Local News

A farewell reception for City of Salem Public Works Director Mark Nash was held Wednesday at the Salem Community Center@The Armory with a nice crowd attending and wishing Mr. Nash the best. Following the reception, the Salem Board of Alderman held a special meeting. After the silent roll call, the board went into closed session to discuss personnel. Back in open session some 15 minutes later, the board discussed Bill #3588 that would create an ordinance to allow the city to fill a vacancy in an appointed city position with a temporary or interim replacement. According to City Attorney James Webber, the ordinance in place only gives the city a short time to find a permanent replacement. City Clerk Tammy Koller then read the ordinance twice by caption and the board approved the bill. Mayor Greg Parker appointed Salem Police Chief Joe Chase as the Interim Public Works Director until a permanent replacement can be found. Chase was sworn in by Koller before the board went into closed session to discuss contracts.

The Dent County Commission held their 2024 budget hearing Monday morning at the commissioner’s office in the courthouse. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson presided over the hearing. The General Revenue Fund ended 2023 with net cash available at $2,186,556.97. The estimated revenues for 2024 are $1.848 million dollars while estimated expenses for this year are $2.729 million dollars, resulting in an estimated ending balance of $1,295,718.90 as of December 31st, 2024. The decrease in the ending balance for 2024 was due to the budgeted repairs on the courthouse. The Road and Bridge Fund ending cash balance in 2023 was $616,480.04. The commissioners have estimated revenues in 2024 at $2.967 million dollars and estimated expenses of $3.261 million dollars that would result in an estimated ending balance of $322,415.16 at the end of 2024. Major expenses included the rebuilding of the storage area for the salt spreaders at an estimated cost of $38,800 and an increase in chip and seal costs of $100,000 over last year. The Assessment Fund ending balance for 2023 was $145,707.83. The estimated revenues for 2024 came to $238,566.00 and with estimated expenses of $303,036.01, with the estimated ending balance at the end of 2024 would be $81,237.82. The Law Enforcement Sales Tax (LEST) Fund ending balance in 2023 was $761,967.41 with estimate revenues in 2024 to be $1.191 million dollars while the estimated deductions came in at 1.454 million dollars, leaving an estimated ending balance of $498,860.37 at the end of 2024. A major expense will be the purchase of a K-9 for the sheriff’s department for $28,850. The 9-1-1 fund had an ending balance of $61,331.88 in 2023 with expected estimated revenues are $37,218 in 2024 and with estimated expenses of $40,500.00, there would be an ending balance at the end of 2024 of $58,050.65. The Jail Construction and Operations Fund finished the 2023 year with cash available of $2,265,654.83. The fund has expected revenues in 2024 of $2.243 million dollars and estimated expenses of $2.558 million dollars that would leave an ending balance of $1,950,286.51 at the end of 2024. The Jail Construction Trust Fund finished 2023 with an ending balance of $1.665 million dollars. The commissioners estimated revenues of $1,054,322.87 and with anticipated expenses of $1.360 million dollars that would leave the fund with an ending balance of $1,360,107.70 at the end of 2024. The budget for 2024 was then approved unanimously by the commissioners. The hearing was then adjourned.

Missouri turkey hunters can apply online during February for 2024 spring turkey managed hunts through the Missouri Department of Conservation website at mdc.mo.gov. Managed hunt details and application procedures are outlined on the webpage. Drawing results will be posted starting March 15th. The spring turkey hunting youth portion will be April 6th and 7th with the regular spring season running April 15th through May 5th. Detailed information on spring turkey hunting will be available in the MDC 2024 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available where permits are sold beginning in March. A regulation change for the spring season includes an extension of spring shooting hours for private land only from a half-hour before sunrise to sunset. Shooting hours on public land will remain a half-hour before sunrise to 1:00 in the afternoon. Buy Missouri hunting permits from numerous vendors around the state, online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, or through the MDC free mobile app, MO Hunting, available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices.

The Creative Arts center will be offering a class on Folkart Quilled Hearts Tuesday from 6:00 to 8:00 in the evening with Ellen Reynolds. Using recycled paper, students will receive instruction in forming paper straws and then turn them into various quilled elements. These will be assembled in unique heart designs. A touch of red paint and a ribbon will complete each work of art. Each project will be original in design and perfect to give as a Valentines gift, or just “Hand Around”. The class is open to students from High School age through adults. At least six students are needed for the class with a maximum of 12. The cost is $12 and that includes all the supplies. Class registrations are on a first come, first serve basis with online registrations. Interested persons can sign up under “Programs” at the salemcommunitybetterment.com website for activities at the Creative Arts Center.

