Local News

The Dent County Commission held their regular meeting Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray was not in attendance due to a prior commitment. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk gave the road report for both districts. For District 1, grading was being done on Dent County Roads 5220, 6520 and 6580; and sand will be delivered to the road and bridge department shed. For District 2, Commissioner Polk stated that rock would be added, and grading done on Dent County Roads 2050, while only grading would be done on county roads 2060, 5330 and 5333. He also said crews would be hauling sand to the road and bridge department shed. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams reported on the sales tax received in December. The General Revenue Fund and Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund each received $109,841.05 which is $21,226.57 more than for December of 2023. Year-to-date, the General Revenue Fund and the LEST funds are up $81,758.32 which is about a 7.8% increase. The Road and Bridge Fund received $51,830.46 this month, and that is up $10,118.30 from the  money received in December of 2023. Year-to-date, that fund is up $35,549.34 which is close to a 7.3% increase. The Dent County Jail Operating and Trust funds each received $104,083.12 in December and that is up $20,237.05 from the December 2023 receipts. Year-to-date, those funds are up $72,261.72 which is about a 7.4% increase.  Williams also gave the CART Tax report from November which showed the county received $82,142.17 and that is down $2,627.21 from November of 2023. Year to date, the CART Tax fund is up $38,645.04. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk gave the November turnover report which showed the collector received $1,805,788.50 in rea estate and personal property tax payments and that money has already been distributed appropriately to the proper taxing entities. She said the increase over 2023 is about 1.2%. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he will be attending the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management meeting and banquet tonight in St. James. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley continues to work on the 2025 county budget. The county commission then approved the one bid received for new voting election equipment, software, licenses, etc. from Adkins Election Services for $84,468.00. This includes an $8,700 customer discount. The annual maintenance fee is $6,790. This new equipment should last between eight and ten years. The machines Dent County used in the 2024 elections were already ten years old when the year started and were the second oldest in the state. The commissioners heard from Jeff Banderet from Great Rivers Engineering. He said the TAP grant for the new sidewalks around the courthouse should be bid out in the late spring of 2025 and construction should begin the summer of 2025. Banderet said MoDOT is requiring a Cultural Resource Survey on the entire corridor of the FLAP project 077 which is the road leading in the back side of Montauk. The survey will cost $11,602.17 and will be done by Missouri State archeologists. Once that is finished, permits for the work can be obtained and negotiations for right-of-way can continue. The commission then approved Supplement #3 for FLAP077 for the survey which the county will have to pay before being reimbursed by MoDOT. That expenditure will be added to the proposed 2025 county budget. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

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 will be the approval of the agenda and the consent agenda. Public Comments will then be heard followed by new and miscellaneous business including Resolution No. 2-2024 a resolution by the City of Salem seeking funding with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Division of Energy for the Missouri Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Funding. The Board will address the acceptance of a WWTF Grant Award, plus reschedule the December 26th Aldermen Meeting, followed by Re-appointments to the EEZ Board. A bill to be considered is Bill No. 3635, an ordinance amending Section 110.170 addressing meeting times of the Board of Aldermen. Reports from City Officials will be heard before adjournment. The meeting Tuesday night of the City of Salem Board of Aldermen is open to the public.

The Dent County Fire Protection district board of directors will be meeting Tuesday evening at 6:00 at the fire station at #2 South Main Street. After the roll call and approval of the consent agenda which includes the budget review and financial reports, the monthly reimbursement report will be heard. In old business, the board will discuss Bond/Tax issues followed by new business. Chief Floyd will then give his report to the board. The date will be set for the January meeting and Closed Session may be held to discuss personnel, if necessary, before the board adjourns. The meeting Tuesday evening will be open to the public.

