Local News

The City of Salem Utility Committee held its regular meeting last Wednesday evening at 6:15 in the auditorium at 202 North Washington Street. Co-Chair Alderman John Whelan presided in Chairman Alderman Kinsey’s absence. After roll call and approval of the agenda and previous minutes, Whelan read Kinsey’s prepared chairman’s report, which began with recognition of former committee member Harold Hamilton, who recently passed away, for his dedication and service to the Salem community. Kinsey’s report also included instructions on how to navigate the city’s website to locate current utility rates. The committee then discussed the sewer plant mitigation projects and FEMA recommendations. To date, the city has received $43,392 in FEMA reimbursements for emergency services to restore power at the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and operate a generator; $46,895 for replacing oxidation rotors and installing a new WEG motor; and $59,349 for replacing a three-phase breaker, engineering services, and various electrical components. In total, the city has received $149,636 in FEMA reimbursements. The WWTP still needs to replace fencing, aerator panels, and six electrical panel boxes. This project is estimated at $250,255, with $187,691 expected to be reimbursed, leaving the city’s final cost at $62,564. FEMA has also recommended several mitigation efforts, including raising electrical panels six feet and installing a concrete barrier around the main panel to reduce future flood damage. The recommended mitigation projects total $82,565. FEMA has not yet confirmed whether any of these proposed mitigation costs will be reimbursed. If not reimbursed, the city would be responsible for an estimated $145,129, which would be paid from the Sewer Reserve Fund, reducing its balance from $265,836 to $120,707. Committee member Kyle Williams initially made a motion to reject all projects, expressing concern about placing additional financial strain on citizens already facing rising sewer service costs. Williams later rescinded his motion after City Administrator Sally Burbridge clarified that the city has already been approved to proceed with the initial project involving fencing, aerator panels, and electrical panel replacements. Williams then made another motion to delay approval of FEMA-recommended mitigation projects until FEMA confirms whether they will reimburse the city. At that time, if necessary, the committee will call an emergency meeting for a vote, as FEMA has imposed a July 2026 deadline for completing all WWTP projects. The amended motion passed. Burbridge also reported that Viking Industrial Painting – Water Tower Painting & Maintenance is developing a proposed maintenance schedule and pricing. Following the financial report from Finance Director Stacy Houston, billing updates from Shannon Letchworth, and a utilities crew report from Steve Paine, the meeting adjourned. The next regular Utility Committee meeting is scheduled for February 11 in the auditorium and is open to the public.

According to the City of Salem, recent high winds have blown several flower arrangements from headstones and gravesites at Cedar Grove Cemetery. If you are missing any arrangements, please check with staff at the Cemetery shop. They have collected the items found on the grounds, and you may stop by to reclaim any that belong to your loved ones.

