Archive for 2026

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met for a special meeting on Wednesday at noon. After approval of the agenda, the board approved the annual ECSE First Student Transportation contract, alongside a three-year contract with Wagner Photography. The board discussed and approved a bid for a Ford Expedition by Schicker Automotive of St. Louis, pending an inspection and test drive. Power School, a website the district utilizes for hiring and hosting job applications, was approved for renewal for the upcoming school year, as well. Superintendent Nathan Wills discussed with the board the bids received for the Upper Elementary parking lot. After further inspection, it was revealed the parking lot requires more than just the overlay that had been bid. The parking lot contains severe cracking, described Wills, and may need asphalt and concrete replacement. With that being said, the board rejected the bids received with the intention to put out another Request for Bids (RFB) later in the year. Wills described that work on the parking lot may need to be phased out over several years in order to lessen cost impacts. Finally, the board approved prepayment of the Series 2020 bonds in the amount of $180,291.67. Under personnel, the board approved the hiring of Sydney Dothage as an ECSE Aide and Jessey Kissir as a Middle School Paraprofessional, along with the resignation of Angel Hunter as a ECSE Paraprofessional. The board then voted to enter executive session for the discussion of personnel. The next regular meeting of the Salem R-80 Board of Education will be Thursday, Aug. 20th at 5:30 in the evening and will include the annual tax rate hearing. These meetings are open to the public.

The Dent County Fire Protection District (DCFPD) Board of Directors met for its regular meeting Tuesday evening. The board began the meeting with the Tax Rate Hearing. No changes were made with the tax rate remaining at .2382 and the bond rate at .2300. The consent agenda was then approved, containing minutes from the previous meeting, financial reports, bills, payments, and statements, and budget and reconciliations. Fire Chief Derek Thomas presented the monthly reimbursement report with a total of 19 calls for the month and 140 total calls for the year. The board then went into closed session to discuss legal actions and personnel. The next regular meeting of the DCFPD Board of Directors will be Tuesday, Sept. 8th at 6:00 in the evening and is open to the public.

The Phelps County Public Housing Agency is seeking landlords for the Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly known as Section 8. Landlords are needed in Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps and Washington counties. The program assists low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities afford decent, safe and sanitary rental housing from private landlords. Some of the benefits of accepting Housing Choice Vouchers include a large pool of potential tenants, guaranteed rental income, free advertising of available units, lower vacancies and unit oversight by qualified housing inspectors. Currently, there are 173 families with Housing Choice Vouchers in the Meramec Region searching for approved housing and another 415 families on the waiting list. For more information or questions, contact Housing Manager Donald Keeney at 573-265-4200 ext. 128 or via email at dkeeney@meramecregion.org.

Missouri Crayfish Finders is the newest citizen science project being conducted in cooperation with Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC.) This project assists MDC by tracking populations of invasive crayfish throughout the state and updating the known distribution of Missouri’s diverse crayfish communities. Missouri is home to over 40 species of crayfish, including 26 Species of Conservation Concern.Those interested in participating are encouraged to take photos for scientists to accurately identify crayfish species. This project is open to anyone to participate across the state, so long as you have a valid Missouri fishing permit in order to catch and release crayfish. Interested in participating? Learn more by visiting the link to the Missouri Stream Team website at mostreamteam.org/missouri-crayfish-finders. 

Mentoring makes a difference where one hour per week can help change a child’s life. Mentors are already providing this service to students at the Salem R-80 Middle School, Salem R-80 Upper Elementary school, the North Wood R-4 School for 3rd through 6th graders, and this year the program has been expanded to cover Dent-Phelps R-3 school and Oak Hill R-1 as well, but more mentors are needed. Mentors can be a friend to these children, helping them with homework or just playing a game with them offering encouragement and support. Mentored youth are less likely to misuse alcohol and drugs, respond more positively to teachers and parents, and have greater feelings of self-worth with improved confidence and social skills. Healthy Dent County is the coordinator of this program. If you have one hour per week to become a mentor at any of the schools listed, contact Liberty Ross at 573-729-8163, text 573-247-4886 or email liberty@salemcommunitycenter.org.

It’s that time of year again. School is getting ready to get started! Be sure to be prepared by attending the Back to School Fair at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory this coming Friday, Aug. 14th from 3:00 to 7:00 in the afternoon. There will be free backpacks and school supplies, games and prizes, free food, free socks and underwear, giveaways, and community resources. Call Donna at South Central Missouri Community Action Agency (SCMCAA) to preregister at 573-729-3500.

