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The Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, April 2nd which will determine a number of school district boards, hospital board, health center board, as well as City of Salem and Bunker city position elections. Candidates running for the two-year terms for the City of Salem Mayor are incumbent Greg Parker, Lisa Elliott, Grover “Mike” Whitley and Eddie Fleetwood; while Catherine Dent and Richard LaBrash are running for the West Ward Alderman seat; and incumbent Kala Sisco and James Vance are running for the East Ward Alderman seat. For the City of Bunker, all the current office holders are running unopposed for two year terms which include Mayor Gary Conway, Jr., Aldermen Tom Case and James McClanahan, and City Tax Collector Nancy Amaral. For the Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees which are four-year terms, incumbents Carol Lacy and Lori Hasten are the only one running for the two available seats. For the Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, three district positions will be available with different terms. The District 5 seat is the only open position that will run the full six years and the candidates are incumbent Ray Bruno, N. Dwayne Land, Frank Barnitz and Colleen Lake; the District 4 seat has five-years left on its term and running are incumbent Zach Moser and C. David Kerr; and the District 6 seat has one year left on its term and the candidates are incumbent Dr. Leigh Ann Price and Susan Jordan. Three school boards had their available openings filled by incumbents and those districts were Green Forest R-2, Dent-Phelps R-3 and Northwood R-4 so there will be no election at those districts. For the Salem R-80 School Board, running for the two open positions are incumbent Steven Patterson along with Lauren Prugh and Jason Green. For the Bunker R-3 School District, running for their two open positions are incumbent Mike Dickerson, Kelly Gant and Jason Lee Lacey. For the Oak Hill R-1 School District running for their two open three-year positions are incumbent Nathan Ragsdale along with Rhonda Wolfe-Hutsell and Mikel Chambers. For the one-year position available at Oak Hill, only April Greener filed for the position. The Quad County Fire District had two people file for the open director on their board that will serve a six-year term and Robert Hicks and Karla Payne are running for that seat. For the Rolla Rural Fire Protection District, they have two openings on their board and voters will need to select two from these four candidates: Ryan Long, Jason Shenefield, Keith Grayson and Chad Engelke. Remember, the polls will be open from 6:00 in the morning until 7:00 in the evening Tuesday and you can still vote absentee today at the Dent County Courthouse until 5:00 today. Remember, you must bring a photo ID such as a valid Missouri Drivers License, a valid Missouri non-Drivers License, a US passport or a military ID.

Also on the ballot, Dent County has two issues for all county voters to decide. The first is to impose a local use sales tax rate of 2.25% that would be collected on out-of-state sales or those on the Internet by Dent County citizens where these sales taxes are currently not being collected. It is compensatory tax on those items where you would pay the same sales tax rate when buying items on the Internet or out-of-state as if you were buying them locally. This does not affect the current sales tax rate already charged by brick and mortar stores in Salem and Dent County. The other issue would be to impose a countywide sales tax of three percent on the retails sales of adult use marijuana sold in Dent County. The other issues on the ballot are for Salem R-80 voters with Proposition E asking voters to raise the operating tax levy from the state minimum of $2.75 per $100 assessed valuation to $3.65 per $100 assessed valuation, or an additional 90 cents. Proposition W is asking the voters to issue additional General Obligation Bonds for $6,000,000 for the purchase of the SBU Building on Grand, the construction of the FEMA shelter at the Upper Elementary campus, additions to the Construction Trades Building, renovations to the Ag building and the acquisition of new school busses. If passed, this would increase the debt service levy of the Salem R-80 district from 45 cents per $100 assessed valuation to 79 cents per $100 assessed valuation, an increase of 34 cents. If both issues pass, Salem R-80 voters would see their real estate and personal property tax rates increase by an additional $1.24 per $100 assessed valuation.

