Local News

The Missouri Department of Conservation encourages people to enjoy fall foliage through camping, hiking, driving tours, or even floating. To help, department will offer weekly online fall color updates from agency foresters all over the state at mdc.mo.gov/fallcolor. Foresters are posting reports that show users where trees are beginning to turn and even suggest great places to see changing leaves. The drought that was experienced over the summer could affect this year’s color. Dry conditions we saw this summer could cause trees to lose their leaves early or begin changing colors earlier than normal, which may affect the amount of fall color we see later in the season. The chilly evenings we see in the fall season are critical for leaves to change color. Chilly nights cause the breakdown of green pigments, allowing the fall colors to show through. Missouri trees first begin changing color in the northern part of the state, then move southward. Sassafras, sumac, and Virginia creeper are some of the earliest to change in mid-September. In late September, the black gum, bittersweet, and dogwoods began turning. The peak of fall color usually hits around mid-October. Trees like maple, ash, oak, and hickory are at the peak of their fall display by the middle of October and that normally by the end of the month, colors are fading and leaves are falling. Missouri’s fall color can be enjoyed from almost anywhere. For spectacular vistas, choose routes along rivers with views of forested bluffs, and along ridges with sweeping scenes of forested landscapes. Conservation areas or Missouri state parks are wonderful places to take in the fall color, plus fall color isn’t just limited to trees. Prairies and roadsides display beautiful shades of gold, purple, olive, and auburn with autumn wildflowers, shrubs, and grasses. In cities and towns, enjoy places with mature trees such as older neighborhoods, parks, and even cemeteries. MDC provides its annual fall color update at mdc.mo.gov/fallcolor. The weekly reports include what species of trees are turning and the best places to see them. The updates will run through November.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met Thursday evening at the district administrative offices. After approving the consent agenda, the board heard from Choir Director Elaine Russell who was requesting an out-of-town trip for choir members as well as chaperones in April of 2024, from the 18th through the 21st. She would like to go to either Washington, D.C or Nashville. She also prepared a “code of conduct” form for non-staff chaperones that they must sign to go along. The board approved her request. Architect Matt Patterson discussed with the board an updated survey of the upper elementary school and found the proposed elementary and FEMA addition straight off the south side would put the building into the tree line with about a seven foot drop. He offered two options: the first option would rotate the plans creating a bit of a triangle at the south side of the school changing the corridor and classroom; while the second option would slide the addition to the northwest and cut into the green space at the playground. The cost for either would be about the same. The board will get input on the options from other administrators, principals and others before deciding. Patterson he would like to know in about two weeks so he can move forward with the plans. Chris Salzman from ESP brought in a notebook binder that featured the original contract with the R-80 district for the Tin Gym project that included transactions orders, change orders, subcontractor agreements and change orders, scope of work to be performed, applications for payment and lien releases. It also included a summary of ESP fees and their profit as well as a request for the final payment along with documented proof of performance. The building principals discussed with the board their CSIP building improvement plans while Athletic Director Clay Moody reported the improvements to the baseball field have been completed. He said the fall sports are wrapping up and winter sports begin on October 30th at the high school. Moody said the bus driver situation has improved and said if things work out, they are close to having a full staff. The board approved a 12-month bus lease from Dalton Sanders for $7,000 with Sanders providing maintenance. The board then selected Carolyn Faith Pryor as the Belcher Scholarship Nominee. Principal Jody Heavin recommended the board go with Graduation Day as Friday, May 17th with Sunday, May 19th as the rain date. The board then went into closed session.

An accident happened Thursday afternoon in Phelps County around 2:15 on Route H about a mile east of Edgar Springs. According to the highway patrol report, a 2011 Chevy Equinox driven westbound by 62-year-old Kimberly Brugman of Edgar Springs, traveled off the left side of the roadway and went airborne before returning to the roadway. The Chevy then traveled off the right side of the road and struck a gate. Brugman suffered minor injuries and was transported to Phelps Health for treatment. Brugman was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevy Equinox sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Lucas Garage.

