Local News

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning for their regular meeting. Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge was in attendance top provide the commission with her report for April. She mentioned there were two ongoing economic prospects that moved forward in the last month including an Ag project that has secured funding and is currently in property negotiations and a food services project that had a recent on-site discussion. She also said the Certified Site Application is moving forward as a request was submitted to the Department of Natural Resources for a Phase 1 environmental site assessment is to be performed and paid for by DNR, plus a survey of the parcels is currently underway that would also include utility mapping. Burbridge said she is still researching other communities for a voluntary program that can range from completely city funded to a partial owner funded program. She provided statistics on the housing market in Salem as well as Dent County. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell indicated that materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 5220 and 6520 while grading only would be done on county roads 5450 and 5600. Purcell said a man was going to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal repair. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said grading was going to be done on Dent County Roads 2080, 2090, 2533, 2580, 2610 and 2613. He also said materials would be added and grading done on county roads 3295 and 5240. Larson went on to say brush would be cut on county roads 3220, 3230, 3240. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported a CARES Act meeting will be held Thursday afternoon at 1:00 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory to discuss the public entity portion of the act only and the meeting is open to all interested entities. Representatives from the Meramec Regional Planning Commission will be there discussing applications, forms, and procedures for public entities to take in applying for these funds from the county. Public entities include the Dent County Health Department, Salem Memorial District Hospital, City of Salem, etc. The private business grant portion of the act has still not been clearly defined and another meeting will be held when MRPC has further clarification on how that will be done. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley wanted to remind everyone the Municipal Election ends tonight at 7:00 and the last day to register for the August Primary for state and county office holders will be July 8th. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident happened in Dent County Sunday afternoon at 2:40 on Highway 19 about two miles south of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2010 Chevy Cobalt driven northbound by 23-year old Briana Bacon of Salem, failed to negotiate a curve and traveled off the right side of the roadway, returned to the road and overcorrected. The Cobalt then crossed the center line and struck a 2006 Ford Focus driven southbound by 59-year old Susan Hathcock of Salem, before continuing on and going off the right side of the road where the car struck an embankment and overturned. Bacon suffered moderate injuries and was transported by the Salem EMS to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. Bacon was not wearing a set restraint at the time of the accident. The Cobalt sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. The Ford Focus sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by the Salem Police Department, the Dent County Sheriff’s Department, the Dent County Fire Protection District and two park rangers.

An accident happened in Dent County at 7:05 Sunday night on Route W about five miles east of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 was being driven northbound on Route W by 46-year old Christopher Jella of Belle, when a dog ran into the path of and was struck by the Kawasaki. The vehicle began overturning as it was running off the right side of the roadway. Jella was ejected from the Kawasaki in the roadway. He was transported from the scene by Air Evac to the University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries. Jella was wearing safety devices at the time of the accident. The Kawasaki was totaled and removed from the scene by American Muffler of Salem.

The Salem Police Department has releases some reports. In the afternoon on May 17th at approximately 1:25, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart for a report of a suspicious bag left in the lobby behind the coin machine. When the officer arrived, a male subject was holding the bag which was initially thought to contain a gun. A consent search of the bag was conducted, and marijuana paraphernalia was located inside the bag. The 36-year old Salem male who was in possession of the bag stated the marijuana paraphernalia was his. The male was arrested and issued a summons to appear in court. On the evening of May 18th at about 5:12, an officer conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Washington and Franklin Streets for failing to signal. During the traffic stop, a consent to search the vehicle was obtained and marijuana paraphernalia was located. The driver, a 33-year old Salem man, was arrested and issued a summons to appear in court. On the evening of May 19th around 8:28, an officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Center Street for a report of a disturbance. It was reported that during a disagreement a 32-year old Salem man had caused damage to the female reporting parties vehicle as she was trying to leave. The man was arrested and given a summons to appear in court for property damage. The male was placed on a 12-hour hold at the Dent County Jail. That same evening at about 7:23, an officer was dispatched to the Salem City Park for a report of marijuana odor emitting from two vehicles parked there. During the investigation contact was made with the owners of the two vehicles. A consent to search the vehicles was obtained and located in both vehicles was marijuana and marijuana paraphernalia. Two females from Salem, a 23-year old a 24-year old, admitted to possessing the marijuana. Both females were arrested and issued a summons to appear in court for possession of marijuana and marijuana paraphernalia. If you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation, contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242.

To reflect estimated changes in the wholesale cost of natural gas, Union Electric Company d/b/a Ameren Missouri natural gas customers will see rates decrease under a filing that will take effect TODAY, June 1st. Residential customers currently pay approximately $0.40 per Ccf (per hundred cubic feet) of natural gas. Under this filing, the rate will drop to approximately $0.35 per Ccf, a decrease of approximately $0.05 per Ccf. This change will affect Ameren Missouri natural gas customers in areas such as Columbia, Rolla, Salem, Owensville, Jefferson City, Mexico, Wentzville, Cape Girardeau and Marble Hill. Approximately 50% to 55% of a customer’s current natural gas bill reflects the cost of natural gas from wholesale suppliers. The wholesale cost of natural gas (the cost your local natural gas company must pay to its suppliers for natural gas) is not regulated by the Missouri Public Service Commission. The wellhead cost of natural gas is unregulated and is primarily driven by supply, demand and the weather. The Missouri Public Service Commission does conduct an annual regulatory review to ensure that regulated natural gas companies make prudent decisions in securing natural gas supplies for their customers. Ameren Missouri serves approximately 131,500 natural gas customers in Missouri.

