Local News

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Tuesday evening in the City Hall Council Chambers. In the hearing of persons, the board approved a request from Sarah Massengale to close Iron, 4th and 5th streets on Saturday, June 4th for the “Taste of Dent County” event. After approval of the consent agenda, the board approved Bill #3504 to authorize the mayor to execute a contingency allocation of $9,513 between the City of Salem and Energy Solutions Professionals, LLC for additional point and tuck brickwork services at 301 North Grand. Approval was given for Resolution 11-2022 authorizing the law firm of Cunningham, Vogel and Rost, PC to perform a review of the City of Salem Personnel Policy Manual at a cost of under $3,000. Resolution 12-2022 authorizing the mayor to sign an agreement with United Healthcare for medical insurance for employees was approved. Representatives from Wall Street Insurance attended the meeting via zoom. Inman Insurance is a co- broker for this policy that was set to renew on July 1st with a 5% increase. But a rate reduction was requested which allowed for no cost increase if approved before May 1st for a total premium of $287,244.36 effective July 1, 2022. The board approved Resolution 13-2022 to execute an agreement with SCI Engineering, Inc. for geotechnical services in doing soil bores for $5,950 at the certified site at the Masters Industrial Park, and Resolution 14-2022 authorizing the extension of an agreement between the City of Salem and Godi Excavating Services for work at the certified site in the Master’s Industrial Park. Terry Moore with Energy Solutions Professionals gave an update on the energy savings project that is being conducted at city buildings. The building envelope work, including weather stripping and insulation is substantially complete. The HVAC scope is in progress at the City Administration and old City Hall. The doors and window replacements are at 80% complete. Roofing work is 90% complete at the Park and Rec building and 75% at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. The sports lighting at Al Brown Fields has been slowed due to wet conditions. The 10-foot deep holes for the poles are retaining six feet of water. The light poles are ready to be set when this problem is corrected. City Administrator Ray Walden noted that the Community Wide Yard Sale is set for Saturday, May 7th and the spring clean-up weeks will be the weeks of May 9th and May 16th. Mayor Greg Parker requested and the Aldermen approved the appointment of Harold Hamilton to the Utility Committee. Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois reported there are 461 children signed up for the upcoming baseball season. After the final weekend of soccer is complete, the Al Brown fields will be closed to allow for the light pole installation. Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge gave an update on the Certified Site at the Industrial Park and the Welcome Home program and Lead Base Paint Remediation program. Public Works Director Mark Nash provided updates on city crew work. The board approved the purchase of a new Toyota pickup truck for the Park and Recreation Department at a cost of $32,367. Financial Director Stacey Houston provided a financial report that showed fund balances at $5 million. The 20/21 audit report is expected to be complete in May. Alderman Sisco requested an update on the clean-up of the Maggard house on MacArthur Street. Chief Joe Chase has been in contact with the family and will inform them that they have 30 days to complete the cleanup. He will also provide information regarding the city’s demolition program. Alderman Bolerjack reported he recently attended an Economic Development Regional meeting where updates regarding broadband access and Highway 63 improvements from Arkansas to Jefferson City were discussed. He will be scheduling Capital Improvements and Finance Committee meetings in the next couple of weeks. Alderman Williams requested updates on the Airport fuel pump and courtesy car availability. The fuel pump has been ordered and procedures to have the car available will be implemented. The board approved selling five surplus vehicles owned by the city. The board then went into closed session to discuss contracts.

Montauk State Park will be hosting a Spring Kids Free Fishing Day on Saturday April 30th. Kids 15 and under can pick up their required free fishing tags Friday afternoon April 29th between 2:00 and 5:00 at the registration booth near the fish cleaning station or anytime Saturday. For more information contact Montauk State Park Fish Hatchery between 6:30 in the morning till 5:00 in the evening at 573-548-2585.

Montauk State Park will be handing out free seedling on Friday April 29th in celebration of Arbor Day. Park visitors can pick up the seedlings at the White Oak Hole parking lot from 9:00 to 3:00. The trees are provided courtesy of the Missouri Department of Conservation’s George White Nursery. For more information contact the park at 573-548-2201.

Dent County Health Center Administrator Zach Moser reports the Dent County Health Center has received a 1.215-million-dollar grant that was designed to address the health disparities created or worsened by COVID-19. The three main issues the grant will address will be the access and affordability of childcare, access to primary care and the access to care due to immobility and distance. The health center has a plan to address the access and affordability in Dent County by working with existing and new childcare providers to provide free and reduced cost childcare for all Dent County residents. The goal is to increase the capacity of childcare providers in Dent County by 50 children by June of 2023. This will allow more parents to look for jobs and return to work. One of the health center’s goals was to provide access to affordable laboratory testing. The Dent County Health Center plans to increase their laboratory capacity and provide a limited number of free tests. To help with the expected increase in demand, the health center will be hiring a nurse practitioner to help provide screenings and treatment for acute illnesses. The health center also wanted to address the vulnerability of the elderly, disabled and immunocompromised patients. They plan to use project funds to facilitate the implementation of a mobile team that can deliver immunizations, draw blood for lab tests, offer COVID and flu tests and more. The Dent County Health Center is excited to have chance to improve the health of Dent County residents. They are still in the early stages of implementing the program and will continue to keep the public informed on their progress.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley reports on a court case heard Thursday in Dent County held in front of Judge Nathan Kelsaw. In court, Carlton Curtis from Licking, Missouri pled guilty to two counts of felony stealing. He was sentenced to serve four years in the Missouri Department of Corrections. The sentencing was derived from incidents where Curtis was hired as a contractor to perform construction services with substantial down payments were made by people for labor and materials. According to the report from Curley, there was no effort to start or complete the projects as previously agreed with his clients.

National Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, April 30th. The drop boxes are provided to keep unwanted and expired medication away from kids, persons struggling with substance use disorder, and out of the water supply. Medications can be left in the drop boxes located at the Dent County Sheriff’s Department and the Salem Police Department. Items not accepted include needles, blood/infectious waste, hydrogen peroxide, aerosol cans, and inhalers. Drug Take Back Day is supported by Four Rivers Community Health Center, Healthy Dent County Prevention Coalition, and Prevention Consultants of Missouri.

A special waste collection for residential and farm electronics, appliances, metals and tires will be held from 8:00 until noon this Saturday, April 30th, at Brewer Science located at 2401 Brewer Drive in Rolla. Brewer Science, the City of Rolla, and Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC), with funding through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District (ORSWMD), are partnering on the April 30th collection. The collection is for residential items only – no materials from businesses will be accepted – and is open to residents from Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski, and Washington counties. To minimize personal contact, those bringing items to the collection are asked to stay inside their vehicles and assistants will unload items. Stoves, washers, dryers, hot water heaters, and other appliances will be collected free of charge. Free electronics also include computer components, laptop computers, keyboards, hair dryers, VCR/DVD players, cell phones or anything that runs on a cord or battery. Oil and gas must be removed from tanks of any items such as push mowers, weed eaters, etc. Please note the following items will NOT be accepted: CDs, DVDs, VHS and data tapes; floppy disks; transformers, capacitors or ballasts not clearly marked “No PCBs”; smoke detectors; thermostats; medical waste; gas containers such as propane, oxygen, nitrous oxide; anything leaking oil or acid, such as batteries; broken ink or toner cartridges; alkaline batteries; light bulbs and fluorescent tubes; broken CRTs, TVs or monitors. Fees on certain items will be collected as follows: $25 for CRT TVs over 27 inches and wood console TVs, $20 for CRT TVs under 26 inches, $15 for flat screen TVs, $10 for all computer monitors and refrigerated appliances with Freon. Fees for tires are as follows: $2 each for passenger tires, $7.50 each for semi-truck tires and $35 each for tractor tires. For more information on items accepted or the fee structure, please contact Tammy Snodgrass at MRPC at 573-265-2993 or at tsnodgrass@meramecregion.org.

A couples or singles paint-n-sip with Danielle Norris will be Friday from 6:30 until 8:30 @ the Creative Arts Center. Let Danielle lead you step-by-step through a spring painting. Bring a beverage and a friend or family member to enjoy and evening away from the stresses of the day or week! This is a perfect way to get into the spring vibe. Be prepared to get creative. All the supplies for the class are provided and the cost is $25. For more information or to register, call 247-0651 or e-mail salemartscouncil@outlook.com.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. At the meeting, Deloris Grey Wood from the Dent County Historical Society was in attendance to thank Commissioners Wes Mobray and Darrell Skiles for attending their meeting Thursday evening at the Salem Community Center@The Armory that featured Superintendent Jason Lott of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Wood said well over 100 people were in attendance to participate in the meeting. She said the meetings of the society are topics dealing with the history of the local area and they are always open to the public. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Mobray said crews will be cleaning up a trash pile on Dent County Road 5390 plus checking for downed trees and washouts. The commission is asking anyone who sees a truck or people stopped along a county roadway with trash or furniture to please get a vehicle description and or a license plate that can be provided to law enforcement. If someone is leaving trash on your road that is ending up on your property, cameras are available to help catch the culprits. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said a crew will be patching chip and seal roads with the ultimate paving material while another crew will be checking for washouts and downed trees. He said work will be done to county road 2183 to provide better access to the Anutt Community Building. Larson said he received the contract back from the Missouri Department of Conservation to help provide funds to maintain county roads that access conservation areas for $19,652. Larson also is asking the public not post pictures of county roads that need attention on social media as the county road crews take care of over 630 miles of county roads and are not intentionally missing any roads. Rain and wet conditions as well as freezing temperatures have prevented crews from grading for quite some time where crews the last two weeks have been able to only grade about a day and a half. They ask for your patience and they will get to the roads once there is some dry weather. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles and Commissioner Mobray attended the South Central Regional Economic Development meeting held last Thursday in Houston arranged by Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge. They toured the Durham plant while in Houston who is still looking for about 50 more employees. They also discussed improving Highway 63 from Thayer to Jefferson City, preferably to a four-lane highway, and they also touched on broadband with the Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative. Skiles said he and Mobray also attended the historical society meeting at the Salem Community Center@The Armory on Thursday. Skiles said the commission needed to sign a Notice of Decision prepared by Kelly Sink of the MRPC so the Salem Memorial District Hospital could apply for the $200,000 in county ARPA funds. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will meet this evening at 6:00 for the regular meeting at the City Hall Council Chambers. In the hearing of persons, Sara Massengale will address the board about closing Iron, 4th and 5th streets on Saturday, June 4th for an all-day Taste of Dent County event. After the consent agenda is approved which shows an invoice for $24,571.35 for implements to a 2022 Peterbilt as well as sales tax and CART tax reports. The board will hear and discuss Bill #3504 which would create an ordinance to authorize the mayor to execute a contingency allocation of $9,513 between the City of Salem and Energy Solutions Professionals, LLC for additional services at 301 North Grand; hear and discuss Resolution 11-2022 authorizing the law firm of Cunningham, Vogel and Rost, PC to perform a review of the City of Salem Personnel Policy Manual under the current approved terms for professional services as adopted by Ordinance 3199 on June 21st, 2010; and hear and discuss Resolution 12-2022 authorizing the mayor to sign an agreement between the City of Salem and United Healthcare for medical insurance for employees for a total premium of $287,244.36 effective July 1, 2022. The board will also hear and discuss Resolution 13-2022 authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement between the City of Salem and SCI Engineering, Inc. for geotechnical services in doing soil bores for $5,950 at the certified site at the Masters Industrial Park, and Resolution 14-2022 authorizing the extension of an agreement between the City of Salem and Godi Excavating Services for work at the certified site in the Masters Industrial Park. The board will then hear reports from City Administrator Ray Walden, Mayor Greg Parker, Public Works Director Mark Nash, Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge, Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois and aldermen. In old business, the board will discuss a new truck for the Park and Recreation Department before getting the financial report from Financial Director Stacey Houston. The board will also discuss the selling of five surplus vehicles owned by the city. The board will then go into closed session to discuss contracts. The meeting of the City of Salem Board of Aldermen is open to the public.

