Archive for 2026

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met last night for its meeting within the City Hall Auditorium located at 202 North Washington Street. After the call to order, Pledge of Allegiance, and roll call, the board approved the agenda and consent agenda, which included disposal of records and the April Salem Police Department monthly report. Under new and miscellaneous business, the board approved the disposal of the Electric Department’s 2007 Ford F-150. The board approved four maintenance contracts between the city and Viking Painting, LLC. for the maintenance, inspection, and rehabilitation of its water towers. The board also approved two ordinances annexing adjacent territory into the city. An ordinance authorizing subcommittees under the Community Involvement Committee failed due to a lack of a motion. Meanwhile, the board heard a first reading of two amendments to city codes to reflect Water Department operations, stating the city does not install, inspect, or test backflow devices, and has not for several years. Two ordinances authorizing a task order with Toth and Associates, Inc. for professional land surveying services had first and second readings, one related to the Westwood Drive lift station property for $5,500 and the other with the Ninth Street Right-of-way dedication for $8,500. Both task orders were approved. There were then reports from city officials. Mayor Greg Parker reported that spring clean-up has been successful so far with approximately 116 tons transported. Public Works Director Steve Paine reported construction crew members have finished a stormwater issue on Coffman Street, resolving an issue where a home was taking on water. Crew members have also begun replacement of a stretch of sidewalk on Coffman and Pershing reported as a tripping hazard. Street department crew members are hauling riprap from the quarry to the city park for a ditch remediation project funded partially by FEMA. City mechanic interviews have been conducted and the hiring process has begun. Paine reminded the public that if there are any public works issues to call the Administration Office at 573-729-4811 during daytime hours. If after hours, call the Salem Police Department at 573-729-4242. Meanwhile, Aldermen Rick Letchworth reported that after receiving notice from several residents, he reached out to a property owner off of Center Street regarding the current state of their property, to which the owner assured Letchworth it was temporary and will be cleaned up within 60 days. The board then adjourned. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be May 26th and will be open to the public.

Montauk State Park has released that contractors are to begin repairing the damaged section of asphalt parking lot at the White Oak Hole, along with two sections of main road through the campground. These sections were damaged by flooding in November 2024 and repairs are being funded by FEMA. Visitors will still be able to use the campground road, but traffic will be limited to one lane during repairs.

Heather Johnson of the Salem R-80 School District was recently awarded the Celebrate Rural Schools grant of $5,000 through the Louis L. and Julia Dorothy Coover Foundation, a partnership between Community Foundation of the Ozarks and The Commerce Trust Company. The Celebrate Rural Schools grant program helps support projects that celebrate, strengthen, and elevate the unique identity of rural schools and the communities they serve. The program encourages districts to amplify local voices, showcase student success, and strengthen community connections. This grant will support the 2027 High School Service Project Day, allowing students to continue making a positive impact through community service projects throughout the City of Salem. Congratulations to Mrs. Heather Johnson!

In celebration of Get Caught Reading Month, the Salem Public Library will be hosting a competition now through May 26th. To participate, residents are encouraged to send a picture of themselves or someone they know getting caught reading in an unusual place, anywhere you wouldn’t expect someone to be reading. Pictures can be sent through Facebook messenger on the Salem Public Library Facebook page or handed to a librarian at the circulation desk. Be sure to include your name, age, and phone number. Those who submit a photo will have their names entered in a drawing. Winners will be selected randomly. This competition is for fun and to encourage literacy as summer vacation begins. This program is appropriate for all ages, and there is no fee or library card required to participate.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at 6:00 within the City Hall Auditorium located at 202 North Washington Street. After the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call and approval of the agenda and consent agenda, which includes disposal of records and the April Salem Police Department monthly report, the board will hear any scheduled public comments. Under new and miscellaneous business, the board will consider a 2007 Ford F-150 for disposal. In addition, the board will consider the contract between the city and Viking Painting, LLC. for the maintenance, inspection, and rehabilitation of its water towers. There will be a second reading of three bills which will require consideration for approval from the aldermen, including two ordinances annexing territory into the city and an amendment to authorize subcommittees under the Community Involvement Committee. A first reading of two amendments to the city codes will be heard, both related to backflow prevention devices. A first and second reading of two task orders with Toth and Associates, Inc will be heard and require consideration for approval. One will be for professional land surveying services related to the Westwood Drive lift station, and the other will be for professional land surveying services related to the Ninth Street Right-of-way dedication. Finally, there will be reports from city officials and then adjournment. 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.”  

