Local News

The Cosmopolitan Club’s Variety Show and Miss Salem Pageant was held Saturday evening at the Salem Civic Theatre. Denise Stoner, sponsored by The Bank of Salem, was voted Miss Personality by the other contestants. The second runner up in the pageant was Kaitlynn Stephan sponsored by Carrell’s Garden, and the first runner up was Riley Darby sponsored by Curt’s Mobile Homes. The winner of the 2022 Miss Salem Pageant was Sierra Rusco sponsored by Moser Pharmacy. Congratulations to all of the contestants. If you missed the variety show and pageant you can watch the stream on YouTube. Just go to the KSMO radio website and click on local event videos.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said the fuel lift pump part that was ordered for the downed grader was lost and another has to be ordered. Mobray said he attended the Extension Council meeting held on Monday, February 28th. Mobray reported he received a petition to close 1.2 miles of Dent County Road 5490 between the farms owned by Donny Hodges. Signatures have been gathered from the neighbors in support of the closing. The commission set the road closure hearing date for March 24th at 10:00 in the commission offices. Mobray will post the notice in three locations that serve the area for opposition or comments. The road is basically a creek bed road. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated crews installed culverts and materials on Dent County Roads 2330 and 3253. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended the FFA Supporters Association Breakfast held Thursday morning and wanted to congratulate the Salem FFA Chapter on the fine work they do. Skiles said the county received a transportation needs survey from the MRPC that will need to be completed and returned as part of the Regional Transportation Plan update. At 10:00, the commission held a road closure hearing on two county roads in District 2. The first road was Dent County Road 2053 in the Watkins Township that is surrounded by property owned by Larry Daniels. The petition was to close the entire 1/10th of a mile road. The second road was Dent County Road 3283 in the Spring Creek Township that is completely surrounded by the property of Eddie Parsons. The petition was to close the entire quarter of mile road. There was no opposition to either road being closed and the commission approved the closing of those roads with a unanimous vote. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the deadline to register to vote in the April Municipal Election will be March 9th, and absentee voting for that election continues in her office at the Dent County Courthouse. The last day to mailout a ballot for the Municipal Election will be March 23rd. The next meeting of the commission is this morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Today is the last day for the public to comment on the National Park Service’s proposed amendments to the special regulations for motorized vessels within Ozark National Scenic Riverways. These proposed changes were included in the park’s General Management Plan as part of the Preferred Alternative. The General Management Plan was finalized in 2015 after a long public planning process. The NPS proposes to create seasonal non-motorized zones along the upper stretches of the Current and Jacks Fork rivers where low water levels during the peak season typically restrict access for motorboats. These zones would provide areas without conflict between motorized and non-motorized users during peak visitor season, when it can be challenging for non-motorized vessels and motorboats to navigate narrow river channels at the same time. Peak visitor season usually begins the day after the last day of trapping season and end the day before gigging season, which would currently be April 1st through September 14th. The NPS is also looking for comments to legalize the use of 60/40 horsepower (HP) motors with jet propulsion. These motors are the most popular with motorboat users today. Under existing regulations for motorized vessels within Ozark National Scenic Riverways, the 60/40 HP motors are not legal because they exceed 40 HP at the powerhead. They are also looking for public comments on the and establish a 150 HP limit for jet propulsion and 105 HP limit for motors with a propellor on the Current River between Big Spring and the southern boundary of the park. These limits were proposed to address visitor concerns about safety, degradation of experience and increasing boat sizes resulting from no limits on boat motor size. Members of the public may submit comments on the proposed rule, identified with the Regulation Identifier Number (RIN) 1024-AE62, through March 7th, by going online to www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, enter 1024-AE62. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. You can also submit written hard copies by U.S. Mail or hand deliver to: Superintendent, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, 404 Watercress Drive, P.O. Box 490, Van Buren, MO. 63965. Only comments submitted online through the Regulations.gov site or by hardcopy will be accepted. For more information, call 573-323-4236.

An accident happened in Jefferson County Thursday evening at 7:36 on Highway 21 just south of Perkins Road. According to the highway patrol report, a 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by 25-year-old Brendan Mitchell of Steelville, was traveling northbound and traveled off the right side of the roadway. The front side of the Dodge struck a series of small trees while the left side of the Ram struck a utility pole. Mitchell suffered moderate injuries and was transported by the Valle Ambulance to the Mercy Hospital in Jefferson County. Mitchell was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Dodge Ram sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by Haberberger Towing.

