Local News

The Salem Board of Aldermen held a regular meeting Thursday at the City Hall Council Chambers. The board heard from Skip Dahms requesting a street closure on Fourth Street between McArthur and North Henderson for October 9th for a Kids Fall Carnival. This was approved. Also approved was Bill No. 3492 an ordinance amending the annual budget beginning July 1st, 2020 and appropriating funds from the Electric, Sanitation and Airport Fund. This bill increases the total anticipated revenue from $12,860,186.00 to $13,544,506.27, the anticipated expenditures from $12,791,822.00 to $13,476,139 and the Intergovernmental Transfers from $2,197,462.00 to just over $2.4 million dollars. The fund adjustment for the Electric Fund was due to the February weather event; the Sanitation Fund was due to a corrected billing cycle and the Airport Fund was due to a grant awarded for an airport project spanning fiscal years. City Administrator Ray Walden reported the City Wide Yard Sale will be held Saturday with maps being available at the City Administration office as well as local convenience stores. Fall clean up weeks will be October 11th to the 15th, and citizens that have questions about what can be placed curbside can call 1-800-926-3953. City offices will be closed on Monday, October 11th in observance of Columbus Day. The board approved the Trick and Treat hours being held on October 31st from 6:00-8:00 in the evening. Mayor Kim Steelman reported the filling of the City Clerk and Finance Director positions are moving along with an announcement soon. She is suggesting the city get a text alert service that citizens can subscribe to that would create another form of communication. She is working with Code Enforcement Officer Jarrod Brown on updating some policy and ordinances and will bring suggestions for changes to the board. Public Works Director Mark Nash updated the alderman on several projects. The city crews will be filling and sealing cracks on city streets the next couple of weeks. Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge gave an update on the Federal Home Loan Bank project through Riverways Federal Credit Union, that will rehab 25 homes. It will be announced in December. She is optimistic about this grant due to recent contact with the funder. The Bank of Salem sponsored the Federal Home Loan Bank $15,000 project for the Salem R-80 Construction Trade program and the winner will be determined by online voting that will open October 4th. There have been three homes that have participated in the Demolition Program with another seven homeowners that have expressed interest in participating. The Aldermen then each gave a report on items that staff needed to look into. Steelman reminded the board that when contacted by citizens they should direct them to contact the appropriate city department. The board approved applying for a Law Enforcement grant for $7,500 to install lockable gun racks in the patrol cars. The board then went into closed session.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released more reports for the month of September. On Friday, September 10th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop near 101 North Main Street. During the stop, a 24-year-old Salem woman was arrested for operating a vehicle on a highway without a valid license, a 1st offense. She was transported to the Dent County Jail where she was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. That same day, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 200 block of South Highway 19. During the traffic stop, a 36-year-old Salem woman was arrested for operating a motor vehicle on a highway without a valid license, a 1st offense. The woman was taken to the Dent County Jail where she was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Still later that same day, a deputy traveled to a location in the 400 block of East 4th Street to serve an arrest warrant. As a result, a 45-year-old Salem man was arrested for the active warrant through Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. The next day, September 11th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on East Gibbs Street. During the traffic stop, a 20-year-old Salem man was arrested for having a blood alcohol content. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. That same day a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 800 block of West Highway 32. As a result, a 58-year-old Salem man was arrested for an active warrant through Phelps County and delivery of a controlled substance and driving while having his license revoked. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was later transported to Phelps County for the warrant through their agency. Later the same day, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on South Pershing Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 31-year-old Rolla man was arrested for possession of a controlled substance except for 35 grams or less of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail, where he was fingerprinted, and issued a summons.

The 2021 Football Homecoming Court has been announced. They are Liberty Ross for the freshmen class, Neely Leathers for the sophomores, and Raegan Neff will represent the juniors. The three senior contenders for homecoming queen are Shelby Pogue, Lizbeth Blanco, and Hailey Baldwin. Congratulations girls on your selection.

Representatives from Missouri State Parks invite the public to attend an informational meeting at Dillard Mill State Historic Site this Saturday. The meeting will begin at 12:00 noon at the mill. The public is invited to share comments and ask questions about the site and its operations. Representatives from the site will be present to provide information and to answer questions. Input from the public is important to Missouri State Parks. These informational meetings, which are being held in all state parks and historic sites, help create two-way communication with the public. The meetings give staff the opportunity to let people know the current status and future plans for the park or historic site, and they offer visitors the opportunity to comment on the facilities. The public is strongly encouraged to follow social-distancing guidelines and be proactive in protecting themselves and others. Dillard Mill State Historic Site is located at 1142 Dillard Mill Road in Davisville. For more information about the meeting, call 573-244-3120.

