Local News

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees held their regular meeting Thursday, February 16th. In attendance were Board members Sandra Headrick, Kim Smith, Dennis Floyd, and Bob Parsons, plus Administrator Zach Moser and Assistant Administrator Roma Jones. Also attending were Karen Carmier and Bob Gravely. After the call to order, the agenda was modified by unanimous consent to allow Carmier to share her personal story about the positive impact Dent County Health Center Nurse Practitioner April Greener, has had on her grandkids after the loss of her daughter Jenny. The Board then resumed the regular agenda and approved the minutes of the January meeting. Administrator Moser presented the communicable disease report which included 79 new COVID-19 cases for January. Moser reported the Communicable Disease nurse has been working through the backlog of elevated blood lead cases. He said 33 cases were active in January. Four sexually transmitted infection screenings were conducted during the month. The Health Center conducts free screenings for common sexually transmitted diseases. Moser noted that influenza cases have decreased and there were 29 total cases reported in January. He mentioned the pertussis outbreak in late January and complemented CD Nurse Trisha O’Neil and DCHC team members on the great job they did in handling the outbreak. In the diagnostics report, Moser said that 183 blood draw appointments were completed in January. The DCHC can conduct most tests at reduced cost for those without insurance. There were 26 COVID tests in January. Most people can qualify for free testing and no doctor’s orders are required. Moser said that 34 COVID-19 vaccines were administered during the month. He reported that nine Influenza vaccines were administered, plus free flu vaccine is still available at the Health Center. Other vaccines administered totaled 95. There was a total of 731 appointments held during January plus WIC appointments totaled 330. There were also three Show-Me Health Women visits. Moser noted that in January there were 117 urine drug screenings conducted on behalf of the Dent County Treatment Court. Assistant Administrator Jones gave the environmental report and said she conducted eight total inspections and fielded eight environmental questions. In the Administrators report, Moser said that 297 children are currently enrolled with 18 providers in the childcare subsidy program and $473,338 grant funds have been provided so far toward the program. In the Administrator’s Report, Moser reported that the Health Center’s transition to Quickbooks for accounting has improved collaboration and reporting. He is leaning toward moving more accounting functions in-house. Moser mentioned that the first ever DCHC Health Fair, combined with an Open House, will be April 13th from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm. He said a variety of services will be offered on a walk-in bases with no lab orders required. A postcard mailer is going out to raise awareness of the event. January expenses were reviewed. Moser explained that this was a preliminary report that still needed some work due to the set up of the new accounting software. The checking account reconciliation was complete and accurate. He recommended the postponement of approval and no motion was made on the reports. The Agreed-Upon-Procedures (AUP), or simplified financial audit, was finalized and the report presented to the Board. The only finding by the auditors was insufficient FDIC insurance in the Bank of Salem account on 12/31/21, which exceeded the FDIC insurance limit by $116,730.31. Moser said that for governmental entities such as the Health Center, there is a combined FDIC limit for both demand and time deposits of $250,000 per bank, including CDs. The AUP report was approved by the Board. The next regular meeting of the Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees was set for Thursday, March 16th at 5:00.

The City of Salem held an open town hall gathering at the Salem City Hall Auditorium Tuesday evening to discuss the 1% sales tax, the sewer bond issue and the downtown project TAP grant. Around 50 citizens plus nine city employees attended the gathering. Mayor Greg Parker, Aldermen Kyle Willams and Shawn Bolerjack as well as City Administrator Sally Burbridge represented the city while Jeff Medows and Jordan Kellerman were there for Archer-Elgin. Bolerjack discussed the expected ending balance of the General Revenue Fund on June 30th being close to $500,000 in the red. Passing the sales tax would relieve the pressure on the general fund in the future instead of having to rely on transfers from their utilities to cover the deficit from the tax revenues. This will also allow the city to build reserves in those utility funds. Currently, the city has trimmed a number of expenses by cutting positions and hours. City Administrator Burbridge talked about the sewer bond and how this was needed to federal mandates. If passed, the city could apply for grants and outside funding that would reduce the indebted amount. If bond issue does not pass, the citizens will have to pay the full cost of the improvements through large rate increases in sewer rates of about $15 per month instead of about $3 per month if the issues passes. It was asked if the 1% sales tax increase would include city utilities, but city Administrator Burbridge was not sure and would research that. It was also asked if the required sewer improvements would cover the old sewer pipe infrastructure and Archer-Elgin Engineer Jeff Medows said it would not. There was a question on what happened to the city’s ARPA funds and they were used to cover the deficit. There was also a question about a sales tax on recreational marijuana sales and the city does not yet have the data from the state, but that is possibility in the future. These issues will be on the April 4th ballot in the Municipal Election.