The “Haunting at the Mill” event will be held this Saturday at Montauk State Park where Halloween and history combine, bring life to the Montauk mill. Come early from 3:30 to 5:30 for “spooky crafts” appropriate for all ages at the picnic shelter near the mill. You will find pumpkin crafts, face painting and other activities. Then discover the “spirits of Montauk Valley” at the old grist mill where they will remember the “good ol’ days” when they were alive. This not-so-scary, historical event will begin at 5:00, 6:00, 7:00 and 8:00 Saturday evening with a limit of 45 guests per show. Enjoy this presentation of area history from a unique perspective! This is a family event.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be holding their regular meeting tonight at 5:30 in the Salem R-80 board room. After approval of all consent agenda, the board will hear the Superintendent’s reports given by Dr. Reed and Dr. Wills including a review of the survey for the FEMA construction, a review of accounting from ESP with Chris Salzman and CSIP progress. That will be followed by reports from the principals of William Lynch Elementary, the Upper Elementary, the middle school, and high school. Clay Moody will then report to the board on athletics and activities followed by other reports. New business to be discussed include discussion to approve a bus lease with Dalton Sanders, the selection of a Belcher Scholarship nominee, the setting of the graduation date, and the board will consider an out-of-state choir trip. The board will then adjourning and moving into executive session to discuss personnel, and real estate. The meeting is open to the public.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways will host a free, one-day workshop about the basics of fly fishing for youth between the ages of 12 and 16 this Sunday, October 22nd at the Akers Visitor Center. This free workshop is limited to 10 youth participants and at least one parent or guardian for each youth. Reservations are required. Park Ranger Mark Van Patten will lead the workshops. Ranger Van Patten will demonstrate various fly rod casting techniques, proper catch and release techniques, and strategies for fly presentation. Instruction will also include lessons on aquatic entomology, recommended equipment, reading the water, and understanding flies. Fly fishing is not just for trout. Fly rods and reels will be available for those who do not have their own. The book Fly Fishing A-Z will be provided. The clinic is expected to last the full day. Participants should bring a valid Missouri fishing permit and trout stamp if 16 years or older. A trout stamp is required for all ages, and if under 16, the cost is $5.00. Waders or something to wear while wading but no open-toed shoes. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, lunch and water. This workshop is made possible through the support of the Ozark Riverways Foundation and a grant from the National Park Foundation. For more information, please contact the Pulltite Ranger Station at (573) 858-3397.

In a case heard last Wednesday, October 12th, in front of Judge Michael Randazzo, Melissa Lea of Salem had her probation revoked surrounding two cases involving the possession of methamphetamine. Lea was sentenced to serve seven years in the Missouri Department of Corrections under RSMO 559.115 as requested by Prosecutor Andrew Curley.

Dent County University of Missouri Extension Council invites residents to join the 2023-2024 group of volunteers that make Dent County a better place to live through Extension programs. Representatives will be elected in a non-partisan election from January 8th through the 12th. Candidates must be at least 18-years-old and reside in the county. Applications to be a candidate are available by calling 573-729-3196, online at extension.missouri.edu/dent or email at dentco@missouri.edu. Completed applications are due November 16th at the Dent County Extension at 112 East 5th Street in Salem, MO. Designated by state statute as the official body to cooperate with the University of Missouri in delivery of Extension programs, the council has roles in programming, fiscal and personnel. The Dent County Extension Council is the local link between county residents and the University of Missouri four-campus system. Responsibilities include attending monthly meetings (4th Monday), identify concerns of the community to connect citizens with Extension resources, administer the county budget and assist in planning, promoting, and carrying out Extension efforts. Individuals interested in serving on the council may contact Ray Walden, County Development Specialist, at the Dent County extension office (573-729-3196). Information about the Dent County Extension office can be found on the web at www.extension.missouri.edu/dent.

Lexie Mutch will be hosting two Make Your Own Journal Coptic Bookbinding workshops at the Creative Arts Center this Saturday and next Saturday, October 28th, from 4:00 till 6:00. This workshop is for anyone interested in learning the technique of coptic bookbinding, making their own art journals, books, or a gift for a friend. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon tearing down paper, cutting and gluing covers unique to your own taste, and sewing a strong and lovely binding. Come enjoy an afternoon learning how to make your own coptic-bound sketchbook or journal. This coptic-bound book will lay flat, a joy to work within and lovely to behold and hold! No previous knowledge is required to attend. This process involves utilizing sharp blades, a bit of muscle, and can be hard on arthritic hands at certain points. Handmade books are a treasure to use yourself or to share with someone you cherish. Each participant will make their own blank book, with paper torn and folded, covers chosen, cut and glued, and bindings sewn together all themselves. This workshop is for ages 12 and up, the cost is $30. There must be at least 3 attendees and no more than 10 attendees. Interested persons can sign up on salemcommunitybetterment.com website for activities at the Creative Arts Center under “Programs.”