Today is FFA Day on KSMO Radio and being video streamed live on ksmoradio.com, KSMO Stream Facebook page and on KSMO’s YouTube page, where current FFA students talk about their future plans in FFA, experiences, activities, teams they are on or want to be on, officer goals and more. Former FFA Advisor Bob Parsons will be the moderator for the broadcast that will begin around 8:10 or so on KSMO Media.

After two postponements due to lack of a quorum and hazardous road conditions, the Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met for their regular monthly meeting on February 25th. Administrator Zach Moser updated the Board on the current COVID status in Dent County. In January, there were 621 new cases of COVID-19 investigated. According to MoDHSS, as of February 23rd, 36.3% of Dent County residents have received their first dose of vaccine and 32.4% have completed the series. Dent County’s 7-day Positivity Rate was 17% as of February 23rd. He said the Health Center gave 58 monoclonal antibody injections in January. Moser noted that adult and Pediatric C19 vaccines are available at the Health Center and adult vaccine is available at the local pharmacies. Moser stated that 94 appointments for blood draws in the lab were held in January and that the Health Center can conduct most blood tests at a reduced cost for those without insurance. Anyone can have their labs done at the Health Center. The number of COVID tests has continued to increase with 508 being done during January. The cost of the rapid antigen test is $10, $35 for a Covid/Flu combo test, and $50 for a molecular C19 Test. PCR tests can be sent to the state lab and Labcorp under certain circumstances and are now available at the Health Center. Most people can qualify for free testing at the health center and no doctor’s orders are required. Zach reported that 278 COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered during the month and that the Health Center continues to offer the $50 gift card to Country Mart through a program funded by the state for anyone getting their first or second dose of COVID-19 vaccine. There was a total of 962 appointments for the month of January. Moser informed the Board of the receipt of the ID Now testing equipment that will test for COVID, Influenza, Strep, and RSV and is a very accurate molecular NAAT test. He reported the agreement with CureMD to process billing of services requires the Health Center to accept electronic funds transfers for payments from insurance companies. The Board approved the process and had previously approved electronic funds transfer (EFT) instead of paper checks. Moser updated the Board on the construction progress, which should be finished in March or early April. Zach presented bids for the replacement of glass and seals on the front of the building from Miller Glass and St. Robert Glass. The low bid of $7,168 from St. Robert Glass was approved by the Board. The Board approved cabinetry for the laboratory and the pharmacy/immunization room and the laboratory for a total of $7,612.97. Health Center financials for the month of January were approved and Moser presented the 2022 budget that showed a decrease in cash for 2022 of $71,349.69 due to the renovations of the building, $28,000 spent on the new roof, and other capital expenditures. In contract updates, Moser said that the Enhancing Laboratory Capacity (ELC) CARES expansion contract would cover the $22,500 cost of a Biofire Filmarray instrument, which is a true PCR device that tests for COVID-19, and a variety of other respiratory illnesses. The Board approved the expenditure. He noted that the Maternal-Child Health (MCH) contract was renewed, and that child safety is the focus of this contract. Tonya Akers is a new employee of the Health Center, and she has several skills which compliment this program, including car seat installation certification and CPR instructor certification. WIC appointments continue to be steady and Sho-Me Healthy Women, which provides free breast and cervical screenings for women who qualify, can be scheduled by calling the Health Center at (573) 729-3106. Moser reported that the Health Center was awarded a $17,000 grant to improve the rates of cervical and breast cancer screenings in Dent County, and that the Health Center was one of 9 health departments awarded a new deliverables-based grant for $150,000 from National Association of City and County Health Officials to improve COVID-19 vaccination rates. Before adjournment the Board set the next regular meeting date for Tuesday, March 15th.

State Auditor Nicole Galloway announced that her office has begun a regularly scheduled audit of Texas County, located in south-central Missouri. The most recent audit of Texas County was completed in November 2017 and gave the county an overall performance rating of “poor,” the lowest possible. Auditor Galloway said her office will conduct an independent review of government operations in Texas County to ensure that taxpayer resources are used effectively and appropriately. Individuals who would like to provide information for consideration in this or any audit may contact the State Auditor’s Whistleblower Hotline at moaudit@auditor.mo.gov or by calling 800-347-8597. Concerns may also be submitted anonymously online at auditor.mo.gov/hotline.