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines announced the workforce and community development focused Salem R-80 Construction Trades Program has been selected as one of four Strong Communities Award finalists competing for $15,000. The Bank of Salem, a FHLB Des Moines member, partnered with Sally Burbridge, the Economic Development Director for Salem and Dent County as well as the Salem R-80 Construction Trades Program to apply for the Strong Communities Award. According to the Construction Trades Instructor A.J. Tinker, the Salem R80 Construction Trades Program focuses on providing hands on training in construction techniques and disciplines while providing a tool for rejuvenating the community. He urges the public to go online and vote for this important project to win this year’s Strong Communities Award. The Strong Communities Award honors the projects, people and programs that promote local small business growth and retention. The winners will be determined through a five-day public voting period beginning on October 4th and ending on October 8th this year. Members of the Salem community can cast their votes in favor of the Salem R-80 Construction Trades Program by visiting the Strong Communities Award homepage at www.fhlbdm.com/award. The voting serves as a component of the selection process to select the winners. The winners will be awarded $15,000 each, and runners-up will be awarded $3,000 each. The public can find out more about the award program at the same webpage.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams gave the report on CART funds and said the county is up $444.84 from money received last September with a total of $61,826.39 being collected. Year-to-date, the CART funds for 2021 received are up $49,946.08 over the 2020 year. District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 5690 while only materials would be added to county road 5600. He went on to say dirt work and the approaches to the new bridge on Dent County Road 4210 were being finished and the road is now open. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson was not available and Travis Turner give the road report. He said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 2245 while brush will be cut on county road 3050. Turner also stated two men would be doing patch work on chip and seal roads with EPM material. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he would be attending an Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management Executive Board meeting today to review and score grant applications for solid waste reduction and/or recycling. Skiles said he, Commissioner Mobray and Dent County Clerk Angie Curley would be attending a meeting at the MRPC to hear Attorney Travis Elliott explain how counties can use their ARPA funds. Skiles also indicated he had a CCAM Executive Board Meeting Thursday in Jefferson City. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she balanced with the treasurer on all accounts for the month of August. Also at the meeting were Director of Marketing and Public Affairs Kent Sherrow and General Manager of Steelville Telephone Exchange, Kevin Ancell. They explained they have laid 4.4 miles of fiber in Dent County to date at a cost of about $270,000, plus they have another $30,000 in engineering costs. They are currently laying fiber in the northeastern part of the county that they already serve and actually have the fiber all the way to the bridge at Short Bend. Ancell said it costs between $28,000 to $30,000 a mile to lay the fiber. Ancell said Steelville Telephone Exchange has sent out a postcard to 4,593 people who fall in the “donut holes” of high speed Internet services where the speeds they have are 25 mbs download speed and three mbs upload speed or lower. People are asked to download the QR Code and fill out the survey and get it back to them if you are interested in high speed Internet. Their goal is to have at least six percent of the surveys returned, but their last survey actually had a response rate of over 12%. Ancell said Steelville Telephone Exchanges has run over 640 square miles of fiber in Crawford County with a download and upload speed of 100 mbs each. He said the telephone exchange is interested in providing services to Dent County and will be attempting to get government funding. Ancell was curious to find out if the county commission was going to use ARPA funds to help pay for better Internet services in Dent County and Presiding Commissioner Skiles said the commissioners have not made any decisions and won’t until after they here from Attorney Elliott on Wednesday. Sherrow said the Viburnum and Steelville areas have been designated Smart Rural Communities due to the investment by Steelville Telephone Exchange in fiber which can provide the Internet speeds people are looking for in their homes and businesses which can add value to personal property and allow people to relocate and work from home if they choose. Steelville was not awarded the service areas in the FCC auction to provide Internet services, but they are anxious to fill in the areas those providers would not, and if a provider backs out, they said they would be applying to replace them as a provider. The commissioners then approved the bid from Ferrellgas to provide propane for the courthouse beginning October 1st and lasting through the winter for $1.99 per gallon. The next meeting will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

