Local News

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning for their regular meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray appreciated getting the rain but rock will need to be added to a number or roads that were graded recently that became a bit soupy from Wednesday’s rain. He said brush would be cut on Dent County Road 6110 and shop maintenance will be performed including changing a flat on a truck. He also said crews would be out picking up trash and tires as well as putting up missing or stolen signs. District 2 commissioner Gary Polk indicated grading would be done on Dent County Road 4300 while brush was going to be cut on county roads 3260, 3270, 3273 and 3275. Polk said work crews would be stockpiling rock at the maintenance shed. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he would be attending the MRPC Dues Committee meeting on Wednesday, October 11th at 2:30. Larson said it will be a busy weekend with the Rose Holland Trout Derby at Montauk State Park, Old Miner’s Days in Viburnum, a flea market at the Dent County Commons and the Community Wide Yard Sale in Salem. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she balanced with the collector and assessor on all collections, abatements and add-ons for the month of September. Doug Barnes from Town and Country Bank brought in the paper work and check for the lease/purchase of two new John Deere graders from McCoy Construction and Forestry. The county does not yet have the graders as they should be delivered in the next couple of weeks. The commission also wanted to let the people know they can still comment on the Highway 19 Bridge at Standing Rock until the 13th of this month. You can e-mail your comments to CDCR@modot.mo.gov or mail them to Dent County Route 19 Standing Rock Creek Project, c/o MoDOT, 1511 Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City, MO, 65102. If you haven’t seen the exhibits that were presented at the open house, they are available on the project’s webpage at www.modot.org/missouri-route-19-bridge-replacement-over-standing-rock-creek-dent-county. Larson said the courthouse would be closed for Columbus Day on Monday so the next meeting of the commissioners will be Thursday, October 12th at 9:00 at the courthouse and it is open to the public.

The 60th Annual Rose Holland Trout Derby will be held today through Sunday at Montauk State Park. Derby fishing hours on both Saturday and Sunday will begin at 7:30 in the morning. Fishing will end at 6:30 Saturday evening and at 11:30 Sunday morning. Several activities will take place in conjunction with the derby including a cruise-in car show today from 3:00 until 7:00 at the Searcy Building parking lot across from the lodge, and trout bingo with a park naturalist starting at 6:00 tonight in the campground amphitheater. Saturday there will be a “Walk and Explore For Your Heart Guided Hike” starting at 10:00 at the Naturalist office. In the field across from the mill, you can learn about and play old-time traditional and indigenous games from 1:30 to 3:00 in the afternoon. There will also be kids’ inflatables in the open field between the lodge and the mill from 11:00 to 3:00. After the auction at 3:30, set up your lawn chair and enjoy music in front of the lodge starting at 4:00 with the Current River Bluegrass Band until 5:00, followed by James VanKirk from Licking from 5:00 until 6:30. Collin Nash will then perform from 6:30 until 8:30 in front of the lodge. Finally, there will be the “Know The Dark” three-quarter mile night hike starting at 8:00 from the Naturalist’s Office. On Sunday, prizes will be awarded in front of the lodge starting at noon including attendance prizes, the kids’ heaviest stringer, heaviest brown trout as well as any tagged fish that were caught and registered. All the proceeds raised from the derby will benefit the American Heart Association.

In observance of Earth Science Week starting Sunday, October 8th through the 14th, the Missouri Geological Survey is partnering with the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center in Salem. As part of the center’s month-long exhibit on mining and geology, select items from MGS’s Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology in Rolla will be on display. Beginning during Earth Science Week, 50 free educational toolkits, donated by the American Geosciences Institute, will be available for educators at the center. Each toolkit includes maps, posters, lesson plans and booklets on Earth Science issues for K-12 students. Missouri State Geologist and MGS Director Carey Bridges said that mastering a knowledge of Earth Science issues and sharing what we learn is foundational to the mission of the Missouri Geological Survey and that during Earth Science Week, he encourages students, teachers and everyone else to visit the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center to learn more about Missouri’s amazing geology and the importance of its mining industry. He says the Earth Science toolkits are a wonderful resource for educators and include enough materials for learning beyond just a single week. Several special events are planned for the center’s geology exhibit. They include this Saturday morning at 10:00 when there will be a presentation by Donna Arthur, Missouri S&T student recruitment specialist for the Mines and Metallurgy Academy. Bob Hemmann, an exploration geologist with the Doe Run Company, will present a lecture on mining Saturday morning, October 14th, at 10:00. That program will be followed by a presentation on maple syrup in Missouri that evening at 6:00. Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center exhibits coordinator Liz Condray expressed appreciation to the Missouri Geological Survey for helping make this exhibit possible and the Center is excited to bring these educational opportunities to the region. They look forward to new ways to connect people to Earth Science topics. Condray went on to say the Center welcomes visitors and field trips if any schools would like to attend.

