Archive for 2017

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse and heard from Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams on sales tax revenues received. She stated that monies received in July for General Revenue came to $71,274.12 and so far year-to-date, sales tax revenues are down $4,100.83. Last year, the sales taxes received in July were $69,594.89. Williams also gave the sales tax revenues for the Road and Bridge Fund for July and they came in at $32,872.26. That is slightly higher than the July 2016 figure of $32,799.16. She said year-to-date the fund is up $162.92 from last year. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated grading was going to be done on Dent County Roads 2400, 5150, 5550, 5600, and 6050. He went on to report brush would be cut on county roads 4110 and 6180 and possibly 6150 if time permits. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated grading was going to be done on Dent County Roads 5200 and 5225 while materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 2070. He added that brush was going to be cut on county road 3220 and a tree was removed from county road 2055. Larson wanted to let the public know that Dent County Road 4060 would be closed for at least a week for the road crews to rebuild a low water crossing that has been washed out by the rains. The low water crossing will be blocked off to all traffic. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

If you are looking to get back into the workforce or have never tried to find a job, you should attend REJOBS. REJOBS is a re-entry job success workshop that will be held this Wednesday at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory located 1200 West Rolla Road from 9:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon with an hour lunch break. Activities will include establishing career paths for re-entering job seekers, preparing a letter of explanation for communicating your background, do a completed resume interviewing practice, discuss work opportunity tax credits, training & education resource; discuss the federal bonding program, talk about criminal background information, attempt to identify jobs that match your interests and work values as well as getting your national career readiness certification. The workshop is FREE, and for more information or to register stop by or call Kelsey at 729-8163.

In the Rolla Post Office incident Sunday in Rolla, the gunman was identified as Benedict Benito, an employee of the post office. There was no apparent motive for his actions. Benito had no prior criminal history and no history of mental illness. Law enforcement and first responders who came together to assist Rolla Police Department included the Missouri S&T University Police Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop I, the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, and the Rolla Fire Department.

The Salem Police Department will conduct a storm sirens test on Wednesday, July 12th at 10:00 am, weather permitting. The storm sirens will not be tested if there are any systems moving in or it appears weather conditions are ominous.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday evening at the city hall council chambers. The board approved the request from Grace Community Church to close Water Street from Franklin Street to the end of their parking lot on Saturday, July 22nd from 8:00 AM until 1:00 PM, Sunday, September 17th from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM and on Tuesday, October 31st from 4:00 to 9:00 PM for Trunk or Treat. The board heard from Tammy Walker from Heartland Metal and how the new rates would be affecting her business. She said they use about 525,000 gallons a month and in May of 2015 their bill was $865.69 and that went up to $1,056 in June of 2015. If passed the new charge for 525,000 gallons would be $1,312.50 or a 52% increase from May of 2015. Their sewer rates are even worse going from $651 in May of 2015 to $1,581 in June of 2015 and if the ordinance is passed, their sewer bill would be $2,063.25 which comes to a 217% increase. She knows that an increase in rates was needed, but these increases are too steep and could drive them out of Salem or out of business. She said they currently have 20 employees and one shift. Walker said 30 years ago it was the attractive water and sewer rates that brought Heartland Metal to Salem and wouldn’t be ironic if the rates were to force them to leave. The board approved the bid from T & R Electric for 37.5 KVA Polemount Transformers for 568.00 each, and for both types of 50 KVA Polemount transformers, for $694.00 each. The board approved the bid to purchase Class 2, 40-foot utility poles from Bridgewell Resources from Dierks, Arkansas for $320 each. City Attorney William Camm Seay presented the Planning and Zoning Commission report and he said they recommended to approve the request from the Dent County Commission to close Water and Iron Streets from Rolla Road to 5th Street with the city retaining utility easement rights. The board approved the recommendation. City Administrator Ray Walden said the feedback on the 4th of July Parade and Fireworks was positive. He wanted to thank Healthy Dent County and the county commissioners for selling lanterns and collecting donations that totaled $700 toward next year’s fireworks display. Walden said the city is in the process of reposting the position of Economic Development Director for the City of Salem with the addition of the $5,000 from the IDA Board and $5,000 from the Dent County Commission. He also reminded everyone the next Alderman meeting would be Monday, July 24th at 7:00. The board heard Bill #3333 which would create an ordinance establishing rates for water and sewer services, and after some discussion, Alderman Chad Heithold wanted to amend the Bill on Section 1, subsection “F” to remove the word “annually” and reduce the gallons from 400,000 to 350,000. The board also wants to look into rates of other cities for large water users. There was no new information on the trailer court licenses as the Park Street Park has still not applied and the park at 701 East Center was not approved by the aldermen. The board approved the buying of a rebuilt motor and pump for the Al Brown Field Lift Station for $6,470 from Evans Enterprises. Each lift station has two motors and pumps so the lift station is still operating. Alderman Heithold suggested embossing our pumps so we know that Salem is getting their pump back and not some other pump. The meeting was then adjourned.

