Local News

The Salem Board of Aldermen held a special meeting Thursday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. At the meeting, City Clerk Tammy Koller swore in Sally Burbridge as the new temporary City Administrator. Mayor Greg Parker also appointed Burbridge as the Floodplain Administrator and the Building Commissioner. The board of alderman approved both appointments before going into closed session.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a few reports for the last week of August and the first day of September. On Saturday, August 27th, deputies responded to Route EE for a reported assault in the 4th Degree. During the investigation, a 29-year-old Salem woman alleged she was assaulted by a 27-year-old Salem woman. A further investigation is into the alleged assault is pending. Later that day, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 4110. During the stop, a 29-year-old Salem woman was arrested for the possession of a controlled substance, except for 35 grams of less of Marijuana. The subject was released from custody pending further investigation. The next day on Sunday, August 28th, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 19000 block of Route C. During the stop, a 29-year-old Salem man was arrested for the unlawful use of a weapon, for the unlawful possession of a firearm and for various narcotic related offenses. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was placed on a 24-hour-hold, pending the issuance of formal charges. On Thursday, September 1st, a deputy took a report for an alleged identity theft. According to the victim, a 38-year-old Salem woman received information that a former spouse was using her personal and financial information to make unauthorized online purchases. The investigation into the matter continues. Later that day, a deputy met with a 52-year-old Manchester, Missouri woman in regards to a camper that was reported missing from her property on Route H. This vehicle was entered into MULES as stolen and the investigation is ongoing. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 573-729-3241 if you have information on any ongoing investigation.

Healthy Dent County is bringing the Strengthening Families program to Salem which will help you learn tools, skills, and strategies to build a stronger family. Supported by a community partnership between Healthy Dent County, Four Rivers Community Health Center and MU Extension, the Strengthening Families program is free for ALL families of youth 10 to 14 years old. It is fast-paced and offers practical information using videos, discussions, learning games, and family projects to open up lines of communication. Families who attend have fun while they learn strategies for helping their child make positive decisions in the face of increased peer pressure. This seven-week program will begin on September 13th and run every Tuesday evening through the week of October 25th from 5:00 to 7:30 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory located at 1200 W. Rolla Road. A family meal will be provided at each of the seven sessions, along with weekly giveaways and a program completion reward for each family that completes the series. Childcare is available for younger siblings. Enrollment forms are available by contacting Healthy Dent County at 573-729-8163 or stopping by the Salem Community Center@The Armory.

An accident happened Friday morning in Crawford County on Highway 19 about two and a half miles south Cuba. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 Honda CRV being operated by 37-year-old Timothy Morris of Steelville, was struck from behind by a 2023 Ford E-350 being driven by 49-year-old Lisa Gonzalez of Raymondville. Morris suffered minor injuries and was taken by private conveyance to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. The Honda sustained moderate damage but was able to be driven from the scene. The Ford received extensive damage and was towed from the scene by Dishman’s Towing. The report went on to state that Morris was not wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident.

An accident happened just after noon Sunday in Crawford County on Long Springs Road just over a mile west of Route BB. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado being driven by 25-year-old Alexander Light of Cuba, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a ditch. Light, who was not wearing a safety restraint, suffered minor injuries and sought his own treatment. The Silverado sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing.

