Local News

A drowning occurred Tuesday afternoon at 4:20 in Reynolds County on the Black River at Johnson’s Shut-ins. According to the water patrol report, 24-year-old Emigdio Cuevas of St. Louis was swimming in the river and began to struggle and was unable to resurface. Cuevas was pronounced dead on the scene just after 5:30 by Dr. Paul Jones from the Iron County Medical Center. Cuevas was taken by the Reynolds County Coroner to the coroner’s office. This was Troop G’s fifth drowning in 2023 compared to zero drownings this time last year.

It will be official on Monday, July 3rd, that Gary Polk has been appointed by Governor Mike Parson to fill the seat of District Two Associate Commissioner. The position was left open when Commissioner Gary Larson was appointed the presiding commissioner upon the resignation of Darrell Skiles. Polk will be sworn in Monday by Dent County Clerk Angie Curley at 8:30 with the regular meeting of the Dent County Commission at 9:00 at the courthouse.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting Tuesday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. In the hearing of persons, Debbie Murphy discussed stray animal care in lieu of the new requirements being passed down by the Dent County Animal Welfare Society where they will only accept 10 animals per month immediately with an increase in cost beginning in September. The old animal shelter at the Masters Industrial Park needs work and she would like to know the city’s policies concerning the health of the animals with this change. She also spoke to the board about the city needing to be a 3rd class city and not a 4th class city with more wards and aldermen to represent the citizens. She questioned the accuracy of the census of the east and west wards, and believes the city should be more respondent to citizen concerns and be more transparent in their decisions. The city tabled Resolution #23-2023 dealing with the new requirements of the Dent County Animal Welfare Society until City Attorney James Weber can review their letter to the city. The board approved Resolution #25-2023 that featured the quote from the Wall Street Insurance Group for employee health insurance that included short-term disability insurance which came to $26,142 per month. The cost broke down to $532.91 per month/ per employee that is comprised of $450 dollars in premium and just under $83 in GAP coverage which helps reduce the deductible. The board approved the new “Rolling” Average Monthly Payment budget billing plan that will allow for a similar monthly payment that will fluctuate slightly instead of a flat rate. With the new program, customers must be in good standing with at least 12 months service at that address, have had no late or returned payments or had been disconnected, and their account must be paid up-to-date at the time of enrollment. The board approved the mobile home license application by Central Missouri Investments at 703 East Pershing. The Truman Main Properties mobile court did not pass inspection and the mobile home park at 101 North Park owned by Glen Sapaugh did not submit an application. The board approved the appointment of Patty McKeown to the Finance Committee as well as Harold Hamilton and Shelby McClain to the Salem Public Library Board. The board also approved the updated employee manual. The board heard the first reading on a number of bills ranging from electric rates changes and the time frame to use numbers from May to April for budgeting purposes, to employee manual and city code corrections to compliment each other, the new ordinance for floodplain designations and the approval of the 2024 fiscal year budget. The board approved the lease between the city and Wave Internet Technologies LLC to have equipment on the bottle rocket water tower at Condray and Tower Streets effective for one year from February 1st of this year for $100 per month. City Administrator Sally Burbridge said the city administrative office this Friday would be closing at 4:00 to close out the fiscal year and would also be closed on Tuesday, Independence Day. Mayor Greg Parker said the normal trash service will be held on July 4th and wanted to wish everyone a happy and safe Independence Day. Public Works Director Mark Nash said the city will start replacing a number of water valves in town after the holiday to reduce the number of customers affected when there are water line breaks. He also said a number of electric poles need to be replaced and there have been a couple of water main breaks in the last couple of weeks. Alderman Shawn Bolerjack is asking the public to try to conserve electric usage over the next few days with the excessive heat expected. The city has put some energy saving tips on their Facebook page. If the public can help keep the city from reaching a new peak, that will help keep the city electric rates down in the future which is a win-win for everyone. Also the City of Salem and Salem Chamber of Commerce Parade will be Tuesday through downtown Salem from the SBU-Salem campus to the Dent County Courthouse. The board then went into closed session for personnel and contracts. There will be a special meeting of the Board of Aldermen today at 4:30 at the City Hall Council Chambers to have the second readings of Bill #3541 establishing a change to when future electric rate changes can be implemented; Bill #3542 establishing rates for electric services; and Bill #3552 adopting the annual budget for the City of Salem beginning July 1st, 2023. The meeting will be open to the public.

For the week of June 17th to 23rd, the Salem Police Department released these reports. On Sunday, June 18th, officers were dispatched to the area of Washington Street and Highway 32 for a report of a shoplifter that had fled a store. It was reported that a woman had stolen approximately $75 worth of merchandise. After a short investigation, a 22-year-old Salem female was arrested and issued a summons to appear in court. Then on Monday evening, June 19th around 7:30, officers were dispatched to the area of Grand Street and Highway 32 for the report of a traffic crash. It was found the woman driver of the vehicle had passed out due to a drug impairment. Officers investigated and as a result, a 39-year-old Salem female was arrested for driving while being impaired. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any investigation.

Department responded to the 2900 block of Route F for a wanted subject. A 31-year-old Salem man was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant. He was transported to the Dent County jail and incarcerated. The next day, Saturday, June 17th, deputies responded to the Dent County Commons for a reported assault. It was discovered that a 49-year-old Salem man allegedly threatened to assault a 67-year-old Salem man. The investigation is ongoing. On Wednesday, June 21st, a deputy responded to Dent County Road 6280 for a reported burglary. An investigation revealed that an unknown person or persons had entered a cabin at the location and stolen multiple items. The investigation is continuing. Finally on the 22nd of June, a deputy responded to the 15000 block of Route C for a reported assault. The investigation revealed that a 53-year-old Nixa woman was repeatedly punched by a 49-year-old Licking woman. The suspect was located, arrested and transported to the Dent County jail where she was processed and released on citation. If you have any information regarding an investigation please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

The Shannon County First Responders have received a generous grant from the non-profit Jacks Fork Community Foundation. The six thousand dollar grant will enable the First Responders to purchase additional radios and three Automated External Defibrillators or “AEDs.” These are the famous devices that use electricity to jolt a patient’s heart back into a healthy rhythm. Currently, in an emergency, the First Responders have to go to a central location and pick up the AED, as the organization only has one per town. These three new AEDs will be carried in the vehicles of some of the responders, making it more likely that a device will be nearby when needed. This will make the response time to cardiac emergencies much quicker, which is vital. The Shannon County First Responders are an all volunteer organization funded entirely by grants and donations. Their purpose is to serve the community by arriving before the ambulance and providing life sustaining care until EMS arrives. They have a Facebook page where you can find more information.

