Archive for 2023

A drowning occurred Tuesday afternoon at 4:20 in Reynolds County on the Black River at Johnson’s Shut-ins. According to the water patrol report, 24-year-old Emigdio Cuevas of St. Louis was swimming in the river and began to struggle and was unable to resurface. Cuevas was pronounced dead on the scene just after 5:30 by Dr. Paul Jones from the Iron County Medical Center. Cuevas was taken by the Reynolds County Coroner to the coroner’s office. This was Troop G’s fifth drowning in 2023 compared to zero drownings this time last year.

It will be official on Monday, July 3rd, that Gary Polk has been appointed by Governor Mike Parson to fill the seat of District Two Associate Commissioner. The position was left open when Commissioner Gary Larson was appointed the presiding commissioner upon the resignation of Darrell Skiles. Polk will be sworn in Monday by Dent County Clerk Angie Curley at 8:30 with the regular meeting of the Dent County Commission at 9:00 at the courthouse.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting Tuesday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. In the hearing of persons, Debbie Murphy discussed stray animal care in lieu of the new requirements being passed down by the Dent County Animal Welfare Society where they will only accept 10 animals per month immediately with an increase in cost beginning in September. The old animal shelter at the Masters Industrial Park needs work and she would like to know the city’s policies concerning the health of the animals with this change. She also spoke to the board about the city needing to be a 3rd class city and not a 4th class city with more wards and aldermen to represent the citizens. She questioned the accuracy of the census of the east and west wards, and believes the city should be more respondent to citizen concerns and be more transparent in their decisions. The city tabled Resolution #23-2023 dealing with the new requirements of the Dent County Animal Welfare Society until City Attorney James Weber can review their letter to the city. The board approved Resolution #25-2023 that featured the quote from the Wall Street Insurance Group for employee health insurance that included short-term disability insurance which came to $26,142 per month. The cost broke down to $532.91 per month/ per employee that is comprised of $450 dollars in premium and just under $83 in GAP coverage which helps reduce the deductible. The board approved the new “Rolling” Average Monthly Payment budget billing plan that will allow for a similar monthly payment that will fluctuate slightly instead of a flat rate. With the new program, customers must be in good standing with at least 12 months service at that address, have had no late or returned payments or had been disconnected, and their account must be paid up-to-date at the time of enrollment. The board approved the mobile home license application by Central Missouri Investments at 703 East Pershing. The Truman Main Properties mobile court did not pass inspection and the mobile home park at 101 North Park owned by Glen Sapaugh did not submit an application. The board approved the appointment of Patty McKeown to the Finance Committee as well as Harold Hamilton and Shelby McClain to the Salem Public Library Board. The board also approved the updated employee manual. The board heard the first reading on a number of bills ranging from electric rates changes and the time frame to use numbers from May to April for budgeting purposes, to employee manual and city code corrections to compliment each other, the new ordinance for floodplain designations and the approval of the 2024 fiscal year budget. The board approved the lease between the city and Wave Internet Technologies LLC to have equipment on the bottle rocket water tower at Condray and Tower Streets effective for one year from February 1st of this year for $100 per month. City Administrator Sally Burbridge said the city administrative office this Friday would be closing at 4:00 to close out the fiscal year and would also be closed on Tuesday, Independence Day. Mayor Greg Parker said the normal trash service will be held on July 4th and wanted to wish everyone a happy and safe Independence Day. Public Works Director Mark Nash said the city will start replacing a number of water valves in town after the holiday to reduce the number of customers affected when there are water line breaks. He also said a number of electric poles need to be replaced and there have been a couple of water main breaks in the last couple of weeks. Alderman Shawn Bolerjack is asking the public to try to conserve electric usage over the next few days with the excessive heat expected. The city has put some energy saving tips on their Facebook page. If the public can help keep the city from reaching a new peak, that will help keep the city electric rates down in the future which is a win-win for everyone. Also the City of Salem and Salem Chamber of Commerce Parade will be Tuesday through downtown Salem from the SBU-Salem campus to the Dent County Courthouse. The board then went into closed session for personnel and contracts. There will be a special meeting of the Board of Aldermen today at 4:30 at the City Hall Council Chambers to have the second readings of Bill #3541 establishing a change to when future electric rate changes can be implemented; Bill #3542 establishing rates for electric services; and Bill #3552 adopting the annual budget for the City of Salem beginning July 1st, 2023. The meeting will be open to the public.

For the week of June 17th to 23rd, the Salem Police Department released these reports. On Sunday, June 18th, officers were dispatched to the area of Washington Street and Highway 32 for a report of a shoplifter that had fled a store. It was reported that a woman had stolen approximately $75 worth of merchandise. After a short investigation, a 22-year-old Salem female was arrested and issued a summons to appear in court. Then on Monday evening, June 19th around 7:30, officers were dispatched to the area of Grand Street and Highway 32 for the report of a traffic crash. It was found the woman driver of the vehicle had passed out due to a drug impairment. Officers investigated and as a result, a 39-year-old Salem female was arrested for driving while being impaired. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any investigation.

