Local News

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting. Grant Wilson from Congressman Jason Smith’s office in Rolla, came in to visit with the commissioners and let them know that Congressman Smith has introduced two bills in the House to rescind President Biden’s vaccine mandate, but feels the bills will not get very far in the Democrat led House. He also has written a bill prohibiting the IRS from having surveillance on bank accounts that incur a 600 or more-dollar transaction. Salem & Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge provided the commissioners with her monthly report. She indicated the Heartland Metals has now officially closed and they had 13 employees when they shut down. She said one building in downtown Bunker sold and she visited with Dr. Ouzts who is purchasing the Dent County Veterinary Clinic. She reported that she, Commissioner Darrell Skiles and Salem R-80 Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed and attended a broadband meeting at Echo Bluff last Thursday, October 28th. She said she is still awaiting the final go ahead from the US Fish and Wildlife Service to put out for bids. She also said if someone needs information on the Voluntary Residential Demolition Program to contact her at 729-2428. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray indicated service on a grader would be finished today, plus materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 5510, 6420, 6497 and 6500. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 6160 while only grading would be done on county roads 2515 and 2533. Larson went on to say brush would be cut on county roads 3230 and 3240. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that at the broadband meeting the previous Thursday, it was noted that better mapping was needed across the entire state for the companies interested in providing Internet services. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley gave the commissioners the Auto Insurance renewal to review and will be working on the county budget for 2022. The Commissioners voted to approve the CERF contribution by each employee to be 6% which is the same as last year. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk stated tax bills would be going out this Wednesday and that all citizens should check their bills for accuracy once it arrives. If they have questions, they should contact the Dent County Collector at 729-3911. She also said this is the perfect time to sign up for the tax installment program where individuals can make monthly payments on the 5th or 20th of each month for 10 months through an automatic withdrawal from their bank account. The final payment will need to be made before December 31st after any adjustments are made to the personal property or real estate tax bills. More information will be available on your tax bill when it arrives. VanKirk also mentioned that her office and the assessor’s office will be open on New Year’s Eve from 8:00 in the morning until 5:30 in the afternoon for those who wish to make tax payments. Payment of your taxes may be made at the collector’s office, by mail, using the drop box at the southwest corner of the courthouse square, or online. Fees will be the same as last year and will be charged on all credit or debit cards. Dent County Assessor Jamie Homeyer also reported the county assessment form for 2022 will not be mailed out until December 31st and her office will not accept the assessment forms at the office until January 4th or online until January 2nd. Only the collector and assessor’s offices will be open at the courthouse on December 31st. They will NOT be open on January 3rd, but the other county office will be on that day. The next meeting will be meeting Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and it is open to the public.

With deer hunting under way in Missouri, the Missouri Department of Conservation and A.T. Still University in Kirksville are asking deer hunters to save ticks they find on harvested deer and mail them to the University. The ticks will be used for a scientific research study to help better understand the statewide distribution of tick species and the human pathogens they carry. Ticks are large mites that drink the blood of humans and other mammals. Ticks can also carry and spread pathogens that cause illnesses in people. Missouri is home to three common species of ticks that bite humans: lone star tick, American dog tick, and deer tick or blacklegged tick. Deer ticks are the primary transmitters of a bacterial infection called Lyme disease. Adult ticks are about a quarter-inch long and grow to nearly double that when engorged with blood. MDC and A.T. Still University are partnering on a two-year research study to determine the presence of tick species throughout Missouri as well as the pathogens they may harbor. The study began in April and concludes in September 2022. During that time, MDC and the University are asking Missourians to mail ticks to A.T. Still University to be identified by species and life stage and tested for four species of bacterial pathogens. To help with the research efforts, people are asked to place live ticks in a plastic zip-top bag with a piece of damp paper towel or moist cotton ball, then fold the bag and place it inside another plastic zip-top bag with a completed sample-submission form. The sample-submission form is available for printing from the University website at www.atsu.edu and search for the form. People are then asked to place the bag and completed sample-submission form in an envelope and mail it to: A.T. Still University, ATTENTION: Deb Hudman — Dept. of Microbiology & Immunology, 800 W. Jefferson St., Kirksville MO 63501.