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways invites you to take the Current River Challenge as it passes through three amazing parks including Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Echo Bluff State Park, and Current River State Park! This activity includes three components, each measuring four miles in length. You can do the whole challenge or just a portion of it. The first segment begins at 9:00 this Saturday morning, at the Carr’s Canoe Rental Store for a four-mile guided hike from Round Spring to Echo Bluff State Park. Hikers should park in the overflow parking behind Carr’s Store. The second four-mile hike begins at Echo Bluff State Park at 11:00 that morning and ends at Current River State Park. Finally, after reaching Current River State Park, the last four-mile stretch is a float back to Round Spring that begins at 1:30 that afternoon. For visitors who only want to do part of the challenge, shuttles will be available for transport. Anyone wishing to attend the float should bring their own vessel or reserve one from a concessionaire. Hikers are encouraged to bring their lunch if participating in all three segments. Anyone completing the full challenge will receive a special award decal. All hiking activities are free to the public, and no registration is required. Always plan accordingly when hiking or participating in any outdoor recreational activity. Hikers should take weather conditions into consideration and be prepared during all seasons. Drinking water, rain gear, map, snacks, flashlight, sturdy hiking shoes, clothing appropriate for the weather and terrain, and emergency campfire supplies are recommended. For general information on each of these hikes and to get information on other upcoming fall hikes by visiting nps.gov/ozar or call (573) 226-3945.

An accident happened Wednesday morning just after 7:30 in Texas County on Highway 32 about two miles east of Licking. According to the highway patrol report, a 2011 Ford Taurus, driven eastbound by 36-year-old Laura Hughes of Licking, attempted to pass a 1990 Ford pickup being driven by 38-year-old James Bradshaw, also of Licking, as the Ford pickup was making a left turn. Hughes suffered minor injuries and was taken by ambulance to Texas County Memorial Hospital. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage with the Taurus being removed by Jays Towing and the Ford truck being removed from the roadway by a private party. The report went on to state that both drivers were wearing seat restraints. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by the Licking Fire Department.

This Saturday during the City Wide Yard Sale, the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History will be holding a native plant sale starting at 8:00 in the morning and lasting until 1:00 in the afternoon. All the proceeds raised will benefit the Bonebrake Center. The Bonebrake Center is located at the intersection of East Rolla Road and North Hickory Street.

A Car Cruise-In will be held this Friday from 3:00 to 7:00 at the Searcy Building Parking Lot across from the Dorman L. Steelman Lodge. Dash Plaques will be awarded to the first 50 registered cars and trucks. Trophies will be awarded for Montauk Park Choice, which will be chosen by Park Staff, and for the Longest Distance Driven. Outside lighting will be provided for the viewing of all the classic vehicles. For more information, contact Carl Smith, the Cruise Coordinator, of Current River Cruisers Car Club at (573) 729-7883. All proceeds raised will benefit the American Heart Association. This is a free event, however the minimum suggested donation is $10.00.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to remind the public that driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed on Monday, October 9th, in observance of Columbus Day. Normal operations will then resume on Tuesday, October 10th.

Next week from Monday, October 9th through Friday, the 13th, the GFL Green For Life Environmental Services will be providing the semi-annual residential Community Cleanup for Salem residents on your normal trash pick up day. To have your items picked up, residents should place items curbside the night before your regularly scheduled trash pickup for the week. These special Community Cleanups assist residents with the disposal of items not regularly accepted for trash pickup. It is important that residents note that there are some restrictions on the types of items that may be disposed of during Community Cleanup week. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will not allow collection yard waste (leaves, grass or twigs,) batteries, tires, motor oil, chemicals or solvents, paint, appliances or non-compactable items such as concrete, tree stumps, steel, construction debris, etc. For questions about the Fall Community Cleanup, call GFL at 1-800-926-3953 or 1-417-741-7714. If you need help with removing your yard waste such as limbs, grass bags or leaf bags, you may schedule a pickup with the City for $40 per pick-up by calling the Utility Office at 729-4117

The annual Producers Field Day for 2023 at the Wurdack Extension and Education Center at Cook Station will be this Friday from 9:30 until 12:00 noon. A variety of featured speakers will share information on topics including utilizing winter annual forages in cool-season pastures, incorporating native warm-season grasses into producers’ operations, the economics of keeping cattle through a drought, beef management during a drought with forage shortages, winter grazing grain sorghum, Missouri weather and resources, and feral hog elimination. For more information contact Gatlin Bunton, Director, Wurdack Extension and Education Center at (573) 775-2135 or online at e-mail him at buntong@missouri.edu.

Time is coming to an end for those turkey hunters who want to comment on possible changes to the spring and fall wild turkey hunting seasons, including all-day spring hunting and reduced harvest limits for fall seasons. In the nearly 20 years since the last significant regulations change for turkey hunting, much has changed for both hunters and wild turkeys as both turkey populations have declined and turkey hunting participation, over time, has also declined. According to Missouri Department of Conservation, research indicates that the current season structure, combined with the reproductive ecology of turkeys, has resulted in relatively low harvest rates on juvenile and adult gobblers over the years. This means that a small increase in the total number of the males harvested each spring would be sustainable. Extending shooting hours during the spring season may expand the opportunity for individuals to take up turkey hunting or offer more time for others to return to the field while maintaining a healthy turkey population. The department is considering changes to fall turkey hunting regulations that aim to balance the wellbeing of the turkey population while trying to maximize hunting opportunities. The Conservation Department encourages turkey hunters to go online to mdc.mo.gov/turkey-regs for more information on potential regulation changes and to provide comments. The comment period closes this Friday.