The US Postal service reminds people that during the holidays, they have established certain dates they recommend you mail your package or letter by to ensure that your package or letter will be delivered on time. To make sure that your gifts arrive by December 25th, send your gift using USPS Ground Advantage by tomorrow, December 17th. If you are using the USPS Priority Mail service, you will need to mail your gift by December 18th. The latest date you can still send your gift that will arrive before Christmas Day would be December 20th by using the USPS Priority Mail Express service. If you need to buy stamps, ship from home or take advantage of other services provided by the postal service, go to usps.com/sendjoy.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held its regular meeting Monday evening in the auditorium at 202 North Washington Street. Before the meeting began, Mayor Greg Parker announced that a public hearing scheduled to discuss the annexation request submitted by Terry and Shirley Perkins would need to be rescheduled. Due to insufficient time to provide the required public notice in the Salem News, the hearing will be moved to the December 23 meeting. The representative scheduled to give a presentation on behalf of the U.S. Small Business Administration was also absent, though Mayor Parker said he hopes the presentation can be rescheduled for the next board meeting. After approving the agenda and consent agenda, the board accepted a bid from Willard Asphalt Paving in the amount of $17,940 for cold mix asphalt. The material will be used to patch potholes and water and wastewater cutouts in existing streets to improve smoothness and safety. Funding will come from the city’s general fund for street maintenance; the remaining balance in that fund was not specified. Under new and miscellaneous business, the board approved renaming the city’s existing “Seniority Pay” practice, established 30 years ago, to the Annual Longevity Pay Amendment, which will also be added to the employee handbook. Full-time employees, as defined by the manual, will receive annual longevity pay at a rate of $41.60 per completed year of service, up to a maximum of $832 after 20 years. The board also approved the updated Mobile Device Policy, formerly the Cell Phone Policy. The revisions broaden the policy to include tablets and iPads, provide a stipend for first-level supervisory positions, identify which positions should be issued a city-owned device, and remove outdated language requiring usage tracking between city and personal minutes. Most of the devices covered by the policy are already in use and budgeted for; however, a few new devices will be added at a cost of approximately $40 per line per month. The total additional cost is estimated at $240 per month across six departments, plus $200 per month for five new $40 stipends for leadmen using personal phones for city business. The Aldermen then approved Resolution 28-2025, supporting the submission of a financial aid application to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for an Emerging Contaminant Grant in the amount of $792,326.94. The grant, which requires no local match, would fund the removal and disposal of PFAS materials from the city’s wastewater treatment facility. The first and second readings of Bill No. 3639, an ordinance annexing the Church of Latter-day Saints property, were read and approved. During the reports of city officials, Economic Development Director Carrie Sutterfield requested the reappointment of Nathan Wills and Jeff Dodson to the Enhanced Enterprise Zone Board for an additional five-year term. The request was approved. Public Works Director Steve Paine provided updates on the city’s utility crews. Alderwoman Catherine Dent announced that the Beautification Subcommittee of the Community Involvement Committee will meet on the evening of January 6 at 6:00, and the Salem Community Choir will hold a concert on December 20 at 7:00 at the Salem Christian Church. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned. The next Board of Aldermen meeting is scheduled for December 23 at 6:00 p.m. and is open to the public.