It’s closing in fast! The annual opening celebration of the catch-and-keep trout fishing season in Missouri is March 1st at the state’s four trout parks: Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon, Montauk State Park near Salem, Roaring River State Park near Cassville, and Maramec Spring Park near St. James. The catch-and-keep season at the trout parks runs through October 31st. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) operates trout hatcheries at all four parks and stocks rainbow trout daily throughout the season. Trout anglers need a daily trout tag to fish in Missouri’s trout parks during this time. The Department of Conservation staff stock more than 800,000 trout annually at the state’s four trout parks and approximately 1.5 million trout annually statewide. Daily trout tags can only be purchased at each of the four trout parks. MDC encourages trout anglers to have the correct amount of cash for daily tags if possible. Missouri residents who are 16 years of age through 64 and nonresidents who are 16 and older also need a fishing permit in addition to the daily trout tag. The cost of a daily trout tag to fish at three of Missouri’s four trout parks — Bennett Spring State Park, Montauk State Park, and Roaring River State Park – is $4 for adults and $3 for those 15 years of age and younger. A daily fishing permits $8. The daily limit is four trout. At Maramec Spring Park, the daily limit is five trout and the cost of a daily trout tag for adults is $5 and $3 for anglers 15 years of age and younger. Remember, the use of shoes, boots or waders with porous soles of felt, matted or woven fibrous material is prohibited at all trout parks, trout streams, Lake Taneycomo, and buffer areas. This to prevent the invasive alga called didymo or “rock snot” getting into the pristine waters of the area. Get more information on the four trout parks from MDC online at mdc.mo.gov.

The City of Salem will be holding a Town Hall informational meeting to share information and answer questions concerning the Downtown Project, the Proposed Additional Sales Tax and the Sewer Bond this evening at the Old City Hall Auditorium located at 202 N. Washington St. from 5pm to 7pm. There will be presentations and information available from City Staff and the City’s Engineer, Archer Elgin Engineering will be on hand to answer questions about the topics. Light refreshments will be provided. The Downtown Project is anticipated to go to bid early this summer. The Additional Sales Tax and Sewer Bond will be on the April 4th, 2023, election ballot for the public to cast their vote. Residents are encouraged to come out and learn why these projects are occurring and the impact they will have on our community. For additional information contact Sally Burbridge, City Administrator at 729-2428.

The expansion of Highways 63 and 50 to four-lane corridors remain the number one and two regional transportation priorities, respectively, the Meramec Region’s Transportation Advisory Committee, or TAC, confirmed at its December 8th meeting. Other projects listed as a high priority in our area include addressing flooding concerns of the bridge over Crooked Creek in Dent County near Sligo, improving safety at Route V interchange in Phelps County, adding southbound turn lanes on Highway 63 to Highway 28 near Vichy, converting the overpass to an interchange at the junction of Route FF and I-44 in Crawford County, and address safety concerns on bridge over the West Fork of the Huzzah on Highway 32 in Dent County at Boss. The TAC approved the priority list and later that same evening recommended the prioritized list to the board of Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) and they also approved the list. MRPC will now share the list with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) Central District office for consideration of inclusion in Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The STIP is a five-year rolling plan for design and construction projects, which means new projects are added each year. Persons needing more information on MRPC’s Transportation Advisory Committee may contact MRPC at (573) 265-2993.

The Salem Area Arts Council will hold a Parent/Child Paint Party this Saturday afternoon from 2:00 to 4:00 at the Creative Arts Center. Isabella Knaack will guide you step-by-step through the painting of a cute Panda. You will have fun learning to paint with your kids. All the supplies are provided and the cost is $20 foradults and $5 for each child. To sign up, call or text SACBA at 573-247-0651, or go online at salemcommunitybetterment.com and look under programs for the Salem Creative Arts Center.

