Local News

The SCA Conference Band auditions were held Wednesday, January 11th. Here are the Salem students who participated, their chair placement and the instrument they played. Those students receiving 1st chair honors were Ashton During on baritone sax, Emmett Headrick on tuba, Reagin Toten on trumpet, Kip Harris on Euphonium, and Xander During on soprano clarinet, bass clarinet and contra clarinet. Rory Dahms took 2nd chair on the French Horn, Jarrod Brooks was named 3rd chair on the tenor saxophone, Carter Foster took 3rd chair on the French Horn, Austin Cunningham was named 4th chair on Tuba, Kaison Wilmont took 6th chair on clarinet and Oscar Ramirez was named 10th chair on trumpet. Congratulations to these students on their outstanding performance!

Tonight at the high school gym between the JV and Varsity Salem Boys Basketball games with Houston, the 2023 Homecoming Coronation will be held. This year the Freshman Candidate is Addison Fulton and she will be escorted by senior Easton May, the Sophomore Candidate is Madison Flores and she will be escorted by junior Bryson May, and the Junior Candidate is Delaney Owen and she will be escorted by junior Trethan Richter. The Senior Candidates for 2023 include Ashton Bowers who will be escorted by senior Henry Cameron, Avery Erway who will be escorted by senior Gunnar Konkel, and Olivia Wisdom who will be escorted by junior Haiden Sanders. Congratulations on this year’s Homecoming Court!!

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse for their regular meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said brush would be cut on Dent County Road 5650 while materials were being hauled to county roads 4220, 5150, 5440 and 5450. Mobray said a man would be out with the backhoe cleaning out pipes. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said a crew would be replacing a tire on Dent County Dump Truck #122. He said materials would be added to county roads 3080 and 3090 while another crew would be working on draining water from and making repairs to the hydraulic system on one of the brush cutters. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended the MRPC External Relations Committee meeting and the MRPC Regular Dinner Meeting Thursday night in St. James that state legislators attended. He said next Wednesday he would be attending CCAM Board meeting. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said her office balanced with the county treasurer and county collector on all accounts for December including collections, abatements and add-ons. She said she will be attending a Missouri Association of Counties board meeting next Wednesday. She said the courthouse would be closed on Monday for Martin Luther King Day. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk asked the commission about a redemption on property sold at the tax sale on East Franklin where the original property owner has now paid the taxes on the property. With the county working on the budget, she wondered if it would be best to wait until February to complete the redemption and issue the monies back to the purchaser and the commission agreed. She reported her office received about $502,000 in online payments. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams reported on the sales tax monies received by the county. The General Revenue and LEST Funds received in January $103,664.68 which is $12,610.16 more than last January when the county received $91,054.52. The Road and Bridge Fund received $48,267.81 which was $4,328.84 more than the January 2022 amount of $43,938.97; and each jail fund received $96,535.72 and that was $8,019.18 more than the $87,816.54 received in January of 2022. At the last meeting, Eric Meusch, Drusilla Howard and Brandi Richardson from the Dent County Extension came in to visit about their budget and request for an increase in the 2023 budget. The next regular meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday at 9:00 at the courthouse and it’s open to the public.

Missouri’s Office of Broadband Development (OBD) is reminding citizens, public officials, and other leaders you still have time to challenge the newly created FCC maps that identify areas to determine what share of $42.45 billion in federal broadband funding will come to the state of Missouri through the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. The National Telecommunications Information Agency, the federal agency responsible for the BEAD program, has indicated that all challenges filed by this Friday, January 13th, will be considered in its decision about how much BEAD funding each state receives. Challenges filed after that date are still important in order to ensure that no locations are missed when the time comes to fund projects using the BEAD allocation. To see the FCC map, visit broadbandmap.fcc.gov. The OBD is partnering with University of Missouri Extension to provide in-person technical support for anyone interested in filing challenges at their county offices across the state. Residents in Dent County should contact the Dent County Extension office is 729-3196. Citizens can also get their questions answered about the challenge process through the Office of Broadband Development at 573-526-1028 or by email at broadband@ded.mo.gov. Later this year, Missouri will use BEAD funding to launch its “Connecting All Missourians” initiative, which aims to provide high-quality broadband internet to every home and business in the state.