The Salem Memorial Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday evening in the hospital library. In the Administrators Report, Interim CEO Jason Edwards reported that the MHA’s Population Health Assessment Survey had been submitted and that administration had met with BJC representatives to discuss potential services. The audit consultant is on-site for audit preparation and the Strategic Planning estimate is being sought from People Centric Group. FORVIS visited the hospital for data collection and conducted interviews for Revenue Cycle Management and Physician Practice Management training. These plans will be presented at an action planning session scheduled for November 20th and 21st.  The board approved adding Mike Swyers as the Vice Chairman of the Board to join Chairman Ray Bruno and Secretary Wanda Tatom. CFO Doug Hoban reported hospital admissions were 82 which included 8 Swingbed admissions with a total of 224 patient census days. In September, there were 1,464, Outpatient Registrations, 1,056 Cardiopulmonary Procedures, 6,669 Lab Tests, 1,174 Radiology Procedures, 587 Rehabilitation Treatments, 27 Surgical Procedures, and 239 Home Health Visits. There were 683 Emergency Room visits with 49 patients being admitted. A total of 248 ambulance runs were made with 156 patients being transported and 92 dry runs. The hospital had expenses over revenue in September of $67,006 with a loss from operations of $70,186. The 340B plan showed revenues over expenses for September of $42,579. The Rural Health Clinic net profit for September was $5,940.09. The board approved getting bids from local financial institutions for CD rates and moving funds around to get the best rate. CNO Ashley Sullins said the hospital is interviewing candidates for various nursing positions. Staff will participate in a Career Fair at the Salem High School on October 19th and conducting fall clinicals for Southwest Baptist University’s RN Bridge program. In the hospital foundation report, the “Dancing with the Salem Stars” fundraiser will be held on February 24th at the high school gym, and the “Volley for a Cure” volleyball tournament will be held on October 21st at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. The board discussed the seven-year long range capital plan and Board member Judy Thompson encouraged the board to make plans for improving patient rooms including beds, trays, draperies, etc. The board approved allowing Administration to spend $465,000 for the Long Term Capital Plan expenses and anything over $5,000 would need board approval. The board heard from Michael Smith, Interim Director of Revenue Cycle, who explained goals and objectives to work with the registration and clinic staff to improve insurance billing and registration accuracy to increase revenue. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Salem Police department has released their report for the month of September. The department responded to 10 accidents during the month. Officers also responded to four alarms sounding and addressed 45 animal calls. The department investigated four assaults or fights not in progress, performed 24 well being checks and nine area checks during the month. The department investigated 10 domestic disputes, 20 verbal disturbances, conducted 101 follow-up investigations and provided eight escorts. They investigated 11 nuisance incidents, five harassment reports, took three missing persons report, and offered assistance to three motorists. The Salem Police wrote 14 property damage reports during September, plus made 12 stealing reports and five shoplifting reports. Officers investigated five intoxicated pedestrians, 13 suspicious circumstance calls, ten suspicious person calls and 14 suspicious vehicle calls. Officers responded to seven trespassing calls and attempted to serve nine warrants in September. Officers conducted 87 traffic stops during the month. The police responded to a total of 633 in incidents in September. The average response time to calls during September was one minute and 50 seconds and the average time spent on the scene was 20 minutes and 13 seconds.

There will be a public hearing and meeting of the City of Salem Planning and Zoning Board of Commissioners tonight at 6:00 in City Hall Council Chambers at 202 North Washington. The purposes of the hearing and meeting include approval of the minutes of the August 3, 2023 meeting, and to hear public comments and consider acceptance or rejection of a request for a Conditional Use Permit at 1509 South Louise Street owned by Michael Florence. The hearing and meeting are both open to the public.

