Local News

This Saturday at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center on Highway 19 at the exhibit called “Crossroads: Change in Rural America,” there will be a panel presentation about the area on forestry, farming and tourism beginning at 10:00 called “In What Ways do we use our Land?” Also available for sale at the exhibit will be Salem Walking Tour Books. The exhibit is open Monday through Saturday and there is no charge to visit the exhibit. The “Crossroads” exhibit is part of the “Museum on Main Street,” a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and state humanities councils nationwide. Support for the “Museum on Main Street” exhibit has been provided by the United States Congress.

The Salem Middle School students did well in the Middle School Contest for solos and ensembles at Camdenton held last Saturday. Receiving a #1 exemplary rating for a vocal solo were 8th graders Autumn Culp, Cullen Edwards, Brooklyn Letchworth, Mayrin Ramirez-Briceno, Jane Roberts and Phoebe Taylor. Seventh graders that received a #1 rating were Kelsey Lansing and Kavan Toman; and 6th graders receiving the #1 rating were Emmerson Dillon, Morrison Gregg and Grace Taylor. Ensembles who received a #1 exemplary rating were the 6th grade girls ensemble made up of Emmerson Dillon, Grace Taylor, Emmalee Camden, Serenity Drury, Izarie Torres, Eva Schlag and Kimberly Sanchez. Two 7th grade ensembles were given a #1 rating. The girls ensemble was made up of Clara Ball, Madison Mercer and Hannah Prugh; and the boys ensemble was comprised of Chase Dahms, Caleb Ouzts and Kavan Toman. There was one 7th grade girls duet that received the #1 rating and that was Kelsey Lansing and Katlyn Mendenhall. Three 8th grade girl ensembles were honored with a #1 rating. One ensemble was made up of Aleaha Hofer, Deanna Moore and Kylee Smith. Another was comprised of Autumn Culp, Jane Roberts, Brooklyn Letchworth, Phoebe Taylor and Mayrin Ramirez- Briceno. The third 8th grade ensemble was made up of Calyssa Parks, Ellie Hogan, Emma Schlag, Addyson Summers, Gracie Mendenhall and Grace Kerr. Other middle school students received a #2 outstanding rating included one 8th grade soloist, Aleaha Hofer, and five 7th grade soloists. They were Kristal Bluhm, Charlotte Granowski, Hannah Prugh, Alice Salyer and Jacen Triplett. Also receiving a #2 rating were the 7th grade girls ensemble made up of Sophia Decker, Brinkley Tripp, Alice Salyer and Aubrey Widner; and the 8th grade boys ensemble comprised of Bentley Loughridge, Aiden Summers, Maison Sanders, Cullen Edwards and Alex Woodward. Receiving a #3 rating was the 7th grade girls ensemble that was made up of Grace Ballard, Charlotte Granowski and Kaylin Jackson. Congratulations to all of the students on their achievement!

An accident happened Tuesday morning just before 6:00 in Phelps County on Interstate 44 westbound at the 182 mile-marker about two miles west of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2014 Dodge Ram 3500 being driven by 47-year-old Bryon Poe of Rolla, and a 2023 Peterbilt being driven by 57-year-old Timothy Clark of Springfield, were both traveling westbound when they entered a construction zone. Concrete dust in the air obstructed the vision of both drivers. The Peterbilt slowed because of the limited vision and the towed unit was struck from behind by the Dodge Ram. Poe suffered moderate injuries and was taken by Phelps Health ambulance to the Phelps Health hospital. Clark received minor injuries but chose to seek his own treatment. The Dodge was totaled and removed from the scene by D&D Towing. The Peterbilt had minor damage and was able to be driven from the scene. The report went on to state that both drivers were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

An accident happened Tuesday afternoon at 3:40 in Iron County at Route Y and Highway 49. According to the highway patrol report, a 2016 IC Bus being driven by 41-year-old Lynnita Asher of Boss, was stopped at a stop sign when she was struck from behind by a 2008 Ford Taurus being driven by 18-year-old Chassitty Williams of Fort Clinton, Ohio. A passenger in the Taurus, 20-year-old Jasmine Frost, from the state of Colorado, suffered minor injuries and was taken by EMS to the Salem Memorial Hospital for treatment. The Ford sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Abney’s Towing. The bus was able to be driven from the scene. Williams and Asher were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident while Frost was not using a seat restraint.

