Archive for 2026

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held its regular meeting Tuesday evening in the auditorium at 202 North Washington Street. After approving the agenda and consent agenda, the board approved the recommendation of Sue Hubbs to the Salem Housing Authority Board of Commissioners to fill a four-year unexpired term, ending July 24th, 2026. In new and miscellaneous business, the board approved filing the grant application to MoDOT for construction of one to three box hangars for the Salem Memorial Airport, approved by the Airport Board as part of its Capital Improvement Plan back in October. The total project cost would be $1.4 million with a city match of 10% or $140,000. The federal funding provided would be $1.2 million, or 90% of the project costs. As for bids, the board approved a bid from Midstate Pipeline for $159,700 for elevating the Wastewater Treatment Plant’s electric control panels six feet above the November 2024 flood levels. The amount is an unplanned expense with expectations of FEMA covering 75%. The city portion would then come to $39,925, which would come out of prior year fund balances. Other bids approved included several utility poles from Huxford Pole and Timber at a total of $17,400, to come out of the electric department pole fund, along with a bid of $10,044.17 from Agri-Enterprises to repair the valve of the tree trimming truck, to come out of the electric department equipment fund. During reports from city officials, City Administrator Sally Burbridge reported that staff have received proposals from seven companies for updating the city’s Incode software. In addition, the engineering contract is expected to be presented at the next board meeting, while the water tower maintenance contract will be reviewed by Burbridge and City Attorney James Weber and the utility committee before also being presented to the board at a future meeting. Burbridge further reported that a request for bids will be resubmitted for plaster work within city hall. Mayor Greg Parker congratulated and thanked the water department team for being awarded the “2025 Water System of the Year” from the Missouri Rural Water Association and provided the team with a mayoral proclamation. Water Superintendent Chris McGuirt further commended not only his team on their hard work in earning the recognition, but the city staff and administration who were part of the process forreceiving the award. Meanwhile, the board received the financial report from Finance Director Stacey Houston, who reported that the total sales tax revenues collected for fiscal year 2026 is approximately $3.3 million, including the general fund, parks and recreation fund, and capital improvement fund; this is an increase of approximately 2.7%. Houston further reported on utility usage and revenue. The ending total of all funds is approximately $17 million, with the city having brought in 58% of its budgeted amount and having spent 50% of its budgeted amount. Both amounts were noted by Houston as being less than anticipated, credited to grant revenues and expenses coming in lower than anticipated. Public Works Director Steve Paine reported that construction has begun on the t-ball parking lot. With no further reports, the board entered executive session for attorney client privilege. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be held March 24th and will be open to the public. 

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday, March 10th at the firehouse for its regular monthly meeting. After previous board meeting minutes were approved, the financial reports as well as the bills, payments, statements, budget and reconciliation were also reviewed and approved. Under old business, the board discussed the Fidelity Tower, of which is experiencing interference that Assistant Chief Derrick Marfitt was asked by the board to investigate. After final reading, the proposed purchasing, disposal, and spending policy was accepted as presented. Fire Chief Derek Thomas presented the monthly reimbursement report that showed the fire district responded to 28 calls in February and a total of 61 calls for the year. Chief Thomas further reported that 8020 is back in service with a new alternator. Meanwhile, bids for new structural gear were presented from Sentinel, Banner, and Hoff Comp. The bids were not comparable as one company was dual compliance and one was not. After discussion, it was approved to buy five complete sets of gear, with an additional 18 helmets and three sets of boots, from Banner for a total cost of $31,674.00, in order to comply with safety codes and be in compliance with NFPA. The next board meeting was then set for April 14th at 6:00 in the evening at the Dent County Fire Protection District firehouse. Following the closed session, the meeting was adjourned.

