Local News

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Director’s meeting was held Tuesday evening in the Hospital Library. In the summary of operations for the month of November, the hospital had 88 inpatient admissions with 279 inpatient census days. The hospital showed a loss from operations of $425,801 and had an excess of expenses over revenues of $424,511. During the month, McKesson Suppliers who provide supplies for the lab department, were going through a transition so the hospital had to pay for two months of supplies that came to near $160,000. During the month, there were 635 emergency room visits with 54 admissions, plus there were 204 ambulance runs where 142 patients were transported. In November there were 27 surgery cases, 1,520 outpatient registrations, 7,283 lab tests, 1,142 radiological procedures, 686 rehab treatments and 181 home health visits with 12 home health admissions. The Long-Term Care Center currently now has 17 residents with one vacancy remaining. The days in account receivable during the month went up to 69 days from 65 in October and was down from the 103 days last November. The days cash on hand went down to 46 days and there was a cash decrease during the month of $151,754. Chief of Nursing Ashley Sullins gave the Acute Care Staffing by Patient Acuity report that showed the average acuity was 20 with an average of nine patients per day. Sullins reported that as of December 13th, there were 74 active COVID cases in Dent County. Sullins said Dent County is currently showing 30.1% of the residents are completely vaccinated and 33.8% have initiated the series. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas said the hospital continues to monitor Paylocity as part of the Cerner Conversion. The Cerner working timeline has Integrated Testing 3 scheduled for January 11th, 12th and 13th for the clinical portion; and January 18th, 19th and 20th for the financial portion with the “go-live” date set for March 14th. The hospital submitted their plan of action for the CLIA Survey but had to discontinue most of the lab testing on December 3rd as CLIA did not accept the plan of corrections at that time. Working with A & J Consultants, the hospital has implemented new policies and procedures, implemented needed educational requirements for all technicians, implemented new quality assurance equipment and software for documentation of oversight, plus implemented new chemistry and coagulation equipment. On Monday, the hospital reinstated time critical lab tests for the Emergency Department and the Medical and Surgery Department. The hospital continues to make progress toward getting the entire lab back online. The issues that affected the lab were disorganization and that the equipment needed updating and repair which is currently being done. The hospital has purchased other equipment that meets the quality assurance protocol they are using now for the tests. Lucas said there is one candidate who has registered for District 3 Board seat to date with the final day to sign-up being December 28th at 4:00. The seat is currently held by Dennis Fiebelman. The board approved a Board Resolution for Financial Transactions to sell some stock that the hospital had since they had a retirement plan with MetLife. The resolution will allow them to sell the stock from the Hanover Insurance Group, Brighthouse and Computershare, Inc. Lucas reviewed the vaccination mandate timeline with the board as no further court action has taken place on that matter. In new business, the board approved three non-budgeted purchases including the purchase of a refurbished colonoscope from Olympus America for $20,577.50, the purchase of the Point-of-Care Lab Analyzer from Abbott Diagnostics for $11,121.33, and the purchase of two Chemistry Analyzer-Piccolo Express for $15,300 each for a total of $30,600. All the purchases have a one-year parts and labor warranty. The board then spoke with Diane Godi who was in attendance about the problems with the lab to get a better understanding of how the lab works before going into closed session.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education regular meeting will be held this evening at 6:00 in the high school library. After approval of the consent agenda and approval of all previous minutes the board is expected to approve bills, the food service report, attendance report, substitute list, and program evaluations. Ken Shultz will then present the audit report for approval. The board will then hear principal’s reports from William Lynch Elementary, the upper elementary, middle school, and senior high, along with a report from the athletic department. New business is expected to include the selection of the MSBA Belcher Scholarship recipient, the MUSIC renewal, the declaration of surplus property and to consider the SRCSP revisions. The board will then go into closed session. The Salem R-80 Board of Education meeting is open to the public.