It was released Tuesday night that the Salem Police Department, in coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) St. Louis Field Office, will be conducting a joint search operation on Wednesday, Aug. 12th along the walking trail between Rolla Road and the Salem Care Center. The walking trail will be closed to public access from 8:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon. This operation is part of an ongoing investigative effort related to a 2015 homicide case. Community members are asked to avoid the area during the operation and provide investigators with the space necessary to conduct their work. The Salem Police Department appreciates the community’s understanding, cooperation, and continued support as it remains committed to seeking answers and pursuing justice for the community.

The City of Salem’s Utility Committee will be holding a meeting tonight at 6:15 in the evening at the Old City Hall Auditorium on 202. North Washington Street. This meeting is open to the public. After approval of the agenda and any scheduled public comments, the committee will consider the approval of the previous meeting minutes and then hear reports from the chairman. The board will then discuss utility meter testing, solid waste pickup and disposal bids, and the Nexgrid customer portal. Under reports, the committee will hear a financial and billing update, discuss notes from the Missouri Public Utility Alliance (MPUA) and Mid-Missouri Municipal Power Energy Pool (MMMPEP) meetings, and hear work reports from utility crew members. The committee will then adjourn.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held a meeting Tuesday evening at the Old City Hall Auditorium. With no public comments, the board moved along to approving a street closure for the annual “Trunk-or-Treat” from Macarthur to 4th Street on Halloween, Oct. 31st. The appointment of Derrick Marfitt to the Utility Committee was then approved. The East Roosevelt Project was discussed, which is planned to replace aging waterlines, sewerlines, pavement, and potentially sidewalks from Hwy. 19 to Mildred Street. The preliminary opinion of Toth & Associates’ indicates a total project cost of approximately $2.5 million. The board approved several motions to submit an application to the Delta Regional Authority’s (DRA) Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF) grant for the East Roosevelt Project for $1 million, the maximum amount for the grant; if awarded, the grant will be utilized for the sewer line portion of the project. The remaining $1.5 million is planned to come from the Special Streets, Capital Improvements, and Water funds. If the city is not awarded a minimum of $500,000 in grant funding, the project will not proceed until other grant or outside funding is found. Under bids, the board approved an emergency purchase of an additional $3,150 to inspect and reinstall the Wastewater Treatment Plant’s RAS pump. The board approved two ordinances between the city and Archer-Elgin for engineering services related to the Wastewater Treatment Facility improvements, recommended by Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR.) One of these ordinances will allow for additional hard and electronic copies of plans and specifications to be made, while the other will allow for additional engineering scope for the disposal of existing biosolids at a cost of $128,834, funded through the MDNR Clean Water SRF Emerging Contaminants grant. In reports of city officials, Mayor Greg Parker recognized and thanked Water Superintendent Chris McGuirt, who has served the city for 30 years and will be retiring. McGuirt expressed his appreciation of the current City of Salem’s administration. City Administrator Sally Burbridge shared that the Roosevelt Project is one of several key areas where infrastructure improvements are planned in the future. Grants and outside funding is constantly being sought by staff to ensure the least amount of impact on rates for residents. Burbridge further shared a report on recent meetings with the Missouri Public Utility Alliance (MPUA) and its power pool, Mid-Missouri Municipal Power Energy Pool (MMMPEP.) Burbridge shared that MMMPEP has awarded a bid to Tesla for an 8 megawatt battery pack capable of deploying 2 megawatts for up to 4 hours, in order to shave peak demand during  peak alerts for the entire power pool. Site selection is underway by MPUA for that pilot project. Finance Director Stacey Houston shared a financial update, stating that July Fiscal Year 2026-27 sales tax revenues have seen a 30% increase over prior year at $429,961. For electric, revenues billed totalled $621,472; for water, revenues billed were $123,301; and for sewer, revenues billed were $138,618. The city has paid MPUA $544,867. Houston shared that overall expenditures, a total of $2.1 million, exceeded overall revenues, a total of $1.5 million, primarily due to significant grant-related expenses being paid before reimbursements were posted. The combined fund balance of all city funds is approximately $16.9 million. Parks and Recreation Director Melissa DuBois shared that flag football and cheerleading season is ongoing with registration open; work is ongoing for the Salem MO Spectacular planned for Oct. 24th; and a mural is being painted by Hannah Heithold behind the splash pad. The board then voted to enter closed session for the purposes of discussing real estate and attorney-client privileges. To watch this meeting recorded, visit youtube.com/@CityofSalemMissouri. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be Tuesday, Aug. 25th at 6:00 in the evening.

