Posts by Stan Podorski

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 5380, 5580 and 6580, while repairs are still being made to the Mantis brush cutter. Green said grading would also be done on county road 6590. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said workers would be adding rock and removing a tree from county road 5305, and adding riprap rock around a bridge on county road 5300. Williams said brush would be cut on county roads 4280, while rock will be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 3300 and 3310. Grading will also be done on county roads 2330, 2340 and 5225; while additional rock will be added to county roads 5300, 5305 and 2240. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he attended the MRPC board meeting Thursday night and will be attending the South Central County Commissioner meeting this morning in Houston. Larson recommended and the other commissioners agreed to appoint Ray Walden to the Meramec Community Enhancement Corporation as a representative of Dent County. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the first day to vote absentee with no excuse will be March 25th, and the last day to mail out a ballot for the Municipal Election will be March 26th. Excused absentee voting continues at the courthouse until April 7th. At the last meeting, the commission appointed Troy Bemis to the Tourism Tax Committee. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday morning at the courthouse at 9:00.

This year’s 100-Acre in the Wood Rally will start off today in Washington County and continue tomorrow in Dent County only. There were 61 entries as of Tuesday morning that will compete this year in one of the most popular venues on the road rally tour. The City of Potosi will kick off the event Friday at 12:00 with their Parc Expose followed by two spectator points at Stage 3 around 2:25, and Stage 7 around 6:15. On Saturday, the Rally moves to Dent County where the Parc Expose on 4th Street in Salem around the courthouse square will start at 9:30 giving fans another opportunity to see their favorite teams up close before the Rally begins. Saturday also provides spectators several opportunities to see the cars on course at full speed starting at Stage 10 at 11:30 in the morning as well as afternoon locations starting at Stage 12 at 1:28 which this year has an admission charge, stage 13 A&B at 2:14, Stage 15 at 5:03, and Stage 17 A&B at 7:34. Maps on the locations of the spectator points are available at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce in the Crossroads Shopping Center or you can also access the maps on the American Rally Association website: www.americanrallyassociation.org/100aw. There is no charge for the maps. The 100AW organizers would like to remind all rally participants and spectators that Missouri’s “No Trespassing” Laws and “Purple Paint” Statute are still in effect during the rally and are asking everyone to watch for those signs and purple paint on trees, etc. Please respect all property owners by avoiding private property and if a landowner does not want you to spectate on their land, please move to a new location.