Wednesday afternoon at the Dent County Courthouse, 53-year-old Randall Abney of Salem was found guilty of second-degree murder in the starvation death of 10-year-old Josie Ann Abney of Salem. Abney was also charged with the abuse or neglect of a child resulting in death. The jury came to their conclusion after about 90-minutes of deliberation. Sentencing for Randall Abney will be held on November 18th. Susan Abney of Salem, the wife of Randall Abney, had her second-degree murder charge dropped in exchange for testifying against Randall. She pled guilty earlier this year to abuse or neglect of a child resulting in death. Susan Abney is due for sentencing on October 11th.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, encourages everyone to plan for a safe 2022 Labor Day weekend. Whether you are on the water or on the road, it’s everyone’s responsibility to travel safely and observe all Missouri laws. As you plan your Labor Day weekend, incorporate safety into every facet of your weekend including choosing your route, making sure your equipment is in good working condition, being aware of and following Missouri’s traffic, driving your vehicle courteously, and wearing a seat belt. In Missouri, 11 people died and 458 were injured in 1,124 traffic crashes over the 2021 Labor Day holiday. This means one person was killed or injured every 10 minutes. Troopers arrested 109 people for driving while intoxicated during last year’s holiday weekend. The Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort) over the Labor Day holiday weekend. The 2022 counting period for the Labor Day holiday will be from 6:00 this Friday evening through 11:59 Monday night. Speed, inattention, and impaired driving are leading causes of traffic crashes. All available troopers will be patrolling Missouri’s roadways and waterways. Troopers on the roadways will be enforcing Missouri’s speed limit, seat belt, and impaired driving laws, in addition to being available to assist motorists. The public is encouraged to call the Patrol’s Emergency Report Line (800) 525-5555 or *55 on your cellular phone if they witness criminal activity or experience an emergency.

The Salem Police Department has released the following reports. On Monday afternoon, August 1st, at approximately 1:00, officers while on patrol located a male subject who had an active capias warrant out of the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. As a result, 34-year-old Jacob Likes of Salem was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. A little over an hour later at approximately 2:15, an officer while on patrol noticed a suspicious female subject conceal herself upon seeing the patrol vehicle. Contact was made with the woman who was later found to be in possession of methamphetamine and methamphetamine paraphernalia. As a result of the investigation, a 31-year-old Salem female was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. The next evening, Tuesday, August 2nd at 7:30, officers responded to a motor vehicle crash involving two vehicles near Burger King. During the investigation, officers were made aware that the driver of one of the involved vehicles was intoxicated and had pulled out and struck the other vehicle. The parties in the other vehicle sustained injuries and were taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital for further evaluation. As a result of the investigation a 43-year-old Houston man was arrested and charged with a DWI resulting in a serious physical injury and assault. Then around noon Saturday, August 6th, officers conducted a traffic stop on Highway 32 and Doss Road for expired license. During the stop it was found a male subject had an active warrant for his arrest out of the Dent County Sheriff’s Office for no insurance. As a result, 41-year-old Johnnie Revelle of Salem was arrested and later released on bond. That same night at approximately 10:30, an officer traveled to Rolla to pick up a male subject that had three active warrants out of the City of Salem for failure to appear. As a result, 40-year-old Scott Smith of Salem was arrested and incarcerated on the warrants at the Dent County Jail. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

Today at 4:00 at the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History, the Mudbugs will be back. They will be searching for lost ladybugs and zombie ladybugs and other cool things. If they should happen to see signs of Bigfoot along the way, that’s cool, too! Hope to see you there

The Salem Tiger Opening Day Football Parade will be held Friday night at 5:00 starting from the Dent County Courthouse on 4th Street., traveling west on 4th Street to 3rd Street, then continuing west to the High School Football Field. All businesses, organizations, clubs and anyone interested is invited to show their Tiger pride and be a part of the parade. For more information, message Dottie May Steelman on Facebook.

Do you have your tickets yet for the upcoming Salem Area Chamber of Commerce pro rodeo, sanctioned by IPRA/MRCA and produced by Outlaw Rodeo Productions? The rodeo will be held this Labor Day weekend on Saturday, September 3rd and Sunday, September 4th beginning at 7:30 each night at The Commons on Highway 72 North. There will be a number of events held including team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc, calf roping, calf scramble, and more! Advanced tickets are available at both locations of the Bank of Salem, both locations of Town and Country Bank, Riverways Federal Credit Union, Progressive Ozark Bank and the Salem Chamber of Commerce office at 1136 South Main in the Crossroads Shopping Center. Prices are $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 5-11. If you have any questions, contact Tabatha at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce at (573) 729-6900.

A special meeting of the City of Salem Board of Aldermen has been called by Mayor Greg Parker to be held Thursday evening at 6:00 in the City Hall Council Chambers at 202 North Washington Street. After the call to order, the board will appoint a temporary city administrator, followed by a floodplain administrator appointment and a building commissioner appointment, followed by a closed session before adjournment. The meeting, except for the closed portion, is open to the public.