The City of Salem Parks & Recreation reminds that registration is open for Flag Football and Cheerleading with a $10 late fee until Aug. 18th. This is for those within 1st to 6th Grade, with practice to start the week of Aug. 31st and games to start Sept. 26th. The cost is $35 for Flag Football and $45 for Cheerleading. For more information, contact salemparks@salemmo.com or visit the City of Salem Parks & Recreation Facebook page at facebook.com/SalemMoParks.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be holding its regular meeting Tuesday evening at 6:00 at the Old City Hall Auditorium on 202 North Washington Street. After the approval of the agenda and consent agenda, any public comments will be heard. After, there will be two street closures to be considered, including one for the annual “Trunk-or-Treat” and another from Randy League for the Current Rivers’ Car Club. The board will also consider a board appointment to the Utility Committee. Under new and miscellaneous business, the board will consider submitting an application to the Delta Regional Authority’s (DRA) Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF) grant for the East Roosevelt Project. Meanwhile, under bids, the board will be asked to approve an emergency purchase of an additional $3,150 to inspect and reinstall the Wastewater Treatment Plant’s RAS pump. There will be two bills to be considered for approval by the board, both of which add addendums between the city and Archer-Elgin for engineering services related to the Wastewater Treatment Facility improvements. One of these addendums will allow for additional hard and electronic copies of plans and specifications to be made, while the other will allow for additional engineering scope for the disposal of existing biosolids at a cost of $128,834, funded through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Clean Water SRF Emerging Contaminants grant. There will then be reports heard from city officials, if any. The board will then take a vote to hold a closed session for the purposes of discussing real estate and litigation. The board will then adjourn. This meeting is open to the public until closed. To watch this meeting streamed live or recorded, visit youtube.com/@CityofSalemMissouri.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has released that Dent County Hwy. B, south of Salem, is now open at Dry Creek Bridge. Construction crew members completed the new bridge over Dry Creek and were able to reopen to all traffic Monday. Crews from Joe’s Bridge & Grading, Inc., working with MoDOT, closed Hwy. B over Dry Creek on March 6th after inspectors found a sinkhole developing near one of the supporting structures of the 86-year-old bridge.

The Dent County Commission met for its regular meeting Monday morning at the courthouse. Under road reports, First District Commissioner Keith Green shared that crew members will be hauling rock on county roads 6610 and 6660, and while grading is planned for county roads 5170, 5600, 5610, 6420, and 6540. Crew members are also planning on servicing a couple of the county vehicles. Second District Commissioner Jimmy Williams shared that crew members are planning on hauling rock to County Road 3200. Grading will also be done on County Road 3200, alongside County Road 6160. Cutting brush is planned for county roads 3330, 3333, and 3337. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson shared that he will be attending a Solid Waste Management District meeting over Zoom on Tuesday, in which board member discussion is planned alongside discussion of the annual dinner. Further, Larson reported that a tax rate hearing is scheduled for 10:00 in the morning, during the regular Dent County Commission meeting on Monday, Aug. 24th. County Clerk Angie Curley reported that she has balanced with the collector and assessor on all monthly collections, abatements, and add-ons for the month of July. Ben Johnson, a resident of Dent County, sought to issue a public comment regarding Flock cameras. At first, Larson attempted to stop Johnson, stating the commission had heard enough on the topic, but Johnson pressed the issue, asking Larson if he had the right to voice his opinion as a citizen of the county, to which Larson relented and allowed Johnson to continue. Johnson asked commissioners how a lawsuit would be paid if a resident is wrongfully accused through the usage of Flock technology within Dent County. The commissioners did not have an answer. Johnson further criticized the commissioners for stating they had no choice in the matter of instituting Flock technology, commenting they appoint the board members of the Dent County Opioid Fund Disbursement Board, the source of the funding for Flock cameras. On that topic, Johnson criticized how board members of the disbursement board are not publicly available. Lastly, Johnson criticized the commissioners for having a policy requiring disclosure of recording devices, stating the policy is in violation of the First Amendment. Johnson thanked the commissioners for hearing his comments. With no further business, commissioners stated that was all they had for the day unless something else walked in the door. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be 9:00 in the morning Thursday at the courthouse and is open to the public.

The University of Missouri will be holding a Fall Producers Program on Thursday, Sept. 10th from 5:30 to 7:30 in the evening at Swedeborg First Baptist Church located on 26894 Apple Street in Richland, Missouri. The program is free of charge and refreshments are to be provided. University of Missouri Field Specialists will be sharing their knowledge to help you plan for successful fall and winter cattle and pasture management. Registration is greatly appreciated. To register, call (573) 774-4766 or visit the MU Extension website at extension.missouri.edu and search “Pulaski County Fall Producers Program.”

The Dent County Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) will be holding its next community meeting on Monday, Aug. 17th, from 5:30 to 6:30 in the evening in the Walden Room at the Armory. SHP is a 501(c)(3) international nonprofit that builds, assembles and delivers new, free beds to children in need in our community, ages 3-17, who do not have a bed.  All volunteers are welcome, and the chapter is in need of additional volunteers to help with events, deliver beds, and more. Can’t make it to the meeting but interested in learning more? Please contact Patti McKeown at (703) 964-6495 or patti.mckeown@shpbeds.org.