The Dent County Commission held their regular meeting Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said work crews would try to grade Dent County Road 6470, while other workers would be working on the dump bed on County Dump Truck 121 which is going up and down very slow. Mobray also said workers will be out measuring pipes and box culverts as many pipes after the heavy rains need to be extended to widen the road. Mobray said this work would not get done until 2025 once an inventory has been determined and ordered. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2020 and 5310. He said crews would be hauling sand to the shop for Montauk State Park and doing maintenance on county dump truck 124. He said crews may change tires on county truck 122 but Polk said he didn’t think they needed to be changed out yet. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he and Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams attended the opioid settlement committee meeting Thursday night. The commissioners approved roof repairs be made to the Dent County Annex Building for $1,200 and to the Dent County Judicial Building for $2,956 by Hope Construction. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she is working on the county budget and the first day to sign up for positions in the 2025 April Municipal Election begins December 10th at the tax entity for which you want to run. The election will be held on April 8th. Commissioner Mobray announced the county has some surplus property they would like to sell before the end of the year. He said they have a Salt Dog Spreader Box, a 1997 Dodge 1500 pickup, and an old air compressor. Sealed bids may be left at the Dent County Courthouse in the clerk’s office, and they must be submitted by 10:00 in the morning on December 23rd. For more information about these items, call the Road and Bridge department at 573-729-7770. Mike Elliott from Town and Country Insurance  came in to visit about the new insurance premium through Tokio Marine HCC regarding the county building, property and auto insurance. The county had a 41% increase in their current premium over last year and it came in at $272,000. There were numerous deductibles that changed. Many such as coverage for law enforcement and auto doubled while other such as equipment and buildings more than doubled. Limitations on wind and hail damage to buildings were also added with a much higher deductible. The insurance begins January 1st and the county will not have time to rebid the insurance this year, but they will be taking bids from different insurance carriers during the summer of 2025. The next commissioner meeting will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and it is open to the public.

A 29-year old man from Salem died after a motorcycle crash early Sunday morning at 12:54 on Highway 32 about a mile west of Dent County Road 4350. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol report, the man was riding a 2008 Harley Davidson Sportster 883 westbound when he lost control on a turn and went off the left side of the road. The man was ejected from the motorcycle and was pronounced dead at the scene by Dent County Coroner Ben Pursifull. The man was not wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident and his body was taken to the Wilson Mortuary in Salem. The motorcycle sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

The Creative Arts Center will hold a class on Wheat Christmas Stars Thursday evening, at 6:00 with Suzanne Douglass. Students will learn how to prepare the wheat straws, tied knots and how to combine multiple simple stars to make more elaborate ones. The cost of the class is $20. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on Creative Arts Center.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Salem will be holding their “Parade of Lights” Saturday night starting at 5:30 from the SBU Salem Campus at Grand and Franklin. Over 50 entries are participating this year with the theme “Have Your Elf a Merry Little Christmas” with the Grand Marshall this year being Mike and Diane Godi. The parade will move east on Franklin to MacArthur where the parade will travel north to 4th Street and then head east to the courthouse square. The City of Salem is asking everyone to use caution if you will be downtown as there is sidewalk construction work going on. Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy the parade, but if you are unable to make it this year, KSMO Media will be streaming the parade LIVE from their post near the Salem Public Library at 4th and Jackson Streets. The broadcast should get underway close to 6:00 and can be seen on the KSMO Facebook Stream page, ksmoradio.com and the KSMO YouTube page. There is no charge to watch the parade and if you miss it, the parade will be available for playback at a later time. If you have any questions about the parade, please call the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Office at 573-729-6900.

Representatives from the Missouri State Parks invite the public to attend a conceptual development planning meeting for both Taum Sauk Mountain State Park and Jay Nixon Backcountry this Saturday at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park. The meeting will be held in an open house format starting at 9:00 in the morning. At 10:30, a guided hike to Taum Sauk Mountain State Park’s Mina Sauk Falls will be available for those attending the meeting. This is a strenuous 3.5-mile hike. As the long-range plans for the facilities are updated, the public is encouraged to come learn more about the planning process, ask questions and provide input regarding the future facility use and development. A 30-day comment period begins December 7th with a survey available online at mostateparks.com/page/90071/conceptual-development-plans. For those who are interested in seeing the Jay Nixon Backcountry, a guided overnight hike and camping trip will be offered in the spring of 2025 in conjunction with the second conceptual development planning meeting. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park is located off Highway CC in Ironton.
Highway 72 in Reynolds and Dent Counties will be reduced to one lane as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs. This section of roadway is located from Highway 32 to Highway 21. Weather permitting, the work will take place Monday, December 9th and Tuesday, December 10th from 8:00 in the morning to 2:00 in the afternoon each day. The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area. For additional information, contact MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/southeast.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that hunters harvested 11,424 deer during the state’s chronic wasting disease (CWD) portion of the firearms deer-hunting season, November 27th through December 1st, in CWD Management Zone counties. Of the 11,424 deer harvested, 3,917 were antlered bucks, 1,052 were button bucks,and 6,455 were does. MDC initiated the CWD portion last year to increase deer harvest in the CWD Management Zone to help slow the spread of the disease. For a list of CWD Management Zone counties, visit the MDC website at mdc.mo.gov. Hunters were allowed to use any unfilled firearms deer hunting permits during the CWD portion and had to abide by the statewide limit of one antlered deer during the firearms deer season, all portions combined. Hunters also had to abide by county-specific firearms antlerless permit numbers. Top counties for the CWD portion were Franklin with 413 deer harvested, Jefferson with 301, and Howell with 279. Totals harvest by county in our area included Crawford with 170, Dent with 105, Phelps CWD harvest was 128 and Shannon with 122. For more information on this season’s harvest totals, visit the MDC website at extra.mdc.mo.gov. Last year’s harvest total for the CWD portion was 11,707 deer. Get more information on Missouri deer hunting from MDC’s 2024 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available where hunting permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov.

