Local News

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting at the Old City Hall Auditorium Tuesday night. Before the start of the regular meeting, Mayor Parker opened a public hearing to discuss the proposed increase in sewer rates for the city of Salem. He stated the main reason for the increase was the rising costs associated with operations and maintenance of our sewer system. Additionally, the development of an updated Capacity Management Operations and Maintenance (CMOM) plan is a significant factor. The plan outlines essential improvements and best practices for the maintenance and monitoring of the sewer collection system. As well, the plan calls for increasing the number of staff in the sewer department. The proposed increases are as follows: the base rate will increase from $6.00 to $12.00; the volume rate per thousand gallons will increase from $8.48 to $9.85; and for customers outside of city limits (both residential and commercial), the base rates will increase from $12.00 to $24.00, and the volume rate per thousand gallons will increase from $10.64 to $12.35. For the properties without a water meter, the monthly sewer rates will increase from $79.19 to $91.94, and each additional unit will increase from $52.84 to $61.35. Mayor Parker then opened the hearing to hear any public comments for the sewer rate increases. A citizen approached the podium and asked if the board would be answering questions on this topic, to which the board clarified that this was just a hearing to hear concerns and no questions would be answered at this time. With no other citizen comments, the public hearing was concluded, and the regular meeting was called to order. During public comments, a citizen stated having witnessed a city employee smoking a cigarette on a city property just that morning. The citizen cited Salem’s smoke free ordinance section 240.040 that prohibits smoking on all outdoor property owned, leased, or operated by the City of Salem. He went on to cite section 240.070 that states enforcement by the city administrator, code enforcement officer, or police department. He was concerned that if the city is enforcing this ordinance at the city park during baseball games and other activities held at the park, it should be enforced at all city properties. The board then moved on to bids for the Salem TAP 9901 Downtown Project which includes downtown sidewalk improvements. TAP funding was approved by the city on June 1st, 2021, in the amount of $346,780.37. On March 26th, 2024, the board approved additional funding from MoDOT in the amount of $129,837.63, for a total grant amount of $476,618.00. Sally Burbridge explained during this recent round of bids, the lowest bidder, UDT Construction for $508,944.00, was disqualified for not meeting all of the bid requirements. After conferring with MoDOT, it was recommended that the city move forward with the second lowest bid by Maggi Construction at $582,944.00. The Board then voted 3-0 to approve the bid from Maggi Construction. In New and Miscellaneous Business, Resolution #16-2024 which authorizes the mayor to execute an agreement between City of Salem and Meramec Regional Planning Commission for floodplain technical assistance at a cost of $4,000.00 (which is the same as last year’s contract), was passed in a 3-0 vote. Resolutions #17-2024 and #18-2024 were approved for construction and utility easements for a new water line feeding from the new city water well and tower northwest of town, as well as a utility easement after construction between the city and Mr. & Mrs. Moser and Kenneth Tyler Sherrell. The Board heard the first readings of Bill #3617, an ordinance establishing rates for electric services provided by the City of Salem; Bill #3618, an ordinance establishing new rates for sewer services provided by the City of Salem; Bill #3620, an ordinance amending the annual budget for the City of Salem beginning July 1st, 2023; and Bill #3622, an ordinance of the City of Salem and the MO Highway and Transportation commission for the city to provide funds to aid in the shoulder resurfacing at Route J and MacArthur street locations. The board read the first and second reading of Bill #3619 authorizing the mayor to sign an MPUA Mutual Aide Agreement, and Bill #3622, an ordinance authorizing the mayor to execute a contract with Donald Maggi Inc. for downtown sidewalk improvements for the TAP 9901 Downtown Project. During the reports of city officials, Sally Burbridge acknowledged that 6% of the 4,870 new meters are not reading accurately. The city is aware and has a man working to read these manually. Utility Director Steve Paine reported the city’s wastewater treatment plant is continuing to conduct smoke tests to look for problem areas within the main line. Testing is expected to be completed this week. The trunk line extends from Schwarz Auto to the Sewer plant. The results of the smoke tests will be compiled and presented at a later date. There will be interviews to fill two open positions at the sewer plant. The pump and wiring that was damaged by lightning will be repaired near the hospital. Stacy Houston gave an update on the end of fiscal year report. The city is below budget due to several ongoing projects that have yet to be completed or reimbursed. The board then went into closed session.

