News – Tuesday, November 12th 2024

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will meet this evening at 6:00 at 202 N. Washington in the Old City Hall Auditorium. After a sewer rate hearing the aldermen, meeting will start with the Call to Order, which will be followed by the approval of the agenda and the consent agenda. Public Comments will then be heard followed the approval of a bid for a water department truck.  In new and miscellaneous business, the Board will consider the following. A John Deere Loader lease, the Laserfiche contract, a drinking water grant, and Resolution No. 26-2024 which provides for the municipal election for the City of Salem on April 25th, 2025. Bills to be considered include Bill No. 3630, an ordinance establishing service availability fees for sewer services provided by the City of Salem, Bill No. 3631, an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement between BuildTec Construction LLC and the City of Salem for the Salem Water System Improvements, Contract A, Bill No. 3632, an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement between Caldwell Tanks, Inc and the City of Salem for the Salem Water System Improvements, Contract B, Bill No. 3633, an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement between B & H Drilling & Pump Service and the City of Salem for the Salem Water System Improvements, Contract C. There is to be a board appointment followed by the Oath of Office. Reports from City Officials will be heard before the Board goes in to closed session. The meeting tonight of the City of Salem Board of Aldermen is open to the public.

In a letter from the Salem R-80 Superintendent, Dr. Nathan Wills, he writes about collaboration between school districts to enhance educational opportunities for all students. He, along with Assistant Superintendent, Dan Copeland, recently toured the neighboring rural school districts in Dent County and gained valuable insight into their daily operations. Dr. Wills expressed his gratitude for the hospitality and openness of the administrators as they work together on various collaborative projects and activities throughout the year. One such project is the cooperative sponsorship of 7th and 8th grade football, track and field, and cross country, where all Dent County students have the opportunity to participate in these sports together on the same team. Dr. Wills also stated that just this past year, as well as this current school year, they have partnered with the other four Dent County school districts to attend a Repertory Theater performance sponsored by the Salem Area Arts Council. Additionally, the monthly meetings among the five Dent County superintendents provide a forum to share best practices, address local issues, and collectively brainstorm solutions. Dr. Wills encourages all parents, educators, and community members to support and advocate for these collaborative initiatives as they enrich the educational landscape and prepare students for a bright future. By uniting their efforts, the Dent County school districts can make a meaningful difference in the lives of their students and communities. To read the entire letter from Dr. Wills, please visit the KSMO Radio/Your World Today Facebook page. 

The Dent County Fire Protection district board of directors will be meeting this evening at 6:00 at the fire station at #2 South Main Street. After the roll call and approval of the consent agenda which includes the budget review and financial reports, the monthly reimbursement report will be heard. In old business, the board will discuss the AFG grant status for radios before the board discusses Bond/Tax issues followed by new business. Chief Floyd will then give his report to the board. The date will be set for the December meeting and Closes Session may be held if necessary, before the board adjourns. The meeting Tuesday evening will be open to the public.

The Salem Police Department had more reports from October 10th to 18th. On Wednesday afternoon, October 16th, at approximately 2:30 officers conducted a traffic stop on Missouri Highway 72 near the intersection of Missouri Highway J for no registration. As a result of the stop a male subject was found to have a active capias warrant out of Phelps County. Van T. Penton, age 35, of Rolla was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Then on Thursday night at approximately 12:30 officers responded to a disturbance in the 1800 block of south Oak. The subject causing the disturbance was found to have an active capias warrant out of Dent County. As a result, 27-year-old Tristan Gaddy of Salem was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Friday afternoon, the 18th, at approximately 4:45 officers were dispatched to Trinity for a report of shoplifting. It was reported that a female subject had stolen approximately $50 of merchandise. After a short investigation a 45-year-old Salem female was arrested and issued summons for shoplifting. Later that night at approximately 8:30 officers were dispatched to Wal Mart for a report of shoplifting. It was reported a male subject had stolen $275 worth of merchandise from the store. After a short investigation a 23-year-old male from West Plains was arrested and issued summons for shoplifting. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.