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse. Not in attendance Monday was District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams, so no road reports were presented for the district. District One Commissioner Keith Green reported that crew members would be stockpiling and hauling rock as needed to county roads and will be out grading county roads 6220, 2440, and 5015. Cutting brush will be done on County Road 5630. Crew members will be preparing County Road 4210 for resurfacing. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson shared that he has several meetings to attend later this week. Deputy County Clerk Melissa Piatt reported that bills are to be paid. Collector Shannon VanKirk reported the April turnover amount for tax collections was $124,932.13. In addition, there are 89 parcels that are three years delinquent on tax sale properties. Individuals have until June 30th to pay the oldest year due before all three years are declared due on July 1st. Further, redemptions have been sent in the mail for last year’s tax sale. Individuals who made purchases last year will receive their collector’s deed this fall if no responses are received during the redemption period. VanKirk also reminded 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. There will be no meeting Thursday of the Dent County Commission. The next meeting will be 9:00 in the morning Monday at the Courthouse, and the meeting is open to the public.

There will be a Salem Community Blood Drive today from noon to 6:00 in the evening at the First Baptist Church of Salem at 201 North MacArthur Avenue. The event will be hosted by the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks with appointments encouraged to minimize wait times but walk-ins welcome. To make an appointment, call 417-227-5006. Donor rewards, while supplies last, include a free ¾ sleeve All American T-shirt, and a voucher for admission and free activities to several attractions, including the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, Frit’s Adventure, SuperSplash USA, and Andy B’s Springfield. Donors are asked to take a few steps to ensure donations operate smoothly on the day of the drive: drink plenty of water or juice the night and morning before you donate; eat a well-balanced meal 2-3 hours before giving; and remember to bring your photo identification, which is now required for all donors. 

If you need financial assistance in having your pet fixed, Carol House Quick Fix-It Clinic located in Rolla at 13651 South Hwy. 63 offers two subsidized, low-income programs. No proof of vaccinations are needed. Contact Carol House for eligibility details or to make your appointment at 573-465-3099 or email reception.rolla@quickfixpetclinic.com. For more information, visit stlspayneuter.org/rolla. Dogs, cats, or feral cats are dropped off in the morning and picked up later that same day.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors has called a special, executive session meeting for this morning in the Doctor’s Library at the hospital at 9:15. This meeting will not be open to the public. After the call to order, roll call and approval of the agenda, the board will be going into executive session to discuss personnel and interview candidates for the position of Chief Executive Officer. The minutes will likely be reviewed and approved during the open session of their regularly scheduled board meeting on the evening of May 26th, at 7:00, which is open to the public.

The City of Salem’s Airport Board will hold a meeting tonight at 6:00 at the Old City Hall Auditorium at 202 North Washington. After the call to order will be the approval of the agenda and minutes. The board will review a draft of the budget followed by airport and new hangar updates. The board will consider a land lease option and other business. Public comments may be presented prior to adjournment. The meeting was called by Airport Board President Tyler Naramore.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will be meeting Tuesday at 6:00 in the evening at the fire station. After the call to order, roll call, and approval of the minutes, the board will hear the financial report, consider approval of bills, plus review the budget. In old business, the board will discuss the CTI Tower issues followed by new business. Officers will be elected and the By Laws are to be reviewed. Chief Thomas will present his report, which will include the monthly reimbursement reports. The date for the next meeting will be set followed by closed session if necessary. The meeting will then be adjourned. The open portion of the meeting of the DCFPD Board of Directors is open to the public.

The Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, or “STIP,” lists transportation projects planned by state and regional planning agencies and reflects the transportation needs of communities across the state, from high-volume interstate construction projects to low-volume routes in rural areas. The draft FY 2027-2031 STIP was recently presented to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (MHTC) at an open meeting, kicking off the 30-day public review and comment period on the proposal. This draft STIP makes available $13 billion of federal and state revenues for all modes of transportation over the next five years and details $9.3 billion in road and bridge construction contractor awards, averaging approximately $1.9 billion per year. In Dent County specifically, proposed highway and bridge construction projects include bridge rehabilitation over Spring Creek; repair slide 0.3 mile south of County Road 4050; bridge replacement over Huzzah Creek; bridge improvement over Dry Creek; scour repair and bridge painting at Dry Branch; bridge improvement over Crooked Creek; bridge improvements over Dry Fork Creek and Barnitz Prong Dry Creek and on Hwy. 32 over Dry Fork Creek and Pigeon Creek. There are also a few pavement resurfacing projects proposed, including from Hwy. 72 to Hwy. 32. Scoping for bridge improvements over Dry Fork of Meramec River is also among the proposed projects for Dent County. Comment at the website modot.org/DRAFTSTIP. Those interested in seeing the program or offering comments can also contact MoDOT by email at STIPcomments@modot.mo.gov; by calling customer service at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636.) The formal comment period ends June 5th. The proposal will be considered for approval at the July 1st MHTC meeting.

The Dent County Commission met for its meeting Thursday morning at the courthouse. Under road reports, First District Commissioner Keith Green reported that crew members have fixed the backhoe but are off today. They will be back to grading next week. Second District Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported that crew members have been preparing County Road 6150 for chip and seal in June and have been working on maintaining culvert pipes. Crew members graded County Road 3223, along with Wagner Cemetery’s County Road 3225 in preparation for Memorial Day holiday. Potholes have been filled on several chip and seal roads. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported that there is a State Cyber Crime Grant Program available through the Missouri Department of Public Safety. The funds will be awarded to reduce internet crime against children and improve public safety through investigations, forensics, and prevention. Any unit of state or local government within Missouri may apply for these grants. Learn more by visiting mo.dps.gov and searching “State Cyber Crime Grant.” Under public comments, a representative from Cintas, a janitorial equipment supplier company out of Springfield, discussed the county potentially switching suppliers. Commissioners informed the representative they would compare prices and products and get back to the representative at a later date. Sherman Odom presented and discussed with commissioners specifications of a road being laid for a newly built subdivision consisting of 11 lots. Commissioners recommended a wide enough area at the end of the road for county vehicles to turn around in. Deputy County Clerk Melissa Piatt reported that bills are to be approved, and that the County Clerk’s office will be reviewing and verifying any petition signatures out of the county that may come in from the state office. Currently, it is unknown if there will be any signatures to verify or which petitions may come in. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams reported on sales tax receipts received for May. General Revenue and Law Enforcement received $107,188.39. Compared to last year, this is an increase of $18,662.72 and an increase YTD of $24,632.27 or 6%. The Road and Bridge fund received $53,594.25, which is an increase from last May of $9,331.58 and an increase YTD of $19,053.32 or 8.6%. Lastly, both Jail funds received $107,517.61, which is an increase of $18,576.69 for the year and an increase YTD of $38,006.58 or 8.5%. The Dent County Courthouse will be closed on Friday, May 8th, in observation of Truman Day. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 in the courthouse, and the meeting is open to the public.

Out of an abundance of caution, the Dent County Fire Protection District was contacted and arrived on site to the Middle School due to an alarm sound emanating from the intercom system. No fire was found, nor were any alarms pulled. The prompt response of the local fire department was immensely appreciated. 

The Ozark Riverways Foundation will be holding its annual fundraising event Rendezvous on the Ridge from 9:00 in the morning to 8:00 in the evening this Saturday at Big Rock Candy Mountain in Jadwin. Attend the annual fundraiser to support the National Park in the Missouri Ozarks. As well as food, vendors, arts, music, workshops, and fun, this year’s celebration will also host 14 local authors including Sarah K. Mason, Titus James Benton, Dr. Mark Morgan, and Matt Ankney. And don’t forget the mule jump which is to take place at 1:00 in the afternoon. Meanwhile, the concert to be held at 6:00 in the evening is free to attend, with Dennis Stroughmatt and band L’Esprit Creole taking the stage. Be sure to bring a lawn chair and dress weather appropriate. For more information, visit ozarkriverwaysfoundation.org/events.