News – Thursday, December 12th 2024

The Board of Aldermen had their regular meeting on Tuesday evening at 6:00 in the Auditorium. After approving the agenda and consent agenda, the board heard a public comment from a citizen who asked about the status of the annual audit conducted at the end of the last fiscal year, and asked if it was the City’s responsibility to provide fresh potable drinking water to its residents; there was no response to the board. The Board approved the application to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) for $220,000 to replace the remaining incandescent street light bulbs with LEDs, and approved Mayor Parker to sign the Financial Assistance Agreement and the General Terms and Conditions documents for the ARPA Waste Water Improvement Project Grant Award. The bid for this project was awarded to Mid-State Pipeline Maintenance, LLC, for the amount of $4.2 million. The Board of Aldermen meeting scheduled for December 26th will be rescheduled to January, pursuant to city code section 110.170. The Board approved the request to reappoint Dustin Howard of The Bank of Salem, and Daniel Salyer of Phil-Mart, to another five year term for the Enhanced Enterprise Zone. City Administrator Sally Burbridge presented the first and second reading for bill number 3536, an ordinance changing the official meeting location for the Board of Aldermen to the City Hall Auditorium. During the city officials’ reports City Clerk Tammy Koller stated that business license renewals were mailed on November 27; businesses should contact her if they have not received theirs. Finance Director Stacy Houston stated she has reached out to the auditor who hopes to have finalized their report by mid-January to present in February. Mayor Greg Parker wished citizens a happy and safe holiday season. Public Works Director, Steve Paine gave an update on the utility crews,  and Parks and Recreation Director Melissa DuBois stated she has reached out to different companies for estimates on replacing the Al Brown fences as well as the dirt and tiles at the playground. Alderwoman Catherine Dent stated the Salem Community Choir will be presenting Festival of Carols the evening of December 20th at 7:00 and again on Sunday the 22nd at 2:00 at the Dry Fork Church off of F Highway. 

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday evening at the fire station at #2 South Main Street. The board reviewed and approved minutes from the previous meeting. The financial report was reviewed with an ending balance of $187,111.19. All bills, payments, and statements were reviewed and approved. The budget for 2024 and 2025 were reviewed and approved as presented. The monthly reimbursement report showed a total of 15 calls for the month of November bringing the total calls year to date to 233. Some of those calls included seven fires comprised of two grass fires and five building fires, two special incidents, three medical assists, one rescue with the extrication from a structure, one alarm and one public service call. In old business, it was reported a bond or tax issue was discussed and the paperwork has begun. In new business, Chief Dennis Floyd said the AFG grant is about half done at this point, and he stated the ladder truck is going in for repair on December 30th for pumps, hydraulics and air conditioning. Floyd said the annual pump test will be done while the truck is in for repairs. Chief Floyd said the department needs to order a 1 3/4-inch hose which the board approved, and the Salem High School is having a first responder appreciation on December 20th. He also indicated the department will be sending two firefighters for training in February to the MU Fire School. The chief also reported that at the Christmas Party held December 5th, the department retired badge 814 that belonged to the late David Jarvis, and it was presented to Mrs. Jarvis. The next meeting of the board will be January 14th at 6:00 at the fire station. The board then went into closed session before coming back into open session where it was announced that two new firefighters, Dell Hoffmeister and Christian Michno, would begin training for the department. It was also announced that Jeff Stokes, Jr. had been appointed to fill the term of Craig Smith who had resigned from the board. The appointment will be until the April 2025 Municipal Election. The meeting was then adjourned.

Tomorrow night, from 6:00 until 8:00 at the Creative Arts Center, students can learn to make a Chunky Knit Blanket with Danielle Kissir. Learn how to finger knit a chunky blanket. This is a beginners class and is fun for all ages. Crochet or knitting experience is not required but will be beneficial. The class is open to those 10 years of age and older. The cost of the class is $75 with yarn and supplies included. There must at least five people sign up to hold the class and it will be limited to ten. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center.

PJ’s & Pancakes & Fun for the whole family will be held on December 14th from 7:00 to 10:00 in the morning at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory! This event is hosted by the Salem Fireworks Committee to help raise funds for next year’s show. There will be pancakes, coffee, hot chocolate, Christmas movies, and pictures with Santa! Tickets for the event are $10 for adults. For those who are 12 years of age and under, they are FREE! Tickets are available at the Chamber office in Salem, Town & Country Bank, Bank of Salem, Riverways Federal Credit Union, and Progressive Ozark Bank.