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees held their regular meeting Thursday, January 25th. The minutes of the December 21st regular meeting were approved followed by Administrator Zach Moser’s report. In the Communicable Disease Report, Moser stated that there were 103 COVID-19 cases reported, 36 lead cases, three screenings for sexually transmitted infections, 11 cases of Influenza and nine animal bites. In the diagnostics report, Moser said 168 blood draw appointments were completed in December, plus there were 153 appointments for rapid tests for COVID, Flu, RSV, and Strep, plus one lead test was performed. COVID-19 vaccinations totaled 54, while there were 47 influenza doses and 42 other vaccinations administered. A total of 460 appointments were held during December, plus WIC appointments totaled 315. There was also one Show-Me Health Women appointment and four Title X Family Planning appointments. Moser noted that 93 urine drug screenings were conducted on behalf of the Dent County Treatment Court. Assistant Administrator Roma Jones gave the environmental report where there were ten total inspections conducted with one recall, no sewer complaints, and five environmental questions were fielded. In the Administrator’s report, Moser reported Miller Glass installed the new doors on January 24th. He reported that the DCHC was awarded an $80,000 mentorship grant as a mentee for Healthcare acquired infections and antimicrobial resistance. Currently there are two additional NACCHO grants under investigation. Moser is currently working with Healthy Dent County and Salem Memorial Hospital on a rural health network planning grant, plus a coalition of local organizations is also working on an application to the USDA for “Food Prescriptions”. He also reported on the progress on the actions cited in the strategic plan and that the DCHC staff had proposed a modified list of values and proposed a vision statement which were approved by the DCHC Board. The Health Center financial reports for December, including the review results from H & R Block, were presented. Discussion was held on the balance sheet, income statement, and budget statements. After these questions were answered, the financial reports and the report from H & R Block were approved. Moser reported that only Lori Hasten and Carol Lacy had filed for the two open board seats so no election will need to be held. Their new terms begin April 2nd. Bids for snow removal and sidewalk treatment were received from American Automotive, Total Lawncare, and Preferred Services with each having benefits and drawbacks. The bid from Preferred Services was approved by the board. Due to the receipt of several state and federal payments Moser recommended the purchase of a three-month CD for $150,000 and the recommendation was approved by the board. He also recommended that the Bank of Salem Money Market account in the amount of $2,511.50 be closed and moved into the checking account. The closure was approved by the board. No closed session was held. The next regular meeting of the Board was set for Thursday, February 15th at 5:00.

Route KK in Iron County will be reduced as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a culvert under the roadway. This section of roadway is located between Highway 32 and the Iron County line. Weather permitting, the work will take place TODAY from 8:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon. The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area. For additional information, contact MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/southeast.

The Creative Arts Center will host a three-part “Introduction to Wheel Throwing” class starting Monday and Tuesday, February 5th and 6th, followed by a third class on Tuesday, February 13th. The class will be from 5:30-7:30 in the evening with Tana Kettner & Wanda Nickles. This introductory class will include three sessions which will focus on throwing on the wheel, trimming and adding handles, and glazing, consecutively. In this class you will learn the basics of working with clay on the potter’s wheel and will create your own small wheel-thrown pieces to take home. Future classes will be offered for more advanced throwing. Short fingernails are strongly recommended for this class. The cost of the class is $80.00 and that includes all the supplies. At least four students are needed to make the class, with a six student maximum. Class registrations are on a first come, first serve basis with online registrations. Interested persons can sign up under “Programs” at the salemcommunitybetterment.com website for activities at the Creative Arts Center. For more information, contact: Tana Kettner @ tanakettne65@gmail.com.

An accident happened Monday afternoon at 1:50 in Miller County on Highway 42 at Highway 134. According to the highway patrol report, a 2020 Volkswagon Jette being driven north on Highway 134 by 38-year-old Shana Dunn of Rolla, failed to yield to a 2009 Buick Lucerne being driven east on Highway 42 by 72-year-old August Johns of Richland. Dunn suffered minor injuries in the accident. Johns and a passenger, 79-year-old Juanita Johns of Richland, both received minor injuries. All were taken by ambulance to Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach. The Volkswagon sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Hi-Tech Towing. The Buick had minor damage and was removed by Woods Towing. Both drivers and the passenger in the Buick were wearing seat restraints.