Former Salem High School Volleyball Coach Stephanie Bates has been inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Bates was a combined 625-199-73 coaching volleyball at Salem, Glendale and Springfield Catholic high schools. In 11 seasons at Salem, three of her teams reached the Final Four. The 1996 Salem Varsity Volleyball team won the Class 3 state championship, finishing 37-2. She was an assistant on the 1993 team that placed third, and her 1995 team was a state runner-up. Salem also won seven South Central Association championships, and Bates was the conference Coach of the Year five times. A Salem High School All-State player, she starred at Drury University, earning Honorable Mention NAIA All-American honors in 1990. Congratulations Stephanie on your induction!!!

In closed session at the Salem R-80 Board meeting Tuesday, the board approved adding a special education position at the upper elementary school. They also approved extra-duty contracts for Robyn Taylor for the high school yearbook; Amy Halinar for the upper elementary yearbook; Tania Wood for the middle school yearbook; Mary Beth Patrick for the William Lynch yearbook, Alec Conner for high school STUCO, Elaine Russell in music, Charles Mosley for band, Chris Jessen as an assistant in band; Susan Sheeley and Sarah Sanders as quiz bowl sponsors; Shannon Phelps for upper elementary music, Herman Blau for federal programs; Alicia Gallagher for color guard; Clay Moody as athletic director, and Joni Bobbitt as the 504 coordinator. The board hired Derek Freeman as the cross-country coach; Neal Myers as the assistant football and assistant track coach; Bryson Barnes as an assistant baseball coach; Chris Kamprath as an assistant baseball coach; Jordan McLaurin as the assistant girls’ basketball and assistant track coach; Cody Woody as the head girls’ basketball and middle school girls’ basketball coach, and Shelby Botkin as a volunteer assistant volleyball coach. The closed session and regular meeting were then adjourned.

An accident happened Thursday night at 11:15 in Phelps County on Highway 63 about five miles south of Rolla. The report from the highway patrol states that a 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis being driven by 19-year-old Joel Neudeck of Edgar Springs, had broken down in the southbound lane of the roadway. Right after the breakdown, a 2014 Ram 1500 being driven by 22-year-old Dalton Harmon of Rolla, was traveling south and struck the Mercury from behind. Neudeck was transported to Phelps Health in Rolla for treatment of serious injuries. Harmon suffered minor injuries and was taken by a private vehicle to Phelps Health. Both vehicles were totaled. The Mercury was towed from the scene by Tunes Towing and the Dodge was removed by D&D Recovery. The report went on to state that neither driver was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

A one vehicle accident happened Thursday night just before 11:15 in Crawford County on Highway AA, six mile south of Steelville. According to the highway patrol report a 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 being driven south by 18-year Nathan Helms of Steelville, failed to negotiate a curve. The Chevy traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. A passenger in the vehicle, 20-year-old William Coleman, also of Steelville, suffered moderate injuries and flown by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Neither the driver nor occupant were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Silverado sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing. Helms was arrested by the highway patrol for a felony DWI involving an injury in a crash, careless and imprudent driving, having no insurance, and operating a vehicle without a valid license. He was taken to the Crawford County jail where he was later released.

