Local News

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held a special meeting Wednesday, February 19th to address a personnel issue. In closed session, the board heard from seven staff members. On Thursday, February 20th, the board met for their regular meeting. Superintendent John McColloch presented the Free and Reduced Lunch Count. Currently, all students in grades Kindergarten through the 12th grade continue to eat school lunch and breakfast for free. The total free and reduced number of students stands at 1,428. McColloch gave the January Membership count numbers that showed the student enrollment for the district was at 1,322 students. The Preschool enrollment is 110 and 281 of the students are non-resident. McColloch gave a health insurance update that indicated the cost of health insurance per employee per year is now $9,267 which is a 60% increase over the past 5 years. He explained that if the school district remains with their current insurance, next year they would be in tiered system. Salem is currently running at 120% which could result in a 20%-25% increase in insurance costs for next year. Nick Gover from the Athletic Advisory Committee had the committee’s budget recommendations. They recommend a $60,000 athletic budget with $8,000 additional monies added for professional development for coaches. The Construction Trades Advisory Committee gave their recommendations for transitioning the cost of the program to Salem R-80 over a four year period. Each building principal gave the reports for their respective building that should the William Lynch Elementary School with an enrollment of 272 children, the Upper Elementary School had 325 enrolled, the middle school had 232 students in January and the high school’s current enrollment is 550 students. In new business, the approval of the 2020-2021 school calendar was tabled until the March Board of Education meeting. The board did approve revising the language in teacher’s contracts from the current 180 contracted days to a contract being tied to the school calendar the school adopts. After some discussion, the board approved the district facility plan presented by Superintendent McColloch. The board also accepted the resignations of pre-school teacher Carolyn Curley, Title I math teacher Teresa Pitchford, and high school counselor Jillian Doddema. The board went into closed session where four staff members and one parent discussed a personnel issue with the board. Superintendent John McColloch then discussed a personnel issue with the board before discussing the growth plans and evaluations for all district administrators. The board approved to extend by one year the contracts of high school assistant principal Clay Moody, high school principal Marty Anderson, upper elementary principal Melanie Wisdom, and special education director Jody Heavin for the 2021-2022 school year; and they approved extending assistant superintendent John Smith’s contract for one year for the school year 2022-2023. The board also approved extending by two years the contracts of middle school principal Rich Parks and assistant high school principal Conrad Prugh through the 2021-2022 school year. A motion was made to extend a one year contact for elementary school principal Kriste Crocker for the 2020-2021 school year, but the motion failed by a 5-2 vote. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Friday, February 7th at about 10:39, officers were dispatched to a business for a report of shoplifting. As a result of the investigation, a 26 year-old Salem male was arrested and issued summons for shoplifting and possession of drug paraphernalia. The value of the items stolen was $29.99. On Monday, February 10th near 1:00 in the afternoon, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for not having taillights or visibly displaying registration. During the stop it was found that the driver had a revoked driving status and did not have proof of insurance. The driver, a 29 year-old Bucyrus male, was arrested and the vehicle was towed. During an inventory of the vehicle, marijuana and drug paraphernalia were located. The driver was released with a summons to appear in court. That same afternoon at about 3:46, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to stealing. It was reported that numerous transactions were fraudulently taking place with her bank account. The total amount of money missing from the account was $151. The incident is still under investigation. If anyone has information regarding any on going investigation, please call the Salem Police Department at 79-4242.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams reported sales tax receipts for the month of February. She said that General Revenue received $62,094.36, which was down from $63,075.06 or $980.70 from February 2019. Year-to-date general revenue is down $5,799.66 or a bit less than 3.8%. Williams said that the LEST receipts were identical to GR. She reported that Road and Bridge receipt were $28,447.99, which was up by $370.32 from the $28,077.67 for February a year ago. Year-to-date Road and Bridge is down $1,595.10 or nearly 2.3%. Williams went on to report that the Jail Operations and Jail Trust Fund received identical amounts of $56,812.29, which is up by $741.52 from 2019’s $56,070.77. However, year-to-date these funds are down $2,363.85 each or a little over 1.72%. In the road report, District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell said if road conditions permit grading would be done on Dent County road 2400, while materials would be added and grading done on county road 5630. He also reported he attended a Tourism Tax Committee meeting Monday where one reimbursement request was submitted and approved, while one event proposal was presented and approved. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson said grading was scheduled for Dent County roads 2403 and 6130, plus materials would be added and grading done on county roads 2160 and 5220. He stated materials would be added to county roads 4380 and 4390, plus brush would be cut on county roads 2165 and 2170. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said Wednesday of last week he attended a joint hearing of the Missouri House Agriculture Committee and the Missouri Senate Agricultural Committee on the feral hog issue. He said two of the individuals testifying were the head of the Texas Feral Hog Management Program and a USDA Hog Eradication expert. Skiles said it was a very interesting discussion and in summary Missouri has a very small window to get the problem under control or we’ll have a problem as big and bad as Texas has. Commissioner Larson said people without cattle or farmland and outside of agriculture need to realize the severity of the feral hog problem. Skiles went on to report that all three commissioners were attending training in Columbia last week. He said that on Wednesday he attended the MAC Board meeting in Jefferson City where the collection of internet sales tax and prisoner per-diem owed to the counties by the state of Missouri were the main topics. Skiles said that even Governor Parson has stated that the state owes $32,000,000 to the counties. Skiles noted that Dent County is owed $178,000 as of December 2019. He said there will be a hearing Monday on the prisoner per diem and several MAC Board members will be attending. Skiles said that all three commissioners attended the IDA Board annual meeting Wednesday evening and that the SACBA Trivia Night fund raiser is coming up March 13th. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported she attended the MAC Board meeting Wednesday and had the opportunity afterwards to visit with several representatives, senators and lobbyists. She noted that bills were being approved by the Commissioners for payment. Bids for food service at the new jail were opened at 10:00. Bids were received from Consolidated Management Company, Tiger Correctional Service and Trinity Services Group. Sheriff Bob Wells is to review the bids and present his recommendation at the February 27th meeting. The next commissioner meeting will be Monday at 9:00 in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held a meeting Tuesday at the City Hall Council Chambers. In absence of the Mayor, City Council Chairman Kim Shelton ran the meeting. The board tabled the Fire Hydrant Saver Kit bids until the next meeting. After the consent agenda, Planning and Zoning Chairman Gary Brown reported on their meeting that was held prior to the Alderman meeting. The committee recommended and received approval to annex into the city limits approximately 5.6 acres of property located south of Southtown Furniture and owned by Charles and Jan Cunningham. The committee reviewed a fact sheet and draft licensing agreement for short-term rentals. The committee recommended and the aldermen approved drafting an ordinance for short-term vacation rental procedures. The board also approved conducting a public hearing to get comments regarding establishing a liquor license code and licensing of wineries, meadery and micro-breweries. City Administrator Ray Walden gave the Park Board report and announced a grant to build soccer fields has been submitted to the DNR Land and Water Conservation Fund. An Airport Board meeting will be held February 24th at 6 PM at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Chip and Seal and NovaSeal bids are being sought and will be reported to the alderman for approval on how to proceed. The February utility bills have been sent out and the date of service was misrepresented on the bills. The dates should read November/December instead of October/November. Future electric bills will include additional days to help get the dates more on track. The alderman instructed staff to continue to inform the public about the process and to make sure of consistent messaging to keep everyone informed. Walden presented department structure updates, employee compensation study and succession planning for employees. He stated of the currrent 60 city employees there are 8 that are eligible for retirement. Plans need to be in place to ensure continuity in departments. The board approved Resolution No 4-2020 authorizing the Mayor to sign a contract with the Dent County Animal Welfare Society for animal intake services. This contract included a $10 increase per animal bringing the cost to $30 per intake. City staff will look for ways to collect these fees from the animal owners. The meeting was adjourned.

