Local News

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.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley has released information on a number of cases heard in front of Judge Michael Randazzo on Wednesday, May 22nd. In the first case heard, Ronald Breeding of Salem pleaded guilty to felony resisting arrest as a persistent felony offender. Breeding was sentenced to seven years in the Missouri Department of Corrections as requested by the prosecutor. The case of Kristin Thompson of Salem was heard and she pleaded guilty to the unlawful use of a weapon. Thompson made the plea after serving 24 days in jail. Prosecutor Curley sought a four-year suspended execution of sentence due to the nature of the incident with the standard terms of probation and no contact provisions with the victim and his family. Thompson sought a suspended imposition of sentence with probation. Over the objection of the state, Thompson received a suspended imposition of sentence and was placed on probation for five years. The probation case of Bobby Oller of St. Louis was heard as he was on probation for felony driving while having his license revoked and the possession of a controlled substance. Prosecutor Curley requested his probation be revoked and Judge Randazzo agreed, sentencing Oller to serve seven years in the Missouri Department of Corrections. In the case of Isaac Ghormley of Salem, he pleaded guilty to the possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine. Judge Randazzo sentenced him to a seven years suspended execution of sentence with five years of probation and parole after serving a jail sentence as requested by the prosecutor. The next case heard was that of Trevor Elrod of Salem who pleaded guilty to a Class E felony for domestic assault in the 3rd degree after serving 45 days in the Dent County Jail. Elrod was sentenced to a four-year suspended execution of sentence with five years of probation and parole with no contact with the victim or the victims’ father. In the last case heard that day, Britta Botkin of Salem pleaded guilty to the possession of a controlled substance-fentanyl. She was sentenced to serve seven yeas under the RSMO Section 559.115 program as requested by Prosecutor Curley.

The Mudbugs will be meeting this Thursday from 2:00 until about 3:30 at the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History to find out how many different wildflowers they can find. Maybe enough to win the color scavenger hunt? The Mudbugs will do a little flower pounding art and the Muslin cloth will be provided. Mudbugs can bring their own white T-shirt to decorate! They may even try their hand at making dandelion tea. The Mudbug activity is geared toward children age 6-12 or so, but all ages are welcome. They will do their best to accommodate younger children. A donation to the Bonebrake Center of $2.00 per child is appreciated. Contact Janet Price for more info at moonshadowmomentsllc@gmail.com.

The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds hunters and anglers that squirrel and black bass seasons opened this past Saturday, May 25th. The hunting season on eastern gray and fox squirrels runs now through February 15th, 2025. Allowed methods include shotguns, rifles, and other legal firearm methods, as well as archery equipment, and slingshots. Squirrels may also be harvested with cage-style traps during the hunting season as long as hunters have a valid small game hunting permit. Traps must be labeled with the hunter’s full name and address, or Conservation Number, be attended daily, and have an opening of 144 square-inches or smaller. The daily limit for hunting, including the use of cage-style traps, is ten and the possession limit is 20. Hunters must have a permit valid for hunting small game or be exempt. If you are a fisherman, anglers may catch-and-keep black bass, such as largemouth, smallmouth, spotted or Kentucky bass, now through February 28th, 2025. Black bass can be found statewide but have a closed season part of the year in most streams south of the Missouri River. Black bass can be caught and released legally throughout the year anywhere in Missouri, and legal-sized bass may be kept all year long from impoundments and streams with no closed season. In most state waters, the daily limit on black bass is six. Fish taken from most rivers and streams must be 12-inches long. Additional regulations may apply to specific waters or areas. Anglers must have a valid fishing permit or be exempt.

There is a collection box at Salem Public Library for old, damaged, or soiled American flags. Anyone may leave a flag there now through Saturday, June 8th. The library will deliver these flags in need of retirement to the American Legion Post 99. The Legion will properly dispose of them in accordance with the United States Flag Code.

During the week of May 4th through the 10th, officers with the Salem Police Department were dispatched to a total of 80 calls for service. Officers conducted eight traffic stops for various traffic violations with two resulting in a summons or arrest. Officers also conducted five traffic accident investigations and wrote four informational reports. Here are some of the arrest reports: On the evening of Monday, May 6th at around 5:00, officers arrested 39-year-old Khira Longacre of St Louis, for active warrants for her arrest out of Jasper County, Missouri. The arrest was made following a traffic stop of a vehicle near the intersection of Hickory Street and Highway 32. On Thursday afternoon, May 9th close to 2:00, officers arrested 42-year-old Matthew Lewis of Leasburg, for an active probation and parole warrant with no bond out of Crawford County. The arrest was made following a short term investigation into the location of Lewis. Finally, during the afternoon of Friday, May 10th near 4:00, officers arrested 32-year-old Ryan Knight of Salem, for two active no bond warrants out of Dent County. The arrest was made following officers on patrol identifying the Knight walking near the intersection of Hickory Street and Highway 32. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

