Local News

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning for their regular meeting at the Dent County Courthouse. Grant Wilson from Congressman Jason Smith’s Rolla office was in to visit with the Commission. Wilson reported that Smith conducted a Healthcare Round Table series of meetings from Crystal City through the Bootheel where they met with physicians, administrators and the public to discuss governmental regulations and how they affect rural hospitals and healthcare facilities. One point receiving considerable attention was that urban hospitals receive higher Medicare payments than rural hospitals for the same care and procedures. Wilson also said that the impeachment inquiry would start next week and Congressman Smith would be chairing the inquiry. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson noted that he had been questioned as to what the visits by personnel from Congressman Smith’s office has to do with the business of Dent County. Larson said those visits help make sure the county is aware of federal legislation and actions that could affect it. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 6580 and 5680. He said two trucks would be hauling rock to county road 5530 and brush would be cut on county road 6410. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk was not in attendance so the District 2 report was given by Mobray. He said grading would be done and rock would be hauled to Dent County Roads 4270 and 4310, grading only would be done on county road 4300, and brush would be cut on county road 6160. Mobray said that in District 2 Chip and Seal patching with the ultimate patching material would be done on county roads 2300, 2250, 2315, 2630, 2640, 2620 and 2070. Larson reported that he attended the Tourism Tax Committee meeting where 2 applications were approved, 3 reimbursement requests were approved, and 1 reimbursement request was tabled until more information is provided. Larson said that the Committee asked if the Commission would put a limit on the amount of dollars per request that the Committee could approve. He asked County Clerk Angie Curley if the Tourism Tax Committee had bylaws and her response was she wasn’t aware of any. She said the only thing she knew of was the ballot language when the tax was approved by the voters. It was pointed out that in the past the Tourism Tax Committee had only partially funded some requests, plus some events might merit the investment of dollars above a limit. Larson went on to report that on Wednesday he attended the South Central Missouri Commissioner’s Association meeting in Houston. He said he serves as vice president of the association and they worked on planning events. County Clerk Curley reported that the Commissioners were approving bills for payment and her office continues to work on the budget for 2024. Commissioner Mobray reported that the FLAP 77 grant funds are in place for the asphalt to Tan Vat. It is 100% funding in the amount of $800,000.00. Mobray said the only cost to Dent County would be $2,319.08 for initial engineering design. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at the courthouse and it will be open to public.

An accident occurred in Phelps County Thursday morning at 8:15 on M Highway about one mile west of Edgar Springs. According to the highway patrol report, a westbound 2013 Chevrolet School Bus, driven by 60-year-old Judy Harris of Edgar Springs, traveled off the right side of the roadway striking a sign. The vehicle returned to the roadway where it traveled off the left side of the roadway, striking an embankment before coming to rest. Harris, and eight juveniles ranging in age from 4 to 12 years of age, suffered minor injuries. All occupants of the bus were transported by private vehicles to Phelps Health in Rolla. Harris was wearing a safety device at the time of the accident, while the juveniles were exempt. The bus sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by the owner.

The Salem Memorial Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday evening in the hospital library. In the Administrators Report, Interim CEO Jason Edwards reported that Health Partners Management Group (HPMG) is on site for Revenue Cycle Management. The hospital has been awarded the Transformation of Rural Community Health (TORCH) grant with implementation to begin soon. Staff is currently completing the MHA’s Population Health Assessment Survey and preparing USDA documentation for state matching funds. The Long Term Care correction plan has been approved and the 340B re-certification has been completed. Staff is working with FORVIS to create an independent audit assistance program and will start their annual audit of the hospital on September 25th. Chrissy Decker then gave a Family Medicine update. Total visits from January thru August have been 14,189 with co-pays totaling $67,773 and total collections of $89,757. There have been 614 new patients, 311 visits for the Saturday clinic, 86 sports physicals and 155 in transitional care management with 318 patients signed up for Chartspan which resulted in $23,000 in additional monthly billing. Doe Run employees have had 457 wellness visits, 120 physicals and 46 pre-employment services. Upcoming for the clinic include the addition of Dr. Brady Floyd in 2025, a clinic remodeling project, possible weight loss clinic, and PDMP compliance. For the month of August, CFO Doug Hoban reported hospital admissions were 85 which included 10 Swingbed admissions with a total of 311 patient census days. In August, there were 1,622, Outpatient Registrations, 1,161 Cardiopulmonary Procedures, 9,026 Lab Tests, 1,357 Radiology Procedures, 738 Rehabilitation Treatments, 46 Surgical Procedures, and 204 Home Health Visits. There were 656 Emergency Room visits with 50 patients being admitted. A total of 219 ambulance runs were made with 137 patients being transported and 82 dry runs. The hospital had an excess of revenues over expenses for August of $3,451 with a gain from operations of $12,117. The 340B plan showed revenues over expenses for August of $44,661. CNO Ashley Sullins said the hospital is looking for full-time nurses in Med-Surg and ER. In the hospital foundation report, the “Dancing with the Salem Stars” fundraiser will be held on February 24th at the high school gym, and the “Volley for a Cure” volleyball tournament will be held on October 21st at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Twenty-five free mammograms will be given out during October. At the recommendation of the medical staff, the board approved staff privileges for Randall Heller, MD and Tracy Hesse, CRNA. The board discussed the revenue cycle and also a new strategic plan that includes administrators, department heads and providers. They also are working on creating a seven-year long range capital plan that will be discussed by the finance committee on October 4th. The board approved using property tax funds to help pay for bonding for the building improvements once the funds are secured. The board then went into closed session.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be holding their regular meeting tonight at 5:30 in the Salem R-80 board room. After approving the agenda, the board will hear the Superintendents report given by Dr. Lynne Reed and Dr. Nathan Wills followed by reports from the principals of William Lynch Elementary, the Upper Elementary, the middle school, and high school. New business to be discussed include approval of the bus routes, CACFP contract and addendum, the final CSIP, MSBA policies, approval of the community engagement plan and names on the scholarship bank account. The board will also consider an overnight trip for FFA. They will hear any resignations before adjourning and moving into executive session to discuss personnel, student issues and real estate. The meeting is open to the public.