Judging kicked off a few minutes after 7:00 Friday morning at the 2024 4-H and FFA Expo where nearly 50 head of market hogs and 13 breeding hogs competed. The seven market hog class winners were Oliver Hutchings, Toby Hayes, Blake Manthey, Delilah Shelton, Wyatt Martin, Lola Clancy, and Justin Fleener. Judge Ethan Blake from Mountain Grove selected Blake Manthey’s 288-pound barrow as Grand Champion Market Hog and Wyatt Martin’s 330-pound hog as Reserve Champion. In the swine breeding stock competition class winners were Westyn Ragsdale, Daxton Hutchings, Oliver Hutchings, Delilah Shelton, James Garcia, Brentlee Easter, and Hayden Ragsdale. Daxton Hutchings’ gilt was selected as Grand Champion and Oliver Hutching’s gilt took Reserve Champion. As usual there was a lot of competition for the Showmanship Awards. Daxton Hutchings won the 8–12-year-old Junior Division, Bryce Martin won the Intermediate age group for 13–15-year-olds, and Wyatt Martin took the Seniors’ division for ages 16-19 years old. Those younger than 8 can show in a non-competitive Pee-Wee Clinic. Exhibitors in this division were Lynlee Easter, Cora Shelton, and Hadlee Tilley. The Sheep and Goat show followed the swine show with 19 head of sheep and 24 goats competing. Market Lamb class winners Tierra Warden, Audrey Barnett, Reagann Chambers, Henley Headrick, Preslie Strader, and Edlyn Cunningham. Strader’s 128-pound lamb was selected as Grand Champion and Joleigh Nash’s 115-pound lamb was Reserve Champion. In the breeding sheep division Preslie Strader’s ewe was chosen as the Grand Champion and Joleigh Nash’s was Reserve Champion. Showmanship winners were Joleigh Nash in the Junior Division, Stetson Mobray in the Intermediate and Preslie Strader won the Senior Division. There was only one Pee-Wee Sheep exhibitor and that was Trevor Brand. In the market goat show class winners were Harley Camden, Kynlee Garrison, Clara Ball, and Payton Parks. Garrison’s goat was selected as Grand Champion and Clara Ball exhibited the Reserve Champion Market Goat. In the breeding goat division class winners were Sawyer Camden and Kynlee Garrison. Garrison’s 7–12-month-old doeling was selected as Grand Champion and Porter Seay’s 7–12-month-old doeling was named Reserve Champion. Goat Showmanship Awards went to Junior Kynlee Garrison, Intermediate Clara Ball and Senior Porter Seay. Participating in the Pee-Wee Goat Clinic were Wyatt Shaw and Haddie Simpson.

To celebrate 35 years of river conservation, Stream Teams United and the Missouri Stream Team Program are hosting the 2024 Watershed Celebration at Meramec State Park on Saturday, July 27th. Missouri Stream Teams from around the state are invited to attend the festival, which also celebrates the 25th anniversary of Stream Teams United, a non-profit partner of the program. The Missouri Stream Team Program is a volunteer-led effort to conserve Missouri streams. Sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, and the Conservation Federation of Missouri, the program focuses on education, stewardship, and advocacy for Missouri stream resources. In 1988, a small group of anglers became fed up with unsightly trash disrupting their fishing in Roubidoux Creek in Pulaski County. These conservation-minded Missourians decided to clean this section of stream, thus forming the first Missouri Stream Team in 1989. The Roubidoux Fly Fishers Association, Stream Team #1, is still going strong 35 years later. The program has since grown to more than 6,000 Stream Teams around the state with more than 135,000 volunteers. MDC Engagement Specialist Cara Coates Coates says the ongoing work of more than 6,000 Stream Teams and their volunteers have made significant positive impacts on the health of Missouri’s streams over the last 35 years. That work includes volunteers giving more than 3.5 million hours of time, removing more than 14,127 tons of trash from Missouri waterways, planting 405,794 trees along streams, conducting 35,049 water quality monitoring trips, and stenciling 21,741 storm drains. As part of the Missouri Stream Team Program celebrations they invite all Teams to attend the 28th Annual Watershed Celebration at Meramec State Park on Saturday, July 27. The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and includes lunch provided by the Missouri Stream Team Program, kids games and crafts, tubing on the Meramec River with complimentary shuttle and other activities including free camping offered to Stream Teams Friday and Saturday evenings on a first-come, first-serve at Group Site A at Meramec State Park. Registration is required to estimate attendance. To learn more about Missouri Stream Teams and how you can participate, visit mostreamteam.org.

