Archive for 2024

An accident happened Saturday evening at 9:31 in Franklin County on Interstate 44 at the 228.4 mile marker that took the life of three people. According to the highway patrol report, a 2021 Freightliner Cascadia operated by 27-year-old Brian Brown of Indianapolis, Indiana;  a 2018 Frieghtliner Cascadia operated by 39-year-old Komal Sharma of Ontario, Canada; and a 2008 Toyota Avalon operated by 25-year-old Bailey Snider of Rolla, were all stopped in traffic heading westbound due to a previous accident, when a 2022 Freightliner Cascadia driven westbound by 25-year-old Dalwinder Singh of Merced, California; and a 2017 Nissan Sentra driven westbound by 32-year-old Chelsea Smith of Steelville, approached the stopped traffic. First, the 2022 Freightliner Cascadia struck the 2008 Toyota, followed by the Nissan Sentra which struck the 2022 Freightliner. The 2022 Freightliner continued on and hit the 2018 Freightliner, which in turn struck the 2021 Freightliner. Pronounced dead at the scene by the Missouri Baptist Sullivan Ambulance personnel were Brian Brown of Rolla, Chelsea Smith of Steelville and a five-year-old male juvenile from Steelville that was in the Nissan driven by Smith. All three bodies were taken to the St. Louis County Morgue by Superior Transport Services. Brian Brown suffered minor injuries and was taken by the Sullivan EMS to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. All the vehicles except for the 2021 Freightliner Cascadia were totaled while the 2021 Freightliner sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by I-44 Towing. The 2022 Freightliner and Toyota Avalon were removed from the scene by Vogelsang’s Towing; the Nissan was removed by Hoffmann’s Towing, and the 2018 Freightliner was taken from the scene by Chuck’s Towing. Everyone involved in the accident was wearing a seat restraint. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by Sullivan Police Department and the Franklin County Deputies. 

An accident happened in Phelps County Sunday morning at 10:45 on Highway 63 at Phelps County Road 7490. According to the highway patrol report, a 2015 Nissan Rogue driven southbound by 71-year-old Tina Bunton of Licking, went off the right side of the roadway and struck a road sign. Bunton suffered moderate injuries and was taken by the Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. The Nissan sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by the owner. Bunton was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

The City of Salem has issued an immediate boil water advisory that remains in effect today. City crews are currently working to bring wells back online, which may result in temporary water outages and turbidity as service is restored. Residents are advised to boil all water used for drinking, cooking, washing vegetables, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes for at least one minute, then let it cool before use. Bottled water can be used as an alternative. Important safety measures include discarding any ice made with tap water during the advisory period and avoiding water from appliances connected to water lines, such as refrigerator ice makers. Residents should use caution when bathing, especially with infants and young children, to avoid swallowing water. Pets should also be given boiled or bottled water. Home water filters should not be relied upon in place of boiling or using bottled water. It’s recommended to use disposable plates, cups, and utensils when possible and to keep boiled water in clean, covered containers. Any uncooked food, beverages, or ice cubes made with tap water during the advisory should be thrown away. The City of Salem will provide updates on the situation through local news outlets and official channels. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and follow all recommended safety precautions until authorities officially lift the advisory.

The Salem Senior Center will be closed on Monday, August 12th due to the city’s boil water advisory. The center, which provides meals and activities for local seniors, expects to reopen once the advisory is lifted. If you have any questions, you can call Aging Best at 1-800-369-5211.

MoDOT has announced road maintenance planned for Dent County for the week of August 12th. Roadside work will be taking place on Route K. Route CC will be undergoing pavement repairs from Route C to Route H. On Highway 19, potholes will be repaired from Route JJ to TT. One lane will remain open on all roads and crews will flag traffic through the work zones. MoDOT would like to remind motorists to travel with care and be alert for mowing, brush cutting, and slow-moving equipment conducting road maintenance.

Landowners, hunters, campers, and others in the outdoors need to be aware to help prevent wildfires such as refraining from outdoor burning near dry grass or when it is windy. They should also not drive off the road into high grass or leaves with a vehicle where the catalytic converter or muffler could come in contact with grass or leaves. This goes for ATV’s and UTV’s as well. Also campers should clear a generous area around fire rings and keep the campfires small and under control. DO NOT use accelerants to start the fire and make sure fire-extinguishing materials, such as a rake, shovel, and bucket of water, are 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.

