News – Tuesday, May 12th, 2026

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at 6:00 within the City Hall Auditorium located at 202 North Washington Street. After the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call and approval of the agenda and consent agenda, which includes disposal of records and the April Salem Police Department monthly report, the board will hear any scheduled public comments. Under new and miscellaneous business, the board will consider a 2007 Ford F-150 for disposal. In addition, the board will consider the contract between the city and Viking Painting, LLC. for the maintenance, inspection, and rehabilitation of its water towers. There will be a second reading of three bills which will require consideration for approval from the aldermen, including two ordinances annexing territory into the city and an amendment to authorize subcommittees under the Community Involvement Committee. A first reading of two amendments to the city codes will be heard, both related to backflow prevention devices. A first and second reading of two task orders with Toth and Associates, Inc will be heard and require consideration for approval. One will be for professional land surveying services related to the Westwood Drive lift station, and the other will be for professional land surveying services related to the Ninth Street Right-of-way dedication. Finally, there will be reports from city officials and then adjournment. To watch city meetings live, visit youtube.com/@CityofSalemMissouri. To view the city agendas and meeting packets, go to salemmo.com and click “City,” mouse over the “Government” tab, and click “Agendas & Minutes.”  

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse. Not in attendance Monday was District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams, so no road reports were presented for the district. District One Commissioner Keith Green reported that crew members would be stockpiling and hauling rock as needed to county roads and will be out grading county roads 6220, 2440, and 5015. Cutting brush will be done on County Road 5630. Crew members will be preparing County Road 4210 for resurfacing. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson shared that he has several meetings to attend later this week. Deputy County Clerk Melissa Piatt reported that bills are to be paid. Collector Shannon VanKirk reported the April turnover amount for tax collections was $124,932.13. In addition, there are 89 parcels that are three years delinquent on tax sale properties. Individuals have until June 30th to pay the oldest year due before all three years are declared due on July 1st. Further, redemptions have been sent in the mail for last year’s tax sale. Individuals who made purchases last year will receive their collector’s deed this fall if no responses are received during the redemption period. VanKirk also reminded those that are 62 and over and own their own home to pick up an application for SB190 from the collector’s office. Applications are available until June 30th. Office hours for the collector are Monday through Friday from 8:00 in the morning to 4:30 in the afternoon. Contact her office at 573-729-3911 if you have any questions. There will be no meeting Thursday of the Dent County Commission. The next meeting will be 9:00 in the morning Monday at the Courthouse, and the meeting is open to the public.

There will be a Salem Community Blood Drive today from noon to 6:00 in the evening at the First Baptist Church of Salem at 201 North MacArthur Avenue. The event will be hosted by the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks with appointments encouraged to minimize wait times but walk-ins welcome. To make an appointment, call 417-227-5006. Donor rewards, while supplies last, include a free ¾ sleeve All American T-shirt, and a voucher for admission and free activities to several attractions, including the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, Frit’s Adventure, SuperSplash USA, and Andy B’s Springfield. Donors are asked to take a few steps to ensure donations operate smoothly on the day of the drive: drink plenty of water or juice the night and morning before you donate; eat a well-balanced meal 2-3 hours before giving; and remember to bring your photo identification, which is now required for all donors. 

If you need financial assistance in having your pet fixed, Carol House Quick Fix-It Clinic located in Rolla at 13651 South Hwy. 63 offers two subsidized, low-income programs. No proof of vaccinations are needed. Contact Carol House for eligibility details or to make your appointment at 573-465-3099 or email reception.rolla@quickfixpetclinic.com. For more information, visit stlspayneuter.org/rolla. Dogs, cats, or feral cats are dropped off in the morning and picked up later that same day.