Local News

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning for their regular meeting at the courthouse. At the meeting, Grant Wilson from US Representatoive Jason Smith’s office was in attendance. He was letting the commissioners know that no Missourian had been named the chairman of the Ways and Means Committee since John Phelps in 1858. He explained what the Ways and Means Committee does. He said the committee has jurisdiction over all bills dealing with taxation, tariffs, and other revenue raising measures, as well as a number of other programs including Social Security, Medicare, unemployment benefits, the enforcement of child support laws, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, foster care and adoption programs. Smith has set as a priority to bring committee hearings into the Congressional Districts. He also has created an IRS agent whistle blower hotline if an employee of the IRS sees things that are out of line that they can call without retribution. In the road report, both District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray and District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said crews were out clearing roads by removing downed limbs and trees from the heavy snow. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended the “MRPC Day at the Capital” Tuesday in Jefferson City where they visited legislators about transportation needs, a Highway 63 by-pass to the east of Rolla, unfunded mandates and an increase in the jail per diem. Then on Wednesday, Skiles was in Jefferson City again, this time as a member of the CCAM board, discussing with senators and representative unfunded mandates and asking that the state help counties by paying the county prosecutor’s salaries. Shawn Bolerjack with the Salem Running Club was in attendance to ask the county commission if their group could shut down 4th Street from Highway 19 to Iron Street for the 2nd Annual Salem 5k/10k Color Run which will be held on May 20th. They asked that the road be closed from 6:00 in the morning until noon. Bolerjack said last year there were about 200 people who participated in the event from the local area as well as from three different states. The commissioners approved the request. At the last meeting, the commissioners approved giving the Salem Nutrition Center $30,000 from ARPA funds. The next meeting will be at 9:00 Monday followed by the 2023 Dent County Buidget Hearing and both will be open to the public.

The Salvation Army Dent County Service Unit would like to thank the community for donating to this year’s Christmas Kettle Campaign. For the first time ever, because of the extremely cold temperatures and winter storm during the last week of the scheduled kettles, they had to cancel all bellringers for the safety of the volunteers. With the loss of donations during this final weekend, they were unsure if we would reach this year’s goal of $37,500. But with a strong counter kettle collection, some local business fund raisers and some last minute mail appeal arrivals, the Salvation Army Dent County Service Unit is proud to say that we were just able to reach our goal. Along with the monetary donations received this year, nearly 200 local children were adopted at the Angel Tree that was located at Wal-Mart. The local Salvation Army Board would like to thank everyone who made monetary donations and/or adopted an angel. They also extend their greatest appreciation to the dedicated volunteers that took time out of their busy holiday season to ring the bells at the kettles. The community’s continued generosity will be distributed throughout 2023 to those in need in Dent County. The office of the Dent County Service Unit of the Salvation Army office is located at 1200 West Rolla Road.

A one vehicle accident happened Tuesday morning just after 7:45 in Crawford County on Highway 19 about six miles south of Steelville. According to the highway patrol report, a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban being driven by 18-year-old Cole Barton of Steelville, was traveling northbound when he failed to negotiate a curve. Barton overcorected and the Suburban overturned, ejecting Barton from the vehicle. He was transported by Air Ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for treatment of serious injuries. The Chevrolet was totaled and left at the scene to be removed by the owner later. The report went on to state that Barton was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident.

The Salem Police Department has submitted the following reports from the Week of January 9th. During the early hours of Tuesday morning, January 10th around 12:30, officers conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Carty and Gibbs Streets. During the stop, it was found the driver was intoxicated and operating the vehicle in an impaired manner. Due to the these circumstances, a 32-year-old Salem woman was arrested for a DWI and then later released on a summons. That same evening at approximately 9:00, officers conducted a traffic stop for lane violations near the intersection of Highway 32 and Missouri Avenue. During the traffic stop, it was found the driver was intoxicated. After an investigation, a 56-year-old Salem man was arrested for a DWI and later released on a summons. During the evening of Wednesday, January 11th at 5:00, officers were dispatched to the 300 block of North Park for a report of a domestic disturbance. As a result of the call, it was found that a subject who was highly intoxicated, had assaulted another causing a cut on his nose. After the investigation, a 57-year-old Salem woman was arrested and issued a summons for City Assault. She was kept on a 12-hour safekeep due to her level of intoxication. Finally on Friday afternoon, January 13th at approximately 3:00, officers conducted a traffic stop for an expired vehicle registration. During the stop, it was discovered the man had an active warrant out of Crawford County Missouri. As a result, 21-year-old William Coleman of Steelville, was arrested and incarcerated on his warrants. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