Public notice is hereby given that a Meeting with the board of the Dent County Opioid Settlement Committee, will be held at the Dent County Associate Courtroom located at 112 E. Fifth Street in Salem.  Thursday evening at 6:00. According to the agenda after roll call and reading of previous meeting minutes, the board will confer and approve priorities for funding and amount of funding. Before adjourning approve application for media publications.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri has consistently ranked within the top 15 states nationally for collisions involving deer. The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) warns drivers to be mindful of deer and other wild animals that commonly cross the roadways as temperatures drop and nights become longer. In 2023, Missouri drivers experienced 3,591 crashes involving deer, equating to one deer strike occurring approximately every 2 hours and 30 minutes in the state. In these crashes, there were four fatalities, and 420 people were injured. Dawn and dusk are the most susceptible times to experience deer collisions. Always be cautious and regularly scan both sides of the roadway. Keep in mind some accidents are unavoidable, so it’s always best to be prepared by contacting your agent or carrier to discuss appropriate insurance coverage. Deer are often in groups, even in populated areas. Be extra cautious at night when animals tend to be more active and watch for the reflection of their eyes from your vehicle headlights. Stay focused while driving and be ready to react by reducing your speed if you encounter deer. Never swerve to avoid animals in the road, as it can cause loss of vehicle control, resulting in serious injury or death. Damage to a vehicle from an accident with an animal is covered under an auto policy optional comprehensive coverage. If you only have collision or liability coverage, your insurance carrier will not cover vehicle damage from an animal collision. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates damage caused by deer accidents alone results in about $1 billion of uninsured losses annually. If you experience an animal collision accident, ensure your personal safety before promptly reporting the incident to your insurance carrier. Take photos to document the on-scene damage if you can do so safely. Filing a claim for an accident covered by your comprehensive coverage means you’ll still need to pay a deductible. After that, your insurer typically covers the costs of the claim up to your policy limits.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows young hunters ages 6-15 harvested 2,530 deer during Missouri’s late youth portion of the 2024 firearms deer hunting season, November 29th through December 1st. Of the 2,530 deer harvested, 1,046 were antlered bucks, 270 were button bucks, and 1,214 were does. Top counties for the late youth portion were Pike with 58 deer harvested, Harrison with 55, and Lincoln with 55. The MDC website showed county totals in our area were Crawford with 20, Dent with 17, Phelps youth harvest was 14, Reynolds with 9, Shannon with 14 and Texas County 17. For more information on this season’s harvest totals, visit the MDC website at extra.mdc.mo.gov. Last year’s harvest total for the late youth portion was 3,617 deer. Get more information on Missouri deer hunting from MDC’s 2024 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available where hunting permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov.

The Salvation Army Dent County Service Unit volunteer bell ringers will begin raising funds for those in need at Country Mart and Wal-Mart this Wednesday, then every Friday and Saturday through December 24th. Counter kettles will also be located throughout the community. The kettles are the primary way funds are raised locally to continue to meet the needs of the less fortunate in our community. For those who do not want to handle cash, you can donate digitally with Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Venmo at any Red Kettle. Every donation helps hope march on for those in need, and all gifts stay within the community in which they are given. If you would like to volunteer to ring the famous Salvation Army bell, please call Susie at 729-6771 or 247-7099. You can also call the Salvation Army Dent County Service Unit office at 729-8163. 

The 2024 Christmas Fest Art show and Sale with the Ozark Heritage Artisans will be held Saturday, December 7th from 9:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon at the Creative Arts Center on South Main, next the ONCRC. Everyone is welcome to shop for unique handcrafted gifts and home accessories created by local artists at the annual Christmas Fest Art Show and Sale! There will be demonstrations, free snacks and a free kid’s craft table, an elementary art show, and a holiday door prize.  Thanks for supporting the Arts and shopping local in our community!