As a result of last summer’s drought in the area the Dent/Phelps County Cattlemen’s Association will be presenting a program titled “Let’s talk about Supplementing Tight Forage Supplies.” The program will be Thursday night at Smith Valley Event Barn on Highway HH at Salem. Panelists for the program include Stephen C. Duame, MFA Incorporated Livestock Specialist, Phillip Mercer, Dent County Farm Supply, Frank Barnitz, Networth Feeds and Feeding, LLC, and Eric Bailey, Assistant Professor State Beef Extension Specialist. The meeting will start at 6:00 that evening with a Chili Dinner provided by the Association members. If you are planning to attend please RSVP to the Dent County Extension Center by calling 729-3196.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met Thursday evening at the District Administrative Offices. The board revised the minutes with two small word changes before two students were recognized: Xander During for being named to the All-State Band on the Contra-Alto Clarinet, and Neely Leathers named to the All-State Choir. Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed gave an update on the Tin Gym as work is nearing completion as the batting cages have been ordered. Reed said the board needs to pay attention to legislative updates that could affect the school including a couple of bills that are dealing with reducing property tax as well as some senate and house bills on open enrollment for schools. She also said the MAP and APR results have been released to schools, but are embargoed until March 7th for the general public. They will be presented at the March meeting. The board approved assigning the 179D tax deduction allocation to ESP contractors for energy savings as the school cannot take them. The board then accepted the retirement of Melanie Wisdom as Upper Elementary School principal, the resignation of Tony Edwards as assistant football coach only, resignation of Mary Beth Patrick as the William Lynch Elementary School Yearbook sponsor, resignation of Brooke Rogers as the high school business teacher, resignation of Stephanie Martin-Dougal as a para-professional, and the resignation of Amy Combs as the Upper Elementary School nurse. In closed session, the board granted an exception to a long-term suspension policy, approved an employee stipend for required staff training, approved absorbing the bridges program, and approved making a change to an employee’s pay schedule from July through June. The board also approved employing Meg Swords as the middle school/high school Assistant Band Director as well as 6-12 general music teacher, approved employing Kristi Steelman as a High School Counselor, and approved extending the administrative contracts of William Lynch Elementary School Principal Herman Blau, High School Principal Tori Snitker, High School Assistant Principal Brendon Piatt and Athletic Director Clay Moody. The board also offered a one-year contract to Middle School Principal Sarah Russell and approved extending the administrative contract of Jody Heavin. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Salem Police Department has released their report for the month of January. They had 106 traffic stops, investigated 13 accidents, responded to 19 ambulances calls, provided 16 escorts, made 20 well being checks and responded to 10 alarms. The Salem Police investigated 11 stealing incidents, seven domestic violence reports, two reports of fraud, five harassment charges, three assaults, wrote two property damage reports and made one death investigation. The Salem Police Department reported they had a total of 525 incidents for the month of January. The department was also dispatched for 29 animal calls and performed 61 follow-up investigations.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will meet Tuesday night at 6:00 at the hospital library. In the Administrator’s Report, the board will hear the summary of operations and statistics for the month of January as well as the Chief Nursing Officer report, a report on the 340B drug program, a Human Resources update and the hospital foundation report. After the Marketing and Community Relations report, old business will be addressed including the kitchen drain proposal, the clinic architect, finance committee dates, and the final approval of the Governing Body Bylaws. In New Business, the board will discuss the Election of a Secretary to the Governing Board, Medical Staff Bylaw review and approval, and purchases. The board may vote to go into closed session. The meeting Tuesday night of the Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors is open to the public.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning for their regular meeting. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles was unable to attend the meeting do to symptoms from a concussion he suffered so county clerk Angie Curley appointed First District Commissioner Wes Mobray as acting presiding commissioner for the meeting. In the road report, Mobray said crews were out removing trees and limbs that were blown down during the storm overnight as well as cleaning out culverts and checking roads for any possible washouts. Brush was also being cut on county road 5600. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said his crews were basically doing the same thing as well as patching chip and seal on a number of different roads with the ultimate paving material and were installing a new lift cylinder on the old loader. County Clerk Angie Curley said the courthouse would be closed Monday for President’s Day and the first day to absentee vote will be Tuesday, February 21st. She also said the last day to register to vote for the Municipal Election will be March 8th and sample ballots for all elections are available in her office. She did say there would be no polling location at Dent-Phelps R-3 and Green Forest R-2 as they have no school board election or any other issue they need to vote on. Curley said her office balanced with the county treasurer and collector on all accounts for January including collections, abatements and add-ons. She said she has the financial statement of the county for the year 2022 ready to be submitted to the newspaper. It must have a summary of the receipts of each fund, summary of disbursements and transfers of each fund, the beginning and ending cash balances for each fund, a summary of delinquent taxes for each fund, a summary of warrants for each fund, statement of bonded indebtedness at the beginning and end of the year for each fund, a statement of tax levies of each fund for the year, and gross annual salary of each elected or appointed county official. She has until June 30th to have it published in the Salem News and all the commissioners must sign the certificate of accuracy. Curley also said she received a letter from Rich Devereux and Company, LLC, that they will be unable to do the county audit they were awarded in January for $18,500 due to them being shorthanded. The county will have to put the audit out for bid again. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Thursday, February 23rd at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting will be open to the public.

