Local News

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting Tuesday evening at 6:00 at 202 N. Washington in the Old City Hall Auditorium. After the call to order, the agenda was approved after removing Resolution 7-2025, an ordinance authorizing the execution of license agreement for the installation, maintenance and operation of a fiber optic cable from Sho-Me Technologies, LLC to the Salem Police Department for the Next Gen-911 system. During public comments, a citizen stated she submitted a bid to purchase the lot next to her home, and that was approved but has been waiting several months for the City Attorney to contact her. The request from Jay Beck from The Local was removed, and the board appointed former Alderwoman Kala Sisco to serve on the Parks and Recreation Board. The Board voted to approve Resolution #8-2025 supporting state funding for the rebuilding of the Scenic Rivers Industries Sheltered Workshop in Salem, with Alderman Shawn Bolerjack abstaining. Additionally, they approved Bill #3646, which amends Urban Development Code definitions to replace references to “city hall” with “city administration offices” as the city’s operations hub, Bill #3647 to correct a clerical error in commercial electric customer demand meter rates, and Bill #3648 to clarify responsibilities and define “owner” for water and sewer meters used to determine actual sewage usage. In the first reading of bills, the board discussed Bill #3649 which would approve amendments to the Clean Air (Non-Smoking) ordinances to allow appropriate smoking locations for employees, plus discussed Bill #3650 and Bill #3651 that also dealt with the other definitions in the Clean Air (Non-Smoking) ordinances specifically in city parks and other public places. During city officials’ reports, City Administrator Sally Burbridge announced a mapping workshop scheduled for April 28 at City Hall, which will be led by an MPUA representative. Burbridge also noted that due to the April 8 election, the Board of Aldermen meeting that week would be rescheduled to April 15. Mayor Greg Parker recognized DNR members for their assistance at Montauk following the floods and their ongoing community support efforts. Public Works Director Steve Paine provided a brief utility crews update, while Water Department Superintendent Chris McGuirt reported on the Missouri Rural Water Conference in Branson, where the City of Salem’s tap water was recognized as one of five state finalists for best drinking water. The meeting then went into closed session to discuss contracts and litigation.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors held their meeting Tuesday evening at the fire station. Roll call was taken followed by the approval of the consent agenda and minutes of the April meeting. The financial report was reviewed and showed an ending balance of $383,614.53. Bills, payments, and statements were reviewed and approved, followed by the budget review and approval. The monthly reimbursement report was presented showing a total of 16 calls for the month and 56 calls year-to-date. Eight of the calls were for various fires, while other calls included medical assist and accidents. In old business the bond progress report was given by Leigh Ann Price. Information has been distributed to TownScreen and Salem Publishing, KSMO will be doing on-air interviews. Plans are to have a town hall meeting with the public on March 24th.  In new business board of directors’ terms were discussed. Captain Earl Jarvis asked to acquire some of the fire equipment that was budgeted. In the chief’s report brush fire trucks pumps are causing problems by working sometimes and not working sometimes. A pump from Leonx has been borrowed till something can be replaced. The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors held their meeting Tuesday evening at the fire station. Roll call was taken followed by the approval of the consent agenda and minutes of the April meeting. The financial report was reviewed and showed an ending balance of $383,614.53. Bills, payments, and statements were reviewed and approved, followed by the budget review and approval. The monthly reimbursement report was presented showing a total of 16 calls for the month and 56 calls year-to-date. Eight of the calls were for various fires, while other calls included medical assist and accidents. In old business the bond progress report was given by Leigh Ann Price. Information has been distributed to TownScreen and Salem Publishing, KSMO will be doing on-air interviews. Plans are to have a town hall meeting with the public on March 24th.  In new business board of directors’ terms were discussed. Captain Earl Jarvis asked to acquire some of the fire equipment that was budgeted. In the chief’s report brush fire trucks pumps are causing problems by working sometimes and not working sometimes. A pump from Leonx has been borrowed till something can be replaced. The date for the next meeting was set for April 8th at 6:00 in the library basement. Motion was carried to go into closed session where no motions or decisions were made.