The Dent County Commission gathered at the Dent County Courthouse Thursday morning. First District Commissioner Wes Mobray questioned guest Denver Ellis, who two weeks prior had submitted an initiative petition to the county dealing with real estate property tax credit for seniors eligible for Social Security benefits, if he has read and understood Senate Bills 190 and 756, and the effects it would have on all taxing districts such as the school and hospital. Ellis said he has read both bills and answered questions on them the best he could if asked by anyone signing the petition.  Mobray said new Salem Memorial Hospital CEO Brooke Bollman said at a commission meeting a week ago that if the county adopts that bill, it could mean the closing of the hospital with all ambulance services then becoming the responsibility of the county due to the reduction in tax revenue for the hospital. It would also affect revenue for schools as well as the Dent County Fire Protection District who is also struggling. He said it would amount to only minimal savings for seniors, if any, after they have to come to town to pay for a copy of the deed and fill out the paperwork. Mobray estimated it could cost the county near $20,000 in taxpayer money to put the measure on the ballot. Ellis responded with future reassessment, new homes being built and future growth, the taxes will be recovered over time and the people have the right to make that decision. Mobray went on record he is against the bill and that a survey on Senate Bill 190 and 756 should be coming out in the Salem News soon. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams gave her sales tax report for the money collected this month. She said the General Revenue Fund and Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund each received $93,606.19 which is $4,918.55 more than for August of 2023. Year-to-date, the General Revenue Fund and the LEST funds are up about $23,056. The Road and Bridge Fund received $44,313.22 this month, and that is up $945.59 more than August of 2023. Year-to-date, that fund is up $7,964.90. The County Jail Operating and Trust funds each received $89,048.31 in August and that is up $1,891.11 from the August 2023 receipts. Year-to-date, those funds are up $17,120.91. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk stated there will be nine properties for the delinquent tax sale on the courthouse steps on Monday, August 26th starting at 10:00. For more information, people can contact her office at 729-3911. She also gave her monthly turnover report for July, and she distributed $58,305.70. VanKirk stated tax collections for the year have been up 13%. In the road report, Mobray said a crossover pipe will be installed on Dent County Road 4235, and another will be replaced on county road 6080. He said brush would be cut on county road 4220 and a tree would be removed from county road 6670. The rest of the crew is working assisting with the chip and seal overlay. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said four culverts will be installed on Dent County Road 4060 and a man is loading chips that are being transported for the chip and seal overlays. The rest of his crew is also working assisting the chip and seal overlay. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson was in St. James Thursday at the MRPC Transportation Advisory Committee meeting at 4:00 to be followed by the Housing Authority meeting, External Relations Committee meeting and the regular MRPC Board meeting. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the Primary went very smooth with just short of a 35% turnout and wanted to thank all those people who came in and updated their address or name before the election. She said any new residents will need to register by October 9th for the General Election, and you can still update your information if you need to do so at the county clerk’s office or call 729-4144. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday morning at 9:00, and the meeting will be open to the public.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol asks parents to please talk to your children about the Courage2ReportMO program, which provides a safe and confidential way to report any concerns regarding their safety or the safety of others. These concerns may include: assault, bullying/repeated harassment, cyber bullying, fighting, guns, homicide, human trafficking, knife, planned school attack, imminent school shooting, school shooting threat, sexual offense, suicide-other person (3rd party), or a terrorism threat (extremism). Those reporting their concerns may remain anonymous. C2R provides a “sooner is safer” tool to report real time concerns 24 hours a day. There are several ways concerned persons may submit a C2R report including, through an Apple or Google Play Courage2Report mobile app, by making an online report via mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/
Courage2ReportMO/index.html, or by speaking confidentially to a trained professional at 866-748-7047, or text “C2R” to 738477. C2R Missouri calls and tips (web, text, and mobile app) are answered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by trained communications professionals. C2R Missouri requests a disposition report be returned on each tip report, notifying the Missouri State Highway Patrol of the outcome. For more information about C2R Missouri awareness and education resources, call the C2R Missouri Administrative Office at 866-362-6422.

Motorists are encouraged to always be vigilant, but especially near school zones, playgrounds, bicycle paths, and crosswalks when schools are in session. Expect pedestrian and bicycle traffic to increase near schools on days when the weather is good. When schools are in session, drivers should expect a change in traffic patterns ─ school buses, parents taking their children to school, and many young drivers will join other motorists on the road and affect the morning and afternoon commute. Whatever route you drive, expect this additional traffic and prepare by allowing extra time to reach your destination. Missouri law states that on a two-lane road, if a school bus is stopped and displaying warning signals while loading or unloading children, drivers must stop when meeting and following the bus. However, it is only necessary to stop on a four-lane highway when following the bus. Drivers, when you see a stopped school bus, stay alert and follow the law. Children may not be aware of traffic and dart unexpectedly into the roadway. Remember: Put your cell phone down. Missouri is now a hands-free state.