Danielle Norris will be leading a “Sign & Wine Spring Front Porch Welcome Sign” workshop this Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:30. They will supply the stencils and supplies. You can bring your own board which needs to be eight inches by 34 inches, or buy one from the Creative Arts Center. You can hand letter it yourself, or add pre-cut vinyl lettering. Then for the summer class, you can bring the sign back and paint your Summer sign on the back. This class is ages 12 and older. If you are a new participant and need a sign, the cost is $35 per person. If you bring your own board, the cost is $20. Interested persons can sign up under “Programs” at the SACBA website for activities at the Creative Arts Center.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting at the Salem Community Center @The Armory on Tuesday evening. After approval of the consent agenda, the board certified the election results from the April 2nd Municipal Election and approved Resolution 9-2024 approving those results. The oath of office was then given to Mayor Greg Parker, East Ward Alderwoman Kala Sisco, and West Ward Alderwoman Catherine Dent by Assistant City Clerk Wanda Suhr. The board then approved East Ward Alderman Shawn Bolerjack as President of the Board of Aldermen. Mayor Parker made committee appointments before four citizens gave public comments. The board approved a bid from J.C.I. for $11,812.00 for a 25 HP motor for the aeration in the North Digester. The board approved rejecting bids for a “Welcome Home” project where bids were received more than the funds available. The board also approved the rejection of the previously approved bid from Donald Maggi Inc. for the Downtown Renovation Project after it was determined that the Request for Bid was not properly advertised. This project is currently being re-bid with bid openings scheduled for May 2nd. The board approved Bill #3604 an ordinance amending the amounts of utility deposits for the City of Salem to total $300 and lowered to $200 with a letter of good standing. Also approved was Bill #3605, an ordinance to amend the provisions for the delivery of utility bills and statements for the City of Salem, as well as Bill #3606, which would allow the mayor to enter into a power supply and administration agreement among the Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Utility Commission DBA Missouri Electric Commission. The board approved Bill #3608 authorizing the issuance of a sewerage system revenue bond, series 2024, from Town and Country Bank for $400,000. After the reports of city officials, the board went into closed session to discuss contracts and pending litigation.

Time is running out if you need to order your trees and shrubs for your landscape. The Missouri Department of Conservation says to “Go native” with tree and shrub seedlings from the Missouri from the George O. White State Forest Nursery near Licking. Native trees and shrubs can help improve wildlife habitat and soil and water conservation while also improving the appearance and value of private property. The George O. White State Forest Nursery offers a variety of low-cost native tree and shrub seedlings for sale for reforestation, windbreaks, erosion control, wildlife food and cover, and other purposes. The nursery provides mainly one-year-old, bare-root seedlings with sizes varying by species. Seedlings varieties include: pine, bald cypress, cottonwood, black walnut, hickory, oak, pecan, persimmon, river birch, maple, willow, sycamore, blackberry, buttonbush, hazelnut, redbud, ninebark, spicebush, elderberry, sumac, wild plum, witch hazel, and others. Seedlings are available in bundles of 10 or increments of 25 per species. Prices range from 34 cents to $1 per seedling. Sales tax of 6.1 percent will be added to orders unless tax exempt. There is an $9 handling charge for each order. Receive a 15% discount up to $20 off seedling orders with a Heritage Card, Permit Card, or Conservation ID Number. The nursery grows millions of seedlings each year, but some species are very popular and sell out quickly and some seedlings occasionally succumb to harsh weather or hungry wildlife, despite the nursery staff’s best efforts. Even if a species is listed as “sold out,” customers can still place an order for those seedlings because other orders may get canceled, freeing up inventory. Customers won’t be charged for seedlings unless they are available to ship. Due to shipping costs tripling from past years, the nursery must now charge shipping fees for orders being shipped to Missouri addresses. This is the first time in the nursery’s 80-plus-year history that they have had to do this. Orders will be processed through April 15th so order now! Orders will be shipped or can be picked up at the nursery near Licking through May. You can learn more and place orders using at MDC regional offices and nature centers, or by calling the State Forest Nursery at 573-674-3229.

There will be a Toothbrush Rug Beginner Class Thursday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 with Amy Terrill. Join them for a fun rug-making, hands-on workshop. Learn an easy technique to make a rug with torn strips of fabric and a modified toothbrush. These rugs are quick to make and require no sewing. In this class, you’ll learn how to begin a toothbrush rug or table runner. You will leave class with a small rug that you can either use as a trivet or continue to build at home as large as you want it to be! All projects are machine washable, dry-able and last for years! No previous experience or skills necessary. The cost of of the class is $20 which includes all the supplies. The course is for those age 18 and above. A minimum of two people need to sign up and they will max out at 10. Register online at the SACBA website. Under programs, find the Creative Arts Center, and registrations are on a first come, first served basis.

An accident happened in Phelps County Monday morning around 7:35 on Phelps County Road 4450 near Highway 68. according to the highway patrol report, a 1992 Ford Ranger driven northbound by a 17-year-old male juvenile of Salem, crossed the center of the roadway when the juvenile overcorrected and the Ford collided with a 2016 Chevy Silverado being driven southbound by 35-year-old Timothy Mosley of Salem. Mosley and a passenger in the Silverado, 25-year-old Douglas Harmon of Steelville, suffered minor injuries and were transported by the Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health. The juvenile also suffered minor injuries and declined treatment. The Chevy Silverado was totaled and was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. The Ford Ranger sustained extensive damage and was taken from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing. Mosley and Harmon were wearing seat restraints while the juvenile was not.

