Local News

The City of Salem will launch a city-wide fire hydrant maintenance program on Monday, November 4th, with all work, including painting, expected to be completed in December by Fire Hydrant Services and Repair out of Arkansas. The project will address all 290 hydrants across Salem, with a focus on ensuring optimal functionality and uniform appearance. Over the next month, crews will clear vegetation, replace bonnet seals, oil internal components, inspect outlet threads, and install reflective rings on each hydrant. Fire Hydrant Services and Repair will be documenting each hydrant’s condition, including any leaks, damage, or worn parts, which will help the City proactively address issues moving forward. The Dent County Fire Department has endorsed the use of safety yellow paint for all public hydrant barrels, in alignment with NFPA 291 recommendations. This safety yellow color is designed for visibility and rapid identification, particularly at night, further enhancing each hydrant’s visibility. Water valves for the hydrants will also be painted in the same safety yellow color to maintain consistency. The City of Salem is proud to be taking proactive steps to maintain and beautify our infrastructure in the interest of public safety and aesthetics. For more information, please contact the City of Salem at (573) 729-4811.

For the eighth year, the Missouri Department of Transportation and the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, along with various safety partners, schools and businesses throughout the state, are encouraging better driving behaviors as part of the annual “Buckle Up – Phone Down” Day today. The day challenges all drivers to do the two most important steps while driving to reduce your risk of a fatal crash. The goal of BUPD Day is to have zero traffic fatalities on Missouri roads throughout the day. To date in 2024, of the more than 740 fatalities in Missouri, 63% of vehicle occupants killed were unbuckled. Distracted driving is also a leading cause of crashes in Missouri. In 2023, distracted driving was cited in crashes that claimed 106 lives. In August of 2023, the Siddens-Bening Hands-Free Law took effect in Missouri, prohibiting all drivers from using a handheld electronic communication device while driving. The law aims to address distracted driving, which contributed to crashes that claimed the lives of more than 800 people across the state during the last decade. Paired with the requirement to wear a seat belt, the enactment of the hands-free legislation means BUPD is officially law in Missouri. Additionally, the Missouri State Highway Patrol has been educating drivers on the new law for the past year, and law enforcement agencies throughout the state will begin writing citations for driving distracted beginning January 1, 2025. Drivers can accept the challenge to BUPD at modot.org/bupd.

The 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat is in the works and the committee is looking for amazing organizations and businesses to participate. Some ways you can contribute is by handing out candy on 4th street Halloween evening this Thursday from 6:00 until 8:00. If you are unable to hand out candy due to personnel, time, or wanting to attend with your children donations of prepackaged candy or monetary contributions to purchase more candy is being excepted. As a community, we can help keep our children safe with a blocked off section of 4th street between MacArther and Main Streets. For more information, please contact Deputy Derrick Marfitt at dmarfitt@dentcountysheriff.org or Patrolman John Brown at jmbrown@salemmo.com.

The Missouri Department of Conservation has announced important changes to fall turkey hunting regulations. Hunters must now purchase a new fall turkey permit, regardless of whether they’re using firearms or archery. This permit is separate from the archery deer-hunting permit. The combined harvest limit for fall turkey hunting has been reduced from four to two birds of either sex. In the Ozark Region, the average fall turkey harvest over the past five years has been 597 turkeys, with 55% to 75% being hens. For deer hunters, the antler-point restriction has been removed for counties within the Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone, affecting 13 counties including Phelps. MDC Protection Captain Gerald Smith reminds hunters to purchase permits before hunting, properly notch permits immediately after harvesting an animal, and check deer or turkey by 10 p.m. on the day of harvest. Notching can be done on paper permitsor through the MO Hunting mobile app, even without cell service. The archery turkey season runs through November 15, reopens November 27, and continues until January 15, 2025. Fall firearms turkey hunting is now through October 31st in open counties. For more information, hunters can visit the MDC website.

University of Missouri Extension website lists numerous apps to help in decision-making on the farm, says MU Extension agricultural engineering specialist Charles Ellis. Ellis says these apps can help you make objective decisions to better manage your crops and livestock. By entering information from your farm, you can get answers specific to your operation. MU Extension has a large list of helpful apps on their website. Another comprehensive app website is AgPhD. It contains a planting population calculator, spray tip guides and apps on fertilizer removal and corn and soybean diseases, among others. Find it at agphd.com/agphdmobileapps.

