Archive for 2023

The Salem Police Department has released the following information. On Thursday, December 28th, 2023, law enforcement officers from Salem and Dent County concluded a 6-week investigation into allegations of Sexual Abuse. An arrest was made, and a probable cause statement was submitted to Prosecutor Andrew Curley on the subject identified as Bradley J. Nash; 47 of Salem, MO. The investigation began after it was learned that two minor children had disclosed the allegations against Nash. An investigation was started at that time and was concluded on December 28th, 2023 when officers executed two search warrants in Salem on two separate residences where Nash was known to stay. The warrant sought to locate electronic media storage and access to areas mentioned in the victims’ original disclosures. Nash was located and placed under arrest without incident and transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office to await formal charges and a bond setting. On Friday, December 29th, 2023 charges were announced. Nash was charged with 2 counts of Statutory Sodomy 1st degree and 1 count of Child Molestation 2nd degree. Nash’s warrant was capias no bond. The charges for which Nash has been arrested are merely accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before the court of competent jurisdiction, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, the superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, encourages everyone to make good decisions regarding their New Year’s celebration. No one wants to start 2024 with a traffic crash or DWI arrest. During the 2023 New Year’s period, six people were killed and 345 injured in 925 traffic crashes in Missouri. The 2024 New Year’s holiday counting period begins at 6:00 this evening and ends at 11:59 Monday night, January 1st, 2024. If your plans to welcome the new year include alcohol, please designate a sober driver to ensure you arrive home safely. The roadway is no place for a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you kill or injure someone, you’ll pay the price for the rest of your life. If you plan to drive this New Year’s, remember to buckle up and make sure all your passengers do the same. Pay attention, obey all traffic laws, and when in doubt, yield the right-of-way. Be sure to use your turn signal to communicate your intentions. Download the MoDOT Traveler Information app to your smart phone, and check road conditions before you travel. Allow extra time during inclement weather or consider staying home. Missouri law states if you’re using your windshield wipers, your headlights must be turned on. The public is encouraged to call the Patrol’s Emergency Assistance Number (800) 525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone if they witness criminal activity or experience an emergency.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday at the courthouse. First District Commissioner Wes Mobray was not in attendance and Supervisor Jason Akins gave the road report. He stated brush was being cut on Dent County Road 6020 while crews were out checking for missing road signs and replacing them. He also said shop work was being done. Second District Commissioner Gary Polk indicated brush was going to be cut on Dent County Roads 2070, 2080 and 2083, while other workers would be making and hanging new signs. Polk reported the graders would be moved once the weather improved. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson wanted to let everyone know the courthouse, judicial building and Dent County Annex would be closed on Monday for New Years Day, but also wanted to let people know the judge closed all judiciary offices on Tuesday, January 2nd, so some offices in the Annex and the Judicial Building will be open like the Extension office. Larson also said the installation of the Christmas lights on the courthouse had still not been completed as of December 27th. Trimlights was supposed to have a representative at the courthouse to complete the work by end of the year. Larson said some people were not happy with the lights on the courthouse not being white this year for Christmas, as they were set to red and green but those lights can be programmed to be any color. They will be white to celebrate the New Year. There was a problem with the lights at the very top where they were multicolored and that was due to a malfunction in the system. Once fully installed and operational, the commission will be able to program the lights on the courthouse different colors for special occasions such as the 4th of July parade, Christmas, etc. Larson said the courthouse lights will have two individual zone areas of control, the north and south sides of the courthouse. The commission did approve to advertise their surplus property that will be available for the public to look at next week at the Dent County Road and Bridge Department shed on Highway 32-72 West during regular business hours. Bids on the surplus property will be received in the Dent County Clerk’s office until 10:00 in the morning on Thursday, January 18th at which time the bids will be opened. If you are bidding on surplus property, please indicate on your envelope which product you are bidding on. It doesn’t matter if you drop it off personally or mail it in, but it MUST be received by 10:00 Thursday morning, January 18th. Mike Elliott, the representative with T&C Insurance Co, came in to visit about rates through Tokio Marine HCC regarding the county building, property and auto insurance. Larson signed the application declaration. Corky Stack with AEA Engineering was also in to talk about the Christmas lights. At the last meeting, Nick with the 42nd Circuit Juvenile Division Steelville Office, came in to speak with the commission about a budget request for 2024. Also present was Kevin Randazzo and Judge Michael Randazzo. They were asking for a $6,900 increase due to the need of adding a full-time employee in Wayne County. The increase would be spread out over the five counties. The next commission meeting will be January 4th.

An accident happened Wednesday night at 8:30 in Franklin County on westbound Interstate 44 at the 254.8 mile-marker. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Chrysler Town and Country being driven by 60-year-old Lisa Saes of Steelville, traveled off the left side of the highway and struck a concrete traffic barrier. The Chrysler then traveled off the right side of the road and struck a guard rail. Saes, who was wearing a seat restraint, suffered moderate injuries and was taken by Meramec Ambulance personnel to Mercy Hospital in Washington. The Chrysler was totaled and removed from the scene by Johns Towing.