Tomorrow afternoon from 2:00 until 3:30 at the Bonebrake Center, children and their parents can attend the next Mudbugs program, Critter Condos. The children will look at some different animal homes, an maybe try their hand at making some insect-friendly houses. Plus the long-awaited annual Mudbugs FAIRY HOUSE building will be held by special request! The suggested donation is $2.00 per child and additional donations are always welcome. All funds raised go to the Bonebrake Center. The Mudbug Programs are geared for children from ages 6-12, but all ages are welcome! For more information, contact Managing Agent Janet Price at moonshadowmomentsllc@gmail.com.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the courthouse without First District Commissioner Wes Mobray who had a prior commitment. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams presented the CART tax receipts for July and reported the county received $83,066.63 which is up $3,926.70 from the 2023 July amount,  and is up $22,316.44 year-to-date. Rick Emory was at the meeting from Dent County Road 5130 and wanted to make sure the new “no truck” signs are not going to affect local log trucks or other local truck traffic from using the county roads. The commission said the local truck traffic on the roads will be permitted. He also said he had a culvert problem he talked with Commissioner Mobray about where after rains, ponding occurs. He was checking on the progress and Road Supervisor Jason Akins, who was in attendance for Mobray, said they have not gotten to that yet. In the road report, Akins said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 4160, 5600 and 6460; while brush would be cut on county roads 5020, 5030 and 5105. Akins did say new cutting edges were being installed on Grader #39. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said grading was being done on Dent County Road 2050 while rock was being added on county roads 2070 and 2120. Polk also stated workers would be checking out county roads 3180 where a truck supposedly got stuck to check for damage. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said the commission is still working on Senate Bill 190 as it was modified by Senate Bill 756 and will not go into effect until August 28th. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said today is the first day of “no excuse” absentee voting and this will continue until August 5th. She said Wednesday is the last day to mail out an absentee ballot, and sample ballots are available for free in her office. Curley said that her office and the treasurer balanced on all accounts for the month of June. The road and bridge department took phone fuel bids with Phil-Mart the lowest bidder at $2.85 a gallon. Albert Schneider attended the meeting and asked for the weeds to cut on Dent County Road 4020 where they are extremely high and drivers cannot see oncoming traffic around a curve. Commissioner Polk said he would get that on the list of work to be done. Sheriff Bob Wells and Dent County Emergency Management Director Derrick Marfitt attended the meeting to discuss the FEMA requirements for the county. Marfitt said both the county and city need to have an Emergency Management Director and he doesn’t believe the city has had one since Allen Kimrey. Marfitt is currently going through the old emergency management plan which was from 2012 and needed to know how the county was going to coordinate the needed changes with the city. Commissioner Larson said he would talk with City Administrator Sally Burbridge and/or Mayor Greg Parker to see how they want to handle this situation. The commission then heard from Susan Cunningham from SDR, Inc. about the 911 mapping and improved services and the new requirements from the state. Field work is currently going on and is expected to be completed by the end of July. The new requirements from the state. Field work is currently going on and is expected to be completed by the end of July. The new requirements will be used for addressing as well as 9-1-1 calls and extensive training by the assessor will be needed. Cunningham stated though it is unknown how the state will provide the training, she asked the commission to contact Scott Cason, NG911 coordinator, to set up a meeting with the state GIS, and if Dent County would need monthly or quarterly reports. Cunningham also said the state has not yet figured out where they will get the financial support for this project. Dent County Assessor Jamie Homeyer turned over the real estate and personal property totals for 2024 tax books to the collector and county clerk. For this year 2024, there were no appeals with the Board of Equalization on the assessed values. It was also announced the next commissioner meeting will be Monday, the 29th, at the courthouse.

The Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District is accepting grant applications for the 2025 grant round, beginning July 1st. Grant nonprofit organizations, citizens and other interested parties to reduce the amount of waste being landfilled through waste reduction, reuse, recycling and composting. The district’s list of targeted materials is based on the state-targeted materials list. In addition, the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District has identified multiple priority project areas to address specific considered.  Potential projects can focus on district priorities for education, end-market development for recycled materials, waste reduction and reuse, hard to recycle items such as carpet and mattresses, food waste reduction or composting, construction and demolition waste, and special events/business/multi-family dwelling recycling. Some $125,000 is available for grants this round. A more detailed list of priorities and targeted materials is included in the grant application and available at www.ozarkrivers.org. Last year, Ozark Rivers awarded $160,244.26 to fund or partially fund nine projects throughout the seven-county district. A grant application workshop is scheduled from 10:00 in the morning to noon on July 24th at the Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) office at #4 Industrial Drive in St. James. This workshop will also be offered in-person and via Zoom, and those interested in participating must register with Jill Hollowell, MRPC environmental specialist by calling 573-265-2993. This workshop ensures that potential grantees know application requirements and understand the benefits and obligations, should they receive reimbursement funding for their projects. The grant dollars awarded by Ozark Rivers comes through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and represents a portion of the landfill tipping fees collected state-wide. The grant application is available online at www.ozarkrivers.org. For more information, contact Hollowell at 573-265-2993.

The Salem and Dent County 4-H and FFA Livestock Auction was held this past Saturday at The Commons that raised an unofficial total of $313,500.37 through animal bids and another $13,200 in ribbon bids for a total of $326,700.37. This figure also includes resales. Auctioneers Roger Schafer and Brady Hagler auctioned off three pens of market chickens for $1,246.50, eight pens of market rabbits for $1,721.02, eight cured meats brought in $2,848.65, 19 market goats sold for $15,396.20, 15 market lambs fetched $16,261.25, 56 market hog sales raised $105,020.50, the 37 market steers raised $171,006.25. The top ten buyers at the auction this year were the Bank of Salem, Curt’s Mobile Homes, County Fuels, Interstate Regional Stockyards, Phil-Mart, Town and Country Bank, Farm Bureau-Willie Strader, Agent; Rushing Construction, Roberts-Judson Lumber Company and  Steelman Abstract and Title Company. The Salem FFA Chapter and all the Dent County 4-H Clubs thank everyone who attended the auction this year for their generosity and support. If you missed this year’s auction you can go back and watch it on either the KSMO YouTube page or Facebook page.

