Local News – Friday, July 7th, 2017
The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. Denita Williams, Dent County Treasurer, was in with Payment In Lieu of Taxes, also known as PILT. Dent County received the one time of year payment of $150,416.00, which compared to $136,490.00 in 2016. In the road report District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell reported that rain Wednesday in his district was over 4.2 inches so his crews were out checking for washouts. He added that he received two calls for trees down on Dent County Roads 5080 and 5400. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that materials would be added and grading would be done to trouble spots on Dent County Roads 4050 and 3370, plus materials would be added to county road 2070. He noted that the front tires were being changed on Truck #124 and that his crews were also checking for washouts. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that he did preside over Monday’s HUD Public Housing Authority hearing. Skiles again reiterated that participants must read and follow their contract, plus they should be very careful who they allow in the home or vehicle as a drug possession charge of a guest or occupant will result in voiding of the contract. He also noted that Thursday afternoon the Board of Equalization would meet. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that she balanced with the County Collector and County Treasurer on monthly collections, add-ons and abatements for the month of June. Curley noted that bills were being approved for payment. The next meeting of the Commissioners is Monday morning in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.
The City of Salem Planning & Zoning Commission will conduct a meeting, called by Chairman Gary Brown, on Monday, July 10th at the Salem City Hall Council Chambers located 202 North Washington beginning at 6:30 pm. The purpose of the meeting is to address a request by the Dent County Commission concerning Water and Iron Streets in Salem that would be used for the new jail project. The meeting of the City of Salem Planning & Zoning Commission is open to the public.
An accident occurred at 9:05 pm on Saturday, June 17th in Salem on Askins at the Highway 32 intersection. According to the Salem police report, a 1999 Jeep Cherokee driven by Chelsea Nickles of Salem and owned by Michael Schum of Salem, was traveling west on Highway 32 and slowed down for a stoplight. A gray 2001 Chevrolet in the center turn lane waved a pedestrian across the road, and blocked the view of Nickles. Nickles accelerated at the green light, and was apparently blocked by the vehicle in the center turn lane. The Jeep braked, swerved left to avoid the pedestrian, and caught the pedestrian with the passenger right front side. The Chevrolet skidded about 61 feet 7 inches from the point of impact. The unidentified pedestrian suffered serious injuries and was flown to Mercy Hospital in Springfield with serious injuries. The Jeep sustained minor damage and was towed from the scene.
Colonel Sandra K. Karsten, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announces the results of enforcement efforts to detect impaired boat operators in conjunction with the national “Operation Dry Water” campaign. This is the ninth year for the national effort to reduce impaired vessel operation by highlighting enforcement efforts. Troopers conducted saturations and worked extended shifts to bring heightened awareness to the issue of boating while intoxicated. Troopers arrested 15 people statewide for boating while intoxicated, contacted 856 vessels and 2,745 boaters, and issued 146 boating violation summonses and 1,238 warnings. Marine operations troopers also issued 86 summonses for non-boating violations during the 2017 Operation Dry Water weekend. Special enforcement operations will continue throughout the summer months. Boaters are reminded that designating a sober operator is always the safest bet if alcohol is going to be included in their boating experience. Watercraft operators must consider the effect their actions have on others: Share the waterway and use common sense, good judgment, and courtesy to ensure the safety of all. Life jackets save lives. Wear It!!
The Salem Police Department released reports involving, a domestic disturbance, theft, and a shoplifter. On Sunday, June 25th at 12:43 in the early morning, an officer was detailed to a residence in the 600 block of East Hunt in reference to a domestic disturbance. The report led to the arrest of a 37-year old Salem male for failure to obey a lawful order of a police officer and resisting arrest. He was issued summonses to appear in court and released. That night at 10:51, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1800 block of South Oak in reference to a theft. The report revealed that someone unknown took a purse and contents valued $150 from a gray Chevrolet Cruze and the report is under investigation. On Monday, June 26th at 12:15 pm, an officer transported a 22-year old female to the Mental Health Center in Poplar Bluff on an active commitment order. That same afternoon at 1:22, an officer responded to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The report led to the arrest of a 51-year old Salem male for stealing merchandise. He was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.