Local News

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting at the city hall auditorium Tuesday night. During public comments, a citizen addressed a question to alderwoman Catherine Dent as the chair of the utilities committee regarding opting out of the leak protection program. A form was developed by the Concerned Citizens for Salem to have a written form on record for those who opt out of the program. They wanted to know why the form was not accepted by the front desk at the city administration building. Alderwoman Dent deferred to the City Administrator and no answer could be given. The board approved allowing Electric Department Supervisor Josh Kotschedoff to stock up on spools of underground primary wire not to exceed $15,000. The board approved the bid from Salem Heating and Cooling to replace the HVAC System at the City Animal Pound for $7,850. A budget adjustment of $2,850 was approved as only $5,000 had been budgeted. The board approved the bid from Westport Pools for $138,986 to replace the PVC liner in the Salem Municipal Swimming Pool that was damaged by hail. Sally Burbridge made note that insurance adjusters were in town last week to assess all the damage done city wide by the hail. No details from the report are available yet, but it is very likely the $50,000 deductible will be spread across several budgets instead of just the Park and Recreation Department. The bids for the TAP Downtown Project were tabled. The board then approved Resolution #13-2024, stating the intent to seek funding through the Community Development Block Grant Program and authorizing the mayor to pursue activities in an attempt to secure funding to reduce the debt obligation for the Wastewater Treatment Facility; Resolution #14-2024, that authorized the mayor to sign an acknowledgment of renewal for health insurance from United Healthcare where the city will pay up to $550 per month for employees of the City of Salem, and Resolution No. 15-2024, a resolution authorizing the mayor to sign an agreement between the City of Salem and Westport Pools for labor and materials to remove and replace the PVC membrane for the city swimming pool. Once the work begins, it is estimated that it will take four weeks for Westport to complete the project. The “holiday trade” for city employees to trade the paid day off of Columbus Day for Friday, July 5th, was approved by the board. The Leak Protection Program Policy was on the agenda to be approved. After board discussion and the hearing of public comments, a motion was made to table the policy until the next meeting so the board could further review the contract. The board approved the purchase of 154 Water Meter Modules from Nexgrid for $20,754. During City Official Reports. several pain-points with Nexgrid were addressed including a broken website and failed communication efforts. A previous city employee offered to provide contact information from other vendors who have indicated the $20K the city is about to spend with Nexgrid would be better spent with a different vendor. The Alderman wondered if it is time to possibly consider legal action against Nexgrid. The board then went into closed session.

The 17th Annual Upper Current River Cleanup will be held this Saturday, June 15th. The locations for cleanup will be Montauk State Park to Baptist Access, Baptist Access to Cedargrove which is eight miles, Cedargrove to Akers which is eight miles, Akers to Pulltite which is 10 miles, and Pulltite to Round Spring which is ten miles. People can also cleanup a put-in/take out area. Registration will be from 8:00 until 10:00 in the morning at Montauk Lodge, Cedargrove, the Akers Lower Landing, or the Pulltte River Access point. This is where you will pick up your mesh trash bags and T-Shirt. For more information about the river cleanup, e-mail contact Jack or Mary Ficker of Stream Team 1028 at jack_maryficker@hotmail.com or call them at 573-729-7065. You can also call the Montauk Park Naturalist office at 573-548-2225 for information on the stream cleanup at Montauk.

The Salem Utility Committee meeting will be held tonight at 6:15 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory at 1200 West Rolla Road. At the meeting, the committee will discuss the Serviline Protection Program and hear work reports performed by city employees. A draft budget will be presented and there will be a rate discussion nefore the meeting is adjourn. The meeting was called by Utility Chairman Alderwoman Catherine Dent.

Lt. Levi Hamilton, a native of Rolla, Missouri, is serving in the U.S. Navy assigned to Training Squadron 21 where naval aviators learn the skills they need to fly missions around the world. Hamilton, a 2005 graduate of Rolla High School, joined the Navy 10 years ago. Hamilton also earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Missouri in 2010. Today, Hamilton serves as an instructor pilot assigned to VT 21, a U.S. Navy strike jet training squadron located at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas.

This Friday from 2:00 until 4:00 at the Creative Arts Center, participants can learn to Tie Dye with Laura Miller. Students will learn to fold and tie a shirt, apply dye for desired pattern then take home to rinse the next day. Students will choose a pattern to tie, choose a color palette of dye, and have a hands-on experience of creating their own unique wearable art piece. The glass is available to students age 10 to 18 years old and they must be with a parent/legal guardian. Register online at SACBA website and when checking out, please choose a shirt size. The cost is $25 per person and includes all materials and instruction. There must be at least three students to hold the class and it will be limited to no more than 12.