A special waste collection for residential and farm electronics, appliances, metals and tires will be held from 9:00 to noon tomorrow at Enhancements Inc, 200 Frizzell Street in Potosi. The collection is for residential items only and is open to residents from Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties. No materials from businesses will be accepted! To assure safety, those bringing items to the collection are asked to stay inside their vehicles, and assistants will unload items. For more information on items accepted or the fee structure, please contact Jill Hollowell at MRPC at 573-265-2993 Ext. 109 or at jhollowell@meramecregion.org.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. At the beginning of the meeting, Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles asked all in attendance for a moment of silence for the people of Ukraine and what they are enduring at this time. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated crews would be out checking roads and road signs, and treating roads where needed to make them passible. He said he is hoping for continued dry and warm weather to dry out the gravel roads as they are in need of attention after the snow and ice. He also said that the water reported being backed up on Dent County Road 4170 was caused by two basketballs being lodged in the culvert. Once removed, the water flowed smoothly. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said crews would be working on graders #32 and #37 installing shims and doing maintenance. He said another crew would be out replacing signs and spreading sand on slippery areas. Larson also indicated there was a washout on Dent County Road 3370 that crews would be addressing. He went on to say he would be attending the Tourism Tax Meeting on March 7th. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that last March, the Dent County Commission and Dent County Sheriff’s Department signed the Dent County 2nd Amendment Preservation Act. In light of what is happening in Ukraine at this time, Skiles hopes more people across the country understand and appreciate how vitally important our 2nd Amendment right to bear arms is to guarantee all our other freedoms. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the winner of the “I Voted” sticker design contest was the design submitted by Olivia Wisdom. She said the last day to register to vote for the Municipal Election will be March 9th and that absentee voting for the April 5th election is going on now at her office in the courthouse. Commissioner Skiles said the commissioners would be going into closed session at 11:00 Monday morning for the pending litigation between the county and the Missouri Department of Revenue concerning the misappropriated sales taxes by the state and how they are to be paid back. 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.

A beginners-stained glass class with Jennifer Curry will be every Thursday in March at the Creative Arts Center. The 4-week class will hold two evening sessions each Thursday at 3:30-5:30 or 5:30 to 7:30. Learn the art of Stained Glass and create a suncatcher choosing from 8 to 10 patterns that will be provided. All supplies and safety equipment will be provided and the fee for all 4 weeks is $150. For more info or to register, call 247-0651 or 247-5306 or you can e-mail salemartscouncil@outlook.com.

The Dent County Fire Protection District board of directors will be meeting this evening at 6:00 at the fire station located at #2 South Main Street. After the roll call and approval of the consent agenda the board will review the minutes of the January meeting before hearing the financial report, approving bills, and reviewing the budget. Next on the agenda will be the calendar review, followed by the monthly reimbursement report. Any old or new business will then be brought before the board followed by a report to the board by fire chief Brad Nash. The date will then be set for the April meeting before adjourning and going into closed session if necessary. The meeting of the Dent County Fire Protection board of directors is open to the public.

