Local News

The City of Salem held their tax rate hearing to set the real estate and property tax rate for the year 2022 Tuesday afternoon at 5:30. One person spoke at the hearing on how the equity value of people’s homes in Salem have decreased by 3.56% according to Data USA IO and that any rate increase will hurt. The Salem Board of Aldermen held a public hearing to discuss the proposed increase in sewer rates. Three people spoke in opposition to the increase citing the low average income of people in Salem, that over 33% of residents are senior citizens who could least afford an increase, and another gave Mayor Parker six questions that she wanted answers to and said she wouldn’t pay the increase she showed a bottle of water to the audience that allegedly came from her faucet that was discolored. In the regular board meeting, the board approved the request for a permit from Chris Robbins to hold a community “trunk or treat” on Halloween from 4:00 in the afternoon until 11:00 that evening on 4th Street from Highway 19 to MacArthur. He wanted the permit to facilitate groups in the area which the board approved. After the consent agenda was approved, the board approved Bill #3515 creating an ordinance that will raise the cemetery fees for the Cedar Grove Cemetery beginning January 1st, 2023; approved Bill #3516 to create an ordinance to raise the business license fees from $25 to $35 starting January 1st, 2023; approved Bill #3517 amending the annual budget for the City beginning July 1, 2021 to adjust appropriations for the electric reserve, sewer D&R and sanitation funds; and the board approved Bill #3518 that created an ordinance setting the tax rate of 67.46 cents per $100 assessed valuation for real estate and personal property in the city for General Revenue purposes. That is the same rate as last year. As per the state auditor’s calculations, the city could have raised the tax rate to 69.31 cents per $100 assessed valuation but elected to keep the rate lower by a 2-1 vote with Alderman Kinerk voting no. Public Works Director Mark Nash presented bids for a new sprayer and the board went with the bid from Salem Farm Equipment for a Cimaran CMLS-PCO 200 Sprayer for $3,921. That price was below the budgeted amount of $5,000 and came with a two-year warranty. They also approved the bid from Airgas for a Miller Welder which is a commercial welder for $6,854.57 which came in under the budgeted amount of $7,000; approved the purchase of new tires for the cemetery and street department vehicles from Jet Tire and Auto for $3,274.24; and the board approved the bid for a new pad mount transformer for the Al Brown Field lights from T&R Electric for $15,718 that has a three-year warranty. Finance Director Stacey Houston presented the board with an updated financial report and discussed the status of some of the funds. Terry Moore from ESP updated the board on the HVAC work which is complete at the administration building, city hall auditorium, police station and about 80% done at the Armory. He said the door and window replacement is virtually complete with a punch list on the buildings, while the tuck and point just got started at the Armory and is over 80% done on all the other buildings. He said the light poles have been set at the Al Brown Fields and the light controls have been installed. A bid for the electric hookups at Al Brown Fields will be done through ESP by Hawke Electric. Jeff Medows from Archer Elgin said the Wastewater Plant Permit draft has been done and will be reviewed before being submitted to DNR next week. The ARPA Application for a five-million-dollar grant has been submitted to help pay for the $9.4 million cost of the Phase 2 improvements. The city will know by late October if they have been chosen to receive the competitive grant. Medows said the Highway 72 and Route J sewer extension is done and the lift station at the hospital has been tested. The new pump station on Route J is still on order and work is being done on the Jennifer Street drainage project. Medows said the TAP Grant for the downtown revitalization continues and they will need to get easements from the property owners. He also said an ARPA fund application has been put in for Well #9 and the elevated storage tank. Mayor Greg Parker said he was going to get with the county and is trying to address the homeless situation and all the camping going on in town. Public Works Director Mark Nash said the water department continues to work on water leaks, the street department is clearing out ditches and the electric department has a couple poles to change. Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge said the industrial park sign will have to be relocated off the highway right-of-way, the final grading by Godi’s Excavating at the certified site began Tuesday, and Burbridge said a draft of the answers to the two questions the state Department of Economic Development asked on the certified site will be reviewed and before being sent off this week. The board then went into closed session.

A public hearing will be held by the city of Salem Planning and Zoning Commission this evening at 6:00 in the city hall council chambers at 202 North Washington. The purpose of the meeting is to give all interested parties the opportunity to be heard on a request by Mark Bottomley for a use permit for an Air BNB on property located at 901 North Main Street. Immediately following the close of the public hearing, the Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public meeting in the city hall council chambers to either accept or reject the conditional use permit. Following that meeting, the City of Salem Airport Board will meet at 6:45. The board will hear updates on the fuel tanks, consider the purchase of new credit card readers for the fuel system, the Schwartz hanger, and the new hanger project. Also on the agenda is the gate opener, pilot lounge, routine airport maintenance, and other business. The hearing and meetings are open to the public.