The highway patrol worked two separate accidents on Thursday. The first accident happened shortly after 7:00 Thursday evening in Laclede County on Highway 32 about 14 east of Lebanon. The report states that 17-year old Hance Bryson of Licking was going east on Highway 32 driving a 2000 Ford Mustang when he traveled off the right side of the road and struck a concrete culvert. Bryson suffered moderate injuries and was taken by his family to the Mercy Hospital in Lebanon. The Mustang was totaled and removed by C & L Towing. The second occurred in Phelps County on Highway 68 and Route YY at 8:20 in the evening. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 2005 Kawasaki motorcycle being ridden north by 40-year old Matthew Pollard of Salem traveled off the right side of the roadway striking a sign and overturning. Pollard was taken by private vehicle to Phelps Health in Rolla for treatment of serious injuries. The Kawasaki received extensive damage and was removed from the scene by a family member.

The Salem Public Library will be open to the public again starting TODAY. Several procedures have been put in place based on guidelines provided by the Missouri State Library, the American Library Association, and public health officials. These guidelines will be in place until further notice and include only 10 patrons in the library at a time. Everyone entering the library will be given hand sanitizer and will be required to maintain six feet of distance with anyone who is not related to them whether it is library staff or other visitors. Upon entering the main library, users will have 20 minutes to browse, pick up materials and check out with no lingering or socializing. All materials being returned need to be dropped off in the book depository or at the designated location inside. Signs will be posted to let patrons know where those return points are located. All other programming and events are cancelled until further notice. While there won’t be a limit of time patrons may use the computer for business purposes, they do ask you conclude your business as quickly as possible. Hours will be Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Thursday from 10:00 AM until 7:00 PM and Saturday from 10:00 AM until 1:00PM. If you’re sick please stay home and if you enter the library and are displaying symptoms of illness you will be asked to leave the building.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting this evening at the city hall council chambers. At the meting, the board will hear a request from Bill Parsons to close a portion of East 4th Street from Water Street to Pershing Avenue and Water Street from East 4th Street to East 3rd Street. He would also like to use three barricades for the streets. After the consent agenda, City Administrator Ray Walden will give his report that will give the board an update on items concerning the city as well as a discussion on the city’s auditing service. The board will also hear a report from Salem Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois about an ice cream truck coming into the city park and selling concessions near the pool that is hurting the concession sales at the pool. The board will hear and discuss Resolution #12-2020 which is an agreement with N.B. West Contracting out of Sullivan to do pave selected streets with a Type A Nova Chip with a firm price of $7.50 through August. The board will also hear and discuss Resolution #13-2020 to sign an agreement with the Dent County Commons for the discharging of fireworks on July 4th. The board will hear and discuss Bill #3450 that would ban food trucks, trailers, carts and ice cream trucks from doing business within the Salem City Park that would interfere with the concessions already provided within the city park. The board will then adjourn. The meeting of the Salem Board of Aldermen is open to the public.

A Municipal Election will be held Tuesday from 6:00 AM until 7:00 PM that will feature many school board races, an issue to establish a Montauk Fire Protection District with a 30 cent levy and also to create and elect a board of directors, an aldermanic race for both the east and west side for Salem and a race for an aldermanic seat in Bunker. Five candidates are vying for the Salem R-80 School board and they are incumbents Holly Erway and Larry Maxwell as well as Michael Pettus, Andrew Wynn and Amanda Walker. There are six people interested in serving on the Dent-Phelps R-3 School Board and they are Dana Gorman, Mike Radford, Bill Manthey, Nick Gover, Brandon Schloemer and Caleb Gidcumb. Six persons are also vying for the Oak Hill R-1 School Board and they include Michael Connors, Jonathan Hoffman, Sarah Hoffman, Nikki Eaton, Allison Parks and Duane Blackwell. For the Northwood R-4 School Board, five persons are registered and they include Aaron Brooks, Milton Lindsey Jr., Jenna Dunn, Robert Hemmann and David Massengale. In each school district, voters will select three candidates. In the aldermanic races for the city of Salem, the East Ward race features three candidates and they are incumbent Kim Steelman, Carl Plank and Jerry (Jay) Gibbs, Jr; while the West Ward race has two new candidates and they are Greg Parker and Joshua Gordon. In Bunker, three people are competing for the one open aldermanic seat. Those three are Tricia Rowland, James McClanahan and Thomas Case. Remember, you MUST bring a form of identification with you when you vote. If you have moved and are not sure where you vote, or are not sure what type of ID to bring with you to vote, contact the Dent County Clerks office TODAY at 729-4144.

The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds Missouri hunters that the application period ends May 31st for Missouri’s first elk hunts this fall. MDC will offer Missourians the state’s first elk-hunting season in modern history starting this October. MDC will issue five permits for hunting bull elk with four being general permits for the public and one permit reserved for qualifying area landowners. Applicants must be Missouri residents at least 11 years of age by the first day of the hunt. Those selected to receive a permit must have their hunter-education certification or be exempt by age before they may purchase the permit. Apply for the random elk-permit drawing online by May 31st at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, through MDC’s free MO Hunting app, through a permit vendor, or by calling 1-800-392-4115. Applicants can check to see if they have been selected for an elk-hunting permit online starting July 1 at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits after logging into “Manage Your Account” and selecting “View My Special Hunt History.” Missouri’s first pending elk hunt comes after years of restoration efforts of the once-native species by MDC, numerous partners including the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and many supporters including local communities and area landowners.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released some reports. On Tuesday, May 19th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Highway 72 near Highway 32. During the course of the traffic stop, a 43-year old East Lynne man was arrested for driving while being intoxicated. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released to a family member. On Saturday, May 23rd, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Highway 72. During the course of the traffic stop, a 29-year old Bunker man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 2nd or 3rd offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On Sunday, May 24th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Pershing Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 48-year old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 2nd or 3rd offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. If you have any information regarding and ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is seeking initial public input on a proposed limited and highly regulated hunting season for black bears, which would be open only to Missouri residents. If approved by the Missouri Conservation Commission, a season could occur as soon as the fall of 2021. MDC is asking for initial public comments through June 5th. According to MDC, over the last 50 years bear numbers in the Missouri Ozarks have increased significantly and today Missouri is home to between 540–840 black bears. Bear numbers are currently increasing each year and bear range in the state is expanding. MDC Furbearer Biologist Laura Conlee said that with Missouri’s growing black bear population, MDC is proposing the development of a limited and highly regulated bear hunting season. The timing and length of the season, restrictive methods, and permit allocation coupled with a harvest quota will initially be limited to ensure a sustainable harvest of our growing black bear population. Conlee added that limited black bear hunting will be an essential part of population management in the future as Missouri’s bear numbers continue to grow. Learn more about a potential black bear hunting season in Missouri online and submit comments through June 5th at mdc.mo.gov/bears.