An accident happened Monday morning just before 8:00 in Phelps County on Highway 63 near Phelps County Road 7480. The highway patrol report states that a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 being driven north by 32-year-old Robert Maxwell of Edgar Springs, began sliding on a patch of ice causing the Dodge to travel off the left side of the roadway and overturn. A passenger in the vehicle, 29-year-old Victoria Haynes also of Edgar Springs, who was not wearing a seat restraint, suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Phelps Health Hospital. The Dodge sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Lucas Towing.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce has selected Emily Cook as the new Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director to replace long time director Tabitha Utley. Cook who was born and raised in Salem and is excited to be the director of the chamber for the opportunities it brings in helping the community grow and continue to thrive.

The Dent County Commission met for their regular meeting at the courthouse Monday. At the meeting, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said his crew is rebuilding hangers at the county road and bridge compound for the six salt spreaders that the county has. The old ones were in bad shape. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk stated rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 5340, while only grading was going to be done on county road 6160. Materials will also be added to county roads 2403, 6120 and 6123. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he spoke with Jadwin resident Dan Riley about the unreliable hard line phone service he is getting in the Jadwin area as well as intermittent cell service. Larson also said the Dent County Assessor Jamie Homeyer submitted a contract for the updating of the online MAP service from Justin Basham, an independent contractor, who is replacing Ron Schwartz of Landmark Surveying who passed away. The contract was for six months at $575 per month for a total of $3,450. After six months, the maintenance contract can be renegotiated. Larson also announced the required county commissioner training will be held February 28th, 29th and March 1st. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the last day to register for the April Municipal election will be March 6th, absentee voting will begin February 20th, March 19th will be the first day for “no excuse” absentee voting, March 20th will be the last day to mail out a ballot, and Monday, April 1st will be the last day to vote absentee. Also, February 27th will be the first day anyone can sign up to run for a county or state office. Those people will need to register at the county clerk’s office. She also wanted to remind voters that if they have recently moved, had a name change, or had problems last year when they voted, to make sure you check and update your registration in her office in the courthouse. After the budget was approved, the commission began paying all the bills they were unable to pay due to the budget process. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital (SMDH) Board of Directors has a vacancy for the Director of Election District one. The SMDH bylaws and Section 206.090.1 RSMo., provide that a vacancy on the board shall be filled by appointment by the remaining Board of Directors. The appointee will hold office until the municipal election to be held in April 2025. Candidates for director of the hospital district shall be citizens of the United States, voters of the election district one and who have resided within the state for one year preceding the election and who are at least 30 years of age. Persons interested in being considered by the Board of Directors shall complete and file a Request for Appointment. The Request for Appointment Form may be obtained in person at the Administrative offices of Salem Memorial Hospital located at 35629 Highway 72 in Salem between the hours of 8:00 in the morning and 4:00 in the afternoon, Monday through Friday, through February 16th, 2024. Applicants are expected to appear at the SPECIAL Board of Directors meeting that will be held on Friday evening, February 16th at 6:00 for a brief interview. District boundary information may be obtained at the Administrative Office of Salem Memorial District Hospital during regular business hours.

The Dent County Sheriffs office has released some reports. On Saturday, January 13th, a deputy responded to the 18000 block of Route C for a report of animal neglect. During the investigation, multiple dogs and cats were found to be outside during inclement weather without proper shelter, food, or water. The owner, a 65-year-old Salem man, became compliant with Missouri statutes and the case was closed. Then on Monday the 15th, a deputy responded to the 5000 block of Highway O for a recovered cell phone. The victim, a 42-year-old Canadian woman, discovered the phone missing in October of 2023 in Austin, Texas. The phone was tracked to Dent County after it was purchased by a resident. The phone was recovered and will be returned to its owner. No local charges were filed in this case. And finally, on Friday the 19th, a deputy responded to the 900 block of Dent County Road 5440 for a report of a horse that had been shot. A 52-year-old Salem man, told the deputy he had discovered his horse had been shot and provided possible suspect information. The investigation is still ongoing. If you have information regarding an investigation, contact the Dent County Sheriff’s office at 729-3241.

An accident happened Sunday evening just after 5:45 in Phelps County on Highway 63, about four miles south of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 Jeep Cherokee being driven south by 30-year-old Megan Strain of Rolla, made a right turn on a county road. The Jeep crossed the center line and struck a 2021 Volkswagen being driven by 31-year-old James Whittingham also of Rolla. Whittingham suffered minor injuries and was transported by the Phelps Health EMS to Phelps Health Hospital. The Volkswagen sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by D&D Towing. The Jeep was removed from the scene by the owner. The report went on to state that both drivers were wearing seat restraints.