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds hunters, trappers, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts they can get free copies of its updated booklets on 2025 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information and Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations at MDC regional offices, MDC nature centers, and other places where permits are sold. MDC’s 2025 Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations booklet will be available at vendors and MDC offices beginning in April. View booklet information online at mdc.mo.gov using the search tool on the homepage. The handy booklets have information on related permits, seasons, species, regulations, limits, conservation areas, and more. Learn more about hunting and trapping in Missouri at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping and more about fishing at mdc.mo.gov/fishing.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse and Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams presented the sales tax monies received in March. The General Revenue Fund and Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund each received $90,216.64 in March which is $175.53 more than March of 2024. Those funds year-to-date are both down $470.34 from 2024 last year. The Road and Bridge Fund received $44,976.84 in March and that is up $6,328.61 over March of 2024; and year-to-date, the Road and Bridge Fund is up $6,996.96. The Dent County Jail Operating and Trust funds each received $90,367.52 this March and that is up $12,778.98 over March of 2024. Year-to-date, the jail funds are both up $14,115.54. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 5015 and 5520, while brush will be cut on county road 5400 after repairs are made to the Mantis brush cutter. Green said grading would also be done on county roads 6630 and 6633. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said workers would be installing a driveway crossover pipe on Dent County Road 5240 and materials will be added to the road. Williams said brush would be cut on county roads 4280 and grading was going to be done on county roads 2330, 2380 and 4060. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said the county issued a burn ban Friday after conferring with the Dent County Fire Protection District due to the high winds, but they have canceled that ban as of Monday morning. Larson went on to say the commissioners met with FEMA Tuesday, at the Dent County Fire House and on Friday, there will be a South Central County Commissioners meeting in Houston. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said excused absentee voting continues through April 7th and the last day to register for the Municipal Election will be today. She also said that House Bill 352 passed that modified the annual financial statement publishing requirements for counties to a summary form that will save money for counties. The financial statements will have to be published in the paper by June 30th. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk talked with the commission about creating an application soon for those who want to apply for the senior citizen real estate tax credits through Senate Bill 190 which is the Homestead Credit Bill. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Salem R-80 High School Senior Matthew Parks has been selected for “Honorable Mention” in the prestigious 2025 Missouri Scholars 100 program. This statewide initiative recognizes outstanding academic achievement, honoring Missouri’s top 100 graduating students. The announcement was made by Salem High School Principal Jody Heavin, recognizing the student’s exceptional commitment to academic excellence. Sponsored by the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals, the Missouri Scholars 100 Program invites nominations from schools statewide. Selection is determined by a comprehensive formula incorporating the student’s grade point average, ACT or SAT scores, and participation in an “Academic Decathlon” encompassing ten events that assess the student’s academic prowess. To qualify, students must meet stringent criteria, including a minimum GPA of 3.750, a minimum ACT score of 29 (or a minimum SAT score of 1,280), ranking in the upper ten percent of their class, and enrollment in high-level courses in mathematics, science, English, and foreign language. Exemplary attendance, outstanding citizenship, and active participation in school activities are also essential. Executive Director of the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals, Clark Mershon, states that the Missouri Scholars 100 Program stands as one of the premier academic recognition programs in the country, celebrating the dedication and success of students who have upheld the highest academic standards. This year marks the 31st Annual Missouri Scholars 100 recognition program, a testament to over three decades of honoring academic excellence. 