The City of Salem will be doing curbside yard waste pick-up the first full week of each month. Items that will be picked up by the city include limbs and branches that are cut to a length of 4 feet or less and leaves that are bagged in recyclable leaf bags which can be purchased at the city utility office $2.50 for ten bags. The city will pick up yard waste that has been properly bagged, cut, and placed at the edge of the curb or sidewalk. They ask that you do not block the sidewalk or place items in the street. The city of Salem reserves the right to charge for exceptionally large volumes of yard waste or to recommend removal by a private company. Items that will not be picked up include appliances, household trash, tires, electronics, lumber or building materials, furniture, or recyclables. Items must be ready and set out for pickup on the first Monday of the first full weeks of each month.

A one vehicle accident occurred Wednesday night around 10:30 on Route E about five miles north of Rolla. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2008 Ford Explorer being driven by 19-year old Julia Rufe of Rolla crossed the centerline and traveled off the left side of the road where the Explorer struck a culvert and overturned. Rufe, who was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident, was transported by EMS to Phelps Health for treatment of minor injuries. The Explorer was totaled and removed from the scene by Dishman’s Towing.

The Salem Public Library at 4th and Jackson Streets will reopen on Monday, June 1st for their regular hours of operation. There will be new procedures to safeguard patrons and staff. A maximum of ten patrons will be allowed in the building at one time. Patrons will be given hand sanitizer upon entering. People should maintain six feet of distance with anyone who is not from their household. It will be asked that patrons limit their time in the library to twenty minutes with the exception of those using computers. All programs and events are cancelled until further notice. For additional information, call the Salem Public Library at 729-4331.

The Dent County Commission has received $1,827,024 in federal funds as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic (CARES) Act, and is now ready to begin accepting applications from cities, political subdivisions and public agencies for reimbursable COVID-19 expenses that they have incurred, beginning March 1st, 2020. The Meramec Regional Planning Commission has been assisting Dent County in reviewing the act, developing an application and administrative process that would meet audit requirements. MRPC staff will be handling the grant administration for Dent County and have created a webpage on its website (www.meramecregion.org) where Dent County application information can be found. Disbursement of the CARES Act funds must be directly related to expenses from COVID-19 incurred during the period that begins March 1st and ends December 30th of this year that were not accounted for in the budget most recently approved as of March 27 for any state or government entity. Reimbursable expenses can include payroll expenses for public safety, public health and health care, expenses to improve telework capabilities, expenses of providing paid sick and paid family and medical leave to public employees. According to the guidelines set up by the MRPC, each applicant must complete a certification form where they agree to comply with funding requirements, including repaying the reimbursement grant if the expenditure is deemed ineligible in the future. The application asks for contact information and detailed description of the cost incurred and how they are COVID-19 related. The form also provides a list of eligible expenditures, and applicants are encouraged to review that list before applying. Applicants will then list expenses on an application spreadsheet and attach invoices and proof of payment. Dent County reimbursement requests will be directed to Kelly Sink at MRPC, where staff will review the application, make sure the request is eligible for funding and verify that the documentation meets the requirements for a Single Audit. A verified application will then be forwarded to the Dent County Commission for review and their approval. Those applications that are approved will be forwarded to the county treasurer for payment to the applicant. MRPC staff will maintain files for the county and track all requests and expenditures. Persons with questions about Dent County grant can contact Kelly Sink at MRPC at 573-265-2993 or by email at Kellysb@meramecregion.org. Any funds not spent must be returned to the U.S. Treasury. Under the CARES Act, counties can also provide grants to businesses to reimburse the costs of business interruption cause by required closures. The U.S. Treasury has provided very little guidance on this provision. Dent County is awaiting additional federal guidance before it offers a business grant program.

A one vehicle accident occurred early Tuesday afternoon shortly after 12:30 on Highway 68 about three miles north of Salem. The report from the highway patrol states that a 1995 Ford F-250 was being driven north by 60-year old William Monk of Salem when he suffered a medical emergency causing the Ford to travel off the left side of the road and struck a tree. Monk, who was wearing a safety restraint, had minor injuries which were treated at the scene. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by American Muffler and Tire of Salem. The highway patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and the Dent County Fire Department.