It is with sincere regret the Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors have announced the Salem Memorial Hospital Home Health Agency will permanently close its services as of February 14, 2024. They would like to thank the community for the support given throughout the years.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting at the Salem Community Center @The Armory. The board heard a presentation from Liz Condray with the Salem Area Community Betterment Association on the upcoming visit of the Missouri Humanities Council “Crossroads, Change in Rural America” exhibit that will be at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center for six weeks beginning on March 23rd. Public Works Director Mark Nash received board approval to purchase eight Gateway modules for the AMI System from Nexgrid Technology Solutions at a cost of $8,266. The board then approved the sale of surplus equipment and vehicles to be listed on the Purple Wave online auction service. City Administrator Sally Burbridge presented the Utility Committee’s recommendation to add a water bill protection program through the Servline Bill Protection Program. The program is for water bill coverage with a maximum of $2,500 at a cost of $2.35 per month. This is not to fix the water leak, just to protect the customer against a high bill when a leak goes undetected. This will be an opt-out program, so customers must inform the city if they don’t want to participate. This program was approved by the board. Resolution No. 1-2024 regarding approval of a new Utility Collections Agency was tabled under the advice of Attorney Weber. The board approved an airport fuel bid from Naegler Transport at a cost of $10,397.50. The board also approved the Park and Recreation Board’s recommendation to purchase a 2022 Ford F-250 at a cost of $42,689 with a budget adjustment of $7,689. Resolution 2-2024, authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement between the City of Salem and the MRPC to provide technical assistance for the CDBG environmental review for $5,500, was approved. The board approved allowing the Mayor to sign the Financial Assistance Agreement and the General Terms and Conditions document for the Lead Service Line Inventory Project to receive the Full Grant Award from state ARPA funds. The board then approved the Utility Committee’s recommendation for the adoption of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) Policy as part of the Salem Municipal Utilities policy for all new customer accounts to receive messaging and phone calls from the City. City Financial Director Stacey Houston gave a financial update. January tax revenues are down 2% from last year. $1.1 million has been received in general fund and the city has begun collecting the additional 1% sales tax and has received $243,000 to date. Houston reported that the total of all city funds is $8.4 million as of December 2023. She noted that Phase 2A of the Wastewater Improvement Project, which is ARPA-funded, and Phase 2B, which is bond-funded, are in the architecture design phase, and she has received billing for Phase 2, which could mean the city will have to seek short-term funding in the amount of $400,000. Park and Rec Director, Melissa Dubois gave her report before Mayor Greg Parker recommended the appointment of a number of people to the Community Involvement Committee which includes Roma Jones, Kristy Bermudez, Alana Sellers, Sierra Connell, Carlos Lopez and Patty and Gary McEwen. The recommendations were approved. The board approved the library board’s request to add Sally Granowski to the Salem Library Board to replace Rhonda Thompson. The board heard the first reading of Bill #3581 to amend the duties of the Utility Committee eliminating the reference to the street department, and the first reading of Bill #3582 that would change the utility deposits from a fixed cost to one that would be 1/12th of the previous year’s utilities at that address. They also heard the first reading of Bill #3583 changing the terminology of the definitions and duties of the building inspector, Bill #3584 that would also change the terminology and responsibilities for violations written by the building inspector, and Bill #3587 amending the annual budget for the City beginning July 1, 2023. The total revenue is amended at $889,076 and expenses at $622,720 for a total change of $41,090. The board approved Resolution #3-2024, a change order as part of the Welcome Home Program for a home located at 503 E. Rolla Road at a deduction of $2,500. Burbridge reported that there were two water leaks at the Civic Center with extensive damage to the Council Chambers. Insurance Claims have been made and city staff have done the clean up. The water has been turned off at the building and a plumber will be asked to assess what changes need to be made. The Sewer Department recently had a DNR inspection on the collection system with no violations being found and a notice of compliance will be issued. After reports from the aldermen and city officials, the board went into closed session.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams was in to share information about the CART receipts for January. She said the county received $78,575.56, which was up $1,720.13 from the January 2023 receipt of $76,855.43. Deloris Gray Wood was in to request the installation of a Trail of Tears Sign on Dent County Road 5380 where it intersects with Highway B. The sign will be provided by the National Park Service. The location is in District 1 so Commissioner Wes Mobray indicated his men would install it. In the road report, Mobray said his men were working on re-designing the salt spreader shed that has gotten in bad shape. He indicated they have looked at the MoDot facility and are working on drawings. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said his crew was cutting firewood out of ditches to burn at the maintenance shed. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he received an e-mail from Ron Copeland indicating he had met with MoDot and Copeland was told they are in the process of acquiring additional right-of-way for the replacement of the Standing Rock Bridge on Highway 19. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the last day to register to vote in the April election is March 6th. Kevin Crider, the Extension Cooperative Feral Hog Outreach Educator, was in with his update for 2023. He said that 7,780 feral hogs were taken off of the landscape by Elimination Specialists compared to 6,289 in 2022. Crider said that of that total, 257 were eliminated in Dent County. Crider said that the program has provided Haybuster No-Till Drills that are managed by SWCD and are available free of charge to renovate fields with feral hog damage. Corky Stack with AEA Design Engineering was in to present three change orders on the courthouse work totaling $85,542.21. After a very lengthy discussion and numerous questions, the Commissioners approved the change by a vote of 2-1. Commissioner Larson voted no on approval stating he was not opposed to paying the additional amount, but felt the commission should have been kept up to date on the additional materials and costs during the renovation. Larson also had questions about when the lights on the outside of the courthouse are to be completed and what the labor warranty is. Another issue Stack brought before the commission was the electrical upgrade, which will also require a change order. Stack said there are three options for the upgrade. He is to be back to the commission meeting on February 1st and will have the electrical engineer with him to fully address the issue and options. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley forwarded the results of the appeal by Randall Abney in the case of the State of Missouri vs Randall Lee Abney from the Missouri Court of Appeals Southern District. After the case was reviewed, the jury’s verdict of guilty of the neglect of a child and murder in the second degree for Abney was affirmed as there was no evidence supporting the four points the defendant said the trial court erred in by admitting hearsay and evidence of bad acts. The judgment was affirmed by Appellate judge Becky J. W. Borthwick who wrote the opinion, with judges Don E. Burrell and Jennifer R. Growcock concurring. Curley said typically a motion for a post conviction relief is filed by the defendant after the appellate ruling. The defendant may seek a transfer to the Missouri Supreme Court for consideration. The post conviction relief usually takes place in the sentencing court. Abney was sentenced by the trial court to serve two life sentences.