The Bees Knees Kids Paint Party with Danielle Norris at the Creative Arts Center will be Friday from 4:30 in the afternoon till 7:00. Bees are very cute and important, one could say they are the bees knees ! Let’s paint some cute Bees! Grab a parent and/ or a friend and let’s paint! All ages are welcome but smaller children under 5 must have an adult present! A minimum of 6 participants is required and a maximum of 25. The cost is $15 for adults and kids are $5 (with a paying adult) or $15 without. Interested persons can sign up under “Programs” at the salemcommunitybetterment.com website for activities at the Creative Arts Center.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has release several reports. On Thursday, September 7th, deputies responded to the 2900 block of Highway 19 North for a reported violation of ex-parte order. During the course of the investigation, a 37-year-old Salem man was found hiding on the property and was found to be in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail where he was placed on a 24-hour hold pending the issuance of formal charges. On September 11th, a 24-year-old Salem woman came to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office to report her estranged husband was harassing and threatening her. The suspect was a 37-year-old East Prairie man. That investigation is ongoing. On Wednesday, September 13th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 2700 block of East Highway 32. The driver, a 44-year-old Salem man, was found to be driving with an excessive blood alcohol content. He was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail where he was processed per departmental procedures, issued multiple citations and released from custody. The next day, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Highway 19 North. As a result, a 35-year-old Salem woman was arrested for being in possession of a controlled substance. She was arrested and transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. Finally on Friday, September 15th, deputies responded to the 9300 block of Highway 19 South for a report of shots fired near a residence. Following an investigation, a 41-year-old woman was arrested for discharging a firearm while being intoxicated. She was taken to the Dent County Jail where she was placed on a 24-hour hold pending the issuance of formal charges. If you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation, please the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The Salem Park and Recreation Board met Tuesday afternoon at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. At the meeting, the board accepted the written resignation of Tiffin Felkerson from the Park Board. The board then agreed to accept applications from individuals interested in serving on the Park Board. They can fill out the committee volunteer form on the City of Salem website at salemmo.com. Go to the government heading, click on the heading “Board of Aldermen,” then click on the subtopic of committees, fill out the form and print it out. You can deliver the form to Park Board President Carlos Lopez at the Salem Community Center@The Armory by this Friday afternoon. In her report, Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois said she had 22 kids for the two week Kids Summer Camp this summer. She said 154 children signed up for flag football this year which is nine athletes less from last year. There are three 1st/2nd grade teams, four 3rd/4th grade teams and two 5th/6th grade teams as well as four cheer teams. Flag Football games will be at Al Brown Field starting in October. Basketball registrations will begin soon and the “Skills and Drills” football camp signups will be announced soon. Dubois gave her report on the pool this summer and said the wire and conduit for the light stanchions at Al Brown is now in. She said the “Light Up the Park” event will be held from December 2nd through the 31st at the Salem City Park. For the first two months of the fiscal year, the sales tax money received and the charges for the programs have generated $130,076 in revenues while the total expenses come to $105,843 leaving an excess of revenues over expenses of $24,233. The board heard from Jay Anderson and John Hambacker about suggested improvements to the Salem Walking Trail where the railroad tracks used to be from 3rd and Grand Streets to the treatment plant. The improvements include signs showing the beginning of the trail as well as signs placed along the trail at numerous points of interest from days gone by like the McGrath Dairy, Elmer Park, Salem Bottle Works and more. The board took no action until more research is done. The board then went into closed session.

