Local News

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting Tuesday evening at 6:00 at 202 N. Washington in the Old City Hall Auditorium. After the Call to Order, the Board approved the agenda and the consent agenda. Rob Benowitz approached the podium, during Public Comments, and asked if the Park Exposé portion of The 100 Acre Wood Rally Race, hosted yearly by the City of Salem, could be moved from 4th Street to the area surrounding the Courthouse, due to the ongoing construction on the sidewalks. The Board agreed to add this topic to the agenda for the next regular meeting. During New and Miscellaneous Business, the Board approved the bid from Sunbelt Solomon in the amount of $17,500.00, to replace the old transformer at the Al Brown Fields that was damaged by the flood in November. This money will come out of the Parks and Recreation Fund. The Board heard the first reading of Bill #3640, which would create an ordinance to amend the 2024-2025 annual budget for the City of Salem, increasing revenues by $731,260.60 and increasing expenditures by $360,002.29. Finance Director Stacy Houston explained that the quote for the City’s General Liability insurance came in after the budget was approved and was much higher than what they had originally budgeted for; the budget adjustment will also reflect some insurance reimbursement funds received from claims submitted after hail and storm damage, and funds that were approved, by the Board, from the previous year’s fund balance. The Board also heard the first and second reading of Bill #3639 that would establish an ordinance to allow the board the option to waive fees to collect yard waste by the city after a storm. This bill was approved, however, at this time, there is no set date for when the yard waste pick up will be. After hearing the first and second readings of Bill #3641, the Board approved the contract with Midstate Pipeline Maintenance, LLC for the Salem Waste Water Treatment Facility Phase 2A improvements in the amount of $4,204,916; The Board approved Bill #3638 for a change order for the cost of the elevation storage tank for the new tank and well project with a cost increase of $12,765. Bill #3630, establishing a service availability fee for sewer services provided by the city, and a payment structure based on the size of the meter, failed due to lack of motion. During the reports of city officials, Public Works Director Steve Paine stated he has put out a request for bids to replace the fencing around the plant that was destroyed in the November flood, and he is working with Houston to collect the necessary documentation to submit the claim for FEMA reimbursement. Paine stated the recent DNR inspection went well; the City’s water loss is at 11%, which is down from 17% at the last inspection. Paine stated they continue to work on finding and repairing leaks. Stacy Houston presented the finance report, in which she stated that the 2024 audit results will be presented at the next Board of Aldermen meeting. With no other reports, the meeting went into executive session to discuss contracts and personnel before adjourning.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital board of directors held their regular meeting Tuesday evening at 7:00 in the Doctors’ Library. After roll call and approving the agenda and past minutes, Chief Executive Officer Brooke Bollman gave her report, in which she stated that due to the current presidential administration’s freeze on federal spending, most grants to the hospital will be halted, and the subsequent effects on the Hospital’s income will remain to be seen. (Since this meeting, however, a federal judge has temporarily blocked the presidential administration’s freeze on federal grants). Bollman stated they are still in active negotiations agreements with Phelps Health with no projected timeframe for completion. The Board approved the monthly financials. In the month of December, inpatient admissions, outpatient registrations, and ER visits went up slightly, and there were 213 ambulance runs. Total operating revenue for the month of December was about $2.4 million. Bollman noted a marked decrease in salary expenditures and a rather large increase in the hospital’s health insurance, and stated it may benefit the hospital to discuss implementing an employee health program. Total operating expenses were around $2.4 million for a net profit of $199,308.85. In December, the 340B program saw a net profit of $26,670, and the hospital currently has 24 days cash on hand. During the Chief Nursing Officer’s report, Amber Hogan stated there are many nursing positions open, they are providing IV push education to LPNs, and have submitted two applications for the Dent County Opioid Relief Settlement. The hospital hired one new employee but lost 11. New changes to the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) will be implemented in 2025, including: changes to several questions, the ability to fill out the survey by proxy, and the method of contacting patients. Thanks to ToRCH funding, which is not part of federal grants and should not be affected by the spending freeze, the hospital’s MO Kiosk Pilot Project has been implemented. Services include: applying for benefits, requesting new EBT and Medicaid cards, and checking case statuses. The Board approved privilege requests for three doctors within the Telepsychiatry and Teleradiology departments, and approved funding for the new PFT Machine through the Bank of Salem at 7% for 5 years with a monthly payment of $1341.67 with no early payoff penalties. The total cost for the new machine will be $67,756.95. The Board voted to create a subcommittee to review the hospital’s various policies and procedures and make recommendations for board approval. Before adjourning, the meeting entered into executive session. The next regular Board of Directors meeting will be held the evening of Tuesday February 25th at 7:00 in the Doctors’ library. The regular meetings are open to the public.