Stan Stevens will talk with the Salem Memorial District Hospital new Chief Executive Officer, R. Wayne Reid this morning at 9:05 on KSMO Radio AM 1340 and 95.7 FM as well as online at ksmoradio.com. They will talk about Reid coming to Salem, his goals for the hospital, and about the hospital’s “Meet and Greet” to be held on September 7th at the SMDH Campus. The “Meet and Greet” is to introduce the Salem community to Reid as well as all the clinical providers including new effective September 1st to Salem Family Medicine Dr. James Neely. Also to be introduced will be Samantha Welch, FNP and Amber Hogan, Graduate-FNP who will begin their practice very soon. The “Meet and Greet” begins at 11:00 with the formal introductions at noon with a whole hog lunch being served until 2:00. Everyone is welcome to attend the event at the SMDH Campus on Highway 72.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, encourages everyone to incorporate safety into any plans to enjoy Missouri’s waterways. Missouri’s lakes and rivers can include currents, drop-offs, and floating debris, which makes swimming more challenging. Please, wear a life jacket, take a friend with you, know your swimming ability, and stay sober around water. Pay close attention to children around water. Keep in mind that exhaustion is a very real possibility if you’ve been swimming for a long period of time. Don’t make the mistake of overestimating your swimming ability. Avoid putting yourself at risk when trying to assist someone who is struggling in the water. Assist them by tossing a floatation device or extending an object to them. Keep yourself safe! If you do have to enter the water to assist them, always put on a life jacket first. If you go floating, check the weather and the river level before your trip. A lot of rain affects the speed of the current and the amount of debris in the water. Be aware of changing conditions downstream which may endanger yourself or your group. Consider each person’s level of experience and base your float plan on the person with the least experience. Pair inexperienced floaters with those who have more experience, and make sure everyone in your group knows your rescue plan. If you capsize in swift water conditions, hold onto your craft and move immediately to the upstream side to avoid being trapped between the boat and an obstacle. Float on your back, feet together and pointed downstream, and release your craft only if it improves your safety. If you need assistance or witness criminal activity on Missouri’s waterways, contact the nearest Highway Patrol troop headquarters by calling the Patrol Emergency Report Line at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. Share the waterway, use common sense, good judgment, and courtesy to ensure the safety of all.

The Creative Arts Center will be holding a four-week beginners oil painting class with Tana Kettner. The class will begin on Thursday evening, September 1st from 5:30 to 7:30. The class will be held the next three Thursdays. The cost is $125 per person. During the class you will learn some basic drawing and painting skills and discover your hidden talents. You will create an original still-life oil painting from a choice of interesting fall items. All supplies will be provided. You may leave your painting on the easel between classes. The Creative Arts Center has two 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.

Dr. Kyle Ouzts of the Dent County Veterinary Clinic in Salem will be hosting a live fifteen-minute radio call in show on KSMO Radio 1340 AM TODAY at 1:00 in the afternoon. Dr. Ouzts talks about pet safety and different things that effect your furry friends. So, get your questions ready and call Dr. Ouzts starting at 1:00 at 573-729-6659.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a few reports for the third week of August. The first report was for Wednesday August 17th, as a deputy responded to Highway 32 East near Boss to assist with a motor vehicle accident. During the investigation, a 23-year-old Salem man was arrested on an outstanding warrant. The man was also found to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. He was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Friday, August 19th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Highway 68. During the stop, a 26-year-old Houston man found to be driving with a suspended or revoked driving privilege. The man was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail where he was processed per departmental procedure and released with a citation. Later that day, deputies responded to the 700 block of Dent County Road 3230 for a reported assault. During the investigation, a 41-year-old Salem man was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail. He was processed per departmental procedure and later released from custody after being issued a criminal summons for assault in the 4th degree. On Monday, August 22nd, a 23-year-old Salem woman reported a firearm had been stolen from her residence. The item was entered into a nationwide database for stolen property. The investigation is pending. Lastly on Friday, August 26th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on East Center Street. During the stop, a 33-year-old Salem man was arrested on an active warrant and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 573-729-3241 if you have information on any ongoing investigation.

