Archive for 2026

The Dent County Fire Protection District (DCFPD) board of directors held its monthly meeting Tuesday night. After the roll call, the consent agenda was approved, which included previous meeting minutes, financial reports, bills, payments, statements, budget and reconciliations. Under old business, the board tabled the CTI Tower Lease discussion due to a need for a legal update. Revised bylaws were presented and accepted. Under new business, Mary Martin of American Midwest Insurance discussed the insurance with the board, stating that the insurance increased $33 for the renewal. The coverage and premiums were discussed, with no action taken. In chief reports, Fire Chief Derek Thomas presented the monthly reimbursement report with 17 calls for the month and 115 total calls for the year. Thomas also reported the Ladder Truck was still in the shop for repair. Compressor bids were given from three companies; after discussion, the board moved to receive more quoted information to make an accurate assessment of the compressors being bid. The next meeting of the DCFPD board of directors was set for July 14th at 6:00 in the evening. The board then adjourned. 

The City of Salem Board of Adjustments will be meeting tonight at 5:30 for a public hearing, as well as its regular public meeting to follow directly after. After the call to order, the board will recognize anyone that wishes to speak. The board will then hear a request for a variance from Section 405.130 of the City of Salem Code of Ordinances, to allow construction of a single-family residential structure inside the front setback of Lot 5 Shady Oaks Estates, owned by Bee Fork Development LLC. During its regular meeting, the board will consider the approval or rejection of the variance. The board will then adjourn. This meeting is open to the public and will be held in the Old City Hall Auditorium at 202 North Washington. 

Not only is being a poll worker an excellent way to participate in our democracy, but it’s also a paid position. Poll workers are paid for their service on Election Day and often for attending training sessions prior to Election Day. Your local election authority determines how much you will be paid, but in Missouri the daily pay ranges from $64 to $100 for the day. Poll workers and election judges staff polling places on Election Day and help ensure the voting process goes smoothly. Poll workers check in registered voters, answer questions and make sure everyone who is eligible is given the opportunity to vote. You will need to attend at least one training session conducted by your local election authority prior to Election Day. These training sessions usually take place about four to six weeks prior to Election Day and provide you with everything you need to know about the voting equipment used in your jurisdiction, legal processes and procedures, along with information for answering voter questions. The amount of time required for training will vary based on your election jurisdiction, but usually lasts from two to eight hours. Poll workers must open the polls at 6:00 in the morning on Election Day and keep them open until 7:00 in the evening.  Any voter who is in line at 7:00 in the evening is allowed to vote. Qualifications sought in a potential poll worker include being a registered voter; being able to speak, read, and write English; not appearing on the current ballot or have a close relative appear on the current ballot; and not holding an elective office at the time of service as a poll worker. Exceptions to the elective office provision include: political party committee, township office, or board or commission member of a political subdivision or special district (unless an issue or candidate relevant to that entity is on the ballot where you are working.) If you’re interested in signing up to be a poll worker, visit the Secretary of State website at sos.mo.gov/pollworker for more information, such as frequently asked questions and to sign-up. If more information is desired, contact Dent County Clerk Angie Curley’s office at 573-729-4144 or email dent@sos.mo.gov. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 in the morning to 4:30 in the afternoon.

As temperatures rise this summer in our county, remember to safeguard yourself, friends, and family against heat-related illnesses. Keep your body cool and hydrated by using light, loose-fitting clothing. Drink water regularly, with a recommendation of 1 cup of water per hour and at least 2-3 litres per day. Regularly check in with vulnerable people in your circle, especially people over 65 years old and those with heart, lung or kidney conditions, or living alone. Regularly apply SPF 30+ sunscreen in order to protect your skin and take breaks in shaded areas or air-conditioned spaces when possible. Heatstroke is a potentially fatal medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention: if you or others feel faint, dizzy or nauseous, stop sweating, or lose consciousness seek care as soon as possible. It’s crucial to take heatstroke seriously and act quickly, as delays can lead to severe complications or even death. Use any available means to cool the person down while waiting for medical help. Remove any unnecessary clothing to help the person cool down. Move the person to a shady or air-conditioned location immediately and apply cold, wet cloths to their body. Use ice packs and fans if available.

Join MU Extension and Healthy Dent County for a walk at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. As a part of the 100 Miles, 100 Days challenge, this free event is a fun way to move and stay motivated. All ages and abilities welcome – whether you join the full challenge or just want to go on a quick walk! Interested participants are asked to bring a water bottle, comfortable attire, and outdoor protection like sunscreen. The challenge will take place on Tuesday, June 16th to begin at noon at the front of the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. The event will run through Thursday, Sept. 24th. For more information or to register, visit MU Extension’s website at extension.missouri.edu and search “2026 100 miles, 100 days.”

