Local News

Recent potential threat reports to multiple school districts across the country on social media, plus verbal threats made by students reminds citizens of the importance of reporting these and other threats. Assaults or threats of assault should be reported to the authorities and Missouri has a valuable tool for anonymous reporting of these concerns. The Courage2ReportMo program, also referred to as C2R, provides a “sooner is safer” tool to report real time concerns 24 hours a day. There are several ways to report including through Apple or Google Play Courage2Report mobile apps, online to Missouri State Highway Patrol, by calling 866-748-7047, or texting C2R to 738477. C2R Missouri calls and tips are answered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by trained communications professionals. For more information about C2R Missouri call the C2R Missouri Administrative Office at 866-362-6422.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk was not in attendance due to a previous commitment. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2490, 5090 and 5500; while brush would be cut on county roads 5170 and 6170. District 2 Road Supervisor Travis Turner filled in for Commissioner Polk and said rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 2330. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported there were seven requests made Monday night at the Tourism Tax Committee meeting. Four requests were approved, two were denied and one was tabled. Even though the requests were approved, they may not have been for the entire amount the organizations requested. Larson also wanted to remind those trying to get their reimbursement to only submit the paid invoices and checks for the amount that was approved by the Tourism Tax Committee, not what they originally requested if it wasn’t fully funded. Many organizations are submitting all of their checks and paid invoices instead of just those that had been approved which may cause them to lose some of their reimbursement if the committee cannot distinguish what they have submitted from the approved amount. Larson said he attended the Meramec Region Community Foundation Board meeting Tuesday in St. James, and they are still looking for a representative from Dent County. This is a volunteer position and would be perfect for someone who is a philanthropist. Contact Commissioner Larson if you would be interested by calling 573-729-3044. He also said the board talked about the Route 66 Centennial Celebration that will be held in 2026 and those interested can find out more information at celebratemo66.com. Larson went on to report that Wednesday he attended the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management Board meeting where they scored grant applications received for waste reduction or recycling this year. Grants will be awarded at a later date once the scores have been tabulated. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said “excused” absentee voting begins Tuesday at the courthouse, and the last day to register to vote is October 9th. Curley said she created a social media account on Facebook with the sample ballot and other information as well as office news. Curley also stated the testing of the voting equipment will be done at 9:00 on October 29th. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

Salem R-80 School District is introducing “Coffee Connections,” a new series of community engagement events. Superintendent Dr. Nate Wills announced the initiative as part of his ongoing efforts to enhance communication between the school district and community members. The first Coffee Connection is scheduled for September 25th from 8:00 to 9:00 AM at William Lynch Elementary. Dr. Wills will be present, with school board members occasionally joining. These events aim to share district updates and gather feedback from parents, community members, and friends of Salem R-80. Dr. Wills emphasizes the importance of open and transparent communication in fostering trust and connection among students, parents, teachers, and staff. He views these meetings as opportunities for collaborative problem-solving and developing innovative solutions for the district.Future Coffee Connections dates will be posted on the District’s Facebook page. For more information, contact the Salem R-80 School District office.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley released a report on the sentencing hearing of Michael Polette of Salem held August 28th in front of Judge Michael Randazzo in the 42nd Judicial Circuit Court. On February 6th, Polette pled guilty to seven counts of child pornography that included motion pictures and four other pictures. Polette had created the pictures through the use of an underage child. A sentencing assessment report was created and submitted by Probation and Parole. On August 28th, the sentencing hearing was conducted where Prosecutor Andrew Curley sought 18 years in the Department of Corrections. The counsel for Polette, Craig Devine, sought a lesser sentence and/or probation due to the defendant’s lack of criminal history and the time Polette spent in pre-trial detention as he remained incarcerated from the date of his arrest. At the sentencing hearing, the father of the child testified. At the conclusion of the hearing, Judge Randazzo sentenced Polette to serve 18 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections as recommended by the prosecutor. On Wednesday in front of Judge Michael Randazzo, Tyler Callahan of Salem pled guilty to the possession of a controlled substance, chronic driving under the influence and felony driving while having his license revoked. Randazzo sentenced Callahan to serve seven years in the Department of Corrections as recommended by Prosecutor Curley.