Department responded to the 2900 block of Route F for a wanted subject. A 31-year-old Salem man was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant. He was transported to the Dent County jail and incarcerated. The next day, Saturday, June 17th, deputies responded to the Dent County Commons for a reported assault. It was discovered that a 49-year-old Salem man allegedly threatened to assault a 67-year-old Salem man. The investigation is ongoing. On Wednesday, June 21st, a deputy responded to Dent County Road 6280 for a reported burglary. An investigation revealed that an unknown person or persons had entered a cabin at the location and stolen multiple items. The investigation is continuing. Finally on the 22nd of June, a deputy responded to the 15000 block of Route C for a reported assault. The investigation revealed that a 53-year-old Nixa woman was repeatedly punched by a 49-year-old Licking woman. The suspect was located, arrested and transported to the Dent County jail where she was processed and released on citation. If you have any information regarding an investigation please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

The Shannon County First Responders have received a generous grant from the non-profit Jacks Fork Community Foundation. The six thousand dollar grant will enable the First Responders to purchase additional radios and three Automated External Defibrillators or “AEDs.” These are the famous devices that use electricity to jolt a patient’s heart back into a healthy rhythm. Currently, in an emergency, the First Responders have to go to a central location and pick up the AED, as the organization only has one per town. These three new AEDs will be carried in the vehicles of some of the responders, making it more likely that a device will be nearby when needed. This will make the response time to cardiac emergencies much quicker, which is vital. The Shannon County First Responders are an all volunteer organization funded entirely by grants and donations. Their purpose is to serve the community by arriving before the ambulance and providing life sustaining care until EMS arrives. They have a Facebook page where you can find more information.

With ongoing drought conditions around state, the Missouri Department of Conservation reminds everyone to be extra careful with fireworks, campfires, and other sources of fire that could cause a wildfire. During the upcoming July 4th holiday, don’t light fireworks in any areas where the sparks could ignite dry grass, leaves, or other potential fire fuel. Always have an approved fire extinguisher and an available water supply to douse sparks or flames. Wet the area around where fireworks are being discharged and check with local ordinances and authorities for bans on fireworks and open burning. Don’t burn outdoors during the wrong conditions. Dry grass, high temperatures, low humidity, and wind make fire nearly impossible to control. Check with local fire departments regarding burn bans that may be in place. A person who starts a fire for any reason is responsible for any damage it may cause. When driving off-road remember that wildfires can start when dry fuel, such as grass, comes in contact with catalytic converters. Think twice before driving into and across a grassy field. Never park over tall, dry grass or piles of leaves that can touch the underside of a vehicle. When driving vehicles off road, regularly inspect the undercarriage to ensure that fuel and brake lines are intact, and no oil leaks are apparent. Always carry an approved fire extinguisher on vehicles that are used off road. Check for the presence of spark arresters on ATV exhausts. When camping, clear a generous zone around fire rings. Store unused firewood a good distance from a campfire. Never use gasoline, kerosene, or other flammable liquid to start a fire. Keep campfires small and controllable. Keep fire-extinguishing materials, such as a rake, shovel, and bucket of water, close. Extinguish campfires each night and before leaving camp, even if it’s just for a few moments. Call 911 at the first sign of a fire getting out of control. Wildfires are sometimes set by vandals. Help stop arson by calling 800-392-1111 and reporting any potential arson activities. Callers will remain anonymous, and rewards are possible.

The deadline to nominate a Missouri veteran or active duty service member for the 2023 Missouri State Fair Military Flag Retreat, sponsored by Capital Materials, Retrieving Freedom, Inc., and Starline Brass, is quickly approaching! The Military Flag Retreat Ceremony honors veterans and active duty service members from across Missouri, and will be held in front of Historic Administration Building on the Missouri State Fairgrounds. The ceremony will take place all 11 days of the Missouri State Fair and honor one individual each evening. As a part of the selection process, individuals can be nominated using a form available on the Missouri State Fair website. Nominees must be Missouri residents and available to attend one of the 11 days of the 121st Missouri State Fair, August 10th through 20th. Once a nomination form is complete, it can be mailed, faxed, or emailed to the Missouri State Fair. The deadline to submit nominations is July 5th, 2023. Send in your nominations now to join us in honoring our military service men and women at the Military Flag Retreat Ceremony at the 2023 Missouri State Fair!