Have you made your appointment for the free tax filing assistance provided by the Volunteers from the AARP Foundation at the Salem Community Center@The Armory? Dates in February are already filling up fast! Currently, appointments are still available on Friday only through Friday, April 10th. This is the 19th year that Healthy Dent County has partnered with the AARP trained volunteers to provide this free service to the community. Items you will need to bring with you to have your tax returns prepared include: Proof of identification such as a picture ID; Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents; or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration. You should also bring birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return. Also needed are wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-Misc from all employers; year-end Social Security Statements showing total SS received and Medicare payments; and interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099). You should bring a copy of last year’s federal and state returns if available; plus proof of bank account routing numbers and account numbers for Direct Deposit, such as a blank check or deposit slip. To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers are trained in filing certain tax forms and schedules, including the Form 1040. However, the Volunteer Protection Act requires that the volunteers stay in the scope of the program. If counselors feel they do not have adequate knowledge or your return is too complex, you may need to seek another qualified counselor or paid tax assistance. The Salem Community Center @ the Armory is located at 1200 West Rolla Road. Appointments can be made by calling 729-8163.

There are certain streets within the city limits of Salem that have been designated as emergency “Snow Routes.” These streets shall have priority over other streets for the clearing of snow, ice or other debris: Third Street to the west from Highway 19 to Dilworth Lane, and Third Street to the east from Pershing Avenue to Iron Mountain Road; Fourth Street from Pershing Avenue to MacArthur Avenue; Sixth Street (Rolla Road) from MacArthur Avenue to Highway 19; Jackson Street to the north from Sixth Street (Rolla Road) to the dead end; Tenth Street from Highway 19 to Walnut Hill Drive; Pershing Avenue from Tenth Street to Highway 32/72 East; Center Street from Highway 19 to Craig Industrial Drive and from Missouri Avenue to Dilworth Lane; Carty Street from Highway 32/72 East to Center Street; Craig Industrial Drive from Highway 32/72 to Iron Mountain Road; Babb Lane from Highway 32/72 West to Roosevelt Street; Doss Road south from Highway 32/72 East to the city limits; Roosevelt Street to the east from Highway 19 to Babb Lane and west from Highway 19 to Wines Street; Wines Street from Roosevelt Street to Highway 32/72 West; Missouri Avenue from Highway 32/72 West to Third Street; Franklin Street from Pershing Avenue to Highway 72;

Dilworth Lane from Rolla Road to Highway 32 West. Remember to remove your vehicle from these routes when an accumulation of ice and snow is expected so that the route can be cleared. Your car or truck could be towed at your expense, or you could be sited for a parking violation. If you have any questions, call the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education Thursday night went into closed session where the board approved extending Assistant Superintendent Dr. Nathan Wills contract with provisions and added an additional one week of vacation. The board also accepted the resignation of Meghan Lawrence. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Tuesday evening at the council chambers. The board approved Resolution #4-2023 adopting the Dent County Multi-Jurisdictional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan. Finance Director Stacey Houston gave the financial report showing the status of the funds and reported the electric, water and sewer billing is up. Alderman Kyle Williams noted the balance for the electric reserve fund after the city transferred $143,000 from the $10 and $15 service availability fees is now over $160,000. He said that is a start at trying to make sure there are available funds in that account if a disaster should happen. The board approved the purchase of base rock, one-inch clean and two-inch clean rock from the Salem Capital Quarries for $4,252 with a buffer up to $5,000 to allow for price fluctuations. This rock is used when there is work on city streets, on water main breaks and other uses such as sidewalk and curb construction. They also approved the bid from JCI Industries from Jefferson City to rebuild a submersible pump for $28,800 that includes a one-year warranty. City Administrator Sally Burbridge said the airport agreement with Lochner will be brought to the board at the next meeting. She did discuss the fuel tank issue with Lochner and they suggested the city possibly revise their ten-year plan to include a fueling station. This will be discussed further. Mayor Greg Parker said the 100-Acre Wood Road Rally will be March 17^th and 18^th in Salem. He also said the AARP Volunteer Tax Consultants will be providing FREE tax prep at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. To make your appointment, call 729-8163. He also asked citizens to use their driveways and stay off the side streets to allow city workers to clear the roads. Public Works Director Mark Nash said the city crews are ready for the snow. He said he will have a water leak report and try to have a line loss report for the electric department at the next utility meeting or alderman meeting. Alderman Shawn Bolerjack said the Love Thy neighbor Program work week has been set for June 4^th through the 8^th. Citizens can go to ltndent.com to see if they will be eligible for work to be done on their homes. Those applications will be due March 1^st. If you would like to volunteer to help, you must submit your application by April 1^st. Alderman Williams said entry registration in the Road Rally opened Monday and they are always looking for volunteers to help. If you are interested, go to www.americanrallyassociation.org/100aw. The meeting was then adjourned.

