Local News – May 1, 2017
Due to the flooding in the area and the uncertain condition of rural roads in the area, all Salem and Dent County schools cancelled their classes for today including Salem Headstart and the Ozarks Hills State School #61.
With Dent County receiving unofficially anywhere from seven to ten inches of rain, numerous roads were closed in Dent County over the weekend with a number of county roads closed due to the flooding. Roads that were closed by MoDOT in Dent County were Highway 119, and Route TT, A and EE. It is also worthwhile noting the Interstate 44 was closed Sunday from Lebanon to Rolla and Highway 63 near Vienna was closed. The highways and routes will reopen once the water recedes and the highways are checked for structural damages.
An accident happened in Pulaski County on Route D about five miles west of Jerome Sunday at 12:20. According to the highway patrol report, a 2004 Buick Rendezvous driven southbound by 31-year old Casey Ousley of Rolla, went off the right side of the roadway. Ousley overcorrected causing the vehicle to return to the road before it ran off the left side of the road and overturned several times before coming to rest on its top. Ousley suffered moderate injuries and was transported to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center by the Dixon Ambulance. Ousley was wearing a seat restraint. The Buick was totaled in the accident and was removed from the scene by Davis Towing.
The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a number of reports. On Thursday, April 13th deputies responded to the 3000 block of Route VV for a report of a disturbance. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with 29-year old Amber Webster of Rolla. It was discovered that Webster had three active warrants, one from Dent County for probation violation, one from Rolla Police Department for traffic offense, and one from Phelps County for theft. She was arrested, transported to the Dent County Jail, and incarcerated. On Thursday, April 20th, deputies conducted a traffic stop at Highway 19 and 32. As a result of the stop, 23-year old Michael Schum of St. James, was arrested for driving while having his license revoked. Schum was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. That same day, deputies responded to a call for a reported theft. Upon arrival, deputies were informed that a John Deere 468 Mega Wide baler, valued at $25,000, had been taken from under a carport at the residence. This report is still under investigation. If you have any information on any ongoing investigations, please call the sheriff’s office at 729-3241.
The City of Salem Board of Alderman will be conducting their meeting tonight at the City Hall Council Chambers beginning at 7:00 pm. During the hearing of persons, Sherry Lea, the Executive Director of Healthy Dent County, wants to discuss extending the lease at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory and the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) grant that Healthy Dent County is writing to build a new gymnasium. Also during the hearing of persons, Gary Cook with the Current River Cruisers is requesting permission from the Board to close the streets around the courthouse for the Annual Car Show on June 17th. In bids, the City had requested bids to purchase a used backhoe and City Administrator Ray Walden will present the bids. After approval of the agenda, Mayor Brad Nash will present to the Board of Alderman proposed rules and regulations for the cemetery for the Board’s approval. Walden will update the Board on various projects both current and future concerning the City of Salem including fireworks for the 4th of July, a health insurance update and other issues concerning the city. Mayor Nash will follow with his report on various issues. In new and miscellaneous business, Mayor Nash will present his nominations to City Board’s and Committees with the Board’s approval. Parks and Recreation Director Tye Lydon will then be requesting permission to purchase equipment to help maintain the park’s ball fields. The Board will then vote to go into closed session for the purpose of discussing real estate and contracts. The regular meeting of the City of Salem Board of Alderman is open to the public.