An accident happened Saturday evening just before 6:30 in Phelps County on County Road 2120, about four miles north of Rolla. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 2006 Honda Shadow being operated by 77-year-old William Colgrove of Vichy, was traveling west when he struck a deer in the roadway causing the bike to overturn. Colgrove, who was not wearing a safety device, suffered serious injuries, and was taken by Phelps Air to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. The Honda sustained moderate damage and was secured at a nearby residence.

Need trees and shrubs for your landscape? Go native with tree and shrub seedlings from the Missouri Department of Conservation. Native trees and shrubs can help improve wildlife habitat and soil and water conservation while also improving the appearance and value of private property. MDC’s George O. White State Forest Nursery near Licking offers a variety of low-cost native tree and shrub seedlings for sale for reforestation, windbreaks, erosion control, wildlife food and cover, and other purposes. The nursery provides mainly one-year-old, bare-root seedlings with sizes varying by species. Seedlings varieties include: pine, bald cypress, cottonwood, black walnut, hickory, oak, pecan, persimmon, river birch, maple, willow, sycamore, blackberry, buttonbush, hazelnut, redbud, ninebark, spicebush, elderberry, sumac, wild plum, witch hazel, and others. Seedlings are available in bundles of 10 or increments of 25 per species. Prices range from 34 cents to $1 per seedling. Sales tax of 6.1 percent will be added to orders unless tax exempt. There is a $9 handling charge for each order. Receive a 15% discount up to $20 off seedling orders with a Heritage Card, Permit Card, or Conservation ID Number. The nursery grows millions of seedlings each year, but some species are very popular and sell out quickly and some seedlings occasionally succumb to harsh weather or hungry wildlife, despite the nursery staff’s best efforts. Even if a species is listed as “sold out,” customers can still place an order for those seedlings because other orders may get cancelled, freeing up inventory. Customers won’t be charged for seedlings unless they are available to ship. Due to shipping costs tripling from past years, the nursery must now charge shipping fees for orders being shipped to Missouri addresses. This is the first time in the nursery’s 80-plus-year history that they have had to do this. Orders will be processed beginning September 1st through April 15th, 2023. Orders will be shipped or can be picked up at the nursery near Licking from February through May. You can learn more and place orders using MDC’s 2022-2023 Seedling Order Form Found in the September issue of the Missouri Conservationist, at MDC regional offices and nature centers, or by contacting the State Forest Nursery at 573-674-3229 or StateForestNursery@mdc.mo.gov.

A Missouri Lottery Club Keno player won $136,568 on August 16th, using favorite numbers he’s played through the years on his 8-spot ticket. He was playing Keno at the Fraternal Order of Eagles #3684 in Viburnum, when all eight of his numbers were among those drawn. Because he had also added the Double Bulls-Eye option, he won a base prize of $125,000. In addition, all 6-, 7- and 8-spot games have an automatic rolling Progressive Jackpot, which increased his total winnings to $136,568. As for what he plans to do with the money, he said he and his wife already have some ideas like maybe a family trip to Hawaii. Twenty numbers are drawn in Club Keno every four minutes. Players can choose to play one to 10 spots, with prizes increasing as more spots are played. Players can also add play options like the Multiplier, Bulls-Eye or Double Bulls-Eye to their tickets for a chance to win even larger prizes. In fiscal year 2021, players in Iron County won more than $2 million in Missouri Lottery prizes, retailers received more than $200,000 in commissions and bonuses, and more than $261,000 in Lottery proceeds went to education programs in the county.