The Salem R-80 School District held its regular board meeting on Thursday. Shortly after the meeting began, it was noted by Superintendent Dr. Nathan Wills that the district plans to begin live streaming their regular board meetings in August. The board then moved to the Superintendent’s report, headed by Dr. Wills, He stated he has started to receive scores from last school year’s Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) and End of Course Exam (EOC), and they “look promising”. The materials for the greenhouse have been delivered and construction is anticipated to proceed as scheduled, with the building to be completed by mid to late August. The building principals then gave several updates on how they are getting ready for the start of a new year. The “New Tiger Training” will be held on August 13th & 14th. The first day will be a walk through on what to expect on the first day of school, and the second day will be a rundown of how to use the various technologies provided by the school. The middle school is planning to implement policy changes regarding students’ personal devices. These policy changes will be announced via the Salem R-80 Facebook page in the coming weeks. The district has implemented online registration this year for returning students through Infinite Campus that began Monday, July 8th and ended Sunday, July 21st. Online registration for new students is now going on through the parent portal. Walk-in registration for new students will be held on Friday, August 2nd from 8:00 AM until 3:00 PM at the high school library. If you have questions about registration, contact kara.constance@salemr80.org or check out the Salem R-80 Facebook Page for more information. In new business, the bids for the roof repairs were compared by the board and in a 6-0 unanimous vote, the board chose the bid from SRI Constructors. The board unanimously approved the 2024-2025 meal prices and also approved the bid to provide fiber to the Tin Gym with Advanced Telephone LLC by a 6-0 vote. A motion was made to consider the Progressive Ozark Bank Season Pass debit card, which the board passed in a 6-0 vote. The board set the Tax Rate Hearing before the regular board meeting on August 15th at 5:15 to be followed by the regular board meeting. The board then went into closed session where they unanimously approved the salaries of Mary Hinkle and Brian Andrews, and extending the contract of Carmen Vaughn by five days. Also in closed session, the board made a motion to approve Tammy Herpich as a teacher pending a background check, hiring John Smith, approved Brandon Schloemer as a middle school football volunteer, and Lonnie Lee as the Assistant Track Coach. Dr. Wills also notified the board of internal moves of upper elementary school registered nurse Jody Parker, aide Christine Smith at William Lynch Elementary and bus driver Terry Nash. The board also discussed real estate issues before ending closed session and adjourning the meeting.

An accident happened in Dent County at 5:50 Friday evening on Highway 32 about a mile west of Route MM. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 Chevy Silverado 1500 driven eastbound by 25-year-old Brandon Clark of Viburnum, was traveling too fast for a curve and went off the right side of the roadway and overturned. Clark suffered minor injuries and was evaluated at the scene by the Salem Ambulance crew. The Chevy Silverado was totaled and removed from the scene by Blackie’s Towing. Clark was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

All this week the City of Salem, in partnership with the Missouri Rural Water Association (MRWA), will conduct smoke testing on the main sewer trunk line. The testing will cover an arc from the southern part of town to the Wastewater Treatment Plant on the north along Salem’s eastern edge. This maintenance procedure involves introducing non-toxic smoke into the sewer system to identify leaks or improper connections, ensuring efficient system operation. While the testing primarily focuses on the main trunk line, residents may notice smoke emerging from sewer drains or related fixtures. Officials emphasize this is normal and does not indicate a fire or hazard. For more information, contact the City of Salem Public Works Department at 573-729-4811, ext 110.

The Dent County Fire Protection Board of Directors will hold a special meeting this evening at 6:00 at the Dent County Firehouse for the purpose of discussing insurance policies for the department. The meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Commission met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the courthouse. Road and Bridge Department grader operators Danny Wethy, Steve Lundy, Travis Turner and Norman Bell were in attendance. Also in attendance was Second District Commissioner Candidate Denver Ellis. During public comments Second District Commissioner Gary Polk confronted Ellis about comments he alleged Ellis had made during his interview with Stan Stevens on KSMO Radio. Ellis denied Polk’s accusations and shared his viewpoint of the comments he’d made. Polk reviewed the hours and years of grader operation experience for each man, plus commented about the training they had received. Turner explained how they pull ditches, crown the roads and grade them. He also explained the modern technology in the graders, the grading processes, and how each road actually grades different each time the graders go over them. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson pointed out that the operators have gone to proper training. First District Commissioner Wes Mobray noted that budget limitations only allow so much that they road crews can do to the roadways. The four men were thanked for their attendance as they left the Commissioners’ Office. In the road report Mobray said that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5525, 6070, and 6255, while brush would be cut on county road 6180. Polk reported that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2050, 2060, 4270, and 4280, plus rock would be hauled to county road 2070. He also noted that 3/8-inch chips were being stockpiled for Chip and Seal patching, plus grader blades were being replaced on Grader #37. Larson reported that the Tourism Tax Committee meeting was moved to Tuesday night where two proposals were presented, and two reimbursement requests were approved. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said that bills were being approved for payment and that absentee voting continues. She encouraged voters to update their voter registration information ASAP and any questions should be directed to her office at (573) 729-4144. Curley also noted that electioneering is not allowed within 25 feet of the polls and voters will need a photo id. Mobray also reported that he and Collector Shannon Vankirk went to a Bunker City Alderman meeting to discuss SB190. The Commissioners voted 3-0 to set the 2024 Tax Rate Hearing for General Revenue, Road and Bridge, SB40, and the Senior Citizens Service Fund for August 22nd at 10:00. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday morning at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The St. James community is mourning the loss of a 31-year-old woman who was fatally struck by a vehicle while crossing an intersection with a juvenile at N. Jefferson and Highway B around 9 Wednesday night. The juvenile who sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Despite a swift emergency response from, the St. James Police Department, St. James Fire Department, St. James Ambulance District, Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, and Mercy Life Line Air Medical Services the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. An investigation into the accident is currently underway by the St. James Police Department and the Phelps County Coroner’s Office. The families affected are requesting privacy during this difficult time.

