Local News

The Dent County Commission met last Thursday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, District One Commissioner Wes Mobray said that he had a truck hauling clay and rock to Dent County Road 6485 to fill in a sink hole that has developed with debris showing that was apparently there when the road was built. He also said some of his crew was repairing the exhaust on the single axle truck and the throttle cable on the Dura-patcher for chip and seal repair. Both graders were fixing bad spots in roads. A pre-construction meeting was held Tuesday in the commission office for the FLAP 56 project which is work on the Tan Vat hill on county road 6670. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson gave the report for District Two. He said brush would be cut on Dent County Road 2060 and materials would be added to county road 2210, plus two driveway culverts that were purchased by landowners would be installed. Larson also reported that two men had gone to Sligo to bring in the Cat grader for repairs. In the Presiding Commissioner’s report, Larson said he’d talked to the contractors working on the courthouse and their work is pretty well on schedule. He also reported that he would be submitting an invoice in the amount of $20,273.96 for the white rock applied to Conservation Roads. He also noted that Governor Parson will appoint the District Two Commissioner, probably the week of June 5th, and locally they have no control of who he appoints. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday, June 1st, at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Ten people died in traffic crashes over the 2023 Memorial Day weekend counting period which began at 6:00 Friday evening, May 26th, and continued through 11:59 Monday night, May 29th, 2023. Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers investigated 314 traffic crashes involving 102 injuries and ten fatalities over the 2023 Memorial Day holiday weekend. The patrol also made 130 DWI and 14 Drug arrests over the holiday weekend. There were six boating crashes resulting in three injuries during the same period. The patrol made seven boating while intoxicated arrests during the counting period. During last years 2022 counting period, the Patrol investigated 301 traffic crashes, which included 129 injuries and nine of the 13 fatalities. Also, over the 2022 Memorial Day holiday, Marine operations troopers investigated nine boating crashes, which included one fatality and four injuries. Troopers made 131 driving while intoxicated arrests and seven boating while intoxicated arrests. No one drowned over the 2022 Memorial Day holiday.

The Missouri’s Department of Economic Development’s Office of Broadband Development (OBD) and the University of Missouri Extension, will host a “Connecting All Missourians” regional listening session on the topic of broadband from 9:00 to 11:00 Tuesday morning, June 9th, at the Centre in Rolla located at 1200 Holloway Street. The main purpose of the regional listening session is to hear updates from a diverse range of broadband stakeholders in the region and around the state. Stakeholder input is crucial to the work of the OBD as they continue to develop the state’s broadband plan and future broadband funding programs. The goal of this campaign is to identify broadband challenges and barriers while identifying resources that can further the mission of “Connecting All Missourians.” Feedback received from stakeholders at the event will continue to guide the creation of a five-year infrastructure plan and Missouri’s Digital Equity Plan and will shape the development of broadband infrastructure in Missouri. The meeting will be held in person, with a virtual option available for those who are unable to attend in-person. Registration is requested to ensure enough seating. To reserve your spot, please contact Linda Carroll at Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) at lcarroll@meramecregion.org or call 573-265-2993. Walk-ins are welcome, although registration is preferred. Bonnie Prigge, the MRPC’s Executive Director, says this is an important meeting, and they hope to have broad representation from our eight-county area including business owners, non-profits, schools, libraries, local governments and elected officials, as well as internet service providers, cooperatives and area residents who need better broadband service. MRPC is assisting the OBD with outreach and community engagement in the Meramec Region.

Honoring the “History in the Howes Mill Community” will be held this Saturday morning at 9:00 at the Boss Assembly of God Church’s Pavilion located at 22518 East Highway 32 in Boss. This is also National Trails Day® which is a day set aside by the American Hiking Society for people to get out and enjoy nature. This “Honoring Howes Mill and the Clark National Forest History” event is one of AHS registered events. It is a recognition day for the Clark National Forest established on September 11, 1939, with 1,971,885 acres named in honor of Champ Clark who served in the Missouri House of Representative and US House of Representatives. Three men who have championed the Clark National Forest are Tom Botkins, Kenny Pryor, and Max Butler from the Howes Mill Community. These men will be honored at the ceremony for their historical love of Howes Mill and the Clark National Forest in the land of their Heritage where they grew up. In the original Clark National Forest (which is now part of the Mark Twain National Forest), a walk is planned for Howes Mill, weather permitting. An alternative run, walk, or hike will be in the Boss Cemetery across Highway 32 from the pavilion after the ceremony at 9:00. Please bring a lawn chair, bug spray, and a picnic lunch. Water will be provided. Also, wear clothes appropriate for hiking or walking, including sunscreen. If it is raining, the ceremony will be in Tutor Hall instead of the Church Pavilion. There is free parking. For more information, please get in touch with Deloris Gray Wood, President of the Dent County Historical Society, at (573) 729-2545.

