Your World Today

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray reported his district received about 3/4ths of an inch of rain so grading could be done on Dent County Roads 5100 and 5530 while rock was to be added and grading done on county road 2440. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk stated rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 4040 and 2150 while only grading would be done on county roads 4300 and 2140. Polk did state that chip and seal repair work was being done on county roads 3220, 3230 and 3240. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson attended a Zoom meeting Thursday morning to discuss and approve the fiscal year budget for the Meramec Community Enhancement Corporation. Dent County Deputy Clerk Melissa Piatt said excused absentee voting continues at the courthouse. At the last meeting, the Salem High School Chamber Choir requested permission to use the courthouse lawn to sell snow cones as a fund raiser during the 4th of July Parade. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident happened Wednesday morning at 8:00 in Texas County on Deason Drive about two miles west of Licking. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado being driven by a 17-year-old male juvenile of Licking, was traveling eastbound and driving too fast for the conditions when he struck the front left side of a horsedrawn buggy being driven westbound by 42-year-Christie Schwartz of Licking. Schwartz suffered minor injuries when he was thrown from the buggy and was taken to Phelps Health hospital by a private conveyance. The Silverado sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene. The buggy sustained moderate damage and was towed from the scene by a private party.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announces the results of the Driver and Vehicle Safety Division’s 2024 annual school bus inspection program. There were a total of 10,055 school buses rated as “approved” upon initial inspection, 895 school buses rated as “defective” upon initial inspection, and 410 school buses rated as “out-of-service” upon initial inspection. Buses with identified defective components require repair within 10 days. Buses placed “out-of-service” require the correction of the component or components, before they are reinspected and allowed to return to service by Patrol personnel prior to further usage in transporting passengers. Results of the Dent County school districts show the Salem R-80 School District had 10 buses inspected with six of them approved, three were defective and one bus was placed out of service; Oak Hill R-I School District had six buses inspected with none of them approved, five of them were defective and one of them were placed out of service; Green Forest R-2 School District had eight buses inspected with six of them approved and two were defective and none of them were placed out of service; Dent-Phelps R-3 School District had nine buses inspected with three of them being approved, five of them were defective and one bus was placed out of service; North Wood R-4 School District had eight buses inspected with three of them being approved, three of them were defective and two buses were placed out of service; Bunker R-3 School had seven busses inspected and all of them were approved, and the Ozark Hills State School #61 had two bus inspected and both were approved. For more information on any Missouri school district and how they fared with the school bus inspection, go the Missouri State Highway Patrol website and click on news releases.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held a special meeting Thursday morning at the district administrative offices where the board rejected all roofing bids and approved re-bidding the project. Then in closed session, the board approved extending Joni Bobbitt’s contract five days, employing Whitney Frank as a 6th grade math teacher, and to hire Rockey Wade as an extra duty Freshman boys basketball coach. The meeting was then adjourned.

Today is the last day to get you entry in the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Salem Independence Day Parade at 6:00 on July 4th and the theme this year is “Let Freedom Ring.” Entry forms available at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Office located in the Crossroads Shopping Center and they must be turned in by June 28th. For more information or a complete set of the parade rules, please call the chamber office at 729-6900 or stop by 1136 South Main Street.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages the public to discover nature during frogging season. Beginning June 30th at sunset through October 31st, those with a fishing permit or small-game hunting permit may go frogging for bullfrogs and green frogs. The daily limit is eight frogs of both species combined and the possession limit is 16 frogs of both species combined. Only the daily limit may be possessed on waters and bank of waters where frogging. MDC notes that daily limits end at midnight. Froggers who catch their daily limits before midnight and want to return for more frogging after midnight must remove the daily limit of previously caught frogs from the waters or banks before returning. The public can go frogging with a fishing or small-game hunting permit, but children 15 and under and Missouri residents 65-years and older are not required to have a permit. Those using a fishing permit may take frogs by hand, hand net, atlatl, gig, bow, trotline, throwline, limb line, bank line, jug line, snagging, snaring, grabbing, or pole-and-line. With a small-game hunting permit, frogs may be harvested using a .22-caliber or smaller rimfire rifle or pistol, pellet gun, atlatl, bow, crossbow, or by hand or hand net. The use of artificial light is permitted when frogging. For more information, visit MDC online at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Zxz.

