Archive for 2021

Registration for all Salem R-80 schools is now underway. William Lynch will be registering new students this Wednesday from 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon, and from noon until 6:00 Thursday. At the Salem Upper Elementary School, registration will be today and Wednesday from 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon, and on Tuesday and Thursday from noon until 6:00. These dates are for all students, both new and returning. Students that will be attending Salem Middle School and the high school must attend registration in August to receive their schedules and locker assignments. A parent or guardian must also attend and complete all district required enrollment forms. Registration for the middle school will be start today in the middle school cafeteria from 9:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon for new students who have not been registered in any Salem school in grades 6-8. Registration continues tomorrow for all students entering 8th grade, the 7th grade registration will be Wednesday, and for those needing to register for 6th grade, registration will be Thursday. Those who miss their scheduled registration days may register on Friday, August 13th. Students who will be attending high school will be able to register the same week in the lobby of the high school from 10:00 until 3:00 each day. Those who will be seniors can register Tuesday, juniors will register Wednesday, sophomores on Thursday and freshmen on Friday. Those in high school will receive their locker assignments only upon the return of all completed registration forms. Missouri state law requires the immunization of all school children. Students must be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and hepatitis B with 3 doses for those in grades 7 through 12, unless an exemption has been signed by a physician and filed with the school. All students must present proof of compliance with the immunization rule by the first day of school but are encouraged to bring their record on enrollment day. This applies to all students, including transfer students. Parents should the Dent County Health Center if they have questions regarding required immunizations at 729-3106.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Monday afternoon, July 12th, at around 2:00, an officer was sent to Wal-Mart for a report of shoplifting. It was reported that a woman had stolen approximately $10 worth of merchandise. Police made contact with the suspected subject and as a result of the investigation, a 30-year-old Salem woman was arrested and issued a summons for shoplifting. The next afternoon, the July 13th at 2:00, an officer was dispatched to the 800 block of West Glendale for a report of children playing in the street unsupervised. During the investigation, police made contact with a woman that had an active arrest warrant out of the Rolla Police Department. As a result, a 26-year-old Salem woman was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. During the afternoon of July 15th near 1:00, an officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Fourth Street for a report of stealing. It was reported that $250 worth of tools were stolen from the area. That investigation is still ongoing. During the evening of Friday the 16th at approximately 7:30, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart for a report of a shoplifter who had fled the area. Contact was made with the suspected subject and the confirmation of her identity was obtained. During the investigation, items stolen from Wal- Mart were obtained along with illegal drugs possessed by the subject. As a result, a 31-year-old Salem woman was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. On Sunday, July 18th at around 12:30 in the morning, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for failing to maintain a single lane of travel. Upon further investigation it was found the subject was under the influence of alcohol while operating the vehicle. As a result, a 59-year-old Salem woman was arrested and was summoned to appear in court. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

An accident occurred Saturday afternoon at 12:35 in Phelps County on Highway 8 at Phelps County Road 3450. According to the highway patrol report, a 2019 Ford Escape driven by 79- year-old Yvonne McEwen of St. James, was travelling westbound and travelled off the right side of the roadway, struck a culvert and then overturned. McEwen suffered serious injuries and was transported by EMS to Phelps Health. The Escape was totaled and removed by Spurgeon’s Towing. McEwen was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