The Salem Police Department has releases some reports. On the afternoon of May 9th at approximately 2:28, an officer was on routine traffic patrol and noticed a 20-year-old Salem male operating a motor vehicle near Phil Mart. The officer had prior knowledge that the male did not have a valid driver’s license. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver was arrested and issued summons for driving while having his license suspended. On the evening of May 11th at about 5:42, an officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Third Street for a report of a theft. It was reported that $460 worth of jewelry was stolen from the residence by some people that were visiting. This incident is still under investigation. The next morning close to 9:00, an officer was dispatched to C and E auto for a report of a stolen motor vehicle. It was reported that a silver 2002 Ford F-250 super cab was stolen from the lot. The investigation is ongoing into this incident. On the afternoon of May 13th at approximately 2:12, an officer conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle failing to signal at Second and Iron Streets. During the stop it was found the driver, a 23-year-old Salem man, had a suspended drivers license. The driver was arrested and issued a summons to appear in court. Around 11:48 later that evening, an officer responded to an address in the 800 block of East Hawkins to attempt to contact a subject with an active warrant from the City of Salem. Contact was made with a 72-year-old Salem male who later pled on the active City warrant. On the morning of May 15th near 12:15, an officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Third Street for a report of a burglary. The reporting party reported they had noticed forced entry was made into their home. It was reported that a 40” flat screen TV valued at $200 was taken from the residence. This incident is still under investigation. Later that same morning around 6:49, an officer conducted a traffic stop for expired license plates at the intersection of Carnett Industrial Drive and Highway 32. As a result of the stop it was found the driver, a 36-year-old Salem man, was operating the vehicle without a valid driver’s license. The driver was arrested and released on summons for driving without a license. If you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation, contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242.

The Dent County Commissioners met Tuesday morning for a regular meeting and budget hearing. Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge was in attendance to discuss the COVID-19 funding received by the county and if the commission had determined how those funds are to be distributed. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that the Meramec Regional Planning Commission would be attending the meeting to discuss the CARES Small Business Relief Funding. Bonnie Prigge, the Executive Director of the MRPC, discussed the program, a reimbursement approval form, and the application for the CARES Act reimbursement. She also mentioned the county could set up a Dent County CARES Committee if they wanted to form one. She said the application would go to the MRPC first, then sent back to the county for review and approval. The commissioners agreed to a contract with the MRPC to provide more information about the program and to monitor the application for reimbursements. For more information, call the MRPC at 573-265-2993. You can also go to meramecregion.org, go to grants and a link will be there for applying. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell and District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson both reported crews would be out checking roads for washouts, downed limbs and trees from the weekend rains. Both commissioners said if you have a road issue to call the road and bridge department phone number at 729-7770. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he would be on conference call the CCAM Board of Directors and the MAC Staff Attorney about the CARES Act funding. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the last day to vote absentee would be June 1st and the clerk’s office would be open this Saturday from 8:00 AM until noon Saturday. The Municipal Election will be held Tuesday, June 2nd from 6:00 in the morning until 7:00 in the evening. Remember to vote, you will need to bring a form of ID and don’t’ forget, not every district is having an election, so call the clerks office if you need clarification at 729-4144. The commissioners then held a budget hearing to adjust the budget due to the money received by the county for the COVID-19 Fund where $1,925,000 has been posted as revenues as well as expenses to zero balance out that account, and also there was $20,000 added for revenues in the Special Election Service Fund and $20,000 to the expenses to zero that fund out. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams brought in the CART Funds report that showed $47,523.42 was received in May and that is down from last May’s figures by $12,081.55. Year-to-date, the CART funds are down about $6,537.45. Prosecutor Andrew Curley wanted to add to the minutes of the last meeting that the Notice of Delinquency was first provided to him in May which he believes is a county policy. He said this policy results in a taxpayer being assessed approximately twice the amount in interest and fees as compared to January. He indicated he has concerns with due process when assessing penalties on any citizen without giving notice prior of the delinquency in May. County Clerk Angie Curley said the previous meeting minutes had already been approved, but his request could be added to the minutes from May 26th. Presiding Commissioner Skiles wanted to point out this was not a county policy, but it is the Collector’s policy when the late notices are mailed, and said Mr. Curley was afforded the same due process as any citizen would. Dwight Ramsburg and Nick Smith from Septagone were both in attendance to give a status report on the jail and get a few items approved that needed to be purchased. They feel they will be finished by the end of June and possibly tours could be given the first week of July. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

In closed session at the Salem R-80 Board meeting held last Thursday, the board employed Olivia Elliott as a 3rd grade teacher, Charles Mosley as the Middle School band teacher and assistant high school band instructor, Scott Frederickson as the High School Band Director, George Alex as a high school math teacher, Lisa Baker as a high school special education instructor and Darcy Reardon as the assistant track coach. The meeting was then adjourned.

An accident happened Monday morning just after 10:15 in Reynolds County on Route H about 8 miles east of Ellington. The report from the highway patrol states a 2004 Suzuki LTZ being operated by a 16-year old juvenile of Granite City, Illinois was northbound when he failed to yield and traveled into the path of a 2019 Ford F-150 being driven east by 34-year old Marley Stephan of Salem. The juvenile sought his own treatment for minor injuries. Both vehicles sustained minor damage. The Ford was driven from the scene and the Suzuki was removed by a private vehicle.

Six people died in traffic crashes over the 2020 Memorial Day weekend counting period beginning at 6:00 on Friday evening, May 22nd, and ending at just before midnight, Monday, May 25th. Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers investigated 341 traffic crashes over the 2020 Memorial Day holiday weekend resulting in 112 injuries and 5 fatalities. The patrol also made 111 DWI arrests and 112 drug arrests. There were 10 boat crashes resulting in 7 injuries. Two drownings were also investigated during the counting period. The patrol made 11 arrests for boating while intoxicated and made 2 drug arrests. During the 2019 counting period, the Patrol investigated 296 traffic crashes, which included 127 injuries and seven of the eight fatalities. Troopers made 96 arrests for driving while intoxicated last year. Also, over the 2019 Memorial Day holiday: Marine operations troopers investigated seven boating crashes involving three injuries and two fatalities; and arrested 10 people for boating while intoxicated on the state’s rivers and lakes. There were no drownings over the 2019 Memorial Day holiday. The Missouri State Highway Patrol invites you to follow them on Twitter for the latest news.

