News – Monday, June 9th 2025
The City of Salem’s Downtown Project is nearing completion as Maggi Construction crews finish sidewalk and drainage work on the corner in front of The Bank of Salem. New light poles are being installed throughout the downtown area, which will provide historic replica lighting and allow for seasonal decorations, flags, and banners. The next phase includes installation of the historic replica lights atop the new poles and selection of downtown furnishings including trash receptacles. The Dent County Health Center has provided bicycle racks that will be installed throughout downtown and in select locations. Following completion, attention will shift to the historic Dent County Courthouse Square, where Dent County will begin the next phase of revitalization to enhance the beauty and functionality of the public space. The city expressed appreciation to businesses and building owners for their patience during the construction process.
Construction is underway on a new municipal well and a 400,000-gallon water tower as part of Salem’s infrastructure improvements. The project is funded through an ARPA grant of approximately $4,600,000 with a 10% local funding match of $47,000. At the Wastewater Treatment Plant, Phase 2A of planned upgrades is progressing through the preconstruction phase. The $5 million project is entirely funded through an ARPA grant and includes specification and ordering of parts and equipment. Phase 2B, which includes approximately $3,500,000 in grant funding and $2,500,000 in bond-funded financing approved by voters in April 2023, is expected to go out for bid later this summer. The city completed its first full year of enhanced fire hydrant maintenance, including painting hydrants and water valves. Plans are in place to continue this work in the next budget year with Fire Hydrant Services and Repair returning to complete remaining hydrants. Street repaving will occur later this month on East Coffman, West First Street, and South Oak Street, with possible additions of parts of South Louise and South Henderson if funds allow. All streets will receive a 2-inch asphalt overlay.
Recovery efforts from November flooding continue at Salem City Parks and the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Replacement of playground fall zone tiles is underway, and a contractor will soon convert areas formerly filled with rubber chips into a solid surface to improve accessibility and prevent future flood damage. Flood-related fencing repairs are in progress at ballfields in both the main City Park and at Al Brown Fields. Crews continue addressing ongoing repairs at the Wastewater Treatment Plant caused by the flooding. The Airport T-Hangar Project reached completion with construction of a new six-unit T-hangar. The project cost $749,000, with $703,000 reimbursed through grant funding. Required matching funds of approximately $41,000 plus $5,000 for underground electrical work were covered through the Airport Fund from prior years’ hangar rentals and airport fuel sales. Tree trimming of one of the city’s electrical feeder lines is underway and will continue through the end of this month. Crews are trimming trees and branches in accordance with Missouri State Statute, which requires trees be trimmed or removed within 10 feet on each side of electrical lines.
The Salem Police Department announced that Lieutenant Counts recently graduated from the Missouri Police Chiefs’ Command College, a program that provides high-level training for law enforcement supervisors and offers the opportunity to earn a master’s degree.