The Planning and Zoning Board of Commissioners held a Public Hearing and Meeting, in the Old City Call Auditorium on Tuesday August 6th, to discuss the requests to rezone: 905 & 907 W. Scenic Rivers Blvd from residential (R1)  to commercial; 909 W. Scenic Rivers Blvd from Residential (R1)  to Commercial; and 900 W. Hobson St from residential (R1)  to commercial. The fourth request for conditional use recommendation for an automobile service station at 400 E. Fourth St was withdrawn and not discussed during the meeting. There were no citizens from the public to speak on any of the requests made, so the board moved on to the public meeting, where all three rezoning requests were voted on and approved unanimously by the board. The meeting adjourned at 6:10pm.

August has arrived and with it the 2024-2025 school year. The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to encourage parents to include conversations about safety when preparing their students for school. It’s also important that drivers be prepared for the change in traffic patterns as students begin another year of instruction. In 2023, four people were killed and 403 injured in traffic crashes involving a school bus. In Missouri last year, a total of 877 traffic crashes involved school buses. Troopers hope everyone will review the following safety tips. Students walking to school should stay alert! Cross the street at intersections or marked crosswalks and never between parked cars. Make eye contact with drivers when crossing the street to make sure they see you. Use sidewalks when they are available. If it is necessary to walk on the roadway, stay close to the left edge and step off to the left when traffic approaches. Never dash into the street after a friend or to retrieve something. Riding a bicycle to school is a fun way to travel. If you’re riding your bike, be sure to wear a helmet and obey all traffic signs and signals. Ride as near to the right side of the roadway as is safe and use the proper hand signals when you plan to change directions, slow, or stop. Never carry passengers. Keep both hands on the handlebars except when signaling. Also, it’s important to maintain your bicycle in good condition. If you ride a school bus, check the weather and dress accordingly. Wait in line for the bus on the shoulder or sidewalk. Use the handrail when getting on or off the bus. Never try to retrieve items that fall under the bus, alert your bus driver. Walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus when crossing the street. Sit quietly on the bus and keep the aisle clear. If anything goes wrong, stay calm and follow the instructions of the bus driver. Most traffic crashes involving young drivers (under the age of 21) occur between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., when school typically lets out. Many of these drivers are young and inexperienced. Parents: It is important to encourage those young drivers to remember driving is a full-time job. Using a cell phone, texting, or adjusting the radio can be the distraction that leads to a traffic crash. It’s also against the law. Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about riding a bus, walking, or driving to school in a safe manner. If they ride a bike, please make sure they wear a helmet and follow traffic laws.

A one vehicle accident happened Tuesday afternoon at 1:09 in Phelps County on Interstate 44 near the 181 mile-marker. According to the highway patrol report, a 2015 Chevy Silverado, driven westbound by 60-year-old Scott Jackson of Rolla, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a rock wall. Jackson suffered minor injuries and was transported by a private conveyance to Phelps Health. Jackson was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Silverado sustained moderate damages and was removed from the scene by C&C Towing.

An accident occurred in Phelps County Monday night at 9:53 at County Road 4030 and County Road 4010. According to the Highway Patrol report a northbound 2024 Polaris RZR, operated by 19-year-old Logan King of Rolla, failed to negotiate a curve, traveled off the right side of the roadway, became airborne and overturned before striking a tree. A passenger, 18-year-old Aubrey Reeves of Vienna, suffered moderate injuries and was transported by Phelps Health Ambulance District to Phelps Health in Rolla. The report stated that both Reeves and King were wearing safety devices at the time of the accident. The Polaris sustained moderate damage and was towed from the scene by Tune’s Towing.

Montauk State Park is hosting a special Kids Free Fishing Day on Saturday, August 10th. Children aged 15 and under can fish for free throughout the park. To participate, children must obtain a free fishing tag from the park lodge. These tags will be available for pickup on Friday evening after 7 pm or anytime on Saturday. Unlike regular fishing days, kids will have the opportunity to fish anywhere inside the park, with no designated fishing areas set aside. Adults accompanying children must have a valid daily trout tag to assist with fishing.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds hunters, trappers, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts they can get free copies of its updated booklets on 2024 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information, Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations, and Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations  which are now available at MDC regional offices, MDC nature centers, and other places where permits are sold. View booklet information online at mdc.mo.gov using the search tool at the top of the homepage. The handy booklets have information on related permits, seasons, species, regulations, limits, conservation areas, sunrise and sunset tables, and more. Learn more about hunting and trapping in Missouri at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping. Learn more about fishing in Missouri at mdc.mo.gov/fishing.