An accident happened in Dent County Monday morning at 2:29 on Highway 119 at Route E that took the life of a Salem teenager. According to the highway patrol report, a 2008 Pontiac G6 driven westbound by a 16-year-old male juvenile from Salem, experienced a mechanical failure causing the Pontiac to travel off Highway 119 from Route E into the wood line, striking a tree. According to the report, a passenger in the Pontiac, 18-year-old Danny Luebbers of Salem, was pronounced dead at the scene by Dent County Deputy Coroner Gina White. His body was taken to the Wilson Mortuary in Salem. Another passenger, a 15-year-old male from Salem, suffered moderate injuries as did the juvenile driver. The 15-year-old boy was taken to the Salem Memorial Hospital by the Salem Ambulance while the 16-year-old driver was taken by a privately operated vehicle to the hospital. It was unknown if the juveniles were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident while the report indicated that Luebbers was not. The Pontiac was totaled and removed from the scene by American Automotive. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by the Dent County Sheriff’s Department and the Salem Police Department.

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees held their regular meeting Thursday, May 16th. Administrator Zach Moser presented the Service and Statistics report. In the Communicable Disease Report, he stated that there were four COVID-19 cases reported, 40 lead cases, 19 screenings for sexually transmitted infections, two cases of Influenza and nine animal bites. The environmental report by Assistant Administrator Roma Jones showed there where seven total inspections conducted, no recalls, no sewer complaints, and 23 environmental questions were fielded. A townhall meeting and informational session was planned for May 30th at 7:00 in the evening to provide information and answer questions about the new Consumer Food Safety Regulation. The Maternal-Child Health (MCH) statistics showed there were 3 CPR Courses, no consultations for Childcare Health, one Show-Me Healthy Women appointemnt, 33 Title X appointnments, two Presumptive Eligibilities (Temporary Medicaid) and 340 WIC appointments. The Community-Specific Services Summary showed 512 total appointments other than WIC, 144 Nurse Practitioner appointments, 125 treatment court visits, 185 lab appointments and 52 immunization appointments. Nurse Practitioner Service Details showed one Show-Me Healthy Women appointment, nine family plannings, two well-child visits, 10 online appointments, nine other physicals, 21 SEMO physicals, 12 other visits, and 75 acute illness appointments. Laboratory details showed 195 individual patients, nine appointments for Rapid Test for COVID, Flu, RSV or Strep, four pregnancy tests and no lead tests. Immunizations for April totaled four for COVID-19, three for Influenza, and 90 for other vaccines, including the new RSV vaccine and new formulations of pneumonia vaccine. In the Administrator’s report, Moser reported that letters and invoices for the first food inspection fee have been mailed out and regulations and fees become effective July 1st. Moser recapped recent events including the Health Fair which had 64 attendees, five total trainings that sent staff around the country, at no cost to DCHC, plus two vaccine clinics in April. He discussed a number of maintenance issues which included replacment of a toilet, the completed installation of a larger generator, and the expectation of an insurance claim due to the April 18th hail storm which damaged the outdoor electronic sign and possible parts of the building. Moser also discussed progress on the Strategic Plan. The Health Center financial reports for April, including the overall results from H & R Block, were reviewed. Discussion was held on the balance sheet, income statement, and budget statements. After these questions were answered, the financial reports and the report from H & R Block were approved. In new business the draft of the Financial Audit was presented. The Board requested time to review the audit befoe granting approval. The preliminary report was an unmodified opinon with no material weaknesses or findings. Moser made the Board aware of a list of changes that could be made to the building and potential long-term facilities planning. Board member Bob Gravely asked about the opioid settlement money for Dent County. Moser confirmed that Dent County, through the Commissioners, has received money, but has not spent it. The Commission will be using MRPC to evalute uses of the money. The Board went in to closed session to discuss personnel. The only motion in closed session was the approval of the April 18th closed session minutes. The next regular meeting of the Board was set for Thursday, June 20th at 5:00.