The Missouri Department of Conservation’s George O. White State Forest Nursery, just north of Licking, is now taking orders for native tree and shrub seedlings. These low-cost seedlings can improve wildlife habitat, soil and water conservation, and property value. Available species include pine, oak, walnut, maple, redbud, elderberry, and many others. Seedlings are sold in bundles of 10 or increments of 25, with prices ranging from 40 cents to $1.17 per seedling. Orders can be placed now through April 15, 2025. Early ordering is recommended for best selection. Seedlings will be available for shipping or pickup from February through May. To order or for more information, visit mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/tree-seedlings.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting this morning in the courthouse. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson was not in attendance due to a prior commitment and County Clerk Angie Curley appointed Wes Mobray as temporary presiding commissioner. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams gave the updated CART Tax report and said the county received $88,956.90 which is $6,325.44 more than October of 2023. Year-to-date, the county has received over $130,000 more than in 2023 which is a 17% increase. In the District One report, Commissioner Mobray congratulated KSMO General Manager Stan Podorski on receiving the Eugene E. Northern Award and Bryce Mobray on receiving an Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award Thursday night at the MRPC Annual Awards Dinner and Banquet in Linn, Missouri.  In the road report, he said culverts were being installed and rock would be added to Dent County Roads 5600 and 5615. He added that a man would be going to Springfield to get a load of oil for chip and seal repair. District Two Commissioner Gary Polk said work crews would be cleaning up gravel and concrete around the section of the bridge on Dent County Road 4480 that was replaced. He went on to report that bridge repair would be made on Dent County Road 2110 and brush would be cut on county roads 2370 and 5260. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said “no excuse” absentee voting continues at the courthouse, and as of Friday, over 1,030 people have voted absentee. The last day to absentee vote will be Monday, November 4th from 8:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon at the courthouse. Curley said her office will be open from 8:00 in the morning until 12:00 noon this Saturday, November 2nd for absentee voting. If you need to make changes to your voter registration such as a name or address change, please do that as soon as possible so that it will be completed before you go to vote. On Tuesday, November 5th, the polls will be open from 6:00 in the morning until 7:00, and you must vote at your polling location. Bring a photo ID with you when you go to vote.  The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors will hold their regular meeting this evening at 6:30 in the hospital library. At the meeting, the Board will review and approve minutes from previous meetings, before they hear the report from CEO Brooke Bollman. The Board will then hear the summary of operations and statistics for the month of September, be updated on the 340B program, hear the Chief Nursing Officer report, and be updated on Human Resources before hearing a report on quality information. The Board will address old business followed by new business that includes CD investments and the foundation bylaw review. The board may then vote to go into closed session. The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors meeting tonight at 6:30 at the hospital library is open to the public. To attend the meeting electronically, contact the hospital administration office at 729-6626, extension 4005.

KSMO General Manager Stan Podorski was presented the Eugene E. Northern Award at the Meramec Regional Planning Commission Annual Awards Dinner Thursday night in Linn, Missouri at the Osage View. It is the highest award presented by the MRPC for volunteerism. Podorski came to Salem in 1984 and was a volunteer on the Police Personnel Board, Handicapped Services of Dent County Board and the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. A few years later, Podorski served on the Salem Park and Recreation Board for eight years, then assisted the Dent County Fall Festival Board with their sound system at the old fairgrounds, then installed the new sound system at the Commons Youth Building, the rodeo arena, the grandstand and livestock arena. Podorski went on to raise over $9,000 in funds for the press box renovations for both the football and baseball press boxes in 2009 and no school funds were used for the improvements. In 2017, Podorski volunteered to help the newly formed Salem Park and Recreation Board and was voted in as president. That board went on to get a TAP grant to create a trail from the park to the high school baseball field, install a splash pad at the city park, renovate the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Pool and pool house, finish the all-inclusive Billy’s Playground, installed concrete at the blue softball field at the concession stand, renovated the pavilions and secured the old fairgrounds property for the purpose of creating soccer fields. Podorski was instrumental in creating Your World Today in 1991 which is a FREE four-page publication, and in 2022, helped create Town Screen in Salem. Podorski is the second consecutive Dent Countian to receive this prestigious award as last year, Deloris Gray Wood was honored with the Eugene E. Northern Award. Also honored from Dent County was Bryce Mobray, the son of Wes and Kendra Mobray, as he received the Youth Volunteer Award for his work with the Spring Creek 4-H and being a youth project leader for beef projects. Mobray offers market steers and breeding stock heifers for local and state youth involved in beef projects at an affordable price, then helps them to succeed with the development of the animal to show and sell. Congratulations to Stan and Bryce!!!

Missouri is home to more than 900 black bears and their numbers are growing. Many Missourians find these furbearers fascinating and have many questions about them. Are all black bears black? Where do bears spend the winter? What can bear scat show about diet and other things? What’s the biggest bear recorded in Missouri? Why is a fed bear a dead bear? How can people and communities Be Bear Aware? Why is fall a prime time for people and bears to encounter each other out in the woods or on the roads? Get answers to these and other questions through the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) upcoming Wild Webcast on Black Bears in Missouri and How to Be Bear Aware tomorrow from noon to 1:00. MDC Black Bear Biologist Nate Bowersock will present information and facts about black bears in Missouri. Vist mdc.gov to register for free.

An accident occurred at the intersection of Missouri Highway 32 and Missouri Highway 19 at approximately 7:08 Saturday evening that left a Rolla man with serious injuries and Salem woman with moderate injuries. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol report, 42 year-old Felton Metcalf of Rolla was traveling eastbound on Highway 32 in a 2011 Cadillac CTS and entered the Highway 32/19 intersection while the light was red striking a southbound 2014 Ford Expedition driven by 44 year-old Ronald Terrill of Salem, both vehicles then came to rest in the roadway. An occupant of the Expedition identified as 42 year-old Amy Terrill of Salem suffered moderate injuries while wearing a safety restraint and was transported by Salem EMS to the Salem Memorial Hospital in Salem. Metcalf, who was not wearing a safety device, suffered serious injuries and was transported by Phelps Air Ambulance to the Missouri University Hospital in Columbia. The Cadillac CTS was removed from the scene by American Auto Towing while the Ford Expedition was removed by Whitakers Towing. Metcalf would later be charged with felony resisting, felony DWI, felony driving while revoked, failure to properly affix plates, failure to signal, failure to stop at a stop sign, and for not wearing a seatbelt. These charges are accusations and not evidence of guilt as evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court to determine guilt or innocence.

