Local News

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors met in the hospital library Tuesday evening. New hospital CEO Wayne Reid gave the Administrators Report and said the new CT placement began this week and the unit should be operational by next week. He said the transition from using Quest to LabCorp as the primary specialty lab has begun with Quest still being used for some insurance purposes. The hospital began onboarding with CHC/HPG as the Group Purchasing Organization which will allow smaller organizations to join together to get the best prices on a variety of contracts and supplies potentially saving the hospital $500,000 to $600,000 per year. The hospital recently had a STEMI Survey and a Mammogram Survey with results showing no deficiencies. The new ambulances are currently getting new sign wraps installed. In the summary of operations for the month of August, the hospital had 76 inpatient admissions with 308 inpatient census days. There were 153 census days of swingbed with an average length of stay of almost 13 days. During the month, there were 650 emergency room visits with 235 ambulance runs where 155 patients were transported. In August, there were 29 surgical procedures cases, 1,167 outpatient registrations, 4,101 lab tests, 1,145 radiological procedures, 706 rehab treatments and 146 home health visits with 16 home health admissions. Reid presented a list of patients that were transferred from SMDH to other facilities and the reasons why. This document will be used to track patient transfers. CFO JoeAnn Hammond stated the hospital showed a loss from operations for August of $369,308 with an Excess of Expenses over Revenues of $367,129. The days cash on hand dropped to 53 with $4.1 million total cash. Hammond presented a list of vendors whose payable accounts range from 33 to 82 days. The staff is currently renegotiating several vendor contracts to make the payable timeframe at 30 to 45 days max. Insurance accounts receivable are currently 35.7 days and self-pay is 39.7 days and the hospital would like to see those numbers be smaller. The hospital recently changed their vendor that is used for debt collection back in July. Chief Nursing Officer Ashley Sullins gave the Director of Nursing report. She said as of Tuesday, there were 17 positive COVID-19 cases in Dent County with a 50% positivity rate and a high transmission rate. There were 10 employees out with COVID in August. She gave an update on the Med Surg and Emergency Department staffing with lab hiring being a priority. She said Dr. Neely and Sandra Neely started in the clinic on September 1st. With Tiffin Felkerson now serving as the Delta Regional Authority Grant Community Champion as well as assisting with marketing, Tina Pabin is the new Interim Director at the Clinic. It was reported the hospital has hired new phone operators to help with incoming calls and faxes. The hospital foundation will meet on October 5th. Don Babb gave the Chief of Staff report. They tabled courtesy privileges for Dr. Mark Brecheisen, D.O. and reported Dr. Edward Downey from USA Radiology has resigned. The hospital has employed Esterly Schneider Associates, Inc. to begin design work for rerouting the kitchen drain at a cost of no more than $15,000. The MHA Conference will be held November 2nd through the 4th at the Lake of the Ozarks and a Strategic Planning Retreat will be held the first week of December. The new Finance Committee members are Wanda Tatom and Willie Strader with AJ Seay as Chairman. The board then went into closed session.

The Missouri Prairie Foundation and the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History will hold a native plant sale this Saturday at 601 N Hickory Street in Salem from 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon. Native plant vendor, Gaylena’s Garden, will sell native wildflowers, grasses, sedges, vines, shrubs, and trees. Five percent of plant sale proceeds will be donated to the Bonebrake Center. Shoppers can stroll through the sale and purchase plants. Gaylena’s Garden will accept only cash or checks at the sale. Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own crates or boxes for bringing their purchased plants home. Shoppers can also pre-order plants and have their orders ready for pick up at the event. When placing your pre-orders, please include your phone number and note that the order is for the Bonebrake Center sale in Salem on September 24. You can see the list of plants at the Gaylena’s Garden Facebook page and then and email order to gaylenasgarden@gmail.com by this Friday at noon. It should be noted that 5% of sales made will be donated to the Bonebrake Center.

