Local News – Wednesday, December 22nd, 2021
The Salem R-80 Board of Education in closed session Thursday night heard an A+ citizenship appeal. The board unanimously approved the appeal of the student. The Board also heard from an employee who requested back pay of 18 days but voted to deny the request by a 5-1 vote. They also unanimously approved awarding the Belcher Scholarship to Kennedy Chapman. In other action taken, the board approved moving Aaron Steelman one step on the salary schedule due to a change of job responsibilities, approved giving a raise of $1.00 an hour to Andy Rowe due to a change of job responsibilities, and to move Traci Wulff from step 16 to step 24 on the salary schedule due to a change of job responsibilities. The school board then accepted the resignation of Kristi Steelman as assistant Volleyball coach; and Phil Karr as a high school physical education teacher, head softball coach, and athletic director effective at the end of the 21-22 school year. After a personnel issue was discussed, the meeting was adjourned.
An accident happened in Cape Girardeau County Monday morning at 6:55 at the intersection of Route K and Highway 25. According to the highway patrol report, a 2021 Kia Sorrento driven westbound by 33-year-old James Tanner of Jackson, turned into the path of a 2014 Jeep Cherokee driven northbound by 24-year-old Courtney Spencer of Rolla, and was struck. Spencer suffered moderate injuries and was taken by an ambulance to St. Francis Medical Center. Everyone involved was wearing seat restraints. Both vehicles were totaled with the Jepp being removed from the scene by Midwest Truck Towing and the Kia being taken from the scene by Carnell’s Towing.
The Missouri Department of Conservation reports hunters harvested three elk during the firearms portion of the elk-hunting season, from December 11th through the 19th. An archery portion ran October 16th through the 24th with two elk harvested. Five Missouri hunters were selected for elk permits through a random drawing. Last year’s inaugural elk hunt ended with all five hunters harvesting bull elk during the firearms portion. No elk were taken during the 2020 archery portion.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Energy is accepting grant applications now through February 28th, 2022, to reimburse farmers for energy-saving equipment through its Energize Missouri Agriculture Program. The department is offering up to $3 million in cost-share grants to agricultural operations for energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy equipment. Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified applicants. The program will reimburse approved applicants up to 75% or a maximum of $7,500 of the purchase cost, excluding time and labor costs, of qualifying energy-saving equipment and systems per applicant. Some examples of eligible projects include solar-powered watering systems and fencers, irrigation upgrades, GPS systems for tractors and applicators, ventilationand insulation. Anyone interested in more information or applying for the Energize Missouri Agriculture Program should visit dnr.mo.gov/energy for more details. Purchases made prior to signing the terms and conditions agreement will not qualify for reimbursement. Those without internet access may obtain a paper application form by contacting the department by phone at 573-751-2254 or 855-522-2796. The Energize Missouri Agriculture Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and is part of the funds managed by the department’s Division of Energy.
The Missouri Conservation Commission and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) recognize citizens who make outstanding contributions to conservation in Missouri and are accepting nominations for their Master Conservationist Award and the Missouri Conservation Hall of Fame through December 31st. The Master Conservationist Award honors living or deceased citizens while the Missouri Conservation Hall of Fame recognizes deceased individuals. Those who can be considered for either honor are Missourians who performed outstanding acts or whose dedicated service over an extended time produced major progress in fisheries, forestry, or wildlife conservation in Missouri. Employees of conservation-related agencies who performed outstanding acts or whose dedicated service over an extended time produced major progress in fisheries, forestry, or wildlife conservation in Missouri. Anyone can submit a nomination, which should include a statement describing the nominee’s accomplishments and a brief biography. A screening committee appointed by the MDC director meets annually to consider nominees, with the Conservation Commission conveying final approval. Get more information on the Master Conservationist Award and Missouri Conservation Hall of Fame nomination forms at mdc.mo.gov. Nominations must be submitted by December 31st to Missouri Department of Conservation, Attention Julie Love, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180.
Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk says her office and the Dent County Assessor’s office will be open the week after Christmas including New Year’s Eve from 8:00 in the morning until 5:30 in the afternoon for those who wish to make tax payments. Payment of your taxes may be made at the collector’s office, by mail, using the drop box at the southwest corner of the courthouse square, or online. Fees will be the same as last year and will be charged on all credit or debit cards. For more information, call 729-3911. Remember, the 2022 Dent County Assessment Lists will be mailed the first week of January 2022. To avoid a late filing penalty, your completed assessment forms will be due in the assessor’s office by March 1st. Online filing will also be available from January 2nd through April 30th. The courthouse will be closed this Thursday and Friday for the Christmas holiday.