The City of Salem Utility Committee met Wednesday evening at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. City of Salem Finance Director Stacey Houston presented the utility usage and revenue report which reflected revenues over expenses in all the utilities from operations, however the sewer fund does have a deficit at the end of December of $71,692 after the Certificate of Participation Payment of $243,055 that was made in November. The electric fund had $786,780 in revenues over expenses, and a budgeted transfer of $593,895 was made before the end of the year leaving a balance after six months of $192,894. The discussion turned to the large, estimated charge for electric the city received in January for the month of December that came in at $528,787 which is almost $200,000 more than the November charge received in December. This was explained as during the extreme cold weather, one of the MPUA’s electric generation stations went down and electric had to be purchased off the market during the December 22nd and 23rd time period which were bitterly cold nationwide. The city set a new peak demand during that time of 13.9 kilowatts and the cost of electric to the city increased to 8.3149 cents per kilowatt hour from 7.1211 cents per kilowatt hour from the previous month. The increase in power costs for the city since July is just under 12.5%. Houston said the Service Availability Fees collected by the end of December came to $143,885 which she has transferred into the Electric Reserve Fund. John Hambacker wanted to discuss with the board a fee for those who are not hooked up directly to a water line and are served by a common water meter. He suggested attaching a small fee for water and sewer to those in this situation to their electric bill as these people are being provided with water and sewer and are not paying a meter charge for those services. Mayor Greg Parker said the city would have to look into the legality of incorporating such a fee before considering it. Hambacker said it would be an additional stream of revenue to help offset some of the overhead costs.

Public comment is being accepted until January 31st on the Dent County Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan update is available for review on Meramec Regional Planning Commission’s website, www.meramecregion.org. The 2023 plan update is located under the Hazard Mitigation Plans by county along with the county’s approved 2018 plan. A hard copy of the plan is also available at the Dent County Courthouse in the county clerk’s office. The purpose of the plan is to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural hazards. It is required that the county have this plan in place to be eligible for several Federal Emergency Management Agency grant programs. The Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) facilitated focus group meetings and assisted these entities in developing the plan. Following a public comment period, a final draft will be created and sent to FEMA and SEMA for review and approval. If you need assistance locating the plan or have questions, please contact Tammy Snodgrass at MRPC at 573-265-2993 or by email at tsnodgrass@meramecregion.org.

On Monday, January 9th, Sheriff Bob Wells and Prosecutor Andrew M. Curley presented a check for $396.90 to Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams to be placed into the general revenue fund for Dent County. The money is the result of efforts by law enforcement involving the seizure of firearms possessed in connection with the arrest and prosecution of Mark Griffith for unlawful possession of firearms by a convicted felon. In addition to the criminal conviction, the seizure and sale of the firearms is authorized by Missouri law as a punishment and deterrent to persons that illegally own/possess firearms. This money will be used for the benefit of the local community.

City of Salem Utility Committee Chair Kyle Williams has called for a public meeting of the committee for tonight at 6:15 at the Community Center @ The Armory. The purpose of the meeting is for the committee to review the City of Salem financial update. The meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Tuesday evening after a public hearing was held on the adding of an additional 1% sales tax to the existing General Revenue Fund sales tax rate that is expected to add an additional 1.2 million dollars to General Revenue. The board heard a request from Council for a Healthy Dent County Executive Director Sherry Lea to make some cosmetic improvements to the event center in the Armory at no cost to the city. All the improvements will be paid for by Healthy Dent County. The board approved the request that will be secured by a written authorization. The board approved the ten-year airport plan with most of the funding coming from grants from MoDOT and 10% from the city. The board also approved the bid for the home at 708 North Hickory for the “Welcome Home” Program. City Finance Director Stacey Houston presented the invoice from Sho-Me Power for $27,881.66 which was more than the $22,242.12 the city previously approved. City Clerk Tammy Koller did report that insurance was going to pay all but the $5,000 deductible of the repair costs. The board approved six budget adjustments in Bill #3530 that amended the budget changing the total amount of anticipated revenues to $14,613,626 and the anticipated amount of expenses to $14,263,871. Both funds increased by $7,500. The board also approved Bill #3531 that authorized the mayor to sign change order #2 between the city and Energy Solutions Professionals, LLC that will free up $81,597 which will be used to do the electric work at the Al Brown Fields and mold remediation at the Parks and Rec shop. The board heard the first reading of Bill #3532 that would call for an election of a revenue bond to pay for required sewer and wastewater improvements; and heard the first reading on the question to call for an election for the public to determine if the city will impose an additional one percent to the General Revenue Sales Tax Rate. The board approved Resolution #1-2023 to make a change order between the City of Salem and 5 J’s Landscaping and Handyman Services at 501 South Hickory on property owned by Dorian Garafola; and they approved Resolution #2-2023 authorizing the mayor to sign an agreement between the city and Mendenhall Contracting, Inc. for the “Welcome Home” program at property located at 708 North Hickory on property owned by the Granowski family. They also approved Resolution #3-2023 that allowed the mayor to execute an employment agreement with Sally Burbridge to become the City Administrator. The contract is a five-year deal with automatic one-year renewals after December 31st, 2027. The board approved the mayor’s re-appointment of Joe Brand and Sherman Odom to the Salem Housing Authority. Administrator Burbridge said she received word the Certified Site application for the property at the Masters’ Industrial Park has been approved by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, and a joint press release will come from the state and city either Friday or next week. Burbridge said she spoke with Jeff Medows from Archer-Elgin about the downtown project and the city has applied for a two-month extension as the city itself will have to do the right-of-way work with the property owners. The grant to extend the 4th Street project is currently being reviewed. Mayor Greg Parker thanked Sally for all her work stepping in as temporary city administrator, and he thanked Shawn Bolerjack for his work on the sales tax issue. He wants to remind the public to educate yourself on city issues. Public Works Director Mark Nash discussed the resurfacing of streets and said he would prefer to use a hot mix of asphalt this year instead of chip and seal as it will last longer, and the price difference isn’t as large as it used to be. There may be a few less roads done, but they will last longer. He said the MPUA offers engineering services for projects, then uses local employees to do the work if they are awarded the contract. The aldermen saluted Chief Joe Chase and the Salem Police for Police Appreciation Day held on Monday. The board then went into closed session to discuss personnel.