At the Dent County Commission meeting Thursday morning, Grant Wilson from Representative Jason Smith’s Rolla office was in attendance and reported that Missouri has been approved to receive funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program from the Big Beautiful Bill designed to help rural areas with healthcare needs including help to rural hospitals. Representative Smith will be keeping an eye on the program to ensure that those funds actually go to rural health systems and not get re-allocated. He also reported the Secure Rural Schools Re-authorization Act has passed congress and has been sent to President Trump’s Desk to be signed. This act will provide money to counties that have significant federal lands on them that cannot be assessed for taxes such as National Forests or grasslands. This money is in lieu of the tax money and will be distributed to schools, county governments for road maintenance, and law enforcement services. The program expired in 2023, but this act will reimburse the counties with retroactive payments for the years 2024 and 2025 and will also be in place to pay counties in 2026. Those payments may be received before the end of the year. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said crews were still partially rebuilding Dent County Road 2440 with the members from District 2. Green went on to say workers were also changing out blades and tires on graders. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said workers would be working with District 1 crews on county road 2440 by hauling rock and grading, plus they will be grading county roads 2450 and 4300. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson stated he attended the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District meeting and banquet Tuesday night at the MRPC offices. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said candidates can now file for offices for the April 7th Municipal Election for school boards, hospital boards, City of Salem alderman positions, etc. They have until December 30th to do so and many of the entities will have special holiday office hours around Christmas. She also said her office would be working on the budget. Jack Williams with the SBA Office of Disaster and Resilience was in to let the commission know there are funds available through the SBA that governments can apply for when disasters hit to help cover what FEMA and SEMA doesn’t reimburse and leaves to the county to fund on tight budgets. Williams said these funding mechanisms are not only for governments, but local businesses as well as those that are hurt physically or financially by disasters. These monies can be made available through disaster loans or mitigation to cover expenses not yet reimbursed by FEMA or SEMA. The commission was looking to at least get their name in the system to apply for these funds if needed. The Dent County Extension Office submitted their budget to the county commission and asked for an increase in their funding. Brandi Richardson, Janet Brannan and Samantha Riley were all in attendance. Richardson reported the city cut their funding from $8,400 in 2025 to $5,000 in 2026, and they will receive $5,000 from the Judson Young Foundation. They asked for $60,000, but also stated that it may be possible for them to get some of that funding paid for through the opioid settlement funds which has been done in other counties because of the established drug-free education through 4-H. Richardson stated she would also submit an application to that board to see if they can be awarded some of those additional funds requested in their budget. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be this morning at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The winners of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and City of Salem Parade of Lights held last Friday have been announced by Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Director Catherine Wynn. The winner of the commercial float was Town and Country Bank while Scenic Rivers Industries was the non-commercial float winner. Wynn also announced the winners of the Shop Salem promotion. Winning the Missouri Basketball Tickets vs Texas from KSMO Media and the wash bucket of goodies and headphones from TownScreen were won by Annette Hill, the Christmas Basket from the local Edward Jones office with Joe Brand and Leah Nash was won by Sandy Bowers, the Simple Traditions gift certificate and cedar spices were won by Camryn Pryor, the Regine’s Common Kitchen gift certificate and book courtesy of the Salem Public Library were won by Marian Ledden, Sandra Wofford won the gift card from A Gypsy’s Dream along with Turquoise Earrings, Tiger Stickers and Tyler Car Air Freshner; winning the Hot Cocoa Sign, Bath Soak, Tyler Wax Melts, Campfire Smore Mix, a book, a vintage box and a gift certificate top Custard by C Sue (or Savory!) was Amanda Duncan; and winning the Missouri Basketball Tickets vs MSU from KSMO Media, the Terrill Auto Care hats and gift certificate and Maxell Wireless Earbuds from TownScreen was Celeste Nelson. Congratulations to all the winners and thanks for your participation.

First reported by a riverboat captain on the Mississippi River in 1833, the annual Geminid meteor shower has been captivating viewers for nearly two centuries, and it keeps getting better. Due to the gravitational influence of Jupiter, the meteor shower’s brilliant streaks are becoming visibly brighter with each passing year as Earth orbits through the dust trail left by orbiting asteroid 3200 Phaethon, making its December appearance high in the southern sky near the constellation Gemini a must-see event. You can view this incredible show this Saturday, at Elephant Rocks State Park located at 7406 Highway 21 in Belleview. From 5:00 in the evening to midnight, guests are invited to view the show. If you like stargazing and light shows, join the team at the park to create a lifelong memory. No telescopes or binoculars are needed, as the shower can be viewed with the naked eye. Please dress for the weather and remember the temperature on the rocks is often lower than the average local temperature. Portable chairs and blankets are recommended. For more astronomy-related events, please visit mostateparks.com/astronomy. 

Ozark National Scenic Riverways and the Ozark Riverways Foundation will host two holiday events in December. Carols at Alley Mill will be held Saturday from 6:00 to 8:00 in the evening. The historic mill will be decorated for the holidays and feature candlelight caroling, ornament-making and seasonal refreshments. Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly. Alley Spring is located five miles west of Eminence on State Highway 106. A Christmas Celebration at Mt. Zion Church will be held Sunday, December 14 at 2:00 in the afternoon. The event will include holiday stories from the Akers community, traditional caroling, special displays and a visit from Santa Claus. Complimentary holiday treats will be available. Participating organizations include Friends of Mt. Zion, Dent County Historical Society, Ozark Heritage Project and Shannon County Museum Association. Mt. Zion Church is located half a mile north of Akers on State Highway K. Both events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Ranger Josh Chilton at 573-226-3945 or Josh_Chilton@nps.gov. Details are available on the park Facebook page or at nps.gov/ozar.