University of Missouri Extension offers an opportunity to learn about native warm-season grass seed production at a workshop at the MU Wurdack Extension and Education Center on October 25th. MU Extension agricultural business specialist Rachel Hopkins says forage producers can learn from field demonstrations on harvesting and seed cleaning at the one-day event. The workshop also will cover regulations, testing, harvesting methods and financial tracking. Hopkins says that over the past 50-60 years, agricultural operations have become focused on growing one or two commodities and are then exposed to market volatility. By having the option to sell native seed, farms can have better financial stability and flexibility. If for a couple years, seed income isn’t needed, the grass can be pastured instead. Growing native seed can also be a good option for landowners who need return off the land but are more wildlife focused. The workshop runs 9:00 in the morning until 3:30 in the afternoon at the MU Wurdack Extension and Education Center, 164 Bales Road, Cook Station. Register by October 21st at http://muext.us/NWSGS, or call 573-438-2671 for more information. Lunch is provided.

The Salem Middle School Football team will host a special “Cheer for a Cure” game on October 17th as part of a community-wide “pink out” event aimed at supporting breast cancer awareness. The school’s cheerleading squad will kick off fundraising efforts for the cause by selling 50/50 raffle tickets, with proceeds benefiting the Free Mammogram program at Salem Memorial Hospital (SMH). Raffle tickets will go on sale starting September 28th at the Middle School Girls’ basketball game concessions and will be sold throughout all home basketball games. Tickets will also be available at the home football game on September 24th, as well as during the first half of the 7th-grade football game on October 17th. Supporters can purchase tickets for $1 each or six for $5, with half of the proceeds going to the raffle winner and the other half supporting the mammogram program. Tickets will also be available for purchase from any Salem Middle School cheerleader or at the school office starting September 23rd. The raffle winner will be announced during halftime of the 8th-grade game on October 17th. For more information, community members are encouraged to reach out to the school. You can call the Salem Middle School at (573) 729-4261.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department released some reports for the period from September 6th through the 10th. On Friday, September 6th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on South Highway 19 and Dent County Road 5083. During the course of the stop, a 41-year-old Newburg man who was operating the vehicle was found to be in possession of a controlled substance, plus his driving privileges had been revoked. The man was arrested. On Monday, the 9th of September, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 3200 block of South Highway 19. During the course of this stop, a 38-year-old Salem man was found to be driving with a suspended driving privilege. He was arrested and taken to the Dent County Jail for processing. On Tuesday, September 10th, deputies responded to a report of property damage on Dent County Road 6250. The victim was a 72-year-old Salem man who said one of his cows had been shot and killed. The investigation is ongoing. That same day, Dent County Deputies conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Highway 32 and South Hickory Street. During the stop, deputies searched the vehicle with the driver’s consent, and contraband was located. The suspect, a 44-year-old Salem man, was arrested and taken to the Dent County Jail. Contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at (573) 729-3241 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

An accident occurred that involved a pedestrian in Phelps County Sunday afternoon at 12:47 on Highway 63 five miles south of Rolla. According to the Highway Patrol report a 2022 GMC Sierra was being driven northbound in the passing lane by 51-year-old Mark Borgmann of Pacific, Missouri. The GMC was overtaking another vehicle when 36-year-old Heather Polk of Rolla was attempting to cross the highway and was struck. Polk suffered serious injuries and was transported to University Hospital in Columbia by Phelps Health Air Ambulance. The report stated that Borgmann was wearing a safety restraint. The GMC sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene.

An accident occurred Monday morning at 9:30 in Dent County on Highway 19 three miles south of Salem. According to the Highway Patrol report a northbound 2008 Mazda 3, driven by 19-year-old Damyan Bagley of Salem, ran off the right side of the roadway striking an embankment and a guide wire. Bagley suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Salem Memorial Hospital by Salem EMS. The report stated that Bagley was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Mazda sustained moderate damage and remained roadside.

