News – Wednesday, August 14th 2024

The City of Salem is pleased to announce that the Boil Water Advisory has been lifted, effective immediately. Water tests conducted after the recent citywide loss of water pressure have returned clean, confirming that the water is safe for consumption. We sincerely appreciate everyone’s understanding and cooperation during this time. Your patience has been invaluable as we worked to ensure the safety and quality of our water supply. The City remains committed to maintaining the highest standards for public health and safety. We thank you for your continued support and understanding.

An accident happened at 7:50 Monday evening in Phelps County on Route A north of Ridgetop Drive that left a Rolla man with serious injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 2003 Ford F-150 driven northbound by 64-year-old Guy Clayton of Rolla, traveled off the left side of the roadway, and struck a tree and boulder. Clayton, who was not wearing a seat restraint, suffered serious injuries and was transported to Mercy Springfield by Phelps Air. The Ford F-150 was totaled in the accident and removed from the scene by Dishman’s Towing of Rolla.

At the Dent County Commissioned meeting last Thursday, Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley talked to the commission about the submitted petition by Denver Ellis. After his discussion with the commission about the petition missing substantial components, Commissioners Wes Mobray and Gary Polk voted to reject the petition due to the missing of the date of the signatures, page numbers and the required legal advisement when signing a petition. Commissioner Gary Larson had left the meeting last Thursday for a doctor’s appointment at the time of the vote. Curley returned Monday to explain this further to correct some false issues. He noted the referendum petition that was submitted regarding RSMo 137.1050 (formerly SB 190 regarding senior homestead tax), does not fall under RSMo 116.030, and as the circulator referred to the petition as an initiative petition, as opposed to a referendum petition. RSMo 137.1050 refers to itself as “a petition in support of a referendum on such credit….” Curley said a “referendum” is defined as a general vote by the electorate on a single political question that has been referred to them for a direct decision. There is no legal distinction between the term “initiative petition” and “referendum petition” under RSMo 116.030. RSMo 116.030 prescribes the form and language that is required for any referendum petition. Importantly, Curley said every petition must include the following language: “It is a class A misdemeanor punishable, notwithstanding the provisions of section 560.021, RSMo, (1) to the contrary, for a term of imprisonment not to exceed one year in the county jail or a fine not to exceed ten thousand dollars or both, for anyone to sign any referendum petition with any name other than his or her own, or knowingly to sign his or her name more than once for the same measure for the same election, or to sign a petition when such person knows he or she is not a registered voter.” In addition, the statute indicates that each signature must have a section to be dated by the participant on the date of signing the same. Curley stated the petitions submitted did not include this information. Prosecutor Curley also clarified the misconception that the commission could simply put the measure on the ballot. This can only be done if the commission adopts an ordinance authorizing the credit or a petition in support of a referendum on such a credit is signed by at least five percent of the registered voters of such county voting in the last gubernatorial election and the petition is delivered to the governing body of the county, which shall subsequently hold a referendum on such credit. Prosecutor Curley said the reasons for the petition rejection were explained to Mr. James Ellis in writing, during a phone call, and also in person. In his letter to Ellis, Curley said the decision was made expeditiously to provide him with an opportunity to submit a valid petition with the necessary signatures needed for a referendum ballot measure. In order for the ballot measure to be put on the November General Election, the petition must be submitted with signatures verified by the county clerk, and approved by the commissioners, by August 27th. 

Ozark National Scenic Riverways (ONSR) will host a workshop on preparing resumes for federal government jobs on August 19. The event will run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church Hall in Eminence, located at 18228 Church Street. Administrative specialists will provide guidance on creating federal resumes, which often require more detail than typical resumes. The workshop will also cover the USAJOBS website and the federal government’s official job portal. Attendees are encouraged to bring their current resumes for review and suggestions. The timing is particularly relevant for those interested in summer employment at ONSR for 2025, as job announcements typically open between September and January. Upcoming ONSR job openings include Recreation Fee Clerk (September 9), Park Guides and Interpretive Park Rangers (October 21), and Visitor Services Assistants (December 16). For more information, contact, Human Resources Liaison Sandy Williamson at (573) 323-4884.