The ninth annual National Tax Security Awareness Week featuring tips for people to avoid scams and protect their sensitive data. The special week is part of the Security Summit initiative, a joint effort between the IRS, states, the tax industry and tax professionals that works to protect everyone as well as the tax system against identity theft. Abundant scams and rip-offs being seen by the IRS and the Security Summit partners include ever-evolving and increasingly sophisticated phishing emails and related attacks on the unsuspecting. Taxpayers can be duped into unwittingly handing over their confidential tax and financial information. Would-be victims could also get tricked into disclosing their addresses, Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers or passwords, which can lead to tax-related identity theft and fraud. A common example right now involves false messages made to look like they’re coming from delivery services. In these scams, victims receive a text or email purporting to be from a company or business saying a delivery can’t be made along with a link to click to reschedule. But in reality, the link represents a form of phishing that attempts to steal personal information or download malware. It’s a very prevalent scam expected to intensify during the holidays. Remember, don’t click on anything unknown, even if you just ordered gifts and you’re expecting packages to come to your door soon. Double-check before you click! Another common scam expected to intensify soon will involve emails pretending to be from the IRS or others in the tax industry. These frequently involve unexpected, good news, like a tax refund. But they can also involve variants telling people they have a tax bill or have tax documents available to download. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel says everyone should use extra caution this holiday season to protect their valuable personal and financial information, whether shopping online or clicking on links in email and other messages. A little extra caution can protect taxpayers’ confidential information and reduce the risk of identity theft in the upcoming tax filing season where scam artists will use the information to file fraudulent tax returns and steal your refund.

The City of Salem has announced its Holiday Lighting Contest. Residents and business owners are invited to light up the holiday season by participating in the 2024 Holiday Lighting Contest. Open to both residential and commercial properties, the contest encourages festive displays that celebrate the spirit of the holidays. Participants must register by Friday, December 6, at the City Utility Office to be eligible. The Holiday Lighting Contest will have two categories: Residential and Commercial. The judging will take place in mid-December, with winners announced on December 27th. Decorated displays must be set up by the evening of the Christmas Parade on the first Saturday of December and remain in place through December 25th, allowing community members ample time to enjoy them. Winning entries in each category will receive credits on their City Utility bills in the amounts of $100 for 1st Place, $50 for 2nd Place and $25 for 3rd Place. Funds for contest awards come from the Community Support line in the City’s General Fund, not from Utility revenues. To promote community viewing, the city will publish a map of contest locations, allowing residents and visitors to explore these holiday displays. By entering, participants agree to have their address sharedpublicly for this purpose. Individuals affiliated with the City of Salem are not eligible to participate in the contest. For more information and a registration form, visit our website at salemmo.com/city then scroll down to the News Feature and click on “Holiday Lighting Contest”. You may also contact the City Utility Office at 573-729-4117.

The Salem Area Community Betterment Association is proud to announce the “Old Fashioned Christmas” Trees and Trains Exhibit at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center is now open! Trees and Trains is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon. On Saturdays, from 9:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon, and Sundays from 1:00 until 5:00 in the afternoon. Groups are welcome. This community event is only possible with the support of numerous organizations, businesses and individuals creating a beautiful collection of unique Christmas trees complimented by fun trains that catch every child’s eye. SACBA also wants to send out their heartfelt appreciation to all the volunteers who give of their time during the holidays to make this event special. Donations are encouraged to thank the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center for hosting this festive event!

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports four people died in traffic crashes during this year’s Thanksgiving holiday counting period that started at 6:00 Wednesday, November 27, and lasted through 11:59 Sunday night. During the Thanksgiving holiday counting period, troopers report the following preliminary traffic statistics for 2024 show there were 362 crashes with 120 injuries and four fatalities which were all investigated by the highway patrol. There were also 106 DWI arrests made by troopers. During the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday counting period, troopers investigated 431 traffic crashes, which included four fatalities and 138 injuries. Statewide, nine people died and 483 people were injured in 1,342 traffic crashes over last year’s Thanksgiving holiday. Troopers arrested 103 people for driving while intoxicated during the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday counting period. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, one traffic fatality occurred in the Troop C area near Weldon Spring, MO; one traffic fatality occurred in the Troop D, Springfield area; one traffic fatality occurred in Troop F in the Jefferson City area; and one traffic fatality occurred in Troop G, Willow Springs area. On the water this year, there were zero boating crashes, zero boating fatalities, zero drownings, and zero boating while intoxicated arrests reported during the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday counting period.

