Local News

Two felony cases investigated by Law Enforcement Rangers within Ozark National Scenic Riverways resulted in federal prison sentences. On January 5, 2022, 64-year-old Jackie Delashmit of Salem, pled guilty to one felony count of conspiracy to possess a firearm as a convicted felon. According to court records, on April 20th of 2020, a National Park Service (NPS) Law Enforcement Ranger encountered Delashmit near Parker Hollow in Dent County, consuming alcohol in his vehicle. During the contact, Delashmit was found to be in possession of a firearm and had previously been convicted of more than one felony offense. Delashmit was arrested, booked and released at the Dent County Sheriff’s Office following Covid-19 protocols in place at the time. He was subsequently indicted by a grand jury for the Eastern District of Missouri. On July 18th this year, Delashmit was sentenced to serve 18 months in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, followed by two years of supervised release. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, St. Louis Division with the Honorable Audrey Fleissig, United States District Judge, presiding. On February 8th of this year, 55-year-old James Piatt of Bunker, pled guilty to one felony count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. According to court records, on July 16th of 2021, a National Park Service Law Enforcement Ranger conducted a traffic stop on Piatt for operating a UTV on Highway 19 near Round Spring. During the contact Piatt was arrested for Driving Under the Influence. He was searched and was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and a loaded firearm. During the stop, Park Rangers learned Piatt had previously been convicted of more than one felony offense. Piatt was arrested, booked at the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, and subsequently indicted by a grand jury for the Eastern District of Missouri. On August 18th this year, Piatt was sentenced to serve 41 months in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, followed by two years of supervised release. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, Cape Girardeau Division with the Honorable Rodney Sippel, United States District Judge, presiding.

The Farmer’s Almanac is forecasting a “Hibernation Zone” across the Midwest for the winter season. Though it’s still too early to tell what the winter will bring, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is preparing for the worst. The department will hold its annual statewide winter operations drill today. With high turnover rates and many positions still open, driver training on this day is more critical than ever as MoDOT is facing a critical shortage of qualified plow operators going into the winter season. This drill gives MoDOT the opportunity to train their new snowplow operators on their designated routes so they are aware of curbs and raised islands that might be hidden when the snow or ice starts to fall. During the drill, motorists will notice increased numbers of MoDOT vehicles on state routes. In rural areas, crews will deploy after 8:00. In urban areas, the drill will not begin until after 9:00. The exercise should be completed by 3:00 in the afternoon. MoDOT employees will react to a simulated forecast of significant snow for the entire state. The department’s emergency operations centers will be activated, and maintenance employees will be deployed to their trucks. Emergency communications systems will also be tested.

For the sixth year this Friday, October 21st, the Missouri Department of Transportation and the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, along with various safety partners, schools and businesses throughout the state, are encouraging better driving behaviors as part of “Buckle Up Phone Down Day” and this year, they are aiming for the goal of zero traffic fatalities throughout the day. Missouri’s 2022 Seat Belt Usage Survey showed 89% of vehicle occupants use a seat belt, matching the highest rate the state has ever recorded. But the unbuckled 11% make up a majority of the state’s roadway fatalities, which reached a 15-year high in 2021. Cellphone use continues to be one of the most concerning behaviors for all roadway users. In 2021, over half of the distracted driving fatalities in Missouri claimed the life of someone besides the distracted driver. Since the program began in 2017, the BUPD movement has spread steadily across Missouri. More than 20,000 Missouri individuals and businesses have accepted the BUPD challenge, and more than a dozen other states are actively sharing the messages along their highways. Missourians can accept the challenge to BUPD at modot.org/bupd

The Spring Creek Artisans’ will be celebrating Pumpkin Day on this Saturday from 9:00 in the morning till 3:00 in the afternoon at the Creative Arts Center. Everyone is welcome to come out and shop local arts, crafts, baked goods and watch demonstrations.

The “Haunting at the Mill” event at Montauk State Park will be held this Saturday and presents history from a unique perspective of historic local people who impacted the Montauk valley. Three separate tours run starting at 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Space is limited, so come early for one of the tours.