Want to be part of National Public Lands Day? Join Ozark Riverways Foundation volunteers at 10:00 this Saturday morning at Alley Spring to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism with the painting of the old historic Storys Creek School. The project is expected to conclude by 1:00 in the afternoon. Volunteers will clean and oil the old desks and furnishings inside the school. Be sure to wear your painting clothes! In appreciation for your help, volunteers for this “National Public Lands Day” event will receive a “fee-free” coupon for free one-day entrance into a federal recreation site, in addition to an ONSR Volunteer t-shirt. The Storys Creek one-room school was built in 1896 just west of Eminence and welcomed area students until Shannon County schools were consolidated in 1957. The school was donated to the National Park Service and moved to Alley Spring in 1971. It withstood the 2017 historic flood which has contributed to paint peeling on the lower sections of clapboard siding. Alley Spring is located five miles west of Eminence on Highway 106. For more information on the event, call (573) 226-3945.

An accident happened Monday morning around 5:45 in Dent County on Highway 72 about seven miles north of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, 28-year-old Trent Corbett of Jefferson City, was driving a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe eastbound when he fell asleep behind the wheel and crossed over the center line of the highway striking a 2015 Chrysler 200 driven westbound by 62-year-old Steven Hampton of Salem. Corbett and Hampton each suffered moderate injuries. Corbett was treated at the scene by the Salem EMS and was then released. Hampton was transported to the Salem Memorial Hospital by the Salem EMS. The Chevy Tahoe sustained moderate damages while the Chrysler sustained extensive damage. Both vehicles were removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting at the courthouse. At the meeting, KSMO’s General Manager Stan Podorski stated Maria Bancroft from the MRPC will be interviewed Wednesday morning at 8:30 to let people or businesses looking for capital for their business, or trying to start or expand one, know there are numerous options available through the Meramec Regional Development Corporation. She will discuss SBA loans, revolving loan funds, and other local business resources to be considered. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 6040 and 6410, while only grading would be done on county road 5650. He said all the MoDOT paperwork on the Cooley Bridge FLAP project has now been completed. He also said the low phone bid on fuel went to Phil-Mart at $3.35 per gallon. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said extensive work would be done on Dent County Road 4280. Polk reported the ditches will be pulled, rock will be added and grading done on that road, plus signs will be installed on county roads 2590 and 3295. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported on the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting, External Relations Committee meeting and the MRPC meeting he attended last Thursday. He said there were ten sidewalk improvement TAP projects submitted at the meeting for consideration and the one for Dent County came in 3rd in the voting. He said the External Relations Committee discussed the MRPC Annual Dinner and Awards banquet to be held on October 26th. Tickets are available for $40 for the dinner. To reserve or purchase tickets, call Linda Carroll at 573-265-2993 or e-mail lcarroll@meramecregion.org. Larson said Wes Hester, owner of Foxhole Technology, was at the MRPC meeting discussing Cybersecurity for local governments and grants that may become available. Larson said he would be attending the tourism tax committee meeting tonight. He also said Jill Hollowell from the MRPC said a semi-tractor truck picked up about eight tons of old tires from the county road and bridge department and from the special collection held in Salem with a value of $2,310.75. Larson said that there is an opening on the MRPC Board for a small business representative for anyone who may be interested, plus he said the county received a survey from the MRPC asking for input from the member representatives on state issues they may have concerns with that can be addressed in 2024. It needs to be submitted by the end of the month. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she balanced with the Treasurer on all accounts for the month of August. Engineer Corky Stack submitted a payment request of $263,018 and with the 10% contingency reduction, the amount the county would be issuing would be $236,718.47. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Police department has released their report for the month of August. The department responded to 11 accidents during the month. Officers also responded to one alarm sounding and addressed 39 animal calls. The department investigated three assaults or fights in progress, four burglaries, performed 21 well being checks and 10 area checks during the month. The department also investigated 18 domestic disputes, conducted 57 follow-up investigations and provided ten escorts. They investigated two incidents of fraud, four harassment reports, took three missing persons report, and offered assistance to four motorists. The Salem police wrote ten property damage reports during August, plus made five stealing reports and five shoplifting reports. Officers investigated four intoxicated pedestrians, 17 suspicious circumstance calls, eight suspicious person calls and ten suspicious vehicle calls. Officers responded to two trespassing calls and attempted to serve 14 warrants in August. Officers conducted 95 traffic stops during the month. The police responded to a total of 564 in incidents in August. The average response time to calls during August was two minutes and 25 seconds and the average time spent on the scene was 19 minutes and 20 seconds.