A Collage ‘N’ Sip Art Party with Lexie Mutch at the Creative Arts Center will be held Saturday evening from 5:00 to 6:00. Join us for an art night out, cutting and pasting a piece of collage art for yourself or as a gift for a friend. A man with a pansy head in suit and tie? A flower-headed women contemplating life in the cosmos? We will play with hybridization and re-contextualization. Snacks and non-spiked cider will be there ready to share! Feel free to bring your own magazines and ephemera ready to cut too (many magazines will be available first come first serve, but to ensure you’re inspired by your source materials, it may be fitting to bring your own). Let’s cut and glue a new scene or two, enjoy a laugh and the company of others! The cost is $10, there is a minimum of five attendees and a maximum of 20. This workshop is for participants 12-years-old and up. The cost is $10 per person for ages 12 and up. There is a minimum of 5 attendees and a maximum of 20 attendees. Interested persons can sign up under “Programs” at the salemcommunitybetterment.com website for activities at the Creative Arts Center.

The Salem Park Board met Tuesday at the Salem Community Center@The Armory,. At the meeting, the board voted unanimously to recommend to the Board of Aldermen to appoint Luke Heithold to the Park Board to replace Tiffin Felkerson who resigned. The other person interested in serving was Tracy Kent. The board discussed the railroad trail project with John Hambacker and Jay Anderson where they talked about signage and additional benches parallel to the trail totaling three on each side. The large 5 by 8 foot sign issue will still need to be reviewed by building inspector Jared Brown before it can be approved. The board approved allowing Hambacker and Anderson to develop a plan with Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois, then bring the final plan back to the board for their approval. The board also discussed creating a policy for the parks to set definitive hours of operation, probably 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM, and also to prevent loitering or after hour access to the park. Dubois is to create the ordinance to be reviewed by the city attorney before being brought to the Park Board for their review. The board then went into closed session.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, there was general discussion on the MoDOT open house between the commissioners and guests in which the consensus was the detour plan suggested by MoDOT would not be safe and would probably end up costing them more to repair routes K and KK than to put in a temporary bridge. You can find the same exhibits that were at the open house on the project’s webpage at www.modot.org/missouri-route-19-bridge-replacement-over-standing-rock-creek-dent-county. A comment form is located at the bottom of that page. You can also e-mail comments to CDCR@modot.mo.gov or mail them to Dent County Route 19 Standing Rock Creek Project, c/o MoDOT, 1511 Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City, MO, 65102. All comments must be received or postmarked by October 13th. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 4220, 5600 and 6470 while brush was going to be cut on county road 6420. He said if the parts come in, a radiator hose would be replaced on a county truck along with other repairs. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said crews would be installing a four-foot culvert on Dent County Road 3140 and adding rock to that road. He also said grading would be done on county roads 3220 and 3230. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said MRPC has released information for grants for small projects for museums from $5,000 to $25,000 that need no matching funds and large projects ranging from $25,001 to $75,000 with a 50/50 match. The deadline will be November 15th for those disciplines who qualify. For more information, contact MRPC at 573-265-2993. Larson also reported he nominated Chris Pollock from Technology Junkyard on Highway 72 North for a recycling award from the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Thursday at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

An accident happened in Dent County on Route O Sunday afternoon around 4:26. According to the highway patrol report, 25-year-old Dominic De Leon of Rolla driving a 2017 Volvo S80 driven northbound, lost control and the Volvo went off the left side of the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned, coming to rest facing westbound. De Leon suffered moderate injuries and was taken by the Salem Ambulance to Phelps Health. De Leon was not wearing a seat restraint. The Volvo sustained moderate damages and was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

This Friday and Saturday, the Doe Run Company and the Viburnum community will commemorate the rich mining history of southeast Missouri at the 37th Annual Old Miners’ Days Festival. The event will include two fun-filled days of entertainment for all ages, including free tours of Doe Run’s Buick Mine Saturday from 9:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon. Festivities will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display at the Airport Strip. Scott Miettinen, mine operations manager, said that visiting underground mines is a rare opportunity for those outside the industry. He went on to say that even former miners may be intrigued to learn about the technological advancements that have transformed the tools and machinery used in modern-day mining operations. That is why Old Miners’ Days is such a unique event that provides the opportunity to witness firsthand the intricate workings of a mine and the multitude of jobs and roles involved. Visitors age 12 and older are invited to explore a fully functioning mine that extends over 1,250 feet below ground by signing up for the experience at the Doe Run table at the main event site. The underground mine boasts spacious roadways that can accommodate a range of heavy machinery, from haul trucks to loaders. Visitors can also observe the maintenance shop and rock pillars filled with valuable ore. Free bus transportation will be provided to transport guests to and from the Buick mine site, which is only a short drive from the Viburnum Shopping Center. Old Miners’ Days is a festivity that honors the globally recognized mining district of Viburnum. Individuals and families alike will enjoy a diverse range of entertainment such as a grand parade, a car show, musical performances, children’s games, and food booths. All events will take place at the Viburnum Shopping Center parking lot located next to Viburnum High School. Learn more about Old Miners’ Days, including a full schedule of events, at https://www.oldminersdays.com/.