An accident happened Tuesday evening at around 7:40 in Phelps County on Highway KK about a mile east of St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 Kawasaki Ninja being operated by 44-year-old Keith Griffin of St. James was being pursued by a Crawford County Deputy when he failed to negotiate a curve, then traveled off the road and overturned. Griffen was taken by Phelps Health Air to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries. The Kawasaki had extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Chris and Sons Towing. Griffin was wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met Thursday evening in the R-80 Board Room. After the approval of the agenda and the consent agenda, communications were heard including an update by Sheman Odom on the Technology and Construction Trades Building fundraising efforts. In the Superintendent’s and Assistant Superintendent’s reports by Drs. Reed and Wills, it was reported that site work will begin on the Tin Gym once permits are issued and 85% of the HVAC work is completed around the district. It was noted that eleven staff members completed enrichment grant applications, which focused on the social emotional health of R-80 students. The board was told instructional coaches are currently working their way through every classroom in the district doing a very informal needs assessment and are sending out a survey of staff to determine what specific needs they have. Dr. Wills gave a preliminary update on MAP/EOC scores, and Dr. Reed informed the board of a preliminary meeting with Missouri Capital Asset Advantage Treasury. Dr. Reed also updated the board on R-80’s social media and branding upgrades as well as update on the district’s website design which will include a staff directory with photos. In new business, the board approved the Construction Trades building request for quotes, approved HTK Architects for the initial pre-bond work for a new elementary school, approved the Special Education Compliance Plan, and also approved the bus routes for 2022-2023. Resignations were accepted from Paige Aguilar, Emmogene Welch and Sandra Lakes. Chris Jessen submitted a letter of retirement. The board then went into executive session where Stacy Tiefenthaler was approved as the custodial night supervisor and Jamie Tomnitz as assistant band director.

A one vehicle accident happened Monday afternoon just before 3:00 in Dent County on Highway 32 about 15 miles east of Salem. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2022 Freightliner being driven by 40-year-old Gabriel Amor of Riverview, Florida was eastbound when he traveled off the right side of the road and overturned. Amor had minor injuries but refused treatment at the scene. The Freightliner was totaled and secured at the roadside. The report went on to state that Amor was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol joins the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the National Safety Council, Safe Kids Worldwide, and other safety advocates to commemorate National Child Passenger Safety Week, now through the 24th. Every year, children suffer needless injuries. In 2021, 14 children under the age of eight were killed in traffic crashes, and another 1,749 were injured. Troopers issued citations to 1,185 drivers who failed to secure children less than eight years old in a child restraint or booster seat in 2021. Troopers issued citations to an additional 184 drivers who failed to secure a child 80 pounds or more or over 4’9” in a seat belt in 2021. Missouri law requires children less than four years old are required to use an appropriate child passenger restraint system. Children less than 40 pounds, regardless of age, must be secured in a child passenger restraint system appropriate for the child. Children ages four to eight years old who weigh at least 40 pounds, but less than 80 pounds, and are under 4’9” tall, must be secured in a child passenger restraint system or booster seat appropriate for that child. Children ages eight through 15 must wear seat belts regardless of the type of vehicle in which they are riding or where they are seated. Like the child restraint law, this is a primary law, meaning you can be pulled over by law enforcement for noncompliance. Persons less than 18 years of age operating or riding in trucks, regardless of gross weight for which licensed, must wear seat belts. No person under age 18 is allowed to ride in the unenclosed bed of a truck with a licensed gross weight of less than 12,000 pounds on lettered highways, federal, state-maintained highways, and within city limits. There are exemptions for agricultural purposes, special events, and parades. There are many styles of child safety seats from which parents may choose. Infant seats are designed for children up to 22-30 pounds depending on the seat manufacturer. This type of seat should be placed into a vehicle so the infant faces rearward in a semi-reclined position. It is important to remember rear-facing infant seats should NOT be used in a front passenger seat equipped with an active air bag. If deployed, an air bag could hit the infant seat and injure or kill the baby. Airbag or not, the back seat is the safest place for a child. For safety reasons, the Missouri State Highway Patrol discourages the purchase of child safety seats at a garage sale or other secondhand outlets. Also, a safety seat that has been in a vehicle during a traffic crash should be replaced. There is no one “safest” child safety seat. Use the one that fits your child, fits in your vehicles correctly, and one that you will use correctly every trip, every time. For more information about the proper use of child restraint systems or to schedule a child safety seat inspection, contact the nearest Missouri State Highway Patrol troop headquarters and ask for the public information and education officer, or visit www.seatcheck.org.

An accident happened Sunday evening at 6:30 in Dent County on Route H about a mile and half west of Route C. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Yamaha V-Star being operated by 42-year-old Stephen Morgan of Lenox, was traveling west when he lost control which caused the bike to travel off the left side of the road and overturn. Both Morgan and a passenger, 44-year-old Branda Gamblin, also of Lenox, were thrown from the bike. Gamblin suffered serious injuries and was flown by Phelps Air to University Hospital in Columbia. Morgan and Gamblin were both wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident.

An accident occurred Saturday morning at 11:31 in Phelps County on Route Y about three miles west of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, an eastbound 2017 Kia Forte, driven by 19-year-old Eric Ware of Rolla, crossed the center line of the roadway and struck a westbound 2016 Ford F-250, operated by 39-year-old Joshua Grisham, also of Rolla. Ware suffered serious injuries and was transported by Phelps Air to University Hospital in Columbia. Grisham suffered moderate injuries and was transported by a private conveyance to Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla. According to the report, Grisham was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident, while it was unknown if Ware was. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage. The Kia was removed from the scene by C&C Towing, while the Ford was removed by Ron Dishman’s Towing.