An accident happened Saturday afternoon at 4:35 in Phelps County on Route BB and Phelps County Road 3130. According to the highway patrol report, a 2106 Ford Fiesta driven eastbound by 22-year-old Hope Olguin of Rolla, stopped to make a left hand turn and was struck from behind by a 2007 Toyota Yarris driven eastbound by a 16-year-old female juvenile of Rolla. Olguin suffered minor injuries as did two passengers in her vehicle: 20-year-old Jason Archuletta and 20-year old Miahann Warrick of Rolla. Everyone was taken by a personal vehicle to Phelps Health for treatment. Everyone involved was wearing a seatbelt. The Ford Fiesta had minor damage and was driven from the scene while the Toyota Yarris sustained moderate damages and was towed from the scene by the owner.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning for their regular meeting. Numerous landowners from Dent County Roads 3290 and 3300 were in attendance to discuss problems with the truck traffic primarily from Royal Oak since their expansion a couple years ago. The landowners say the truck traffic on a daily basis now is unbelievable. The drivers are following GPS instructions which is taking them down county roads with tractor-trailer units and semi-trucks which are doing major damage to the county roads, both gravel and chip and seal. Many of these drivers actually have to back up on the roads for miles to get back out on a highway, while other drivers are getting stuck when they realize they can’t turn around and are actually driving through residents yards leaving deep ruts and damaging their property, knocking down signs, and destroying ditch lines. Many of the concerns of the residents were that when these events happen, they can’t get a quick response from the Dent County Sheriff’s Department or the highway patrol when they call to report an incident or write a ticket. Dent County Sheriff Bob Wells produced dispatcher records that showed deputies responded to some 11 calls in that area in about an 18 day stretch, but they have no authority to write tickets for the truck using the road as use of the road is controlled by the state. The commission has discussed this with MoDOT Central District Engineer Michelle Watkins about putting up signage, but she said MoDOT won’t do that as they say they would have to do that for every road in the county and City of Salem. The county had put up 10-ton weight limit signs on the roads, but they have either been knocked down or stolen, plus the Dent County Sheriff’s Department would have to have portable scales to enforce that restriction which they do not. The commission has ordered some new signage for the roads prohibiting large truck traffic on some roads, but they have not yet arrived. The commission felt the best thing to do was to try to get a meeting with Royal Oak and find a solution to the truck routing problem that currently exists. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams gave the CART Tax report and said the county received $81,593.77 this month which is $15,857.26 more than for May of 2023 when the county received $65,736.51. Year-to-date, the county is up $13,857.26 in CART funds. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 4220, 5490 and 6660 while brush would be cut on county road 5080. He said workers would also be patching pot holes on chip and seal roads with the Ultimate Paving Material. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 3200 and 5260, while only grading would be done on county road 6123. He said brush would be cut on county road 4290. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he attended the Tourism Tax Committee meeting where five proposals were received and all five were approved. They also had five requests for reimbursement with one being rejected for the lack of paperwork. The county clerk’s office balanced with the Dent County Treasurer on all accounts for the month of April. The courthouse will be closed for Memorial Day Monday and the next meeting will be Thursday morning at 9:00 and it is open to the public.

The Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to the boating season. During the 2023 Memorial Day weekend, there were 10 boating crashes which included no fatalities and two injuries. No one drowned over last year’s Memorial Day weekend. Last year, troopers made 137 driving while intoxicated and eight boating while intoxicated arrests. This year’s Memorial Day holiday counting period begins at 6:00 Friday evening and ends at 11:59 Monday night. Every available trooper will be on the water, enforcing Missouri laws and assisting people. Expect an increase in boating traffic on the state’s lakes and rivers. Always wear a life jacket when near, on, or in the water. Be courteous and pay attention, whether you’re operating a vehicle or a vessel, and choose to be a sober driver on land and on the water. A safe, fun weekend is the result of planning and making good decisions. Motorists or boaters in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use the Highway Patrol’s Emergency Assistance number 1-800-525-5555 (or *55 on a cellular phone). Have a safe and prosperous Memorial Day weekend!

An accident happened Wednesday afternoon at 5:15 in Texas County on Route BB about four miles west of Highway 63. According to the highway patrol report, a 1997 Polaris Express 300 being operated by 43-year-old Norman Jackson of Licking, was traveling westbound when he was struck from behind by a 2006 Hyundai Elantra being driven by 36-year-old Victoria Waldrop of Houston. Both Jackson and Waldrop suffered moderate injuries and were both taken by Texas County EMS to the Texas County Memorial hospital. The Polaris was totaled and removed from the scene by Jay’s Towing at the request of the responding officer. The Elantra sustained moderate damage and was able to be driven from the scene. The report went on to state that Waldrop was wearing a seat restraint while Jackson was not using any safety equipment.

A press release from City Administrator Sally Burbridge states that the intersection of West Dent Street and South Henderson Street will be temporarily closed this morning at 7:30 to repair a water main. The city does apologize for any inconvenience and asks that you keep the safety of our crew in mind if you are in the area.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will celebrate the arrival of their new apparatus with a “Push-in Ceremony” tonight at 6:00, weather permitting. Any and all community members that might like to witness such an event here in Dent County all welcome to attend. This type of ceremony dates back to the days of horse-drawn equipment when members had to push the equipment into the bay. Over time, with the invention and adoption of motorized apparatus, the need to manually move the equipment was gone. However, the legacy of the push-in was secured. Now in honor of those crews, many fire departments hold a push-in ceremony when taking delivery of a new apparatus or in this case, new to the Dent County Fire Protection District.

