Archive for 2023

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 2400 while only grading would be done on county roads 4080 and 5450. He did say brush would be cut on county road 4220. Mobray also reported he received a call from US Forest Ranger Chad Keith who said the county was receiving an additional $43,000 in Title II money for materials for Dent County Road 5600 which is better known as the Turtle Loop located in the Mark Twain National Forest. The work by the county was to be completed by September 30th, but the county was granted an extension to December 31st due to the late notice. District 2 commissioner Gary Polk reported materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 3225, 3250 and 3253 while only grading was going to be done on county roads 3080, 3270, 3273 and 3275. Polk stated he and the road supervisor checked on the problem at the Siers residence on Dent County Road 3240 where there was an excess of chips from the chip and seal work that was in his yard making it difficult and dangerous to mow. Polk said they talked with his wife and told her what they plan on doing to alleviate the extra chips and she was fine with their discussion. Polk also said that Dick Kitchen reported brush across county road 3253 which was removed. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said an MRPC electronics and tire collection would be held in Salem at 3rd and Grand Streets at the city water building, sponsored by the Solid Waste Management District. The collection will be held Saturday, September 9th and there will be charges for monitors and TV’s as well as tires. More information will be released nearer to time on hours. Commissioner Mobray then reported the county road and bridge department had been looking for and found a used 2015 20-ton hydraulic trailer that could be used to haul equipment from location to location when needed for $19,000 in like “new” condition owned by Rodney Osborne of Licking. The commission unanimously approved the purchase. State Representative Ron Copeland was at the meeting Monday to report that Governor Parson had signed 31 bills and vetoed one which was Senate Bill 189 because the bill could allow criminals convicted of sexual offenses, including sexual exploitation of a minor or the promotion of child pornography, to have their records expunged and be removed from the sex offender registry. The bill also expands the qualifications for restitution from those who are exonerated based on DNA evidence with the increased restitution amount by more than 75 percent for eligible individuals. The governor does not believe every taxpayer across the State should be responsible for prosecutorial errors made at the local level. Governor Parson said SB 189 contains many public safety measures that he supports and would like to sign into law, including Blair’s Law, Max’s Law, increased penalties for violent repeat offenders and gun crimes, and strengthening the public defender system, but in this case, these unintended consequences unfortunately outweigh the good. There was also a lengthy discussion on the passage of SB 190 which would provide some tax relief for senior citizens on their real estate taxes if approved by either the county commission or by a vote of the people. Many of the terms used and descriptions given were too vague as to the responsibilities of office holders so the Missouri Association of Counties will be holding a zoom meeting on Tuesday morning, July 18th, to discuss this new legislation. At the last meeting, Coroner Ben Pursifull reported to the commission the state agreed to pay the $2,500 bill from Boone County on the autopsy that was performed on Lillian McCarter from last year. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO), the sole supplier of blood, platelets, and plasma to patients at 44 area healthcare facilities, needs blood donors to help ensure a strong summer blood supply to help avoid typical summer blood shortages for local use. As a sweet, summer treat, successful donors will receive a FREE ICE CREAM voucher from Dairy Queen, Culver’s OR Hiland Dairy. In addition, donors will receive a limited edition “Chillin’ in the Ozarks” T-shirt, while supplies last. Community Blood Center of the Ozarks donors provide all the blood for patients at Salem Memorial Hospital, as well as dozens of healthcare facilities across the Ozarks. The next CBCO Blood Drive will be today from 1:00 to 6:00 this afternoon at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall Library located at 201 N. MacArthur. Anther CBCO Blood drive will be held this Friday at the Salem memorial Hospital Doctor’s Library from 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon. To help avoid wait times, appointments are strongly encouraged. Donors can schedule an appointment at www.cbco.org/baseball or by calling 417-227-5006.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will hold their regular meeting this evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. The board will discuss Resolution #24-2023 to allow the mayor to execute agreement between the city and county collector, commission and treasurer for the collection of taxes due to the City of Salem and Salem Public Library on real and personal property. The aldermen will also discuss a solar grant letter of approval, the airport T-Hanger bids and the letter of concurrence of project award. The city will also discuss Resolution #23-2023 dealing with an agreement between the city and the Dent County Animal Welfare Society and when it will become effective. The board will hear a first reading of Bill #3553 authorizing the mayor to sign an agreement with the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission to aid in the construction of a 6-unit Hangar Project at the Salem Airport. The board will also hear a second reading on a number of bills ranging from electric rates changes to employee manual and city code corrections that compliment each other. The board will then hear reports of city officials before going into closed session to discuss contracts. The meeting tonight is open to the public.