The City of Salem held their regular Board of Alderman meeting on Thursday in the City Hall Council Chambers. The board approved a request from Kerri Konkel to close a number of streets on the afternoon of Sunday, May 7th for a Senior Parade. The board approved Resolution No. 5-2023, which is an agreement between the City of Salem and H.W. Lochner, Inc in the amount of $19,500 for the engineering and project oversight of six T-hangers at the Salem Memorial Airport. City Administrator Sally Burbridge reported that she has done several public education speaking engagements to educate the public about the upcoming sales tax and sewer bond issues on the April ballot. A Town Hall meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 21st from 5-7 PM at the Salem City Hall Auditorium to discuss the Downtown Project, Sewer Bond and Sales Tax issue that are on the April ballot. Mayor Greg Parker reported there are Line Dancing Classes being held at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory every Tuesday in February. The Salem Rotary Club Pancake Day will be held on Saturday, February 25th from 7-11 AM at the Salem Middle School. Park and Recreation Director, Melissa DuBois gave an update on the recent Park Board meeting. She noted there were 106 children that participated in the Football Skills and Drills training and Soccer sign-ups are going on now. The Garden Club will be donating and installing nearly $5,000 worth of trees in and around the perimeter of the city park. The new sound system has been installed at the Civic Theater and the projector is being installed by the electrician. Alderman Sisco reported that Bob Jenkins has resigned from the Finance Committee. She thanked him for his service. A new committee member is needed. If you would like to serve please e-mail Chairman Sisco at ksisco@salemmo.com. Alderman Bolerjack reported that the traffic light at Doss Road has been fixed by MoDOT. Alderman Williams gave a report on the recent Utility Committee meeting before the board went into closed session.

An accident happened Wednesday morning at 7:10 in Texas County on Highway 63 about three miles south of Licking that left a Salem man with moderate injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 2020 Ford Mustang driven northbound by 57-year-old Gary Parks of Licking, crossed over the center line, then over-corrected and went off the right side of the road where they Mustang struck a guardrail. Suffering moderate injuries was a passenger in the Ford, 49-year-old Travis Fulton of Salem, who was taken by private conveyance to Phelps Health in Rolla. Both Fulton and Parks were wearing their seat restraints at the time of the accident. The Ford sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Jay’s Automotive in Houston.

The Salem Park and Recreation Board met Wednesday evening at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois reported that 106 children participated in the “Skills and Drills” Football camp that was held with the help of several Salem Tiger football players. She wanted to send out a big thank you to the Salem Tiger Youth coaches that ran the program. She said the 2023 soccer sign ups are going on now and feature two new ages groups: four and under, and six and under. She said those age groups will have skills building in the first half of their time with scrimmages the second half. She said there are already almost 50 children signed up in those ages and over 125 kids overall. She said the 14 and under age group has only seven sign ups at this time and more kids are needed for the age bracket to be held, although depending on the number of sign ups, ages 12, 13 and 14 could be combined. Dubois said the poles and lighting installation is complete at the Al Brown Field but the city is still waiting for funds to be released by ESP to complete the project which was initially going to be done through them. Dubois discussed an offer by the Spring Creek Garden Club to plant additional trees at the Salem City Park. The estimated cost of the trees, tree bags and delivery would be $4,725 and the garden club would pick up that cost. The club does ask that the city water the trees for the first year or two as well as getting the mulch and compost before planting which the club would install. The board approved the donation of trees and their planting by the Spring Creek Garden Club. Dubois did report the new house sound system has been installed at the Civic Theater in the old city hall auditorium, plus side curtains have been donated and installed by Everything Cinema. She said electric work in the projector room still needs to be completed. Dubois reported the infield drainage at the Blue Field at the city park has greatly improved and grounds keeper Don Smith will return to work on February 27th. The pool house floor work will be done when the weather warms up and the city now has four certified lifeguards. Dubois stated the fence banner sponsor renewals will be going out and new sponsors are always needed. The banner sponsors get is 4 by 6 feet and they are attached to the fence. The board reviewed the budget which shows sales tax revenues ahead of last year and after January 31st, revenues over expenses stand at $86,454. It was brought up the pump for the water to the level-entry pool accessories has not been working properly and may need to be replaced, but the cost has not yet been calculated. After a presentation by City Administrator Sally Burbridge concerning the basics on understanding the city budget, the meeting was adjourned.