With ongoing drought conditions around state, the Missouri Department of Conservation reminds everyone to be extra careful with fireworks, campfires, and other sources of fire that could cause a wildfire. During the upcoming July 4th holiday, don’t light fireworks in any areas where the sparks could ignite dry grass, leaves, or other potential fire fuel. Always have an approved fire extinguisher and an available water supply to douse sparks or flames. Wet the area around where fireworks are being discharged and check with local ordinances and authorities for bans on fireworks and open burning. Don’t burn outdoors during the wrong conditions. Dry grass, high temperatures, low humidity, and wind make fire nearly impossible to control. Check with local fire departments regarding burn bans that may be in place. A person who starts a fire for any reason is responsible for any damage it may cause. When driving off-road remember that wildfires can start when dry fuel, such as grass, comes in contact with catalytic converters. Think twice before driving into and across a grassy field. Never park over tall, dry grass or piles of leaves that can touch the underside of a vehicle. When driving vehicles off road, regularly inspect the undercarriage to ensure that fuel and brake lines are intact, and no oil leaks are apparent. Always carry an approved fire extinguisher on vehicles that are used off road. Check for the presence of spark arresters on ATV exhausts. When camping, clear a generous zone around fire rings. Store unused firewood a good distance from a campfire. Never use gasoline, kerosene, or other flammable liquid to start a fire. Keep campfires small and controllable. Keep fire-extinguishing materials, such as a rake, shovel, and bucket of water, close. Extinguish campfires each night and before leaving camp, even if it’s just for a few moments. Call 911 at the first sign of a fire getting out of control. Wildfires are sometimes set by vandals. Help stop arson by calling 800-392-1111 and reporting any potential arson activities. Callers will remain anonymous, and rewards are possible.

The deadline to nominate a Missouri veteran or active duty service member for the 2023 Missouri State Fair Military Flag Retreat, sponsored by Capital Materials, Retrieving Freedom, Inc., and Starline Brass, is quickly approaching! The Military Flag Retreat Ceremony honors veterans and active duty service members from across Missouri, and will be held in front of Historic Administration Building on the Missouri State Fairgrounds. The ceremony will take place all 11 days of the Missouri State Fair and honor one individual each evening. As a part of the selection process, individuals can be nominated using a form available on the Missouri State Fair website. Nominees must be Missouri residents and available to attend one of the 11 days of the 121st Missouri State Fair, August 10th through 20th. Once a nomination form is complete, it can be mailed, faxed, or emailed to the Missouri State Fair. The deadline to submit nominations is July 5th, 2023. Send in your nominations now to join us in honoring our military service men and women at the Military Flag Retreat Ceremony at the 2023 Missouri State Fair!

The Mudbugs next event at the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History will be “Pick a Pocket” this Thursday from 2:00 until 3:30 in the afternoon. Children will have to decide which pocket to choose and then whatever is inside, they will have to find it somewhere at the Bonebrake Center…if they can! The suggested contribution for each program is $2.00 but additional donations are always welcome. All monies collected go to the Bonebrake Center. Each program is geared toward children from six to 12-years of age, but all aged children are welcome. They ask that parents please accompany their children. For more information, contact Janet Price at moonshadowmomentsllc@gmail.com.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said work crews were installing new culverts on Dent County Road 5850 in preparation for that road to be chip and sealed next year. Mobray said he sent a man to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal repairs that will be made to many of the roads prior to them getting re-chipped beginning Wednesday. Mobray also stated he has a man with the loader piling the chips being delivered to the county shed that will be used for the chip and seal work. He went on to report the brush cutter is out cutting brush along the edges of the roads that are to be getting the new coating of chip and seal. In District 2, Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson gave that report and said work crews were installing new driveway pipes, adding materials and grading Dent County Road 2070 in preparation for it to be chip and sealed Wednesday. In the Presiding Commissioner report, Larson said the draft fiscal year 2024-2028 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) 30-day public review and comment period is underway. The draft fiscal year 2024-2028 STIP lists transportation projects planned by state and regional planning agencies for fiscal years 2024-2028 (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2028) and reflects the transportation needs of communities across the state. The STIP program is available on the MoDOT website: www.modot.org. Those interested in offering comments can send an email to STIPcomments@modot.mo.gov or can call customer service at 1-888-275-6636. The formal comment period ends July 6th. After the public review period, the comments will be presented to the Commission. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the Dent County Board of Equalization will be meeting July 17th at 1:00 at the courthouse and they now have three appointments. Curley said she wants to remind businesses in the county that sell alcohol that they must purchase their annual County Liquor License by Friday, June 30th. She said there are six businesses that have not yet done so. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk also wants to remind those people who still have delinquent Real Estate taxes from 2020 that you will need to pay them IN FULL by THIS FRIDAY during regular business hours from 8:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon. If you fail to do so, then on July 1st, the taxes for the tax years 2020, 2021 and 2022 will be declared due by Friday, August 25th. If not paid by then, your parcel will be sold at the Delinquent Tax Sale that will be held on Monday, August 28th. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