An accident happened Sunday night at 9:17 on Route J about a mile west of Oates. According to the highway patrol, a 2005 Chevy Silverado driven eastbound by 69-year-old Virginia Graham of Boss, crossed the centerline and struck a 1999 Lincoln driven westbound by 74-year-old Donald Barton of Boss. Graham suffered serious injuries and was transported by Survival Flight to Mercy St. Johns’ Hospital. Neither Graham nor Barton wear wearing seat restraints. The Chevy was removed from the scene by Blackie’s Auto while the Lincoln was removed by Dement’s. A Reynolds County deputy assisted at the scene.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday for their regular meeting at the courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams brought in the final sales tax monies received by the county for the 2021 year. For the General Revenue Fund and the Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund in December, the county received $93,008.11 which was $9,363.27 more than the $83,644.84 received in December 2020. For the Road and Bridge Fund, the county received $44,090.87 and that was $4,319.49 more than the 2020 figure of $39,771.38; and in the Jail Operating and Trust Funds, the county received $88,169.41 for the month of December and that is $8,618.82 more than the $79,550.59 received in December of 2020. Overall, the county funds are down between 23 and 27% from the funds received from a year ago due to the Department of Revenue sales tax blunder that the county has had to pay for. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 6580 while only grading would be done on county roads 5380 and 6190. Mobray said he would be attending a City of Bunker Council Meeting tonight. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson had a meeting to attend at 9:00 and was unable to give the road report so Travis Turner gave it for him. Turner said grading was going to be done on county roads 2130, 2270, 2403, 6120 and 6140. He further stated brush would be cut and materials would be added on county road 2370. Turner went on to say a new fuel tank was being installed on county truck #116. Larson arrived after the road reports were presented. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported on the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting last Thursday at the MRPC office in St. James. Skiles said the entire region voted on their transportation priorities for the upcoming year to be presented to MoDOT. Skiles said the top priority again this year was the replacement of the low water crossing on Route TT in Sligo with a bridge. He also said the Highway 32 bridge at Boss over the Huzzah Creek came in 4th in the scoring. Skiles said at the MRPC meeting held Thursday night, they prioritized their federal and state needs and then received an update from the Department of Economic Development. Skiles went on to say he would probably be attending a County Commission Association of Missouri Executive Board meeting on Friday in Jefferson City. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she balanced with the collector and assessor on all collections, abatements and add-ons for the month of November. She also said she would be addressing some art classes at the Salem High School to inform students of a contest to create a new “I Voted” sticker that would be used for the next two years. This is the first time this is being done in Dent County. The winner of the contest will be recognized at all the voting locations and through the local media. Also at the meeting, Sarah Massengale and Dru Howard from the extension brought in their budget request for 2022, and David Massengale from the US Forest Service came in to discuss Title II funds. The next commission meeting will be Monday at 9:00 at the courthouse and it is open to the public.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will conduct their December meeting tonight at 6:00 in the hospital library. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas will report on the summary of the operations and statistics for the month of November as well as the auxiliary report, followed by the Chief of Nursing Report with Ashley Sullins. Chief Operating Officer Jason Edwards will give the hospital foundation report as well as the marketing and community perception report. In old business, Lucas will update the board on how COVID-19 is affecting the hospital, give a report on the Cerner conversion, discuss the CLIA survey and talk about the District 3 board seat becoming available in the upcoming April election. In new business, the board will discuss any purchases. The board may vote to go into closed session. The SMDH Board meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Business Window Decorating Contest judging was held over the weekend. After all the scores were tallied, Steel Magnolias in downtown Salem on 4th Street was named this year’s winner of the $250 Grand Prize.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce has proudly announced the winners of the Christmas Parade of lights for 2021. The winners for the Commercial Float was Town & Country Bank while the winner for the Non-Commercial Float was the Salem Care/Seville Care Center. Kimberly Stewart was named the horsemanship winner. The Salem Chamber of Commerce wanted to thank everyone who had an entry in the parade and for all the spectators attending. Sinks Pharmacy was the winners sponsor of this parade. A huge “thank you” goes out to the Grand Marshal Jann Craig who was selected for her community service and LovePacks program which began back in 2009. Currently it takes about 30 volunteers to pack up and distribute around 6000 bags to nine Dent County Schools. Later this afternoon at 4:00, the chamber will announce the winner of the Business Window decorating Contest. The winner will receive a $250 cash prize.