The Salem Board of Aldermen rescheduled meeting will be held tonight at 6:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers at 202 North Washington Street. On the agenda, the board will hear a request from Kerri Konkel representing “Project Graduation” to have a Senior Parade on Sunday, May 7th at 2:00 in the afternoon that would call for some street closures. After the consent agenda, the board will discuss Resolution #5-2023 authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement between the City of Salem and H.W. Lochner, Inc. to perform professional services for engineering and project oversight of six “T”-Hangers at the Salem Memorial Airport. The board will also hear reports from City Administrator Sally Burbridge, Mayor Greg Parker, Public Works Director Mark Nash, Parks and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois and each individual aldermen before going into closed session to discuss contracts. The rescheduled meeting of the City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be tonight at 6:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Board of Aldermen meeting Tuesday night was postponed until Thursday night due to the lack of a quorum. The meeting Thursday night will begin at 6:00 with the same agenda at the Salem City Hall Council Chambers and the meeting will be open to the public

Dent County Fire Protection District Chief Brad Nash reported the Fire District Board of Directors meeting scheduled for Tuesday night was postponed due to a lack of a quorum. The board meeting has been rescheduled for March 7th at 6:00 at the Dent County Firehouse.

The Salem Park and Recreation Board will meet tonight at 5:30 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. The board will hear Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois report before discussing the Garden Club Tree project. They will also review the budget and get an update on its status before they adjourn. The Park and Recreation Board meeting tonight is open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds Missouri landowners who get no-cost or reduced-cost deer and turkey landowner hunting permits through its Landowner Permit Application process that it may be time to reaffirm or update the property information they submitted to the Missouri Department of Conservation. Under the MDC Landowner Permit Application process, Missouri landowners with at least 20 acres who want to receive free or reduced-cost landowner deer and turkey permits for their qualifying properties must submit information to Conservation Department for those properties. Landowners must also reaffirm or update their property information every three years to continue to receive the free permits. Landowners who applied in 2020 will need to reaffirm or update their property information before receiving permits for 2023. The Missouri Department of Conservation will be emailing landowners who enrolled in 2020 with information and instructions on reaffirming or updating their property information or mailing them a letter if they don’t have email with the needed information and instructions. Landowners can complete the simple reaffirmation process online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits. Once logged in to “Manage Your Account”, click “Manage My Landowner Permit Application” and select the Reaffirm or Remove button for each property listed. Landowners can also add newly acquired or other qualifying property not previously included. Once all property has been reviewed and saved, landowners will be able to request their landowner permits as soon as they become available for the season. According to MDC, they offer resident landowners with 20 or more contiguous acres and nonresident landowners with 75 or more contiguous acres no-cost or reduced-cost deer and turkey permits for hunting on their property. Landowners must submit their property information using the MDC “Landowner Permit Application” to receive the permits. The “Landowner Permit Application” provides the department and permit vendors with secure records of landowners and members of their households who qualify for the free and discounted permits, along with proof of land ownership and boundaries of the properties for which the free and discounted permits apply. For more information on Missouri Department of Conservation Landowner Permits, including qualifications, benefits, and the application process, visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/permits/landowner-permits.

Dent County Fire Protetction District Chief Brad Nash reported the Fire District Board of Directors meeting scheduled for tonight was postponed due to a lack of a quorum. The board meeting has been rescheduled for March 7th at 6:00 at the Dent County Firehouse.

The City of Salem will be holding a Town Hall to share information and answer questions concerning the Downtown Project, the Proposed Additional Sales Tax and the Sewer Bond on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at the Old City Hall Auditorium, 202 N. Washington St., from 5pm to 7pm. There will be presentations and information available from City Staff and the City’s Engineer, Archer Elgin Engineering will be on hand to answer questions about the topics. Light refreshments will be provided. The Downtown Project is anticipated to go to bid early this summer. The Additional Sales Tax and Sewer Bond will be on the April 4th, 2023 election ballot for the public to cast their vote. Residents are encouraged to come out and learn why these projects are occurring and the impact they will have on our community. For additional information contact Sally Burbridge, City Administrator at 729-2428.