The Salem FFA Alumni will be conducting their 10th Annual Scholarship Fund Labor and Dessert Auction this evening at 6:30. The auction will be conducted at the Salem R-80 Upper Elementary with all proceeds going to scholarships for Salem FFA members. A meal will be served at
5:30 at no charge to auction supporters. Salem FFA Chapter members will be providing 4, 6 or 8 hours of labor of various types ranging from farm labor to cooking and cleaning, gardening and lawn work and more. There will be delicious homemade pies, cakes, pastries and other desserts auction as well. Come out and support the Salem FFA Alumni Scholarship Fund tonight.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday evening in the Hospital Library. The board heard a presentation about the Cardiopulminary Department from Jack Linthicum. Chief Finance Officer Monica Stogsdil gave the summary of operations for the month of January where the hospital had 152 inpatient admissions with 371 inpatient census days. There were 1,905 outpatient registrations, 1,889 cardiopulmonary procedures, 8,904 lab tests, 1,354 radiology procedures, 762 rehabilitation treatments, 25 surgeries, 252 home health visits and 745 emergency room visits. The hospital showed a gain from operations of $34,416 and revenues over expenses after taxes of $348,469. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas gave the Auxiliary report where at their February meeting the 2020 fundraisers were planned that included a Scrub Hub on March 25 and Shoe Roads Productions on May 27. Their next meeting will be held on March 3rd at noon at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Chief Operating Officer Jason Edwards reported on the Hospital Foundation’s “Dancing with the Salem Stars” that was held on January 25 with 10 couples dancing and 33 sponsored tables that raised just over $9,000. The Golf Tournament is scheduled on June 5th and Wings and Strings will be held on September 12th. The foundation requested and received approval to purchase vinyl tile flooring to replace the carpet in the Acute Care hallway at a cost of $20,683. A Stroke Support group is meeting quarterly and a Diabetes Support group will meet the 2nd Thursday of each month at 4:30 pm at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. The board approved the budgeted purchase of a bariatric bed for Acute Care from NOA Medical at a cost of $6,662, nine bedside monitors from Nihon Kohden for $45,648 and an elliptical for the Rehab Department from Performance Health for $4,861. The board went into closed session.