An accident happened in Phelps County at 4:18 Tuesday morning on Highway 8 about four miles south of St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 Dodge Durango driven eastbound by a 21-year-old man from Cook Station, traveled off the right side of the road and struck a mailbox. The driver then overcorrected causing the Dodge to travel off the left side of the road where it struck a tree and overturned. The driver from Cook Station suffered moderate injuries and was taken by the St. James EMS to Phelps Health in Rolla. The Dodge was totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing. The man was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

An accident occurred in Dent County Saturday afternoon at 4:10 on Private Property off of County Road 5310. According to the Highway Patrol report a southbound 2024 Polaris Ranger 1000, operated by a 56-year-old Rolla man, overturned ejecting all 4 occupants. The 56-year-old driver suffered serious injuries and was transported by Air Evac to Cox South in Springfield. A 39-year-old Lebanon man suffered moderate injuries and was transported by personal vehicle to Phelps Health in Rolla. Two other occupants, a 7-year-old male juvenile from Lebanon and a 31-year-old Dixon female, suffered minor injuries and were also transported by personal vehicle to Phelps Health. The report stated that none of the occupants of the Polaris were wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident. The Ranger sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has submitted the following reports for the last week of February. On Sunday February 23rd, Deputies conducted a traffic stop at Highway 68 and Highway U. During the course of the stop, three suspects were taken into custody for possession of a controlled substance. All suspects were transported to the Dent County Jail, pending issuance of formal charges. Then on Monday the 24th Deputies arrested a 56-year-old Salem man on an active Parole & Probation warrant. The suspect was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated on the warrant. On the 25th, Deputies responded to the 3500 block of Highway OO for a reported harassment. During the course of the investigation, the complainant was found to have an active arrest warrant. A 33-year-old Rolla man was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail. Also, that day Deputies conducted a traffic stop at South Highway 19 & County Road 5083. During the course of the stop, a 40-year-old Salem man was taken into custody for possession of a controlled substance. The suspect was transported to the Dent County Jail & placed on a 24-hour hold. On Wednesday the 26th, Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 900 block of County Road 5070. During the course of the stop, the suspect was found to be in Violation of a Protection Order and possession of a controlled substance. A 38-year-old Salem man was transported to the Dent County Jail & placed on a 24-hour hold. The next day, Thursday February 27th, Deputies responded to the 400 block of County Road 5150 for a reported stolen UTV. Finally, on the 28th, Deputies located the stolen SXS and after a vehicle pursuit, a 34-year-old Salem woman and 38-year-old Salem man were taken into custody. They were transported to the Dent County Jail & placed on 24 hour holds. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 573-729-3241 if you have any information relative to any ongoing investigation.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will meet this evening at 6:00 at 202 N. Washington in the Old City Hall Auditorium. After the call to order, approval of the agenda and consent agenda, the board will hear from Jay Beck from the Local about a request to close a road. Committee appointments will then be heard before the board hears Resolution #7-2025, authorizing the execution of license agreement for the installation, maintenance and operation of a fiber optic cable from Sho-Me Technologies, LLC to the Salem Police Department for the Next Gen-911 system. The board will also discuss Resolution #8-2025 showing the board’s support of state funding to assist in the rebuilding of the Scenic Rivers Industries Sheltered Workshop in Salem. In the second reading of bills, the board will be asked to approve Bill #3646 amending definitions under the Urban Development section of the Code of the City of Salem to clean up language in the codes that refers to the city hall as the operations hub for the city and replace it with the city administration offices; the board will discuss amendments in Bill #3647 to correct a clerical error to the demand meter and rates for commercial electric customers; and the board will clarify responsibilities and define what an “owner” is in Bill #3648 for water and sewer meters installed to determine the actual sewage usage. In the first reading of bills, the board will discuss Bill #3649 which would approve amendments to the Clean Air (Non-Smoking) ordinances to allow appropriate smoking locations for employees, plus discuss Bill #3650 and Bill #3651 that also deal with the other definitions in the Clean Air (Non-Smoking) ordinances specifically in city parks and other public places. After the reports from city officials, the board will go into closed session to discuss contracts and litigation. The meeting tonight is open to the public.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will be meeting this 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 minutes, financial reports before approving bills, and discuss the budget before hearing the monthly reimbursement report. In old business, the board will hear a progress report on the Bond issue followed by new business. New business will include discussion on board of directors terms before Chief Dennis Floyd gives his report to the board. The date will be set for the April meeting and Closed Session may be held, before the board adjourns. The meeting is open to the public.