If you still have delinquent Real Estate taxes due from 2021, Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk says they need to be paid IN FULL by this Friday, June 28th. You can pay during regular business hours from 8:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon. If you fail to do so, then on Monday, July 1st, the taxes for the tax years 2021, 2022 and 2023 will all be declared due by Friday, August 23rd. If not paid by then, your parcel will be sold at the Delinquent Tax Sale that will be held on Monday, August 26th. Check payments are no longer accepted so you will need to pay with cash, cashier’s check or money order. If you are not sure this applies to you or you do not understand how the system works, you need to call the Dent County Collector’s office at (573) 729-3911 with any questions you may have or stop by the Dent County Courthouse. Starting July 1st there will be an additional $25.00 per parcel added to the tax bill to pay for the advertising costs in the Salem News. Remember, only the taxes for 2021 need to be paid IN FULL by Friday, June 28th to give you another whole year to pay the other outstanding years.

The City of Salem wants to remind everyone that the new Servline Protection Program for city water lines will begin July 1st and will offer up to $2,500 coverage per occurrence against high service bills that are caused by unexpected leaks. All eligible City of Salem customers are automatically enrolled in this optional program, so if you don’t want it, you have to opt out and you only have until June 30th to do so. If you do not opt out, the charges will appear on your utility bill when the program goes live on July 1st. Call 1-844-952-0741 to find out more information about the program including a copy of the full terms and restrictions, or to opt out of the program and decline protection. If you want the program, you do not have to do anything. The cost of the program for residential cutomers is $2.35 per month and $2.50 per unit per month for Residential Master Metered Multi-Habitational customers. Commercial customers will be charged $6.50 per month for a single occupance and $13.00 per month for a mulitple occupancy location.

The Board of Aldermen met Tuesday night at the City Hall Auditorium. The board went into closed session before public comments were heard on the proposed budget, utilities, and the Leak Protection Program. The board approved closing the streets around the courthouse square for Summerfest rescheduled for this Saturday. In new business, the board approved two Trailer Court License applications and they were for Central MO Investments LLC at 1600 Carnett Dr. and at 300 Walnut Hill Dr. owned by Glen Sapaugh Sr.The board discussed the Leak Protection Program Policy that was previously tabled to clarify what constitutes as a qualified leak. The board approved the policy 3-1 with Alderwoman Dent voting against. Two subdivision bills were then read and approved. Bill #3610, was for a residential property at 705 N. Henderson requesting the property will be split into two parcels and the newly created parcel would be developed with a single family structure. Bill #3611 was for development of commercial property at the Scenic Rivers Plaza for a grocery store. While this was approved without objection, Alderman Bolerjack, and Alderwoman Sisco abstained. The board then discussed the City of Salem fiscal year budget to begin July 1, 2024. Noted in the bill is the city’s proposed revenues of $23,163,056 and anticipated expenditure of $21,043,249 which will give the city a projected surplus of $2,119,807. Within this budget is a transfer of $580,844 in general funds that will be moved to the General Funds Emergency Fund. This marks the first meaningful increase in the Emergency Fund that in years past had been depleted. The General Revenue Fund revenue is largely sourced from sales tax, this tax alone accounts for 77% of revenue for the General Fund. Some notable expenditure changes include a 3% cost of living increase, general liability insurance increase of 28%, Police Capital improvements, four proposed city staff positions additions, and one proposed modification that would change the Administration Assistant from a part time position to a full time position. This budget is available to the public on the City of Salem’s website. The board approved the budget with a 3-1 vote with Alderwoman Dent casting the vote against. After the first reading of several bills, with little discussion and no questions, the board moved on to reports from city officials. Mayor Parker reported the 4th of July Parade is scheduled to start at 6:00 PM and this year’s theme is “Let Freedom Ring”, also the Salem Senior Center will have free summer meals for kids and teens younger than 18 years of age, this program will continue until August 20th. Utility Director Payne reported the rehire of a former employee who has already begun work on the city’s plan to smoke test city sewer pipes which will assist in identifying needed improvements. He went on to report ongoing repairs, training, upkeep, and general construction continues. During Alderwoman Sisco’s report, she praised Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Director Emily Cook for facilitating the recent concert at The Commons. She noted this event highlighted a pair of talented young bands and provided entertainment for tourists and citizens alike. She informed the public there will be a 4th of July Fireworks display at The Commons following the parade this year at dark, plus there will be a bake sale, 50/50 raffle, silent auction, and concessions. On the topic of fireworks, citizens are permitted to use fireworks within city limits from July 1st thru July 6th from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and on July 4th that designated end time is extended to midnight. The city offices will be closed on July 4th and 5th. The meeting was then adjourned.