City of Salem Administrator Ray Walden has said that February utility bills have been mailed. Bills paid by February 28th will not be charged a penalty. Customers signed up for auto payment of their bill will have the payments processed February 28th. The February bills cover usage for the general period November 21st through December 22nd, although a given customer’s bill may be for a slightly different period depending on specific days their meter was read if it’s not been replaced with a new AMI meter. Walden anticipates March bills to go out the normal time and will be for utility usage for the general period December 23rd to January 26th, however again, a given customer’s bill may be for a slightly different period since old meters are still being read manually. Anyone with questions about their utility bill can contact the utility office to get the most current information and they can look up any specific account.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at 7:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers following a Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing and public meeting that begins at 6:30. At the Board of Aldermen meeting, the board will review bids for fire hydrant saver kits that will be used to replace fire hydrants. After the consent agenda, Planning and Zoning Chairman Gary Brown will update the board on the Planning and Zoning hearing and meeting that will be held prior to the board meeting. City Administrator Ray Walden will report on the Park and Recreation Department meeting held on February 12th and then give his report that will include updates on city projects, the organization of city departments, an employee compensation study and succession planning. The board will hear Resolution #4-2020 authorizing the mayor to sign an agreement for the city to use the Dent County Animal Welfare Society for the intake of animals from the city. In new and miscellaneous business, the board will then discuss licensing for wineries, a meadery and micro breweries before going into closed session to discuss personnel. The regular Board of Alderman meeting at 7:00 and the Planning and Zoning Public Hearing and Meeting at 6:30 are all open to the public.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will conduct their February meeting on tonight in the hospital library beginning at 6:00. The board will hear the administrator’s report that will include a department director presentation, a summary of the operations for the month of January by Monica Stogsdill, the Chief of Nursing Report for the month by Debbie Hines, a Home Health report by Ashley Sullins, and a report on the hospital foundation, plus the marketing and community perception with COO Jason Edwards. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas will the present the auxiliary report. In old business the Board will get an update on the Strategic Planning Meeting and will consider a Home Health Bylaw Change. In new business the meeting dates for the fiscal year 21 Finance Committee will be set and any purchases will be reviewed. The February board meeting of the Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors is open to the public.