An accident occurred Saturday evening around 10:12 on Highway 42 about three miles west of Vienna. According to the highway patrol report, a 2015 Harley Davidson ridden by 58-year-old Troy Downs of Steelville, was traveling eastbound and travelled off the right side of the roadway and struck a fence. Downs suffered serious injuries and was flown by Phelps Air to the University Hospital in Columbia. The Harley was totaled and removed from the scene by 9 Lines Towing.

An accident occurred Saturday evening around 5:28 on Highway 19 near the 208-mile marker overpass at I-44. According to the highway patrol report a 2014 Buick Enclave driven by 72-year-old Nora Buchannan of Leasburg attempted to merge into the right turn lane and side swiped a 2022 Buick Envision driven by 27-year-old Breanna King of Steelville. A 6-year-old juvenile male in the Envision from Steelville, suffered minor injuries and was transported to Phelps Health by private conveyance. He was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Envision sustained moderate damage and the Enclave sustained minor damage, both vehicles were driven from the scene.

An accident occurred Saturday morning in Phelps County at 6:17 on Highway 63 at county road 5020. According to the highway patrol report, a northbound 2017 Ford Escape, driven by 77-year-old Norma Wallace of Rolla, was slowing to make a turn and was struck in the rear by a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier operated by 40-year-old Joel Anderson also of Rolla. Wallace suffered minor injuries and was transported to Phelps Health in Rolla. The report stated that both drivers were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Escape sustained minor damage and was left at the scene. The Cavalier sustained extensive damage and was removed by Ron Dishman’s Towing.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5080 and 6630 while brush would be cut on county roads 4080 and 4090. Mobray said they would be hauling off dirt from Dent County Road 5080, better known as the Schwartz Road, to get it ready for asphalt. The workers are also putting on new cutting edges on Grader #36. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said workers would be installing new driveway pipes on Dent County Roads 3250 and 6150 with additional materials being hauled to those roads. He said ditch work would be done on county road 3010. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he would be attending a Meramec Community Enhancement Corporation meeting Wednesday in St. James. The commissioners are contacting local financial institutions to bid on a five-year lease/purchase annual interest agreement for $382,245.90 for two new graders with those bids due in by 10:00 at the county clerk’s office on Thursday, September 29th. They also approved the bid from Viebrock Sales for 20 30-foot long, 16 gauge, 15-inch-wide culverts for $10,320. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the last day to register for the November election will be October 12th and the first day to vote absentee is September 27th. At the last meeting, Curt Faigle from the 100-Acre Wood Rally was in attendance and said the rally this year would be held March 17th and 18th. Sarah Massengale from the University of Missouri Extension visited with the commission. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00.

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 August as well as the Chief Nursing Officer report, get a staffing update, talk about the clinic, 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 status of the needed transformer before discussing new purchases. The board will also talk about the kitchen drain repair, the annual bylaw committee meeting, a strategic planning retreat, appointments to the finance committee and the MHA conference. The meeting tonight is open to the public.

An accident happened Thursday evening at approximately 7:20 in Dent County on Route H about 12 miles west of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2016 Isuzu NPR box truck being driven east by 47-year-old Jody Wondell of Lenox, attempted to avoid a vehicle that was traveling on the wrong side of the roadway by driving off the roadway, then striking a tree. Wondell suffered moderate injuries and was taken by Salem EMS to the Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment. The Isuzu was removed from the scene by Big Boys Towing with moderate damage. Wondell was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

An accident happened Thursday afternoon at around 1:45 in Shannon County of State Route KK near Akers. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2012 Harley Davidson being operated 58-year-old Timothy LeCroy of Wentzville, crossed the center of the roadway, ran off the left side of the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned. LeCroy suffered serious injuries and was taken by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. The Harley received extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing. The report went on to state that LeCroy was wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident.