An accident happened Monday afternoon at 5:30 in Reynolds County on Highway 72 one mile west of Centerville. According to the highway patrol report, a 2010 Chevrolet Express being driven by 53 year old Vaughn Roberts of Salem was traveling east when he crossed the center line and hit head-on a 2010 Chrysler Sebring being driven west by 48 year old Andrew Bullock of Bunker. Two passengers in the Chevrolet, 33 year old Tasha Maize of Lesterville and 64 year old Michael Chitwood of Ellington both suffered moderate injuries and were taken by Washington County ambulance Iron County Medical Center. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Aissies Towing. All involved were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated grading was going to be done on Dent County Roads 4126, 5380 and 6600 while brush will be cut on county roads 6090 and 6100. Mobray said rock will be hauled to Dent County Road 5600, better known as the Turtle Loop, for Title II road work on county roads serving the National Forest. The county will receive $43,000 for the rock to be put on the roads and this work would need to be completed by December. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk indicated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 4330 while only grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2500, 2510, 2540 and 2550. Polk said brush would be cut on county roads 3253, 3255 and 3290. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he and Commissioner Mobray attended the South Central County Commissioners meeting Friday in Houston. There was talk on Senate Bill 190 which most counties have yet to take action on as they feel it needs more clarification. There was also some discussion on the Highway 19 Standing Rock Creek Bridge at that meeting. It was also announced the commissioner meeting on Thursday will NOT be held due to a lack of a quorum. Also on Monday, Bonnie Prigge and Anne Freand along with MoDOT Engineer Preston Kramer were in attendance to review priority transportation issues for Dent County as well as the City of Salem. Other attendees included the Shannon County Commissioners, City of Salem Administrator Sally Burbridge, 120th District Representative Ron Copeland who is the Vice-Chairman of the Transportation Infrastructure Committee, and 124th District Representative Don Mayhew who is the chairman of the Transportation Accountability Committee. The meeting was moved from the commissioner’s office to the Dent County Courtroom due to the large crowd. Preston Kramer addressed the Standing Rock Bridge Project issue first saying the project was pushed back to 2024 due to inflation, and after the public hearing held in Salem, he said the detour alternative that was presented at the hearing is NOT being moved forward on by MoDOT. He mentioned other alternatives are currently being examined. He said there will still have to be a detour when the road is switched over, but said the duration should be for much less than the 45 days discussed. The Shannon County Commission said they would be willing to work with the Dent County Commission to secure a better plan, and Representative Copeland added if more money was needed for the project from the budget to bring it to the legislature so they could move forward in helping with this important project. Kramer said he had no more information to pass on and hoped to have some other options by the end of the calendar year. In the Transportation Priority List that are unfunded, the commission, the city, MRPC and Kramer agreed the Route TT low water crossing issue should remain first at the top of the list. Kramer said it is in the scoping phase on the state-wide STIP. Also on the list would be improvements to the intersection of Highway 19 and Roosevelt, the bridge on Highway 32 at Boss, and improvements to Route B. New to the list of needed improvements in the unfunded multi-modal needs was a pedestrian crossing at Highway 32-72 West at Askins Street by Wal-Mart, improvements to construct a partial new taxiway at the airport, and a city wide rural transportation system that could possibly expand to a county wide system. Kramer said the pedestrian crossing may be a better fit for TAP grant that MRPC could help with and that may be looked at as well. The MRPC will compile these priorities for the November meeting of the Transportation Advisory Committee . The next commissioner meeting will be October 23rd at 9:00 and the meeting will be open to the public.

The Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center at 200 South Main Street will host a ribbon cutting this Wednesday at 4:00 to celebrate the completion of the Current River Mural created by artist David Spear. Then this Saturday from 9:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon, stop by the ONCRC to witness the beautiful mural. Jason Stotler will be holding a Geodes demonstration from 10:00 to 11:00 at the ONCRC. Geodes are stones with a secret–at first glance, they seem like nothing more than the grey rocks you might see on walk around your neighborhood. Then–crack!–once they’re broken open, they reveal their inner beauty: a tiny cave filled with some of the world’s most spectacular, colorful crystals. You can crack your own for just $3.50. The artist David Spear will be in attendance from 11:00 until 2:00 to meet with the public and answer any questions anyone may have about the mural. There will be music that afternoon and a food fundraiser on site. Come early and visit the Farmer’s Market from 10:00 until noon. Everyone is welcome!

An accident happened in Iron County Monday afternoon at 12:10 on Route Y about a mile north of Viburnum. According to the report, a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado driven northbound by a 16-year-old male juvenile from Bellview, Missouri, crossed the center line and struck head-on a 2021 GMC Acadia driven southbound by 61-year-old Gregory Wallis of Steelville. Wallis suffered moderate injuries and was taken by ambulance to the Salem Memorial Hospital, while the juvenile suffered minor injuries and was taken by a private conveyance to the Iron County Medical Center. Both drivers were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. The Chevy Silverado and GMC Acadia were both totaled in the accident and removed from the scene by Abney’s Towing.

An accident happened in Texas County Saturday evening around 6:35 on Highway 32 about two miles west of Licking. According to the highway patrol report, a 2017 Jeep Wrangler driven westbound by 53-year-old Regina Vestal of Licking, went off the left side of the roadway and she overcorrected. The Jeep then went off the right side of the roadway, hit a fence and overturned, ejecting Vestal from the Jeep. Vestal suffered serious injuries and was taken by ambulance to the Mercy Hospital in Springfield. Vestal as not wearing a seat restraint at time of the accident. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by the Licking Fire Department and the Texas County Sheriff’s Department.