The Salem Board of Alderman will be meeting tonight at 6:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers. After they approve the consent agenda, the board will canvass the certification of the election results from the April 2nd Municipal Election and Resolution 9-2024 approving those results. The oath of office will be given to the newly elected officials before their is a reorganization of the Board of Aldermen. Mayor Parker will then make committee appointments before public comments are heard. The board will hear bids for a 25 HP motor for the aeration in the North Digester before rejecting bids for a “Welcome Home” project and the Downtown Renovation Project. The board will hear the second readings of Bill #3604 which would create an ordinance amending the amounts of utility deposits for the City of Salem; Bill #3605 that would amend the provisions for the delivery of utility bills and statements for the City of Salem, and Bill #3606 that would allow the mayor to enter into a power supply and administration agreement among the Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Utility Commission DBA Missouri Electric Commission. In the reading of bills for the first and second time, the board will hear Bill #3608 authorizing the issuance of a sewerage system revenue bond, series 2024, of the City of Salem prescribing the form and details of said bond, and the covenants and agreements to provide for the payment and security thereof. After the reports of city officials, the board will go into closed session to discuss contrcts and pending litigation. The meeting tonight is open to the public.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation shows that young turkey hunters in Missouri harvested 3,721 birds over the past youth weekend, April 6th and 7th. The top harvest counties were Gasconade with 92 birds harvested, Osage with 90, and Franklin with 89. In our area, Texas County youth harvested 57 adult gobblers, 21 juvenile gobblers and bearded hens for 79 total turkeys; Phelps County recorded 31 adult gobblers, eleven juvenile gobblers and two bearded hens for 44 birds taken; Dent County had 32 adult gobblers and eight juvenile gobblers taken for a total of 40 birds harvested; Crawford County youth took 17 adult gobblers, 19 juvenile gobblers and one bearded hen for a total of 28 birds harvested while both Shannon and Reynolds counties had 16 turkeys harvested. For more information on this season’s harvest totals, visit the MDC website. Young hunters checked 2,550 birds during the 2023 spring youth weekend. The regular spring turkey season runs April 15 through May 5.

The City of Salem has announced with Alderman Williams stepping down from his West Ward Alderman seat this evening, Mayor Parker has cancelled the April 10th Utility Committee Meeting until a new committee chair is named and that chairperson can work with the committee to set dates and times for the future meetings.

Century farms and ranches have shaped our nation and state. The Missouri Century Farm Program celebrates the lasting contributions farmers and ranchers have made to our country’s and state’s heritage. In 1976, the Centennial Farm project was initiated in Missouri, awarding certificates to persons owning farms that had been in the same family for 100 years or more. Ten years later, the University of Missouri Extension and the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources created the annual Century Farm program and recognition. Since the program began in 1976, more than 8,000 Missouri farms have received the Century Farm designation. To have a farm be designated as a Missouri Century Farm, the same family must have owned the farm for 100 consecutive years or more as of December 31, 2024; the line of ownership from the original settler or buyer may be through children, grandchildren, siblings and nephews and nieces, including through marriage or adoption; and the present farm shall consist of no less than 40 acres of the original land and shall make a financial contribution to the overall farm income. The application period is open until May 1st and you can apply through an online application process. A fee of $140 is required to cover processing costs, a certificate, a booklet and one two-sided, 2-foot by 2-foot metal sign for each approved farm. No late applications will be accepted. To apply, go to extension.missouri.edu/programs/century-farms.

Today, the moon, earth, and sun will align in a total solar eclipse that will pass across a large portion of the United States, including Missouri and the Mark Twain National Forest. The eclipse will be an amazing event, especially in the path of totality. In the Salem Ranger District, the best viewing will be from the Loggers Lake Recreation Area in Shannon County and the Sutton Bluff Recreation Area east of Bunker. There are many places from which to view the 2024 eclipse on the Forest; but please keep safety and courtesy in mind. The Salem Ranger District expect crowds in and around the path of totality, including on the area’s roadways so drive slowly and be alert. If you are going to want to watch the eclipse, protect your eyesight! The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses”. Make sure they are compliant with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard (should be marked on the glasses). If you are going to go to a campsite to view the eclipse, be patient and courteous. Arrive early and leave late. Give yourself lots of time to get to the location. Bring your own supplies and make sure you have enough snacks and water for your entire stay. Don’t park vehicles in tall grass if it is dry outside as hot engines and exhaust can cause fires in dry grass. Also, if you do light a campfire, make sure it is put completely out before you leave. For the last eclipse, most of the traffic happened after the eclipse, so hanging around a while might save you from getting stuck in any traffic jams. The time for the total eclipse in these two areas will be near 1:55 in this afternoon. The maximum time of the total eclipse lasts for four minutes and 12 seconds if you are in the center of the path, but the Salem Ranger District is not in the center of the path. The total eclipse will be much shorter in this area as the Salem Ranger District is on the northern edge of the path.