The City of Salem is excited to announce the beginning of the Downtown Sidewalk Project, aimed at enhancing accessibility and the overall aesthetic appeal of our community’s core. The work begins this week, and the project will include the demolition, reconstruction, and re-pouring of sidewalks on 4th Street between Iron Street and Washington Street. The project will also include pavers, temporary lighting, and infrastructure improvements along the way. The project will begin Monday on the south side of 4th Street between Highway 19/Main Street and Iron Street. Then on or around November 18th, construction will tentatively start on the south side of 4th Street between Washington Street and Highway 19/Main Street. The construction is expected to shift to the north side of 4th Street between Washington Street and Highway 19/Main Street around December 9th. Only half a block will be under sidewalk construction at any given time to minimize disruption. In March of 2025, the permanent light poles and fixtures will be installed. The City of Salem wants to remind persons that storefronts and parking will not be accessible during the specific section’s construction period on 4th Street. Most businesses will offer access via rear entrances during construction. Public parking is available behind the City Admin Building at 400 N Iron St, and immediately across the street on East 4th Street. Public parking is also available in two city parking lots on 3rd Street along Washington Street and also on the corner of 3rd Street and Highway 19/Main Street. Please continue to patronize the local downtown businesses during this time and through the holiday season. During the construction, it will be necessary to temporarily close off access for the safety of everyone. For more information, please contact the City of Salem at 573-729-4811.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released the following reports for October 15th through the 23rd. On Tuesday, the 15th, Deputies responded to the 1900 block of Highway 119 for a reported trespassing complaint. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that a female subject at the location had an active arrest warrant. The suspect, a 23-year-old Raymondville woman, was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail. The next day Deputies responded to Salem Memorial Hospital for a reported dog bite. The victim, a 17-year-old Salem juvenile, had been bitten while breaking up a dog fight in the 4000 block of Highway CC.  Medical attention was sought, and the dog was up to date on vaccinations. Then on Saturday, the 19th, Deputies conducted a traffic stop on an ATV at West Highway 32 and Babb Lane. During the course of the stop, the operator was found to have a revoked driving status. A 31-year-old Salem woman was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail. On Sunday, the 20th, Deputies responded to the 2000 block of Highway W for a property damage complaint. The victim, a 57-year-old Salem man, advised his stepdaughter had thrown an object through his window causing damage.  The suspect, a 22-year-old Salem woman, was trespassed from the property at the victim’s request. Finally on Wednesday, the 23rd, Deputies took a report for property damage that occurred in the 4600 block of N. Highway 19. The unidentified suspect(s) had damaged a parking lot at the location with their vehicle. The investigation is ongoing. If you have any information about any ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 573-729-3241.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the courthouse. In the road report, District One Commissioner Wes Mobray stated brush would be cut on Dent County Roads 4245, 5140, 5190, 6320, 6350 and 6480. He said it is still too dry to grade. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk was not in attendance, so Mobray gave the report for District 2 as well. He said a crew would be replacing the coolant tank on county truck #124 while another crew would be patching chip and seal county roads 2240 and 2300. He also said a crew member would be relocating field dirt. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported he attended a Tourism Tax Committee meeting this week. Larsons said the committee received two applications for funding of which one was denied, and another proposal was partially funded. He said one request that was tabled from a previous meeting due to a lack of information, was tabled again as the committee still did not have enough information presented to them. Larson also attended the MRPC Annual Awards banquet Thursday night at Osage View in Linn. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said “no excuse” absentee voting is going on now and the last day to absentee vote will be Monday, November 4th from 8:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon at the courthouse. Curley indicated her office will be open from 8:00 in the morning until 12:00 noon on Saturday, November 2nd for absentee voting. Curley said since Tuesday, they have been averaging about 150 people per day for absentee voting and have had almost 700 people vote absentee. She said the county is on pace to set a new record for absentee voting. If you need to make changes to your voter registration such as a name or address change, please do that as soon as possible so that it will be completed before you go to vote. The next meeting will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem R-80 School Board held their regular meeting on Wednesday evening at 5:30. The Board approved the amended agenda, and the consent agenda then read a thank you note received from Mrs Cheatham. During Student Recognitions, students from Salem High School gave a presentation about Next to Rise, a youth-led anti-smoking and vaping coalition. Assistant Superintendent Dan Copeland then presented information on last term’s MAP and EOC scores, which have shown a strong improvement in all areas from the previous year. He stated that they will continue to prioritize increasing performance levels to above the state’s average. Superintendent Nathan Wills then gave his report, in which he stated the construction of the FEMA storm shelter is about one month ahead of schedule, and will hopefully be completed by Christmastime. Roof repairs throughout the district are nearly complete, and the dates to file for School Board seats will be December 10th – 31st. Mr. Copeland updated the Board on the George & Liz Gruendel Enrichment Grant winners, and Dr. Wills also gave an update on Senate Bill 727. SCA prices will be going up as soon as basketball season starts. The new prices will be $4 for adults and $2 for children. The Board then heard reports from the administrators. William Lynch Principal, Herman Blau would like to invite the public to the school’s Veterans Day Assembly at City Hall on the morning of November 11. Branden Piatt, the Upper Elementary Principal, stated they will be having a family night on October 29, and the Middle School Principal, Rachel Green stated they are working on student-led announcements and looking forward to their first dance in December, and Red Ribbon spirit week, starting Monday. High School Principal, Jody Heavin stated they are continuing to work on their early identification system, to help and support students that need academic and emotional assistance. The High School was recently awarded a $2,500 Feminine Hygiene Grant, and for a current list of events, Rachel encouraged citizens to check the calendar on the R-80 School’s app. During New Business, the Board selected Kaison Wilmont as the Belcher Scholarship nominee. The Board set the date for graduation in the spring. They voted to approve declaring English books as surplus property, and updating the High School Tardy Policy. After discussing resignations, retirements and hires, the meeting went into closed session.