An accident happened Saturday morning at 10:20 on Old Highway 60 about two miles west of Winona that left two people from Eminence with injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 2003 Ford Taurus driven westbound by 18-year-old Mary Ferguson of Eminence, ran off the right aside of the roadway and struck a tree. Suffering serious was a passenger, 57-year-old John Ferguson of Eminence, was transported by Mercy Ambulance to the Cox South Hospital in Springfield. Mary Ferguson suffered minor injuries and sought private medical treatment. Mary Ferguson was wearing a seat restraint while John Ferguson was not. The Taurus was totaled and removed from the scene by Bakers of Birch Tree.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released reports from the department’s activities last week. On Sunday, February 20th, a deputy responded to Dent County Road 5240 for a report of a stolen vehicle. During the investigation, a 36-year-old Salem man was arrested and charged with tampering with a motor vehicle in the 1st degree. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail and placed on a 24-hour hold. Then on Tuesday, February 22nd, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Hunt Street. During the stop, a 30-year-old Salem man was arrested for the possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, and an active Texas County warrant. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was placed on a 24-hour hold and held on the active warrant. On Thursday, February 24th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Eighth Street During the stop, a 26-year-old Salem woman was arrested for driving without a valid driver’s license, a 2nd Offense. The woman was transported to the Dent County Jail where she was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. The next day on Friday, February 25th, a deputy responded to the Mt. Zion Church to check the well-being of a subject. The subject was located and upon further investigation, a 60-year-old Salem man was arrested for the possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was placed on a 24- hour hold. If you have any information on any ongoing investigation, contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds Missouri hunters and anglers that related annual permits expire TODAY, including 2021 permits for small game, fishing, trout fishing, and combination hunting and fishing. Missouri hunting and fishing permits can be bought from one of many vendors around the state, online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, or through MDC’s free mobile apps, MO Hunting and MO Fishing, available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices. Save time by buying hunting and fishing permits for multiple people in a single transaction. Select the “Additional Customer” option during the permit purchase. Avoid having to renew permits each year by using MDC’s Permit Auto-Renewal Service. It allows customers to enroll eligible permits in a service that will automatically renew their permits prior to the start of the next season or permit year. The process was designed to ensure customers never have expired permits when they need them most. Learn more at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/permits/permit-auto-renewal. Commercial and lifetime permits can be purchased only through the MDC Permit Services Unit by calling 573-522-0107 for an application.

KSMO’S FFA Day scheduled for today with students form the Salem FFA Chapter being interviewed on KSMO Radio and streamed LIVE on ksmoradio.com and KSMO Media by former FFA Advisory Bob Parsons, has been postponed and rescheduled for Friday, March 4th from 8:00 AM until 3:00 PM.

Missouri’s catch-and-keep trout fishing season officially begins at 6:30 Tuesday morning, March 1st, at Montauk State Park near Salem, Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon, Roaring River State Park near Cassville as well as Maramec Spring Park. Missouri State Parks and the Missouri Department of Conservation are encouraging trout anglers to buy their fishing permits prior to the season’s opening. The Montauk State Park store hours for purchasing trout tags will be 8:00 in the morning to 8:30 in the evening on Monday, February 28th, with normal store hours beginning Tuesday, March 1st. Trout anglers need a daily trout tag to fish in Missouri’s trout parks. Daily trout tags can only be purchased at each of the four trout parks. MDC encourages trout anglers to have the correct amount of cash for daily tags if possible. Missouri residents 16 through 64 and nonresidents 16 and older also need a fishing permit in addition to the daily trout tag. The cost of a daily trout tag to fish at Bennett Spring State Park, Montauk State Park and Roaring River State Park is $4 for adults and $3 for those 15 years of age and younger. A daily fishing permit is $8. The daily limit is four trout. At the Maramec Spring Park, the daily limit is five trout and the cost of a daily trout tag for adults is $5 and $3 for anglers 15 years of age and younger. Anglers can learn more about the regulations at mdc.mo.gov/fishing. The parks will not have warming stations as in past years and fish cleaning stations will remain closed. For more information on the opening of trout season, visit mostateparks.com or call Montauk State Park at 573-548-2201. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The Private Pesticide Applicator Training that was to be held Thursday night was postponed and rescheduled for Tuesday evening, March 1st from 6:00 until 8:30 in at the Dent County Extension Office in the Judicial Building at 112 East 5th Street. The private pesticide applicator license issued by the Missouri Dept of Agriculture is required for producers who want to purchase and apply restricted use pesticides. Application by unlicensed workers under the supervision of licensed applicators will no longer be allowed. Agricultural producers needing to obtain or renew certification of this license must take this pesticide safety training every five years. You must be 18 years of age and directly involved in the production of agricultural commodities to obtain this license. Each person participating in the training is required to have a copy of the Private Pesticide Applicator Manual on their farm. There is a $25 to cover the cost of the manual and you may purchase it at the training with either cash or a check, no credit cards are accepted. In response to COVID-19, the extension in-person training sessions will have masks and sanitizer available for those who wish to use them. They plan to offer both virtual and in-person events this season to better meet your needs. You can still register online or contact Dent County Extension Center at 573-729-3196. There is no charge to attend the training. If you have any questions about the training, please contact Gatlin Bunton, 573-775-2135.