A Missouri Lottery player uncovered a $1 million Scratchers prize in Salem on a weekend and couldn’t wait to claim his prize. He recounted that after a trip to the Farmers Market, he had purchased two “$1,000,000 Jackpot” Scratchers tickets at Phil-Mart at 500 South Main Street in Salem. He won a $100 prize on the first ticket. On the second ticket, he uncovered one of the game’s $1 million top prizes. In fiscal year 2022, players in Dent County won more than $3 million in Missouri Lottery prizes, retailers received more than $301,000 in commissions and bonuses, and more than $208,000 in Lottery proceeds went to education programs in the county.

An accident occurred in Crawford County Tuesday morning at 8:00 on Highway 19 about a quarter of a mile north of Steelville. According to the highway patrol report, a southbound 2011 Mercedes CLS550, driven by 57-year-old Michael Spencer of Ballwin, was stopped in traffic due to a crash ahead and was struck from behind by a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee operated by 68-year-old Victoria Keys of Steelville. Keys and a passenger in the Jeep, 20-year-old Jonathan Wilkinson of Steelville, suffered minor injuries and were transported by an EMS to Phelps Heath in Rolla. According to the report, neither Keys nor Wilkinson were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident, while the report stated that Spencer was. There was moderate damage to both vehicles, and they were towed from the scene by Miles & Son Towing.

Salem resident and Congressman Jason Smith of the 8th District in Missouri has been selected to serve as the Chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means for the 118th Congress. Congressman Smith says the Ways and Means Committee under his guidance will champion an agenda that works for working families by focusing on delivering more jobs, higher wages, and greater investment in America. A link to his statement on being chairman is on the KSMO Facebook page.