The Salem Memorial Hospital held their monthly board meeting this past Tuesday. Prior to the regularly scheduled meeting, a presentation by Carmen Cooper and Tabitha Stone of the National Rural Health Resource Center was given to the board. The presentation covered SMH’s progress through the Delta Region Health Systems Development Program since their entry in September of 2021. Carmen lead the presentation as she praised SMH’s progress and outlined SMH’s remaining modules required for program completion. The board, lead by Interim CEO Wes Murray, reassured her that while the hospital is in a leadership transition they’re committed to completing the program and will schedule the remaining project modules after the new CEO Brooke Bollman is on-board July 1. Tabatha Stone then spoke primarily to newer board members summarizing the Delta program and answered questions. Following the presentation, the regular board meeting was held with the exception of Wanda Tatom who was not present. In the Administrator’s Report, Interim CEO Wes Murray commented that Hospital Week went very well as he toured and visited several departments. He also said the foundation golf tournament will be held June 7th at the Spring Creek Golf Club. Chief Financial Officer Kayla Chamberlain reported the hospital had a gain from operations of $385,630 with an excess of revenues over expenses of $396,583. Chamberlain reported hospital admissions in April were 73 which included five Swingbed and 34 observation admissions with a total of 218 patient census days. In April, there were 1,468 Outpatient Registrations, 801 Cardiopulmonary Procedures, 6,835 Lab Tests, 1,169 Radiology Procedures, 763 Rehabilitation Treatments and 23 Surgical Procedures. There were 596 Emergency Room visits with 54 patients being admitted. A total of 212 ambulance runs were made with 158 patients being transported. She said days cash on hand at the end of April was 27. The clinic had a profit from direct operations for the month of $104,297, and the hospital cash flow statement showed an increase in cash for April of $560,800. In the Chief Nursing Officer report, Emily Hunter was named the “Nurse of the Year” with Stephanie Cooper the runner-up during Nurses’ Week. A number of nursing positions are open including Chief Nursing Officer and anyone interested should check out the availabilites at SMDH.net. In April, there were eight new hires and one person left the hospital employment. The board approved new staff privileges for Andrew Smith, MD in telepsychology; and Christine Orsmby, MD and Selasi Naakhaima, MD in teleradiology. In new business, the organizational chart was updated, discussion on a tax levy increase was tabled, and discussion about an employee salary increase was tabled until after the finance committee meets which will be on June 14th at noon. The board then went into closed session.

Memorial Day weekend brings Missouri to life with busy state parks, lakes, and attractions, along with sporting events, barbecues, and gatherings of friends and family. Our state has a lot to offer, especially when the weather is nice. A little planning will go a long way to making your Memorial Day weekend activities a success. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds everyone to include safety when they plan their holiday weekend. Everyone should expect more travelers on Missouri’s roadways. Drivers are reminded to follow all Missouri’s laws and be courteous. Always wear a seat belt when traveling in a vehicle. This year’s Memorial Day holiday counting period begins at 6:00 this Friday evening, and ends at 11:59 Monday night. Every available trooper will be on the road enforcing Missouri laws and assisting people. Troopers on our roadways will focus their attention on hazardous moving violations, speed violations, and impaired drivers. The Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort) during Memorial Day weekend. Over the 2023 Memorial Day holiday weekend, 13 people died and 403 were injured in 990 traffic crashes. (Troopers worked 287 traffic crashes involving 12 fatalities and 117 injuries.) For road condition reports, travelers can call 1-888-275-6636. Motorists are encouraged to do their part to make Missouri’s roadways safer. Speed, inattention, and impaired driving are leading causes of traffic crashes. Please obey all traffic laws and make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint.

As Americans fire up their grills for Memorial Day celebrations, a new study by US Foods settles the age-old hot dog debate and reveals the secrets to crafting the perfect hot dog. This all-American summertime staple has fueled barbecue debates nationwide, especially over ideal toppings. According to survey data, the perfect hot dog is grilled on a white bun, topped with mustard, ketchup, onions, relish, and chili. The study shows 93% of Americans love hot dogs with Chicago-style reigning supreme. Americans are eating an average of 2 hot dogs a month and are willing to spend $5.88 on a hot dog. The most popular sides are French fries, potato salad, potato chips, baked beans, and macaroni and cheese.

The Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) and Healthy Dent County are teaming up to host a Second Chance Job Fair today from 10:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon at the Salem Community Center at the Armory located at 1200 W. Rolla Street in Salem. The job fair focuses on employers willing to hire individuals who are justice involved or in recovery from substance-use-disorder. Numerous employers will be attending include Walmart, Royal Oak and Eagle Stop to name a few, as well as the Missouri Job Center, Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health and Invent Yourself, LLC who can provide resources to potential employees. This event is open to the public. Attendees will be eligible to win a door prize. This event is open to the public. Attendees will be eligible to win a door prize. This project is funded through a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, totaling $1,000,000 awarded to MRPC in 2021.