An accident occurred Friday evening around 6:43 in Phelps County on Phelps County Road 3450 about eight miles east of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 1983 Honda 3-wheeler driven by a 17-year-old juvenile male from St. James, was travelling westbound and travelled off the right side of the roadway. The 3-wheeler overturned landing on top of the driver. The juvenile suffered minor injuries and was transported by EMS to Phelps Health. He was not wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident. The Honda sustained minor damage and was towed by Spurgeon’s Towing.

A Toothbrush Rug Class with Tana Kettner will be held Tuesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 @ the Creative Arts Center. This class is for older children and adults. The class will teach you how to make a rug that’s the size and colors you want. You’re welcome to bring your own fabric. The process involves ripping fabric, cutting small notches, and using a handmade needle like a toothbrush to make crochet-type knots. Rugs made with this technique look similar to braided rugs. All the supplies for the class are provided and the cost is $25. For more information or to register, call 247-0651 or you can e-mail salemartscouncil@outlook.com.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams brought in the CART Receipts of $57,925.88, which was up $4,347.36 from April of 2021. She said that year-to-date CART is up $22,619.42 or 10.4%. Leroy Kunkel dropped by to invite the Commission to the Jadwin Fire Department Annual meeting and bar-b-que Saturday, April 30th. In the road report District One Commissioner Wes Mobray said he was happy to report that his crew got one day of grading in this week and was looking forward to lots of grading once the roads dried out some. He said that District One crews were checking for clogged culverts and wash outs, plus they were patching chip and seal potholes. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson was absent due to a prior commitment, so Travis Turner presented the report for the district. He said that materials would be added to Dent County Roads 2560, 2340 and 4050, plus pothole patching would take place in the district. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting in St. James last Thursday were a request for a letter of support for the nearly 70-million-dollar state expenditure for the proposed Rock Island Trail State Park was presented. At the meeting Skiles pointed out that state parks like Montauk
are in much need of state funds for repairs and maintenance, plus upgrades to the sewer system. Neither the TAC nor MRPC took any action on the request for the letter. The Commission will advertise for bids on four sets of vehicle extrication equipment for the four Dent County Fire Departments. Bids are to be submitted by Thursday, May 5th at 10:00. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said that the Commission was approving bills for payment. The meeting adjourned at 10:00 so both Commissioners Mobray and Skiles could attend the Economic Development Regional Meeting in Houston organized by Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held their re-organizational meeting Tuesday evening at the R-80 Board room. After the election results were certified, Board Secretary Amanda Walker swore-in board members Sammi Parker and Phillip Mercer. Superintendent Lynne Reed then served as the temporary chairperson during the election of the new board president and vice president. The board elected Steven Patterson as president, Holly Erway as vice-president, Amanda Walker as secretary and Andrew Wynn as board treasurer. The board appointed Sammi Parker as the MSBA delegate and Phillip Mercer as the MSBA alternate delegate. In the regular meeting, Upper Elementary music teacher Shannon Phelps discussed their upcoming musical before Superintendent Reed gave a budget update and a Construction Trades update. Assistant Superintendent John Smith gave an update on Salem’s curriculum which is now accessible online. The Board will vote in May to approve the curriculum. The board heard from each building principal with their monthly report. After some discussion, the board approved the tin gym building project base budget along with the CMU half-wall and painting, discussed and approved the insurance plan with an increase of $57,000 district wide going from $490.00 per employee per month to $514.00 per employee per month. The board approved setting the 2022-2023 tuition rate at $8,000 per student per year and also approved changing the tuition billing to the percentage of enrollment based on the highest attendance percentage from the previous year instead of attendance hours. The board went on to approve publishing the surplus list from William Lynch and Upper Elementary schools before agreeing to let out bids for a new Suburban. After agreeing to adopt the MSBA policies and forms, the board approved employing Corky Stack as the architect and engineer for the Construction Trades building. The board agreed to let out bids for the new gym mats and runners before approving adding 6th grade girls and boys basketball. The board accepted the resignations of Bryan Carty as a high school science teacher, head boys basketball coach and assistant football coach; Travis Sampson as a high school social studies teacher, head cross country coach and assistant track coach; Bessie Sanders as a high school science instructor; and Sally Wood as upper elementary speech implementer. The board also accepted resignation letters from Jennifer Fleener as an upper elementary paraprofessional, Chris Crocker who is the William Lynch paraprofessional and bus driver Jimmy Hanger. The board then went into closed session.

In Crawford County on Tuesday in front of Judge Michael Randazzo, Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley reports that Johnnie Barton of Salem pled guilty to his 4th DWI conviction. Prosecutor Curley sought seven years under Section 559.115 while the defendant sought probation with 60 days in jail which is the minimum required under the statute. Barton was given a suspended sentence with 60 days in jail over the objection of the state. Also Tuesday, Bobbie Laramie of Salem previously pled guilty to the distribution of meth. After the sentencing hearing was held, Curley sought ten years in the Department of Corrections under Section 559.115 while Laramie sought probation. The judge sentenced Laramie to the ten years under Section 559.115 as requested by the state.

The University of Missouri Extension will be offering a Food Preservation Workshop on Pressure Canning on April 30th at the Salem Community Center @the Armory located at 1200 West Rolla Road from 10:00 till noon. Pre-registration is required and there are only 8 spots. For the April class you must register by April 25th. There is a $25 cost per class. To register call 573-729-3196.