The Dent County 4-H and FFA Expo is going on now at the Commons. Today the Hog Show will begin at 7:00 this morning, followed by the Sheep and Goat Show. Later in the afternoon the Small Animal Show will start at 1:00. The Beef and Dairy Show will start at 2:00 then to cap off the day, a Buyer Supper will begin at 6:30 in the evening. Then tomorrow the 4-H FFA Market Sale will begin at 9:00 in the morning. KSMO Media will be on hand to live stream the event on their three streaming platforms, YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook. KSMO Radio 1340 AM and 95.7 FM will broadcast the live audio.

The Creative Arts Center will have a Christmas in July Ceramics Paint Party on Friday July 26th from 6:00 in the evening till 8:00. Spend a relaxing few hours painting nostalgic Christmas keepsakes. They’ll have various sizes of ceramic Christmas trees available to glaze and fire, as well as other ceramic figurines, plates, bowls, cups, etc. What better way to bring the Christmas spirit into the heat of summer, than to paint some memorable pieces to pass down from generation to generation! The cost is $5 and will go towards the cost of your ceramic pieces. To register, go the SACBA website and find the Programs tab. Find the Creative Arts Center and click to register for the class.

The Dent County 4-H and FFA Expo is underway. Exhibit Entries were judged yesterday followed by the dessert auction in the evening. Today, livestock registration will be from 9:30 until 11:30 and all livestock must be in place by 11:00am. Livestock weigh-ins are scheduled to start at noon. The “Pig Pals” show is at 5:00 followed by the exhibitor and family supper at 6:30. Friday’s shows will kick off at 7:00 with the hog show, followed by the Sheep and Goat Show. The Small Animal show is scheduled to start at 1:00 and it will be followed by the Beef and Dairy Show. Buyer supper is at 6:30. Saturday will be the culmination of the Expo with the 4-H and FFA Market Sale at 9:00. For additional information contact the Dent County Extension office at (573) 729-3196.

To celebrate 35 years of river conservation, Stream Teams United and the Missouri Stream Team Program are hosting the 2024 Watershed Celebration at Meramec State Park on Saturday, July 27th. Missouri Stream Teams from around the state are invited to attend the festival, which also celebrates the 25th anniversary of Stream Teams United, a non-profit partner of the program. The Missouri Stream Team Program is a volunteer-led effort to conserve Missouri streams. Sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, and the Conservation Federation of Missouri, the program focuses on education, stewardship, and advocacy for Missouri stream resources. In 1988, a small group of anglers became fed up with unsightly trash disrupting their fishing in Roubidoux Creek in Pulaski County. These conservation-minded Missourians decided to clean this section of stream, thus forming the first Missouri Stream Team in 1989. The Roubidoux Fly Fishers Association, Stream Team #1, is still going strong 35 years later. The program has since grown to more than 6,000 Stream Teams around the state with more than 135,000 volunteers. MDC Evgagement Specialist Cara Coates Coates says the ongoing work of more than 6,000 Stream Teams and their volunteers have made significant positive impacts on the health of Missouri’s streams over the last 35 years. That work includes volunteers giving more than 3.5 million hours of time, removing more than 14,127 tons of trash from Missouri waterways, planting 405,794 trees along streams, conducting 35,049 water quality monitoring trips, and stenciling 21,741 storm drains. As part of the Missouri Stream Team Program celebrations they invite all Teams to attend the 28th Annual Watershed Celebration at Meramec State Park on Saturday, July 27. The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and includes lunch provided by the Missouri Stream Team Program, kids games and crafts, tubing on the Meramec River with complimentary shuttle and other activities including free camping offered to Stream Teams Friday and Saturday evenings on a first-come, first-serve at Group Site A at Meramec State Park. Registration is required to estimate attendance. To learn more about Missouri Stream Teams and how you can participate, visit mostreamteam.org.

Onondaga Cave State Park will celebrate the reopening of its famous cave on Friday, July 19, at 10 a.m. with a special lighting ceremony. The cave has been closed while a new LED lighting system was installed, marking the completion of the first of several revenue bond projects for Missouri State Parks. Discovered in 1886 and opened for tours in 1904, Onondaga Cave has been a popular tourist attraction for 120 years. As a National Natural Landmark, it draws over 20,000 visitors annually to view its rare and majestic speleothems. The new LED system replaces the outdated incandescent lighting installed in the 1950s. This upgrade will benefit the cave’s ecosystem by reducing invasive algae growth and providing a more suitable environment for cave-dwelling creatures. Onondaga Cave State Park is located at 7556 Highway H in Leasburg. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Energy is now accepting applications for subgrants under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG), with applications being accepted through July 30th. Nearly $2.4 million is available to local governments for projects that will promote energy savings, energy conservation or emissions reductions in communities that were not eligible for formula EECBG funding from the U.S. Department of Energy. Applicants may request between $100,000 and $500,000 for eligible projects. To learn more about EECBG and download the required application forms, visit dnr.mo.gov/energy/grants-loans/efficiency-conservation-block-grant. Questions about the application process can be directed to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Energy at energy@dnr.mo.gov, 573-751-2254 or toll-free at 855-522-2796.