An accident happened Sunday around 12:00 noon in Shannon County on Route KK about eight miles south of Jadwin. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 Ford driven westbound by 29-year-old James Newkirk of Jadwin, traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck a road sign and then overturned. Newkirk suffered moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to the Salem Memorial Hospital. He was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford was totaled and was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like the public to be aware that the upcoming solar eclipse may affect driver examination skills testing times. The solar eclipse in Missouri is expected to begin at approximately 12:35 in the afternoon today and reach a total eclipse at 1:55 in most areas. The eclipse will be complete and end at approximately 3:14 this afternoon. Some areas of Missouri will experience a total solar eclipse, while all areas of the state will experience a partial eclipse. It is expected that interest in the solar eclipse will increase both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Drivers who wish to take a skills test today should be aware that driver examination stations may suspend testing during the solar eclipse in the interest of safety. Driver examination stations will post signs at locations today announcing any temporary suspension of testing. Applicants who currently have a scheduled appointment during the eclipse will be contacted and given the opportunity to reschedule.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will be meeting at 6:00 tomorrow at the fire station located at #2 South Main Street. After the roll call, the board will approve the consent agenda which includes the financial reports, minutes and the budget review. The board will review the scheduled events on the calendar, discuss the monthly reimbursement report and talk about old business including lawn care service, the tower lease information, bids for repair of water damage, hear a repeater install update, and address a bylaws review. In new business the board will discuss the repair and sealing of the parking lot and discuss a handicap ramp. After Chief Floyd gives his report, the board will set the date for the next meeting. Before adjournment the board will go into closed session to discuss personnel. The meeting will then be adjourned. The meeting Tuesday of the Dent County Fire Protection District Board is open to the public.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office released some reports for the end of March and beginning of April. On Saturday, March 30th, deputies responded to the 500 block of Dent County Road 5070 for a report of property damage. During the course of the investigation, a 50-year-old Salem man was arrested on an outstanding warrant. The victim did not wish to pursue charges against the suspect for the damage. The next day, Sunday, March 31st, a deputy responded to the 800 block of Dent County Road 6400 for a reported theft and property damage. The victim, a 39-year-old Salem man, advised deputies several known subjects had stolen an ATV from him and also had damaged his truck. The investigation is ongoing. On Monday, April 1st, a deputy responded to the 1600 block of Dent County Road 2210 for a reported domestic assault. During the course of the investigation, a 22-year-old Salem man was arrested for assaulting a 20-year-old Rolla woman. The suspect was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was held pending formal charges. The next day, Tuesday, April 2nd, a deputy responded to the 300 block of East First St. for a report of a theft. The victim, a 33-year-old Salem man, advised deputies that several subjects had broken into his storage locker at Double H Storage on Highway 72 and had stolen numerous items. The investigation is pending. If anyone has any information regarding any investigation, call the Dent County Sheriff’s office at 573-729-3241.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In attendance was Lancer Blair who is running for the 120th District seat on the Republican ticket and was going to speak at the Lincoln Days in Crawford and Dent Counties. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 5110, 5600 and 6580. He also said brush would be cut on county roads 6010 and 6585 while some miscellaneous signs will be put up on a couple roads. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk stated rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 3020 and 4330 while only grading was going to be done on county roads 3030 and 3050. He also said rock would be added to county roads 4340 and 4040. Polk indicated brush was going to be cut on county road 4030. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said the county has formed an opioid committee to review funding requests. The committee will recommend to the MRPC the organizations who should receive the funds and the MRPC will then send those requests to the county commission for their approval. The committee is made up of Rick Letchworth, Leigh Ann Price, James Weber, Jeff Dotson and a representative from Compass Health with Larson being an ex-officio non-voting member. The commission appointed Blythe Kelly and Sean Oliver to the Tourism Committee. Larson received the contract for the additional bathroom in the courthouse and he signed the contract. The project was not bid out since it was under the bid threshold requirement. Thomas Excavating will be starting on the project in 2 weeks. County Clerk Angie Curley reported 23.74% of the registered voters voted in the April election. She indicated she would be attending the MAC Legislative Day and MAC Board meeting next Monday and Tuesday. Curley presented an update on the Standing Rock Bridge received from MoDOT Engineer Preston Kramer. MoDOT has shifted the location of where they were going to place the bridge, and after acquiring additional right-of-way, have decided to leave the current Highway 19 bridge open to traffic while the contractor builds half of the new bridge off to the side of the old bridge. Once half of the new bridge is constructed and the roadway tie-ins are in place, they will transfer traffic to the new bridge. As this will only be half of a bridge, they will install traffic signals to direct one direction of traffic over the bridge at a time. During this phase, MoDOT will demolish the existing bridge and build the second half of the new bridge. This way, traffic on Highway 19 will be open through the duration of the construction. Corky Stack with AEA Engineering was in and brought in an invoice for Alexander Construction, LLC for $18,000. To date the exterior courthouse project totals $1,716,128.51, with the balance to finish, including retainage being $10,005.19. Gary Polk moved to buy a 2014 Ram 2500 4WD Crew Cab for $14,950 for the Road and Bridge Department and it was approved 3-0. There will be no commission meeting Monday so the next meeting will be Thursday at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident occurred in Phelps County Wednesday night at 8:45 on Highway 63 at Phelps County Road 7160. According to the highway patrol report, a southbound 2010 Subaru Impreza, operated by 64-year-old Kathy Dabbs of Lenox, struck a cow in the roadway. A southbound 2003 Toyota Carolla, operated by 64-year-old Paul Foster of Houston, failed to avoid the cow, striking it and the Subaru. A passenger in the Toyota, 52-year-old Angela Stewart of O’Fallon, suffered serious injuries and was transported by Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. Dabbs suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Phelps Health Hospital by Phelps Health Ambulance. According to the report Stewart was not wearing a safety restraint, while Dabbs and Foster were. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by D & D Towing.