A fatal accident occurred Sunday afternoon around 3:40 in Phelps County on Phelps County Road 1140 just west of Phelps County Road 1090. According to the highway patrol report, a 1981 Special Dune Buggy being driven by 49-year-old Paul Rice of Catawissa, was traveling westbound and lost control and traveled off the right side of the roadway. The buggy overturned, ejecting the passenger 42-year-old Chandra Moffet of St. James. Moffet was pronounced dead at the scene by Phelps County Coroner Ernie Coverdale and was transported to the James and Gahr Funeral Home in St. James. Rice suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Phelps Health. The Buggy sustained minor damage and was removed from the scene by private conveyance. The report goes on to say that Rice was wearing safety restraints and Moffet was not.

An accident happened Saturday morning just before 11:15 in Crawford County on Hickory Road about two miles northeast of Steelville that took the life of a man from Steelville. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 Harley Davidson Electorglide traveling southbound and being operated by 62-year-old James Goers of Steelville, traveled off the left side of the road. The Harley then struck a ditch and overturned. Goers was transported to Missouri Baptist Hospital by the Steelville EMS where he pronounced dead by Dr. White at 1:33 Saturday afternoon. The Harley sustained minor damage and was removed from the scene by family members. The report went on to state that Goers was not wearing any safety equipment at the time of the accident.

An accident happened Sunday evening at 7:19 in Miller County on Route U at Kinderhook County Road leaving two people with injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 2020 Polaris UTV heading eastbound driven by 23-year-old Carter Malley of Brumley, made a felt turn in front of a 2021 Ford Fusion driven by 26-year-old Taylor Gardner of Edgar Springs traveling southbound. Gardner swerved the Fusion across the center of the roadway to avoid the UTV, but the UTV struck the Ford. The Fusion then went back across the center of the roadway and came to rest facing southbound. The UTV became airborne and traveled off the east side of Route U ejecting Halley. The UTV finally struck a ditch came to rest facing southbound. Halley and Gardner each suffered serious injuries with Halley being flown to the University of Missouri Hospital by Mercy Air, while Gardner was taken by ambulance to the Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach. Neither were wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident. Both vehicles were totaled and removed by Hi-Tech Towing in Kaiser.

A one vehicle accident happened Sunday morning just after 8:40 in Crawford County at 155 Blunt Road. According to the highway patrol report, a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado being driven by 19-year-old Matthew Shovlin of Arnold, exited a curve traveling too fast and then overcorrected, striking a tree. A passenger in the vehicle, 19-year-old Nico Portell of House Springs, suffered moderate injuries and was taken by the Steelville EMS to the Washington County Memorial Hospital. The Silverado sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing. The report went on to state that both the driver and the passenger were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

An accident happened Saturday afternoon at 4:30 in Dent County on a private lane about a mile and a half north of Highway 72. According to the highway patrol report, a 2016 Polaris being operated by 40-year-old Adam Becklenberg of St. James, made a sharp left turn and overturned. Becklenberg was thrown from the Polaris, suffering moderate injuries. He was flown by Air Evac to Cox South Hospital in Springfield for treatment of his injuries. The Polaris had minor damage and was secured at the scene. Becklenberg was not wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident.

An accident happened Saturday afternoon at 3:10 in Phelps County on Route M about four miles west of Edgar Springs. The highway patrol report states that a 2021 Harley Davidson being operated by 38-year-old Neil Nerem of Boone, Iowa, was traveling westbound when he lost control of the bike and overturned. Nerem, who was not wearing any safety equipment, suffered moderate injuries and was flown to University Hospital in Columbia. The Harley was totaled and removed from the scene by D&D Towing.

An accident happened Saturday evening at 6:15 in Reynolds County on Route J about three miles west of Black. According to the highway patrol report, a 2022 Zero motorcycle being operated by 44-year-old Jennifer Morgan of St. Robert, traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned. Morgan suffered moderate injuries and transported by aircraft to Mercy South in St. Louis. The motorcycle sustained minor damage and was removed by a private party. Morgan was wearing safety equipment.

There will no Your World Today on Monday, Memorial Day. We wish you and your family a happy holiday!

The Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting Tuesday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. The board approved the lease of a 2022 F-600 Terex TL 48 bucket truck with an Altec AT40M bucket for $2,512.09 per month for 60 months for a total of $174,125. This truck is for the Electric Department. The board discussed the bids for the property at 803 West Glendale Street as part of the “Welcome Home” program. The board accepted the bid from R. Conway Construction, LLC for $25,500 and rejected the bid from Mid Missouri Renovations. The board approved Resolution #21-2023 allowing the mayor to execute an agreement between the City of Salem, R. Conway Construction LLC, and John Mooney, the owner of the property at 803 West Glendale. The owner will pay the required $5,000 and another $2,550 for the amount exceeding the allowed amount for the program. The board then approved the “Welcome Home” bid from Mid Missouri Renovations for property located at 708 East Fourth Street for $24,480 and rejected the bid from Jeff Kirker Electric. They board then approved Resolution #22-2023 allowing the mayor to execute an agreement between the City of Salem, Mid Missouri Renovations, and Jacquelene Halbrook, the owner of the property at 708 East Fourth Street. The board heard from City Treasurer Stacey Houston who reported sales tax revenues exceeded their budgeted amounts in all funds including the Capital Improvement Fund, the Park and Recreation Fund and the General Revenue Fund. She also reported revenues for the water and sewer departments have already exceeded their budgeted amounts for the entire year, while the electric department should exceed the budgeted amount by a few thousand dollars, but the increase in the purchase of electricity is also up negating any gain in that fund. The board heard the first reading of Bill #3539 that would create an ordinance authorizing the mayor to sign and execute an agreement between the City of Salem and Hogan’s, Inc. for contact tank painting services for Well #2 and Well #4. Mayor Greg Parker said there was 137 tons of trash picked up during Spring Clean-Up weeks. Public Works Director Mark Nash said the city has been cleaning out ditches for better water flow. He said the Electric Department’s new digger derrick truck is in but has not yet been put into service until the company service personnel does the required training. Nash said the boom mower is out for repair but should be back any time soon to cut the grass out of the ditches. There was discussion that if the mower will not be available soon that possibly the city could work with the county to use their brush cutter. Alderman Bolerjack thanked City Administrator Sally Burbridge for her work for the Capital Improvement Committee meeting reviewing the capital requests for the next year and what will be needed in the next five years. The board then went into closed session.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports for the third week of May. On Saturday, May 13th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on North Highway 19. During the course of the stop, a 22-year-old Salem woman was arrested on 3 outstanding arrest warrants. The woman was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail where she was incarcerated on the warrants. Then on Monday, May 15th, a deputy responded to the 2300 block of Route E for a reported assault. During the investigation, a 74-year-old Salem man was arrested. He was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, photographed, and released on a criminal citation. Two days later on Wednesday, May 17th, a deputy responded to the 700 block of East Dent St. for a wanted subject. During the investigation, a 48-year-old Salem man was arrested on an active warrant. He was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated on the warrant. On Thursday, May 18th, a deputy was on routine patrol in the 400 block of Dent County Road 4220 when he observed a 41-year-old Salem man who had an active arrest warrant. The man fled on foot and was apprehended by a deputy a short time later. He was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated on the warrant. If you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation, contact the Dent County Sheriff’s office at 729-3241.

Join Tana Kettner & Terrie Welch on the evenings of Thursday, June 1st & Friday, June 2nd from 5:30 – 8:30 at the Creative Arts Center for a Barn Quilt Class. Participants 13 and up are welcome. In this two-day class, you will draw your own quilt block design on a sanded and primed 2’x2′ piece of plywood. When you finish, you can take it home! The cost is $55 for both nights, with all supplies included. Register online at: salemcommunitybetterment.com.

Got plans Memorial Day weekend? Missouri has a lot to offer with its state parks, lakes, sporting events, and attractions. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds everyone to include safety when they plan their holiday weekend. Expect an increase in boating traffic on the state’s lakes and rivers. Boat operators are reminded to follow all Missouri’s laws and be courteous. Always wear a life jacket when near, on, or in the water. The Memorial Day weekend has always been considered the unofficial start to the boating season. During the 2022 Memorial Day weekend, there were nine boating crashes which included one fatality and four injuries. No one drowned over last year’s Memorial Day weekend. Last year, troopers made seven boating while intoxicated arrests. Always be courteous and pay attention when you’re operating a vessel, and choose to be a sober driver on the water. A safe, fun weekend is the result of planning and good decisions. Boaters in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use the Highway Patrol’s Emergency Assistance number 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone.

