News – Friday, December 19th 2025

The City of Salem reports the city administration office building offices will be closed from noon until 2:00 in the afternoon today for a staff Christmas luncheon. If paying your bill utility bill, please use one of the city’s remote payment options. You can call the Automated Phone Pay at 1-888-443-4087, pay on the web at www.salemmo.com/city and then scroll to “Online Utility Payments”, or you may use the Drop Box in the drive-through at the administrative office. 

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday, December 9th, at #2 South Main. Previous minutes were approved, the financial reports were reviewed, bills, payments and statements were reviewed and approved, the current budget and reconciliations were reviewed and approved, the 2026 Budget was reviewed and approved, and the monthly reimbursement report, which showed 15 calls for November and 251 for the year, was approved. In Old Business the Fidelity (CTI) Tower Lease was approved to be paid. Chief Thomas went over the Rescue Tools Quotes, and he said they needed about $2,500.00 of hose fittings. The Board approved a maximum expense $2,500.00 for fittings. The Policies and Procedures were reviewed and left as is. New Business the Board agreed to sponsor a table at the Hospital Fundraiser Dancing with the Salem Stars. Chief Thomas reported that the Christmas Parade went well and that the Firehouse grant contract is in and ready to be signed. The next meeting date and time were set for January 13th at 6:00 at DCFPD. The Board went in to closed session at 7:18 to discuss personnel and contracts and returned from closed session at 9:15. In closed session the Board voted to add Colleen Montoya and Connor Montoya to the department Jr FF Roster. The meeting adjourned at 9:29.

Would you like to schedule a call with a tax representative regarding your tax matters? Appointments can be scheduled with a tax representative regarding individual income tax questions or business tax questions including “MyTax” portal; business tax registration; sales; use; employer withholding; or corporate income tax. Tax preparers can also schedule a call for individual income tax or business tax questions. Simply enter dor.mo.gov/taxation/scheduletaxcall into your browser to go to the site to schedule your appointment. 

Create a Chunky Knit Blanket tomorrow afternoon from 4:00 to 7:00 at the Creative Arts Center with Danielle Kissir at 204 South Main Street. Learn how to finger knit a large lap throw/chunky blanket in the colors of Christmas! This is a beginner friendly class and is fun for everyone age 10 and above. The cost is $75 which includes six skeins of colored chunky yarn and patterns, or $35 if you bring your own chosen colors of chunky yarn totaling six. You must sign up for this class by 11:50 tonight. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center. For more information, e-mail salemartscenter@salemcommunitybetterment.com

Nine Salem R-80 High School students had works that placed at the Arts Rolla High School Competition. Taking 1st place was Ellie Turner, while Clara Cooper took 2nd place. Honorable mention winners included Haley Yerk, Clara Cooper, Ruby Allen, Deanna Moore, Lea Deller, Olivia Hardin-Metcalf, and Allie Walters. Congratulations to these students!