The Creative Arts Center will be having a spooky cute kitties kids paint party this Friday morning from 10:00 till 2:00. The Creative Arts Center has two easy ways to sign up for events! Call or text the center at 573-247-0651, or go online at salemcommunitybetterment.com and look under programs for the Salem Creative Arts Center.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday evening in the Hospital Library. Hospital CEO Wayne Reid said the new CT Scanner has been installed and is working incredibly. Reid said he and hospital staff members met with the Doe Run Human Resources Department about utilizing the SMDH services such as for employee physicals. Construction of the new patient registration stations at the clinic are done, but counters still need to be installed for the operators. Dr. Nabil Munfakh, cardiothoracic surgeon, saw his first patient and has 20 more scheduled before the end of this month. In the pharmacy 340B audit, the only issue noted was that some swing bed patients were getting the 340b credit and that is not allowed. Home Health Director Kristie Gorman gave her six-month report and said 26 of 63 surveys were returned showing an 81% overall rating of care with an 83% likelihood of the patient recommending their services. They had 82 admissions from January to June of this year and received a four-star rating from Care Compare who rates all home health agencies in the area. Chief Financial Officer JoeAnn Hammond gave the summary of operations for the month of September showing the hospital had 78 inpatient admissions with 219 inpatient census days. There were 78 swingbed days with an average length of stay of 13 days. The hospital showed a gain from operations of $108,315. During the month, there were 668 emergency room visits with 50 admissions, plus there were 225 ambulance runs where 166 patients were transported. In September, there were 32 surgery cases, 1,365 outpatient registrations, 5,921 lab tests, 1,208 radiological procedures, 545 rehab treatments and 194 home health visits with 16 home health admissions. The days cash on hand was at 50 with $3.86 million in total cash. Chief Nursing Officer Ashley Sullins gave a staffing update that showed a vacancy of four nurses. She said flu vaccinations are now available for the employees and the current cases of COVID in Dent County are at seven with the community indicator being green which is good. The Hospital Foundation has scheduled a cornhole tournament for March 11, 2023 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory and the return of “Dancing with the Salem Stars” on February 17, 2024. Reid complimented Maintenance Director Todd Workman and his work with running the new electric service lines to the maintenance room and replacing fuses as part of the transformer work. Reid said the administration is talking with an architect about running a drain line to the back of the building where the grease trap could be put in, with the feed going into the lagoon. He also said an architectural analysis of the SMDH Clinic is being done to improve traffic flow. The board approved the replacing the current phone system with an Avaya Phone PBX system with an annual cost of $5,885 after the initial set up costs of $63,870 from 3CX out of Springfield which was a non-budgeted purchase; approved the Allscripts data conversion of SMDH Clinic files at $16,606 from BCS Enterprises which was budgeted, and the board approved the purchase of a new pressure regulator valve to replace the current valve for $4,931. The board approved a resolution indicating the legal name of the hospital is the “Salem Memorial District Hospital” with a fictitious name of Salem Memorial Hospital. Reid said the training for Tiffin Felkerson as the Community Champion through the Delta Regional Authority is complete, and a Community Connection Event has been scheduled for November 10th at the Salem Community Center@The Armory to develop community partnerships and find out what the community feels the needs are to improve health outcomes. The hospital board’s next meeting will be November 22nd with a strategic planning meeting to be held on December 8th. The December board meeting has been scheduled for December 14th. The board then went into closed session.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold their regular meeting Thursday evening at 5:30 in the Salem R-80 Boardroom. After the approval of the agenda, the Board will move into Executive Session to hear parent comments related to personnel issues. In open session, the board will hear the Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed’s report. The board will also hear reports from William Lynch Elementary School, the upper elementary school, the middle school, the senior high, on special education, on technology and on athletics and transportation. New business will include the Request for Qualifications for an Architect/Engineer for the new elementary school, approval of the SRCSP policy, discuss bus driver pay, and consider Dent Family Scholarship Authorized Signatures. The board will hear resignations, if there are any, before adjourning. Except for the Executive Session, the meeting Thursday evening will be open to the public.

A one vehicle accident happened Monday morning at 5:30 in Texas County on Highway 137, just south of Licking. According to the highway patrol report, a 2003 Ford Ranger driven south by 29-year-old Bobby Williams of Licking, traveled off the right side of the road, struck a mailbox, then overcorrected and traveled off the left side of the road. Williams, who was not wearing a safety restraint, suffered minor injuries, and was taken to the Texas County Memorial hospital for treatment. The Ford sustained minor damage and was removed from the scene by Jay’s Automotive.

An accident occurred Monday morning just before 9:00 in Crawford County on Highway P about three miles north of Cuba. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2008 Harley Davidson Sportster, being operated by 49-year-old Shawn Kline of Cuba, struck a deer in the roadway. Kline went off the right side of the roadway and was ejected from the motorcycle. Kline suffered serious injuries and was flown by Air Evac to Mercy Creve Coeur. The Harley Davidson was totaled and removed from the scene by Chuck’s Towing. The report went on state that Kline was wearing any safety equipment at the time of the accident.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated the Title II work on Dent County Road 5600 will continue including the installation of crossover pipes on the county road. Substituting for District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson was Travis Turner who reported crossover pipes were being installed and materials were being added to Dent County Roads 4270, 4405 and 5280. Turner said brush would be cut on county road 2270 and a man went to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal repair. Turner went on to say that another man would be screening brown rock. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended the MRPC Annual Awards Dinner at Vienna last Thursday along with Mike and Jamie Homeyer and it was a very nice event. Skiles also said he attended the South Central County Commissioners Association meeting in Houston last Friday. Skiles said the association honored five retiring commissioners from the area. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said absentee voting continues at her office with an excuse, and if you need to update your voting information such as a name change or new address, to please stop by her office and get that done before trying to vote in the election. Commissioner Skiles presented a renewal of a three-year contract for child support services with Crawford County beginning January 1, 2023, and lasting until December 31, 2025, and the commissioners approved the contract. Beth Frizzell from the Dent County Senior Services Board came to ask how the budget for the year could be amended as the Salem Nutrition Center has requested some emergency funds due to the rise in cost for the food and the number of meals being served. Frizzell said that in fiscal year 2020, the Salem Nutrition Center served 41,812 meals, 45,951 in fiscal year 2022 and to date this year, they have served 46,239 meals. Commissioner Skiles told Frizzell that any change in the budget for additional funds would require a budget adjustment and that would require a public hearing. Once the hearing is held with the revised figures, her board could approve additional payments to the Salem Nutrition Center provided the money was available. Frizzell said she would get started with the process. The next meeting of the commission would be Thursday at 9:00 at the courthouse and it will be open to the public.