The City of Salem Curbside Yard Waste Pickup is being RESCHEDULED to the week of October 18th. The City of Salem Streets Crew will be performing crack sealing on multiple city streets the first two weeks of October and will not be able to pick up yard waste during that time. Please be courteous while city crews are repairing and maintaining your streets. Again, please DO NOT set out yard waste until the weekend of October 16th.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released several reports for the first week of September. On Wednesday, September 1st, a deputy conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Highway 32 and Phillips Street. During the stop, a 34-year-old Rolla man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked. He was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. That same day, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 1500 block of Route B. During that stop, a 20-year-old Salem woman was arrested for having an active warrant through the Reynolds County Sheriff’s Office and was issued a summons for failing to drive on the right half of roadway. She was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. Later that same day, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Highway 19. During the stop, a 44-year-old Cuba man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 1st offense. The man was taken to the Dent County Jail where he was finger-printed, issued a summons, and released. The next day, Thursday the 2nd of September, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 4000 block of Highway 68. During the stop, a 31-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 2nd or 3rd offense. He was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. On Saturday, September 4th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of MacArthur and Franklin Streets. As a result, a 32-year-old Salem man was arrested for operating a vehicle on a highway without a valid license, a 1st offense. The man was taken to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. Later that same day, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Highway 19 and Highway 68. As a result of the traffic stop, a 35-year-old Salem man was arrested for a DWI as a persistent offender and failure to comply with ignition interlock device requirements. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued summons, and released to a sober party. On Saturday, September the 8th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 3190 and Highway 68. During the traffic stop, a 21-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 1st offense and driving while intoxicated. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released to a sober party.

An accident occurred Friday afternoon in Phelps County on Highway 63 about a half a mile south of Edgar Springs. According to the highway patrol report, a XR4145 Tractor driven by 69-year-old Bobby Gately of Edgar Springs was travelling eastbound and was backing down the state right of way while brush hogging. The tractor lost power and rolled into a culvert and overturned. Gately suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla by Phelps Health Ambulance. Gately was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The tractor sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Big Boys Towing.

An accident occurred Saturday morning at 11:56 in Phelps County on Route BB about five miles east of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado driven by 58-year-old Barbara Underwood of Rolla was travelling eastbound and stopped in the road and began backing up. At that time, a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt driven by a 16-year-old male juvenile from Rolla that was travelling eastbound struck the Silverado in the rear. The juvenile suffered minor injuries and sought his own treatment. He was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Cobalt sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by private party. The Silverado sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene.

This Saturday, National Public Lands Day Activities at Round Spring will be celebrated by working on several trails in the park. Volunteering on National Public Lands Day is an opportunity to spend time outside with family and friends, connect with neighbors, and enjoy the benefits that come with the satisfaction of giving back. Join us at the Round Spring Ranger Station at 10 that to work on trail projects in the park. Bring a lunch and enjoy the day outdoors. Volunteers at National Public Land Day will receive a “fee-free” coupon, good for one year, for free one-day entrance into a federal recreation site. In addition, the Ozark Riverways Foundation will sponsor a National Public Land Day celebration full of fun, food, and a free concert at Echo Bluff State Park. Food and fun will be 4:00 until 6:00 that afternoon at the picnic area near the amphitheater, followed by the free concert featuring singer/songwriter Collin Nash at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Skyler Bockman at (573) 323-8093 or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/ozar.

Fall is a great time to try the Current River Challenge hike/float adventure. This self-guided activity includes three “legs” to complete: a 4-mile hike from Round Spring to Echo Bluff State Park, a 4-mile hike from Echo Bluff to Current River State Park, and a 4-mile float from Current River State Park to Round Spring. Hikers can pick up an informational map brochure at any of the three park sites. At the conclusion of each “leg” participants will stamp their map at designated kiosks. After completion of all three legs, participants can present their stamped map at the Round Spring Ranger Station to receive an award recognizing the accomplishment. The Current River Challenge is a self-guided activity that can be completed at your own pace, in any order and timeframe desired. It can be completed in one day or over multiple days. Plan accordingly when hiking or participating in any outdoor recreational activity. Hikers should take weather conditions into consideration and be prepared during all seasons. Drinking water, rain gear, map, snacks, flashlight, sturdy hiking shoes, clothing appropriate for the weather and terrain, and emergency campfire supplies are recommended. Always remember to inform someone of your plans. For more information about any of the hikes, contact Skyler Bockman at (573) 323-8093 or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/ozar.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees meeting September 16th continued following the closed session. Health Center Administrator Zach Moser discussed his findings relative to the Emergency Rural Health Care Grant and presented proposals for the usage of the funds. Ideas presented included development of a mobile vaccination unit, which would probably be a van, purchase and renovation of additional property, and renovation of current property. The Board passed a motion approving Moser to contact MRPC to assist with the application process since they are due in October and to move forward with the mobile vaccination unit and renovations/improvements to the current building. Moser reported that he learned of a federal program that would cover the administration cost for the Health Center for COVID vaccines and testing. The Board approved the purchase of a Square register for point of sale and to switch from Court Money to Square as the credit card processor. Zach reported that a statewide standing order for Regeneron Monoclonal Antibodies for COVID-19 has been approved and that Dr. Prince has signed off on the Health Center providing the service. The limiting factor conduct the treatment is space and currently no space is available. The Board considered the 1-year lease of 1006 E. Scenic Rivers Boulevard, which had expired at the end of August. The Board voted to terminate the lease and expressed their appreciation of the lessees. It was noted that the future plans when the building was purchased was to expand into that portion of the building. Health Center expenses for August were approved and the next regular Board meeting was set for October 21st.

