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The R-80 Board of Education regular monthly meeting was held Thursday evening at the district administrative boardroom. After approving the amended agenda and consent agenda, Superintendent Cindy Rumpf discussed the September Membership Count with the board. The trend graphs show a decline in enrollment in each building over the last few years as well as with resident and non-resident students. The September membership count was 1336 for 2011 and 1,386 for 2010. The highest membership count in the last five years was 1534 in 2008. Rumpf stated that the decrease in enrollment would affect revenues from the state and if the decrease leads to low class sizes, the district may need to absorb some positions. Assistant Superintendent, John McColloch gave a facilities update indicating that the custodial and maintenance crews are getting the buildings ready for winter. An issue with a natural gas leak at Upper Elementary has been resolved as first there was an odor and then a break in a connection pipe was found that should have been a flex line. It was replaced. Rumpf stated there is a possibility that extensive work will begin on the replacement of propane pipes next summer, or possibly natural gas if costs are reasonable. A budget update was shared as currently the district for the year has $95,000 in expenditures over revenues. Payment requests will be made in November that will turn that figure around. Rumpf gave an explanation of the Dollar Value Modifier as well as the effect the change will have on the budget. For the 2012 year, the modifier was 1.0030 and that will become 1.00 in the 2013 year. Board members Carrie Snider, Chris Heavin, and Steve Morton shared their experience from their attendance at Missouri School Boards Association conference. The state assessment results were explained by John McColloch. He described the comparisons between state results and district results that showed how the Salem R-80 district was performing. Areas of weakness were identified and strategies for improving these areas were described by McColluch. Director of Technology Jim White described the process of purchasing a new phone system using e-Rate funding. The process will begin in November with a Request for Proposal. Rumpf said that the goal is to begin the next school year with a new phone system in place where you can access the entire district by calling one number. No decision was necessary by the board on the phone system. The board voted to approve alternate bus routes for inclement weather conditions if the main routes are driveable. In closed session, Shanda Brady resigned her teaching position. The board then hired Roger Crossgrove for the alternative school, Jamin Bray as a paraprofessional, John Brewer in transportation, Sara Reed as a paraprofessional, Becky Russell as a paraprofessional, Kristina Jackson as a paraprofessional, and Susan Kaffer in food service. The support staff personnel were hired after serving a 60-day probationary period. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5450 and 5490, and that brush would be cut on Dent County Road 2490. Purcell said that most of the crew would be working on Dent County Road 6510 near Cedar Grove repairing the chip and seal with the new lay down machine. Workers will repair the road damaged by logging trucks that were in that area. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported that the workers would be laying cold mix on Dent County Roads 4300 and 5240; while brush would be cut on Dent County Roads 3220, 5240 and 6700. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles stated that there would be no commissioner meeting this Thursday due to the Missouri Association of Counties meeting. Skiles said that he received a request from the South Central Community Action Agency for the commissioner’s support as they are writing a grant for home repair for low-income individuals and families. The program is known as the HERO program and the commissioners agreed to support their effort. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be held Monday, October 31^st at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

If you enjoy decorating your campsite, join the annual tradition at Onondaga Cave State Park near Leasburg and be recognized at the campsite-decorating contest October 29^th. Campers are invited to decorate their campsite and participate in a costume contest for all ages. A trick-or-treat event is traditionally organized by campers in the afternoon. In the evening, campers are invited to sit around a campfire making s'mores and listening to spooky stories. Everyone is invited to bring their own stories, including ones suitable for young children. Winners of the campsite-decorating contest will be announced at the storytelling. Campsites are still available for the weekend of this event, but are expected to go quickly so reservations are recommended. Onondaga Cave State Park is located seven miles south of the Leasburg exit off of Interstate 44 on Highway H. For more information about these events, contact the park at 573-245-6576 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946.

Sports [TOP]

Mike Napoli drove a go-ahead two-run double off the right field wall in the eighth inning Monday night to lift the Rangers to a 4-2 win over the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 5 and give the Rangers a 3-2 edge in the World Series. Napoli didn't just knock in the winning runs; he caught Allen Craig stealing second base twice in the last three innings, including the ninth when Albert Pujols struck out into a double play. Lefty Marc Rzepczynski pitched to Napoli in the eighth inning only because someone in the bullpen thought La Russa called and asked to get Lance Lynn ready instead of Jason Motte, so Motte wasn't warmed up when La Russa needed him for the Napoli at-bat. Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter pitched seven innings, allowing solo homers to Mitch Moreland and Adrian Beltre and giving up six total hits and two walks while striking out four. Yadier Molina finished with 3 hits and an RBI. The World Series shifts back to St. Louis for the final two games, if needed. Game 6 will feature Jaime Garcia against Colby Lewis on Wednesday in a rematch of Game 2 that saw both pitch efficiently.

Obituaries   [TOP]

Funeral services for Lela C. League of Salem, age 89, will be held today at 11:00 at the Dent County Memorial Chapel. Interment will be in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home.

Funeral services for Kennith E. Hunter of Salem, age 88, will be held today at 2:00 at the James and Gahr Mortuary in Salem. Visitation will be held from 11:00 until time of service. Interment will be in the North Lawn Cemetery. 

Ronald Lee Baum age 48, of Salem passed away October 19^th. No services will be held. All arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Mortuary Chapel in Salem.

Weather [TOP]