Team members from Missouri State Parks invite the public to visit mostateparks.com this month and view informational videos for many state parks and historic sites. After watching the videos, the public is encouraged to provide input and comments, as well as submit questions about the historic sites or parks and their operations. Park team members will respond to the comments, answer questions and provide information. The videos will be online and available for comment through the month of September for visitors to view at their leisure. Once the month ends, the comment function will be turned off, but the video will remain online for viewing. Input from the public is important to Missouri State Parks. For a list of scheduled informational meetings and a list of videos, visit mostateparks.com and search for informational meetings. 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 City of Salem has announced that they will be testing the storm sirens tomorrow at 10:00 in the morning. If there are storms in the area during the scheduled test time, the city will postpone the test until next Wednesday.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. 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 $103,147.49 which is $18,520.84 more than for September of 2023. Year-to-date, the General Revenue Fund and the LEST funds are up about $41,557 which is about a 5.2% increase. The Road and Bridge Fund received $48,498.22 this month, and that is up $10,632.31 more than September of 2023. Year-to-date, that fund is up $18,597.30 which is near 5%. The County Jail Operating and Trust funds each received $97,418.01 in September and that is up $21,264.53 from the September 2023 receipts. Year-to-date, those funds are up $38,385.44. Williams said the county has so far paid back  $199,960 of the $933,148.23 sales tax the state said the county should not have received. There is still $733,187.85 remaining to be paid back which the state deducts from the county monthly receipts by a total of just over $11,000. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley says many counties are not in this good of shape financially even with the reduction each month by the state. She said many counties have to borrow money to do any major construction or renovations where Dent County was able to do the 1.7-million-dollar courthouse renovation from their own reserves.

In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated brush would be cut on Dent County Roads 5160 and 5170 while crews will be removing two trees from county road 5080. Mobray said a man would be going to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal repair. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 3190, 3220, 4430 and 6140; while brush would be cut on county roads 4380, 4390 and 5225. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he attended the MRPC meeting Thursday night and will attend a grant proposal meeting Wednesday at the MRPC building. Dent County Clerk Curley said the last day to register to vote for the General Election would be October 9th, absentee voting with an excuse begins September 24th, while “no excuse” absentee voting will begin on October 22nd. At the last meeting, the commissioners discussed three bids for a truck for the coroner. The state bid was from Don Brown Chevrolet for $48,256, while other bids received included Ford Joe for $51,680 and Billman Dodge for $50,498. Coroner Ben Pursifull was present and recommended the Ford as it is a one-ton XLT truck with options and better re-sale value. The commission approved the purchase of the Ford for the Coroner’s Office. The commission also agreed to seek bids for a new courthouse roof and the replacement of damaged screens in the Judicial Building from the hail damage. Bids will be due on Thursday, October 3rd at the county clerk’s office and will be opened at 10:00 in the morning. If anyone has questions about placing a bid or specs, contact Commissioner Gary Larson at 729-3044 or 368-9099. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident occurred in Maries County Sunday on Highway 28 east of Highway C that took the life of a man from Arkansas. According to the Highway Patrol report an eastbound 2005 Subaru Outback, driven by 41-year-old Michael Edington of Rolla, crossed the center line and struck a westbound 2008 Dodge Ram 2500, driven by 21-year-old Elijah Woodward of Locust Grove, Arkansas, head-on. The Subaru went off the right side of the roadway, while the Dodge went off the left side of the roadway and overturned. Woodward was ejected from the Dodge. He was pronounced deceased at University Hospital in Columbia at 9:03 by Dr. Chris Nelson. The report stated that neither Woodward nor Edington were wearing safety restraints. The Dodge was totaled and removed from the scene by Owens Towing, while the Subaru sustained extensive damage and was removed by Fastlane Towing.

