Local News

The Salem Marching Blue had another successful competition at Mountain Grove this Saturday where they earned 2nd in class! In addition to their placement, the band earned the Superior Award, Outstanding Drum Major, 2nd in Percussion, 2nd in General Effect, 2nd in Visual, and 2nd in Music. For their efforts and accomplishment, the Salem Marching Blue received an EMS escort through town Saturday night. Congratulations to Band Instructor Gannon Craig and all the band members for their outstanding effort. The Salem Marching Blue will wrap up their competitive season Saturday at the Reeds Spring Marching Festival!

An accident occurred Wednesday afternoon at 2:15 on Highway 63 near county road 6220 that took the life of a Steelville man. According to the Highway Patrol report a southbound 2008 Honda, driven by 22-year-old Gabriel Peak, crossed the centerline and struck a northbound 2020 Peterbilt, operated by 42-year-old Rajan Taylor of Potosi, Missouri. Peak was pronounced dead at the scene by Phelps County Coroner Ernie Coverdell and was transported to the Hutson Funeral Home in Cuba by Coverdell. The report stated that it was unknown if Peak was wearing a safety restraint, while Taylor was. The Honda was totaled and removed from the scene by Lucas Garage, while the Peterbilt was also totaled and towed from the scene by D & D Towing. The Highway Patrol was assisted by the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office and the Edgar Springs Fire Department.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks is pleased to announce that the 2025 grant round for the Land and Water Conservation Fund is now open. LWCF grants are available to cities, counties and public-school districts to be used for outdoor recreation projects. For more information about this program, to download the grant application and to register for a grant application WebEx, visit mostateparks.com and search for LWCF Grants. For questions, contact grants management staff at mspgrants@dnr.mo.gov. Deadline to apply is Nov. 15, 2024. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) is hosting the third meeting in a series of open-forum public workshops to receive input on a regional safety action plan for all road users in the Meramec Region. The third workshop will focus on Dent County and is planned on October 16th from 1:00 to 3:00 in the afternoon at the Salem Community Center@The Armory Event Center located at 1200 West Rolla Road in Salem. The upcoming workshop will provide Dent County residents a chance to give input on how to make streets and roadways safer in their county. The MRPC wants to hear from residents on their experiences as road users and possibilities for enhancing safety for all users. In 2023, the MRPC was awarded a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). Established in 2022, the SS4A program funds planning and implementation activities to prevent deaths and serious injuries on roadways. There is an online survey available at mrpcsurveys.typeform.com/SS4ADent. The safety action plan is being developed for the Meramec Region, which includes Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties. The plan is anticipated to be completed by March 2025. For more information, please contact MRPC Planning Manager Anne Freand at afreand@meramecregion.org or Senior Community Development Specialist Orin Pogue at opogue@meramecregion.org, or call 573-265-2993. 

On Friday October 18th from 6:00 to 9:00 in the evening the Creative Arts Center invites you to come and paint your very own Fall Front Porch sign with Danielle Norris! They have tons of stencils to choose from or bring your own ideas from home! The artist will walk you through the steps and work with you one on one to help create your piece. The cost is $30 and all supplies are provided. Make sure to choose the sign style you would like at check out. Class registrations are on a first come, first serve basis with online registrations. Interested persons can sign up under “Programs” at the salemcommunitybetterment.com website for activities at the Creative Arts Center. 

Between September 21st and October 4th there were a total of 233 calls to the Salem Police Department for service. Officers conducted 15 traffic stops for various traffic violations with four resulting in a summons or arrest. Officers conducted 11 traffic accident investigations along with 4 informational reports.  As a result of the calls for service a number of reports were generated. During this time there were numerous reports of construction trailers and equipment broken into and stolen items totaling approximately $17,000. Investigators worked leads and completed an investigation into the thefts successfully obtaining a suspect. At the conclusion of the investigation the suspect was arrested and questioned about the thefts. The suspect later admitted to the thefts. As a result, probable cause statements were forwarded to the Prosecutor’s office where ultimately charges were filed and a 29-year-old male from Salem was arrested and incarcerated on the warrants in reference to the above incidents.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the courthouse. In the road report, District One Commissioner Wes Mobray stated rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 5020 while only grading would be done on county roads 5460 and 6575. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk was not in attendance, so Mobray gave the report for District 2 as well. He said rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 4030. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported on the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District Board meeting when grant applications received for recycling or the reduction of waste came to just over $238,262. The total amount of funds available came to just over $143,700. Larson said all but the Community Outreach grant application received partial funding. The outreach still had money from last year. Larson and possibly Commissioner Mobray will be attending the South Central County Commissioners Association meeting today in Houston. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said citizens can pick up a sample ballot for the November election at her office or they can find one on the clerk’s Facebook page. She said “excused” absentee voting is going on now and “no excuse” absentee voting will begin October 22nd with all absentee voting ending November 4th. She said the last day to apply for a mail-out a ballot will be Wednesday, October 23rd. Curley said her office will be open November 2nd from 8:00 in the morning until noon for absentee voting or to update your voter registration which you can also do now in her office. The next commission meeting will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and it will be open to the public.