Malachi Antle of Licking, a 2023 graduate of Licking High School, is one of four students in Missouri to win the 27th annual Project 21 Scholarship competition sponsored by the Missouri Gaming Association, the professional organization representing casino operators in Missouri. The Missouri Gaming Association awards one $2,500 scholarship and three $1,500 scholarships each year. As the first place winner, Antle will receive a $2,500 scholarship towards tuition at the State Fair Community College, where he plans to study to become either a physical education or history teacher. Antle’s winning essay titled “Under-Age Gambling” discusses how the accessibility of electronic gambling has led to a rise in youth gambling. Antle also designed a poster titled “Effects of Under-Age Gambling” that was displayed at school to bring awareness to his peers. The students were asked to create an essay/article, poster or video aimed at educating their peers about the illegality and dangers of underage gambling. The entries were published or viewed in the students’ high schools in January or February to help educate other students. The Project 21 Scholarship was developed to educate young people about the issues and dangers of underage gambling. In Missouri, it’s illegal for persons under the age of 21 to gamble in a casino. The competition is open to all Missouri high school seniors planning to attend an institution of higher education in the United States within four years of graduation. The scholarships are jointly issued to the winners and the accredited institutions of higher education they select.

The Salem Public Library invites everyone to come by the library on Wednesday and make your own greeting card! Supplies will be provided and the event will be held at the Library Conference Room where you can stop by anytime between 10:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon. Be creative with your greeting card and bring a friend to share the fun! The event is free and no library card is needed. The library is located at 403 North Jackson. For more information, call 729-4331.

An accident happened Friday afternoon just before 1:45 in Crawford County on Mound Ridge Road about eight miles east of Steelville. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer being driven north by 19- year-old Landon Henry of St. James, traveled off the right side of the roadway. Henry then over corrected and traveled off the left side of the roadway then striking an embankment and overturning before coming to rest partially in the roadway. Henry and a passenger, 19-year-old Cole Henry, also of St. James, were transported by the Steelville EMS to Phelps Health Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The Trailblazer was totaled and removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Salem will be presenting this year’s Independence Day Parade at 6:00 on July 4th starting at the SBU-Salem Campus at the corner of South Grand and Franklin. The parade will head east on Franklin, then travel north on MacArthur to 4th Street where the parade will go east again and wind up around the Dent County Courthouse. The Grand Marshall this year is Keith Steelman. Entry forms for floats, classic vehicles, tractors, walking delegations and other entries are now available at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce office in the Crossroads Shopping Center at the corner of Highways 32-72 and 19. Entry forms need to be submitted by June 30th and all those who plan to have an entry in the parade need to have read and understand the rules and regulations. For more information or to have an entry form sent to you, please call Tabitha Utley at 729-6900.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley has released a number of judgments from last Thursday in the Dent County Circuit Court in front of Judge Michael Randazzo. In the report, Curley said Joshua Black of Salem, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of driving while having his license revoked. Black sought probation while Curley recommended a seven-year sentence with a 120-day incarceration through the state’s RSMO 559.115 program with Judge Randazzo agreeing with the prosecutor’s recommendation. Next Bryan Stogsdill of Houston, pleaded guilty to assault in the 2nd degree for operating a vehicle under the influence resulting in an injury and accident. Curley sought a seven-year sentence with a 120-day incarceration through the state’s RSMO 559.115 program while the defendant requested probation. Judge Randazzo sided with Stogsdill and sentenced him to five years probation with the standard terms of probation. In the third case heard, William French of Salem, pleaded guilty to one felony count of stealing, one felony count of receiving stolen property and one misdemeanor charge for stealing. Curley asked for a seven-year sentence with a 120-day incarceration through the state’s RSMO 559.115 program due to creation of victims in the community while the defendant requested probation. Judge Randazzo sentenced French to serve probation for five years with the execution of a seven-year suspended sentence over the state’s objection. Next, Tyler Callahan of Bunker, pleaded guilty to the possession of a controlled substance for methamphetamine. He was ordered to serve a seven-year suspended sentence with five years probation and parole as requested by the state. Judge Randazzo then heard the guilty plea of Israel Self of Salem, for the possession of a controlled substance for methamphetamine and was sentenced to serve seven years in the Department of Corrections as requested by Prosecutor Curley. The next case dealt with Tim Compton of Lake Ozark, for violating his probation after completing the RSMO 559.115 program. He was sentenced to serve 12 years in the Department of Corrections as recommended by the prosecuting attorney. The last case heard by Judge Randazzo was a sentencing hearing for Jon Payne of Salem. Payne was sentenced to serve five years in the Department of Corrections for the possession of a controlled substance for meth after he was terminated from the drug court program.

The City of Salem Finance Committee met Thursday evening at the Salem Community Center@The Armory for their final review of the proposed City of Salem budget for the fiscal year 2023-2024. City Treasurer Stacey Houston went over each individual fund to explain the budget prepared which was designed to accurately show how each fund fared matching their expected income and expenses for the upcoming year and not relying on previous fund balances to balance their individual budgets. Only two funds, the Park and Recreation Fund and the Airport Fund, used funds from the previous year fund balances and those uses were for capital expenditures. Houston and City Administrator Sally Burbridge were aggressive with the budget in creating a reserve fund for the Park and Recreation Department where one didn’t exist, or made sure contributions were made to utility reserve funds as required by ordinance to increase those reserve fund balances to reach the fund minimum balance of 25% of the previous year’s expenditures. One change was suggested to the budget and that was the addition of $10,000 for fireworks for the 2024 display that would need to be matched by local donations or sponsorships. That addition to the budget was approved by the finance committee. Another discussion was the need for a new Economic Development Director and when the city wanted to begin the process of finding one. Although no money was set aside in the budget, this item could be reviewed after January 1st to see where the city stood financially and if at that time they were ready to begin the search. If that were to happen, a budget adjustment could be made. The finance committee then voted to approve to recommend to the Salem Board of Aldermen the proposed fiscal year 2024 budget with the addition of the $10,000 for fireworks for their review Tuesday before the meeting was adjourned.

