Local News – Wednesday, May 15th, 2024

At the Dent County Commissioner meeting Monday, Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk and the Dent County Commission discused Senate Bill 190 and the new language that is coming out today to hopefully clarify the law. The original SB 190 language was unclear on how it was to be processed which is why the local commission refrained from moving forward after the Governor signed the bill. VanKirk said the software for her computer system to even implement the Homestead Credit has not yet even been created and the developer right now is working on it for Laclede County. The initial cost of this new software will be $20,000 that will be paid for by taxpayer money. The cost of any updates for each year are unknown. VanKirk said the county collectors will be holidng a workshop very soon to come up with an application process for people who are 62 years of age and older who would qualify for the program. There is also some confusion if this credit is for county taxes only, or is for all the taxing entities such as school districts, hospital districts, etc. If this is for county property taxes only, the credits could be small for the real estate owner and may not be there at all if the county sales taxes raise too much money which would then require a rollback in property taxes as required by the Hancock Amendment. It is hoped the new language will help clarify these points. Following the collector’s workshop, VanKirk will present her findings to all the county officer holders that will be affected by SB 190 to discuss how this will be implemented in Dent County. Only then will they bring it to the comissioners for discussion and adoption. They is a lot of misinformation about this bill and what it will do, and if anyone has any questions, please call Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk at 573-729-3911.

In a press release from Salem Parks and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois, the Parks and Recreation Department regrets to inform citizens that the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Swimming Pool will remain closed for the 2024 Summer season due to significant damage sustained to its pool liner from the hailstorm on April 18th. As a result of the extensive damage, it is necessary to keep the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Swimming Pool closed for the season while arrangements are made for professional replacement of the pool liner. Ensuring the safety and quality of our facilities for the community is our utmost priority, and we apologize for any inconvenience this closure may cause. Updates regarding the progress of repairs and plans for the upcoming season will be provided as soon as they become available. During this closure, we encourage citizens to explore other recreational opportunities offered by the City of Salem Parks and Recreation Department, and other entities including parks, trails, and recreational programs available throughout the community. The Park and Recreation Department appreciates the understanding and cooperation of the Salem community during this time. For more information and updates, please visit the City of Salem Parks and Recreation Department Facebook page or contact us directly. You can contact Melissa DuBois, Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Salem Parks and Recreation Department, at 573-729-6031 or email her at: salemparks@salemmo.com.

This Saturday from 10:00 until 12:30 at the Creative Arts Center, Jennifer Johnson will teach you how to needle felt into a beautiful wool succulent in this beginner friendly class. You will make your own 2”-3” needle felted plant from start to finish. One ceramic pot will be provided per person. All materials are included, including foam mats, felting needles and wool. The class will be taught as a follow along guide, with one style of succulent being demonstrated. There is room for creative color choice and shape! The barbed felting needles are very sharp, so it is not recommended for children younger than 14. No experience is necessary, but good hand-eye coordination and focus is a must. The cost: is $30 and a minmum of five people need to sign up to hold the class which will hold no more than 10. Class registrations are on a first come, first serve basis with online registrations at the SACBA website under the Creative Arts Center. Felting mats, needles, and colorful wool enough to make an additional succulent will be available as a kit for purchase after the class so you can continue to have fun with your new skill!

The City of Salem Utility Committee will be meeting tonight at 6:15 in the evening at the Salem Community Center@The Armory at 1200 West Rolla Road. At the meeting, the committee will hear about utility billing and payments as well as changes in the office. The committee will hear about the Service Protection Program and be updated on the MMMPEP meeting held May 9th. The committee will also hear work reports from city employees before there is a draft budget presentation and rate discussion. The Utility Committee meeting tonight is open to the public.