An accident occurred Monday morning at 7:41 that left a Dent County Juvenile with minor injuries. According to the highway patrol report, the 16-year-old female juvenile was driving northbound in a 2008 Nissan Frontier on Route HH about four miles south of Salem. The Nissan traveled off left side of the roadway and struck a tree. The girl was transported by a private conveyance to the Salem Memorial Hospital for the treatment of her injuries. The Nissan was removed from the scene by American Automotive and Towing. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by the Dent County Sheriff’s Department deputies.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will hold their regular meeting tonight at 6:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers at 202 North Washington Street. In the hearing of persons, the board will hear a request from Kerri Konkel representing “Project Graduation” to have a Senior Parade on Sunday, May 7th at 2:00 in the afternoon. The parade route will begin on Craig Industrial Drive and proceed northwest toward Iron Mountain Road and then onto Center Street. The parade will go left onto Center Street where the route will progress to Pershing where the parade will turn right. The parade will stay on Pershing all the way to 4th Street where it will go west on 4th Street, then go south on MacArthur Avenue and then finally west on 3rd Street heading toward the Salem High School. They will ask for the streets on the parade route to be closed for the parade. The board will also hear from Jamie Cantrell from Edgar Springs who would like to speak with the board the cumbersome process that landlords must go through to get the utilities put back into their name when a tenant leaves. After the consent agenda, the board will discuss Resolution #5-2023 authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement between the City of Salem and H.W. Lochner, Inc. to perform professional services for engineering and project oversight of six “T”-Hangers at the Salem Memorial Airport. The board will then hear reports from City Administrator Sally Burbridge, Mayor Greg Parker, Public Works Director Mark Nash, Parks and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois and each individual aldermen before going into closed session to discuss contracts. The regular meeting of the City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be tonight at 6:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

Come and learn the concept behind Fakemon generating and begin a sketchbook of your own Pokemon inspired characters. In this class, you will create an evolution board of a basic character in various media. Isabella Knaack will walk you through the steps and give you the visual aids and inspiration to help you have fun and be creative. The class will be held this Friday morning from 9:00 until noon and the cost of the class is $15 which includes all supplies. There must be a minimum of four people take the class and it will be maxed out at twenty. To sign up, call or text 573-247-0651, or go online at salemcommunitybetterment.com and look under programs for the Salem Creative Arts Center.

During the week of January 28th through February 6th, there was a total of 110 calls to the Salem Police Department for service. Officers conducted 20 traffic stops for various traffic violations with five resulting in a summons or arrest. There were one traffic accident investigation and five informational reports. Of the calls for service and traffic stops, the as number of reports were generated. On Saturday, January 28th at approximately 4:00 in the afternoon, officers made contact with a woman that had a warrant out for her arrest. The officer noticed the woman during a routine patrol and knew that she had a warrant for her arrest. As a result, 35-year-old Tiffany Meder of Salem, was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail being held on the active warrant out of Crawford County and is awaiting extradition. Later that afternoon around 5:30, officers contacted a man who had a warrant out for his arrest. It was confirmed that the man had an active warrant when he turned himself into the Salem Police Department. As a result, 23-year-old Jon Payne was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail on his Dent County warrant. Then on Tuesday night, January 31st at approximately 7:30, officers responded to a traffic crash at Acuff and MacArthur Street. It was found that a van had struck a utility pole. During the investigation it was found that the man driving the vehicle was intoxicated. As a result of the investigation, a 56-year-old Salem man was arrested and issued a summons for Driving While being Intoxicated. On Friday, February 3rd at about noon, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart for the report of a theft. It was reported that a female subject had been stealing items totaling $128 over the course of the past month. A case was submitted and after a short investigation, an 18-year-old Salem woman was arrested and issued a summons for stealing. Later that evening near 8:30, an officer finished an investigation into shoplifting at Wal-Mart that had occurred on January 30th. The report stated that a male subject had stolen $64 of merchandise. As a result of that investigation, a 36-year-old Salem male was arrested and issued a summons for stealing. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

An accident happened Thursday morning shortly after 10:00 in Franklin County on Highway 47 at Clearview Road. According to the highway patrol report a 2004 Toyota 4Runner being driven south by 64-year-old Kathie Hoss of Steelville, was slowing for a red signal and was struck from behind by a 2019 GMC Sierra being driven by 57-year-old Steven Tobben of Washington, Missouri. Hoss was taken by the Union Ambulance to the Mercy Hospital in Washington for the treatment of minor injuries. Both vehicles sustained moderate damage and were removed from the scene by Patriot Towing. The report went on to state that both drivers were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to remind the public that driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed today in observance of Lincoln’s birthday. Normal operations will resume tomorrow, February 14th. The stations will also be closed on Monday, February 20, in observance of Washington’s birthday. Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, February 21.