“Recollections” is a revival of Salem Public Library’s older adult program, providing an opportunity to gather and share memories on a central theme. While anyone is welcome, the content is designed for those who are at least 60 years of age. Programs will be held in the library’s downstairs meeting room at 10:30 in the morning on the second Wednesday of each month. The next meeting will be July 12th. Please use the outside ramp or stairs on the north side of the building. Library membership is not required and there is no fee for participation. For more information, call 729-4331. The Salem Public Library is located at 403 North Jackson.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Salem would like to congratulate the Independence Day July 4th Parade winners. Taking the 1st place commercial entry award was Riverways Federal Credit Union, while the 1st place noncommercial entry award went to the SOCMO Clowns. The 1st place horsemanship award went to Jodie Dean. Congratulations to all the winners and a big thank you from the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce to all those businesses and organizations that had an entry in the parade.

A one vehicle accident happened early Saturday morning at 3:40 in Dent County at Dent County Road 4270 and Highway 72. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Nissan Frontier being driven south by 20-year-old Jeremiah Hickernell of Rolla, traveled off the left side of the road, struck a tree and then overturned. Hickernell, who was not wearing a seat restraint, suffered moderate injuries and was taken by ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla. The Nissan sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by American Muffler. Hickernell was arrested for a DWI, failure to drive on the right side of the roadway, not wearing a seat belt, and having no insurance.

An accident happened Friday afternoon at 12:25 in Crawford County at 960 Highway 8. According to the highway patrol report, a white Ford Van driven westbound by 19-year-old Faith Wigger of Steelville, attempted to make a left hand turn when the Ford was struck from behind by a Red Dodge Pickup that was attempting to pass the Ford, driven westbound by 40-year-old Chad Walker of Steelville. The Ford Van came to rest facing southbound while the Dodge ran off the roadway to the left and came to rest facing westbound. Suffering minor injuries in the accident were the driver of the Ford, Faith Wigger who did not get medical treatment at the scene; and a passenger in the Ford, 29-year-old Samantha Owens of St. James. Owens was taken to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. None of the parties involved were wearing safety devices. Both vehicles sustained moderate damage and were towed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing.

An accident happened Sunday morning at 6:41 in Phelps County on Highway 63 about two miles south of Edgar Springs. According to the highway patrol report, a 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer driven northbound by 20-year-old Alexis Coats of Rolla, traveled off the right side of the roadway, went across a private drive, then struck a mailbox as well as a highway sign before the Trailblazer overturned. Suffering minor injuries was Coats who was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. Coats was taken by the Phelps Healh Ambulance to the Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla. The Chevy was totaled and removed from the scene by Lucas Garage.

An accident happened in Texas County Sunday afternoon at 2:00 on Highway 137 about four miles south of Licking. According to the highway patrol report, a 2023 Nissan Rogue driven by 87-year-old Janet McKean of Rolla, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck two culverts. McKean suffered minor injuries and was taken by ambulance to the Texas County Memorial Hospital. She was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Rogue sustained moderate damages and was towed by Jay’s in Houston.

The Missouri Humanities strives to highlight the uniqueness of rural Missouri, and to showcase the bigger picture of what Small Town America really is, and why it shouldn’t be overlooked, overshadowed, or under appreciated. Each year, communities are nominated and voted on by Missourians in their “Small Town Showcase” to become one of their annual “Featured Five” communities. Salem has been nominated this year. Each of the “Featured Five” communities will work with Missouri Humanities on a short video about their community, an hour-long podcast in a roundtable-style, a feature in their bi-annual publication called MoHumanities, and a highlight reel that will feature all five of the communities to be shown during their annual gala. Help choose which communities will be featured in the Small Town Showcase 2024 by voting by this Saturday and the 5 communities with the most votes will be the winners. You may vote for up to five different communities. To vote on or to read each of the communities’ nominations, go online to the mohumanities.org website and click on the “Programs” tab to find the “Small Town Showcase.”

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will be meeting Tuesday evening at 6:00 at the fire station at 32 South Main Street. The board is expected to review and approve the minutes of the June meeting. The board will then hear the financial report, approve bills, plus review the budget and calendar. After the monthly reimbursement report, any old business will be addressed and new business may be brought before the board. Fire Chief Brad Nash will make his report to the board and the date will then be set for the August meeting before adjourning. The meeting Tuesday evening will be open to the public.

The Salem Area Arts Council will offer a “Red, White and Blue” tye dye class this Tuesday from 4:00 to 6:00 at the Creative Arts Center with Laura Miller. All ages including children with a legal guardian are welcome to celebrate the colors of our flag with a patriotic tye dye shirt. Wear play clothes and gloves to avoid unwanted stains!!! All materials are provided and the cost is $25 per person. At least two people must sign up to hold the class with a maximum 8 people. Sign up at the salemcommunitybetterment.com website under “Programs” for the Creative Arts Center.

The Salem Public Library will be hosting a “Preschool Story Time“ with Carrie Tuesday, from 10:30 until 11:15 in the morning in the North Basement Room. This program is for all area preschoolers and their caregivers and is held every second Tuesday of every month. They will also be holding an “All Together Now” Superhero Program in the North Basement Room from 1:00 until 2:30 on Tuesday where all superheroes from the area will share stories about adventure and participate in crafts and games with young children. The program is designed for children from Kindergarten through the 5th grade. The event is free and no library card is needed. For more information, call 729-4331. The Salem Public Library is located at 403 North Jackson.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Salem would like to congratulate the Independence Day July 4th Parade winners. Taking the 1st place commercial entry award was Riverways Federal Credit Union, while the 1st place noncommercial entry award went to the SOCMO Clowns. The 1st place horsemanship award went to Jodie Dean. Congratulations to all the winners and a big thank you from the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce to all those businesses and organizations that had an entry in the parade.