Last Thursday at the Dent County Judicial Building in court in front of Judge Nathan Kelsaw, Michael Stagner of Salem pleaded guilty to the possession of methamphetamine and his probation was revoked. Stagner had previously been released from the Missouri Department of Corrections after completing the RSMO Section 559.115 program. Stagner was sentenced by Judge Kelsaw to serve 12 years in the Missouri Department of Correction as requested by Dent County Prosecutor Curley.

An accident happened in Dent County Saturday night at 10:04 at the intersection of Dent County Roads 4110 and 4180. According to the highway patrol report, 2000 Toyota Solora driven westbound by 26-year-old Tyler Savorka of Cheyenne, Wyoming, failed to yield at the intersection and traveled off the right side of the roadway where the Toyota struck a tree. Savorka was arrested for driving while being intoxicated – a prior offender; and for not driving on the right half of the roadway resulting in an accident. He suffered moderate injuries and was released for medical treatment and was transported by an ambulance to the Salem Memorial Hospital. Savorka was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Toyota sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

An accident happened early Saturday morning at 3:20 in Phelps County on Route KK. According to the highway patrol report, a 2000 Ford Taurus driven westbound by 40-year-old Charles Martin of Salem, crossed the center line and traveled off the left side of the roadway where the Ford struck a tree. Martin suffered minor injuries and was transported to Phelps Health. He was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford sustained moderate damages and was removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing.

The City of Salem’s Parks and Recreation Board will meet Tuesday at 5:30 at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory. After the call to order and roll call, there will be a board appointment followed by approval of the minutes of the May 22nd meeting minutes. The Parks and Recreation Director’s Report will be given, the budget will be reviewed, and there will be a discussion of Salem Walking Trails/ The Board may vote to go into closed session. The meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board was called by Board President Carlos Lopez. The meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors will hold their regular meeting at 6:00 in the hospital library Tuesday evening. After the minutes are approved, Interim Administrator Jason Edwards will give his report before the board hears the summary of operations for the month of August as well as statistics for the month. They will also hear about the 340B program, hear the Chief Nursing Officer report, be updated on Human Resources, and receive a report on the hospital foundation. The board will discuss marketing and community relations before being updated on the state grant and matching funds for a capital improvement. In old business, the board will discuss a strategic planning update, the operational budget property tax appropriation, a capital budget review and set dates for the finance committee to meet. In new business, the board will receive a revenue cycle update. The board may then vote to go into closed session. The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors meeting is open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Conservation encourages deer hunters to share their harvests to help feed hungry Missourians. Missouri’s deer season opened Friday with archery hunting, and will run through the close of the second archery portion on January 15, 2024 with other hunting portions during this time. MDC also reminds deer hunters to have their deer tested for chronic wasting disease and follow related regulations. MDC encourages deer hunters to share their harvests by donating surplus venison to the Share the Harvest program to help feed hungry Missourians. The donated deer meat goes to local food banks and food pantries to help feed hungry Missourians all around the state. To get Share the Harvest venison, contact local food banks or food pantries. Donating is easy. Simply take harvested deer to an approved meat processor and let the processor know how much venison to donate. Meat-processing fees are covered entirely or in part by numerous local sponsors, along with statewide sponsors. The program is administered by the Conservation Federation of Missouri and MDC, and has provided nearly 5 million pounds of lean, healthy venison to help feed hungry Missourians since it was started in 1992. Children need protein in their diets for proper growth and development, and adults need it to maintain good health. Yet many Missourians can’t afford or can’t get to good sources of protein. Through Share the Harvest, Missouri hunters can help provide those in need with high-quality protein in the form of naturally lean, locally harvested deer meat. For more information on Share the Harvest, visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/share.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated brush would be cut on Dent County Road 6370 while maintenance will be done in the shop. The other crew will continue to put up signs where old signs have either been damaged or stolen. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said grading was being done on Dent County Road 2550 while vines were being cut on county road 2570 and low hanging limbs were being removed over county road 2120. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson received a report from Jill Hollowell from MRPC concerning the special electronics and tire collection held this past Saturday in Salem. Hollowell stated a total of 6.9 tons were collected diverting these products from the landfill. There were 2.2 tons of tires collected and 4.7 tons in electronics brought in. The 6.9 tons of materials collected set a new record for Dent County whose previous record was 6.6 tons collected back in 2017. The commission was also contacted by Town and Country Bank for more information on the two new John Deere graders the county is getting. The bank was awarded the lease/purchase bid at the last meeting. They needed the vehicle identification numbers and other information for the lawyers to prepare the paperwork. Larson also said the county needs to send in a report on the funds received in the opioid settlement by the end of the month. The county has not yet dispersed any of those funds to date so the reports should be fairly simple. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she balanced on all collections, abatements and add-ons for the month of August with the collector and assessor. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 and the meeting will be open to the public.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced his office has obtained a default judgment against Zechariah Hockersmith, and ProCare Pools, LLC, of Phelps County for falsely promising to provide pool installation and maintenance services to Missouri homeowners. He collected advance payments for work that was never completed. The judgment prohibits Hockersmith and ProCare Pools from advertising or selling pool repair or construction services in Missouri. Further, the judgment orders Hockersmith and his business to pay approximately $99,000 in restitution, $9,900 to the Missouri Merchandising Practices Fund, and $6,000 in civil penalties. Attorney General Bailey encourages Missourians who believe they may have been victims of a construction scam to file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office by calling the Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 392-8222 or by submitting a complaint online at ago.mo.gov.

