Archive for 2024

MRPC Executive Director Bonnie Prigge, MRPC Planning Manager Anne Freund. MoDOT Central District Area Engineer Preston Kramer, the Dent County Commission, Zach Moser from the Dent County Health Department, Salem City Administrator Sally Burbridge and Salem Public Works Director Steve Paine were in attendance to the Dent County Transportation Needs annual meeting held at the Dent County Courthouse, November 4th. Kramer said the “Standing Rock Bridge” in Gladden on Highway 19 is on the STIP program and the contract has been awarded on the project, but no pre-construction meeting has yet been held. The group discussed all the identified transportation needs from previous years and then added four new ones to the list. They are the Highway 19 Bridge in the north part of Salem over Spring Creek, the bridge on Route B at the Meramec River near Max, the intersection on Routes K & Z as well as Dent County Road 6180, and the intersection of Highway 32 and 72 at the west end of Salem. There was also discussion on the issues caused by the new entrance to McDonalds on Highway 32-72 at Highway 19 where people heading eastbound are turning left into McDonalds from the designated westbound left turn lane to go south Highway 19. The priorities determined from the meeting are still a new bridge on Route TT over Crooked Creek and that work is currently being scoped by MoDOT engineers, a new bridge over the West Fork of the Huzzah Creek on Highway 32 which is also being scoped by MoDOT engineers, new this year is to replace the Highway 19 Bridge in Salem over Spring Creek, and the addition of a right turn lane heading north on Highway 19 at the intersection of Roosevelt. If additional money becomes available for road repair, the high priority unfunded projects would be for new shoulders and alignment on Route B about two-tenths of a mile from County Road 5390, and for new shoulders and safety improvements on Highway 119 to Montauk. The board also reviewed multimodal needs such as the need for increase or availability of public transportation for everyone such as the services provided by the SMTS busses for the public as well as for non-medical needs after hours, adding sidewalks on the east side of Highway 19 from Center Street to Highway 32, adding sidewalks from Route J to Highway 72 north, and adding sidewalks from Carty Street to the Craig Industrial Drive on Highway 32 East (Scenic Rivers BLVD). Also discussed was adding crosswalks at Highway 32-72 and Babb Lane, crosswalks at Highway 32-72 at the Warfel/Doss Road intersection, and adding crosswalks at Highway 19 at Center Street as well as Highway 19 at Franklin. There was discussion to possibly turn the Second Street bridge in the city that is currently closed into a pedestrian and/or bike bridge, to paint bike paths on the shoulders of Highway 32-72 east from the city limits to Highway 19 where it is wide enough, and more. Prigge said this information will be discussed when the MRPC and other regional commissions get together with MoDOT to address transportation issues on December 12th at the MRPC Transportation Advisory Committee meeting.  

Between October 5th to October 18th there were a total of 194 calls to the Salem Police Department for service. Officers conducted 24 traffic stops for various traffic violations with 5 resulting in a summons or arrest. Officers conducted 5 traffic accident investigations along with 5 informational reports. The following reports were generated from those calls. On Sunday, October 6th, at approximately 12:00 noon officers were dispatched to the intersection of Missouri Highway 19 and Truman Street for a report of a disturbance. It was reported that a group of 17–18 year-olds were fighting. While investigating the incident one of the male subjects was very intoxicated and continuing to try to fight and be belligerent. As a result, an 18-year-old Rolla male was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. The next day at approximately 5:00 in the afternoon officers were dispatched to Wal Mart for a report of shoplifting. It was reported that a female employee had been caught stealing approximately $150 worth of items. As a result, a 74-year-old Salem female was arrested and released on summons for shoplifting. Then on the evening of Tuesday the 8th 6:00 officers arrested a male subject who had an active capias warrant out of Dent County. The male subject was contacted during another unrelated investigation. Found on the male was a syringe that field tested for Methamphetamine. As a result, a 26-year-old Salem male was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Finally on Thursday night of the 10th at approximately 10:00 officers were dispatched to Dirt Cheap for a report of shoplifting. It was reported a male subject had stolen items from the store. After a brief investigation a 37-year-old male from Sullivan, Missouri was arrested and issued summons for shoplifting. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