The Utility Committee held their regular meeting on Wednesday evening at 6:15 in the Old Auditorium. After approving the agenda and the minutes from the September 11th meeting, Finance Director, Stacey Houston gave a financial update on the Water, Sewer, and Electrical Funds. Other than interest and grant fund revenue, there have not been any major expenditures in either account. Billing updates were provided by City Administrator, Sally Burbridge. Sally stated that they plan to begin implementing budget billing as early as next week. They have also been sending out old, unpaid notices to customers, and receiving payments on those bills, in an attempt to avoid having to send people to collections. She stated that she will be submitting a collections report next month. Public Works Director, Steve Paine, then provided the Utility Report. He stated they continue to conduct service line repairs, and that they have opened the pre-bids for the construction of the new water tower. The electric crew has submitted an order for 28 new transformers, and has repaired 18 street lights with faulty dawn to dusk sensors. He stated that if any citizens notice any street lights on during the day, to please contact the administration office at 573-729-4811 to put in a work order, and they will repair the lights as quickly as they can. He also wanted to clarify that the City has completed their portion of the Al Brown Field Project, they are currently waiting for the contractor, who is aiding those affected by Hurricane Helene, to return and complete their portion of the project. The Committee then opened the floor to hear questions and comments from the community. A citizen approached the podium asking if the new equipment purchased from Nexgrid would fix the metering issues experienced at his personal residence. Sally explained she did not have an answer for that, at this time, but she has been working with Nexgrid on ideas, though they are not yet ready to bring any information to the public. Committee member, Kyle Williams made a motion to change meeting times to the Wednesday after the second Tuesday of every other month, rather than every month. The motion carried, as a result the next meeting will be in December. A second citizen asked if the city had submitted an insurance claim for the water pump that was destroyed in July, Sally said yes. With no further comments or questions from the public, the meeting was adjourned.

This year’s 2024 Heroes Marathon will include a new feature to honor a veteran family member or friend who was a veteran that has passed by making a donation of $20 or more in their memory. That veteran will then become part of the “Ghost Runners Brigade.” Each of the “ghost runners” will be listed in the Honoring our Heroes Official Race Program under the “Ghost Runners Brigade” and their name will be read by a combat veteran during the event. These veterans may be gone but they are not forgotten. There are several locations in Salem where you can pick up a signup sheet that asks for the veteran’s name, their branch of service and rank if known. Those sign-up locations include the KSMO Radio studios, VIP Realty, Riverways Insurance, Regine’s Kitchen, Southtown Furniture, The Salem News, the American Legion Post #99, B & B Motors, Ridge Runner Pump, Wells Packaging, C&E Auto and the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. Fill out the form and mail it to Heroes, P.O. Box 194, Salem, MO  65560 with your check of $20 or more. Signups will be accepted until October 15th. For more information, call 573-729-1394.

A fatal accident occurred Tuesday afternoon around 2:48 in Phelps County on Highway 8 about 2 miles east of St. James. According to the highway patrol report a 2018 Lincoln MKC driven by 64-year-old Debra Patton of St. James was travelling westbound and travelled off the right side of the roadway. The Lincoln struck an embankment and overturned. Patton was transported by St. James Ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital where she was pronounced deceased by Dr. Timothy Fursa at 3:35 in the afternoon. The Lincoln was totaled and removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing. The report goes on to say that Patton was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. 

The Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting on Tuesday evening at 6:00 in the old auditorium. The board amended the agenda to include only the first reading of Bill Number 3627, before approving. The Grace Community Church requested permission to close down Water Street, from the South end of their parking lot, down to the corner of Water and Franklin for their church wide Harvest Party to be held on the evening of Sunday October 20 from 6:00 to 9:00. The Board approved this request. The Board also approved a road closure request for the Third Annual Trunk or Treat event to be held the evening of Halloween along 4th Street from 6:00 to 9:00. The Salem R-80 FFA Chapter requested, and was granted, permission to use the Old Fairgrounds property for their upcoming FFA Field Day, on Saturday October 19, from 1:00 to 9:00. The event will feature wood splitting, log splitting, and chainsaw competitions, and will be open to the public for viewing. The Bonebrake Center of Nature and History will be hosting a Halloween event on Saturday the 26th, between Noon and 11:30, and requested to use the Old Middle School Property for parking; this request was approved. The Board then appointed Danielle Kissir to the City of Salem Housing Authority. Kissir will replace Joe Brand, who resigned on March 28, and will fulfill the remainder of his four year term, which does not expire until February 15, 2027. Steve Paine, Director of Public Works, presented the bids. The bid for the purchase of Limestone Rock, from Capital Quarries, for $10.50 per ton for 1” base, $13.50 per ton for 1” clean, and $12.50 per ton for 2” clean, was approved. The final cost of the limestone rock purchase will be approximately $11,000. This money will come out of the Street Maintenance funds. The request to purchase approximately 75 tons of rock salt was approved; the bid went to Compass Minerals for approximately $7,386.00. The City received a bid from Fire Hydrant Services and Repair for $26,000 for the Fire Hydrant Rehabilitation Project. The project was included in the current Water Department budget in the amount of $20,000. Staff proposes pulling the additional funds from the Water Department Equipment Repair line. The board approved this request. The final bid presented was for tree trimming along the City of Salem’s four main feeder lines. The Board approved the bid from Forester Works LLC for $189,002.00. During New and Miscellaneous Business, Financial Director, Stacey Houston presented a request to approve warranty repair or replacement of the 135 water meter modules that have stopped working, which was approved by The Board. The cost for this request is $11,527.86 and will be paid out of AMI Meter Upgrades. There is currently $25,000 budgeted in this expense line. The Board approved the conditional use of the property at 1402 S. Water St for a home-based gunsmithing business. Resolution Number 25-2024, outlining the Technical Assistance Contract between MRPC and the City, was approved. The Board then heard the first readings of Bill No. 3627: an ordinance to allow the subdivision of a property on 1305 E. Third Street, Bill No. 3628: an ordinance to allow the subdivision of a property on 1311 E. 3rd Street, and Bill No. 3629: an ordinance authorizing the City of Salem to enter into a grant agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation commission for the Airport Infrastructure Grant. During the Official’s Report, Mayor Parker wanted to remind the citizens that the city wide clean up will begin on Monday, October 21 and conclude on Friday the 25th. Steve Paine gave an update on public works, and stated that if residents are having issues with water, sewer, or electrical, the fastest way to get that resolved is to put in a work order with the Administration Office at 573-729-4811. Alderman Shawn Bolerjack stated that he will not be seeking re-election in April. He plans to fulfill the remainder of his term. The meeting then adjourned.

If you would like to learn how to create an upscale tote bag, Gail Phelan is holding a sewing machine workshop this Saturday from 9:00 in the morning until 4:00. Students will need their own machine, scissors, rotary cutter, (with new blade)/mat, marking pen/chalk, and clips as well as black and white thread, denim or jeans sized needle (size 16-18). You will be provided a variety of options for fabric, lining, webbing, zippers, zipper pulls, zipper ends, stabilizer, interfacing, double sided basting tape, and purse feet. The cost is $75 per person and the class is for people 18-years-old and up. Interested persons can sign up under “Programs” at the salemcommunitybetterment.com website.

The 61st Annual Rose Holland Trout Derby was held this past weekend at Montauk State Park with incredible weather! The Derby raised $16,829 which set a new record for the tournament with the proceeds benefiting the American Heart Association. The money came from the silent auction, trout tag sales and the country store. There were 776 trout tags sold Saturday and another 412 on Sunday. A total of 64 tagged fish were caught during the derby with 15 of them lunkers. Three of the fisherman who caught lunkers were from the local area: Chance McDonald from Rolla caught a 6 lb, 4 oz lunker; Fred Martin of Licking caught a six pound lunker, and Patrick Potts of Licking caught a 3 lb, 8 oz lunker. The Men’s Heaviest Trout caught was by Ken Noce of Bloomsdale, Missouri, which also won him the Slippery Liz II Award for the heaviest fish and it was nine pounds and four ounces; and the Women’s Heaviest Trout was caught by Lisa Brenneke of Bismarck for the third straight year and it weighed in at two pounds and 15 ounces. The Heaviest Brown Trout caught during the tournament weighed in at five pounds and was caught by Garrett Wilfong of Des Arc. Taking First Place in the Kids Heaviest Stringer was Caleb Byrd of West Plains whose stringer total was at four pounds, seven ounces. The Second Place winner in the Kids Heaviest Stringer was Emmett Stafford of Silo, Missouri and his total catch weighed in at four pounds and five ounces. The 3rd place award went to Cole Andrew Petty of Farmington with a stringer that weighed in at four pounds and four ounces; while Gavin Steinhorn of Hazelwood took 4th place with a stringer of four pounds even. The Slippery Liz I trophy, which is the first tag drawn at the derby, went to Phillip Minttler. Fourteen attendance prizes were also given away. The Derby is held in honor of Rose Holland who was the trout hatchery manager at Montauk for 24 years who passed away in 1963 from heart disease. Co-Coordinator of the derby, Darlene Griffith, wanted to thank all those who attended this year’s derby and all the volunteers who helped make it a great success!