The 7th Annual Veteran Affairs Day will be held this Friday from 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon sponsored by the American Legion Post 99 and All-American VFW Post 6280 located at 2522 Highway 32 West in Salem. The Affairs Day where veterans can learn about changes and requirements for benefits. Veterans can also enroll in VA health care. Veteran Affairs Day is an annual outreach to veterans of central rural Missouri in an attempt to provide easier access to VA services. It includes American Legion District 16 and VFW District 2 which includes Camden, Cole, Crawford, Dent, Howell, Laclede, Maries, Miller, Phelps, Osage, Pulaski, Reynolds, Shannon, Texas and Wright counties. Representatives from the Department of Veteran Affairs will include enrollment and claims processing specialists from the Truman VA Hospital, as well as benefit advisors from St. Louis VA Regional Office. The Columbia Veteran Center will have counselors and advisors on hand in their mobile unit. The Missouri Veterans Commission will also have Service Officers at the event, as well as a Dept of Education Veterans Employment Representative. They have also invited representatives from elected officials, including Congressman Jason Smith, US Senator Josh Hawley and State Representative Ron Copeland. The event starts at 10:00 with a light lunch provided around noon. It doesn’t matter when you served. If you have questions, a claim or need to enroll into the VA healthcare system, please attend. Don’t miss out on your hard earned benefits. Call the American Legion Post 99/VFW Post 6280 at 729-3710 for questions or to schedule private time with a counselor.

Time is running out to take advantage of the Dent County “Love Thy Neighbor” program. They are still taking applications for their community home repair service provided by the local church body. The purpose of this program is to improve improvements to houses in Dent for people who have no other means in which to make the improvements or repairs like the elderly, veterans, disabled or financially challenged. All work projects are done outside such as decks, roofing, painting, and yard work, all at no charge to the homeowner. The “Love Thy Neighbor” projects will take place the week of June 5th through 9th. Volunteers will work on homes Monday through Thursday. Who is Eligible for the “Love Thy Neighbor” Program? Residents who are unable to do the work themselves due to physical and/or financial situations, those who have no other means of getting the work completed and those who can provide an environment that will be socially and physically safe for all volunteers. If you are interested in participating in the program, you must fill out an application that can be downloaded from the www.ltndent.com website. Then drop off the application in the First Baptist Church office on Third Street during regular business hours from 8:00 until 4:00, Monday through Thursday; the Edward Jones Office at 907 S. Pershing between 8:00 and 5:00, Monday through Friday; the New Harmony Church at 5841 Highway 32 West from 9:00 to 4:00, Monday through Thursday; or mail your application to “Love Thy Neighbor,” P.O. Box 732, Salem, MO 65560. Applications are due before April 24th. Applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis. Those homeowners meeting the qualifications will receive a phone call from someone on the “Love Thy Neighbor” committee before anyone comes to inspect your home. Homeowners will be notified by mid-May if their home has been chosen by the Love Thy Neighbor committee.

Jason Lott, the Superintendent of the National Park Service’s Ozark National Scenic Riverways headquartered at Van Buren, will be the guest speaker at the Dent County Historical Society 2022 Speakers Series at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory to be held this evening at 5:30. Lott will take questions from the attendees after he gives updates about the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers. This event is free and open to the public. For more information contact Deloris Gray Wood, President of the Society, at (573) 729-2545.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer five permits to hunt bull elk in Missouri this fall with at least one permit designated for qualifying area landowners and the remaining permits for the general public. Only Missouri residents who will be at least 11 years of age by the first day of the hunt for which they are applying are eligible to apply for elk permits during the application period of May 1st through the 31st. All permits will be assigned through a random drawing. The Missouri Conservation Commission gave final approval to elk recommendations from MDC during its March 25 open meeting in Jefferson City. For elk hunting, MDC has designated a nine-day archery portion running October 15-23 and a nine-day firearms portion running December 10-18. The five permits will be for bull elk and will be valid for both portions. MDC will require a $10 application fee for elk-permit applicants. Those selected will then be eligible to buy a permit at a cost of $50. All elk-hunting permits, including those allocated to approved area landowners, can be used in Carter, Reynolds, and Shannon counties, except the refuge portion of Peck Ranch Conservation Area. The allowed hunting methods for each season portion will be the same as for deer hunting. The permits will allow for the harvest of one bull elk with at least one antler being six inches or greater in length. For more information on elk and elk hunting in Missouri, visit mdc.mo.gov/elkhunting. Apply for the elk-permit random drawing May 1-31 online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, through MDC’s free MO Hunting app, through a permit vendor, or by calling 1-800-392-4115. Results of the elk-permit random drawing will be available online by July 1.

A public hearing and meeting of the City of Salem Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustments will take place this evening at 6:30 in City Hall Council Chambers at 202 North Washington. During the public hearing, after the call to order the board will recognize anyone from the floor who wishes to speak before closing the hearing and opening the public meeting. After calling the public meeting to order and roll call is taken, they will discuss the request for a variance from the height restriction for the installation of a cell tower on property located at 1702 Doss Road. The meeting will then be adjourned.