The Creative Arts Center in Salem will hold a class on personalizing “Little Golden Books” this evening from 5:00 to 8:00 with Gail Phelan. Attendees will take a Little Golden Book and personalize it with additional pages, pockets, and tags as well as hidden places for notes and stickers. The class is open to those ten years of age and older, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The cost of the class is $20 and all supplies are included. There must be four people sign up to hold the class and it will be limited to eight. On Friday, there will be a “This or that” Fall Paint N’ Sip class from 6:30 to 9:00 in the evening with Danielle Norris. You choose which painting you would like to paint, and the artist will walk you step by step through the whole process! Guests may bring their favorite beverages and snacks to this event. The class is open to those 13 years of age and older, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The cost of the class is $25 and all supplies are included. There must be six people sign up to hold the class and it will be limited to 25. To sign up for either class you can go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will meet this evening at 6:00 at 202 N. Washington in the Old City Hall Auditorium. After a sewer rate hearing the aldermen, meeting will start with the Call to Order, which will be followed by the approval of the agenda and the consent agenda. Public Comments will then be heard followed the approval of a bid for a water department truck.  In new and miscellaneous business, the Board will consider the following. A John Deere Loader lease, the Laserfiche contract, a drinking water grant, and Resolution No. 26-2024 which provides for the municipal election for the City of Salem on April 25th, 2025. Bills to be considered include Bill No. 3630, an ordinance establishing service availability fees for sewer services provided by the City of Salem, Bill No. 3631, an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement between BuildTec Construction LLC and the City of Salem for the Salem Water System Improvements, Contract A, Bill No. 3632, an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement between Caldwell Tanks, Inc and the City of Salem for the Salem Water System Improvements, Contract B, Bill No. 3633, an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement between B & H Drilling & Pump Service and the City of Salem for the Salem Water System Improvements, Contract C. There is to be a board appointment followed by the Oath of Office. Reports from City Officials will be heard before the Board goes in to closed session. The meeting tonight of the City of Salem Board of Aldermen is open to the public.

In a letter from the Salem R-80 Superintendent, Dr. Nathan Wills, he writes about collaboration between school districts to enhance educational opportunities for all students. He, along with Assistant Superintendent, Dan Copeland, recently toured the neighboring rural school districts in Dent County and gained valuable insight into their daily operations. Dr. Wills expressed his gratitude for the hospitality and openness of the administrators as they work together on various collaborative projects and activities throughout the year. One such project is the cooperative sponsorship of 7th and 8th grade football, track and field, and cross country, where all Dent County students have the opportunity to participate in these sports together on the same team. Dr. Wills also stated that just this past year, as well as this current school year, they have partnered with the other four Dent County school districts to attend a Repertory Theater performance sponsored by the Salem Area Arts Council. Additionally, the monthly meetings among the five Dent County superintendents provide a forum to share best practices, address local issues, and collectively brainstorm solutions. Dr. Wills encourages all parents, educators, and community members to support and advocate for these collaborative initiatives as they enrich the educational landscape and prepare students for a bright future. By uniting their efforts, the Dent County school districts can make a meaningful difference in the lives of their students and communities. To read the entire letter from Dr. Wills, please visit the KSMO Radio/Your World Today Facebook page. 

The Dent County Fire Protection district board of directors will be meeting this evening at 6:00 at the fire station at #2 South Main Street. After the roll call and approval of the consent agenda which includes the budget review and financial reports, the monthly reimbursement report will be heard. In old business, the board will discuss the AFG grant status for radios before the board discusses Bond/Tax issues followed by new business. Chief Floyd will then give his report to the board. The date will be set for the December meeting and Closes Session may be held if necessary, before the board adjourns. The meeting Tuesday evening will be open to the public.