Step back in time at the Dent County Museum Sunday afternoon from 1:00 until 4:00 at 400 North Pershing in Salem. You are invited to come view the donated items that tell the story of Dent County. There will be a special event at 1:00 as a tree is dedicated to former board member James Coffman. Stop by for cookies and lemonade as the museum celebrates the last opening of the season.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways has a variety of great trails for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can explore trails independently or can participate in several ranger-led hiking events planned throughout the fall. Social distancing will be encouraged during ranger-led hikes. For hikes where shuttles are offered, masks will be required for visitors on the shuttles. On Saturday, September 25th, beginning at 10 that morning a 4.3-mile hike will explore three trail loops south of Big Spring, where you’ll experience beautiful scenery while learning about the cultural history of the original Big Spring State Park. Meet at the Chubb Hollow pavilion, just south of the Big Spring Lodge and Cabins on State Route Z. Plan accordingly when hiking or participating in any outdoor recreational activity. Hikers should take weather conditions into consideration and be prepared during all seasons. Drinking water, rain gear, map, snacks, flashlight, sturdy hiking shoes, clothing appropriate for the weather and terrain, and emergency campfire supplies are recommended. Always remember to inform someone of your plans. For more information about any of the hikes, contact Skyler Bockman at (573) 323-8093 or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/ozar.

An accident happened in Washington County at 6:05 Wednesday evening on Highway 185 about a quarter of a mile south of Goose Creek Road. According to the highway patrol report, a 2002 Hyundai driven by 39-year-old Thomas Blake of Rolla, traveled off the right side of the road edge and then returned to the roadway where Blake overcorrected. The Hyundai then traveled back off the right side of the right road edge and overturned. Blake suffered moderate injuries and was taken by ambulance to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. The Hyundai was totaled and was removed by Chuck’s Towing from the scene.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met for their regular meeting Thursday, September 16th at the Health Center. After approval of the minutes for the August 19th regular meeting, Dent County Health Center Administrator Zach Moser updated the Board on the current COVID status in Dent County. To date, there are 1,597 confirmed cases and 382 probable cases that have been investigated. As of Thursday’s meeting, there were 11 people hospitalized, 47 confirmed cases and 49 probable cases. Fifty-three COVID related deaths have been confirmed. As of the meeting date, 29.6% of Dent County residents have received their first dose of vaccine and 25.2% have completed the series according to the Missouri Department of Health and Social Services. The seven-day positivity rate is at 15.0%. Moser reminds residents that the COVID vaccine is available at the Health Center, Moser Pharmacy, Sinks Pharmacy, Vandivort Drug and Walmart Pharmacy. Moser reported that on September 2nd, a document clarifying Dent County’s rules for isolation and quarantine was published to assist the schools in determining the isolation and quarantine periods. Moser reported that an AED was purchased for emergencies that may occur in the Health Center building or on the parking lot. Expiring MCH funds were used to make the purchase. The Board approved utilizing grant funds for the replacement of the Health Center roof by Williams American Construction, Inc., in the amount of $28,275, replace the problem front door for $3,373, and for an awareness campaign in the Salem News and online in the amount of $3,886. In new business, Assistant Administrator Roma Jones reported new food establishments that have been inspected include Master’s Donuts, Whispering Pines Kitchen, El Toro Food Truck, Bigos on Wheels, Dominos, and Custard by C. Sue for compliance. She noted that Chapter 8 of the current food code gives the local agency the power to shut establishments down who aren’t compliant. There is paperwork that must be submitted to Jones 30 days prior to opening so she can complete and inspection. Jones said that one sewer complaint was investigated in August. Moser updated the Board on Communicable Diseases noting that in August there were 438 new cases of COVID-19 investigated, there were four cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and one case of Hepatitis A reported. He also said that there were 102 lab draws and 177 COVID tests conducted. As of the meeting date, 157 COVID tests had been conducted in September. Moser also said there were 258 appointments for COVID-19 vaccines in August and 168 for other vaccines, such as 8th grade and kindergarten shots. The Health Center had 731 appointments scheduled in August. Moser gave an update on the Increasing Adult Covid-19 Immunization Capacity contract, which includes an Electronic Health Record System and an Awareness Campaign. Moser is to have more information for the October Board Meeting. He reported on the Enhancing Laboratory Capacity CARES grant which is on track and continues to help pay for COVID-testing and contract tracing. Zach reported that the Maternal-Child Health contract is nearing its end and due to COVID-19, the Health Center has had difficulty completing obligations of the contract, which resulted in about $6,000 left unbilled in this contract. He also said that WIC has had a slow start for the year, but the Health Center is now on track with the program. The Sho-Me-Healthy-Woman program has appointment openings for September 27th and women wanting to schedule an appointment should call the Health Center office at (573) 729-3106. The Board then voted to go into closed session to discuss personnel.

