News – Wednesday, August 13th 2025

At the Dent County Commission meeting Monday morning, Deloris Gray Wood and Mary Beth Cook were in attendance to ask the commissioners to move the Dent County Courthouse Birthday celebration from September to Saturday, October 4th starting at 10:00 in the morning. They asked permission to use the courthouse lawn, surrounding streets, provide electric and allow them to monitor the parking areas. They also got business cards from each commissioner as a contact person for the event. The commission was good with the date change. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said materials would be added where needed and grading done on Dent County Roads 4080, 5380, 5580 and 5360, while brush will be cut on county road 5600. He also said a crew would be working with riprap on Dent County Road 6580 to shore up the banks where washouts have occurred. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said workers will be adding rock and grading Dent County Roads 2020, 2030, 2040 and 4330, while other crew members will be changing the grader blade on Grader #37. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson had nothing to report and Deputy Clerk Melissa Piatt said payroll would be done. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk came in and reported the cost of the software update for the Dent County Collector’s office to accommodate the Senior Tax Credit came in at $13,500 which is about $5,000 less than expected. The county commission approved paying the bill. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The City of Salem, is inviting applications for a range of critical municipal roles, offering an exciting opportunity for qualified individuals to contribute to the community’s well-being. Most notably, the city is actively recruiting an Electric Line Superintendent, a pivotal leadership position responsible for overseeing the operation, maintenance, and strategic development of Salem’s electric distribution system. This full-time role, open until filled, requires a minimum of eight years of lineman experience—at least five of which must be in a supervisory capacity—as well as journeyman lineman certification and a valid Missouri Class B CDL. The successful candidate must demonstrate strong leadership skills, regulatory and safety compliance, project management prowess, and the ability to mentor and coordinate crews in both routine and emergency situations. Compensation ranges from $37.64 an hour to $44.99 an hour, depending on experience and qualifications. In addition to this specialized utility position, the city website lists two additional employment opportunities, a Water Department General Laborer, and Seasonal Cemetery Maintenance Worker. Prospective applicants are encouraged to consult the full job listings or contact the Public Works Director Steve Paine at 573-729-4811 ext 110 or via email at publicworks@salemmo.com  for more comprehensive information. Applicants should submit a resume, completed application, and copies of relevant certifications to Tammy Koller, City Clerk, via email to cityclerk@salemmo.com. Whether ensuring the reliability of the electric grid or supporting the water distribution infrastructure, these roles are foundational to the community’s safety and quality of life. Ambitious professionals with relevant experience are encouraged to consider these opportunities promptly, as the city continues its search until suitable candidates are selected.