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees held their regular meeting Thursday, May 18th. In attendance were trustees Dennis Floyd, Kim Smith and Bob Parsons, plus Administrator Zach Moser and Assistant Administrator Roma Jones. New Board appointee, Lori Hasten was also present. Due to the vacancy created by the resignation of board member Sandra Headrick at the April 20th meeting, the Dent County Commissioners were notified and they appointed Hasten to the board at their May 1st meeting. Lori was sworn in by Zachary Moser, Notary Public. Administrator Moser presented the communicable disease report which included 5 new COVID-19 cases for April. He said there were 32 active lead cases in April. Six sexually transmitted infection screenings were also conducted during the month. Moser noted that a total of five influenza cases were reported in April and they were all Influenza B. In the diagnostics report, Moser said that 292 blood draw appointments were completed in April, plus 12 COVID tests and 11 lead tests. There were 5 vaccines for COVID-19 and 79 other vaccinations administered. There was a total of 474 appointments held during April plus WIC appointments that totaled 331. Moser noted that in April there were 109 urine drug screenings conducted on behalf of the Dent County Treatment Court. Assistant Administrator Jones gave the environmental report where she conducted 11 total inspections and fielded 3 environmental questions. In the Administrator’s report, Moser said that Childcare Subsidy Program will be ending May 31st, 2023. He discussed recommendations received from the auditors regarding internal controls, plus the possibility of setting up a board member training. Moser also discussed upcoming future Health Center events, including the Walk Audit for BCBH project, a safety day, a fall health fair, and a drive-through flu/COVID clinic. He requested the disposal of some non-functioning equipment and the sale of some out-dated or unused equipment. The Board approved Moser’s request. The DCHC financial reports for April were reviewed and approved by the Board. Moser presented the 2022 Financial Audit and Federal Single Audit report conducted by Maloney, Wright, and Robbins, which was approved by the Board. He discussed the upcoming extension of the ELC-ED contract, which is a COVID-19 mitigation contract. Moser recommended that due to the short timeline of the contract that the money be used to invest in a HEPA filtration system for the Health Center. An RFP will be put out for the project to be considered for approval or rejection at a future meeting. Moser discussed the need for a fee ordinance and a food code ordinance. A draft copy of the fee ordinance was presented for Board review and a food code ordinance will be developed for consideration. Moser presented Board Resolution 2023-R001, Bank Signers Resolution for 2023 and it was approved by the Board. The next regular meeting of the Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees was set for Thursday, June 15th at 5:00.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds hunters squirrel seasons open thisSaturday. The hunting season on eastern gray and fox squirrels runs through February 15th, 2024. Allowed methods include shotguns, rifles, and other legal firearm methods, as well as archery equipment, slingshots, or atlatls. Squirrels may also be harvested with cage-style traps during the hunting season as long as hunters have a valid Small Game Hunting permit. Traps must be labeled with the hunter’s full name and address, or Conservation Number, be attended daily, and have an opening of 144 square-inches or smaller. The daily limit for hunting, including the use of cage-style traps, is ten and the possession limit is 20. Hunters must have a permit valid for hunting small game or be exempt. Get more information on squirrel hunting and trapping from MDC’s 2023 Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations online. Need recipe suggestions? Browse squirrel recipes online at mdc.mo.gov.

During the week of May 6th to May 12th, there were a total of 148 calls to the Salem Police Department for service. Officers conducted five traffic stops for various traffic violations with three resulting in a summons or arrest. Officers conducted three traffic accident investigations along with six informational reports. From the calls for service and traffic stops, the following reports were generated. On Saturday, May 6th, officers contacted a male subject that had been caught stealing on numerous occasions from Wal-Mart. As a result, a 35-year-old Salem man was arrested and issued a summons to appear in court for shoplifting. Then on Tuesday, May 9th around 1:00 afternoon, May 9th, officers responded to the 600 block of East Fourth Street after receiving information of a male at the residence who had active parole absconder warrants for his arrest. Officers conducted a short investigation and located 34-year-old Sethe Berry of Salem. Berry was uncooperative, but was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. That same evening at around 6:00, officers contacted a male subject who had active warrants with no bond out of Dent County. After a short investigation, officers located and arrested 43-year-old Matthew Pollard without incident, and he was incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Finally on Thursday night, May 11th near 9:00, officers were dispatched to Country Mart for a report of shoplifting. It was reported that two female subjects were caught shoplifting items from the store. After an investigation, both subjects were located. Located on one of the women was illegal narcotics and as well as paraphernalia. As a result, a 42-year-old Salem woman was arrested and released on summons for shoplifting, and a 32-year-old Salem woman was arrested and incarcerated for shoplifting as well as the possession of the controlled substances. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The City of Salem Park and Recreation Board met Monday evening at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. After the roll call and minutes from the previous meeting were approved, Park Board President Carlos Lopez asked Salem Parks and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois to give her report. She stated this years spring baseball, softball and T-Ball season will feature 472 players making up 40 teams divided up into T-ball teams for 3 and 4-year olds and 5 and 6-year olds, coaches pitch baseball and softball for those eight and under, baseball and softball for those 11 and under and baseball and softball for those 14 and under. Games will start the first week of June. Dubois is reminding parents and spectators that travel through the Salem City Park on ball nights is one-way only from Rolla Road through the park and out the back gate leading to Park Street. She said the Kids Summer Camp for children six and over will be July 10th through the 21st. The cost is $200 and it is limited to the first 25 participants. Dubois said the pool will open May 27th and will be open Monday through Saturday from noon until 6:00 and Sunday from 1:00 until 6:00. The admission cost is $6.00 for adults, while children aged 3 to 13 and seniors can get in for $5.00. Pool passes and parties are available as well as water aerobics and swimming lessons. Call the pool at 729-6228 or 729-6031 for more information. The pool house floors have all been epoxied for the pool season. Dubois said there is an electrical problem with Splash Pad automatic water shutoff on the bollard and an electrician has been called. Dubois reported the lights and poles at the Al Brown Field have been installed but electric has not yet been done. Work also needs to be done to the Al Brown bleachers to replace some rotted boards. The city construction crew will be addressing that issue. The Park Board heard from City Treasurer Stacey Houston on the proposed budget for the 2023-24 year. Most of the revenues for the Park and Recreation Fund come from the sales tax revenue while other receipts come from charges for programs, pool, pavilion rental, etc. and Houston said she wanted to be conservative and budgeted a total of just over $662,000. On the expense side, Houston said she expected that to come in around $674,000 that would include the purchase of a new ¾ ton work truck for the park if it is approved by the alderman at the capital improvements committee. This would leave a deficit balance for the 2023-2024 budget of $12,148 and with the final reimbursement payment for the proposed soccer field of $25,000, the budgeted deficit balance would be $37,148. There was also a discussion on the amount of dollars budgeted for salaries and wages for the current year as the actual cost in 2021-22 was $253,263, but the budget for the current year showed an increase to $361,243, an increase of almost $108,000. Although that amount will not be reached this year, it was unknown why that number was so high except for the fact that the park board did not meet last year to approve the budget due to the resignation of some members preventing them from having a quorum at budget time. Houston said the city also would like to institute creating a reserve fund for the Park and Recreation Fund similar to what they have for the utility funds. With a budgeted beginning balance of over $433,000, Houston budgeted putting back 25% of the balance into a reserve fund of $127,000 and then there will be a minimum of 5% put into reserves annually and that figure came to $25,412. These dollars would then be available for special projects or when equipment needs to be replaced. The board approved the budget as presented. The board also discussed some much needed repairs to the tennis courts and decided they would try to find some grants for municipalities and possibly work with Mr. Hubbs from the high school to see if grants funds would be available to a school tennis facility. The meeting was then adjourned.