A Public Hearing concerning the Ozark Run Scenic Byway will be held this Tuesday, August 30th from 2:00 until 4:00 in the afternoon at the Eminence City Hall. This new proposed Scenic Byway does not go through Dent County in its current form but could lay the groundwork for other extensions in the future that could possibly affect your property. An organization called “Scenic Missouri” out of Ballwin, Missouri, has applied to the Missouri Department of Transportation to designate 375 miles of existing highway stretching from St. Louis to Thayer and Branson as a “Scenic Byway” made up of five “sprints.” Their goal is to “recognize the intrinsic qualities” of our region and help the world “discover the Ozarks”. This would in turn bring tourism dollars to the area. According to their 102-page application with MoDOT, it says “no changes can be made to existing laws, nor can new laws be established without approval by the local governments. Property rights are not infringed upon with the designation of a byway.” However, further reading shows that not to be entirely the case as once implemented, all advertising such as signs and billboards are prohibited except upon your own property for your particular business. What is also described in the application goes beyond just the roadway and its right-of-way but would include “the area adjacent to the roadway that possesses any of the intrinsic qualities. This may or may not include everything that can be seen from the roadway.” The ultimate vision for the Ozark Run Scenic Byway is to provide a designated driving route across the entire Ozark/Ouachita region running from one corner to the other spanning through Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma which would make it a National Scenic Byway. The full route, as currently proposed, would cover 1,155 miles. This would make it one of the five longest National Scenic Byways. With its unique and significant qualities, the Ozark Run may even be a strong candidate for All-American Road status. To review the entire application, go to www.modot.org/ozark-run-proposed-scenic-byway. If you can’t make it on August 30th to the Eminence public hearing, additional town hall meetings will be held in Oregon County on Thursday, September 1st at the Town Hall in Alton from 5:00 until 7:00 PM, and in Howell County at the West Plains Civic Center Theater on Tuesday, September 13th from 6:00 until 8:00 in the evening. All of the public hearings are open to the public.

An accident happened Thursday afternoon at 3:50 in Reynolds County on Highway 72 about five miles east of Bunker. According to the highway patrol report, a 2000 Gold Dodge Durango driven eastbound by 61-year-old Richard Frost of Bunker, ran off the right side of the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned. Frost suffered serious injuries and was transported by Air Ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. The Dodge Durango was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing in Salem.

An accident occurred in Phelps County Friday morning at approximately 7:21. According to the highway patrol report, a westbound 2018 Yamaha R1 Motorcycle, operated by 35-year-old Jonathan Anderson of St. Louis, travelled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. Anderson suffered serious injuries and was transported by medical helicopter to Missouri University Hospital in Columba. The report stated that Anderson was wearing safety devices at the time of the accident. The motorcycle sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by D & D Towing. The Highway Patrol was assisted by The Doolittle Fire Department and the Phelps Health EMS.

Salem Memorial District Hospital has issued revisions to their visitor policy per the Compassionate Care Visitation Act-SB710, No Patient Left Alone Act-HB-2116, and the Essential Caregiver Program Act. SMDH has developed these revisions to protect patients and health care professionals before and during an infectious, contagious, communicable, or dangerous diseases. Some of the revisions are all visitors will be screened for Covid-19, visitors must be at least 12 years of age, and only two visitors per patient at a time, unless extenuating circumstances. Also, visitors are expected to stop the nurse’s station before entering a patient room. For more information contact SMDH at 729-6626, check out their website at smdh.net or Facebook page.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley reports that on Friday, August 26th in the Dent County 42nd Judicial Court in front of Judge Michael Randazzo, Britta Terrill of Salem, who was on probation for the felony possession of a controlled substance, had her probation revoked and was sentenced to seven years in the Department of Corrections. In the next case, Prosecutor Curley reported that Daniel Lloyd of Salem pled guilty to the felony possession of methamphetamines. He was sentenced to serve seven years in the Department of Corrections under State Statute 559.115 due to his prior felony criminal history.

