Archive for 2018

An accident happened at 12:15 Wednesday afternoon in Crawford County on Route V at Davisville. According to the highway patrol report, a 1994 Toyota Pickup driven westbound by 15-year old Taylor Curvey of Boss, failed to negotiate a curve and traveled off the left side of the roadway and went down an embankment. Curvey suffered serious injuries and was transported to the Missouri Baptist Hospital. Curvey was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The pickup had only minor damage and was towed from the scene by Abney’s Towing.

An accident occurred Tuesday afternoon on Route K about six miles southwest of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 1996 Pontiac Grand Am, driven by 44-year old Tina Lingner of Salem, swerved to miss a deer. The vehicle then crossed the center of the roadway, traveled off of the left side of the roadway, striking a MODOT sign and an embankment. Lingner received minor injuries and was transported by Salem Ambulance to Salem District Memorial Hospital. The Grand Am sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing.

The Missouri Highway Patrol announced that Texas County Sheriff James Siegman and Lieutenant Jennifer Tomaszewski were arrested Wednesday after an investigation by the highway patrol that began back in June when a search warrant was executed inside the Texas County Sheriff’s Department. The Missouri Highway Patrol booked both Sheriff Sigman and Lt. Tomaszewski on suspicion of felony assault, felony first-degree robbery, felony first-degree endangering the welfare of a child, felony second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, felony unlawful use of a weapon, felony harassment, misdemeanor misuse of official information by a public servant, and misdemeanor false impersonation. Both are currently being held in custody.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On Monday, July 2nd, Dent County deputies conducted a traffic stop on Highway 19 North near Hunt Street. The driver, a 65-year old Salem man, was arrested on two misdemeanor Phelps County warrants. He was taken to the Dent County Jail and he later bonded. On Saturday, July 7th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 4235. The driver, a 61-year old Salem man, was arrested for driving while having his license revoked. He was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. on Thursday, July 12th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 4110. The driver, a 36-year old Salem man, was arrested for driving while having his license suspended. He was finger-printed, issued a summons, and released. That same day, deputies met with a victim in the lobby of the Dent County Sheriff’s Office in reference to stolen checks. Several checks were stolen and used at a store in Rolla. This report is still under investigation. On Saturday, July 14th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 3230 at Highway 68. The driver, a 45-year old Salem man, was arrested on a capias Dent County warrant. He was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. If anyone has information about an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The Salem Police Department released their report for the month of June. During the month, they wrote 11 equipment repair orders, 21 summons to appear in court, 17 warning tickets, and 18 traffic tickets. The Salem Police Department investigated 19 accidents, one assault report, one burglary report, three reports of domestic violence, three reports of driving while being intoxicated, two reports of driving while having a license revoked or suspended, three reports of fraud, and investigated one report of leaving the scene of an accident. The department also investigated three reports of possession of a controlled substance and three reports of possession of drug paraphernalia. There were three investigations of property damage, one report of a rape, one report of resisting or interfering with an arrest, three reports of statutory sodomy, ten reports of stealing, one trespassing and two 96 hour commitments. The police department received 1,359 calls for service during the month, handled 76 walk-ins to the station and served four fugitive warrants and three city warrants. They spent 18 hours in court testifying and ten hours as court bailiff. The Salem Police Department drove a total of 8,831 miles and arrested 19 males and 8 females during the month of June.

The Salem Acoustic Jam will be held Saturday night at 6:30 at the Creative Arts Center, formerly the Teachers Closet, at 6:30. Musicians and listeners of all ages and talents are invited and there is no cost. For more information about the acoustic jam, contact the Salem Area Arts Council by e-mailing saac@embarqmail.com, or by calling or texting 247-0279.