Dent County Assessor Jamie Homeyer wanted the public to be aware that if you are 100% disabled or are 65-years of age or older, based on your total household income you could be eligible for a Missouri Property Tax Credit of up to $1,100 for real estate taxes paid. To determine if you are eligible, visit with your tax professional or visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website and click on the tab called “taxation” and go to individual taxes. You will be given options to the right and find the “property tax credit” button and clock on it to get all the details. If you owned and occupied your home for the entire year and have over five acres of property, you will need to bring your paid real estate tax receipt to your county assessor’s office, and they will fill out the required form for you to determine your credit. If you live in Dent County, stop by the Dent County Courthouse at the Dent County Assessor’s Office and speak with Jamie Homeyer. Her office hours are 8:00 in the morning to 4:30 in the afternoon, Monday through Friday. You can also call her if you have questions at 729-6010. If you live in a different county, contact your county assessor for help or any questions you may have.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray was not in attendance due to a previous commitment and Road Supervisor Jason Akins gave his report. He said grading was going to be done on Dent County Roads 4160, 5600 and 6490 while brush was going to be cut on county roads 5610 and 5620, and rock was going to be added to county road 5510. Akins also said work had started Monday morning on the Cooley Bridge FLAP Project near Bunker. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson indicated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 3110 and 4380 while only grading was going to be done on county roads 3253, 3255, 3295 and 3305. Larson said brush would be cut on county roads 2160, 2165 and 2170. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended a SACBA meeting Monday evening and would be attending a CCAM Board Meeting this afternoon via Zoom. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley wanted to let the public know that a public hearing on the Dent County 2023 budget will be held on Monday, January 30th at 10:00 at the County Commission office in the Dent County Courthouse. She said a tentative budget will be available after 10:00 on Thursday, January 19th at the Dent County Clerk’s Office and they are free to the public. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse starting at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is developing an updated drought mitigation and response plan that will help guide future statewide, multi-entity drought response efforts. The plan is designed to aid government officials, water users and water suppliers in planning and responding to droughts in Missouri. The current plan has been in use since 2002. Because public input is a department priority, drought response partners, stakeholders and the public are invited to review the draft plan and provide comments before it is finalized. The public comment period opens Monday, January 9th, and closes Tuesday, February 7th. An executive summary, which provides an in-depth but less technical overview of the plan, is available for review online at dnr.mo.gov. Use the search feature to find the draft of Missouri’s drought mitigation response plan 2022 executive summary. The full drought mitigation and response plan, which includes much more scientific and technical information, can also be accessed at dnr.mo.gov. Dru Buntin, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources said that drought can have devastating impacts to Missouri’s environment and economy, affecting everything from agriculture to drinking water supplies. The 2022 Missouri Drought Mitigation and Response Plan is a comprehensive update to the 2002 Missouri Drought Plan. A key component of the updated plan is an assessment of Missouri’s drought history and impacts in an effort to estimate potential future impacts. The revised plan is intended to build on lessons learned from past droughts and to establish a framework for better preparation, mitigation and response to future droughts. After reviewing the draft 2022 Missouri Drought Mitigation and Response Plan, comments may be submitted to mowaters@dnr.mo.gov.

The Salem Police Department reports that during the week of December 24th to December 30th, there was a total of 110 calls for service. Officers with the Salem Police Department conducted 10 traffic stops for various traffic violations with 5 resulting in a summons or arrest. Officers conducted 6 traffic accident investigations along with 3 informational reports. A couple of calls officers responded to include a call on December 29th around 11:00 in the morning when an officer was dispatched to a storage unit on Craig Industrial Drive for the report of a stolen 4-wheeler. It was reported that an ATV was stolen within the prior nights. The 4-wheeler stolen is described as a Kawasaki Bayou. Other items were also taken from the storage unit such as tools and sporting goods. This incident is still under investigation. On Friday, December 30th at around 9:00 in the evening, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for speeding. The vehicle was seen traveling at a high rate of speed. When the officer attempted to stop the vehicle, a short pursuit took place. Once stopped the officer noticed the driver was visually impaired. After a short investigation, a 28-year-old Salem man was arrested for a DWI and was later released on summons. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors has called a special meeting for Tuesday at 5:00 at the hospital library. After the roll call, the board will go into closed session to discuss confidential or privileged information with their auditor, before the meeting is opened back up to the public to review the financial report for the month of November and then reading of the amended governing board bylaws. As indicated, the meeting is open to the public except for the closed session with the auditor.

The Dent County Fire Protection Fire District Board of Directors will be meeting Tuesday evening at 6:00 at the fire station located at #2 South Main Street. After the roll call an approval of the consent agenda, the board is expected to review the minutes from the December meeting before hearing of the financial report and then approve the bills. The calendar review with be followed by the monthly reimbursement report and the hearing of any old or new business. Chief Brad Nash will then make his report followed by the setting of the date for the February meeting before adjournment. The meeting tomorrow evening is open to the public.

There will be a Watercolor Workshop with Lee Copen at the Creative Arts Center on Saturday from 12:00 to 4:00. The cost of the program is $45. The Creative Arts Center makes it easy ways to sign up for events! Call or text 573-247-0651, or go online at salemcommunitybetterment.com and look under programs for the Salem Creative Arts Center.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their first meeting of the new year Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 4245 while only grading was going to take place on county roads 5600 and 6670. Mobray said brush would be cut on county road 5610 and the Cooley Bridge Project on Dent County Road 5610 will begin on January 9th. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 5240 and 5250 while only grading was going to be done on county roads 3040, 3050, 3060, 3070 and 5245. Larson said brush would be cut on county roads 2580, 2590 and 2593. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to remind vendors that the county is now working on the 2023-year budget and no bills will be paid until the budget is approved late in the month. Skiles said the county will need to seek bids for a financial audit and they will be due by 11:00 in the morning on Monday, January 30th at the county clerk’s office. Skiles also presented Dent County Resolution #1-5-23-1 to adopt the Dent County Multijurisdictional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan to the commissioners for their review. The commissioners adopted the measure unanimously. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the final certification from all entities is due in her office by January 24th for the April 4th Municipal Election. Representatives from McCoy Equipment in Cuba came in to discuss a disputed lease agreement on two graders needed by the county when John Deere did not deliver the new graders on time as promised. The county was turning in two Caterpillar graders in August when they purchased the two new John Deere graders. McCoy charged the county a leasing fee of 40% off their book rate and it came to around $31,000 for the leased graders that the commission was less than happy with due to repair problems. The new graders did not arrive until late November and the county would like the bill to cut at least in half as they will be having to purchase two additional graders this year. The offer from McCoy was to reduce the bill to $25,000. The commissioners requested that McCoy reduce that bill to around $15,000 and that offer will be presented to upper management. An updated statement will be expected later this month, but it is unknow what the amount will be. The commission also talked with the representatives about backhoes and the possible price increase on the new graders and when that would take effect. Kirk Faigle from the 100-Acre Wood Rally was in for a preliminary talk with commission about this year’s rally in March. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Historical Society will be hosting their second “Telling the Story of the Current River from Road” at the James and Gahr Fellowship Saturday morning at 10:00 with the lead topic, “It’s all about the Maps.” Dent County Historical Society President Deloris Gray Wood will share large USGS and Dent County Maps of the area. Some special guests will include Judy Stewart who will be sharing how her husband, John Stewart, took David Lewis all along the Current River for him to map the Current River that Lewis shared in his publications on sale now at the Shannon County Museum in Eminence; and Don Love who will share postal maps that relate to the Old West Plains Road from Salem headed southwest and crossing the Current River at Cedar Grove. The goal of gathering this information is to create road waysides with a main story available for that particular wayside, and also to build a website that connects when a smartphone scans a QR code where there will be more information about that site or the site area on the website. The gathering is open to everyone, and it is a time to share each other’s stories and give people a chance to look at the maps to learn where historic spots were located along the Current River, like Baptist Camp or Duckworth Place, or where your ancestors may have lived on or near the Current River. For more information, call Deloris Gray Wood at 573 729-2545.

Filings for those people interested in running for school boards ended December 27th and here is a list of those running on April 4th in the Municipal Election. All terms will be for three years for each of the school districts. Seven people signed up for the Salem R-80 School Board with only one incumbent running: Andrew Wynn. Others running for that board include Calvin Malone, Bret Bailey, Gregory Moravec. Marjorie Pyatt, Drusilla Howard and Brian Mink. For the Oak Hill R-1 School District Board, running is incumbent Sarah Huffman as well as Rhonda Wolfe-Hutsell, John Hoodenpyle, Jerry Norris, Daniel England and April Greener. For the Green Forest R-2 School District Board, all three positions will be filled by incumbents as Amber Toman, Jason Jones and Kyle Case all filed. For the Dent-Phelps R-3 School District Board, all three positions will be filled by incumbents as Nick Gover, Caleb Gidcumb and Bill Manthey have all filed. For the Northwood R-4 School District, two of the three positions will be filled by incumbents: David Massengale and Aaron Brooks, while Jenna Dunn was the only other person to file for the last remaining opening. The Bunker R-3 School District Board has two incumbents running: Allen Ritter and Jason David, as well as Mark Brickey and C.J. Wisdom for the three positions available. For those school districts who have only three candidates running, no election will have to be held for those school boards in April.

