Archive for 2025

A rural Dent County man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly firing an AR-15 rifle at two utility workers early Tuesday morning, injuring both, and later telling authorities he believed he was the victim of a conspiracy. According to the Dent County Prosecutor’s Office, 49-year-old Jimmy “Shane” Hoornaert was charged with two counts of second-degree assault, armed criminal action, possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), and unlawful use of a weapon while in possession of drugs. The charges stem from an incident that occurred around 4:00 on the morning of May 20, 2025, near his residence on South Highway 19, south of Salem. Deputies responded after Intercounty Electric Cooperative reported that two of their employees had been shot while working to restore power following storm damage. The men were reportedly sitting on a company ATV in a neighboring driveway when gunfire erupted. According to the probable cause statement, Hoornaert fired three rounds from a Del-Ton AR-15. The bullets struck the ATV, and metal fragments injured one worker in the knee and the other in the ear. A medical exam later confirmed that one victim had metal fragments embedded in his leg, while the other had a superficial wound consistent with a burn from a bullet fragment. Initially, Hoornaert told deputies he had fired the weapon “into the air” to scare off people he claimed were harassing him. During a later interview, he admitted to possibly hitting the ATV, he claimed the shooting was accidental and denied intent to harm anyone. Earlier Hoornaert also made claims, alleging that local residents used cloaking devices, night vision goggles, and even an armed child to harass him and steal his cattle. He denied recent methamphetamine use, though deputies reported dilated pupils and bloodshot eyes, and a urine test later returned positive for methamphetamine and amphetamines. A later search of his camper uncovered methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and four additional firearms, including pistols and a revolver with the serial number removed. Investigators also recovered large quantities of ammunition in various calibers. On May 20, Judge Nathan Kelsaw issued an arrest warrant citing that Hoornaert posed a danger to others. The court set bond at $500,000 with strict conditions, including drug testing and no contact with victims. Hoornaert appeared in custody within 48 hours and was read the charges and his rights during his initial court appearance. A request to reduce bond was denied, and Hoornaert remains in custody at the Dent County Jail. Charges set forth in a criminal complaint are only accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. A bond hearing is scheduled for June 3, 2025, at 10:00 in the morning.

Memorial Day weekend brings Missouri to life with busy state parks, lakes, and attractions. Our state has a lot to offer, especially when the weather is nice. A little planning will go a long way to making Memorial Day weekend activities a success. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds everyone to include safety when they plan their holiday weekend. Everyone should expect more travelers on Missouri’s roadways and an increase in boating traffic on the state’s lakes and rivers. Drivers and boat operators are reminded to always wear a seat belt when traveling in a vehicle, and wear a life jacket when near, on, or in the water. This year’s Memorial Day holiday counting period begins at 6:00 this evening and ends at 11:59 pm., Monday, May 26, 2025. Every available trooper will be on the road or on the water, enforcing Missouri laws and assisting people. The Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort) during Memorial Day weekend. Over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday weekend, there were 1046 vehicle crashes statewide which injured 486 people and killed 10 (Troopers worked 275 traffic crashes involving seven fatalities and 161 injuries). The Memorial Day weekend is also an unofficial start to the boating season. During the 2024 Memorial Day weekend, there were seven boating crashes which included no fatalities and seven injuries. No one drowned over last year’s Memorial Day weekend. Last year, troopers made 128 driving while intoxicated and six boating while intoxicated arrests. Motorists or boaters in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use the Highway Patrol’s Emergency Assistance number 1-800-525-5555 (or *55 on a cellular phone). For road condition reports, travelers can visit the MoDOT website to view their traveler map, download the MoDOT app, or call 1-888-275-6636. Motorists and boaters are encouraged to do their part to make Missouri’s road and waterways safer.  You can follow the Patrol on “X” for the most current news @MSHPTrooperGHQ

