Posts by Stan Podorski

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at 9:00 at the Courthouse. In the road report District One Commissioner Keith Green said his crew would be replacing some signs, as well as putting up some new ones. He said pipes will be replaced Tuesday, depending on the predicted storms. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported that Conservation Rock is still being hauled, and grading would be done on Dent County Road 2530. Williams noted that the Conservation Rock contract has be filled by the 23rd, which his crew will accomplish. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he received a message from City Administrator Sally Burbridge that electrical service to the courthouse would be run from the Jail and would cost $35,451, which the Commission has accounted for in the TAP Grant. The service would be partially overhead and partially underground. Larson also stated that he would be attending a Tourism Commission meeting Monday at 5:00. At 10:00 the commission opened bids for the Salt Shed construction at the Road and Bridge Shed. Thomas Excavating and Building submitted a bid for $31,000 and Gray Construction’s bid was for $23,880. The commissioners voted 3-0 to accept the Gray Construction bid. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

The City of Salem right-of-way crews will resume tree trimming and clearing around electric distribution lines beginning this week and continuing through the end of June. This work is part of the City’s ongoing effort to maintain a safe and reliable electric system and is required by Missouri state statute. Trimming and clearing will take place in the area roughly north of 2nd and 3rd Streets and east of portions of Highway 19. A map outlining the specific locations will be available for public viewing at the City of Salem Administrative Offices. The goals of the program are to safely provide citizens with electricity, work safely and efficiently, minimize negative impacts on the environment, protect the electric distribution system, comply with federal, state, and local regulations; reduce power outages and minimize storm cleanup and safety hazards. Crews will work as quickly and safely as possible to limit any inconvenience to residents. The City appreciates the cooperation of property owners in helping us protect the infrastructure that powers our homes and businesses.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Wednesday at the Fire Station at #2 South Main. After the call to order of the outgoing Board the roll call was taken, followed by the approval of the consent agenda, and the review and approval of the minutes of the previous meeting. The bills were then reviewed, approved and signed, plus the budget was reviewed. The monthly reimbursement report showed a total of 27 calls for April and 127 calls for the year-to-date. With no old business, the Board declared the election results where the 3.5-million-dollar bond issue passed with an in-favor vote of 63.65%. Also elected to 6-year terms were Leigh Ann Price, Jeff Stokes Jr., and John Knight. The outgoing Board then adjourned Sine Die. The Oath of Office was administered by the Secretary to Price, Stokes and Knight, followed by the call to order by the Incoming Board. Officer election results were Mike Godi, Chair/President, Dave Wells, Secretary/Treasurer, Jeff Stokes, Budget Officer, and Dennis Floyd, Custodian of Records. In new business L. J. Hart and Company were present to report on the bond. They noted that there is a 30-day waiting period in case the election is contested, then the bonds will be distributed. The Board approved a resolution for the sale and issuance of the Series 2025 General Obligation Bonds, of the Dent County Fire Protection District to L.J.Hart & Company. The Board voted to have an audit conducted every year which will be turned in by June. Signature cards were signed for all documents necessary for banking accounts and CD accounts. The Board voted that Progressive Ozark Bank signatures will be by all of the Board members. The Board then reviewed and updated  the by-laws. Section V Amendment for Electronic Meetings was approved by the Board. Section II change to read minimum age 30 was approved 4-0, with 1 abstention. Also, a motion was made and carried that Board members must reside in the district for 2 years. A Website for the department was presented and reviewed. The approximate cost would be $10 to $30 per year. After reviewing the Website was approved to keep patrons of the department informed of events. The Treasurer presented information about the acquisition of the 7-month CD at Town & Country Bank at 4.25%. Chief Floyd presented the Board with pictures of the decals that are proposed for the new truck. He then reported that the pumper tanker can have a letter of intent placed on the truck locking in the price at $430,000.00. He was also asked to get the best price for 3 trucks. After discussion the Board passed a motion to sign a letter of intent for 2 trucks in order to lock in the price at current rates. Chief Floyd then presented quotes from Sentinel for SCBA for $118,845.85 and $45,000.00 for skid units for the new trucks. He said that due to tariffs these must be purchased now to lock in the prices and quantities. After discussion a motion was made to accept the bids that were presented. The next meeting for the Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors was set for June 10th at 6:00 at the Fire Station pending any necessary changes from insurance representatives.