In a case heard by Judge Megan Seay on Friday, October 7th, Jeffrey Chumbley, of Gravois Mills, was sentenced to serve 10 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections as requested by the state. Chumbley had been on probation for the felony possession of a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of a child. The state was represented by Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley who presented evidence and at the conclusion of the hearing, Chumbley was found to have violated the terms of this probation. In another case that same day, Judge Seay heard a probation hearing on Tiffany Dyer of Salem. She had been on probation for felony forgery charges, possession of methamphetamine, and the distribution of methamphetamine. Dyer, who had already served a Section 559.115 sentence in the department of corrections, was represented at the hearing by Robyn Strange. At the conclusion of the hearing, the defendant’s probation was revoked and Dyer was sentenced to serve 10 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections as recommended by Prosecutor Curley. In the final case that same day, Kara Happel of Salem appeared before Judge Seay being represented by Robyn Strange. Happel was on probation for the felony possession of Methamphetamine. During the revocation hearing, evidence was presented that showed Happel had violated four provisions of her probation. The state requested Happel be sentenced to a 120-day incarceration in the department of corrections and if successfully completed, to be returned and placed in the Dent County Alternative Treatment Court. The defense requested leniency in the form of continued probation with placement into the Alternative Treatment Court. Over the objection of the state, Happel will continue on probation with a suspended execution of sentence and ordered to enter and complete the alternative treatment court sentence.

Missouri’s annual statewide earthquake drill will be Thursday and more than 329,000 people are already registered to participate in the Great Central U. S. “ShakeOut”. A total of nearly 2 million people are registered in the 14 central U.S. states that could be impacted by a New Madrid Seismic Zone earthquake. The New Madrid Seismic Zone is one of the most active seismic areas in the U.S., averaging 200 small earthquakes each year. In 2021, 49 earthquakes occurred in Missouri, including a magnitude 4.0 quake centered near Poplar Bluff. A major earthquake in this area would damage much of southern and eastern Missouri, including the St. Louis area. Geologists say there’s a 25 to 40 percent chance of another large earthquake occurring in a 50-year time period. At 10:20 this Thursday morning, participants will practice the “Drop, Cover, Hold On” technique to protect themselves. Remember these three simple steps: DROP to your hands and knees; COVER your head and neck with your hands and arms under a table or desk if you can; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. Experts say Drop, Cover, Hold On is the best protection from falling debris, which is the most likely cause of injury during an earthquake. There’s still time to sign up at shakeout.org/centralus. Once registered, participants will receive details on the drill, as well as information on earthquake preparedness and safety. To learn more about earthquakes and how to prepare, visit centralusquake.org.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will meet tonight at 6:00 at the hospital library. The board will hear the summary of operations and statistics for the month of September as well as the Chief Nursing Officer report, get a staffing update, get a Home Health update, get an update on the hospital foundation, and talk about marketing and community relations. After the Chief of Staff’s report, the board will be updated on the transformer work and an update on dialysis before discussing new purchases. The meeting tonight is open to the public.

An accident occurred Saturday afternoon around 12:58 in Dent County on Route CC about two miles east of Route C. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 Mini Cooper driven by 33-year-old Yolanda Skaggs of Salem, was heading westbound and travelled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. Skaggs suffered serious injuries and was flown by Air Ambulance to Cox South Hospital in Springfield. A passenger in the vehicle, a 15-year-old male juvenile, suffered minor injuries and was taken to Texas County Memprial Hospital by a private vehicle. The report goes on to say both parties were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Mini Cooper was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. The highway patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, the Montauk Rural Fire Department and Salem Ambulance.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley released a report that is a stark reminder of the danger that local law enforcement incurs when protecting our community on an everyday basis. On May 6th, 2021, Dent County Deputies Drew Smith and Crystal Hayes were attempting to execute an arrest warrant on David Brown for the felony of failure to register as a sex offender. During their attempt, the defendant began discharging a firearm from a bedroom in the residence, causing the deputies to retreat to cover. A stand-off ensued that later resulted in the arrest of David Brown with additional charges for armed criminal action and various felonies. Last week on October 11th, a sentencing hearing was conducted after David Brown entered a guilty plea. Circuit Judge Michael Randazzo presided over both cases. The state was represented by prosecuting Attorney Andrew M. Curley and the defendant was represented by a public defender. Deputy Crystal Hayes testified at the hearing. The state argued for a 20-year sentence due to the severity of the circumstances of the incidents, the victim impact and due to the defendant’s extensive prior criminal history. The defendant requested leniency in the form of eight years in the department of corrections. At the conclusion of the hearing, Judge Randazzo sentenced Brown to 20 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections as recommended by Prosecutor Curley. At the time this incident occurred, there was a mother and a child in the residence. Due to the quick thinking and action of Deputy Hayes and Deputy Smith, no one was physically injured.