The City of Salem’s Finance Committee will be holding a workshop this evening in the Old City Hall Auditorium located at 202 N. Washington Street at 6:00, to discuss the draft budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees met Thursday evening, May  15th at 5:00. Administrator Zach Moser presented the Service and Statistics report for the month of April. In the Communicable Disease Report, he stated there was one case of COVID-19 reported, while there were 46 active lead cases, zero Influenza A cases, two animal bites report, and there were 6 screenings for sexually transmitted infections, resulting in 24 total tests. The April environmental report showed there where 14 total inspections conducted, no recalls, no sewer complaints, and no environmental questions were fielded. The Maternal-Child Health (MCH) statistics showed there were no car seats distributed, no CPR Courses held, no consultations for Childcare Health, two Show-Me Healthy Women appointments, and 30 Title X appointments were reported. There was one Presumptive Eligibility (Temporary Medicaid), while there were 339 WIC appointments. The Community-Specific Services Summary showed 607 total appointments other than WIC, 167 total provider appointments, 169 treatment court visits, 166 lab appointments and 87 immunization appointments. Nurse Practitioner Service Details showed one Show-Me Healthy Women appointment, 7 family plannings, 5 well-child visits, no online appointments, 3 other well-woman exams, no other physicals, no SEMO physicals, 63 other visits, and 71 acute illness appointments for a total of 158 visits. Physician Service Details showed no well-visits, no online appointments, 8 other physicals, no SEMO Physicals, 3 other visits, and 6 acute illness visits. Laboratory details showed 208 Lab Draws, 2 appointments for Rapid Test for COVID, Flu, RSV or Strep, 3 pregnancy tests, and there were 3 lead tests reported. Phlebotomy Appointments totaled 158, while all Lab Appointments totaling 166. Immunizations for April totaled one for COVID-19, one for Influenza, and 114 other vaccines given, including 77 MMR vaccines, for a total of 116 total doses given during 87 total appointments. In the Administrator’s report, Moser reported that the Health Center Health Fair May 2nd, was a success with 87 patients. He reported on the Community Health Assessment and that the Community Survey is now open and collecting feedback from the community. The survey can be completed by going to https://dentcohealth.org/cha/cha2025/. Moser said that the audit report is expected soon. Moser discussed the transportation program pause to figure out a plan for dispatching. He said that Human Resource Management Software is nearing a decision. Moser requested changes in the leave policies, particularly around unpaid leave and procedure for when leave is exhausted. The Board approved the changes. DCHC financials for April were reviewed, discussed, and approved. The Board went in to closed session where no motions were made. After the closed session the next regular meeting of the Board was set for Thursday, June 19th, 2025, at 5:00.
Northwood R-4 School has earned the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Tier 3 Award of Excellence. This is R-4’s first year of receiving Tier 3 recognition, highlighting their commitment to supporting every student’s academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. Hats off to Mr. Flores, the teachers, staff, and administration for their outstanding work and dedication to student success.

Memorial Day Weekend begins the Summer Concert Series at Echo Bluff State Park on Highway 19 South. Everyone is invited and all the events are free. Bring a lawn chair, quilt or blanket and enjoy these free concert under the stars. On Friday, May 23rd starting at 8:00 in the evening, listeners can enjoy the sounds of the Open Road Band who are new to the Echo Bluff’s summer series. The Open Road Band will open this year’s series with some old-time country music. On Saturday, May 24th at 8:00, Kirk Pierce will perform again at the Echo Bluff concert series. Pierce will use his soothing, sultry voice to perform a mix of covers and original songs. Then on Sunday, May 25th at 8:00 in the evening, the Travelin’ Kind returns to Echo Bluff where members Trish and Mickey are sure to delight once again as they perform covers and original songs. All concerts take place in the amphitheater at 35244 Echo Bluff Drive in Eminence.

This Saturday, starting at 8:30 in the evening, visitors to the Onondaga Cave State Park and observe “Starry Sky Nights.” The public is invited to meet in front of the visitor center at 7556 Route H in Leasburg to view the unobstructed night sky. Visitors will learn about some of the objects that can be seen. Astronomy experts will demonstrate how to use telescopes to identify stars and planets. The program is subject to rescheduling due to poor viewing conditions. Those who wish to attend can register online at icampmo.com to receive updates about the program.