With the continued dry weather, state agencies are accelerating drought response efforts in Missouri and developing resources to assist those at greatest risk of serious impacts. Reports of local conditions are a key tool in assessing the changing drought situation. The public can assist local, state and national decision makers better understand conditions in their area by submitting a survey form via the Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) service at droughtimpacts.unl.edu, an online collaborative effort to crowd source data on ground-level drought conditions as they develop. Reports and photographs submitted through CMOR are used by state and federal officials to ensure the national drought map accurately portrays conditions in Missouri and other states. By ensuring the map’s accuracy, federal resources can be made available as soon as possible for drought-affected areas. Governor Mike Parson on May 31 issued a Drought Alert for 60 counties from mid-Missouri to northwestern Missouri. The already hot, dry weather means drought conditions are expected to further degrade heading into summer. Other counties will be added to the alert and be eligible for assistance as they reach established drought thresholds. A variety of helpful online resources are available at dnr.mo.gov/drought. The one-stop drought information website features current drought-related news, a series of Missouri drought maps and current condition reports, U.S. Drought Monitor, Missouri Drought Plan and other resources, including information on past droughts.

The Salem Public Library at 403 North Jackson will be holding an “All Together Now” First Responders Program in the north basement room from 1:00 until 2:30 Tuesday afternoon where first responders from area agencies like the Salem Police Department will share stories and participate in crafts and games with young children. The program is designed for children from Kindergarten through the 5th grade. The event is free and no library card is needed. For more information, call Isabella at 729-4331.

The Salem Memorial Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday evening in the hospital library. In the Administrators Report, CEO Wayne Reid reported he is looking into submitting a $16,000 grant for the National Electronic Injury Surveillance system to monitor and report product injury. The Torch grant application to expand cross-collaboration with community partners has been submitted. The MHA licensing survey has been submitted, the new lab interface is now in use and the dialysis unit has achieved a 90 facility score for the ESRD Quality Incentive Program, and the CPSI upgrade for Med Surg will begin implementation on July 14th. Reid introduced the Interim CFO, Kayla Chamberlain, who attended via zoom.  James Sample with the IT Department updated the board on the EDIS implementation, LabCorp interface completion, security camera upgrade, and new phone system installation. Reid reported that the clinic architect has completed the planning document for the clinic renovation and the cost is $400,000. This will be part of the $1.6 million request to the state and USDA funding. The board approved an update to the bank signature cards adding Daylon Harrison and Kayla Chamberlain. The board discussed the fact that Phelps Health is now providing transportation to Dent County residents to their hospital without informing the hospital administration. There was a request by the board about doing a patient transportation study as well as looking into the cost of providing this type of service for SMH using grants. The board approved the purchase of a Lennox air conditioner at a cost of $16,000 and an upgrade to the ultrasound hardware and software at a cost of $23,320 for the Radiology Department.  Approval of the FY 2023-2024 Budget including Capital Budget expenditures was tabled until the next meeting to allow the board members to have a workshop and gather additional information that was requested. In the Summary of Operations for the month of May, hospital admissions were 106 which included 12 Swingbed admissions with a total of 437 patient census days. In May, there were 1,738 Outpatient Registrations, 1,439 Cardiopulmonary Procedures, 9,191 Lab Tests, 1,362 Radiology Procedures, 773 Rehabilitation Treatments, 41 Surgical Procedures, and 195 Home Health Visits. There were 691 Emergency Room visits with 60 patients being admitted. A total of 213 ambulance runs were made with 142 patients being transported and 71 dry runs. The hospital had an excess of revenues over expenses for May of $114,718 with over $98,543 being a gain from operations. Jodi Gorman gave the Chief Nursing Officer report and said the hospital is looking for a new med/surg director and Home Health Director plus seven other full-time positions. In the Hospital Foundation report, the recent golf tournament raised $13,580 and foundation board member RuthAnn Parker has resigned. The hospital board is looking to fill this vacancy. The “Dancing with the Salem Stars” is scheduled for February 2024 and they are looking for dancers. If anyone is interested, they can call the hospital administration office at 729-6626. The board then went into closed session.

Free meals are being served to children in Dent County again this summer at the Salem Nutrition Site in the Salem Senior Center at 604 North McGrath Lane. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services says the Summer Food Service Program is designed to provide lunch and/or snacks to children living in eligible areas during the summer months. Food is provided to all children that attend the meal service location. Children do not have to register. Lunch is served starting at 11:00 and lasts until 12:30 with a snack available from 2:00 until 3:00 in the afternoon. The lunch and snack is available Monday through Friday through August 21st except for July 4th when the center will be closed. Meals will be served to children age 18 and under. They are also given to individuals age 18 to 21 that have been determined by a state or local educational agency to be mentally or physically disabled and who participate in an established school program for the mentally or physically disabled. For more information, call 729-2373. Parents can also eat lunch with their children at the Salem Nutrition Center and the cost is $7.00 for their meal.

