Local News

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.

At the Dent County Commissioner meeting Monday, Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk and the Dent County Commission discused Senate Bill 190 and the new language that is coming out today to hopefully clarify the law. The original SB 190 language was unclear on how it was to be processed which is why the local commission refrained from moving forward after the Governor signed the bill. VanKirk said the software for her computer system to even implement the Homestead Credit has not yet even been created and the developer right now is working on it for Laclede County. The initial cost of this new software will be $20,000 that will be paid for by taxpayer money. The cost of any updates for each year are unknown. VanKirk said the county collectors will be holidng a workshop very soon to come up with an application process for people who are 62 years of age and older who would qualify for the program. There is also some confusion if this credit is for county taxes only, or is for all the taxing entities such as school districts, hospital districts, etc. If this is for county property taxes only, the credits could be small for the real estate owner and may not be there at all if the county sales taxes raise too much money which would then require a rollback in property taxes as required by the Hancock Amendment. It is hoped the new language will help clarify these points. Following the collector’s workshop, VanKirk will present her findings to all the county officer holders that will be affected by SB 190 to discuss how this will be implemented in Dent County. Only then will they bring it to the comissioners for discussion and adoption. They is a lot of misinformation about this bill and what it will do, and if anyone has any questions, please call Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk at 573-729-3911.

In a press release from Salem Parks and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois, the Parks and Recreation Department regrets to inform citizens that the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Swimming Pool will remain closed for the 2024 Summer season due to significant damage sustained to its pool liner from the hailstorm on April 18th. As a result of the extensive damage, it is necessary to keep the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Swimming Pool closed for the season while arrangements are made for professional replacement of the pool liner. Ensuring the safety and quality of our facilities for the community is our utmost priority, and we apologize for any inconvenience this closure may cause. Updates regarding the progress of repairs and plans for the upcoming season will be provided as soon as they become available. During this closure, we encourage citizens to explore other recreational opportunities offered by the City of Salem Parks and Recreation Department, and other entities including parks, trails, and recreational programs available throughout the community. The Park and Recreation Department appreciates the understanding and cooperation of the Salem community during this time. For more information and updates, please visit the City of Salem Parks and Recreation Department Facebook page or contact us directly. You can contact Melissa DuBois, Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Salem Parks and Recreation Department, at 573-729-6031 or email her at: salemparks@salemmo.com.

This Saturday from 10:00 until 12:30 at the Creative Arts Center, Jennifer Johnson will teach you how to needle felt into a beautiful wool succulent in this beginner friendly class. You will make your own 2”-3” needle felted plant from start to finish. One ceramic pot will be provided per person. All materials are included, including foam mats, felting needles and wool. The class will be taught as a follow along guide, with one style of succulent being demonstrated. There is room for creative color choice and shape! The barbed felting needles are very sharp, so it is not recommended for children younger than 14. No experience is necessary, but good hand-eye coordination and focus is a must. The cost: is $30 and a minmum of five people need to sign up to hold the class which will hold no more than 10. Class registrations are on a first come, first serve basis with online registrations at the SACBA website under the Creative Arts Center. Felting mats, needles, and colorful wool enough to make an additional succulent will be available as a kit for purchase after the class so you can continue to have fun with your new skill!