The Salem Police department has released their report for the month of December. The department responded to 19 accidents during the month. Officers also responded to six alarms sounding and addressed 20 animal calls. The department investigated five assaults or fights, performed 16 well being checks and three area checks during the month. The department investigated 17 domestic disputes, nine verbal disturbances, conducted 36 follow-up investigations and provided 22 escorts. They investigated a nuisance incident, three harassment reports, two fraud charges, took three missing persons reports, and offered assistance to five motorists. The Salem Police wrote seven property damage reports during December, plus made nine stealing reports and two shoplifting reports. Officers investigated 4 intoxicated drivers, 17 suspicious circumstance calls, eight suspicious person calls and seven suspicious vehicle calls. Officers responded to six trespassing calls and attempted to serve five warrants. Officers conducted 69 traffic stops during the month. The police responded to a total of 443 in incidents in December. The average response time to calls during the month was two minutes and 27 seconds and the average time spent on the scene was 16 minutes and 44 seconds.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will hold their regular meeting tonight at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. At the meeting, the board will hear a presentation from Liz Condray on the upcoming visit of Smithsonian’s “Museum on Main Street” exhibit at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center before Public Works Director Mark Nash will talk about the purchase of a Gateway for the AMI System from Nexgrid Technology Solutions, followed by the sale of number of assets of the city on Purple Wave. City Administrator Sally Burbridge will talk about the Servline Bill Protection Program that the utility committee recommended voluntary participation of coverage of a maximum of $1,000 for both water and sewer leaks, but the committee reconsidered and wanted to recommend $2,500 in coverage. She will also discuss resuming the sending of past due accounts to a collection agency, and change companies from Consumer Adjustment Company, Inc to Online Information Services, Inc. The board will discuss Resolution #1-2024 allowing the mayor to sign an agreement between the City of Salem and Online Information Services, Inc. for the collection of past due utility accounts. The board will discuss an airport fuel bid from Naegler Transport, discuss a Park and Recreation vehicle bid approval with an associated budget adjustment for a used truck, and also discuss Resolution 2-2024 authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement between the City of Salem and the MRPC to provide technical assistance for the CDBG environmental review. The board will discuss allowing Mayor Parker to sign the Financial Assistance Agreement and the General Terms and Conditions document for the Lead Service Line Inventory Project to receive the Full Grant Award from state ARPA funds, discuss the adoption of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) Policy as part of the Salem Municipal Utilities policy before hearing the financial review of funds by City Financial Director Stacey Houston. The library board requested adding Sally Granowski to the Salem Library Board to replace Rhonda Thompson, and the board will discuss changing the name from the Community Services Committee to the Community Involvement Committee and appointing new members. A number of bills will be read for the first time including Bill #3581 that amends the duties of the Utility Committee eliminating the reference to the street department; Bill 3582 that would change the utility deposits from a fixed cost to one that would be 1/12th of the previous years utilities at that address; Bill #3583 changing the terminology of the definitions and duties of the building inspector, and Bill #3584 that would also change terminology and responsibilities for violations written by the building inspector. Also, Bill #3587 will be presented that would be amending the annual budget for the City of Salem beginning July 1, 2023. After reports from the aldermen and city officials, the meeting will go into closed session.