An accident occurred in Dent County Friday afternoon at approximately 3:05 on Highway 32 about three miles west of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a westbound 2019 Ford Fiesta operated by 79-year-old David Vanwinkle of Salem, traveled off the left side of the roadway. Vanwinkle then overcorrected and the Ford went off the right side of the roadway where it struck a sign and a tree. Vanwinkle suffered minor injuries and was transported by the Salem Ambulance to the Salem Memorial Hospital. The report stated that Vanwinkle was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held their regular meeting Thursday evening at the District Administrative offices. Several FFA students presented a report on a program they taught to students at the Upper Elementary School called “Agriculture Education on the Move.” In the Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Lynne Reed reported that there have been several candidates that have filed to run for the three board seats. They are Calvin Malone, Gregory Moravek, incumbent Andrew Wynn, Bret Bailey, Marjorie Pyatt, Dru Howard and Brian Mink. Reed reported that staff is reviewing a proposed calendar for next school year that replaces the current early out Mondays with Professional Development Days. In the tin gym update, the locker rooms have been demolished and the roof is done on the new portion. Intruder Training was held during the January professional development session. In new business, Sherry Lea, the Executive Director of Healthy Dent County, presented the board with a Department of Natural Resources Recreational Trails grant opportunity. This grant would pave the “Tiger Trail” that is currently a white chat trail around the Upper Elementary School. This grant would require a 25-year deed restriction. The board approved Lea writing this grant. Architect John Odom who attended the meeting via zoom, presented the board with a new location for the Construction Trades building. His original alternative site would have meant demolishing the current building that houses the IT Department and would mean moving several fiber lines that provide the school with high-speed Internet. It was determined that this was too cost prohibitive so a new site on the school property was proposed. The building will now be located on the west side of campus, south of the IT Department house. The board approved the new location. The board approved a Dent County Hazard Mitigation Resolution that will make the district part of the plan. The board then approved billing 100% for tuition as opposed to a prorated plan. Discussion was held regarding placing a bond issue on the April ballot to construct a new school for the William Lynch students. Without knowing for sure if the school will get a FEMA grant, the proposed $6 million bond would not be enough to complete construction. No action was taken at this time. The board will look at potentially placing the bond on the August ballot if the FEMA grant is received. The Board then went back into closed session.