On Thursday, June 13th at Echo Bluff State Park as part of the Women Outdoors program, women can attend “Dutch Oven Cooking: Not Just for Chili”. This class will teach women how to use and maintain a Dutch oven, and then eat some food prepared in a Dutch oven! Meet at the Bluff Top Pavilion at Echo Bluff State Park. The class is free and open to all women 16 and older, but registration is required. For more information or to register, contact Connie at 573-751-1224 or connie.weber@dnr.mo.gov.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, the commissioners discussed a road issue before giving road reports. District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 6090 while only grading would be done on county roads 5170 and 5510. He said brush would be cut on county road 5015 and a man would be picking up a truck from Springfield that has been repaired. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk reported rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 2200 while only grading would be done on county roads 2190 and 2370. He said brush would be cut on county roads 2250 and 2260 and a man would be going to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal repair as well as taking a man from District 1 to bring the repaired truck back. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he attended the Meramec Community Enhancement Corporation board meeting last week in St. James where they discussed the MRPC lease and went over some grants including one for the SMTS busses. He also said he was elected as Vice-Chairman of the MCEC. At 10:00, Randy Beech, who is the Vice President of Special Projects at Royal Oak Enterprises, LLC, and Tim Jones, the plant manager at the Royal Oak plant in Salem, met with the commission on the problems of semi-trucks using and damaging county roads going to and from Royal Oak. Beech discussed Royal Oak wanting to address the problem with a two-pronged approach: the first way was addressing the issue through their bills of lading, and the second was to post signs at the Royal Oak plant in Salem to strategically instruct the drivers once arriving at the plant, be it the warehouse or scales. These signs will use the international symbols and will be installed soon. The county is also planning to install their own signs on the county right-of-way on the county roads to deter the truck traffic. Commissioner Larson said the commission is not against Royal Oak Charcoal being in Dent County and were excited about their expansion, but wanted to find a mutual solution to the trucking issues after the group of citizens made their appearance at the commission meeting. Beech asked if the commission had an ordinance prohibiting truck traffic in place so that violations could be enforced. He was told not yet as the county is waiting to install the signs first, but they have a sample ordinance ready to adopt. The commission did want to take another tour of the plant now that the expansion is complete and Jones said that would not be a problem to just call and set up a time. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On Friday, May 31st, deputies responded to the 4500 block of Dent County Road 2050 for the report of a burglary. During the investigation, it was determined that items were stolen from the residence. Suspect information was developed and the investigation is ongoing. The next day, June 1st, deputies responded to the 100 block of Dent County Road 5120 for the report of a wanted subject. During the course of the investigation, a 20-year-old Salem woman was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail. Additional charges for the possession of a controlled substance will be applied for. On Friday, June 7th, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 900 block of South Main Street. The driver, a 28-year-old Viburnum man, was arrested for driving on a suspended driving privilege. He was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail. If you have any information regarding and investigation please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

To help Missourians prepare for summer weather, the state will observe “Summer Safety Day” this Wednesday. SEMA and the National Weather Service (NWS) encourage all persons to pay attention to local forecasts and plan accordingly when activities are outside. Humidity can amplify the feeling of heat measured by a heat index, so it is especially important to keep a close eye on friends and family and know the signs of heat-related illnesses. Remember, never leave a child or pet alone in a vehicle. Even on a cooler day, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise by 20 degrees in 10 minutes and pose a real threat to anyone left inside. Always “look before you lock” and check the back seat each time you exit your vehicle. Remember these safety measures to protect yourself and your family during the summer heat. If the weather forecast calls for heat and humidity, limit outdoor exposure. Also drink plenty of water and limit intake of alcoholic beverages. People should eat light, well-balanced meals at regular intervals and wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible. If in the sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and head; and use at least SPF 30 sunscreen. If possible, avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. If you do not have air conditioning, consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls or other community facilities. Find out before the heat arrives about nearby cooling centers. Check on family, friends and neighbors who may not have air conditioning or spend much of their time alone. Also, people need to be aware of medications that may impair the body’s response to heat, including antihistamines, tranquilizers and some medications for heart disease. Don’t forget you pets! If left outside, make sure your pet has plenty of fresh water and access to shade.

The University of Missouri Extension in Shannon County will be holding “Backyard Chickens 101” Thursday from 5:30 until 7:00. The course will be held at the Shannon County Extension Meeting Room in the Shannon County Extension in Eminence. This in-person course will teach you how much fun it is to raise chickens in your backyard! The topics include getting started, breeds, nutrition, housing, local regulations, the basics on marketing eggs, and more. There is no cost to attend. Those who want to attend need to register by calling the Shannon County Extension Office at 226-3268 or register at extension.missouri.edu/events. For more information, call Eric Meusch at 573-729-3196.

A fatality accident happened Friday evening just after 6:00 in Crawford County on Highway 8 at Indian Springs Road. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 Dodge 1500 being driven by 30-year-old Cody Carey of Steelville, was traveling westbound in the eastbound lane and struck head-on a 2019 Ford F-150 being driven eastbound by 37-year-old Joshua Morgan of Steelville. Morgan was pronounced dead at 7:14 by Dr. McCarthy at the Missouri Baptist hospital. A passenger in the Morgan vehicle, 40-year-old Leah Morgan of Steelville, suffered serious injuries and was taken by helicopter to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Carey suffered minor injuries and was taken by the North Crawford County ambulance to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing. All involved in the accident were wearing seat restraints. Carey was arrested by the highway patrol for DWI-causing the death of another, DWI-causing serious injury, failure to drive on the right half of the roadway, careless and imprudent driving causing an accident, operating a motor vehicle without insurance, and failure to properly affix a license plate. He was taken to the Crawford County Jail for an initial 24-hour hold.