This Saturday, October 26th from 2:00 until 8:00, it will be “Halloween” in the park at Echo Bluff State Park. Pick up a bat scavenger hunt sheet from the Betty Lea Lodge or the check station for a prize when completed. For those staying at the park, camper and cabin decorating contest forms can be picked up from the front desk of the lodge or at the check station. Prizes will be awarded for the top three campsites and top three cabin doors. Everyone is welcome to join in a spooky and crazy animal changing hike at 2:00. Meet at the “Steps to Nowhere” for this transforming hike. Trick-or-treating will begin at 5:00 in the afternoon, departing from the Union Hill Carpenter Cemetery, just south of the campground. At the end of the night, guests will share stories, myths, legends, folktales and old wives’ tales around a campfire across from the check station. Are they fact or fiction? You be the judge! Echo Bluff State Park is located at 35244 Echo Bluff Drive north of Eminence.

A fatal accident occurred Tuesday evening around 10:04 in Phelps County on County Road 7340 about four miles southwest of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report a 2013 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by 49-year-old Steven MacCash of Rolla was travelling eastbound and struck a deer in the roadway. MacCash was ejected and was pronounced deceased at 22:07 by Phelps County Deputies. MacCash was transported to Rolla Cremation by Phelps County Coroner Ernie Coverdell. The Harley was totaled and removed from the scene by Ron Dishmans.

The Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting on Tuesday evening at 6:00 in the Old auditorium. The agenda and consent agenda were approved after removing the Police Department Monthly Report and the Proposal for SCADA System under New and Miscellaneous Business. There were no public comments scheduled for this meeting. The Board approved the bid from Harry Cooper Supply Company for light poles for the Downtown Project, in the amount of $74,101.00. The bids for the Salem Water System Improvements Project, for the new well and water tower, were split into three parts. The Board approved the Notice of Award to BuildTec Construction for $785,331, for the well house, tank and well site and the Notice of Award to Caldwell Tanks for $1,583,200, for the multi-column elevated tank base and 400,000 gallon water tower. The board adjusted this bid approval to remove $1,500 that would have had to be paid by the City of Salem to have the town’s logo painted on the tank instead of just SALEM in block letters. The board also approved the Notice of Award to B&H Well Drilling & Pump Services for $548,949.93, for the well itself. This project is part of the $3,730,000.00 ARPA Grant received by the City. The Board also approved the proposal from Vandevanter Engineering for $39,860.00 for the SCADA Control System that electronically controls all of the City’s wells and pumps. The 2024-2025 State of Missouri State and Federal Legislative Priorities were also approved by the board. Melissa DuBois presented a request for a budget adjustment for the Al Brown Concession Stand Renovation Project. The request for an additional $8,500 will pay for the three retractable security shutter doors for the windows, new paint, and the replacement of two doors that have previously been damaged. The board approved this request. The Board approved a new lease agreement for the 2024 T-hangars with the lease amounts of $0.10 per square foot. During the City Officials Reports, City Administrator, Sally Burbridge stated that work for the Downtown Project will commence on October 28. She will put together an official media release with more information. The first section to be worked on will be the south side between Iron and Highway 19. Each section is estimated to last about two to three weeks. She anticipates the new light poles to be delivered in February 2025. Mayor Greg Parker gave an update on upcoming community events. There will be a Trunk or Treat event at Salem Residential Care on Friday evening from 4:00 to 6:00, and an indoor Trunk-or-Treat event at First Baptist Church on Halloween from 5:45 to 8:00. The Trunk-or-Treat event on 4th Street will take place between McArthur and Highway 19, and will go from 6:00 to 8:00 Halloween night. Public Works Director Steve Paine stated that the Feeder Line Clearing Project will begin on November 1st. They will be knocking on doors and speaking to residents the day before the line crews begin work, and residents he cannot reach will get a flier on their door with more information about what to expect during this project. He also stated the Electrical Crew is working on temporary light fixtures for the downtown area until the new poles can be delivered and installed. Finance Director, Stacy Houston gave an update on financials, and Melissa DuBois gave an update on the Hot Air Balloon Glow happening all day on Saturday. She also stated that registration for youth basketball will open in November. Alderwoman Kala Sisco announced her resignation from The Board, her last meeting will be November 12. The meeting then adjourned to closed session. 