Need a little adult time! The Salem Area Arts Council will hold their first Art Party this Friday night at 6:30 at the Creative Arts Center. For $40 per couple (or $25 for singles), all supplies are provided at this fun event that include your acrylic paints, aprons, brushes, canvas and easel! Paint a fun romantic scene and put your own special creative spin to it, then take it home. Led by Danielle Norris, this event for adults does NOT require any talent or previous experience, just a happy spirit and willingness to try. Reservations can be made by calling or texting 247-0279 or messaging through the SAAC Facebook page. Bring your own personal style, your favorite beverage, and they will do the rest.

Your Community Cares Rural Health Coalition will be holding a follow up community conversation with a FREE screening of “Not My Child” at the Salem High School Library at 1400 Tiger Pride Drive on Tuesday, February 18th at 5:30. This documentary explores different paths to recovery and looks at the disease of addiction. The coalition hopes that by watching this film, families will be more capable of addressing substance misuse in their children. In doing so this could provide more open conversations surrounding substance misuse and help find hope that recovery is possible. Following the film, there will be a short question and answer with the integrated health staff present. The goal of the follow up conversation is to help families understand recovery. This event is FREE and there will be a limited number of complimentary appetizers and drinks. If you plan on attending or need more information, contact Felisha Richards at 573-426-6033.

February is Earthquake Awareness month and the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) and the Missouri Insurance Education Foundation (MIEF) want to encourage homeowners to assess their financial readiness to recover in the event of a major earthquake event in Missouri. Missouri is the third largest earthquake insurance market in the U.S., following California and Washington. Experts estimate the chance of a major earthquake of a magnitude 7.5 or greater in the New Madrid zone over the next 50 years is 7-10 percent. The probability of an earthquake exceeding magnitude 6 over the same period is 25-40 percent. A joint assessment by the Mid-America Earthquake Center of the University of Illinois and the Federal Emergency Management Agency predict a New Madrid event could constitute the highest total economic loss of any natural disaster in U.S. history. Despite these predictions, a report released by DCI in 2019 shows that residences covered by earthquake insurance in the most at-risk counties of the state dropped by 46 percent between 2000 and 2018. DCI and MIEF have partnered to raise awareness about the financial impact an earthquake could have on Missouri homeowners. Earthquake coverage is not a part of the standard homeowner’s policy. Earthquake insurance, like flood insurance, must be purchased separately from the homeowners policy. Chlora Lindley-Myers, Director of the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance, says it’s important that we do all we can to make sure Missouri homeowners know about their options and have time to prepare. We want people to carefully consider how they can take a lead role in their own financial recovery. No one wants to be left without options. Lew Melahn, a MIEF board member and former Director of Insurance in Missouri, says many homeowners and business owners believe their existing insurance policies would cover earthquake damage, but that is usually not the case. We want property owners to be able to make an informed decision about how to protect their investment – and that starts with weighing their options for earthquake insurance. To make it easier to shop and compare earthquake insurance options, DCI provides a shopping guide on their website. Angela Nelson, DCI Director of the Division of Market Regulation, we know insurance seems overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. We want Missourians to know the Department can answer their earthquake questions and tell them which insurers will cover earthquake. Resources to assist consumers as they make their readiness and recovery plans can be found at centralusquake.org.