A 4-Week Stained Glass Panel Class will be held four straight Thursdays in October beginning on October 5th. You can attend classes from 1-4 pm or from 4:30 – 7:30 pm with Jennifer Curry.Learn the art of Stained Glass and create a panel of your own using the foiling technique. In this workshop, you will learn the basic stained glass techniques of scoring, breaking, grinding, foiling and soldering, and be introduced to the vocabulary and materials used while creating a beautifully designed piece. Stained glass artist Jennifer Curry will provide the professional materials and equipment, as well as the knowledge and instruction for you to have a successful and enjoyable experience. Walk-ins welcome up until the end of the first session. The cost is $150 for the 4 week class. All supplies and safety equipment are included. Two people must sign up to hold the class with no more than five per session,  Interested persons can sign up under “Programs” at the salemcommunitybetterment.com website for activities at the Creative Arts Center.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley reports on Wednesday, September 27th in the 42nd Judicial Court in front of Judge Nathan Kelsaw, Donny Boxx of Salem pleaded guilty to a new charge for the possession of a controlled substance. He had been on probation for the possession of a controlled substance which was revoked by Judge Kelsaw at the request of the prosecutor. Kelsaw sentenced Boxx to seven years in the Missouri Department of Corrections as requested by Curley and agreed to by Boxx.

The Healthy Dent County Prevention Coalition met Thursday at the Salem Community Center@The Armory for their monthly meeting. They discussed the new fiscal year vaping and THC prevention after Chief Joe Chase brought in a quart ziploc bag nearly half full of vaping devices taken from students by one instructor in one semester. One of the new programs will be trained students that will teach prevention in the area through a program called “Teens Teach Prevention.” Parents of students in the 4th through 6th grade will be receiving postcards to alert them of the danger of the vaping and THC ingestion. This will be the first of a series of four postcards that will be sent out describing the effects of THC, marijuana, alcohol and vaping. Also discussed were the many edible marijuana and THC edibles that are available which are disguised to resemble candy or snacks. Members of the coalition will hold a “Drug Takeback Day” in October and it will be at Wal-Mart and Country Mart for unused prescription drugs that people may have they want to dispose of. This is free and there are no questions asked. Healthy Dent County will continue their “Too Good for Drugs” program in the schools and they just received a new four-year grant called the “Stop Act” grant that will concentrate on underage drinking. The group received an update on the “Building Communities for Better Health” being run through the Dent County Health Department. The next meeting will be October 26th at the Salem Community Center@The Armory before the meeting was adjourned.

The Salem R-80 High School Homecoming was held Friday night before the football game between Salem and Willow Springs. The Homecoming Court was comprised of freshman attendant Kaylli Carr being escorted by freshman Maxton Schloemer, sophomore Jessie Fulton being escorted by sophomore Jayden Ard, and junior Jaydn Atkinson being escorted by junior Grant Case. The Homecoming Queen and King candidates were seniors Laney Phillips escorted by senior Nelson Brothers, senior Leya Russell being escorted by senior Jamal Metcalf, and senior Lindsey White was escorted by senior Landon Stobbs. For the first time, Salem R-80 crowned a Homecoming Queen and King. Last year’s queen Yadira Blanco crowned this year’s Homecoming Queen, Lindsey White and Nelson Brothers was named the Homecoming King. Congratulations to everyone involved in the Homecoming festivities.

A group of thirteen seventh grade students, led by high school seniors from St Louis’ John Burroughs School, were found safe after an extensive search that lasted until just before dawn on Wednesday. The children were first reported missing by school officials Tuesday evening when they didn’t return to camp as scheduled. The class was practicing “orienteering,” the use of map and compass, in a heavily wooded and rugged area near the Roger Pryor Pioneer Backcountry south of Echo Bluff State Park in Shannon County. The group was found using a thermal imaging drone that was operated by Deputy Matt Foster of the Howell County Sheriff’s Department. This device, mounted to a drone, detects heat sources from a distance. The students were located on a gravel bar on Big Creek near Dugan’s Bluff. Agencies from across southern Missouri were involved, including the Shannon County Sheriff’s Department, which managed the multi-agency search along with Pioneer Forest staff. Other agencies providing valuable assistance were Missouri State Park Rangers, the National Park Service, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Timber Community Volunteer Fire Department, Howell County Sheriff’s Department, Missouri Department of Conservation, Birch Tree Volunteer Fire and Rescue, and the AmeriCorps volunteer organization. Mercy EMS and the Shannon County First Responders provided medical support. The pilgrimage of students from John Burroughs School has been a tradition of the school since their former student, Leo Drey, donated part of the land of the Pioneer Forest to the school in 1973. Since then, more than 4,000 John Burroughs students have come to the ‘Drey Land” camp on the banks of Sinkin Creek in Shannon County. Over those years, the school has had great relationship with the LAD Foundation, with the rangers in the area and with Shannon County Sheriff’s office.