The Salem Park and Recreation Board met Monday evening at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois gave her report saying the soccer program went well even though the weather was challenging, they were able to get all the games in for the season. Dubois said the Summer Baseball, Softball and T-Ball program has 402 athletes signed up this year which is down from last year. She said her Summer Park Camp this year will be held in June from 8:00 in the morning until 1:00 and is limited to 25 children. Signups for that continue and people can find out more information by going to the Salem Park and Recreation Department Facebook Page, calling Melissa at 573-247-6031 or e-mailing her at salemparks@salemmo.com. The cost per child is $200. Dubois said she is considering holding a “Skills and Drills” Basketball Camp which would be a three-day camp, but she has not finalized all the details as of yet. She said the Al Brown Field Lighting Project is still not completed as the electricians are waiting on a missing piece needed for the transformer. She said the city crews will be building an elevated pad near the creek for the transformer once things dry out. Dubois said there was extensive damage to the pool liner from the hail storms in the area and an RFP has been put out for a replacement liner. She also reported the Tennis Courts have a new sign which was funded by the Salem High School Tennis Team and she thanks them for their support. She said the cracks in the concrete have been repaired but the skate park needs work and a new ramp she is looking at costs $6,700. She said the first park pavilion had the roof replaced by the construction crew, and if anyone has an interest in reserving a pavilion, please call 729-4811. She would also like to install a sign at the Al Brown Fields similar to the one at the Salem City Park on Rolla Road. Dubois also wanted to thank the high school students on their service day for digging and spreading the mulch around the trees at the Salem City Park. City of Salem Finance Director Stacey Houston and City Administrator Sally Burbridge went over the proposed budget with the Park Board. In revenues, Houston added $150,000 for the expected amount of insurance the city is going to get for the pool liner, but also added $200,000 as the cost of the liner. Houston said adjustments had been made for the amount of payroll with the pool being closed, and her initial budget deficit was $50,577. After some discussion, Houston had not made adjustments for the chemicals needed for the pool, plus the need to adjust the cost for electric and water which will be reduced with the pool not being open. Dubois also stated other items that were needed were a new pool filter using glass media, updates to the Al Brown Concession Building, the replacement of the roof at the City Park Concession and Restrooms near the softball fields, new bleachers at Al Brown Fields, and pool lighting repair or replacement. Park board member Luke Heithold asked if the roofs and pool lights had been inspected by the insurance adjuster for damages from the hail and Dubois said only by the construction crew. Heithold said he lives in the vicinity and he and his neighbors are all getting new roofs due to the storm. The park board then requested the city get the insurance adjuster to look at these items and see if there is hail damage that may be covered. Administrator Burbridge said new this year, they will be encumbering funds based on the useful life of park and rec assets for replacement. This would include mowers, vehicles, playground equipment, pool liners, etc. That figure came to just over $38,000 this year that will be set aside for asset replacement. This is different than the reserve funds of 25% of the previous years expenses which is kept aside for a “just in case” event. After more discussion, the park board approved the proposed budget which shows $837,651 in revenues and $849,900 in expenses, plus the $38,328 for the replacement fund using the park and rec fund balance to make up any budget deficit with a contingency. The contingency was that if there is more insurance money coming from other claims, the alderman will take that into consideration when considering the park board budget. The board postponed discussing a three to five year plan, but they did hear a wish-list from Park and Recreation Director Dubois that she would like them to consider when determining the three to five year plan. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray indicated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5400 and 6633 while brush would be cut on county road 6570. Mobray stated workers were checking the Montauk area for washouts from the rains Friday night. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 3195 while a crew will be hauling asphalt to county road 3210. He said workers would also be patching chip and seal roads. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said the commission received a report back on the hail damage to the courthouse from Alexander Construction and the insurance company. Larson said they are discussing the results of the report at this time. He also said they received the cost of the new handrail for the front of the courthouse and it came to $5,400. No action was taken at this meeting. Larson said he also attended the Tourism Tax Commission meeting Monday night. A concerned citizen who said he fell off his motorcycle due to ruts created by the rains on county road 6090 asked Commissioner Mobray if those ruts could be repaired so he doesn’t fall again. It was also announced there would be no commission meeting on Monday, May 27th as the courthouse will be closed for Memorial Day. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The draft Fiscal Year 2025 through 2029 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program or STIP, from the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission, is now in its 30-day public review and comment period. The draft STIP makes available $13.8 billion of federal and state revenues for all modes of transportation over the next five years. Of the $13.8 billion, the draft STIP details $9.9 billion in road and bridge construction contractor awards, averaging approximately $2 billion per year. It also contains programming details for the remaining $2.4 billion of General Revenue for the Improve I-70 program, which in full includes $2.8 billion for the costs to plan, design, construct, reconstruct, rehabilitate and repair three lanes in each direction on nearly 200 miles of the corridor. 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 was delivered $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. The proposed program is now available for public review. 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 May 30th, 2024. The summary of comments will be presented to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission following the public review period. After reviewing the summary of comments and the final transportation program, it will be considered for approval at the July 10th Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission meeting.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors will hold their regular meeting at 5:30 in the hospital library this evening. At the meeting, the Board will hear a Delta Program update before reviewing previous meeting minutes. The Board will hear the Administrator’s report, plus the summary of operations for the month of April as well as statistics for the month. The Board will hear about the 340B program, receive the Chief Nursing Officer report, and be updated on Human Resources. After the Chief of Staff’s report, the board will discuss the state and matching funding update as well as the strategic planning update. In new business the board will discuss an organizational chart, tax levy increase, finance committee meeting and employee salary increases. The board may then vote to go into closed session. The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors meeting Tuesday night is open to the public. To attend the meeting by electronic means, call Hannah Harris in the hospital administration office at 729-6626, extension 4005.