Local author Julia Boardman will visit the children’s area of the Salem Public Library Tuesday from 11:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon to share her two picture books. The first book is When Pigs Fly, the second book is What Is A Black Hole. Also the Salem Public Library will be closed on Monday, April 8^th from 1:30 in the afternoon till 2:30. The Library will reopen at 2:30 and close at its usual time of 5:00 in the evening.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 6080 while only grading would be done on county roads 5150 and 5600. Mobray reported that MoDOT approved to pay up to 80% for the professional engineering for TAP Project 9901871 for the improvements to the sidewalks around the courthouse square not to exceed $39,953.27 The total cost of this part of the project is $49,941.59 of which Dent County would be responsible for at least $9,988.32. The county is working with Great Rivers Engineering on this project. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk reported rock would be added and grading done on county roads 3050, 3165 and 4300 while only grading was going to be done on Dent County Road 3020. Polk also said rock was going to be added to county road 3070. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson indicated he and Sheriff Bob Wells attended a meeting in Van Buren on the NG911 system for the region. Larson said he signed the Memorandum of Understanding to move forward with a grant with INDigital that would provide the new and improved system to Dent County that would involve no costs for the first five years with an average cost of $35,380 per year for years six through eight. Larson said the Salem Police Department would also be a part of the system and their cost after the first five years would be an average of $19,798 per year for years six through eight. Larson said the there are 13 entities from this region that would be served by the new NG911 and they include the counties of Dent, Shannon, Oregon, Carter, Ripley, Perry, Bollinger, Madison, Wayne, Reynolds and St. Francois that would also affect St. Genevieve and Iron County. Two police departments were also included and they were Salem and Thayer. There was not a timetable given on this project. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the courthouse would be closed today for Good Friday. She said her office would be open for absentee voting Saturday from 8:00 in the morning until noon, then again on Monday from 8;00 in the morning until 5:00. On Tuesday, the polls will be open from 6:00 in the morning until 7:00 in the evening. She wanted to remind people that if you have made an address or name change and have not yet contacted her office, you need to so. If you have questions, please call 729-4144. Curley also wanted to remind people to bring with them a picture ID when they go to vote. This could be a valid Missouri Diver’s License, valid Missouri Non-Drivers License, US passport or military ID. She also wanted to remind candidates they need at least verbal permission from property owners to place signs on their property. Candidates also cannot place signs on MoDOT, county or municipal street rights-of-way; and each sign must have clearly indicated on the sign “paid for by (name) or (committee.)” Using “Paid for by candidate” is not permissible. If any candidate has any questions, they should also contact the Dent County Clerk’s office at 729-4144. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and it is open to the public.

Want to see Missouri state parks from a new perspective? Join the Learn2 Climb program and learn the basics of outdoor rock climbing from a certified instructor and then try it out on real rock. This beginner-level course will allow you to enjoy nature from new heights! From 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon Saturday, April 6th and Sunday, April 7th, Missouri State Parks is hosting an introductory rock climbing program at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park. This opportunity allows participants to try a new activity while experiencing some of Missouri’s vertical attractions. All equipment (harness, helmet and climbing shoes) and expertise is provided; participants just need to provide enthusiasm and eagerness to discover nature and a new skill. They should wear appropriate clothing and footwear for hiking and rock climbing activities, and bring a packed lunch and enough water for the day. This program is free, but preregistration is required. Participants must be at least 10 years of age; children ages 10-14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout the entire program. Register at icampmo.usedirect.com. If you have questions, please send an e-mail to taylor.ratcliff@dnr.mo.gov. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is located at 148 Taum Sauk Trail in Middle Brook. For more information, contact 573-546-2450. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The time is now to start thinking about the Salem Community Garden behind the Salem United Methodist Church. If you are interested in a plot, contact Master Gardener Charlie Grimm at 573-368-9902 and he will assign you a plot. You can get more than one plot, but there will be a slight charge for each additional plot. Water and tools are provided, and all you need to bring is your love of gardening and the seeds you want to plant. For more information, call Master Gardener Charlie Grimm or the Dent County Extension at 729-3196.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting at the Salem Community Center @The Armory on Tuesday evening. The board heard public comments from five citizens regarding the proposed housing project by the Salem Housing Authority and three citizens regarding their support of the lease between the City and Healthy Dent County for the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. The board approved the resignation of Interim Public Works Director Joe Chase. Assistant City Clerk Wanda Suhr gave the oath of office to new Public Works Director Steven Paine. The board heard from Lyndell Decker who requested and received approval to close parts of Fourth, Iron and Fifth Streets for a Back to School Bash on August 17th. The board heard a presentation from Salem Housing Authority Board member Sherman Odom regarding the proposed housing development on Tenth Street. Odom explained that the Housing Authority would like to seek grant funding from the Federal Home Loan Bank in the amount of $3 million to build 24 low-income housing units on 3.2 acres of the 4 acre parcel. A letter of commitment to donate the land only if the grant is awarded is needed from the City to include in the grant application. After his presentation, the neighbors in attendance had the opportunity to ask questions. No action was taken by the board. Brandi Richardson with the Dent County Extension presented their Annual Report and thanked the City for supporting their programs. The board approved the Salem Housing Authority’s recommendation to add Michael Rushing to their board, replacing Rose Kinerk’s expired term. Stacy Houston presented financial reports, including the total sales tax revenues, utility usage and revenues, and a fund balance summary. The board approved Bill No. 3607 allowing the city to receive additional Transportation Enhancement Funds for the TAP grant project. The City’s previous total match was $198,700, this agreement decreases the City’s match to $171,600. The City solicited a Request for Terms for a Tax-Exempt, bank-qualified fixed rate bond in the amount of $400,000 to help pay for the Phase 2a and 2b Sewer upgrades. The board approved moving forward with short-term financing from Town and Country Bank to purchase the City’s Revenue bonds. The board approved the bid from Donald Maggi Inc in the amount of $496,692.04 to complete the downtown TAP grant project. The board approved Bill No. 3605 amending the Codes of the City of Salem to allow for e-mail and electronic delivery of utility bills. The board approved Bill No. 3606, amendments to the current agreement with Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Utility Commission. The board approved Bill No. 3601, allowing the property at 306 E. Second Street to be available for sale. The board approved Bill No. 3602 a lease agreement with Council for a Healthy Dent County for the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. The board then went into closed session.

