News – Thursday, January 15th 2026

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held a workshop prior to its regular meeting Tuesday evening in the auditorium at 202 North Washington Street to discuss codes related to renting and leasing City Hall space. Topics included implementing a refundable damage and cleaning deposit, charging a flat rental fee regardless of in-town or out-of-town residency, and updating the event cancellation policy. City Administrator Sally Burbridge stated she will prepare a draft  policy and ordinance for review at the next workshop. Following the workshop, the Board of Aldermen called its regular meeting to order. After prayer and approval of the agenda and consent agenda, there were no public comments. Additionally, the representative from the U.S. Small Business Administration was not in attendance to deliver a scheduled presentation, and the meeting moved on to new and miscellaneous business. The board approved a request to have three effluent pumps rebuilt at a cost of $6,750 each, for a total of $20,250. This unplanned expense will be paid using prior-year funds. City officials noted that failure to rebuild the pumps could result in equipment failure, potentially shutting down the UV system and causing an overflow or sewage release. The pumps will be rebuilt while being serviced at the vendor’s facility and are expected to be back in service by April. A request to approve $12,563 for the repair and rebuild of the Wastewater Treatment Plant sewer jetting and clearing trailer was also approved. This repair was planned, with $15,000 previously set aside in the Water Department’s Equipment Maintenance account. The aldermen approved Resolution 1-2026, an agreement between the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and the Salem Wastewater Treatment Facility to enter into a voluntary one-year Memorandum of Understanding for participation in wastewater surveillance for public health monitoring. Under the agreement, DHSS will coordinate sample collection and conduct approved testing for specific pathogens, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. The midyear budget adjustment for fiscal year 2025–2026 was approved. These adjustments are primarily related to damages incurred during the November 2024 flood. The budget reflects a total increase in revenues of $590,672.98 and an increase in expenditures of $388,829.60, resulting in an overall fund balance increase of $117,564.78. During reports from city officials, Mayor Greg Parker highlighted upcoming community events, and Alderwoman Catherine Dent discussed an upcoming beautification project expected to be completed by spring. City Administrator Burbridge also reported that she has contacted Salem R-80 Superintendent Dr. Nathan Wills about the possibility of students in the high school metallurgy class using their new plasma cutter to create trash receptacles for the downtown area. Alderwoman Dent expressed concern about the potential for hot metal trash cans to cause burns during the summer months. With no further official reports, the board adjourned to executive session to discuss legal matters. The next regular meeting of the City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be held January 27 in the auditorium and is open to the public.

Today is the last day to share your favorites in the 2026 Best of Rural Missouri Reader’s Choice Contest! From hometown diners to hidden hiking spots, Rural Missouri Magazine want to know the places and people that make Missouri shine. Your nominations decide who earns the title of “Best of Rural Missouri.” Simply enter the name and location of your nomination at ruralmissouri.org. Example: “Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Camdenton” Some past favorites have earned their spot in the Best of Rural Missouri Hall of Fame — meaning they’ve won five or more times since 2012 and now get to rest on their well-earned laurels. The current Hall of Famers are Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que in Cuba, Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Camdenton, St. James Winery in St. James, Silver Dollar City in Branson. The cities of Branson and Lake of the Ozarks. To keep things uniquely Missouri, please exclude national or out-of-state chains.