The Salem Police Department has released their report for the month of August. The department responded to nine accidents during the month. Officers responded to 13 alarms sounding and addressed 28 animal calls, investigated six assaults or fights, two burglaries, performed 25 well-being checks and 32 area checks in August. Police investigated 15 domestic disputes, eight verbal and three physical disturbances, conducted 56 follow-up investigations, and provided 21 escorts. They investigated two harassment reports, two nuisance violations, three parking complaint calls, one intoxicated pedestrian report, one shoplifting report and offered assistance to eight motorists. The Salem Police wrote four property damage reports, made 11 stealing reports, wrote four trespassing reports and responded to four traffic complaints during the month. Officers responded to four reports of suicidal persons, 20 suspicious circumstance calls, ten suspicious person calls, and ten suspicious vehicle calls. Officers attempted to serve six warrants and conducted 105 traffic stops during the month. The police  responded to a total of 552 incidents in August with the average response time to calls being two minutes and nine seconds. The average time spent on the scene was 16 minutes and 47 seconds.

Make plans for the 12th Annual Smokin’ Hot Veterans Rib Cook-Off this Saturday, at the American Legion Post 99 on Highway 32, west of Salem. Judging will start at 3:00 and ribs and dinners will be available for purchase at 5:30. In memory of Clint Medlock, prepaid Yellow T-Shirts are available for purchase by calling 573-247-0154 or see the sign-up sheet at the Post. The Cook-Off competition will be for wet or dry rubs and contestants may enter one or both

categories. The Entry Fee is $35.00, and contestants are to provide their own ribs. The 1st Place Trophy, Apron and $200 go to the winner, while 2nd Place will receive an Apron and $150, and 3rd Place will win $100. To sign-up to cook ribs, get information, and a list of rules contact Raul Segovia at 573-247-5074 or Barb Medlock at 573-247-0154. Music will be provided by Moonshine Express from 4:00 until 7:00.

The Dent County Historical Society will sponsor a round table discussion about the Ashley area at 2:00 in the afternoon this Sunday. The event will be held at the James & Gahr Family Center in Downtown Salem. Speakers: Alex Primm, Justin Mutrux, and Deloris Gray Wood will share insights about the region, which spans parts of Dent and Texas Counties. Topics will include the historical Saltpeter Cave, its role in early commerce, and local family histories. The discussion will cover William Henry Ashley, Missouri’s first Lieutenant Governor, who had Saltpeter hauled from the cave to Potosi for gunpowder production during the War of 1812. Henry Rowe Schoolcraft’s 1818 documentation of the area’s flora and fauna will also be discussed. Primm, an oral historian and author, will bring a large painted mural map of the Ozarks for display. His recent book, “Ozark Voices: Oral History from the Heartland,” is currently being adapted into an audiobook by the Library of Congress. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Dent County Historical Society at 573-729-2545.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the courthouse. In the road report, District One Commissioner Wes Mobray said a culvert was being installed on Dent County Road 5690 as well as rock being added and grading done on that road. He said brush would be cut on county roads 5150 and 5170. District Two Commissioner Gary Polk reported that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2210 and 5280, while rock will be added and grading done on county road 5300. Polk said brush would be cut on county road 4380. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he was signing the Department of Agriculture Grant for the remonumentation of corners that allows for eight corners to be remonumented by the surveyor, and the county will receive $350 for each corner with a maximum amount returned to the county of $2,800. Larson also said tickets for the MRPC Annual Dinner, that will be held in Linn, Missouri on October 24th are now available for $40 each. Contact the MRPC at 573-265-2993 for more information. Commissioner Larson reported the commission would be discussing getting Coroner Ben Pursiful a different truck for the coroner’s office. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the last day to register to vote for the General Election will be on October 9th, absentee voting with an excuse begins September 24th, while “no excuse” absentee voting will begin on October 22nd. The last day to mail a ballot will be October 23rd and if anyone needs to update their voter registration, such as an address change or name change, the sooner that can be done the better, at the County Clerk’s office. Curley also said she balanced with the collector and assessor for the month of August on all abatements, add-ons, and collections. Shawn McGonigle from the MAC Trust stopped by to let the commission know the county will see a reduction between 25 and 30% in their workman compensation premiums for the next year. He said there is still one open claim, and that is about to be wrapped up. He also said MAC will be deciding during a Zoom call meeting to build an office and training center in Jefferson City for meetings and more. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning in the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Utility Committee held their regular meeting last night at 6:15 in the Auditorium. The board approved the agenda and the minutes from the last meeting. The Financial Report, was given by Stacy Houston. As of August 31st, the ending fund balance in all three electric funds is $2.9 million; the ending balance on all three water funds is $1.6 million; and the ending balance on all sewer funds is $872,000. During the building updates, City Administrator Sally Burbridge stated she reached out to BHNG, The company doing the unit rate study and audit on the utilities billing system, and they are expecting a presentation anytime between November and December. Utility director Steve Payne gave an update on water and sewer. During the discussion about water meter fees, Board Member John Hambacker asked for clarification about the consumption total with the new service availability fees. Burbridge and Board member Kyle Williams explained how those numbers are calculated. John talked about the fees he proposed at the last meeting that would be applied only to motels and hotels in the city only, not other businesses. Sally explained that they have to be careful about implementing changes that single out specific individuals and businesses. Kyle stated that overall meter rate based on size would be appropriate, but not to include any additional verbiage that singles out hotels and motels specifically. John then made a motion that the base rates be changed to service availability fees for sewer only where meters less than 3 inches is $12, 3 inches is $60, 4 inches is $120, 5 inches is $150, and 6 inches is $190 per month. The fee for meters outside the city would remain the same. The motion carried. During the Sewer Adjustment Policy portion, a motion was made to amend the policy to state the utilities department will adjust the most recent three months. Motion passed. During the question portion of the meeting, There was a question about postage. Sally stated they are in the process of trying to get a quote for outsourcing the printing and mailing of the bills, though there is no timeline on when that will be. The next utility meeting will be Wednesday October 9th. 