The next Festival Committee meeting will be at 5:30 this afternoon at the Salem Community Center at the Armory in the Rotary Meeting Room. The committee will be discussing Christmas Festival activities, a Taste of Salem and craft fair, plus a 5K and 10K run. The meeting is open to anyone and all are welcome to attend.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will hold a special closed session meeting to discuss litigation, contracts and personnel. The meeting will begin at 6:00 this evening and it is NOT open to the public.

The Missouri Public Service Commission has approved a filing made Ameren Missouri to change the Delivery Charge Adjustment (DCA) on the bills of Ameren Missouri natural gas customers. The establishment of the DCA was part of an agreement reached by parties in a natural gas general rate case filed by Ameren Missouri in December of 2018. That agreement was approved by the Public Service Commission in August of 2019. The current DCA for a residential customer is approximately $0.0158 per Ccf (per hundred cubic feet) of natural gas. As a result of this adjustment, the DCA will drop to approximately $0.0085 per Ccf starting TODAY. A residential customer that uses 100 Ccf’s a month will experience a decrease in their bill of approximately $0.73 a month. Ameren Missouri provides natural gas service to approximately 135,000 customers in Missouri including customers in Dent, Gasconade and Phelps counties.

An accident happened Thursday afternoon just before 5:00 in Franklin County on westbound Interstate 44 at the 224-mile marker. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2011 Lincoln MKZ being driven by 72-year-old John Betts of Rolla traveled off the right side of the interstate and struck a guardrail. A passenger in the vehicle, 73-year-old Margene Betts, also of Rolla, was taken by Missouri Baptist ambulance to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan for treatment of minor injuries. The Lincoln sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Chuck’s Towing. The report went on to state that both occupants were wearing safety restraints.

An accident happened Friday night just after 10:30 in Phelps County on Interstate 44 eastbound at the 184-mile marker. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2010 Ford Mustang being driven by 18-year-old Logan Neumann of St. Ann ran off the south side of the interstate and struck a rock embankment. Two passengers in the vehicle, a 5-year-old and 7-year-old males, were taken be Phelps Health EMS to Phelps Health Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. All of the occupants were wearing safety restraints at the time. The Mustang was totaled and removed from the scene by Dishman’s Towing.

Once again, The Doe Run Company ranked among the top teams at the Missouri Regional Mine Rescue Contest. The event was held from September 30th to October 1st at the Missouri University of Science and Technology’s experimental mine in Rolla. The Maroon Team placed first in the mine rescue field competition, the biggest event of the competition. The field competition tests how well the team strategizes and adheres to mine rescue procedures during an emergency scenario. The Gray Team finished third, earning Doe Run two of the top three positions. James Gamblin, Chris Brawley and Eric Click earned first place in the first aid competition for the Gray Team, which consisted of a CPR and first-responder scenario. Maroon Team members Brandon Roderman, Richie Brewer and Mike Snyder took third place. Gray Team members Mark Barton and Skyler Westrup came in first in the team technical event, which measures participants’ expertise in operating mine rescue equipment, such as breathing apparatuses and gas-level monitoring. Garry Moore of the Gray Team also earned a third-place finish in the bench competition for his skill in maintaining and repairing self-contained breathing apparatuses. Doe Run’s two mine rescue teams complete eight hours of training monthly to practice first aid and rescue scenarios. Among the teams’ many accolades are two national championship titles. Mine rescue training is a responsibility the teams take on in addition to their regular job roles. Team members work in a variety of jobs in Doe Run’s six underground mines, such as electricians, drillers, blasters, mechanics, hoistmen, instrument technicians and truck drivers. Members of Doe Run’s Maroon Team include: Captain Steve Setzer, Jarred Tackett, Nathan Setzer, Richie Brewer, Brandon Roderman, Jake Piatt, Mike Snyder, Luke Davis and Andrew, Hampton. The Gray Team includes: Captain Charlie Walker, Eric Click, Mark Barton, Skyler Westrup, James Gamblin, Chris Brawley, Mitchell Kisser and Garry Moore.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will be meeting Tuesday night at 6:00 at the fire station located at #2 South Main Street. After the roll call and approval of the consent agenda the board will review the Policy and Procedures manual. The minutes from the October meeting will then be reviewed before hearing the financial report and approval of bills. Following the calendar review will be the monthly reimbursement report. Old and new business will then be brought before the board before going into closed session if necessary. The date will then be set for the December meeting before adjourning. The meeting of the Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors is open to the public.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol will be close all testing stations on Thursday, November 11th in honor of veteran’s Day. MoDOT Motor Carrier Services will be also closed that day. Services will resume to their normal schedule on Friday, November 12th.