Come and share open studio time at the Salem Creative Arta Center with other hand-building Potter’s this Thursday morning from 9:00 until 12:00 noon with Connie Behrick and Susan Parker-England. You can work on your own designs or follow along with an instructor as they make a weekly project. In this class, a hand built Casserole Baking dish will be created. This class is geared towards those who already have taken beginners pottery classes. To sign up, call or text 573-247-0651, or go online at salemcommunitybetterment.com and look under programs for the Salem Creative Arts Center. The cost of the class is $25.00.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles was not able to attend. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley appointed District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson as the temporary Presiding Commissioner. In the road report, both Commissioners Wes Mobray and Larson said crews were out checking for washouts as well as limbs and trees blown down due to the high winds. Mobray said Great Rivers Engineering would be calling the commission to provide an update on the FLAP projects going on in the county. Clerk Angie Curley said absentee voting for the April 4th election will begin February 21st. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams brought in her report on the sales tax monies received in February from the Department of Revenue. She said the General Revenue Fund and the Dent County LEST Fund each received $91,226.82 this month which is $5,292.57 more than the 2022 figure of $85,934.25 for February. Year-to-date, those funds are each up $17,902.73. In the Road and Bridge Fund, the county received $41,600.72 while last February the county took in $35,271.11. That difference was $6,329.61 and year-to-date, the Road and Bridge Fund is up $10,658.45 over 2022. In the two jail funds, the trust fund and operating fund, revenues received from the state this month came in at cost is $20 for the adult and $5.00 for each $83,201.55 and that is $12,722.03 more than February of 2022, and year-to-date each fund is up $21,441.21. The courthouse will be closed on Monday so the next commissioner meeting will be held on Thursday, February 16th at 9:00 at the courthouse and it will be open to the public.

The Salem Area Arts Council will hold a Snowman Valentine Parent/Child Paint Party this Saturday afternoon from 1:00 to 3:00 at the Creative Arts Center. Patty Burmeister will guide you step-by-step through the creation of the painting. You will have fun learning to paint shades of colors and adding details to your cute snowman. All the supplies are provided and the child. To sign up, call or text 573-247-0651, or go online at salemcommunitybetterment.com and look under programs for the Salem Creative Arts Center.

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways has openings for volunteer Camp Hosts at the scenic Alley Spring campground from mid-July to September 2023 and Round Spring campground for the entire 2023 Summer Season. These volunteer positions are eligible for meal reimbursement of up to $10 per day per person for up to two people per location. Camp Hosts work to assist Rangers with general campground responsibilities as well as assisting campers. Camp Hosts should enjoy being in contact with people and be able to greet the public in a friendly, helpful, and professional manner. A resume is required. For more information on this opportunity, please go to volunteer.gov and type in either Alley Spring or Round Spring.

The Missouri Department of Transportation invites Missouri students in grades K-8 to help fight litter in Missouri by participating in the 2023 “Yes You CAN Make Missouri Litter-Free” trash-can-decorating contest. The contest is part of MoDOT’s annual “No MOre Trash!” statewide litter campaign, which is held in April. The contest encourages school aged kids to join in the fight against litter by decorating a large trash can with the “No MOre Trash!” logo and a litter prevention message using a variety of creative materials. Schools, or home school programs, may submit one trash can entry in each competition category: grades K-2, 3-5 and 6-8. Entries are judged based on creativity, adherence to the contest rules and effective use of the theme and logo. First-place winners from each competition category receive $200 awarded to the sponsoring schools. All first-place winners are then eligible for a grand prize of $600 and a trophy awarded to the sponsoring school. There is no entry fee for the contest. Participating school groups must submit a completed entry form online with up to three photos and a release form by March 17. Contest rules, entry forms, release forms, logos, past winners and educational information can also be found at modot.org/trash-can-contest.

The Missouri Department of Conservation wants to remind fisherman that the last day of the Catch and Release Season at Montauk State Park will be Monday, February 13th. The second Monday of February every year marks the end of the winter Catch-and-Release season. No fishing will be allowed at the park until the opening day of Trout Season which will be on March 1st. For more information on fishing of all types in Missouri as well as fishing licenses, visit the Missouri Department of Conservation website at mdc.mo.gov.

