Archive for 2017

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released the following reports. On Monday, August 7th deputies responded to the 300 block of Highway 19 to make contact with an individual for Texas County. After their arrival, it was discovered that a person at the residence had a warrant for their arrest. As a result a 38-year old Salem man was arrested and was later extradited to Texas County. Later that day, deputies took a report of a burglary on Dent County Road 5170. The victim reported that a brown 15-inch Circle Y saddle with a brown “Billy Cook” breast collar, valued at $1,500.00, and a bridle valued at $150.00 were taken from a barn at the residence. The report is under investigation. On Tuesday, August 8th, deputies took a report of an inmate attempting to get a knife into the jail. Deputies were advised that a 27-year old Salem man was arrested on warrants earlier and was being booked into the jail. During the booking process it was discovered that the male had secreted a pocket knife on his person in an attempt to have it in the jail. He was charged with delivery/possession of a weapon in a county jail and given a $50,000.00 cash only bond. That same day, deputies responded to Dent County Road 5140 for a burglary report. It appeared that a shed and the residence had been broken into, but nothing was missing. This report is also under investigation. If you have any information about a current investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On Wednesday morning, August 2nd at 11:07, an officer was sent to a residence in the 400 block of North Henderson in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown had taken two window air conditioning units and a grandfather clock valued at $900.00. At 12:48 Sunday morning, August 6th, an officer located a 2007 Jeep Commander parked near the 200 block of South Henderson that had been stolen from Cuba, Missouri. The driver fled north as the officer approached the vehicle. Due to the weather conditions and the concern for public safety, the vehicle was unable to be stopped. At approximately 3:00 Sunday afternoon, the vehicle was located off of Dent County Road 3260 north of Salem. The vehicle had been set on fire and was a total loss. The driver has not been located. On Monday night, August 7th, an officer was detailed to a residence in the 200 block of West Roosevelt in reference to a domestic disturbance. That investigation led to the detention of two juvenile males of Salem for disorderly conduct. The two suspects were released to their parent and the report was forwarded to the Juvenile Office. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

An accident happened Sunday morning at 8:30 in Crawford County on Crabtree Road about one mile north of Davisville. According to the highway patrol report, a 1994 Buick Sentry driven northbound by 37-year old Tonya Mason of Steelville, failed to negotiate a curve and began sliding before the car traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned. Mason suffered minor injuries and was taken by the Iron County Ambulance to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. She was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Buick sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Blackies Towing.

Hunters, anglers, and wildlife viewers now have access to about 6,300 acres of private land through the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Missouri Outdoor Recreational Access Program (MRAP). MRAP lands are privately owned properties in which the landowners voluntarily agree to allow public access. In return, MDC provides the landowners with annual incentive payments and habitat improvement assistance. Approximately 6,300 acres are currently enrolled in the program and open to the public. MRAP properties range in size from a few to several hundred acres and offer varying types of outdoor recreation. Participating landowners determine the activities that may occur on their land by selecting one of the public-access options offered by the program: 1) All Access Hunting and Fishing, 2) Small Game and Turkey Hunting, 3) Youth Only Hunting and Fishing, 4) Archery Hunting, 5) Fishing, and 6) Wildlife Viewing Only. MRAP properties are open to foot traffic only and area users are asked to self-register at the designated parking and entry points. All rules and regulations enforced by MDC apply on MRAP lands. MRAP land must meet minimum habitat requirements. This new program is largely funded by a $1.1 million grant from the US Department of Agriculture’s Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program. For more information on MRAP and to find available properties, visit mdc.mo.gov/mrap. The webpage includes maps of enrolled properties, public access options, rules and procedures, and enrollment information for landowners.

