Local News

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.

The Doe Run Company’s Maroon and Gray mine rescue teams took home multiple awards at the Missouri Regional Mine Rescue contest held September 23rd through the 26th at the Missouri University of Science and Technology’s experimental mine site. The Maroon team took first place in the field competition, and the Gray team took first place in both the team technician and first-aid competitions. In addition, team members Gary Moore took second and Luke Davis took third in the benchman competition. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) judges the competition which is the only underground mine rescue competition in the United States. A total of nine teams competed, including teams from Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico and Tennessee. Doe Run’s mine rescue teams train on a voluntary basis and compete in mine rescue competitions annually. The teams consistently place near or at the top at regional and national mine rescue competitions. Doe Run’s Gray team technicians are Mark Barton and Sara Laskowsky, who won first place in the team technician competition, while the Maroon team’s technicians, Andrew Hampton and Jacob Piatt, took second. Doe Run’s Gray team members Eric Click, Chris Brawley and James Gamblin came in first in the first-aid competition, and Jarred Tackett, Brandon “Buck” Roderman and Mike Snyder from the Maroon team took second in the first-aid competition. Doe Run’s focus on safety is evident beyond mine rescue. Across the company, Doe Run employees completed nearly 35,000 hours of environmental, health and safety training in 2023. 
Healthy Dent County has announced that the Fashion Show that was to be held on Saturday, October 19th at the Salem Community Center@The Armory was is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. All ticket sales will be refunded. You can contact them at 573-729-8163 for questions or concerns.

The Salem Police Department has submitted the following reports. On the night of Thursday, September 26th at approximately 7:00 officers conducted a traffic stop after seeing a subject they knew to have active warrants. As a result of the stop Roy Briggs, age 55 of Salem, was arrested on his warrant for possession of controlled substance with a bond of $3,000 cash or Surety. Then Friday morning the 27th at approximately 2:00 officers were dispatched to the area of Third and Macarthur for a report of a suspicious person sleeping under a carport. Contact was made with the male, and it was found he had active warrants out of Franklin County Missouri. As a result, Shane Lang, age 39, was arrested on a no bond warrant out of Franklin County. Lang was incarcerated at the Dent County Jail awaiting extradition. Late that same night, at approximately 11:30, officers arrested a female subject who had an active warrant for her arrest. Contact was made with her at her home and as a result Ashley Swaringan was arrested on her warrant for disorderly conduct with a bond of $184.50 cash only. Then on Thursday, October 3rd, at approximately 1:00 in the afternoon, officers located and arrested a male subject for outstanding warrants. Officers while on patrol located Anthony Justice, age 29 of Salem, who they knew had an active warrant out of Dent County for felony stealing with a bond of $10,000 cash or surety. Justice was incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any investigation.

Join Danielle Norris on Saturday October 19th from 9:30 to 10:30 in the morning for a Foxy Sly Fall Kids Paint Party. Your kid will paint an adorable sly fox in a pumpkin! The artist will take your kids step by step, until they have a finished a painting perfect for fall! The class is for kids 5 and up! Interested persons can sign up at salemcommunitybetterment.com

Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors has called for a special meeting at 1:00 today in the Hospital Library. After the call to order and roll call the Board will vote to go into closed session, followed by adjournment.

The Salem Police Department will be testing the storms sirens tomorrow morning, October 16th, at 10:00. If there is inclement weather that day, they will postpone to the following Wednesday, October 23rd.

Airport Board President Tyler Naramore has called for a meeting of the Board this evening at 6:30 at the Old City Hall Auditorium. Agenda items include approval of the minutes of the August 19th meeting, an Airport Update, Hangar updates on Leases and Policies, plus other business. The meeting is open to the public.

The City of Salem Mayor Greg Parker has called a special meeting of the Board of Aldermen for this evening at 5:30 in the Old City Hall Auditorium. The Call to order and roll call will be followed by approval of the agenda. Bill No. 3627, an ordinance to allow the subdivision of 1305 East First Street owned by Michael and Destiny Loveday, will be considered. Also to be considered is Bill No. 3629, an ordinance authorizing the City of Salem to enter into a grant agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for the Airport Infrastructure Grant Program for the development of airport improvements at the Salem Memorial Airport; authorizing execution of necessary documents; and prescribing other related matters. The meeting will then be adjourned.