The Dent County Sheriff’s office released these reports. On Friday January 17th deputies responded to the 500 block of County Road 5200 for a wanted subject. The suspect, a 33-year-old Rolla woman, was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Dent County Jail. The next day on Saturday January 18th deputies responded to Montauk State Park for a reported trespassing. Deputies discovered two males’ suspects had moved barriers and entered the park, which is closed to the public due to flooding damage. Charges are pending against 50-year-old St. Louis man and 70-year-old Byrnes Mill man. The next week on Monday January 20th deputies responded to Salem Memorial Hospital for a wanted subject.  The suspect, a 38-year-old Salem woman, was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Dent County Jail. Later in the week on Thursday January 23rd deputies responded to 500 block of County Road 6303 for a forgery complaint. The victim, a 45-year-old Salem woman, alleges a check she had mailed was altered. The investigation is ongoing. If you have any information on an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s office at # 573-729-3241.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture has suspended all poultry and waterfowl auctions, shows, and swap meets in counties with confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) cases. Federal officials have identified HPAI in commercial poultry flocks in Newton, Jasper, McDonald, and Lawrence counties. Missouri State Veterinarian Steve Strubberg stated, “The Missouri Department of Agriculture is working hard to contain and eliminate the HPAI virus. Restricting the comingling of poultry is crucial to stopping the spread of avian influenza in Missouri.” Poultry can still be sold and exhibited in unaffected counties with strict biosecurity measures in place. Producers should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds; and report sick birds or unusual death increases to the state veterinarian’s office at (573) 751-3377. HPAI is a contagious viral disease known to be deadly for domesticated poultry. It has impacted poultry in all 50 states since first confirmed in the United States in 2022. The suspension will extend to other counties if additional cases are confirmed in the coming weeks. More information is available at Agriculture.Mo.Gov.

The Mark Twain Beekeepers will be holding a beginner’s beekeeping class on Saturday, February 22nd at the Salem Senior Center located 604 N McGrath Lane from 9:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon. The cost is $55 per person or $90 for couple or a duo. You will learn all facets of starting your own bee colony and hear from a number of speakers. Lunch will be provided, and you won’t leave hungry. Please register by Saturday, February 1st by calling Gregg at 573-689-2254 or e-mailing marktwainbeekeepers@gmail.com. Your registration will include the name, address and phone number of all who are attending.

Dent County Assessor Jamie Homeyer wants to remind everyone that you should have received your annual assessment form that lists your personal and business property for 2024. These forms were mailed just after the first of the year and they are due on Saturday, March 1st. Those forms MUST be in the Dent County Assessor’s Office by that day or postmarked that day to avoid paying a penalty. You may drop off your assessment list at the assessor’s office at the courthouse and they are open from 8:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon, weekdays. There is also a drop box on the front lawn of the courthouse for your convenience if you can’t make it by until after hours. You can also mail in your assessment list forms but make sure you have the postal clerk postmark your envelope. You can also e-file your assessment list form online. Just follow the instructions on the assessment form you received in the mail. If you have lost your assessment list form or never received one, or you are new to the area, additional blank forms are available at the Dent County Assessor’s Office in the Dent County Courthouse. The penalty for not getting in your assessment form on time is determined at $10 per every $1,000 of assessed valuation with a maximum penalty of $100 if you have assessed valuation of $10,000 or more.  If you have any questions or need assistance with the form, call the Dent County Assessor’s office at the Dent County Courthouse at 729-6010 or stop by during regular business hours at the corner of Highway 19 and 4th Street in downtown Salem.

