Local News

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held its regular meeting Tuesday evening in the City Auditorium at 202 N. Washington Street. After approving the agenda and consent agenda, City Administrator Sally Burbridge provided an update on the cemetery mapping project. The city is partnering with Diamond Maps to create an online database to help the public locate the burial sites of deceased loved ones. In addition, the city is working with the State Archives in Jefferson City to preserve the original 150-year-old cemetery record books. The board approved the Abatement on Consent (AOC) letter outlining the schedule of improvements for the wastewater treatment plant, a grant requirement that must be submitted to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The Aldermen also approved engaging Viking Industrial Coating to begin discussions and prepare a proposal and contract negotiations for routine water tower maintenance on what will soon be four city towers. There is currently no fiscal impact to the city, as costs will be determined upon proposal and contract development. The purchase of eight HP Elite Mini Desktops from Hewlett-Packard for $7,960, was approved; this is a $216 increase from the original September quote. The purchase will be funded through the CIP Budget, which has a remaining balance of $12,930. In New and Miscellaneous Business, the board approved the annual Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) membership renewal at the basic membership level for $4,097.44, to be paid from the Non-Departmental Memberships fund, which has a $5,700 budget. Bill No. 3689 amending Ordinance 515.350 regarding electric fees, maintaining the $15 monthly fee for incandescent dusk-to-dawn lights and reducing the fee for LED lights to $5 per month, Bill No. 3690 to amend Ordinance 700.060, extending the forecast lead time for utility disconnects from 24 hours to 72 hours in accordance with new Public Service Commission rules were approved as well as Bill No. 3691 establishing a refundable $100 deposit for faucet water meter rentals, and Bill No. 3692 authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement between the City of Salem and the Rolla Area Drug Enforcement Task Force. During the city officials’ reports, Administrator Burbridge mentioned the upcoming MRPC banquet on October 23, Mayor Greg Parker highlighted several upcoming community events, and Public Works Director Steve Paine provided updates on utility operations, recognizing Josh Hunt for being named Wastewater Operator of the Year by Missouri Water. Economic Development Director Carrie Sutterfield announced she received a scholarship from the National Rural Economic Developers Association, covering her attendance at the annual conference and a one-year membership valued at $2,000. The meeting then adjourned into executive session to discuss legal matters.

The Salem Police Department has provided the following press release. The Salem Police Department successfully apprehended a wanted fugitive from Dent County following a coordinated investigation and search effort. Officers from the Salem Police Department initiated a short-term investigation into the whereabouts of the suspect. Patrolman #114 and Corporal #107 responded to the 600 block of South Jackson Street after receiving credible information regarding the fugitive’s location. Upon arrival, officers observed the male subject in the backyard of a residence. When officers attempted contact, the suspect fled on foot. A perimeter was quickly established with assistance from the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The suspect was tracked to another residence, where he attempted to hide from authorities. Officers issued commands for the individual to exit the residence, and he complied without further incident. The suspect, identified as Korey Denney, was taken into custody and transported to the Dent County Jail. Denney is being held on the following charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance (Probation Violation). The Salem Police Department extends its appreciation to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol for their cooperation and assistance during this incident. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

An accident occurred Saturday afternoon around 1:50 in Dent County on Hwy 32 at County Road 4160. According to the highway patrol report a 2005 Ford Explorer driven by a 67-year-old Salem man was traveling westbound and hydroplaned on the wet roadway. The Ford travelled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. The man suffered minor injuries and was transported to Salem Memorial Hospital by Salem Ambulance. He was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. Harry Johnson who lives on Dent County Road 5170 came in to report brush needed to be cut and the road was washboardy. First District Commissioner Keith Green stated his grader operator has been working in that area and should be getting to that road soon, but his district has only has one brush cutter that makes rounds in the county and is currently in another location. He would check on when that road would be graded and brush cut. In the road report, Commissioner Green said brush would be cut on county road 5520. He also reported the crews will be performing service work on county truck #119 and a grader. They will also be putting on six new tires on another grader and changing the blades on the graders. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said workers will be adding rock and grading Dent County Road 2200, while only grading would be done on county roads 2190, 2210, 2370, 3190, 3193. and 3195. He also said brush would be cut on county road 2110 while debris will be removed from a low water crossing on county road 2330. He added that a crew would be patching a concrete culvert on county road 3160. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson stated he attended a meeting Saturday on Highway 19 put on by the Department of Conservation and Extension about feral hogs and how they strategically remove them from property to prevent further damage. He also said there will be a “No Kings” rally in Salem this Saturday. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