The Salem Library Board of Trustees held their regular meeting on Thursday evening at 5:00 in the library conference room. After approving the minutes from the last meeting, Director Kate McBride presented the librarian’s and the treasurer’s reports. The board welcomed new Trustee Member, Kyle Williams. During old business, Kate stated the north parking lot has been cleared of weeds and overgrowth, and the city has sprayed the lot, as well as the grounds around the building. Kate is going to pursue an insurance claim to replace the ADA automatic door opener that was damaged during the summer when one of the building’s transformers experienced a power surge. The library is still trying to find a way to replace the inoperable light in the parking lot. Kate stated she spoke with Public Works Director, Steve Paine, and City Administrator Sally Burbridge, who stated they will not replace the light. During new business, Kate explained that the south basement flooded during the week of September 23rd. Staff discovered the damage on the 26th. Some boxes with older donated books were damaged beyond repair, and some blueprints and maps were also damaged, but they were able to be salvaged. Foundation Recovery Systems from Springfield will be visiting to assess the damages, and advise on what to do to prevent and remediate any mold issues caused by the flooding. The library will be updating its computer policy, allowing access to residents who are not members, without fees. The Board voted to increase the price of the Interlibrary Loans Program from $5 to $6 to cover the rising cost of postage. Karen Jones, a retired educator from the Salem R-80 district, will be hosting a story time for all ages, on October 18th and again on November 2nd. The library will be participating in the City’s Trunk or Treat event. They received $100 from The Friends of The Library to purchase treats. Kate wanted to remind residents that the library has a breast cancer display of materials and information near the circulation desk, along with a raffle for a free gift basket. The annual fall Book-O-Lanterns competition is also happening, entries can be submitted until Friday the 19th. Voting will be completed by the public, on the Library’s Facebook page. The next Library Board of Trustees meeting will be held the evening of November 14th at 5:00.

Many recognize the southeast region of the state as Missouri’s Bootheel, but did you know it is also at the center of one of the country’s most active earthquake zones? The New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) spans more than 100 miles and averages over 200 small earthquakes a year. To prepare for any future earthquakes, registration is now open for the 2024 Great Central U. S. ShakeOut earthquake drill on Thursday, October 17th. Missouri is one of 14 participating central U.S. states that could be impacted by a NMSZ earthquake. Earthquakes occur without warning, so it’s important to prepare now. The ShakeOut drill is a great opportunity to practice so you know what to do when the shaking starts. At 10:17 a.m. on October 17th, hundreds of thousands of Missourians will practice the “Drop, Cover, Hold On” technique: DROP to your hands and knees, COVER your head and neck with your hands and arms under a table or desk if you can, and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. Studies show that in developed countries with modern structures, falling debris is the most common source of injury in an earthquake. Experts advise that when an earthquake occurs in the U.S., the “Drop, Cover and Hold On” technique is the best protection from falling debris. To sign up for the ShakeOut, register online at shakeout.org/centralus. Schools, businesses, community organizations or any other group can register as well as families and individuals. Once registered, participants will receive regular updates on the drill and information on earthquake preparedness and safety. In 1811 and 1812, the NMSZ produced some of the largest earthquakes in U.S. history, and seismic experts agree that similar quakes still pose a risk today. Shaking from another major earthquake in this zone would be felt not only in Missouri but throughout the Midwest, damaging much of the southern and eastern parts of the state, including the St. Louis metropolitan area. To learn more about earthquakes in Missouri and how to prepare, please visit sema.dps.mo.gov/earthquake_preparedness.

The Salem Marching Blue had another successful competition at Mountain Grove this Saturday where they earned 2nd in class! In addition to their placement, the band earned the Superior Award, Outstanding Drum Major, 2nd in Percussion, 2nd in General Effect, 2nd in Visual, and 2nd in Music. For their efforts and accomplishment, the Salem Marching Blue received an EMS escort through town Saturday night. Congratulations to Band Instructor Gannon Craig and all the band members for their outstanding effort. The Salem Marching Blue will wrap up their competitive season Saturday at the Reeds Spring Marching Festival!