The Salem Park and Recreation Board met Wednesday evening at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Salem Park and Rec Director Melissa DuBois gave her report and said the youth basketball season went very well with trophies handed out for the 1st and 2nd place teams, MVP awards for the best boy and girl and a Coach of the Year Award. She reported the “Skills and Drills” football camp was a huge success with 135 children participating. She wanted to express her biggest thanks to Andrew Wynn for his help in keeping the event organized and Salem R-80 Head Coach Dylan Wyrick for bringing some high school players and working with the kids. DuBois explained that she was able to help Healthy Dent County find six retractable basketball goals through govdeals.com and then was with them through the bidding process. This process helped save Healthy Dent County over $20,000 for goals that far exceeded what was expected to be installed. Dubois said 33 children and their parents are signed up for the “Start Smart” Soccer program and late signups for the Youth Soccer Program will continue until Friday at 4:30. She said she is working on the Summer Program this year and it will be a two week all day camp. She is trying to make sure that the camp is held during a time when very few other events are happening. DuBois said the Park and Rec Department was able to purchase five metal picnic tables that used to be at Scoops and put them in front of the baseball concession stand and in the park playground pavilion. DuBois discussed with the board about selling shaved ice at the pool this year and buying a new machine. She also discussed with the board about getting new cheese warmers and a popcorn machine for events. The board approved her request to purchase these items for the concession areas this year. The board reviewed admission prices for the Alice Lou Craig Swimming Pool and also pavilion rentals. The pool prices will remain the same as last year: $4.00 for children and senior citizens and $5.00 for adults. Family pool passes will stay at $160 for two adults and two children with an additional $45 charge for any other family member over those four. Individual pool passes will also stay at $75. Water Aerobics and swim lessons will also remain the same at $50 per month for aerobics and $45 for swim lessons. Pool parties will be unchanged at $150 for the first hour with each additional hour $50. Pavilion rentals will also be the same as last year with $45 for the day for the large pavilion and $35 for the day at the small pavilion. Dubois did request having a pre-season sale of family pool passes for $130 and individual pool passes for $60. She also wanted to offer discounts on private and shared pool parties as well as offering to rent out the Pool Pavilion for parties for $75 for two hours. These pre-season special prices will only be offered in March and April. The board approved her request to offer the pre-season sale. Dubois did report that a Memorandum of Understanding between the Park and Recreation Department and Healthy Dent County for the use of the gym has been negotiated and is all but ready to be signed by both parties. The board also discussed and reviewed the application for the LWCF grant for the new soccer park that is to be submitted by midnight Friday night. Informational discussions on the City Auditorium Theatre improvements, the skate park and possibly adding a concrete ping pong table at one of the pavilions were held with no decisions being made. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On Thursday evening, January 30th at about 8:58, an officer was dispatched to the Salem Police Department to speak with a female about a domestic disturbance that had occurred on Warfel Street. An investigation was conducted and as a result of that investigation, a 23-year-old Salem man was arrested and issued summons to appear in court. On Saturday morning, February 1st at about 1:21, an officer attempted to make a traffic stop on a vehicle for a speeding violation. The vehicle refused to stop right away. After a short pursuit the vehicle stopped near the intersection of Warfel and Third Streets. As a result of the investigation, two 22-year-old males were arrested and issued summons to appear in court for possession of Marijuana as well as a DWI and traffic offences for the driver. On Tuesday morning, February 4th at about 8:08, the School Resource Officer was contacted by school officials about a juvenile being in possession of alcohol on school grounds. After an investigation it was found that a juvenile student was in possession of a vape device and also cans of beer. The juvenile was detained, and the case is being forwarded to the Dent County Juvenile office for further investigation. That afternoon at about 4:56, an officer was dispatched to area of Grand and Third Streets for a report of a stolen vehicle. An investigation was conducted. Later in the evening the vehicle was located in Cabool. The suspect and driver of the stolen car were arrested and placed in the Dent County Jail on a 24-hour hold pending the application of warrants. The suspect is a 30-year-old female from Springfield, Missouri. On Thursday, February 6th near 3:30 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to the Salem Memorial District Hospital to transport a 38-year old male of Alton, Missouri to Joplin for a 96-hour evaluation. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital and the Columbia Vet Center are teaming up to provide area Veterans with services such as Veterans Health Administration enrollment as well as counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder and military sexual trauma TODAY at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Rolla at 500 South Bishop from 9:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon at their Mobile Vet Center. The Mobile Vet Center is a 37-foot-long mobile resource unit that not only allows veterans to enroll and seek counseling, but also provides services such as bereavement, marriage and family counseling. They also can provide additional resources for Veterans that include VA benefits information and suicide prevention referrals. The customized MVC vehicle is equipped with confidential counseling space to extend access to these VA services to Veterans, service members and their families, especially those living in rural or remote communities. The Mobile Vet Center also provides readjustment counseling and information resources to Veterans to assist them in the difficult transition between military and civilian life. For more information, call (573) 814-6206.