A Primary Election was held yesterday to determine who will run for offices for their respective parties in the November General Election. Party Distribution was lead by the Republican Party with 3,137 voters, followed by the Democratic Party with 289 voters, Non-Partisans with 21 votes, and 8 votes casted by members of the Libertarian Party. Dent County had a total of 3,455 votes casted which is 34.28% of the registered voters. Only the contested races are presented in this article. It is important to note the results presented are unofficial.

* indicates winner

Dent County 1st District Commissioner (R)
Wes Mobray 731 votes
Keith Green* 763 votes

Dent County 2nd District Commissioner (R)
Denver Ellis 349 votes
Gary Polk 485 votes
Jimmy Williams* 684 votes

Dent County Sheriff (R)
Bob Wells* 1,762 votes
Michael Loveday 1,310 votes

Dent County Assessor (R)
Alisa Brookshire* 1,602 votes
Jamie Homeyer 1,405 votes

State Representative District 8 (R)
Jason Smith* 98,118 votes
James Snider 10,977 votes
Grant Heithold 10,139 votes

State Representative District 8 (D)
Randi McCallian* 12,558 votes
Franklin Delano Roth II 5,276 votes

State Representative District 120 (R)
John H. Hewkin* 4,800 votes
Lancer Blair 1,787 votes

Meramec East Township Committeeman (R)
Tim Bell* 30 votes
James D. Crocker 28 votes
Write In 4 votes

An accident occurred Tuesday morning at 5:15 in Crawford County on I-44 at the 208.8 mile-marker. According to the Highway Patrol report a westbound 2016 International, operated by Andrew Westerman of St. Louis, traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. Westerman suffered serious injuries and was transported to Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur by North Crawford EMS. The report stated that the driver was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The International was totaled and secured roadside awaiting removal by Chris and Son Towing. The Highway Patrol was assisted by the Cuba Police Department and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office.

According to a report from the Shannon County First Responders, six people including two children, received minor injuries when their mule drawn wagon overturned in the Fox Pens area near Eminence around noon on Sunday. Five Shannon County First Responders and two Eminence Area Volunteer Fire Department staff were on scene quickly and provided immediate medical care to the patients. Other Eminence Area Volunteer Fire Department staff controlled traffic and set up a landing zone for the helicopter, which luckily did not have to be used as their injuries were relatively minor. The Mercy EMS ambulances from Winona and Summersville arrived quickly and transported the injured parties to the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. One child was transported by private vehicle to the medical facility. A third ambulance was requested from West Carter County EMS but was cancelled en route as it was not needed.

The Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) has streamlined the process for obtaining REAL ID-compliant driver licenses and ID cards ahead of the federal enforcement deadline on May 7, 2025. This initiative aims to address the challenge residents face in acquiring the necessary residency documents and to ensure compliance with upcoming federal regulations. REAL ID is a federal initiative stemming from the REAL ID Act of 2005, which was enacted following recommendations from the 9/11 Commission. The act sets forth standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses. Beginning May 7, 2025, all U.S. residents will need a REAL ID or another form of TSA approved identification to board domestic flights, enter nuclear power plants, and access federal facilities. This measure aims to enhance security and reduce fraud. To facilitate the transition, the Missouri DOR will now accept a broader range of residency documents and permit electronic submissions via mobile devices. This change addresses the consistent feedback from residents about the difficulty in obtaining two residency proofs, a key requirement for the REAL ID application. Since Missouri began issuing REAL IDs on March 20, 2019, over 2.9 million have been distributed, with 38% of all state-issued documents now REAL ID-compliant. Wayne Wallingford, Director of the Missouri Department of Revenue, emphasized the department’s dedication to enhancing customer experience by simplifying the REAL ID application process. Residents applying for a REAL ID must submit valid, original documents verifying their identity, lawful status, Social Security number, and proof of residency. For renewals or duplicate replacements, individuals who self-certify that their address has not changed may bypass the need for additional residency documentation. REAL IDs, identifiable by a star in the upper right-hand corner, will be required for certain federal activities. However, a U.S. passport or other TSA approved identification can be used as an alternative. Non-compliant licenses or ID cards will still be valid for driving, verifying age, voting, and other state purposes. For more details on the application process and necessary documents, visit the Missouri DOR’s REAL ID information page at dor.mo.gov or contact Anne Marie Moy at (573) 751-8222.