The Dent County Clerk’s office at the Dent County Courthouse has sample ballots available for you if you would like to pick one up and before voting in the November General Election. They are free. She can also e-mail or fax one to you. Just call her office at 729-4144. On the ballot, there are contested races for the US Senator seat, a state auditor, US Representative for the 8th District, State Senator Seat for the 16th District, Missouri Supreme Court Judges, Missouri Appellate Court Judges in the Southern District and four constitutional amendments. They also have in the office the plain language explanations of those constitutional amendments. They are lengthy and are too large to be copied by the clerk’s office, but you are more than welcome to bring your phone and photograph them to review them at home or at your leisure. Currently, excused absentee voting is going on at the courthouse, Monday through Friday during normal business hours, and you must have a photo ID to vote. Unexcused absentee voting will begin on October 25th through November 7th. Acceptable photo ID’s are a nonexpired Missouri driver or non-driver license; a nonexpired military ID, including a veteran’s ID card; a nonexpired United States passport; or another photo ID issued by the United States or the state of Missouri which is either not expired or expired after the date of the most recent general election.

The City of Salem Planning and Zoning board will be meeting Tuesday evening at 6:00 in the City Hall Council Chambers at 202 North Washington Street. The board will hear a request for a conditional use permit for a childcare facility on property owned by Angela Arthur located at 1111 South Hickory Street. They will also hear a request from Sherman and Marsha Odom for a conditional use permit for the installation of a cellular tower on property located at 1702 Doss Road. Immediately following the closing of the public hearing, the planning and zoning board will hold a public meeting to either recommend or not recommend them to the Salem Board of Aldermen. The meeting of Planning and Zoning board of commissioners Tuesday evening at 6:00 will be open to the public.

Jim Martin, the National Outreach Chair of the National Stars and Stripes Museum and Library from Bloomfield, Missouri, was in town Wednesday afternoon to present a proclamation naming Salem as a “Stars and Stripes City” at the City Hall Council Chambers. The proclamation says Salem was recognized for its “ongoing embrace and dedication to the principals of informed citizenship, commitment, and service in our democratic society.” Martin said Salem qualified for the recognition by meeting the National Stars and Stripes seven required criteria including embracing the freedom of the press as well as welcoming and embracing the spirit, commitment and service of the men and women of the armed forces of the United States of America.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, Dan Riley from Jadwin was in to complain about his land line phone service on Route K through what used to be Centurylink and is now Brightspeed. He said he has no dial tone most of the time and the company won’t repair the lines to get service to the homes in area where there are a lot of elderly people. Cell service in that area is sketchy at best and in order to make emergency calls, people have to drive a distance to a location where there is cell service. Skiles said he would attempt to contact the phone company and see if he could have someone check out this issue. State Representative Ron Copeland was in and asked what he could do to help the county. The commission asked if he could work with the Department of Revenue and get the misappropriated county sales tax issue resolved where Dent County could pay the money back over ten years and not three or five years as suggested by the Department of Revenue attorney. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said the Title II project work is being done on Dent County Roads 5590 and 5600 where culverts are being installed and rock is being added. He also said brush would be cut on county road 6220. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson indicated work crews were repairing chip and seal county roads 3210 and 3220, screening brown rock and delivering chips to the company doing chip and seal work. Larson said a new pipe was being installed on county road 5200 where ditch work was also being performed. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to remind everyone about the Family Feud event at the Salem Community Center@The Armory tonight. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she balanced with the treasurer on all accounts for the month of September, and she also balanced with the county collector and assessor on all add-ons, abatements and collections for the same month. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams reported sales tax revenues for the county were up in all the funds over last year when the Department of Revenue again withheld sales tax monies from the county. For the General Revenue Fund and Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund, the county received this month $102,663.50 and that is $83,294.28 more than in 2021. Year-to-date, those funds are up $401,946.62. In the County Road and Bridge Fund, sales tax revenues received were $47,081.78 and that is up from the $7,456.24 figure from 2021, and year to date, that fund is up $199,451.04. The jail trust and operating funds both received $94,150.76 in October and that is $43,819.47 more than received in 2021. Year-to-date, the jail funds are up $362,139.68. At 10:00, Aaron Benson from Great Rivers Engineering opened five bids for the Cooley Bridge replacement project which was FLAP project #56. The bridge, which is located near Bunker, had an original engineering estimate of $448,000, and the five bids received ranged from $399,110 to $1,104,999. The low bid was from H.R. Quadri Contractors, LLC of Van Buren followed by the bid from Gene Haile Excavating, Inc. for $460,975. The bids will be reviewed by Benson before he makes his recommendation to the county next week. Once approved by the commission, the bid will be submitted for funding through MoDOT. Stephen Bubanovich from Quadri was in attendance and said he would like to get started in December if the paperwork could all get approved and the county was good with that, pending that everything was complete in their bid packet. Great Rivers Engineering and the commission agreed to extend bidding on the Tan Vat asphalt project which is FLAP Project #57 until October 27th. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk said the county received only $22,196 in tax payments which was down about 1.13% from 2021 totals, and that tax bills will be going out on November 8th. If people would like to use the Pre-Pay tax installment plan for 2023, VanKirk said now is the time to come in an apply to get that done. She also said that people can now go to the Dent County Portal to review previous years personal and real estate property taxes. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley reports that on August 2nd, 2022, Harley Higgs of Salem pled guilty to the Class B felony of Voluntary Manslaughter for his role in the shooting death of David Woodall on August 20th, 2021. Judge Megan Seay presided over the case in Crawford County on a change of venue from Dent County. All defendants that commit an offense in a county with less than 75, 000 citizens are entitled to a change of venue as a right afforded by the Missouri Rules of the Supreme Court. At that time, a sentencing assessment report was ordered, and the case was scheduled for a sentencing hearing to be held on October 4th, 2022, following the creation and receipt of a sentencing assessment report to be provided by the Missouri Department of Corrections. On October 4th, 2022, the sentencing hearing was conducted. Assistant Dent County Prosecutor James Weber appeared for the state and argued for a 10-year sentence in the Department of Corrections to be served, based on the loss of life to David Woodall. The defendant, through his attorney Chad Picker, argued for leniency in the form of probation. Over the objection of the prosecutor, Judge Megan Seay placed the defendant on probation for five-years with a suspended execution of a sentence of ten-years with the standard terms and conditions of probation.

