Archive for 2025

A Bunker resident was killed in an accident in Reynolds County Sunday afternoon at 3:05 on Highway 21 two miles north of Ellington. According to the Highway Patrol report a northbound 2006 Honda VTX, operated by a 52-year-old Bunker man, attempted to pass multiple vehicles in a no passing zone. The Honda was struck head on by a southbound 2012 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by a 21-year-old man from Ellington. The Bunker man was pronounced deceased at the scene by Reynolds County Coroner Jeffrey McSpadden at 4:45. The deceased was not wearing any safety equipment. The report stated that the operator of the Chevrolet was not wearing a safety restraint. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Aissie’s Towing at Officer’s Request.

A Dent County resident was involved in an accident Sunday afternoon at 3:20 on Highway 8 one and one-half miles east of St. James. According to the Highway Patrol report an eastbound 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, driven by a 22-year-old Salem woman, traveled off the right side of the roadway, where she overcorrected, then traveled off the left side of the roadway, and overturned before coming to rest upright facing westbound. The woman suffered serious injuries and was flown by Phelps Air Ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. The report stated that the woman was not wearing a safety restraint. The Chevrolet was totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing.

Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District (ORSWMD) announced that eight Oak Hill Elementary students in Dent County were honored with first and second place awards and honorable mention awards in the 34th Annual Earth Day Poster, Trash and Graphic Art contest. This year’s contest theme was “Put Waste in Its Place.” Winners from Oak Hill Elementary were Corbin Light, 1st Grade Division, First Place Poster, Ashton Poor, 3rd Grade Division, First Place Poster, Jacob Mosher, 1st Grade Division, Second Place Poster, Raelynn England, 1st Grade Division, Honorable Mention Poster, Ava England, 4th Grade Division, Honorable Mention Poster, Ada Greener, 5th Grade Division, Honorable Mention Poster, Xalissa Mosher, 3rd Grade Division, Honorable Mention Poster, and Nora Wright, 2nd Grade Division, Honorable Mention Poster. Oak Hill Elementary students were under the direction of Rachel Privett. Kathryn Hawes, environmental specialist, said that the The Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District Earth Day Art Contest is in its 34th year and we were thrilled to see so many entries in all categories including new schools and home school students participating. The contest required participants to re-purpose trash into three-dimensional pieces of art or create posters (hand drawn or graphically designed), based on the year’s theme. There were 779 entries from 15 schools in the district and four home-school groups. The contest was open to kindergarten through 12th grade, home-school, college and university students who reside or attend school in Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties.  Tammy Snodgrass, MRPC’s environmental program manager, said that the Earth Day contest is one of my favorite programs. The projects the kids come up with are so creative. You don’t often think of trash as a medium for artistic expression, but it’s a great  way to provide environmental education to our children and increase awareness of solid waste issues. A gallery of awarded students art by grade level may be found on the MRPC website at https://ozarkrivers.org/. The 2025 Earth Day Contest was funded through a ORSWMD grant, made possible through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), along with donations from the following area sponsors: 63 Auto & Truck Parts, Infuze Credit Union, The Maries County Bank – Vienna, Bank of Crocker, DML, LLC, Phelps County Bank – Rolla, Legends Bank – Belle, Belgrade State Bank, Bank of Salem, Security Bank of Pulaski County, First State Community Bank – Rolla and Richland and Town & Country Bank. Gary Larson, Dent County Presiding Commissioner, chairs the ORSWMD. The district’s strategy for solid waste reduction, which has been individually adopted by all member governments and approved by Missouri Department of Natural Resources, involves education and increased recycling and waste reduction efforts in member counties and cities. MRPC provides administration of the district and assists with a variety of implementation projects. For more information about ORSWMD or waste reduction and recycling opportunities in the Ozark Rivers area, contact Tammy Snodgrass, MRPC environmental programs manager, at 573-265-2993 or by email at tsnodgrass@meramecregion.org. Also, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ORSWMD and on the web at www.ozarkrivers.org. MRPC provides the day-to-day administration for Ozark Rivers.

The City of Salem’s Downtown Project is nearing completion as Maggi Construction crews finish sidewalk and drainage work on the corner in front of The Bank of Salem. New light poles are being installed throughout the downtown area, which will provide historic replica lighting and allow for seasonal decorations, flags, and banners. The next phase includes installation of the historic replica lights atop the new poles and selection of downtown furnishings including trash receptacles. The Dent County Health Center has provided bicycle racks that will be installed throughout downtown and in select locations. Following completion, attention will shift to the historic Dent County Courthouse Square, where Dent County will begin the next phase of revitalization to enhance the beauty and functionality of the public space. The city expressed appreciation to businesses and building owners for their patience during the construction process.