Got plans Memorial Day weekend? Missouri has a lot to offer with its state parks, lakes, sporting events, and attractions. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds everyone to include safety when they plan their holiday weekend. Expect more travelers on Missouri’s roadways and drivers are reminded to follow all Missouri’s laws and be courteous. Always wear a seat belt when traveling in a vehicle. This year’s Memorial Day holiday counting period begins at 6:00 this Friday evening and ends at 11:59, Monday night, May 29th. Every available trooper will be on the road enforcing traffic laws and assisting motorists. Troopers will focus their attention on hazardous moving violations, speed violations, and impaired drivers. The Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort) during Memorial Day weekend. Over the 2022 Memorial Day holiday weekend, 13 people died and 507 were injured in 1,043 traffic crashes. Motorists in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use the Highway Patrol’s Emergency Assistance number 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. For road condition reports, travelers can visit the Patrol’s website at www.statepatrol.dps.mo.gov. Click on the Road Condition icon to view road construction areas as well as road conditions throughout the state or call 1-888-275-6636.

The Mudbugs are returning! This Thursday, the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History will host the Mudbugs where children can explore numerous wonders hidden in plain site at the Bonebrake Center. Thursday’s program will be called “Bug Busters” as the children can meet some cool critters up close and personal. No one has to touch the bugs unless they want to. 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 Dent County Courthouse. The commission congratulated the Salem High School Class of 2023 on their graduation on Sunday. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said grading was going to be done on Dent County Roads 4220, 5390, 6480, 6490 and 6650. He said a man would be going to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal repair while another was assisting District 2 in hauling rock for the work on the Department of Conservation roads. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson gave the District 2 report and said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 2533 and 2550 while only grading would be done on county roads 2510, 2580, 2610 and 2613. He also said materials would be added to county road 2320 and brush was being cut on county road 2050. Both commissioners said work crews were getting the roads to the cemeteries ready for the Memorial Day weekend and Decoration Day. In the presiding commissioner report, Larson said the Republican Committee of Dent County interviewed persons who submitted their interest in becoming 2nd District Commissioner that included Gary Polk, Sean Collins and Jimmy Williams. The commission opened the only bid they received for performing a financial audit for the fiscal years 2021 and 2022 which will be done in 2024. The bid from Daniel Jones and Associates, CPA was for $27,800. The bid was approved by the commission. They also agreed to put out bids for chip and seal work for the county that will be due in by 10:00 the morning of June 15th. At the last meeting, the commission met with Matt Lloyd and Jeremy Cook from Caterpillar in regards to the issues the county is having with their Cat graders and how the issue is going to be resolved. The commissioners will not be meeting on Monday, May 29th for Memorial Day. They will be meeting on Thursday, June 1st but they will not meet again until Monday, June 12th due to vacations and other commitments. The next meeting will be this Thursday at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met in closed session Thursday evening where they granted four student appeals. They also approved the employment of Jackson Mitchell as a high school teacher and assistant football coach, Tomi Black as a high school teacher, Jessika Gray as a middle school cheer coach, Amanda Walker as a middle school teacher, Lisa Mast as the Special Education Director, Leslie Jones as an upper elementary teacher, Alaena Tyler as an upper elementary teacher, Hayden Harris as the winter sports cheer coach, Kimberly Thompson as a high school teacher, Neal Myers as the varsity track coach, Rebekah Hayes as the varsity softball coach and middle school girls basketball, Will Hubbs as the varsity cross country coach, Hannah Brown as an upper elementary teacher, Deanna Atkinson as the varsity volleyball coach and Rockey Wade as the assistant middle school track coach. The board made a motion to approve Frances Tomnitz as an ECSE teacher contingent on their certification being achieved. The board approved employing a student summer assistant for the tech department.