The Phelps County Sheriff’s Department has formally charged 19-year old Samuel Ralph James Karlinski of St. James, with second-degree murder and armed criminal action felonies for the Monday, February 6th shooting death of his father at a residence near St. James. According to the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office, they received a 911 call at Monday morning at 8:51 about a shooting at a residence near St. James. Upon arriving at the scene, deputies found Ralph Leon Karlinski Jr. was dead from apparent gunshot wounds. According to court documents, the person who contacted the police reported that Samuel Karlinski had shot his father three times with a .22-caliber pistol. After a subsequent investigation by the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, Samuel Karlinski was arrested and taken to the Phelps County Jail and held without bond. Samuel Karlinski in the probable cause statement indicated he shot his father twice in the chest and once in the head in self-defense, but during the investigation, Samuel Karlinski showed no signs of injuries.

The City of Salem Utility Committee met Wednesday night at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. City Administrator Sally Burbridge explained to the committee and crowd about the city budget and the 34 funds the city has. She said many of the funds are encumbered such as the Cemetery Endowment Fund and the Landfill Fund that can only be used for explicit purposes, not general purposes. Funds in those accounts cannot be used by the city for any reason except for the purpose they were initially set up for. So when people see the balance sheet the city has to publish every six-months in the newspaper, people think they have funds available at their disposal which simply is not true. She went on to say each city utility has three funds: one for operations, one for the replacement of vehicles and equipment, and the third for infrastructure upgrades or replacements. From there she discussed why the city is looking to pass a 1% General Revenue Sales tax in April. The General Revenue Fund is responsible for the Salem Police Department with 39% of its funds going there, with 25% allocated for administration and another 24% for public works. Ten percent of the General Revenue Funds are transferred to other funds like Fireworks, Cemetery, Economic Development and more. Currently, the 1% sales tax in the city does not generate enough money to totally provide for those funds, so the General Revenue Fund gets transfers from the Electric, Water and Sewer funds to keep it in the black. Burbridge said the last two years, the city has used their ARPA Funds of $500,000 each year to pay the shortfall in General Revenue, but those monies are now gone. The current fiscal year budget shows the general revenue fund without transfers on June 30th could end up 1.4 million dollars in the red. Even with transfers in from the other departments, the city will still end up about $491,000 short which could mean the trimming back or elimination of some services. Should the public pass the sales tax, revenues would increase by almost $1.25 million dollars that would take the pressure off having to make the transfers and help to stabilize the utility funds by being able to bolster their reserves. She also said there will be a sewer bond question in April on whether the city should issue revenue bonds to finance 4.6 million dollars for federally mandated improvements to the sewer system that would have to paid for directly by sewer system rates. If the measure passes, the city may be able to reduce the amount financed to $1.8 million by using a State Revolving Fund grant and CDBG grant. Either way, sewer rates will go up, but if the issue doesn’t pass, residents may be paying $14 to $15 more per month versus $3 to $6 by passing the bond issue. The election will be on April 4th. After reviewing the city financials, Burbridge talked about the Exceleron Pre-Pay System and it is not working yet. They can’t get the accounts to reconcile correctly. Burbridge talked about payment assistance programs with the use of the pre-pay system as Exceleron says they have a solution, but the city hasn’t seen that yet. The committee opted not to recommend using the Moneygram Service to pay on the pre-pay service as it could end up costing the city money. The committee agreed to keep the Winter Weather Rule in effect where if the temperature falls below 32 degrees as predicted by the National Weather Service in Springfield, disconnects will not be done. This rule would NOT apply to pre-pay customers once it goes on line and there was some discussion on that by the committee with no definitive answer being derived. The committee made no decision on allowing accounts currently on a payback contract with the city to switch to pre-pay when it become available, and the committee would need more clarification on automatically converting accounts to prepay after a specified number of disconnects. They will look for legal guidance on that before making any final decision. Public Works Director Mark Nash gave his report on the electric line loss to the committee but said he didn’t believe the figures were accurate and wanted to check them again before giving actual numbers. He said he would be checking out the numbers on the electric again and then do some hard investigating if the results don’t change much. He did say the water loss figures went from 38% to 8.32% in the city with the new leak detector the city has. Anything under ten percent loss from water lines is excellent. Committee member John Hambacker talked about meter size fees and how, in some cases, multiple units are on the same meter where the city loses out on the meter fees. A motion was made for the staff to report on looking into meter charges based on the size of the meter and any associated fees for discussion at the next meeting. The meeting was then adjourned.