News – Friday, May 29th, 2026

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse for its regular meeting. Under road reports, District One Commissioner Keith Green reported that crew members would be out grading county roads 5090 and 5220. A pipe will be installed on County Road 4110. Crew members will also be preparing chipseal roads for most of the coming week for resurfacing. Green also stressed for residents to have patience, as County Road 5220 is receiving higher usage due to the bridge closure on Route B and trucks utilizing it as a detour. Crew members are aware of the issue and will keep an eye on the road and provide maintenance when able. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported that crew members will be out hauling rock and grading county roads 2120, 2150, 2155, 4260, and 4270. In addition, crew members have performed maintenance around the area of Anutt. Williams further reported that both district commissioners visited MoDOT recently to request maintenance on the approaches on county roads. Deputy County Clerk Melissa Piatt reported that the County Clerk’s office is preparing for the August 4th Primary Election. Meanwhile, Danny Brown and Rob Pulliam visited the commission on possible grant opportunities for low-water crossings around Dent County. Pulliam, a representative for a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization called The Nature Conservancy (TNC), encouraged the commissioners to send a list of high priority crossings which have caused issues in the past for the county. According to Pulliam, TNC can assist with funding for low-water crossings and some culvert bridges which pose significant barriers to the movement of fish and other wildlife, have high maintenance costs, and are hazards for folks during high-water events. One example Pulliam provided was a project on Willhite Road in Crawford County, which now allows fish and other species to pass through freely. In order to be eligible, low-water crossings need to be over moving water and open miles of river. To learn more about TNC and its efforts in Missouri, visit its website at nature.org and search “Protecting and Restoring Missouri’s Rivers.” Commissioners will be in contact with Pulliam in the future and send him a priority list of possibly eligible crossings. The next meeting will be 9:00 in the morning next Monday at the courthouse, and the meeting is open to the public.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met Tuesday night for its regular meeting. Under new and miscellaneous business, the board approved an auction seller agreement with J.J. Kane Associates, Inc. and J.J. Kane Exchange, LLC. for the sale of city property by public auction, a switch from Purple Wave with a hope of better returns. The board also approved the annual renewal of health insurance through United Healthcare for city employees. The board approved the final request for reimbursement for the six unit T-Hangars project, which will be reimbursed at a total of $3,409 from MoDOT. The board approved the purchase of aviation fuel for the airport, not to exceed a total expense of $9,775. The board discussed joining a consortium alongside Dent County Health Center (DCHC) and Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC), in order to apply for the Delta Health Care Service Program Grant for Workforce Development. The program is for funding for those entering the healthcare field. DCHC will be the administrator for the grant, with management of the program to be completed by either Salem Memorial Hospital or DCHC. It was explained by the grant writer the city would inhabit an advisory role to include offering feedback on program development, assisting in choosing scholarship applicants, and providing workforce statistics. The board approved joining the consortium. Under bids, the board approved the purchase of 15 total transformers at a cost of $14,475, to come out of the electric department’s line replacement fund. A second reading was heard of two ordinances amending the City of Salem codes related to backflow prevention devices and their annual inspections. The board approved both ordinances. Meanwhile, a first reading was heard amending water rates for Fiscal Year 2027 from $8.00 to $10.00 base rate and $7.50 to $9.28 per 1,000 gallons of use. No vote was held. Mayor Greg Parker reported that the annual spring clean-up is complete with 171 tons collected. Financial Director Stacey Houston stated that the total sales tax revenues collected for FY 2026, through April, was $4,074,748; this is up 2.7% from prior year. Fund balances for FY 2026 through April was a total of $17,099,822. The city has brought in 69% of the budgeted amount and has spent 62% of the budgeted amount. Both are less than anticipated 10 months into the budget year, due to grant revenues and expenses coming in lower than anticipated. Public Works Director Steve Paine reported that as the wastewater treatment plant moves into Phase 2A, remediation concrete work and new rotors will be completed within the next 30 days. This work will provide better oxidation; however, there will be a stronger scent to the treatment plant during the work. The electric department is out of street lights until the next order arrives. The department removed and restored the Salem Heritage sign, which needed lighting and frame repair. Construction crew members poured a new pad for the Salem Heritage sign. Alderwoman Catherine Dent reported that the Community Involvement Committee met at the fountain area at the junction of Hwy. 32/72 to complete yard work and prepare for planting. The board then adjourned. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be June 9th and will be open to the public.

The Dent County Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace will be holding its monthly Community Meeting Monday, June 1st, 5:30 – 6:30 in the evening at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory in the Walden Room. SHP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that builds, assembles and delivers free beds to children in need in our community.