An accident happened Sunday afternoon around 2:40 on Iron County Road 1 about a mile east of Viburnum. According to the highway patrol report, a 1993 Honda Fourtrax ATV being operated by 13-year-old male juvenile of Viburnum was traveling west when the ATV traveled off the left side of road in a curve causing it to strike an embankment, ejecting the teen. He was flown by Air Evac to St. Louis Children’s Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. The ATV had minor damage and was removed from the scene by Blackies Towing. The report went on to state that the teen was wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will meet this evening at the City Hall Council Chambers beginning at 6:00. After the consent agenda is approved, the board will discuss Resolution #20-2023 authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement between the City of Salem and Huntington Bank for the lease of a 2022 Ford Terex TL48 bucket truck a lease of $2,512.09 per month for five years. This truck is replacing a 2010 Ford F-550 with over 59,000 miles with an unknown amount of hours. The board will discuss the ‘Welcome Home” bid for 803 West Glendale Street and then discuss Resolution #21-2023 authorizing the mayor to execute the agreement between R Conway Construction, LLC, the City of Salem and John Mooney, owner of the property at 803 West Glendale. The board will discuss the ‘Welcome Home” bid for 708 East Fourth Street and then discuss Resolution #22-2023 which allows the mayor to enter into an agreement between Mid Missouri Renovations, the City of Salem, and Jacquelene Halbrook, the owner of 708 East Fourth Street. The board will hear the first reading of Bill #3539 that would create an ordinance authorizing the mayor to sign and execute an agreement between the City of Salem and Hogan’s Inc. for contact tank painting services to Well #2 and Well #4. The board will hear reports from city officials before going into closed session to discuss personnel. The meeting tonight is open to the public.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met Thursday evening at the district administrative offices. The district was awarded a safety grant earlier in the month for $150,000 and they will be purchasing security cameras, some entrance doors, radios, cameras and GPS trackers for the school buses. Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed said the Tin Gym project and Locker Room renovation is all but completed and the HVAC work is about done. Reed said the legislative session ended May 12th and the bills that could have damaged public education failed to pass. There were several positives coming from the session including full funding for the $38,000 teacher salary, Career Ladder, and full transportation funding. Reed updated the board on the budget, including a prepayment of about $800,000 on the lease purchase for the tin gym, which will be fully prepaid by July 2024, barring unforeseen circumstances. The school principals gave their reports and the hi-light was that teachers at the upper elementary and William Lynch Elementary have participated in some very intense LETRS training on the science of teaching reading, which will continue next year. It was announced 75 kindergarten students will attend summer school and 104 upper elementary students will also attend summer school. The board approved an amended extra duty stipend schedule for coaches and extra duty teachers, the Career Ladder Plan, the Shield Solutions contract and the Healthy Dent County Partnership renewal. The board went on to approved the CSIP draft, a contract with BSN for sports uniforms, a contract with Show-Me Therapy Services for occupational and physical therapy, and a contract with First Student to provide Early Childhood Special Education transportation that is reimbursed. The board approved requests for proposals for bus maintenance and a bank depository agreement. The board approved a memorandum of understanding with the University of Missouri for $5,000 for a college advisor that would be part-time and work virtually, plus approved accepting a bid on the baseball field renovation for $52,301 of which $40,000 is made up of private donations plus $10,000 from the Baseball Booster Club with the remainder provided by the school. The board took no action on the two bids received on the construction trades building until architect John Odom can speak with the bidders as the bids were still too high. The board declared three buses as surplus property and they are requested bids for purchase. The board accepted the resignation of middle school teacher Tonda Tomnitz, high school teacher as well as track and cross county coach Derek Freeman, high school teacher and assistant baseball coach Bryson Barnes, high school teacher and volleyball coach Kristen Barnes, and elementary teacher and softball coach Erin Wilson. The board then went into closed session.