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday evening at the fire station at #2 South Main Street. The minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed and approved. The financial report was reviewed with an ending balance of $162,732.83. All bills, payments, and statements were reviewed and signed. The budget was reviewed and approved as presented. The monthly reimbursement report showed a total of 12 calls for the month of August bringing the total calls year to date to 185. Some of those calls included one building fire, carbon monoxide incident, and a medical assist. In old business grants for the AFG radios open next week. They are also looking at Harris radios. Chief Floyd will put information together to compare the two. In new business the draft audit results were discussed as sent by KD Audit, Kristen Deluca. It was noted that internal control of financial statements was weak due to the limited number of people working in the office. The recommendation was for the board to thoroughly review the monthly financial statements and supporting documentation as a mitigating control. The board discussed having a predetermined amount of time at each board meeting to review and discuss the finances. Also, each quarter the board will spend more time looking at finances. They will look for further ways to make the finances better. In the Chiefs report to the board, he asked that Greg Thies be paid for the smoke machine Thies purchased for the department. Also, a Basic Firefighters class is being held and graduation will be in about three weeks. Chief Floyd stated that the bays are striped for the trucks and the department is in need of a nozzle for 8020 at approximately $300.00 to $900.00. The date for the October board meeting was set for 6:00, Tuesday evening, October 8th at the Dent County Fire Station. 

Healthy Dent County will be hosting an informational meeting to help women learn how to navigate their way to hormonal happiness and maintain a healthy and happy life through menopause on Tuesday, September 17th at the

Salem Community Center at the Armory. April Greener, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, with the Dent County Health Department will be the guest speaker. The cost to attend this meeting is free and this event is open to the public. The meeting will begin in the evening at 5:30 and last until 6:30 in the Rotary Conference Room. For more information, call the Healthy Dent County Fitness Center at 573-739-1127 or email susie@salemcommunitycenter.org. 