The Salem Utility Committee met Wednesday evening at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Finance Director Stacey Houston presented the 1st quarter fiscal year numbers for the electric, water and sewer departments. In the electric fund, the city billed $1,889,383 in September and they collected $1,692,704. The cost of purchasing electric power from July 1st through September 30th went up 13.014% and much of that was due to the new “peak” demand established in July of 12.9 kilowatts. The city paid $1,225,479 for the quarter compared to $1,091,280 for the 1st quarter of the 2021 fiscal year. The water department billed $311,341 and collected $232,400 and the sewer department billed $289,950 and collected $209,455 in September. Houston said some sewer credits will be issued for those who have hose meters who water their lawn and fill their above ground pools. Public Works Director Mark Nash gave his report showing naming numerous water leaks including three main breaks on Roosevelt, plus breaks on Park Street and Pershing Avenue. He said the city had water losses in May of 22% equating to about 6.5 million gallons, in June of 28% coming to about 8.7 million gallons of water, and 22% again in July with an estimated water loss of about 7 million gallons. He said the electric department changed out some poles on the north side of the city, and worked on the WIFI side of the AMI meter reading system on the south side. He said there was also some work on the in-ground transformers for the Al Brown Fields. The committee discussed the Exceleron Pre-Pay and on-line billing system for the utility department that includes diagnostics and usage information. This is being tested by city employees and committee members at this time and Mayor Greg Parker feels this will be a great asset to the residents of the city. The set-up cost is $15,000 and will be $2,000 per month after that. There is also a $6.00 per month charge for those who want to use the prepay option. There was much discussion from the crowd and committee about the fees and the costs of the system versus how many citizens will actually use it. No decision has been made on when the system will go online and how any fees would either be paid by the city or charged to the customer. There was also a discussion on the credit and debit card fees the city currently is being charged and not passing on to the customer, and those costs have amounted to over $31,000 in the last year. With the Exceleron system, those same charges would be over $33,000. Committee Chairman Kyle Williams asked the committee to think about these fees and if they should be charged to customers or paid by the city and bring their recommendation to the November 9th meeting. There was also some discussion that if the city goes with the new Exceleron System and people use the online services that shutoffs and disconnects could be done online. This would challenge the city rules and policies of not disconnecting services on a weekend or holidays and the committee should review and possibly change the rules or restructure them. It was also brought up at the meeting if Waste Management is actually recycling the products they are collecting, or in some cases not even picking up. Williams will try to get information from them on their recycling collection and why some areas are not being collected. The meeting was then adjourned.

The City of Salem Finance Committee will be meeting this evening at 6:00 at the Salem Council Chambers at 202 North Washington Street. Committee members will review the QI Financials, ARPA Fund, General Fund, building permits, and the 4th of July fireworks. The meeting of the Finance Committee tonight is open to the public.

Everyone is invited to the Community Health and Wellness Expo today at the Salem Community Center @the Armory. Doors will open at 4:30 in the afternoon to the public. This is event is to showcase health-care providers and professional and it if FREE to everyone. For more information contact Jackie at 729-8163 or email her Jackie@salemcommunitycenter.org.

The City of Salem was notified Monday by the Stars & Stripes National Museum/Library & Learning Center, that the city has been recognized as one of 30 selected cities and up to 20 smaller communities around the nation this year to be a “Stars & Stripes City.” The recognition is a result of our community’s ongoing embrace and dedication to the principles of informed citizenship, commitment and service both within our community and in our democratic society. The proclamation will be presented this afternoon at 4:15 at the City Hall Council Chambers located at 202 N. Washington. Stars & Stripes past president and national outreach chair, Jim W. Martin will present the proclamation. The Salem Board of Aldermen invite the public as well civic leaders, business persons and other to join in this opportunity to celebrate our community.