The Dent County 4-H and FFA Expo begins TODAY at The Commons with the 4-H Exhibit judging this morning at 10:00. The Dessert Auction will be held this evening at 6:00 at the Youth Building at The Commons. On Thursday, the livestock registration will be held from 9:30 until 11:30 with weigh-ins beginning at 12:30. The Achievement Day events will be held starting at 5:00 followed by the evening entertainment that will include a number of family games. Friday will be a day full of shows starting with the Hog Show at 7:00 in the morning. In the afternoon, the sheep/goat show will start at 1:30 to be followed by the small animal show at 3:00 and the beef/dairy show beginning at 4:00. Later that night, it will be “movie night” and the Dent County Fire Truck will also be on the grounds. On Saturday, the 21st, the FFA Tractor pull will start at 9:00 in the morning with the 4-H and Market Sale starting at 1:00 at the livestock barn. The auction will be carried live on KSMO Radio and online at ksmoradio.com. The event will also be recorded for a later broadcast on Fidelity Local 6 and HD406. There are no gate fees for any of the events and the public is welcome to attend.

An accident happened Tuesday morning at 10:03 in Dent County on Highway 72 in Bunker. According to the highway patrol report, a 2015 Chrysler 200, driven by 29-year old Celestial Vandiver of Bloomfield, Missouri, crossed the center line and struck a 2003 Ford F-350 driven by 23-year old Robert Albertson of Ironton. Vandiver suffered minor injuries and was transported to Salem Memorial District Hospital by Reynolds County EMS. The report stated that both drivers were wearing their safety restraints at the time of the accident. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage. The Chrysler was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing, while the Ford was removed by Hill’s Metals and Motors.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors met for the regular meeting Tuesday evening at the hospital library. Chief Financial Officer Monica Stogsdill gave the summary of operations for June that showed a gain from operations of $112,130 with an excess of revenues over expenses of $115,380 for the month. For the fiscal year starting July 1st, 2017 and ending June 30th, 2018, the hospital had a gain from operations of $543,060 and an excess of revenues over expenses of $1,043,178. In June, 68 patients were admitted to the hospital as the acute care patients per day for June came in at 8.8. The cash flow statement showed an increase in cash of $74,016 for the month with days in accounts receivable shooting at 63. Chief Nursing Officer Debbie Hines reported during the month there were 740 emergency room visits, 223 ambulance runs with 157 patients being transported to the hospital, 23 surgery services, 1,462 outpatient registrations, 241 home health visits, 7,007 lab tests, 1,017 radiological procedures and 561 rehab treatments. The days cash-on-hand for the hospital stands at 89 year-to-date and that is way over the Critical Access Hospital state average of 65. Hines went over the Emergency Department Transfer Communication Hospital Report that showed improvement in two areas and a slight reduction in two others for the 2nd quarter. Chief Operating Officer Chris Strickland reported on the hospital foundation and that a 501c3 Non-Profit Corporation has been formed and will be doing business as the SMDH Foundation. He said the Articles of Incorporation have been filed with the state and the board will have to ratify the by-laws at the next meeting. He also said the IRS Form 1023 will be mailed by Friday. Strickland said the hospital has been involved in numerous community events including the 4th of July parade, trash pick-up day on July 13th, the Intercounty Electric Picnic on June 29th and they will be at the Salem 4-H and FFA Livestock Auction this week. The board reviewed the quarterly patient satisfaction surveys for the Emergency Department and the Family Medicine Clinic. A total of 209 surveys were received for the E.D. and all responses were at 97% or above, while 62 responses came in for Family Medicine and all categories came back at 95% or above for satisfaction. At the Chief of Staff’s report, the radiologists for USA Radiology, the new company hired by the hospital, were approved for courtesy staff privileges. A strategic planning meeting will be held October 19th through the 21st, and the public tax rate hearing will be held August 21st before the next regular board meeting at 5:45. The board will review a purchases policy update to bring them more in line with industry standards and that will be discussed at the next meeting. Strickland announced the new mammography machine has arrived and it has been installed. Training begins July 24th and patients are being scheduled now. Strickland reports the hospital has contracted with Britney Christesen, DC to be the Salem R-80 Athletics “Team Doctor.” She will attend the games and will provide medical assessments, training, taping and more. Jason Edwards will provide a sports nutrition program and the SMDH Physical Therapy will provide guidelines for the concussion protocols. The board approved the purchase of an Endo Drying Cabinet from Steris Corporation for $8,134 before electing new officers for the next fiscal year. The new Chairman is Sue Terry with George Gruendel as Vice-Chairman and Dennis Fiebelman as Secretary. The board then went into closed session.