An accident happened in Reynolds County in Bunker on Highway 72 Wednesday evening at 5:10. According to the highway patrol report, a 2014 Dodge Ram driven eastbound by a 74-year-old man from Bunker, failed to yield to a 2005 Ford Escape driven eastbound by a 17-year-old girl from Bunker resulting in a collision. The 17-year-old woman was transported by the Iron County EMS to Salem Memorial District Hospital with moderate injuries. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by the Reynolds County Sheriff’s Department, Reynolds County Fire Department, the Reynolds County First Responders and the Iron County EMS. Both vehicles sustained moderate damages and were removed from the scene by Rowdy’s Towing at the request of the vehicle owners. The girl was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident while the 74-year-old man was not.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting Tuesday evening at 6:00 at 202 N. Washington in the Old City Hall Auditorium. After the call to order, the agenda was approved after removing Resolution 7-2025, an ordinance authorizing the execution of license agreement for the installation, maintenance and operation of a fiber optic cable from Sho-Me Technologies, LLC to the Salem Police Department for the Next Gen-911 system. During public comments, a citizen stated she submitted a bid to purchase the lot next to her home, and that was approved but has been waiting several months for the City Attorney to contact her. The request from Jay Beck from The Local was removed, and the board appointed former Alderwoman Kala Sisco to serve on the Parks and Recreation Board. The Board voted to approve Resolution #8-2025 supporting state funding for the rebuilding of the Scenic Rivers Industries Sheltered Workshop in Salem, with Alderman Shawn Bolerjack abstaining. Additionally, they approved Bill #3646, which amends Urban Development Code definitions to replace references to “city hall” with “city administration offices” as the city’s operations hub, Bill #3647 to correct a clerical error in commercial electric customer demand meter rates, and Bill #3648 to clarify responsibilities and define “owner” for water and sewer meters used to determine actual sewage usage. In the first reading of bills, the board discussed Bill #3649 which would approve amendments to the Clean Air (Non-Smoking) ordinances to allow appropriate smoking locations for employees, plus discussed Bill #3650 and Bill #3651 that also dealt with the other definitions in the Clean Air (Non-Smoking) ordinances specifically in city parks and other public places. During city officials’ reports, City Administrator Sally Burbridge announced a mapping workshop scheduled for April 28 at City Hall, which will be led by an MPUA representative. Burbridge also noted that due to the April 8 election, the Board of Aldermen meeting that week would be rescheduled to April 15. Mayor Greg Parker recognized DNR members for their assistance at Montauk following the floods and their ongoing community support efforts. Public Works Director Steve Paine provided a brief utility crews update, while Water Department Superintendent Chris McGuirt reported on the Missouri Rural Water Conference in Branson, where the City of Salem’s tap water was recognized as one of five state finalists for best drinking water. The meeting then went into closed session to discuss contracts and litigation.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors held their meeting Tuesday evening at the fire station. Roll call was taken followed by the approval of the consent agenda and minutes of the April meeting. The financial report was reviewed and showed an ending balance of $383,614.53. Bills, payments, and statements were reviewed and approved, followed by the budget review and approval. The monthly reimbursement report was presented showing a total of 16 calls for the month and 56 calls year-to-date. Eight of the calls were for various fires, while other calls included medical assist and accidents. In old business the bond progress report was given by Leigh Ann Price. Information has been distributed to TownScreen and Salem Publishing, KSMO will be doing on-air interviews. Plans are to have a town hall meeting with the public on March 24th.  In new business board of directors’ terms were discussed. Captain Earl Jarvis asked to acquire some of the fire equipment that was budgeted. In the chief’s report brush fire trucks pumps are causing problems by working sometimes and not working sometimes. A pump from Leonx has been borrowed till something can be replaced. The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors held their meeting Tuesday evening at the fire station. Roll call was taken followed by the approval of the consent agenda and minutes of the April meeting. The financial report was reviewed and showed an ending balance of $383,614.53. Bills, payments, and statements were reviewed and approved, followed by the budget review and approval. The monthly reimbursement report was presented showing a total of 16 calls for the month and 56 calls year-to-date. Eight of the calls were for various fires, while other calls included medical assist and accidents. In old business the bond progress report was given by Leigh Ann Price. Information has been distributed to TownScreen and Salem Publishing, KSMO will be doing on-air interviews. Plans are to have a town hall meeting with the public on March 24th.  In new business board of directors’ terms were discussed. Captain Earl Jarvis asked to acquire some of the fire equipment that was budgeted. In the chief’s report brush fire trucks pumps are causing problems by working sometimes and not working sometimes. A pump from Leonx has been borrowed till something can be replaced. The date for the next meeting was set for April 8th at 6:00 in the library basement. Motion was carried to go into closed session where no motions or decisions were made.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds hunters, trappers, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts they can get free copies of its updated booklets on 2025 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information and Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations at MDC regional offices, MDC nature centers, and other places where permits are sold. MDC’s 2025 Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations booklet will be available at vendors and MDC offices beginning in April. View booklet information online at mdc.mo.gov using the search tool on the homepage. The handy booklets have information on related permits, seasons, species, regulations, limits, conservation areas, and more. Learn more about hunting and trapping in Missouri at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping and more about fishing at mdc.mo.gov/fishing.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse and Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams presented the sales tax monies received in March. The General Revenue Fund and Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund each received $90,216.64 in March which is $175.53 more than March of 2024. Those funds year-to-date are both down $470.34 from 2024 last year. The Road and Bridge Fund received $44,976.84 in March and that is up $6,328.61 over March of 2024; and year-to-date, the Road and Bridge Fund is up $6,996.96. The Dent County Jail Operating and Trust funds each received $90,367.52 this March and that is up $12,778.98 over March of 2024. Year-to-date, the jail funds are both up $14,115.54. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 5015 and 5520, while brush will be cut on county road 5400 after repairs are made to the Mantis brush cutter. Green said grading would also be done on county roads 6630 and 6633. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said workers would be installing a driveway crossover pipe on Dent County Road 5240 and materials will be added to the road. Williams said brush would be cut on county roads 4280 and grading was going to be done on county roads 2330, 2380 and 4060. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said the county issued a burn ban Friday after conferring with the Dent County Fire Protection District due to the high winds, but they have canceled that ban as of Monday morning. Larson went on to say the commissioners met with FEMA Tuesday, at the Dent County Fire House and on Friday, there will be a South Central County Commissioners meeting in Houston. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said excused absentee voting continues through April 7th and the last day to register for the Municipal Election will be today. She also said that House Bill 352 passed that modified the annual financial statement publishing requirements for counties to a summary form that will save money for counties. The financial statements will have to be published in the paper by June 30th. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk talked with the commission about creating an application soon for those who want to apply for the senior citizen real estate tax credits through Senate Bill 190 which is the Homestead Credit Bill. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Salem R-80 High School Senior Matthew Parks has been selected for “Honorable Mention” in the prestigious 2025 Missouri Scholars 100 program. This statewide initiative recognizes outstanding academic achievement, honoring Missouri’s top 100 graduating students. The announcement was made by Salem High School Principal Jody Heavin, recognizing the student’s exceptional commitment to academic excellence. Sponsored by the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals, the Missouri Scholars 100 Program invites nominations from schools statewide. Selection is determined by a comprehensive formula incorporating the student’s grade point average, ACT or SAT scores, and participation in an “Academic Decathlon” encompassing ten events that assess the student’s academic prowess. To qualify, students must meet stringent criteria, including a minimum GPA of 3.750, a minimum ACT score of 29 (or a minimum SAT score of 1,280), ranking in the upper ten percent of their class, and enrollment in high-level courses in mathematics, science, English, and foreign language. Exemplary attendance, outstanding citizenship, and active participation in school activities are also essential. Executive Director of the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals, Clark Mershon, states that the Missouri Scholars 100 Program stands as one of the premier academic recognition programs in the country, celebrating the dedication and success of students who have upheld the highest academic standards. This year marks the 31st Annual Missouri Scholars 100 recognition program, a testament to over three decades of honoring academic excellence. 