Eight Salem High School students were named to the All-District Choir for the Central Division. Named to the 2023 Honor Choir were Corby Ball, Devon Blackwell, Elijah Brakensiek and Neely Leathers who are all eligible to audition for the All-State Choir. Named to the 2023 Concert Choir were Maggie Hogan, Hannah Greener, Daniel Jennings and Seth Moore. Congratulations to these students on their achievement.

A very concerned crowd attended the MoDOT Open House held Thursday at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. The original idea by MoDOT was to close the bridge on Highway 19 for 45 days and detour traffic to Route K and KK, but according to two sources from MoDOT, they had never driven the route. They heard from numerous citizens on how those roads could not accept large truck traffic and how dangerous the hills on those roads can be during adverse weather. Those roads are also very uncomfortable for tourists or local citizens pulling campers, horse trailers and 5th wheels. Safety issues were also brought to the attention of MoDOT of the increased time it would take to try to an ambulance to get around the detour. The county commission was also asking MoDOT if they would agree to pay for any damages to other county gravel as well as chip and seal roads citizens will use in lieu of the detour and there was no answer. It was virtually unanimous by those attending that a temporary bridge should be constructed in that Standing Rock bridge area to allow traffic to continue to flow north and south. You can find the same exhibits that were at the open house on the project’s webpage at www.modot.org/missouri-route-19-bridge-replacement-over-standing-rock-creek-dent-county. A comment form is located at the bottom of that page. Additionally, comments may be emailed to CDCR@modot.mo.gov or mailed to Dent County Route 19 Standing Rock Creek Project, c/o MoDOT, 1511 Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City, MO, 65102. All comments must be received or postmarked by October 13th.

The Dent County Commissioners held their regular meeting Thursday morning at the courthouse. Thom Haines was in attendance and asked the commissioners when they attend the MoDOT meeting to request a larger bridge than the 26-foot bridge that MoDOT is proposing. This would be perfect to allow the bridge to also be used as walking or biking trail which could help with tourism, as well as a safety issue for larger trucks and people pulling their campers and 5th wheels. Haines said MoDOT has already put in a 35-foot replacement bridge a few years back in Dent County on Highway 32 East so this would not be setting a new precedent. The commission were to pass the information on to MoDOT at the meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said two graders would be virtually rebuilding Dent County Road 5690 while it is dry, plus grading will be done on county road 5600. Mobray said crews would be patching numerous chip and seal roads with the Ultimate Paving Material and picking up trash on county roads where it has been dumped. Mobray stated a crew would be working on truck repairs and he sent Town and Country Bank the VIN numbers for the new graders they are financing through a lease/purchase. One grader is in and the other should arrive in two weeks. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said brush cutting was going to be done on Dent County Roads 3220, 3225, 3230 and 3240. He also said a crew would be patching areas of Dent County Roads 2300 and 6150 with asphalt. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said Bonnie Prigge from MRPC and Preston Kramer from MoDOT would be at the commissioner’s meeting on October 16th at 9:30 to discuss the road priorities list. Curley also said she received a letter from the Missouri Department of Public Safety regarding the Meramec Plus Watershed. Dent County’s letters of final determination for the new flood plain mapping were issued on February 1st which stated the 180-day Map Adoptions period for the county. The maps became effective August 1st and now the SEMA NFIP staff will begin working with local community officials to update their ordinances. Commissioner Mobray said the county took phone bids for 1,000 gallons of unleaded gas and the low bid was County Fuels for $3.175 per gallon. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Transportation invites you to attend an open house today from 4:30 to 6:00 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory at 1200 West Rolla Road, to get public input on a planned bridge replacement project on Highway 19 South in Dent County. Feedback is needed by the everyone on the timing of a planned 45-day closure, especially from those who will most be affected, as that window has not yet been determined. Members of the project team will be there to answer questions, discuss proposed plans for the bridge, consider detour options and other construction details. There will be no formal presentation, so attendees may come at any time during the open house. Exhibits will be on display showing the current plans for the project. Comment forms will also be available at the meeting. If you’re unable to attend in person, you can find the same exhibits that will be at the open house on the project’s webpage at www.modot.org and type “standing rock” in the search bar. A comment form is located at the bottom of that page. Additionally, comments may be emailed to CDCR@modot.mo.gov or mailed to Dent County Route 19 Standing Rock Creek Project, c/o MoDOT, 1511 Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City, MO, 65102. All comments must be received or postmarked by October 13th.

FRIDAY is the last day to get your tickets for the The Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) Annual Dinner that will be held on October 26th at the Hermannhof Festhalle in Hermann. Each year, MRPC honors residents and organizations of the Meramec Region who volunteer their time, talents and give support to their communities and this year there will be 12 recipients. Some of the individuals being recognized by MRPC for 2023 contributions to their communities are: Easton May and Deloris Gray Wood of Salem were nominated by Dent County Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson; Madiline Pankey of St. James was nominated by MRPC Board Member Shane Anselm; and Rylee Krawiecki of Rolla was nominated by MRPC Board Member Shane Anselm. The public is invited to attend the event in Hermann. A reception will begin at 5:30 with the dinner, catered by The Inn at Hermannhof, served buffet style at 6:30. The program and awards presentation will follow. The Eugene E. Northern award, the highest honor given by MRPC for volunteers and community service, will also be announced at the Annual Dinner for 2023. The Eugene E. Northern award recipient is kept secret until announced at the Annual Dinner. Reservations are $40 per person and can be made by contacting Linda Carroll at 573-265-2993.