During the week of January 7th, there was a total of 89 calls for service to the Salem Police Department. Officers conducted 20 traffic stops for various traffic violations with five of those stops resulting in a summons or arrest. Also that week, officers conducted three traffic accident investigations. On Saturday afternoon, January 7th at approximately 12:30, an officer was on routine traffic patrol near Carty and Hawkins Streets when he noticed a man who had a warrant for his arrest. An officer made contact with the man in reference to the warrant after which the subject fled on foot. Officers caught the man after a short foot pursuit. Located on this man was suspected heroin. As a result of the incident, 24-year-old Hunter Meade of Salem, was arrested for the possession of a controlled substance and for resisting arrest. He was incarcerated at the Dent County Jail for his active warrant. The next evening at approximately 11:00, officers conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Main and Center Streets. During the stop, officers were made aware that the driver was impaired. After a short investigation a 19-year-old Salem woman was arrested for a DWI and then later released on a summons. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the courthouse. In the road report District One Commissioner Wes Mobray said that brush would be cut on Dent County Road 5630, plus his crews would be cleaning out culverts, pipes, and ditches. He also noted that they were fixing washouts and cutting a tree that was down on county road 5610. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that brush was being cut on Dent County Roads 3200 and 3220, plus materials were being added to county road 4060. He also reported that lights were being replaced on Pup Trailer #122. Larson concluded his report noting that his crew was checking roads for damage, as well as cleaning out pipes. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that on Wednesday he attended the MAC Board meeting and the CCAM Board meeting, both in Jefferson City. Skiles said that the CCAM Board finalized plans for the upcoming Commissioners’ training, as well as discussed, several legislative issues. In particular, CCAM will be pursuing some relief from unfunded mandates and an increase in the jail per diem. Skiles said he’d probably be back in Jefferson City Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that payroll was being approved by the commission. She also said she too attended the MAC Board meeting last week in Jefferson City. Curley went over several legislative issues that the county clerks’ association wants to see addressed. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday morning in the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

Missouri’s 2022-2023 deer-hunting season ended January 15th with the Missouri Department of Conservation reporting a preliminary total deer harvest for the season of 299,721. Of the deer harvested, 140,736 were antlered bucks, 27,029 were button bucks, and 131,956 were does. Top harvest counties for the overall deer season were Franklin with 6,471 deer harvested, Callaway with 5,438, and Jefferson with 4,966. Deer harvested by county shows Texas County had the most in 2022 in this area with 4,700 followed by Crawford County 3,501, Dent County with 3,351, Shannon County with 3,222, Phelps County with 2,538 and Reynolds County with 2,310. Hunters harvested 295,143 deer during the 2021-2022 deer hunting season with 143,815 being antlered bucks, 26,750 being button bucks, and 124,578 being does.

The Creative Arts Center located at 204 S Main St, in Salem, will be offering a Glaze Session for Woven Basket and Luminary Class with Connie Behrick & Susan Parker England on Thursday January 26th from 9:00 in the morning till noon. Attendees/students must have attended a beginner or intro class in wheel throwing or hand-building, or be an experienced potter. In this class, members will finish their woven basket and luminaries from a previous class to prepare them for bisque firing. The cost is $45 per person. Go online to register at salemcommunitybetterment.com and look under programs for the Salem Creative Arts Center. You can also call or text 573-247-0651.