The Salem Community Garden behind the Salem United Methodist Church will open this Saturday at 9:00. This will mark the beginning of gardening at the garden. If you are interested in a plot, contact Master Gardener Charlie Grimm at 573-368-9902 and he will assign you one. You can get more than one plot, but there will be a slight charge for each additional plot. Water and tools are provided. Beginning April 11th, there will be special presentations at the Community Garden and the first presentation will be on Companion Gardening. Those presentations are open to the public, regardless if you have a plot or not. For more information about the garden or the presentations, call Master Gardener Charlie Grimm or the Dent County Extension at 729-3196.

The Missouri Department of Social Services MO HealthNet Division, which administers Missouri’s Medicaid program, announced the approval of a waiver amendment from the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services that which allows for the full deployment of the Transformation of Rural Community Health (ToRCH) pilot project. ToRCH, which MHD began designing and developing in late 2021, will address critical social care challenges that compromise individuals’ ability to maintain their health and effectively manage chronic conditions. The project has been called “a groundbreaking initiative that empowers and encourages rural communities to collaborate to address healthcare-related social needs among their Medicaid population, with a focus on driving better health outcomes.” Healthcare providers across the country recognize the impact of Social Determinants of Health on patient outcomes and are seeking ways to address these needs. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, these needs encompass the environmental conditions where individuals are born, grow, learn, work, play, worship, and age that can impact various health outcomes, functioning, and overall quality of life. Some examples of these needs include safe housing, access to nutritious foods, transportation, and physical activity opportunities. The ToRCH model is based on strong collaborations among three essential entities in rural communities: the hospital, primary care and behavioral health clinics, and community-based organizations offering social services. These partners will utilize the Community Information Exchange software from “Unite Us,” a secure digital platform. This software will enhance care coordination by sharing resources, sending referrals, and ensuring the completion of referrals, thereby reducing barriers between individuals and the services meant to assist them. In June 2023, six rural hospitals were selected to participate in the first cohort of the pilot that included the Salem Memorial District Hospital in Dent County and Phelps Health in Phelps County. ToRCH funding enables hospitals to act as community hubs, collaborating with partners to address the social determinants and reduce preventable hospital admissions and emergency department visits. The ToRCH model is a Primary Care Case Management model focusing on addressing determinants of health at the community level. It works using a local leadership board at the hospital “hub” who will oversee the ToRCH model, prioritizing the health-related social needs through community knowledge and clinical expertise. Communication among partners for services like transportation and food will be facilitated through the “Unite Us” CIE platform. ToRCH funding will cover staff and project support, including convening the Leadership Board, monitoring data, engaging with community organizations, and seeking additional funding sources. The model aims to improve health management for rural Medicaid participants, achieve cost savings, and sustain operations through shared savings.

The Missouri Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is announcing a funding opportunity for technical assistance agreements that support the efforts of natural resource conservation partners in Missouri. The proposal deadline is April 8, 2024. The purpose of these agreements is to provide technical assistance in the delivery, development, promotion and support of soil, water and wildlife conservation programs to Missouri’s farmers, ranchers and landowners. Key technical assistance emphasis areas include forest managements planning and practice implementation, nutrient management plan development, practice implementation to increase wildlife habitat practices, engineering for design, layout and check out of conservation practices; area wide planning for watershed assessment and creating a Missouri Soils Library database for chemical and physical soil properties. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to educate farmers, ranchers and landowners, including Historically Underserved producers and groups in successful application of Farm Bill programs. They must be able to deliver conservation, planning, management practices as well as implement climate-smart conservation practices related to climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience. Interested parties can apply via grants.com by Monday, April 8th. For more information about NRCS grants and agreements, contact Jenny Long at (573) 876-0901 or Jennifer.Long@usda.gov.

A municipal election was held Tuesday in Dent County and a total of 2,209 voters cast ballots for 23.74% of the 9,304 registered voters. These are the unofficial results of challenged races for Dent County that includes the votes from other counties for the hospital boards and Oak Hill R-1. They are as follows:

• indicates winners

CITY OF SALEM WEST WARD ALDERMAN:

Catherine Dent* 209 votes
Richard Labrash 196 votes

CITY OF SALEM EAST WARD ALDERMAN:

Kala Sisco* 252 votes
James Vance 115 votes

CITY OF SALEM MAYOR

Greg Parker* 441 votes
Lisa Elliott 73 votes
Grover “Mike” Whitley 97 votes
Eddie Fleetwood 182 votes