If you a person born after January 1st, 1967, and you want to hunt with a firearm alone, you must take the Missouri–approved course to complete your online hunter safety education. Hunter-ed.com is a delegated provider for the Missouri Department of Conservation. Get hunter certified in 3 steps: Study and pass the $24.95 online course, finish any other requirements and get ready to go hunting! You must be at least 10 years old to take the online course. Students who are 10 years of age may complete this course, but they must be 11 years old to take the Hunter Education Skills Session. After this course is complete and if you are 11 to 15 years of age when you REGISTERED for this course, you must pass this online course and attend the Hunter Education Skills Session to complete your hunting safety certification. Bring your student manual with you. In our area, seats are available at the Cuba Police Department for their October 12th class from 6:00 until 9:30. There are also seats available at the Ellington High School course on Saturday, October 14th, from 9:00 in the morning until 1:00. If you are 16 years-of-age or above and want to get your Hunter Education Card, you only need to pass the online test. You are NOT required to attend the skills session. For more information, visits Hunter-ed.com.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is seeking input from turkey hunters on possible changes to spring and fall wild turkey hunting seasons, including all-day spring hunting and reduced harvest limits for fall seasons. In the nearly 20 years since the last significant regulations change for turkey hunting, much has changed for both hunters and wild turkeys.Turkey populations across the country and in Missouri have declined, predictably, after a post-restoration boom. Turkey hunting participation, over time, has also declined. According to MDC, Missouri’s spring turkey hunting season, specifically the start date, was designed to take place after the peak in turkey breeding had occurred. Additionally, MDC research indicates that the current season structure, combined with the reproductive ecology of turkeys, has resulted in relatively low harvest rates on juvenile and adult gobblers over the years. This means that a small increase in the total number of the males harvested each spring would be sustainable. Extending shooting hours during the spring season may expand the opportunity for individuals to take up turkey hunting or offer more time for others to return to the field while maintaining a healthy turkey population. The department is considering changes to fall turkey hunting regulations that aim to balance the wellbeing of the turkey population while trying to maximize hunting opportunities. MDC encourages turkey hunters to go online to mdc.mo.gov/turkey-regs for more information on potential regulation changes and to provide comment. The comment period closes October 6th.

Tuesday evening, the City of Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting at the City Hall Council Chambers. In New Business, the board approved the addition of two personal days per year for employees as this was inadvertently left out of the recent update of the Employee Manual. They also approved Resolution No. 27-2023 authorizing the Mayor to accept permanent sidewalk easements for the sidewalk construction project for the TAP grant for the 4th Street downtown improvements.  Approval was also given to renew the Trumpia texting service for $6,000 per year.  There are currently 507 citizens that have signed up for the service as well as 43 staff members who receive internal employee related notices.  Alderman Williams suggested this service be advertised on FaceBook and Townscreen to remind citizens to sign up for the service. City Administrator Sally Burbridge reported that the Salem R-80 Construction Trades building project has requested the city cover half of the electrical service materials at a cost of $11,500.  The board approved this request to be paid out of the Equipment Maintenance budget line that totals $90,000.  Approval was given to purchase a 2023 Dodge Durango from Behlmann Chrysler at a cost of $40,378 for thePolice Department. This will replace one vehicle that will be sold to offset the purchase price.  The Board approved Bill No. 3573, a contract with BuildTec Construction for the construction of six Unity T-Hangars at the Salem Memorial Airport in the amount of $624,900. This contract will be paid from the grant proceeds provided by MoDOT via the Federal Aviation Administration and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation. Finance Director Stacey Houston provided an update on the sales tax revenue stating there was a 15% decrease when comparing September 2022 to September 2023. For August there was $1.3 million in electric sales revenue with $794,000 for purchase of power. There was $147,858 in water sales revenue and $199,584 in sewer sales revenue for August. The total revenue for all city funds was $2.5 million with expenses of $2.1 million. There is currently $8.2 million in all funds. Mayor Greg Parker reported that the City Wide Yard Sale will be held on Saturday, October 7th and the citywide fall cleanup week will be held on October 9-13 on your normal trash pickup day. Director of Public Works Mark Nash reported the water is being tested for COVID as well as Influenza A and B. Alderman Sisco reported that additional citizens are needed to serve on the Community Service Committee to work on plans for the Fourth of July celebration. If anyone is interested, please contact the city. Alderman Bolerjack reported that a Current River Mural Celebration will be held on Saturday, October 21st at 9:00 in the morning at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center.  The City offices will be closed on Monday, October 9th for Columbus Day. Alderman Williams reported there is a vacancy on the Utility Committee and that he has a meeting scheduled with SMTS regarding a Transportation System in Dent County. The board then went into closed session.