A two-vehicle accident happened Monday afternoon at 4:30 in Crawford County on Highway 19 just north of The Rafting Company. The highway patrol report states that a 2008 Chevrolet Impala being driven by 53-year-old Kimberly Volner of Doolittle was attempting to pass another vehicle and failed to observe a 2014 Dodge Ram being driven by 52-year-old Jody Skaggs of Cuba in the oncoming lane. The Impala struck the Dodge head-on. Volner suffered minor injuries and was taken by North Crawford County Ambulance to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. Two occupants of the Dodge, 50-year-old Lillie Ferges of Steelville suffered moderate injuries, and 23-year-old Heather Ferges of Cuba received minor injuries. Both were taken by Steelville Ambulance service to Missouri Baptist in Sullivan. The report went on to state that all involved were wearing seat restraints. The Impala was totaled while the Dodge had extensive damage. Both were removed by Miles and Sons Towing.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said workers will be pouring the concrete bridge floor and sides on Dent County Road 4210 this week, weather permitting. He also said he was almost finished with his Local Public Agency training for the MoDOT FLAP project and that it is still moving forward. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson was not in attendance, so Travis Turner from District 2 gave the report. He said brush was being cut on county roads 3250 and 3260, and maintenance work was being done on trucks #69 and 75, and workers are also working on the tailgate for truck #116. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he and Commissioner Mobray attended the Regional Economic Development meeting held on Tuesday, September 14th at Echo Bluff State Park. Skiles said it was very good meeting with over 45 people attending from numerous counties as well as Senator Blunt’s office and other officials to discuss the needs of the region, and talk about how they may be able to work together to help one another. Skiles also said he attended the Salem Area Community Betterment Association meeting last week and they will be having a “Trivia Night” on Saturday, October 23rd at the Farmers Market Pavilion starting at 5:30. Skiles stated Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge invited him to a meeting with Steelville Telephone Exchange Representative Kent Sherrow. Sherrow indicated they are looking to expand fiber optics into Dent County and Salem to provide additional high-speed Internet services. To find out how interested people are in having this service, Skiles said Steelville Telephone Exchange has targeted individuals that have slow or no Internet services to receive a survey in the mail with a QR Code that they can access through their smart phone. The response they receive will help them determine if there is enough interest from the people for the project to move forward. Dent County Health Center Director Zach Moser came by to visit with the commissioners. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams last week attended the Missouri County Treasurer’s Association Conference at Old Kinderhook in Camdenton. Williams was elected president of the association and will serve in 2022 and 2023. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The University of Missouri will be conducting a Home Food Preservation class the evening of Thursday, September 23rd from 6:00 until 8:00 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. The class entitled Salsa, is a class that focuses on safe and correct food preservation methods in the home setting. Whether you are new to canning, or you just need a refresher on something you’ve been doing for years, University of Missouri Extension’s Food Preservation Series can help you preserve your produce safely and efficiently. Each participant will take part in hands on training in preparing and canning salsa! Due to the 2-hour time period of the class, the canned salsa produced in class will not be shelf stable. Home canned products must rest undisturbed for 12-24 hours after canning. The products of this class should be refrigerated and eaten within 7 days because they will be transported following canning. Don’t worry they will be tasty! The cost of the class is $25 and to register contact Rachel Buenemann online at rachelbuenemann@missouri.edu or call (573) 458-6260.