A one vehicle accident happened early Saturday morning at 3:40 in Dent County at Dent County Road 4270 and Highway 72. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Nissan Frontier being driven south by 20 year old Jeremiah Hickernell of Rolla, traveled off the left side of the road, struck a tree and then overturned. Hickernell, who was not wearing a seat restraint, suffered moderate injuries and was taken by ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla. The Nissan sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by American Muffler. Hickernell was arrested for a DWI, failure to drive on the right side of the roadway, not wearing a seat belt, and having no insurance.

An accident happened Friday afternoon at 12:25 in Crawford County at 960 Highway 8. According to the highway patrol report, a white Ford Van driven westbound 19-year-old Faith Wigger of Steelville, attempted to make a left hand turn when the Ford was struck from behind by a Red Dodge Pickup that was attempting to pass the Ford, driven westbound by 40-year-old Chad Walker of Steelville. The Ford Van came to rest facing southbound while the Dodge ran off the roadway to the left and came to rest facing westbound. Suffering minor injuries in the accident were the driver of the Ford, Faith Wigger who did not get medical treatment at the scene; and a passenger in the Ford, 29-year-old Samantha Owens of St. James. Owens was taken to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. None of the parties involved were wearing safety devices. Both vehicles sustained moderate damage and were towed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing.

An accident happened Sunday morning at 6:41 in Phelps County on Highway 63 about two miles south of Edgar Springs. According to the highway patrol report, a 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer driven northbound by 20-year-old Alexis Coats of Rolla, traveled off the right side of the roadway, went across a private drive, then struck a mailbox as well as a highway sign before the Trailblazer overturned. Suffering minor injuries was Coats who was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevy was totaled and removed from the scene by Lucas Garage.

An accident happened in Texas County Sunday afternoon at 2:00 on Highway 137 about four miles south of Licking. According to the highway patrol report, a 2023 Nissan Rogue driven by 87-year-old Janet McKean of Rolla, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck two culverts. McKean suffered minor injuries and was taken by ambulance to the Texas County Memorial Hospital. She was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Rogue sustained moderate damages and was towed by Jay’s in Houston.

The Missouri Humanities strives to highlight the uniqueness of rural Missouri, and to showcase the bigger picture of what Small Town America really is, and why it shouldn’t be overlooked, overshadowed, or under appreciated. Each year, communities are nominated and voted on by Missourians in their “Small Town Showcase” to become one of their annual “Featured Five” communities. Salem has been nominated this year. Each of the “Featured Five” communities will work with Missouri Humanities on a short video about their community, an hour-long podcast in a roundtable-style, a feature in their bi-annual publication called MoHumanities, and a highlight reel that will feature all five of the communities to be shown during their annual gala. Help choose which communities will be featured in the Small Town Showcase 2024 by voting by this Saturday and the 5 communities with the most votes will be the winners. You may vote for up to five different communities. To vote on or to read each of the communities’ nominations, go online to the mohumanities.org website and click on the “Programs” tab to find the “Small Town Showcase.”

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will be meeting Tuesday evening at 6:00 at the fire station at 32 South Main Street. The board is expected to review and approve the minutes of the June meeting. The board will then hear the financial report, approve bills, plus review the budget and calendar. After the monthly reimbursement report, any old business will be addressed and new business may be brought before the board. Fire Chief Brad Nash will make his report to the board and the date will then be set for the August meeting before adjourning. The meeting Tuesday evening will be open to the public.

The Salem Area Arts Council will offer a “Red, White and Blue” tye dye class this Tuesday from 4:00 to 6:00 at the Creative Arts Center with Laura Miller. All ages including children with a legal guardian are welcome to celebrate the colors of our flag with a patriotic tye dye shirt. Wear play clothes and gloves to avoid unwanted stains!!! All materials are provided and the cost is $25 per person. At least two people must sign up to hold the class with a maximum 8 people. Sign up at the salemcommunitybetterment.com website under “Programs” for the Creative Arts Center.

The Salem Public Library will be hosting a “Preschool Story Time“ with Carrie Tuesday, from 10:30 until 11:15 in the morning in the North Basement Room. This program is for all area preschoolers and their caregivers and is held every second Tuesday of every month. They will also be holding an “All Together Now” Superhero Program in the North Basement Room from 1:00 until 2:30 on Tuesday where all superheroes from the area will share stories about adventure and participate in crafts and games with young children. The program is designed for children from Kindergarten through the 5th grade. The event is free and no library card is needed. For more information, call 729-4331. The Salem Public Library is located at 403 North Jackson.