An accident happened in Phelps County Wednesday afternoon at 1:32 on Highway 63 about four miles south of Rolla that left three people with serious injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 1998 Ford Taurus was traveling southbound and being driven by 83-year old Audrey Pritchett of Rolla, when a 1993 Chrysler Le Baron driven by 25-year-old Lex Kibler of Rolla, failed to yield to the Taurus while making a left hand turn. The Taurus struck the Le Baron in the driver’s side door, causing both vehicles to travel off the left side of the roadway. A passenger in the Le Baron, 34-year-old Brianna Chanineak of Bolivar, was ejected from the vehicle and was flown by Air Evac to the University Hospital in Columbia. Kibler was air lifted by Phelps Air to the University Hospital in Columbia. Pritchett was taken to Phelps Health in Rolla by the Phelps Health Ambulance. Neither Kibler or Chanineak were wearing seat restraints while Pritchett was. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by D&D Towing. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department.

An accident occurred Wednesday afternoon around 3:30 in Dent County on Highway 72 at Route C in the eastbound lane. According to the highway patrol report, a 2019 Chevrolet Box-truck driven by 28-year-old Chance Callahan of St. James, was stopped waiting to make a left hand turn. At that time, a 2014 GMC Terrain driven by 80-year-old Sarah Galloway of Salem, struck the back end of the Chevrolet. Galloway and a passenger, 81-year-old Robert Galloway of Salem, suffered minor injuries and were transported to the Salem Memorial Hospital by the Salem Ambulance. Both injured parties were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The GMC was totaled and removed from the scene by American Muffler Towing. The Chevrolet was driven from the scene.

The City of Salem Utility Committee met Wednesday evening for their regular meeting at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. At the meeting, City of Salem Finance Director Stacey Houston went over the two month revenue and expense totals for the utilities that showed the Electric Fund had revenues over expenses of $483,585, the water fund had revenues over expenses of $24,721 and sewer fund had revenues over expenses of $75,666. In her report, Houston showed the utility fund balances since the beginning of the fiscal year as a whole have gained almost $530,000 and total $3,901,238 as of August 31st. City Administrator Sally Burbridge reported the city is working with Exceleron on accepting credit card payments online and on an automated phone system that will accept payments 24/7. The city will be working on the components over the next few weeks before putting this part of the system in operation. There will be a fee for users to charge their bills using either of these two credit card elements. The online and automated phone pay system are two of the three pieces that city wants to make happen with the other part being a pre-pay system which is not ready. She is not sure at this time when that will be ready. The city is also working on e-mailing utility bills. They are working with EnCode on this and they will be loading the program on the back end of the city’s system. Once these are tested, they will be offered to citizens and Administrator Burbridge hopes that will be by the next meeting, but said that is if everything works correctly. Burbridge also said she has signed up to attend the MPUA Annual Conference September 27th through the 29th in Branson. She also said an MMMPEP Committee meeting with the Plum Point participants will be held November 1st with an MMMPEP full committee meeting to be held November 2nd. After a discussion on having the water tested at each of the wells for $3,691 per well as quoted by Pace Laboratories, the committee made no motion to have the water tested. Committee Chair Kyle Williams said the Board of Aldermen would like to have a workshop with the Utility Committee to discuss utilities outside the city limits. Much if not all of the workshop may be in closed session after the next aldermen meeting depending upon the topic discussed. Net metering was discussed where a resident is concerned that he is not getting the credit due since his system was installed. Public Works Director Mark Nash said he believes the gentleman has, but the way the current electric meter is configured, it does not show how the credit is applied. Nash said the meter needs to be reprogrammed to provide a cumulative usage. He said that after the meter is reprogrammed, if it shows the gentleman did not get the proper credit, the utility department will make the appropriate credit. After other questions from the public, the meeting was adjourned.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday evening at the fire station. The financial report showed an ending balance as of August 31st of $145,732.25. Bills, payments and statements along with the budget were then reviewed and approved. Treasurer Dave Wells then reminded the board that money will have to be transferred from the general account to the Progressive Ozark Bank account for the upcoming loan payment for the renovation loan. A motion was then made and approved to transfer $41,000 from the Town and County Bank to the Progressive Ozark loan payment account. After the calendar review, the monthly reimbursement report was presented showing a total of 18 calls for the month of August bringing the total calls year to date to 200. The department responded to five building fires, one outside equipment fire, three medical assist or EMS assist calls, two gas leaks, one call to assist police or other governmental agency, one lightning strike, and two other special incident calls. In old business, it was reported the department is still waiting for the motor mounts for Engine 85 to be manufactured. Fire Chief Brad Nash reported that turnout gear has been ordered including rental gear that should be arriving this week. The new replacement gear is still about six months out. Before adjourning, the date was then set for the next meeting which will be held Tuesday evening, October 12th, at 6:00 at the fire station located at #2 South Main Street. The meeting will be open to the public.