The City of Salem has indicated that May utility bills started going out this past Saturday and customers who haven’t received a bill by this Friday, May 29th, are asked to contact the utility office at 729-4117. While the bills reflect the new AMI system’s capability for more recent meter reads, the Board of Aldermen have provided different options for customers to select how they want to be billed through the transition to the new system. Businesses with COVID-19 PPP loans will have the information needed to make eligible utility payments under the program. June bills will be processed after customers indicate their preferred billing preferences going forward. Anyone with questions about their May bill is asked to contact the utility office at 729-4117.

An accident occurred on Saturday evening at 5:45 in Dent County on Highway 68 about one mile north of Highway 19. According to the highway patrol report, a 1997 Toyota 4 Runner driven by 66-year old Timothy Pogue of Salem was traveling southbound when the Toyota traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a driveway. The 4 Runner then became airborne, struck a ditch and overturned. Pogue suffered moderate injuries and was transported to the Salem Memorial Hospital. Pogue was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The 4 Runner was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

An accident happened Thursday evening shortly after 6:15 on Maries County Road 522 about a mile north of Highway 63. The report from the highway patrol states that a Honda Sport Trax 400 ATV being ridden north by 17-year old Heston Parsons of Rolla traveled across the center of the roadway, went off the left side of the road and struck a tree before coming to a rest. Parsons suffered serious injuries and was transported by Phelps Health Ambulance before being airlifted by Arch Air Medical to University Hospital in Columbia. The Honda sustained minor damage and was removed from the scene by the owner.

An accident occurred Friday afternoon at 4:09 in Phelps County on the South Service Road adjacent to Interstate 44. According to the highway patrol report, a 1998 GMC Sonoma being driven by a 33-year old Adam Piper of Cuba, traveled off the right side of the south service road where the Sonoma struck a culvert and overturned before coming to rest. Piper received moderate injuries and was transported to Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla by St. James Ambulance. Piper was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The GMC was totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held their regular meeting Thursday evening at the district administrative offices. Superintendent John McCollloch discussed the property purchased by the school right next to the district administrative offices on Route J, and accepted the bid from Godi Excavating to tear down the house, remove the debris and fill in the opening for $5,500. The board approved the adult meal prices for the 2020-2021 school year at $2.50 for breakfast and $4.00 for lunch. The children will receive free meals again for the next school year. The board approved a number of revisions for the 2019-2020 school budget with the insurance assessment the big blow, the lighting project for $280,000 of which the school should get about $240,000 back, and a new engine for Bus #5 for about $29,000. The board tabled approving a preliminary budget for the 2020-2021 school year as McColloch said the school just received some information that will make substantial changes to the budget figures. The board approved to advertise for sale surplus property that will be mostly made up of all the weight equipment from the tin gym. It will be advertised in the paper and it will be on the R-80 website as well. Brendon Smith was in with a request to hold Baccalaureate for the 2020 graduating class. He explained the parameters of how the event will be held as well as a preliminary ceremony itinerary. The event would be held on Wednesday, June 3rd from 7:00 to 8:00 at the football field and the school board approved the request. Superintendent McColloch asked the board to consider a change in the support staff salary schedule as the district was falling behind in wages to food service personnel, custodial persons, bus drivers, secretarial staff and more. McColloch suggested to the board to drop the lowest two steps on the salary schedule, and Step 3 would become the new Step 1 with two more steps being added at the back end of the schedule. The total cost would be $61,298 to make that adjustment and move up everyone three steps. The board unanimously approved the proposed changes to the schedule. The board set their reorganizational meeting and next regular meeting for June 16th at 6:00 as that is 14 days after the June 2nd Municipal Election. The board accepted the resignations of Kim Pogue as a middle school counselor, Heidi Ross as an instructional coach and Jessica Haberman as the high school special education instructor. Principal Marty Anderson gave an update on the graduation exercises for June 5th at the high school football field. The gates will open at 5:30 for the 7:00 event and those attending must have a ticket to get in. Once the ticket has been dropped off in the box upon entry, the person may not leave the enclosed area as they will not be allowed back in. Persons attending should bring their own lawn chairs and set up around the track. There will not be any band or choir performances this year but there will be 11 valedictorian speeches. He said once the ceremony is over, students will be released from their rows in an orderly fashion to leave the field while spectators will not be allowed to collect on the track. He said about 250 chairs will be on the track and seating in the bleachers will be in every other row with proper separation. KSMO will live stream the event on their website and on Facebook, plus it will be later placed that evening on You Tube for viewing. Graduation will also be aired a few times in the days after the graduation on Channel 95. If parents want a DVD of the ceremony, they will be made available a few days after graduation at a reasonable cost. The board then voted to go into closed session.

There will be no Your World Today on Monday due to the Memorial Day holiday. Your World Today’s next publication will be Tuesday, May 26th. Have a happy and safe Memorial Day Weekend!

Memorial Day weekend has often been known as the official start of the summer season. The City of Salem Park and Recreation Department is happy to announce that the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Swimming Pool will be opening Saturday at noon, weather permitting. The cost of admission is $4.00 per child, $5.00 for adults and $4.00 for seniors who are 62-years of age and older. People attending the pool will find that there will be some added restrictions this year to the first phase of the “Show Me Strong Recovery” plan. Salem Park and Recreation Director Melissa DuBois said there will be no chairs or tables in the pool area for now and people should bring with them their own seating. She wants to let patrons know that families can congregate together, but those not in the immediate family will need to keep at least six feet away. She said the decks have been marked with the proper distancing at the diving board, slides and rock wall as well as at the concession stand. Also new this year at the front desk, patrons will be identified when they enter the pool area so that staff can maintain a count of the people in the pool. DuBois stated people will also be able to purchase family and individual pool passes at the front desk as well as book pool parties. Family Season passes are $160.00 for a family of four (two adults and two children) and the Individual Pass is $75.00. A private pool party is $150 for one hour and $200 for 1.5 hours and $250 for two hours. Pool parties can also be shared with another group to help save on costs. She also said people who are interested in swim lessons, the morning water aerobics class or the new class called “water babies” can find out more information at the front desk. Pool hours in 2020 are from noon until 6:00 PM Monday through Saturday and from 1:00 until 6:00 PM on Sunday. Remember that the pool will temporarily close if thunder or lightning is in the immediate area and will stay closed for 30 minutes from the last lightning strike or thunder clap. For more information about the pool, call 729-6228.

