News – Tuesday, January 21st 2025
The Dent County Commission will hold a special meeting will be held this morning at 9:00 to discuss the Emergency Management Director salary for budgeting. The meeting is open to the public at the Dent County Courthouse.
An accident occurred Saturday morning at 10:00 in Texas County on Highway 137 three miles north of Raymondville that left two Salem residents with minor injuries. According to the Highway Patrol report a northbound 2008 Toyota Prius, driven by a 54-year-old female, traveled off the right side of the roadway impacting a metal sign and a tree. The driver, along with a 48-year-old male passenger, were both wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Toyota was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing at the owner’s request.
The Dent County Service Unit of The Salvation Army would like to announce that they have successfully reached their Christmas Kettle Campaign goal of $37,500. Along with the monetary donations received this year, nearly 180 local children were adopted at the Angel Tree that was located at Wal-Mart. The local Salvation Army Board would like to thank everyone who made monetary donations and/or who adopted an angel. They also extend their greatest appreciation to the dedicated volunteers that took time out of their busy holiday season to ring the bells at the kettles. The community’s continued generosity will be distributed throughout 2025 to those in need in Dent County. If you would like to find out more about the Salvation Army Service Unit helping during the 2025 holiday season with bell ringing, please call 573-729-8163.
The Salem R-80 School district held their regular meeting Thursday evening at 5:30 in the district office. After approving the agenda and consent agenda, the board recognized Salem Middle School students Braxton Hopkins, John Kiser, and Jermaine Watson for their work on Tiger Talk Middle School News Production, and received an update from Cahill’s Construction regarding the FEMA building. During the Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Nathan Wills addressed various CSIP Goals and provided updates on the high school men’s restroom. He also acknowledged significant donations totaling $126,000, including $58,000 from the Dragonfly Wing Foundation, $50,000 from the Judson Young Foundation, and $8,000 from Mary Coffman for the Construction Trades Building, and $10,000 from the Judson Young Foundation for the Family and Consumer Science Program. In New Business, the board approved several items, including MSBA Policy Updates, the Conflict of Interest Ordinance, and a transfer of $148,796 from Fund 1 to Fund 4 for food service purchases. The board then moved into Executive Session to discuss student and personnel matters before adjourning.
Each January, EPA seeks to raise awareness of radon exposure during National Radon Action Month, encouraging residents to protect themselves and their families by having their homes tested for the presence of radon. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. If left untreated, radon can build up indoors, leading to adverse health effects. After smoking, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., taking the lives of approximately 21,000 Americans every year. Radon exposure is a preventable health risk, and testing for radon can help prevent prolonged exposure. It is estimated that on the average, one in three homes in Missouri have dangerously high level as of radon. You can check the EPA’s website to view a map of Radon Zones for Missouri. The EPA recommends taking action to fix your home if you discover radon levels above 4 picocuries per liter. If your home does have elevated levels of radon, a qualified professional can install a system to lower your indoor radon levels. For more guidance on how to address radon risks, see the EPA’s radon website.