Ozark National Scenic Riverways still is offering a series of guided hiking adventures this fall, showcasing the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Ozarks. The 2024 Fall Hiking Series runs until November 9th, featuring hikes that are free and open to the public. The Autumn Colors Hike will be at Devil’s Well this Saturday, and offers a 4.6-mile journey through diverse landscapes. That same evening, families can participate in a short Halloween hike looking for glowing spider eyes in the haunted hills at Alley Spring near Eminence. The series concludes on Saturday, November 9 with a Hike to Honor Veterans which is a five-mile round trip to Stegall Mountain. All hikes begin at 10:00 in the morning, except for the Spider Night Hike at Alley Spring which begins at 6:00 pm. Hikers are advised to come with appropriate gear, water, and snacks. For more information on meeting locations, call (573) 226-3945 or visit the park’s website. Experience the fall colors and diverse ecosystems of the Ozarks while learning about the area’s geological and cultural significance. 

Five bridges in Crawford County along Interstate 44 are in poor condition and in need of rehabilitation or replacement. The Missouri Department of Transportation is seeking community input on these projects. Exhibits are available online at modot.org for the Route J Bridge Replacement over Boone Creek, the Outer Road off Interstate 44 Bridge Rehabilitation over Little Bourbeuse River, and the Route C, Route FF, and Beamer Lane Bridge Rehabilitation over Interstate 44. Interested parties can make comments or questions at the meeting. Comments will be accepted online and in writing during the three-week comment period which will run through October 29th.  Input can be submitted online through a form modot.org, emailed to CDCR@modot.mo.gov, or mailed to the Crawford County Bridge Bundle, c/o MoDOT, 1511 Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City, MO, 65102. All comments must be received or postmarked by October 29th.

An accident happened in Dent County Monday afternoon at 5:30 on Highway 32 about eight miles east of Salem that took the life of two Dent County residents. According to the highway patrol report, a 2008 Chevy Aveo being driven westbound by 21-year-old Austin Bramson of Salem, was passing a 2001 International Conventional driven by 62-year-old Rodney Hammock of Salem, when Bramson swerved to avoid an eastbound 2021 Nissan Versa being driven by 34-year-old Angela Petro of Boss. Bramson lost control of the Aveo, striking the Nissan head-on before colliding with the International. Bramson and Angela Petro were both pronounced dead at the scene by Dent County Deputy Coroner Gina White at 6:29 in the evening and both bodies were taken to the Wilson Mortuary in Salem. A passenger in the Nissan, 41-year-old Dennis Petro of Boss, suffered serious injuries and was taken by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. The Aveo and Nissan were both totaled. The Aveo was removed from the scene by American Automotive and Towing, while the Nissan was taken from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. The International sustained moderate damages and was removed from the scene by Big Boys Towing. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by Dent County Sheriff’s department, the Dent County Fire Protection District and MoDOT.

The Salem Memorial Hospital ToRCH Community Leadership Board is excited to announce an Information Meeting and brainstorming session for their recently announced community grants through the Transformation of Rural Community Health (ToRCH) Project. These grants are designed to enhance the capacity of our community partners to support the goals identified by the ToRCH initiative. This information meeting will be held on Monday afternoon, October 28th, at 2:00 at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Any and all community partners are invited to attend and discuss ideas that may be eligible for these capacity-building grants. The ToRCH Community Leadership Board will be awarding grants to address gaps in available services within the community. These grants are intended to resolve capacity and resource issues that may arise due to the smaller scale of operations. Potential uses for the funding include expanding staffing, securing larger facilities, purchasing necessary equipment, and overcoming logistical challenges.  Grant categories include:  Community Service; Transportation; Behavioral Health Access; Diabetes Prevention; Food Insecurity; Maternal/Child Health; Obesity Prevention; Primary Care Access; Quality of Life. The grant applications are due December 2nd with proposals being awarded on January 6th, 2025.  A total of $240,000 is available. For further information or to request an application, please contact Tabitha Stanfast, Director of Quality, at tstanfast@smdh.net.

The Bonebrake Center of Nature and History is gearing up to host their “Halloween in the Hollers: All Hallow’s Eve” event! Located just two blocks from downtown Salem, this event will offer something for everyone. Festivities will kick off at noon with a variety of food trucks and booth vendors offering delicious food and unique wares. Local vendors are encouraged to participate, and those interested can reach out via email at sstanford1182@gmail.com. At 3:30 in the afternoon the family-friendly activities will begin, including games, face painting, photo booths, and a silent auction. Most games and activities will be low-cost or free, ensuring fun for all ages. For those looking for a more immersive Halloween experience, the not-so-spooky “haunted” house will open for tours at 4:30. Tickets for the fun house tour are $5. Visitors may even spot characters from local ghost stories as they wander the grounds! As night falls around 6:30, they’ll have the grand debut of the All Hallow’s Eve haunted trails. For $10, brave visitors can navigate the trails for a scare they won’t soon forget. Organizers hope this will become an annual tradition, so don’t miss out on the inaugural event! The Bonebrake Center, a non-profit dedicated to cultural and historical education, will use all proceeds from the event to support the care and maintenance of its historic house and 12-acre grounds, as well as future programs and events.