The Salem Area Arts Council announces a “Week of Christmas” at the Creative Arts Center in Salem. Starting at 4:00 this afternoon, “Glazed Impressions” will be instructed by Isabella Knaack where people will select a ceramic figure or functional piece to glaze, then come back a week later after it has been fire to pick it up. The cost is $5 with an additional cost for the piece selected. On Tuesday evening, “Straw Stars” will be instructed by Suzanne Douglas from 6:00 until 8:00 where those attending will create handmade star ornaments to hang on the tree. On Wednesday evening from 5:00 until 7:00, Artist Terry Phelps will show those attending how to use wool to create a unique ornament to take home in a workshop called “Felted Ornaments.” On Thursday evening from 6:00 until 8:00, instructor Shannon Phelps will show new techniques on how to create and beautifully decorate cupcakes to take home. Each participate will have six cupcakes to take home after the class. Friday evening will bring the “Winter Wonderland Paint ‘N Sip” from 6:30 until 8:30 where artist Danielle Norris where those attending will paint a winter wonderland using acrylic paint on canvas. Bring a friend and the beverage of your choice. The workshops Tuesday through Friday each cost $25. On Saturday, the Creative Arts Center will host “Santa’s Workshop” from 1:00 until 4:00. Brings the kids and have pictures taken with Santa and his Mrs. Claus! Snacks will be provided and donations will be accepted. If you have any questions about the any of the programs to be presented, call 247-0651 or 247-5306. You can also e-mail salemartscouncil@outlook.com.

An accident happened late Thursday afternoon just after 5:15 in Phelps County on Highway 63, about two miles south of Rolla. The highway patrol report states that a 2018 Jeep Compass being driven south by 40-year-old Lynn Miller of Edgar Springs, was stopped to make a left hand turn. The Jeep was then struck from behind by a 2001 Chevrolet S-10 being driven by 51-year-old Barbara Williams of Licking. Miller was taken By the Phelps Health EMS to Phelps Health Hospital for the treatment of minor injuries. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by D & D Recovery. The report went on to state that Miller was wearing a safety device while Williams was not.

A one vehicle accident happened Friday night at 9:00 in Phelps County on Interstate 44 near the exit 185 off ramp. The highway patrol report states that a 2005 Mercury Sable being driven by 21-year-old Megan Slater of Rolla, was attempting to overtake another vehicle and began hydroplaning. Slater then traveled off the right side of the road and struck a sign before traveling over the ramp and into some trees. A passenger, 20-year-old Nevaeh Hudson of Rolla, was transported by ambulance to the Phelps Health Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The Mercury sustained minor damage and was removed from the scene by C & C Towing. Both occupants were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

You are invited to join a town hall meeting today from 11:45 in the morning and lasting until 1:00 at the Salem Community Center@the Armory, 1200 West Rolla Road. A panel of students will discuss substance use affecting teen in our community. You’ll also learn about the JAG program from local, participating students, and join a discussion about local substance use prevention programs. Lunch will be provided and registration IS required. For more information or to register, please call 573-729-8163. The town hall meeting is being sponsored by Your Community Health Center, Prevention Consultants of Missouri, and Health Dent County.

Don’t forget to check out the lights and displays at the Salem City Park as part of the “Light up the Park” through December 31st off of Route J. The lights will go on nightly at dusk and remain on until around 11:00 at night. The “Light Up the Park” is free for the public’s enjoyment. The Salem Park and Recreation Department asks that you enter the park from Route J and exit through the north gate of the Salem City Park onto Park Street. The second part of the “Light up the Park” Display is off of Park Place Drive near the Pavilion. Remember to shut your lights off when driving through the park and Christmas music will be available 24/7 at 97.5 FM courtesy of KSMO Radio.