Want to learn to fish? MDC’s Discover Nature – Fishing Program provides a series of free lessons throughout the state. All fishing gear is provided. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/fishing. If you need fishing gear, the Department of Conservation works with numerous libraries and other locations around the state to loan fishing gear for free. Loaner gear includes fishing poles and simple tackle box with hooks, sinkers, and bobbers. Worms, minnows, or other bait are not provided. The Salem Public Library and Current River State Park offer the loaner gear. Call them at 729-4311 or 858-3015 for more information.

An accident happened Sunday morning at 10:50 on private property on Route J in Oates that took the life of an 11-year-old boy. According to the highway patrol report, a 2021 Yamaha Viking being driven by an 11-year-old male juvenile, reversed onto a mound of gravel and overturned, with the Yamaha coming to rest on top of the young boy. The boy was pronounced dead at the scene by the Washington County Paramedic Jamie Lallumondiere at 11:26, and the body was transported by the Reynolds County Coroner to the McSpadden Funeral Home. The highway patrol was assisted by the Reynolds County Sheriff’s Department.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met Thursday evening at the district administrative offices boardroom. The board heard from Ruben Hovey about the wrestling club and Mrs Russell showed a video of the choir. Dave Dawson from the community addressed the board before they heard the Superintendent’s report from Dr. Lynne Reed and Dr. Nathan Wills. Reed reported the CSIP progress updates were presented to the building principals before Reed and Wills provided information regarding the insurance claim for damages to school property from the recent hail storms. Dr. Wills also informed the board the yearly professional development needs assessment had been conducted, and the school identified focus areas for next year’s professional development. After the building principals gave their reports, the bids for the FEMA storm shelter construction and the Healthy Dent County sponsorship were postponed for a later date. In the regular meeting, the board declared Chromebooks as surplus property and requested bids for purchase. They approved MSBA Policy AI with suggestions from board member Marjorie Piatt, and also approved the contract with Shied Solutions. The board approved the career ladder plan, approved the contract with Show-Me Therapy Services, approved the contract with First Student for ECSE transportation, approved an MOA with the University of Missouri for a College Advisor, and approved the CACFP contract. The board approved out-of-state trips for the Salem FFA, the constructions trades program and the choir before the board failed to approve a ballot initiative for the August 2024 election as the motion failed by a 7-0 vote. The board approved the lease agreement with the Dent County Developmental Disabilities, approved the summer school food service program, and they authorized the solicitation of bids for roof, siding, HVAC, greenhouse repairs and all other replacements from the recent hail damage. The board accepted the resignations of Carilee Ball as the district psychological examiner, Josh Gorman for high school math, Mark Howard for high school social studies and assistant track coach, Jerry Adkins as a high school social studies teacher and Terrie Welch for high school track. Also resigning were support staff members Sherri Reichard as the high school nurse, custodian Dalton Chapman and para professionals Stephanie Grace and Daisy Shalbot. In closed session, the Salem R-80 board hired Megan Blair as a a high school chemistry teacher and head track coach, Charles Overton for 8th grade English/Language Arts, Katherine Culp as a Kindergarten teacher, Alaina Santhuff for SLP-A, Brentnee Miller as a teacher, Elizabeth Robertson as a high school math teacher, Eric Metcalf as a high school history instructor, Hannah Terrill as the upper elementary special education instructor, Shelby Botkin as the Middle School Volleyball Coach and Neal Myers as the Head Golf Coach. The board heard student issues before approving attendance appeals that were recommended by the administration. After real estate was discussed, the board extending Dr. Rachel Green’s contract to 220 days. The board then adjourned the closed and regular meeting.

A one vehicle accident happened early Friday morning at 12:30 in Callaway County on westbound Highway 54 at the Route AE/TT off ramp. According to the highway patrol report, a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox being driven by 18-year-old Azaleaya Edwards of Rolla, ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. Edwards, who was wearing a seat restraint, suffered minor injuries. A passenger who was not wearing a seat restraint, 18-year-old Deja Whitfield of Jefferson City, received moderate injuries. Both were taken by Callaway County EMS to University hospital in Columbia. The Equinox was totaled and removed from the scene by Tom and Steves Towing.