Join Parsons Chiropractic on this Saturday for their first inaugural Balloon Glow, food truck and craft fair spectacular! All the fun starts at 11:00 in the morning with food trucks and a craft fair for everyone to enjoy at the Al Brown’s Softball Fields. To finish the evening, you will be able to mark off your bucket list of seeing multiple hot air balloon up close! You will be able to talk to the pilots and watch the balloons glow in all different colors! Admission to the event will be $5 each for ages 2 and up. Make sure to bring out the family for a fun filled night that you won’t want to miss. All activities are contingent on the weather.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Monday morning in the courthouse. Commissioner Wes Mobray was not in attendance due to a prior commitment. Grant Wilson from Jason Smith’s Rolla office was in attendance and reminded everyone to vote their conscious by November 5th. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams gave the CART Tax report and said the county received $88,956.90 which is $6,325.44 more than October of 2023. Year-to-date, the county has received over $810,000 in 2024 which is $41,272.25 more than last year. That is a 5.4% increase in collections. In the road report, District One Road Supervisor Billy Sheppard said culverts were going to be replaced on Dent County Road 6580 and rock would also be added to that road. He added that brush would be cut on county roads 5160, 5170 and 6300. District Two Commissioner Gary Polk said work crews would be replacing the bridge on Dent County Road 4480. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he attended the Opioid Settlement Committee meeting held Thursday where they did approve their by-laws. Larson indicated they would be holding one or two more meetings before any applications for distribution would be accepted. He said they will let the public know when that will be happening. Larson also said there will be four openings on the Tourism Tax Committee after the meeting Monday night and he is looking for replacements. Some of the positions will need to include persons in the tourism industry such as lodge workers or camping proprietors. If you would be interested in serving on that committee or finding out more information, contact Commissioner Larson or leave your name at the Dent County Clerk’s Office so he can contact you. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said today will be the first day for “no excuse” absentee voting. She also stated Wednesday is the last day to request a mail out absentee ballot, and the last day to absentee vote will be Monday, November 4th from 8:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon at the courthouse. Curley indicated her office will be open from 8:00 in the morning until 12:00 noon on Saturday, November 2nd for absentee voting. If you need to make changes to your voter registration such as a name or address change, please do that as soon as possible so that it will be completed before you go to vote. She said so far about 350 people have voted absentee during the “Excused” portion of absentee voting. At the last meeting, Kevin Crider from the University of Missouri Extension updated the commission on the feral hog program. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that hunters harvested 5,741 deer during the state’s firearms early antlerless portion of deer season, October 11-13. The top three harvest counties were Franklin with 156 deer harvested, Howell with 140, and Bollinger with 135. Last year’s early antlerless portion harvest total was 16,553. County totals in our area of antlerless deer harvest include Crawford 64, Dent 69, Phelps 64, Texas 54, and Shannon 49. Get more information on harvest summaries by county at mdc.mo.gov. MDC’s Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle attributes the decreased harvest to the stark contrast in weather conditions between the two years. He noted that the unseasonably warm temperatures this year undoubtedly kept many hunters out of the woods, resulting in far fewer deer being harvested. Isabelle said we were fortunate to have caught a cold front during last year’s inaugural early antlerless portion, which resulted in increased deer movement and greater hunter participation. Archery deer hunting in Missouri opened September 15th and runs through November 15th. It reopens November 27th and runs through January 15th, 2025. Firearms deer hunting in Missouri continues with the Early Youth Portion November 2-3. The November Portion runs November 16th-26th followed by the CWD Portion November 27th–December 1st in open counties. The Late Youth Portion runs November 29th–December 1st followed by the Late Antlerless Portion December 7th-15th in open counties and then the Alternative Methods Portion December 28th through January 7th, 2025. Get more information on deer hunting from MDC’s 2024 Fall Deer & Turkey Regulations and Information booklet, available where permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov.

Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors has called for a special meeting tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 in the Hospital Library. After the call to order and roll call, and agenda approval the Board will vote to go into closed session, followed by adjournment.

MoDOT will hold a public meeting to discuss the rehabilitation of four bridges in Phelps County. The meeting is scheduled for this Thursday afternoon from 4:30 to 6:00 at Rolla City Hall, located at 901 E. Elm St. Residents can drop in at any time during these hours, as there will be no formal presentation. The bridges, set for rehabilitation in 2025, are on Route D, Route E, Route J, and County Road 8490. Three of these bridges will be closed during construction. Project team members will be available to answer questions, provide information, and receive input from the public. For those unable to attend, MoDOT offers alternative ways to participate. Comments can be submitted until November 7th either online, by email, or by mail. The project website, which contains all meeting exhibit information, can be found at modot.org by searching for “Phelps County Bridge Bundle.” Mailed comments can be sent to Missouri Department of Transportation, 1511 Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City, MO 65109, referencing the Phelps County Bridge Bundle.