The annual “Shop with a Cop” was held Saturday at Wal-Mart and it was a huge success. They were able to help bring a “Merry Christmas” to 40 children in our community! A special thank you to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, Salem Police Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri Department of Conservation, and the Missouri Division of Fire Safety-investigations for shopping with the kids. In addition to the 40 children helped Saturday morning, five children from the Dent County Salvation Army’s “Angel Tree” were also shopped for. A special thank you goes out to Wal-Mart for helping coordinate the event and helping to keep it running smooth. Finally, a big “thank you” goes out to this community who donated so those children could have a good Christmas.

An accident happened Wednesday morning at 7:16 in Dent County on Highway 72 near Dent County Road 2300 that took the lives of a Salem man and an infant. According to the highway patrol report, a 2017 Chevrolet Spark driven eastbound by a 60-year-old man from Salem, crossed the center line and struck a 2015 Dodge Charger being driven westbound by a 31-year old Salem woman. Dent County Deputy Coroner Gina White pronounced the 60-year-old Salem man dead at the scene at 7:45. Two female infants, one under one-year of age and the other who was one-year-old, were taken by the Salem Ambulance to the Salem Memorial Hospital with serious injuries. The infant under one-year of age was later pronounced dead at the hospital by Dr. Featherly at 8:21 Wednesday morning. The 31-year-old Salem woman who was driving the Charger was also taken to the Salem Memorial Hospital by the Salem Ambulance with serious injuries. The 60-year-old Salem man was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident, while all the occupants in the Charger were wearing their restraints. Both vehicles were removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing of Salem. The Salem man’s body was taken to the Wilson Mortuary in Salem.

The Salem Police Department has recently released their report for the month of November. The department responded to 14 accidents during the month and addressed 39 animal calls while officers responded to seven alarms sounding, investigated four assaults or fights, three burglary calls, performed 18 well-being checks and conducted 12 area checks in November. Police investigated 14 domestic disputes, nine verbal disturbances and two physical disturbances, conducted 48 follow-up investigations and provided 26 escorts. They investigated seven harassment reports, two fraud reports, three missing person reports, three parking complaint calls, two drug offense reports, six intoxicated pedestrians, four motorist assist calls, a trespassing call and four property damage reports. The Salem Police wrote eight stealing reports, a shoplifter report, responded to 18 traffic complaints and had five peace disturbance calls. Officers responded to two reports of a suicidal person, 14 suspicious circumstance calls, a suspicious person call, and three suspicious vehicle calls. The Salem Police in November performed a pedestrian check, responded to ten life assist calls and four nuisiance violations. Officers attempted to serve five warrants and conducted 47 traffic stops during the month. The police responded to a total of 453 incidents in November with the average response time to calls being one minute and 58 seconds. The average time spent on the scene was 23 minutes and 48 seconds. If you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation, contact the Salem Police Department by calling their non-emergency phone number at (573) 729-6550 or speak with them in person at 500 N. Jackson Street in Salem. 

The Salem R-80 School District has announced that Mrs. Heather Johnson has been named as the December 2025 Teacher of the Month, while Mrs. Carmen Vaughan has been honored as the December 2025 Staff Member of the Month. In total, forty-four nominations were submitted throughout the district from other members, parents, students, and community members to highlight contributions made by nominees regarding the district mission and CSIP goals designed to support student learning in every aspect. Congratulations Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Vaughn!

Help decorate the Giving Tree at Salem Public Library at 403 North Jackson! The library is collecting warm winter accessories for area children in need. New hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, and socks may be hung on the tree now through Monday, December 15th. All items will be given to a local school for distribution. Thank you for helping warm young hearts this winter! If you have any questions, call the library at 573-729-4331.

