Local News – Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022
The Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) is working on updating the hazard mitigation plan for Dent County. The next meeting, which is open to the public, is scheduled for this afternoon at 1:00 at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory at 1200 W. Rolla Road in Salem. Hazard mitigation planning is focused on reducing risk before disasters strike. Activities such as burying electric lines, reduces damage during tornadoes, and elevating homes in the floodplain help reduce damage and loss of life during natural disasters. Public input is necessary to truly understand the risks that could be facing the county. Additionally, the county must have a current, updated plan to be eligible for some hazard mitigation grants. The first draft of the revised plan must be submitted to State Emergency Management Agency by March 17th, 2023. The County-level hazard mitigation plans cover a five-year time frame. Dent County’s last plan was approved in October 2018. Jurisdictions within the county, such as cities, the county itself, schools, fire departments and others, are asked to participate in the planning process, complete the questionnaire, review the revised plan and adopt the new plan. It was also discussed that a survey on hazard mitigation would be promoted throughout the county to get public input into the plan. That survey can be found at meramecregion.org/surveys. If you have questions, please contact Tammy Snodgrass at MRPC at 573-265-2993 or by email at tsnodgrass@meramecregion.org.
The Salem Board of Aldermen will meet this evening at 6:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers. At the meeting following the consent agenda, the board will discuss Bill #3500 to establish an ordinance to extend the project time period to allow for the completion of the work for the design and construction of taxi lanes for T-Hangers in Phase 1 of airport improvements from an agreement originally signed on August 13th, 2019. The board will then approve Resolution 4-2022 that authorizes the Mayor to enter into affordable housing program subsidy agreement for owner occupied projects between the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, Riverways Federal Credit Union, and the City of Salem, Missouri Office of Economic Development as part of the Welcome Home Project. They will also hear reports from City Administrator Ray Walden, Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge, Mayor Kim Steelman, Public Works Director Mark Nash, Parks and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois, and from the Aldermen. The board may then vote to go into closed session. The Board of Aldermen meeting is open to the public.
The Dent County Sheriff’s office has released reports for the week of February 12th. On Saturday, February 12th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on West Highway 32. During the course of the stop, a 22-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while their license revoked or suspended. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Then on Wednesday, February 16th, a deputy investigated a suspicious subject in the 200 block of South Warfel Street. During the investigation, a 22-year-old Salem woman was arrested for the possession of a controlled substance and the possession of drug paraphernalia. The subject was transported to the Dent County Jail where she was placed on a 24- hour hold pending the issuance of a warrant. Later that day, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on West Highway 32. During the course of the stop, a 24-year-old Salem woman was arrested for an having active Dent County warrant. Upon arrival at the Dent County Jail, the subject was found to be in possession of a controlled substance and was in possession of drug paraphernalia. The woman was incarcerated for her warrant and placed on a 24-hour hold pending the issuance of a warrant for the additional charges. On Friday, February 18th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on East Highway 32. During the course of the vehicle search, a controlled substance was located in the vehicle. A 19-year-old Licking man was arrested for the possession of a controlled substance and transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. Upon further investigation, the man was released, and charges will be sought at a later date. If you have any information on any ongoing investigation, contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.
A beginners-stained glass class with Jennifer Curry will be every Thursday in March at the Creative Arts Center. The 4-week class will hold two evening sessions each Thursday at 3:30-5:30 or 5:30 to 7:30. Learn the art of Stained Glass and create a suncatcher choosing from 8 to 10 patterns that will be provided. All supplies and safety equipment will be provided and the fee for all 4 weeks is $150. For more info or to register, call 247-0651 or 247-5306 or you can e-mail salemartscouncil@outlook.com.