Archive for 2025

The City of Salem’s Finance Committee will be holding a workshop this evening in the Old City Hall Auditorium located at 202 N. Washington Street at 6:00, to discuss the draft budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees met Thursday evening, May  15th at 5:00. Administrator Zach Moser presented the Service and Statistics report for the month of April. In the Communicable Disease Report, he stated there was one case of COVID-19 reported, while there were 46 active lead cases, zero Influenza A cases, two animal bites report, and there were 6 screenings for sexually transmitted infections, resulting in 24 total tests. The April environmental report showed there where 14 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, no CPR Courses held, no consultations for Childcare Health, two Show-Me Healthy Women appointments, and 30 Title X appointments were reported. There was one Presumptive Eligibility (Temporary Medicaid), while there were 339 WIC appointments. The Community-Specific Services Summary showed 607 total appointments other than WIC, 167 total provider appointments, 169 treatment court visits, 166 lab appointments and 87 immunization appointments. Nurse Practitioner Service Details showed one Show-Me Healthy Women appointment, 7 family plannings, 5 well-child visits, no online appointments, 3 other well-woman exams, no other physicals, no SEMO physicals, 63 other visits, and 71 acute illness appointments for a total of 158 visits. Physician Service Details showed no well-visits, no online appointments, 8 other physicals, no SEMO Physicals, 3 other visits, and 6 acute illness visits. Laboratory details showed 208 Lab Draws, 2 appointments for Rapid Test for COVID, Flu, RSV or Strep, 3 pregnancy tests, and there were 3 lead tests reported. Phlebotomy Appointments totaled 158, while all Lab Appointments totaling 166. Immunizations for April totaled one for COVID-19, one for Influenza, and 114 other vaccines given, including 77 MMR vaccines, for a total of 116 total doses given during 87 total appointments. In the Administrator’s report, Moser reported that the Health Center Health Fair May 2nd, was a success with 87 patients. He reported on the Community Health Assessment and that the Community Survey is now open and collecting feedback from the community. The survey can be completed by going to https://dentcohealth.org/cha/cha2025/. Moser said that the audit report is expected soon. Moser discussed the transportation program pause to figure out a plan for dispatching. He said that Human Resource Management Software is nearing a decision. Moser requested changes in the leave policies, particularly around unpaid leave and procedure for when leave is exhausted. The Board approved the changes. DCHC financials for April were reviewed, discussed, and approved. The Board went in to closed session where no motions were made. After the closed session the next regular meeting of the Board was set for Thursday, June 19th, 2025, at 5:00.
Northwood R-4 School has earned the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Tier 3 Award of Excellence. This is R-4’s first year of receiving Tier 3 recognition, highlighting their commitment to supporting every student’s academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. Hats off to Mr. Flores, the teachers, staff, and administration for their outstanding work and dedication to student success.

Memorial Day Weekend begins the Summer Concert Series at Echo Bluff State Park on Highway 19 South. Everyone is invited and all the events are free. Bring a lawn chair, quilt or blanket and enjoy these free concert under the stars. On Friday, May 23rd starting at 8:00 in the evening, listeners can enjoy the sounds of the Open Road Band who are new to the Echo Bluff’s summer series. The Open Road Band will open this year’s series with some old-time country music. On Saturday, May 24th at 8:00, Kirk Pierce will perform again at the Echo Bluff concert series. Pierce will use his soothing, sultry voice to perform a mix of covers and original songs. Then on Sunday, May 25th at 8:00 in the evening, the Travelin’ Kind returns to Echo Bluff where members Trish and Mickey are sure to delight once again as they perform covers and original songs. All concerts take place in the amphitheater at 35244 Echo Bluff Drive in Eminence.

This Saturday, starting at 8:30 in the evening, visitors to the Onondaga Cave State Park and observe “Starry Sky Nights.” The public is invited to meet in front of the visitor center at 7556 Route H in Leasburg to view the unobstructed night sky. Visitors will learn about some of the objects that can be seen. Astronomy experts will demonstrate how to use telescopes to identify stars and planets. The program is subject to rescheduling due to poor viewing conditions. Those who wish to attend can register online at icampmo.com to receive updates about the program.