The Salem Police Department had more reports from October 10th to 18th. On Wednesday afternoon, October 16th, at approximately 2:30 officers conducted a traffic stop on Missouri Highway 72 near the intersection of Missouri Highway J for no registration. As a result of the stop a male subject was found to have a active capias warrant out of Phelps County. Van T. Penton, age 35, of Rolla was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Then on Thursday night at approximately 12:30 officers responded to a disturbance in the 1800 block of south Oak. The subject causing the disturbance was found to have an active capias warrant out of Dent County. As a result, 27-year-old Tristan Gaddy of Salem was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Friday afternoon, the 18th, at approximately 4:45 officers were dispatched to Trinity for a report of shoplifting. It was reported that a female subject had stolen approximately $50 of merchandise. After a short investigation a 45-year-old Salem female was arrested and issued summons for shoplifting. Later that night at approximately 8:30 officers were dispatched to Wal Mart for a report of shoplifting. It was reported a male subject had stolen $275 worth of merchandise from the store. After a short investigation a 23-year-old male from West Plains was arrested and issued summons for shoplifting. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways has experienced widespread flooding due to significant rainfall that began on November 3rd. The upper Current River reached historic levels on November 5th, with rainfall totals of 9 to 12 inches across the watershed causing historic flooding from Montauk to Round Spring. At Akers, the river gauge stopped reporting at 23.23 feet, but water levels are estimated to have reached 32 feet, far surpassing the previous record of 26.08 feet set in April 2017. Below Round Spring, both the Current River and Jacks Fork River experienced heavy flooding but did not exceed previous records. Park Rangers conducted several river rescues on Monday and Tuesday for visitors caught off guard, though no major injuries were reported. Many facilities, campgrounds, and river access points throughout the park sustained damage and will be closed for assessment, hazard mitigation, and repairs. Unprecedented river levels caused significant damage to facilities at Akers and Pulltite. The Akers Ranger Station had approximately two feet of water throughout, while the old Akers Ferry Canoe Rental store was almost fully submerged. At Pulltite Campground, water reached the roof of the Ranger Station and shower house, causing extensive destruction. For visitor safety, the Current River from Baptist to Round Spring will be closed to all vessels until approximately this Wednesday, November 13th. Additional closures include all backcountry campgrounds, Pulltite Campground, Akers and Round Spring group campsites, the old Akers Ferry Canoe Rental Store, Baptist River access, Lipps Hole, Alley Spring Campground, and Big Spring Campground. National Park Service staff will be working to reopen high-priority areas as quickly as possible. For more information and updates, visit the park website at nps.gov/ozar, follow their Facebook page, or call (573) 323-4236.

On Thursday, October 31st in the U.S. District Court in St. Louis, 43-year-old Justin Bradley Durham of Rolla, pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography, two counts of receiving child pornography and three counts of destroying records in a federal investigation. Durham, a former Phelps County Sheriff’s deputy, admitted as part of his plea that he requested and received a sexually explicit video from a 16-year-old in 2013. He later provided $200 to the victim after she engaged in sex acts with him. He also admitted engaging in sex acts multiple times with a 17-year-old victim, including in his patrol vehicle. He exchanged sexually explicit images and videos with her. Durham met the second victim in 2016 when her friend contacted the police, and he responded to the call. The FBI interviewed Durham in 2023 after learning that his PayPal account had been used to send money to another account associated with the sale of child pornography. Durham denied purchasing child pornography and claimed that he hadn’t accessed his Dropbox account for years. He refused agents’ request to search his cell phone. Two days later, Durham bought a new phone, destroyed his old phone and deleted about 37 gigabytes of data in his Dropbox account before deactivating it. Among those files were hundreds of sexually explicit images and videos, including files containing child sexual abuse material. Durham was terminated by the Sheriff’s Department on August 9th, 2023, and arrested by them. In jail, he told FBI agents that he also destroyed a laptop computer, threw away his phone and conducted a “digital footprint scrub” of his online accounts, his plea agreement says. Durham is scheduled to be sentenced February 5th, 2025. The production of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, and the receipt of child pornography charge has a five-year mandatory minimum. The FBI and the Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Bateman is prosecuting the case.

The Creative Arts Center in Salem will hold a class on recycling old Christmas Cards into Ornaments tomorrow from 6:00 to 8:00 in the evening with Angela Dingess. Learn how to turn your old Christmas cards into a handmade ornament to treasure or give as gifts. The cost of the class is $25 and all the supplies will be provided. The class size will be limited to 24 people, but at least four people need to sign to hold the class. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center.