The Dent County Commission held their regular meeting Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray was not in attendance due to a prior commitment. In the road report for District 1, rock was going to be added and grading done on Dent County Road 6210, while only grading was being done on county roads 5180 and 6090. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk stated that rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 2120 and 5310. He said crews would be changing a filter on grader #42 and the grader blades were being changed on grader #37. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he, Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams and Dent County Clerk Angie Curley all attended the MAC Conference last week before Thanksgiving and said it was a very good conference. He did say he would be attending the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District meeting today in St. James which will be followed by their awards banquet which Larson will also attend. Clerk Angie Curley said she balanced with the treasurer on all accounts for October. The commission also voted to approve a requested budget adjustment for the Sheltered Workshop for 2024 showing an additional $45,608 in income. The next commissioner meeting will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

These reports were released for the last week of November from the Dent County Sheriff’s office. On Saturday November 23rd deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 1800 block of County Road 2400. During the stop, a 21-year-old Salem man was found to have an active warrant for his arrest. Subject was transported to the Dent County Jail. Then on Monday November 25th deputies conducted a traffic stop at W. Franklin and Highway 19. During the stop, a consent search was conducted, and a 42-year-old Salem man was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. Subject was transported to the Dent County Jail. The next day Tuesday November 26th deputies conducted a well-being check at County Road 3240 and 3230. During the call, a 42-year-old Salem man was found to be in possession of a firearm. Charges are pending based on the subject being a convicted felon. Later that same day deputies conducted a traffic stop at Hunt St. and Highway 19. During the stop, the operator, a 62-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving without a valid license. Additional charges for failing to register as a sex offender are pending. On Wednesday November 27th deputies responded to the 500 block of County Road 5110 for a physical assault. During the call, a 47-year-old Salem woman was arrested for assaulting her 67-year-old father. Subject was transported to the Dent County Jail and placed on a 24-hour hold pending issuance of formal charges. The next day Thursday November 28th deputies responded to the 800 block of E. Hawkins St. for a wanted subject. The suspect, a 51-year-old Salem man, was arrested on a warrant and transported to the Dent County Jail. The following day Friday November 29th deputies responded to the 5800 block of W. Highway 32 for a stranded motorist. During the call, a 50-year-old Salem man was arrested on an active warrant and transported to the Dent County Jail. If you have any information on any ongoing investigation, please contact the Sheriff’s office at 573-729-3241.

Tuesday night, November 26th in closed session, the Board of Aldermen met in closed session to discuss personnel matters. During this session, the Board unanimously approved a merit pay adjustment for the City Administrator, Sally Burbridge. The decision was made following a roll call vote, with all members voting in favor. The adjustment reflects the merit percentage previously approved for city employees in the current fiscal year and takes effect immediately. Burbridge appointment in January of 2023 and has demonstrated steadfast leadership, with a vision and dedication to making progress in our community. The Board of Aldermen and the Mayor extend their gratitude to Mrs. Burbridge for her outstanding contributions.

The 2024 Christmas Fest Art show and Sale with the Ozark Heritage Artisans will be held Saturday, December 7th from 9:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon at the Creative Arts Center on South Main, next the ONCRC. Everyone is welcome to shop for unique handcrafted gifts and home accessories created by local artists at the annual Christmas Fest Art Show and Sale! There will be demonstrations, free snacks and a free kid’s craft table, an elementary art show, and a holiday door prize.  Thanks for supporting the Arts and shopping local in our community!

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 159,120 deer during the November portion of firearms deer season, November 16th through the 26th. Of the 159,120 deer harvested, 82,613 were antlered bucks, 13,203 were button bucks, and 63,304 were does. Top harvest counties statewide were Franklin with 3,530 deer harvested, Texas with 2,935, and Howell with 2,741. Top counties in our area include Dent County with 1,594 deer harvested, Crawford County reported 833 deer had been taken, Reynolds County had 1,114 deer harvested, Phelps County hunters took 1,417 deer, and Iron County saw 1,400 deer taken. This year’s harvest total was 15% below the five-year average. Less than ideal hunting conditions throughout much of the November portion was a factor that contributed to this year’s lower opening weekend harvest total with another factor being an abundance of acorns that had an effect on deer movement. Deer hunting continues in Missouri with the Late Antlerless portion starting December 7th and lasting until the 15th in open counties. The Alternative Methods portion of the hunting season will be from December 28th through January 7th, 2025. The archery deer season reopens Wednesday, November 27 and runs through January 15th, 2025. Get more information on Missouri deer hunting from MDC’s 2024 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available where hunting permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov. 