The Salem Police Department has recently released their report for the month of November. The department responded to 14 accidents during the month and addressed 39 animal calls while officers responded to seven alarms sounding, investigated four assaults or fights, three burglary calls, performed 18 well-being checks and conducted 12 area checks in November. Police investigated 14 domestic disputes, nine verbal disturbances and two physical disturbances, conducted 48 follow-up investigations and provided 26 escorts. They investigated seven harassment reports, two fraud reports, three missing person reports, three parking complaint calls, two drug offense reports, six intoxicated pedestrians, four motorist assist calls, a trespassing call and four property damage reports. The Salem Police wrote eight stealing reports, a shoplifter report, responded to 18 traffic complaints and had five peace disturbance calls. Officers responded to two reports of a suicidal person, 14 suspicious circumstance calls, a suspicious person call, and three suspicious vehicle calls. The Salem Police in November performed a pedestrian check, responded to ten life assist calls and four nuisiance violations. Officers attempted to serve five warrants and conducted 47 traffic stops during the month. The police responded to a total of 453 incidents in November with the average response time to calls being one minute and 58 seconds. The average time spent on the scene was 23 minutes and 48 seconds. If you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation, contact the Salem Police Department by calling their non-emergency phone number at (573) 729-6550 or speak with them in person at 500 N. Jackson Street in Salem. 

Do you love Missouri state parks and historic sites? Are you looking for a way to introduce the fun to someone else? Now is the perfect time to purchase a Missouri State Parks gift card for yourself and receive another card you can use as a holiday gift. The hard-to-buy-for person on your list is sure to love it. A Missouri State Parks gift card is a convenient way to make camping reservations or purchase state park merchandise. Through the month of December, purchase a gift card of $75 or more and receive a $25 e-gift card free! This offer can only be found online at icampmo1.usedirect.com/MSPWeb/Giftcards/Giftcardsale.aspx and is good for Missouri State Park gift cards only. Today is the deadline to receive your gift cards by December 25th. Missouri State Parks will send gift cards to the address on your customer account. Or you can enjoy faster delivery by purchasing an e-gift card delivered via email. Missouri State Parks will send promotional e-gift cards by email. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

Secret Santa’s Shopping returns to the Creative Arts Center on this Friday, December 12th and Saturday, December 13th during the same time that Santa is visiting! For this event, parents need to pre-register their children on the SACBA website for $5 per child which reserves their time slot and will go towards any gifts they choose to purchase for family members. All gifts in the Secret Santa’s Shop will be priced from $1 to $8  and are nice gifts of a greater value. Once purchased, the gifts will be placed in a gift bag with tissue and labeled with a gift tag for Mommy, Daddy, Sister, Brother, Grandma, etc. to be taken home and placed directly under the tree. This is a great way for children to show their love for their family members with a personally selected/purchased gift. Parents or guardians must stay while the child/children shop and may help their child if the child wishes. There will be a place for the adults to sit and wait if they prefer. The cost will vary on the number of gifts and the price on the gifts that your child selects. When parents pre-register, parents need to choose their time slot carefully and be on time when arriving. To register, go online to the SACBA website, click on Programs category and then go the Salem Creative Arts Council link.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will meet this evening at 6:00 at 202 N. Washington in the Old City Hall Auditorium. After the approval of the agenda, the board will hear a U.S. Small Business Administration presentation. Following that presentation and approval of the consent agenda, the board will hear any public comments. The board will hear about the asphalt bid from Public Works Director Steve Payne and Brent Young from the Street Department before hearing new and miscellaneous business which includes discussion of an amendment to the employee manual for the annual service hour pay and a new mobile devise policy for the city. City Administrator Sally Burbridge will discuss with the board Resolution #28-205 that would allow the city to apply for an emerging contaminant grant with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for $792,326.94 with no local match to afford to dispose of biosolids from the wastewater treatment plant in a landfill of incinerator. The board will also hear the first and second readings of Bill #3693 which would create an ordinance that would annex certain adjacent property into the city limits of the City of Salem. After reports of city officials which includes the request for the board to approve the re-appointment of Dr. Nathan Wills and Dr. Jeff Dodson to the Enhanced Enterprise Zone Board, the meeting will then be adjourned. The meeting tonight of the City of Salem Board of Aldermen is open to the public.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse. Stan Podorski from KSMO Media thanked all the businesses and organizations for participating in the Christmas “Parade of Lights” in Salem held Friday night. Podorski said he was impressed with the amount of beautiful floats prepared this year. Podorski’s comments about the parade were echoed by Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said work will be done on Dent County Road 2440 as much of the road is going to be rebuilt. He also stated that rock will be added to some roads in the Bunker area where needed. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported some of his crew will also be working on Dent County Road 2440 with the District 1 crews, and two men will be going to Springfield to pick up County Truck 122 which has now been repaired. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he would be attending the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District Awards Banquet tonight where four awards will be presented. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said today is the first day for candidates to file for offices for the April 7th Municipal Election for school boards, hospital boards, City of Salem alderman positions, etc. She said those who want to file will do so at the entities office, NOT at the courthouse, and if they have any questions about the qualifications to run for the position they choose, potential candidates need to contact those individual entities themselves, not her office. She also mentioned that her offices continues working on the budget for 2026. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams had Commissioner Larson give the sales tax receipts report for December as she had a meeting to attend. The General Revenue and Law Enforcement Sales Tax Funds each received $83,675.14, which was down $26,253.29 from December of 2024. Year-to-date each fund is up $11,375.49 or about 1%. The Road and Bridge Fund received $41,837.05, and that’s down $9,993.41 from last December. Year-to-date, the Road and Bridge Fund is up $41,576.15 and that’s about 7.9% increase. Larson reported both Jail Funds received $84,095.34, which was down from December of 2024. Year-to-date each fund is up $83,248.71, an increase of 7.9%. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk gave the November turnover report and said she collected and deposited $1,980,784.02. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public. 

