ARGYLE — On Thursday, Feb. 15, Sheriff Mike Bonham told Argyle trustees that he is seeking criminal charges for recent damage to the Argyle Cemetery.

“They drove drunk,” Bonham said. “They ran over a historic sign, which I can’t ever remember not being there, and now it never will be. They ran over tombstones, and they ran over the fence. These types of things upset me personally. That’s total disrespect for a part of our heritage that we will never get back.”

Besides this recent incident, Bonham said Argyle has been quiet over the last year. He said the annual car show had fewer incidents since trustees cracked down on some irresponsible behavior.

“If you’ve got a problem, we are here to help,” Bonham said. “I think it is really important to have an open-door policy with our communities. We look out for each other.”

Bonham noted that although Argyle is on the edge of Osage County, deputies make regular patrols in the area and that he feels he has a good working relationship with the village’s fire department and trustees.

The Osage County Sheriff’s Department is going to have several checkpoints, particularly for after-school drivers.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to serve this county,” Bonham said. “I really do care and love our communities.”

Sheriff Bonham announced that he had recently decided to run for a third term.

Presiding Commissioner Darryl Griffin was also present and encouraged trustees to attend Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) meetings.

“I encourage all of you to come down to the meetings and get involved,” Griffin said. “Everyone is welcome.”

Griffin especially bragged about the good meal served at every MRPC meeting, which is catered by Argyle Catering, owned by Mayor Ryan Davis.

He reminded trustees that grants would be available for applications on March 1 if the village believed they might find one that would fit their needs.

“I’ve learned a lot down there,” Griffin said. “I know you can’t always make it, but we would love to have you down there.”

Griffin noted that Western District Commissioner Larry Kliethermes, who represents the area, including Argyle, will be retiring at the end of his term, and the county is looking for someone to run.

He also noted that Osage County is looking for a new Road and Bridge Foreman as the current foreman, Ron Kempker, has decided to retire.

Griffin said he is always happy to help any municipality, but he is limited to what he can do.

He relayed how a resident had recently told him that all the county roads should be paved. Griffin explained that there were 642 miles of county roads, and it cost $600,000 to blacktop one mile of road. He also explained that the county road budget is only $630,000 per year.

“You have to look at the numbers and the cost of things,” Griffin said. “Not everyone understands that or agrees with it.”

He also thanked trustees for choosing to serve their community.

In other business, trustees voted to increase the cost of Argyle business licenses from $20 to $25 per year to go into effect in 2025. All but two current Argyle businesses have been paid, and the village will contact the two remaining businesses this week.

• City Resident Chris Shanks confirmed he is willing to replace Ryan Davis on the board. Shanks could not attend the meeting because he also works for the Rolla Fire Department.

“He serves on the Argyle Volunteer Fire Department, and he works locally, here at MFA,” Davis said. “I think he will be a very valuable asset to the town.”

Davis noted that he will submit a formal letter of resignation at the next meeting.

• MRPC has requested that the village fill out the paperwork for tracking the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

“It looks pretty simple,” Village Treasurer Kym Brunnert said, requesting help from Trustee Felicia Wieberg if needed.

• Argyle will transfer monthly costs for Mid Mo Operations services from the sewer funds instead of the general account since the sewer fund is generating more income with the higher sewer rates.

Brunnert will also check on the double charge this month from Mid Mo Operations.

• The village advertised for bids for trash in the Unterrified Democrat, with bids due by March 1.

“Hopefully, we can get some good bids,” Davis said. “We’re not dissatisfied with our service now, but we have to do our due diligence to get the best price for the town.”

• Trustees approved Brunnert setting up online banking for the village, noting that it should save time and money.

• The board approved expenses as follows: general ($5,086.32), and sewer ($2,294.20).

• The village had the following monthly receipts: general ($4,340.72), and sewer ($4,925.72).

• Argyle had the following account balances: general ($12,668.77), general money market ($58,801.50), sewer ($6,344.88), sewer money market ($30,204.70), and sewer debt service ($30,397.65).

• The next meeting is scheduled for March 21 at 7 p.m.