The City of Salem’s Finance and Capital Improvements Committee will hold a meeting Monday evening at 5:30 at the Salem Community Center@the Armory. After the call to order will be the review of the proposed fiscal year 2024-25 Capital Improvement Plan and recommendation, to be followed by the fiscal year budget review and recommendation, which will be followed by adjournment. The meeting was called by Alderman Shawn Bolerjack, Chairman of the Finance Committee.

At the Dent County Commissioner meeting on Thursday, the commissioners heard from Jeff and Austin with Great Rivers Engineering on FLAP Project #077 which is for the paving and road improvements to be made to Dent County Road 6670 which is the back way into Montauk State Park. The cost of the project will be $725,000 which will widen the road, improve curves, stabilize slopes along the Current River and asphalt the road within the right-of-way. The county could do some of the work which would reduce the cost, but this project is 100% grant with no match, so the entire project will be bid out. The engineers then talked about the FLAP/TAP sidewalk project for the courthouse square. This is an 80/20 match grant. The survey has been finished and the project will include replacing the current sidewalks and the improving ADA access with sidewalks being moved to street level where possible, and installing a block retaining wall where the outside sidewalks still have to be elevated. They will eliminate the three angled sidewalks that don’t go to the entrance doors of the courthouse and replace them with wider sidewalks to the exterior doors. The projected budget is $491,603.75, the TAP portion would be $393,283 and the county’s portion would be $98,320.50. Great Rivers Engineering will be advertising bids this October with the bid opening this November with the construction expected to begin in October of 2025. Brandi Richardson and members of the Dent County University Extension Council came in to update the commission on recent programs. Richardson reported the extension office is short-handed and the University of Missouri has a freeze on hiring. The county has been impacted by the university’s youth program associate guidelines but is still well served with specialists. They wanted to let the commission know the 4-H and FFA Expo will be held July 18th through the 20th at The Commons. Richardson also said she would be attending an infrastructure meeting that will include a discussion on broadband in September and would like to have community leaders including the commissioners attend. She discussed the need for the Internet as she would like to see the Extension have a computer available to the public for those who could use it for telehealth services. She also discussed the university’s BioChar Climate-Smart Fieldscapes project program and a possible program with that in the future. Richardson also said the extension council would provide a monthly report from now on to the commission. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Dent County Fire Protection District board of directors will be meeting Tuesday evening at 6:00 at the fire station at #2 South Main Street. After the roll call and approval of the consent agenda the board will review the minutes of the May meeting then review the financial report before approving bills and reviewing the budget. Following the monthly reimbursement report the board will deal with old business including the repair and sealing of the parking lot at the station. The board will then hear any new business before Chief Floyd gives his report. The board will then set the date for the July meeting before going into closed session if needed before adjourning. The meeting Tuesday evening is open to the public.

The Salem Public Library will host a sidewalk chalk competition! This program will take place outside, on the north side of the library on 5th Street on Tuesday, June 11th from 10:30 in the morning until 12:30 in the afternoon. Children are not required to attend the full length of time allotted to the program. There will be four categories: Elementary: K – 1st Grade, Juvenile: 2nd Grade – 4th Grade, Tweens: 5th – 8th Grade, Teens: 9th – 12th Grade. Winners will be announced by 1:30 that afternoon. The four winners will receive a small prize. No library card is necessary to participate. This program is intended for children from K -12th Grade.

On Friday, June 14th, Montauk State Park will pay tribute to Flag Day held in honor of the “birthday” or the adoption of the Stars and Stripes on June 14th, 1777. Numerous American flags will be on display throughout the park on cabins, the lodge, shelters, bridges and more. Drive by or walk through and see “Old Glory” flying throughout Montauk State Park.

The Annual Chamber Expo will be this Saturday from 9:00 to 11:00 in the monring at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce office at 1136 S. Main in the Crososroads. As of this morning, it seems there may be some unfavorable rain and storms affecting the area Saturday Morning. All participants will be notified later today as will the general public if the event will be moving inside the Salem Community Center at the Armory’s Event Room. Rain or shine, the Expo will be held. There will be live music & food!