The Dent County Commission has called for a public hearing on the proposed 2023 county budget for all their funds. The public hearing will be held on Monday, January 30th at the County Commissioners Office located in the Dent County Courthouse located at 400 North Main Street in Salem beginning at 10:00 in the morning. A copy of the tentative budget is now available at the Dent County Clerk’s Office in the courthouse. If you prefer an electronic version of the tentative budget, contact the Dent County Clerk’s office and they can e-mail you an electronic version. The number to call is 729-4144.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held a public hearing and special meeting Wednesday night at the City Hall Council Chambers. In the public hearing concerning the 1% sales tax increase, two people from the county, John McIntyre and Robert Gravely, understand the city’s predicament of needing additional funds caused from higher utility peak demands to increased cost in local services. McIntyre said up east they consolidated services between municipalities to save money and suggested that happen with the city and county police, while Gravely said the city leaders need to do a better job of getting the public involved and educated as to why this sales tax increase is needed and how it will help them in the future. The public hearing was then closed and Bill #3532 was read that would create an ordinance calling for the election of citizens allowing the city to issue sewerage system revenue bonds in the amount of $4,630,000 for the purpose of extending and improving the City’s sewerage system, including acquiring land and rights of way. The board approved the bill unanimously. The bonds and interest will be paid solely from revenues derived from the operations and maintenance of the sewerage system. City Administrator Sally Burbridge said the total cost of the project to reduce the TMDL levels in Spring Creek in Phase A & B is $9,512,000, and the city was awarded a $5,000,000 ARPA Fund grant leaving the bond amount at $4,630,000 which includes unanticipated construction and material costs. Assuming the bond passes, the city would apply for an additional grant of $2,000,000 from the state revolving fund and another $750,000 from a CDBG grant. This would leave $1,880,000 of bond financing. If the bond does not pass, the entire $4,630,000 would have to be paid for through sewer rate increases. Bill #3533 was then read that would create an ordinance submitted to the electors of the City of Salem to impose a General Sales Tax of one percent (1%) for General Revenue in addition to the current one percent (1%) already charged by the city for General Revenue at the General Municipal Election to be held April 4th. The board approved the bill unanimously. Sales tax collections are the primary revenue stream for the City’s General Revenue Fund which supports the main governmental operations of the City including administration and police. This tax would greatly reduce the amount of transfers from the utility funds to General Revenue and help to increase reserves in those utility funds. Alderman Shawn Bolerjack said the city would be providing a page on their website explaining the proposed sales tax, providing pertinent information as well as some videos explaining why it is needed. Alderwoman Kala Sisco said people need to educate themselves on the facts and not be swayed by social media rhetoric. She said if you have questions, ask your alderman or contact city administrator Sally Burbridge and get the facts, not rumors or opinions. Mayor Greg Parker said this board is looking to stabilize the city financially and move it forward. He said the board is not looking at the past, they are looking at the future of the town and want it to grow and prosper. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold their regular meeting this evening at 6:00 in the Salem R-80 Boardroom. After the approval of the agenda, the Board will move into Executive Session to consider student issues, approve closed session minutes, and consider attendance appeals. The Board will then move into open session where they will have a student recognition and approve the consent agenda. After hearing of communications, the Board will hear the Superintendent’s report with Dr. Lynne Reed and Dr. Nathan Wills followed by the reports from the principal of the William Lynch Elementary School, the upper elementary school, the middle school and the senior high. There will also be reports on athletics and activities, Special Education, and from the Instructional Coaches. In new business, the board will consider a recreational trails grant, discuss a Dent County Hazard Mitigation Resolution, approve a billing method for tuition, approve a bond resolution and approve the location for the Construction Trades Building. The regular Board meeting will then adjourn and move into Executive Session. The regular meeting Thursday evening will be open to the public.

At the Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors meeting Tuesday night, the board came out of closed session after the regular meeting where board chairman Mike Swyers resigned his position as chairman but will remain on the board of directors. An election for a new board chairman was then held and A. J Seay was elected chairman by a 3-2 vote. The board then went back into closed session.

An accident happened in Dent County Monday at 2:15 in the afternoon on Dent County Road 2330 about seven miles west of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, 65-year-old Robert Taylor of Salem was riding a 2019 Can Am Defender with a passenger, when he failed to negotiate a “U-Turn” as a high rate of speed causing Taylor and the passenger to be ejected from the Can Am. Taylor suffered moderate injuries and was transported to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by the Salem EMS. The passenger was not injured in the accident. Taylor was not wearing any safety devices at the time of the accident. The Can Am did not sustain any damages and was driven from the scene by the passenger.