The public is invited to a farewell reception for City Administrator Ray Walden Thursday afternoon and evening from 3:00 until 6:00. The “thank you” reception is to salute Walden for his 11 years of dedicated service to the City of Salem and the local community. The reception will be held at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory located at 1200 West Rolla Road in Salem and it is open to everyone.

A public hearing will be held by the city of Salem Planning and Zoning Commission, Thursday evening at 6:00 in the city hall council chambers at 202 North Washington. The purpose of the meeting is to give all interested parties the opportunity to be heard on a request by Mark Bottomley for a use permit for an Air BNB on property located at 901 North Main Street. Immediately following the close of the public hearing, the Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public meeting in the city hall council chambers to either accept or reject the conditional use permit. The hearing and the meeting are open to the public.

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees held their regular meeting and tax rate hearing on Thursday, August 23rd. During the tax rate hearing documentation was shared from the State Auditor’s Office indicating the tax rate ceiling for the coming year was the same as last year at 0.0959 cents per 100 assessed valuations. After discussion the Board agreed to set the tax rate at 0.0959. DCHC Administrator Zach Moser presented the communicable disease report which included 157 COVID-19 cases for July and 70 for June, no cases of Influenza A, and no animal bites. Moser reported on the recent FDA and CDC authorization of the COVID-19 vaccine for ages 6 month and older as well as the Novavax, a COVID-19 vaccine that uses traditional vaccine technology. He said the Pediatric C19 vaccine is available at the Health Center and Walmart, and that adult vaccine is available at the DCHC and all local pharmacies. Moser also indicated that the number of tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomonas are up. Individuals who think they might be infected can call the DCHC at 573-729-3106 to set up an appointment for testing and treatment. In the diagnostics report Moser said that 157 blood draw appointments were completed and the DCHC can conduct most tests at reduced cost for those without insurance. There were 163 COVID tests during the month. COVID tests are $10 for rapid antigen test, $35 for COVID/FLU combo test, and $50 for molecular C19 Test. Most people can qualify for free testing and no doctor’s orders are required. Moser said that 104 COVID-19 vaccines were administered, plus 157 other vaccines and 16 courses of monoclonal antibodies were given. There was a total of 592 appointments during the month, 76 of which were with April Greener, NP. Assistant Administrator Roma Jones gave the environmental report and said she conducted 5 inspections and fielded 11 environmental questions. In the Administrators report Moser said that the only item left on the construction list was installation of the remainder of the new flooring, plus they are awaiting installation of the new electronic sign. He reported that the Health Center’s new nurse practitioner, April Greener, DNP, started seeing patients on July 5th and she has been wonderful to work with, plus patients seem to like her. Moser said that the Childcare Subsidies Program is still awaiting a working contract template for childcare providers before that program can be initiated and a draft contract has been obtained, but no final copy has been received. He reported that the Tardiness Policy adopted by the Board in June has had the intended effect and has greatly improved the on-time attendance rate of staff. Moser pointed out that the new phone system has become operational, that the DCHC had another successful direct mailing campaign, and that the changes in the COVID-19 guidelines eliminated quarantine periods for exposures. However, people who test positive must isolate for at least 5 days. He noted that the DCHC will have a booth at the Girls’ Night Out on September 15th and the Health Expo on October 13th. The Board heard a presentation on the Dent County Treatment Court from Kelly Smith and had an opportunity to ask questions. Nurse Practitioner April Greener also made a presentation on addiction in general. The Board went in to closed session where they unanimously approved a pay increase for a specific employee. They also unanimously approved the implementation of the urine screening program in conjunction with the Dent County Treatment Court. Dent County Health Center expenses for June and July were approved and the next regular meeting of the DCHC Board was set for September 13th, due to Girls’ Night Out on the 15th.