Thursday morning at the Dent County Commission meeting at the courthouse, Jeff Banderet and Austin from Great Rivers Engineering were in attendance to talk about the TAP grant for the sidewalks around the courthouse. The project is still estimated to come in at $441,000, and MoDOT’s portion will be $316,000 with the county responsible for the rest. The preliminary plans and the estimate have been completed. The project will include new sidewalks around the entire courthouse property as well as sidewalks from the four corners of the property to the front and back doors. An ADA accessible path will be located at the southwest corner of the property and discussion for additional ADA parking spots was held as the county currently only has two. The county would be responsible for the signing and painting of the ADA parking spots. The commission considered matching the city’s stamped bricks and concrete for this project, but it would be more expensive. The commission instead voted to use stamped concrete buffers without the brick pavers to save money. There will also be new retaining walls where needed, a dumpster pad and the removal of the brick trash cans before the project begins. The county will still need to get with the city electric department about relocating some electric poles. Banderet also discussed the FLAP Project 077 for Dent County Road 6670 which is the road that goes to the backside of Montauk State Park. The preliminary plans and estimate have been completed, and the project estimate is $720,000 which will be paid for solely by a federal grant. Banderet said they are confident the funding is secure although all new federal grants may be on hold at this time. Work continues on environmental clearances, roadway property acquisition and finalizing permits. Banderet feels the project should be completed by December 1st of this year. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said crews are brush cutting and screening sand. Workers are also replacing a couple of pipes and performing maintenance. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said grading was being done on Dent County Road 4290, while hole patching was being done on county roads 2330, 2340 and 6160. Materials were also being added on county roads 2330, 2340 and 4290. Brush cutting was being done on county road 4300 and workers were removing a fallen tree. Williams also signed the CART program agreement for 2025 which is a cost-share program for maintaining the public roads serving Missouri Department of Conservation areas and adding new white rock where needed. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he attended a Tourism Tax Committee meeting and there was one new request that was tabled, and four reimbursements that were approved. Dent County Clerk Angie said excused absentee voting continues at the courthouse for the Municipal Election, and the last day to register to vote is March 12th. Curley also said her office balanced with the collector and assessor for collections, add-ons and abatements for the month of February. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk said she is distributing her collections from February of $615,070.86 to the appropriate taxing entities. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Dent County Recorder Cindy Ard wants people to be aware of a new website where you can sign up to find out if someone is recording a document or changing a recorded document with your name on it. The website is deedwatch.com and once signed up, you would receive an e-mail letting you know if a document is recorded with your name on it. There is no charge for this service. Just go to the website, and in the drop-down box, select Dent County, Missouri. In the second box, enter your e-mail that you want the notification to come to. From that point, just follow the directions to finish signing up. You could include the name that should be on your deed, or any other form of your name the deed may have been recorded. This service is provided by the Dent County Recorder’s Office to prevent anyone from being scammed out of their property or having someone attached their name to your deed without your knowledge. If you have questions about this service, contact Cindy Ard at  573-729-2198. You can also e-mail her at dcrecorder07@gmail.com.

State Representative Don Mayhew has introduced House Bill 1442 called the “Natural Resource and Community Protection Act,” to end federal overreach in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and other federally managed lands within Missouri. The bill ensures that local residents are not unfairly targeted by federal park rangers and that Missouri retains authority over its natural resources, wildlife, water rights, and land use. HB 1442 prioritizes the rights of local residents by preventing the NPS from issuing federal tickets for minor infractions, prohibiting unconstitutional property seizures, stopping unreasonable land use restrictions, and blocking unilateral road closures by federal authorities. The bill also reaffirms Missouri’s authority over its natural resources, wildlife, water rights, roads, and highways by requiring federal agencies to coordinate with state and local officials before imposing new regulations or enforcement actions. This bill is a direct results of citizen complaints and concerns.

On Thursday, March 6th, Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley reports that Travis Fudge pled guilty to tampering with a motor vehicle, burglary in the 2nd degree, felony stealing and the possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine. Fudge was sentenced to serve six years in the Missouri Department of Corrections as recommended by Prosecutor Curley.

Intercounty Electric Cooperative recently announced their Youth Tour essay finalist this past Monday. The Youth Tour is an all-expenses paid trip to our nation’s capitol where participants go with more than 100 students from the Show-Me state and over 2000 students nationwide to tour museums, visit America’s most cherished monuments and even meet their elected officials. All while learning about electric cooperatives and their role in the community. The top three finalist for Salem include Makena Faulkner, Riley Remster, and Knox Smith. Licking’s finalist are Karson Walker, Noah Umfleet, and Sadie Hutsell. Ariella Tarvin, Katie Carpenter, and Keiran Goodridge are the finalist from St. James and Valery Liang, Maria Polizzi, and Lukas Barnes are Rolla’s finalist. Congratulations to all of these students as well as the finalist in Mountain Grove, Houston, Summersville, and Cabool. The first place winners from each school will earn a seat on the Youth Tour in Washington D.C. while runners up from each school will receive an all-expenses paid trip to participate in the Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience (CYCLE) in Jefferson City, Missouri. If you’d like to learn more you can contact Intercounty Electric at 866-621-3679.