Two Edgar Springs residents were injured in an accident that occurred Friday evening at 7:15 in Jefferson County on Route Y near Wilson Place. According to the highway patrol report, a 2003 Chrysler Voyager being driven by 66-year-old Chris Whitley of Edgar Springs, was traveling southbound when he failed to negotiate a curve. The Chrysler traveled off the left side of the roadway, when Whitley overcorrected, causing the vehicle to overturn. Chris Whitley and a passenger, 62-year-old Tesha Dannis, also of Edgar Springs, both suffered moderate injuries and were both taken by Valle Ambulance District to the Mercy Hospital in Jefferson County. The Chrysler sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by Shank’s Towing. Both occupants were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation shows that hunters harvested 16,575 deer during the state’s new firearms early antlerless portion of deer season, October 6th through the 8th. The top-three harvest counties were Franklin with 489 deer harvested, Howell with 454, and Ripley with 437. With deer numbers being at desired levels in most counties but continuing to increase, additional antlerless harvest is needed to stabilize the deer population. The goal of the new firearms early antlerless portion is to help increase antlerless deer harvest prior to the November portion of firearms season when many hunters focus on harvesting bucks. The timing of the early antlerless portion was chosen to provide hunting opportunity when weather conditions are usually favorable and to minimize conflicts with archery hunters, who hunt most in late October and early November. Deer hunting in Missouri continues with archery hunting through November 10th and again November 22nd through January 15th, 2024. Get more information on deer hunting from MDC’s 2023 Fall Deer & Turkey Regulations and Information booklet, available where permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors will hold their regular meeting at 6:00 in the hospital library Tuesday evening. Interim Administrator Jason Edwards will give his report before the board hears the summary of operations for the month of September as well as statistics for the month. They will also hear about the 340B program, hear the Chief Nursing Officer report, be updated on Human Resources, and receive a report on the hospital foundation. In old business, the board will discuss both state and matching fund updates for needed capital improvements, strategic planning, a long range capital plan, and discuss the finance committee dates. New business to be discussed include the holiday board meeting dates and revenue cycle updates. The board may then vote to go into closed session. The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors meeting is open to the public.

The community of Salem is invited to attend a volunteer meeting at the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History this Wednesday evening. What interests you? What would you like to see offered at the Bonebrake Center? What skills can you share with us? They would like to match up those skills with the Center’s needs. If you have an interest in art, music, cultural history, nature, science or almost anything else, and can spare even one or two days a year, they would love to hear from you. Imagine what we could all do, together! The Bonebrake Center is located at 601 North Hickory St at Rolla Road. For more information, contact moonshadowmomentsllc@gmail.com or call 573-546-2450 and leave a message.

A standing room only crowd overflowed onto the sidewalk outside the City of Salem’s Council Chambers at Thursday nights’ meeting of the Board of Adjustment’s public hearing. Over 25 Dent County citizens spoke in support of granting a variance to Dewayne and Angela Arthur so they could rebuild their business, Dewayne’s Tire Services LLC at 800 South MacArthur. No one spoke in opposition to allowing the Arthur’s to rebuild their shop. After over an hour of public comments, the hearing was closed, and the public meeting was held. The Board of Adjustment then voted unanimously to allow the variance with certain conditions including the requiring of adequate off-street parking of one parking space for every 500 square foot of gross area of the building, requiring exterior tire storage to be screened by an 8 foot visual barrier, and requiring 6 foot visual barriers between parking/driveway areas and any adjoining residential district or use. The vote clears the way for the Arthur’s to begin the reconstruction of the business.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning for their regular meeting at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District One Commissioner Wes Mobray said grading was going to be done on Dent County Roads 5590, 6020 and 6380 while brush was going to be cut on county road 6090. He went on to say two men would be out patching various roads with the Ultimate Paving Material. District Two Commissioner Gary Polk reported materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 4040 while only grading would be done on county roads 2520, 2530 and 4330. Polk went on to say brush would be cut on county road 3290. Presiding Commission Gary Larson reported he attended the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District Board meeting where they reviewed applications for grant funding for recycling or reusing waste products. The district had $160,244.26 available for grants and Larson said ten applications were submitted that totaled more than $278,127.22. He said all the applications were funded, but most of them received less than their original request. Larson said he also attended an MRPC Dues structure meeting on Wednesday to discuss determining dues for member cities and counties next year. The MRPC would like to hire an additional grant writer full time, but can’t afford to do that and will look for a part timer. Larson said many more grants look like they will become available next year and the dues will increase next year to accommodate the demand for the services. With the MRPC dues paid by member cities and counties, they receive hours from the MRPC staff that can be used for help in preparing grant applications. Those member cities and counties can also allocate those hours to another entity if they are not going to use them. Larson will be attending the South Central County Commissioner Association meeting today in Houston. Commissioner Mobray reported the new John Deere graders have arrived. They were inspected Wednesday and then the road and bridge crew received training on the graders. Mobray said they are already out on the roads. Commissioner Larson also wanted to let people know that Octoberfest will be held October 28th from 1:00 until 7:00 around the courthouse square. At the last meeting, Engineer Corky Stack brought in a contract change order on the courthouse exterior repairs to replace 300 linear feet of rotten or broken wood to match the existing wood at an additional cost of $8,700. The commission approved the change order. Payment #8 was submitted from the contractor, Alexander Construction, LLC, and a payment due was submitted from Corky Stack, AEA Design. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

The City of Salem Board of Adjustments will be holding a public hearing tonight at 6:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers to recognize anyone who wishes to speak on a request for an exception to the current city codes that would allow for the reconstruction of a structure for a non-conforming use in a commercial zone at 800 South MacArthur on property owned by Dewayne and Angela Arthur. After the public hearing is completed, a public meeting will be held by the board to accept or reject the request for the exception by Dewayne and Angela Arthur The location was occupied by Dewayne’s Tire before it was destroyed by fire. The hearing and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be holding a special meeting this afternoon at 12:30 via Zoom. After approval of the agenda, the board will moved into closed session to discuss personnel and real estate before moving back into open session and adjourning.