The Salem Police Department has released the following reports for the first half of October. On Friday morning, October 1st around 7:00, an officer arrested Emanuel Moore of Salem for six active arrest warrant through the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. Moore was incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Then on Thursday night, October 7th about 7:30, an officer arrested Richard Labrash, Jr. on warrants out of the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. Labrash was incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. On Friday, October 8th near 2:30 in the afternoon, an officer arrested 43-year-old Rebecca Hughes for outstanding warrants through Dent County. Hughes was incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Just minutes later at approximately 3:30, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart for a report of a shoplifter. It was reported that a 29-year-old Sullivan male had stolen $65 worth of merchandise and left the store without paying for it. As a result, the man was later arrested and issued a summons for shoplifting. On Saturday night, the 9th of October at around 10:00, an officer was dispatched to the 800 block of East Fourth Street for a report of a domestic disturbance. It was reported that a male subject had struck his mother in the heat of an argument and was refusing to let her leave the residence. An investigation was conducted and as a result a 31-year-old Salem male was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail pending the application of warrants. On Sunday afternoon, October 10th about 1:00, officers were conducting a security check of the old shoe factory on South Walker. While canvassing the area officers located a female subject that was trespassing on the property. As a result, a 33-year-old Salem female was arrested and issued summons for trespassing. If you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation, please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242.

An accident happened Thursday morning just after 7:00 in Dent County about 12 miles west of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2013 Cadillac SRX being driven by 47-year-old Vera Copeland of Licking had slowed for a deer in the roadway. The Cadillac was struck from behind by a 2008 Toyota Yaris being driven by 23-year-old Elizabeth Lee, also of Licking. Copeland was taken by a private vehicle to the Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The Cadillac sustained minor damage and the Toyota had extensive damage. Both were removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. The report stated that both drivers were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

The Missouri Department of Conservation reports that Missouri hunters harvested 12 black bears during the state’s inaugural bear-hunting season, which ran October 18th throught the 27th. More than 6,330 hunters applied for 400 permits for the season with the maximum total harvest for the season being 40 bears. MDC State Furbearer and Black Bear Biologist Laura Conlee says a harvest of 12 bears in the first season is testament to the hunters. Dent County is in BMZ 2 which is the portion of Missouri east of a line running north from the Arkansas border on U.S. Highway 63 to Interstate 44; east on Interstate 44 to State Highway 47; north on State Highway 47 to the Missouri River; east along the Missouri River to the Illinois border. Three of the 12 bears were killed in BMZ 2 with the other nine being in BMZ 1 that runs west of a line running north from the Arkansas border on U.S. Highway 63 to U.S. Highway 60; west on U.S. Highway 60 to MO-360; west on MO-360 to Interstate 44; west on Interstate 44 to the Oklahoma border. Bear hunting in Missouri is limited to Missouri residents and restricted to three designated areas of southern Missouri called Bear Management Zones (BMZ). Each permit issued was for a specific BMZ and hunting was limited to public or private property within the BMZ. Black bears were historically abundant throughout the forested areas of Missouri prior to European settlement but were nearly eliminated by unregulated killing in the late 1800s, as well as from habitat loss when Ozark forests were logged. Over the last 50 years, bear numbers and range in Missouri have grown to around 800 black bears with most found south of the Missouri River and primarily south of Interstate 44. Missouri bear range is expanding. Bear numbers in Missouri are increasing each year by approximately 9% and are expected to double in less than 10 years. As bear numbers continue to increase, MDC will use a highly regulated hunting season as an essential part of population management. MDC’s 2020-2030 Black Bear Management Plan will guide bear management in Missouri for the next decade. Learn more about black bears in Missouri and MDC management efforts at mdc.mo.gov/bears.

Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk now has a tax installment program available where you pay your end of the year Dent County Personal Property and Real Estate Taxes on a monthly basis based on the amount of taxes you paid the previous year. VanKirk says there will be 10 equal installments with the eleventh and final payment being the balance of the taxes due. That payment must be made by December 31st or it will result in you paying late penalties and fees. The collector could also terminate your plan. The collector will only accept automated payments from your bank account. Payments will be set up for each individual account and delinquent taxes are not eligible for the payment plan. Those interested will need to fill out an automated payment authorization and agreement form available at the Collector’s office to enroll in the payment plan. VanKirk also said that any taxpayer that would buy a new vehicle on or before January 1st and anytime through the year can go to the collector’s office and they will be able to adjust your pre-payment. If your financial institution or mortgage company already escrows your real estate taxes for a particular piece of property, you will not be able to set up a payment plan for that particular parcel of land at this time. To pick up a fact sheet on the installment program, stop by the Dent County Collector’s office in the Dent County Courthouse. You can also call to get more information at 729-3911. Once you sign up for the program you do not need to sign up again for the next year.

Healthy Dent County recently announced its third annual Casino Night Fundraiser will be held on Saturday, November 6th at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. The event features game tables much like the ones you will find in a real casino, as well as professional dealers to run the games. Event ticket holders will receive $10,000 in chips to play the casino games of their choice throughout the evening. Traditional games such as craps, roulette and black jack are available, alongside food and a cash bar. New this year will include a private poker room. At the end of the evening, prizes are drawn after attendees exchange gaming money for tickets. Guests are asked to come dressed in Western-themed attire and receive an extra $1,000 in gaming money. We expect nearly 200 people to attend this year’s event. Prizes include Blues Tickets; Apple Watch; $200 Country Mart card; Hammock with stand; wine barrel; Bissell Crosswave Vacuum; Air Fryer; gun; mini vacation; gift certificates to local and area businesses. Tickets are available at Salem Community Center @ the Armory or online at https://tinyurl.com/CasinoNightHDC2021. For questions, please call 729-8163.

The Salem Police Department has released the following reports for the last part of September. On Saturday, September 25th near 8:30 in the evening, an officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Hickory for a report of a domestic disturbance. It was found that one subject was very intoxicated and acting aggressive towards everyone involved. As a result, a 41-year-old Salem man was arrested and issued a summons for disorderly conduct and placed on a 12-hour safe keep. Then the morning of Wednesday, September 29th at about 8:00, an officer arrested a 34-year-old Salem female identified as Ashley Jackson for a warrant out of Phelps County. Later that same morning at approximately 9:30, an officer took a report of a forgery. It was reported that a subject had used checks that were stolen from the victim to obtain approximately $800 in cash. An investigation was conducted and as a result a 30-year-old Raymondville female was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. That night at approximately 9:30, an officer was dispatched to Phil Mart for a report of a disturbance. It was reported that subjects were yelling at each other in the parking lot. As a result of the investigation, it was found that a male subject was acting aggressive towards patrons and was under the influence of controlled substances. The 31-year-old Salem male was arrested and placed on a 12-hour safekeep with a summons for Disorderly Conduct. If you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation, please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242.

It’s always exciting to see wildlife like deer and coyote when driving through rural Missouri—until they decide to jump into the road in front of your car. The Missouri Department of Transportation reminds motorists to be prepared for the sudden appearance of wild animals on Missouri roadways during the cooler fall months. As the days grow shorter, more motorists are driving on dark roads when deer are more active. Fall is breeding season and deer are on the move. A report from State Farm Insurance ranks Missouri 15th in the country for potential deer collisions. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, there were 3,639 traffic crashes involving deer in 2020, resulting in 348 injuries and five deaths. Most deer strikes occurred at dawn and dusk in October and November. Drivers should never swerve to avoid animals in the road as it can cause loss of control of their vehicles, resulting in serious injury or death. To avoid hitting a deer, always be cautious and keep your eyes scanning both sides of the roadway. If you can’t avoid a collision and it has resulted in the death of the deer, there are several options you can take. According to Missouri law, an individual who has struck and killed a deer with their vehicle may claim the deer carcass if written authorization to possess the deer is granted by a Missouri Department of Conservation agent. The Wildlife Dispensation permit is free, but you need to contact the Missouri Department of Conservation to obtain the permit. Do not jeopardize your safety to remove the animal in a high traffic area. Notify MoDOT at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636). Crews will address any deer or animal debris on a highway that is a safety hazard, meaning that the carcass is in the driving or passing lane, or partially in either lane or on the shoulder. Crews will drag the carcass to the outer portion of the right of way, outside any active drainage ditch or channel. If the deer is completely off the roadway, MoDOT will not pick it up unless it impedes mail delivery or is in a neighborhood, especially at or near a bus stop. If a deer is located on the shoulder, MoDOT will address the deer during normal work hours. MoDOT crews will not be called out after hours to remove an item, unless it is a safety hazard.