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees held their regular meeting Thursday evening, October 17th at 6:30. Administrator Zach Moser presented the Service and Statistics report. In the Communicable Disease Report, he stated that there were 21 COVID-19 cases reported, 46 active lead cases, 11 screenings for sexually transmitted infections with 40 total tests conducted, no cases of Influenza and one animal bite. The environmental report by Assistant Administrator Roma Jones showed there where 9 total inspections conducted, no recalls, one sewer complaint, and 11 environmental questions were fielded. The Maternal-Child Health (MCH) statistics showed there was one CPR Course, no consultations for Childcare Health, 2 Show-Me Healthy Women appointments, 21 Title X appointments, 1 Presumptive Eligibility (Temporary Medicaid), and 332 WIC appointments. The Community-Specific Services Summary showed 538 total appointments other than WIC, 104 Nurse Practitioner appointments, 128 treatment court visits, 163 lab appointments and 147 immunization appointments. Nurse Practitioner Service Details showed one Show-Me Healthy Women appointment, 4 family plannings, 1 well-child visits, 17 online appointments, one other well-woman exam, 4 other physicals, 8 SEMO physicals, 17 other visits, and 51 acute illness appointments. Laboratory details showed 150 individual patients, 29 appointments for Rapid Test for COVID, Flu, RSV or Strep, 2 pregnancy tests and 6 lead tests. Immunizations for September totaled 71 for COVID-19, 52 for Influenza, and 123 other vaccines given. In the Administrator’s report, Moser reported that the Fall Health Fair October 11th had 76 participants and the Drive-through Flu and COVID vaccine clinic October 17th resulted in over 100 vaccines being administered. The Board was updated on the initiative to perform a formal Community Health Assessment, and opportunities for three potential new grants. Progress on the DCHC Strategic Plan was discussed, plus the facilities RFQ’s. The Health Center financial reports for September were reviewed. Discussion was held on the balance sheet, income statement, and budget statements. After any questions were answered, the financial reports were approved. In new business the Board approved the purchase of 10 bike racks from Focus Welding and 6 benches for the Tiger Trail from Lollis Contracting as part of the BCBH Active Transportation Grant. The Board voted to establish a budget line for IT Management Services and authorized Moser to enter into an agreement with a subcontractor to provide the service. The Board approved the creation of a new position of Accreditation Assistant/CHW pending final contract award from DHSS. After review of interest quotes from several banks the Board approved investing $200,000 in a 1-year CD at the Bank of Salem for 4.25%. The Board went in to closed session at 8:00 and returned to open session at 8:55 having discussed personnel and the RFQ, having taken no votes other than approving closed session minutes. The next regular meeting of the Healthy Women appointment, 4 family plannings, 1 well-child visits, 17 online appointments, one other well-woman exam, 4 other physicals, 8 SEMO physicals, 17 other visits, and 51 acute illness appointments. Laboratory details showed 150 individual patients, 29 appointments for Rapid Test for COVID, Flu, RSV or Strep, 2 pregnancy tests and 6 lead tests. Immunizations for September totaled 71 for COVID-19, 52 for Influenza, and 123 other vaccines given. In the Administrator’s report, Moser reported that the Fall Health Fair October 11th had 76 participants and the Drive-through Flu and COVID vaccine clinic October 17th resulted in over 100 vaccines being administered. The Board was updated on the initiative to perform a formal Community Health Assessment, and opportunities for three potential new grants. Progress on the DCHC Strategic Plan was discussed, plus the facilities RFQ’s. The Health Center financial reports for September were reviewed. Discussion was held on the balance sheet, income statement, and budget statements. After any questions were answered, the financial reports were approved. In new business the Board approved the purchase of 10 bike racks from Focus Welding and 6 benches for the Tiger Trail from Lollis Contracting as part of the BCBH Active Transportation Grant. The Board voted to establish a budget line for IT Management Services and authorized Moser to enter into an agreement with a subcontractor to provide the service. The Board approved the creation of a new position of Accreditation Assistant/CHW pending final contract award from DHSS. After review of interest quotes from several banks the Board approved investing $200,000 in a 1-year CD at the Bank of Salem for 4.25%. The Board went in to closed session at 8:00 and returned to open session at 8:55 having discussed personnel and the RFQ, having taken no votes other than approving closed session minutes. The next regular meeting of the Board was set for Thursday, November 21st at 5:00.

An accident occurred in Reynolds County Thursday night at 7:20 on Highway KK ten miles northeast of Bunker that took the life of a Bunker man. According to the Highway Patrol report a 2002 Lincoln Towncar, driven by 59-year-old Russell Shipp, traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. Shipp was pronounced deceased at the scene by Reynolds County Coroner Jeffrey McSpadden. The report state that Shipp was wearing a safety restraint. The Lincoln was totaled and towed from the scene by Rowdy’s at trooper’s request.