The Salem Utility Committee met Wednesday evening at the Salem Community Center @The Armory. At the meeting, City of Salem Finance Director Stacey Houston reported on the utility usage and revenues for the first three months of the fiscal year. Electric revenues through September 30th were just over two million dollars comprising 28% of the anticipated budgeted revenues while the water sales revenue came in $214,301 and sewer revenues were $281,052, and both of those figures made up 24% of the budgeted amounts. So far for the 1st quarter of the fiscal year, Electric Fund revenues exceed expenses by $673,570, the Water Fund revenues exceeding expenses by $46,868, and the Sewer Fund revenues exceed expenses by $107,566. A question was asked by Chairman Kyle Williams on the status of the emergency reserve funds for each utility which is supposed to come to 25% of the previous years expenditures. That information will be brought to the next meeting. The city is still paying a demand cost of 13.900 which was set last December. If nothing changes in the next two months, that demand amount would go down to 12.700. City Administrator Sally Burbridge said there was an initial scheduling problem with Encode to test sending e-mail bills. That testing is now scheduled for the week starting October 23rd. She also said the city is having issues with Exceleron when credit card numbers have to be entered manually. These error issues have to be resolved before the city can begin accepting credit cards over the phone through a dedicated line. She said rate studies are to be done on electric and sewer rates. The alderman will have to create an ordinance to calculate the sewer rate using engineering calculations on discharge, city debt and ability to repay the bond amount from income generated by the rate. This needs to be done due to the grant received by the city. The electric rate will be determined based on the latest audited numbers which the city is waiting on. They would like to kick off that study in January and it should take three to four months to complete. Burbridge also mentioned the city needs a policy on providing city utilities to people living outside the city limits. She provided information for the committee to review to help create the policy at an upcoming meeting. Burbridge talked about the MPUA meeting she attended where discussion of the grid situation occurred, and the issues of transmission lines reaching higher populated areas from rural areas using solar farms and wind farms. She said there was discussion on changing to a “time of use” electric rate rather than a consumption rate. She said possibly in the future, energy providers may be able to control your thermostats or electric usage in times of high demand. Chairman Williams told the committee he will be working on establishing committee by-laws and hopes to have them at the next meeting. After questions from the committee and public, the meeting was adjourned.

Tuesday evening, the City of Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting at the City Hall Council Chambers. In the Hearing of Persons, the board heard from Debbie Murphy regarding a recent FaceBook poll that she conducted asking the citizens if they would like to see a Town Hall meeting held with the Board of Aldermen. With a total of 42 votes, 46% said yes and 2% said no. The survey also asked if citizens would attend if a meeting was held and 34% said they would with 2% saying they would not. She asked how this could be put on an upcoming agenda and Mayor Parker said that citizens cannot request agenda items but the Aldermen can. Alderwoman Sisco stated that the board has been discussing new ways to handle the hearing of persons for future meetings. In New Business, the board approved appointing City Clerk Tammy Koller as the employer delegate at the LAGERS annual meeting. They also approved the bid from Lead Belt Materials for $23,712.00 for 304 tons of cold mix asphalt for street maintenance to patch potholes, repair dig-outs as well as smooth out and level rough areas of streets. The board approved the city providing water and sewer services to the Robbie and Ashley Owen property off Highway 72 with the homeowners being responsible for all hookup fees and premium out of town rates. The board then tabled the request for city water service from Doil and Tammy Richardson, located at 103 W. Dilworth Lane, until Attorney Weber can look into annexation rules. The board approved Resolution 23-2023 for a new DCAWS contract for animal placement which states a maximum of 10 animals per month at $50 per animal. They tabled the three bills from the September 12th meeting pertaining to two properties on Babb Lane and one on Scenic Rivers Blvd, due to lack of a voting quorum because Alderman Sisco abstained from voting and Alderman Duncan was not in attendance. The board approved amending the City Administrators duties per codes to match the current purchasing policies. City Administrator Sally Burbridge reported that all downtown right-of- ways have been approved by MoDOT and bid packets are being prepared. She estimated the construction for this project to be in the Spring of 2024.  Mayor Parker reported that Healthy Dent County will host a Witches Walk at the Tiger Trail on Saturday, October 28th beginning at 9:00 AM. He also thanked the local businesses that are participating in the scarecrow decorations. Public Works Director Mark Nash updated the board on the McDonald’s project and the electric transformer will be set soon. The Al Brown project materials are in and the electrical work on the lights will begin soon. It was also reported that the Salem R-80 Construction Trade underground electric service will begin soon.  Alderwoman Sisco reported that Healthy Dent County will host a Casino Night fundraiser on Saturday, November 4th. The Park and Recreation Board is working on a new policy to establish park access hours which they feel will help deter vandalism and vagrancy. Alderman Williams announced a Utility Committee meeting will be held tonight at 6:15 pm at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. A Board of Adjustments meeting will be held on Thursday at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meetings are open to the public. The board then went into closed session. 