The cooler temperatures and changing leaves are a tell-tell sign that winter is on its way. In preparation, the Missouri Department of Transportation will hold its annual winter operations drill on Thursday, October 10th. Motorists may notice an increased number of MoDOT trucks on state routes during the drill, which will begin at 8:00 in the morning in rural areas and 9:00 in urban areas. The exercise should be completed by 3:00 in the afternoon. With turnover rates and many positions still open, driver training on this day is more critical than ever. MoDOT has approximately 3,000 employees across the state involved in work to clear roads and bridges when winter weather hits. During the drill, MoDOT employees will react to a simulated forecast of significant snow for the entire state. The department’s emergency operations centers will active, and all employees involved in winter operations will be deployed to their trucks. Emergency communications systems will also be tested. MoDOT spent $38 million on winter operations last year and used 81,000 tons of salt; 928,000 gallons of salt brine; and 134,000 gallons of beet juice. MoDOT is several hundred employees short of having full staff to plow two 12-hour shifts. Applicants are being accepted now for full-time maintenance workers and for emergency equipment operators. For more information on how to apply for a position with MoDOT, go to www.modot.org or call 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636). 

The Heartland Regional Food Business Center (HRFBC) is investing $11 million in grants across six states, including Missouri. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 aim to strengthen local and regional food supply chains. Small and diverse food and farm entrepreneurs serving local markets are eligible to apply. The grants will help businesses start, grow, and connect within the food industry. The first round of applications is due October 15, 2024, with awards tentatively announced on January 15, 2025. For more information and to apply, visit heartlandfoodbusiness.org/business-builder/

The City of Salem Utility Committee meeting will be tonight at 6:15 at the Old City Hall Auditorium at 202 North Washington. At the meeting, the committee will hear financial updates, billing updates and hear work reports from utility crews, followed by questions and public comments before adjourning. The meeting, called by Alderwoman Catherine Dent, is open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture has announced the availability of funding to help Missouri farmers and food processors obtain organic certification. This support comes through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Certification Cost Share Program. Under this program, producers can be reimbursed for up to 75% of their certification costs, with a maximum reimbursement of $750 per certification scope. Missouri has received $49,425 in program funds for this initiative. To be eligible, businesses must obtain or renew their organic certification and document their certification costs incurred between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024. Interested parties should complete an application, which will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted or the eligibility period ends. Applications will be accepted until November 1, 2024. For more information contact Whitney Williams at Whitney.Williams@mda.mo.gov or by calling (573) 751-7794. Those interested in other financial assistance opportunities can visit their website at Agriculture.Mo.Gov.

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 will be the approval of the consent agenda which includes the review of minutes, the financial report and bills, the checking account, and budget. The monthly reimbursement report will be reviewed followed by old business. The board will discuss the AFG grant status for radios before new business. The board will review the audit results and conduct the signing of the management representation letter (MRL). A representative of LJ Hart and Company will be in attendance to discuss bonds with the department. Chief Floyd will then give his report to the board. The date will be set for the November meeting before the board adjourns. The meeting this evening is open to the public.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Monday morning in the courthouse. In the road report, District One Commissioner Wes Mobray stated rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 5440 while only grading would be done on county roads 2460 and 5115. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk was not in attendance and road supervisor Travis Turner reported rock will be added and grading done on Dent County Road 2340 while only grading would be done on county roads 2200, 2560 and 4290. He also said brush would be cut on county roads 2070 and 5240. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he will be attending the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District Executive Board meeting today to discuss the grant applications that had been scored a couple weeks ago. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said this Wednesday is the last day to register to vote for the November election. She said so far 142 people have voted absentee during the “Excused” portion of that voting and the “No Excuse” absentee voting will begin October 22nd. This Friday, Curley said she will be at Dent-Phelps R-3 to educate 4th graders on the election and hold a “mock” election. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk reported her September turnover report showed she collected $36.608.63 which has been distributed to the taxing entities. VanKirk said for the fiscal year, county collections are up 24% over 2023 and that comes to $125,971.85. VanKirk said she received the tax book for 2024 and she balanced with the assessor and clerk. She said tax bills will be mailed out November 5th and people will be able to view their tax bill online on the Dent County Portal beginning today. She said online payments of your tax bills will begin November 1st. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams gave her sales tax report for the money collected this month. She said the General Revenue Fund and Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund each received $94,263.96 which is $15,831.44 more than for October of 2023. Year-to-date, the General Revenue Fund and the LEST funds are up about $57,408.64 which is about a 6.5% increase. The Road and Bridge Fund received $44,013.24 this month, and that is up $7,101.33 more than October of 2023. Year-to-date, that fund is up $25,698.63 which is close to a 6.3% increase. The Dent County Jail Operating and Trust funds each received $88,447.19 in October and that is up $14,195.28 from the October 2023 receipts. Year-to-date, those funds are up $52,580.72 which is about a 6.4% increase. Jeff Bandaret with Great Rivers Engineering was in to discuss the Flap 077 project for the back way into Montauk State Park. He said the county should have received a supplemental agreement that will extend the submission of the project from March of 2024 to September of 2025. This is partially due to a required Cultural Resource Study which must be done and will cost about $10,000. Great Rivers is currently getting bids from archaeologists to do the work. If they find extensive cultural artifacts, it could kill the project, but Bandaret didn’t think this would be a problem for this project. He also discussed TAP Grant 9901 for the courthouse sidewalks. He had some questions like the size of the dumpster cut out that will be needed, the color of the retaining wall and more. Bandaret said he would get the measurements of the dumpster area while he was here. Bandaret also said BRO funds are available, and the county would need to apply for them by November 15th. There would be no more than a 20% maximum match for the county. They could be used for the low water crossings. He also said the bridge in the city on 2nd Street that is currently closed would also qualify for BRO funds. The commission also received the annual contribution election from CERF. This is for the employees’ portion of 4% of retirement funds to be paid by county funds or through payroll deductions. The commission voted 2-0 for the employees to pay their own retirement through payroll deductions. Sheriff Bob Wells and Sergeant Len Pabin presented an ordinance to the commission regarding the welfare of the citizens of the County of Dent that would prohibit vicious threatening animals being allowed to run at large, and the penalties for violation of the ordinance. No decision was made since all three commissioners were not at the meeting. 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.