An accident occurred Wednesday afternoon at 2:15 on Highway 63 near county road 6220 that took the life of a Steelville man. According to the Highway Patrol report a southbound 2008 Honda, driven by 22-year-old Gabriel Peak, crossed the centerline and struck a northbound 2020 Peterbilt, operated by 42-year-old Rajan Taylor of Potosi, Missouri. Peak was pronounced dead at the scene by Phelps County Coroner Ernie Coverdell and was transported to the Hutson Funeral Home in Cuba by Coverdell. The report stated that it was unknown if Peak was wearing a safety restraint, while Taylor was. The Honda was totaled and removed from the scene by Lucas Garage, while the Peterbilt was also totaled and towed from the scene by D & D Towing. The Highway Patrol was assisted by the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office and the Edgar Springs Fire Department.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks is pleased to announce that the 2025 grant round for the Land and Water Conservation Fund is now open. LWCF grants are available to cities, counties and public-school districts to be used for outdoor recreation projects. For more information about this program, to download the grant application and to register for a grant application WebEx, visit mostateparks.com and search for LWCF Grants. For questions, contact grants management staff at mspgrants@dnr.mo.gov. Deadline to apply is Nov. 15, 2024. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) is hosting the third meeting in a series of open-forum public workshops to receive input on a regional safety action plan for all road users in the Meramec Region. The third workshop will focus on Dent County and is planned on October 16th from 1:00 to 3:00 in the afternoon at the Salem Community Center@The Armory Event Center located at 1200 West Rolla Road in Salem. The upcoming workshop will provide Dent County residents a chance to give input on how to make streets and roadways safer in their county. The MRPC wants to hear from residents on their experiences as road users and possibilities for enhancing safety for all users. In 2023, the MRPC was awarded a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). Established in 2022, the SS4A program funds planning and implementation activities to prevent deaths and serious injuries on roadways. There is an online survey available at mrpcsurveys.typeform.com/SS4ADent. The safety action plan is being developed for the Meramec Region, which includes Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties. The plan is anticipated to be completed by March 2025. For more information, please contact MRPC Planning Manager Anne Freand at afreand@meramecregion.org or Senior Community Development Specialist Orin Pogue at opogue@meramecregion.org, or call 573-265-2993. 

On Friday October 18th from 6:00 to 9:00 in the evening the Creative Arts Center invites you to come and paint your very own Fall Front Porch sign with Danielle Norris! They have tons of stencils to choose from or bring your own ideas from home! The artist will walk you through the steps and work with you one on one to help create your piece. The cost is $30 and all supplies are provided. Make sure to choose the sign style you would like at check out. Class registrations are on a first come, first serve basis with online registrations. Interested persons can sign up under “Programs” at the salemcommunitybetterment.com website for activities at the Creative Arts Center. 

Between September 21st and October 4th there were a total of 233 calls to the Salem Police Department for service. Officers conducted 15 traffic stops for various traffic violations with four resulting in a summons or arrest. Officers conducted 11 traffic accident investigations along with 4 informational reports.  As a result of the calls for service a number of reports were generated. During this time there were numerous reports of construction trailers and equipment broken into and stolen items totaling approximately $17,000. Investigators worked leads and completed an investigation into the thefts successfully obtaining a suspect. At the conclusion of the investigation the suspect was arrested and questioned about the thefts. The suspect later admitted to the thefts. As a result, probable cause statements were forwarded to the Prosecutor’s office where ultimately charges were filed and a 29-year-old male from Salem was arrested and incarcerated on the warrants in reference to the above incidents.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the courthouse. In the road report, District One Commissioner Wes Mobray stated rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 5020 while only grading would be done on county roads 5460 and 6575. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk was not in attendance, so Mobray gave the report for District 2 as well. He said rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 4030. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported on the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District Board meeting when grant applications received for recycling or the reduction of waste came to just over $238,262. The total amount of funds available came to just over $143,700. Larson said all but the Community Outreach grant application received partial funding. The outreach still had money from last year. Larson and possibly Commissioner Mobray will be attending the South Central County Commissioners Association meeting today in Houston. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said citizens can pick up a sample ballot for the November election at her office or they can find one on the clerk’s Facebook page. She said “excused” absentee voting is going on now and “no excuse” absentee voting will begin October 22nd with all absentee voting ending November 4th. She said the last day to apply for a mail-out a ballot will be Wednesday, October 23rd. Curley said her office will be open November 2nd from 8:00 in the morning until noon for absentee voting or to update your voter registration which you can also do now in her office. The next commission meeting will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and it will be open to the public.