An accident occurred in Dent County Monday afternoon at 12:30 on Highway P 1.5 South of Highway 32. According to the report from the Highway Patrol a 2015 Ford F250, driven by a 53-year-old man from Doolittle, traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a mailbox and a culvert, and went airborne. The driver and a 55-year-old female from Rolla both suffered minor injuries and were transported by Salem EMS to Salem Memorial Hospital. The report stated that the man was wearing a safety restraint, while the woman was not. The Ford sustained minor damage and was removed from the scene by Tune’s Towing.

The City of Salem is pleased to announce that the Hometown Grid power outage reporting system is now being used city-wide. This system was tested over the past several months and has proven to be an effective way for electric customers to report outages and stay informed during service interruptions. Residents are now asked to call or text 833-703-4811 to report a power outage—24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The system provides immediate confirmation, follow-up questions to help identify the cause, and text updates once the source of the outage is found. All reported outages appear on a public map, giving residents real-time information about affected areas at hometowngrid.com/salem. They’re asking residents to use this system instead of calling police dispatch. During outages, dispatchers are often overwhelmed by non-emergency calls. If a true emergency arises—such as a medical crisis, fire, or accident—it’s critical that dispatchers remain available to respond quickly. Reporting outages through Hometown Grid keeps our emergency lines clear and improves response times where it matters most. Customers experiencing a power outage should contact their electric provider directly. City of Salem Electric Customers should Call or text 833-703-4811. Intercounty Electric Cooperative Customers can Call 866-621-3679. The benefits of the Hometown Grid system include faster and more accurate outage reporting, real-time outage map for public viewing, streamlined operations for electric crews, and increased public safety by reducing pressure on emergency services. We encourage all residents to save 833-703-4811 in their phones as “Salem Power Outage” and to use this number any time an outage occurs. For questions, contact the Salem Utility Office at 573-729-4117. Let’s keep Salem safe, informed, and efficient!

Colonel Michael A. Turner, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like to stress the importance of safe boating and make the public aware of National Safe Boating Week, going on now. National Safe Boating Week is purposefully scheduled just prior to Memorial Day weekend, which many people consider the kickoff to the boating season. Before taking that inaugural 2025 summer boat cruise, boaters are encouraged to make time for a thorough inspection of their boat. The Patrol’s marine operations troopers make boating safety a priority and are available, at your request, to inspect the required equipment on your boat to make sure you’re in compliance with state law. Additional information on equipment inspection stations may be obtained from your local troop headquarters. In addition to an inspection, boaters should familiarize themselves with Missouri laws regarding boat operation and traditional navigational rules. Missouri law requires everyone born after January 1, 1984, who operates a vessel on Missouri lakes to possess a National Association of Safe Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating safety identification card. This includes those operating a personal watercraft. When boaters understand and obey the law, and vessels are in good operating order, everyone’s experience becomes safer. It is important for each boat operator to know the capabilities of their boat. Reducing your speed in unfamiliar areas and being aware of unusual 

important for each boat operator to know the capabilities of their boat. Reducing your speed in unfamiliar areas and being aware of unusual water conditions depending on the size and type of boat you operate are just a couple of environmental considerations. Additional safe boating tips include being a defensive boat operator, creating distance from other boats gives you more reaction time, adjusting your speed for the conditions and if visibility is poor, or the water is rough, slow down, be sure to turn off the boat while passengers are entering or exiting the water, if you will be out on the water after dark, check your navigation lights before you leave the dock or ramp, and remember every boat operator is responsible for doing whatever they can to avoid a crash. Boaters are reminded to contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol by dialing *55 on a cellular phone if they need assistance or observe another boater operating a vessel in an unsafe manner. Share the waterway and use common sense, good judgment, and courtesy to ensure the safety of all. Life jackets save lives; Wear them! Follow the Missouri State Highway Patrol on X @MSHPTrooperGHQ.