The City of Salem held their tax rate hearing to set the real estate and property tax rate for the year 2022 Tuesday afternoon at 5:30. One person spoke at the hearing on how the equity value of people’s homes in Salem have decreased by 3.56% according to Data USA IO and that any rate increase will hurt. The Salem Board of Aldermen held a public hearing to discuss the proposed increase in sewer rates. Three people spoke in opposition to the increase citing the low average income of people in Salem, that over 33% of residents are senior citizens who could least afford an increase, and another gave Mayor Parker six questions that she wanted answers to and said she wouldn’t pay the increase she showed a bottle of water to the audience that allegedly came from her faucet that was discolored. In the regular board meeting, the board approved the request for a permit from Chris Robbins to hold a community “trunk or treat” on Halloween from 4:00 in the afternoon until 11:00 that evening on 4th Street from Highway 19 to MacArthur. He wanted the permit to facilitate groups in the area which the board approved. After the consent agenda was approved, the board approved Bill #3515 creating an ordinance that will raise the cemetery fees for the Cedar Grove Cemetery beginning January 1st, 2023; approved Bill #3516 to create an ordinance to raise the business license fees from $25 to $35 starting January 1st, 2023; approved Bill #3517 amending the annual budget for the City beginning July 1, 2021 to adjust appropriations for the electric reserve, sewer D&R and sanitation funds; and the board approved Bill #3518 that created an ordinance setting the tax rate of 67.46 cents per $100 assessed valuation for real estate and personal property in the city for General Revenue purposes. That is the same rate as last year. As per the state auditor’s calculations, the city could have raised the tax rate to 69.31 cents per $100 assessed valuation but elected to keep the rate lower by a 2-1 vote with Alderman Kinerk voting no. Public Works Director Mark Nash presented bids for a new sprayer and the board went with the bid from Salem Farm Equipment for a Cimaran CMLS-PCO 200 Sprayer for $3,921. That price was below the budgeted amount of $5,000 and came with a two-year warranty. They also approved the bid from Airgas for a Miller Welder which is a commercial welder for $6,854.57 which came in under the budgeted amount of $7,000; approved the purchase of new tires for the cemetery and street department vehicles from Jet Tire and Auto for $3,274.24; and the board approved the bid for a new pad mount transformer for the Al Brown Field lights from T&R Electric for $15,718 that has a three-year warranty. Finance Director Stacey Houston presented the board with an updated financial report and discussed the status of some of the funds. Terry Moore from ESP updated the board on the HVAC work which is complete at the administration building, city hall auditorium, police station and about 80% done at the Armory. He said the door and window replacement is virtually complete with a punch list on the buildings, while the tuck and point just got started at the Armory and is over 80% done on all the other buildings. He said the light poles have been set at the Al Brown Fields and the light controls have been installed. A bid for the electric hookups at Al Brown Fields will be done through ESP by Hawke Electric. Jeff Medows from Archer Elgin said the Wastewater Plant Permit draft has been done and will be reviewed before being submitted to DNR next week. The ARPA Application for a five-million-dollar grant has been submitted to help pay for the $9.4 million cost of the Phase 2 improvements. The city will know by late October if they have been chosen to receive the competitive grant. Medows said the Highway 72 and Route J sewer extension is done and the lift station at the hospital has been tested. The new pump station on Route J is still on order and work is being done on the Jennifer Street drainage project. Medows said the TAP Grant for the downtown revitalization continues and they will need to get easements from the property owners. He also said an ARPA fund application has been put in for Well #9 and the elevated storage tank. Mayor Greg Parker said he was going to get with the county and is trying to address the homeless situation and all the camping going on in town. Public Works Director Mark Nash said the water department continues to work on water leaks, the street department is clearing out ditches and the electric department has a couple poles to change. Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge said the industrial park sign will have to be relocated off the highway right-of-way, the final grading by Godi’s Excavating at the certified site began Tuesday, and Burbridge said a draft of the answers to the two questions the state Department of Economic Development asked on the certified site will be reviewed and before being sent off this week. The board then went into closed session.

A public hearing will be held by the city of Salem Planning and Zoning Commission this evening at 6:00 in the city hall council chambers at 202 North Washington. The purpose of the meeting is to give all interested parties the opportunity to be heard on a request by Mark Bottomley for a use permit for an Air BNB on property located at 901 North Main Street. Immediately following the close of the public hearing, the Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public meeting in the city hall council chambers to either accept or reject the conditional use permit. Following that meeting, the City of Salem Airport Board will meet at 6:45. The board will hear updates on the fuel tanks, consider the purchase of new credit card readers for the fuel system, the Schwartz hanger, and the new hanger project. Also on the agenda is the gate opener, pilot lounge, routine airport maintenance, and other business. The hearing and meetings are open to the public.

