News – Monday, October 20th 2025

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held its regular meeting Tuesday evening in the City Auditorium at 202 N. Washington Street. After approving the agenda and consent agenda, City Administrator Sally Burbridge provided an update on the cemetery mapping project. The city is partnering with Diamond Maps to create an online database to help the public locate the burial sites of deceased loved ones. In addition, the city is working with the State Archives in Jefferson City to preserve the original 150-year-old cemetery record books. The board approved the Abatement on Consent (AOC) letter outlining the schedule of improvements for the wastewater treatment plant, a grant requirement that must be submitted to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The Aldermen also approved engaging Viking Industrial Coating to begin discussions and prepare a proposal and contract negotiations for routine water tower maintenance on what will soon be four city towers. There is currently no fiscal impact to the city, as costs will be determined upon proposal and contract development. The purchase of eight HP Elite Mini Desktops from Hewlett-Packard for $7,960, was approved; this is a $216 increase from the original September quote. The purchase will be funded through the CIP Budget, which has a remaining balance of $12,930. In New and Miscellaneous Business, the board approved the annual Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) membership renewal at the basic membership level for $4,097.44, to be paid from the Non-Departmental Memberships fund, which has a $5,700 budget. Bill No. 3689 amending Ordinance 515.350 regarding electric fees, maintaining the $15 monthly fee for incandescent dusk-to-dawn lights and reducing the fee for LED lights to $5 per month, Bill No. 3690 to amend Ordinance 700.060, extending the forecast lead time for utility disconnects from 24 hours to 72 hours in accordance with new Public Service Commission rules were approved as well as Bill No. 3691 establishing a refundable $100 deposit for faucet water meter rentals, and Bill No. 3692 authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement between the City of Salem and the Rolla Area Drug Enforcement Task Force. During the city officials’ reports, Administrator Burbridge mentioned the upcoming MRPC banquet on October 23, Mayor Greg Parker highlighted several upcoming community events, and Public Works Director Steve Paine provided updates on utility operations, recognizing Josh Hunt for being named Wastewater Operator of the Year by Missouri Water. Economic Development Director Carrie Sutterfield announced she received a scholarship from the National Rural Economic Developers Association, covering her attendance at the annual conference and a one-year membership valued at $2,000. The meeting then adjourned into executive session to discuss legal matters.

The Salem Police Department has provided the following press release. The Salem Police Department successfully apprehended a wanted fugitive from Dent County following a coordinated investigation and search effort. Officers from the Salem Police Department initiated a short-term investigation into the whereabouts of the suspect. Patrolman #114 and Corporal #107 responded to the 600 block of South Jackson Street after receiving credible information regarding the fugitive’s location. Upon arrival, officers observed the male subject in the backyard of a residence. When officers attempted contact, the suspect fled on foot. A perimeter was quickly established with assistance from the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The suspect was tracked to another residence, where he attempted to hide from authorities. Officers issued commands for the individual to exit the residence, and he complied without further incident. The suspect, identified as Korey Denney, was taken into custody and transported to the Dent County Jail. Denney is being held on the following charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance (Probation Violation). The Salem Police Department extends its appreciation to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol for their cooperation and assistance during this incident. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

An accident occurred Saturday afternoon around 1:50 in Dent County on Hwy 32 at County Road 4160. According to the highway patrol report a 2005 Ford Explorer driven by a 67-year-old Salem man was traveling westbound and hydroplaned on the wet roadway. The Ford travelled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. The man suffered minor injuries and was transported to Salem Memorial Hospital by Salem Ambulance. He was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.