The AARP tax appointments scheduled for today at the Salem Community Center@The Armory have been cancelled. Everyone who had an appointment may call 729-8163 to reschedule. Appointments can be made through April 8th.

A one vehicle accident happened Wednesday afternoon just after 2:30 in Phelps County on Highway 63 two miles south of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado being driven by 64-year-old Fritz Lizama of Rolla was traveling south when he attempted to avoid another vehicle. This caused the Chevrolet to slide on the ice-covered roadway, travel off the road, and strike a ditch. Lizama was taken by Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The Chevrolet sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by D & D Towing. The report stated that Lizama was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

A ceramics painting class with Isabella Knack will be held Sunday at the Creative Arts Center from 1:00 until 3:00 in the afternoon where you can choose a ceramic figure that has been bisque fired to glaze or paint from 5 to 30 dollars each. The cost of the class is $5.00. The glazes and all supplies are provided. For more information or to register, call 247-0651 or 247-5306 or you can e-mail salemartscouncil@outlook.com.

An accident claimed the life of an Edgar Springs woman Tuesday afternoon at 1:45 in Texas County on Pump Station Road about six miles north of Roby. The report from the highway patrol states that 41-year-old Elizabeth Keeping-Hudson was sitting in a 2005 Chevy Trailblazer facing eastbound, when a tree fell on the roof of the vehicle. Keeping-Hudson was pronounced dead by Texas County Coroner Marie Lasater at 2:45 and was taken to Fox Funeral Home in Licking. The Trailblazer was removed from the scene by Arrington’s Towing. The highway patrol was assisted on the scene by the Roby Fire Department.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Tuesday evening in the City Hall Council Chambers. At the meeting after approval of the consent agenda, the board tabled Bill No. 3500 an ordinance to extend the project time period for work on taxi lanes at the airport until corrected dates are received. The board approved Resolution No. 4-2022 authorizing the mayor to enter into the affordable housing program agreement with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines and Riverways Federal Credit Union for the Welcome Home 2021 Project. Salem Park and Recreation Director Melissa DuBois reported there were 60 basketball games held at the Salem Community Center@the Armory during the youth basketball season. The recent Youth Football Skills and Drills camp was successful. Soccer signups are going on now with the final date to register is February 28th. Again this year a summer camp will be held for two weeks in July. The Ozark Actors Theater will host a youth Performing Arts Camp at the City Hall. DuBois is currently seeking sponsors for the baseball season where banners are placed on the ball field fences. The City of Salem Parks and Recreation Department will partner with the Bonebrake Center to split a college intern for the 12-week program. Applications are currently being accepted. City Administrator Ray Walden reported that budget meetings will be held in the near future. Public Works Director Mark Nash reported staff has been working on installing new electric service, changing poles and transformers, and fixing potholes. Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge reported that timber clearing is continuing at the Master’s Industrial Park, and that she and Finance Director Stacy Houston will attend upcoming training for the Welcome Home 2021 Project. 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 TODAY at 1:00 in the afternoon. Dr. Ouzts talks about pet safety and different things that effect your furry friends. So, get your questions ready and call Dr. Ouzts starting at 1:00 at 573-729-6659.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education in closed session Thursday hired Ashley Gordon as the Assistant Volleyball Coach for the 2022-23 school year. The board also extended the contracts of principal Rich Parks of Salem Middle School one year through 2023-24, principal Melanie Wisdom at the Upper Elementary School one year through 2023-24, Athletic Director and Transportation Director Clay Moody for one year through 2023-24, William Lynch Elementary School Principal Herman Blau an additional year through 2023-24, Jody Heavin had her contract extended one year to 2023-24, Assistant High School Principal Tori Snitker had her contract extended two additional years through 2023-24, and the Administrative Intern Branden Piatt had his contract extended a year through the 2022-23 school year. Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed also discussed the growth plans and evaluations for all district administrators. The closed session and meeting were then adjourned.