The Utility Committee held their regular meeting on Wednesday evening at 6:15 in the Old Auditorium. After approving the agenda and the minutes from the September 11th meeting, Finance Director, Stacey Houston gave a financial update on the Water, Sewer, and Electrical Funds. Other than interest and grant fund revenue, there have not been any major expenditures in either account. Billing updates were provided by City Administrator, Sally Burbridge. Sally stated that they plan to begin implementing budget billing as early as next week. They have also been sending out old, unpaid notices to customers, and receiving payments on those bills, in an attempt to avoid having to send people to collections. She stated that she will be submitting a collections report next month. Public Works Director, Steve Paine, then provided the Utility Report. He stated they continue to conduct service line repairs, and that they have opened the pre-bids for the construction of the new water tower. The electric crew has submitted an order for 28 new transformers, and has repaired 18 street lights with faulty dawn to dusk sensors. He stated that if any citizens notice any street lights on during the day, to please contact the administration office at 573-729-4811 to put in a work order, and they will repair the lights as quickly as they can. He also wanted to clarify that the City has completed their portion of the Al Brown Field Project, they are currently waiting for the contractor, who is aiding those affected by Hurricane Helene, to return and complete their portion of the project. The Committee then opened the floor to hear questions and comments from the community. A citizen approached the podium asking if the new equipment purchased from Nexgrid would fix the metering issues experienced at his personal residence. Sally explained she did not have an answer for that, at this time, but she has been working with Nexgrid on ideas, though they are not yet ready to bring any information to the public. Committee member, Kyle Williams made a motion to change meeting times to the Wednesday after the second Tuesday of every other month, rather than every month. The motion carried, as a result the next meeting will be in December. A second citizen asked if the city had submitted an insurance claim for the water pump that was destroyed in July, Sally said yes. With no further comments or questions from the public, the meeting was adjourned.

This year’s 2024 Heroes Marathon will include a new feature to honor a veteran family member or friend who was a veteran that has passed by making a donation of $20 or more in their memory. That veteran will then become part of the “Ghost Runners Brigade.” Each of the “ghost runners” will be listed in the Honoring our Heroes Official Race Program under the “Ghost Runners Brigade” and their name will be read by a combat veteran during the event. These veterans may be gone but they are not forgotten. There are several locations in Salem where you can pick up a signup sheet that asks for the veteran’s name, their branch of service and rank if known. Those sign-up locations include the KSMO Radio studios, VIP Realty, Riverways Insurance, Regine’s Kitchen, Southtown Furniture, The Salem News, the American Legion Post #99, B & B Motors, Ridge Runner Pump, Wells Packaging, C&E Auto and the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. Fill out the form and mail it to Heroes, P.O. Box 194, Salem, MO  65560 with your check of $20 or more. Signups will be accepted until October 15th. For more information, call 573-729-1394.

A fatal accident occurred Tuesday afternoon around 2:48 in Phelps County on Highway 8 about 2 miles east of St. James. According to the highway patrol report a 2018 Lincoln MKC driven by 64-year-old Debra Patton of St. James was travelling westbound and travelled off the right side of the roadway. The Lincoln struck an embankment and overturned. Patton was transported by St. James Ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital where she was pronounced deceased by Dr. Timothy Fursa at 3:35 in the afternoon. The Lincoln was totaled and removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing. The report goes on to say that Patton was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. 

The Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting on Tuesday evening at 6:00 in the old auditorium. The board amended the agenda to include only the first reading of Bill Number 3627, before approving. The Grace Community Church requested permission to close down Water Street, from the South end of their parking lot, down to the corner of Water and Franklin for their church wide Harvest Party to be held on the evening of Sunday October 20 from 6:00 to 9:00. The Board approved this request. The Board also approved a road closure request for the Third Annual Trunk or Treat event to be held the evening of Halloween along 4th Street from 6:00 to 9:00. The Salem R-80 FFA Chapter requested, and was granted, permission to use the Old Fairgrounds property for their upcoming FFA Field Day, on Saturday October 19, from 1:00 to 9:00. The event will feature wood splitting, log splitting, and chainsaw competitions, and will be open to the public for viewing. The Bonebrake Center of Nature and History will be hosting a Halloween event on Saturday the 26th, between Noon and 11:30, and requested to use the Old Middle School Property for parking; this request was approved. The Board then appointed Danielle Kissir to the City of Salem Housing Authority. Kissir will replace Joe Brand, who resigned on March 28, and will fulfill the remainder of his four year term, which does not expire until February 15, 2027. Steve Paine, Director of Public Works, presented the bids. The bid for the purchase of Limestone Rock, from Capital Quarries, for $10.50 per ton for 1” base, $13.50 per ton for 1” clean, and $12.50 per ton for 2” clean, was approved. The final cost of the limestone rock purchase will be approximately $11,000. This money will come out of the Street Maintenance funds. The request to purchase approximately 75 tons of rock salt was approved; the bid went to Compass Minerals for approximately $7,386.00. The City received a bid from Fire Hydrant Services and Repair for $26,000 for the Fire Hydrant Rehabilitation Project. The project was included in the current Water Department budget in the amount of $20,000. Staff proposes pulling the additional funds from the Water Department Equipment Repair line. The board approved this request. The final bid presented was for tree trimming along the City of Salem’s four main feeder lines. The Board approved the bid from Forester Works LLC for $189,002.00. During New and Miscellaneous Business, Financial Director, Stacey Houston presented a request to approve warranty repair or replacement of the 135 water meter modules that have stopped working, which was approved by The Board. The cost for this request is $11,527.86 and will be paid out of AMI Meter Upgrades. There is currently $25,000 budgeted in this expense line. The Board approved the conditional use of the property at 1402 S. Water St for a home-based gunsmithing business. Resolution Number 25-2024, outlining the Technical Assistance Contract between MRPC and the City, was approved. The Board then heard the first readings of Bill No. 3627: an ordinance to allow the subdivision of a property on 1305 E. Third Street, Bill No. 3628: an ordinance to allow the subdivision of a property on 1311 E. 3rd Street, and Bill No. 3629: an ordinance authorizing the City of Salem to enter into a grant agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation commission for the Airport Infrastructure Grant. During the Official’s Report, Mayor Parker wanted to remind the citizens that the city wide clean up will begin on Monday, October 21 and conclude on Friday the 25th. Steve Paine gave an update on public works, and stated that if residents are having issues with water, sewer, or electrical, the fastest way to get that resolved is to put in a work order with the Administration Office at 573-729-4811. Alderman Shawn Bolerjack stated that he will not be seeking re-election in April. He plans to fulfill the remainder of his term. The meeting then adjourned.

If you would like to learn how to create an upscale tote bag, Gail Phelan is holding a sewing machine workshop this Saturday from 9:00 in the morning until 4:00. Students will need their own machine, scissors, rotary cutter, (with new blade)/mat, marking pen/chalk, and clips as well as black and white thread, denim or jeans sized needle (size 16-18). You will be provided a variety of options for fabric, lining, webbing, zippers, zipper pulls, zipper ends, stabilizer, interfacing, double sided basting tape, and purse feet. The cost is $75 per person and the class is for people 18-years-old and up. Interested persons can sign up under “Programs” at the salemcommunitybetterment.com website.