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met last night for its first meeting of June. Two public comments were heard from residents: one resident urged the board to vote against the proposed water rate increase, citing concerns of affordability. Another resident expressed concerns of unprofessional behavior observed from city leadership, proposing the city attorney draft a code of conduct and social media policy for all elected officials to follow. The Fireworks Committee’s request to close the city park to traffic for the purposes of setting off fireworks for the Fourth of July was approved. Under new and miscellaneous business, the board approved the surplus of two mowers due to their unusable condition. The board approved the renewal of software subscriptions and services with Omnigo Software LLC. for the police department in order to keep the department current with state databases. The annual contract with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for the Missouri Wastewater Surveillance Program was approved for renewal. This program monitors wastewater for disease outbreaks and is reimbursed $100 per sample each week. A bid from Pierce Asphalt at a total of $426,797 for a two-inch overlay on several streets was also approved, with the first amount of $120,000 to come out in the 2026 Fiscal Year budget and the remaining $306,797 to come out in the proposed 2027 Fiscal Year budget. Moving along, the board heard the first reading of several ordinances, including two task orders with Toth & Associates, Inc., one for engineering services for the Hickory Street sanitary sewer improvements project and another for professional land surveying services related to the Roosevelt Street sidewalk survey project. An addendum to a task order with CM Archer Group, P.C. for engineering services related to the Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements project was also read. A change order for the Water System Improvement Project was read, which is only a contract extension to accommodate a delay in equipment delivery. Several amendments to the Code of Ordinances were read, relating to the Director of Engineering or a qualified engineering firm and its appointment, tenure, qualifications, compensation, and duties. These amendments allow for the city to contract out engineering services. Finally, the board approved the ordinance amending water rates, with both Alderman John Whelan and Alderman Rick Letchworth voting yes and Alderwoman Catherine Dent voting no. Under reports of city officials, City Administrator Sally Burbridge shared with board members the UFS electric utility rate study. Finance Director Stacey Houston shared that the total sales tax revenues collected for FY 2026 were $4.5 million, which is an increase of approximately 2.6% from the prior year. The city has collected 76% of the budgeted revenues, while expenditures total 68% of the budgeted expenditures; both are trending behind primarily due to grant-related revenues and expenditures coming in later than originally anticipated. Public Works Director Steve Paine notified that the transfer of liquids from the retention basin for the repair on the oxidation ditch is ongoing with smells increasing in the area, but crew members are making great progress. Paine reminded residents that the yard waste lot is not for tires, trash, or construction debris. Lastly, in his report, Letchworth issued a formal censure of Dent over her public rebuke of Economic Development Director Carrie Sutterfield during the board meeting of May 26th. The board then adjourned. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be June 23rd and will be open to the public.

Our community has always shown up when people need it most, and now it’s time to rally around Zach Moser and his family. “We’ve Got Your Back, Zach” will be held Friday, June 19th from 5:00 to 9:00 in the evening at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory and will include an auction, dessert auction, concessions, T-shirts, and community support for a family facing an incredibly difficult battle with Stage 4 Sarcoma. Organizers are currently seeking auction item donations, dessert donations, monetary sponsorships for food and t-shirts, and businesses or individuals willing to support the event in any way. No donation is too small. If you would like to donate or help support this fundraiser, please contact Susie Cahill at susie@salemcommunitycenter.org. Items can be dropped off at the community center Monday through Friday from 8:00 in the morning to 4:00 in the afternoon with desserts being dropped off Friday, June 19th. In addition to auctions, organizers will also be holding a pickleball tournament on Saturday, June 20th beginning at 10:30 in the morning. Registration will be $25 per player. A competitive 3v3 basketball tournament will be held Saturday, June 27th, with registration at $60 per team. All proceeds from the fundraisers will help Zach and his family with treatment expenses, travel, and daily living costs as he continues his fight against cancer. For more information about these fundraisers, please call 573-739-1127 or email Susie@SalemCommunityCenter.org.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the upcoming Independence Day parade on Saturday, July 4th at 6:00 in the evening. Line up for entrants begins at 5:00 on Grand Street, in front of Southwest Baptist University. The parade will depart east on Franklin, North on MacArthur, East on Fourth Street, and end at the Dent County Courthouse. The theme of this year’s parade will be America’s 250th: Celebrating Our Past, Present and Future. To sign up or for more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 573-729-6900.