The National Forest Service has scheduled a controlled burn this morning starting at 11:00 in Reynolds County about seven miles east of Bunker. The burn will cover approximately seven hundred acres. Controlled burns are only held when conditions allow, and should winds or humidity change before 11:00, the burn could be postponed.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse where Amanda Sapaugh from the SB 40 board was in to ask that Phil Christensen, Ron Hutson and Stephanie Floyd be re-appointed to the board. Her request was granted unanimously by the commissioners. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams reported on the CART taxes received by the county in January. This month, Dent County received $85,533.40 while last January, the county received $78,575.56. Stan Podorski from KSMO Radio informed the commission of the visible deterioration on the cap on the gazebo in front of the courthouse. The commission said they would check on it. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said workers continue to service a dump truck. He also stated that if they can get the brush cutter started, they will begin to start cutting brush in District 1. Green said rock would be added and graders would be out working on select FEMA roads. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 3355, while only grading would be done on county roads 3350, 4020 and 4260. Williams went on to say brush would be cut on county road 4320, and a different dump truck would be sent to Gahr Equipment in St. James for repairs. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson had no report, and County Clerk Angie Curley said taxing entities have until end of business today to get in their certification for the April Municipal Election. She said she attended and sworn in on the Missouri Association of Counties board last Thursday in Jefferson City. She said they heard from Trent Watson, Steve Hobbs and attorney Travis Elliott, plus the board was updated on the NACO activities. She hopes to be able to attend the NACO Conference in July. Curley said she is finishing the financial statements that will need to be published in the Salem News by March 1st. Commissioner Williams wanted to thank the public for the good turnout at the budget hearing last Thursday which he felt went very well. Questions from the public were answered and he said he was glad to see previous commissioners in attendance at the hearing. Commissioner Larson also said the 2% COLA increase for office holders was investigated and found that it was allowable as that was approved in 2023 for 2024, and with no salary commission meeting held to change any salaries, that same approval carried on to 2025 budget. At the last meeting after the budget hearing, the commission agreed to put out bids for culverts and grader blades that will be due in the commissioner’s office by March 3rd. The culvert bids will be opened at 10:30 and grader blade bids will be opened at 11:00. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley detailed four criminal cases heard by Judge Michael Randazzo in the 42nd Judicial Circuit Court. Jeff Wakenight of Summersville, previously convicted of felony driving while revoked, violated his probation by breaking state laws. Prosecutor Curley recommended a 4-year sentence under RSMO 217.362, a long-term treatment program involving at least 12 months of incarceration. Wakenight initially sought continued probation but was instead sentenced to 4 years in the Department of Corrections under RSMO 559.115, including a 120-day shock incarceration program. Christopher Black of Salem faced probation revocation on two felony charges: tampering with a motor vehicle and possession of methamphetamine. Specific violations included two instances of methamphetamine use and failure to complete court-ordered community service. Prosecutor Curley sought concurrent 7-year sentences under RSMO 559.115. Despite the state’s objection, Black was continued on probation with a suspended sentence, resulting in felony convictions and a mandatory 5-year probation term through the probation and parole department. Hunter Meade of Salem, on felony probation for heroin possession, was previously ordered to complete the Dent County Alternative Treatment Court. After unsuccessfully terminating from the program, Meade was sentenced to 7 years in prison, as recommended by Prosecutor Curley. Amber Good of Davisville pleaded guilty to distributing 0.2 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover taskforce officer. During her January 22nd sentencing hearing, Good was sentenced to a 10-year suspended sentence. With no prior criminal history, she was placed on 5 years of probation and will serve approximately 90 days in Dent County Jail.

An accident occurred in Dent County Sunday morning at 2:20 on Highway 19 four miles north of Salem. According to the Highway Patrol report a northbound 2021 Nissan Versa, driven by a 22-year-old Salem man, traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. The man suffered minor injuries and sought his own treatment at Salem Memorial Hospital. The report stated that the driver was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Nissan was totaled and removed from the scene by Hayes Auto Salvage.