According to a press release from the Shannon County Firest Responders, the Mercy Emergency Medical Services recently held a ten week training for new Emergency Medical Responders. Fifteen students graduated from the course on June 8th. The class was instructed by Carl Beasley of Mercy and Bethany Busby of Mountain View Fire Department. An EMR is the emergency medical certification level below EMT. The students have studied emergency medicine including how to treat a wide variety of injuries and illnesses. They are trained to work with minimal equipment in a variety of settings such as homes, the forest or river and at automobile wrecks. A few of the more experienced EMRs sat in on the course as a refresher since everyone needs to keep their skills sharp. The role of the First Responder is to arrive on the scene of the emergency before the ambulance arroves and begin care. Some first responders are members of a fire or police department, but there are also two independent first responder organizations in our area that only respond to medical emergencies: the Shannon County First Responders and the Carter County First Responders. A hard-earned congratulations goes out to all of them and our community thanks them for their commitment to step up and help their neighbors.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held their regular meeting Tuesday night at the district administrative offices. After discussing a student issue in closed session, the board heard from Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed as she said the Tin Gym and Locker Room Project is all but finished as some athletes are already working out at the facility. Dr. Nathan Wills will present some data at the next meeting for the board that will compare the Salem R-80 District with other schools in the area and SCA Conference schools. Dr. Herman Blau from the William Lynch Elementary School said that Mary Beth Patrick, a teacher at the elementary school, was named the Rotary Teacher of the Year. In new business, the board approved the bid by Gary Kolthoff on the surplus buses which was $1,000 each for bus #7 and #10, and $850 for the non-running bus. The board then approved the bid from the Bank of Salem for a five-year agreement as the school districts financial depository. The board declared old desks and tables as well as other items at the Salem Upper Elementary as surplus property before approving the policy SRCSP which allows the school to continue to receive ESSER funds until September of 2024. The board approved the WADA transfer from the General Operations Fund 1 to the Capital Projects Fund 4 in the amount of $506,579, and they approved participating in the State Baseline Salary Grant of giving teachers a $38,000 minimum salary. The minimum salary per the salary schedule for Salem R-80 is $32,000 and the state will pay the difference between that figure and the $38,000 salary as well as an additional 16% to cover benefits. The board approved amending the 2022-23 budget to reflect the actual expenses and revenues as of June 30th of this year. The anticipated ending balances for the four funds for June 30th, 2023, are $2,708,143 in the Operations Fund 1, no money in Fund 2 which is the Special and Teachers Fund, $271,694 in Fund 3 which is the Debt Service Fund, and $2,276,190 in the Capital Projects Fund which is Fund 4. The school is expected to have an unrestricted fund balance of 33.99%. The board then discussed the proposed 2023-2024 budget which shows anticipated total revenues in all funds of $18,989,212 and $16,169,291 in the total expenses. In the proposed budget, progress was made on salaries which include a 22.7% increase among the lowest salaries on the support staff, a raise in the base salary for teachers from $31,600 to $32,000, the district will pay an additional $2,000 to teachers making over $38,000 which is up from the $1,000 amount last year, the district added the Career Ladder allowing teachers to make an additional $1,500 to $5,000, and they also updated the extra duty contract schedule. Dr. Reed said these assumptions were also made in preparing the budget. A 5% increase was made to support staff base hourly rates, plus staff will receive their horizontal and vertical steps, and the board provided insurance will be $619.98 per employee per month, which is up from the last year when the board paid $514.60 per employee per month. She said the budget was made using an enrollment figure of 1,341 students, 120 certified staff, 74 classified staff, an operating levy of $2.75, a debt service levy of 45 cents and an assessed valuation in the district of $78,528,420. The biggest expense of the budget will be the cost of instruction which is expected to come in at $8,813,124 while the largest revenue source for the school will be the State of Missouri providing an estimated $6,245,987. The expected budgeted amounts of the four funds as of June 30, 2024, are $4,431,755 in the Operations Fund known as Fund 1, no money in Fund 2 which is the Special and Teachers Fund, $252,638 in Fund 3 which is the Debt Service Fund, and $3,546,101 in the Capital Projects Fund which is Fund 4. The school is expected to have an unrestricted fund balance of 31.44% at the end of the next fiscal year. The board approved the budget for the 2023-24 school year. The board approved the contract with Build-Tec LLC for the construction of the new Construction Trades Building after cost reducing negotiations lowered the bid price to $879,347 which is under just under the budgeted amount. This bid is just for the ground work and for the building shell. The board then accepted the resignations of Rockey Wade, Tania Wood, Sarah Russell and Jennie Brakensiek before going into closed session.

The Meramec Local Emergency Planning District, working in conjunction with Rolla Fire and Rescue, received a $74,083 grant to purchase oil absorbent pads and booms for all the fire departments in the district which includes Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps and Washington counties. Rolla Fire and Rescue Chief Jeff Breen and former chief Ron Smith worked to pull together the grant application materials, and once funded, purchased and distributed the supplies. Fire departments in Dent County receiving booms and pads were the Dent County Fire Protection District, Jadwin Volunteer Fire Department, Lenox Rural Fire Department, Quad County Fire Protection District and Montauk Rural Fire Department. Booms and pads are deployed to absorb oil during hazardous material spills. They keep chemicals from reaching waterways and environmentally sensitive areas. This opportunity was made possible through the State Emergency Management Agency and Missouri Emergency Response Commission and was only open to local emergency planning districts and committees across the state.

The Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital and the Columbia Vet Center are teaming up to provide area Veterans with services that includes Veteran’s Administration health care enrollment for those who are eligible, as well as counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder and military sexual trauma through their Mobile Vet Center at the Wal-Mart Supercenter at 500 South Bishop in Rolla today. The Mobile Vet Center will be at Wal-Mart that day from 9:00 this morning until 1:00 in the afternoon. The Mobile Vet Center is a 37-foot-long mobile resource unit where veterans can receive assistance in dealing with bereavement issues with marriage and family counseling also available. Additional resources for Veterans through the MVC include VA benefits information and suicide prevention referrals. The customized MVC vehicle is equipped with confidential counseling space to extend access to VA services for Veterans, service members and their families, especially those living in rural or remote communities. The MVC also provides readjustment counseling and information resources to assist Veterans in the difficult transition between military and civilian life. For more information, call (573) 814-6206.