Empower Missouri is Hosting a Free Town Hall Event in St. James at the old train depot at 116 West Springfield Street on Monday, October 20th from 2:00 to 3:00 to discuss the “Food Access for a Lifetime” program in Phelps County. Empower Missouri’s team wants to hear from Missouri communities about each of their core issue areas. For older adults, good nutrition is key to continuing to live an independent and healthy life, but with rising food costs, many older Missourians are finding it harder to make ends meet. The good news is there are resources and programs available to help. Refreshments will be provided. Please reply by copying this link, EmpowerMissouri.org/FAFAL-PhelpsCounty, and putting it your browser to let them know you are coming.

There will be a Kids “This or That” Fall Paint Party on Friday, October 24th with Danielle Norris from 5:30 until 7:30 at the Creative Arts Center at 202 South Main. Grab those kiddos and come have a spooky fun time painting one of two choices for fall! You will be guided step by step through the whole process! This event is perfect for the whole family. At least six people need to sign up for the class which would be limited to 25 attendees. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children. To register, go online to the SACBA website, click on Programs category and then go to the Salem Creative Arts Council link. If you have a question about any class, please e-mail salemartscenter@salemcommunitybetterment.com.

The Turtle Cove Farm, just about two miles east of Lenox at 10031 and 10037 Highway H, will be holding their Fall festival this Saturday from 7:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon. There will be a Scavenger Hunt for prizes from 10:00 to 11:00 in the morning followed by the 2nd Annual Chicken Races at 11:30. There will also be a Pumpkin Painting Contest with prizes awarded at 1:00. Face painting and bounce houses will be available for children, and the Lenox Fire Department will be doing a vehicle rescue demonstrations.  Vendors will also be there, and it will be fun for the whole family as everyone is welcome!

This Saturday at the Creative Arts Center at 202 South Main will be Harvest Fest as well as the Ozark Heritage Artisans Show and Sale from 9:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon. Stop by and shop for some unique handmade arts and craft items for your home or for gifts!

Meramec Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Bonnie Prigge, Planning Manager Anne Freand and Missouri Department of Transportation Meramec Area Engineer Preston Kramer will meet with Dent County commissioners and citizens to discuss transportation needs on the state system at 10:30 this morning, at the Dent County Courthouse Commission meeting room located at 400 N. Main in Salem. The public is encouraged to attend this meeting and share concerns or needs about road and bridge and multi-modal transportation need such as bike, pedestrian, airports, transit, rail and port. MRPC Executive Director says it’s important that they from Dent County leadership and residents about road, bridge and multi-modal needs in the county, so now is the time to make sure our county needs list is complete. The MRPC and MoDOT are meeting with all eight counties in the region, not just Dent County. Each county meeting will conclude with the identification of top road and bridge priorities and multi-modal priorities. The information from these meetings is gathered and prioritized to help inform MoDOT for the next Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) as well as consideration of the Central District’s High Priority Unfunded Needs list. Each county is asked to select its top three or four needs to be prioritized with the other projects in the Meramec Region. Road and bridge projects will be prioritized at the December Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting and multi-modal will be done most likely in February at the newly formed Multi-modal Transportation Advisory Committee (MMTAC) meeting. If you cannot attend the meeting, please reach out to the MRPC to add a need to the list. You can call them at 573-265-2993.