The Dent County Commission held their 2025 budget hearing Thursday morning at the Dent County Judicial Building. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson presided over the hearing. The General Revenue Fund ended 2024 with net cash available at $2,583,638.27. The estimated revenues for 2025 are $2.505 million dollars while estimated expenses for 2025 are expected to be $2.960 million dollars. This would result in an estimated ending balance of $2,128,313.58 as of December 31st, 2025. Former county commissioner Darrell Skiles questioned the proposed cost of living increase for elected officials without a salary commission meeting in 2024 which is required by state statute to determine an increase, if any. The statute says that without a salary meeting being held, officer’s salaries will be the same as before. The commission said they would check that out and see if the COLA increase based upon previous salary commission meeting minutes is permissible. The Road and Bridge Fund ending cash balance in 2024 was $368,939.36. The commissioners have estimated revenues in 2025 at $3.054 million dollars, and estimated expenses of $3.031 million dollars. This would result in an estimated ending balance of $391,454.36 at the end of 2025. Major expenses will include the road repairs from the November flood of which many will be reimbursed through FEMA, but in what time frame will the money arrive. The Assessment Fund ending balance for 2024 was $110,370.76. The estimated revenues for 2025 came to $237,516.00, and with estimated expenses of $297,327.42, an estimated ending balance at the end of 2025 of $50,559.84 would be expected. The Law Enforcement Sales Tax (LEST) Fund ending balance in 2024 was $889,803.90. With estimate revenues in 2025 expected to be $1.232 million dollars and estimated deductions of $1.410 million dollars, this should leave an estimated ending balance of $711,046.92 at the end of 2025. The 9-1-1 fund had an ending balance of $57,441.13 in 2024. With expected estimated revenues of $35,001 in 2025 and estimated expenses of $45,500, there would be an expected ending balance at the end of 2025 of $46,942.36. The Jail Construction and Operations Fund finished the 2024 year with cash available of $2,442,035.45. The fund is expected to have revenues in 2025 of $2.383 million dollars, and with estimated expenses of $2.674 million dollars, that would leave an estimated ending balance of $2,150,892.19 at the end of 2025. The Jail Construction Trust Fund finished 2024 with an ending balance of $1.672 million dollars. The commissioners estimated revenues of $1.145 million dollars, and with anticipated expenses of $1.360 million dollars, that would leave the fund with a projected ending balance of $1,457,644.37 at the end of 2025. The budget for 2025 was then approved unanimously by the commissioners with the salary increase contingency for the elected officials. The hearing was then adjourned. 

On January 24, 2025, Sheriff Bob Wells and Prosecutor Andrew M. Curley presented a check for the sum of $415.60 to Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams to be placed into the general revenue fund for Dent County. The money is the result of efforts by law enforcement involving the seizure of firearms and prosecution of a James M. Larson for an arrest that occurred on April 30, 2024. James Larson was prosecuted for unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. In addition to the criminal conviction, the seizure is authorized by Missouri law as a punishment and deterrent to persons that commit a criminal offense. This money will be used for the benefit of Dent County Government.

MoDOT has scheduled road work. In Dent County, roadside work is planned for Routes 32 and H. The Route 19 bridge replacement project at Standing Rock Creek continues, with intermittent lane closures expected through May 2025. In Crawford County, Interstate 44 will undergo pavement repairs from mile marker 224 to 214. Route 49 roadside work is planned from Route 19 to Route Y during the same period. In Phelps County, projects include bridge maintenance on Route 63 at Yancy Mills, culvert replacement on Routes H and M, and roadside work on Routes E and CC. Outer Road 44 will see bridge maintenance starting this week until February 7.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning at the courthouse. Corky Stack with AEA Stack Design Company was in with his company’s final bill for the work on the courthouse as well as the release of the retainage to Alexander Construction. Stack said the county held out $10,005.19 retainage to pay for any last-minute repairs or oversights, and the commission approved paying the retainage less any expenses to Alexander Construction. They also approved the last bill from AEA Stack Design Company of $138 for the project. Denver Ellis asked the commission about the new water tower the city is putting up out by the hospital and if the commission had checked with the city to see if that was going to affect residents in the area. Former Commissioner Wes Mobray was in attendance and said he spoke with the city about it as well as reviewed the engineers reports which stated there would not be a problem as the municipal well will be deeper than most residential wells. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said maintenance work was being done on a grader and then a dump truck. He also said crews would be working on doing the FEMA estimates for the road repair work that has already been done as well as work yet to be done from the November flood. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said brush would be cut on county road 4370, and rock was being added to county road 2070. That road is being worked on to repair it from the damage of the November flood. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson was to attend the MRPC Day at the capital Tuesday but was unable to attend due to a special meeting called by the commission. At that special meeting, the commission approved to raise the Emergency Management Director’s salary during this time where he is putting in the extra time for the FEMA Disaster work for the flood to $20,000 a year. Once the disaster reporting is complete, the salary will return to $3,300 per year. Deputy Clerk Melissa Piatt said Dent County Clerk Angie Curley was attending the Missouri Association of Counties Board meeting Thursday in Jefferson City, and following the approval of the budget, bills would be paid. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public. 

