2026. The project is estimated at $1.8 million, any cost to the city has not yet been identified. The Board also revisited a tabled discussion regarding utility access outside city boundaries. Alderman John Whelan made a motion to allow services without requiring voluntary annexation, citing existing infrastructure; however, the motion failed for lack of a second. A subsequent motion requiring voluntary annexation prior to service approval was passed, with Whelan the only opposing vote. City Administrator Sally Burbridge requested a special meeting be scheduled for Monday, June 30, to discuss the city’s budget and other matters. Mayor Parker highlighted several upcoming summer events, including the annual Dent County Toy Drive. During his report, Public Works Director Steve Paine noted that the city’s lighting, in the park, cannot be turned off during the Fourth of July fireworks display. Alderwoman Cathy Dent announced that the Salem Community Choir will perform a Patriotic Spectacular at City Hall on July 4. The meeting then adjourned.

Music lovers are invited to Echo Bluff State Park for a great local family band, the “Lone Pine Band” concert tomorrow evening at 8:00. For detailed information regarding this concert or any events at Echo Bluff you can visit, mostateparks.com/events. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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 and the consent agenda. Stacey Hall, Angela Dingess and Alivia Parker will share information with the Board followed by student recognition. In the Superintendent’s Report CSIP Goals will be addressed in all reports, updates will be shared on the FEMA building, and the budget. 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 the board will consider a large number of approvals including a resolution to make all applicable transfers from Funds 1, 2 and 4, participation in the state salary grants, amending the 2024-2025 budget to reflect actual expenditures and revenues, the 2025-2026 PD Plan, the SLP-A Contract with Alcorn Therapy & Consulting, the contracts with Communication Development, LLC, authorization of Nathan Wills and Traci Wulff as the personnel for the Salem R80 lock box at the Bank of Salem, Jason Green as signatory on the general account for Salem R80 at the Bank of Salem and the removal of Phillip Mercer, request for a Construction Trades out of state trip, RTI consortium agreement, Cahills change order (hand dryers), Compass Health MOU, Developmental Preschool Lease, audit bid, UE roof bid, and the 2025-2026 budget.  Also, in new business the Board will hear the first read of MSBA 2025B policy updates and UE Policy updates, plus declare surplus property of 75 desks, 40 wooden chairs and #2 bus. The Board will address the transfer of Melissa Plank form 1st to 4th grade, the hiring of Teresa Wilken as UE paraprofessional, and resignations or retirements of Middle School secretary Shelly Kerr and WL paraprofessional Elizabeth Brown before adjourning and moving into Executive Session to consider personnel.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released the following incident reports in June. On Monday, June 16th, deputies responded to a call in the 1900 block of Dent County Road 6460 for the theft of building equipment. That investigation is ongoing. That same day, deputies responded to a call for stolen equipment from the 9000 block of West Highway 32. They found that a Bobcat and its attachments had been taken from the property. That investigation is also ongoing. On Wednesday, June 18th, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 200 block of Dent County Road 4190. The driver was found to be in possession of a controlled substance and was arrested. On Thursday, June 19th, the sheriff’s department received a call for the theft of farm equipment in the 200 block of Dent County Road 6550. The investigation is ongoing. On Friday, June 20th, deputies conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Highway 69 and 19. The driver had an outstanding active warrant and was subsequently arrested. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 573-729-3241 if you have any information about any ongoing investigation.

Repairs to the low-water crossing on Dent County Route TT are now expected to be complete July 3. The Missouri Department of Transportation closed Route TT again June 16 to finish work that was postponed due to material shortages. The low-water crossing was damaged and closed in April 2025. It reopened in mid-May after critical repairs, but additional materials were needed to complete the work. Those materials have now arrived. During the closure, motorists must use alternate routes. MoDOT warns drivers to never move or drive around barricades, which are placed for safety. Moving barricades endangers both the driver and others who may encounter damaged roadways or floods without warning. MoDOT asks motorists to buckle up, put phones down, obey traffic signs, and slow down in work zones. For traffic updates, call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT or visit the Traveler Information Map. Information is available 24/7 via social media.

The City of Salem Finance Committee will be meeting tonight at 6:00 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory at 1200 West Rolla Road in the Rotary Room. After the call to order and roll call the committee will discuss the 2025-26 Draft Capital Improvement Plan and the Draft Budget. Afterwards the meeting will be adjourned. Tonight’s meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will hold a special meeting tonight at 6:00 at the Fire Station at #2 South Main. After the call to order, and the roll call, will be the approval of the consent agenda, which will include the review of the minutes of the June 18th meeting and approval of any bills. Old business to be addressed includes insurance and Brush Trucks. New business will be considered followed by the Chief’s Report. Closed session may be held, if necessary, followed by adjournment.

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees met Thursday evening, June 19th at 5:00. Administrator Zach Moser presented the Service and Statistics report for the month of May. In the Communicable Disease Report, he stated there were no cases of COVID-19 reported, while the active lead cases were not reported, there were zero Influenza A cases, four animal bites were report, and there were 13 screenings for sexually transmitted infections, resulting in 40 total tests. The May environmental report showed there where 8 total inspections conducted, no recalls, no sewer complaints, and no environmental questions were fielded. The Maternal-Child Health (MCH) statistics showed there were no car seats distributed, and no Show-Me Healthy Women appointments, however there were 3 CPR Courses, one consultation for Childcare Health, and 14 Title X appointments were reported. There were no Presumptive Eligibility (Temporary Medicaid), while there were 336 WIC appointments. The Community-Specific Services Summary showed 463 total appointments other than WIC, 125 total provider appointments, 151 treatment court visits, 260 lab appointments and 22 immunization appointments. Nurse Practitioner Service Details showed no Show-Me Healthy Women appointment, 11 family plannings, 4 well-child visits, no online appointments, 4 other well-woman exams, 2 other physicals, 5 SEMO physicals, 47 other visits, and 52 acute illness appointments for a total of 125 visits. Laboratory details showed 260 Lab Draws, 3 appointments for Rapid Test for COVID, Flu, RSV or Strep, 3 pregnancy tests, there were 8 lead tests reported, plus 38 other urine drug screenings. Phlebotomy Appointments totaled 139, while all Lab Appointments totaling 149. Immunizations for May totaled 2 for COVID-19, one for Influenza, and 43 other vaccines given, for a total of 46 total doses given during 22 total 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 and that the Community Survey is open and collecting feedback from the community. The survey can be completed by going to https://dentcohealth.org/cha/cha2025/. Moser said the transportation program plan for dispatching has been finalized and interviews are resuming. He said that the “Ripling” Software was chosen for Human Resource Management and is nearing completion. The software streamlines employee review, training, etc. Moser presented a draft of changes to the Administrative Manual and asked for feedback. The Board will review the manual with approval to be at a future meeting. Financials were discussed with Moser explaining in detail the causes for the large loss for the month, which included two grants that had delayed payments, resulting in decreased revenue, and several end of grant year expenses that were incurred and will be repaid in future months. He also explained that one position was eliminated by attrition. The Board spent around 40 minutes reviewing and discussing the DCHC financials before they were approved for May. The 2024 audit was presented which showed an unmodified opinion with no deficiencies noted. No closed session was held and the next regular meeting of the Board was set for Thursday, July 17th, 2025, at 5:00.