City of Salem Parks and Recreation Board president Carlos Lopez has called for a meeting of the Board for this afternoon at 5:30 at the Salem Community Center@the Armory. After the call to order and roll call, the Board will hear the Director’s report, consider and approve the budget, and review the 3-5 year plan. The meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board is open to the public.

The Salem Police department has released their report for the month of April. The department responded to seven accidents during the month. Officers responded to two alarms sounding and addressed 33 animal calls, investigated four assaults or fights, two burglaries, performed 22 well being checks and 16 area checks in April. Police investigated 15 domestic disputes, eight verbal disturbances, conducted 53 follow-up investigations, and provided 14 escorts. They investigated two nuisance violations, one report of fraud, took two missing persons reports, and offered assistance to four motorists. The Salem Police wrote five property damage reports, made 14 stealing reports, and responded to three traffic complaints. Officers investigated one sex offense charge, 20 suspicious circumstance calls, 9 suspicious person calls, and five suspicious vehicle calls. Officers attempted to serve 7 warrants and conducted 48 traffic stops during the month. The police responded to a total of 465 incidents in April with the average response time to calls being one minute and 59 seconds. The average time spent on the scene was 21 minutes and 50 seconds.

The 139th Graduation Ceremonies of the Salem R-80 High School will be held Friday night at 7:00 at the Salem High School Football Field. After the procession of 124 graduating students, the National Anthem will be performed by the Salem High School Chamber Choir Singers. Assistant Principal Laci Kolbe will then present the Senior Class Citizenship Awards, the Best Female and Male Leader Awards, and salute students who earned the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy Awards. Principal Jody Heavin will introduce the A Plus students, students who are entering the military, as well as the career and technical certified students. Senior Class President Leya Russell will then give her speech before Senior Class-Vice President Jonathan Stokes gives his speech. Diplomas will then be awarded to the Class of 2024 students by Superintendent Lynne Reed and President of the R-80 Board of Education, Drusilla Howard, followed by the tossing of the caps. The graduation exercises will be streamed live on KSMO Media. Those wanting to stream the graduation exercises can go to the Salem R-80 website which is www.salemr80.org, go to their menu and you will find a link to ksmoradio.com which is our Twitch account. People can also go directly to the KSMO Radio website at www.ksmoradio.com and from the homepage, they can click on the stream of their choice including the KSMO Stream Facebook page, KSMO Twitch page and on KSMO’s YouTube page. There is NO charge to stream the services. Should the exercises be rained out, they will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:00.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning. Grant Wilson from Congressman Jason Smith’s Rolla office was in attendance and informed the commission that the Ways and Means Committee has sent through six bills to the full house that deal with improving rural health care through funding for telehealth, emergency access, quality care through training and incentives, and second chances for hospitals that closed. Wilson said much of the information that led to these bills being created came from citizens from town hall meetings and the committee remote hearings. He will keep the commission informed on the progress of these bills. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said his crew would be out checking pipes and culverts and removing any blockage. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk stated brush would be cut on Dent County Road 4290, repairing a clutch fan assembly on truck #116, servicing dump truck #122 and also cleaning out culverts. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported he attended the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District meeting on Tuesday at St. James where he will become their new president on July 1st. Larson said an electronic, appliance, tire and media storage recycling collection for residents will be held in Rolla on June 8th at Brewer Science from 8:00 until noon sponsored by the management district, City of Rolla, Brewer Science and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. On May 9th, the commission decided to not renew the Rural Addressing Agreement with Healthy Dent County for 2025 to provide rural addressing for the county, and move the service into the county assessor’s office. They needed to give a six-month notice as per the agreement. They felt by having rural addressing in the assessor’s office, it would make it more convenient to the public who already see the assessor for their real estate needs to get an address as well. A timeline will be discussed to make sure services are still provided during the transition. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and it is open to the public.

The Salem Area Community Betterment Association held their “Gift of Tine” Awards banquet at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center Thursday night to honor volunteers in a number of categories for their work in making Salem a better community. The winner of the “Gift of Time” Award for the Art and Culture Category was Danielle Norris, while Christina Pierce was honored with the award in the Education and Youth Category. The “Gift of Time” Award winner in the Category of Community Enhancement and Preservation was the Bonebrake Center of Nature History with Mike Godi accepting that award on behalf of the center. In the Outstanding Youth Category, Khloe Baldwin was presented the “Gift of Time” Award,while Tod Kinerk was honored with the award in the Humanitarian Category. The SACBA Board, in honor of the 30th anniversary of the organization, presented the Community Trailblazer Award to Jerry Craig for all his hard work over the years in promoting and preserving the Salem community. David Spear, the artist and painter who designed and painted the mural on the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center, was the keynote speaker at the event.