An accident happened Monday evening just before 8:30 in Dent County on Route H at Route C in Lenox. According to the highway patrol report, a 1996 Toyota Camry being driven by 47-year-old Joshua Williams of Springfield, failed to stop at the stop sign, then slid off the roadway and struck a utility pole. Williams, who was not wearing a seat restraint, suffered minor injuries but refused treatment at the scene. The Toyota was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has release some reports for the final week of September and the first week of October. First on Friday, September 29th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 1400 block of W. Highway 32. During the course of the stop, a 51-year-old Arkansas man was arrested on an outstanding warrant through the State of Arkansas. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated on the warrant. Then on Tuesday, October 3rd, a deputy responded to the 200 block of Dent County Road 4155 for a reported fire. The victim, a 40-year-old Jadwin man, advised he was staying at a friend’s home when he awoke to smoke filling the residence. Based on the evidence found at the scene, an investigation is ongoing. Two days later on Thursday, October 5th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at S. Highway 19 and Dent County Road 5080. During the course of the stop, it was determined the operator, a 40-year-old Salem man, had revoked driving privileges. Charges will be submitted to the Dent County Prosecutor’s Office. Please call 729-3241 if you have information about any investigation.

The 60th Annual Rose Holland Trout Derby was held this past weekend at Montauk State Park and after cool morning starts, the weather was ideal. The Derby raised $15,490.30 which was $318 more than last year and surpassed the goal of $15,000 with the money going to the American Heart Association. The money came from the silent auction, trout tag sales, the country store, as well as from the “Current Rivers Cruisers” car show which alone raised $1,950. A total of 40 tagged fish caught as there were 722 tags sold Saturday and another 396 on Sunday. During the derby, there were a total of eight lunkers caught and none of them were by area residents. The Men’s Heaviest Trout caught was by Bill King and it was five pounds and four ounces, and the Women’s Heaviest Trout was caught by Lisa Brenneke for the second straight year and weighed in at two pounds and 11 ounces. The Heaviest Brown Trout caught during the tournament weighed in at two pounds and nine ounces by Heston Parsons. Taking First Place in the Kids Heaviest Stringer was Kason Drysdale whose stringer total was right at seven pounds. The Second Place winner in the Kids Heaviest Stringer was Cruz Derousse whose total catch weighed in at six pounds and 10 ounces, while 3rd place went to Logan Fleener with a stringer weighing in at five pounds and ten ounces. Brady Towry took 4th place with a stringer of five pounds and seven ounces. The Slippery Liz I trophy, which is the first tag drawn at the derby, went to Trenton Courtwright and Bill King took the Slippery Liz II trophy. Sixteen attendance prizes were given away. Winners from the Car Show for the “Longest Distance Drive” was Eddie Rush from Mountain View with his 1956 Ford Pickup, and the “Park’s Choice” went to Jim Stevens from Salem for his 1957 Chevy Pickup. A representative of the American Heart Association, Lisa Meagher, expressed the AHA’s appreciation of 60 years of giving in honor of Rose Holland, a trout hatchery manager at Montauk for 24 years who passed away in 1963 from heart disease. Co-cordinator of the derby, Darlene Griffith, wanted to thank all those who attended this year’s derby and all the volunteers who helped make it a great success!

The Salem Board of Aldermen will hold their regular meeting this evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. The board will hear from Debbie Murphy who wants to report on results from a survey taken. The board will discuss sending a representative to the LAGERS meeting, bids for cold mix asphalt, and hear two requests for utilities from two couples who have purchased property just outside the city limits that already has City water and sewer lines in the area. The board will also discuss Resolution 23-2023 authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement between the City of Salem and the Dent County Animal Welfare Society to provide animal control services. Three bills tabled from the September 12th meeting will be read including two rezonings on Babb Lane and one at 1209 East Scenic Rivers Blvd. The board will hear the first reading of Bill #3574 changing the amounts that require a bidding procedure to go from $3,000 to $5,000 before hearing reports of city officials. The board will then go into closed session to discuss contracts and communications with their attorney. The meeting is open to the public.