The Salem High School held their 140th graduation exercises Friday night in front of full house at Bill Schuchardt Stadium on the high school campus. Numerous awards were presented to students for their outstanding high school achievements. The Senior Class Citizenship Award went to two students who have led with kindness, respect and integrity and whose character, leadership and willingness to help others was noticed by all; and those recipients were Grant Case and Khloe Baldwin. The Overall Excellence Award went to two students who have excelled academically, showed strong character, and positively impacted the school and community, earning respect from their peers and faculty; and those students were Lindsey Hinderliter and Corbett Ball. The Glory Award was established to recognize students who embody the 14 virtues engraved on the Missouri House of Representatives Chamber Wall, and those recipients were Madison Flores and Grant Case. The Missouri Scholars 100 Program is a statewide initiative that recognizes outstanding academic achievement, honoring Missouri’s top 100 graduating seniors who meet the program’s very stringent requirements, and Matthew Parks received Honorable Mention in this prestigious program. Also recognized at the commencement were all the A+ students, students entering the military, students who are entering the workforce right after graduation, and students who were going to college.

The Green Forest R-2 School District has been recognized as a Gold Star School! This is a great honor as only eight schools in the entire state every year get recognized. Schools are chosen for the distinction with their outstanding academic achievement and high performance. Congratulations to the Green Forest teachers, staff and administrators for their fine work in capturing this award. Also, the Salem R-80 William Lynch Elementary School has earned the PBIS Tier 3 Award of Excellence! William Lynch has consistently been recognized for their Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) implementation. This award reflects the school’s outstanding work in supporting all students academically, socially, and emotionally. Congratulations to Dr. Blau, teachers, staff and administration for their incredible work with students.

Southwest Baptist University has reached an agreement to sell the SBU Salem Campus to Compass Health. The sale follows a vote by the Salem Board of Aldermen to institute a zoning change to allow Compass Health to occupy and expand its Salem operations out of the facility. SBU will continue to offer degree programs and courses in Salem after Compass takes over the building, as the university will lease back space for instruction. In addition to LPN and paramedic bridge programs in nursing, SBU offers associate and bachelor’s degrees in business, education, criminal justice, psychology, and health sciences in Salem.

The Salem R-80 School district held their regular meeting Thursday evening at 5:30 in the administration building located at 1409 West Rolla Road. After approving the agenda and consent agenda, Dr. Nathan Wills presented his Superintendent’s Report, which covered CSIP goals, FEMA building progress, updates on the Foundation formula, roof repairs, long-range facility planning, and legislative matters. Administrative reports were provided, and student artwork from Salem High School was presented by Mrs. Angela Dingess and her art students. During new business, the board unanimously approved multiple items, including: a private contact for a Vision, Orientation and Mobility Teacher, MSBA Board policy updates, the Middle School Athletic Cooperative, the request for Chamber Singers to attend Nationals in April 2026, the request for FFA to attend the National Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana on October 28, 2025, and the FEMA shelter project change orders. Personnel changes included one transfer, one hire, and one resignation were also discussed, before moving on to executive session to discuss student and personnel issues. The next School Board meeting, originally scheduled for the 19th, was moved to June 26 at 5:30. 

The low-water crossing on Dent County Route TT near Sligo is now open following repairs. After recent consecutive recent flooding events, the Missouri Department of Transportation assessed the damage and closed the roadway on April 22, 2025, as it was no longer safe for vehicular traffic. Several pipes at the low-water crossing have been replaced, allowing the roadway to reopen earlier today, Tuesday, May 13. Additional repairs are needed, but the necessary materials are on order and expected to be delivered in two to three weeks. At that time, crews will once again close the roadway for approximately two weeks. This low-water crossing has been identified by the county and the Meramec Regional Planning Commission as a high-priority unfunded need. MoDOT has begun preliminary work to determine the best long-term plan for this area, but until funding has been identified, a schedule for the construction of any improvements is not known. For traffic updates or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit the MoDOT Traveler Information Map.