The Mudbugs next event at the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History will be “Pick a Pocket” this Thursday from 2:00 until 3:30 in the afternoon. Children will have to decide which pocket to choose and then whatever is inside, they will have to find it somewhere at the Bonebrake Center…if they can! The suggested contribution for each program is $2.00 but additional donations are always welcome. All monies collected go to the Bonebrake Center. Each program is geared toward children from six to 12-years of age, but all aged children are welcome. They ask that parents please accompany their children. For more information, contact Janet Price at moonshadowmomentsllc@gmail.com.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said work crews were installing new culverts on Dent County Road 5850 in preparation for that road to be chip and sealed next year. Mobray said he sent a man to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal repairs that will be made to many of the roads prior to them getting re-chipped beginning Wednesday. Mobray also stated he has a man with the loader piling the chips being delivered to the county shed that will be used for the chip and seal work. He went on to report the brush cutter is out cutting brush along the edges of the roads that are to be getting the new coating of chip and seal. In District 2, Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson gave that report and said work crews were installing new driveway pipes, adding materials and grading Dent County Road 2070 in preparation for it to be chip and sealed Wednesday. In the Presiding Commissioner report, Larson said the draft fiscal year 2024-2028 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) 30-day public review and comment period is underway. The draft fiscal year 2024-2028 STIP lists transportation projects planned by state and regional planning agencies for fiscal years 2024-2028 (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2028) and reflects the transportation needs of communities across the state. The STIP program is available on the MoDOT website: www.modot.org. Those interested in offering comments can send an email to STIPcomments@modot.mo.gov or can call customer service at 1-888-275-6636. The formal comment period ends July 6th. After the public review period, the comments will be presented to the Commission. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the Dent County Board of Equalization will be meeting July 17th at 1:00 at the courthouse and they now have three appointments. Curley said she wants to remind businesses in the county that sell alcohol that they must purchase their annual County Liquor License by Friday, June 30th. She said there are six businesses that have not yet done so. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk also wants to remind those people who still have delinquent Real Estate taxes from 2020 that you will need to pay them IN FULL by THIS FRIDAY during regular business hours from 8:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon. If you fail to do so, then on July 1st, the taxes for the tax years 2020, 2021 and 2022 will be declared due by Friday, August 25th. If not paid by then, your parcel will be sold at the Delinquent Tax Sale that will be held on Monday, August 28th. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

Malachi Antle of Licking, a 2023 graduate of Licking High School, is one of four students in Missouri to win the 27th annual Project 21 Scholarship competition sponsored by the Missouri Gaming Association, the professional organization representing casino operators in Missouri. The Missouri Gaming Association awards one $2,500 scholarship and three $1,500 scholarships each year. As the first place winner, Antle will receive a $2,500 scholarship towards tuition at the State Fair Community College, where he plans to study to become either a physical education or history teacher. Antle’s winning essay titled “Under-Age Gambling” discusses how the accessibility of electronic gambling has led to a rise in youth gambling. Antle also designed a poster titled “Effects of Under-Age Gambling” that was displayed at school to bring awareness to his peers. The students were asked to create an essay/article, poster or video aimed at educating their peers about the illegality and dangers of underage gambling. The entries were published or viewed in the students’ high schools in January or February to help educate other students. The Project 21 Scholarship was developed to educate young people about the issues and dangers of underage gambling. In Missouri, it’s illegal for persons under the age of 21 to gamble in a casino. The competition is open to all Missouri high school seniors planning to attend an institution of higher education in the United States within four years of graduation. The scholarships are jointly issued to the winners and the accredited institutions of higher education they select.

The Salem Public Library invites everyone to come by the library on Wednesday and make your own greeting card! Supplies will be provided and the event will be held at the Library Conference Room where you can stop by anytime between 10:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon. Be creative with your greeting card and bring a friend to share the fun! The event is free and no library card is needed. The library is located at 403 North Jackson. For more information, call 729-4331.

An accident happened Friday afternoon just before 1:45 in Crawford County on Mound Ridge Road about eight miles east of Steelville. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer being driven north by 19- year-old Landon Henry of St. James, traveled off the right side of the roadway. Henry then over corrected and traveled off the left side of the roadway then striking an embankment and overturning before coming to rest partially in the roadway. Henry and a passenger, 19-year-old Cole Henry, also of St. James, were transported by the Steelville EMS to Phelps Health Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The Trailblazer was totaled and removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Salem will be presenting this year’s Independence Day Parade at 6:00 on July 4th starting at the SBU-Salem Campus at the corner of South Grand and Franklin. The parade will head east on Franklin, then travel north on MacArthur to 4th Street where the parade will go east again and wind up around the Dent County Courthouse. The Grand Marshall this year is Keith Steelman. Entry forms for floats, classic vehicles, tractors, walking delegations and other entries are now available at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce office in the Crossroads Shopping Center at the corner of Highways 32-72 and 19. Entry forms need to be submitted by June 30th and all those who plan to have an entry in the parade need to have read and understand the rules and regulations. For more information or to have an entry form sent to you, please call Tabitha Utley at 729-6900.