The City of Salem Park and Recreation Board met Wednesday evening at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. At the meeting, the board elected new officers. The board elected Carlos Lopez as the new President of the Board with Caleb Shepherd elected Vice-President. Angie Curley was elected as the Secretary before Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois presented her report. She reported the City Winter basketball Leagues have six 1st and 2nd grade teams and six 3rd and 4th grade teams. There are also two cheer teams as a total of 149 children signed up for the basketball program. Dubois reported registration for the football “Skills and Drills” camp is going on now through January 24th that is being held in conjunction with Salem Youth Football and Coach Barnes. She said the 2023 Spring Soccer league signups will begin the 1st of February. Dubois said the poles and lighting have been installed at the Al Brown Field, but the electric is not yet hooked up. A contractor is ready to install the electric lines to the poles once ESP frees up funds to complete the project which will occur when their other projects with the city are completed. Dubois said the “blue” softball field at the Salem City Park drainage issue has been resolved in a project completed with the help of the Salem R-80 High School. The Park and Recreation Department along with the City Street and Electric Department provided the labor while the school purchased the supplies. The field is draining and holding up during the rain and snow. The “blue” field is where the Salem Lady Softball Tigers will play this spring. Dubois said the poolhouse floors have been stripped and an epoxy floor covering will be done this spring. She also said the city is working with the Center in Rolla on getting current lifeguards recertified. Dubois showed income and expenses for the swimming pool for 2021 and 2022 seasons and while the revenues increased in 2022 from 2021, revenues from concessions went down in 2022 from 2021 while the concession expenses increased. Dubois said there was just under 30 displays this year for the “Light up the Park” and the city received a large donation of metal displays from the late Vivianne Powell. Some will need to be repaired and they will all have to have new lights. She also stated the 1st Annual “Pictures with Santa” sponsored by Riverways Federal Credit Union at the Salem City Park was a success. The budget for the Salem Park and Recreation Department was reviewed by the board. Former Park Board President Stan Podorski explained to the new board members the Certificate of Performance payments for the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Swimming Pool and poolhouse renovation that comes to about $110,000 per year, and also the $25,000 that is being paid back to the City of Salem Capital Improvement Sales Tax Fund to repay the $100,000 loan to help purchase the property that was “old fairgrounds” on Franklin to be used for soccer fields. He believed there were two payments left, one this budget year and one more in the next budget year. The board then voted to go into closed session.

A one vehicle accident happened Tuesday morning in Franklin County on northbound Highway 47 near Moreland Drive. According to the highway patrol report a 2008 Chevrolet Impala being driven by 76-year-old Judy Adams of Steelville, failed to stop for stopped traffic ahead, then began slowing and sliding on wet pavement. Adams then overcorrected, crossed the centerline of the road, then traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a barbed wire fence. Adams, who was wearing a seat restraint, was transported by Union ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of minor injuries. The Chevrolet sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Sturm’s Towing.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol says that two people died and 75 were injured in 243 traffic crashes during the 2023 New Year’s holiday counting period, which began at 6 p.m. Friday, December 30, 2022, and ended at 11:59 p.m. Monday, January 2, 2023. There were no boating crashes and no drownings over the 2023 New Year’s holiday counting period. Of the 243 traffic crashes, 75 involved injuries. Both fatalities happened in Troop E. as a crash in Stoddard County took the life of a 63-year-old man from Piggot, Arkansas. The other claimed the life of a 55-year-old man from Benton, Missouri in Scott County. The highway patrol also made 104 DWI arrests. During the 2022 New Year’s holiday counting period, one person was killed and 331 injured in 1,045 traffic crashes statewide. Highway patrol troopers worked 321 of those crashes which included 98 injuries and no fatalities while arresting 96 people for driving while being intoxicated.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 8,599 deer during the alternative methods portion of the firearms deer season, December 24th through January 3rd. Top harvest counties were Franklin with 200 deer harvested, Harrison with 186, and Macon with 162. Totals from counties in our area include Texas County with 109 deer harvested, Shannon County with 83 deer taken, Dent County reported 67 deer taken, Phelps County had 65 deer harvested, Reynolds County had 61 deer taken and Crawford County had 60 deer harvested. The harvest total for last year’s alternative methods portion was 10,038. The archery deer and turkey season runs through January 15th.