Join Alley Spring Park Rangers on Saturday evening, February 26th at 6:00 at the Alley General Store for a guided evening interpretive hike to listen for and learn about owls and coyotes. It will be a “hoot of a time” and one “howl of a prowl”! You’ll learn fact and folklore about these little understood creatures of the night before hiking up Alley Hollow in search of the nighttime predators. All things “owl” and “howl” will be displayed in front of the Alley General Store prior to the hike. Rangers will use recorded calls to encourage owls and coyotes to respond and venture close enough for a good look. The hike will be less than a mile, but please come prepared for chilly temperatures. Visitors are encouraged to bring a flashlight for the night hike. Bring your sweetheart for a little belated Valentine’s celebration, as owls should be looking for their own “valentine” around this time of year. The Alley General Store is on the grounds near Alley Spring, located six miles west of Eminence on Highway 106. Visitors can park in front of the General Store Visitor Center. Please dress warmly and make sure all children are accompanied by an adult. For more information, phone (573) 226-3945, or visit the park’s Facebook page or website at www.nps.gov/ozar.

The Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) is working on updating the hazard mitigation plan for Dent County. The next meeting, which is open to the public, is scheduled for this afternoon at 1:00 at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory at 1200 W. Rolla Road in Salem. Hazard mitigation planning is focused on reducing risk before disasters strike. Activities such as burying electric lines, reduces damage during tornadoes, and elevating homes in the floodplain help reduce damage and loss of life during natural disasters. Public input is necessary to truly understand the risks that could be facing the county. Additionally, the county must have a current, updated plan to be eligible for some hazard mitigation grants. The first draft of the revised plan must be submitted to State Emergency Management Agency by March 17th, 2023. The County-level hazard mitigation plans cover a five-year time frame. Dent County’s last plan was approved in October 2018. Jurisdictions within the county, such as cities, the county itself, schools, fire departments and others, are asked to participate in the planning process, complete the questionnaire, review the revised plan and adopt the new plan. It was also discussed that a survey on hazard mitigation would be promoted throughout the county to get public input into the plan. That survey can be found at meramecregion.org/surveys. If you have questions, please contact Tammy Snodgrass at MRPC at 573-265-2993 or by email at tsnodgrass@meramecregion.org.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will meet this evening at 6:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers. At the meeting following the consent agenda, the board will discuss Bill #3500 to establish an ordinance to extend the project time period to allow for the completion of the work for the design and construction of taxi lanes for T-Hangers in Phase 1 of airport improvements from an agreement originally signed on August 13th, 2019. The board will then approve Resolution 4-2022 that authorizes the Mayor to enter into affordable housing program subsidy agreement for owner occupied projects between the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, Riverways Federal Credit Union, and the City of Salem, Missouri Office of Economic Development as part of the Welcome Home Project. They will also hear reports from City Administrator Ray Walden, Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge, Mayor Kim Steelman, Public Works Director Mark Nash, Parks and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois, and from the Aldermen. The board may then vote to go into closed session. The Board of Aldermen meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Sheriff’s office has released reports for the week of February 12th. On Saturday, February 12th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on West Highway 32. During the course of the stop, a 22-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while their license revoked or suspended. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Then on Wednesday, February 16th, a deputy investigated a suspicious subject in the 200 block of South Warfel Street. During the investigation, a 22-year-old Salem woman was arrested for the possession of a controlled substance and the possession of drug paraphernalia. The subject was transported to the Dent County Jail where she was placed on a 24- hour hold pending the issuance of a warrant. Later that day, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on West Highway 32. During the course of the stop, a 24-year-old Salem woman was arrested for an having active Dent County warrant. Upon arrival at the Dent County Jail, the subject was found to be in possession of a controlled substance and was in possession of drug paraphernalia. The woman was incarcerated for her warrant and placed on a 24-hour hold pending the issuance of a warrant for the additional charges. On Friday, February 18th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on East Highway 32. During the course of the vehicle search, a controlled substance was located in the vehicle. A 19-year-old Licking man was arrested for the possession of a controlled substance and transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. Upon further investigation, the man was released, and charges will be sought at a later date. If you have any information on any ongoing investigation, contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

A beginners-stained glass class with Jennifer Curry will be every Thursday in March at the Creative Arts Center. The 4-week class will hold two evening sessions each Thursday at 3:30-5:30 or 5:30 to 7:30. Learn the art of Stained Glass and create a suncatcher choosing from 8 to 10 patterns that will be provided. All supplies and safety equipment will be provided and the fee for all 4 weeks is $150. For more info or to register, call 247-0651 or 247-5306 or you can e-mail salemartscouncil@outlook.com.