Judging for the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2nd Annual Business Window Decorating Contest gets underway Friday and will continue over the weekend until Monday afternoon. The theme this year is “A Storybook Christmas” and 20 business have entered the contest. The windows may just be painted, illuminated with a display or be a combination of both. The public in invited to view the windows of the these fine businesses in Salem: the Dent County Vet Clinic, Salem Public Library, Tax Masters, Edward Jones, Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center, That Special Touch Florist, McDonalds, Steel Magnolias, City of Salem Administration Building, Allen’s Treasure Chest & Den, Country Chic Boutique, Duncan Family Chiropractic, Main Street Café, US Bank, Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health on 4th Street, VIP Properties, Magik Herbs, Trinity, The Bank of Salem and Beehive Florist & gifts. After the judging is complete, a winner will be announced at 4:00 Monday afternoon, December 13th. Enjoy the hard work put in by these businesses during the day and night! A suggested map of the locations will be available today on the Salem Chamber of Commerce, City of Salem and KSMO Facebook pages.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports from the mid to latter portion of November. Around 1:00 in the afternoon of Sunday, November 14th, an officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North Henderson Street for a report of a burglary. It had been reported that someone had broken into a residence and stolen nine guns and hunting knives along with an undisclosed amount of cash. This incident is currently under investigation. On Sunday morning, November 15th near 1:00 while on patrol, an officer contacted a woman that had warrants for her arrest. As a result, 22-year-old Deseray Fish of Salem was arrested on the warrants and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Near 6:00 in the evening of Saturday, November 20th, an officer was dispatched to an accident where one of the subjects involved had left the scene. After a short investigation the vehicle and subject involved were located. At that time, a 42-year-old Salem man was arrested and later released on summons to appear in court for leaving the scene of an accident. About three hours later, officers dealt with an intoxicated subject that was causing a disturbance and interfering with an unrelated investigation in the 1400 block of West Scenic Rivers Blvd. As a result, a 41-year-old man from Thompsonville, Michigan, was arrested and placed on a 12-hour safekeep at the Dent County Jail. He was later released on a summons. On Sunday, November 23rd, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart for a report of a shoplifter. It was reported that a male subject had stolen approximately $10 worth of merchandise. After an investigation, a 51-year-old Salem man was arrested and later released on summons to appear in court. Around 8:00 in the evening on Tuesday, November 23rd, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with inoperable headlights. During the traffic stop it was learned that 44-year-old Jared King of Salem, had warrants out of the Franklin County Sheriff’s office for assault. King was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County jail awaiting extradition. And finally on Friday morning, November 26th near 5:30, an officer arrested 28-year-old Chris Gibbs of Salem in the 1100 block of West Scenic Rivers Boulevard. The subject was incarcerated on warrants for the possession of a controlled substance. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

Missouri Employers Mutual has announced its latest cycle of safety grant recipients, bringing the total amount of safety grants awarded to policyholders to $2.1 million since 2016. The 11th safety grant cycle awarded $259,000 to 38 policyholders. The program is designed to help policyholders pinpoint areas of their business where an injury could occur, or in many cases, purchase equipment related to injuries previously experienced. Five years into the program, safety grant recipients continue to see positive results. Since implementing the safety equipment purchased with their grants, the 280 businesses have experienced only 14 claims totaling $49,000. That’s a 96 percent reduction in claims and a 94 percent reduction in claims costs. One of those businesses who benefitted from a safety grant in 2018 was the Village Gallery in Salem. That grant allowed for the purchase of a saw stop table saw prevented a major injury to an employee at the custom cabinetry business. Owner Carl Williams said there was an incident where an operator let his guard down and wasn’t paying attention. His finger got to the blade and the saw stopped it from moving. So instead of potentially losing a finger, he received a very small nick instead. Williams said that prior to receiving the safety grant, his business experienced a claim related to use of a table saw. Although no Salem business is a recipient this year, St. James Transports in St. James received some powered landing gear kits. All of Missouri Employers Mutual policyholders are eligible for a safety grant, regardless of premium size or claims history. Successful applicants earn one-to-one matching grants up to $10,000 toward approved safety initiatives.