Construction is underway on a new municipal well and a 400,000-gallon water tower as part of Salem’s infrastructure improvements. The project is funded through an ARPA grant of approximately $4,600,000 with a 10% local funding match of $47,000. At the Wastewater Treatment Plant, Phase 2A of planned upgrades is progressing through the preconstruction phase. The $5 million project is entirely funded through an ARPA grant and includes specification and ordering of parts and equipment. Phase 2B, which includes approximately $3,500,000 in grant funding and $2,500,000 in bond-funded financing approved by voters in April 2023, is expected to go out for bid later this summer. The city completed its first full year of enhanced fire hydrant maintenance, including painting hydrants and water valves. Plans are in place to continue this work in the next budget year with Fire Hydrant Services and Repair returning to complete remaining hydrants. Street repaving will occur later this month on East Coffman, West First Street, and South Oak Street, with possible additions of parts of South Louise and South Henderson if funds allow. All streets will receive a 2-inch asphalt overlay.

Recovery efforts from November flooding continue at Salem City Parks and the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Replacement of playground fall zone tiles is underway, and a contractor will soon convert areas formerly filled with rubber chips into a solid surface to improve accessibility and prevent future flood damage. Flood-related fencing repairs are in progress at ballfields in both the main City Park and at Al Brown Fields. Crews continue addressing ongoing repairs at the Wastewater Treatment Plant caused by the flooding. The Airport T-Hangar Project reached completion with construction of a new six-unit T-hangar. The project cost $749,000, with $703,000 reimbursed through grant funding. Required matching funds of approximately $41,000 plus $5,000 for underground electrical work were covered through the Airport Fund from prior years’ hangar rentals and airport fuel sales. Tree trimming of one of the city’s electrical feeder lines is underway and will continue through the end of this month. Crews are trimming trees and branches in accordance with Missouri State Statute, which requires trees be trimmed or removed within 10 feet on each side of electrical lines. 

The Salem Police Department announced that Lieutenant Counts recently graduated from the Missouri Police Chiefs’ Command College, a program that provides high-level training for law enforcement supervisors and offers the opportunity to earn a master’s degree.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at 9:00 in the Courthouse. During public comments Robert Malone, resident in District One, complained to Commissioner Keith Green about the conditions of Dent County Road 6020. Malone said he talked to Green May 15th and that he said the road would be graded and repaired. Green pointed out that the weather has not cooperated and that his grader that works in the Highway 119 area will be making its way down towards 6020. Green again noted that the rainy conditions have really slowed up grading progress and asked for residents’ patience. Representatives from the Salem Chamber Singers were in requesting permission to sell snow cones on the Courthouse Square during the 4th of July Parade. The Commissioners approved the request and thanked them for asking. Commissioner Green said that he had two guys out and part of his crew was gone to Lebanon to get hot mix to do some specific repair to chip and seal areas. He noted that the rest of his crew is addressing the worst spots on roadways with spot application of gravel and grading. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams said he had two guys out and part of his crew was dealing with a low water crossing in the area of Barnitz Farms. He also said that rock would be added, and grading done on Dent County Road 4050. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson announced that the Annual MRPC Awards Banquet would be returning to the Salem Community Center @ The Armory October 23rd. Larson complimented Executive Director Sherry Lea on her work preparing the bid for the banquet. Larson noted that the Commission will need to put out for bids for an engineering firm to work with FEMA for repairing the flood damaged bridges. He also reported that Susan Clancy had contacted him about paying an invoice from Alexander Construction for repair of hail damage to the roof and vent on the Courthouse. Dent County Clerk Angie Curly reported that she balanced with the Collector and Assessor on monthly collections, abatements and add-ons for the month of May. She noted that bills were being approved by the Commissioners for payment and that Ray Schwartz from Senator Justin Brown’s office would be in to visit with the Commission. The next meeting of the Commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the Dent County Courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