The public is invited to a farewell reception for City Administrator Ray Walden Thursday afternoon and evening from 3:00 until 6:00. The “thank you” reception is to salute Walden for his 11 years of dedicated service to the City of Salem and the local community. The reception will be held at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory located at 1200 West Rolla Road in Salem and it is open to everyone.

A public hearing will be held by the city of Salem Planning and Zoning Commission, Thursday evening at 6:00 in the city hall council chambers at 202 North Washington. The purpose of the meeting is to give all interested parties the opportunity to be heard on a request by Mark Bottomley for a use permit for an Air BNB on property located at 901 North Main Street. Immediately following the close of the public hearing, the Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public meeting in the city hall council chambers to either accept or reject the conditional use permit. The hearing and the meeting are open to the public.

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees held their regular meeting and tax rate hearing on Thursday, August 23rd. During the tax rate hearing documentation was shared from the State Auditor’s Office indicating the tax rate ceiling for the coming year was the same as last year at 0.0959 cents per 100 assessed valuations. After discussion the Board agreed to set the tax rate at 0.0959. DCHC Administrator Zach Moser presented the communicable disease report which included 157 COVID-19 cases for July and 70 for June, no cases of Influenza A, and no animal bites. Moser reported on the recent FDA and CDC authorization of the COVID-19 vaccine for ages 6 month and older as well as the Novavax, a COVID-19 vaccine that uses traditional vaccine technology. He said the Pediatric C19 vaccine is available at the Health Center and Walmart, and that adult vaccine is available at the DCHC and all local pharmacies. Moser also indicated that the number of tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomonas are up. Individuals who think they might be infected can call the DCHC at 573-729-3106 to set up an appointment for testing and treatment. In the diagnostics report Moser said that 157 blood draw appointments were completed and the DCHC can conduct most tests at reduced cost for those without insurance. There were 163 COVID tests during the month. COVID tests are $10 for rapid antigen test, $35 for COVID/FLU combo test, and $50 for molecular C19 Test. Most people can qualify for free testing and no doctor’s orders are required. Moser said that 104 COVID-19 vaccines were administered, plus 157 other vaccines and 16 courses of monoclonal antibodies were given. There was a total of 592 appointments during the month, 76 of which were with April Greener, NP. Assistant Administrator Roma Jones gave the environmental report and said she conducted 5 inspections and fielded 11 environmental questions. In the Administrators report Moser said that the only item left on the construction list was installation of the remainder of the new flooring, plus they are awaiting installation of the new electronic sign. He reported that the Health Center’s new nurse practitioner, April Greener, DNP, started seeing patients on July 5th and she has been wonderful to work with, plus patients seem to like her. Moser said that the Childcare Subsidies Program is still awaiting a working contract template for childcare providers before that program can be initiated and a draft contract has been obtained, but no final copy has been received. He reported that the Tardiness Policy adopted by the Board in June has had the intended effect and has greatly improved the on-time attendance rate of staff. Moser pointed out that the new phone system has become operational, that the DCHC had another successful direct mailing campaign, and that the changes in the COVID-19 guidelines eliminated quarantine periods for exposures. However, people who test positive must isolate for at least 5 days. He noted that the DCHC will have a booth at the Girls’ Night Out on September 15th and the Health Expo on October 13th. The Board heard a presentation on the Dent County Treatment Court from Kelly Smith and had an opportunity to ask questions. Nurse Practitioner April Greener also made a presentation on addiction in general. The Board went in to closed session where they unanimously approved a pay increase for a specific employee. They also unanimously approved the implementation of the urine screening program in conjunction with the Dent County Treatment Court. Dent County Health Center expenses for June and July were approved and the next regular meeting of the DCHC Board was set for September 13th, due to Girls’ Night Out on the 15th.