An accident occurred in Dent County Monday afternoon at 12:30 on Highway P 1.5 South of Highway 32. According to the report from the Highway Patrol a 2015 Ford F250, driven by a 53-year-old man from Doolittle, traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a mailbox and a culvert, and went airborne. The driver and a 55-year-old female from Rolla both suffered minor injuries and were transported by Salem EMS to Salem Memorial Hospital. The report stated that the man was wearing a safety restraint, while the woman was not. The Ford sustained minor damage and was removed from the scene by Tune’s Towing.

The City of Salem is pleased to announce that the Hometown Grid power outage reporting system is now being used city-wide. This system was tested over the past several months and has proven to be an effective way for electric customers to report outages and stay informed during service interruptions. Residents are now asked to call or text 833-703-4811 to report a power outage—24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The system provides immediate confirmation, follow-up questions to help identify the cause, and text updates once the source of the outage is found. All reported outages appear on a public map, giving residents real-time information about affected areas at hometowngrid.com/salem. They’re asking residents to use this system instead of calling police dispatch. During outages, dispatchers are often overwhelmed by non-emergency calls. If a true emergency arises—such as a medical crisis, fire, or accident—it’s critical that dispatchers remain available to respond quickly. Reporting outages through Hometown Grid keeps our emergency lines clear and improves response times where it matters most. Customers experiencing a power outage should contact their electric provider directly. City of Salem Electric Customers should Call or text 833-703-4811. Intercounty Electric Cooperative Customers can Call 866-621-3679. The benefits of the Hometown Grid system include faster and more accurate outage reporting, real-time outage map for public viewing, streamlined operations for electric crews, and increased public safety by reducing pressure on emergency services. We encourage all residents to save 833-703-4811 in their phones as “Salem Power Outage” and to use this number any time an outage occurs. For questions, contact the Salem Utility Office at 573-729-4117. Let’s keep Salem safe, informed, and efficient!

Colonel Michael A. Turner, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like to stress the importance of safe boating and make the public aware of National Safe Boating Week, going on now. National Safe Boating Week is purposefully scheduled just prior to Memorial Day weekend, which many people consider the kickoff to the boating season. Before taking that inaugural 2025 summer boat cruise, boaters are encouraged to make time for a thorough inspection of their boat. The Patrol’s marine operations troopers make boating safety a priority and are available, at your request, to inspect the required equipment on your boat to make sure you’re in compliance with state law. Additional information on equipment inspection stations may be obtained from your local troop headquarters. In addition to an inspection, boaters should familiarize themselves with Missouri laws regarding boat operation and traditional navigational rules. Missouri law requires everyone born after January 1, 1984, who operates a vessel on Missouri lakes to possess a National Association of Safe Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating safety identification card. This includes those operating a personal watercraft. When boaters understand and obey the law, and vessels are in good operating order, everyone’s experience becomes safer. It is important for each boat operator to know the capabilities of their boat. Reducing your speed in unfamiliar areas and being aware of unusual 

important for each boat operator to know the capabilities of their boat. Reducing your speed in unfamiliar areas and being aware of unusual water conditions depending on the size and type of boat you operate are just a couple of environmental considerations. Additional safe boating tips include being a defensive boat operator, creating distance from other boats gives you more reaction time, adjusting your speed for the conditions and if visibility is poor, or the water is rough, slow down, be sure to turn off the boat while passengers are entering or exiting the water, if you will be out on the water after dark, check your navigation lights before you leave the dock or ramp, and remember every boat operator is responsible for doing whatever they can to avoid a crash. Boaters are reminded to contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol by dialing *55 on a cellular phone if they need assistance or observe another boater operating a vessel in an unsafe manner. Share the waterway and use common sense, good judgment, and courtesy to ensure the safety of all. Life jackets save lives; Wear them! Follow the Missouri State Highway Patrol on X @MSHPTrooperGHQ.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at 9:00 at the Courthouse. In the road report District One Commissioner Keith Green said his crew would be replacing some signs, as well as putting up some new ones. He said pipes will be replaced Tuesday, depending on the predicted storms. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported that Conservation Rock is still being hauled, and grading would be done on Dent County Road 2530. Williams noted that the Conservation Rock contract has be filled by the 23rd, which his crew will accomplish. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he received a message from City Administrator Sally Burbridge that electrical service to the courthouse would be run from the Jail and would cost $35,451, which the Commission has accounted for in the TAP Grant. The service would be partially overhead and partially underground. Larson also stated that he would be attending a Tourism Commission meeting Monday at 5:00. At 10:00 the commission opened bids for the Salt Shed construction at the Road and Bridge Shed. Thomas Excavating and Building submitted a bid for $31,000 and Gray Construction’s bid was for $23,880. The commissioners voted 3-0 to accept the Gray Construction bid. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