Missouri hunters should note several changes for the upcoming deer and turkey hunting seasons, as announced by the Missouri Department of Conservation. These changes affect hunting dates, permits, and regulations aimed at managing wildlife populations and controlling Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Archery deer and turkey seasons open September 15 and run through November 15, reopening November 27 until January 15, 2025. For deer, the firearms season kicks off with the Early Antlerless Portion on October 11-13, followed by various portions throughout November and December. Turkey hunters will need to purchase a new fall turkey-hunting permit, as it’s no longer included with the archery deer-hunting permit. The harvest limit for turkeys has been reduced to two birds for both archery and firearms portions combined. Several counties, including Dent, Phelps, and Shannon, have been added to the CWD Management Zone. This expansion removes the antler-point restriction in these areas to help control CWD spread. During the November portion opening weekend (November 16-17), hunters in CWD Management Zone counties must take harvested deer to mandatory sampling stations. Other notable changes include increased antlerless permit limits in some counties and the allowance of drones for tracking wounded deer and turkeys. Hunters are strongly encouraged to review the full regulations at mdc.mo.gov/CWD before the season begins.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly half of all car seats are used incorrectly. To address this, They are hosting several free car seat check events to be held during Child Passenger Safety Week, September 15-21. Certified technicians will inspect car seats, review expiration dates, and provide installation guidance at several locations, including Licking and West Plains. Other participating cities are Cape Girardeau, Marble Hill, Mountain Grove, Perryville, Poplar Bluff, Sikeston, and Van Buren. Each 30-minute check could make a crucial difference in your child’s safety. Key safety tips include use of age and size appropriate car seats and boosters. Children under 13 are safest riding in the back seat. Remember to never leave a child alone in a vehicle, as temperatures can quickly rise to a very dangerous level. Always set a good example and wear your seatbelt. For more information visit www.savemolives.com or contact Emily Church at (573)339-6365.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting last night in the old auditorium at 6:00. The agenda was approved with the addition of a review for an emergency purchase of a new UV Control Panel. The board then approved the consent agenda. During public comments, John Heimbecker approached and spoke about the Frisco Trail Sign located on West 3rd Street and Grant Intersection. He extended his gratitude toward Chief Joe Chase, and Utility Director Steve Payne for their assistance on the project. The board then presented University of Missouri Extension office representative, Brandi Richardson with a proclamation recognizing their involvement in promoting Missouri Good Neighbor Week. Ms. Richardson then spoke briefly about the extension office and thanked everyone involved in cultivating a successful 4-H program in the area. The Board then approved adding Kyle Williams as a member to the Salem Public Library Board of Trustees. City Administrator, Sally Burbridge read a bid for Pool Media Approval. The bid came in from WestPort Pools and includes removing and disposing of the old pool media, sand, and replacing it with a glass media. Using glass in the pool filtration system will catch much smaller particles than sand, allowing for cleaner water. Glass media also has an estimated life expectancy of up to 10 years as opposed to the 5-7 years life expectancy for sand. The cost of the project is $25,500. Alderwoman Sisco asked if the bid included any kind of warranty. Burbridge was unable to answer that question. The bid approval was tabled, until further information can be obtained, in a 3-1 vote with Alderman Whelan dissenting. The Board then approved resolution No. 22-2024; a resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement between the City of Salem and the Meramec Regional Planning Commission for membership services. This will be paid out of Non-Departmental Memberships. Line item 100-512-50315. With a budget of $5,500. Before the City Officials Reports, the Board approved the emergency purchase of a new UV Control Panel for the Wastewater System. The old system has stopped working, and there is no time to open up for bids. The new system is estimated to cost around $7,500. During the Reports of City Officials, Mayor Parker stated the Fall City-wide Yard Sale date will be held on October 5th with the city wide cleanup on October 21 through 25. He also wanted to remind citizens that if they are experiencing issues with their water or sewer they need to contact the city before they contact the DNR. Steve Payne gave the utility report in his report he mentioned signing an easement for the construction of a new water tower and pump over by the hospital. On this, Sally Burbridge stated, they are set to start accepting bids as early as next week. Steve said they also opened bids for the Fire Hydrant Maintenance Project. This project will repaint and add reflectors to hydrants throughout town, making them much easier to locate by the fire department, at night. He stated that there is no estimated time of completion for this project, as finding contractors has been difficult. He gave an update on the new backhoe that was recently purchased and delivered by the city. He said it is a great machine and is working wonderfully. Alderman Bolerjack, in his report, stated that the Missouri Good Neighbor Week will take place September 28 through October 4th. For more information, please visit the missourigoodneighborweek.com Alderwoman Sisco stated the Fireworks Committee met last week to discuss upcoming fundraising events for next year’s Fourth of July Fireworks display. She explained that the Fireworks Committee is not operated by the city in any way. For more information and updated event times, please visit the Salem Missouri Fireworks Facebook Page. The meeting then adjourned. 