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the Dent County courthouse for their regular meeting. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson was not in attendance due to prior commitments so Commissioner Wes Mobray was appointed temporary Presiding Commissioner. In the road report, Mobray gave his reports for District 1 and said rock would be added and grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5460 and 6350 while only grading would be done on county road 5170. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk reported rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 2570 and 4380 while only grading would be done on county road 4370. Polk indicated brush would be cut on county roads 5280 and 5300. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said her office balanced with the assessor and collector on all collections, add-ons and abatements for the month of May, and that absentee voting for the August Primary will begin June 25th. She also said that county liquor licenses will need to be renewed by June 30th for those business that sell liquor. Lancer Blair was in attendance and said there will be a “Meet the Candidate” night in Cuba on June 18th at 6:00 at the Cuba Middle School Gym sponsored by Farm Bureau. District Casework Manager Jenni Reigel from Jason Smith’s office was in attendance as was State Representative Ron Copeland. He was there toupdate the commission on any legislative action that took place. Denver Ellis asked about Senate Joint Resolution 71 that provides for the levying of certain costs and fees to support the salaries and benefits of sheriffs, prosecuting attorneys, and circuit attorneys. Copeland explained that when you get a traffic violation, you are assessed a fine as well as court costs. A lot of the court costs went to the retirement funds of sheriffs and prosecutors which the Missouri Supreme Court ruled illegal and discontinued those fees. He said the resolution will be voted on by the people in the November election to allow those fees to be added to the costs of the court. Copeland said he has received a number of calls about the National Park Service closing access to the river, but said much of that comes from the 2015 plan. He said the Park Service doesn’t do everything in their plan at once, instead takes small bites out of it to still get what they want, but over a longer period of time. If someone would like a copy of that 2015 plan, they can e-mail Copeland and request a copy: Ron.Copeland@house.mo.gov. Copeland said he was glad the county will be moving forward with Senate Bill 190 dealing with personal property tax values for seniors as they take a poll for community feedback, and he was also pleased the county and Royal Oak Charcoal are trying to resolve the road problem together. He said Royal Oak called him and felt they were being blamed for the road situation. They are actually helping the local timber industry as well as increasing the tax base of the county. In the discussion with Copeland, both Commissioners Mobray and Polk said the county has been frustrated by MoDOT about putting up signs and not repairing road accesses. Copeland said he will get with MoDOT on this and see the response he gets back. He did say the only way to have police enforce any weight limit signs, speed limit or other restrictive signs is to havean ordinance in place supporting the restriction. Clerk Curley said theprosecuting attorney has prepared an ordinance and the commission is currently reviewing it. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday morning and the meeting will be open to the public.

This Saturday night at 8:00 at Echo Bluff State Park, you can hear a free concert from Blake Gardner and The Farmers as they break free from being able to be defined by a single genre by mixing together elements of blues, reggae, hip-hop, funk and nearly everything else under the sun. Bring a blanket or chair to the outdoor amphitheater and enjoy a FREE concert under the stars. For more information, call Echo Bluff State Park at 573-751-1224.

A special waste collection for residential electronics, appliances, tires and media storage will be held this Saturday from 8:00 until noon at Brewer Science located at 2401 Brewer Drive in Rolla. Brewer Science, the City of Rolla and Meramec Regional Planning Commission, with funding through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District, are partnering on the June 8th collection. The collection is for residential items only – no materials from businesses will be accepted and is open to residents from Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties. For more information on items accepted or the fee structure, please contact Kathryn Hawes at MRPC at 573-265-2993 Ext. 110.

The Healthy Dent County Prevention Coalition presents a Communities Talk Event as a panel of students will discuss substance abuse affecting teens in the community in a Town Hall meeting to be held at the Salem Community Center@The Armory at 1200 West Rolla Road on Tuesday, June 11th from 12:00 noon until 1:00. The town hall meeting allows all in attendance to join in the discussion about local substance use prevention programs. Registration is required and lunch will be provided. The program is sponsored by the Prevention Consultants of Missouri, Healthy Dent County Prevention Coalition and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. To register, please call 573-729-8163.

During it’s May meeting, the Meramec Regional Planning Commission Board approved officers for Fiscal year 2024-2025. The Chairman is Mary Heywood, Vice-Chairman is Darryl Griffith, the Secretary is Joey Auxier and the Treasurer is Sean Wilson. They will all continue to serve in their current roles for an additional term. Other additional at-large appointments approved for another term included Crawford County’s “For Profit” Representative Erik Lowes, Gasconade County’s “For Profit” Representative Duane Kraettli, Dent County’s “For Profit” Representative John Smith, Industry Representative Jan Haviland and Transportation Representative John Casey. Bob Parsons, at-large for farming/ag-business, retired after serving nine years on the board. The Board also heard an update from MRPC Planning Manager Anne Freand on the Forward 44 project, which is the interstate improvements along 44 from the Franklin/St. Louis County line to the Oklahoma state line. She requested any specific traffic data and information on future developments such as large manufacturing facilities, large retail or housing developments along the Interstate 44 corridor in the region. They heard proposed changes to the MRPC bylaws that would change the title of the minorities at-large position to underrepresented at-large position. The proposed by-law changes will be voted on at the June 13th meeting.

The much-anticipated Friends of the Salem Public Library summer book fair is scheduled for 9:00 to 4:00 this Friday and 9:00 to 12:00 this Saturday. The sale will be held in the library’s north basement meeting room. Hardback books and even some new releases can be found for as low as $1.00 with paperback books priced as low as a quarter. Parking will be available in the lot located at the northwest corner of 5th and Jackson.

The Salem Creative Arts Center will be holding a two-day Clay Flower Workshop on Tuesday, June 11th and Monday, June 17th where participants will create a bouquet of three-dimensional flowers. The class will be taught by Wanda Nickles and Tana Kettner. The first class will work with slab building techniques and appling textures to create the flowers. The second class participants will apply glazes to the bisqued flowers. Finished pieces will have to be picked up later after the glaze firing. The cost of the class is $30 and includes all the supplies. At least four people need to sign up for the class and it will be limited to no more than 16. To register, go the SACBA website and find the Programs tab. Find the Creative Arts Center and click to register for the class. Registrations online are on a first come, first serve basis.