The City of Salem right-of-way crews will resume tree trimming and clearing around electric distribution lines beginning this week and continuing through the end of June. This work is part of the City’s ongoing effort to maintain a safe and reliable electric system and is required by Missouri state statute. Trimming and clearing will take place in the area roughly north of 2nd and 3rd Streets and east of portions of Highway 19. A map outlining the specific locations will be available for public viewing at the City of Salem Administrative Offices. The goals of the program are to safely provide citizens with electricity, work safely and efficiently, minimize negative impacts on the environment, protect the electric distribution system, comply with federal, state, and local regulations; reduce power outages and minimize storm cleanup and safety hazards. Crews will work as quickly and safely as possible to limit any inconvenience to residents. The City appreciates the cooperation of property owners in helping us protect the infrastructure that powers our homes and businesses.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Wednesday at the Fire Station at #2 South Main. After the call to order of the outgoing Board the roll call was taken, followed by the approval of the consent agenda, and the review and approval of the minutes of the previous meeting. The bills were then reviewed, approved and signed, plus the budget was reviewed. The monthly reimbursement report showed a total of 27 calls for April and 127 calls for the year-to-date. With no old business, the Board declared the election results where the 3.5-million-dollar bond issue passed with an in-favor vote of 63.65%. Also elected to 6-year terms were Leigh Ann Price, Jeff Stokes Jr., and John Knight. The outgoing Board then adjourned Sine Die. The Oath of Office was administered by the Secretary to Price, Stokes and Knight, followed by the call to order by the Incoming Board. Officer election results were Mike Godi, Chair/President, Dave Wells, Secretary/Treasurer, Jeff Stokes, Budget Officer, and Dennis Floyd, Custodian of Records. In new business L. J. Hart and Company were present to report on the bond. They noted that there is a 30-day waiting period in case the election is contested, then the bonds will be distributed. The Board approved a resolution for the sale and issuance of the Series 2025 General Obligation Bonds, of the Dent County Fire Protection District to L.J.Hart & Company. The Board voted to have an audit conducted every year which will be turned in by June. Signature cards were signed for all documents necessary for banking accounts and CD accounts. The Board voted that Progressive Ozark Bank signatures will be by all of the Board members. The Board then reviewed and updated  the by-laws. Section V Amendment for Electronic Meetings was approved by the Board. Section II change to read minimum age 30 was approved 4-0, with 1 abstention. Also, a motion was made and carried that Board members must reside in the district for 2 years. A Website for the department was presented and reviewed. The approximate cost would be $10 to $30 per year. After reviewing the Website was approved to keep patrons of the department informed of events. The Treasurer presented information about the acquisition of the 7-month CD at Town & Country Bank at 4.25%. Chief Floyd presented the Board with pictures of the decals that are proposed for the new truck. He then reported that the pumper tanker can have a letter of intent placed on the truck locking in the price at $430,000.00. He was also asked to get the best price for 3 trucks. After discussion the Board passed a motion to sign a letter of intent for 2 trucks in order to lock in the price at current rates. Chief Floyd then presented quotes from Sentinel for SCBA for $118,845.85 and $45,000.00 for skid units for the new trucks. He said that due to tariffs these must be purchased now to lock in the prices and quantities. After discussion a motion was made to accept the bids that were presented. The next meeting for the Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors was set for June 10th at 6:00 at the Fire Station pending any necessary changes from insurance representatives.