DENT COUNTY USE TAX QUESTION

Yes 623 votes
No* 1,532 votes

DENT COUNTY MARIJUANA SALES TAX QUESTION

Yes* 1,312 votes
No 882 votes

SMH HOSPITAL BOARD DISTRICT 5
BOARD OF DIRECTOR – SIX-YEAR TERM

Ray Bruno 424 votes
N. Dwayne Land 496 votes
Frank A. Barnitz* 900 votes
Colleen Lake 228 votes

SMH HOSPITAL BOARD DISTRICT 4
BOARD OF DIRECTOR – FIVE-YEAR TERM

Zachary Moser* 1,085 votes
C. David Kerr 948 votes

SMH HOSPITAL BOARD DISTRICT 6
BOARD OF DIRECTOR – ONE-YEAR TERM

Leigh Ann Price* 1,256 votes
Susan Jordan 707 votes

SALEM R-80 SCHOOL BOARD: (two elected)

Steve Patterson* 620 votes
Jason Green* 499 votes
Lauren Prugh 468 votes

SALEM R-80 SCHOOL DISTRICT PROP E
INCREASE TAX LEVY

Yes 369 votes
No* 834 votes

SALEM R-80 SCHOOL DISTRICT PROP W
BOND ISSUE

Yes 412 votes
No* 828 votes

OAK HILL R-1 SCHOOL BOARD: (two elected)
THREE-YEAR TERM

Nathan Ragsdale* 116 votes
Rhonda Wolfe-Hutsell* 94 votes
Mikel Chambers 86 votes

OAK HILL R-1 SCHOOL BOARD:
ONE-YEAR TERM

April Greener* 176 votes

Dr. Lynne Reed, Superintendent of the Salem R-80 School District, was among eight Missouri superintendents nominated this year for the prestigious Robert L. Pearce Award which is presented annually by the Missouri Association of School Administrators. Reed was nominated for the honor by colleagues in the South Central MASA Region. She was honored as a nominee during the Annual Awards Banquet at the MASA Spring Conference March 20th in Lake Ozark.

The Smokey Bear hot air balloon is coming to the Ozarks in honor of the eclipse! This weekend, head to Big Spring, part of Ozark National Scenic Riverways, to check it out. Hot air balloon rides will be offered, weather dependent, starting this Saturday morning around 7:30 and lasting through Monday the 8th. Some rules and regulations do apply. The Smokey Bear hot air balloon measures in at a massive 97 feet tall with the basket, and is 72 feet wide at the brim of the hat! The Smokey Bear hot air balloon is brought to you by Mark Twain National Forest and Ozark National Scenic Riverways.”

A municipal election was held Tuesday in Dent County and a total of 2,209 voters cast ballots for 23.74% of the 9,304 registered voters. The unofficial results of challenged races are from Dent County only and are as follows:

• indicates winners

CITY OF SALEM WEST WARD ALDERMAN:

Catherine Dent* 209 votes
Richard Labrash 196 votes

CITY OF SALEM EAST WARD ALDERMAN:

Kala Sisco* 252 votes
James Vance 115 votes

CITY OF SALEM MAYOR

Greg Parker* 441 votes
Lisa Elliott 73 votes
Grover “Mike” Whitley 97 votes
Eddie Fleetwood 182 votes

DENT COUNTY USE TAX QUESTION

Yes 623 votes
No* 1,532 votes

DENT COUNTY MARIJUANA SALES TAX QUESTION

Yes* 1,312 votes
No 882 votes

SMH HOSPITAL BOARD DISTRICT 5
BOARD OF DIRECTOR – SIX-YEAR TERM

Ray Bruno 420 votes
N. Dwayne Land 482 votes
Frank A. Barnitz 875 votes
Colleen Lake 226 votes

SMH HOSPITAL BOARD DISTRICT 4
BOARD OF DIRECTOR – FIVE-YEAR TERM

Zachary Moser 1,054 votes
C. David Kerr 938 votes

SMH HOSPITAL BOARD DISTRICT 6
BOARD OF DIRECTOR – ONE-YEAR TERM

Leigh Ann Price 1,256 votes
Susan Jordan 688 votes

SALEM R-80 SCHOOL BOARD: (two elected)

Steve Patterson 620 votes
Jason Green 499 votes
Lauren Prugh 468 votes

SALEM R-80 SCHOOL DISTRICT PROP E
INCREASE TAX LEVY

Yes 369 votes
No* 834 votes

SALEM R-80 SCHOOL DISTRICT PROP W
BOND ISSUE

Yes 412 votes
No* 828 votes

OAK HILL R-1 SCHOOL BOARD: (two elected)
THREE-YEAR TERM

Nathan Ragsdale 111 votes
Rhonda Wolfe-Hutsell 92 votes
Mikel Chambers 81 votes

OAK HILL R-1 SCHOOL BOARD:
ONE-YEAR TERM

April Greener* 176 votes

The Dent County Commission met Monday for their regular meeting. There was no road report as the road crews had Monday off due to the other county workers being off on Good Friday. They will be on call in case of any damages caused by the storms. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson also had nothing to report while County Clerk Angie Curley reminded everyone who wants to vote to please bring with them an ID that is either a Missouri Driver’s or Non-Driver’s License, a passport or a military ID. The polls will be open from 6:00 in the morning until 7:00 at night. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Thursday at 9:00 at the courthouse and it is open to the public.