The City of Salem Finance Committee met Tuesday evening at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Finance Director Stacey Houston presented a financial overview for July thru November 2022. Sales tax revenue is up over 8% when compared to December 2021. Income totaled $1,224,000 and expenses totaled $1,285,000 in the General Fund. The Special Steet Fund had income of $104,000 and expenses of $21,600; Park and Recreation had income of $285,000 and expenses of $262,000; the Capital Improvement half cents sales tax income was $324,000 and expenses were $269,000; Cemetery income was $15,800 and expenses were $58,000; the airport fund income was $2,039 with expenses of $1,030; electric fund revenue was $3 million with expenses of $2.8 million; Water fund revenue was $435,000 and expenses were $411,000; Sewer income was $398,000 with expenses of $505,000, this included a large COP payment for the Phase 1 Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades. It was noted that an estimated $330,000 will be transferred into the Electric Fund Reserve from the $10 per month user fee that is currently being charged to customers. Finance Chairman Kala Sisco reported that she did not have good attendance by the members of the Community Service Committee, the committee that was tasked to discuss the Fourth of July Fireworks Display. With the recent budget cuts, staff reduction and no raises for city staff, the committee discussed ways to raise the projected $18,000 to have this year’s display without using city funds. After much discussion the committee voted to recommend to the Alderman that this year’s display be cancelled with the hopes of working with other groups in the community to conduct fundraisers throughout 2023 to have the display in 2024. Alderman Sisco asks anyone that wishes to help with the fundraisers to e-mail her at ksisco@salemmo.com. Alderman Shawn Bolerjack presented a proposal to increase the current 1% sales tax to 2% to support the City’s General Revenue Fund. Included in this category are Police, Administration and Public Works, Animal Control, Cemetery and Economic Development. The current 1% sales tax brings in $1,252,600 in revenue each year and with an 1% this amount will double. The current projection for this fund’s ending balance for this fiscal year is a negative $491,509. With this proposed additional 1% sales tax the city could end the year with an ending balance of $761,091. This would also decrease the transfer from the electric fund to the general fund that is needed each year to balance the budget. It would allow the electric fund revenues to be transferred to the electric fund reserves that are dangerously low at this time. The committee voted to recommend that the Aldermen pass an ordinance calling for the issue to be placed on the ballot for the April municipal election. A public hearing will be held prior to the January 10th Alderman meeting. City Administrator Sally Burbridge discussed the need for a bond to be placed on the April ballot to fund the mandated Phase Two Sewer Upgrades. The cost of the upgrades are $9.5 million, the City has been awarded a $5 million grant and if the bond issue is passed by the voters, another $2 million could be available from the State Revolving Fund and another $750,000 from a CDBG grant to bring the total that the city would need to pay at $1,762,000 with a 20 year bond. The committee recommended that the Aldermen place this on the April municipal ballot. The meeting was then adjourned.

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.

The Salem Park and Recreation Board will be meeting at 5:30 tonight at the Salem Community Center@The Armory at 1200 West Rolla Road. At the meeting, the board is expected to elect officials and then hear the report from the Park and Recreation Director. After discussing the budget, the board will go into closed session to discuss real estate before the meeting will be adjourned. The meeting of the Park and Recreation Board is open to the public.

Board filings for City of Salem aldermanic seats, the Dent County Fire Protection District Board, the Salem Memorial Hospital District Board of Directors, and the Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees came to end last Tuesday, December 27th for the Municipal Election to be held in April. Filings for the Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors District 4 seat included incumbent Willie Strader as well as Joe Weber and Sarah Hoffman; while the two open board positions for the Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees were each filled by a single candidate so no election will need to be held. Incumbent Dennis Floyd filed for the remaining three years of the four-year term that will expire April of 2026, and Robert A. Graveley filed for the full four-year term for the board that will expire in April of 2027. The Dent County Fire Protection District had two seats available on their board: a six-year term and a two-year term. Filing for the six-year term was David Greenshields and filing for the two-year term was Jeff Stokes, Jr. and Leigh Ann Price. The City of Salem Board of Alderman have an east ward and west ward seat to be determined in April. Incumbent Shawn Bolerjack was the only person filing for the East Ward Alderman position while incumbent Amanda Duncan and former alderman Bill Riley have signed up for the West Ward Aldermanic position. The Municipal Election will be held April 4th, 2023. School board filings will be released once candidates are confirmed by the schools now that they are back in session.

A six-vehicle accident involving a Salem resident happened Monday morning at 9:40 in Webster County on Highway 60 in Seymour. According to the highway patrol report, the crash occurred as traffic was stopped for a redlight when a 2021 Freightliner Cascadia being driven by 51-year- old Kendra Brasel of Cassville, failed to stop and struck a 2012 Ford F-150 being driven by 71- year-old Margaret Thompson of Elk Creek, Missouri, and a 2010 Ford F-150 being driven by 42-year-old Jeffrey Watts of Cabool, propelling them into a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox being driven by 44-year-old Shonda Whittaker of Salem, and 2013 Chevrolet 2500 being driven by 61-year-old Mark Hutson of Macomb as well as a 2023 Peterbilt 389 being driven by 51-year-old Douglas Due of Harrison, Arkansas. Injured in the accident was Jeffery Watts, the driver of 2010 Ford. Watts suffered moderate injuries and was taken by ambulance to Cox South in Springfield. Both Ford F-150s and the Freightliner Cascadia were totaled and removed from the scene by Yates Boys of Seymour. The Chevrolet 2500 sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Elliots Towing. The Equinox, being driven by Whitaker, had minor damage and was able to be driven from the scene. The Peterbilt received moderate damage but was also able to be driven from the scene. The report went on to state that all involved were wearing seat restraints except for Mark Hutson, the driver of the Chevrolet 2500.