The Dent County Commission held a special meeting Tuesday after their regular meeting Monday was postponed due to the icy road conditions. In the road report, District 1 Commission Wes Mobray said workers will be working on a salt spreader trying to figure out why it won’t stay working, while District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said workers would be in the Boss area spreading salt on some roads that are still slick. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson proposed to the commission to include two separate questions on the April ballot: one on a county wide sales tax on recreational marijuana use, and the other would be a use tax that would only be collected on out-of-state or Internet sales of products. The first question ballot language would read, ”Shall Dent County, Missouri impose a countywide sales tax of three percent (3%) on all tangible personal property retail sales of adult use marijuana sold in Dent County, Missouri?” This tax would not be collected on the sale of medical marijuana. The second question ballot language would read, ”Shall the County of Dent impose a local use tax at the same rate as the local sales tax rate, currently 2.25%, provided that if the local sales tax rate is reduced or raised by voter approval, the local use tax shall also be reduced or raised by the same action?” Both of the questions on the ballot would benefit the General Revenue Fund of the county. The commission approved adding both questions to the April ballot. It should be noted a new use tax in Dent County would not change the amount of a purchase that people would pay for at a store in Salem or in Missouri, but would only apply to purchases made outside of Missouri that are to be used in Missouri including purchases on the Internet. If passed, people who purchase items on the Internet or by phone from a vendor outside of Missouri will have to pay the same local sales tax as if they were buying the product in Salem from a brick and mortar store. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday at 9:00 at the courthouse and it will be open to the public.

On Monday, the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department issued an Endangered Person Advisory for an 18-year-old white male named Faelin Conner Graves. Graves has since been found and is home safe.

The archery deer hunting ended January 15th with the close of the archery season. Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation showed that hunters checked 55,396 deer during the 2023-2024 archery deer season. Top counties for the archery deer season were Jefferson with 1,440, Franklin with 1,194, and St. Louis with 1,022. Hunters checked 56,683 deer during the 2022-2023 archery deer season. According to MDC, this year was the first since 2013 that more does were harvested than antlered bucks.

If you made a reservation to camp at Montauk State Park between March 4th and April 30th, some changes may have been made your camping reservations. Montauk State Park is currently undergoing construction projects designed to improve guests’ experiences at one of the most popular state park campgrounds in Missouri. One project, the Campground Loop 4 electrical upgrade, is ongoing and due to longer-than-expected delays in receiving electrical components, the project may not be completed until late spring or early summer. In order to allow the contractor to continue working, Campground Loop 4 will be closed to visitors starting at 3:00 in the afternoon Monday, March 4th through Tuesday, April 30th. With this closure, adjustments to existing reservations between those dates were required. Camping reservations from February 25th to March 3rd will not be modified, but guests will not have electricity at the sites in Loop 4 during their stay. Guests with those reservations will receive a partial refund for the service reduction. Missouri State Parks team members did their best to accommodate all existing reservations and customers with impacted reservations will soon receive updated reservation information. If you wish to cancel your reservation, please contact the Missouri State Park reservation call center at 877-422-6766. Missouri State Parks is working to maintain access to park resources while the construction project continues. The park want to thank visitors for understanding this situation and they look forward to making the new facilities available soon.