According to Dent County Assessor Jamie Homeyer, the 2022 Dent County Assessment Lists will be mailed the first week of January 2022. To avoid a late filing penalty, your completed assessment forms will be due in the assessor’s office by March 1st. Online filing will also be available from January 2nd through April 30th. In addition to being able to file online, there is a drop box in front of the courthouse, as well as a drop box inside the courthouse by the office door, or you may also mail your completed form back to the Dent County Assessor at 400 N Main St, Salem, MO 65560. The assessor’s office is open from 8:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon, Monday through Friday and you may call us at 573-729-6010. If there is no answer, please leave them a message and they will return your call as soon as possible.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday evening at 6:00. After approval of the consent agenda, the minutes from the November meeting were reviewed and approved as presented. Changes to the policies and procedures were then presented by Weber and Associates to the board for review. The changes will again be reviewed and discussed at the January meeting. Bills were reviewed and approved, showing an ending balance of 127,312.91 as of November 30th. A motion was made and carried to adopt the 2021 budget for the beginning of 2022 until the new budget can be completed and entered into the new software. Once that is done, it will then be reviewed and approved by the board. Treasurer Dave Wells asked the board to transfer funds to the building payment fund out of this year’s budget as per USDA guidelines, which was then approved by the board. The monthly reimbursement report was presented which showed a total of 29 call for the month including five structure fires, five brush fires, one car fire, six first responder calls, four vehicle accidents, one mutual aid, four hazmat calls, two training calls and one call listed as “other.” Total calls year-to-date for the department stands at 278 with an average cost per call of $98.20. Fire Chief Brad Nash reported to the board that Ladder Truck 81 was still being repaired. The date for the next meeting will be January 4th at 6:00 at the fire station at #2 South Main Street and the meeting will be open to the public.

You are invited to join a town hall meeting Monday, December 13th, from 11:45 in the morning and lasting until 1:00 at the Salem Community Center@the Armory, 1200 West Rolla Road. A panel of students will discuss substance use affecting teen in our community. You’ll also learn about the JAG program from local, participating students, and join a discussion about local substance use prevention programs. Lunch will be provided and registration is required. For more information or to register, please call 573-729-8163. The town hall meeting is being sponsored by Your Community Health Center, Prevention Consultants of Missouri, and Health Dent County.

Staff members at Current River State Park invite the public to create ready-to-gift Christmas cards and ornaments from 11:00 to 1:00 Saturday, December 11th. The program will start with a short history of Christmas cards and then participants will make Christmas cards and ornaments that can be given to friends or family or used to decorate their own trees. For more information, contact Connie Weber at 573-751-1224 or connie.weber@dnr.mo.gov. The public is strongly encouraged to follow social-distancing guidelines and be proactive in protecting themselves and others. Current River State Park is located on Highway 19, approximately 23 miles south of Salem and approximately 15 miles north of Eminence. 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.

Interpretive staff at Echo Bluff State Park invites the public to pick up a new Christmas craft each Saturday throughout the month of December. Visitors can pick up a different craft bag each week and learn about nature and Missouri animals while crafting with the family. A new craft bag will be available at the front desk of the lodge each Saturday of December while
supplies last. Bags can be picked up from 7:00 in the morning until 7:00 at night. The craft bags will include deer on December 11th, mouse on December 18th and the Christmas Bird Count on December 25th. Echo Bluff State Park is located at 35244 Echo Bluff Drive between Eminence and Salem off of Highway 19 South in southeast Missouri. For more information, please contact Echo Bluff State Park at 573-751-5211.

The North Wood R-IV School food drive will end tomorrow, December 10th. All the food products they raise will be going to local food pantries. They have partnered with local businesses this year to expand their mission beyond just the North Wood R-IV School patrons. Their local business partners are Bank of Salem, Country Mart, Dollar Tree, Phil-Mart, Town and Country Bank, American Legion Walker-Rooney Post, Beehive Florist, Casey’s, Main Street Cafe, and Salem News. Items can also be dropped off at the Northwood R-4 School during the day. Local businesses have boxes for your convenience to drop off your cans or non-perishables. They are very proud of their families, students, and staff for being able to sponsor this food drive for the last 18 years. Help them fight hunger in our community and share the gift of giving! For more information, please call Northwood R-4 School at 729-4607, and ask for Stacy Smith.