The City of Salem Utility Committee meeting will be held 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. The committee will also discuss water meter fees, discuss a sewer policy adjustment, and hear public comments before adjourning. The meeting, called by Alderwoman Catherine Dent, is open to the public. Those unable to attend the meeting in person, may watch the live broadcast on the City of Salem Missouri Youtube channel.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 5100 and 5400 while only grading would be done on county road 6350. Mobray said a man would be going to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal repair. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 5300 where work crews will also be cutting out some curves to straighten the road. He said brush would be cut on county roads 2390 and 4380. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson had nothing to report and Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported on the MAC Conference she attended last week. She said she has been appointed to the mentoring committee, the legislative committee and scholarship committee. She said they heard reports on A.I., cyber security, the opioid health settlement, mental health, and their group took a tour of the St. Louis County Election Warehouse near Westport Plaza. She said it was very impressive with all the information they have and the layers of data they have on every voting district. She said she will have a zoom meeting with the MAC Board this Thursday. The commissioners accepted bids for propane for the courthouse for the winter at 10:00 and received three bids: Chilton Oil in Salem, Ferrellgas in Salem and MFA Oil from Rolla. The Commission elected to go with the the bid from Ferrellgas for $1.659 per gallon. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk brought in the August turnover and said her office collected $87,583.39 during the month which has been distributed to the tax entities. She also said her office issued the Collector’s Deeds to the properties sold in 2023 on the courthouse steps for unpaid taxes. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will hold their regular meeting this evening at 6:00 in the Old City Hall Auditorium. After the call to order and roll call, the Board will approve the agenda and the consent agenda, followed by public comments. The University of Missouri Extension will make a presentation followed by a Library Board appointment. Bids for Pool Media will be considered for approval. In new and miscellaneous business the Board will hear Resolution No. 22-2024, a resolution authorizing the mayor to executed an agreement between the City of Salem and the Meramec Regional Planning Commission for membership services. City officials will then report followed by adjournment. The City of Salem Board of Aldermen meeting tonight, is open to the public, and will also be live streamed through the City of Salem Missouri Youtube Channel.

In a letter from the Salem R-80 District Superintendent, Nate Wills talks about the importance of open and transparent communication between students, parents, teachers and staff. In his letter he explains that clear communication for students is crucial to their success and well being as they have access to the resources they need to thrive. Parents and guardians also benefit from clear communication about their child’s progress and school activities, allowing them to be more engaged and supportive partners in their child’s education. By sharing ideas and concerns openly the school can address challenges more efficiently and develop innovative solutions. Superintendent Wills would also like to invite families to Coffee Connections, an event that will take place several times throughout the school year, where the school district will share what is happening at the schools and get feedback from community members, parents, and friends of Salem R-80. Wills will be present at the Coffee Connections meetings. The first meeting will be held on the morning of Wednesday September 25th from 8-9 at William Lynch Elementary. Future dates will be posted to the Salem R-80 District Facebook Page. To read this letter in its entirety, please go to the KSMO Radio/Your World Today Facebook page.