The Salem Public Library will close at 5:00 PM on Thursdays during the month of December.  Hours of operation will be Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will meet Tuesday evening at 6:00 at the Fire Station at #2 South Main. After the call to order, roll call, and approval of the consent agenda, will be the review of minutes, the financial report and approval of bills, plus the budget review, and the monthly reimbursement reports. During old business the board will discuss the Fidelity (CTI) Tower Lease, the quotes for rescue tools, and conduct a review of policy and procedures. Under new business the board will consider participation in the hospital fundraiser. The Chief will report, followed by the setting of the date for the next meeting. The board may vote to go in to closed session followed by adjournment.

The Department of Public Safety says there is over $750,000 in state grants available for volunteer fire departments with annual operating budgets of $50,000 or less, and now is the time to apply for up to $15,000 for the purchase of firefighting equipment. Eligible expenses include firefighter turnout gear, hand tools, chainsaws, interoperable radio equipment and wildland protective clothing. There is a 5% local cash match, which means for equipment costing $15,789.47, the local match share would be $789.47, and the state share is 95% which would be $15,000. It is estimated that there are over 300 small, largely rural, fire departments that would be eligible for these $15,000 grants. Department of Public Safety Director Mark James states that this grant was designed to provide an opportunity for these departments to acquire some of the most useful equipment that they determine will best equip the specific needs of their firefighters, but those who provide rescue services, emergency medical services, hazardous material response services, or special operations to a population within a fixed and legally recorded geographical area can also apply. A total of $1,455,000 in state funding was available for the program when it began and there is still over $750,000 left. The projected performance period for the grant is December 15th, 2025, to May 15th, 2026. This grant can help assist small volunteer fire departments with extremely limited funding, but many times their funding is so low they generally have no one experienced with writing applying for grants which is why the Kehoe administration feels there have been a low number of applicants. To find out more information or to see if your fire department qualifies, call 573-751-5432 or e-mail mike.oconnell@dps.mo.gov.