The City of Salem Utility Committee will be meeting this evening at 6:15 at the Salem Community Center@the Armory at 1200 West Rolla Road. Committee members will review the most recent utility financials and the current utility work report and discuss feedback from the recent experience with Excelron. Credit and debit card fees will then be discussed before adjournment. The meeting of the Utility Committee this evening is open to the public.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Tuesday evening in the City Hall Council Chambers. In the hearing of persons, the board heard from Steve Evrard and his concern for the condition of the city’s water system. He recently talked with Public Works Director Mark Nash regarding his concerns and is pleased to learn that the city is aware that the water system needs to be a priority. The board then heard from Lisa French and her concerns that the city meeting minutes are not always available on the city website. She wants to see the minutes written to reflect the meetings content more accurately such as the dollar amounts for bids and purchases should be included. She has also asked several questions of the utility committee and has not received a response. Mayor Parker suggested she submit her questions via e-mail. After the consent agenda, the board approved a bid from Welch Construction for $22,000 for the rehab work at 503 E. Rolla Road as part of the “Welcome Home” Project. The board rejected the bids from Smith Construction and Contracting and Titan Outdoor Construction for #4 Parkview Place. These bids were over the allotted program amounts and the homeowner rejected both bids. The board approved the final payment to Godi Excavating for $30,304.25 for work at the Industrial Park Certified Site. The board approved sending City Clerk Tammy Kohler as the employer delegate to the LAGERS Annual meeting in Springfield. The board then approved Resolution No. 34-2022 for the annual membership rate of $3,246.78 be paid to the Meramec Regional Planning Commission. They also approved Resolution No. 35-2022 for Welch Construction to do rehabilitation work for the “Welcome Home” project at a cost of $22,000, as well as Bill #3522 to approve a change order from ESP for a reduction in the contract amount of $10,422 for some tuck and point work on the City Hall that could not safely be completed. The board tabled Bill #3523 for a revised purchasing policy. Temporary City Administrator Sally Burbridge asked for clarification regarding board and committee minutes and how they are approved by committee members before action is taken by the Board of Aldermen. Attorney Weber will look for clarifying ordinances. The board approved rejecting the LWCF Soccer Grant, due to lack of city funds to cover the match for the grant. Mayor Greg Parker reminded citizens of the Fall Clean-Up for this week and next week’s normal trash day service. A Health and Wellness Expo will be held at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory this Thursday beginning at 4:30 pm. Public Works Director Mark Nash gave updates on several departments. The city has listed items for sale on the Purple Wave Auction website. Alderman Kayla Sisco mentioned the SACBA Family Feud fundraiser that will be held on Friday at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. There will be a Finance Committee meeting at the City Hall Council Chambers on Thursday beginning at 6:00 PM which is open to the public. The board then went into closed session.

The Bonebrake Center’s 2022 Mudbugs will be having a campfire this Thursday from 4:00 until 5:00. The program is targeted at 6 to 12-year boys and girls, but all ages are welcome. These activities will be held outside, and kids should be prepared to get dirty. Activities should last about an hour, and they ask that a parent or guardian accompany your children. The cost of the Mudbug event is $1 per child. For more information, call Janet Price at (573) 269-1026 or e-mail bonebrakecenter@embarqmail.com.

A three-vehicle accident happened Monday afternoon just before 4:15 in Phelps County at the intersection Highway 72 and Walker Street. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2021 Dodge Charger being driven by 37-year-old Jeremy McCurdy of Rolla was making a right turn when he was struck from behind by a 2007 Saturn Ion being driven by 75-year-old Louise Strauser of Rolla. The collision caused the Dodge to strike the front fender of a 2004 Ford Taurus being driven by 19-year-old Samuel Insall of Rolla. Strauser and McCurdy both suffered minor injuries. Strauser was taken by Phelps Health ambulance to Phelps Hospital while McCurdy was taken to Phelps Health by a private conveyance. All involved were wearing seat restraints. The Ford and Dodge were able to be driven from the scene with minor to moderate damage. The Saturn was totaled and removed from the scene by D&D Towing. The highway patrol was assisted on the scene by the Rolla Police Department.

Healthy Dent County is partnering with the University of Missouri Extension, the Salem Memorial District Hospital, Four Rivers Community Health Center, Community Care Centers, and the Dent County Health Center to host a Health and Wellness Expo this Thursday, October 13th from 4:30-7:30 pm. This event will be held at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. This is a free community event to showcase local healthcare providers and professionals as well as wellness vendors. Participating exhibitors will bring knowledge and information that is of interest to everyone. Over 40 vendors will be attending the event including the Salem Memorial District Hospital, local doctors’ offices, local chiropractors, dentists, eye doctors, pharmacies, and many health and wellness providers. Each vendor will have free giveaways and door prizes. This event is for everyone of all ages. Bring a canned good or non-perishable food item to donate to receive tickets to win a gift card. You will get one ticket per item, so the more you donate, the more your chances increase to win prizes. All donations will be given to the Sacred Heart Food Pantry and Grace Harbor Shelter. For more information, call 729-8163 or e-mail jackie@salemcommunitycenter.org.