Salem City Administrator Ray Walden has announced the hiring of Stacey Houston as the City of Salem’s Finance Director. Houston will assume her duties November 22nd and comes with over twenty years finance and accounting experience. She has worked for US Foods in Salem and for the Law Office of Williams, Robinson, Rigler, & Buschjost in Rolla. Walden said they were impressed with Stacey’s experience, education, and commitment to the community. Walden went on to say that he would like to thank Mayor Steelman and the Board of Aldermen for their support for this position. The city’s elected officials and employees care deeply about this community, and the addition of Stacey to the team will greatly enhance the city’s ability to provide good service to the local citizens. Houston noted that she has worked in fast-paced environments and learned to adapt to change, quickly learn new skills, and is eager to join the City of Salem team as the finance director. Houston received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration at Southwest Baptist University and has lived in the Salem area since 1991.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams reported on the CART monies sent by the state in October. She said the county received $59,381.75 while in October of 2020, the county received $61,264.88. That is a decrease from last year of $1,883.13. Year-to date, the county CART Fund is up $48,062.95. In the road reports, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray and District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated the work crews would be checking for damages from the storms over the weekend, be it rain damage or wind damages. Larson also said a man would be going to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal repairs this week. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that former full time Dent County Emergency Management Director Brad Nash agreed to serve as the interim voluntary Dent County Emergency Management Director during the stormy season until a replacement can be found. He was monitoring the weather situation this past Sunday. Nash resigned from the position earlier this year. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles indicated that he presented a Volunteer Service Award to Joe Brand Thursday evening at the MRPC Annual Awards Dinner and Banquet in Linn, Missouri. Skiles said he appreciated all the people from the Dent County area that attending the ceremony in Linn. Skiles also said he would be attending a broadband meeting at Echo Bluff Thursday at 5:00. At the last meeting, it was reported the commission approved the deductible for each employee. The current policy was to have the employee responsible for the first $2,000 and the county will pay the provider the next $2,500 for a total of a $4,500 deductible. That policy was continued by the commission. The commissioners also decided to opt out of the state’s financial audit since the county had already taken bids for a 2021 financial audit by a 2-0 vote with Commission Larson not in attendance. Also at the last meeting, the Dent County Health Department would like the county to donate to them their MRPC grant writing hours that are provided to the county as part of their MRPC membership. The commissioners agreed to donate up to eight of their available hours to the health department. The next meeting will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

According to the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) annual wild turkey brood survey for 2021, average turkey production statewide was similar to production at the statewide scale in 2020, but better than statewide production from 2016-2019. Compared to last year, production in the Ozark Border and Ozarks West Regions increased by 43% and 57% respectively. The Lindley Breaks Region also saw a nine-percent increase in production, but the most significant improvement was in the Mississippi Lowlands Region where the poult-to-hen ratio (PHR) increased 118% from 2020. Unfortunately, several regions including the Northeast, Northwest, and Union Breaks, saw slight downturns in production this year after experiencing increases in productivity during 2020. The Ozarks East and West Prairie Regions saw similar PHRs this year as in 2020. Since 1959, MDC has conducted an annual wild turkey brood survey where MDC staff and citizen volunteers record the number of hens and recently hatched turkeys, which are called poults, they see during June, July, and August. For a more detailed report outlining the results of the 2021 Missouri Wild Turkey Brood Survey, and to read reports from previous years, visit the Turkey Reports webpage at Department of Conservation website at https://mdc.mo.gov.