Want some free fun that gets family and friends outside in nature? Get hooked on fishing with the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Free Fishing Days June 7th and 8th. During Free Fishing Days, anyone may fish in the Show-Me State without having to buy a fishing permit, trout permit, or trout park daily tag. Free Fishing Days is an annual Department of Conservation event that takes place statewide during the Saturday and Sunday following the first Monday in June. Aside from not needing permits, other fishing regulations remain in effect, such as limits on size and number of fish an angler may keep. Special permits may still be required at some county, city, or private fishing areas. Trespass laws remain in effect on private property. Conservation makes Missouri a great place to fish, and Free Fishing Days encourages people to sample Missouri’s abundant fishing opportunities. Missouri has more than a million acres of surface water, and most of it provides great fishing. More than 200 different fish species are found in Missouri, with more than 20 of them being game fish for the state’s more than 1.1 million anglers. For information on Missouri fishing regulations, fish identification, and more, get a copy of Missouri Department of Conservation’s 2025 Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations, available where permits are sold, or online at mdc.mo.gov.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to remind the public that driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed on Thursday, June 19, 2025, for the observance of Juneteenth. Normal operations will resume on, June 20, 2025. For more, follow the Missouri State Highway Patrol on X @MSHPTrooperGHQ

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will be meeting tomorrow evening, at 6:00 at the Fire Station at #2 South Main in Salem. After the call to order and roll call the Board will approve the consent agenda which will include review of the minutes, financial report, bills and budget. The monthly reimbursement report will be reviewed followed by old business, which will include approval of Bylaws Revisions. New business will consist of review of insurance for the district. Chief Floyd will then report, and the date will be set for the next meeting. The Board may vote to go into closed session, which will be followed by adjournment. The regular meeting of the Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors in open to the public.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released the following reports for May 23rd through 30th. On Friday the 23rd Deputies took a report of tires being dumped on County Road 6150. Suspect information was obtained, and the investigation is ongoing. Then on Saturday the 24th, Deputies took a report of a trailer that was stolen from the 2800 block of County Road 4050. The investigation is pending. On Memorial Day, the 26th, Deputies took a report of a shed burglary in the 1000 block of County Road 6160. The investigation is pending. Deputies took a report on Tuesday the 27th of a stolen Harley-Davidson motorcycle that occurred in the 200 block of County Road 4155. The investigation is pending. Then on Thursday the 29th Deputies took a report for a domestic assault that occurred in the 400 block of Private Lane 117. Suspect information was obtained, and the investigation is ongoing. That same day Deputies took a report for stolen property that occurred in the 18000 block of Highway C. The investigation is pending. The next day, Friday the 30th, Deputies conducted a traffic stop at Highway 72 and Highway H. During the stop, a 32-year-old Salem man was arrested on an outstanding warrant. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 573-729-3241 if you have any information about an ongoing investigation.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) urges drivers to be cautious and give turtles a break! These reptiles are often hit by cars during warmer months but are at special risk this time of year because they are more active. Common turtles spotted on roads include three-toed box turtles, ornate box turtles, red-eared sliders, painted turtles, Mississippi mud turtles, and even snapping turtles. Turtles emerge from their winter burrows and begin to hunt for food and mates during warm and wet conditions, which can lead them to cross roadways, oftentimes resulting in their death. Thousands of box turtles are killed each year by vehicles. Young males make up most of the travelers. They sometimes wander as many as six miles searching for territories and mates. Females are also crossing the roads in search of nesting areas. Turtles are ectothermic, or cold-blooded, and depend on external sources of heat to determine their body temperatures. This is why they are seen on warm asphalt during cool, spring days. Vehicles are one of the leading threats box turtles face in Missouri, and MDC encourages motorists to be cautious and slow down if they see a turtle in the road. If helping a turtle make it safely across, check for traffic and always move the turtle in the direction it is traveling. MDC also urges the public to leave turtles in the wild. Taking a wild animal, whether a turtle of other species, and keeping it as a pet normally ends in a slow death. Turtles have an extremely low survival rate if taken from their original habitat. Leave turtles in the wild, follow the speed limit, and keep your eyes on the road. For more information on Missouri’s turtles, visit the MDC online Field Guide at .mdc.mo.gov.

Join the Graham Cave State Park team for a journey through time as they celebrate World Atlatl Day Saturday, June 7th. From 9:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon, the Missouri Chapter of the World Atlatl Association will be on site to share this ancient throwing tool’s history and use. Predating the bow and arrow, humans first used the atlatl in the Upper Paleolithic Period, and archaeological evidence suggests that it was used around the world. If you have never heard of or used an atlatl, come learn how it’s done! Participants don’t need any prior experience, and there is no fee or registration requirement. Participants should bring a sun hat and wear closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and insect repellent. The event will take place at the Lower Day-Use Area Shelter in Graham Cave State Park. The park is located off I-70, between Kingdom City and St. Louis, on Highway TT two miles west of Highway 161 at exit 170 in Danville. For more information about the event, call Graham Cave State Park at 573-564-3476. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.