An accident happened at 12:40 Tuesday morning in Maries County on Highway 28 three miles north of Highway 63. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 Kawasaki motorcycle being operated northbound by 22-year-old Austin Watring of St. James, struck a deer in the roadway causing the vehicle to overturn. Watring suffered minor injuries and was taken by a private vehicle to Phelps Health in Rolla. The Kawasaki sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by a private party. The report went on to state that Watring was wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting at the Dent County Courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams shared with the commission the amount of CART taxes received this month which came to $67,226.14. That is $5,136.92 more than the August amount for 2021 and year-to-date, CART funds are up $31,594.43. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray indicated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5610 and 6040 while brush was going to be cut on county roads 5170 and 5180. He also said crews would be checking for washouts on some roads in the southern part of the county. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated materials were being added and grading was being done on Dent County Road 2240 while only grading was being done on county roads 4040 and 4280. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported he attended the Sustainable Ozarks Partnership meeting in Pulaski County which is an area wide support organization for Fort Leonard Wood. The group is proactive in addressing issues that affect Fort Leonard Wood and was instrumental in the fight to keep Fort Leonard Wood from being closed during the last Base Reduction and Closure window. He also said he attended Senator Blunt’s Agriculture Advisory meeting at Sedalia last Thursday. Skiles said Senators Blunt and Hawley spoke along with Congressman Jason Smith, Billy Long and others. Skiles said the new extrication equipment has arrived and training was provided to the fire departments at the Dent County Fire Department in Salem. Skiles said he wanted to thank Whitaker’s Towing for providing vehicles for the practice work and training, and then removing them after training. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the tax rate hearing would be Thursday at 10:00 for four county funds: the General Revenue Fund, the Road and Bridge Fund, the Senate Bill 40 Fund and the Senior Citizen Service Fund. The total assessed valuation for the county is $194,819.992 for 2022 which is up from the $179,762,905 from 2021. The tax rate hearing is open to the public. Curley said the last day to register to vote for the November election will be October 12th. Curley said she would be attending the mandatory county clerks meeting next week in Springfield. She stated there will be no commissioner meeting on Monday, August 29th and the courthouse will be closed on Labor Day, September 5th. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

An accident happened in Reynolds County on Route N about four miles south of Steelville Sunday evening just after 7:00. According to the highway patrol, a 2014 Honda Pioneers UTV driven northbound by 32-year-old Richard Troutt of Lesterville, went off the right side of the roadway and overturned, ejecting the driver and a passenger. Suffering serious injuries was 30-year-old Austin Halbert of Steelville, who was flown by Survival Flight 1 to Mercy Hospital North in St. Louis. The driver, Richard Trout, suffered minor injuries and sought his own treatment. Neither Trout nor Halbert were wearing safety equipment. The Honda UTV was totaled and was removed by the owner.

An accident happened Sunday afternoon at 4:10 in Crawford County on Highway 19 about three quarters of a mile south of Steelville. According to the highway patrol report, a 1984 Honda Moped driven southbound by 48-year-old Lisa Ellis of Steelville, attempted to make a U-turn and overturned. Ellis suffered moderate injuries and was transported to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan by the Steelville Ambulance. Ellis was not wearing any safety equipment. The Moped had minor damage and was driven from the scene.

At the Creative Arts Center Wednesday night, they will hold a Mordiford (Heart) Wheat-Weaving Class from 6:00 until 8:00 in the evening. Led by Suzanne Douglass, this activity is perfect for children and adults. Come learn and enjoy the art of wheat weaving! Wheat weaving artist Suzanne Douglass will walk you through the creation of a beautiful Mordiford Heart. The cost is $25 and that includes supplies. Call or text the Creative Arts Center at 573-247-0651 to sign up for events! You can go online at salemcommunitybetterment.com and look under programs for the Salem Creative Arts Center at 204 South Main Street in Salem.

At the Salem R-80 Board of Education meeting last Thursday, the board accepted the resignations of Randy Mackley, Kim Harris, Janae Williams and Alisha Gallagher. In closed session, the board approved the hiring of Phillip Karr as a middle school physical education teacher, employed Kim Moser as William Lynch Elementary Librarian and Art Teacher, and employed Kathleen Palmer as a Special Education teacher at the Salem Upper Elementary School. The board also approved extra duty contracts for the Building Project Coordinator and District Improvement Coordinator, approved a staff member as an SPO, and approved moved four employees to the approved stipend over the minimum salary of $38,000. The meeting was then adjourned.