The Salem Finance Committee will be meeting Thursday night at the Salem Community Center@The Armory at 5:30 to discuss the proposed budget for the 2024 fiscal year. The administration is striving to reduce the transfers from the Electric Fund into the General Revenue Fund and the amount for the next fiscal year has been reduced to $600,000. It is the hope with the addition of the 1% sales tax to the General Revenue Funds that those transfers can be eliminated. The administration is determined to continue to add money to the reserve funds for all the utilities and have fund balances of at least 25% of the prior fiscal year actual expenditures. Those reserves would then be available for disasters or economic hardships with a vote of the aldermen. The budget does include a 10% increase in fuel costs and a 10% increase in utilities with increases in supply and material costs as well. The administration has made a number of assumptions on employee retention and recruitment that are included in the proposed budget that includes the adoption of a new personnel policy and leave amounts that includes the addition of two personal days per year. The administration recommends the approval of a new employee health insurance proposal that would come in around $535 per month per employee which is under the $550 per month threshold which had been set by the aldermen as well as pay schedule adjustments based on the Missouri Municipal League salary survey, and the cost of living adjustments with a 4% increase recommended for fiscal year 2024. The board has also eliminated from the budget individual budgeted amounts for non-profit entities or other civic organizations such as for SACBA beautification, the Dent County Extension, the Dent County Museum, Project Graduation and Healthy Dent County at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. The city instead has included a line in the budget called “Community Support” that can be funded with up to a $20,000 balance where these organizations can apply to the city where each year the Board of Aldermen can decide which organizations to fund based on their priorities and preferences. This “Community Support” line in the budget will only be funded after all the needs of the city operations, capital investments, reserve policies and obligations have been met. If this assumption is approved, these organizations will no longer be guaranteed funding from the city for the services they provide. For the new budget, the fireworks fund was left blank. The 2024 proposed fiscal year budget includes proposed revenues from all funds of $17,454,732 and proposed expenses from all funds of $17,212,813. The Finance Committee recommendation will be presented to the Board of Aldermen at their next meeting on June 27th at the City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting Thursday is open to the public.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will conduct their June meeting this evening at 6:00 in the hospital library. Hospital Administrator Wayne Reid will give his report before the board hears a report on information technology. In old business, the board will be updated on the kitchen drain proposal, architectural work on the clinic, the strategic planning update and a legislative report. In new business, the board will discuss hospital transportation, hospital signature cards, foundation account changes, purchases and review the next fiscal year budget before it is approved. Reports will then be heard on the summary of operations and statistics for the month of May as well as the 340B program, the hospital resources update, the hospital foundation report and a report from the Chief Nursing Officer Ashley Sullins. The board will also review the marketing and community relations. The board may then vote to go into closed session if needed. The meeting tonight at 6:00 will be open to the public.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education meet this evening at 5:30 at the district administrative offices boardroom. After a closed session to discuss student issues, the board will move into the regular meeting. After approval of the consent agenda and communications, Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed and Assistant Superintendent Nathan Wills will give their reports followed by the building principal’s reports as well as the activities and athletics report, special education report and instructional coaches report. In new business, the board will discuss the surplus bus bid, hear responses to the request for proposals for a bank depository agreement, approve the 7% WADA transfer from Fund 1 to Fund 4 for the purpose of paying off the lease purchase with Signature Bank and other capital projects and declare surplus property at the Upper Elementary School. The board will also approve policy SRCSP, discuss participating in the State Baseline Salary Grant of $38,000, approved amending the 2022-2023 budget to reflect actual expenditures and revenues before approving the new fiscal year 2023-2024 budget. The board will also discuss approving the contract with Build-Tec LLC for the construction trades building. They will hear any resignations before voting to go into executive session to discuss personnel and student issues The regular meeting of the Salem R-80 Board of Education tonight after closed session at 5:30 is open to the public.

A drowning occurred Friday morning around 11:55 in Crawford County on Thurman Lake Road and the Meramec River. According to the water patrol report, 18-year-old Logan Wright of St. James was swimming and went under water and did not resurface. Wright was transported to the Crawford County Morgue by the Crawford County Coroner.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday evening. The financial report was then presented showing an ending balance as of May 31st of $180,119.70. Bills, payments, and statements were approved before the budget was reviewed and compared to the 2022 budget showing that department is in good shape. After the calendar review, the monthly reimbursement report was presented showing 24 calls for the month of May, bringing the total calls year to date to 141. In old business, it was noted that the insurance company had approved the replacement of the repeater that was damaged during the spring storms. The repeater has been ordered but its still 30 weeks out to be received and then will have to be installed. At present, the department is working with a repaired repeater. The ARPA grant is still ongoing. Fire Chief Brad Nash gave his report and stated that Engine 85 is still waiting on parts which are due any time now. Nash also reported that three firefighters that were not meeting requirements were let go in accordance with the policies and procedures and officers review and recommendations. Before adjourning, the date for the next meeting was set for Tuesday evening, July 11th at 6:00 at the fire station located at #2 South Main Street. The meeting will be open to the public.