The Salem Board of Alderman met Thursday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. The board approved the appointment of Assistant City Clerk Erica Sheppard before Mayor Greg Parker gave her the oath of office. Mayor Parker then nominated Amanda Duncan to fill the seat vacated by Tod Kinerk who had resigned on Tuesday. East Ward Alderwoman Kala Sisco then recommended Ben Pursiful for the West Ward position and the board elected to review each recommendation and make a decision at the next meeting. The board approved the mayor’s recommendation of adding Stacey Jones to the Park and Recreation Board, and also approved adding David Weiss to the Utility Committee to replace Gary Brown who resigned due to church commitments. The board approved the request from Skip Dahms for the city to close 4th Street from MacArthur to Henderson for the annual Kids Carnival on October 8th starting at 11:30 that morning. The board approved Bill #3519 that creates an ordinance to allow Mayor Parker on behalf of the city to enter into a power supply and administration agreement among Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Utility Commission doing business as the Missouri Electric Commission, and make the city a member of the Mid-Missouri Municipal Power Energy Pool. They also approved Bill #3520 that created a new ordinance amending Chapter 230, Article II, Section 250.150 concerning the free pickup of tree limbs and yard waste. That will be eliminated as of January 1st, and there will be a $40-charge for the street department to pick up your bundled limbs and bagged yard waste. Residents will have to come to the City Administrative offices, fill out a work order and pay their $40 before the pickup. Of course, people can take their own yard waste to the city disposal area in the Masters Industrial Park. The board tabled Bill #3521 to raise the sewer rates due to a needed clarification, then tabled Resolutions 26 through 30-2022 for the demolition program due to the bids from the companies for the demolition not being presented at the meeting for the board to accept or reject. Public Work Director Mark Nash presented a bid for the cleaning of the fuel tank at the airport from Akin Environmental from Arkansas for $2,852.00 which the board accepted. This is a budgeted item. Nash presented a bid to replace the leaking roof on the salt storage building on Center Street. Since this was a non-budgeted item, the alderman wanted to know what budget adjustment was going to be made affecting what accounts. The bid was tabled until the next meeting. Nash presented a bid for repair clamps for water main repairs from Core and Main for $3,193 which will come from the Equipment Maintenance budget for the Water Department. The board approved the purchase. The board tabled Code Officer Travis Roberts’ request for a Live Trap Rental Agreement that will require a deposit. The current rental agreement is for a $50 deposit, but the cost to replace a broken or stolen trap is $60 to $80 so the board felt $50 was not enough. The board also tabled the requested increase in the airport hangar rental of $10 per month by the airport board. Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge reported the Construction Trades and Computer Technology Building Fund bank account needed to have $438,000 in it by Thursday, and it had $448,005 as reported by Salem R-80 Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed. This will allow for the city and school to move forward and qualify for a $500,000 CDBG grant. Alderman Shawn Bolerjack said the Community Wide Yard Sale will be held October 1st and that people can rent a space at the City Administration Parking Lot for $8.00 for a double space. Call the city offices at 729-4117 for more information or stop by 400 North Iron Street. Parker said the City Cleanup Week will be October 10th through the 14th on your normal trash pickup day. Alderman Kyle Williams said the 9-hole disc golf course at the Salem City Park is now complete. The board then went into closed session.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the courthouse and welcomed Grant Wilson from Congressman Jason Smith’s office. Wilson said Smith was back in Washington D.C. for the next three weeks after a successful Farm Tour in the 8th District. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 6633 while brush would be cut on county road 4080. He said he had two men patching chip and seal on county road 4210. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 3233 and 3235 while materials would be added to county road 2330. Larson indicated maintenance work would be done in the garage and grader #2 would get an oil change and new tires would be put on truck #124. Other general maintenance would also be done. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District Executive Board meeting Tuesday to review and score grant applications for recycling efforts in the region. He said there were 10 grants submitted that totaled over $310,000 while there is only about $185,000 available. They will meet again to determine how the money is to be awarded. Skiles did report on the Ozark Run Scenic By-Way public hearing held in West Plains Tuesday where about 50 people in opposition to the project voiced their opinion on the property limitations. Skiles said the county received the Re-Monumentation Contract from the Missouri Department of Agriculture that will pay the county up to $350 for each surveying corner that is re-monumented up to 10 corners. The commission took no action until talking with the county surveyor. Commissioner Mobray said he applied for and received a FLAP grant to asphalt Dent County Road 6670 from Route YY to Montauk State Park. The grant for the 1.4-mile stretch is $806,339.60 for the asphalt and guard rails where required. This work is projected to be completed by 2024. Mobray also said MoDOT wants to rebid FLAP projects 56 and 57 which are the replacement of the Cooley Bridge and the Tan Vat paving project. The bid will be advertised in the Salem News starting September 20th, then again on the 27th and finally on October 4th. The bids will be due in the Dent County Clerk’s Office at 4:30 on October 12th. The bids will be opened at 10:00 at the regular commissioner meeting on October 13th at the courthouse. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