Dent County and MO 911 will launch a Countywide GIS Remediation Project to update the 911 mapping and improve 911 services throughout the county and the State of Missouri. The project is funded by grants using federal ARPA funds. This project aims to improve the accuracy of the county map and addressing data used by emergency responders. The Missouri 911 Service Board requires this work so that our local mapping data can be used to route 911 calls more accurately. Mapping engineers from Dent County’s 911 mapping contractor, SDR Inc., will drive throughout the cities, towns, and some recreational areas during daylight hours to verify locations. The 911 field vehicle will be clearly marked with white signs and “911 Mapping” in red letters. The 911 field vehicle will stop in front of structures to observe, verify, and document the posted address but will not knock on doors or conduct interviews with residents. If no address is posted or legible, the technician will mark the record for further investigation. They may leave the vehicle to verify the layout of apartment units in buildings but will not trespass on private property. The field work for this project is expected to be complete by the end of July. For questions regarding this project please contact Sherry Lea or Lacey Hampton with the Dent County Rural Addressing located in the Salem Community Center@The Armory at 573-729-8163; or Julie Kellerman, the project manager from SDR, Inc. at 1-800-283-1911, extension 706.

The Salem Police Department has released their report for the month of June. The department responded to 13 accidents during the month. Officers responded to seven alarms sounding and addressed 30 animal calls, investigated six assaults or fights, one burglary, performed 31 well-being checks and 13 area checks in June. Police investigated eight domestic disputes, nine verbal disturbances, conducted 50 follow-up investigations, and provided 15 escorts. They investigated three nuisance violations, one report of fraud, and offered assistance to four motorists. The Salem Police wrote two property damage reports, made ten stealing reports, and responded to four traffic complaints. Officers investigated three suicidal persons, 18 suspicious circumstance calls, four suspicious person calls, and nine suspicious vehicle calls. Officers attempted to serve two warrants and conducted 81 traffic stops during the month. The police responded to a total of 479 incidents in June with the average response time to calls being one minute and 47 seconds. The average time spent on the scene was 17 minutes and 31 seconds.

A little can change a lot! Missouri State Parks has always been a proud supporter of our veterans and once again for the month of July, all proceeds from the Round Up program will be earmarked for events designed specifically with veterans in mind. The Round Up program provides guests with an easy opportunity to donate to state parks and historic sites by rounding up their total purchase to the nearest dollar. Normally, the money rounded up will be used at the park where the purchase is made. However, in July all money raised will help fund special events and programs for veterans. In the past, funds have been used for events such as the Hero Deer Hunt held at Mark Twain State Park and the Veteran Deer Hunt held at Crowder State Park. These events invite veterans to apply and be chosen to participate in a managed deer hunt at the parks. All permits, food, lodging and guide services are free to the veterans, thanks in part to the donations from the Round Up program. 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 Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission has approved the largest Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) to date, allocating $14.6 billion for transportation projects from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2029. The FY 2025-2029 STIP includes additional funding from General Revenue, approved by the Missouri General Assembly and signed by Governor Mike Parson. Key projects include improvements to Interstates 70 and 44, repairs to low-volume minor roads, and upgrades to bridges, airports, and rail crossings. Of the total $14.6 billion, $10.7 billion is earmarked for road and bridge construction, averaging about $2.1 billion per year. Missouri Department of Transportation Director Patrick McKenna said, “This historic investment in transportation infrastructure will benefit Missourians across the state.” The STIP covers maintenance for Missouri’s 33,811 miles of roads and 10,392 bridges and culverts. It also includes plans for non-highway transportation and details on operations and maintenance activities for the next three years. For more information or updates, visit modot.org or call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636).

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning in the courthouse. Grant Wilson from Congressman Jason Smith’s Rolla office was in to touch base with the Commissioners. Wilson reported that as a result of the assassination attempt Saturday of former President Donald Trump the House Oversight Committee has scheduled a meeting with the Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle for Monday, July 22nd. He also noted that Congress is off this week necessitating the weeklong wait for the meeting. In the road report District One Commissioner Wes Mobray said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2400, 4235, 4237, 4240 and 5600. He also reported that a man had gone to Springfield for oil for chip and seal, and he had two of his crew out. Mobray also noted that he and Dent County Collector Shannon Vankirk would be attending a City Hall meeting that night at Bunker regarding SB190. District Two Commissioner Gary Polk reported that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2010, 2020, 2025, 4310, and 4340. He said rock would be added and grading done on county road 3355. Polk also reported that Monday part of his crew took the backhoe to the Sligo area to clean out culverts and bridges on county roads 4010, 4032, and 4480. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported that he was gone on vacation last week and would meet with the Tourism Tax Committee Monday night. Larson also mentioned that the County had received information from the Missouri Department of Agriculture about the opportunity to enroll in the Department’s Re-monumentation Program for 2025. The Commission will meet with the County Surveyor before making a decision for next year. Dent County is already participating in the program this year and has $8,300 budgeted for it. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said that bills and payroll were being approved by the Commissioners for payment. She also noted that absentee voting continues through August 5th and July 24th is the last date to mail out a ballot. If you have questions about voting, registration, dates, etc., contact her office at 573-729-4144. Vankirk was in to discuss SB190 after speaking with MAC attorney Travis Elliott. She also sent Elliott the City/County Collection contact to review and get more clarification on that due to SB190. At 10:30 the Commissioners opened bids for concrete work at the road department salt shed. The bid from Godi Excavating was for $28,490.00 and from Gray Construction was $27,880.00. The Commissioners voted 3-0 to accept the Gray Construction bid. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Thursday morning at the Courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

An accident occurred in Dent County Sunday afternoon at 12:44 on Highway K at Highway Z. According to the Highway Patrol report a northbound 2012 Nissan Versa, driven by 75-year-old Joan Sutton of Salem, pulled into the path of an eastbound 2014 Ram 1500, driven by 40-year-old Thomas Barnard of Rolla. Sutton suffered serious injuries and was flown by Phelps Air to Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. The report stated that Sutton and Barnard were both wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

An accident occurred Sunday evening at 5:30 in Phelps County on private property near County Road 3140. According to the Highway Patrol report 69-year-old Randy Romine of Rolla was operating a southbound 2005 Honda Rancher. The Honda overturned, ejecting Romine, and then rolling over him. He suffered serious injuries and was transported by St. James Ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. The report stated that Romine was not wearing any safety equipment at the time of the accident. The Honda sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene.