With winter weather just around the corner, the Missouri Department of Transportation will hold its annual winter operations drill today. Motorists may notice an increased number of MoDOT vehicles on state routes during the drill, which will begin at 8:00 this 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 State Maintenance Director Darin Hamelink said that roughly 16% of our plow operators have less than one year of experience, and 40% have less than three years of experience. This training drill is important to help us prepare before winter arrives. All snowplow operators will drive their routes to get familiar with the details of the road and turn-around points without any snow and ice to contend with. 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 activate, and all employees involved in winter operations will be deployed to their trucks. Emergency communications systems will also be tested. Hamelink went on to note that the drill ensures that proper equipment, plowing techniques and safety measures are used by every MoDOT employee. In addition, every piece of equipment—every truck, motor grader, snow blower and tractor—is inspected and calibrated to conserve materials and operate efficiently and safely. MoDOT spent more than $64 million on winter operations last year and used 160,000 tons of salt, 2.1 million gallons of salt brine and 229,000 gallons of beet juice. For the most up-to-date information on road conditions in any winter storm, motorists are urged to use MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at traveler.modot.org. This map is also available on the Apple Store and Google Play.

A Two-Day Slow Stitching Class will be this this and next Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 at the Creative Arts Center with M. Emilia Barbosa. The class is open to all, but those 10 to 18 years of age will need a parent or legal guardian. At the class, you will enjoy the benefits of Slow Stitching while making a small fabric pouch by hand. You will also learn how to make twisted cord from fabric straps. No prior knowledge needed even though knowing the basics of hand stitching such as threading a needle, making a knot, starting and finishing a hand sewn piece are helpful. At least six people need to register for the class to be held, and it will be limited to no more than 20. The cost is $30. To register, go online to the SACBA website, click on Programs category and then go to the Salem Creative Arts Council link. If you have a question about any class, please e-mail salemartscenter@salemcommunitybetterment.com.

The City of Salem’s Airport Board will hold a meeting this evening at 6:00 at the Old City Hall Auditorium at 202 North Washington. After the call to order and approval of the agenda the Board will approve the previous meeting minutes. The Board will consider recommending CIP and Fuel Price. The board will be updated on the gate opener and camera, plus discuss the Swartz Hangar, followed by public comments prior to adjournment. The meeting was called by Airport Board President Tyler Naramore.

Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) Executive Director Bonnie Prigge, Planning Manager Anne Freand and Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) Meramec Area Engineer Preston Kramer will meet with Dent County commissioners and citizens to discuss transportation needs on the state system tomorrow, at the Commissioners at 10:30. The public is encouraged to attend this meeting and share concerns or needs about road and bridge and multimodal – bike, pedestrian, airports, transit, rail and port – transportation needs. Prigge, executive director at MRPC said it’s important that we hear from Dent County leadership and residents about road, bridge and multi-modal needs in the county, so now is the time to make sure our county needs list is complete. She went on to note that if you cannot attend the meeting, please reach out to MRPC at any time to add a need to the list. MRPC and MoDOT are meeting with all eight counties in the region. Each county meeting will conclude with the identification of top road and bridge priorities and multimodal priorities. The information from these meetings is gathered and prioritized to help inform MoDOT for the next Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) as well as consideration of the Central District’s High Priority Unfunded Needs list. Each county is asked to select its top three or four needs to be prioritized with the other projects in the Meramec Region. Road and bridge projects will be prioritized at the December Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting and multimodal will be done most likely in February at the newly formed Multimodal Transportation Advisory Committee (MMTAC) meeting. To keep up with the latest MRPC news and events, visit the MRPC website at www.meramecregion.org or on Facebook at facebook.com/meramecregion/