An accident occurred Saturday evening at 7:40 in Maries County on Highway 63 just north of Maries County Road 327. According to the highway patrol report, a 2010 Kia Optima driven by 33-year-old Richard Butler of Rolla, was travelling southbound and tried to overtake an unknown vehicle. The Kia changed lanes and struck the front of the unknown vehicle, started skidding, travelled off the left side of the roadway, and struck a dirt embankment. The unknown vehicle continued southbound and left the scene. Two occupants of the Kia: 29-year- old Deanna Kiersten of Rolla and a 3-year-old juvenile male of Rolla, suffered minor injuries and were transported to Phelps Health Hospital by Maries Osage Ambulance. Butler was also transported to Phelps Health Hospital by Maries Osage Ambulance with no injuries. Everyone involved was wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. The Kia sustained moderate damage and was removed by Plaza Towing.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports for the latter part of July. On Tuesday, July 20th, the Dent County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a domestic disturbance that had occurred in the 1000 block of Route B. Deputies traveled to the location and during the course of the incident, a 35-year-old Salem man was arrested for domestic assault in the 3rd degree, three counts of endangering the welfare of a child in the 1st degree, a felony resisting arrest charge, assault in the 4th degree – special victim, and property damage in the 2nd degree. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Wednesday, July 21st, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on West Highway 32. During the traffic stop, a 32-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 2nd offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On Friday, July 23rd, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 500 block of Route F to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of that incident, a 29-year-old Salem woman was arrested for having an active warrant through Rolla Police Department. She was transported to the Dent County Jail and was incarcerated. That same day, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Dent County Roads 3273 and 3270. During the traffic stop, a 48-year-old Salem man was arrested for the possession of a controlled substance except for 35 grams or less of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid, and the unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated. Also arrested during the incident was a 38-year-old Salem woman for having active arrest warrants through Dent County. She was transported to the Dent County Jail and was incarcerated. If anyone has information regarding any open investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways is partnering with Shannon County Museum, Ozark Riverways Foundation, the Ozark Heritage Project, and the Dent County Historical Society to host a “Celebration of the River Community at Round Spring” this Saturday evening from 5:00 until 9:30 at the Round Spring picnic pavilion. Local families and organizations will set up booths and displays that highlight the fascinating history of the Round Spring area. Live performances, presentations, music, and tours will be conducted throughout the evening. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own picnic dinner and join in the festivities at this free outdoor event. Events scheduled from 5:00 until 5:30 will include Wildlife & Geology of the Round Spring Area presented by ONSR Park Rangers. From 5:30 until 6:00 Lennis Broadfoot Comes Alive will be presented by Twin Pines Conservation Education Center. Archeology on the upper Current River presented by Alan Banks will take place from 6:00 until 6:30 then from 6:30 until 7:00 the History of Round Spring Cave & Remembrance of Round Spring is being presented by John Stewart & Allen Ramsey. From 7:00 until 8:30 “Friend Pickin” will provide musical entertainment. And finishing out the evening a park ranger will present a program in the amphitheater from 8:30 until 9:15. All participants should be prepared to practice social distancing at this outdoor event. If you are not yet fully vaccinated, masks are required when social distancing cannot be maintained. Round Spring is located 12 miles north of Eminence on State Highway 19. For more information, contact the Round Spring Ranger Station at (573)323-8093.

Missouri State Parks invites the public to begin their archery journey by attending hands-on courses at Echo Bluff State Park. Course will be held tomorrow from 10:00 until noon, September 18th from 2:00 until 4:00, and October 16th from 10:00 until noon. Participants may register for the August course beginning July 3rd. This program is for anyone who wants to learn the basics of archery and atlatl throwing. The Learn2 Aim courses offer two hours of free instruction and are open to ages 10 and older. Registration is required and all slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Missouri State Parks provides the equipment, including bows, atlatls, targets and expertise, in a safe environment. Participants should bring enthusiasm and a willingness to learn a historical skill. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and closed-toed shoes. Participants must be at least 10 years of age. Children 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Parents and guardians do not have to participate but must be on hand to provide adult supervision. Participants should be comfortable around bows and atlatls. All Missouri State Park rules and regulations apply. This is a family-oriented event; alcohol and tobacco products are not allowed while participating in the Learn2 Program. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. For more information or to register, go to mostateparks.com/learn2.