Staff members at Echo Bluff State Park invite the public to their annual Halloween in the Park at 3:00 this Saturday afternoon, October 30th. Festivities will begin with a grab-and-go craft that can be picked up at the check station in the campground until 4:00 or while supplies last. All participants are then invited to meet at the Union Hill Carpenter Cemetery by for the trick-or-treat parade. Trick-or-treating will take place only in the campground area. Cabin and lodge guests who would like to hand out candy should bring their treats to the field by the cemetery. Visitors staying in the campground or cabins are encouraged to decorate their campsite or cabin door. Entry forms for campers will be available at the check station. Forms for cabin participants will be at the front desk. Judging and the announcement of winners will happen after the parade and judges have had a chance to view all entries after dark. Everyone is invited to the fire ring in the field by the cemetery for hot cider and award presentation. Contest winners must be present to receive their prize. The public is strongly encouraged to follow social-distancing guidelines and be proactive in protecting themselves and others. For more information, please contact Echo Bluff State Park at 573-751-5211. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

Due to the steady decrease of COVID-19 active cases and positivity rate in the county, the Salem Memorial District Hospital has re-opened the North Entrance of the hospital. The entrance will be open during visiting hours for visitors and those needing outpatient services. For outpatient needs after hours or on the weekend, please go to emergency room registration. Visiting hours are from 8:00 in the morning until 7:00 in the evening, Monday through Friday, and from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Masks still must be worn in the hospital at all times. If you have any questions, call the hospital at 729-6626.

An accident happened Sunday afternoon at 2:42 in Phelps County on Interstate 44 near the 182- mile marker. According to the highway patrol report, a 2008 Hyundai Elantra was being driven westbound at a high rate of speed by 39-year- old Samantha Hadley of Rolla, when she ran off the left side of the roadway and overturned. Hadley suffered serious injuries and was flown to Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur by the Phelps Health Air Ambulance. Hadley was wearing her seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Hyundai was totaled and removed from the scene by Dishman’s Towing of Rolla.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met Thursday evening at the high school library. The board heard from a parent, Jill Stoner, and a student, Amber Hanson, concerning the current mask mandate. In new business, the board heard from Brad Wegman from L.J. Hart as he gave an informal presentation concerning the debt service levy to help the board determine how to fund the building of a new elementary school. The board approved the scope of the project ESP presented for the improvements to the Tin Gym and the locker room renovation without the locker room windows. The board approved the board policy SRCSP with the addition of a test-to-stay provision. The board then approved the 2021C Policy updates with the removal of policy JHDG, and they approved the revised job description for payroll. Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed gave her report that showed COVID quarantines were down since the implementation of the mask mandate. She also thanked the public for their support of the Construction Trades Program with their online voting that allowed them to win the Strong Communities Award earlier in the month, and that the YOP 50% state tax credits are still available for that program’s building on campus. The school must raise those funds before the grant funds can be used. Assistant Superintendent John Smith reported on the induction of former Salem Football Coach Bill Schuchardt’s Induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Reed then reported that prior to the board meeting, the McDaniels Bus Lane ribbon cutting ceremony was held. She also went on to report on the upcoming process for the CSIP revision. High School Principal Marty Anderson reported the high school submitted and received a $5,000 grant from the Missouri Workforce Development for the purchase of Work Keys Assessments. Resignations from Brenda Hanning from the Central Office who does payroll, and from Shannon Tyman and Nicole Stafford in Food service were heard by the board. In closed session, a student discipline issue and a personnel issue were discussed. The meeting was then adjourned.

Each year, the Meramec Regional Planning Commission honors residents, local agency representatives and organizations in the Meramec Region who contribute to their communities by volunteering their time, talents, and support. With the cancelation of the 2020 dinner due to COVID-19, award recipients from 2020 were honored at this year’s event. MRPC Executive Director Bonnie Prigge said it was so good to come together in-person and honor our volunteers. At Thursday evenings MRPC Awards Banquet at Linn, Joe Brand of Salem, who was nominated by Dent County Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles, was recognized for serving the Salem community in many ways. He is currently the chairman of the Salem Housing Authority Commission; a member of the Southwest Baptist University Board of Trustees; serves on the Advisory Board for Riverways Pregnancy Resource Center (RPRC) as well as teaching men’s classes at resource center. Brand also volunteers as an AARP tax advisor; serves on the Salem Public Library board; is on the Dent County Foundation Committee; and also served 11 years on the Board of Directors for the Salem Memorial District Hospital. He is a member and past president of the Salem Rotary Club. Some 15 other awards were presented to individuals in other communities for their service.