The City of Salem Utility Committee will be meeting tonight at 6:15 in the evening at the Salem Community Center@The Armory at 1200 West Rolla Road. At the meeting, the committee will hear about utility billing and payments as well as changes in the office. The committee will hear about the Service Protection Program and be updated on the MMMPEP meeting held May 9th. The committee will also hear work reports from city employees before there is a draft budget presentation and rate discussion. The Utility Committee meeting tonight is open to the public.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning for their regular meeting. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams was in to present the sales tax monies received this month. The General Revenue Fund and Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund each received $88,840.71 which is $7,171.22 more than for May of 2023. Year-to-date, the General Revenue Fund and the LEST funds are up about $10,781.50. The Road and Bridge Fund received $41,912.63 this month, up $5,006.38 from the May 2023 figure of $36,906.25. Year-to-date, that fund is up $3,833.20. The Jail Operating and Trust funds each received $84,247.43 in May and that is up $10,013.64 from the 2023 receipts of $74,233.79. Year-to-date, those funds are up $8,857.69. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said brush would be cut on Dent County Road 6435 and road signs will be put up on various roads around the county. Mobray said three trees came down from the storms last week that crews would be cleaning up. He said he spoke with Michelle Watkins who is the Central District Engineer for MoDOT, and she said the state will not be paving approaches from the county roads to the state highway. However, if members of the public report potholes on the approaches by calling 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636), MoDOT will send work crews to make the repairs and patch the potholes. She told Mobray that Highway 19 North would be repaved in 2028 although that did not show up on the recently released STIP plan. Watkins also said the state would not put up signs on the county roads to restrict big trucks as they would then have to put them up on all roads including those in Salem. Mobray said he still wants to talk with someone at MoDOT above Watkins to see if something can be done. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 4405 and 5260, while only grading would be done on county road 2313. Polk said rock would also be added to Dent County Road 3260 where a work crew will be repairing the ditch line from a washout. He went on to say brush would be cut on county road 4040. Presiding Commission Gary Larson said he would be at St. James today to sign papers for the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District. Dent County Assistant County Clerk Melissa Piatt said she would be verifying signatures from Dent County residents who signed any of the five state initiative petitions to make sure they are registered voters of the county. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem R-80 Music Department presents the Spring Band Concert at the High School Gymnasium tonight at 6:00. The concert will feature the 6th grade band, the 7th grade band, the 8th grade band, the High School Second Chance Band and the High School Concert Band. Eeveryone is welcome to attend!!

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at 6:00 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. There will be a CBDG Public Hearing at 6:00 before the then call to order. After the consent agenda, the board will hear public comments and consider a board appointment from Mayor Greg Parker. The board will then consider an expenditure of funds for the Fireworks Display, plus hear bids for Hot Mix Asphalt and an HVAC System for the Animal Pound. Under new and miscellaneous business, the board will consider the following resolutions: Resolution No. 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; 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 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 will also consider conditional use permits for property at 906 S. Water Street and #2 North McArthur. There will be 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. After reports from city officials, the board will go into closed session to discuss legal actions, litigation, and confidential or privileged communication, which will be followed by adjournment. The meeting tonight of the Salem Board of Aldermen is open to the public.

The Salem Public Library has been awarded a tech grant for $11,490.00, plus the Friends of the Library have donated $557.00. These funds will be used to replace computers, plus purchase licenses for Microsoft Office and DeepFreeze.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board met last Tuesday evening at the Dent County Firehouse. In the consent agenda, the financial report was reviewed showing an ending balance of $223,829.17. Bills, payments and statements were reviewed and approved as was the budget. In the Calendar review, the fire district attended Serendipity Thursday at the Upper Elementary School, had a class from William Lynch Elementary School tour the firehouse on Friday, and be expecting the new MSA gear this Tuesday. Air Evac approached Chief Floyd to have September 28th set aside for “Kids Safety Day” at the department. In the April monthly reimbursement report, it showed the fire department responded to 23 calls for the month of April with a total of 128 for the year. Seventeen of the calls in April were to fires which represent 73.91% of the calls to the department. The department also responded to one each of a smoke investigation, Haz-Mat call, medical, and to an traffic accident. Two calls were listed as other. The seventeen fire calls were further broken down represented five building fires, five forest or woodlands fire, 3 brush or grass fires, and two off road vehicle or heavy equipment fires, one outside trash or rubbish fire, and one passenger vehicle fire. In old business, the board heard the two bids received for lawn care and went with the bid from Mr. Lundy of $80. The other bid was from the Sheltered Workshop. The board tabled any decision until the next meeting on the repair, sealing and restriping of the parking lot; and the tower lease information is still on hold awaiting further information from the tower company. In new business, the board approved to allow President Craig Smith and Treasurer Dave Wells sign a lease/purchase agreement from Town and Country Bank for the purchase of new SCBA equipment and a new truck for $281,642.58. The agreement was then signed. The review of the agenda format was discussed and the board decided the Calendar review could be removed from the consent agenda and covered in the Chief’s report. Nominations were then held and after some discussion, a motion was made to close nominations and hold the election of the board officers. Mike Godi was elected president. Dave Wells as Secretary/Treasurer and budget officer, and Chief Dennis Floyd as the Custodian of Records. Chief Floyd then gave his report to the board and noted that the new truck will have to have radios installed to be able to talk with other trucks and also other emergency agencies. The cost would be around $7,064.37 to add the new radios. This will go out for more bids and Chief Floyd will check out other avenues of obtaining the radios. Floyd also said that the department will need some new tools for the new truck and it is in his budget for the tools. The board agreed for him to go ahead with the small tool purchases but to hold off on any large purchases. The board then voted to go into closed session to interview and approve Aaron Tilley as a new firefighter for the department. After returning to open session, the date for the next meeting was set for Tuesday, June 11th at the Fire Station at 6:00 PM.