The Creative Arts Center in Salem will be offering a beginner’s oil painting class. The class will be one day per week for four weeks beginning Thursday, September 23rd then on September 30th and October 7th and 15th. Classes are being held from 9 until noon. The class will be taught by professional artist Tana Kettner. Necessary supplies will be provided. You will learn about color theory, painting techniques and other skills. No previous experience is necessary. The cost is $120 for all 4 session or $35 per 3-hour session. For questions or to register you may email salemartscouncil@outlook.com.

The City of Salem Utility Committee will be meeting Thursday evening at 6:00 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. The meeting was called by the committee chairman, Shawn Bolerjack. The Utility Committee will be updated on utility billing, hear an update on the audit of the utility meter and billing project, hear an update on the utility bills layout, discuss the fiscal year 2021-2022 Utility and Street Department projects update, and receive an update on the Exceleron pre-paid project. The meeting will then be adjourned. The Utility Committee meeting is open to the public.

An accident happened at 12:15 Sunday afternoon in Laclede County at the intersection of Wildwood Drive and Cedar Bluff Road that left four individuals with injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a Kawasaki 400 ES four-wheeler driven northbound by a 17-year-old juvenile of Salem failed to negotiate a curve at the intersection. The Kawasaki crossed the roadway and impacted the ground, ejecting the girl driving the Kawasaki as well as the passengers. Suffering serious injuries in the accident were three passengers: 18-year-old Hailey Conway of Salem, a 15-year-old female from Falcon, Missouri, and a nine-year-old female from Falcon. Also suffering moderate injuries was the 17-year-old female juvenile driver from Salem. Everyone injured in the accident was taken by a private conveyance to the Mercy Hospital in Lebanon. The Kawasaki sustained only minor damage and was removed from the scene by the owner.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met last Thursday evening at the high school library. The board heard a report from Middle School ELA teachers Tina McKee and Abrie Enloe on the Middle School 40 book challenge that their students are participating in this year. The board also heard from Chris Salzman from ESP on potential building projects. The board approved negotiating a contract with ESP for a variety of facility improvements, plus they also hired ESP to create a final design for the tin gym remodel and expansion as well as the locker room remodeling project. In the Superintendent’s report, Dr. Lynne Reed stated Brad Wegman from L.J. Hart will be invited to the October Board meeting to discuss a potential bond issue for construction of a new elementary school. She also discussed former Salem football Coach Bill Schuchardt’s induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame and provided an update on the school’s virtual program. The building principals gave their reports and enrollment at the elementary school is 243, the upper elementary has 327 students, the middle school has 259 students, and the high school has right at 600 students. It was reported the high school has 47 students that are earning 351 dual credit hours. The board approved the bus routes presented before approving the Special Education Compliance Plan. The board then changed policy SRCSP that includes a mask mandate at the Salem R-80 schools for all staff pre-kindergarten through the 12th grade, all students in the 6th through the 12th grade, and that strict cohort classes be held at the Upper Elementary and William Lynch Elementary school. This was to go into effect today. The board approved revising the assistant superintendent’s job description and approved board policy GBDBDA. The board discussed and approved renaming the road behind the middle school and high school in honor of retired Salem R-80 Transportation Director Jim McDaniels. After closed session where the board approved raising the base pay for assistant kitchen managers and kitchen managers, the board returned to open session where they agreed to change the time of the next regular meeting to 5:00 with a discipline hearing to follow the meeting. The meeting was then adjourned.

An accident occurred Friday morning at 11:10 in Dent County on Route ZZ about two miles west of Jadwin. According to the highway patrol report, a 2000 Kawasaki KLR driven by 58-year-old Judy Ivery of Festus, was traveling westbound and struck a deer. Ivery suffered moderate injuries and was flown by Arch Air to Mercy St. Louis. The Kawasaki sustained minor damages and was towed by private vehicle.

An accident occurred Friday morning at 8:29 in Phelps County on County Road 6120 about 971 feet from Highway 63. According to the highway patrol report, a bicycle being rode by 63-year-old John Boley of Rolla was travelling westbound in the eastbound lane. A 2004 Taurus driven by 20-year-old Joseph Raymond of Edgar Springs was traveling eastbound and struck the bicycle. Boley suffered serious injuries and was flown from Phelps Health to University of Columbia. The bicycle was totaled and taken to family members residence. The Ford sustained moderate damage and was driven from the scene.