The City of Salem Finance Committee meeting will be meeting this evening at 6:00 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. At the meeting, the committee will review the budget before discussing proposals to create additional general revenue. The committee will discuss raising funds to help pay for the 2023 fireworks display and discuss holding a public meeting to increase the sales tax percentage for the General Revenue Fund which now gets 1% of sales of retail items in the city. The committee will also be discussing the ballot issue for the issuance of bonds for the sewer and wastewater project before adjourning. The meeting, called by Finance committee Chairman Kala Sisco, is open to the public.

A highway patrol trooper assisting a motorist Saturday evening at 6:20 on the South Outer Road of Interstate 44 near Sullivan was struck by a passing vehicle leaving the trooper with serious injuries. According to the highway patrol report, 25-year-old Colby Townsend of Rolla, was roadside checking on a pedestrian when 74-year-old William King of Cuba, failed to see the trooper and struck him with his 2017 Dodge Ram truck driven westbound. Townsend was flown by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries. The Dodge Ram sustained moderate damage and was towed by Patriot Towing from the scene. King was not injured in the accident.

An accident happened Thursday afternoon at 1:04 in Maries County on Highway 28 about a mile and a half east of Highway 63 that took the life of a man from St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a 1999 Chevy S-10 driven westbound by 71-year-old Gary Stearns of St. James, traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned. Stearns, who was not wearing a seat restraint, was ejected from the S-10 and was pronounced dead at the scene by Maries Deputy Coroner Amanda Sandbothe at 2:48 Thursday afternoon. His body was taken by the Maries County Coroner’s office to the Boone County Medical Examiner’s Office. The Chevy S-10 was removed from the scene by Owens Towing.

Healthy Dent County is planning to begin another Project RISE program that will empower individuals to reach financial independence through support and education. The goal is to have a new cohort of families begin February 7th at 5:00 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. This program will help families reach personal and financial goals through employment and career development, time management, goal setting, relationship building, money management and community involvement. The objectives of Project RISE are to increase support systems, resources and community connections as well as providing education that will allow families to develop tools that can improve their financial health and empowerment. While enrolled, families can earn gift cards and other financial incentives, plus meals and childcare are provided during the meetings. The program is 16 weeks long and only 4-7 families will be selected. Families will meet weekly during the evening hours to focus on succeeding in life. Ms. Lacey Walker, Administrative Professional with Healthy Dent County, will serve as the coordinator for this program. To make this project a success, Healthy Dent County will work with social service agencies, churches, health care and employment specialists and community leaders. The wealth of knowledge from these professionals will be invaluable to improving the lives of these families for generations to come. Applications are available at the Salem Community Center@The Armory office. For more information on Project RISE or to determine a family’s eligibility, please contact Lacey Walker at 729-8163 or e-mail her at lacey@salemcommunitycenter.org.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources Division of State Parks is pleased to announce the 2023 grant application round for the Recreational Trails Program is now open. These grants are available to cities, counties and nonprofit organizations to be used to create motorized and nonmotorized trails for recreational use. Federal agencies can also apply for funding for motorized trails. For more information about this program, to download the grant application and to register for a grant application workshop, visit mostateparks.com and type “recreational grant” in the search box. For questions, contact the grants management team at mspgrants@dnr.mo.gov. The application deadline is February 16th, 2023. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

Join birders across Missouri for the 123rd annual Christmas Bird Count. This year, birders will meet at 9:00 this Wednesday morning at the Black River Center at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park. The Christmas Bird Count is a great way to get your family friends out in nature. Everyone is invited to attend; no experience is necessary. The park team encourages participants to dress for the weather, as well as bring water and snacks. Also, please bring binoculars if available. Limited supplies will be available. For more information about the event, please contact the park naturalist at 573-546-2450 ext.1003. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is located at 148 Taum Sauk Trail in Middle Brook. 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 Creative Arts Center located at 204 S Main St, in Salem, will be offering a Woven Basket Hand-Building class with Connie Behrick & Susan Parker England on Thursday January 5th from 9:00 in the morning till noon. In this class you will make a hand-built woven basket. Participants can bring their own supplies including clay. The cost is $45 per person. To sign up for Creative Arts Center events, call or text 573-247-0651, or you can go online at salemcommunitybetterment.com and look under programs for the Salem Creative Arts Center.