This fall season, visit Ozark National Scenic Riverways for unique guided hiking adventures! As summer winds down, it becomes time to plan adventures for fall and winter. Celebrate the new season by immersing yourself in fall colors! The Ozarks are home to countless trails, all of which exhibit spectacular hues in autumn. Hiking is the perfect way to discover these hidden gems of the Ozark Mountains. This Saturday, explore the historic community of Owls Bend! This three-mile hike will follow the Ozark Trail and will begin at 10:00 in the morning at the Powder Mill Trailhead, located near the Powder Mill campground. You will learn about local families who settled the area, stopping at the Ramsey Barn and Owls Bend Schoolhouse.The fall hikes will be conducted in partnership with Ozark Riverways Foundation and Missouri State Parks. Get information on other upcoming fall hikes by visiting nps.gov/ozar or call (573) 226-3945.

MoDOT will be working on Highway 72 in Reynolds County near Bunker today from 8:00 this morning to 3:00 this afternoon. The affected section of roadway is located from Route A to Route TT near Bunker. The work zone will be marked with signs. For additional information, contact MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/southeast.

The Dent County Commission met for their regular meeting Monday morning at the courthouse. Ben Johnson from the Salem News asked Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson if there was any further advancement on recycling efforts and he said not at this time. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5600 and 6420 while materials will be added to county road 6663 as numerous driveway pipes are to be installed. Mobray said the county received the final acceptance report on the FLAP Project 57 from MoDOT and the county received $127,548.98 for their portion of the work. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk gave his report and said crews would be working on patching Dent County Road 4300 which is chip and seal, with an asphalt overlay on the hill to keep it from washing out. Commissioner Gary Larson said the MRPC Annual Dinner and Awards Banquet will be held October 26th with a social hour at 5:30, dinner at 6:30 with the program to follow in Hermann at the Hermannhof Festhalle. Two Dent County residents will be recognized for their volunteer efforts: Easton May and Deloris Gray Wood. Tickets are $40 per person and reservations need to be made by Friday by calling Linda Carroll at 573-265-2993. There will also be a special meeting held by the MissouriDepartment of Transportation on a planned bridge replacement project on Highway 19 in Dent County. Especially important to the team is feedback on the timing of the planned 45-day closure. MoDOT will host an open-house style public meeting to discuss the current plans, proposed detour, and other construction details this Thursday afternoon from 4:30 to 6:00 at the Salem Community Center at the Armory, located at 1200 W. Rolla Road in Salem. Larson said anyone who may be affected by this closure for business, recreation or health needs to let their voice be heard at the open house. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees held their regular meeting Thursday, September 21st. After approval of the minutes of the August regular meeting, November 6th was tentatively set for the full-day Strategic Planning session with People Centric. Administrator Moser presented the communicable disease report which included 11 reported cases of COVID-19 for August. It is suspected that to date the number of COVID-19 cases for September is 3 times that figure. He said there were 31 active lead cases in August and that 10 sexually transmitted infection screenings were conducted during the month. Moser noted there were no influenza cases reported in August. Moser also reported that there were three animal bites reported last month. In the diagnostics report, Moser said 192 blood draw appointments were completed in August, plus 53 COVID tests and 8 lead tests. There were nine vaccines for COVID-19 and 384 other vaccinations administered. Moser did note that the new formulations of COVID vaccines were approved early this month, but as of the date of the meeting, DCHC only has VFC and 317 COVID vaccines and have not received vaccines for private insurance yet. A total of 573 appointments were held during August, plus WIC appointments that totaled 322. Moser noted that in August there were 122 urine drug screenings conducted on behalf of the Dent County Treatment Court. Administrator Moser gave the environmental report where 8 total inspections were conducted, there were no recalls, and 12 environmental questions were fielded. In the Administrator’s report, Moser reported that the Health Center has been experiencing ongoing internet connectivity issues so he has gone through all of the equipment within the building and verified that no internal issues are responsible. Fidelity Communications continues to work on the problem. Moser discussed the Patient Satisfaction Survey and summarized the 11 responses received. The Board was reminded of upcoming events that the Health Center will be participating in including: the Drive Through Flu/COVID Clinic October 12th, the Fall Health Fair October 26th, and the Youth Vaping Town Hall November 6th. The Health Center financial reports for August, including the review from H & R Block, were reviewed. Discussion was held on the balance sheet, income statement, and budget statements. After these questions were answered the financial reports and the report from H & R Block were approved. In New Business, Moser reported the Health Center has been awarded a $186,000 CDC Grant to reduce lead poisoning. The proposed budget was reviewed and explained. The Board voted to approve the budget and the new position. The DCHC has been awarded a NACCHO Childcare Grant in the amount of $30,000. The Board approved the necessary budget adjustment in the amount of $12,000. The ELC-ED Budget was also reviewed, but required no budget adjustments. At 6:15 the Board went in to closed session for the purpose of discussing personnel and bids/contracts. At 6:43 the Board exited closed session having approved a bid from St. Robert Glass to replace three doors on the building in the amount of $16,316, a Certificate of Deposit Resolution 2023-R003 with Progressive Ozark Bank, and a quote from Evapar (under state contract) for a replacement generator and electrical service in the amount of $36,930. Moser later discovered that the bid had been awarded in error. Friday at 12:00 noon, during an emergency closed session meeting, the motion was rescinded by the Board. During the closed session the Board voted to approve the bid from Miller Glass in Rolla in the amount of $15,638. The next regular meeting of the Board was set for Thursday, October 19th at 5:00.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will hold their regular meeting at the Salem City Hall Council Chambers at 6:00 this evening. At the meeting, the board will hear City Administrator Sally Burbridge discuss an amendment to the Personal Days Policy where each employee who has completed their probation will receive two non-accruing personal days per year. The board will then hear Resolution #27-2023 that includes a number of easements needed for the 4th Street Downtown TAP project 9901. The board will discuss the contract with Trumpia for their text blast service before discussing sharing the cost of the electrical installation for the new Construction Trades Building on the Salem R-80 campus. The board will also hear from Chief Joe Chase from the Salem Police Department on a 2023 Dodge Durango Patrol Car before hearing the second reading of Bill #3573 authorizing the mayor to sign and execute an agreement between the City of Salem and Buildtec Construction, LLC for the construction of six T-Hangers at the Salem Memorial Airport. After reports from the city officials, the board will go into closed session. The meeting tonight is open to the public.

