News – Friday, July 28, 2017

Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles was not in attendance due to a prior commitment. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley appointed District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson as acting Presiding Commissioner. In road reports, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated that a culvert that needed an end was being repaired and a new culvert was also being installed on Dent County Road 6630. He went on to say that brush was being cut on county road 5015 and that he had received a call from the Sheriff’s department regarding a tree down on Dent County Road 6580 that would be removed. Commissioner Larson reported that brush was going to be cut on Dent County Roads 3250 & 3260 and a two man crew would be hauling white rock for the stockpile. He went on to say that maintenance was being performed on truck #72 in the form of a radiator and truck #70 had a door problem. He also stated that several veterans has cleaned up a cemetery out on county road 2210 and they would taking the backhoe out there to pick up the debris. He went on to say crews would also be checking pipes and cleaning them out. Both Commissioners Purcell and Larson reported that they had met with a FEMA representative regarding the damage and reimbursement assessment from the end of April flood. It was reported that at least 90% of the repairs have been completed. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that she attended a website committee meeting for county/city/chamber of commerce on Tuesday on the revising, updating and a new user friendly look for the SalemMO.com website. Associate Circuit Judge Brandi Baird came in to discuss the order, appointment and interim for the Public Administrator Office. Until the Governor makes his appointment of the vacancy, she is waiting on the proper procedure from the State to proceed with the appointment of an interim. Amanda Sapaugh with the SB40 Board was in to recommend the appointment of Alisha Harris to fill one of the two openings, replacing Marvin McDonald for a 3-year term. The Commission voted 2-0 to accept the appointment. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident occurred in Maries County Wednesday morning at 8:50 on Highway 63 in Vichy. According to the Highway Patrol Report a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 67 year-old Janie Burks of Vichy, was making a left turn onto Highway 63 from Highway 68 when a 1999 GMC Sierra, driven by 33 year-old Mahdi Valipour, rounded the curve and struck the Chevrolet. The report stated that both drivers were wearing their safety restraints. Burks suffered minor injuries and was transported to Phelps County Regional Medical Center by Ozark Ambulance. The Chevrolet sustained moderate damage and was towed from the scene by Ron Dishman Towing, while the GMC sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene.

An accident occurred Wednesday evening at 7:15 in Texas County on Highway 17 two miles north of Roby. According to the Highway Patrol Report a 2005 Harley Davidson, driven by 54 year-old Stanley Sullins of Licking, ran off the right side of the roadway, struck an embankment, overturned and struck a tree. Sullins suffered serious injuries and was flown by Air Ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Springfield. The report stated that Sullins was wearing a safety device. The Harley Davidson sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Arrington’s of Plato.

Montauk will host a Kid's Trout Tournament August 5th from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm. This tournament, sponsored by the Dorman L. Steelman Lodge, is limited to kids 15 years old and under. There will be two age categories, 11 and under and 12 to 15. Registration will be at
the Dorman L. Steelman Lodge. Two prizes will be awarded in each age group, for trout and stringer of trout, by a random drawing of all entries at 2 p.m. in the lodge. Gift Certificates will be awarded to winners. Other prizes will be awarded courtesy of the Ray Parker Memorial.
Summer's End Kid's Free Fishing will be held Saturday August 12th from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. Fishing tags are free for children ages 15 and under on this day only to fish in Montauk State Park. Kids must pick up a children’s free fishing tag at the lodge on Friday evening after 7 p.m. or anytime on Saturday. The tags are required for kids fishing on this day. Kids can fish anywhere inside the park, no designated fishing area will be set aside. Adults must have a daily trout tag to assist children fishing if they touch the pole in any way.

As the new school year begins, open house will be conducted for William Lynch Elementary on Monday August 14th from 5:30-6:30, and that same evening at the Upper Elementary from 6:30-7:30. The open house at the High School will be on Tuesday, August 15th from 4:30-6:00 followed by the open house at the Middle School from 6:00-7:30.

Have you thought about having an art party for kids or adults as birthday party? It’s a perfect mix and the Salem Area Arts Council can accommodate up to 20 people for a party which would be led by a professional artist and would also include all the materials and a pitcher or two of lemonade. Group rates are available! For more information, call or text the Salem Area Arts Council at 573-247-0279 or you can e-mail saac@embarqmail.com.