The Salem Memorial Hospital regular board meeting was held Monday evening in the hospital library. In the Administrator’s Report, Interim CEO Jason Edwards reported the annual audit report will be given at the February Board meeting from FORVIS. He said Mike Gruenberg is the new interim Revenue Cycle Director, and that he met with Four Rivers CEO Stuart Gipson to discuss ways the two entities can compliment each other with network opportunities. Edwards reported the ToRCH participation agreement has been implemented and funds are projected to be received by the end of the month to start initiating the program. He said CLIA has accepted the hospital’s Plan of Correction and will be back soon to reinspect. Edwards stated that Jeremiah McWilliams has implemented the 340B Optimization and that Delta assistance has been approved for the charge master update. Chief Financial Officer Doug Hoban reported the hospital had a loss from operations of $434,979 in December with an excess of expenses over revenues of $290,222. Hoban reported hospital admissions in December were 89 which included ten swingbed and 32 observation admissions with a total of 285 patient census days. In December, there were 1,416 Outpatient Registrations, 1,384 Cardiopulmonary Procedures, 6,263 Lab Tests, 1,165 Radiology Procedures, 566 Rehabilitation Treatments, 25 Surgical Procedures, and 139 Home Health Visits. Hoban said the Long Term Care unit had two vacancies at the end of December, but those beds have now been filled. There were 590 Emergency Room visits with 69 patients being admitted. A total of 239 ambulance runs were made with 162 patients being transported. He said days cash on hand at the end of December was 17, but is now at 23.2. He also said a 2022 Medicaid Rural reimbursement of $333,000 is expected at the end of the month. The clinic had a profit from direct operations for the month of $59,198 and $236,000 for the first half of the fiscal year, but that does not include employee benefits which totaled around $318,000 providing for a loss of over $75,000. The 340B plan showed revenues over expenses for the month of $89,725. Chief Nursing Officer Ashley Owens said med/surg is staff fully with nurses, but there still is a need for four full time night time nurses. She met with LPN students from TCTC as well as the SBU LPN Bridge to RN students who will begin clinicals this week. After the human resource report, the board approved the infection prevention report, the utilization report, and quality report before approving an extension to the existing Medical Staff By-Laws for an additional 60 days as discussions on allowing nurse practitioners to have privileges continues to be a sticking point. From the board discussion, the Emergency Department physicians do not like the idea of the nurse practitioners having privileges in the hospital and that appears to be the point of contention. Edwards said the hospital has submitted their first request for the state grant of $962,792 and are expected to receive half around the end of this month. They will have to request the rest of the money by May. The board accepted the retirement of Director Judy Thompson and approved advertising for her replacement for the next three weeks for those interested in serving from District 1. A special meeting will be held Tuesday, February 13th to do interviews. The board approved the Board of Directors Bylaws, then reminded everyone of the Hospital Foundation’s “Dancing with the Salem Stars” to be held at the Salem High School Gym on Saturday, February 24th at 7:00. Tickets are available in advance for $20 and table sponsorships are also available. Call 729-5917, extension 4005. Bleacher seating will be available at the door. The board then went into closed session.

The Phelps County Sheriff’s Department has issued an Endangered Person Advisory for a missing person incident that occurred at 15405 County Road 4070 in Rolla at 4:00 yesterday. Missing is 18-year-old white male named Faelin Conner Graves who is 5′ 10″ tall, weighs about 150 pounds, has blond hair, blue eyes, and was wearing a black and gray flannel hoodie and blue jeans. Graves is believed to be with his mother who is 35-year-old Joan M. Healy, a white female who is 5′ 2″ tall, weighs about 125 pounds, has blonde hair and blue eyes, and it is unknown what she was wearing. Graves left his residence on foot after witnessing a fight between his parents. Graves is Autistic and is developmentally challenged. Anyone seeing the missing person, suspect, associate, or anyone having any information should immediately dial 911 to contact the nearest law enforcement agency or call the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department at 573-426-3860.