An accident happened at 12:40 Tuesday morning in Maries County on Highway 28 three miles north of Highway 63. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 Kawasaki motorcycle being operated northbound by 22-year-old Austin Watring of St. James, struck a deer in the roadway causing the vehicle to overturn. Watring suffered minor injuries and was taken by a private vehicle to Phelps Health in Rolla. The Kawasaki sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by a private party. The report went on to state that Watring was wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting at the Dent County Courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams shared with the commission the amount of CART taxes received this month which came to $67,226.14. That is $5,136.92 more than the August amount for 2021 and year-to-date, CART funds are up $31,594.43. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray indicated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5610 and 6040 while brush was going to be cut on county roads 5170 and 5180. He also said crews would be checking for washouts on some roads in the southern part of the county. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated materials were being added and grading was being done on Dent County Road 2240 while only grading was being done on county roads 4040 and 4280. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported he attended the Sustainable Ozarks Partnership meeting in Pulaski County which is an area wide support organization for Fort Leonard Wood. The group is proactive in addressing issues that affect Fort Leonard Wood and was instrumental in the fight to keep Fort Leonard Wood from being closed during the last Base Reduction and Closure window. He also said he attended Senator Blunt’s Agriculture Advisory meeting at Sedalia last Thursday. Skiles said Senators Blunt and Hawley spoke along with Congressman Jason Smith, Billy Long and others. Skiles said the new extrication equipment has arrived and training was provided to the fire departments at the Dent County Fire Department in Salem. Skiles said he wanted to thank Whitaker’s Towing for providing vehicles for the practice work and training, and then removing them after training. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the tax rate hearing would be Thursday at 10:00 for four county funds: the General Revenue Fund, the Road and Bridge Fund, the Senate Bill 40 Fund and the Senior Citizen Service Fund. The total assessed valuation for the county is $194,819.992 for 2022 which is up from the $179,762,905 from 2021. The tax rate hearing is open to the public. Curley said the last day to register to vote for the November election will be October 12th. Curley said she would be attending the mandatory county clerks meeting next week in Springfield. She stated there will be no commissioner meeting on Monday, August 29th and the courthouse will be closed on Labor Day, September 5th. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

An accident happened in Reynolds County on Route N about four miles south of Steelville Sunday evening just after 7:00. According to the highway patrol, a 2014 Honda Pioneers UTV driven northbound by 32-year-old Richard Troutt of Lesterville, went off the right side of the roadway and overturned, ejecting the driver and a passenger. Suffering serious injuries was 30-year-old Austin Halbert of Steelville, who was flown by Survival Flight 1 to Mercy Hospital North in St. Louis. The driver, Richard Trout, suffered minor injuries and sought his own treatment. Neither Trout nor Halbert were wearing safety equipment. The Honda UTV was totaled and was removed by the owner.

An accident happened Sunday afternoon at 4:10 in Crawford County on Highway 19 about three quarters of a mile south of Steelville. According to the highway patrol report, a 1984 Honda Moped driven southbound by 48-year-old Lisa Ellis of Steelville, attempted to make a U-turn and overturned. Ellis suffered moderate injuries and was transported to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan by the Steelville Ambulance. Ellis was not wearing any safety equipment. The Moped had minor damage and was driven from the scene.

At the Creative Arts Center Wednesday night, they will hold a Mordiford (Heart) Wheat-Weaving Class from 6:00 until 8:00 in the evening. Led by Suzanne Douglass, this activity is perfect for children and adults. Come learn and enjoy the art of wheat weaving! Wheat weaving artist Suzanne Douglass will walk you through the creation of a beautiful Mordiford Heart. The cost is $25 and that includes supplies. Call or text the Creative Arts Center at 573-247-0651 to sign up for events! You can go online at salemcommunitybetterment.com and look under programs for the Salem Creative Arts Center at 204 South Main Street in Salem.

At the Salem R-80 Board of Education meeting last Thursday, the board accepted the resignations of Randy Mackley, Kim Harris, Janae Williams and Alisha Gallagher. In closed session, the board approved the hiring of Phillip Karr as a middle school physical education teacher, employed Kim Moser as William Lynch Elementary Librarian and Art Teacher, and employed Kathleen Palmer as a Special Education teacher at the Salem Upper Elementary School. The board also approved extra duty contracts for the Building Project Coordinator and District Improvement Coordinator, approved a staff member as an SPO, and approved moved four employees to the approved stipend over the minimum salary of $38,000. The meeting was then adjourned.