An accident happened Friday morning just after 8:00 in Phelps County on Interstate 44 westbound at the 182-mile marker. According to the highway patrol report, a 2014 Dodge Ram being driven by 33-year-old Tommy Snyder of Salem, was stopped in traffic due to a previous accident that had occurred ahead. Snyder was struck from behind by a 2018 Subaru Legacy being driven by 19-year-old Collin Reando of Herculaneum. Three occupants of the Dodge, 27-year-old Joseph Snyder of Steelville, 27-year-old Jeordan Thompson, and 40-year-old Keith Bailey, both of Cuba, all suffered minor injuries and were taken by Phelps Health EMS to Phelps Health Hospital for the treatment of minor injuries. The Subaru was totaled and removed from the scene by D & D Towing while the Dodge was able to be driven from the scene. All involved in the accident except for Keith Bailey were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held their tax rate hearing and then their regular meeting Thursday evening at the District Administrative Offices. The board approved the tax rate of $3.20 which is made up of the state minimum tax levy of $2.75 per $100 assessed valuation and a debt service of 45 cents per $100 assessed valuation. This is the same as the tax rate for last year. In the regular meeting, Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed said work on the Tin Gym project will begin August 29th with some earth moving. The exterior will be almond with navy blue trim while the interior will be navy blue on the lower half of the walls with white on top with the green turf. She said the HVAC work is about 90% complete and the roofing should be done by the start of school. Power washing was also done to some exterior parts of the upper elementary school and ag building. Reed said an invitation only fundraising dinner will be held at the Salem United Methodist Church Monday night in an effort to raise the funds needed for the Construction Trades Building. The YOP Tax Credits will end September 30th so funds will have to be raised quickly. She also said the cost of building plans was estimated by Corky Stack at about $73,000. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Nathan Wills said Tiger Training was held on August 15th and 16th with 21 teachers who received tours, trained on the R-80 instructional SIS system and the teacher evaluation system. He also reported restraint training was held Tuesday and Wednesday at the Upper Elementary, and on Thursday, there were scenarios run that meeting is both open to the public. featured the city police, deputies from the sheriff’s department, as well as forest service and conservation agents. Next week shooter training will be held at two buildings on Monday and two buildings on Tuesday. The building principals gave their reports and the Upper Elementary has 341 students registered with more still coming in, the Middle School had 266 students and the high school had 633 students. The board approved the 2021-2022 Secretary of the Board Report that showed Fund 4 now with 4.2 million dollars, approved the board policies removing sick days and changing them to personal days as well as phasing out the sick leave pool, and they approved an out-of-state trip for the choir, preferably to Orlando in April for a national competition. The trip will include 18 students and 4 or 5 chaperones. The board discussed a bid for the baseball field that came to over $44,000 for the infield repair, dugout and fence repair. Athletic Director Clay Moody said he has a “Plan B” that would include work on the dugouts by the construction trades program; plus have maintenance do some fence repair and possibly get pads to be installed behind home plate. The board made no motion on the bid, and it died for a lack of a second. The board approved the updated back to school COVID policy SRCSP with some changes based on recent federal guidelines. The board approved contracting with HTK to create preliminary plans for the new elementary school. The board also approved opening an account that parents and staff could deposit funds to pay for their meals. Parents can still pay by check or cash. The board then went into closed session.

The City of Salem will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, August 23rd at 5:45 in the City Hall Council Chambers to discuss sewer rates for the City of Salem. The meeting, called by Mayor Greg Parker, is open to the public. Following the public hearing, the board will hold their regular meeting at 6:00. They will hear from Chris Robbins at 702 South Warfel who would like to organize a community “trunk or treat” that would be held on 4th Street downtown on Halloween. After the consent agenda, the board will hear Bill #3515 that would create an ordinance amending the cemetery fees charged by the city; hear Bill #3516 that would create an ordinance amending the fees charged for business licenses in the City of Salem; hear Bill #3517 that would create an ordinance amending the annual budget increasing revenues about $160,000 and decreasing expenses by $200,000 with the appropriations being made to the electric reserve, sewer D&R and sanitation funds; and Bill # 3518 that would create an ordinance setting the tax levy for the year 2022 with a tax rate of 67.47 cents per $100 assessed valuation for real estate and personal property within the City of Salem for the General Revenue Fund. The board will hear bids presented by Public Works Director Mark Nash on a sprayer, a welder, cemetery and street vehicle tires, and new pad mount transformer for the Al Brown Fields. The board will also hear a report from Finance Director Stacey Houston before hearing reports from City Administrator Ray Walden, Mayor Greg Parker, Public Works Director Mark Nash, Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge and the aldermen if they so choose. The meeting will then be adjourned. The public hearing on sewer rates and the regular board meeting are both open to the public.

The Board of Directors of Salem Memorial Hospital District has announced the appointment of Wayne Reid, MBA as the hospital’s new Chief Executive Officer beginning Monday, August 29th. Reid started his healthcare career in the Air Force and brings more than 30 years of hospital operations and leadership experience. He has worked in for-profit and faith-based, non-profit health systems. Prior to his appointment here in Salem, Reid served as CEO of Select Specialty Hospital in Charleston, West Virginia. Additionally, he has worked as Chief Operating Officer for Mercy Health hospitals in Ohio and Kentucky and as well as the Vice President of Ashland City Hospital which is a critical access hospital in Ashland City, Tennessee. Reid, his wife, Tammy, and two of their sons are looking forward to relocating to the Salem area.