Come enjoy the holiday celebrations by bringing your kids and family to the Creative Arts Center for some fun and free activities! You can get pictures taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus, while enjoying a fun craft and snack! This is an event for the whole family and is free. Come out this Friday December 12th from 4:00 in the afternoon till 6:00 in the evening or on Saturday from 1:30 to 4:30 in the afternoon with Greg and Kathy Lough.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. The commission approved the appointment of Dr. Nathan Wills and Dr. Jeff Dodson to the Enhanced Enterprise Zone as requested by the City of Salem Economic Development Director Carrie Sutterfield. Both of the terms were expiring, and they agreed to serve another term. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said they should be finishing up brush cutting on Dent County Road 5610, plus maintenance work will then be done on the brush cutter. He stated county truck #119 has a muffler problem and the part that went out is no longer available. They are currently trying to find someone locally that could make the part they need. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said brush was being cut on Dent County Road 2240 and road signs were installed on county road 3180. Williams indicated workers were cutting up dead trees pushed aside by the county for fuel for their wood furnace at the road and bridge shed on Highway 32-72 West. He went on to say another crew would be picking up metal to replace the bridge railings on county road 3220. Williams said this was a FEMA project and the county has received that funding. Presiding Commission Gary Larson said he attended a meeting of the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management Board where their old management plan had to be updated as the Missouri Department of Natural Resources wants a new plan every two years instead of five. He said after a two-and-a-half hour meeting, a new proposed plan had been developed for the next two years, but it has not yet received final approval. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said her office balanced with the collector and assessor for the month of November on all collections, abatements, and add-ons. She also said Tuesday, December 9th, will be the first day for candidates to file for offices for the April 7th Municipal Election for school boards, hospital boards, City of Salem alderman positions, etc. She said those who want to file will do so at the entities office, NOT at the courthouse, and if they have any questions about the qualifications to run for the position they choose, candidates need to contact those individual entities themselves, not her office. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Salem will be holding their “Parade of Lights” tonight starting at 5:30 from the SBU Salem Campus at Grand and Franklin. About 48 entries are participating this year with the theme “Candy Cane Lane” with the Grand Marshall this year being the Salem Special Olympic Athletes and Coach Krystal Sims. The parade will move east on Franklin to MacArthur where the parade will travel north to 4th Street and then head east to the courthouse square. Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy the parade, but if you are unable to make it this year, KSMO Media will be streaming the parade LIVE from their post at the Corner of 4th Street and MacArthur. The broadcast should get underway close to 6:10 and can be seen on the KSMO Facebook Stream page, ksmoradio.com and the KSMO YouTube page. There is no charge to watch the parade and if you miss it, the parade will be available for playback at a later time. If you have any questions about the parade, please call the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Office at 573-729-6900.

PJ’s & Pancakes with Santa is fun for the whole family and will be held this Saturday, December 6th from 8:00 to 11:00 in the morning at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory! This event is hosted by the Salem Fireworks Committee to help raise funds for next year’s show. There will be a pancake breakfast, coffee, balloon art, hot chocolate, pictures with Santa from 9:00 until 10:00 and much more! Tickets for the event are $15 for those 16 years of age and older; $5.00 for those youngsters seven years of age to age 15; while kids six and under are FREE! Tickets are available at the door at the Salem Community Center@The Armory.

Create a fluffy hat with large needles with M. Emilia Barbosa on Thursday December 11th from 6:00 in the evening until 8:00. All ages are welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult. In this two-day class you will learn how to knit in the round by making a fluffy hat with big needles! Explore different methods for knitting in the round and knit a fluffy hat with bigger needles. From double pointed needles to circular ones, magic loop and Addi FlexiFlips, there are many possible ways of knitting in the round. If you already know how to Knit and Purl and have gotten bored with just knitting straight ahead, come learn how to simply knit in the round with big needles. You will have a fluffy hat ready to wear in no time, which can become a cool Christmas gift or a treasure for yourself! The cost $35 per person and all supplies are included. A minimum of 3 people are needed to have the class and no more than 12. How do you sign up? Go to the SACBA website, click on the programs link, then Salem Creative Arts Center link.