The Salem Memorial Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday evening in the hospital library. Hospital Chief Executive Officer Wayne Reid gave an update on the recent surveys conducted at the hospital. The Re-certification Survey found that the board by-laws needed to be reviewed with a 30-day comment period. The CLIA Survey found four identified issues when looking for items that the hospital was in compliance with but the staff couldn’t readily access. Angela Christensen has recently been hired as the Director of Quality and Risk Management to ensure that all hospital staff are ready with proper procedures and paperwork for all future surveys. A Home Health Survey was conducted and found that the hospital needed to appoint a Pre-Designated Alternate Administrator. The board approved Kristie Gorman to fill this position. In the Summary of Operations for the month of December, hospital admissions were 119 which is double over last year’s totals. There were 11 Swingbed admissions with 186 patient census days. There were 1,462 Outpatient Registrations, 2,024 Lab Tests, 2,277 Cardiopulmonary Procedures, 1,351 Radiology Procedures, 421 Rehabilitation Treatments, 29 Surgical Procedures and 176 Home Health Visits. The Emergency Room visits totaled 685 in December. The hospital currently has $3.5 million cash on hand with an excess of expenses over revenues for December of $434,154.46 with $300,000 of this total being attributed to an error in reserve funds in the past, an increase in provider pay, increased staff costs because of a high volume of patients and having to pay staff double and triple time over the holidays. Ashley Sullins gave the Chief Nursing Officer report. There are currently two full time night nursing positions open in Med-Surg and ED and one full time nursing position in Long-Term Care. In the Human Resources update, recent hires include a new Lab Director, Director of Quality/Risk Management, and Business Development Coordinator. Interviews are currently being held for an IT Director and for the CFO position. The Hospital Foundation will be having a Cornhole Tournament on March 11th at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory, a Golf Tournament on June 2nd at the Spring Creek Golf Course, and Dancing with the Salem Stars will be held in February 2024. In Old Business, the kitchen drain proposal is being reviewed by staff. In Election Filings, originally there were three candidates for the upcoming seat currently held by Willie Strader including Strader. Two of the candidates were determined to not be in the correct district that is up for election, thereby making them ineligible to run for office, so no election will need to be held. Employee Gina White was in attendance to discuss employee insurance. She recently signed up for a dental plan and was told there would be no cost to her, but $19.88 was taken out of her paycheck and she wanted that corrected. Human Resource Director Jodie Gorman explained that the vendor had made a mistake on the online sign-up process and incorrectly stated that there would not be a charge. She will look into this and investigate how many employees are being affected. In purchases, the board approved a bid from Show Me Vinyl for $8,205.00 to wrap two ambulances. The board then went into closed session.

Mark Twain National Forest is looking for campground hosts for the 2023 season. Hosts are needed at both the Red Bluff Campground on the Potosi-Fredericktown Ranger District and the Sutton Bluff Campground on the Salem Ranger District. Campground hosting is a fun and rewarding volunteer experience that gets people outside and serving the public. Host positions generally run from April through October. Host sites include water, electric, and septic system. Use of a Forest Service golf cart may be provided to hosts as well. A stipend of up to $600 per month may be offered to cover incidentals. Host duties will include answering visitor questions, ensuring cleanliness of campsites, cleaning restrooms and showers, minor landscaping, and posting reservations. In general, a host keeps campgrounds running smoothly for visitors to enjoy. Applicants will have a background check conducted before being selected. Anyone interested in hosting at one of these campground sites should call Brett Mecker at 573-650-0758 or email him at brett.mecker@usda.gov. To learn more about these hosting opportunities, visit volunteer.gov and search for Mark Twain National Forest. Hosting at a campground can be a perfect way to meet new people, who also enjoy the outdoors, and build lasting bonds with them.

Mayor Greg Parker of the City of Salem has called a special meeting of the Salem Board of Aldermen for Wednesday evening at 5:30 to hold an open Public Hearing on the proposed General Sales Tax before discussing Bill #3532 which would create an ordinance calling for an election on a revenue bond questions for the City of Salem; and to discuss Bill #3533 that would create an ordinance asking the voters of the City of Salem during the Municipal Election on April 4th whether the city should impose a general sales tax of one percent for the General Revenue Fund. The special meeting will be held at the City Hall Council Chambers located at 202 North Washington and it will be open to the public.