Parks and Recreation Board President Greg Sanders has called for a meeting of the Board for this afternoon at 4:45 at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Following the call to order will be the Roll Call and a Closed Session of the Board.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday evening in the Hospital Library. SMDH Attorney Mark Weaver gave the oath of office for newly elected District 3 board member Wanda Tatom. In the summary of operations for the month of March, the hospital had 109 inpatient admissions with 382 inpatient census days. There were 175 days of swingbed which is up from 74 for March 2021. The swingbed is a good revenue source for the hospital as it brings in $1,600 per day with the average length of stay at 9.72 days. The hospital showed a loss from operations of $511,419. During the month, there were 644 emergency room visits with 65 admissions, plus there were 200 ambulance runs where 135 patients were transported. In March, there were 28 surgery cases, 1,278 outpatient registrations, 6,172 lab tests, 1,116 radiological procedures, 684 rehab treatments and 254 home health visits with 20 home health admissions. The days cash on hand was at 64 with $5.7 million total cash. Chief Nursing Officer Ashley Sullins gave a staffing update that showed a vacancy of five nurses. She asked the board to reconsider a portion of the employee manual that addresses hair color. Recently this has become an issue when trying to hire qualified employees. The board agreed to take the reference to hair color out of the employee manual. Sullins reported that the Community Health Needs Assessment has been complete with surveys ending on April 15th. The committee will meet to further discuss the results on April 21. Current cases of COVID are at zero with the community exposure rate being low. The Hospital Foundation Chairman, Chris Holiday has resigned and the next board meeting is scheduled for May 4th. The annual Golf Tournament fundraiser will be held on June 3rd. Interim CEO Bill May discussed the Marketing/Community Perception efforts and announced that Karen Brown will become the new Community Ambassador, as part of the Delta Region grant. Michelle Bland, FNP will begin seeing patients on May 2nd and Dr. Tiffany Bland is working with the Dent County Health Center with the Show Me Healthy Women program. In the lab update, CLIA will be at the hospital to review the blood draws that began again. There is still a need for more employees in the lab, but there are 3 traveling techs to help cover. Maintenance Director Todd Workman talked about the closure of lagoon and the estimated costs to create a closure plan of $4,600 came from Darren-Krehbiel Consultants. Costs to close the lagoon will not be known until this plan is accepted by DNR. The cost for the hospital to hook up to the city system would be $15,000 and the board felt that they were told by the city administrator that there would not be a cost to hook up to the system. Attorney Weaver will talk to the City Administrator. Pharmacy Director David Kerr discussed a vaccine for children program for the clinic as well as an employee prescription program that would use the 340B pricing structure. This could save the hospital 50% of the $60,000 current monthly prescription costs. A plan will be presented at a future board meeting. Radiology Director Bobby Sullins presented the need for a new CT Scan at a cost of $14,702 per month. The current CT scan is an older unit and costs $16,000 per month. There will be additional costs to remove the current machine. This was approved to be purchased. Workman discussed the replacement of the electric transformer. This unit is 53 years old and cannot be assessed by Intercounty Electric, plus has lines running over the roof of the hospital. Funds for the replacement will come from the county’s ARPA funds with some lines being buried and others relocated. Former employee Mike Murr requested a letter of recommendation from the hospital and was told that this is not done. He talked on behalf of the 40 other employees that were let go and felt that their service to the hospital should qualify them for this type of letter. Attorney Weaver will look into the matter. Outgoing board member Dennis Fiebelman thanked the current board and hospital staff for allowing him to serve 34 years on the board. The board then went into closed session.

Dr. Kyle Ouzts of the Dent County Veterinary Clinic in Salem will be hosting a live fifteen-minute radio call in show on KSMO Radio 1340 AM and 95.7 FM TODAY at 1:00 this afternoon. Dr. Ouzts talks about pet safety, nutrition and different things that effect your furry friends. So get your questions ready and call Dr. Ouzts starting at 1:00 on KSMO at 573-729-6659.

KSMO Radio is back on the air on both AM 1340 and FM 95.7. Thank you for your patience during this down time.

An accident happened Sunday evening 8:16 in Phelps County on Interstate 44 at mile marker 191.4 that left a St. James woman with serious injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 2015 Chevrolet Spark driven 60-year-old Katherine Dover of St. James, traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a ditch and overturned. Dover was not wearing a seat restraint and was transported to the Phelps Health in Rolla by the St. James Ambulance with serious injuries. The Chevy was removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing.