Take part in the upcoming Alley Spring glade hike on Saturday, June 8th starting at 10:00 in the morning at Alley Mill. Join rangers for a 1.3-mile hike through the glade management area around Alley Spring. This area has benefitted from prescribed fire management and should be bursting with colorful summer wildflowers, butterflies, and glade species. The park’s fire ecologist will discuss fire management practices, Ozark glade habitats, glade restoration, and glade inhabitants. Staff will identify wildflowers and other interesting features along the way. The hike is free to the public and no reservations are required. The hike will follow the Alley Overlook Trail, which departs behind Alley Mill and climbs to the overlook on the bluff above the spring. Hikers should wear sturdy footwear, bring water, and consider using insect repellent and sunscreen. The event is subject to cancelation based on weather conditions. Alley Spring is located five miles west of Eminence on Highway 106. For more information, contact Alley Spring at (573) 226-3945, visit the park’s Facebook page, or website at www.nps.gov/ozar.

The Dent County Sheriff’s office has released some reports. On Sunday, May 5th, deputies responded to the 100 block of Dent County Road 4240 for a reported attempted burglary. The victim, a 37-year-old Salem man, told deputies that a known subject was attempting to kick his door in. The suspect was then apprehended and the case was cleared. Then on Friday, May 24th, deputies took a report for a stolen battery charger from the 2600 block of Dent County Road 2070. The victim advised deputies that unknown subjects had stolen the item from his property. The investigation is ongoing. Then on Tuesday, May 28th, deputies arrested a 57-year-old Salem man on an outstanding arrest warrant. He was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated. If you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s office at 729-3241.

Want some free fun that gets family and friends outside in nature? Get hooked on fishing with the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Free Fishing Days June 8th and 9th. During Free Fishing Days, anyone may fish in the Show-Me State without having to buy a fishing permit, trout permit, or trout park daily tag. Free Fishing Days is an annual Department of Conservation event that takes place statewide during the Saturday and Sunday following the first Monday in June. Aside from not needing permits, other fishing regulations remain in effect, such as limits on size and number of fish an angler may keep. Special permits may still be required at some county, city, or private fishing areas. Trespass laws remain in effect on private property. Conservation makes Missouri a great place to fish, and Free Fishing Days encourages people to sample Missouri’s abundant fishing opportunities. Missouri has more than a million acres of surface water, and most of it provides great fishing. More than 200 different fish species are found in Missouri, with more than 20 of them being game fish for the state’s more than 1.1 million anglers. For information on Missouri fishing regulations, fish identification, and more, get a copy of Missouri Department of Conservation’s 2024 Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations, available where permits are sold, or online at mdc.mo.gov.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo will be held this Saturday morning from 9:00 until 11:00 at 1156 South Main Street in the Chamber parking lot. Many local businesses will have booths available where the public can find out more about them, and some will also have free samples or promotional items available. The event is free and open to everyone!

Shannon County First Responders and the Birch Tree Volunteer Fire Department responded to a serious accident north of Birch Tree on Saturday May 30th. A vehicle carrying five underage persons overturned on Highway FF, coming to rest on its roof. The Birch Tree Fire Department used hydraulic tools to lift the vehicle off of one of the victims. The First Responders rendered immediate medical treatment to the injured youths. One victim, a thirteen year old, was transported to the hospital by helicopter, which landed on US Highway 60. The others had less serious injuries and were transported by Willow Springs Ambulance or by their families.

The Missouri Department of Transportation reports that Route KK in Reynolds County will be reduced to one lane with a 12-foot width restriction as contractor crews perform bridge maintenance now through August 30th, weather permitting. This section of roadway is located from Reynolds County Road 900 to Reynolds County Road 906 near Bunker. The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area. For additional information, please contact Resident Engineer Don Hills at (573) 472-9013, MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/southeast.

Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) is accepting public comment on its Title VI Plan from now to June 21st. MRPC is conducting a three-year review and update of the plan, consistent with the requirements outlined by the Federal Transit Administration. The purpose of the plan is to describe the non-discrimination efforts undertaken by MRPC to ensure its programs, policies, services and other activities are available to all interested individuals. The entire draft plan is available online at www.meramecregion.org/publications. For additional questions or to submit feedback, email MRPC Executive Director Bonnie Prigge at bprigge@meramecregion.org or call the MRPC office at 573-265-2993. Feedback can also be mailed to MRPC Attention Bonnie Prigge, #4 Industrial Drive, St. James, MO 65559 or individuals can stop by the office in person from 8:00 in the morning until and 4:30 in the afternoon, Monday through Friday. The MRPC board will include the Title VI plan on its June 13th agenda.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray was not in attendance due to a previous commitment. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk gave the report for District 1 and said grading was going to be done on Dent County Roads 6190, 6230 and 6280. He also said brush would be cut on county road 5015 and a truck was going to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal repair. Polk then gave the report for District 2 and stated grading would be done on Dent County Road 4437 while brush was going to be cut on county roads 2300, 2620, 2630, 2640, 5280 and 5290. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson indicated that Sheriff Bob Wells met with the transportation director of Royal Oak last Thursday afternoon after the commission meeting to help develop a plan for the larger truck traffic. The meeting was held to hopefully eliminate 90% or more of the large truck traffic from using the county roads. It was also hoped when the county receives and installs their new “no large truck traffic” international signs that will eliminate even more. Larson stated he would be attending a Meramec Community Enhancement Coproration meeting this afternoon in St. James. He also reported he continues to work with the insurance adjuster on the insurance claim on the courthouse from the hail storm. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the special election for the Bunker R-3 School Board will be held today from 6:00 AM until 7:00 PM. Voters from Reynolds, Shannon and Dent County will all be voting at the Bunker Firehouse. Voters will need to bring an photo ID with them when they vote. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday at 9:00 and it is open to the public.

