Local News – Tuesday, March 5th, 2019

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge gave her report for the month of February. She currently has seven ongoing projects and a new project that was pre-existing that is going to be moving forward with altered plans. She also wanted to remind people to check out the Salem, Missouri Facebook page for upcoming events and information. She said she will be rescheduling the Economic Development Strategic Plan meeting that was postponed last Thursday by adverse weather. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell and District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson each indicated that work crews this weekend were out salting and sanding roads after the snow Sunday morning. With the extremely cold temperatures, crews will be out checking and treating slick spots on curves and hills to make sure people can get to their destinations. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported on the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District Executive Board meeting he attended last Tuesday. He reported the board toured the Tacony Manufacturing plant in St. James where they assemble numerous brands of vacuum cleaners. He said they had received a grant to get a new cardboard processor that turns scrap cardboard into packing material. This saves the company money by not having to purchase bubble wrap or Styrofoam peanuts. Tacony employs 81 people and they are always looking for good people to employ. They also have a vacuum cleaner museum that includes the collection of the late Stan Kann who used to be the organist at the Fox Theater back in the 1930’s through the 60’s. Skiles said that two representatives from the Department of Natural Resources were also in attendance to remind people that grants are still available for the use of old shredded tire material for playgrounds or trails. Skiles went on to say that all three commissioners attended the “Meramec Morning” that was held Wednesday at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley wanted to remind anyone that is not registered to vote you must do so by March 6th or you will not be able to vote in the Municipal Election in April. She also mentioned that absentee voting is going on now and will through April 1st. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Meramec Regional Planning Commission and Phelps County Public Housing Agency Family Self-Sufficiency program will host a free "Eating Smart" class on March 7th from 10:00 in the morning until noon at the Phelps County PHA Office located at #4 Industrial Drive in St. James. This class is designed for teaching families with young children to learn healthy lifestyle choices. Topics include physical activity, how to stretch food dollars, how to increase the amount and variety of fruits and vegetables, identifying whole grain foods and why they are beneficial, building strong points, lean protein sources and choosing foods low in fat, sugar and salt. Christy Saylor, the Missouri Ozarks Community Action county projects coordinator, will present the workshop which is offered at no cost to the participant. For more information or to RSVP, contact Savannah Vandegriffe at 573-265-4200 ext. 132. Free training classes are a part of MRPC and PHA's efforts to help prepare families by making them aware of the resources available to assist with self-sufficiency. Each participant who attends will receive a $25 Wal-Mart gift card, as long as they meet income qualifications.

The Salem Park Board will be meeting this evening at 7:00 at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. The board will hear a report from Parks and Recreation Director Tye Lydon. After the directors report, there will be an update on the LWCF Grant for the Soccer Fields. The board will also discuss adding the position of Assistant Park and Recreation Director if the budget allows. A budget update will then be presented along with opening of bids for a new Kubota Mower/Tractor. The board will address any other business before adjourning. The meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Area Community Betterment Association will be presenting their Trivia Night this Friday night at 6:00 at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Teams may consist up to eight players and the fee is $100.00 per team. There will be ten questions in ten categories. Participants are welcome to bring dinner for their team and drinks and popcorn will be available for purchase. There will be prizes for the top three teams, the team with the cleverest name, and first place will receive a cash prize of $200.00 and a trophy. For more information call 729-8163 or email judy@salemcommunitycenter.org.

The Doe Run Company has named Steve Batts as vice president and chief operating officer. The 30-year veteran of the company will lead the entire organization’s operations including balancing immediate performance with long-term maintenance and growth to maximize the company’s prosperity, sustainability and development. Additional local company leaders received promotions within the SEMO Division. Brian Mangogna has been named general manager of SEMO operations. Mangogna has been with Doe Run for approximately 20 years, most recently as mill manager. During his tenure, he has overseen ISO environmental certification at each mill location, improved metallurgy and metal recovery, and developed more efficient processes for shipping Doe Run’s lead and zinc concentrates globally. Mangogna received a bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering from University of Missouri – Rolla (now Missouri S&T) and a master’s degree in business administration from Webster University. Mangogna lives in Salem, Missouri.