MoDOT has announced they will be working on Highway 72 in Reynolds County near Bunker tomorrow which will reduce lanes as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs. The affected section of roadway is located from Route A to Route TT near Bunker, Missouri. Weather permitting, work will take place on Wednesday from 8:00 in the morning to 3:00 in the afternoon. The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area. For additional information, contact MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/southeast.

Due to a lightning strike Sunday afternoon, KSMO-AM is not currently on the air. We will work diligently in getting the transmitter repaired and back on the air as quickly as possible. KSMO-FM 95.7 is currently on the air and broadcasts the same programming as KSMO-AM. We appreciate your understanding in the matter.

The Missouri Department of Transportation needs your input on a planned bridge replacement project on Highway 19 in Dent County. Especially important to the team is feedback on the timing of the planned 45-day closure. That closure window has not yet been determined and the project team welcomes input from stakeholders about that issue or any other aspect of the project. MoDOT will host an open-house style public meeting to discuss the current plans, proposed detour, and other construction details this Thursday afternoon from 4:30 to 6:00 at the Salem Community Center at the Armory, located at 1200 W. Rolla Road in Salem, MO. Members of the project team will be there to answer questions, provide information, and receive comments. There will be no formal presentation, so attendees may come at any time during the open house. Exhibits will be on display showing the current plans for the project. Comment forms will also be available at the meeting. If you’re unable to attend in person, you can find the same exhibits that will be at the open house on the project’s webpage at www.modot.org/missouri-route-19-bridge-replacement-over-standing-rock-creek-dent-county. A comment form is located at the bottom of that page. Additionally, comments may be emailed to CDCR@modot.mo.gov or mailed to Dent County Route 19 Standing Rock Creek Project, c/o MoDOT, 1511 Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City, MO, 65102. All comments must be received or postmarked by October 13th.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held their regular meeting Thursday at the district administrative offices. At the meeting, the board heard from A.J. Tinker with the Construction Trades Program who said he had 42 children in the program featuring eight seniors and nine juniors. Six of those seniors after graduating plan on staying in the construction trade business. Tinker said projects they are working on are the trim work of the old Fleming’s Store, work on the second floor of Dr. Ouzts Veterinary Clinic, and a new roof for the Dent County Feed building. They will also be building a weight lifting platform for the coaches. Mike Wilson reported the slab has been poured and walls are going up on the new construction trades building. He said he would like to make the public aware when the roof is installed. ESP representative Chris Saltzman gave a financial report on the “Tin Gym” project where he said ESP was able to come in on budget even though costs had gone up saying the school will get $16,000 in contingency money back from the $1,857,000 project. He did admit there were a number of issues with a project manager and construction manager, issues with the floor and roof, and problems with the door. The board asked questions about the energy savings and specific costs that Saltzman will address at the next board meeting. In the Superintendent’s report Dr. Lynne Reed said the district auditors were at the school last week, and the district received official notice they were awarded the FEMA grant. Dr. Nathan Wills reported on the results of the MAP and End of Class testing from last year, but the results were only available to the board and are embargoed from the public until December. After the school principals gave their reports, Reed talked about the final Continuous School Improvement Plan, better known as CSIP, the administration prepared and the board approved submitting it to the state. They also approved this years’ bus routes and the Opaa CACFP contract. The board went on to approve updating MSBA policies and approve the overnight trip for 19 FFA students to attend the FFA Convention in Indianapolis in November. Two Salem FFA students will be getting their American FFA Degrees. The board approved the community engagement plan before approving name additions and changes to the scholarship bank account. The board approved Kristi Steelman, Sarah Sanders, Jody Heavin, Lacie Kolbe and Nate Wills to be on the signature card. The board was notified of the resignations of Lesa Hogan as registrar, Suzy Kaffer in food service, Megan Preson as a paraprofessional, Steven McDonald as a custodian and Jessy Kissir as an aide. The board went into closed session where a student issue was heard, a personnel item was discussed, a real estate issue was talked about, and an A Plus appeal was approved. The meeting was then adjourned.