Dent County Clerk Angie Curley wants to remind people that on August 28th, the new election law passed by the Missouri Legislature went into effect where Missouri voters will now be expected to show a Missouri issued photo ID to vote in the November election. The photo will need to be an unexpired Missouri Driver’s License, an unexpired Missouri non-driver’s license, a US Passport, or an unexpired US military ID with a photo. If you do not have a photo ID, free ID’s are available for voting from the Department of Revenue. The Missouri Secretary of State Office can help you get the required documents for free. For more information on free ID’s, contact the Dent County Clerk’s office in the courthouse or go to “showit2vote.com.” Curley also said any voter can cast a normal excused absentee ballot beginning September 27th for the November election, and any voter can cast a no excuse absentee ballot in the Dent County Clerk’s Office between October 25th and November 7th. The last day to mailout an absentee ballot will be October 26th. If you are NOT registered to vote, you will need to do so by October 12th. If you are registered to vote but do not have a valid photo ID, you can vote a provisional ballot. If you vote a provisional ballot, you can come back to your polling location on election day and show a valid photo ID and your vote will count, of if your signature matches the signature in the voter registry, your vote will count. For more information on the free photo ID, you can also call the Voter ID hotline at 866-868-3245 or visit www.sos.mo.gov.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds hunters that bicycles, and certain types of electric bicycles are now allowed on service roads and multi-use trails at about 300 conservation areas, including some also open for deer hunting. Approximately 30 of these areas will be closed to bicycle and electric bicycle use during all portions of the firearms deer hunting season. Bicycle use on most of MDC’s approximately 1,100 conservation areas is still restricted to roads open to public-vehicle traffic and some multi-use trails. Cyclists may not ride off-road or off-trail. Find MDC multi-use bicycle trails and service roads online through the MDC webpage — Find Places to Go — at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places. Bike trails and service roads can be searched for by using the Advanced Search feature. Learn more about cycling on MDC areas at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/activities/bicycling.

Healthy Dent County’s 11th Annual “Girls Night Out” event will be held today from 4:30 to 7:30 at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Attendees will experience shopping with unique vendors, prize giveaways, FREE samples, door prizes, food samples, and many other exciting items. Participating exhibitors will bring unique products and services of interest to women. Over 50 vendors will display and sell their products and services. Bring your girlfriends for an evening of pampering, shopping and eating. There is a $5.00 admission fee and admission is limited to all women and girls 12 years of age and older. Healthy Dent County Executive Director Sherry Lea stated to help alleviate some parking issues, members of the Salem Rotary Club will serve as parking attendants. They will use golf carts to help shuttle attendees from nearby parking lots. Bring in canned food or non-perishable food items for a chance to win a Gift Card. One ticket per item, the more you donate, the more your chances increase to win the gift cards. Food donations will be given to Sacred Heart Food Pantry and Grace Harbor. For additional information, please call 729-8163 or e-mail jackie@salemcommunitycenter.org.

The City of Salem Utilities Committee met Wednesday night at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Finance Director Stacey Houston presented financials for all the utility funds and Chairman Kyle Williams said all the funds are close to expected budgeted amounts at this time. Public Works Director Mark Nash said the city has repaired three water main breaks in the last two days, but leaks have been fewer since it has cooled down. Temporary City Administrator Sally Burbridge said next week, the Excelleron demonstration is not how the public will use the system, but more for the staff and committee members to see how the system works. The utility meeting next Wednesday is open to the public. The committee discussed net metering and the MPUA rules for what cities can put on their system from residential solar power systems. Director Nash said there are new rules for net metering that comes to total kilowatt hours used less the total kilowatts put back on system that comes to the net cost. State statutes put a ceiling on the amount of solar power at 5% that a city can accept for their entire system. The committee approved recommending to the Salem Board of Aldermen setting up a twice-a-year Average Monthly Adjustment in the spring and fall for those on budget billing to get their account up-to date. After failing to raise the trash rate 25 cents per month last year forcing the city to use $11,094 from reserves last year to balance the budget in the trash fund, Administrator Burbridge said the city would need to raise the trash rate a minimum of 64 cents for the next nine months to breakeven. After some discussion, the committee approved recommending to the board raising the trash service rate $1.00 per month starting October provided a stipulated contractual rate had not been established. Chairman Kyle Williams discussed the need for a use tax to collect a sales tax on Internet and out-of-state sales. This would help the city’s General Revenue Fund balance and reduce the need for a transfer from the electric fund. Williams adjourned the meeting and allowed the 15 people or so who were in attendance to remain and talk with the committee members about their concerns.