Filing started Tuesday for those interested in running for an elected city position such as mayor or alderman in the City of Salem or City of Bunker, or if you want to file as a director the Salem Memorial District Hospital board, numerous school boards as well as for the Dent County Fire Protection District Board. If you want to file for a position with the City of Salem, you must meet these requirements. To qualify for the East or West Ward Aldermen positions you must live in and have been a resident of that ward for at least one year and be 21-years-of-age. To qualify to serve as mayor, you must have been a citizen of the city for at least one year and be 25-years-of-age or older. There is a filing fee of $25 for any candidate filing for a city mayor or alderman position. The last day to file will be December 28th. Filing will be held at the city administration building and the hours will be from 8:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon. Filing will be done in the city clerk’s office. You must also have all your personal property and real estate taxes paid up to date. If you have any questions, please call 729-4811. To file for the hospital board, school boards of the fire district board, you will need to file for those positions at the entity you have an interest in. Any questions about eligibility should be directed to those entities.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On Wednesday, December 1st, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 3253. During the course of the stop, a 27-year-old Salem woman was arrested on a warrant out of Dent County. She was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated on the warrant. On Friday, December 3rd, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Main Street in Salem. During the stop, a 21-year-old Salem woman was arrested for the Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. She was transported to the Dent County Jail where she was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. If anyone has any information regarding an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s department at 729-3241.

An accident occurred in Dent County Sunday evening at 5:13 on Dent County Road 6510 approximately 2 miles south of Jadwin. According to the highway patrol report, a 1996 Chevrolet pickup came out of gear and struck 53-year-old Jerry Myers of Jadwin who was working on the pickup. Myers suffered minor injuries and was transported by Salem EMS to Phelps Health in Rolla. There was no damage to the pickup, and it was removed from the scene by family.

An accident happened Monday morning just before 8:30 in Phelps County on eastbound Interstate 44 near the 189-mile marker. According to the report from the highway patrol a 2005 Cadillac CTS being driven by 47-year-old Tabitha Juarez of Rolla changed lanes and struck the rear of a 2018 Freightliner being driven by 52- year- old James Adams of Lesterville. Juarez was taken by EMS to Phelps Health Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The Cadillac sustained moderate damage and was able to be driven from the scene. The report went on to state that both drivers were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

An accident occurred in Dent County Tuesday morning at about 7:00 on Route U approximately six miles north of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, an eastbound 2014 Ford Escape, driven by 74-year-old Lynda Cheatham of Salem, was attempting to negotiate a curve when Cheatham lost control of the Ford. The Escape then traveled off the roadway and struck a utility pole. Cheatham suffered minor injuries and was transported by Salem Ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. The report stated that the driver was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford Escape suffered extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

“Santa Paws” is coming to town! The Dent County Animal Welfare Society will be hosting a pet adoption event this Saturday at the Salem Community Center@The Armory from 11:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon. Bring the kids and get pictures with Santa as well as the Grinch and play with beautiful puppies looking for homes. There will be a bake sale if you need a snack! If you have any questions about adopting or about supporting the Dent County Animal Welfare Society, please call 729-3556 or stop by the Community Center@The Armory this Saturday for Santa Paws and speak with staff members.

The USDA Forest Service office in Salem on Highway 19 south will be closed on Thursday from 10:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon for a retirement celebration. The office will be open after 3:00 Thursday and will have normal hours on Friday. If you need more information, call the office at 729-6656.

The Spring Creek Artisans will hold their Christmas Fest Arts & Craft Show and Sale at the Creative Arts Center behind the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center this Friday night from 5:00 until 8:00 and Saturday from 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon. Come out and do some Christmas shopping for one-of-a-kind hand-crafted gifts and visit with the local artists! Lots of holiday activities to enjoy! Free coffee, cider and cookies while you shop; a craft table for the children, a visit from Santa himself and demonstrations! Everyone is welcome to stop by and browse!