An accident happened Saturday afternoon around 4:38 in Franklin County that took the life of a woman from Salem. According to the highway patrol report, 41-year-old Jody A. Pierce of Salem, was driving a 1999 Ford northbound on Oak Grove Church Road when the Ford traveled off the right side of the road, then returned to the road where the front left corner of a 2009 Chevrolet Impala driven northbound by 45-year-old Donald Pierce of Union, struck the rear right corner of the Ford. The Ford then crossed the center of the roadway and went off the left side of the road where it began overturning with the vehicle top striking a tree. According to the report, the Ford continued down an embankment and came to rest on its top in the Little Meramec River. After the collision, the Chevy left the scene with moderate damages. Jody Pierce was pronounced dead at the scene at 4:57 on Oak Gove Church Road north of Mill Hill Road by the Meramec Ambulance personnel. Her body was taken to the St. Louis Morgue by the Superior Mortuary Transport Service. The Ford was totaled and was removed from the scene by Vogelsang Towing. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by the Union Police Department and the Franklin County Deputies.

The City of Salem’s Parks and Recreation Board held a meeting on Thursday evening at 5:00 in the Old Auditorium. After approving the agenda, the board heard a consideration to adjust the budget for the Al Brown Field concession stand renovations, presented by Melissa DuBois. The concession stand has been allocated $9,000 from the Parks Capital Improvements Budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Several significant upgrades to the building have already been completed, including: removing the ceiling, upgrading electrical outlets, breakers, and wiring, and purchasing new food handling equipment. These improvements have helped to make the space operational as a concession stand. However, to ensure the longevity of these upgrades and protect these investments, Melissa stated that they would need to upgrade two doors that have previously been damaged, and all three windows, to enhance security at the Al Brown location. She stated they have received a quote for $4,723.50, plus shipping, for three manually retractable security shutter doors. For the replacement of the two steel doors, they received a quote from a local vendor of $1,100 each. Additionally, the construction crew has estimated the cost for exterior paint and supplies to be around $1,100. The board approved a budget adjustment by transferring $8,500 from the prior year’s fund balance to the Parks Capital Improvements fund to complete upgrades to the Al Brown concession, restrooms, and storage building. The Board also approved the Salem R-80 High School FFA’s request to use the Old Fairgrounds property for their upcoming Field Day, then adjourned the meeting. 

One of the simplest steps Missourians can take to protect their families is to install smoke alarms in their homes. Installing smoke alarms reduces the risk of dying in a home fire by more than 50%. That’s why this year’s theme for Fire Prevention Week that began yesterday and continues through the 12th is “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” State Fire Marshal Tim Bean says it cannot be emphasized enough the importance of having working smoke alarms in your home. Many Missouri fire departments, working with the American Red Cross, can even provide and install smoke alarms for families at no cost. Families in need of assistance should contact the American Red Cross of Missouri through a form at www.redcross.org. A report this year from the National Fire Protection Association showed that while in 1977 less than one-quarter of U.S. households had smoke alarms, it’s now estimated that over 90% of homes have at least one smoke alarm. But it is essential that smoke alarms are regularly tested, and batteries are replaced so that they remain in working order. Bean says people should install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home. They should also test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button; but replace any smoke alarm that is 10-years-old or older. Bean also wants to remind people that the end of daylight saving time, when clocks are adjusted to “fall back” an hour, can serve as an easy reminder to change smoke and CO alarm batteries. This year, daylight saving time ends at 2:00 in the morning on Sunday, November 3rd. Remember, when you change the time, change the batteries. According to Bean, smoke alarms need to meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities. Smoke alarms provide precious time to escape a burning home. Each family member should know escape routes from every room in a residence. Families should also regularly practice their fire escape plans.