Gary Brown, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Board of Commissioners, has called for a Public Hearing by the Board for Tuesday evening, February 18th, at 6:30 in the City Hall Council Chambers, 202 North Washington. The Public Hearing is relative to the proposed annexation of commercial property at 1805 South Main owned by Charles W. and Janet L. Cunningham Trust. Immediately following the closing of the Public Hearing, the Board will conduct a Public Meeting at the same location to discuss annexation and zoning of the property at 1805 South Main, short-term rentals, and wineries and meadery. The public hearing and public meeting are both open to the public.

The Salem Rotary Club Annual Pancake Day will be held this Saturday morning from 7:00 until 11:00 at the Salem Middle School. The cost is $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for children that are 12 years of age and under. Rotary members will be serving up “all you can eat” pancakes, sausage, coffee and milk. Tickets are available from any Rotary Club member in advance or you can buy your tickets at the door. The money that is raised goes toward community projects and scholarships.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released the following reports. On Sunday, January 26th, a Deputy responded to the 500 block of County
Road 6590 for a report of a burglary which had occurred at a neighboring residence on County Road 6590. Upon arrival, the Deputy discovered that a 55 year-old man and a 59 year-old man were the reported victims of the burglary. This investigation is still ongoing. Then on Wednesday, January 29th, Deputies responded to the 1300 block of Iron Mountain Road for a report of a theft. Upon arrival, Deputies discovered that a 56 year-old man was the reported victim. This investigation is still ongoing. Finally on Friday, January 31st, Deputies traveled to a residence in the 700 block of County Road 6620 to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 29 year-old Licking man was arrested for an active warrant through the Licking Police Department. The man was later transported to a Licking Police Department Officer. Also on the 31st Deputies traveled to a residence in the 1500 block of South Gertrude Street to serve an arrest warrant through Dent County. During the course of the incident, a 25 year-old Salem man was arrested for the active warrant. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he later posted bond and was released. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241 if you have any information on an ongoing investigation.

A two vehicle accident happened Monday afternoon at 4:00 in Shannon County on Highway 19 about a mile north of Eminence. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2005 Buick Century being driven by 35-year old Joshua Galardo of Eminence was traveling north on Highway 19 when he ran off the roadway and overcorrected, crossed the centerline and struck a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt being driven by 57-year old Jerald Keeling also of Eminence. Galardo suffered moderate injuries. Keeling received minor injuries. Both drivers were transported by ambulance to Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains. According to the report, neither were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Buick was totaled and removed from the scene by Bakers Towing of Birch Tree. The Cobalt sustained moderate damage was removed by Sartin’s Towing of Winona.

The Salem Park and Recreation Board will be meeting today at 5:30 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. At the meeting, the board will hear the report from Park and Recreation Director Melissa DuBois who will talk about the football “Skills and Drills” camp, the Start Smart Soccer signups, the Your Soccer league signups, the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Pools, give an update on the Community Center Gym and talk about the baseball, softball and T-Ball Opening Day Ceremonies. The board will also receive a copy of the updated Park Board by-laws, and hear about the LWCF Grant application for the Soccer Park. After any miscellaneous business is heard, the meeting will adjourn. The meeting of the City of Salem Park and Recreation Board is open to the public.

The Meramec Regional Planning Commission is working to convene a consortium for the Opioid Affected Youth Initiative. In October of 2019, MRPC was awarded a $997,000 grant to develop a two-phase, three-year project through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). MRPC was one of seven grant recipients nationwide for this round of funding. The consortium will consist of membersfrom law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, probation, children’s division, health care, mental health, prevention organizations, schools and counselors. The three-year project will be delivered in two phases. During the initial phase, the consortium will meet monthly as they work to develop and implement in the first year an effective, data-driven, coordinated response that addresses the misuse of opioids and provides services to children, youth and families impacted by the opioid crisis in the Meramec region. Years two and three will include the implementation phase and will consist of the implementation of coordinated responses and services. The MRPC recently hired Jane Johannsen, a former Steelville resident, and Rebecca Losing of St. James to work on program implementation. For additional information or if you interest in being involved with the consortium, contact Jane Johannsen at 573-265-2993, ext. 149.