A one vehicle accident happened Tuesday afternoon at approximately 3:20 in Dent County on Highway 32 about a mile east of Highway 72. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2021 Nissan Rogue being driven by 41-year-old Freda Francis of Bunker was traveling west when she fell asleep, traveled off the roadway, and struck a ditch. Francis was taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by a private vehicle for treatment of minor injuries. The Nissan sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Rowdy’s Towing. According to the report, Francis was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will hold their regular meeting tonight at 6:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers. At the meeting, the mayor will appoint with board approval an assistant city clerk, a west ward alderman, a city treasurer, a park and rec board member and a utility committee member. The oath of office will then be administered to the assistant city clerk, alderman and city treasurer. In the hearing of persons, Skip Dahms would like to address the board about closing off a portion of 4th Street downtown for the annual Kids Carnival. After the consent agenda, the board will hear and discuss Bill #3519 that authorizes Mayor Parker to enter the City of Salem into a power supply and administration agreement among Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Utility Commission which is doing business as Missouri Electric Commission with the city being a member of the Mid-Missouri Municipal Power Energy Pool. The board will also review and discuss Bill #3520 that would amend the city code on the picking up of tree limbs and yard waste to stop the free monthly pickup and institute a $40 collection fee effective January 1, 2023. The board will then review and discuss Bill #3521 that would establish new sewer rates for those in the City of Salem. The board will also hear and discuss five resolutions dealing with the Voluntary Residential Demolition Program. The board will hear bids including those for cleaning the airport fuel tank, to buy materials to repair the salt storage building and to purchase repair clamps to stop water main breaks. In new and miscellaneous business, the board will hear about the live trap rental agreement and also about airport hangar fees. The board will then hear from temporary City Administrator and Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge, Mayor Greg Parker, Public Works Director Mark Nash and the individual aldermen. The board will then go into closed session. The meeting tonight at 6:00 is open to the public.

The Salem Memorial District hospital board of directors will be holding a special meeting this afternoon beginning at 4:00. The meeting will take place in the hospital library and may be fully conducted and attended by telephone or other electronic means. The public may observe and attend any portion of the meeting not closed to the public. Anyone that would like to attend by telephone or electronic means should contact the SMDH administration office at 573-729-6626, extension 4005 to obtain access information. After the roll call will be a discussion of a resolution of the Salem Memorial Hospital District to establish a procedure to disclose potential conflicts of interest and substantial interests for certain officials before adjournment. The public is also welcome to attend

The City of Salem’s Utility Committee will hold a meeting this evening, at 6:00 at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory, 1200 W. Rolla Road. After reviewing the previous month financials, the utility committee will review water main breaks and replacement electric poles and discuss the Excelleron demonstration scheduled for Wednesday, September 21st. Also, up for discussion will be net metering as related to residential solar installations along with a review of budget billing policies and a review of trash service rates and a planned increase before adjourning. The meeting was called by Chairman Kyle Williams and it is open to the public.

Telephone service is essential to staying connected with family and friends, seeking emergency and government services as well as community resources. The Lifeline Program can provide discounts, helping eligible low-income customers access broadband and phone services. The Missouri Public Service Commission joins a national effort in observing National Telephone Discount Lifeline Awareness Week. This week has been designated to promote the Lifeline Program. Helping people stay connected is an important part of the Lifeline Program. For eligible low-income customers, it can help with trying to find a job, getting assistance in an emergency, access to health care services, or staying in touch with family and friends. Funding for the Lifeline Program is primarily from the federal Universal Service Fund, but additional funding may also be provided by the Missouri Universal Service Fund. Missouri also has a separate program for eligible disabled customers. The overall monthly discount can be as much as $24.00 for landline Lifeline service if it includes voice service. The Lifeline or disabled discount is limited to one per household. A household cannot receive discounts for multiple wireless phones or from multiple telephone providers. Customers may be eligible for assistance if their annual household income level is at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty level or if a member of the household participates in any of these programs: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps, MOHealthnet or Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income; Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit; or certain disability benefits. Call your local telephone provider to see if it provides Lifeline service and if you qualify for that service or visit www.lifelinesupport.org.

Users of public transportation in the Meramec Region (Crawford, Dent, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties and their respective cities) are being asked to help update the region’s transit plan by completing a short survey. The region’s public transportation plan was initially created in 2008, and Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) has been contracted by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) to update the original plan every five years. The last plan was created in 2018 and expires in February 2023. The plan identifies transit needs of individuals with disabilities, older adults and people with low incomes and then provides strategies for meeting those needs. One tool used to determine those needs is a survey that is available on the MRPC website, https://www.meramecregion.org/surveys/. Users of the transit system and those with transit needs are encouraged to complete the survey by September 26th, 2022, at 5:00, as their input is an important part in reshaping this plan. Paper versions of the survey are also available at senior centers in the region or by calling MRPC at 573-265-2993. A separate survey was sent to providers of public transportation in the region. All completed surveys from the public are anonymous. Once surveys have been completed, MRPC staff and the plan’s advisory committee will meet in late 2022 to examine the results and prioritize needs. In January 2023, the plan will be available for public review and will be presented to the MRPC Board in February 2023 for adoption. To keep up with the latest MRPC news and events, visit the MRPC website at www.meramecregion.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/meramecregion/.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold their regular meeting Thursday evening at 5:30 in the Salem R-80 board room. After approval of previous minutes, the board is expected to approve bills, the food service report, attendance report, and substitute list, and evaluations of safety, transportation, and extra-curricular activities. The board will then hear communications from Sherman Odom followed by the superintendent reports presented by Dr. Lynn Reed and Dr. Wills, which will be followed by administration reports from William Lynch, the upper elementary, middle school, senior high, special education, and athletics and activities director. New business will include the construction trades program RFQ, and approval of the revised policy of GCBDA, and approval of Matt Patterson as architect for the initial drawings for the new elementary school, approve the special education compliance plan, and approve the bus routes, before discussing repairs to be done at the softball field. The board will then hear resignations, if any, before adjourning and moving into executive closed session. The meeting Thursday evening will be open to the public.