A Christmas Eve pursuit in Phelps County on Route V has led to the arrest of two Salem men Sunday night. Owen White and Zachary Perkins of Salem were eventually taken into custody when the Audi they were operating failed to stop at a stop sign on Phelps County Road 3110. They continued onto Dillon Outer Road before the Audi turned onto Route V where an officer attempted to pull the Audi over only to have them speed away on Route V close to 80 miles an hour. The probable cause statement indicates the engine of the Audi died in the 12000 block of Route V allowing officers to apprehend White and Perkins. Each man was charged with the possession of a controlled substance, 2nd degree trafficking of drugs and the unlawful use of weapon; while White had additional charges of the unlawful possession of a firearm and resisting arrest by fleeing creating a substantial risk of serious injury or death to any person. According to the statement, six grams of suspected fentanyl, a burnt glass tube and a bag of what was suspected to be methamphetamine were located during the arrest, plus a .22-caliber rifle was found in the Audi. The charges are only accusations and not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it will be to determine the accused guilt or innocence.

Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk said her office in the Dent County Courthouse will have extended hours for those wanting to pay their tax bills in person today and tomorrow from 8:00 in the morning until 5:30. She reminded everyone that the post office is only open until noon on Saturday the 30th. Payments mailed in must be postmarked NO LATER than December 30th. She recommends if you wait until that day to take your envelope inside the post office to have it hand stamped at the window. There is also a drop box in the front of the courthouse at the southwest corner of the courthouse square where you can leave your payments through midnight on Sunday, December 31st. Payments can also be made online by following the instructions on your real estate and person property tax bills.

Celebrate the new year with fun, fresh air and scenic views by participating in a First Day Hike in one of America’s state parks. Several Missouri state parks and historic sites are participating in this national initiative again. This year there are more than 1,000 hikes available in state parks around the country. The distance and rigor of the hikes vary from park to park, but they all aim to create a fun experience for the whole family. Savor the beauty of the natural, cultural and historic resources our state parks offer, and be inspired to take advantage of these local treasures throughout the year. Hikers can choose guided hikes that fit their comfort level, including mountain and hill climbs, walks along lakes, exploring trails that wind through forests, and wildlife expeditions. The following hikes in our area that are planned for January 1st include the Meramec State Park in Sullivan which is holding a three-mile hike at 11:00 in the morning at the Visitor Center; the Missouri Mines State Historic Site on Highway 32 in Park Hills where their one-mile hike starts at 9:00 in the morning; and Montauk State Park in Salem where people can meet 10:00 in the morning at the Nature Center for this two mile hike. Preregistration is required for all hikes, as some have a maximum number of hikers who can be accommodated. To register, visit icampmo.com. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

Beginning January 2, 2024, Big Spring Campground will be closed for approximately 30 days to complete utility upgrades. The work is being completed by Blinderman Construction in conjunction with the ongoing renovation of the Big Spring Lodge and Cabins. During this time, while water and electric are unavailable at campsites and restrooms, we encourage visitors to camp at Alley Spring, Round Spring, or other nearby campgrounds. There are locally-owned campgrounds and lodging near Van Buren, and the park offers primitive camping south of Big Spring. For updates on the closure , call (573) 323-4236 or visit park’s Facebook page or website at www.nps.gov/ozar.

The Missouri Department of Conservation recently set turkey and deer hunting dates for the 2024-2025 seasons. The hunting dates were approved by the Missouri Conservation Commission at its December 8th open meeting in Jefferson City. Spring Youth Portion of the 2024 turkey season will be April 6th and 7th. The regular Spring Turkey Season is slated for April 15th through May 5th with the Fall Firearms Turkey Season to run October 1st to October 31st. 2024-2025 deer season will include an early antlerless portion in open counties will be October 11th through the 13th. Early youth portion running November 2nd and 3rd. November regular portion set for November 16th through November 26th. CWD portion in open counties will be November 27th through December 1st. The late antlerless portion in open counties will be December 7th through December 16th and the Firearms alternative methods portion with be December 28th, 2024 through January 7th, 2025. Detailed information on the upcoming seasons and portions will be included in the MDC 2024 Spring Turkey Hunting and Regulations booklet and the MDC 2024 Fall Deer & Turkey Regulations and Information booklet, available closer to the seasons. The booklets will be available where permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov.