MoDOT has announced several road projects in and around Dent County for this week. In Dent County, crews will conduct roadside work on Route K from Route E to Route KK. Pavement repair is also planned on Route CC from Route C to Route H. In nearby Phelps County, pothole patching is scheduled for Routes H, P, T, and CC. A culvert replacement project will take place on North Outer Road 44 from the St. James city limits to Route V. Additionally, upgrades to pedestrian facilities continue in St. James on Routes 8 and DD, with completion expected by the end of the month. For all these projects, one lane will remain open with flaggers directing traffic through work zones. MoDOT advises motorists to be cautious and watch for slow-moving equipment in these areas. All work is weather permitting and schedules may change.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the courthouse. Commissioner Wes Mobray was not in attendance due to a prior commitment. In the road report, District Two Commissioner Gary Polk said it was too dry to grade and the work crews would be replacing a crossover pipe on Dent County Road 4290. There was no report given for District 1. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he attended the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting last Thursday at the MRPC and most of the discussion was on the concrete problems with the Interstate 44 and some of it will have to be replaced. He said he also attended the South Central County Commissioners Association meeting Friday in Houston. He said the commissioners discussed stories concerning mistreatment of citizens by the National Park Service rangers in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and are creating a plan of action to bring to the NPS to see what can be done.  Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she balanced with the treasurer on all monthly accounts for September. She said Tuesday will be the first day for “no excuse” absentee voting, Wednesday is the last day to request a mail out ballot, her office will be open from 8:00 in the morning until 12:00 noon on November 2nd for absentee voting or changes to your voter registration, and the last day to absentee vote will be Monday, November 4th from 8:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon at the courthouse. She said so far about 300 people have voted absentee during the “Excused” portion of that voting. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident occurred in Dent County Thursday morning at 7:45 on Highway H on mile east of Lenox. According to the Highway Patrol report a 2000 Ford Ranger, driven by a 17-year-old female juvenile, ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a ditch. The juvenile suffered minor injuries and was transported by a private conveyance to Salem Memorial Hospital. The report state that she was wearing a safety restraint. The Ford sustained minor damage and was removed by a private party.

The Missouri Department of Conservation encourages people to enjoy fall foliage through camping, hiking, driving tours, or even floating. In our area of the state, autumn has been slow to arrive. Flowering dogwoods have bright red berries that match the brilliance of their changing leaves. The black, mockernut, and pignut hickories are showing signs of their bright beautiful yellows. Perhaps you may have noticed some dots of purple near the ground: That’s our native aromatic aster that’s so important for late-season pollinators. The best place to see color so far is down by our scenic rivers you may notice some of the bottomland species changing color. Sycamore is either yellow or entirely defoliated. Enjoying the fall colors along the river is a refreshing change after months surrounded by deep greens. Take advantage of the great weather and get yourself and your family outside! For reports on other areas of the state, the conservation department offers weekly online fall color updates from agency foresters all over the state at mdc.mo.gov/fallcolor

The Dent County Opioid Settlement Committee will be meeting at the Dent County Associate Courtroom at 112 East Fifth Street tonight at 6:00 to establish and approve by-laws, select committee officers, and review the application process before adjourning. The meeting was called by Lt. Rick Letchworth from the Dent County Sheriff’s Department. The meeting is open to the public.

An accident happened Saturday evening at 6:08 in Phelps County on Route D about ½ mile south of Jerome that left a Rolla man with serious injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado driven south bound by 42-year-old Shannon Beam, traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. Beam was transported by the Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health. Beam was not wearing a seat restraint at time of the accident. The Silverado was totaled and removed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing.

An accident happened in Dent County at 1500 Route MM about ten miles east of Salem Saturday afternoon at 4:10 that left a Salem man with serious injuries. According to the highway patrol report, 22-year-old Joseph Kirker was operating a 2008 Honda Motorcycle and traveling northbound, when he was apparently traveling too fast and traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned. Kirker was flown by Arch 6 Helicopter to the Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Kirker was wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident. The motorcycle sustained extensive damage and was later towed by the owner. 

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has submitted the following reports for October 5th through the 9th. On Saturday, the 5th, Deputies responded to the 600 Block of Highway H for a reported missing or stolen license plate. The victim, a 26-year-old Salem woman, advised she was missing a license plate off of her vehicle. The investigation is pending. Then on Monday, the 7th, Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 1700 block of West Scenic Rivers Boulevard. During the course of the stop the operator, a 27-year-old Salem woman, was found to be in violation of numerous motor vehicle laws. The investigation is pending. The next day Deputies responded to the 1200 block of Dent County Road 5130 for a reported domestic assault. During the course of the investigation the suspect, a 22-year-old Salem woman, was arrested for striking a 68-year-old Salem man. The suspect was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail where she was place on a 24-hour hold. Finally on Wednesday, the 9th, Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 6200 block of South Highway 19. During the course of the stop the operator, a 40-year-old Salem man, was arrested for driving on an expired driver’s license. A summons will be issued, and this case is cleared for arrest. If you have any information on any of the ongoing investigations, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 573-729-3241.

Green for Life will be providing the Fall Cleanup week for City of Salem residents beginning Monday, October 21st through Friday, October 25th. Residents are asked to have all trash placed at the curb the night before your normal scheduled trash day. EPA law will not allow the collection of yard waste, batteries, tires, motor oil, chemicals or solvents, paint, appliances, or non-compactable items such as concrete, tree stumps, steel, or construction debris. If you have questions about the WCA residential Fall Cleanup Week, please call 1-800-926-3953 or 1-417-741-7714.

A Native Warm Season Grass Seed Production Workshop will be held on Friday, October 25th at the Wurdack Research Center in Cook Station at 164 Bales Road from 9:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon. This workshop is a great way to diversify your farm operation as attendees will learn about native grass seed production with field demonstrations on harvesting and seed cleaning. Extension specialists will be discussing regulations and testing, harvest methods and financial tracking. The cost is $35 per person. For more information or to register, contact Rachel Hopkins at 573-438-2671 or you can go online at extension.missouri.edu/events. Please make you reservation by Monday, October 21st.