The 140th Graduation Ceremonies of the Salem R-80 High School is scheduled to be held tonight at 7:00 at the Bill Schuchardt Football Stadium. After the procession of 140 graduating students, the National Anthem will be performed by the Salem High School Chamber Choir Singers. Assistant Principal Clay Moody will present the Senior Class Citizenship Awards and Glory Awards. Principal Jody Heavin will present the Best Overall Excellence Awards to one girl and one boy, and the Missouri Scholars 100 Award. Heavin will also introduce the A-Plus students, students who are entering the military, the career and technical certified students as well as those students’ attending college. Senior Class President Liberty Ross will give her speech before Senior Class-Vice President Lindsey Hinderliter gives her speech. Diplomas will then be awarded to the Class of 2025 students by Superintendent Dr. Nathan Wills and President of the R-80 Board of Education, Drusilla Howard, followed by the tossing of the caps. The graduation exercises will be streamed live on KSMO Media. Those wanting to stream the graduation exercises can go to the Salem R-80 website which is www.salemr80.org, go to their activities menu and you will find a link to the KSMO Stream which is our Twitch account. People can also go directly to the KSMO Radio website at www.ksmoradio.com and from the homepage, they can click on the stream of their choice including the KSMO Stream Facebook page, KSMO Twitch page and on KSMO’s YouTube page. There is NO charge to watch the services. Should the exercises be rained out, they will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:00. 

Free trout fishing, a casting contest for prizes, and free hotdogs are enough to make any kid’s day.  Those are exactly the makings of Kids’ Fishing Day, Saturday, May 17 at Maramec Spring Park, located near St. James.  The event is hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) in cooperation with The James Foundation.  It offers free fishing and other fun activities for children 15 years of age and younger. The park will open at 5:30 a.m. and the Kids Fishing Day event will be held from 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 p.m.  The entire upper half of the spring branch will be reserved for kids 15 years of age and younger. Free daily fishing tags for children will be available to pick up Friday, May 16, at the James Foundation Store and on Saturday, May 17, at the Mill Pavilion by the big tent.  Any car that has a child 15 and under gets into the park for free as well. MDC will stock rainbow trout throughout the day to ensure plenty of action to keep kids engaged and excited.  Among them will be some lunkers and tagged fish that kids can redeem for prizes.  Volunteers, along with MDC staff, will be on hand all day to assist young anglers.  A limited number of loaner fishing poles will be available, but children are encouraged to bring their own fishing poles and equipment. The World Bird Sanctuary will be on hand featuring a live bald eagle and American kestrel.  Everyone can enjoy free hot dogs and soda, along with attractions like archery, t-shirt painting, and a casting contest.  There will even be a drawing for big prizes like free guided trips. The event will be held rain or shine and sponsored by Phelps County Bank, St. James Chamber of Commerce, St. James Trout Fraternity, surrounding Wal-Marts, Missouri Trout Fishermen’s Association, Dickey Bubs, Rockin’ C Outdoors, LOZ Lures, Mutzie’s Bait, HAWGZ Custom Baits, and Bait WrX. Maramec Spring Park, owned and operated by The James Foundation, is located on Highway 8 about six miles east of St. James, approximately and hour and a half from the St. Louis area.  The park’s hatchery is administered by MDC and produces about 100,000 trout each year. For more information about the event, call the Maramec Spring Hatchery at 573-265-7801. To learn more about fishing in Missouri, at mdc.mo.gov/fishing.

Missouri native plants will be on sale on Saturday May 17th from 8:00 in the morning until noon at the Rolla Farmers Market in the JC Penney parking lot. Whether your garden is sunny or shaded, your soil wet or dry, vendors from Prairie Hill Farm and Doolittle Gardens will have plants to suit your growing conditions. As native Missouri plants have adapted to our local climate and soils and are part of our native ecosystems, they can provide beauty in all seasons with less maintenance and the greatest benefit to wildlife. The sale is sponsored by Meramec Hills Chapter of Missouri Master Naturalists and Paradoxa Chapter of the Missouri Native Plant Society.