Later today, Chief of Police Joe Chase and Dent County Prosecutor Andrew M. Curley will be presenting a check for the sum of $14,394.00 to Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams to be placed into the general revenue fund for Dent County. The money is the result of efforts by law enforcement involving the seizure of cash possessed in connection with the arrest and prosecution of Timothy Bruce Dooley for possession and distribution of heroin and methamphetamine. On January 6, 2023 the defendant was found guilty and sentenced to 15 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections. In addition to the criminal conviction, the seizure and distribution of personal property realized through the commission of a crime is authorized by Missouri law as a punishment and deterrent to persons that do so. This money will be used for the benefit of the local community.

At the Salem 138th graduation exercises held Sunday afternoon at the Salem High School Football Field, some senior awards were awarded presented by Assistant Principal Brenden Piatt. The first award was for the Senior Class Citizenship Award and it went to Easton May. The Best Female and Male Leader awards were then presented by Mr. Piatt. The Female Leader Award went to Katherine Jones and the Male Leader Award went to Easton May. One student this year from Salem was awarded the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy Award and that was Yadira Blanco. Congratulations to these students and the entire class of 2023!

An accident happened Wednesday evening at 6:45 in Phelps County on Highway D just south of Jerome. According to the highway patrol report, a 2008 Dodge Avenger being driven south by 42-year-old Priscilla Baltazar of Rolla crossed the center line and struck head-on a northbound 2017 Nissan Sentra being driven by 21-year-old Kami Dunlap of Dixon. Both drivers were flown to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of serious injuries. Both vehicles were totaled in the accident. The Nissan was towed from the scene by C&C Towing and the Dodge was removed by D&D Towing. The report went on to state that Dunlap was wearing a seat restraint while Baltazar was not.

On Tuesday, May 30th from 5:00 until 8:00 at the Creative Arts Center, Barbara Johnson will teach a felted oven mitt class for those who are 13 years of age and older. There is a minimum of five people who need to sign up and no more than 20 will be allowed. Students will learn how to make handmade felt with vibrant colored wool fibers while learning the resist felting technique. The cost of the class is $35 and all supplies will be included. You can sign up online at salemcommunitybetterment.com and go to the Creative Arts Center link or email salemartscenter@salemcommunitybetterment.com. An additional $5.00 charge is added for tickets bought at the door.

The Salem Memorial Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday evening in the hospital library. Hospital CEO Wayne Reid reported the new phones and cameras are scheduled to go online in June and the Lab interface will go live May 23rd. Reid said he will be meeting with SEMO this Friday and attended a CPSI Conference in Orlando, Florida where they found there is a nursing module to CPSI the hospital is interested in that would include training. He said a Pyxis upgrade will happen soon with the more extensive upgrade coming at the end of the year. Hospital Week festivities were discussed and it was announced that Sammi Smith was named the ‘Nurse of the Year” at the hospital. Reid talked about the Barcoded Medication Administration and it is improving as the Medverify was at 86% in April and the armband was 92%. He would like to see those numbers reach the upper 90 percentage in the next couple of months as he realizes they will never be at 100%. Christine Decker reported on the clinic and reported they have seen an increase in patients where they virtually doubled clinical visits in February and March. She said they started the Transitional Care Management in March which is to prevent patient readmission after an acute care facility or hospital stay. This program can be billed the same months as when care is provided and provides the hospital with about $90 more per visit for those on the program. She also said 348 patients are enrolled in a new program called “Chartspan” which is a chronic care managed service provider offering 24/7 patient access that can close care gaps and can help patients schedule their annual wellness visits. Decker said she is still working on the Bunker Clinic but has put that on the back burner at this time. She said an audiology booth from Doe Run was brought back to the clinic as part of the clinic remodeling. The board discussed the Dent County Jail contract and Sheriff Bob Wells is thrilled with service received by Family Nurse Practitioner Sam Welch who is there two days a week and MA Chris Saltzman who is there the other three weekdays. The contract was for one year. Board President A.J. Seay updated the board on the request to the state for a one million dollar state allocation and it passed through both houses and is waiting for the signature of the governor. It is not certain if this is an outright grant, low interest loan or if there is matching at this time. Seay said the hospital has to have more presence in Jefferson City and Washington, D.C. to stay abreast of developing avenues for funding. He said the finance committee held a preliminary meeting and agreed that capital improvements will be a priority in the new budget. The board voted to remove the COVID-19 Masking Policy and go back to the standard and transmission based policy before COVID. In the Summary of Operations for the month of April, hospital admissions were 97 that included 11 Swingbed admissions with a total of 304 patient census days. In April, there were 2,068 Outpatient Registrations, 1,066 Cardiopulmonary Procedures, 6,644 Lab Tests, 1,277 Radiology Procedures, 721 Rehabilitation Treatments, 39 Surgical Procedures and 195 Home Health Visits. There were 666 Emergency Room visits with 48 patients being admitted. A total of 196 ambulance runs were made with 134 patients being transported and 62 dry runs. The hospital had an excess of revenues over expenses for April of $166,272 with over $156,000 being a gain from operations. Days cash on hand at the hospital for the 2023 year is 44 days. Ashley Sullins gave the Chief Nursing Officer report and said the hospital is looking for a new med/surg director and Home Health Director plus five other full-time positions. She said the hospital was at Serendipity at the Salem Upper Elementary and the Salem High School Career Fair. During the month of April, eight employees left their employment at the hospital of which only two were full time, and there were three new hires. The SMDH Foundation fund-raising golf tournament will be June 2nd at the Spring Creek Golf Club and they have 22 teams signed up. Sponsorship are still available and more teams are welcome to sign up. The foundation awarded three scholarships to Salem students: Avery Bettigrew, Tessa Gorman and Ashton Bowers. The board approved the hospital quality report and medical staff quality assurance report before going into closed session.