The Phelps County Public Housing Agency (PHA) has closed its waiting list, effective Tuesday, November 26th and is no longer accepting new applications for housing assistance. This action came as a recommendation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the federal agency that provides the rental assistance funding, to head off a projected funding shortfall in 2025. Current participants of the HUD Choice Voucher Program, administered by the Phelps County PHA, are not impacted by this closure. Only those wishing to apply for assistance or those currently on the waitlist but have not yet received a voucher will be impacted by the closure of the waitlist. The reason for closing the wiat list is the high demand for housing assistance that have higher than normal rents which could cause a budget shortfall. Public notice will be provided once the waitlist has reopened. Those currently on the waiting list will not need to reapply but will maintain their position on the waitlist, once the list has reopened. There are roughly 148 families with approved vouchers looking for housing in the six-county area. The Phelps County PHA provides HUD Section 8 rental assistance to about 700 families in Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps (outside the city of Rolla) and Washington counties at a cost of $3.5 million annually. Persons needing more information should call 573-265-4200 or via email at dkeeney@meramecregion.org. The Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) provides staffing to the Phelps County PHA. Tim Schulte, presiding commissioner of Gasconade County, chairs the PHA board. The PHA also offers the Family Self-Sufficiency Program where clients develop a goal-oriented, five-year plan that moves them toward self-sufficiency and independence from government programs. 

The Creative Arts Center in Salem will hold a Winter Themed Clay Handbuilding class with Wanda Nickles and Tana Kettner tomorrow and on the 10th from 5:30-7:30 in the evening. The two-evening class includes sculpting & glazing, then pick up your figurine later. Attendees will learn the basics of handbuilding with clay to create your own winter decorative figurines. The class is appropriate for all those 12 and older. The cost of the class is $40 and for the classes and firings, and all supplies are included. There must be four people sign up to hold the class and it will be limited at 12. Then on Thursday evening, there will be a class on Hand-stamped Copper Jewelry Making, from 6:30 to 8:30 with Leann Light. Attendees will learn how to stamp on metal, add texture  (if you wish), make a chain and assemble your necklace. At the end of the class you will take home a custom stamped, one of a kind, piece of jewelry created entirely by you. All tools and materials will be provided. The class is appropriate for all those 14 and older. The cost of the class is $50 and all supplies are included. There must be two people sign up to hold the class and it will be limited at six. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center.

The Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting yesterday evening at 6:00 in the auditorium. The session began with a public hearing regarding a utility committee recommendation to increase sewer fees for water meters three inches and larger, followed by a citizen’s concerns about a fire hydrant and a dilapidated house. Notable approvals included an $18,400 bid from Willard Asphalt for hot mix asphalt that will be used for street repairs and a $4.2 million bid from Midstate Pipeline Maintenance for the grant-funded Water Tower Project. The Board addressed multiple legislative items, including the first reading of Bill 3630 concerning sewer service fees, and approved second readings of bills 3631, 3632, and 3633 related to the water tower construction. They also reviewed and approved Bill 3634, which requested a change order for the Downtown Sidewalk Project, adding $1,943 in concrete work pending MoDOT approval. Additionally, the Board approved the sale of three vehicles from the Police Department through Purple Wave, with proceeds going to the General Fund. City officials provided various updates during their reports. Finance Director Stacy Houston discussed city finances, while City Administrator Sally Burbridge covered ongoing projects and announced BHMG Engineers will be making a presentation during the next Utility Committee meeting. Public Works Director Steve Paine reported on utility crew activities and reminded citizens that the proper procedure for reporting utility issues, within city limits, is contacting the administration office at 573-729-4811. The meeting concluded with several community announcements, including the upcoming Christmas Parade on December 7th and PJs and Pancakes event on December 14th. Former Alderwoman Kayla Sisco received an award for her service, and Alderman John Whelan promoted the ongoing Trees and Trains exhibit at the Ozark Natural & Cultural Resource Center. The meeting then adjourned to closed session. 