Captain Eddie A. Blaylock, commanding officer of Troop I, announces special enforcement operations during the 2020 Memorial Day weekend. The official counting period for this year’s holiday begins at 6:00 tonight and ends at 11:59 Monday night. Statewide, the Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort) during the extended holiday weekend. This means every available trooper will be on the road enforcing traffic laws and assisting motorists. Troop I will also participate in a 20-Mile Trooper enforcement project. This initiative assigns troopers every 20 miles along Interstate 44 within Troop I. Troopers will focus their attention on seat belt use, impaired drivers, distractive driving, excessive speed, and hazardous moving violations. Troopers will also be available to respond to motorist’s calls for assistance. Motorists in need of assistance or those who want to report a crime should call the Highway Patrol’s Emergency Assistance number 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone.

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks has awarded grants totaling $80,000 to support food needs, services for victims of domestic violence, educational technology improvements and emergency living expenses related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic across the region. The total amount of all Community Foundation of the Ozarks grantmaking for COVID-19 relief now comes to $1.75 million. This week’s grants from the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund were supported with funds from White River Valley Electric Cooperative and the Sunderland Foundation, which made generous gifts to support proposals within their areas of interest. The COVID-19 Response and Recovery grants were awarded locally to the Dent County Service Unit of the Salvation Army in the amount of $5,000 to support low-income families with rent and utility expenses. This area is served by the Dent County Community Foundation. The Community Foundation of the Ozarks encourages anyone who is able to consider donating to a nonprofit in need or the CFO’s COVID-19 fund. Gifts can be made online. The CFO is covering processing fees for gifts made by credit card through June 30, 2020. For additional information on the Salvation Army Dent County Service Unit, please contact Sherry Lea at 573-729-8163.

The Memorial Day weekend is an unofficial start to the boating season. During the 2019 Memorial Day weekend, there were seven boating crashes which included two fatalities and three injuries. No one drowned over last year’s holiday weekend. Troopers arrested 10 people for boating while intoxicated over the 2019 Memorial Day weekend. This year’s counting period for the holiday weekend begins at 6:00 Friday night, May 22nd, and ends at 11:59 Monday night, May 25th. Missouri provides a variety of opportunities for boating. Please be courteous to others on the water, wear a life jacket, and obey the law regarding safe operation of a vessel and no wake zones. Causing harm to another person or their property with an excessive boat wake may subject you to enforcement action or civil liability. Always treat other boaters and property owners as you want to be treated. Boaters in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use the Highway Patrol’s Emergency Assistance number 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. Never operate a boat while you are impaired; never ride with an impaired operator. Watercraft operators must consider the effect their actions have on others: Share the waterway and use common sense, good judgment, and courtesy to ensure the safety of all. Life jackets save lives. Wear It!!