The 61st Annual Rose Holland Trout Derby was held this past weekend at Montauk State Park with incredible weather! The Derby raised $16,829 which set a new record for the tournament with the proceeds benefiting the American Heart Association. The money came from the silent auction, trout tag sales and the country store. There were 776 trout tags sold Saturday and another 412 on Sunday. A total of 64 tagged fish were caught during the derby with 15 of them lunkers. Three of the fisherman who caught lunkers were from the local area: Chance McDonald from Rolla caught a 6 lb, 4 oz lunker; Fred Martin of Licking caught a six pound lunker, and Patrick Potts of Licking caught a 3 lb, 8 oz lunker. The Men’s Heaviest Trout caught was by Ken Noce of Bloomsdale, Missouri, which also won him the Slippery Liz II Award for the heaviest fish and it was nine pounds and four ounces; and the Women’s Heaviest Trout was caught by Lisa Brenneke of Bismarck for the third straight year and it weighed in at two pounds and 15 ounces. The Heaviest Brown Trout caught during the tournament weighed in at five pounds and was caught by Garrett Wilfong of Des Arc. Taking First Place in the Kids Heaviest Stringer was Caleb Byrd of West Plains whose stringer total was at four pounds, seven ounces. The Second Place winner in the Kids Heaviest Stringer was Emmett Stafford of Silo, Missouri and his total catch weighed in at four pounds and five ounces. The 3rd place award went to Cole Andrew Petty of Farmington with a stringer that weighed in at four pounds and four ounces; while Gavin Steinhorn of Hazelwood took 4th place with a stringer of four pounds even. The Slippery Liz I trophy, which is the first tag drawn at the derby, went to Phillip Minttler. Fourteen attendance prizes were also given away. The Derby is held in honor of Rose Holland who was the trout hatchery manager at Montauk for 24 years who passed away in 1963 from heart disease. Co-Coordinator of the derby, Darlene Griffith, wanted to thank all those who attended this year’s derby and all the volunteers who helped make it a great success!

The cooler temperatures and changing leaves are a tell-tell sign that winter is on its way. In preparation, the Missouri Department of Transportation will hold its annual winter operations drill on Thursday, October 10th. Motorists may notice an increased number of MoDOT trucks on state routes during the drill, which will begin at 8:00 in the morning in rural areas and 9:00 in urban areas. The exercise should be completed by 3:00 in the afternoon. With turnover rates and many positions still open, driver training on this day is more critical than ever. MoDOT has approximately 3,000 employees across the state involved in work to clear roads and bridges when winter weather hits. During the drill, MoDOT employees will react to a simulated forecast of significant snow for the entire state. The department’s emergency operations centers will active, and all employees involved in winter operations will be deployed to their trucks. Emergency communications systems will also be tested. MoDOT spent $38 million on winter operations last year and used 81,000 tons of salt; 928,000 gallons of salt brine; and 134,000 gallons of beet juice. MoDOT is several hundred employees short of having full staff to plow two 12-hour shifts. Applicants are being accepted now for full-time maintenance workers and for emergency equipment operators. For more information on how to apply for a position with MoDOT, go to www.modot.org or call 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636). 

The Heartland Regional Food Business Center (HRFBC) is investing $11 million in grants across six states, including Missouri. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 aim to strengthen local and regional food supply chains. Small and diverse food and farm entrepreneurs serving local markets are eligible to apply. The grants will help businesses start, grow, and connect within the food industry. The first round of applications is due October 15, 2024, with awards tentatively announced on January 15, 2025. For more information and to apply, visit heartlandfoodbusiness.org/business-builder/