The Dent County Commission met last Thursday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. In other business address late in the meeting, Alexander Construction Company talked with the commissioners about the roof repairs and the Christmas Lights. The commission awarded the roof repair bid to Trainer and Company, but the commissioners are still having trouble with the Christmas Lights. Alexander recommended to the commission to talk with the company and have their warranty begin from the date of November 21st as Alexander will no longer be responsible. He said the commissioners need to take pictures when there is a problem to send to the company. Alexander also talked about the vent that was damaged from the storm and water that is leaking through that. The commission approved Alexander repair the exterior vent damage. The commission talked with Curt Faigle from the 100-Acre Wood Rally which will be held March 14th and 15th. The only difference from last year’s rally is this year Dent County Road 5550 will be used. A landowner that lives on the road is a big supporter and loves the rally. The commissioners also discussed nominating a person for the CLERF Board. The commission nominated and approved adding Will Woolman to the board. The meeting was then adjourned. The commission will be meeting Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.
The Creative Arts Center will hold a Flat Reed Basket Weaving class on Monday evening, December 2nd from 6:30-8:30 with Connie Light Come and make a white oak flat reed napkin basket! Basket will be approximately 8” square. You will finish the basket in class, so you can take it home that day. No prior knowledge is required. The class is appropriate for all those 14 and older. The cost of the class is $40 and all supplies are included. There must be two people sign up to hold the class and it will be limited at six. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Salem will hold the Christmas Parade of Lights in Salem on Saturday, December 7th starting at 6:00 with this year’s theme: “Have Your Elf a Merry Little Christmas.”  This year’s Grand Marshalls will be Mike and Diane Godi. Entry forms are now available at the office of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce in Salem. Forms need to be returned by December 2nd. If you have any questions, you can call the Chamber at 573-729-6900.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, reminds everyone there will be an increase in traffic over the Thanksgiving holiday. The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with Wednesday and Sunday afternoon/evenings being the most heavily traveled times. Drivers should expect more traffic and the possibility of delays throughout the weekend. Regardless of traffic patterns, safety should remain a priority. The counting period for the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday weekend is from 6 p.m. Wednesday, November 27, 2024, to 11:59 p.m. Sunday, December 1, 2024. Troopers will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E., enforcing all traffic laws, and available to assist the public. Over the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday counting period, nine people were killed and 4,823 injured in 1,342 traffic crashes. If you plan to travel over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend be sure your vehicle is in good condition, obey all traffic laws, and be sure everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seat belt or secured in the appropriate child safety seat for their size and age. Remember: Missouri is now a hands-free state and there is never a reason to speed, drive aggressively, or drive impaired. The MoDOT Traveler Information Map can be a helpful tool while you are traveling. The map provides up-to-date information such as road closures, delays, construction zones, and alternative routes. You can download the app for free to your smart device or access it by using this link: traveler.modot.org/map. If being on or near the water is part of your Thanksgiving holiday weekend plans, remember that the water is becoming colder, and hypothermia is a concern. The body loses heat 25 times faster in water than in the air of the same temperature. The proper use of life jackets is imperative. The public is encouraged to call the Patrol’s Emergency Report Line (800) 525-5555 or *55 on your cellular phone if they witness criminal activity, observe driving behavior that could cause a crash, or experience an emergency. These phone numbers are operational for both highway and water emergencies. If your celebration includes intoxicants, designate someone else to drive whether you are in a boat or vehicle. Please don’t become a statistic.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley has released information on a sentencing hearing that was held following a probation revocation hearing in front of Judge Michael Randazzo on Monday November 25th.The Defendant, Andrew Terrill of Salem, was sentenced to 10 years in the Department of Corrections, as requested by Prosecutor Curley. The Defendant had previously completed a 559.115 RSMO program in 2023. 

The Salem R-80 School District held their regular meeting on Thursday evening at 5:30 in the administration building. After approving the agenda and consent agenda, the board recognized Barrett Larimore and Kole Martin, from William Lynch Elementary, who represented the Students of the Month and students with 100% attendance, respectively. Mr. Larimore and Mr. Martin led the Pledge of Allegiance. Dr. Nathan Wills provided the Superintendent’s report which included updates on the FEMA Storm Shelter progress, calendar options, and district attendance improvement. The board approved the purchase of cafeteria tablets from Fellers Food Service Equipment, a bond prepayment of $175,000 to pay down existing bonds, Board Election Filing dates of December 12 through 31, as well as the school district audit report. The meeting then adjourned to closed session. 

The November episode of Archives & Airwaves will air tomorrow morning at 10:30. This show, hosted by Sally Granowski, will feature library director Kate McBride. They will be discussing some of the many services provided by the library, as well as upcoming events and closures for the month of December. You can tune in to listen at 1340 AM/95.7 FM as well as the KSMO Media YouTube channel. This monthly program airs on the last Wednesday of each month. 