The Salem Community Center @ the Armory will be holding an Alpha-Gal Syndrome Awareness Program in the evening of April 2nd from 5:30 to 6:30, presented by MU Extension’s Nutrition & Health Specialist Maria Calvert. Alpha-gal syndrome is on the rise in Missouri, and many people don’t realize they may be at risk or have it. Attend an informative session to learn what alpha-gal syndrome is, common symptoms, how screening works, and how to prevent tick bites that can lead to this condition. The cost to attend is $5. Call 573-729-8163 to register.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be holding its regular monthly meeting 5:30 in the afternoon today in the board room located at the Administration Office on J Highway. After the Call to Order and the Pledge of Allegiance, the board will approve the agenda and consent agenda. The board will hear communications from Heather Whitlock. The William Lynch Elementary’s Pre-Kindergarten program will be receiving recognition. Under the Superintendent’s Report, CSIP Goals will be addressed. Administration reports will be heard from William Lynch, Upper Elementary, Middle School, and High School administration. Athletics and Activities, Special Education, Technology, Maintenance, and Transportation reports will be received by the board in writing. Under new business, the board will be: approving a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Missouri S&T, holding a discussion regarding vaping products, approving summer school dates of May 18th through June 5th, approving a career ladder plan, approving Apptegy contract, and approving a Show-Me Technologies service contract. Also under new business will be the authorization for the administration to approve and process payment of all district bills that are received or become due after the meeting and before the next regularly scheduled board meeting. All such payments will be included in the list of bills presented to the board for ratification at the next meeting. A hire of Angel Hunter, ECSE personal aide, is scheduled for consideration. The board will enter closed session to discuss personnel and student issues, followed by adjournment after returning to open session. The regular meeting of the Salem R-80 Board of Education is open to the public.

The City of Salem Parks and Recreation Board will meet this evening at 5:00 in the Old City Hall Auditorium located on 202 N. Washington. The board is meeting to vote on approving the budget adjustment for the Fence Bid, and voting on recommending James Taylor to be appointed to the Parks Board. This meeting is open to the public.

Salem R-80 High School had several students place as finalists for the Youth Tour, sponsored by Missouri electric cooperatives including Intercounty Electric. The student finalists who submitted a 250-500 word essay with the essay topic of, “The hardest lesson I’ve learned so far,” were Carlnez Head, Ivan Brooks, Jhonine Maralit, and Emma Purcell. On March 25th, these students will interview before a panel of volunteer judges to hopefully earn a trip to Washington, D.C. this summer. Two runners up from each school will earn a spot on the Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience (CYCLE) trip to Jefferson City, and one student from each school will be named as the alternate-ready to jump in, should any student be unable to attend their trip.

Officials urge Missourians to remain alert as another surge in phishing texts has been reported. These texts are often threatening and falsely claim to be from a trusted source, such as the Missouri Department of Revenue, MoDOT, the Department of Motor Vehicles, or the DMV. These text messages may include a warning regarding unpaid traffic violations, outstanding toll charges, or other fines owed. If you receive texts posing as the aforementioned entities threatening you to pay now, it’s a scam. Other common tactics include: asking you to verify purchases, claiming issues with your payment information, offering prizes or gift cards, sending fake package delivery notifications, and warning you of suspicious activity on one of your accounts. If you receive one of these phishing texts, take the following action: Do not click on links or scan QR codes; Do not provide personal information such as passwords; Do not respond to the text; Delete the text. If you have been scammed or think you may have been contacted by a scammer, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For more information on how to protect yourself and your neighbors, visit consumer.ftc.gov.

MoDOT is hosting a virtual public meeting now through April 3rd to gather public feedback on updates to the draft versions of the Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and State Freight and Rail Plan (SFRP). These plans will help determine the state’s 25-year transportation vision. Participants may review the draft plans and provide comments by visiting modot.org and searching “Long-Range Transportation Plan and State Freight and Rail Plan Updates.” Both plans have been shaped over the last year by extensive outreach and input with stakeholders and the public, according to a MoDOT press release. These plans serve as roadmaps for the state’s transportation network, addressing the evolving infrastructure needs and setting funding priorities. Draft documents for both plans are available for public comment as part of the virtual public meeting through April 3rd. Those without internet access are encouraged to call 573-751-6550 between the hours of 8 in the morning and 5 in the afternoon, Monday through Friday, to access information and ask questions during the development process. The final plans will be presented to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for review and consideration later in 2026. More information about LRTP and SFRP plan updates can be found on MoDOT’s website at modot.org.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will meet this evening at 6:00 at 202 N. Washington in the Old City Hall Auditorium. After the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call and approval of the agenda and consent agenda, the board will hear any scheduled public comments. The board will be considering a committee appointment of Sue Hubbs to the Salem Housing Authority to fill an unexpired term. Under new and miscellaneous business, the board will hear a resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application to the Missouri Department of Transportation Aviation Section for airport improvements at the Salem Memorial Airport (K33.) The board will be hearing and approving bids for control panel improvements, utility poles, and a tree trimming truck repair. City officials will then report followed by a closed session. The meeting of the City of Salem Board of Alderman is open to the public.