As the new school year begins, an open house will be conducted for William Lynch Elementary TONIGHT 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 tomorrow from 4:30-6:00 followed by the open house at the Middle School from 6:00-7:30.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse for their regular meeting. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams brought to the commission the sales tax receipts for the month of August and the General revenue Fund received $62,597.10 which is more than last August when the county received $58,701.64. Year-to date for 2017, sales taxes receipts are up just $15.46. Williams also reported the sales tax receipts for the Road and Bridge Department in August were $31,008.80 which is more than last year’s figure of $27,567.95. So far year-to date, the sales taxes on Road and Bridge are up about 1.4%. She also said the Law Enforcement Sales Tax receipts are virtually the same as the General Revenue Fund receipts. Williams said Dent County also received interest from the State of Missouri and these funds are disbursed to the county about every 8 years. A total of $543.14 was sent and it was divided up with General Revenue getting $220.83, the Law Enforcement Fund gets $220.82 while the road and Bridge will get $101.49. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said materials would be added and grading would be done on Dent County Road 6640, while only grading was going to be done on county roads 6575, 6595, 6630 and 6665 and if time permits, county road 6610. He said another crew is repairing the chip and seal on Dent County Road 4210. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated materials were being added and grading was being done on Dent County Road 2340 while only grading was being done on county road 2200. Larson mentioned brush was being cut on county road 3290. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he was going to attend the MRPC TAC meeting Thursday afternoon, followed by an MRPC committee meeting and then the MRPC Board meeting. Steve Davis with Shive-Hattery and Nick Smith with Septagone Construction Management along with Sheriff Bob Wells were in to update the commission on some of their findings and possible new jail scenarios for the commission to consider. 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.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has releases a couple of arrest reports. The first was 27-year old Ricky Feary of Salem who was arrested on Tuesday, August 8th for a DWI, failure to drive on the right side of the roadway involving a crash and also for not having insurance. Feary was held in the Dent County Jail but has since been released. The second incident was in Phelps County at 3:45 Wednesday, August 9th when 38-year old Sarah McGraw was arrested for felony assault of a law enforcement officer in the 3rd degree, resisting arrest and not wearing a seatbelt. She was placed in the Phelps County Jail on a 24-hour hold.

As the new school year begins, an 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.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds drivers that many schools throughout the state are starting the 2017-2018 school year. This brings a change in traffic patterns ─ school buses and parents taking their children to school will join other motorists on the road and affect the morning and afternoon commute. It is critical for drivers to be alert, especially near school zones, playgrounds, and bicycle paths. Whatever route you drive, expect this additional traffic and prepare by allowing extra time to reach your destination. Most traffic crashes involving young drivers (under the age of 21) in 2016 occurred between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., when school typically lets out. Drivers need to be aware of the increased traffic during this time—not just in areas around school, but all around town. Many of these drivers are young and inexperienced. Parents: It is important to encourage those young drivers to remember driving is a full-time job. Using a cell phone, texting, or adjusting the radio can be the distraction that leads to a traffic crash. Texting is against the law for anyone under the age of 22. Missouri law states that on a two-lane road, if a school bus is stopped and displaying warning signals while loading or unloading children, drivers must stop when meeting and following the bus. However, it is only necessary to stop on a four-lane highway when following the bus. Drivers, when you see a stopped school bus, stay alert and follow the law. Children may not be aware of traffic and dart unexpectedly into the roadway. In 2016, one person was killed and 389 people were injured in school bus crashes. Missouri experienced 974 traffic crashes involving school buses last year. Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about riding a bus, walking, or driving to school in a safe manner. If they ride a bike, please make sure they wear a helmet and follow traffic laws. Let’s help Missouri students return to school safely.

The Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District (ORSWMD) wants the public to know that you can take a stand for your land and combat illegal dumping. Late fall and late winter are the best times for identifying illegal dumps and they encourage anyone to report illegal dumping activities. The Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District (ORSWMD) provides surveillance camera services as a courtesy to cities and communities. To make a request, contact Jill Hollowell at the Meramac Regional Planning Commission by calling (573) 265-2993. This project is funded by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.