An accident happened in Crawford County Wednesday morning at 7:41 on Interstate 44 eastbound at mile marker 213.4. According to the highway patrol report, a 2001 GMC Sierra driven eastbound by 48-year-old Jason Rupe of Salem, hydroplaned and traveled off the roadway. Rupe suffered minor injuries and was taken to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. The GMC Sustained extensive damage and was removed by Chris and Sons Towing.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On Friday, June 14th, deputies responded to the 2200 block of Dent County Road 6210 for a wanted subject. The suspect was a 37-year-old Salem woman who had two active warrants for her arrest. She was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail where she was incarcerated. That same day, deputies responded to Dent County Private Lane 201 for the report of a domestic disturbance involving a firearm. During the investigation, a 39-year-old Salem man was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail where he was placed on a 24-hour hold pending the issuance of formal charges. On Saturday, June 15th, Dent County Deputies responded to the 500 block of Route FF for the report of an assault. A 24-year-old Salem man was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated. On Sunday, June the 16th, a deputy took a report for some property damage that occurred on Route YY. The victim, a 36-year-old Salem man, discovered damage to his 2007 Chevrolet truck while it was parked near his residence. Finally on Wednesday, June 19th, deputies took the report of an assault that had occurred at Route K and Dent County Road 6370. The victim, a juvenile from Salem, was assaulted by a male subject. Suspect information was developed and the investigation is pending. If you have information regarding any investigation, please call the Dent County sheriffs office at 729-3241.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be holding a special meeting Thursday at noon at the central office. After approval of the consent agenda, the board will consider bids for roof projects before moving into executive session to discuss personnel. The meeting will then be adjourned after moving back into open session. The board meeting is open to the public.

The Bonebrake Center of Nature and History will be having a fishing day for kids this Saturday starting at 9:00. They will provide fishing poles and gear for a few kids courtesy of the Salem Public Library, but if you have your own fishing gear, please bring your own if possible. Folks will be available to assist participants. Please bring a refillable water bottle, snacks, bug spray, sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, a lawn chair and anything else you think you might need. Parents, please remain with your kids for the event. There is no charge, but donations are always welcome. Watch the Bonebrake Center Facebook page for future dates!

With dry weather around the state, the Missouri Department of Conservation reminds everyone to be especially careful with fireworks, campfires, and other sources of fire that could cause a wildfire. When driving off road remember that wildfires can start when dry fuel, such as grass, comes in contact with catalytic converters. Think twice before driving into and across a grassy field. Never park over tall, dry grass or piles of leaves that can touch the underside of a vehicle. When driving vehicles off road, regularly inspect the undercarriage to ensure that fuel and brake lines are intact, and no oil leaks are apparent. Always carry an approved fire extinguisher on vehicles that are used off road and check for the presence of spark arresters on ATV exhausts. When camping clear a generous zone around fire rings. Store unused firewood a good distance from a campfire. Never use gasoline, kerosene, or other flammable liquid to start a fire. Keep campfires small and controllable. Keep fire-extinguishing materials, such as a rake, shovel, and bucket of water, close. Extinguish campfires each night and before leaving camp, even if it’s just for a few moments. Call 911 at the first sign of a fire getting out of control. Learn more about camping on MDC areas at mdc.mo.gov.

The Creative Arts Center will hold a tie dye class with Laura Miller this Saturday morning from 10:00 until noon. Students will learn to fold and tie a shirt, apply dye for desired pattern then take home to rinse the next day. Students will choose a pattern to tie, choose a color palette of dye, and have hands-on experience of creating their own unique wearable art piece. The class is open to children from age 10-17 years old (with parent/legal guardian), as well as adults 18 and older. At least three people must sign up to hold the class and it will be limited to 12. The cost is $25 with all materials and instruction provided. To register, go the SACBA website and find the Programs tab. Find the Creative Arts Center and click to register for the class. Registrations online are on a first come, first serve basis. When checking out please choose a shirt size

Here is the the planned road work this week for our area as released by MoDOT. In Crawford County, bridge rehabilitation continues at the I-44 overpasses on Route F and H. The road is CLOSED to all traffic with a signed detour directing motorists around the closure. These projects are scheduled for completion in July 2024. Also, Route HH is closed at the Dry Creek bridge as the bridge deck is being replaced. The road is CLOSED to all traffic and motorists will need to seek an alternate route. The project is scheduled for completion in August 2024. In Dent County, culvert repair will be done on Route Y from Highway 49 to the Crawford County line. One lane will remain open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zone. In Phelps County, pothole patching will be done on Route F from Highway 72 to Highway 68. One lane will remain open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zone. On Route O, upgrades to pedestrian facilities continue in the city of Rolla from Highway 72 to Lions Club Drive. One lane will remain open in each direction. The project is scheduled for completion this month. All work is weather permitting, and schedules are subject to change. For more information about MoDOT projects, traffic updates, or other transportation-related matters, please visit our Traveler Information Map at traveler.modot.org/ or call our 24-hour Customer Service Center at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636).