In November 2023, the Missouri Department of Conservation received a report of a mature bull elk found shot dead and left to rot near Klepzig Mill in Shannon County. Shannon County agents led the nine month investigation. The investigation ended recently with 15 charges of multiple violations of the Wildlife Code of Missouri being filed in court against three Missouri men from the Bonne Terre area. Poaching is the taking of wildlife outside of season, without the proper permit, or in other violation of the Wildlife Code of Missouri, and hurts Missouri wildlife and those who appreciate it as hunters, anglers, and nature watchers. The Operation Game Thief (OGT) hotline allows Missourians to protect nature by reporting poaching. Please report possible violations of the Wildlife Code to your local conservation agent or call OGT at 800-392-1111. Callers may remain anonymous and may be considered for a reward. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/about-us/about-regulations/operation-game-thief.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will be meeting tomorrow evening at 6:00 at the fire station at #2 South Main Street. After the roll call and approval of the consent agenda which includes the budget review and financial reports, the monthly reimbursement report will be heard. In old business, the board will discuss the AFG grant for radios before the board reviews the audit results in new business. Chief Floyd will then give his report to the board. The date will be set for the October meeting before the board adjourns. The meeting Tuesday evening will be open to the public.

An accident occurred Sunday morning in Phelps County at 9:20 on Phelps County Road 7210 and County Road 7240 about nine miles south of Rolla that left a 13 year old juvenile in serious condition. According to the highway patrol report, the juvenile, was driving southbound in a 1995 Honda Fourtrax 300 failed to yield at the intersection and was struck by Emily Arthur, of Newburg, driving westbound in a 2016 Jeep Wrangler. The minor was flown by Phelps Air to St. Louis Children’s Hospital. The juvenile was wearing a safety device at the time of the accident. The Fourtrax sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by the owner. The Jeep sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene by Arthur.

The Missouri Department of Transportation has announced several road maintenance projects for this week, affecting nearby areas. In Dent County: Missouri Route 32 will have pothole patching from the Texas County line to Route F. Route CC will undergo pavement repair from Route C in Texas County to Route H. Route H will see pothole patching from Route 63 in Phelps County to Missouri Route 72. Route K will have roadside work from Route KK in Shannon County to Route E. In Phelps County: Route BB will have a seal coat operation from St. James to Rolla, today through Wednesday. Route F will undergo a seal coat operation from Route 68 to Route 72, beginning on Wednesday to conclude on Saturday. Routes 8 and DD in St. James will have ongoing pedestrian facility upgrades until October 2024. In nearby Reynolds County, Route KK will be closed for paving on Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. between County Roads 900 and 906. The bridge will remain reduced to one lane until September 30. All projects will maintain one open lane with flaggers directing traffic through work zones. Motorists should expect delays and are advised to use caution when traveling through these areas. Weather may affect scheduled work. Drivers are encouraged to plan accordingly and stay alert for slow-moving equipment in these areas.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds hunters of regulation changes for the upcoming turkey hunting season. The changes include a new fall turkey permit, allowing drones for tracking wounded turkeys, and more. The fall turkey season is now divided into archery and firearms portions, and the harvest limit for both portions combined has been reduced from four to two birds of either sex. Archery turkey hunting in Missouri opens Sunday the 15th and runs through November 15th. It reopens November 27th and runs through January 15th, 2025. Fall firearms turkey hunting runs October 1st through the 31st in open counties. MDC has created a new fall turkey-hunting permit, so turkey permits are no longer included with an archery deer-hunting permit. Both fall firearms turkey hunters and fall archery turkey hunters must purchase this new permit to be able to harvest turkeys during fall seasons.

A new National Park Service report reveals that Ozark National Scenic Riverways had a significant economic impact on local communities in 2023. The park attracted 1.3 million visitors who spent $66.8 million in nearby areas, supporting 908 jobs and generating $76.8 million in economic benefits. Superintendent Jason Lott highlighted the park’s role in supporting the local economy, noting that visitors come to enjoy the Current and Jacks Fork rivers while contributing to area businesses. The report, titled “2023 National Park Visitor Spending Effects,” shows that nationwide, 325.5 million visitors to national parks spent $26.4 billion in surrounding communities. This spending supported 415,400 jobs and provided $55.6 billion in economic output across the country. Lodging and restaurants were the top beneficiaries of visitor spending, with $9.9 billion and $5.2 billion in economic output respectively. For more information about national parks in Missouri and their impact, visit  ww.nps.gov/missouri.