The City of Salem Utility Committee meeting will be tonight at 6:15 at the Old City Hall Auditorium at 202 North Washington. At the meeting, the committee will hear financial updates, billing updates and hear work reports from utility crews, followed by questions and public comments before adjourning. The meeting, called by Alderwoman Catherine Dent, is open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture has announced the availability of funding to help Missouri farmers and food processors obtain organic certification. This support comes through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Certification Cost Share Program. Under this program, producers can be reimbursed for up to 75% of their certification costs, with a maximum reimbursement of $750 per certification scope. Missouri has received $49,425 in program funds for this initiative. To be eligible, businesses must obtain or renew their organic certification and document their certification costs incurred between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024. Interested parties should complete an application, which will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted or the eligibility period ends. Applications will be accepted until November 1, 2024. For more information contact Whitney Williams at Whitney.Williams@mda.mo.gov or by calling (573) 751-7794. Those interested in other financial assistance opportunities can visit their website at Agriculture.Mo.Gov.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will be meeting this evening at 6:00 at the fire station at #2 South Main Street. After the roll call will be the approval of the consent agenda which includes the review of minutes, the financial report and bills, the checking account, and budget. The monthly reimbursement report will be reviewed followed by old business. The board will discuss the AFG grant status for radios before new business. The board will review the audit results and conduct the signing of the management representation letter (MRL). A representative of LJ Hart and Company will be in attendance to discuss bonds with the department. Chief Floyd will then give his report to the board. The date will be set for the November meeting before the board adjourns. The meeting this evening is open to the public.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Monday morning in the courthouse. In the road report, District One Commissioner Wes Mobray stated rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 5440 while only grading would be done on county roads 2460 and 5115. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk was not in attendance and road supervisor Travis Turner reported rock will be added and grading done on Dent County Road 2340 while only grading would be done on county roads 2200, 2560 and 4290. He also said brush would be cut on county roads 2070 and 5240. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he will be attending the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District Executive Board meeting today to discuss the grant applications that had been scored a couple weeks ago. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said this Wednesday is the last day to register to vote for the November election. She said so far 142 people have voted absentee during the “Excused” portion of that voting and the “No Excuse” absentee voting will begin October 22nd. This Friday, Curley said she will be at Dent-Phelps R-3 to educate 4th graders on the election and hold a “mock” election. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk reported her September turnover report showed she collected $36.608.63 which has been distributed to the taxing entities. VanKirk said for the fiscal year, county collections are up 24% over 2023 and that comes to $125,971.85. VanKirk said she received the tax book for 2024 and she balanced with the assessor and clerk. She said tax bills will be mailed out November 5th and people will be able to view their tax bill online on the Dent County Portal beginning today. She said online payments of your tax bills will begin November 1st. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams gave her sales tax report for the money collected this month. She said the General Revenue Fund and Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund each received $94,263.96 which is $15,831.44 more than for October of 2023. Year-to-date, the General Revenue Fund and the LEST funds are up about $57,408.64 which is about a 6.5% increase. The Road and Bridge Fund received $44,013.24 this month, and that is up $7,101.33 more than October of 2023. Year-to-date, that fund is up $25,698.63 which is close to a 6.3% increase. The Dent County Jail Operating and Trust funds each received $88,447.19 in October and that is up $14,195.28 from the October 2023 receipts. Year-to-date, those funds are up $52,580.72 which is about a 6.4% increase. Jeff Bandaret with Great Rivers Engineering was in to discuss the Flap 077 project for the back way into Montauk State Park. He said the county should have received a supplemental agreement that will extend the submission of the project from March of 2024 to September of 2025. This is partially due to a required Cultural Resource Study which must be done and will cost about $10,000. Great Rivers is currently getting bids from archaeologists to do the work. If they find extensive cultural artifacts, it could kill the project, but Bandaret didn’t think this would be a problem for this project. He also discussed TAP Grant 9901 for the courthouse sidewalks. He had some questions like the size of the dumpster cut out that will be needed, the color of the retaining wall and more. Bandaret said he would get the measurements of the dumpster area while he was here. Bandaret also said BRO funds are available, and the county would need to apply for them by November 15th. There would be no more than a 20% maximum match for the county. They could be used for the low water crossings. He also said the bridge in the city on 2nd Street that is currently closed would also qualify for BRO funds. The commission also received the annual contribution election from CERF. This is for the employees’ portion of 4% of retirement funds to be paid by county funds or through payroll deductions. The commission voted 2-0 for the employees to pay their own retirement through payroll deductions. Sheriff Bob Wells and Sergeant Len Pabin presented an ordinance to the commission regarding the welfare of the citizens of the County of Dent that would prohibit vicious threatening animals being allowed to run at large, and the penalties for violation of the ordinance. No decision was made since all three commissioners were not at the meeting. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident happened Saturday afternoon around 4:38 in Franklin County that took the life of a woman from Salem. According to the highway patrol report, 41-year-old Jody A. Pierce of Salem, was driving a 1999 Ford northbound on Oak Grove Church Road when the Ford traveled off the right side of the road, then returned to the road where the front left corner of a 2009 Chevrolet Impala driven northbound by 45-year-old Donald Pierce of Union, struck the rear right corner of the Ford. The Ford then crossed the center of the roadway and went off the left side of the road where it began overturning with the vehicle top striking a tree. According to the report, the Ford continued down an embankment and came to rest on its top in the Little Meramec River. After the collision, the Chevy left the scene with moderate damages. Jody Pierce was pronounced dead at the scene at 4:57 on Oak Gove Church Road north of Mill Hill Road by the Meramec Ambulance personnel. Her body was taken to the St. Louis Morgue by the Superior Mortuary Transport Service. The Ford was totaled and was removed from the scene by Vogelsang Towing. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by the Union Police Department and the Franklin County Deputies.