The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) encourages those eligible for Medicare to review their plan options and costs during this year’s open enrollment period. Starting today and lasting through December 7th, Missourians can change their Part D drug coverage or Medicare Advantage plans. To help with that choice, the department offers free assistance to Medicare-eligible individuals and their caregivers through Missouri’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) which is funded through a grant from the Administration for Community Living. Funding is administered through DCI, and service is provided by Missouri Connections for Health, a nonprofit organization. Missouri SHIP also helps Missourians on a limited income determine whether they qualify for a low-income subsidy or Medicare Savings Programs to offset the cost of their prescription drugs. Missourians can seek unbiased assistance from Missouri SHIP at no cost throughout the year by phone or arrange one-on-one counseling by calling 1-800-390-3330 or visiting missouriship.org. Remember that fraudsters often use the Medicare open enrollment period to target seniors and other vulnerable individuals through deceptive sales tactics, such as commercials, online ads, or even personal phone calls. These scams occur year-round, but they are especially common when individuals are actively reviewing their coverage options. One of the best ways to protect yourself against health care fraud and abuse is by never sharing personal information with strangers, especially your Medicare or Social Security numbers. DCI is charged with protecting Missouri consumers through oversight of various professional licensees operating in the state. For more information visit their website at dci.mo.gov.

The Salem High School Track will be closed to the public today and tomorrow for maintenance. Thursday will be used as a makeup date if weather delays any tasks. Just a reminder that the Tiger Trail is open to the public at the Salem Upper Elementary School at 1601 Doss Road as well as the Frisco Trailhead on 3rd and Grand Street and the Lake Ziske Trailhead located at the Shawnee Mac Conservation Area.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be meeting tomorrow at 5:30 in the R-80 Board Room. After the Call to Order and the Pledge of Allegiance the Board will approve the agenda and the consent agenda. William Lynch Elementary students will receive recognition. In the Superintendent’s Report CSIP Goals will be addressed in all reports, updates will be shared on the FEMA building, and a ribbon cutting will be scheduled. Staff recognition will occur for Jenn Moss and Heather Maglothin for September and Danelle Roos and Jennifer Bass for October. The Board will be updated on the Track and consider Food Service Bids. The Upper Elementary Roof situation will be updated with a November 1st start date. The Board will be updated on the Superintendent Coaching Group and Baseball Dugouts. Mr. Copeland will report on MAP and EOC. Administration reports will be heard from William Lynch, Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School, Athletics and Activities, Special Education, Technology, and Maintenance. In new business, the Board is to approve a student out of state trip and hear the first read of MSBA Policy Updates. No Transfers, Hires or Resignations/Retirements are scheduled to be considered. The Board will enter closed session to discuss personnel and student issues, followed by adjournment after returning to open session. The regular meeting of the Salem R80 Board of Education is open to the public.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will meet tomorrow evening at 6:00 at the Fire Station at #2 South Main. After the Call to Order and Roll Call will be the approval of the Consent Agenda, which includes review of previous meeting minutes, the financial report and approval of bills, plus the budget review. The Monthly Reimbursement Report will precede Old Business, which will include the Fidelity (CTI) Tower Lease consideration and results of motion to change vent fan purchased to Honda Motor. In New Business the Board will be updated on Firefighters Association of Missouri (FFAM), Recruitment/Retainment Incentives, plus equipment and program quotes for Officers and Chief. Chief Dennis Floyd will present his report, followed by setting the date for the next meeting and closed session, if necessary, before adjournment.

You can create Hand Knitted Pumpkins Tuesday evening from 5:00 to 8:00 with Danielle Kissir at the Creative Arts Center. Come and learn how to knit adorable soft pumpkins for decorating your home or giving as gifts! Bring a friend and make it a party! This class is considered an intermediate class; some prior crochet or knitting experience is recommended and beneficial. The class is open to everyone 10 years of age and older and costs is $40 which includes all supplies. At least five people need to sign up to hold the class, and it will be limited to 12 people. To register, go online to the SACBA website, click on Programs category and then go to the Salem Creative Arts Council link. If you have a question about any class, please e-mail salemartscenter@salemcommunitybetterment.com.