The Dent County Commission met for its regular meeting Thursday morning in the courthouse. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles was absent as he was attending Senator Roy Blunt’s Agricultural Advisory Committee meeting. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley appointed District Two Commissioner Gary Larson to serve as acting Presiding Commissioner. In the road report, District One Commissioner Wes Mobray said that grading would be done on Dent County Road 6110, plus rock would be added to county road 5600 and two graders would be grading that road. He also said brush would be cut on county road 5170. Commissioner Larson said that grading would be done on Dent County Road 3175, plus materials would be added and grading would be done on county road 2240. He reported that he had a backhoe and operator on county road 2070 cleaning out a clogged bridge. Larson also reported he had a man out on vacation and another out on sick leave. Curley reported that bills were being approved by the Commissioners for payment. Sherman Odom came by to invite the Commissioners to Monday’s Construction Trades and Technology invitation-only fundraising event. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk was in to update the Commissioners on Monday’s delinquent tax sale at 10:00 at the Courthouse. She said she has five parcels of property and one mineral rights for the sale and owners have until sale time to come by and pay their taxes to avoid the sale. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The City of Salem Board of Alderman will hold a public tax rate hearing to set the rate on real estate and personal property tax for the year 2022 on Tuesday evening at 5:30 at the City Hall Council Chambers. The assessed valuation for real estate increased from $38,476,523 for the 2021 tax year to $38,739,742; and the personal property assessed valuation increased from $11,174,307 for the 2021 tax year to $14,259,883 for the 2022 tax year. The total taxes for the 2021 tax year came to $49,650,830 and $52,999,625 for the tax year 2022 After adjustments for new construction and improvements, the assessed valuation for taxes for the tax year 2021 came to $48,958,630 while the assessed valuation for the 2022 tax year increased to $49,669,699. The proposed rate for the 2022 tax year comes to 67.46 cents per $100 assessed valuation that will generate $357,535 in fund for the General Revenue Fund. The meeting will be open to the public.

The Creative Arts Center at 204 South Main Street in Salem will host a Scratchboard Art Workshop on Monday from 5:30 until 8:30. Led by Patty Burmeister, come and learn to work in this interesting medium. You will begin working on a black surface and reveal the white surface underneath by etching to create unique textures and a variety of line thicknesses. Cost is $25 with supplies included. Signing up for events is easy! Call or text 247-0651, or go online at salemcommunitybetterment.com and look under programs for the Salem Creative Arts Center.

The Salem R-80 Schools will hold open houses on Monday, August 22nd. The William Lynch Elementary School will have an open house from 5:00 to 6:30, the Upper Elementary School from 5:30 until 7:00, and the Salem Middle School and High School will have their open house from 4:00 until 7:00 with food trucks and other activities on the circle drive. The first day of school will be Wednesday, August 24th.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital will hold a Community Blood Center of the Ozarks blood drive today starting at 9:00 this morning until 2:00 this afternoon at the hospital library. While supplies last, there will be free t-shirts and also two tickets to the Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield. Masks are required at the hospital. Call 417-227-5006 to make an appointment.

Healthy Dent County is bringing a new family program to Salem. The seven weeks of the Strengthening Families program will help you learn tools, skills, and strategies to build a stronger family. This program is designed for all families and provides an opportunity for families to strengthen relationships by opening up the lines of communication. It is fast-paced and offers practical information using videos, discussions, learning games, and family projects. Families who attend have fun while they learn strategies for helping their child make positive decisions in the face of increased peer pressure. This seven-week program will begin on September 13th and run every Tuesday evening through the week of October 25th from 5:00 to 7:30 at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory located at 1200 W. Rolla Road. A family meal will be provided at each of the seven sessions, along with weekly giveaways and a program completion reward for each family that completes the series. Childcare for younger siblings is also available. This program is supported by a community partnership between Healthy Dent County, Four Rivers Community Health Center, and MU Extension and is free for ALL families of youth 10 to 14 years old. Enrollment forms are available by contacting Healthy Dent County at 573-729-8163 or stopping the Salem Community Center@The Armory.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded nearly $2.4 million in financial assistance to the city of St. James for upgrades to its wastewater treatment system. The project is estimated to total just over $2.7 million and is expected to be completed by August 2023. Among an array of system improvements, the project will include construction of a new wet-weather screening structure, a chemical disinfection facility for wet weather flows and a comprehensive sludge pumping system. All improvements will be made on the city’s existing facility site. The project is expected to result in improved wastewater treatment system efficiency so that it can continue serving the city well into the future. The project’s funding consists of a nearly $2.4 million loan through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, in addition to the city’s local share of $352,017. The total project cost is estimated at just over $2.7 million. The funding provided by the department is estimated to save the city’s ratepayers approximately $733,000 in interest over the loan’s 20-year term. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund finances improvements to wastewater treatment facilities, sewer collection systems rehabilitation and extensions, combined sewer overflow corrections, and security, efficiency, and conservation measures.
Communities who borrow from the fund benefit from the below-market interest rate and from assistance provided throughout their project from a helpful department project manager. The department is committed to assisting Missouri communities with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. Through its Financial Assistance Center, the department provides funding opportunities for qualified communities with water quality, wastewater and drinking water infrastructure needs. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. For more information on wastewater and drinking water funding opportunities, visit dnr.mo.gov