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees held their regular meeting Thursday, June 15th. In attendance were trustees Dennis Floyd, Bob Gravely, Lori Hasten and Bob Parsons, plus Administrator Zach Moser and Assistant Administrator Roma Jones. After approval of the minutes of the May 19th regular meeting of the Board and the Emergency Board meeting of June 13th, the resignation letter of Board Member Kim Smith was read and accepted. Administrator Moser presented the communicable disease report which included six new COVID-19 cases for May. He said there were 35 active lead cases in May. Six sexually transmitted infection screenings were also conducted during the month. Moser noted that a total of 16 total influenza cases were reported in May. He stated that this is a very unusual number of influenza cases for this time of year. Moser also reported that there were eight animal bites reported in May. In the diagnostics report, Moser said 205 blood draw appointments were completed in May, plus 10 COVID tests and eight lead tests. There were eight vaccines for COVID-19 and 63 other vaccinations administered. A total of 422 appointments were held during May, plus WIC appointments that totaled 328. Moser noted in May there were 122 urine drug screenings conducted on behalf of the Dent County Treatment Court. Assistant Administrator Jones gave the environmental report where she conducted 8 total inspections and fielded 5 environmental questions. In the Administrator’s report, Moser said that the Childcare Subsidy Program ended May 31st, 2023, and that approximately $700,000 in grant dollars were distributed over the course of the program to assist with childcare expenses. He discussed the financial review that he had asked Sherry Stack of H & R Block to perform. Zach presented the first report and expressed approval of the format and scope of the report. He reminded the Board Members of the training session scheduled for July 17th at 5:00 with Tiffany Bayer from the Center for Local Public Health at DHSS. Zach requested approval for travel to the NACCHO 360, a public health conference in Denver the week of July 9th which was approved as he is scheduled to give a presentation at the conference. Moser reminded the Board of upcoming future Health Center events including Christmas in July on the 22nd of next month, a Fall Health Fair on October 26th, and a drive-through flu/COVID clinic on October 12th.The health center financial reports for May, including the review from H & R Block, were reviewed and approved. Chairman Parsons shared a conversation he had with Salem Memorial Hospital Board Chair A.J. Seay regarding a desire to work more closely together. He also discussed news of a large Veteran’s Administration medical facility planned for construction in Rolla. Moser expressed a similar desire to collaborate and reiterated the importance of the entire medical community working together to improve the public health. There being no further business the next regular meeting of the Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees was set for Thursday, July 17th at 5:00, followed by adjournment of the meeting.

The Salem Police department has released their report for the month of May. The department responded to nine accidents during the month. Officers also responded to five commercial alarms sounding and addressed 44 animal calls. The department investigated six assaults or fights in progress, five burglaries, performed 25 well being checks and 26 area checks during the month. The department also investigated 11 domestic disputes, conducted 56 follow-up investigations and provided 16 escorts. They investigated four incidents of fraud, three harassment reports, took two missing persons report, and offered assistance to four motorists. The Salem police wrote 11 property damage reports during May, plus made 21 stealing and five shoplifting reports. Officers investigated 14 suspicious circumstance calls, 15 suspicious person calls and seven suspicious vehicle calls. Officers responded to four trespassing calls and attempted to serve 11 warrants in May. Officers conducted 63 traffic stops during the month. The police responded to a total of 623 in incidents in May. The average response time to calls during May was two minutes and 21 seconds and the average time spent on the scene was 17 minutes and 35 seconds.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams reported on the sales tax revenues received by the county in June where the General Revenue Fund and LEST Fund each received $94,747.50 which is $2,172.88 less than for June of 2022. The Road and Bridge Fund received $44,497.38 in June which is down $1,290.34 from June of 2022. The Jail Operating and Trust funds each received $89,416.73 and that is down $2,125.47 from June 2022 receipts. These figures are all net of the monthly withholding by the Department of Revenue. Williams said she also received the Payment in Lieu of Taxes payment of $176,896 which is more than the $172,159 received in 2022. Williams went on to say the county Road and Bridge Fund also received the reimbursement for white rock from the Department of Conservation in the amount of $20,273.96. She went on to say the transition of banking accounts from Progressive Ozark Bank to the Bank of Salem is going well with two accounts still yet to be converted over. Corky Stack from Stack Design and Consulting Group was at the meeting to update the commission on work done on the courthouse. He said workers are doing dismantling work in taking off the trim anchored by wood blocks behind the brick work. That will be re-secured with plywood and the trim anchored to the brick. He said an environmental company has been hired to put together work plans for the removal of the lead based paint on the wood entryway and asbestos caulking found on the roof. Stack said windows to be delivered around July 1st. Stack said the dormers will be delivered in September after they go through Rolla where part of the dormer is painted with automotive paint. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said materials would be added and grading done on county roads 5410 and 6320 while only grading was going to be done on county road 6400. He said brush was cut on Dent County Road 5465 which is the Miner Cemetery Road and materials were added to it. Mobray said rock was also added to county road 5670 and that the FLAP project 56 on county road 6670 which consisted of asphalting the hill to Tan Vat, has been completed and will have its final inspection by MoDOT Tuesday. Mobray stated the work crews are rebuilding Dent County Road 5080 so that it can be chipped and sealed next year. Dent County Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson gave the District 2 report and said brush was cut on the Commons Road which is county road 2300 and also on county road 2270. He said materials were being added to Dent County Road 2370 and rock was also being stockpiled at the county shed. Larson reported he attended a number of meetings last week including the Meramec Community Enhancement Corporation on June 7th, followed by the TAC and External Relations Committee meetings on June 8th where they finalized the menu for the annual volunteer awards dinner to be held this year at Hermann. At the awards dinner, two Dent County citizens will be recognized for their volunteer efforts and they are Easton May and Deloris Gray Wood. Larson said at the MRPC meeting also held June 8th, there was discussion on the Opioid Settlement Funds and how they can be used. It was recommended to have Attorney Jack Garvey meet with the county representatives and explain about how the money can be used. Larson went on to say there are still some ARPA Funds available for fire departments and law enforcement through the MRPC. He didn’t know the name of the program, but thought there was $20,000 available to those types of organizations. He said there was also some discussion on Senate Bill 190 that offers property tax credits for senior citizens. The commission opened bids for chip and seal for later this year. The commission received two bids: one from Blevins Asphalt from Brookline, Missouri, and the other from Stewart Asphalt Paving from Goodman, Missouri. The commission approved the bid from Blevins Asphalt for $1.80 a square yard that will include an enhanced oil that stays more pliable at a total bid cost of $266,112. Adam Boswell from Blevins Asphalt was in attendance and said they would do the Dent County projects in September. In the county clerks report, they are still doing voter registration address changes from the canvass held a few weeks back. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk reported to the commission her monthly turnover. She said her office received $82,958.54 that has been distributed to the respective entities. She said that is a 1.12% increase from last year. She said as of Thursday morning, there were still 58 people who owe real estate taxes from 2020 and they have until June 30th to get them paid so they would have another year to get caught up. The courthouse will be closed Monday for Juneteenth so the next commissioner meeting will be Thursday, June 22nd.