With the fall season right around the corner, if you are looking for breathtaking views, trails, or adventure, check out the Missouri State Parks website at missouristateparks.com. Check out the “Know Before You Go” list of all the state parks in the state of Missouri, park hours, any park advisories that may affect trails, access, camping or even warnings like tick advisories. The site is a virtual treasure trove of information on parks you may have never heard of that are virtually in your back yard. Many have guided hikes on the numerous trails you will find. At the site, you can find the website for each and every state park, the things you can do at each park and more.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting at the City Hall Council Chambers. Board President Shawn Bolerjack presided over the meeting since the Mayor was not in attendance. In the hearing of persons, John Hambacker and Jay Anderson talked about their suggestions to upgrade signage, add plant identification and benches to the railroad walking trail. Since the trail is maintained by the Park and Recreation Department, the Aldermen suggested they present their ideas to this board first. Debbie Murphy talked about ways the board could better communicate with citizens. She is concerned that for citizens to speak at a meeting they must get on the agenda on the Wednesday before the next Tuesday’s meeting when the agenda for the meeting isn’t posted until 24 hours before the meeting. She suggested that instead of having citizens complete a form to get on the agenda, that the board allow for an open comment period at each meeting. She also suggested that the City utilize TownScreen to promote events as well as meeting notices. In New Business, the board approved to purchase a new air conditioning unit for the wastewater treatment facility from Ice Qube, Inc. for $5,410. They also approved the increase in supply costs for the Al Brown Field lighting project for $18,331.57 from Butler Supply, and approved the purchase of salt for the street department for a total of $7,043.25 from Compass Minerals. City Clerk Tammy Koller gave the first reading of Bill #3573 authorizing the mayor to sign an agreement between the City of Salem and Buildtec Construction, LLC to build six T-hangers at the Salem Airport. With the adoption of the City’s current budget, changes were made to the process for funding community support. The board heard from the Dent County Extension asking for $5,800 to fund their 4-H program and the Salem Area Community Betterment Association asked for $5,000 for their beautification committee. Both organizations were approved for funding. The board also approved Resolution 28-2023 for the yearly membership cost for the Meramec Region Planning Commission for $3,306.45. The board approved several bills dealing with the rezoning on Babb Lane from commercial to manufacturing- industrial. They include 1101 Babb Lane owned by MFA, 1200 Babb Lane owned by Peggy Whitaker Trust, 1207 Babb Lane owned by BKC Properties, 1400 Babb Lane owned by City of Salem. Due to a conflict of interest by Alderwoman Sisco, the properties located at 1301 Babb Lane, 1209 Babb Lane and 1203 Babb Lane were tabled for a future meeting when a quorum is present. The board approved Bill No. 3569 to rezone all of lot 4 block A of the Oak Park Addition from residential to commercial. This is property owned by South Central Missouri Community Health Center. Approval was also given to Bill No 3570 to amend the sewer installation hook up fees for a four-inch line as the new cost will be $1,536 and for a six-inch line, the new cost will be $1,648.  Bill No 3571 was approved that amended the water hook up fees. For a 3/4 inch line, the new cost would be $2,030; for a 1 inch line, the new cost is $2,730; for a 2 inch line, the new cost is $5,216 and for a 2 inch line with a compound meter, the new cost is $5,415. The board approved Bill No 3572 that adds electric fees to city codes to keep all utility fees with the same enforcement ability. A person obtaining a dawn to dusk light or a utility pole will pay the cost of these items, plus two hours labor for two electric utility staff and two hours of equipment usage for each pole. City Administrator Burbridge reported that the City Wide Yard Sale will be held on Saturday, October 7th with spots being available to rent at the city administration building. Alderman Sisco reported that a Park and Recreation Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 19 at 5:30 pm at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. She also asked that anyone interested in serving on the Community Service Committee to work on plans for the Fourth of July celebration to please contact the city. Alderman Williams reported he has been in contact with the MRPC regarding a Transportation System in Dent County as well as regarding recycling programs and grants. The board then went into closed session.