A special waste collection for residential electronics, appliances, tires and media storage will be held from 8 a.m. until noon on June 8th at Brewer Science, 2401 Brewer Drive in Rolla. Brewer Science, the City of Rolla and Meramec Regional Planning Commission, with funding through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District, are partnering on the June 8th collection. The collection is for residential items only – no materials from businesses will be accepted and is open to residents from Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties. For the first time, media storage is also being accepted at the collection. Media storage includes records, 8-track tapes, VHS tapes, cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, floppy discs, external hard drives and flash drives. Stoves, washers, dryers, hot water heaters, and other appliances will be collected free of charge. Free electronics also include computer components, laptop computers, keyboards, hair dryers, VCR/DVD players, cell phones or anything that runs on a cord or battery. Oil and gas must be removed from tanks of any items such as push mowers, weed eaters, etc. All items must be free of debris. Tires on rims will not be accepted. Please note the following items will NOT be accepted: transformers, capacitors or ballasts not clearly marked “No PCBs”; smoke detectors; thermostats; medical waste; gas containers such as propane, oxygen, nitrous oxide; anything leaking oil or acid, such as batteries; broken ink or toner cartridges; alkaline batteries; light bulbs and fluorescent tubes; broken CRTs, TVs or monitors. Fees on certain items will be collected as follows: $25 for CRT TVs over 27 inches, projection screens and wood console TVs, $20 for CRT TVs under 26 inches, $15 for flat screen TVs, $10 for all computer monitors and refrigerated appliances with Freon and $5 for printers, scanners or copiers. Fees for tires are as follows: $2 each for passenger tires, $7.50 each for semi-truck tires and $35 each for tractor tires. Electronics,media storage and appliances are recycled by Midwest Recycling Center and tires are recycled through Champlin Tires. For more information on items accepted or the fee structure, please contact Kathryn Hawes at MRPC at 573-265-2993 Ext. 110. For those unable to participate in the Rolla collection, mark your calendars for collections on September 28th in Vienna and October 26th in St. Robert.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held a special meeting Monday morning at the district administrative offices. The board heard from Matt Patterson from HTK Architects who was in attendance to offer information on the bids and bidding process for the FEMA storm shelter while Billy Cobb representating Cahill’s Construction was in attendance to answer any questions. After some discussion, the board made the motion to approve the bid from Cahill Contruction for the FEMA storm shelter to be built at the Upper Elementary School. In closed session, the board accepted the resignation of Bekah Hayes as a high school physical education instructor and head girls softball coach, Amanda Hanger as the assistant softball coach, Makayla Schafer as a middle school art instructor and Kaylee Jay as the speech and language pathologist. The board then employed Lexi Wills as the speech-language pathologist and amended Rich Parks contract to 220 days before going back into open session and adjourning.

An accident occurred Monday morning at 10:10 in Crawford County off of Highway YY on private property. According to the highway patrol report, a 2004 Honda 450 being operated by 20-year-old Dawson Hajek of Steelville, was travelling up a steep incline causing the Honda to rollover. Hajek suffered serious injuries and was flown to Mercy St. Louis. Hajek was not wearing any safety equipment at the time of the accident. The Honda was left at the scene.

An accident happened in Dent County Sunday afternoon at 12:15 on Route H about four miles west of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2021 Kia Forte driven eastbound by 26-year-old Katelynn Mathes of Salem, traveled off the left side of the roadway, went down an embankment and struck a creek bed. Mathes and a passenger, 41-year-old Wesley Parsons of Newburg, suffered serious injuries and were both flown to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. The report states that neither Mathes or Parsons were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. The Kia was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

An accident occurred Friday evening around 6:25 in Phelps County on Highway 63 about a half mile north of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu driven by 42-year-old Robert Anderson of Rolla, was traveling southbound and slid on the wet roadway. The Chevrolet traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a rock bluff. Anderson suffered moderate injuries and was transported by the Phelps County Ambulance to Phelps Health. The report goes on to say he was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevrolet was totaled and removed from the scene by D and D Towing.

An accident occurred Friday morning around 11:15 in Texas County on Highway 32 about seven miles west of Licking. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe driven by 59-year-old Susan Supple of Licking, was traveling westbound and traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck an electric pole. She suffered minor injuries and was transported by the Texas County Memorial Ambulance to Texas County Memorial Hospital. The Chevrolet was totaled and removed from the scene by Jay’s Towing at the officers’ request.

The City of Salem Airport Board will be meeting this evening at 6:30 at the Salem Community Center at The Armory at 1200 West Rolla Road. At the meeting, the board will hold an election of officers before discussing the airport budget for next fiscal year. They will discuss land lease agreements and prices for new hangars, get an update on the new hanger project, get an update on the fuel pump card reader, discuss airport security and the gate opener, get an update on the pilot lounge and courtesy car policy before discussing any other business. The meeting of the airport board is open to the public.

Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) is accepting public comment on its Title VI Plan from now to June 21st. MRPC is conducting a three-year review and update of the plan, consistent with the requirements outlined by the Federal Transit Administration. The purpose of the plan is to describe the non-discrimination efforts undertaken by MRPC to ensure its programs, policies, services and other activities are available to all interested individuals. The entire draft plan is available online at www.meramecregion.org/publications. For additional questions or to submit feedback, email MRPC Executive Director Bonnie Prigge at bprigge@meramecregion.org or call the MRPC office at 573-265-2993. Feedback can also be mailed to MRPC Attention Bonnie Prigge, #4 Industrial Drive, St. James, MO 65559 or individuals can stop by the office in person from 8:00 in the morning until and 4:30 in the afternoon, Monday through Friday. The MRPC board will include the Title VI plan on its June 13th agenda.

The Salem Creative Arts Center will be holding a Farm Dayz Paint N Sip with Danielle Norris this Friday from 6:30 to 8:30. Grab your favorite beverage and best fal pal for this cute farm painting. The artist will take you step by step through the whole process. It will be a hee-haw good time. At least six people need to sign up for the class to be held and it will be limited to 20 attendees. The cost is $25 per person and all supplies are provided. To register, go the SACBA website and find the Programs tab. Find the Creative Arts Center and click to register for the class. Registrations online are on a first come, first serve basis.

Missouri State Parks values the tremendous contributions and sacrifices made by members of the military and their families. To show appreciation to active service members, Missouri State Parks is joining the nationwide Blue Star Museums initiative, a program that offers free admission to currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families. The program will end on Labor Day, Monday, September 2nd.The Blue Star Museums program is a collaborative effort of the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the U.S. Department of Defense and more than 2,000 museums across the nation. Those currently serving in the United States military and their families receive free admission to museums and historic sites that are part of the Missouri State Parks system by showing their military ID. In addition to the Blue Star Museums program, Missouri State Parks also offers a military camping discount. Military members and veterans receive a $2 discount year-round at state parks campgrounds. The military discount will be given to retired, veteran and active-duty military personnel, as well as family members of active-duty military personnel, by showing a military I.D. During July, visitors to Missouri’s state parks and historic sites will have the opportunity to “round up” their purchases to be used for veteran programs, such as the Hero Deer Hunt and Veterans’ Deer Hunt. For more information on the Missouri State Park system, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray indicated rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 6230 and 6435 while only grdaing would be done oncounty road 6280. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 4380, 5310, 5330 and 5333. He went on to report rock would be added to county ropad 4290 andbrush was going to be cut on county roads 3210 and 4340. He said crews would be welding a patch on dump truck #116, working on the water system on the ashpalt roller and also work on the steering mechanism on grader #37. Polk said a man would also be going to get parts from Caterpillar in Rolla. He also said the county would be receiving the new road groomer at the road and bridge department this week. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said the CEO of Royal Oak Charcoal would like to come to a commissioner meeting on Monday, June 10th between 9:30 and 10:00. This stems from a conversation that Sheriff Bob Wells had with Tim Jones at Royal Oak about the increase in semi-truck traffic on Dent County Roads 3290 and 3300. Jones told the sheriff he would be speaking with the Royal Oak dispatch as well to reroute the trucks. Sheriff Wells said deputies will continue to patrol the area. The commission reviewed a draft ordinance proposed by Sheriff Wells that would give the Dent County Sheriff’s Department a law the deputies could enforce when dealing with the large trucks who violate state laws. Commissioner Larson said he would like to discuss the ordinance further with the sheriff before having the commission vote on it. Larson also brought up a request from Four Rivers Community Health Center for a letter of support to the state to provide certain health services to the residents of Dent County. The letter was approved by a 2-0 vote with Commissioner Mobray abstaining since his wife Kendra is an employee of Four Rivers. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said sample ballots for the August Primary would be available in her office after June 25th. Citizens could stop by and pick one up or contact her office and she could e-mail them a sample ballot. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday mroning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Today is the last day to apply for the Energy Assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Energy Assistance is designed to provide financial assistance to help pay primary fuel source heating bills for Missourians during the months of October through March. Eligibility requirements for this assistance are based on income, family size, available resources and responsibility for payment of home heating costs. The assistance is offered to eligible low-income Missourians for bills from November 1st through May 31st for elderly and disabled households, and from December 1st through May 31st for all other households. Other assistance available is the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) funds. These funds can be used to prevent or restore disconnected service, assist with emergency repairs and furnace replacements and even purchase wood stoves and air conditioners. To qualify for the ECIP assistance, households must provide a notice of disconnect for energy payments. Applications are availbale. For more information or to learn how to apply for LIHEAP, call the South Central Community Action Agency in Salem at 800-325-4633 or call 729-3500. You can also get the application online at scmcaa.org/energy-assistance.