MoDOT’s waiver and special over width permit allows drivers in Missouri to obtain the permit at no cost. Haul hay loads of up to 12 feet and 6 inches in width for blankets. Haul hay loads up to 14 feet in width for single trip permits. Move hay during holiday periods and at night. At night, or when visibility is less than 500 feet, drivers must use a reflective, oversized load sign and clearance lights instead of the normal flags required at the edges of the load. Drivers must adhere to all permit requirements, such as using proper signing and lighting and stopping at weigh stations. Drivers should also be advised that most of the southeastern United States is currently under a quarantine zone for imported fire ants, which can be easily spread through the movement of hay. Farmers and ranchers who believe they have received fire ants in a shipment of hay should call their local University of Missouri Extension agent as soon as possible. To obtain a permit, hay haulers should visit www.modot.org/mce to login to order hay permit or permits, or if you are not a regular user of MoDOT Carrier Express to find the link to obtain a Customer ID and password to have access to the MoDOT Carrier Express online. You will need the make, license plate number and vehicle identification number of the power unit and provide the farm business name and address. MoDOT permits cover movement within Missouri only and are required for each truck. Please call MoDOT’s Motor Carrier Services office at 1-800-877-8499 if you have questions.

An accident happened in Crawford County Wednesday afternoon at 1:55 on the Land Town Loop Road about three miles east of Leasburg. According to the highway patrol report, a 2021 Mack Granite driven westbound by 50-year-old Wesley Littrell of Leasburg, and a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix driven eastbound by 44-year-old Keith Griffin of St. James, each failed to maintain their lane and the vehicles struck each other. Suffering minor injuries was a passenger in the Pontiac Grand Prix, 31-year-old Patricia Pendleton of Steelville. She sought her own private care. Everyone involved in the accident was wearing a seat restraint. The 2021 Mack Granite had minor damage and was driven from the scene, while the 2004 Pontiac sustained moderate damages and was also driven from the scene.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray was not in attendance due to his appearance at the Missouri State Fair and Road Supervisor Jason Akins gave his report. He said grading was going to be done on Dent County Roads 5600 and 6080 while brush would be cut on county road 5440. Akins also said excess brush was going to be moved away from the edges of county road 6055. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said materials would be added and grading would be done on Dent County Roads 3130 and 3180 while only grading would be done on county roads 3135, 4290 and 4340. Larson said materials would also be added to Dent County Road 2340 and possibly to county road 2240. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting Thursday in St. James and introduced Sally Burbridge. The committee re-elected officers and they were the same as last year. Skiles stated the committee looked at unfunded projects to see if any of them had moved up on the priority list, but there were no changes so the Crooked Creek Bridge on Highway 19 south is still a priority in the STIP plan. Skiles indicated the External Relations Committee meeting was held and they discussed the annual awards dinner to be held October 13th in Vienna. At the Meramec Regional Planning Committee meeting, the members heard about the different opioid programs the MRPC has worked with in trying to bring that situation under control. The MRPC also gave Ray Walden a plaque for his 11 years of service. Skiles said he would be attending Senator Blunt’s agricultural advisory committee meeting Thursday in Sedalia and will not be at the commissioners meeting. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported she balanced with the county collector and assessor on all collections, add-ons, and abatements for the month of July. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a few reports for the second week of August. On Monday, August 8th, a deputy took a report for a stolen firearm from a vehicle. The incident took place in the 18000 block of S. Highway 19 between July 31st and August 7th, 2022. The firearm was entered into the national database as stolen. No suspect information was available. Then on Wednesday, August 10th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at East Third and North Warfel St. During the stop, a 53-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having their license suspended or revoked. The subject was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, photographed, and released on citation. The next day, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 4900 block of North Highway 19. During the stop, a 66-year-old Salem man was arrested on an active Phelps County warrant. The subject was transported to the Dent County Jail for processing. On Friday, August 12th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on East Fourth Street. During the stop, a 25-year-old Salem man was arrested for a DWI and for the possession of a controlled substance. He was transported to the Dent County Jail for further investigation and the issuance of formal charges. Later that day a deputy took a report for an identity theft. The victim, a 39-year-old Bunker woman, reported that an unknown person had used her personal information to open an unauthorized bank account. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 573-729-3241 if you have any information on any ongoing investigation.

Mayor Greg Parker called a special meeting of the Board of Aldermen of the City of Salem for Tuesday evening at 6:00 in the City Hall Council Chambers located at 202 North Washington. After roll call, the board will go into closed session to discuss personnel and contracts. The closed session is NOT open to the public.

The South Central Community Action Agency is accepting applications for Head Start and Early Head Start for the 2022-23 school year. Children for Head Start must be three or four years old where Early Head Start accepts infants and toddlers up to the age of three. Please call to schedule an appointment for either program at 729-3188 and speak with Nancy at Extension 11 or dawn at extension 13. When you set up your appointment, you will need to bring proof of income for the last 12 months, proof of SNAP, proof of birth date, Social Security Cards for all members of the household and the child’s current immunization record. They do accept 10% of children with special needs or children with severe disabilities. The Head Start and Early Head Start are federally funded programs and are provided at no cost. There is not transportation provided for the early Head Start Program while transportation may be provided for the Head Start Program.