MoDOT has scheduled highway maintenance on Route H from Route 72 to U.S. Route 63 in Phelps County. During these operations, one lane will remain open with flaggers directing traffic through work zones.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the courthouse. In the road report, District One Commissioner Wes Mobray was not in attendance and District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk gave his report. He said rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 5110 and 5410 in District 1, while rock will be added and grading done on county road 4280 in District 2. He also stated grading would be done on county roads 2580 and 2610 while new blades will be put on Grader #37. He also indicated that a mechanic from Mack was doing diagnostic testing and working on two trucks. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said that there has been concern and questions over the ballot language for the County of Dent Senior Homestead Property Tax Credit Question on this years ballot. Larson said the ballot language was prepared by legal council and not the commission, and all numbers presented are estimates that were provided by the collector. Dent County Deputy Clerk Melissa Piatt said excused absentee voting continues at the courthouse. At 10:00, bids were opened for the repair work to the courthouse roof and judicial building screens. The county received only one bid and that was from Trainor and Sons for a cost of $18,209.96. The county unanimously approved the bid. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

All ages! Children (with a parent/legal guardian) and adults alike can participate in a Seed Beading workshop with Cynthia Grigsby tomorrow afternoon from 1:00 till 4:00. Participants will learn about the history of seed beading and techniques used. Each participant will make a seed beaded jewelry piece for a keepsake. Beadwork is quite beautiful and was originally discovered in burial grounds dating back to the 14th century B.C. Beading materials used by Native Americans varied from stones, bones, seeds, as well as other tiny objects. You will use a loom to make a Native American inspired seed bead bracelet. No prior experience is needed, the cost is $50 per person. Class registrations are on a first come, first serve basis with online registrations. Interested persons can sign up under “Programs” at the salemcommunitybetterment.com website for activities at the Creative Arts Center.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways will host heritage demonstrations at Alley Spring on October 5, 12, and 19 from 10 am to 4 pm each day. The events will showcase pioneer skills and traditions that were essential to early Ozark settlers. On October 5 and 19, visitors can observe blacksmithing and leatherworking demonstrations. October 12 will feature lye soap making and broom making. These skills represent just a few of the many crafts that Ozark pioneers used to create essential items for their daily lives and for bartering. The demonstrations are free and open to the public. Alley Spring is located five miles west of Eminence on State Route 106. For more information, call (573) 226-3945 or visit the park’s Facebook page or website at www.nps.gov/ozar. Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserves the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork rivers, the surrounding resources, and the unique cultural heritage of the Ozark people. These demonstrations offer a glimpse into the resourcefulness and self-sufficiency that characterized early Ozark settlers.

“Sleep in Heavenly Peace” is an international non-profit 501(C).(3) organization that builds, assembles and delivers new beds to children in need, who do not have a bed. Anyone can apply for a child on the SHPbeds.org website. Would you like to join their team of volunteers? You’re invited to attend the next Salem and Dent County meeting of “Sleep in Heavenly Peace” Monday afternoon, October 7th, at 5:30 in the evening at the Salem Community Center@The Armory! The Rolla Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace is already helping to provide new beds to children in need in our Salem community, and efforts are underway to start a Dent County Chapter. For more information about Sleep in Heavenly Peace, contact Patti at 703-964-6495. You can also e-mail Patti at patti.mckeown@shpbeds.org.

An accident happened on Monday afternoon at 1:34 in St. Charles County on Highway 94 at 3rd Street that left a Salem woman with serious injuries. According to the highway patrol report, 18-year-old Ian Schroeder of Florissant, driving a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado westbound on Highway 94, apparently fell asleep at the wheel and traveled off the right side of the roadway striking a MoDOT electronic traffic control sign and post. The Silverado’s direction was diverted from the collision and it came back onto pavement on 3rd Street where the pickup began to slide towards the post office striking a yellow parking post and a pedestrian identified as 54-year old Kristian Flett of Salem. Flett suffered serious injuries and was taken by the St. Charles County Ambulance District to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. The Silverado sustained moderate damages and was driven from the scene. Schroeder was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident but had no insurance.