The City of Salem wants to remind anyone who is past due on their utility bill or has not yet made payment arrangements with the city, that you have until 5:00 TODAY to pay your bill or set up a payment plan. Disconnect notices carry a $25 charge for the first three disconnects and a $50 charge after that. Contact the city utility office at 729-4117 or stop by 400 North Iron Street to make a payment or to make payment arrangements. The hours are from 8:00 in the morning until 5:00 this afternoon. All previous month’s bills become past due and are subject to disconnect after the 5th of each month. The city also wants to remind everyone that you will find printed on your utility bill that it is your first and final notice. Remember, YOU are ultimately responsible for your utility bill, whether or not it comes in the mail.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday evening at 6:00 at the first station. After some discussion, the 2022 tax rate was set at $0.2377, which is the maximum allowed by law, and up from this year’s rate of $0.2374. After the tax levy hearing, the board approved the consent agenda and approved the minutes from the July meeting as presented. Bills were then reviewed and approved then the budget was reviewed which showed an ending balance as of July 31st of $169,923.57. There was no monthly reimbursement report at this meeting as the software is still being transferred and uploaded. In old business, Joe Weber from Weber and Associates was in attendance to answer any questions on the policy and procedures manual. The board is still reviewing the manual and Mr. Weber stated that he was available to answer any questions that may arise. In reports to the board, Chief Brad Nash reported that there was a problem with one of the door frames installed during the renovation. Cahill Construction will be onsite this week to check this out and repair, as necessary. Mike Godi discussed this year’s toy drive with the board that a place to store the toys is needed. The board will work on the problem and will get back with Mr. Godi. He also asked if the department was prepared for someone to replace Chief Nash in case something like COVID should happen to the chief. Chief Nash explained that he has plans in place in the event something like that should happen. The date was then set for the next meeting which will be Tuesday evening, September 7th at 6:00 at the Fire Station at #2 South Main Street.

A one vehicle accident happened Wednesday morning at around 7:20 in Dent County on Highway 68 about three miles north of Salem. According to the report released from the highway patrol, a 2003 Dodge Caravan being driven by 78-year-old Willaim Bingham of Centerville, was traveling north when he failed to negotiate a curve. The vehicle ran off the right side of the roadway, then struck a MoDOT sign and a utility pole. An occupant in the vehicle, 78-year-old Patsy Murphey of Centerville, suffered minor injuries but refused treatment at the scene. The Dodge sustained minor damage and was removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing. The report went on to state that Bingham and Murphey were both wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident.

An accident happened Tuesday evening just after 8:00 in Phelps County on Highway F about two miles south of Rolla. The report released from the highway patrol states that a 1993 Ford F-150 being driven by a 16-year-old juvenile male of Rolla was traveling west when he ran off the right side of the road and struck several trees. A passenger in the vehicle, 19-year-old Jakob Faulkner of Rolla, suffered minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. The report went on to state that the driver was wearing a safety restraint while the passenger was not. The Ford sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by C&C Towing.

To mark this year’s biggest summer meteor shower, Elephant Rocks State Park staff invites the public to a rare after-dark event at 8:00 this Friday. The Perseid Meteor Shower is caused by particles released by the Swift-Tuttle Comet and can be seen with the naked eye. Park staff will be available to direct visitors to the best and safest areas to view the shower. All are welcome and encouraged to dress for changeable summer conditions. It is often warmer on the rocks early in the evening as they radiate the heat they stored up in the hot summer sun all day. It then cools off as the night progresses, so be prepared to add layers as needed. Also be prepared to deal with insects like mosquitoes and ticks. Please remember to bring in only what you will be able to carry out when you leave. Trash receptacles are provided at the parking lot of the park. Participants are encouraged to be respectful of other visitors and to bring portable chairs and blankets to keep warm. Avoid excessive use of artificial lights and excessive noise during the event. No tents or other invasive camping equipment, such as propane heaters or lanterns, will be allowed. Absolutely no campfires will be allowed. Telescopes and binoculars are not needed to view the shower, but are welcome. Elephant Rocks State Park is located at 7406 Highway 21 in Belleview. For more information about the event, call the site at 573-546-3454.