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees met Thursday evening, November 20th at 5:00. Administrator Zach Moser presented the Service and Statistics report for the month of October. In the Communicable Disease Report, he stated there were no cases of COVID-19 reported, however the virus is known to be present in the community, while the active lead cases were reported at 69, plus 12 Communicable Disease cases. There were no Influenza A cases, 6 animal bites were reported, and there were 18 screenings for sexually transmitted infections, resulting in 81 total tests. The October environmental report showed there were 11 total inspections or re-inspections conducted. The Maternal-Child Health (MCH) statistics showed there were no car seats distributed, there were 3 Show-Me Healthy Women appointments, 2 CPR Courses, one consultation for Childcare Health, and there were 13 Title X appointments reported. There was one Presumptive Eligibility (Temporary Medicaid), while there were 369 WIC appointments. The Community-Specific Services Summary showed 875 total appointments other than WIC, 140 total provider appointments, 224 treatment court visits, 193 lab appointments and 90 immunization appointments. Nurse Practitioner Service Details showed 3 Show-Me Healthy Women appointments, 8 family plannings, 6 well-child visits, 1 other well-woman exam, 8 other physicals, 10 SEMO physicals, plus 48 other visits, and 56 acute illness appointments for a total of 140 visits. Laboratory details showed 257 Lab Draws, 8 appointments for Rapid Test for COVID, Flu, RSV or Strep, 2 pregnancy tests, 10 lead tests were reported, plus 26 other urine drug screenings. Phlebotomy Appointments totaled 173, while all Lab Appointments totaling 193. Immunizations for October showed 139 for COVID-19 and 243 for Influenza, plus 64 other vaccines given during 311 appointments. In the Administrator’s report, Moser reported on the retirement of Joanie Fleener, a former Health Board member and long-time employee. Her retirement reception is November 26th at 3:00. He reported on the Mini-maze prevention and education event lead by Riley Pratt and Jessica Ricks, with many volunteers and sponsor making the event possible. They plan to follow it up with a larger event for the 8th graders called “Teen Maze.” Moser said that no trustee’s terms are expiring this year, so no election notice is necessary. He updated the board on continued delays in payments by the State of Missouri. Currently there are well over $100,000 in payments owed to the DCHC by the State. Moser also reported on some damage to the CareCab vehicle and plans for repair. Jessica Ricks provided written reports to the Board regarding her team’s activities and the progress the Community Health Improvement Plan and accreditation. The financial reports, along with the report from H&R Block, for October were reviewed and approved by the board. In new business Zach presented a proposed Drug Testing Policy, since one was not previously in place. The policy was approved by the Board. He presented the first draft of the 2026 budget. To facilitate the final preparation of the budget, compensation adjustments for 2026 were considered. The Board approved a motion to adjust all wages by 2.5%, prorated based on percentage of the year worked for those with DCHC less that 1 year. Also considered was the compensation schedule for 2026 and the Board voted to discontinue the additional compensation offered to employees who do not take the health insurance. The capital/cash budget for 2026 was reviewed and discussed, but no action was taken. Moser presented proposed changes to the Environmental fee schedule. There will be a public hearing held on the fee schedule at the January Board meeting. The idea for an Awards Gala was presented, to which the Board gave feedback on the proposal and expectations. The Board entered closed session at 7:36 to discuss personnel. At 8:06 the Board returned from closed session where the Board voted to allocate $6156.80 for 2026 for merit based raises to be distributed based on management recommendations. Prior to adjournment the next regular meeting date was set for Thursday, December 18th, 2025, at 5:00.

The Intercounty Electric Cooperative Association announced on Facebook they will have an early office closure on Friday, December 5th for employee training. The Rolla and Mt. Grove Offices will close at ten in the morning, and the Licking office will close an hour later at 11:00. If you require services or have an outage in your area dispatchers will still be available at 866-621-3679. The offices will open again with normal operating hours on Monday December 8th.