Alderwoman Kala Sisco has called for a meeting of the Community Involvement Committee of the City of Salem. The meeting is to be held at the Salem Community Center at the Armory this evening at 6:00. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss ideas on how to help raise funds for the annual City of Salem Fourth of July Fireworks display and consider other Community Involvement Ideas. The meeting is open to the public.

This Saturday at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center on Highway 19 at the exhibit called “Crossroads: Change in Rural America,” There will be a panel discussion with community residents beginning at 10:00 on “Salem’s Past and Present.” Then from 6:00 until 8:00 in the evening, there will be a Cruise-In around the ONCRC. The exhibit is open Monday through Saturday and there is no charge to visit the exhibit. The “Crossroads” exhibit is part of the “Museum on Main Street,” a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and state humanities councils nationwide. Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the United States Congress.

If you are a person who is considering or has opted for weight loss injections, an informational meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 3rd at 5:30 at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory located at 1200 W. Rolla Road in Salem, to learn more about the potential to reach new fitness goals through lifestyle changes. Healthy Dent County will host an informational meeting about the popular weight loss injections available through medical providers. Their aim is to enhance our community’s overall health and wellness by providing comprehensive solutions that address diverse needs. A collaboration between Ozark Healthcare LLC and the Healthy Dent County Fitness Center can significantly impact our community’s health and well-being. By leveraging experts in weight management and utilizing HDC’s Fitness Center for fitness and exercise, they can offer a comprehensive approach to weight loss that empowers individuals to achieve lasting results by incorporating aspects such as diet, exercise, and, where suitable, medical interventions like GLP-1 agonist therapy. Within this educational framework, they will introduce their collaborative program tailored for individuals seeking fitness guidance while incorporating GLP-1 agonists into their regimens. As participants embark on GLP-1 therapy, they can guide them toward two pathways: either consulting their primary care physician for guidance or connecting them with a trusted local provider who offers telehealth consultations. For questions, please e-mail Susie Cahill at susie@salemcommunitycenter.org or call 573-729-8163.

The Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, April 2nd which will determine a number of school district boards, hospital board, health center board, as well as City of Salem and Bunker city position elections. Candidates running for the two-year terms for the City of Salem Mayor are incumbent Greg Parker, Lisa Elliott, Grover “Mike” Whitley and Eddie Fleetwood; while Catherine Dent and Richard LaBrash are running for the West Ward Alderman seat; and incumbent Kala Sisco and James Vance are running for the East Ward Alderman seat. For the City of Bunker, all the current office holders are running unopposed for two year terms which include Mayor Gary Conway, Jr., Aldermen Tom Case and James McClanahan, and City Tax Collector Nancy Amaral. For the Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees which are four-year terms, incumbents Carol Lacy and Lori Hasten are the only one running for the two available seats. For the Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, three district positions will be available with different terms. The District 5 seat is the only open position that will run the full six years and the candidates are incumbent Ray Bruno, N. Dwayne Land, Frank Barnitz and Colleen Lake; the District 4 seat has five-years left on its term and running are incumbent Zach Moser and C. David Kerr; and the District 6 seat has one year left on its term and the candidates are incumbent Dr. Leigh Ann Price and Susan Jordan. Three school boards had their available openings filled by incumbents and those districts were Green Forest R-2, Dent-Phelps R-3 and Northwood R-4 so there will be no election at those districts. For the Salem R-80 School Board, running for the two open positions are incumbent Steven Patterson along with Lauren Prugh and Jason Green. For the Bunker R-3 School District, running for their two open positions are incumbent Mike Dickerson, Kelly Gant and Jason Lee Lacey. For the Oak Hill R-1 School District running for their two open three-year positions are incumbent Nathan Ragsdale along with Rhonda Wolfe-Hutsell and Mikel Chambers. For the one-year position available at Oak Hill, only April Greener filed for the position. The Quad County Fire District had two people file for the open director on their board that will serve a six-year term and Robert Hicks and Karla Payne are running for that seat. For the Rolla Rural Fire Protection District, they have two openings on their board and voters will need to select two from these four candidates: Ryan Long, Jason Shenefield, Keith Grayson and Chad Engelke. Remember, the polls will be open from 6:00 in the morning until 7:00 in the evening Tuesday and you can still vote absentee today at the Dent County Courthouse until 5:00 today. Remember, you must bring a photo ID such as a valid Missouri Drivers License, a valid Missouri non-Drivers License, a US passport or a military ID.