Enjoy hunting deer or watching them? Want help managing private land for deer? Want to know more about the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) efforts to keep deer healthy? MDC invites deer hunters, landowners and managers, wildlife watchers, and others interested in Missouri’s white-tailed deer to a series of community open houses around the state. Attendees can talk with MDC staff about deer management and regulations, impacts of chronic wasting disease (CWD) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) on deer populations, managing private land for deer, and MDC’s Deer Management Assistance Program. In addition, MDC staff will share new information on CWD and how MDC is working with hunters, landowners, and other partners to minimize the threat of CWD and keep Missouri deer healthy.  MDC Director Jason Sumners said that for generations, Missourians have worked together to protect deer and deer hunting. He noted that fueled by a shared passion for white-tailed deer, hunters and other wildlife enthusiasts inside and  outside MDC have built a healthy, abundant herd. These open houses offer a chance to build on that foundation. MDC staff will share information on the previously mentioned topics and welcome questions and comments from attendees. MDC invites the public to stop by the community open houses anytime between 4:00 and 8:00. No registration is required. The open house nearest Dent County will be October 15th in West Plains at the Civic Center, 110 St Louis St. For other open house locations throughout Missouri go to mdc.mo.gov. In addition to welcoming public comments at the community open houses, MDC is also accepting public comments about deer management online through October 17th at short.mdc.mo.gov/4yd.

The Dent County Commission meeting was held Thursday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said two men were going to try to get patch work done on chip and seal roads 4110 and 6150, provided they can get the Durapatcher started. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 3255, 3265 and 6160, while brush would be cut on county road 2010 and 2020. Rock will be added to county road 3250 and some chip and seal patch repair continues. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he attended the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management Executive Board meeting Tuesday where they went over financial statements before reviewing Waste Reduction grant applications and scoring them. Larson said the grant applications totaled $253,652.45, but there was only $175,657.99 available from tipping fees which helps fund the grants from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Larson reported five of the applications were fully funded while three others were partially funded. One local application from the Lake Spring Satellite Recycling submitted by Richard Osa was not funded. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the courthouse would be closed on Monday, October 13th for Columbus Day. She also said her office balanced with the Dent County Collector and Dent County Assessor on all accounts for September. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams presented her report on the sales tax monies received this month from the Missouri Department of Revenue. The General Revenue and Law Enforcement Sales Tax Funds each received $103,846.55, which was up $9,582.59 from October of 2024. Year-to-date each fund is up $29,288.11 or about 3.1%. She said the Road and Bridge Fund received $51,923.20, and that’s up $7,909.96 from last October. Year-to-date, the Road and Bridge Fund is up $44,363.98 and that’s about 10.2%. Williams reported both Jail Funds received $104,285.81, which was an increase of $15,838.62 from October of 2024. Year-to-date each fund is up $88,824.24, an increase of over ten percent. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Health Center is excited to invite the community to the Fall 2025 Community Health Fair. This free event is dedicated to promoting health, wellness, and preventive care for all residents of Dent County. The Health Fair will be held on Friday, October 17th from 7:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon at the Dent County Health Center on Highway 32-72 East. Community members are encouraged to attend and take advantage of the many services and resources available, including free screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol; Flu vaccinations; health education booths covering nutrition, substance use prevention, maternal/child health, and chronic disease management; local healthcare providers and organizations sharing information about resources and services; and giveaways and educational materials to help families stay healthy year-round. The event is open to all ages, and no appointment is required. Residents are encouraged to bring their friends, family, and neighbors to take part in this community-wide celebration of health. For more information, please contact Dent County Health Center at (573) 729-3106 or visit www.dentcohealth.org.