Today is KSMO’s Annual FFA Day at the KSMO Studios where former FFA Advisor Bob Parsons will be interviewing current Salem FFA students live on KSMO Radio (AM 1340 and 95.7 FM) and those interviews will be streamed live on KSMO Media (ksmoradio.com, KSMO Stream Facebook Page and KSMO YouTube.) Originally scheduled for February 21st, the day had to be rescheduled due to school being postponed. The students will be answering questions on their experience with FFA including their SAE Projects, awards, projects, record books, future plans, what got them interested in FFA and more. Interviews normally begin between 8:20 and 8:30 in the morning and will be held throughout the day ending near 3:00. If you can’t listen or watch live, the interviews will be able to be played back later on Facebook and YouTube.

An accident happened Monday morning around 9:20 in Iron County on Highway 32 about eight miles east of Bixby that took the of two young adults. According to the highway patrol report, a 2011 Toyota Camry driven westbound by a 21-year-old male from Desloge, was passing an uninvolved vehicle and struck a 2021 Nissan Sentra driven eastbound by a 67-year old woman from Salem, head on. The driver of the Toyota was pronounced dead at the scene by Deputy Coroner Johnny Setzer from Iron County. The 21-year-old female occupant of the Camry, who was from Viburnum, was taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis where she was pronounced dead at 4:00 Monday afternoon by Physicians Assistant Elizabeth Watson. The Salem woman suffered moderate injuries and was taken by Arch Helicopter to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. According to the report, no one was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Abney’s Towing.

An accident happened in Phelps County Tuesday afternoon at 12:34 on Highway 63 south of Magnolia Lane that left a woman from Licking with moderate injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 2011 Kia Sorento driven northbound by a 62-year-old female from Licking, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck two trees. The woman, who was wearing a seat restraint, suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Phelps Health in Rolla by the Phelps Health EMS. The Kia was self-towed.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting last Tuesday evening at 6:00 in the Auditorium. After removing the closed session, the Board approved the agenda and consent agenda. During public comments, the Board approved Rob Benowitz’s request to close the roads around the courthouse for the 100 Acre Wood Rally. The City’s audit report for fiscal year 2024 showed total assets for government and business-type activities to be: $34.9 million, total liabilities were $10.7 million with a net position of about $24.9 million. Public Works Director Steve Paine requested, and was approved, to sell the surplus Single Phase Transformer No. 220921-7. He plans to auction the transformer through MPUA to help offset the cost of the new replacement transformer. The Board approved Resolution 4-2025, a change order that will reduce the contract value by $3,600.00, for the Welcome Home Project, and the amendment of the Dent County Hazard Mitigation Plan by adding Action 2.9 for the City of Salem to reduce the risks of service interruption due to flooding events. City Administrator, Sally Burbridge read the first readings of Bill Number 3647, to approved amendments to the Demand Meters and Rates for Commercial Customers Code 700.100 correcting a clerical error and reinstating the original sections A and B; Bill Number 3648, an ordinance to amend the Determination of Usage Code 710.320 clarifying the definition of Owner, bill number 3645 an ordinance that would approve amending the Notices of Meetings Code 122.040, updating references from City Hall to City Administration Offices for posting notices, and bill number 3644, an ordinance to remove the language tying City meetings to cancellations of Salem R-80 Schools. The Board approved several bills, including bill 3643 Task order #20 between the City of Salem and CM Archer Group, PC for the Bonebrake sewer realignment project. The project is estimated to cost around $201,000.00. They also approved Bill Number 3642 Task Order #19, between the City of Salem and CM Archer Group, allowing Archer to assist the Public Works Director with flood disaster response and recovery efforts for the November 2024 flood event. The Board approved the mid-year budget adjustments that were discussed in previous meetings, as well as the bid from Resolve IT in the amount of $47,052.00 to replace the City’s servers. During the City officials’ report, Finance Director Stacy Houston gave an update on the financials, and Mayor Greg Parker stated that AARP will be taking appointments until April 4th, for free tax filing. He encouraged citizens to call 573-729-8163 if they need help. Public Works Director Paine presented the Utility Crew update, and the Parks and Recreation updates were provided by Director Melissa DuBois. With no closed session, the meeting adjourned. 