Also on the ballot, Dent County has two issues for all county voters to decide. The first is to impose a local use sales tax rate of 2.25% that would be collected on out-of-state sales or those on the Internet by Dent County citizens where these sales taxes are currently not being collected. It is compensatory tax on those items where you would pay the same sales tax rate when buying items on the Internet or out-of-state as if you were buying them locally. This does not affect the current sales tax rate already charged by brick and mortar stores in Salem and Dent County. The other issue would be to impose a countywide sales tax of three percent on the retails sales of adult use marijuana sold in Dent County. The other issues on the ballot are for Salem R-80 voters with Proposition E asking voters to raise the operating tax levy from the state minimum of $2.75 per $100 assessed valuation to $3.65 per $100 assessed valuation, or an additional 90 cents. Proposition W is asking the voters to issue additional General Obligation Bonds for $6,000,000 for the purchase of the SBU Building on Grand, the construction of the FEMA shelter at the Upper Elementary campus, additions to the Construction Trades Building, renovations to the Ag building and the acquisition of new school busses. If passed, this would increase the debt service levy of the Salem R-80 district from 45 cents per $100 assessed valuation to 79 cents per $100 assessed valuation, an increase of 34 cents. If both issues pass, Salem R-80 voters would see their real estate and personal property tax rates increase by an additional $1.24 per $100 assessed valuation.

Local author Julia Boardman will visit the children’s area of the Salem Public Library Tuesday from 11:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon to share her two picture books. The first book is When Pigs Fly, the second book is What Is A Black Hole. Also the Salem Public Library will be closed on Monday, April 8^th from 1:30 in the afternoon till 2:30. The Library will reopen at 2:30 and close at its usual time of 5:00 in the evening.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 6080 while only grading would be done on county roads 5150 and 5600. Mobray reported that MoDOT approved to pay up to 80% for the professional engineering for TAP Project 9901871 for the improvements to the sidewalks around the courthouse square not to exceed $39,953.27 The total cost of this part of the project is $49,941.59 of which Dent County would be responsible for at least $9,988.32. The county is working with Great Rivers Engineering on this project. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk reported rock would be added and grading done on county roads 3050, 3165 and 4300 while only grading was going to be done on Dent County Road 3020. Polk also said rock was going to be added to county road 3070. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson indicated he and Sheriff Bob Wells attended a meeting in Van Buren on the NG911 system for the region. Larson said he signed the Memorandum of Understanding to move forward with a grant with INDigital that would provide the new and improved system to Dent County that would involve no costs for the first five years with an average cost of $35,380 per year for years six through eight. Larson said the Salem Police Department would also be a part of the system and their cost after the first five years would be an average of $19,798 per year for years six through eight. Larson said the there are 13 entities from this region that would be served by the new NG911 and they include the counties of Dent, Shannon, Oregon, Carter, Ripley, Perry, Bollinger, Madison, Wayne, Reynolds and St. Francois that would also affect St. Genevieve and Iron County. Two police departments were also included and they were Salem and Thayer. There was not a timetable given on this project. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the courthouse would be closed today for Good Friday. She said her office would be open for absentee voting Saturday from 8:00 in the morning until noon, then again on Monday from 8;00 in the morning until 5:00. On Tuesday, the polls will be open from 6:00 in the morning until 7:00 in the evening. She wanted to remind people that if you have made an address or name change and have not yet contacted her office, you need to so. If you have questions, please call 729-4144. Curley also wanted to remind people to bring with them a picture ID when they go to vote. This could be a valid Missouri Diver’s License, valid Missouri Non-Drivers License, US passport or military ID. She also wanted to remind candidates they need at least verbal permission from property owners to place signs on their property. Candidates also cannot place signs on MoDOT, county or municipal street rights-of-way; and each sign must have clearly indicated on the sign “paid for by (name) or (committee.)” Using “Paid for by candidate” is not permissible. If any candidate has any questions, they should also contact the Dent County Clerk’s office at 729-4144. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and it is open to the public.

Want to see Missouri state parks from a new perspective? Join the Learn2 Climb program and learn the basics of outdoor rock climbing from a certified instructor and then try it out on real rock. This beginner-level course will allow you to enjoy nature from new heights! From 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon Saturday, April 6th and Sunday, April 7th, Missouri State Parks is hosting an introductory rock climbing program at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park. This opportunity allows participants to try a new activity while experiencing some of Missouri’s vertical attractions. All equipment (harness, helmet and climbing shoes) and expertise is provided; participants just need to provide enthusiasm and eagerness to discover nature and a new skill. They should wear appropriate clothing and footwear for hiking and rock climbing activities, and bring a packed lunch and enough water for the day. This program is free, but preregistration is required. Participants must be at least 10 years of age; children ages 10-14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout the entire program. Register at icampmo.usedirect.com. If you have questions, please send an e-mail to taylor.ratcliff@dnr.mo.gov. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is located at 148 Taum Sauk Trail in Middle Brook. For more information, contact 573-546-2450. 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 time is now to start thinking about the Salem Community Garden behind the Salem United Methodist Church. If you are interested in a plot, contact Master Gardener Charlie Grimm at 573-368-9902 and he will assign you a plot. You can get more than one plot, but there will be a slight charge for each additional plot. Water and tools are provided, and all you need to bring is your love of gardening and the seeds you want to plant. For more information, call Master Gardener Charlie Grimm or the Dent County Extension at 729-3196.