The City of Salem’s Parks and Recreation Board held a meeting on Thursday evening at 5:00 in the Old Auditorium. After approving the agenda, the board heard a consideration to adjust the budget for the Al Brown Field concession stand renovations, presented by Melissa DuBois. The concession stand has been allocated $9,000 from the Parks Capital Improvements Budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Several significant upgrades to the building have already been completed, including: removing the ceiling, upgrading electrical outlets, breakers, and wiring, and purchasing new food handling equipment. These improvements have helped to make the space operational as a concession stand. However, to ensure the longevity of these upgrades and protect these investments, Melissa stated that they would need to upgrade two doors that have previously been damaged, and all three windows, to enhance security at the Al Brown location. She stated they have received a quote for $4,723.50, plus shipping, for three manually retractable security shutter doors. For the replacement of the two steel doors, they received a quote from a local vendor of $1,100 each. Additionally, the construction crew has estimated the cost for exterior paint and supplies to be around $1,100. The board approved a budget adjustment by transferring $8,500 from the prior year’s fund balance to the Parks Capital Improvements fund to complete upgrades to the Al Brown concession, restrooms, and storage building. The Board also approved the Salem R-80 High School FFA’s request to use the Old Fairgrounds property for their upcoming Field Day, then adjourned the meeting. 

One of the simplest steps Missourians can take to protect their families is to install smoke alarms in their homes. Installing smoke alarms reduces the risk of dying in a home fire by more than 50%. That’s why this year’s theme for Fire Prevention Week that began yesterday and continues through the 12th is “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” State Fire Marshal Tim Bean says it cannot be emphasized enough the importance of having working smoke alarms in your home. Many Missouri fire departments, working with the American Red Cross, can even provide and install smoke alarms for families at no cost. Families in need of assistance should contact the American Red Cross of Missouri through a form at www.redcross.org. A report this year from the National Fire Protection Association showed that while in 1977 less than one-quarter of U.S. households had smoke alarms, it’s now estimated that over 90% of homes have at least one smoke alarm. But it is essential that smoke alarms are regularly tested, and batteries are replaced so that they remain in working order. Bean says people should install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home. They should also test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button; but replace any smoke alarm that is 10-years-old or older. Bean also wants to remind people that the end of daylight saving time, when clocks are adjusted to “fall back” an hour, can serve as an easy reminder to change smoke and CO alarm batteries. This year, daylight saving time ends at 2:00 in the morning on Sunday, November 3rd. Remember, when you change the time, change the batteries. According to Bean, smoke alarms need to meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities. Smoke alarms provide precious time to escape a burning home. Each family member should know escape routes from every room in a residence. Families should also regularly practice their fire escape plans.

MoDOT has scheduled highway maintenance on Route H from Route 72 to U.S. Route 63 in Phelps County. During these operations, one lane will remain open with flaggers directing traffic through work zones.