Embark on a journey through history in the Mark Twain National Forest in the Salem Ranger District this Saturday morning starting at 9:00. The American Hiking Society’s National Trail Days® is the host for the annual event. Explore an Old Trail, an unofficial Trail Segment of the National Park Service (NPS) Hildebrand Route of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, going from Reynolds County into Dent County. The adventure begins on Reynolds County Road 903 at the Trail of Tears “To Original Route – Next 31 Miles” NPS Brown sign across Highway 72 from Marcoot Tower. Hikers will traverse Highway 72, heading west, go past the scenic Marcoot Lookout FireTower, to the locked gate. Beside the gate, hikers will enter MTNF “Forest Road 2795,”on the old Centerville Road. The hike will be in the Scotia-Marcoot Walk-in Spring Turkey Hunting Area. It is free to hike in the Mark Twain National Forest, and parking is free in the Marcoot Lookout Tower area. You hike at your own risk on public lands. One should consider wearing long pants, light-colored clothes, a hat, and boots. Bring bug spray, water, snacks, and maybe lunch. No food is available on or near the premises or restroom facilities. The Missouri Chapter Trail of Tears Association, and the DentCounty Historical Society are the local organizations that meticulously planned the local National Trails Day® event. Contact Deloris Gray Wood, President of the Dent County Historical Society at (573) 729-2545.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education has called for a meeting Monday morning, June 3rd, at 8:15 in the R-80 Administrative Board Room. After approval of the agenda, the board will consider the acceptance of bids for the FEMA construction project. The board will then move into Executive Session to discuss personnel. The board will return to open session and adjourn the meeting. The meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Board of Alderman met at the City Hall Auditorium on Tuesday evening for their regular meeting. The board approved the request by Burgendee Lytle to have 4th, 5th and Iron streets around the courthouse square closed for Summerfest on June 8th. Summerfest will be from noon until 6:00 PM and the streets will be closed starting at 10:30 that morning. The board approved allowing Josh Kotschedoff to spend no more than $20,000 each on transformers and electric poles when ordering them as market conditions are changing daily. There was no motion made by the board on the TAP Downtown Project bids and it died for lack of a motion. In new and miscellaneous business, the board approved Resolution #12-2024 allowing the mayor to execute a one-year memorandum of understanding between the City of Salem and Missouri State Universtity-West Plains Adult Education and Literacy program allowing for AEL Education to be held at 202 North Washington Street in the old city hall basement. The board approved Bill #3609 amending the city code of Salem regarding the creation and membership of the Airport Advisory Board. City of Salem Finance Director Stacey Houston stated sales tax revenue receipts in May were up nine percent and year-to-date, the sales tax numbers are up about one percent. She stated that water and electric consumption were down in April. The cost of power in April to the city was $3.852 million dollars as revenues billed from electric usage were $6.055 million dollars. At the end of April, the total of the fund balances of all city funds was $10,134,925. Houston said the city has received 72% of their budgeted revenues and have expended 62% of what was budgeted. The board then went into closed session.

The Missouri Highway Patrol has released preliminary reports which indicate there were seven traffic fatalities, no boating fatalities, and no drownings over Memorial Day Weekend. The 2024 Memorial Day weekend counting period began at 6:00 Friday evening and ran through 11:59 Monday night. During the counting period the State Highway Patrol troopers investigated 275 traffic crashes resulting in 161 injuries and 7 fatalities. The Patrol made 128 DWI arrests. Boating statistics indicate that there were 7 crashes resulting in 7 injuries and the Patrol made 6 BWI arrests.

The draft Fiscal Year 2025 through 2029 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program or STIP, from the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission, is wrapping up its 30-day public review and comment period. In the past 10 years, MoDOT and its construction partners have completed 4,206 projects with a program value of $11.1 billion, but it wasdelivered $536 million below budget and 93% on time. The draft FY 2025 through 2029 STIP lists transportation projects planned by state and regional planning agencies for fiscal years 2025-2029 and reflects the transportation needs of communities across the state. In Dent County, there are four projects in the STIP including pavement preservation on Route K from Highway 19 to Route KK, and also on Route J in Salem from Highway 32 to Highway 72; bridge improvement on Route B over Dry Creek; bridge improvement on Highway 19 over Spring Creek; and the upgrading of the pedestrian facilities to meet the ADA transition plan on Highway 32 and 19.Those interested in offering comments can contact MoDOT by email at STIPcomments@modot.mo.gov, by calling customer service at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636), or by mail to Transportation Planning, Program Comments, P.O. Box 270, Jefferson City, MO 65102. The program is also available on MoDOT’s website: modot.org/DRAFTSTIP. The formal comment period ends TODAY!!

The Creative Arts Council is offering a Summertime Front Porch Sign & Wine this Friday from 6:30 unti 9:00 with Danielle Norris. It’s a great time to decorate your front porch!! For those who did Spring porch signs (or prior fall or winter signs), come back and decorate the back of your sign for Summertime! Or you can do this as a stand alone event, and make your very own front porch sign! They use stencils and tracing paper to create their very own one of a kind design to match your decor and tastes. So get those ideas together and come learn how to create your sign step by step. The artist is very hands on, and will help you make it yours!  If you are a repeat attendee, bring your board back or if you have your own board, the cost of the class is $20. If you are a new attendee and will be needing a board, the class cost is $35. A minimum of six people are needed to hold the class and it will be limited to 16. Signup at the Salem Area Community Betterment Association website, go to the Creative Arts Center link and look under programs.

The City Salem’s Capital Improvements will hold a workshop tonight at 6:00 at the Salem Community Center@the Armory. The meeting has been called for the introduction of City of Salem budgets and to review proposed FY24-25 Capital Improvement Projects. The meeting was called by Alderman Shawn Bolerjack, Chairman.