The Missouri Sheriffs’ Association in cooperation with the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Salem Police Department will be hosting a basic law enforcement training academy starting January 30, 2024 in Salem at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. The Academy will be a 700 hour course that will qualify graduates with a Class A peace officer license in Missouri. The class will meet Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6-10 pm as well as Saturdays from 8 am-5 pm and some Sundays. This is an eleven month program with a maximum of 25 students and a graduation being held in November 2024. The Missouri Sheriffs’ Association Training Academy meets and exceeds the State of Missouri’s minimum basic training requirement for peace officer certification. Graduates will be certified in several areas from report writing to arrest procedures, intake booking to inmate supervision. Driving instruction courses will be held at the Salem airport and firearms training will be held at the law enforcement firing range. The Missouri Sheriffs’ Association Training Academy (MSATA) plays a vital role in the training and education of law enforcement and emergency services professionals statewide. Registration is now open and continues through December 30, 2023. Those wishing to attend may download the application form by going to the Missouri Sheriff’s Association website at mosheriffs.com/academy. There are a variety of Tuition Options ranging from VA Benefits, to ETPW/WIOA Grants, to monthly payment plans. For more information contact Gina Kauffman at 573-635-5925 or e-mail gina@mosheriffs.com. The Salem Community Center @ the Armory is located at 1200 W. Rolla Road in Salem. Major Lenny Pabin from the Dent County Sheriff’s Office will serve as the coordinator for this academy. For questions please call Major Pabin at the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports for the last week of September. On Sunday morning near 9:00, September 24th, officers were dispatched to the 1200 block of East Scenic Rivers Boulevard for the report of a theft. It was reported that $635 worth of items were taken. This report is still under investigation. That same day, officers arrested 28-year-old Trevon Walker of Salem for having an active arrest warrant. Walker was taken to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated. Later on that same day, officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of East Highway 32 for a disturbance. Officers arrived and found a male subject that was highly intoxicated who was causing a scene. Due to other evidence that was obtained at the scene, the 40-year-old Salem man was arrested and issued a summons for disorderly conduct. On Monday, September 25th, officers took a report of a subject passing a counterfeit $100 bill at Wal-mart. This incident was captured on video and it is still under investigation. On Wednesday, September 27th, officers dealt with an intoxicated pedestrian who was threatening people at a residence in the 700 block of South Elmer. As a result of the investigation, a 43-year-old Salem man was arrested and placed on a 12-hour safekeep. Then on Friday, September 29th, officers were dispatched to 300 block of North Russell for a report of an intoxicated female causing problems at a residence and refusing to leave. Contact was made with the woman who was uncooperative and resisted arrest. She also damaged a patrol vehicle once placed in it. Due to the circumstances, the 39-year-old woman was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Later that same day, officers located and went to arrest 36-year-old Everett Martin of Salem on numerous active warrants. Initially Martin did not comply and resisted arrest, but officers were able to take him into custody. Other charges were also brought against Martin in this incident and he was incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have information on an ongoing investigation.

Usher in the fall season with this “astronomical” cultural event! Ozark National Scenic Riverways is hosting the “Alley-clipse” and Cultural Skills Demonstrations on Saturday, October 14th from 10:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon supported by the Ozark Riverways Foundation.. Witness a partial eclipse during the day’s festivities! The park will provide eclipse glasses free of charge. The partial eclipse begins at 10:30 am and peaks at 12:00 pm (noon), eventually ending around 1:30 pm. Bring a lawn chair for the show in the sky! As the partial eclipse passes overhead, demonstrators will show off skills of yesteryear. Cultural demonstrations include blacksmithing, moonshining, chair caning, lye soap making, broom making, and candle making. Visitors can try their hand at candle dipping (while supplies last), rope making, corn shelling and grinding, and walking on old-fashioned stilts. You can step back in time at Alley Mill, Alley General Store, and Storys Creek School, which will all be open for visitors. Alley Spring grounds will be decorated in the traditional fall festive spirit, with pumpkins, scarecrows, mums, and corn stalks. A perfect backdrop for fall photography! There will be no food vendors at the event which is free and open to the public. Alley Spring is located five miles west of Eminence on Highway 106. For more information, call (573) 226-3945, or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/ozar.

An accident happened in Pike County Friday afternoon at 1:30 on Highway 161 at Pike County Road 406. According to the highway patrol report, a 2002 Freightliner Columbia driven southbound by 61-year-old Robert Scherder of Middleton, Missouri, slowed to make a right had turn when a 2012 Chevy Suburban, driven southbound by 52-year-old Amy Feeler of St. James, swerved to the right striking the side of the Freightliner. Feeler suffered moderate injuries and was flown by Survival Flight to the University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia. Feeler was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident while Scherder was. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage. The Suburban was removed from the scene by Heartland Towing while the Freightliner was driven from the scene.