At the Dent County Commission meeting Monday morning, Beverly Irons with the 42nd Judicial Circuit Court was in attendance to see what progress the commission had made on the conditions of the “formal demand” written by Judge Megan Seay to make the old courthouse ADA compliant. In the letter, Seay gave the commission 90 days to begin the installation of a chairlift to the courthouse on the second floor, but the commissioners stated that they have not yet been able to find a chairlift that is ADA compliant and that will fit in the stairwell. They are still pursuing this but have come up empty so far. The commissioners have been in touch with elevator companies about installing an elevator, but there will have to be engineers to assess where the elevator could be placed on the exterior of the building that would also provide access to the floors. The logical place would be where the treasurer’s office is now, but that would eliminate an office in the building and at this time, there is no other space available. Even with the addition of the elevator, there is still the question of an ADA accessible bathroom which the courthouse would need that would also take space away from an office holder. The commission is continuing to look into the options for the elevator locations and the creation of a bathroom in the old courthouse. There was also some discussion of a new courthouse being built to fit the needs of the county, but the commission feels the estimated costs of somewhere between $4 and $8 million dollars would be prohibitive, but that option has not been taken off the table. The commission will continue to explore all possibilities at this time. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 5070, 6250 and 6660, while brush will be cut on county road 5400. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said workers would be installing a driveway pipe on Dent County Road 4310 and materials will be added to the road, plus rock will also be added to county road 2330. Williams said brush would be cut on county roads 4300 and 4310, while other workers would be working on the brakes on two of the graders. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said all three commissioners attended their annual training last week where they received updates on CERF, held a discussion on the issues pertaining to 3rd class counties, heard a report from Attorney Travis Elliott on Senate Bill 190 which is the Homestead Credit for seniors, and also heard from the Missouri Attorney General, Andrew Bailey. Larson said he was also able to talk with Senator Justin Brown on Senate Bills 57 and 239, and also speak to a number of representatives including John Hewkin and Don Mayhew. He said the tax commission sent a memorandum of understanding to a number of counties to make sure their county assessments are at the required 90% of the assessed valuation, but Dent County is already there so they did not get the MOU. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the excused absentee voting for the Municipal Election is now available at the courthouse. She also said the last day to register to vote would be March 12th. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk brought in the property abatements for the year 2019 and they totaled $8,317.06. Bids were opened for culverts for the county for the year and two bids were received: Roberts-Judson in Salem and Viebrock Sales from Sedalia. Viebrock won the bid with a total cost of $69,900 for 91 culverts of varying sizes. Bids were then opened for grader blades and two bids were received: Viebrock Sales and Woolf Equipment of Salem. Woolf won that bid for 30 blades with a 5/8-inch bolt opening for $142.50 each, and 15 blades with a ¾-inch bolt opening for $142.50 each which came to $6,412.50. The county placed an order for half of the blades immediately to beat any tariff that may be imposed soon. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Transportation has announced general highway maintenance and construction work planned for the week. Route H brush cutting is scheduled through the week. One lane will remain open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zone. Route 19 roadside work continues at Standing Rock Creek, south of Route N, as part of a bridge replacement project.

The Opening Day of catch-and-keep trout season began Saturday morning at 6:30 at Montauk State Park. There were 1,857 adult trout tags and another 310 youth tags sold as of 4:00 Saturday afternoon. This is up from last year’s number by 134 tags. Thirty-eight lunkers were caught during the day with the largest being a 6-pound, 4-ounce rainbow trout by Garrett Wilfong of Des Arc, Missouri. The catch-and-keep season will be in effect until October 31st. 