Join park team members beginning at 4:00 this afternoon at Echo Bluff State Park for a town hall meeting for Echo Bluff and Current River state parks, and Roger Pryor Pioneer Backcountry. Missouri State Parks team members invite the public to attend this informational meeting to provide input and comments, and ask questions about the parks and their operations. The meeting will be held at the Echo Bluff Amphitheater. Park team members will be present to answer questions and provide information at the visitor center. Input from the public is important to Missouri State Parks. The meetings will inform the public on the current status and plans for the park or historic site and offer visitors the opportunity to comment on the facilities. Echo Bluff State Park is located at 35244 Echo Bluff Drive in Eminence. For more information, call 573-751-5211. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

The Salem Police department has released their report for the month of April. The department responded to 12 accidents during the month. Officers also responded to 10 commercial and two residential alarms along with fifty animal calls. The department investigated two assaults or fights in progress, and one assault or fight afterwards, two burglaries and performed 21 well being checks during the month. The department also investigated 17 domestic disputes, conducted 60 follow-up investigations and provided 13 escorts. They investigated two incidents of fraud, took one missing person report, and offered assistance to four motorists. Salem police wrote six property damage reports during April, plus took 16 stealing and two shoplifting reports. Officers also conducted 85 traffic stops during the month. The average response time to calls during April was one minute and forty five seconds and the average time spent on the scene was eighteen minutes and thirty one seconds.

Andrew Wynn has taken over as Chairman of the Healthy Dent County Board of directors at the non-profits May meeting. Wynn works as Vice-President/Lending Officer of Town and Country Bank and has served as the non-profit’s Vice-Chairman since 2014. He succeeds long-time Chairman Liz Gruendel who served 12 years in this leadership position. Gruendel will continue on as Vice-Chairman of the Board. Current Board officers are Chairman Andrew Wynn, Vice-Chairman Liz Gruendel, Treasurer Jason Jones and Secretary Tammy Sellers. When Gruendel first took over as Chairman, Healthy Dent County was a new non-profit working to establish programs and procedures. Under her leadership, the first-ever community center was established in Salem. The Salem Community Center @ the Armory has now become a place where health, education, and community meet. For additional information about Healthy Dent County and Salem Community Center @ the Armory please stop by their offices at 1200 W. Rolla Road, visit our website at www.salemcommunitycenter.org, find them on FaceBook, or give them a call at 729-8163.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be meeting Thursday evening at 6:00 for their regular monthly meeting. After the call to order and approval of the agenda, the Board will move into Executive Session to address student issues. In open session, the board will hear the Superintendent’s reports by Dr. Lynne Reed and Dr. Nate Wills, followed by the administration reports from the school principals as well as a reports on athletics and activities, special education and the instructional coaches. In new business, the board will consider the extra duty stipend schedule, approve a contract with Shield Solutions, approve CSIP, approve the Career Ladder Plan, consider the Healthy Dent County Partnership, and consider an agreement with BSN for Under Armour athletic uniforms and apparel. Other new business to be considered will include RFP’s for bus maintenance and depository agreement, approve a contract with Show-Me Therapy Services, approve a contract with First Student for ECSE, Construction Trades Building bid opening, approve an MOU with a University of Missouri College Advisor, accept a bid on the baseball field renovation, declare busses as surplus property and request bids for purchase, and adopt a Chaperone Code of Conduct. The Board will consider resignations before adjourning and moving into executive session. The regular meeting Thursday evening is open to the public.

This Friday, Marty Coulter of Washington, Missouri, will hold a one-day oil painting workshop from 9:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon with a one hour lunch break. He will be teaching how to paint nature’s beauty onsite with tips on how to quickly and loosely to capture the spontaneity, beauty and feeling of the moment. The cost is $150 which includes easels, canvass and basic oil painting supplies.

This Saturday at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center at 10:00, Marideth Sisco will speak on the history of how to survive in the hardscrabble Ozarks: use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without. This will also be the last day of the Dent County History exhibit at the ONCRC. The exhibit will be open Saturday from 9:00 in the morning until 2;00 in the afternoon. The Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center is at 202 South Main. The exhibit and speaker are both free and open to the public.