Local News, Thursday, July 28, 2022

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting Tuesday night at the City Hall Council Chambers at 6:00. The board approved a request from Jenna Deason to close the streets around the courthouse including Iron, 4th and 5th Streets for an October music festival that includes kids’ games and vendors. The board heard from Town Screen, LLC about their video network in Salem that focuses on local business and activities. After the consent agenda, the board approved Bill #3513 that would create an ordinance pertaining to the appointment of a temporary city administrator and they also approved Bill #3514 that would create an ordinance for the mayor to execute contingency allowance #4 between the city and ESP for additional requested duct work for the old city hall for $1,768. The board accepted the bid from T & R Electric for transformers for the electric department. City Administrator Ray Walden then gave an update on ongoing projects. Mayor Greg Parker reminded everyone to get out and vote on Tuesday, August 2. He informed the board he would be attending upcoming board and committee meetings to make sure they are organized and running in a professional manner. Public Works Director Mark Nash informed the board that they ordered the parts for the sewer machine and his crews were able to rebuild the city’s machine. Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge said there was no update on the certified site. Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois reported that there were thirty-nine summer ball teams with a total of 496 youth involved. She went on to thank the volunteer coaches for a great season. She said the summer day camp was full and they accepted twenty-five campers. There will be a new performing arts camp this summer and so far, 23 youth have registered. She mentioned flag football registration will begin August 1st. The security cameras are up and running at the Alice Lou Craig Municipal swimming pool. Dubois also reminded everyone about the movie night in the park sponsored by Intercounty Electric. Alderman Shawn Bolerjack talked about two programs. The first was the Neighborhood Leadership Academy through the Missouri Extension Office. He also informed the board about the SAFHR Program to help residents who may need help with rent and utilities from the effects of Covid. So far twenty-four Dent County residents have received help through the SAFHR program. Kyle Williams informed the board there will be a public hearing on Tuesday, August 23rd at 5:45 in the evening to discuss sewer rates. Also, the Utility Committee will meet the evening of Wednesday, August 10th at 6:15. The board then went into closed session to discuss contracts, personnel, and real estate.

The City of Salem’s Finance Committee will hold a meeting this evening, at 5:30 at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. The agenda includes consideration of fees, unused tax, update on the budget, and audit status before adjournment. The meeting was called by Finance Committee Chair Kayla Sisco and is open to the public.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways will be conducting two managed deer hunts in October at Big Spring. These hunting opportunities are being extended to two special groups of the nation’s population, our youth, and our military service members with permanent mobility impairments. The youth hunt will be held October 8th and 9th. Anyone interested in applying for this hunt must apply online through the Missouri Department of Conservation at www.mdc.mo.gov/managedhunt. The Managed Deer Hunt application period for the youth hunt is July 1 through July 31. The Exceptional Warrior Mobility-Impaired managed hunt will be held October 22nd and 23rd. Applications and more information for the Mobility Impaired hunt can be found on-line at: https://www.nps.gov/ozar. A total of 10 randomly selected hunters will be chosen for each hunt. Portions of the Big Spring area will be temporarily closed to the public during both hunts on the following dates. The Exceptional Warrior Mobility-Impaired managed hunt is being conducted in partnership with the Foundation for Exceptional Warriors (The FEW), the Missouri Department of Conservation, S&T Taxidermy, Quilts of Valor, Outdoorsmen with a Mission, and Ozark Riverways Foundation. The FEW is a nonprofit organization that proactively and directly serves Exceptional Warriors who epitomize honor, valor, service, and sacrifice. The organization is helping to offset hunting and lodging expenses for the Exceptional Warrior hunt participants. For more information on The FEW, visit their website at www.exceptionalwarriors.org, or phone (918) 824-1094. For more information, visit the park’s Facebook page, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/ozar, or phone (573) 323-4236.

Montauk State Park will be hosting a Kid’s Trout Fishing Tournament on Saturday July 30th. The tournament is sponsored by the Dorman L. Steelman Lodge and is limited to kids 15 years old and younger. There are two age categories 11 and under and 12 to 15. Registration will be at the Dorman L. Steelman Lodge Saturday morning at 7:00. Two prizes will be awarded in each age group. One for trout and one for stringer of trout, by a random drawing of all entries at 2:00 in the afternoon in the Lodge. For more information contact the park at 573-548-2201.

Be sure to visit the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center now through July 31st for a display honoring Missourian Thomas Hart Benton. On display will be a scaled replica of the Thomas Hart Benton mural. The mural was commissioned in 1935 and completed in 1936. The mural explores the history and tales of Missouri’s past. If you have questions, would like more information, or would like to volunteer please call Liz Condray at 573-729-0029.

The Alice Lou Craig Municipal Swimming Pool at the Salem City Park will be offering a night swim this Friday from 7:30 until 9:30 with a $5.00 admission. Season pass holders will be admitted free. This special night swim is being held since the pool had to be closed for a few days due to maintenance.