The next Mudbugs activity will be Thursday afternoon at 2:30 at the Bonebrake Center. Thursday is MUD DAY! Yes, there will be mud, and if the kids don’t get at least a little muddy, they’re not doing it right! So, wear old clothes. We’ll keep the hose close to rinse off. The plan is to walk the grounds, collect some natural “stuff”, and use mud and the stuff to make some “tree spirits”. Bring your creativity! If there is time, the kids will make some “Hairy” mud critters to take home and watch grow. And of course, popsicles! Hope to see you there!

Preslie Strader, daughter of Willie and Stephanie Strader, is the exhibitor of the 2022 Grand Champion market lamb at the Missouri State Fair. Preslie is from Salem and is a member of the Salem FFA Chapter. Preslie’s prize-winning market lamb weighed 147 pounds. Preslie also received the Missouri State Fair Reserve Champion Showmanship Award. On Saturday, August 20th, Preslie will sell her lamb in one of 16 lots offered in the Missouri State Fair Sale of Champions. Proceeds from the annual sale benefit both the winning exhibitors and the Missouri State Fair Youth in Agriculture (YIA) Scholarship Program, administered by the Missouri State Fair Foundation. Congratulations Presley!

An accident happened in Iron County at 7:52 Thursday evening on Highway 32 about 7½ miles east of Bixby that took the lives of two men from the area. According to the highway patrol report, a 1997 Chevrolet Silverado driven southbound by 65-year-old Keith Johns of Salem, crossed the centerline and struck head- on a 2006 Chevrolet Escape driven northbound by Daniel Martin of Viburnum. Both Keith Johns and Daniel Martin were pronounced dead at the scene by the Iron County Deputy Coroner Johnny Setzer. Both bodies were transported to the Iron County Morgue in Pilot Knob by the deputy coroner. Suffering serious injuries were two passengers in the Chevy Escape: 40-year-old Sharon Davis of Farmington and 21-year-old Devin Martin of Fredericktown. Davis and Martin were flown by Air Ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. According to the report, Keith Johns and Devin Martin were not wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident while Sharon Davis and Daniel Martin were. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Adam’s Wrecker in Arcadia.

An accident happened Saturday afternoon at 5:38 in Dent County on Route K about a mile south of Jadwin. According to the highway patrol report, 26-year-old Brittany Taylor of Salem was driving a 2001 Dodge Ram southbound when she ran off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. Taylor suffered minor injuries and was transported to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by a private vehicle. Taylor was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The highway patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at the scene.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will be meeting Tuesday night at 6:00 at the hospital library after their tax rate hearing which is to be held at 5:45 in the hospital library. After the roll call, the board will hear the Administrator’s report from Interim Chief Executive Officer Don Babb. The summary of operations and statistics for the month of July will be presented by the Chief Financial Officer JoeAnn Hammond. Chief Nursing Officer Ashley Sullins will give her report followed by a report on the hospital foundation as well as the marketing and community perception report. The Board will then address any old business, followed by new business including purchases and an update on the meet and greet with Delta Regional Community Health System Development Program. The board may go into closed session if needed. The regular meeting of the Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors is open to the public.

The Salem R-80 School District will hold their tax rate hearing for 2023 tax rate on Thursday afternoon at 5:45 at the district administrative offices. The current tax rate for the school district is $2.75 per $100 assessed valuation with a 45-cent debt service levy for a total of $3.20 per $100 assessed valuation. The total assessed valuation for the district for the 2021-2022 school year was $72,693,570 that generated $2,326,194. The expected tax rate to be set for the 2022-23 school year is again $3.20. The amount of the assessed valuation for the 2022-23 school year is $78,528,420 which would generate $2,512,909 for the district with the $3.20 rate. The hearing is open to the public at 1409 West Rolla Road.

The Doe Run Company is pleased to share another successful summer with a near record- breaking number of interns. This summer, 29 college-level students are receiving hands-on experience working alongside the company’s talented employees as part of The Doe Run Company’s internship program. The opportunity to learn outside the classroom and apply concepts is a great way for these young minds to prepare for their future careers in mining, engineering, and geology. This year’s intern class includes students from 15 colleges and universities in 10 states, including 16 students from Missouri schools. Internships are offered at Doe Run’s Southeast Missouri Mining and Milling Division, Exploration Department, Research and Technical Development Center, the Metals Division, and corporate office. The majority of the interns are working in Doe Run’s Exploration Department, where they will help analyze and digitize historical drilling data. Doe Run Interns gain hands on experience in the mining and metals industry. Mining is a thriving Missouri industry. The mining sector is expected to grow to 671,300 jobs by 2030, a 17% increase compared with 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees will hold a tax rate hearing this Thursday evening at 5:00 at the Dent County Health Center located at 1010 E Scenic Rivers Blvd. The hearing is open to the public.