The Salem Chamber Business Expo will be held this Saturday from 9:00 until noon at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center Parking Area at the intersection of Highway 32-72 and 19. Everyone is welcome to come by and browse around the numerous vendors who will be there to talk about their services and products. People will find numerous samples and giveaways at booths throughout the event including Town & Country Bank who will be giving away a $200 County Mart Gift Card, American Family Insurance will be giving away a $100 Visa Gift Card, the ATC Den will have a cash machine set up and chances to win Chamber Rodeo tickets, Riverways Federal Credit Union will be giving away an Igloo Cooler full of Summer Fun items, Edward Jones Pickle Ball Set and Big Rock Candy Mountain will have a Gift Certificate. Come on out and find out about numerous businesses and organizations in our area!

A correction has been made to the accident reported Wednesday in the paper copy of Your World Today that occurred about six miles south of Vienna at 3:05 Tuesday morning. According to the highway patrol report, a southbound 2019 Ford Econoline driven by 71-year-old Truman Reinecke of Afton, Oklahoma, struck a southbound 1997 Ford F-350 driven by 87-year-old Lyle Hutchens of Salem, from behind. As a result of the crash, the Econoline overturned and sustained moderate damage, while the F-350 had minor damage. Reinecke suffered minor injuries and was transported by EMS to Phelps Health. The Econoline was removed from the scene by D&D Towing and the F-350 was driven from the scene. Everyone involved in the accident were wearing their seat restraints. We apologize for the error.

The Dent County Public Water Supply District #1 has issued a 48-hour boil order for their customers on Highway 19. If you are in that part of the district, make sure that you boil any water or use bottled water for consuming or for brushing your teeth! Make sure you boil the water or use bottled water for your pets as well. You may boil water in a microwave as well as on your stove. It is safe to take a bath or shower, but be careful not to swallow any water.

The City of Salem Finance Committee will be meeting tonight at 5:30 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory at 1200 West Rolla Road in the Rotary Room. The committee will be reviewing the recommended capital improvements and as well as each funds budget in preparation the final draft of the fiscal year 2024 budget. Questions and discussion after the review of the proposed budget will be held to determine the version of the budget that will be submitted to the Salem Board of Aldermen for their approval on June 27th. The meeting is open to the public.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold a special meeting and budget workshop at 12:30 today. Dr. Howard Neeley and Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed will be discussing the budget with the board members. The board will also consider a contract for the Construction trades Building and the rescheduling of their regular meeting for Tuesday, June 20th at 6:00 at the district administrative offices. The meeting will be today will be available by Zoom. Contact the Salem R-80 offices to get the Zoom link.

The City of Salem Utility Committee met Wednesday night at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. City Treasurer Stacey Houston went over the 11 month figures for the electric, water and sewer funds showing income and expenses, comparing them with the estimated budget numbers, and then going over the expected budget for the fiscal year 2024. Highlights from her presentation show that $900,000 of the money original scheduled to be transferred to the General Revenue Fund will be reduced to $750,000 with the other $150,000 going into reserves. She also showed the combined reserve funds for the electric department which started the year at around $95,000 will end the year near $827,118 with the transfers from sales, the addition of the service availability fees and the required annual 5% contribution. She also said the well work scheduled for this fiscal year for the water department will not happen until next year, and that will be able to paid for out of the water reserve fund instead of from operations. The sewer department saw revenues increase to over a million dollars with the rate increase last August and some $67,000 will be added to the sewer reserves. It was explained by City Administrator Sally Burbridge the sewer bonds for the wastewater project will not be closed on until 2024 but engineering work and other parts of the ARPA grant will be put into operation. Burbridge also said the supplemental funding the city promised to look into when discussing the bond issue was applied for from the State Revolving Fund and the city qualifies for two million dollars of the 4.6 million dollar project. The committee then discussed electric utility issues that needed to be addressed. First after some discussion, the committee elected to recommend to the Board of Alderman to continue with the electric Service Availability Fee to customers to help fund the reserve fund, but reduce it to an $8.00 fee from the current $10 fee. It will automatically sunset next June unless the committee elects to continue it. They next discussed the city ordinance that automatically will increase or decrease the electric rate based upon the wholesale purchase of power by the percentage of increase or decrease over a 12-month period. That rate was a 7.7% increase. The committee weighed the full 7.7% increase that would cover the cost of electricity and possibly help with the reserves versus the number of increases the public has received over the last year for utilites. They voted 3-3 with Chairman Kyle Williams casting the deciding vote to recommend to the alderman to only raise the rate 3.5%. This would take the electric rate form $.1314 kWh to $.1360 per kWh. They also approved recommending to the alderman to accurately calculate the trued-up figures to determine the proper increase or decrease in the purchase of electricity, the 12-month period used in the ordinance be from May to April of the current year. They also approved to recommend to the aldermen to treat the electric rates for those who are not in the city limits who have city utilities to follow the water and sewer rate policies of being charged 26% higher rates than city dwellers plus double the base or Service Availability Fee. The committee went on to agree to recommend to the aldermen a change in the budget billing program to go from a “fixed” amount to a “running” Average Monthly Payment (AMP) which is like budget billing with small fluctuations in the amount due. Further they agreed to recommend to the alderman that customers must be in “good standing” to qualify for AMP which means no more than two late payments and no disconnects in the last 12 months and no contracts. All contracts would have to be paid in full before they would be eligible for AMP. Finally the committee agreed to recommend to the alderman to allow the city to contract to e-mail utility bills through Incode at a cost of about $4,600 with an annual fee near $700; and for those who still want to have paper bills, to contract with Ozark Mailing Services where they print, fold, insert the bill and return envelope, seal the outside envelope, meter and mail the bills at 79 cents per piece. That cost to the city is about the same in direct overhead and supply costs which does not including payroll and time lost to other duties. A question and answer session was held before the meeting adjourned.