The Doe Run Company recently donated $5,000 to the Southwest Baptist University (SBU) Salem Campus. Doe Run has supported SBU’s Salem Campus every year over the last decade, and this year’s donation to SBU’s newly established licensed practical nursing program helps bring health care to rural communities.

An accident happened Sunday evening at 8:45 in Dent County on Highway 32 about seven miles east of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, 35-year old Brandon Berry of St. James driving a 2016 Ford Fusion eastbound, failed to negotiate a curve and the Fusion traveled off the roadway, struck a rock bluff and then overturned off the roadway. Berry was ejected from the vehicle and suffered serious injuries and was flown by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur. Berry was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The highway patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Department, Dent County Fire Protection District and the Salem EMS. The Fusion was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse for their regular meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated West Contracting was finishing up a number of chip and seal projects in the district. They should be done with their work early this week. Purcell said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5110, 6220, 6280 and 6283, while brush would be cut on county road 6010. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson indicated materials would be added and grading done on county roads 3250 and 4280, while patch grading on numerous roads in the Sligo area are being done after the heavy rain over the weekend. Larson also said that one of his operators would continue to load the chips for West Contracting for the chip and seal work. Another man would be hauling gravel to the shop to stockpile. Presiding Commission Darrell Skiles wanted to report that he has been in communication with the City of Salem concerning filling the Economic Development Director position. He said it has taken longer than expected but Skiles said he feel they have been moving forward and are very close to filling the position. Of course, he added, that the final decision on any recommendation belongs to the city with the final approval by the Board of Aldermen. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said absentee voting continues and she reminds everyone to update your voting information if you have moved or had trouble voting last time. If you have any questions, call her office at 729-4144. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Pedestrians and a vehicle were involved in an accident Tuesday, July 3rd at approximately 5:34 pm in the Dollar General Parking. According to the Salem Police Department report a 2012 Ford F-250 owned and operated by Matthew Fleener of Salem was parked facing north. Two pedestrians were passing behind the Ford pushing a stroller with an occupant. The Ford started backing from the parked position colliding with the stroller. The occupant of the stroller sustained minor injuries and was transported by Salem Ambulance to SMDH. No other injuries or damages were reported.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met for their regular meeting Monday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. The board approved the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission to vacate an undeveloped portion of South Oak Street between Franklin and East Hunt Street. This will be brought up as a n ordinance at the next meeting. Alderman Ken Nash discussed making a tougher nuisance ordinance or make it more enforceable to help clean up the town. He said he gets most of his calls about property in disarray, with high grass or in disrepair and nothing is happening. For homes unsafe, Nuisance Officer Jared Brown has to try to locate the owner, give them a chance to make repairs or clean it up before turning the case over to the city attorney. City Attorney William Camm Seay said he found out there was money in the budget to update old nuisance ordinances and he will get with Dan Vogel and get that process going. He said many people with high grass will just allow the city to cut it and put the charges on their tax bill. City Administrator Ray Walden said people will begin to be able to sign up for the new utility programs very soon. He said the proposed sewer rate public hearing will be Monday, July 30th at 6:00 to be followed by a special Board of Aldermen meeting. Walden explained to the board that some employees have taken vacation in advance of earning their extended leave time which creates a negative balance. This is fine if this is a medical condition, but not for an elective vacation. He would like to amend the current ordinance that all vacation leave would need to be approved, and that no advance vacation can create a negative leave balance. The board approved his request to amend the ordinance at the next meeting. Walden also handed out the annual budget for the City of Salem for the July 2018-June 2019 fiscal year to the alderman and media. The budget is available to the public at the City Administrative offices. The board approved setting the 2018 Public Tax Rate Hearing to be held at the August 20th regular meeting. The board then went into closed session.