News – Monday, November 17th 2025

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will meet Wednesday evening, November 19th at 6:00 at the Fire Station at #2 South Main. After the Call to Order and Roll Call will be the approval of the Consent Agenda, which includes review of previous meeting minutes, the financial report and approval of bills, plus the budget review. The Monthly Reimbursement Report will precede Old Business, which will include the Fidelity (CTI) Tower Lease consideration, Rescue tools quotes, and Policy and Procedures Review. In New Business the Board will review quotes on equipment and consider a Christmas Party. Chief Dennis Floyd will present his report, followed by setting the date for the next meeting and closed session, if necessary, before adjournment. The meeting is open to the public.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held a public hearing Thursday evening, regarding the annexation petitions submitted by Terry and Shirley Perkins, as well as the Church of Latter-day Saints. With no representatives present to speak on either petition, the public hearing was closed, and the Board proceeded to call its regular meeting to order. After approving the agenda and consent agenda, the Board approved a street closure request submitted by Catherine Wynn. As a result, Fourth Street, from MacArthur to Pershing, will be closed on December 5 for the Christmas Parade and for a short time afterward to accommodate local shopping and open houses. Although Wynn did not specify an exact closure time, City Administrator Sally Burbridge noted that the parade is scheduled to begin at 6:00 that evening. A request from Nancy Major for utility services outside the city limits was tabled until the December 9 meeting to allow City Attorney James Webber additional time to review the matter. Under new and miscellaneous business, the Board approved Resolution No. 27-2025, establishing the municipal election for the City of Salem on April 7, 2026. Citizens interested in running for local office may do so from December 9 through December 30 between 8:00 and 5:00, keeping in mind that city offices will be closed on December 24 and 25 for the Christmas holiday. The Board also approved a conditional use request to place a 26 by 56 foot manufactured home at 402 S. Pershing Street and voted to adopt the City of Salem Enhanced Active Transportation Plan, which aims to identify and revitalize bicycle and pedestrian trails throughout the city. During reports from city officials, Mayor Greg Parker reminded residents to use caution while driving this weekend due to the large number of participants running from Salem to Rolla in the Heroes Marathon. He also announced his intention to seek re-election in April. Public Works Director Steve Paine provided updates on the Wastewater Treatment Plant mitigation project, recent improvements to the city’s storm sirens, and the Community Center parking lot, which is expected to be paved in the spring. With no further reports, the meeting adjourned to executive session for attorney client privileges before concluding. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be held on November 25 in the auditorium and is open to the public.

Every day on Missouri highways, first responders risk their lives within feet of fast-moving traffic. From law enforcement and tow operators to Missouri Department of Transportation crews and EMS personnel, these men and women face danger so others can make it home safely. This week, with a declaration from Governor Mike Kehoe, Missouri will join the nation in marking the 10th anniversary of National Crash Responder Safety Week this week. As we near the end of 2025, we are at risk of surpassing last year’s roadway fatalities total, which would break the multi-year trend of declining fatalities in our state. While this should be alarming for all drivers, this situation is especially dangerous for our emergency responders and everyone who works on and alongside our state’s roadways. MoDOT, continues to ask all drivers in Missouri to slow down, move over and remain alert when approaching an incident. According to the Federal Highway Administration, traffic incidents are among the leading causes of death for emergency responders nationwide. In 2024, Missouri emergency responders handled more than 136,000 crashes, with over 950 fatalities reported on state roadways. Missourians rely on approximately 33,000 trained professionals, including MoDOT personnel, who respond to thousands of roadway emergencies each month. Missouri’s Move Over law requires drivers to either change lanes or slow down when approaching stationary MoDOT, law enforcement or other emergency vehicles with flashing lights on. All states enforce some form of the Move Over law. For more information about Crash Responder Safety Week visit savemolives.com.