The Salem Park and Recreation Board will be holding a meeting today at 5:00 at the Old City Hall Auditorium to discuss a budget adjustment needed to cover improvements to the Al Brown Field Concession stand. The cost of the improvements exceeded the budgeted amount of $9,000 and the Park Board will either approve allocating funds from the previous years beginning balance to cover the difference, or to take the money from the proposed bleacher purchase. The meeting is open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is conducting its annual search for a large Christmas tree for use on the governor’s mansion lawn in Jefferson City. MDC is asking landowners, homeowners, businesses, and communities that may have possible candidate trees to contact the Department. MDC is looking for a tree that is about 30 to 40 feet tall. The preferred species for the tree is eastern red cedar, Norway spruce, or white pine. The best candidates will be fully branched on all sides and easily accessible by large equipment. The right tree may either be near the end of its life or may need to be removed for other reasons. Often evergreens are planted too close to homes and buildings and eventually grow too large for the space. MDC Community Forestry Coordinator Russell Hinnah said that most of the trees we find were planted decades ago and have outgrown their space at the end of their life. Hinnah went on to note that donating a tree like that is a great way to share its beauty with thousands of Missourians who visit the mansion during the holidays. Once the tree is selected, MDC staff will coordinate the cutting and delivery of the tree to the governor’s mansion at no cost to the owners. The donor will receive a thank-you from the governor and an invitation to the lighting ceremony, which will take place on Friday, December 6th. Hinnah asks people to take photos of candidate trees and email them to holidaytrees@mdc.mo.gov. Be sure to include a contact telephone number, location of the tree, and several pictures taken from different angles and distances. Candidate tree nominations can also be submitted by mail to: Missouri Department of Conservation, ATTN: Mansion Christmas Tree, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102. All entries must be submitted by Oct 10. Full guidelines are available at mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/governors-mansion-christmas-tree-search. For more information or questions, contact MDC Communications Specialist Holly Dentner at 573-751-4115, ext. 3110.

The Power of Hope Equestrian Center will have it’s Annual Charity Barn Dance October 5th at the Power of Hope Barn, located at #3 Farm House Lane Steelville. The doors will open at 4:00 and the band will start playing at 7:00. This year’s barn dance will feature live music by Missouri’s Most Wanted Outlaw Band and catered food by 19/49 Junktion. There will be a silent and reverse auctions with fantastic items up for grabs. The event will feature guest speakers and testimonials from participants whose lives have been transformed by the Power of Hope programs. Dinner and band tickets are $50, while band only tickets are $25. Tickets can be purchased at powerofhopeec.com. All proceeds from the event will directly support programs that continue the life changing equine therapy for children, adults, veterans, and first responders. Funds raised will allow participants to benefit from the therapeutic power of working with the program’s horses.

This City Wide Yard Salem will be held Saturday, October 5th. Copies of the maps will be available at area convenience stores and the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, also be printed in the Salem News. Spaces are available on the parking lot behind the City Administration Building at 4th and Iron Streets on a first come, first serve basis.

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees held their regular meeting Thursday, September 19th. Administrator Zach Moser presented the Service and Statistics report. In the Communicable Disease Report, he stated that there were 51 COVID-19 cases reported, 41 active lead cases, 26 screenings for sexually transmitted infections with 92 total tests conducted, no cases of Influenza and 5 animal bites. The environmental report by Assistant Administrator Roma Jones showed there where 7 total inspections conducted, no recalls, no sewer complaints, and 31 environmental questions were fielded. The Maternal-Child Health (MCH) statistics showed there was one CPR Course, two consultations for Childcare Health, no Show-Me Healthy Women appointments, 35 Title X appointments, 2 Presumptive Eligibilities (Temporary Medicaid), and 332 WIC appointments. The Community-Specific Services Summary showed 582 total appointments other than WIC, 150 Nurse Practitioner appointments, 110 treatment court visits, 230 lab appointments and 148 immunization appointments. Nurse Practitioner Service Details showed no Show-Me Healthy Women appointments, 9 family plannings, 3 well-child visits, 18 online appointments, no other well-woman exams, 15 other physicals, 14 SEMO physicals, 24 other visits, and 67 acute illness appointments. Laboratory details showed 246 individual patients, 38 appointments for Rapid Test for COVID, Flu, RSV or Strep, 5 pregnancy tests and 13 lead tests. Immunizations for August totaled none for COVID-19 or for Influenza, and 323 other vaccines given. In the Administrator’s report, Moser reported that the Girls Night Out participation was successful, plus future events include the Fall Health Fair which will be October 11th and the Drive-through Flu and COVID vaccine clinic will be October 17th. Progress on the DCHC Strategic Plan was discussed. Moser stated that the Accreditation process is expected to address the remaining items except for Board-focused items. He suggested scheduling a strategic planning meeting for later this year. Moser also noted that RFQ’s were published. The Health Center financial reports for August, including the overall results from H & R Block, were reviewed. Discussion was held on the balance sheet, income statement, and budget statements. After any questions were answered, the financial reports and the report from H & R Block were approved. In new business the Accreditation Letter of Support was reviewed and approved by the Board. The Accreditation Management Software at $100 per year per designated staff member was approved by the Board. The Board went in to closed session at 5:48 and returned to open session at 6:23 having discussed personnel and the RFQ, having taken no votes. The next regular meeting of the Board was set for Thursday, October 17th at 5:00.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released the following reports. On Friday September 20th, Deputies took a report for a theft that occurred in the 7100 block of County Road 5600. The victim, a 35-year-old Kirkwood male, advised unknown person(s) stole multiple items from his property. The investigation is ongoing. Then on Tuesday the 24th, Deputies responded to the 1300 block of North Highway 19 for a reported theft. The victim, a 63-year-old Salem man, advised unknown person(s) stole multiple items from his barn and property. The investigation is ongoing. Also on the 24th Deputies responded to the 100 block of County Road 6690 for a reported wanted subject. The suspect, a 31-year-old Salem man, was arrested without incident and transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated on the warrants. Finally, on Thursday the 26th, Deputies took a report for harassment that occurred in the 19000 block of Highway 32 East. The victim, a 47-year-old Salem woman, advised unknown person(s) had been harassing her through various methods.  The investigation is ongoing. If you have any information relative to these ongoing investigations please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 573-729-3241.