The Salem Memorial District Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday evening in the Hospital Library as well as through an online conference using Zoom. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas stated the COVID-19 virus and “Stay at Home” order has had a major impact on the summary of operations for the month of April where the hospital had 92 inpatient admissions with 247 inpatient census days. There were 1,204 outpatient registrations, 1,150 cardiopulmonary procedures, 5,818 lab tests, 886 radiology procedures, 501 rehabilitation treatments, no surgeries and 160 home health visits. Lucas said the hospital was able to incorporate some telehealth visits during the month to help some, but the emergency room visits were down to 452 due to the fear of the coronavirus while the visits to SMDH Family Medicine were also impacted negatively. There were a total of 169 ambulance runs in March with 115 patients transported and 53 dry runs. The hospital showed a loss from operations of $683,817, but did receive a non-operational influx of money from the stimulus of $572,018. This led to expenses over revenues after taxes of $105,511. Hospital Administrator Lucas said expenses were up in March due to the construction work, increase in supplies for COVID as well their contractual obligations in nursing, coding and billing services. Lucas said that no one at the hospital has been furloughed yet and his plan is to not do that, but financial circumstances may force the hospital into making those decisions. He did say that the hospital qualified for the Payroll Protection Program which should help keep everyone at work for the next eight weeks. Lucas discussed the balance sheet which showed almost nine million dollars in cash and he said that was from the stimulus money, the $2.5 million dollar bond issue for the construction at the hospital and also the CMS accelerated program where the hospital was provided $3.25 million dollars that will be reduced by claims over the next six months and is being treated more like a loan. Obvious the cash flow statement showed a huge increase in cash from other sources of $5.8 million dollars. Administrator Lucas said he was encouraged by reductions in the amounts due from Medicaid and commercial insurers in April and hopes that continues, but warned the board that the accounts receivable for April was only about $1.75 million dollars which will be what the hospital will be receiving in June or July. Lucas said all the hospital auxiliary activities in April and May were cancelled, but the Shoe Roads Productions visit was rescheduled for July 9th at the hospital library. Hospital Chief Operating Officer Jason Edwards said the Hospital Foundation’s golf tournament is on for June 5th at the Salem Golf Club, and the Wings and Strings is still scheduled for September 12th. Edwards said the USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program Grant is somewhat on hold with the schools being closed. Edwards said the foundation awarded scholarships to three Salem seniors: Bailee Pace, Madison Woolf and Anna McDaniel. He also reported the support group meetings have all been postponed until things get back to normal. Lucas reported on the patient Satisfaction Survey Results for the 1st quarter and the numbers were down as far as feedbacks were concerned, but the numbers came back excellent in both the Emergency Department and at SMDH Family Medicine. Lucas went on to report the hospital continues to due daily briefings on the COVID-19 situation and will continue with the No-Visitor Policy at this time. They will review that policy in late May or early June, but their major concern continues to be the Long-Term Care patients. The finance committee met on May 12th and put together a proposed budget for the next fiscal year. Board member Ray Bruno said with the current situation, there will not be across the board raises. Any raises given will be strategic raises in this budget. The budget suggests a rate increase of about 5% for all Acute Care, Ancillary and outpatient services, while Long-Term Care will go up $10 per day from $155 to $165. An increase of about 4% was added in the retirement plan and to supply costs while the finance committee expects the drug costs to increase 7.5%. The proposed budgeted net operating revenue is expected at just over $27.7 million dollars with estimated expenses also coming in close to $27.7 million dollars leaving a small gain from operation of $11,440. Property Tax revenues are expected near $500,000 which would leave the hospital with an excess of revenues over expenses of $511,400. The estimated payroll for the next fiscal year is $11,956,764. The hospital’s capital budget came in at $970,083 and that includes $589,468 in long-term leases that includes an ambulance, the MRI machine, expansion costs, a CT scan machine and more. The amount of purchases to be made was cut significantly but still came in at $380,615 with a couple of high dollar items driving up the cost. Remember, tax monies collected are only used for capital purchases and are not used toward the operation of the hospital. The board will review the proposed budget and may propose changes to it before they vote on it at the June meeting. The board approved a resolution in support of the Time Critical Diagnosis Designation at the hospital which they do every two years in support of the STEMI and Stroke programs. The board then went into closed session.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education regular monthly meeting for the month of May will be held tonight at 6:00 at the District Administrative Offices. After the consent agenda and communications, new business will be addressed including the approval of 2020-2021 meal prices, 2019-2020 budget revisions, and preliminary budget for 2020-2021. Surplus property will be approved by the board, plus they will consider a Baccalaureate Request and a support staff salary schedule change. The Board will set the reorganization meeting and regular June meeting dates before they hear resignations. The meeting will adjourn and moving into closed session to discuss personnel. The regular May meeting of the Salem R-80 Board of Education is open to the public.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held a regular meeting Monday at the City Hall Auditorium. The board heard from Juliana Bermudez about her utility bill that showed that she used over 27,000 gallons of water in December with most of the usage on days before Christmas when she was out of town. The new water meter was installed on December 3rd and Public Works Director Mark Nash looked at the meter break down and explained to the board the meter readings were inconsistent and then became normal around Christmas Day. He said the company, Neptune nor he could explain what happened. The board approved replacing the meter and sending off the current meter for testing and adjusting her bill to an average use rate. The board approved the consent agenda before City Administrator Ray Walden referred to the sales tax numbers that were all down year-to-date. He said because of the current trend, the sales tax projections for the upcoming budget will need to be very conservative and the budget will be much tighter than in other years. Walden said that he would get with Alderwoman Steelman to set up meetings for the budget including the finance and capital project committees with all board candidates being invited. Walden reported the Airport Board met last week. He reported they need to work on lease wording for hangers and Walden also said the taxi lane project at the airport has been delayed due to the weather in preparation for the six-unit T-hanger. Walden went on to say there was interest in extending the runway. He said the numbers were not yet in on the electronics collection in Salem Saturday, but he will report them when they come in. Walden said the workers were getting Cedar Grove Cemetery ready for Memorial Day celebrations and the city office would be closed on Monday, May 25th. Walden passed out a draft letter that will be sent to city residents in their upcoming utility bill that includes three options for people to pay their unpaid past utility balance and current balance. Each option will be presented for the resident to determine which is best for them. He said about 40% of the utility bills are now ready and most of the bills should be ready by weeks end. He also said they are working with the software vendor to change the bill format to reflect the new readings. Alderwoman Steelman asked that the bills that are ready be sent out immediately to the city residents and the rest as quickly as possible. The board did not approve Resolution 10-2020 as the contract with N. B. West of Sullivan did not guarantee the price of $7.50 per square yard of nova chips past May 31st and the city wanted a waiver of any mechanics lien. The board did approve Resolution 11-2020 to submit an application to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Air Pollution Control Program, Volkswagon Trust Government Truck Program to reduce emissions from older trucks. If approved, this grant would provide for 50% of the cost of a new 2021 Freightliner Diesel Flatbed with a Terex Commander Digger Derrick and 2020 Diesel Dump Truck. They also approved Bill #3449 to extend the Declaration of Emergency for the City of Salem until further action is needed from the board. This continues the protocols and practices enacted by the city during the initial 60-day period. The board approved the appointment of Richard LaBrash, Sr. to the Salem Housing Authority Board to replace Doris Stempniak whose term would expire October 4th, 2020. LaBrash also agreed to serve an additional four-year term beginning October 5th, 2020. The board then went into closed session to discuss contracts before adjourning.