The Salem Police Department has recently released their report for the month of December. The department responded to 10 accidents during the month. Officers responded to seven alarms sounding and addressed 18 animal calls, investigated two assaults or fights, two burglaries, performed 13 well-being checks and 11 area checks in December. Police investigated seven domestic disputes, six verbal disturbances, conducted 27 follow-up investigations, and provided 16 escorts. They investigated three fraud reports, a parking complaint call, an intoxicated pedestrian report, one peace disturbance report, three shoplifting reports and three property damage reports. The Salem Police wrote seven stealing reports, five trespassing reports, responded to seven traffic complaints and assisted four motorists. Officers responded to three reports of suicidal persons, 12 suspicious circumstance calls, nine suspicious person calls, and seven suspicious vehicle calls. Officers attempted to serve ten warrants and conducted 35 traffic stops during the month. The police responded to a total of 390 incidents in December with the average response time to calls being one minute and 56 seconds. The average time spent on the scene was 32 minutes and five seconds. If you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation you can contact the Salem Police Department by calling their non emergency phone number at (573) 729-6550 or speak with them in person at 500 N. Jackson Street in Salem.

Volunteers for AARP have been helping Dent County Citizens with free tax filing assistance at the Salem Community Center@ the Armory. You still have time to make your appointment, but the earliest date for an appointment is now February 7th. Appointments can be made by calling the Salem Community Center at 729-8163 through April 4th. This local service is provided entirely by AARP trained volunteers and will be the 21st year that Healthy Dent County has partnered with AARP to provide this free tax service to our community. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers are trained in filing certain tax forms and schedules, including the Form 1040. However, the Volunteer Protection Act requires that our volunteers stay in the scope of the program. If counselors feel they do not have adequate knowledge or your return is too complex, you may need to seek another qualified counselor or paid tax assistance. Items you will need to bring with you to have your tax returns prepared include: Proof of identification such as a picture ID; Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents; or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration. You should also bring birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return. Also needed are wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-Misc from all employers; year-end Social Security Statements showing total SS received and Medicare payments; and interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099). You should bring a copy of last year’s federal and state returns if available; plus proof of bank account routing numbers and account numbers for Direct Deposit, such as a blank check or deposit slip. To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms. The Salem Community Center @ the Armory is located at 1200 West Rolla Road. Appointments can be made by calling 729-8163. 

The Dent County University of Missouri Extension Council election will end at 4:00 on Friday, January 31st. Dent County voters will have the opportunity to elect members to the University of Missouri Extension Council of Dent County in January. The council has two positions that need to be filled in the Northern District, five in the Central District and two in the Southern District. Voting may be done at the Dent County Extension Center in the Judicial Building at 112 East 5th Street on the second floor of the Judicial Building. Completed ballots can be mailed to the Dent County Extension Center, 112 East 5th Street, Suite 4, Salem, MO 65560. You can also drop off ballots at the office between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Thursday. Ballots must be returned by 4:00 on January 31st. Candidates this year include Krystal Sims and Karla Tiefenthaler in the Northern District; Cathy Burrus and Sierra Connell in the Central District; and Lyndsey Loughridge and Mackenzie Wulff-Peterson in the Southern District. If you have any questions, please call the Dent County Extension Office at 729-3196.