The Doe Run Company’s Maroon mine rescue team was awarded two first place awards and two third-place awards at the 2024 Tennessee Southeast Regional mine rescue contest in Sevierville, TN. The team competed against 26 coal and metal/non-metal mine rescue teams to earn first place in Team Tech and Team Trainer competitions. The Maroon team also took home 3rd place in the two-day mine rescue field problem competition and were awarded third place overall in the grand champion category which includes results for field, tech and first aid, combined. The competition consisted of two days of separate Mine Rescue Field problems including: simulating underground emergency situations, a first aid competition with a CPR and first-responder scenario, a breathing apparatus Benchman contest, and a team technician competition to test technical troubleshooting of mine rescue equipment and calculate ventilation readings. Each event also included a written test to assess the team’s knowledge. The U.S.Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) judged the event. Doe Run’s mine rescue teams train on a voluntary basis and compete in mine rescue competitions annually. The Doe Run Maroon Team is comprised of Luke Davis (Benchman) and Brandon “Buck” Roderman (first-aid), Andrew Hampton (Team Captain and Team Tech), Michael Snyder (first-aid), Jarred Tackett (first-aid), Richie Brewer, Ethan Kerr, Jake Piatt (Team Tech), and Steve Setzer (Team Trainer). The teams consistently place near or at the top at regional and national mine rescue competitions. Doe Run’s focus on safety is evident beyond mine rescue. Several sites have gone years without a lost-time accident, including Sweetwater Mill reaching 26 consecutive years with no lost-time accidents; Brushy Creek Mill with 17 years; and Buick Mill with 12 years. In addition, the Sweetwater Mine surface team has reached 19 years with no lost-time accidents.

The Salem FFA Chapter was named the Gahr Truck and Equipment New Holland Blue Ribbon FFA Chapter during National FFA Week. The chapter competed with 10 area schools. Points were accumulated by Salem winning the essay contest, posting over 50 supervised agriculture experience pictures, and taking over 60 FFA members to tour Gahr Truck and Equipment in St. James. Gahr Truck and Equipment presented the Salem FFA with a $1000 check, as well as a Gahr Truck and Equipment 2024 New Holland Blue Ribbon FFA Chapter plaque and a large framed poster of the history of New Holland. Congratulations Salem FFA Chapter!!!