The City of Salem Board of Alderman will be holding their regular meeting this evening at 6:00 in the City Hall Council Chambers at 202 North Washington Street. After roll call, the board will hear from Steve Evrard to discuss water and water meter issues, then Lisa French has some questions for the board. In new and miscellaneous business, “Welcome Home” bids received on two properties will either be approved or rejected. The board will hear a request for the Certified Site final payment. They will also discuss LWCF Soccer Complex grant funding and hear a report on the LAGERS annual meeting. In the reading of bills and resolutions, the board will discuss Resolution 34-2022 authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement between the city and the Meramec Regional Planning Commission for membership services. The board will discuss Resolution No. 35-2022 that would authorize the mayor to enter into an agreement between Welch Construction, the City of Salem, and Dan and Barb Evans for property on Rolla Road. The board will discuss Bill #3522 that would authorize the mayor to sign change order No.1 between the city and Energy Solutions Professionals, LLC for a reduction of EMC #6; and Bill No. 3523 amending Chapter 135, Article 1 of the code of ordinances for the city pertaining to the duties and procedures for the city to purchase goods and services. Temporary City Administrator Sally Burbridge, Mayor Greg Parker, Public Works Director Mark Nash, Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois and the alderman will then give their reports before the board goes into closed session. The meeting this evening is open to the public.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports from early October. On October 2nd, deputies responded to the 14000 block of South Highway 19 for a reported burglary. During the investigation, it was determined that a person or persons unknown entered a home forcibly and caused other property damage. The investigation is ongoing. That same day, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at West Highway 32 and North Highway 19. During the stop, the driver was found to have an expired driving privilege. The man was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail, where he was processed per departmental procedure and released on traffic citations. On Monday, October 3rd, a 26-year-old Salem woman came to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and reported a person or persons unknows had stolen a swimming pool from her address in the 1900 block of North Highway 19. The investigation is ongoing. On Wednesday, October 5th, deputies responded to the 200 block of Dent County Road 5085 on a call of a disturbance. During the investigation, a 58-year-old Salem man was arrested for Peace Disturbance, a 1st Offense, and then transported to the Dent County Jail. The suspect was processed per departmental procedure and released on a criminal citation. If anyone has any information regarding an on-going incident, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The Salem Area Community Betterment Association will be holding a fund raiser this Friday night and it will be in a “Family Feud” format pitting a group of lenders against a group of real estate agents each representing a different company in the first match. The event will be held at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory at 1200 West Rolla Road. Scheduled to participate for the “Lenders” family are Josh Gordon from Town and Country Bank, Dalton Connell from US Bank, Kala Sisco from Riverways Federal Credit Union, Jason Jones from Progressive Ozark Bank, and Allie Fleener from the Bank of Salem. Those expected to make up the “Real Estate Agent” family are Aleesha Elwood from Elwood Real Estate, Becky Wilson from Century 21 South Central Realty, Megan Midyett from United County Real Estate, Michael Homeyer from VIP Properties and Amy Quick from Living the Dream. The second game will be comprised of individuals from those attending the event. Your host for the event will be Jarred Brown. Individual table seats are available for $20 each or you can buy an individual general seat for $10. You can buy your tickets at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce or at the Salem Community Center @The Armory. Tickets for the event can also be purchased online which will include a service fee at salemcommunitybetterment.com. The doors will open at 5:30 Friday night and the game will begin at 6:30.

Drought conditions across the state are worsening under continued warm, dry and sometimes windy conditions and are not expected to improve soon, according to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The department is asking for the public’s assistance, encouraging people to submit reports about drought conditions in their local area. Drought-related information for a specific area can be easily completed and submitted via an online survey to the national “Condition Monitoring Observer Reports” service. Drought conditions expanded this week from 82% to 94% of Missouri impacted. Drought intensity also increased, with 30% of the state now experiencing severe to exceptional drought conditions. The drought’s primary impacts are to agriculture and barge traffic during the harvest. A variety of helpful online resources are available at dnr.mo.gov/drought. The one-stop drought information website features current drought-related news, a series of Missouri drought maps and current condition reports, the U.S. Drought Monitor, Missouri’s Drought Plan and other resources, including information on past droughts. Again, if you have information such as reports or pictures about the drought in our area, please submit them online at:
Condition Monitoring Observer Reports.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports from late September. On Tuesday, September 27th, a deputy responded to the 8800 block of Route K for a reported property damage incident. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that a person or persons unknown had caused damage to the victim’s well. The investigation is continuing. Later that day, deputies responded to the 2600 block of Dent County Road 3220 for the report of a theft. During the investigation, it was determined that a 32-year-old Salem man was responsible for stealing, including the theft of a firearm. The investigation continues and the suspect was arrested and placed on a 24-Hour hold at the Dent County Jail. On Friday, September 30th, a Salem woman came to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and reported some forged checks had been written on her mother’s account. Deputies initiated an investigation into the matter, and it was determined this incident had actually occurred in Texas County. All the information was forwarded to the Texas County Sheriff’s Office for additional follow-up. If anyone has any information regarding an on-going incident, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