A hands-on workshop on prescribed burning for grassland management will be held Saturday, February 8th from 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon and is being organized by the Missouri Department of Conservation. This workshop is offering essential training on planning and executing controlled burns safely and effectively. Prescribed burns are a valuable tool for maintaining native plant diversity and managing invasive vegetation, but improper use can ineffective or dangerous. This workshop will cover burn equipment, weather conditions, ignition techniques, and fire line installation. Participants must complete the online “Official Missouri Prescribed Burn Course” before attending. The course, hosted by a third party for a $25 fee, takes about 2-4 hours to complete. A certificate of completion and mileage sheet must be presented at the in-person field day. Attendees should dress appropriately for the burn, including leather boots, gloves, cotton pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and safety glasses. In the event of inclement weather, participants will be notified via email. The workshop is open to adults 18 and older, with registration cancellations accepted through February 7th. For more details visit mdc.mo.gov and select the “Events” link. To complete the required online course, visit hunter-ed.com/prescribedburn.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors have called for a special meeting this evening at 7:00 in the Hospital Library. After the call to order, roll call and approval of the agenda will be Public Comments/Presentations. Speakers must sign in and will be limited to a time limit of 3 minutes. No old or new business is scheduled and there will be an Executive Session for discussion with Legal Counsel. Any person that would like to attend by telephone or electronic means should contact the SMH Administration office at 573-729-6626, extension 4005, to obtain access information.

An accident occurred in Phelps County Monday afternoon at 2:58 on eastbound I-44 near the 183-mile marker. According to the Highway Patrol report a 1997 Pontiac Grand Am, driven by a 46-year-old Rolla male, lost a tire, traveled off the left side of the roadway, overturned and struck a group of trees. A passenger, a 14-year-old Rolla male juvenile, suffered minor injuries and was transported by Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health. Another passenger, a 49-year-old Rolla female, suffered moderate injuries and was also transported to Phelps Health. The report stated that none of the three occupants were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Pontiac was totaled and removed from the scene by Ron Dishman Towing.

The Doe Run Company and its employees showed support for local communities in 2024 through food drives, event sponsorships, and charitable activities. Throughout the Southeast Missouri region, the company and its employees closed out the year collectively donating nearly $92,000 and devoting more than 545 hours to help a variety of local charities. As part of this charitable initiative, Doe Run’s Buick Resource Recycling Division and Southeast Missouri Mining and Milling teams collectively donated $10,000 to the Old Miners’ Day Committee, and $5,000 to the Salem Community Center at the Armory. These teams made additional donations to the Dent County Trunk or Treat event, Viburnum Sports Club and Salem High School Project Graduation. Leading up to the holidays, Doe Run employees contributed more than 1,300 canned and dry goods to the Disabled Citizens Alliance for Independence food drive in Viburnum. Through the “Santas for Seniors” program, Doe Run employees donated $800 worth of gifts to the Guardian Angel Settlement Association, and by donating $537 worth of toys and gifts to children in need through the Iron County School District’s adopt-a-family program. Throughout the year, volunteer hours were devoted to these organizations as well as a variety of additional community events, including Trash Bashes at Sweetwater, Casteel and Buick sites, and organizing and staffing the Spring Rocks ‘n Roll event at the Missouri Mines State Historic Site. Additional donations were made to the Missouri University of Science & Technology for STEM summer camps, VFW Post 6660 of Reynolds County, Reynolds County Sheltered Workshop, Reynolds County Rotary Club, Bunker Volunteer Fire Department, Bunker R-3 School District, Valley R-6 School District, backpack programs at local schools, the Iron County Fair Board, Shriners Hospital, Ellington Chamber of Commerce, Viburnum Lions Club, multiple community sports teams, as well as school band programs and more.

The Dent County Health Center is providing warming items for those in need with winter coats, gloves, mittens, hats and NEW socks. They will continue to provide the service this year. If you would like to help restock the items people have already picked up, you can donate gloves, mittens, all sizes of hats, new socks and blankets. For more information, to donate items or to make monetary donations for staff to purchase items for the warming center at the Dent County Health Center, or if you need someone to pick up your donations, feel free to call them at 729-3106 or stop by the Dent County Health Center on Highway 32-72 East.

The Dent County Commission will hold a special meeting will be held this morning at 9:00 to discuss the Emergency Management Director salary for budgeting. The meeting is open to the public at the Dent County Courthouse.