An accident happened Monday morning at 11:40 in Oregon County on Route J about 25 miles east of Alton that left two Salem people with injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic ridden southbound by 76-year-old Steve Larimore of Salem, ran off the right side of the roadway and overturned, ejecting the driver and his passenger, 60-year-old Linda Larimore, from the vehicle. Steve Larimore suffered serious injuries and was taken by ambulance to the Poplar Bluff regional Medical Center. Linda Larimore suffered minor injuries and sought her own treatment. The Larimores were wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident. The Harley Davidson sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by a private party.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the courthouse where Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams reported sales tax revenues for the county were up in all the funds. For the General Revenue Fund and Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund, the county received this month $111,288.93 and that is $12,272.08 more than in 2021. Year-to-date, those funds are up $318,652.34. In the County Road and Bridge Fund, sales tax revenues received were $52,813.03 and that is up from the $47,551.25 figure from 2021, and year to date, that fund is up $159,825.50. The jail trust and operating funds both received $105,592.52 in September and that is $10,484.59 more than received in 2021. Year-to-date, the jail funds are up $318,320.21. Again, the large year-to-date increases are due to the sales tax issue with the Department of Revenue where the county virtually received no sales tax monies for nearly three months in 2021. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5650 and 6470, while brush was going to be cut on county roads 4210 and 4215. He also said a man would be going to Springfield for a load of oil for the chip and seal repair. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 3270, 3273 and 3275. He said only grading would be done on county roads 2380, 4283, 4285 and 4287. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he would be in St. James at the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management Executive Board meetings to review and score the grant applications for the recycling projects today. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported excused absentee voting begins September 27thand the last day to register for the November election will be October 12th. She also reported she balanced with the Dent County Assessor and Collector on all collections, abatements, and add-ons for the month of August. At the last meeting, Dent County Collector Shannon Vankirk gave her tourism and monthly turnover report, and the commissioners discussed the Secure School Act and voted unanimously to set aside 20% of the funds to the Title III fund with 80% of the funds going to Title I. The next commissioner meeting will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Conservation encourages hunters to help monitor the state’s terrestrial wildlife populations by reporting sightings through the Bowhunter Observation Survey. MDC has conducted an annual Bowhunter Observation Survey since 1983 to track trends in wildlife populations, such as coyotes, fox, deer, wild turkeys, and raccoons. During the early part of the archery deer and turkey season, from September 15th until the start of the November portion of firearms deer season, hunters record sightings of wildlife observed while hunting. This data is recorded and summarized at the statewide and county level. Survey participants previously signed up for a mailing list to receive paper diaries to record their sightings during the archery season. MDC has recently developed an electronic version to make the survey more accessible and to improve how quickly results are summarized. While any bowhunter can contribute to the Bowhunter Observation Survey, registering to become an official cooperator has additional benefits. Cooperators will receive a reminder email that the survey is about to begin and a summary report at the end of each survey. Cooperators can also receive a copy of their submitted observations upon request. To learn more and to sign up for the Bowhunter Observation Survey, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/4co.

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways provides a variety of hiking opportunities for this fall. All activities and events are free of charge and pre-registration is not required. Ozark National Scenic Riverways has a variety of great trails for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can explore trails independently or can participate in several ranger-led hiking events planned throughout the fall. The fall hiking season will kick off with a hike from Round Spring to Echo Bluff State Park on the 17th. Complete the first leg of the Current River Challenge hike/float adventure and learn about other trail opportunities throughout the park. This 4.25-mile hike begins at 10:00 in the morning at the Round Spring pavilion parking lot. A shuttle back to Round Spring will be provided. Then September 24th hike the Chubb Hollow, Lookout and CCC Trails near Big Spring. This 4.3-mile hike will explore the three trail loops south of Big Spring, where you’ll experience beautiful scenery while learning about the cultural history of the original Big Spring State Park. Meet at Big Spring parking area at 10:00. For more information about any of the hikes, contact Josh Chilton at (573) 226-3945 or josh_chilton@nps.gov, or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/ozar. Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserves the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, the surrounding resources, and the unique cultural heritage of the Ozark people.