The Dent County Sheriff’s office has released some reports. On Saturday, May 4th, deputies responded to the 19000 block of East Highway 32 for a wanted subject. Deputies arrested a 30-year-old Salem woman on her warrants and incarcerated her in the Dent County jail. On Tuesday, May 7th, deputies responded to the 19000 block of Route C for a reported burglary. During the investigation, a 64-year-old Lenox man discovered an unknown female stealing items from his residence. The woman fled and after a multi-jurisdictional investigation, a 39-year-old woman from St. Louis was arrested in Rolla. On May 10th, deputies responded to the 500 block of 5th Street in Bunker for a domestic dispute with a weapon involved. During the investigation, it was determined a 33-year-old Bunker man had exhibited a handgun while arguing with his 32-year-old spouse. The man was arrested for unlawful use of a weapon and transported to the Dent County jail. That same day, a deputy responded to the 1100 block of Highway 68 to take a property damage report. The victim told deputies an unknown person had broken the rear window of their vehicle. The investigation is ongoing. If you have any information regarding an investigation please call the Dent County sheriffs office at 729-3241.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met Tuesday night at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. The Board heard from Kelly Sink from the Meramec Regional Planning Commission about the CDBG grant in a public hearing which will help with the construction costs of the Phase 2B wastewater treatment improvements. Voters approved the bond to pay for the improvements that opened the door for the CDBG grant of $750,000 as well as state funding of two million dollars. If the city gets the grant, they would only need to finance around 1.4 million dollars in bonds. After the consent agenda, Mayor Greg Parker appointed one person to the Finance Committee and four people to the Capital Improvements Committee which the board approved. Alderwoman Kala Sisco said Healthy Dent County has agreed to use their 501 C (3) status for the collection of funds for the Fireworks display at the Commons. Sisco said Sierra Connell will be the contact person for donations and people can write checks to Healthy Dent County and write “Fireworks Fund” in the memo line. For more information, call Sierra Connell at 573-247-9722. Sisco said the board last year put $10,000 in the budget to help with the fireworks display and asked the board to approve that allocation for the expenses of the display such as the rental of The Commons and more. The board approved her request. The board approved the bid from Pierce Asphalt for hot mix asphalt to pave two streets for $107,289, then voted to reject all bids on the HVAC System for the Animal Pound and require a warranty be include in the bids. The board approved Resolution #13-2024, authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement between Tri-Cat Restoration, the City of Salem, and Judy Kysar for property at 403 E. Hunt; approved Resolution #14-2024, authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement between Tri-Cat Restoration, the City of Salem, and Richard LaBrash for property located at 1500 S. Louise Street; and approved Resolution No. 15-2024, authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement between Steven Thurmond, the City of Salem, and Oren Welch for property located at 403 W. Hunt. The board also approved conditional use permits for property at 906 S. Water Street and #2 North MacArthur to be used for short-term vacation rental. The board heard the first reading of Bill No. 3609, an ordinance amending Section 140.060 of the city code of the City of Salem regarding the creation and membership of the Airport Advisory Board to make it have an odd number of members. City Administrator Sally Burbridge said the airport engineers will be having a pre-construction meeting this month and will have the materials delivered in June. Mayor Parker gave former alderman Kyle Williams a plaque for his service on the board. Public Works Director Steve Payne gave his report before Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois told the board the Splash Pad is now open. She also said signups for her Summer Parks Program are now open. Dubois also discussed the damage to the pool and showed the alderman the pictures showing the cracks and tears in the liner as well as damage to fencing from the hail. The damage is covered by insurance except for the deductable. The amount of damage is estimated at $145,000 and the city will have to put together the specs to go out for bid to replace the liner. Once the bid is awarded, it will still take a pool company about four weeks to remove and install the new liner, so the pool will not open this summer. After the aldermen gave their reports, the board went into closed session.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be holding their regular meeting this evening at 5:30 in the Salem R-80 board room. After the consent agenda is approved the Board will hear reports from Dr. Reed and Dr. Wills before the administration reports are heard from William Lynch, the Upper Elementary, Middle School, and the Senior High. Clay Moody will then give an update on athletics and activities followed by other reports. In New business, the board will declare Chromebooks surplus property and requst bids for purchase. They will approve an MSBA Policy with suggestions from Brian Andrews, plus approve a contract with Shield Solutions and the Career Ladder Plan. The Board will consider the Healthy Dent County sponsorship, approve the contract with Show-Me Therapy Services and First Student for ECSE. The Board will approve an MOU with University of Missouri for a College Advisor, plus approve out-of-state trip requests from FFA, Constructon Trades, and the Choir. The Board will also consider a ballot initiative for the August election, and approve a lease agreement with Dent County Developmental Disablilities, in additon to approving the Summer School Food Service Program. The Board will hear resignations and then adjourn into Executive Session to discuss student attendance appeals, personnel, and real estate. The Board will then return to open session and adjourn. The meeting is open to the public.

There will be a collection box at Salem Public Library for old, damaged, or soiled American flags. Anyone may leave a flag between Monday, May 20 and Saturday, June 8. The library will deliver flags in need of retirement to American Legion Post 99. The Legion will properly dispose of them in accordance with the United States Flag Code.