The City of Salem Utility Committee held its regular meeting Wednesday evening at 6:15 in the Auditorium located at 202 N. Washington Street. The agenda was approved after removing discussion of the Electric Meter Fee from the proposed utility policy amendments. The committee approved updates to the City of Salem’s Identity Theft Prevention Program, specifically the Preventing and Mitigating Identity Theft section. They also approved a recommendation by committee member David Weiss to remove City Clerk Tammy Koller’s name from the Program Administration Oversight section. The city has issued a Request for Qualifications from firms capable of performing scheduled inspections, maintenance, and as-needed rehabilitation services on its three existing water towers, as well as the fourth tower currently under construction. Two companies, Maguire Water Tank Construction & Maintenance and Viking Water Tower Painting & Maintenance, were reviewed, with the committee voting to recommend Viking to the Board of Aldermen. Finance Director Stacy Houston presented the city’s financial report, noting that year-to-date the city has billed approximately 14.1 million kilowatt-hours in electric usage, generating $1.9 million in revenue, including $45,000 in service availability fees. Water billing totaled around 35 million gallons, producing roughly $316,000 in revenue, $53,000 of which came from base rates. Sewer usage totaled 31.4 million gallons, generating about $420,000 in revenue, with $77,000 from base rates. Committee member Harold Hamilton inquired why sewer billing was higher than water billing. City Administrator Sally Burbridge explained that Spring Creek is designated as an impaired waterway, meaning it already faces environmental challenges. Because Salem’s plant is the only permitted user on the creek, stricter discharge limits are enforced, leading to phased facility upgrades and incurred debt for phases 2B and potentially phase 3. Committee member Kyle Williams added that treating sewage requires more chemicals than treating water, contributing to the higher costs. Public Works Director Steve Paine recognized Josh Hunt, who received the 2024 Missouri Rural Water Operator of the Year award and the Water Drop Award. Paine noted that a formal press release will be issued to highlight Hunt’s achievement. He also reported that the city is still awaiting delivery of meter boxes from contractors to complete the downtown lights project and anticipates the fourth water tower will be completed by July 2026. Before adjournment, Alderman Nathan Kinsey announced that future Utility Committee agendas will include a public comments section. Residents who cannot attend meetings in person may email their questions directly to him for inclusion in the discussion.

The Dent County Museum is holding a “W. P Elmer Day” this Saturday at the museum location at 400 North Pershing Street from 1:00 until 4:00 in the afternoon as a celebration of Dent County History. Rick Mansfield will portray Elmer who owned the home where the museum is now located. Elmer was a local lawyer as well as prosecuting attorney for Dent County and also served as a state representative. There will be patriotic music from the Dent County Choir, and the museum will be open.

Looking for a new place to bow hunt this fall? The Missouri Outdoor Recreational Access Program (MRAP) offers several archery-only and all-access properties across the state that are open for public archery hunting! For more details, visit https://mdc.mo.gov/mrap.

Mentoring makes a difference where one hour per week can help change a child’s life. Numerous mentors are already providing this service to students at the Salem R-80 Middle School in the morning from 8:06 until 8:55 for 6th graders, at the Salem R-80 Upper Elementary school from 3:30 to 4:30 for 3rd through 5th graders, and the North Wood R-4 School for 3rd through 6th graders from 3:45 to 4:45, but more are needed. Mentors can be a friend to these children, helping them with homework or just playing a game with them offering encouragement and support. Mentored youth are less likely to misuse alcohol and drugs, respond more positively to teachers and parents, and have greater feelings of self-worth with improved confidence and social skills. Healthy Dent County is the coordinator of this program and if you have one hour per week to become a mentor and make a difference in a child’s life, contact Liberty Ross at 573-729-8163, text her at 573-247-4886 or e-mail her at liberty@salemcommunitycenter.org.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is seeking public input on deer management in Missouri and welcomes comments online through October 17th. MDC invites deer hunters, wildlife watchers, landowners and managers, and others to comment about Missouri’s deer population, deer management, chronic wasting disease (CWD) management, and deer seasons and regulations. Learn more and comment online through October 17th at short.mdc.mo.gov/4yd. MDC invites deer hunters, wildlife watchers, landowners and managers, and others to comment about deer management in Missouri online through October 17th at short.mdc.mo.gov/4yd. In addition to welcoming public comments online, MDC also invites the public to community open houses on deer management it is holding around the state. Stop by anytime from 4:00 in the afternoon until 8:00 in the evening. No registration is required. Attendees can talk with MDC staff about deer management and regulations, impacts of CWD and epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) on deer populations, managing private land for deer, and MDC’s Deer Management Assistance Program. The MDC deer management open houses nearest our area will be on October 15th in West Plains at the Civic Center, 110 St Louis Street. MDC invites deer hunters, wildlife watchers, landowners and managers, and others to comment about deer management in Missouri online through October 17th at short.mdc.mo.gov/4yd.