When a deer is involved in a collision with a vehicle MoDOT State Maintenance Engineer Darin Hamelink said no one should ever jeopardize their safety by attempting to remove an animal in a high-traffic area. Instead, contact MoDOT’s customer service line at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636). He went on to note that crews will address any animal or debris that poses a safety hazard, meaning the item is in the driving lanes. Crews will safely drag the large animal debris to the outer portion of the grassy roadside, outside any active drainage ditch or channel. If a deer is located on the shoulder, MoDOT will address the deer during normal weekday work hours. MoDOT crews are not called out after hours to remove an item unless it is a road safety hazard in a driving lane. MoDOT does not employ any specialized crews assigned to remove dead animals from roadways or contract out any roadkill removal. If a deer is struck along a state-maintained road and is completely off the roadway, MoDOT will not pick it up unless it impedes mail delivery or is in a neighborhood, especially at or near a bus stop.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has announced they will be closed for Thanksgiving Day. For more news, follow the Missouri State Highway Patrol on X @MSHPTrooperGHQ.

The Salvation Army will once again partner with Wal-Mart for the annual Angel Tree program as well as the Dent County Toy Drive to help local children this Christmas. Local residents have always enjoyed adopting a child, and shopping for clothing, coats, hats, and toys.  Some families use this time of year to teach their children the importance of giving during the holiday season. The Angel Tree will be available beginning today, through Saturday, December 14th. For additional information please call 573-729-8163 or e-mail sherry@salemcommunitycenter.org. The Dent County Toy Drive can be contacted by messaging on Facebook.

The City of Salem is excited to share updates on the Downtown Sidewalk Project as the first half-block nears completion. While the project will be fully finalized in early spring with the installation of new light poles and fixtures as well as street and parking area paint striping, the current progress already reflects a bold vision for a safer, more welcoming downtown featuring new curb extensions, or “bump-outs,” which are a key feature of the project. These extensions will help slow down traffic by narrowing traffic lanes, provide ADA Compliance with wider curb spaces, provide parking protection offering additional visual cues to drivers and protecting cars from potential impact. The design includes textured pavers and delineated zones for planters, trash receptacles, and possible benches which will come after this project are completed. The wider sidewalks allow for easier movement, accommodating pedestrian gatherings and events, while providing space for future amenities. Most of the parking spaces have been maintained and temporary street lighting will be installed to maintain visibility and safety in the area. As we adapt to these changes, the city encourages drivers to familiarize themselves with the new layout. With safety, aesthetics, and accessibility at its core, this initiative is an investment in our community’s future city looking forward to unveiling the finished design in early 2025. 

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors held their regular meeting Thursday evening at 7:00 in the Hospital Library. Before the start of the meeting, Board Chairman, Dr. Leigh Ann Price announced that Hospital CEO Brooke Bollman was awarded the 2024 Missouri Rural Health Champion Award. The Board then went on to approve the agenda as well as the minutes from the October 29th and November 19th meetings. During the CEO Report, Ms. Bollman stated they are continuing to work on the cost report analysis, including Medicare bad debt, reallocations, and unclaimed expenses. They also continue to work on training and compliance, inpatient census, and wrapping up their due diligence regarding their affiliation with Phelps Health. During the operations report, it was noted that inpatient and outpatient admissions, emergency room visits, and ambulance runs have gone up slightly in the month of October, while radiology procedures and rehabilitation treatments have gone down. Total operating revenue for October was $2.9 million. Salaries and payroll taxes continue to decrease; however, health insurance continues to increase. Total operating expenses were $2.3 million in October resulting in a profit of $769,000. However, Bollman clarified that all revenue goes into accounts payable, which is now down to $1.2 million. The hospital saw a net 340B revenue of $87,000 in October, and they are currently operating at 21 days cash on hand. There are currently six employment openings for LPNs, RNs, and PRN RNs. Ambulance re-licensure is due in December and will be a virtual training this year. During the human resources report, it was noted that there has been one new hire, and three employees who left in October. The hospital continues to work on enhancing the patient experience by streamlining registration and providing ongoing customer service training. There were a total of 43 reported incidents in October, including 19 administrative/no harm medication events and 11 patient falls in Long Term Care, Acute Care, and outpatients. The ToRCH Grant applications are due December 2nd, and funding announcements will be made January 6, 2025. During the Chief of Staff report, the Board approved new privileges for three doctors in Pathology and Teleradiology, and approved amendments to the bylaws. The Board also approved the High Alert Medication Policy and Sepsis Protocol Policy. The next board meeting will be held on Monday evening, December 23rd at 7:00 in the Doctors’ Library.