An accident occurred in Phelps County Saturday afternoon at 1:14 on Highway 63 at Phelps County Road 5240. According to the Highway Patrol report a northbound 2010 Ford Edge, driven by 47-year-old Esther Gann of Licking, was following a 2005 Chevrolet Colorado, driven by 38-year-old Scott Jenkins of Newburg. Jenkins slowed to make a right turn and Gann failed to yield causing the Ford to strike the rear of the Chevrolet. The Chevrolet then traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned. Jenkins, along with a 14-year-old male juvenile, suffered serious injuries and both were transported by Phelps Health EMS to Phelps Health. The report stated that Gann and the juvenile were both wearing safety restraints, while Jenkins was not. The Chevrolet was totaled and removed from the scene by D and D Towing, while the Ford sustained extensive damage and was driven from the scene.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Brooke Bollman will begin her duties as the hospital CEO later this month. The hospital will announce her start date when it is certain. Ms. Bollman is moving to the Salem area after serving as the CEO of Caldwell Regional Medical Center in Caldwell, Kansas, since 2019. It was originally anticipated that Ms. Bollman would begin her duties on July 1st. The Salem Hospital Board of Directors would like to thank Kayla Chamberlain, the hospital CFO, for her willingness to serve as Interim CEO until Brooke Bollman’s arrival at SMDH.

The Missouri State Oil & Gas Council will hold its quarterly meeting on July 17 at 10:00 am in the Land Survey and Agriculture building, located at 1251 Gale Dr in Rolla. The council is responsible for adopting and amending regulations related to the oil and gas industry in Missouri. Its primary objectives include: Promoting economic development and production of Missouri’s oil and gas resources, ensuring proper management of wastes from oil and gas wells protecting

groundwater aquifers potentially affected by well drilling, and establishing standards for well drilling, operation, and underground storage of hydrocarbons. The public is welcome to attend these meetings, Webex is also available. Those wishing to address the council on any agenda item must notify the department beforehand by emailing council secretary cara.bird@dnr.mo.gov, if attending remotely. In-person attendees can complete a Speaker Request form at the registration table. For more information about the Missouri State Oil & Gas Council and its activities, visit the Department of Natural Resources website or contact the Missouri Geological Survey in Rolla at 573-368-2100.

Governor Mike Parson signed into law what many are referring to as the Veteran Omnibus Bills, Senate Bill 912, and HB1495. In these bills, the Missouri Veterans Commission (MVC) is charged with creating a new program to aid in the efforts to prevent Veteran suicide. The Veterans Mental Health Program will be the Commission’s fourth core program. MVC also operates the Veterans Homes Program, Veterans Cemeteries Program, and the Veterans Service Program. Governor Parson said that we are proud to be a leading state for veterans, military members, and their families where they can find professional success, affordability, welcoming communities, and, above all, support and respect for their service to our great nation. He went on to say that the legislation we are signing continues our commitment to our nation’s heroes that Missouri will remain one of the best places for veterans and service members to live, work, and raise a family. A special thank you to Representative Dave Griffith and Senator Ben Brown for leading these important efforts to protect, honor, and support Missouri’s military members, both past and present. MVC Executive Director (Ret.) Col. Paul Kirchhoff said that since our inception, the Missouri Veterans Commission has been helping Missouri’s Veterans, and we are honored to be able to help in a new way. He went on to comment that this cause is near and dear to my heart, as I have lost close friends to suicide, and I am not the only one. We are losing Veterans every day, and whatever we need to do to curb that, we are all in. MVC is working on a timeline for the rollout of the new program. SB912 and HB1495 require MVC to review the provisions of the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019 and all subsequent regulations and then compile an annual report first due on July 1, 2025. MVC will work in collaboration with the Missouri Department of Mental Health to “provide recommendations and make efforts to adopt procedures, programs, treatment options, aid, and other assistance necessary to assist in the efforts to prevent Veteran suicide.” The Missouri Veterans Commission operates seven State Veterans Homes, five Veterans Cemeteries, and the Veterans Services Program. The Commission is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care for Veterans, seamlessly integrated with the Veteran community,