An accident occurred Saturday morning at 10:00 in Texas County on Highway 137 three miles north of Raymondville that left two Salem residents with minor injuries. According to the Highway Patrol report a northbound 2008 Toyota Prius, driven by a 54-year-old female, traveled off the right side of the roadway impacting a metal sign and a tree. The driver, along with a 48-year-old male passenger, were both wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Toyota was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing at the owner’s request.

The Dent County Service Unit of The Salvation Army would like to announce that they have successfully reached their Christmas Kettle Campaign goal of $37,500. Along with the monetary donations received this year, nearly 180 local children were adopted at the Angel Tree that was located at Wal-Mart. The local Salvation Army Board would like to thank everyone who made monetary donations and/or who adopted an angel. They also extend their greatest appreciation to the dedicated volunteers that took time out of their busy holiday season to ring the bells at the kettles. The community’s continued generosity will be distributed throughout 2025 to those in need in Dent County. If you would like to find out more about the Salvation Army Service Unit helping during the 2025 holiday season with bell ringing, please call 573-729-8163.

The Salem R-80 School district held their regular meeting Thursday evening at 5:30 in the district office. After approving the agenda and consent agenda, the board recognized Salem Middle School students Braxton Hopkins, John Kiser, and Jermaine Watson for their work on Tiger Talk Middle School News Production, and received an update from Cahill’s Construction regarding the FEMA building. During the Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Nathan Wills addressed various CSIP Goals and provided updates on the high school men’s restroom. He also acknowledged significant donations totaling $126,000, including $58,000 from the Dragonfly Wing Foundation, $50,000 from the Judson Young Foundation, and $8,000 from Mary Coffman for the Construction Trades Building, and $10,000 from the Judson Young Foundation for the Family and Consumer Science Program. In New Business, the board approved several items, including MSBA Policy Updates, the Conflict of Interest Ordinance, and a transfer of $148,796 from Fund 1 to Fund 4 for food service purchases. The board then moved into Executive Session to discuss student and personnel matters before adjourning. 

Each January, EPA seeks to raise awareness of radon exposure during National Radon Action Month, encouraging residents to protect themselves and their families by having their homes tested for the presence of radon. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. If left untreated, radon can build up indoors, leading to adverse health effects. After smoking, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., taking the lives of approximately 21,000 Americans every year. Radon exposure is a preventable health risk, and testing for radon can help prevent prolonged exposure. It is estimated that on the average, one in three homes in Missouri have dangerously high level as of radon. You can check the EPA’s website to view a map of Radon Zones for Missouri. The EPA recommends taking action to fix your home if you discover radon levels above 4 picocuries per liter. If your home does have elevated levels of radon, a qualified professional can install a system to lower your indoor radon levels. For more guidance on how to address radon risks, see the EPA’s radon website.

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees met Thursday evening, January 16th at 5:00. Administrator Zach Moser presented the Service and Statistics report. In the Communicable Disease Report, he stated that due to the departure of the Communicable Disease Nurse there were no COVID-19,  lead, Influenza, or animal bite reports, however there were 8 screenings for sexually transmitted infections, but total tests were not reported. The environmental report by Assistant Administrator Roma Jones showed there where 11 total inspections conducted, no recalls, one sewer complaint, and 14 environmental questions were fielded. The Maternal-Child Health (MCH) statistics showed there was no car seats distributed, two CPR Courses conducted, no consultations for Childcare Health, no Show-Me Healthy Women appointments, 10 Title X appointments, 3 Presumptive Eligibility (Temporary Medicaid), and 334 WIC appointments. The Community-Specific Services Summary showed 419 total appointments other than WIC, 161 total provider appointments, 111 treatment court visits, 157 lab appointments and 86 immunization appointments. Nurse Practitioner Service Details showed no Show-Me Healthy Women appointments, 1 family planning, no well-child visit, 6 online appointments, no other well-woman exams, no other physicals, 3 SEMO physicals, 11 other visits, and 39 acute illness appointments. Physician Service Details showed no well visits, 3 online appointments, no other physicals, 9 SEMO physicals, 35 other visits, and 54 acute illness appointments. Laboratory details showed 145 individual patients, 19 appointments for Rapid Test for COVID, Flu, RSV or Strep, 2 pregnancy tests and 5 lead tests reported. Immunizations for December totaled 43 for COVID-19, 37 for Influenza, and 113 other vaccines given for a total of 193 total doses given. In the Administrator’s report, Moser reported that the Health Center Lead Assessor had passed her tests. He reminded the Board that community members can bring in items to be tested with the XRF scanner to see if they have lead. Moser went on to report that the Health Center would conduct a Health Fair May 2nd, plus with the purchase of the property at 1014 East Scenic Rivers Boulevard the conference room had been moved to the new building and the old conference room had been set up for office space. He reported on the ToRCH grant the Health Center received to support a DCHC Dietitian. The Board moved to approve the addition of the dietitian position. Moser gave a summary of other grants which had been applied for or were in process, including a proposal sent to the Opioid Settlement Board for Dent County as well as a partnership grant between Health Dent County, Salem Memorial Hospital and DCHC. Financial reports showed the Health Center revenue for FY24 was $1,766,750.66 and expenses were $1,369,203.88 for net revenue of $397,546.78. Financials were reviewed and approved. No closed session was held. The next regular meeting of the Board was set for Thursday, February 20th at 5:00.

