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The Dent County Commissioners held their regular meeting at the Dent County Courthouse Monday morning. In public concerns, Stan Podorski from KSMO Radio asked the commissioners what the actual mission was of the Industrial Development Authority as stated by their by-laws. He was curious as to why IDA members did not ask questions of a business that was seeking to expand locally to get a better understanding of what the business could provide to the area. The commissioners could not provide an answer and would talk with some members of the IDA as to what their by-laws state. Brian Baird from Private Road 303 wanted to know what it would take to get the county to take over a private road. The commissioners told him that the road must conform to county standards before it can be accepted. He was given a copy of the requirements. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that grading was going to be done on Dent County Roads 5600, 6200, 6280 and 6370 while brush was going to be cut on Dent County Road 2430. He also said that rock was going to be stockpiled for the winter. In District 2, Commissioner Gary Larson said that grading was going to be done on Dent County Road 2120, 3140, 3180 and 5280. He went on to say that workers would be installing snow removal equipment on county trucks 114 and 116. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to thank Salem Mayor Gary Brown and the city electrical department for the use of the city boom truck and bulb replacement on the courthouse, and wanted to thank Bill Urban for making sure that all the lights came on Saturday evening after the parade. He said he would be attending a meeting for the Coalition for Roadway Safety in St. James. Skiles said that the sheriff’s department received a local law enforcement block grant for $7,555.25 for 13 bullet-proof vests and 13 pairs of search gloves. It was also reported that the county clerk and treasurer’s numbers balanced for the month of November. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting Monday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. The board heard from Molly Malone of Verkamp and Malone with the audit of the city for the 2008-2009 year. She pointed out that the city’s total net assets decreased by only .34%, and with sales tax down statewide that was a good showing. She said that the decrease in new assets were about $55,000, but the city did make major additions through the year including $596,435 on a new taxiway and lighting at the airport, $214,555 in street improvements, $192,212 in sewer upgrades and $85,379 on well #4 improvements. Malone pointed out that the city’s cash and CD accounts totaled over $4 million dollars, but that was down $33,447 from last year. Overall, she said that the audit was solid and that all transactions were backed up with the proper documentation. Mayor Gary Brown said that the recycling trailer and bins are in and will be placed soon at the Upper Elementary for recycling efforts. Brown said that officer Keith Hollingsworth was given an award from the Dent County Ministerial Fellowship for his work with the Crisis Center. He said that the city received two checks from FEMA for the May 8^th storm: one for $1,699.36 for generators and officer overtime for traffic control; and one for $33,279.17 for line, pole and transformer replacement. Another check to cover the cleanup is still expected. Brown said that the airport fuel system is currently being upgraded, and he said that Brian Johns would be the new lead man at the electric department as appointed by Superintendent Gary Cook. He said that usage at the Salem Freedom Activity Center for the month of November showed that 969 people used the Salem TCRC and 1,214 used the fitness center. The count did not include those walking or playing basketball in the gym. Brown said that emergency responders for the city would have to be trained and certified on the NIMS system in case of emergencies. Depending on their level of responsibility, personnel will have to take anywhere from two courses to six courses. City Attorney Nanci Wisdom presented a petition for annexation from Phil and Ruth Krueger at 1426 West Franklin into the city, and the board approved sending the petition to the Planning and Zoning Board for a public hearing. After the bills were approved, the meeting was adjourned.

Congratulations to the winners in the 2009 Christmas Parade of Lights held Saturday, December 5th. Winning first place for the non-commercial category was the Corinth Baptist Church. Second place for the non-commercial category was the Girl Scouts. First place in the commercial category was Town & Country Bank and second place in the commercial category was Progressive Ozark Bank. The Salem Area Chamber would like to thank all those businesses, organizations and individuals that participated in this year’s Christmas Parade of Lights as well as those who braved the cold weather to come and watch the parade.

Sports [TOP]

The Salem Lady Basketball Tigers defeated Mountain Grove in the first round of the Cabool Lady Bulldog Tournament, 27-25. Jennifer Herndon led the way with 9 points for Salem who is now 2-1 on the year. The Lady Tigers play Ava Thursday at 5:30 at Cabool.

The St. Louis Blues were shutout by the Colorado Avalanche last night at the Scottrade Center, 4-0. They will be on the road at Detroit Wednesday night at 6:30.

The Salem Tiger basketball team will be in action tonight as they host Waynesville with the JV starting at 6:00. You can hear the varsity contest on KSMO Radio and ksmoradio.com starting with Tiger Talk at around 7:20.

Former manager Whitey Herzog has been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee. Herzog guided the St. Louis Cardinals to the 1982 World Series title and also led the team to the National League pennant in 1985 and 1987. Before joining the Cardinals, he skippered the Kansas City Royals.

Three University of Missouri football standouts were named first-team All-Big 12 by league coaches, as announced by the Big 12 Conference office. Senior WR Danario Alexander, senior LB Sean Weatherspoon and sophomore PK Grant Ressel all earned first-team designation, while freshman DE standout Aldon Smith won the league’s defensive freshman of the year award.

Obituaries   [TOP]