With catch-and-keep trout fishing at Missouri’s four trout parks now underway you can enjoy fishing at: Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon, Montauk State Park near Salem, Roaring River State Park near Cassville, and Maramec Spring Park near St. James. The daily limit is four trout, and the possession limit is eight for all four parks. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) operates trout hatcheries at all four parks and will stock about 20,000 trout among the four parks for opening day. MDC will continue to stock the trout parks daily during the catch-and-keep season, totaling more than 600,000 trout annually at the four trout parks and about 1 million trout annually statewide. There was some concern about trout production with the historic flooding, but MDC Hatcheries Systems Manager Clint Hale expects to have a successful trout season with ample fishing opportunities for anglers. Trout anglers need a daily trout tag to fish in Missouri’s trout parks during the catch-and-keep season. The cost of a daily trout tag is $5 for adults and $3 for those 15-years-old and younger. Daily trout tags can only be purchased at each of the four trout parks. The Department of Conservation encourages trout anglers to have the correct amount of cash for daily tags, if possible. Missouri residents ages 16 to 64 and nonresidents ages 16 and older also need a fishing permit in addition to the daily trout tag. A daily fishing permit is $9. The department also encourages trout anglers to buy fishing permits ahead of time from numerous vendors around the state, online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, or through MDC’s free MO Fishing app, available for download on the App Store or Google Play. Thousands of anglers from Missouri and beyond flock to Missouri’s four trout parks each year. While many leave with some trout, they all leave more than $100 million in spending along the way, which supports thousands of jobs and helps local economies.

The Salem Public Library Board of trustees held their regular meeting on Thursday evening at 5pm in the Library conference room. Before the meeting officially began, Salem Police Officer John Brown and Building Inspector Jarred Brown shared concerns about visibility issues with the library sign at the Fourth Street entrance. The Board voted and approved lowering the sign to improve driver visibility. After approving the previous meeting’s minutes, Library Director Kate McBride presented the librarian’s and treasurer’s reports noting increased attendance in children’s programs, positive newspaper coverage, and over $400 in book sales in the month of December, several donations and the receipt of local library taxes. The Board discussed several ongoing maintenance issues during old business, and  McBride stated all new computers and software, that were purchased using funds provided by LSTA Tech Grant, have been installed. The Library has recently received a new telescope and is working to establish a protocol for patron use. The Board approved a bid from Coverdell Auto Glass in the amount of $635.31 to repair a broken window pane in the North Basement, and the decision to maintain the current closing policy due to inclement weather, as written in the bylaws. The meeting then adjourned with the next scheduled meeting to take place on March 13th at 5:00 in the evening in the Library’s conference room.

The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds Missouri hunters and anglers that related annual permits expire at the end of February, including 2024 permits for small game, fishing, trout fishing, and combination hunting and fishing. You can buy Missouri hunting and fishing permits from one of many vendors around the state, online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, or through MDC’s free mobile apps, MO Hunting and MO Fishing, available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices. Save time by buying hunting and fishing permits for multiple people in a single transaction. Select the “Additional Customer” option during the permit purchase. Avoid having to manually renew permits each year by using MDC’s Permit Auto-Renewal Service. It allows customers to enroll eligible permits in a service that will automatically renew their permits prior to the start of the next season or permit year. The process was designed to ensure customers never have expired permits when they need them most. Learn more about this service at mdc.mo.gov/permits/permit-auto-renewal. Commercial and lifetime permits can be purchased only through the MDC Permit Services Unit by calling 573-522-0107. Contact them for an application.

The Missouri Department of Conservation has confirmed that trout will be ready for anglers at the March 1st trout opener at Montauk State Park on Saturday, despite extensive flood damage to the fish hatchery last November. Fishing begins at 6:30 Saturday morning at the popular Dent County park. Department of Conservation officials are assuring visitors that trout will be available throughout the summer catch-and-keep season, which runs from March 1st through October 31st. The severity of the November flooding was significant as several Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Department buildings were underwater. The trout raceways near the Old Mill within the park were nearly 15 feet underwater at the flood’s peak. Clean-up and repair work has continued throughout winter, but recovery efforts are still ongoing. Repairs at the hatchery will likely continue throughout the summer season. The park’s fish-cleaning station will remain out of service until repairs can be completed. The Missouri Department of Conservation’s connected cold-water hatchery system has been crucial to Montauk’s recovery. Staff from multiple hatcheries assisted with clean-up efforts, and several thousand trout were temporarily relocated to warm-water fish hatcheries. Approximately 20,000 trout will be stocked across all four state trout parks on opening day, including Montauk State Park, Roaring River State Park in Barry County, Bennett Spring State Park in Laclede and Dallas counties, and Maramec Spring Park in Phelps County. Daily stocking at these parks will continue throughout the summer season with a total of more than 600,000 being stocked at the four trout parks.