Beginning this year, ExplorUS, formally Ortega National Parks, will manage the lodging, dining, retail and banquet facilities at the Echo Bluff State Park. ExplorUS is a hospitality management company operating in parks across the country. Echo Bluff was established more than 85 years ago as a summer youth camp called Camp Zoe. It is now a year-round outdoor destination where visitors create memories as they experience all the Ozarks have to offer. The impressive lodge is just five years old and features hotel rooms and cabins, meeting space, a dining room and retail area. ExplorUS is thrilled to add Echo Bluff to its portfolio and has committed to adding new activities and events, such as girls’ getaways, stargazing, art and craft shows, and more. ExplorUS. is excited to start developing new programs that will interest Missouri patrons and draw new travelers to the area and are especially happy that many of the previous employees have chosen to stay with the company, which should assist with a smooth transition for those folks that frequent the hotel and restaurant on an annual basis. ExplorUS is dedicated to preserving and protecting the unique environments and precious resources of the sites where it operates, allowing guests and future generations to experience the beauty, serenity and splendor of local, state and national parks. It provides concession services at 50 locations nationwide, including four other Missouri State parks that include Lake of the Ozarks, Montauk, Sam A. Baker and Lake Wappapello. Rooms and cabins are available for rent year-round. More information can be found at echobluffstatepark.com or by calling 855-999-6980. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded a $50,000 Clean Water Engineering Report Grant to the city of Viburnum to evaluate the city’s wastewater system. The department’s Clean Water Engineering Report Grant program offers funding to small communities for wastewater engineering costs incurred during preparation of a facility plan report. The city will use the grant to develop the report, intended to identify wastewater system improvements needed to continue reliable services to the area, meet permit requirements and reduce inflow and infiltration of stormwater into sewer collection pipes. The facility plan should be complete in June of 2024. The department is committed to assisting Missouri communities with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. Through its Financial Assistance Center, the department provides funding opportunities for qualified communities with water quality, wastewater and drinking water infrastructure needs. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will meet tonight at 6:00 at the hospital library. The board will hear the summary of operations and statistics for the month of December as well as the Chief Nursing Officer report, a report on the 340B drug program, get a staffing update and discuss the hospital foundation. After the Chief of Staff’s report, old business will be addressed including the kitchen drain proposal, the clinic architect, election filings and strategic planning update. In New Business, the board will discuss the predesigned Alternate Home Health Administrator appointment and purchases. The board may vote to go into closed session. The meeting tonight is open to the public.

Friday night at the high school gym, Ashton Bowers was crowned the 2023 Homecoming Queen between the JV and Varsity Salem Basketball games with Houston. Her court consisted of freshman Addison Fulton, sophomore Madison Flores, junior Delaney Owen and seniors Avery Erway and Olivia Wisdom. Congratulations Ashton!

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday evening at 6:00. After the roll call and approval of the consent agenda, the board reviewed the minutes from the December meeting before hearing and approving the financial report which showed an ending balance of $41,940.55. Bills, payments, and statements were then reviewed and approved before the 2022 final closeout budget was reviewed by the board. It was noted that the department was overbudget in capital improvements. This was because of the front window damage and then the necessary upgrade. These improvements were authorized during the incident and the money was available at the time, so the board approved the budget overage in capital improvements. The board approved the final 2022 budget closeout at that time. The board then reviewed the 2023 budget and after some discussion, a motion was made and carried to accept the 2023 budget as presented. After the calendar review, the monthly reimbursement report was presented with a total of 26 calls for the month of December which included three building fires, one cooking fire, two chimney or flue fires, three brush or grass fires, two calls to assist EMS, and the fire department responded to two vehicle accidents with injuries. The fire department also helped remove victims from a stalled elevator, responded to two gas leaks, two sprinkler activations, one carbon monoxide incident, and one arcing or shorted electrical equipment. In old business, it was noted that an injector pump on Engine 85 was bad and in need of repair. The first option was to rebuild the pump as a new one would cost 5,000 to 7,000 dollars. The second option is to put a new motor in the truck at a cost of $21,992.96, or the third option was to replace the truck which is not possible at this time. The board members are going to pursue other information before making any decision. The truck does need to be in service for mutual aid. The board is expected to entertain a motion after all the facts are in. The date of the next meeting board meeting will be Tuesday, February 14th at 6:00 at the fire station located at #2 South Main. That meeting will be open to the public.

The AARP is in need of volunteer Tax Counselors to prepare simple taxes for local, low income and elderly residents. You will be supplied with training and a computer to use during the season. After training, you will be certified by the IRS to prepare taxes. The AARP Volunteer Tax Counselors work at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory only on Fridays for 10 weeks. You will be able to prepare and e-file taxes for friends and family at no cost. Contact Ty Richards if interested, 573-453-4995 or trcheyenne@gmail.com.

An accident occurred Thursday morning around 7:40 in Crawford County on Highway C about 5 miles west of Cuba. According to the highway patrol report a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado driven by 43-year-old Alicia Frohbieter of Cuba was traveling east bound and crossed over the center of the roadway, then travelled off the left side of the roadway, struck an embankment, and overturned. Frohbieter suffered serious injuries and was transported by North Crawford Ambulance to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. The Chevrolet was totaled and was removed from the scene by Patriot Towing.