In a case brought before Judge Megan Seay on Friday, Dustin Hodges of Salem, who had been on probation for domestic assault, received a DWI while on probation. As requested by Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley, Hodges had his probation revoked and was sentenced to serve four years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning for their regular meeting. Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge was in attendance and gave her report for the month of August. Mary Lou Long and Mona Martin from Phelps County Road 4270 were in to talk with Commissioner Gary Larson about the condition of the first half of their road which is in Dent County at the end of county road 3010 at the Phelps County Line. They stated in 1999, the Phelps County Commission chip and sealed their road but has not really maintained it as there are ruts, it is chipping up and there are numerous potholes. They were told by the Phelps County Commission they would like to asphalt the road in Phelps County and in Dent County with the cooperation of the Dent County Commission, but Commissioner Larson said when they spoke with Dent County, there was no money in the budget for that to happen this year. Commissioner Larson did say that he would personally check the road next week after seeing pictures of the condition of the road as brought in by the ladies. He said Dent County may tear the road up completely to establish a new base for possible chip and seal next year if Phelps County is still considering asphalting the other half of the road. Engineer Corky Stack was in attendance to see if the commission had discussed any of the bids for the work on the exterior of the courthouse. He suggested to the commission that since they have a line item bid, the commission could approve all the exterior masonry work and items related to those repairs as well as the electric rerouting into the courthouse. Stack said that work would have to be done before any of the other work was even started and he was thinking the cost would be around $180,000 from the current bids which are good until September 24th. He said by approving a portion of the bids, they would secure the contract for the other work to be done at a later date, but there may have to be some price alterations as time goes on. The commission approved the two items of the bid. Tod Kinerk and Sherman Odom attended the meeting to update the commission on the Construction Trades and Computer Technology building for the high school. Odom said the Industrial Development Authority board on Wednesday night approved contributing $20,000 to the project, plus Intercounty Electric pledged $5,000 and another donor pledged $20,000. They were also waiting for a check from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks for $5,045.45 from a stock sale to arrive which left the required local contributions needed at about $29,200. They asked the commissioners if they would consider using some ARPA funds to reduce the amount still needed as time is starting to run thin. They suggested $20,000 but after some discussion, the commission approved by a unanimous vote to agree to contribute $25,000 to the project leaving just a few thousand dollars left for the fund-raising project to be completed. Following that contribution, the commissioners wanted to go on record that they would be freezing any further distributions of ARPA funds until the Missouri Department of Revenue and Dent County can come to some agreement how the remaining monies still owed due to the sales tax error are to be paid back. That amount comes to over $925,000 and Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said Senator Brown’s office and the Department of Revenue are discussing the issue. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said materials were being added and grading done on Dent County Roads 5440 and 5450 and if time allows, 5460. He said brush was being cut on county road 4210. District 2 Commissioner Larson said materials were being added and grading done on Dent County Roads 5200 and 5225 while only grading was being done on county roads 2405, 3200, 3220, 6120 and 6123. Larson went on to say brush was being cut on county road 2050 while tree limbs were being cut back on county road 2120 that were striking a school bus. Larson also stated signs were being replaced on county road 3185 and that trash that was dumped on county road 3180 has been removed. Presiding Commissioner Skiles wanted to congratulate the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce for a very successful rodeo Saturday and Sunday night. He also said he attended the SMDH “Meet and Greet” Wednesday and met with the new hospital CEO Wayne Reid. At the last meeting, the commissioners met with Matt Lloyd of Fabick and Company about the buy-back of the Caterpillar graders and getting a new man to work on the ongoing problems. Dan Jones of John Deere was also in attendance and discussed the commission buying new graders with arrival by the first part of October. He also mentioned rental contracts could be set up for graders until the new graders arrive. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Correction to yesterday’s story on Veteran’s Free Fishing Day at Montauk State Park. The park will be hosting Veteran’s Free Fishing Day on Saturday September 10th. This free fishing day is sponsored by Hooked On Vets to provide veterans free access to trout fishing. Veterans can pick up their free trout tag from the Moss-Covered Pavilion as they enter the park. Lunch will be provided for vets. Hooked On Vets will have fly tying and fly-casting lessons, as well as having folks throughout the park to assist fishermen in the river. If you don’t have gear, they will set you up with the essentials for the day. For more information contact the park at 573-366-9527.