An accident happened in Dent County Saturday night close to 11:00 on Dent County Road 2110. According to the highway patrol report, a 2000 Dodge Ram driven northbound by 26-year-old Dillon Burnett of Rolla, was being operated carelessly in a field. A that time, 25-year-old Brandon Burnett of Rolla, jumped into the rear bed of pickup truck and was subsequently thrown from the Dodge. Brandon Burnett suffered serious injuries and was taken to Phelps Health by the Salem Memorial Hospital Ambulance. There was no damage to the vehicle.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met Thursday evening at the R-80 Administrative Boardroom. At the meeting, Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed updated the board on the capital projects related to the bond issue which is for six million dollars. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Nathan Wills provided an overview of the APR report. Dr. Reed discussed the most recent bond and operating levy informational meeting that was held at the Salem Community Center@The Armory for the community. She also reported the district received 30 out of 30 points from DESE on its CSIP. After the building principals gave their reports, the board approved setting the tuition for the 2024-2025 school year at $9,700 per student, approved accepting a band uniform contribution of $9,000, and approved the resignation of Zach MIller as StuCo Sponsor. Other resignations accepted were for custodian Steven McDonald and bus driver Chastity Boettcher. The board also approved the revised bond resolution language to read as “Shall the Board of Education of the Salem R-80 School District of Dent County, Missouri borrow money and issue its general obligation bonds in the amount of $6,000,000 to acquire, construct, improve, renovate, furnish, and equip new and existing school facilities, including but not limited to (1) the replacement of William Lynch Elementary School through the (a) purchase of the Southwest Baptist Building located at 501 S. Grand Street in Salem, Missouri and (b) construction of a FEMA storm shelter at Salem Upper Elementary School, (2) renovations and additions to the Construction Trades Building, (3) renovations and additions to the Agricultural Sciences Building and (4) the acquisition of school buses. If this proposition is approved, the adjusted debt service levy of the school district is estimated to increase $0.34 per one hundred dollars assessed valuation from $0.45 to $0.79 per one hundred dollars assessed valuation of real and personal property.” The board then approved placing the ballot initiatives named Proposition W and Proposition E on the April Municipal election ballot. The board then reviewed the short term and long term facility project lists before going into closed session where personnel issues were discussed as were the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent evaluations. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors will hold their regular meeting at 5:00 in the hospital library Monday evening. Interim Administrator Jason Edwards will give his report before the board hears the summary of operations for the month of December as well as statistics for the month. The board will hear about the 340B program, receive the Chief Nursing Officer report, be updated on Human Resources, and receive a report on the marketing and community relations. In old business, the board will discuss the state and matching fund updates as well as strategic planning before hearing new business which will feature the acceptance of the retirement of a board of director as well as the annual bylaw review. The board may then vote to go into closed session. The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors meeting is Monday at 5:00 in the hospital library and it is open to the public. To attend the meeting electronically, contact the hospital administration office at 729-6626, extension 4005.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, the ground is too frozen for any type of road work so both districts will be working in the shop. District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said men would be working on fixing the sensor on a brush cutter and others would be putting a plow back on the county truck amongst other jobs. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said dumptruck #126 has a bad cylinder and will be taken to Springfield, a man will be moving chips for the chip and seal work later this year, and others will be moving old culvert pipes. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he attended the Phelps County Housing Authority meeting where they received a clean audit from HUD. He said the MRPC will have the Legislative day at the Capital on January 23rd where members will be meeting with state legislators to discuss some of the priorities affecting this area. One of those priorities is HB 1870 to extend the collection of fees to store hazardous materials. Larson went on to say the county is still waiting on guidance on how to handle the opioid settlement money they have received. He said some counties have already created committees and spent some of the money, but other counties in this region are still waiting on clarification on how and to who the money can be distributed. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the 2024 county tentative budget is available for the public in her office. Curley reported on the Missouri Association of Counties meeting held Tuesday where they discussed unfunded and underfunded state mandates, jail Prisoner per Diem payments, assessor reimbursements, salaries, clarification on Senate Bill 190 and much more. Also, the budget hearing for the 2024 budget will be held Monday, January 29th at 10:00 at the courthouse. At 10:00, the commission opened bids on surplus and scrap property. Jarred Givens was awarded the small windows with his bid of $12 and the large windows with his bid of $15. Jordan Thompson was the high bid for the scrap cooper for $400, and Pat Tackett was the high bid for the round windows at $250.00, the wrought iron fence for $300 and the wrought iron corner for $100. At the last meeting, Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk gave her updated turnover report for the month of December. A total of $5,134,017 was collected from Real Estate, Personal Property taxes and Merchant’s Licenses. Another $171,822.95 was collected from the State Assessed Utilities like railroads, pipelines, electric transmission lines, etc. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Fire Protection board of directors met Tuesday evening. After the roll call and approval of the consent agenda, the board approved the minutes of the December meeting as presented. The financial report showed an ending balance of 185,138.72 as of December 31st. That figure does include a part of next years tax money that was received earlier in December. During the budget review it was noted that firefighter equipment for the department was 289.31% over budget due to the replacement firefighter gear from insurance and gear purchased with grant money and the replacement of the engine on truck #85. Treasurer Dave Wells stated that at this time, with not all bills in, it appears that approximately 69,000.00 will be carried over from the 2023 budget. Bills, payments, and statements were reviewed with all accounts being reconciled. The budget was then reviewed with the 2022 comparison showing all tax money was collected and the budget was over in some categories due to the insurance paying for damaged gear. The monthly reimbursement report showed a total of 18 calls for the month of December and the same total year to date. Of the calls received, six were fire calls, four were medical, three calls that were canceled. One call each for utility problems, alarms, and Hazmat, with two calls being classified as other. In old business, Engine 85 is being refitted and parts are being used on other trucks. Engine 85 is still not back in service. In new business, Sarah Montoya was passed by the officers board to join the department as a fire fighter. The board of directors with interview Montoya at the next scheduled meeting and make a final decision. Chief Floyd then gave his report to the board and said the he had met with Sentinel Emergency Solutions to check truck prices for SCBA packs for the department and that pricing is being sent to him for review. The next meeting date was set for Tuesday, February 13th at 6:00 at the fire station. The meeting will be open to the public.