This Sunday, there will be a New Year’s Eve Ball at the Salem Community Center@The Armory at 7:00. The event is brought to you as a partnership between Healthy Dent County and the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Agent Jonah Schafer with American Family Insurance. The event is for adults only and will feature a dinner at 7:30 followed by dancing with the band “Misfire” and DJ-Kim Steelman. There will also be a champagne toast at midnight with party favors as well. Tickets for individuals will be $55 and $100 per couple, or a group can reserve a table of eight for $400. Tickets are available at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Salem Community Center@The Armory. For more information, contact the chamber at 729-6900 or Healthy Dent County at 729-8163.

The Dent County Sheriff’s office has released some reports. On Sunday, December 17th, deputies investigated a “road rage” incident involving the discharging of a firearm on Dent County Road 3260. The victims, a 17-year-old Salem juvenile and an 18-year-old Salem man, stated that a subject had fired a weapon after being involved in a road rage incident with them. A further investigation revealed the 17-year-old juvenile had fired a weapon into the air. The case will be forwarded to the Dent County Juvenile Office. The next day, deputies took a report of a firearm being stolen from the 5500 block of Route K. Suspect information was provided and the firearm was recovered. Due to the circumstances of the call, the victim, a 40-year-old Salem man, declined to prosecute. On Tuesday, December 19th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 4070. As a result of the stop, a 32-year-old homeless woman was found to have an active warrant for her arrest. She was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Dent County Jail where she was incarcerated on her warrant. And finally, on Friday, December 22nd, a deputy was on North Pershing Street when he observed a 32-year-old Salem man who was known to have an active warrant for his arrest. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated on the warrant. Please call the Dent County Sheriffs office if you have any information regarding any investigation at 729-3241.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley reported that on Wednesday, December 13th in Dent County in front of Judge Michael Randazzo, Tabitha Bruder of Springfield pleaded guilty to the possession of methamphetamine. Bruder had prior felony convictions and Judge Randazzo sentenced her to serve five years in the Missouri Department of Corrections as requested by the prosecuting attorney.

Two people died in traffic crashes during the 78-hour Christmas Holiday counting period, which began at 6:00 Friday evening and ended at 11:59 Christmas night. Troopers investigated 124 traffic crashes involving 71 injuries including 2 fatalities. There were also 81 DWI arrests. Last year during the 78-hour Christmas counting period, there were 1,017 traffic crashes statewide. In those crashes, four people were killed and another 318 were injured. Troopers arrested 52 people for driving while impaired in 2022. There were no boating crashes or drownings over the 2023 Christmas holiday counting period.

Healthy Dent County is planning to begin another Project RISE program that will empower individuals and offer support as they strive to lead their families out of poverty.  The goal is to have a new cohort of families begin this spring. This program will address issues that keep families in poverty and work toward developing strategies to overcome these challenges and sustain long-term change.  Project RISE will help provide the tools to improving financial health and empowerment as well as providing a support system of community connections to help with long term thinking and time management. Families accepted in the program will work on money management including budgeting and improving credit scores, employment and career development, setting goals and relationship building. Only 4-7 families will be selected for this 16 week program, and they must meet these requirements: must have stable housing; they must reside in Dent County; and most importantly, the participants must be ready, willing and open to make changes to find new opportunities. To make this project a success, Healthy Dent County will work with social service agencies, churches, health care and employment specialists and community leaders. The wealth of knowledge from these professionals will be invaluable to improving the lives of these families for generations to come. Participants can earn gift cards and other financial incentives throughout the program. Meals and childcare will be provided during the meetings. If you are interested, pickup and turn in an application at the Salem Community Center@The Armory at the Healthy Dent County office at 1200 West Rolla Road.

Beginning January 1st, the USDA Forest Service will be adjusting fees at Mark Twain National Forest’s developed recreation sites. A vast majority of the forest is free for visitors to access and enjoy, but fees are needed to maintain the sites that offer amenities—things like fire rings, trash service, potable water, electricity, paved parking and more. In 2004, Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act which allows the Forest Service to retain 95% of revenue collected at recreation sites and use the funds locally to operate, maintain and improve the sites. Revenue is reinvested into Forest recreation sites in the form of trash pickups, septic and toilet pumping, painting, cleaning, addressing the backlog of deferred maintenance, conducting patrols, and maintaining highly used trails and campsites. Local areas that will be affected by the price changes include the Red Bluff Campground and day use, Council Bluff Campground and day use and Loggers Lake Campground and day use. For a list of the all the different fee increases at each of these campgrounds, go to www.fs.usda.gov.

There will be a Community Blood Center of the Ozarks Blood Drive at the Salem Memorial Hospital Library from 9:00 this morning until 2:00 this afternoon. For the successful donors, they will receive a free cozy blanket while supplies last. Then on Tuesday, January 2nd from 1:00 until 6:00 at the First Baptist Church, the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will hold another blood drive. This time, successful donors will receive a warm CBCO hoodie while supplies last. To help avoid wait times, donors should call to make an appointment at 417-227-5006 for either location, or you can go online at www.cbco.org/donate-blood.