Archive for 2024

The Dent County Service Unit of The Salvation Army would like to announce that they have successfully reached their Christmas Kettle Campaign goal. The total raised was $35,000. Along with the monetary donations received this year, nearly 280 local children were adopted at the Angel Tree that was located at Wal-Mart. The local Salvation Army Board would like to thank everyone who made monetary donations and/or who adopted an angel. They also extend their greatest appreciation to the dedicated volunteers that took time out of their busy holiday season to ring the bells at the kettles. The community’s continued generosity will be distributed throughout 2024 to those in Dent County.

The Salem Board of Aldermen meeting scheduled for Tuesday was postponed due to inclement weather and the closing of the Salem R-80 School District. The meeting is rescheduled for Thursday night at 6:00.

Each January, EPA seeks to raise awareness of radon exposure during National Radon Action Month, encouraging residents to protect themselves and their families by having their homes tested for the presence of radon. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. If left untreated, radon can build up indoors, leading to adverse health effects. After smoking, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., taking the lives of approximately 21,000 Americans every year. Radon exposure is a preventable health risk, and testing for radon can help prevent prolonged exposure. Most homes in EPA Region 7’s four states are located in areas that fall within EPA Radon Zone One or Two, indicating high or moderate potential for elevated radon levels. To see if your home is in one of these areas, check EPA’s website to view a map of Radon Zones for your state. Radon testing kits can be bought online and in home improvement stores. National Radon Program Services at Kansas State University offers test kits for purchase online. EPA recommends taking action to fix your home if you discover radon levels above 4 picocuries per liter. If your home does have elevated levels of radon, a qualified professional can install a system to lower your indoor radon levels. For more guidance on how to address radon risks, see EPA’s radon website.

An accident occurred in Phelps County Monday afternoon at 2:30 on Route O about five miles south of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a southbound 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross, driven by 30-year-old Tiffany Jones of Rolla, traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck two signs and a telephone pole. Jones suffered minor injuries and was transported by a private vehicle to Phelps Health. The report stated that Jones was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Toyota sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by D & D Towing.

An accident occurred Monday afternoon in Phelps County at 2:45 at 17895 Highway 8. According to the highway patrol, report an eastbound 2018 Chevrolet Cruze, driven by a 17-year-old female juvenile of Steelville, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a culvert. The juvenile suffered minor injuries and was transported by St. James Ambulance to Phelps Health. She was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevrolet sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing.

The City of Salem Utility Committee will be holding a meeting tonight at 6:15 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. At the meeting, the committee will review the financial, utility billing, discussion of the electric rate study, the agenda to an upcoming MMMPEP meeting in January, and they will hear work reports from city employees. The committee will also discuss utility policy updates and discuss outside city utility policies. The meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning for their regular meeting at the courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams gave the sales tax figures the county received from the state this month. In the General Revenue Fund and the Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund, the county just received $98,823.09 which is down around $4,840 dollars from the January 2023 receipts of $103,664.68. For the Road and Bridge Fund, the county received $45,679.68 and that is less than the 2023 January figure of $48,267.00 received. The Jail Operating and Trust Funds each received $91,781.07 this January and that was less than the January 2023 receipt of $96,535.72. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said three trucks would be adding rock and two graders will be distributing those materials on Dent County Road 5450. He also said crews would be working on trucks once it starts to rain. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said brush would be cut on county road 3300 while other men would perform a number of maintenance tasks including work on tractor #6, fixing a flat on county truck #22 before installing a spreader box and plow on that truck, and fixing a flat on the backhoe. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he was saddened to learn that Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Director Tabitha Utley will be leaving her position at the chamber at the end of the month. The chamber is currently taking resumes looking for her replacement. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the final certification for all political subdivisions will be Tuesday, January 23rd if they want something on the April Municipal Election ballot. At the last meting, Corky Stack with AEA Design Engineering came in to talk with the commission about the courthouse exterior repairs and lights. The next commission meeting will be Thursday at 9:00 at the courthouse and it is open to the public.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released several reports. On Wednesday, December 27th, deputies responded to the 300 block of Dent County Road 4180 for the report of a domestic disturbance. The victim, a 21-year-old Salem woman, told deputies that her 24-year-old boyfriend had broken her car window when she attempted to leave the location. She did not wish to pursue criminal charges and the parties were separated. On Monday, January 1st, deputies responded to the 400 block of Dent County Road 5090 for a trespassing complaint. A 36-year-old Salem woman stated that her neighbor, a 40-year-old Salem man, entered her property without her permission. The man was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail where he was released on a criminal citation. Later that same day, the suspect was again arrested for trespassing at the same location and was then placed on a 24-Hour Hold pending the application of warrants. Finally on Thursday, on the 4th of January, a deputy responded to Highway 119 and Dent County Road 6090 for the report of a wanted subject. The suspect, a 49-year-old Licking man, was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated on his warrant. If you have any information regarding an investigation please call the Dent County Sheriff’s office at 729-3241.

The Dent County Fire Protection district board of directors will be meeting at 6:00 tonight at the fire station located at #2 South Main Street. After the roll call andapproval of the consent agenda and review of the December minutes, the board will hear the financial report, then approve bills, and review the budget, before the calendar review and the monthly reimbursement report is heard. Old and new business will then be addressed. After hearing a report from the fire chief, the date will be set for that February meeting before adjourning. The meeting next Tuesday evening will be open to the public.

The Scenic Rivers Industries, Inc. — Sheltered Workshop wants to announce that due to construction of their parking lot, the Recycling Bins beside the building will be out of commission from January 6th through January 18th. They will have temporary bins in the parking lot in front of the building. They appreciate your understanding and patience.