The Dent County Commission met in regular session Monday morning at the courthouse. Both First District Commissioner Keith Green and Second District Commissioner Jimmy Williams shared that road crew members are out patching what they can on the washouts, with Williams sharing that his district crew members will also be attempting to unstop several pipes and culverts. Both encouraged patience within residents as the heavy rains have impacted roads with more forecasted Tuesday, delaying their ability to lay down more rock. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that payroll was approved. Curley further reported the voting registration deadline for the April 7th Municipal Election is Wednesday and encouraged those needing to make address changes to do so as soon as possible. Excused absentee voting continues, and March 24th is the first day for “no excuse absentee” voting which will continue through April 6th. From 8:00 in the morning until 12:00 noon Saturday, April 4th, the courthouse will be open for absentee voting in the county clerk’s office. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams reported on sales tax receipts received for March, stating that General Revenue and Law Enforcement received $94,228.39. Year-to-date those funds are $15,505.73 over the total collected through March 2025, a 6.6% increase. The Road and Bridge Fund received $47,114.16, and year-to-date those funds are $15,505.73 over the total collected through March 2025. That is about an 11.9% increase. Williams reported both Jail Funds received $94,648.80, and year-to-date those funds are each up $30,958.42, an increase of 11.8%. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at the courthouse, and the meeting will be open to the public.

According to a petition filed March 5th in the Circuit Court for Shannon County, plaintiffs including Thomas Appell; Seamus James Fuller; Jack Norris, Lonnie Norris, James Norris, and Lisa Norris; and other unknown persons living or owning property along State Route YY have brought a lawsuit against Royal Oak Enterprises, LLC. The petition alleges that since approximately 2022, dangerous and toxic material from the charcoal plant have interfered with not only the plaintiffs’ use and possession of their property, but also the enjoyment of their property. The charcoal plant affected machinery and plant life as well as the personal health and wellness of the plaintiffs, it was further alleged. Plaintiffs made claims for negligence, trespass, and private & public nuisance against Royal Oak. The plaintiffs seek damages greater than $25,000. As of Monday, March 9th, a summons has been issued to Royal Oak Enterprises, LLC, according to a newly filed docket entry on file on courts.mo.gov/casenet.

The 100 Acre Wood Rally is returning to Dent, Crawford, and Washington counties at the end of this week. In Dent County, look forward to the 4th Street Parc Expose’ and Welcome this Saturday from 9 to 11 in the morning. Throughout the day, find locations to spectate through the Spectator Guide found online at rally.100aw.org/spectating. Most spectator locations are free of charge and no tickets are needed. If you would like to meet this year’s drivers while they’re in Salem and view the high performance machines they’ll be driving, you can do so Saturday morning on 4th Street. Drivers and their vehicles will line 4th Street until their departure to the first stage. This is a rare opportunity to meet world class, regional, and local rally sport drivers in one of the Ozark’s premiere motorsport events. In the evening Saturday, come down to the Dent County Commons for both the regional and national award ceremony from 8:15 to 10.

Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District (ORSWMD) is now seeking submissions for the 35th Annual Earth Day Trash Art, Poster and Graphic Art contest. The competition is open to all students in grades kindergarten through 12th in Dent, Crawford, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties. Homeschool students meeting these criteria are eligible and encouraged to participate. The graphic art portion of the contest is also open to post-secondary students. The theme for this year’s art contest is “Be a Food Waste Warrior” to increase awareness of food waste. Students have the opportunity to participate in multiple contest categories, including posters (hand-drawn and graphic arts), and re-purposing recyclables and trash into three-dimensional pieces of trash art. Posters should echo the theme of reducing food waste, a top priority in the district. The trash art contest may follow the underlying solid waste management theme to reduce, reuse, repurpose and recycle. Entries for all categories will be accepted from now through March 19th and may be dropped off at the county clerk offices at the nearest courthouse. For more information, visit ozarkrivers.org/programs-and-services/earth-day.