A standoff occurred Sunday at the Rolla Post Office as a gunman walked in and took three hostages at near 1:30 in the afternoon. The gunman was reportedly an overnight employee of the post office. The hostages were reported later removed from the building unharmed. During the standoff, Rolla Chief of Police Sean Fagin indicated that the gunman was threatening to kill himself. When the law enforcement officials entered the building later, the gunman, whose identity had not been released at print time, was found dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot.

The City of Salem Planning & Zoning Commission will conduct a meeting, called by Chairman Gary Brown, tonight at the City Hall Council Chambers located 202 North Washington beginning at 6:30 pm. The purpose of the meeting is a request by the Dent County Commission about using Water and Iron Streets in Salem for their new jail and justice center project. The City of Salem Board of Alderman will then conduct their regular meeting starting at 7:00 pm. During the hearing of persons, Christa Barnes with the Grace Community Church is requesting permission to block off Water Street from the south end of their parking lot to the corner of Water and Franklin for the purpose of a community outreach to be held on Saturday, July 22nd from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm; Sunday, September 17th from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm; and on Tuesday, October 31st from 4:00 to 9:00 pm. Also during the hearing of persons, Tammy Walker wishes to talk to the Board concerning the city’s water and sewer rates. Then in bids, City Administrator Ray Walden will be presenting bids for five 37.5 KVA single phase pole mount transformers, six 50 KCA single phase pole mount transformers and ten 50 KVS single phase pole mount transformers. He will also present bids for a load of utility poles Class 2, 40-foot in length. Gary Brown, Chairman of the Planning & Zoning Board, will report to the Board the results of their meeting held prior to the Alderman meeting. Walden will then report on various items concerning the City of Salem as will Mayor Brad Nash. During the introduction and reading of bills and resolutions, Bill # 3333 an ordinance required to set the new water and sewer rates will be presented for the Board’s approval. In new and miscellaneous business, City Clerk Mary Happel will present a trailer court license renewal for the Board’s approval and Water and Sewer Superintendent Emory will present a bill for over $3,000 to repair a pump at the lift station for the Board’s approval. The Board may then vote to go into closed session. The meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission and the City of Salem Board of Alderman are both open to the public.

An accident occurred at 1:05 Saturday morning on Dent County Road 6510 about fourteen miles south of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2000 Lincoln LS, driven by 31-year old Lendsey Phillips of Salem, ran off the left side of the roadway, struck a fence and a tree before returning to the roadway. According to the report, neither Phillips of a passenger in the vehicle, 23-year old Sierra Jordan of Salem, were wearing their seat restraints. Jordan suffered minor injuries and refused treatment at the scene, while Phillips injuries were unknown as he fled the scene after the accident. The Lincoln was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker Towing.

The National Weather Service (NWS) and the Missouri Department of Senior Services wants to remind everyone that the hottest days of the summer season are approaching soon and how you prepare for those days are very important. Here are some safety tips to help you deal with the excessive heat: drink plenty of water and natural fruit juices, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages and drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and colas. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. If you must go out, use sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat. Remember that sunburn reduces the skin’s ability to provide cooling. Avoid going out during the hottest times of the day. Take frequent breaks if working during the heat of the day. Using a buddy system between co-workers in high heat-stress jobs can help ensure that signs of heat stress do not go unnoticed. Inside during the day, keep shades drawn and blinds closed. Use air conditioning whenever available. Even just two hours per day in air conditioning can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illness. Fans should only be used in a ventilated room. Blow hot air out a window with a fan during the day, and blow in cooler air at night. Take cool (not icy cold) baths or showers. Eat frequent, small meals. Avoid high protein foods, which increase metabolic heat. Fruits, vegetables, and salads constitute low protein meals. Do not leave children or pets in a closed vehicle with the windows up. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach over 140 degrees within minutes. Provide extra water and access to a cool environment for pets.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested 42-year old Charles Walker of Viburnum Friday afternoon in Iron County. Walker was arrested for a felony charge of possession of methamphetamines, two felony charges of being in possession of a controlled substance, a felony charge for the unlawful use of a weapon, a charge for the unlawful use of drug paraphernalia, as well as for a misdemeanor warrant from Dent County for failure to appear on a charge of receiving stolen property. He was incarcerated in the Iron County Jail.

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.