Missouri State Park representatives will be on hand to provide information and answer questions that the public may have during a series of open houses and town hall meetings to be held this month at state parks and historic sites throughout the state. In our area, an open house will be held at Dillard Mill State Historic Site beginning at 1:00 at the mill located at 142 Dillard Mill Road near Davisville this Saturday. Input from the public is important to Missouri State Parks. These informational meetings are being held virtually or in-person in all state parks and historic sites to help create two-way communication with the public. The meetings will inform the public on the current status and future plans for the park or historic site and offer visitors the opportunity to comment on the facilities. For more information on public meetings, visit mostateparks.com.

The City of Salem’s Utility Committee will meet tonight at 6:15 at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory. Reports and updates will be heard including financials, utility billing and payments, and information from Missouri Public Utility Alliance (MPUA). Information will be shared about the MPUA Annual Conference that will be held September 27-29, the Mid-Missouri Power Energy Pool (MMMPEP) Committee-Plum Point Participants Meeting to be held November 1st, and MMMPEP Committee Meeting to be held November 2nd. A Water Testing Quote and outside the city utilities will be addressed, followed by a question and comment period. The meeting of the City of Salem’s Utility Committee, which is open to the public, has been called by Committee Chair Kyle Williams.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams was in to present the sales tax monies received this month. She reported the General Revenue Fund and Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund each received $84,626.65 which is $26,662 less than for September of 2022. Year-to-date, the General Revenue Fund and the LEST funds are down $42,689.84. The Road and Bridge Fund received $37,865.91 this month, down $14,947.12 from September of 2022. Year-to-date, that fund is down $21,154.20. The Jail Operating and Trust funds each received $76,153.48 and that is down $29,439.04 from September 2022 receipts. Year-to-date, that fund is down $38,409.50. These figures are all net of the monthly withholding by the Department of Revenue which for all funds is $11,108.91. The amount still owed by the county to the Missouri Department of Revenue is $866,484.77. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 6090 while only grading would be done on county roads 5160 and 5630. Mobray said brush would be cut on county road 6370 and work crews would be putting up missing road signs. He also went on to say the diesel and gas fuel phone bids would be taken. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk reported materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 4290 while only grading would be done on county roads 2405, 6123 and 6160. Polk went on to say brush would be cut on county road 6160 and crews would be patching a hole on chip and seal road 3240. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said the electronics and tire collection this past Saturday was very successful that was sponsored by the county, City of Salem, MRPC and the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District. Mobray also chimed in a big thank you to the MRPC and solid waste management district for providing a semi-truck to collect the tires from the county road and bridge department shed. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley attended her Missouri County Clerk and Election Authority Conference last week where those attending heard a number of speakers, officials and legislators on a wide variety of topics. Curley said there were discussions on Cybersecurity, handicapped accessible voting practices, security and safety at elections. There were also updates from legislators, the election assistance commission, the ethics commission and a presentation by MoDOT on TAP grants that may be available. Curley said the clerk’s association also discussed new resolutions and received reports from their committees. Commissioner Larson stated Dent County was lucky to have Curley as their county clerk with her knowledge and experience as this year alone there were 38 new county clerks who are trying to learn about the position which can be intimidating. The county commission then opened bids on a lease/purchase for the two new graders they will be receiving later this month. They received bids from Town and Country Bank, Progressive Ozark Bank and the Bank of Salem. Town and Country Bank was the low bid for the lease/purchase for a total of $485,896.15. The lease will be paid back in five equal installments at a 4.45% interest rate. All bank fees associated with the lease/purchase were waived. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident happened Sunday evening just before 7:00 in Phelps County on Highway 63 about five miles south of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2000 Honda Accord being driven by 41-year-old Kenneth Houston of Rolla, traveled off the right side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned. Two passengers in the vehicle, a 5-year-old male juvenile and 12-year-old female juvenile, both suffered moderate injuries and were taken by Phelps Health EMS to Phelps Health hospital. The Honda was totaled and removed from the scene by C & C Towing. The driver and both passengers were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will hold their regular meeting at 6:00 this evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. In the hearing of persons, John Hambacker and Jay Anderson will talk about the railroad walking trail, Bill Parsons will ask for street closures for Spooktober, and Debbie Murphey will talk about communication. In New Business, the board will discuss a new air conditioning unit for the wastewater treatment facility, the increase in supplies for the Al Brown Field lighting, the purchase of salt, and the first reading of Bill #3573 authorizing the mayor to sign an agreement between the City of Salem and Buildtec Construction, LLC to build six T-hangers at the Salem Airport. The board will hear about a personnel policy amendment, hear two community requests for funding for the Dent County Extension and SACBA, and discuss Resolution #28-2023 to approve the MRPC annual contract. Mayor Greg Parker will recommend Carolyn Boyle to serve on the finance committee before a number of bills will be read for the second time dealing with rezoning on Babb Lane, rezoning lot 10 in the JKD subdivision and the rezoning of Lot 4 in Block A of the Oak Park Addition. Bills # 3570, 3571 and 3572 amending hook up fees for sewer, water and electric for the City of Salem will also be read for the second time. After reports of the city officials, the board will go into closed session. The meeting tonight is open to the public.

