Archive for 2017

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On Sunday, August 20th, deputies responded to the Seville Care Center in reference to a vehicle being tampered with. Upon arrival, deputies met with the victim and it was discovered that the air in their tires had been let out. This report is still under investigation. On Saturday, August 26th, deputies responded to the 34000 block of Highway 72 in reference to a burglary. It was discovered that a vehicle and several guns were stolen from the residence. The vehicle has since been located. This report is still under investigation. That same day, deputies responded to the 400 block of Route H in reference to a shot being fired through the front door of a residence. Upon arrival, it was discovered that a bullet from a 38 Special or 357 Magnum had gone through the storm door window, a hollow front door, and bounced off a wooden bookcase and landed on the bedroom rug. It is believed it was shot from a distance. This report is still under investigation. On Monday, August 28th, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the Pizza Hut parking lot. The driver, a 32-year old Salem man, was arrested on a Dent County Warrant. He was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. That same day deputies responded to the Salem Faith Assembly Church in reference to property damage. Deputies were shown two air conditioners on the north side of the building that had been pulled out of the ground and overturned. This report is still under investigation. On Tuesday, August 29th, deputies assisted members of the U.S. Marshals with apprehending a 28-year old male that had a warrant out of Illinois for possession of child pornography. He was located at a campsite at Indian Trails off of Highway 117. He was taken to the Dent County jail and is awaiting extradition. On Friday, September 1st, deputies traveled to the 700 block of Route W to arrest a 35-year old Salem man on a Dent County warrant. Upon arrival, he was located outside and was taken into custody without issue. He was taken to the Dent County Jail and later bonded. if anyone has any information on any ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday evening at the fire station with all members present. The consent agenda was approved and the audit report was reviewed with K. Deluca Audit Services LLC. The auditor was very pleased with the results and praised the district for the improvements. Due to the limited number of people working in the office the auditor suggested improved ways to handle the check reconciliation. The minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed and approved. Bills were reviewed and approved, plus the budget and calendar were reviewed. The monthly reimbursement report was presented with a total of 20 calls for the month, including; four structure fires, one brush fire, one landing zone, six first responders, three vehicle accidents, one mutual aid, one hazards-material, two trainings, and one search and rescue. The total calls for the year to date are 193 with and average cost per call of $80.76. In old business the board agreed to reimburse the final two people in the firefighter 1 and 2 class as per policy. Chief Brad Nash reported that the radios and lights are being installed as time permits to update and repair old lights and radios on the trucks. Chief Nash also reported that fund raisers and concerts are coming up to raise money for the Christmas Toy Drive. The next meeting date for the Board of Directors was set for October 3rd at 6:00 pm at the Dent County Fire Protection District.

Explore the fascinating night sky at a Night Sky program Saturday at Echo Bluff State Park south of Salem. The outdoor interpretive program will be held from 7:30 until 9:00 pm and is free and open to the public. Telescopes will be set up to view the stars and Milky Way. Visitors should also bring a pair of binoculars for a spectacular view. This is a dark viewing, which means there is no moon in the sky so stars take center stage. Missouri State Parks is celebrating 100 years in 2017. Visitors can experience all the park system has to offer with the Centennial Passport. Visit mostateparks.com/passport for more information. Echo Bluff State Park is located 25 miles south of Salem and 14 miles north of Eminence on Highway 19. For more information about the event call 751-1224.

An accident happened at 5:50 Monday afternoon in Phelps County on Highway 63 just south of Phelps County Road 6033. According to the highway patrol report, a 1998 Toyota Camry driven northbound by 38-year old Lindee Sprong of Salem, went off the right side of the roadway and struck a guardrail, then a tree and came to rest on an embankment. Suffering minor injuries was 27-year old Christopher Prater of Salem and he was taken to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center by the Phelps County Ambulance. Sprong did not suffer any injuries. Everyone involved was wearing a seat restraint. The Toyota had extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Lucas Towing.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met for their regular meeting at the city hall council chambers Tuesday night. Mayor Brad Nash was not present at the meeting due to a Dent County Fire Protection District meeting. In the Hearing of Persons, City Administrator Ray Walden presented a request from the Dent County Connect group to hold a fund raising “Paddle Party” on September 23rd at the Commons to raise funds for the new All-Inclusive Playground. Since the project is already fully funded, the board approved the fundraiser with the stipulation that the Park Board determine how that money will be used for the playground. Parks and Recreation Director Tye Lydon presented two bids for a splash pad to be built on the north side of the All-Accessible Playground near the restrooms. The board approved the bid from My Splash Pad for $36,158 with most of the money being paid for out of the Park and Recreation Department Budget with additional money coming from Healthy Dent County. In reports, City Administrator Ray Walden reported the Old Middle School committee is still reviewing options before making a recommendation to the board on their decision. Walden hopes to have that recommendation at the next meeting. Walden reported the Salem Community Center@The Armory had 5,266 visitors in August to their programs and facility. Walden said the Missouri Community Betterment judges will be in town on Tuesday, September 12th between 3:00 and 4:45. This is a date change from their original scheduled visit. He also reminded everyone about the electronic waste collection to be held on September 30th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the corner of Grand and Third Street. The board approved Bill #3341 that authorized the mayor to execute a contract between the City of Salem and WCA Waste Collection to collect, haul and dispose of all refuse, rubbish and waste generated from residences in the City of Salem. The board also approved sending City Clerk Mary Happel to the LAGERS annual meeting at Tan Tar A Resort in Osage Beach October 19th and 20th. The city employees will be sending Jared Brown. The board then went into closed session to discuss real estate and contracts.

Captain James W. Remillard, commanding officer of Troop I, announces that sometime during the month of September, troopers assigned to Troop I will be conducting a DWI saturation patrol in Crawford County and Phelps County. Troopers assigned to these special enforcement operations will patrol those highways where in the past a higher number of alcohol-related arrests and traffic crashes have occurred. Captain Remillard would like to remind motorists that they can report highway emergencies and serious traffic offenses to the nearest troop headquarters by dialing *55 on a cellular telephone. The only 100 percent survivable traffic crash is the one that never happens. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Every day as we travel on Missouri’s roadways, we trust that every driver on the road is going to obey the speed limit, pay attention, and drive sober.