A “Hocus Pocus Front Porch Sign N’ Wine” class will be held Friday evening, October 10th, from 6:00 until 9:00 at the Creative Arts Center with Danielle Norris. Come and follow along step by step to make a “Hocus Pocus” sign just in time for spooky season! Or go amuck and create your own porch sign leaner or 15×15 square sign for fall or Halloween! Stencils will be available for letters and personalization! The cost is $30 for porch leaner, or $32 for the 15 x 15 square sign. At least six people need to sign up for the class which will be limited to no more than 20. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center. For more information, e-mail salemartscenter@salemcommunitybetterment.com

The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to remind the public that driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed on Monday, October 13, in observance of Columbus Day. Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

The Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) will be presenting eleven awards at its Annual Awards Dinner on October 23rd at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Each year, the MRPC honors residents and organizations of the Meramec Region who volunteer their time and talents and give support to their communities. Individuals being recognized by MRPC for Outstanding Contributions to a Community in the immediate Dent County area include Kelly Money of St. James, nominated by MRPC Board Member Taisia Gordon; and Dana Richter of Steelville, nominated by Crawford County Presiding Commissioner Steve Black. A locally elected official was also nominated and that is Dent County Clerk Angie Curley of Salem, nominated by Dent County Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson. Also being recognized as an Outstanding Local Agency Representative is Rolla City Administrator John Butz of Rolla, nominated by MRPC board members Kent Bagnall and Dawn Bell. The public is invited to attend the event in Salem. The 2025 Eugene E. Northern award, the highest honor given by MRPC for volunteers and community service, will also be announced at the Annual Dinner. The Eugene E. Northern award recipient remains a secret until announced at the Annual Dinner. Dent County is proud to have been home to the last two Eugene E. Northern award winners in Stan Podorski and Deloris Gray Wood. The deadline for reservations is tomorrow. Reservations are $40 per person and can be made by contacting Linda Carroll at 573-265-2993. 

Americans increasingly rely on smartphones, tablets, headphones, power tools, toys and other devices powered by lithium-ion batteries that if used incorrectly or damaged, can overheat, start a fire or explode. National Fire Prevention Week 2025 is going on now and it focuses on understanding the risks these devices may pose and how to buy, charge and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely to reduce risks. State Fire Marshal Tim Bean said many people don’t realize it, but virtually every electronic device that is rechargeable uses lithium-ion batteries and it’s essential to use, charge and recycle these batteries safely to prevent fires in the home. Following simple steps will reduce risks and protect your family. We increasingly buy devices and products online without knowledge of the manufacturer. Some products – online and in stores – may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, take time to research it. Look for a certification stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab, like UL, ETL or CSA, on the packaging and product, which means that it meets important safety standards. Be sure to always charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge it. Follow manufacturer instructions. If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Never charge devices near flammable materials. These could cause a fire. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you. For more information about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety, visit fpw.org.

The Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) is seeking public input from roadway users for the region-wide “Safe Streets and Roads for All” to help create a Regional Safety Action Plan. The public is encouraged to take a short survey on how individuals utilize transportation and safety concerns with the roadway systems in their county of residence. It is crucial for the public to take the surveys because it directly impacts the safety and effectiveness of transportation infrastructure in each of our communities. The Online surveys by county are for Dent County: mrpcsurveys.typeform.com/SS4ADent; for Phelps County: mrpcsurveys.typeform.com/SS4APhelps; and for Crawford County: mrpcsurveys.typeform.com/SS4ACrawford. In 2023, MRPC was awarded a Safe Streets and Roads for All grant from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). Established in 2022, the program funds planning and implementation activities to prevent deaths and serious injuries on roadways. The safety action plan is being developed for the Meramec Region, which includes Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties. The draft plan will be completed by the end of 2025, with the final plan to be submitted in March 2026. For more information, please contact Anne Freand at afreand@meramecregion.org or Senior Community Development Specialist Orin Pogue at opogue@meramecregion.org. You can also call the MRPC at (573) 265-2993.