Those interested in hunting Elk this fall need to apply before May 31st. The Department of Conservation will require a $10 application fee for elk-permit applicants. Those selected will then be eligible to buy a permit at a cost of $50. All elk-hunting permits, including those allocated to qualifying area landowners, can be used in Carter, Reynolds, and Shannon counties, except the refuge portion of Peck Ranch Conservation Area. The archery portion will run October 19th through 27th and the firearms portion will run December 14th through 22nd. The allowed hunting methods for each elk season portion will be the same as for deer hunting. The permits will allow for the harvest of one bull elk with at least one antler being six inches or greater in length. For more information on elk and elk hunting in Missouri, visit mdc.mo.gov/elkhunting. Apply for the elk-permit random drawing now through 31st online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, through MDC’s free MO Hunting app, through a permit vendor, or by calling 1-800-392-4115. Results of the elk-permit random drawing will be available online by July 1st. Missouri hunters harvested one bull elk during the 2023 archery portion and two during the 2023 firearms portion.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, Democratic Candidate for the 120th seat in the House of Representatives Jen Tracy, addressed a question by Gary Polk about how much money the new sales tax on marijuana would bring the county. She answered by saying in Crawford County they just opened up their first dispensary and there is no information that she can provide. Also in attendance was Jason Greene from Pioneer Forest who came by to let the commission know that Pioneer Forest would be applying for a Forest Legacy Grant for their timbered lands. He said they are the largest private land owner in Missouri as they have land in six counties. The grants would allow the Pioneer Forest to protect private forests through conservation easements or land purchases that would maintain a multitude of public benefits including the opportunities for people to hunt, fish, and camp; provide for a clean and abundant drinking water source; maintain habitat for fish and wildlife, and continue the production and sale of timber, fuel wood, and other forest products. Public access to Pioneer Forest will be protected where it currently exists. Greene said the grant will help their ecology programs and trail systems by providing funding based on the value of the amount of acres in the Pioneer Forest. He said they will be applying for the grant within a week and it could take a year or two to be awarded. If accepted for the grant, Pioneer Forest would work with the Department of Conservation on the preservation of the forests. In the road reports, both district commissioners said workers were off Thursday after being on call Wednesday for the anticipated storms. The workers were to be off Wednesday for Truman’s Birthday. Both district commissioners said they had not received any calls for storm damage. Commissioner Wes Mobray said he would be on a conference call with the MoDOT Area Supervisor to discuss repairs to the approaches to the county roads from the state highways that are not being maintained. He said he will also discuss with him the problem of semi-truck and trailers using county roads to go to the Royal Oak Charcoal plant, destroying gravel as well as chip and seal roads. The county has been asking for signage for “No Truck Traffic” from the state and they say they can’t do that. Mobray plans on showing pictures of a semi in the middle of the front yard of a resident on Route JJ by the plant. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he met with the insurance claims adjuster to go over the county buildings. Larson said there was shingle damage to courthouse roof and rail damage to the jail. He said the adjuster was also going to check the Annex and Extension building to check for damage. The county has a $2,500 deductible for damages. Larson said he expected to receive a list of the issues found from the adjuster soon. Larson also said he was named the President of the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District Board at their last meeting. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk brought in the April turnover for the county and said it totaled $127,201.56 which is just about the same as it was last year. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) and Healthy Dent County are teaming up to host a Second Chance Job Fair from 10:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon on May 22nd at the 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. Employers attending include Walmart, Royal Oak and Eagle Stop, with other employers still reserving spaces to attend. The Missouri Job Center, Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health and Invent Yourself, LLC will also be at the event to provide resources to potential employees. Samantha Sherman, the MRPC Senior Community Development Specialist, said that Missouri is facing a workforce shortage, and there is an untapped population with the potential to help solve this issue, if employers are willing to hire those who have been involved in the justice system or those who are in recovery. If they can connect employers with these individuals, not only does it help the employers find the labor their companies need, but we are helping these individuals find steady employment and, in some cases, breaking the cycle and stigma associated with substance-use-disorder or past justice involvement. 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. Interested employers and prospective job candidates needing information, can contact Sherman or MRPC Community Development Assistant Ann Feeler at 573-265-2993 or via email at ssherman@meramecregion.org and afeeler@meramecregion.org, respectively.

