News – Wednesday, October 8th 2025

The Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) will be presenting eleven awards at its Annual Awards Dinner on October 23rd at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Each year, the MRPC honors residents and organizations of the Meramec Region who volunteer their time and talents and give support to their communities. Individuals being recognized by MRPC for Outstanding Contributions to a Community in the immediate Dent County area include Kelly Money of St. James, nominated by MRPC Board Member Taisia Gordon; and Dana Richter of Steelville, nominated by Crawford County Presiding Commissioner Steve Black. A locally elected official was also nominated and that is Dent County Clerk Angie Curley of Salem, nominated by Dent County Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson. Also being recognized as an Outstanding Local Agency Representative is Rolla City Administrator John Butz of Rolla, nominated by MRPC board members Kent Bagnall and Dawn Bell. The public is invited to attend the event in Salem. The 2025 Eugene E. Northern award, the highest honor given by MRPC for volunteers and community service, will also be announced at the Annual Dinner. The Eugene E. Northern award recipient remains a secret until announced at the Annual Dinner. Dent County is proud to have been home to the last two Eugene E. Northern award winners in Stan Podorski and Deloris Gray Wood. The deadline for reservations is tomorrow. Reservations are $40 per person and can be made by contacting Linda Carroll at 573-265-2993. 

Americans increasingly rely on smartphones, tablets, headphones, power tools, toys and other devices powered by lithium-ion batteries that if used incorrectly or damaged, can overheat, start a fire or explode. National Fire Prevention Week 2025 is going on now and it focuses on understanding the risks these devices may pose and how to buy, charge and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely to reduce risks. State Fire Marshal Tim Bean said many people don’t realize it, but virtually every electronic device that is rechargeable uses lithium-ion batteries and it’s essential to use, charge and recycle these batteries safely to prevent fires in the home. Following simple steps will reduce risks and protect your family. We increasingly buy devices and products online without knowledge of the manufacturer. Some products – online and in stores – may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, take time to research it. Look for a certification stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab, like UL, ETL or CSA, on the packaging and product, which means that it meets important safety standards. Be sure to always charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge it. Follow manufacturer instructions. If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Never charge devices near flammable materials. These could cause a fire. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you. For more information about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety, visit fpw.org.

The Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) is seeking public input from roadway users for the region-wide “Safe Streets and Roads for All” to help create a Regional Safety Action Plan. The public is encouraged to take a short survey on how individuals utilize transportation and safety concerns with the roadway systems in their county of residence. It is crucial for the public to take the surveys because it directly impacts the safety and effectiveness of transportation infrastructure in each of our communities. The Online surveys by county are for Dent County: mrpcsurveys.typeform.com/SS4ADent; for Phelps County: mrpcsurveys.typeform.com/SS4APhelps; and for Crawford County: mrpcsurveys.typeform.com/SS4ACrawford. In 2023, MRPC was awarded a Safe Streets and Roads for All grant from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). Established in 2022, the program funds planning and implementation activities to prevent deaths and serious injuries on roadways. The safety action plan is being developed for the Meramec Region, which includes Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties. The draft plan will be completed by the end of 2025, with the final plan to be submitted in March 2026. For more information, please contact Anne Freand at afreand@meramecregion.org or Senior Community Development Specialist Orin Pogue at opogue@meramecregion.org. You can also call the MRPC at (573) 265-2993.

A “Hocus Pocus Front Porch Sign N’ Wine” class will be held Friday evening, October 10th, from 6:00 until 9:00 at the Creative Arts Center with Danielle Norris. Come and follow along step by step to make a “Hocus Pocus” sign just in time for spooky season! Or go amuck and create your own porch sign leaner or 15×15 square sign for fall or Halloween! Stencils will be available for letters and personalization! The cost is $30 for porch leaner, or $32 for the 15 x 15 square sign. At least six people need to sign up for the class which will be limited to no more than 20. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center. For more information, e-mail salemartscenter@salemcommunitybetterment.com