The Salvation Army has once again partnered with Wal-Mart for the annual Angel Tree program. Local residents have always enjoyed adopting a child, shopping for clothing, coats, hats, and toys. Some families use this time of year to teach their children the importance of giving during the holiday season. The Angel Tree at Wal-Mart is now available with the final date to adopt an angel being Friday, December 18th. If you need more information about the Angel Tree, call Sherry Lea at 729-8163 or e-mail sherry@salemcommunitycenter.org.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. Healthy Dent County Director Sherry Lea was in attendance to discuss the rural addressing contract with the commission. They have been providing this service since 2008 and the cost has remained at $12,000 per year. They are in charge of providing rural addresses for any new structures in the county and are constantly updating their data bases. At a webinar attended by Lea and Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles Friday about NG911, it was found that Dent County’s addressing is 86% accurate which is better than most counties and is even better than the state of Missouri. Lea also said that if people have a home off the road where the house numbers can’t be seen, please get an address sign indicating your home is down that driveway or at that location. This is a necessity for emergency vehicles looking for your home. Those signs with posts can be purchased from the Dent County Scenic Rivers Industries (Sheltered Workshop) at a very reasonable cost and they are reflective signs that can be seen for some distance. The Sheltered Workshop is located at Franklin and Grand and their phone number is 729-6264. The commission approved renewing the contract. Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge provided the commissioners with her report for the month of November. She said she has one new active prospect for a business in Salem that does not already exist here. She continues to work with current businesses on expansions and retentions. Burbridge said she has added a new addition to the City of Salem part of the website called “How Do I?” which will let people know how to call for about a wild animal, start a business and more. She reported Salem is still in the running for the FHLB Affordable Housing Grant for $600,000 to rehab up to 25 occupied homes. That winner will be announced later this month. She also said the Salem Housing Authority’s 3rd house that was flipped is now under contract. The unemployment in Dent County rose slightly in October from 2.7% to 3.0%. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray indicated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5400, 5420 and 6460 while brush would be cut on county roads 5150 and 5160. Mobray said ditch work would be done on county road 4170 at the Adams Subdivision and a crew will be cleaning up a trash dump on Dent County Road 5440. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 4437 and 5340 while only grading would be done on county roads 3220 and 6160. Larson stated brush would be cut on county roads 3330 and 4060 and maintenance was going to be performed on county truck #122. Larson did say the stop sign on county road 3210, better known as the Hospital Road, was going to be straightened up and a crew would be repairing a pothole on that road. Presiding Commissioner Skiles said he attended the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District Annual Awards Banquet last Tuesday where nine groups were saluted for their waste reduction efforts. One of those recipients was Lori Cody from Montauk State Park who was funded about three years ago to start a recycling program in the campsite that has now caught on and is used in a lot of the state park campgrounds in Missouri. Skiles reiterated he attended the NG911 meeting on Friday at the Salem Community Center@The Armory with Sheriff Wells and deputies Pabin and Roderman. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she will continue to work on the county 2022 budget. At the last meeting, the commissioners set the 2022 budget hearing for January 27th at 10:00 at the courthouse and the tentative budget would be available to the public on January 18th in the Dent County Clerk’s office. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday, December 13th at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The City of Salem and the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce will be holding another Business Christmas Window Decorating Contest with the winner being announced on the afternoon of Monday, December 13th. This is your chance to put your window decorating skills on display to capture the grand prize of $250.00! The theme this year is “A Storybook Christmas.” To be a part of the contest you MUST call or e-mail the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce to be included on the judging form by the end of the day Wednesday, December 8th. You should also indicate if your window will just going be painted, will be lit and feature decorations, or will be a combination of both. All window decorations MUST be completed by the late afternoon of December 10th as the judging will take place from December 10th through the morning of December 13th with the winner awarded the $250 check at 4:00 in the afternoon on December 13th. The contest is open to all Salem businesses. For more information, call Tabitha at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce at 729-6900 or e-mail her chamber@salemmo.com.