The City of Salem Utility Committee met on Tuesday evening at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Several newly appointed committee members were in attendance. The committee got an update on the utility billing from Public Works Director Mark Nash. For the July 15th to August 15th bill there were originally 88 accounts that were on the disconnect list. As of Monday, 66 accounts had been brought up to date with only seven accounts currently being on the disconnect list. Budget billing customers will receive a letter explaining the 13.8% rate increase. There are currently 40 electric meters and 35 water meters that need to be replaced. The parts for the meters are on back order. The committee discussed eliminating the current 1% discount that is available if bills are paid by the 10th of each month. This small discount does not amount to a big discount for most customers but could bring in another $28,000 per year for the city. Chairman Shawn Bolerjack will provide data of how many accounts are residential and how many are commercial that this discount would affect and bring this info to the next committee meeting. A fee waiver policy was discussed for customers that pay via bill pay through their financial institution and the delay in the city getting the checks due to mail delays. It was determined that a policy wasn’t needed, but that the utility staff could not just charge the fee by noting the date on the banks check and not the date the check was received. Bolerjack explained the Request for Proposals for a utility billing audit has been sent out with several companies contacting the city with one company working on submitting a proposal. This will create an audit for the utility billing system by an independent firm. The committee discussed the recent issues that the city’s accounting software, Encode, has with integrating with the new AMI meter reading software. The Encode software is an old type of software and not compatible with many new systems that the city would like to add in the future. After hearing multiple examples of the company being hard to work with, the committee approved recommending the Board of Alderman put out a Request for Proposal for new utility billing software as well as new software accounting system. The committee reviewed a draft new utility bill layout and got a financial update. The committee also got an update on the new Eceleron Pre-Paid Project that will enable customers to pay their account online as well as review their usage. It was suggested that a survey of customers be done on social media to see how many customers would use this system.

An accident happened Tuesday evening around 6:20 in Texas County on Highway N four miles west of Licking. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2017 Suzuki being operated by 26-year-old Karl Holland of Licking impacted a ditch ejecting Holland from the bike. Holland suffered serious injuries and was taken by ambulance to Texas County Memorial Hospital. The Suzuki was removed from the scene by a private party.

It’s the just past the middle of October, and the Ozark Region is just beginning to feel a little like fall. Recent rains and slightly cooler temperatures have brought out more color across the landscape. Although the rolling forested hillsides are speckled with individual tree crowns of yellows and browns, the overall color remains greenish yellow. Scattered trees, mostly oaks, can also be seen with a slight hint of red and yellow showing. The hickories that were yellow last week have now turned brown, and some of their leaves have fallen off. Along the river and creek valleys, American sycamore, black walnut, maple, and elms are looking more autumnal. They are starting to show nice yellows and reds, and some trees are starting to drop their leaves. The best colors are to be found in the understory, below the main tree canopy. Here, black gum, dogwoods, and sassafras are showing a lot of red and purplish hues. Driving down tree-lined country roads offers good opportunities to slow down and enjoy the scenery. For more information on areas to enjoy fall color, to the Missouri Department of Conservation website at www.mdc.mo.gov and click on fall colors.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be meeting this evening at 5:00 in the High School Library. After the consent agenda the Board will hear communications. In new business the Board will discuss the debt service levy with Brad Wegman of LJ Hart Company, go over contract negotiation with ESP and Chris Salzman, consider MSBA 2021C Policy Update, consider a revised job description for payroll, and approve SRCSP with any revisions. Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed will report on a variety of issues which include a COVID update, YOP, Missouri Hall of Fame presentation, McDaniels Bus Lane Ribbon Cutting and CSIP. The Superintendent’s report will be followed by principals’ reports, as well as the athletics and facilities report. The Board will hear resignations and then adjourn to closed session. The regular meeting of the Salem R-80 Board of Education this evening is open to the public.