An accident happened in Phelps County at 4:18 Tuesday morning on Highway 8 about four miles south of St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 Dodge Durango driven eastbound by a 21-year-old man from Cook Station, traveled off the right side of the road and struck a mailbox. The driver then overcorrected causing the Dodge to travel off the left side of the road where it struck a tree and overturned. The driver from Cook Station suffered moderate injuries and was taken by the St. James EMS to Phelps Health in Rolla. The Dodge was totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing. The man was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

An accident occurred in Dent County Saturday afternoon at 4:10 on Private Property off of County Road 5310. According to the Highway Patrol report a southbound 2024 Polaris Ranger 1000, operated by a 56-year-old Rolla man, overturned ejecting all 4 occupants. The 56-year-old driver suffered serious injuries and was transported by Air Evac to Cox South in Springfield. A 39-year-old Lebanon man suffered moderate injuries and was transported by personal vehicle to Phelps Health in Rolla. Two other occupants, a 7-year-old male juvenile from Lebanon and a 31-year-old Dixon female, suffered minor injuries and were also transported by personal vehicle to Phelps Health. The report stated that none of the occupants of the Polaris were wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident. The Ranger sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has submitted the following reports for the last week of February. On Sunday February 23rd, Deputies conducted a traffic stop at Highway 68 and Highway U. During the course of the stop, three suspects were taken into custody for possession of a controlled substance. All suspects were transported to the Dent County Jail, pending issuance of formal charges. Then on Monday the 24th Deputies arrested a 56-year-old Salem man on an active Parole & Probation warrant. The suspect was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated on the warrant. On the 25th, Deputies responded to the 3500 block of Highway OO for a reported harassment. During the course of the investigation, the complainant was found to have an active arrest warrant. A 33-year-old Rolla man was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail. Also, that day Deputies conducted a traffic stop at South Highway 19 & County Road 5083. During the course of the stop, a 40-year-old Salem man was taken into custody for possession of a controlled substance. The suspect was transported to the Dent County Jail & placed on a 24-hour hold. On Wednesday the 26th, Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 900 block of County Road 5070. During the course of the stop, the suspect was found to be in Violation of a Protection Order and possession of a controlled substance. A 38-year-old Salem man was transported to the Dent County Jail & placed on a 24-hour hold. The next day, Thursday February 27th, Deputies responded to the 400 block of County Road 5150 for a reported stolen UTV. Finally, on the 28th, Deputies located the stolen SXS and after a vehicle pursuit, a 34-year-old Salem woman and 38-year-old Salem man were taken into custody. They were transported to the Dent County Jail & placed on 24 hour holds. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 573-729-3241 if you have any information relative to any ongoing investigation.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will meet this evening at 6:00 at 202 N. Washington in the Old City Hall Auditorium. After the call to order, approval of the agenda and consent agenda, the board will hear from Jay Beck from the Local about a request to close a road. Committee appointments will then be heard before the board hears Resolution #7-2025, authorizing the execution of license agreement for the installation, maintenance and operation of a fiber optic cable from Sho-Me Technologies, LLC to the Salem Police Department for the Next Gen-911 system. The board will also discuss Resolution #8-2025 showing the board’s support of state funding to assist in the rebuilding of the Scenic Rivers Industries Sheltered Workshop in Salem. In the second reading of bills, the board will be asked to approve Bill #3646 amending definitions under the Urban Development section of the Code of the City of Salem to clean up language in the codes that refers to the city hall as the operations hub for the city and replace it with the city administration offices; the board will discuss amendments in Bill #3647 to correct a clerical error to the demand meter and rates for commercial electric customers; and the board will clarify responsibilities and define what an “owner” is in Bill #3648 for water and sewer meters installed to determine the actual sewage usage. In the first reading of bills, the board will discuss Bill #3649 which would approve amendments to the Clean Air (Non-Smoking) ordinances to allow appropriate smoking locations for employees, plus discuss Bill #3650 and Bill #3651 that also deal with the other definitions in the Clean Air (Non-Smoking) ordinances specifically in city parks and other public places. After the reports from city officials, the board will go into closed session to discuss contracts and litigation. The meeting tonight is open to the public.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will be meeting this evening at 6:00 at the fire station at #2 South Main Street. After the roll call and approval of the consent agenda, the board will review minutes, financial reports before approving bills, and discuss the budget before hearing the monthly reimbursement report. In old business, the board will hear a progress report on the Bond issue followed by new business. New business will include discussion on board of directors terms before Chief Dennis Floyd gives his report to the board. The date will be set for the April meeting and Closed Session may be held, before the board adjourns. The meeting is open to the public.