An accident happened in Phelps County on Highway 63 at Phelps County Road 6220 Thursday morning at 9:16. According to the highway patrol report, a 2013 Jeep Wrangler driven northbound by 27-year-old Cordell Dukes of Edgar Springs, traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a guardrail and overturned. Dukes suffered minor injuries and was transported by the Phelps Health EMS to Phelps Health. Dukes was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Jeep was totaled and removed from the scene by D&D Towing.

An accident happened Wednesday afternoon at 5;40 in St. Francois County on Highway 67 southbound at Barney’s Crossover. According to the highway patrol report, a 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 driven southbound by 28-year-old Heather Stewart of Bixby, age 28 was traveling south on Highway 67. At that time, a 2010 Dodge Journey driven by 46-year-old David Young of Bonne Terre, attempted to cross southbound Highway 67 and failed to yield to the Dodge Ram. The front right of the Dodge Ram struck the right rear of the Dodge Journey. Suffering minor injuries from the Ram were the driver, Heather Stewart, an adult passenger, 24-year-old Nathaniel Yount of Belleview, two female juveniles ages newborn and two years of age, and a two-year old male juvenile. Everyone from the Dodge Ram was taken by a private conveyance to the Parkland Health Center. A male juvenile pasenger in the Journey suffered minor injuries and was taken by the St. Francois County Ambulance District to the Parkland Health Center in Bonne Terre. Both vehicles sustained moderate damages. The Dodge Ram was removed from the scene by Buckley’s Towing, while the Journey was removed from the scene by Marler’s Towing. Everyone involved in the accident was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

The City of Salem Utility Committee meeting scheduled for May 8th has been rescheduled for Wednesday, May 15th, at 6:15 in the evening at the Salem Community Center@The Armory at 1200 West Rolla Road. At the meeting, the committee will hear about utility billing and payments as well as changes in the office. The committee will hear about the Service Protection Program and be updated on the MMMPEP who will be holding their next meeting on May 9th. The committee will also hear work reports from city employees before there is a draft budget presentation and rate discussion. The Utility Committee meeting will be open to the public.

The Mudbugs are back! The Mudbugs will spend time outdoors, exploring the grounds and, if we are doing it right, getting a little dirty! The activities last about one hour and will target kids between the ages of 6 and 12 or so, but all ages are welcome. They will try their best to accommodate younger children. On Thursday, May 16th, the Cicadas are coming! Lots and lots of them! How are they different from annual cicadas? The Mudbugs catch some and see. If they find lots of shells, they’ll do some crazy art with them! This Mudbugs event will be followed by a campfire weenie roast. All the events will be held at the Bonebrake Center from 2:00 until 3:30. A donation to the Bonebrake Center of $2.00 per child is appreciated. They ask that a parent or legal guardian accompany your children (in case any emergency medical situations should arise). Assistance with the kids from those who can move about the grounds would be greatly appreciated! For more information, e-mail Janet Price at moonshadowmomentsllc@gmail.com. Don’t forget to check them out on Facebook for the latest!

May is Bicycle Safety Month, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol encourages motorists and bicyclists to stay alert and be courteous. Preliminary statistics for 2023 indicate eight people were killed and 438 injured in 522 traffic crashes involving a bicycle. Please know the law regarding operating a bicycle and be a safe rider. Did you know that a bicyclist is required to ride as near the right side of the roadway as is safe, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction; except when making a left turn, when the lane is too narrow to share with another vehicle, or when on a one-way street. Bicyclists may ride abreast when not impeding other vehicles and they must also obey all traffic signals and signs, the same as required of drivers of other vehicles. Use hand signals to let others know you will turn left, right, or stop. A bicycle must be equipped with a brake or brakes that will enable its driver to stop the bicycle within 25 feet from a speed of 10 miles per hour on dry, level, clean pavement. Bicycle riders, when riding on a street or highway, are granted all the rights and are subject to all the traffic regulations applicable to drivers of motor vehicles, except those that by their very nature do not apply. It is important that bicyclists understand local ordinances regarding riding a bicycle. For instance, in some municipalities, riding a bicycle on the sidewalk in a business district is prohibited. There are also some regulations for riding a bicycle at night. Penalties for violations of this law range from not less than $5 to not more than $25 for people 17 years of age or older. For those under 17, a provision allows an officer witnessing a violation to impound the bicycle for a period not to exceed five days. Riders should check with municipalities for other local rules and regulations.