A one vehicle accident happened Friday night just after 8:20 in Phelps County on County Road 3000 at County Road 3190. According to the highway patrol report, a 2015 Ford Taurus being driven west by 20-year-old Kasum Olmit of Rolla crossed the center line, then overcorrected and travelled off the right side of the road and overturned. Olmit suffered minor injuries and was taken by Phelps Health ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital. The Taurus was totaled and removed from the scene by C&C Towing. Olmit was placed under arrest by the highway patrol for driving while intoxicated and careless and imprudent driving. The highway patrol was assisted on the scene by the Phelps County sheriff’s office, the Rolla rural fire department, and Phelps Health EMS.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites landowners, land managers, and contractors to harness the power of prescribed fire to both achieve their land-management goals and benefit native plants and wildlife through the updated training — Prescribed Burning for Missouri Land Managers. Prescribed burning mimics the historical occurrence of fire that shaped our plant communities, but it is conducted under a prescription of specified environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, fuel moisture, wind speed and direction. Landowners, land managers, and contractors can become certified prescribed burn managers by attending a prescribed burn workshop in Columbia at the Bay Farm Research Facility on October 14th or 15th from 10:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon after the applicant completes a self-paced three-hour online prescribed burn course. There is a $25 fee for the online course. Learn more from MDC about prescribed fire, prescribed burn certification classes, field exercises, and more at mdc.mo.gov.

The City of Salem Utility Committee will be meeting Wednesday evening at 6:15 at the Salem Community Center@the Armory at 1200 West Rolla Road. Committee members will review the most recent utility financials and the current utility work report and discuss feedback from the recent experience with Excelron. Credit and debit card fees will then be discussed before adjournment. The meeting of the Utility Committee Wednesday is open to the public.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District One Commissioner Wes Mobray stated crews would be hauling brown rock and doing patchwork on numerous county roads with the Ultimate Paving Material. He said maintenance was being done on trucks #121 and 123, and a flat tire was being replaced on one of the graders. He also said the chip and seal contractor continues to work on a number of roads in both districts. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported workers would be repairing chip and seal roads 3210 and 3220 and possibly county road 6150 if they have enough oil. Larson said a man would be hauling brown rock, and another would be screening brown rock and hauling chips to the chip and seal contractor when needed. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles spoke with the other commissioners about signing a Notice of Decision for the Lenox Rural Fire Department for the $10,000 ARPA award previously approved by the commission. The commissioners did sign the notice along with the county clerk. He also discussed with the other commissioners about the contract sent by Corky Stack from Stack Design and Construction for $507,148 to begin work on the Dent County Courthouse with Alexander Construction out of Rolla. This contract had been previously approved by the commission. The contract was signed by the commissioners and county clerk before being e-mailed back to Stack. The commission also formally approved the bid from Town and Country Bank for the lease/purchase of two graders which came to $389,244.90. The bid from Town and Country Bank received on the due date had the original lease/purchase price quoted by the commissioners for the cost of the graders which was around $381,000. The commissioners verified with Town and Country Bank the additional dollars would be added to their original bid for the proper dollar figure to do a lease/purchase agreement for the graders. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley wanted to remind anyone that has not yet registered to vote in the November election has through Wednesday, October 12th to do so. She also said excused absentee voting continues in her office and those voting need to have a photo ID. Skiles went on to say the courthouse would be closed for Columbus Day on Monday. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse.

While most Americans feel safest at home, research shows that three-quarters of fire deaths and injuries occur in our homes and that people are now more likely to die in a residential fire than they were in 1980. That’s why the National Fire Prevention Week, October 9th through the 15th, theme is “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape.” Modern homes burn faster and hotter than older homes because of the new, lighter weight building materials are often much more flammable. The National Fire Protection Association recommends families make sure your home escape plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities. They also recommend smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound. Families should also know at least two ways out of every room, if possible, plus make sure all doors and windows open easily. Once out of the house, families should have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet. Every family should practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests. Practice at least once during the day and at night. It is also important to close interior and exterior doors to slow the spread of a fire. Closing doors cuts off the oxygen that fuels a fire and reduces the amount of smoke that spreads to other rooms. That’s why it’s recommended that people sleep with bedroom doors closed, close interior doors each time they leave the home, and close doors behind them when they escape a burning home.

The Creative Arts Center will be offering a stained glass beveled snowflake class with Jennifer Curry on Tuesday afternoon and evening. You choose one of the two workshops to attend. The class is from 1:00 to 4:00, the next is from 4:30 to 7:30. During the three-hour class you will use some basic stained class soldering techniques and be introduced to vocabulary and materials while creating a beautiful snowflake. The cost is $50 per class. If you have taken a stained class at the creative arts center prior your cost is $40. The Creative Arts Center has two easy ways to sign up for events! Call or text 573-247-0651, or go to salemcommunitybetterment.com and look under programs for the Creative Arts Center.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to remind the public that driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed Monday in observance of Columbus Day. Normal operations will resume on Tuesday.