Local News – Thursday, October 19th, 2023

The “Haunting at the Mill” event will be held this Saturday at Montauk State Park where Halloween and history combine, bring life to the Montauk mill. Come early from 3:30 to 5:30 for “spooky crafts” appropriate for all ages at the picnic shelter near the mill. You will find pumpkin crafts, face painting and other activities. Then discover the “spirits of Montauk Valley” at the old grist mill where they will remember the “good ol’ days” when they were alive. This not-so-scary, historical event will begin at 5:00, 6:00, 7:00 and 8:00 Saturday evening with a limit of 45 guests per show. Enjoy this presentation of area history from a unique perspective! This is a family event.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be holding their regular meeting tonight at 5:30 in the Salem R-80 board room. After approval of all consent agenda, the board will hear the Superintendent’s reports given by Dr. Reed and Dr. Wills including a review of the survey for the FEMA construction, a review of accounting from ESP with Chris Salzman and CSIP progress. That will be followed by reports from the principals of William Lynch Elementary, the Upper Elementary, the middle school, and high school. Clay Moody will then report to the board on athletics and activities followed by other reports. New business to be discussed include discussion to approve a bus lease with Dalton Sanders, the selection of a Belcher Scholarship nominee, the setting of the graduation date, and the board will consider an out-of-state choir trip. The board will then adjourning and moving into executive session to discuss personnel, and real estate. The meeting is open to the public.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways will host a free, one-day workshop about the basics of fly fishing for youth between the ages of 12 and 16 this Sunday, October 22nd at the Akers Visitor Center. This free workshop is limited to 10 youth participants and at least one parent or guardian for each youth. Reservations are required. Park Ranger Mark Van Patten will lead the workshops. Ranger Van Patten will demonstrate various fly rod casting techniques, proper catch and release techniques, and strategies for fly presentation. Instruction will also include lessons on aquatic entomology, recommended equipment, reading the water, and understanding flies. Fly fishing is not just for trout. Fly rods and reels will be available for those who do not have their own. The book Fly Fishing A-Z will be provided. The clinic is expected to last the full day. Participants should bring a valid Missouri fishing permit and trout stamp if 16 years or older. A trout stamp is required for all ages, and if under 16, the cost is $5.00. Waders or something to wear while wading but no open-toed shoes. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, lunch and water. This workshop is made possible through the support of the Ozark Riverways Foundation and a grant from the National Park Foundation. For more information, please contact the Pulltite Ranger Station at (573) 858-3397.

In a case heard last Wednesday, October 12th, in front of Judge Michael Randazzo, Melissa Lea of Salem had her probation revoked surrounding two cases involving the possession of methamphetamine. Lea was sentenced to serve seven years in the Missouri Department of Corrections under RSMO 559.115 as requested by Prosecutor Andrew Curley.

Dent County University of Missouri Extension Council invites residents to join the 2023-2024 group of volunteers that make Dent County a better place to live through Extension programs. Representatives will be elected in a non-partisan election from January 8th through the 12th. Candidates must be at least 18-years-old and reside in the county. Applications to be a candidate are available by calling 573-729-3196, online at extension.missouri.edu/dent or email at dentco@missouri.edu. Completed applications are due November 16th at the Dent County Extension at 112 East 5th Street in Salem, MO. Designated by state statute as the official body to cooperate with the University of Missouri in delivery of Extension programs, the council has roles in programming, fiscal and personnel. The Dent County Extension Council is the local link between county residents and the University of Missouri four-campus system. Responsibilities include attending monthly meetings (4th Monday), identify concerns of the community to connect citizens with Extension resources, administer the county budget and assist in planning, promoting, and carrying out Extension efforts. Individuals interested in serving on the council may contact Ray Walden, County Development Specialist, at the Dent County extension office (573-729-3196). Information about the Dent County Extension office can be found on the web at www.extension.missouri.edu/dent.

Lexie Mutch will be hosting two Make Your Own Journal Coptic Bookbinding workshops at the Creative Arts Center this Saturday and next Saturday, October 28th, from 4:00 till 6:00. This workshop is for anyone interested in learning the technique of coptic bookbinding, making their own art journals, books, or a gift for a friend. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon tearing down paper, cutting and gluing covers unique to your own taste, and sewing a strong and lovely binding. Come enjoy an afternoon learning how to make your own coptic-bound sketchbook or journal. This coptic-bound book will lay flat, a joy to work within and lovely to behold and hold! No previous knowledge is required to attend. This process involves utilizing sharp blades, a bit of muscle, and can be hard on arthritic hands at certain points. Handmade books are a treasure to use yourself or to share with someone you cherish. Each participant will make their own blank book, with paper torn and folded, covers chosen, cut and glued, and bindings sewn together all themselves. This workshop is for ages 12 and up, the cost is $30. There must be at least 3 attendees and no more than 10 attendees. Interested persons can sign up on salemcommunitybetterment.com website for activities at the Creative Arts Center under “Programs.”