emphasizing a culture of transparency and excellence. For more information about Missouri Veterans Commission programs, call 573-751-3779 or visit mvc.dps.mo.gov.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will host a family fishing event on July 23 at Little Prairie Conservation Area in Phelps County. The event will take place from 6-8 p.m. at William E. Towell Lake. MDC staff will be on hand to provide assistance and instruction to families new to fishing. Fishing poles and lures will be provided for participants. The event is open to all, but is specifically designed for families. Anglers between 16 and 64 years old will need a fishing permit. Little Prairie Conservation Area is located at 12600 Prairie Lake Road, approximately five miles east of Rolla. While the program is free, registration is limited and required. Interested participants can register online at the MDC website or contact Lance Lewis at Lance.Lewis@mdc.mo.gov for more information. MDC reminds residents that various virtual and in-person programs are available across the state. A full listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/events.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday for their regular meeting at the courthouse. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson was not in attendance due to prior commitments. First District Commissioner Wes Mobray was appointed as acting presiding commissioner. Philip Karr and Rich Green attended with their concerns still about the truck traffic from Royal Oak Charcoal as it has now returned after the county put up their road signs. Royal Oak, after a discussion with the commission, stated they would be putting up their own truck signs on their property but they have not been installed yet There are still issues on Route JJ at the end of state maintenance where there is no sign by the county or Royal Oak, and the highway patrol has told residents they can’t do anything unless a sign is posted, and county deputies can’t write citations without an ordinance which the commission has yet to finalize as they are trying to make sure the ordinance doesn’t impede local truck traffic from using the roads to do their jobs. Karr would like to see the sign prohibiting trucks over ten tons placed at that location. Denver Ellis brought in a sample initiative petition that would allow the public to place the questions on the ballot of “Shall the County of Dent exempt senior citizens from increases in the property tax liability due on such senior citizen’s primary residence? Yes or No.” County Clerk Angie Curley took the petition from Ellis but said she only certifies signatures. Ellis said a petition similar to this was passed by a county in southwest Missouri and Curley asked him which one, but Ellis did not have the information with him. He will provide that to Curley so she can follow up the petition to she what steps need to be taken. Curley did say that Ellis would need to collect 362 signatures for the initiative to be put on the ballot. The petition when completed would have to be delivered to the commission. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said three grader drivers are busy patch grading numerous roads with the damage from the rain with two men hauling materials to a number of those roads. Mobray said brush cutting is being done to county road 6660. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said materials are being added and grading done on Dent County Road 2160, while only grading would be done on county roads 2165, 2170 and 4290. He said brush was being cut on county roads 3260 and 3290, and a crew was fixing a tire on grader #37. Gary Fritzinger came in to talk about getting the culverts cleaned out on county road 4030 as well as possibly getting the bent parts cut off. Commissioner Polk said he would check into it. County Clerk Curley said excused absentee voting continues at the courthouse until August 5th and no-excuse absentee voting will begin July 23rd. She also said the last day to mail out a ballot will be July 24th. The treasurer received a check from Terry Baker in the amount of $7,000 for chip and seal of 2/10ths of a mile on county road 2370. He will maintain the road for five years and the commission will have the prosecutor draw up an agreement. The next commissioner meeting will be Monday morning at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The City of Salem Utilities Committee meeting was called to order at 6:15 Wednesday evening at the City Auditorium. Finance Director Houston presented first with her finance report. During which she highlighted several utility line items, in summary the Electric Fund, Electric D&R Fund, and Electric Reserved Fund totaled a little over 2.5 million dollars, this is an increase of about 1.3 million dollars from the same time last year. The Water Fund, corresponding D&R, and Reserve Fund totaled nearly 1.7 million dollars, the difference compared to the beginning balance is an increase of $34,524. The Sewer Fund, corresponding D&R, and Reserve Funds had a beginning balance of $471,454 and an ending balance of $834,696. An attending citizen asked for clarification about the expenses on chemical supplies for sludge and sewer tools, including a hydrovac truck. Director Houston elaborated on the amounts spent, clarifying the expenditures. Utility Director Paine then arrived at the podium to report on work updates. He stated the water department has been focused on water service line repairs, a major sewer repair off Hickory and 11th street among their routine responsibilities. The Electric department focused on reported outages mostly caused by local wildlife, streetlight replacement, and provided assistance to other departments for infrastructure repairs. City Administrator Sally Burbridge reported that the approved electric and trash rates will go into effect on the September Billing cycle, while the approved sewer rates will go into effect on the October billing cycle. On the topic of the MPUA Mutual Aid Agreement, which for context, is a multi-community agreement designed to be utilized under conditions when time is of the essence to save lives, prevent human suffering, and/or mitigate property damage following an emergency. Director Paine informed the committee that the city’s current agreement expires August 1st, and would need to be renewed by an authorized signature should the city decide to continue to participate in the program for the 18th consecutive year. Discussions regarding liabilities, updated insurance requirements, commitments to other communities including those out of the state of Missouri, logistics of communications during a disaster, the presentation of time sensitive documents, overall expenses, the city’s emergency action plans and personnel were all raised by committee members and citizens in attendance. A motion was then made by Kyle Williams to amend a prior motion, and moved to recommend continuation of the city’s participation in the mutual aid program provided the necessary updates with current administration and a legal review. John Hambacher seconded the motion and stated that the city needs to be sure that they are meeting all requirements of the agreement. The motion was approved unanimously. Catherine Dent asked to obtain an updated disaster manual from the city. Director Paine stated he will provide that. The committee also discussed water meter size fees, with John Hambacker presenting documents and Kyle Williams providing comparative information from nearby towns. Two options were considered for metering fees: one based on account and the other on service line size. It was agreed that this would be discussed further in future meetings. At 7:18 PM a motion to adjourn was made and approved by all members present.