The Salem Public Library is a cooling center and is available and accessible to everyone, whether you have a library card or not. Hours Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday are 10:00 – 5:00 in the afternoon. On Thursday, hours are 10:00 – 7:00 in the evening. On Saturday,  hours are 10:00 -1:00 in the afternoon.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse. Under road reports, First District Commissioner Keith Green reported that crew members would be finishing up maintenance on the Mantis brushcutter, alongside the CAT backhoe. Crew members also plan to work on repairing road signs. In the absence of Second District Commissioner Jimmy Williams, Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported for district two. Crew members are planning to grade county roads 3250 and 2130. Cutting brush is planned for county roads 2330 and 2300. Maintenance is planned for tractor #6, alongside truck #124. Patching potholes will continue throughout both districts on chipseal roads. Larson reported that he attended a Meramec Community Enhancement Corporation (MCEC) meeting last Wednesday. He will remain as president of MCEC for the remainder of the year. The election of officers was approved, alongside the annual lease agreement with Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC.) Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that bills are to be approved, and the first day to begin excused absentee voting is June 23rd. After June 23rd, sample ballots should be available in the County Clerk’s Office at the courthouse. In this year’s primary, voters have a few ballot choices: Republican, Democrat, and Libertarian. There is also a nonpartisan ballot with only amendments, if desired. If voters have any address changes or updates, contact the County Clerk’s Office as soon as possible at 573-729-4144. Businesses are reminded that if they have a liquor license, those are due by June 30th. County Treasurer Denita Williams reported on sales tax, sharing that for the General Revenue fund the county has received $104,622.56, an increase from last year of $1,641.19 and an increase year-to-date of $26,273.46. This is a 5% increase. The Road and Bridge fund has received $52,311.37, an increase from last year of $820.55 and an increase year-to-date of $19,873.87. This is a 7.3% increase. Jails received $105,044.22, an increase from last year of $1,640.25 and an increase year-to-date of $39,646.83 or a percentage increase of 7.2%. County Collector Shannon VanKirk reminds those that are 62 and over and own their own home to pick up an application for SB190 from the collector’s office. Applications are available until June 30th. Office hours for the collector are Monday through Friday from 8:00 in the morning to 4:30 in the afternoon. Contact her office at 573-729-3911 if you have any questions. Emergency Management Director Derrick Marfitt attended with an update on the SEMA funds. According to the county’s SEMA representative, the kickoff meetings which commissioners and Marfitt attended had provided incorrect information and an internal review is ongoing to remedy the situation. Meeting representatives had informed several county officials that an advanced payment for larger projects over the $1.6 million dollar threshold would be provided rather than reimbursed, up to 75%. SEMA representatives had informed counties not to pursue funding through loans due to this 75% advanced payment. This is not the case, however, and the county will need to perform the work and provide documentation before reimbursement is provided through SEMA. Under public comments, resident Thomas Haines asked if there had been any contact made by a data center representative to Dent County, to which commissioners answered no and further clarified that the wide loads coming through the county are rerouted traffic due to ongoing roadwork on Hwy. 63 and Rte. B. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will take place at 9:00 in the morning Thursday, June 11th at the courthouse and is open to the public.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will hold their regular meeting this evening at 6:00 in the Old City Hall Auditorium at 202 North Washington. After approval of the agenda and the consent agenda, the board will hear any public comments. Following which, the board will consider the approval of the Fireworks Committee’s request to set off fireworks for the Fourth of July. Under new and miscellaneous business, the board will consider the sale of surplus equipment, alongside renewal of software subscriptions and services with Omnigo Software, LLC. for the police department. The board will also consider the renewal of a contract with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the city’s participation in the National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS.) Under bids, the purchase of asphalt will be considered. Several bills will receive a first reading tonight. Two task orders will be read with Toth & Associates, Inc., including for engineering services for the Hickory Street sanitary sewer improvements project and for professional land surveying services related to the Roosevelt Street Sidewalk Survey Project. A task order with CM Archer Group, P.C. for engineering services related to the Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements project will also be read. Two change orders for the Salem Water System Improvements project will be read. Several amendments to the Code of Ordinances will be read, relating to the Director of Engineering or a qualified engineering firm and its appointment, tenure, qualifications, compensation, and duties. Finally, an ordinance to amend water rates will be receiving its second reading and will be considered for approval by the board. City officials will then present reports, followed by adjournment. This meeting is open to the public. To watch city meetings live, visit youtube.com/@CityofSalemMissouri. To view the city agendas and meeting packets, go to salemmo.com and click “City,” mouse over the “Government” tab, and click “Agendas & Minutes.”

More rounds of rain and thunderstorms are expected across Missouri through this morning, increasing the risk of flooding across much of the state’s central and southern regions. Remember to turn around, don’t drown. It doesn’t take much water to sweep a vehicle off the roadway. Do not drive around barriers. Flash flooding is unpredictable. Drivers are reminded to slow down at night or in poor visibility. Additionally, within Dent County, above normal temperatures and humidity this week will lead to Heat Index values in the mid-90s to lower 100s. With this being the first heat of the season, paired with warm nighttime temperatures, heat-related impacts may be slightly heightened. A heat advisory is in effect from noon Tuesday to 7:00 in the morning Wednesday. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.