A “Hocus Pocus Front Porch Sign N’ Wine” class will be held Friday evening, October 10th, from 6:00 until 9:00 at the Creative Arts Center with Danielle Norris. Come and follow along step by step to make a “Hocus Pocus” sign just in time for spooky season! Or go amuck and create your own porch sign leaner or 15×15 square sign for fall or Halloween! Stencils will be available for letters and personalization! The cost is $30 for porch leaner, or $32 for the 15 x 15 square sign. At least six people need to sign up for the class which will be limited to no more than 20. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center. For more information, e-mail salemartscenter@salemcommunitybetterment.com

An accident occurred Friday afternoon around 12:45 in Phelps County on Hwy J just north of Hwy P. According to the highway patrol report a 2005 Chevrolet 1500 driven by a 29-year-old male from Licking was travelling northbound and travelled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. The man suffered serious injuries and was transported by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in Springfield. The Chevrolet was totaled and removed from the scene by Ron Dishman Towing. The report goes on to state that the male was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident.

The 62nd Annual Rose Holland Trout Derby was held this past weekend at Montauk State Park with incredible weather! The Derby raised $16,300 exceeding the goal of $15,000 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. A total of 54 tagged fish were caught during the derby. The Men’s Heaviest Trout caught was by Caden Steinhorn of Hazelwood, Missouri, which also won him the Slippery Liz II Award for the heaviest fish, and it was six pounds and one ounce; and the Women’s Heaviest Trout was caught by Megan Fuhr of Augusta, Missouri and it was three pounds and ten ounces. No Brown Trout were caught during the tournament. Taking First Place in the Kids Heaviest Stringer was Bently Rawson of Bonneteville, Missouri whose stringer total was five pounds and thirteen ounces. The Second-Place winner in the Kids Heaviest Stringer was Bentley Foster of Imperial, Missouri with a total catch that weighed in at five pounds and six ounces. The 3rd place award went to Justin Fleener of Salem with a stringer that weighed in at four pounds and twelve ounces, while Emmett Stafford of Salem took 4th place with a stringer of four pounds seven ounces. The Slippery Liz I trophy, which is the first tag drawn at the derby, went to Sara Foster. Sixteen attendance prizes were also given away. New this year was the Corn Hole Tournament that was a big success with 20 teams participating. The Pony Rides for kids stayed busy for two hours, plus kids lined up to honk the horn on the Fire Truck and play on the Bounce House Slide. 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!

At the Dent County Commission meeting Monday morning, Deloris Gray Wood from the Dent County Historical Society reported on the 155th Birthday Celebration of the Dent County Courthouse and that the event went very well. She thanked Commissioner Gary Larson for being at the event and turning the lights on around the courthouse. She also wanted to thank all those who participated in making the event special with a special thank you to KSMO Radio/Your World Today and Townscreen for the banner, programs and news about the event, and to The Salem News for their feature article about the celebration. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said two men were going to Springfield to get oil for the Durapatcher. He said brush would be cut on county road 6520 and crews will be replacing pipes on Dent County Roads 2400 and 6500 as well as other roads if time permits. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said workers will be installing a new crossover pipe, adding rock and grading Dent County Road 3160 while only grading would be done on county roads 3300 and 4260. Williams indicated brush would be cut on county road 2030 and rock will be added to county road 3305. He went on to report a crew would be repairing a flat tire on tractor #6. Presiding Commissioner Larson said the Solid Waste Executive Board meeting was not held last Friday as there was typographical error in the notice, so it will be held today in St. James. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the courthouse would be closed on October 13th for Columbus Day. She also said she received the 2026 County Budget Packet to begin preparing the county budget for the next fiscal year. At the last meeting, Zach Moser from the Dent County Health Center gave his monthly update to the commissioners before they went into closed session to discuss personnel. After coming back into open session, the commission approved CERF contributions will remain the same for employees. They also voted unanimously that all elected officials and employees pay their own County Employment Retirement percentage. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.