The Planning and Zoning Board of Commissioners held a public hearing and meeting on Tuesday evening at 5:30 in the Old Auditorium. While reviewing the agenda, The Board modified the third address on the agenda to read 1402 S. Water St, instead of 1102 S. Water St, and removed “Reorganization of Commission”, then the agenda was then approved. The Board heard and approved requests for subdivision of a property located at 1311 E. Third St, and a property located on 1305 E. First St. The Board also accepted the request for conditional use for a home-based, appointment only, gunsmithing business on a property located at 1402 S. Water Street. The meeting adjourned at 5:47.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated rock would be added where needed and grading done on Dent County Roads 2470, 5015 and 5420. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 2570 while only grading would be done on county roads 4283, 4285 and 4287. He also said brush would be cut on county roads 5240 and 5245. Polk went on to say a fallen tree was removed from the Dent County Road 3120. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson discussed two grant programs: one from the MRPC for public food projects and the other from the Missouri Humanities. For more information about the Community Food Projects grant, contact the MRPC at 573-265-2993; and for more information on how to apply for $25,000 from the SemiQuincentennial Humanities Grant, visit mohumanities.org/grants. Grant applications will be accepted from December 1st through January 1st, 2025. Deputy County Clerk Melissa Piatt said excused absentee voting continues at the courthouse. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The Doe Run Company (Doe Run) and the Viburnum community will once again commemorate the rich mining history of southeast Missouri at the 38th Annual Old Miners’ Days festival October 4th and 5th. The community event includes two fun-filled days of entertainment for all ages and features free tours of Doe Run’s Buick Mine on Saturday. Community activities get underway Friday afternoon at 5:00 with the annual Tiny Tot Contest and Miss Viburnum Scholarship Pageant at the Elmer P. Beard Gymnasium in Viburnum. Saturday events begin at 9:00 in the morning at the outdoor Viburnum Center. Visitors 12 or older may sign up for a free underground tour of a working Doe Run mine. Tours begin at 9:00 and conclude at 4:00. Guests can travel through the Buick Mine shaft over 1,000 feet underground and see the company’s operations, including heavy mobile equipment, the maintenance shop and rock pillars full of valuable ore. Free bus transportation will be provided to shuttle guests the short distance from the Viburnum Shopping Center to the Buick Mine and back. Throughout Saturday, guests will enjoy live music, kids’ games and activities, food trucks and booths, craft vendors, a community parade and much more. In the evening, Inspyral Circus will provide circus-style performances that will inspire and amaze the audience with juggling, acrobatics and other performances. The show begins at 6:30 in the evening in the Elmer P. Beard Gymnasium. Doors open at 6:00. Weekend festivities conclude Sunday morning with a community church service hosted by local area churches at 11:00 in the Viburnum Center. Learn more about Old Miners’ Days, including a full schedule of events, online at oldminersdays.com.

The Cultural Craft Co-op at Shannondale and Timber Lodge, 41277 Highway 19 south of Salem, will be holding their fall workshop October 4th through 6th and the offerings promise to be spectacular. They have talented instructors lined up to teach and share their knowledge with participants. Nearly 20 classes will be offered ranging from toothbrush rugs to blacksmithing to broom making to native American seed beaded bracelets. For more information on what’s being offered, costs of classes, a list of local B&B’s contact Mary Ficker at 573-729-7065 or via cell phone at 573-247-1777. To pre-order meals and lodging contact Shannondale at 573-858-3284.