A fatal accident occurred Friday evening around 9:00 in Dent County on Route HH approximately one and a half miles south of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Cadillac Escalade driven southbound by 57-year-old Robert L. Clark of Licking, traveled off the right side of the roadway where the Cadillac struck a culvert and a tree. Clark was pronounced dead at the scene by Dent County Coroner Ben Pursifull at 9:45 Friday evening. The Cadillac was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. The report goes on to say Clark was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. Clark’s body was removed from the scene by the Dent County Coroner and taken to his office. The highway patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Office.

An accident occurred Friday evening around 7:57 in Pulaski County on Teardrop Road at the intersection of Route Z. According to the highway patrol report, a 2003 Kawasaki Nomad ridden by 26-year-old Matthew Pelc of Salem, was traveling eastbound and struck a deer. Pelc suffered moderate injuries and was transported by the Pulaski County Ambulance District to Phelps Health. The report states Pelc was not wearing a safety equipment at the time of the accident. The Kawasaki was totaled and removed from the scene by TC Towing.

An accident occurred Saturday morning around 10:00 in Dent County on Route U, about five miles north of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 1999 Buick LeSabre driven eastbound by 83-year-old Patsy Kennedy of Salem, was turning east from a private drive and failed to yield to a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe being driven westbound by 50-year-old Scott Flowers of Salem. Kennedy and a passenger in the Buick, 60-year-old Michelle Boyer of Desoto, both suffered moderate injuries and were taken by the Salem EMS to Phelps Health. The report states both injured parties were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. The Buick sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene from Whitaker’s Towing. The Chevy Tahoe also sustained moderate damage and was towed by a private vehicle.

A developmentally disabled adult was found safe after an extensive search Thursday lasting more than 14 hours and extending until well after midnight into early Friday morning in Shannon County. The 24- year-old was first reported missing by his father around 1:00 pm on Thursday in a thickly wooded area between Montier and the Jacks Fork River. A volunteer horse team from the Myrtle, Missouri area were the first to make contact and transported him out of the woods around 1:30 am. Friday morning. This group was organized by Dustin Madden of Couch, Missouri. Ten emergency response agencies that made up seven search teams of ten people each as well as three dog teams and a horse group from across southern Missouri were involved while Mercy EMS and the Shannon County First Responders provided medical support. About a hundred people altogether assisted in the search. Dense vegetation prevented use of a helicopter, although a drone was attempted. A thermal imaging camera, a device that detects body heat at a distance, was also utilized. The Shannon County Sheriff’s Department managed the search utilizing the West Plains Fire Department Mobile Command Post.

In 2022, there were 177 Missouri traffic crashes involving farm equipment and implements. In those crashes, seven people were killed and 63 were injured. Missouri has entered harvest season and it’s important that drivers and farmers pay attention and share the road. Farmers and motorists are encouraged be courteous drivers and to obey all traffic laws. Whether you’re driving a vehicle or operating farm machinery, you must pay attention to the roadway, other drivers, and traffic signs. Distracted drivers are dangerous drivers. Drivers across the state should stay alert for slow moving farm equipment. When you drive up behind a tractor or other farm machinery, please slow down and be patient and wait to pass until you have a clear view of the road ahead and there is no oncoming traffic. Never pass on a hill or curve. Collisions commonly occur when a motorist tries to pass a left-turning farm vehicle. A tractor that appears to be pulling to the right side of the road to let motorists pass, may be preparing to make a wide left turn. Watch the farmer’s hand and light signals closely. It’s also important that you pay close attention to farm equipment entering and leaving the highway from side roads and driveways. Special attention must be paid when traveling at dawn or dusk when the sun makes it difficult for drivers to see. Traffic safety is everyone’s responsibility.

The 11th Annual Smokin’ Hot Veteran’s Rib Cook-off will be this Saturday at the American Legion Post #99. The Rib Cookoff competition has two categories: wet and dry. Everyone is welcome to compete and the entry fee is $30 per category. You must sign up by Wednesday. Call 247-4667, 247-5074 or 729-3710 for additional information and rules.