The City of Salem Planning & Zoning Board of Adjustment will be meeting this Thursday evening at 6:30 in the City Hall Auditorium located at 202 N. Washington, to discuss and receive any written and oral objections on a request for a waiver to allow parking in the 30’ front setback of a new development. The parking area would include lots 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11 of the South Aire Annex between Truman and Rubenstein Streets, a subdivision of land consisting of fourteen lots and owned by Central MO Investments, LLC. The meeting, called by acting chairman Bob Parsons, is open to the public.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, recognizes Memorial Day weekend is highly anticipated, especially after these last few months. A safe, fun weekend starts with planning and good decisions. Please remember to observe social distancing and other CDC guidelines, and stay home if you are ill. If your plans include driving, choose to be courteous and obey all Missouri laws. Use a seat belt when you drive and wear a life jacket when you’re on or near the water. Always pay attention, whether you’re operating a vehicle or a vessel, and choose to be a sober driver. The Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (the Crash Awareness Reduction Effort) during the long holiday weekend. This means every available trooper will be on the road enforcing traffic laws and assisting motorists. Motorists in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use the Highway Patrol’s Emergency Assistance number 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. For road condition reports, travelers can visit www.mshp.dps.mo.gov. or call 1-888-275-6636. Over the 2019 Memorial Day holiday weekend, eight people died and 433 were injured in 1,009 traffic crashes. Last year, troopers made 96 DWI arrests. This year’s counting period for the holiday weekend begins at 6:00 this Friday night, May 22nd, and ends at 11:59 Monday night, May 25th. Troopers will focus their attention on seat belt use, use of child safety seats, impaired drivers, hazardous moving violations, and speed violations. Motorists are encouraged to do their part to make Missouri’s roadways safer. Speed, inattention, and impaired driving are leading causes of traffic crashes. Please do your part. Obey all traffic laws and make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint and above all, have a safe Memorial Day Weekend! We’ve earned it!

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting. Dwight Ramsburg from Septagone was in to request a change order to add a magnetic lock from Meyer Electric to the jail project for $2,321.08. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell indicated that southern Dent County received about three inches of rain over the weekend which caused some road damage. All crews will be out repairing and patch grading numerous damaged roads while brush will be cut on Dent County Road 6220. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported that in the Dent County Road 5330 area, the county received about three inches of rain in less than an hour and half on Thursday last week, then received about three inches in other locations over the weekend. He said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 5330 and 5260 while only grading would be done on county road 5300. He did state that other county roads were going to be checked for damages and repaired if needed. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported on the MRPC board meeting held Thursday night that dealt mostly with the CARES Act money that was sent to the counties to distribute to businesses and to cover costs associated with the COVID-19 virus. Skiles said the MRPC would be putting together a proposal to administer the funds for the CARES Act for each county that would be interested in that service. He said there are still some vague points that need to be clarified and felt the MRPC could stay on top of that better with their staff who will be better equipped to handle the applications, phone calls and more. He said a budget hearing would be held on Tuesday, May 26th at 9:30 at the County Courthouse to add the CARES Act money to the county budget. Skiles also said the MRPC Annual Awards banquet and dinner will be held on October 22nd at the Linn State Technical College. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said absentee voting for the Municipal Election on June 2nd is still going on and the last day to mail out an absentee ballot will be this Wednesday, May 20th. On Monday, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and members of his staff were at the Dent County Courthouse to deliver safety supplies for the poll workers. Curley wanted to remind everyone the last day to register to vote for the August 4th Primary would be July 8th. The board heard a request from Prosecutor Andrew Curley to waive late fees and penalties of his real estate and property tax bill. Curley said the payment was mailed before December 31st, but the collector never received the payment. The commissioners waited to talk with Curley directly before making a decision. According to unapproved meeting minutes, following a discussion with Prosecutor Curley, the commissioners initially agreed to waive the penalties and interest back to January. The commissioners and Prosecutor Curley heard an update on the opiod legislation in closed session that started at 11:00, before coming back into open session at 11:20. After closed session, Collector Shannon VanKirk discussed the issue of waiving fees with the commission and recommended following the state statute that says unless it was a county error, the penalties and interest fees need to be paid. The Commission then rescinded their early decision and will not waive the fees. The courthouse will be closed on Monday, May 25th for Memorial Day so the next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Tuesday morning, may 26th at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will conduct their May meeting tonight in the hospital library beginning at 6:00. After approval of the agenda and minutes of the April 21st regular meeting, Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas will report on the summary of the operations for the month of April, give the Home Health report and the hospital auxiliary report. The Chief of Nursing Report will then be given by Debbie Hines. A report on the hospital foundation, plus the marketing and community perception report will be given by Chief Operating Officer Jason Edwards. Lucas will also go over the Patient Satisfaction Survey results for the period of January through March for the Emergency Department and SMDH Family Medicine. In old business the Board will hear the Fiscal Year ’21 Finance Committee Report, receive a COVID-19 update and also be updated on the Hospital Expansion and Renovation. New business will include a time critical diagnosis resolution as well as purchases since the last meeting. The board may vote to go into closed session. Due to COVID-19, social distancing guidelines for the May meeting of the Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will be held by telephone/video conference. The meeting is open to anyone to join. For information on how to access the meeting, please email Karen Brown at kbrown@smdh.net or call (573) 729-5917, extension 4005.

A free University of Missouri Extension webinar series on home gardening continues at 6:30 tonight. MU Extension specialists developed the eight-part series to help people who want to grow healthy foods, according to Juan Cabrera-Garcia, MU Extension horticulturist. The eight-part evening series includes an hour of instruction and 30 minutes for questions and answers. Registrants may attend individual sessions or the entire series. Classes cover the basics of cool- and warm-season gardening, including container gardening, from fertility to food preservation. Topics and specialists teaching the webinar include “Insects in Your Garden” tonight with Tamra Reall; then “Disease Prevention and Management” on May 26th with Debi Kelly followed by “Cool Season Crops” on June 2nd with David Trinklein. Also the “Warm Season Crops” can be seen on June 9th with Katie Kammler, with “Container Gardening” on June 16th with David Trinklein. The sessions will conclude with “Preserving the Harvest” on June 23rd with Leslie Bertsch. You can register at extension2.missouri.edu/events and click on the home gardening webinar series or call Juan Cabrera-Garcia at 573-686-8064 to learn more.