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways announces that the final Roads and Trails Management Plan and Environmental Assessment is now available online. Superintendent Jason Lott stated that with the release of the final Roads and Trails Management Plan, the National Park Service can move forward to establish a network of roads and trails that is more sustainable and clearly mapped that will allow visitors to safely enjoy the park’s spectacular resources through a variety of recreational activities, while still protecting those resources for future generations. Lott said public input guided several revisions that appear in the final Road and Trails Plan. A summary of public comments is available online with the final Roads and Trails Plan. The final plan includes a finding of no significant impact and the amended environmental assessment illustrating the alternatives that were considered, as well as detailed maps and an errata to address technical edits and substantive comments that were received during the comment period for the draft Roads and Trails Plan in 2021. The National Park Service has identified Alternative B as the preferred alternative for implementation. To review the final plan, go to https://parkplanning.nps.gov/OZAR_RTplan. The plan, maps, and public comment summary report can be viewed online or downloaded for printing. Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserves the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork rivers, the surrounding resources, and the unique cultural heritage of the Ozark people. For more information, visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/ozar.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will be meeting tonight at 6:00 at the hospital library. After the new board member is sworn in, the board will hear the Administrator’s report which will include the summary of operations and statistics for the month of March. Chief Nursing Officer Ashley Sullins will give her report followed by a report on the hospital foundation and a marketing and community perception report. Interim CEO Bill May will then update the board on the lab, COVID-19 as well as the Delta Regional Community Health System Development Program. The board will then receive a meaningful use update and receive more information on the closure of the lagoon. In new business, the board will discuss purchases needed by the hospital before hearing a report on the new CT from Radiology Director Bobby Sullins. Maintenance Director Todd Workman will provide information on the new transformer the hospital needs to have replaced followed by a revenue cycle update from Jennfier Smith. Pharmacist David Kerr will talk with the board about the 340B employee drug program before the board goes into closed session. The regular meeting of the Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will be tonight at 6:00 and it is open to the public.

The 7th Annual Veteran Affairs Day will be held this Friday from 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon sponsored by the American Legion Post 99 and All-American VFW Post 6280 located at 2522 Highway 32 West in Salem. The Affairs Day where veterans can learn about changes and requirements for benefits. Veterans can also enroll in VA health care. Veteran Affairs Day is an annual outreach to veterans of central rural Missouri in an attempt to provide easier access to VA services. It includes American Legion District 16 and VFW District 2 which includes Camden, Cole, Crawford, Dent, Howell, Laclede, Maries, Miller, Phelps, Osage, Pulaski, Reynolds, Shannon, Texas and Wright counties. Representatives from the Department of Veteran Affairs will include enrollment and claims processing specialists from the Truman VA Hospital, as well as benefit advisors from St. Louis VA Regional Office. The Columbia Veteran Center will have counselors and advisors on hand in their mobile unit. The Missouri Veterans Commission will also have Service Officers at the event, as well as a Dept of Education Veterans Employment Representative. We have also invited representatives from elected officials, including Congressman Jason Smith, US Senator Josh Hawley and State Representative Ron Copeland. The event starts at 10:00 with a light lunch provided around noon. It doesn’t matter when you served. If you have questions, a claim or need to enroll into the VA healthcare system, please attend. Don’t miss out on your hard earned benefits. Call the American Legion Post 99/VFW Post 6280 at 729-3710 for questions or to schedule private time with a counselor.

Montauk State Park will be holding a bird hike on Saturday, April 23rd from 8:00 in the morning till noon. Participants will meet at the stone CCC picnic shelter. During the program you will learn about the diversity of birds that live in the park. Wear something comfortable to walk in and bring binoculars if you have them. For more information contact the park at 573-548-2201.

Due to what we believe to be a lightning strike from last Friday, KSMO AM is currently off the air. We are working on the problem, but at this time do not know how long the AM side will be off the air. Currently, KSMO’s FM translator is working properly at 95.7.

A fatality accident happened Friday morning at 7:30 in Lawrence Couty on private property off of Chapell Drive at the Monett city limits. A 2000 Freightliner being driven by 49-year-old Troy Dunlop of Exeter struck the trailer of a 2020 Kenworth. The Freightliner then struck a pedestrian, 69-year-old Randy Hance of Rolla. Hance was pronounced dead by Dr. Matlock at Cox Monett Hospital just before 8:00 and was taken to Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City. As required by law, the surviving driver was tested for alcohol. The results of those tests were not yet available at the time of the report.

Contractors working of the Missouri Department of Transportation will begin the initial phases of a major improvement project along Interstate 44 from Rolla to Cuba. The work begins today and will take two years to fully complete. This 52-mile project will include resurfacing of the eastbound and westbound lanes between Sugar Tree Road, west of Rolla, and Route F, west of Cuba. Other work included in the contract includes reconstruction of pavement in the eastbound lanes between Rolla and St. James, the rehabilitation of the bridges over the Bourbouse River Branch west of St. James, and culvert extension at the East Fork of Little Beaver Creek west of Rolla. In February, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded the contract for the project to Lehman Construction, which submitted the low bid of $50,452,588. The work will include periodic daytime and nighttime lane closures and delays in traffic. MoDOT appreciates the patience of those traveling around the work area. For more information about this project or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636).

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be holding a reorganizational meeting before the regular board meeting to begin at 5:45 Tuesday evening at 5:45 at the Salem R-80 Board Room. The purpose of the meeting will be to certify the results from the April 5th election. Swearing in of the newly elected board members will then take place by the board Secretary. Afterwards, Superintendent, Dr. Lynne Reed will act as temporary chairman to select a new board President and Vice President before adjourning and opening the regular board meeting at 6:00. After approval of the consent agenda, Superintendent Reed will give her report to the board followed by principals reports from William Lynch Elementary, the Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School, and the activities and athletics report. In new business the board members are expected to approve the building project update, insurance plan, and set the tuition for the 2022-2023 school year, approve the surplus list from William Lynch Elementary and the Upper Elementary schools. Bids will then be put out for mats and runners for the gym and for a Suburban. Also expected to be adopted will be the MSBA policies and forms, and approve the RFP for architectural and engineering services for the construction trades program. If there are any resignations, they will then be heard before the board adjourns and moves into executive session. The Salem R-80 Board of Education meeting Tuesday evening is open to the public.