The Creative Arts Center in Salem will hold a Winter “Paint N’ Sip” class on Friday, January 31st from 6:00 until 8:30 with Danielle Norris. Come and paint a winter scene with a cardinal complete with glitter! Bring your bestie, your favorite snack and a beverage of your choice! Adults only. The cost is $25. The class is open adults only. All supplies are included. There must be six people sign up to hold the class and it will be limited to 20. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning at the courthouse. Bob Gravely Jr. was in and had questions about how the budget is prepared by the commission. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson and County Clerk Angie Curley explained the process starts about two months before the end of the year, then officer holders will receive income and expense reports in December for the current year before submitting their budget requests to the commission for the next year. The commissioners review all the requests and then may ask the office holders to come into a regular meeting to discuss their needs before a tentative budget is prepared. The public hearing to approve the budget will be held on Thursday morning at 10:00, January 23rd at the commissioner’s office in the courthouse at which time the commission will go over key points of the budget before it is approved. Grant Wilson from Congressman Jason Smith’s Rolla office was in and congratulated Commissioners Keith Green and Jimmy Williams on taking office. He said the 119th Congress has been busy passing FEMA bills with bi-partisan support to help expedite claims and hold them accountable for getting to the stricken areas to assess the damage and provide help to those citizens. He also said they have passed bills on not allowing men to participate in female sports, and for the United States to enter into a tax treaty with Taiwan that should help decrease the reliance on China. Wilson said they are working on a bill that would extend the Trump tax cuts, reduce spending and work on the energy situation, but that is still being discussed in Congress. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said workers will be picking up a truck that broke down on the way to Knapheide in Jefferson City to have the salt spreader installed and are bringing it back to the shop for repairs. He also said crews would be out checking roads for slick spots. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said workers are spreading salt and sand on remaining slick spots, doing some minor grading, and cutting brush and low limbs on county road 4330. Commissioner Williams said the county is waiting on bids to extend the warranty on the Caterpillar graders from Fabick as the warranty has already expired. Gary Parker also came in and said there is ice on a hill as well as on a bridge on Dent County Road 5225, and Commissioner Williams said he will have someone check that out. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he and Commissioner Green attended the FEMA meeting Tuesday. He said Dent County sustained between six and seven million dollars in road damages, and after meeting with the FEMA officials, the county will address the damaged roads and bridges in projects. According to Commissioner Green, crews will be doing repairs one project at a time, then submitting the paperwork necessary to be reimbursed before moving on to the next project. He said a project may be six or seven roads, or could just be one bridge, depending on the severity and the costs associated with making the repairs. He said this is the only way the county can afford to make the needed repairs without having to borrow money. Clerk Angie Curley said the preliminary county budget is available in her office and can be picked up, or you can contact them and they can e-mail you the budget. Call 729-4144 for more information. She also said tax entity certifications are due by January 28th in her office. Curley went on to say the courthouse would be closed on Monday, January 20th for Martin Luther King’s birthday. She also said she would be attending a Missouri Association of Counties Board meeting on Thursday, January 23rd. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning, January 23rd at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.