The City of Salem Utility Committee met Wednesday night but did not have a quorum. Even though no decisions could be made to recommend to the Salem Board of Aldermen, Chairman Kyle Williams handed out budgeted numbers for the month of July where the expenses and revenues were reviewed for the electric department as well as water and sewer department. Also distributed was the report on the consumption of electricity and costs by the city for the first six months of the year as well as comparison rates for electric and water to other rural cities. The committee went through the water fund budgeted numbers that showed the current rates are currently covering the costs of the city to maintain the water distribution system. Williams discussed doing a tour of the water treatment plant, but City Administrator Ray Walden relayed that maybe a drone visit may be better for the committee members as recommended by Jeff Medows of Archer-Elgin. The committee discussed including the utility committee meeting dates on the monthly utility bill that goes out, but Public Works Director Mark Nash said that he was told that would create a two-page utility bill if the information were to be included on the bill. There was discussion of using an insert, possibly having the meeting dates printed on the envelope as well as on the back of the bill, but Nash said the Salem News, KSMO Radio, Your World Today, Facebook and the city’s website do a good job of providing the public the chance to find out the information about city meetings. Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge said an insert concerning the discontinuation of the brush and limb pickup by the city in January could include the information, but there was no formal determination by those in attendance. After a discussion about commercial electric rates that compared numerous towns to each other, Nash reported there are so many different ways that towns determine their commercial electric rates that there is no specific solution that will fit all needs. The meeting was then adjourned.

An accident occurred Wednesday evening around 5:10 in Dent County on Route HH about a tenth of a mile south of Salem. According to the highway patrol report a 2005 Chrysler Town and Country Van driven by 32-year-old Allie Haines of Salem was travelling southbound at a high rate of speed. The Chrysler had a blow out, Haines lost control, ran off the left side of the roadway, and overturned. Haines suffered serious injuries and was flown by Phelps Health Air Ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia. She was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Chrysler sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by American Muffler.

An accident occurred Wednesday afternoon at approximately 3:20 in Dent County on Highway N about 4 miles east of Highway 19. According to the Highway Patrol report an eastbound 2011 BMW R12800GS Motorcycle, driven by 64-year-old Donald Lipe of Elsberry, struck a deer in the roadway and Lipe was ejected from the motorcycle. He suffered moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to Salem Memorial District Hospital. The report stated that Lipe was wearing safety devices at the time of the accident. The report went on to say that the motorcycle sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

In the 2022 State by State Bill Pay Market report, it was calculated that Salem residents pay $1,574 per month on the ten most common household bills. This is 7.7% lower than the state average of $1,706 per month on those same bills, and 21.4% lower than the national average of $2,003. Salem is the 49th most expensive city in Missouri for household bills while the state of Missouri is the #40 most expensive state for household bills. The City of Rolla came in as the 41st most expensive city in the state for household bills paying $1,627, and Salem is way below Branson who came in as the 6th most expensive city in Missouri for household bills where residents pay an average of $2,028 per month.

The Salem Community Choir will return to perform a concert Sunday afternoon at 2:00 on the Courthouse lawn. Selections being performed include “Dry Bones,” two Irish numbers, a salute to Judy Garland and selections from popular television shows. There is no charge to attend, and everyone is welcome. Refreshments will be served by the Cosmopolitan Club.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors is holding a public hearing on Tuesday, evening at 5:45 at the SMDH hospital library at which time citizens may be heard on the property tax rate proposed to be set by Salem Memorial District Hospital, a political subdivision. The tax rate shall be set to produce the revenues for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023. The tax rate is determined by dividing the amount of revenue required by the current assessed valuation. The result is multiplied by 100 so the tax rate will be expressed by cents per $100 valuation. The real estate estimated assessed valuation for 2023 tax year is $196,858,606. The estimated assessed valuation of real estate for tax year 2022 was $194,023,384. The personal property estimated assessed valuation for 2023 tax year is $95,083,891 for tax year 2022 was $72,179,651. The amount of property tax revenues projected for 2023 with the assessed valuation is $700,662. The hospital board has proposed a tax rate for 2023 of 24 cents per $100 assessed valuation which is the same as the tax rate for 2022.

Come out the Salem Community Center@The Armory for a back-to-school fair this Saturday from 9:00 in the morning till 12:00 noon sponsored by the South Central Missouri Community Action Agency. There will be school supplies, local vendors, socks, underwear, backpacks, and so much more. Contact Sarah Arnett to register at 573-729-3500, Ext. 10; e-mail her at sarnett@scmcaa or you may register at the event. Please bring proof of existence for all household members.