A one vehicle accident happened Wednesday afternoon at 12:15 in Crawford County on Interstate 44 at the 203 mile-marker. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2015 Ford F-150 being driven west by 49-year-old Angelique Blue of St. James began hydroplaning and traveled off the right side of the road and a struck a concrete culvert. Blue was transported by North Crawford ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla for treatment of minor injuries. The Ford sustained moderate damage and was towed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing. The report went on to state that Blue was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident.

An accident occurred Friday afternoon around 12:45 in Phelps County on County Road 2000 one half mile north of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report a 2000 Ford 250 driven by 60-year-old Joseph Malva from Rolla was travelling eastbound and turned into the path of a 1997 Chevrolet Silverado driven by 64-year- old Belinda Althage of St. James, who was travelling westbound. Althage suffered minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to Phelps Health. She was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevrolet was totaled and removed from the scene by Big Boy’s Towing. The Ford sustained moderate damage and was removed by a private tow.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday for their regular meeting at the courthouse. Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge introduced newly elected Mayor Greg Parker to the commission. Parker said he wanted the city to work closer with the county and keep the lines of communication open. He was then invited by Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles to the TAC meeting and MRPC meeting Thursday in St. James and was informed about the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Plan update currently going on. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said he has the district brush cutter back and brush would be cut on county road 2440. He said workers would be checking roads, repairing washouts and cleaning out blocked culverts from the rains on Wednesday. He said he still has a grader issue on one of the John Deere graders that shorted out due to the rain. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated his crews would also be out checking roads and repairing washouts. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said the SACBA Gift of Time Awards Banquet will be May 7th at the SACBA Complex and tickets are $30 for the event. He said at the CCAM meeting Tuesday morning, the board voted to terminate any further legal action on Senate Bill 53 after the judge found against CCAM in the case. The commission discussed when the increase in the sheriff’s salary should begin. They agreed they should receive an opinion from the Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley on how and when the increase in the sheriff’s salary should be implemented before any change in salary is made. Skiles said at the MAC meeting also on Tuesday, Attorney Travis Elliott recommended the commission vote to accept the ARPA funds standing allowance of $10,000,000 for lost revenue which shows they have a recorded vote in their minutes. The board approved the recommendation and voted to accept the ten-million-dollar allowance. Skiles asked the commissioners to approve sending a letter of support to Senator Justin Brown to request additional appropriations be provided to the Department of Natural Resources earmarked for improvements to the facilities at Montauk State Park. They approved his request, and a letter was signed by all the commissioners. Skiles said the Dent County Health Center has sent a letter to the commission indicating that they have a vacancy and the steps the commission must take to fill that open board position. The Commission agreed to publish the notice in the Salem News on the vacancy on the board and the qualifications required to be on the board before they appoint someone to fill the vacancy. The appointed board member will serve until the next Municipal Election next April. Skiles said he needed to meet with Patrick Stites from MRPC to review information about the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Program and get the details. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she attended the MAC Conference Tuesday as well as MAC day at the capital. At 10:00, Catherine Dent was in attendance to ask the commission if the new Salem Community Choir could perform on the courthouse lawn on six Sunday afternoons at 2:00. The performance would last about 30 minutes or so. She said electricity would be needed for an electric piano. The Cosmopolitan Club will also be serving lemonade and cookies. The commission approved her request. Interim CEO Bill May and EMS Director Mike Gruenberg were in attendance as was hospital board member A.J. Seay to discuss the funding for the new transformer for the hospital. The costs would include the new wiring that had to be run, new concrete and hooking all of it up. May said Intercounty Electric stepped up to help with the transformer. May also said the hospital still has some major expenditures coming up such as the elimination of the lagoon as well as the need for a new ambulance. Gruenberg said if he ordered a new ambulance now it may cost around $200,000 and may take until 2024 before it would be ready. The county will continue to monitor the situation with the extrication equipment, the ambulance and transformer to see if ARPA funds can be used to help if needed. At the last meeting, Sarah Massengale with the Dent County Extension talked about having a new free event called “the Taste of Salem” around the courthouse square on June 4th from 11:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon. This event would be a way to promote agriculture products in Dent County. The commission approved holding the event on the courthouse square. The Dent County Commission will NOT be meeting Monday, April 18th and the next meeting will be on April 21st at 9:00. The meeting will be open to the public.

An accident happened Wednesday night just before 10:45 in Phelps County on Highway DD about a mile east of St. James. According to the report from the highway patrol a 2015 Toyota Yarus was being driven east by 23-year-old Daniel Morse-Sexton of Rolla. A pedestrian, 40-year-old Mark Perkins of St. James, walked into to the path of the Toyota and was struck. Perkins suffered serious injuries and was flown by air ambulance to the University hospital in Columbia. The Toyota sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing.