Local News

The City of Salem Utility Committee meeting was held Tuesday evening at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Chairman Shawn Bolerjack called the meeting to order. City Administrator Ray Walden gave an update on utility billing. There are 2,834 active electric accounts with 1,454 being current on their bill. A total of 495 are 30 days past due; 262 are 60 days past due and 218 are over 90 days past due. There are currently 39 accounts that have not made a payment in over a year. The June 16th through July 15th bill will be the last one sent out before cutoffs are resumed on August 6th. Citizens are encouraged to call or visit the City Utility Office at 729-4117 to make payment arrangements. There are currently 75 customers with payment plans and another 23 that have initiated the process and need to finish the paperwork. The committee reviewed and made several recommendations to the wording and information that is included on the current bills. Bolerjack recommended customers that are on budget billing should have their usage reviewed twice a year to make adjustments as needed. Utility Committee member Catherine Dent volunteered to help the staff in the utility office contact customers that are in jeopardy of having their electric disconnected as well as reaching out to customers to help establish payment plans. The February Cold Snap bill was discussed. The city will participate in the Governor Parson’s no interest 60-month loan to pay the $1,275,025 that is owed. After some discussion regarding how to pass on this cost to customers, the committee voted to recommend the Alderman add 4.4% rate adjustment to all customers monthly bills. The committee discussed the request from Heartland Metal for a reduction on their commercial water rate. The committee will recommend to the Alderman that no change be made at this time. Heartland Metal may ask the committee to revisit this subject after they have an efficiency study conducted. Walden gave an update on the Exceleron Pre-Paid Electric Project. This web-based portal will allow customers to pay their electric bill online using a credit card and should be completed in two months. After getting an update on the Electric and Street Department projects, the meeting was adjourned.

Last week, the US Department of Health and Human Services through the Health Resources and Services Administration provided Missouri with $8,268,032 to support COVID response efforts in rural areas. This funding was distributed through the Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program to 32 small rural hospitals for COVID testing and mitigation. These hospitals with less than 50 beds or that are Critical Access Hospitals are key health care access points and trusted community sources. According to Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas, the Salem Memorial District Hospital received $161,000 from this fund that is earmarked for COVID testing and mitigation.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley reported on three cases heard in Crawford County on Tuesday, July 20th in front of Judge Michael Randazzo in the 42nd Judicial Circuit Court. In the first case heard, Rose Howell of Salem had violated her probation for the possession of a controlled substance after completing the RSMOSection 559.115 program. She was sentenced to 10 years in the Department of Corrections as requested by Prosecutor Andrew Curley. Howell requested to be placed in the drug court program and to continue on probation was denied by Judge Randazzo. In the next case, Samantha Conaway of Salem had her sentencing hearing after pleading guilty to two felony counts of distribution guilty, one count of the fraudulent use of a credit device, and one felony count of the possession of a controlled substance. Prosecutor Curley requested a total of 10 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections while Conaway sought probation. Judge Randazzo sentenced Conaway to a total of 10 years under RSMO Section 559.115 in the shock incarceration program. In the last case Tuesday, Carl Blair of Salem pled guilty to failing to register as a sex offender. In the sentencing hearing, Curley sought four years in the Department of Corrections under Section 559.115. Blair sought probation. Blair was sentenced by Judge Randazzo to a four-year suspended execution of sentence with 5-years probation over the objection of the state.

An accident occurred Thursday morning at 5:45 in Iron County on Highway 32 about four miles west of Bixby. According to the highway patrol report, a westbound 2016 Chevrolet Cruze, driven by 25-year-old Mark Cooper of Belgrade, crossed the center line and struck head on an eastbound 2010 International, driven by 58-year-old Gary Glastetter of Oran, Missouri. The International then ran off the road, struck a tree and caught fire. Cooper suffered serious injuries and Glastetter suffered moderate injuries. Both were transported by ambulance to Salem Memorial District Hospital. The report stated that Glastetter was wearing a safety restraint, while it was unknown if Cooper was. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Abney’s Towing.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday evening in the Hospital Library. At the meeting, the board heard from outgoing Home Health Director Ashley Sullins who presented the results of the patient survey. She said the surveys were down due to COVID-19. She also told the board about changes and updates in Medicare. Sullins also introduced the new Home Health Director who is Kristie Gorman, RN; and also told the board that Amanda Botkin, RN was named the new Home Health Clinical Manager. In the summary of operations for the month of June, the hospital had 105 inpatient admissions with 371 inpatient census days. The hospital showed a loss from operations of $1,411,691, but after adding back taxes and the forgiveness of the hospitals Payroll Protection Plan that came to $2,263,000, left an excess of revenues over expenses of $857,758. During the month, there were 725 emergency room visits to go with 228 ambulance runs with 154 patients being transported, 26 surgery cases, 1,793 outpatient registrations, 223 home health visits, 7,171 lab tests, 1,345 radiological procedures and 596 rehab treatments. Days in account receivable during the month went down to 74 from 82 in May and days cash on hand is at 85. The hospital had a cash decrease during the month of $1,093,291. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas said part of the increase in cash expenses was for the “heroes payment” to employees which was an additional incentive for another year of work. For the fiscal year, the hospital lost 6.9 million dollars, but they may be able to write off the stimulus funds they received for COVID-19 of 4.3 million, but that will not be until the 2022 fiscal year. New Chief of Nursing Ashley Sullins gave the Acute Care Staffing by Patient Acuity report that showed the average acuity at 23 per day with 12 patients per day. Chief Operating Officer Jason Edwards said that due to the increase in COVID positivity tests in Dent County, the Wings and Strings event in September has been cancelled. The Dancing with the Salem Stars program has been tentatively set for January 22nd at the High School Gym. He said the hospital has finally talked to the USDA rep on submitting the proper paperwork on the TytoCare-school focused telemedicine product, and the plan is still to have the program in place in schools by 2022. Lucas gave the COVID-19 update and said the positivity rate in Dent County has risen 121% in Dent County and there are 46 current active cases. The hospital made no changes in the visitor policy, but they are constantly reviewing the available information. The board approved courtesy staff privileges for Grace Jackson, MD in telemedicine, and approved the purchase of a five-ton, two stage Carrier Rooftop Air Conditioning unit for the nuclear medicine room for $12,500 from Victor Heating and Cooling, LLC. Lucas reported the renovation work is finishing up and the Cerner Conversion continues. The board elected new officers for the new fiscal year and they are Ray Bruno as Chairman, Mike Swyers as the Vice-Chairman and Willie Strader as Secretary. The hospital board then set the tax rate hearing for Thursday, August 17th at 5:45 before the board went into closed session.

Are you interested in a great volunteer opportunity right here in Salem? If you have a few hours per week to help out in your community in an easy way, look no further than Grace Harbor! They will be opening a temporary shelter soon. Their mission is to serve youth and school-aged kids in Salem and the surrounding areas. If there is availability at Grace Harbor, they will accept other individuals on a case-by- case basis, but the youth are their number one priority. They have a variety of volunteer opportunities at Grace Harbor such as cooking daily meals, grocery shopping, house cleaning, assisting residents, office work, grounds keeping and more. At this time, Grace Harbor has morning, afternoon, mid-afternoon, evening, and overnight shifts available. Volunteers must be at least 20 years of age, have a valid driver’s license, and complete the required testing. The Grace Harbor committee will be holding training meetings next week on Tuesday evening, July 27th, from 6:00-8:00, and then Wednesday, July 28th from 10:00-12:00, and 2:00-4:00. If you are interested in volunteering, please plan on attending one of these meetings. If you have any questions, contact Jenny Summers at 573-247-7062 or Karen Carmier at 573-247-4530.

The Interpretive staff at the Current River State Park invite the public to a blackberry feast at the Blackberry Bramblers workshop from 9:00 in 6:00 in the morning until 2:00 Sunday afternoon, July 25th or Monday, July 26th. Park staff will make a wide range of wild blackberry treats for participants to sample and learn how to make including blackberry jelly, blackberry kefir ice cream, blackberry cobbler and more. All blackberries will be provided. For those who would like to take jelly home, please bring a small jar to the workshop. This is an informative and hands-on class. Participants should bring their own lunch. Space is limited and registration is required. Those interested in attending, should call Connie at 573-751-1224 or email connie.weber@dnr.mo.gov to register. The public is strongly encouraged to follow social-distancing guidelines and be proactive in protecting themselves and others. The Current River State Park is located at 11053 Dent County Road 19D near Salem in southeast Missouri. For more information about the park, call 573-751-6414. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday evening in the City Hall Council Chambers for their regular meeting. Bill #3488 was introduced that would have moved the Board of Aldermen meetings from the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month to the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month. Before the vote, mayor Brad Nash said that he would have conflicts with meetings on Tuesdays where he would not be able to attend the meetings due to his job as fire chief. Alderwoman Kim Steelman and Alderman Shawn Bolerjack voted against the bill while Aldermen Kevin James and Greg Parker voted for the bill. Mayor Brad Nash cast the deciding “no” vote and the bill was defeated. Salem Police Chief Joe Chase explained to the board the need for a new digital repeater and dispatch conversion that would make it easier for the Salem Police Department to communicate with the Dent County Sheriff’s Department and monitor the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Chase brought up instances where they could not communicate at some accident sites even though officers could see each other. He said fortunately there were no issues, but it is not a safe environment. The cost of the repeater and conversion is $41,339.91. The board approved the budgeted purchase. The board approved the appointment of Tiffin Felkerson and Caleb Shepherd to the Salem Park and Recreation Board, and the appointment of Aldermen Shawn Bolerjack to the Airport Board. The board discussed the trailer court license for the trailer park at 307 Truman Avenue called Greenbriar. The board approved the trailer court license application for the Greenbriar pending the passing of an inspection. The Park Street Trailer Court has not yet submitted their application. Salem Police Chief Joe Chase said he would talk with the owner and give him a limited amount of time to be in compliance or be issued citations. City Administrator Ray Walden was not in attendance but did pass on the monthly numbers at the Salem Community Center@The Armory for June and they came in at 4,574. Mark Nash gave an update on the utilities to the board. He said they found the main problem with the water meters were incorrectly installed connectors. They are being replaced and then checked at the time of replacement to make sure they are working properly. After a long discussion on the rezoning of the property at 306 East Franklin from commercial to industrial, the board tabled the issue to do more research and wait until the city attorney would be able to be at the meeting. The meeting was then adjourned.

Judging last Friday morning included the Goat and Sheep Show. In the market goat competition, Judge Reichel selected Baylee Park’s 54-pound goat, Greta Vogel’s 64-pound goat and Josie Howard’s 89-pound goat as class winners. Howard’s goat was awarded Champion Goat and Schafer’s was the Reserve Champion Goat. A light-weight goat was exhibited by Mikayla Huebner, and Charlie Duncan showed a Breeding Doeling. Eleven exhibitors competed in Goat Showmanship with Abbi Terrel winning the Junior Division, Greta Vogel taking home the award in the Intermediate Division, and Lori Terrill winning the Senior Division. Three classes of Market Lambs yielded class winners by Emma Fleener with a 112-pound lamb, Josie Howard with a 130-pounder, and Preslie Strader with a 138-pound lamb. The Champion Lamb went to Strader, and Tyffany LuCerne’s second place lamb in the heavy weight class was named Reserve Champion Lamb. Twelve exhibitors competed in Sheep Showmanship. The Junior Showmanship Award went to Josie Howard, Preslie Strader was selected as Intermediate winner and Kennedy Major was named the Senior Showmanship Champion.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has submitted the following reports for early July. On Friday, July 2nd, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 15,000 block of South Highway 19 to serve an arrest warrant. During the incident, a 71-year-old Salem man was arrested for having an active warrant through Dent County. He was transported to the Dent County Jail where he later posted bond and was released. That same day, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 800 block of East Scenic Rivers Boulevard. During the traffic stop, a 19-year-old Salem man was arrested for purchasing or attempting to purchase, or for the possession of liquor by a minor, a 1st offense. The teenager was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Then on July 5th, a deputy traveled to the 500 block of North Highway 19 to serve an arrest warrant. During the incident, a 22-year-old Salem woman was arrested for having an active warrant through Dent County. She was transported to the Dent County Jail where she was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On Thursday, July 8th while on routine patrol, a deputy observed a 35-year-old Salem woman operating a motor vehicle on Dent County Road 4110. The deputy knew that the woman’s driving privileges had been revoked. The deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle but was unable to locate it. A short time later, the deputy found the vehicle and conducted the traffic stop on East Dent Street. The woman that had been operating the vehicle previously was now in the passenger seat of the vehicle. During the traffic stop, the 35-year-old Salem woman was arrested for driving while having her license revoked or suspended. Also arrested during the traffic stop was a 32-year-old Salem man for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 2nd offense. The two people were transported to the Dent County Jail where they were fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. If you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s office at 729-3241.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5390, 5500, 6370, 6380 and 6670 while brush would also be cut on county roads 6370 and 6380. He reported a crew would be installing a driveway pipe purchased by the owner of the property on Dent County Road 5015, and a man would be going to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal repair. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 4350 and 4353, while materials would be added and grading done on county road 4010. He stated materials would be added and patch grading done along with a culvert being repaired on Dent County Road 4020 where water overflowed across the road over the weekend. Larson indicated other workers would be checking for washouts in the Sligo and Boss areas from the heavy rains they received. He added brush would be cut on county roads 3180 and 3220, and service on Grader #37 would be performed later this week. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended a meeting last Wednesday at the Salem Community Center@The Armory on the next generation of the 9-1-1 system that will be coming down from the state. More information on that will be forthcoming in the near future. Dent County Sheriff Bob Wells has requested the county advertise the sale of two vehicles from the Sheriff’s Department: a 2009 Chevy Trailblazer with 175,000 plus miles and a 1998 Dodge with 157,000 plus miles. Bids on those vehicles will be accepted in the county clerk’s office until 10:00 Monday, August 2nd. Please indicate on your envelope the bid is for the vehicles for the sheriff’s department. The Road and Bridge Department also has surplus property to sell. Included will be three trucks, and old brush cutter, chainsaws and more. The items will be available for viewing at the Dent County Road and Bridge Department on Highway 32-72 West. If you want to submit a bid, please drop it off at the Dent County Clerk’s Office at the courthouse by August 9th at 10:00 and mark your envelope “Road and Bridge Equipment bid.” Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she balanced with the collector and assessor on all collections, abatements and add-ons for the month of June. Commissioner Skiles said he received a communication from Bonnie Prigge from the MRPC that a meeting will be held soon on what the ARPA funds the county will be receiving can be used for in the near future. The board approved setting the tax levy hearing for August 23rd at 10:00 at the courthouse for the General Revenue Fund, Road and Bridge Fund, SB 40 Fund and Senior Citizens Service Fund. At 10:00, the commission opened bids for their required financial audit and received two bids. The first from Daniel Jones and Associates from Arnold was for $16,500 and the other was from Devereux and Company from St. Charles for $15,000. The commission went with the low bid. Devereux and Company have done the last two audits for the county. At the last meeting, the commission heard the monthly turnover report from Collector Shannon VanKirk. She also said that as of last week, there were eight properties that did not get their 2018 real estate taxes paid in full by June 30th. The commissioners also approved the Tech Electronics three-year contract to perform the fire inspections at the Dent County Jail at an annual cost of $1,020. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday at 9:00 at the courthouse.

The City of Salem Utility Committee will be meeting this evening at 6:00 at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory, 1200 West Rolla Road. The meeting was called by committee chair Shawn Bolerjack. On the agenda will be an update on utility billing and discussion of utility shut offs. The committee will also review a financial update on the fiscal year 2021-2022 budget along with discussion of the February cold snap bill and utility rates. Other items on the agenda include a discussion of utility and street department projects for fiscal year 2021-2022 and the Exceleron pre-paid project update and finally a discussion on high water consumption before adjourning. The meeting is open to the public.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be meeting this evening at 6:00 in the R-80 High School Library for their regular meeting. After the consent agenda the Board will hear communications. Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed will report on a variety of issues including a Coaches Meeting, District Community Liaison Training, and Summer Work. In new business the board will review bids for milk, bread, food and supplies, fuel and pest control. The Board will set the date and time for the tax rate hearing and the regular August Board Meeting. Other topics to be considered will include a band teacher MOU with North Wood R-IV, return to learning plan, personnel handbook, COVID training stipend and MSBA policy recommendations. The Board will hear resignations before adjourning and moving into Executive Session for the discussion of personnel. The regular Board Meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will conduct their July meeting this evening at 6:00 in the hospital library. After the approval of the minutes from the June 22nd meeting, Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas will report on the summary of the operations and statistics for the month of June followed by the Chief of Nursing Report with Ashley Sullins. There will be a Hospital Auxiliary Report and the hospital foundation, plus the marketing and community perception report will be given by Chief Operating Officer Jason Edwards. In old business, Lucas will give the board an update on Covid-19, the hospital expansion and renovation, and the Cerner conversion. New business may consist of the review of purchases since the last meeting and the election of officers. The Board will set the Public Tax Meeting for August 17th at 5:45. The board may vote to go into closed session. The SMDH Board meeting is open to the public provided they wear a mask to the meeting.

The Dent County 4-H and FFA Expo is now underway at The Commons. Today will be a day full of shows starting with the Hog Show at 7:00 this morning immediately followed by the Sheep and Goat Show. The Small Animal Show will start at 1:00 to be followed by the Beef and Dairy Show at 2:00. On Saturday, the FFA/4H Market Sale will begin at 9:00 in the morning and will be broadcast live on KSMO Radio and online at ksmoradio.com on Twitch; and the event will be video streamed live on the KSMO YouTube channel and on the Facebook KSMO Stream page. Buttons for those channels can be found on our website at www.ksmoradio.com. Admission is free for everyone and a variety of food from local vendors will be available.

The Salem Police Department has released reports for July 1st through July 9th. On the morning of Thursday, July 1st at around 11:00, an officer responded to the 100 block of North Washington to attempt to locate a man with an active arrest warrant. He was located and as a result, a 26-year-old man from Salem was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Later that same evening at 8:00, an officer responded to the 700 block of East Roosevelt to try to locate a female with an active arrest warrant. The woman was found and as a result, the 48-year-old Salem woman was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. The next afternoon, July 2nd at around 4:00, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart for shoplifting. It was reported that a woman had stolen $30.51 worth of merchandise from the store. As a result of the investigation, a 50-year-old woman from Salem was arrested and released on a summons for shoplifting. On the evening of July 8th at around 8:00, an officer responded to the 600 block of East Hunt Street in an attempt to locate a female that had an active capias warrant with no bond. The 21-year-old woman from Salem was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. At 2:30 in the afternoon on July 9th, officers responded to the Truman Trailer Park in an attempt to locate a woman with an active warrant. Contact was made with the female subject and as the officers furthered the investigation, they found another subject at the residence with an active warrant. As a result, a 53-year-old Salem woman and a 42-year-old Salem man were arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. That same evening at 10:00, an officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Center Street for the report of a break in and assault. It was reported that a man had kicked in the front door of a residence and assaulted the homeowner. Injuries were noticed on the victim and an investigation was then conducted. It was reported the man had fled the scene when he heard sirens. Later in the evening, the 36-year-old Salem male was arrested and incarcerated on a 24-hour hold. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways will host a stargazing event at Alley Spring on Saturday evening, July 17th from 8:30–10:00. This free event will be held in front of Storys Creek School. A large telescope will be set up for viewing features on the moon while a park ranger conducts a program about the night sky and points out constellations. Few places remain where true darkness exists without the hindrance of light pollution. The Ozark National Scenic Riverways provides some excellent locations to view the night sky without the intrusion of artificial light. Participants are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and flashlight and are welcome to bring their own telescope. If cloud cover obstructs the view of the sky this event may be cancelled. Cancelation will be announced on the park’s Facebook page. Alley Spring is located about five miles west of Eminence on Highway 106. For more information, contact Alley Spring at (573) 226-3945 or website at www.nps.gov/ozar. All participants should be prepared to practice social distancing as needed. If you are not yet fully vaccinated, masks are required when social distancing cannot be maintained.

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways will host a series of one-day workshops about the basics of fly fishing on July 22nd, and August 19th at the Akers Visitor Center. These free workshops are limited to 10 participants for each date and reservations are required. Park ranger Mark Van Patten will demonstrate various fly rod casting techniques, proper catch and release techniques, and strategies for fly presentation. Instruction will also include lessons on aquatic entomology (fish food), recommended equipment, reading the water, and understanding flies. Fly rods and reels will be available for those who do not have their own. The book “Fly Fishing A-Z” will be provided. The clinics are expected to last the full day. Participants should bring a valid Missouri fishing permit and trout stamp, fishing vest, waders, hat, sunglasses (polarized preferred), sunscreen, bug spray, lunch and bottled water. For more information and to make reservations for one of the workshops, please contact the Round Spring Ranger Station at (573) 323-8093. All participants at the workshop should be prepared to practice social distancing as needed. If you are not yet fully vaccinated, masks are required when social distancing cannot be maintained.

An accident occurred in Dent County Wednesday morning at 11:40 on Highway 19 about four miles north of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, 20-year-old Paul Gunner of Salem was operating a 2003 Suzuki SV1000 when Gunner attempted to drive on one wheel. Gunner lost control of the Suzuki, causing it to overturn and it ran off the left side of the roadway. Gunner suffered moderate injuries and was transported by private vehicle to Salem Memorial District Hospital. The report stated that Gunner was not wearing a safety device at the time of the accident. The Suzuki sustained moderate damage and was removed by private conveyance.

A number of reports for late June have been released by the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. On Sunday, June 27th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 3500 block of North Highway 19. During the traffic stop, a 23-year-old Steelville man was arrested for driving with a revoked license. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. That same day, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on South Main Street. During the traffic stop, a 55-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 2nd or 3rd offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Then on Tuesday, June 29th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 400 block of West Rolla Road. During the traffic stop, a 43-year-old Salem woman was arrested for having an active warrant through the Salem Police Department. The woman was transported to the Dent County Jail where she later posted bond and was released. Also, on the 29th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Route JJ. During the traffic stop, a 39-year-old Salem man was arrested for an aggravated DWI, driving while having his license revoked or suspended, and failure to comply with ignition interlock device requirements. He was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and placed on a 12-hour safekeep hold. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

Looking for a new way to explore and learn about Missouri’s outdoors? The Missouri Department of Conservation encourages kids and adults to check out the free mobile gaming app called Agents of Discovery. MDC is partnering with the gaming app to help the public explore natural areas around the state. Discover nature through completing “missions”, all while learning about Missouri’s forest, fish, and wildlife. What type of pollinators are found in in the state? How do bald eagles hunt their food? Find out the answers to these questions and more as you navigate Agents of Discovery. Your mission is to discover new and exciting facts about fish, forest, and wildlife in Missouri. Complete nature-based challenges at home, while visiting an MDC nature or visitor center, or while attending MDC events, such as Eagle Days or the Missouri State Fair. Fire up the app and play mini games to complete a mission. Once finished, users have the opportunity to claim rewards. Gamers can post their challenges on social media using an MDC Snapchat filter, or grab small prizes at an MDC nature center. The more missions you play, the more rewards you can earn. To participate, download the free app and create an Agent profile. Then pick a mission in your area. Download the mission before heading to it, so you can play the game without WiFi or a data connection. Then use your secret agent tools to find and unlock challenges. While exploring in nature, MDC recommends being aware of your surroundings and staying on the trail at all times. Agents of Discovery is available for download through the App Store for Apple products or Google Play for Android devices. The first event-based mission will be at the MDC Pavilion during the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia Aug. 12-22. New missions will launch every three months.

The City of Salem wants to remind everyone that penalties and disconnects for the non-payment of your utility will go back into effect TODAY! Payment or arrangements for the payment of the May 15th through June 15 utility consumption bill must be made by next Thursday, July 22nd to avoid penalties, and by 5:00 in the afternoon on Thursday, August 5th to avoid being disconnected. You will find printed on the bills they are the first and final notice. Remember, YOU are responsible for your monthly utility bill whether or not it comes in the mail. The Utility Office will continue a variety of medias to remind customers with balances due of the upcoming dates and options to avoid penalties and disconnects. On August 6th, the city will start performing disconnects for the non-payment of bills. The electric service can be disconnected remotely from the utility office,. while water disconnects will requiring a service person to go onsite and perform the shutoff. If you have questions or would like to set up a payment plan, contact the City of Salem Utility Office at 729-4117.

Have you been to the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center in Salem where they still have open the exhibit entitled “Dent County Pictorial History?” If you have not yet attended, you are missing a chance to see how history has affected Dent County and their citizens, changes made over the years as well as progress made, all courtesy of a number of photographs taken over the years by the newspapers in town, family photos, special occasion photos such as church and family outings and much more. There is no charge to attend the exhibit and it is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon. The exhibit will remain open until August 31st at 202 South Main Street in Salem, next to the Farmers Market.

An accident happened in Phelps County Tuesday afternoon at 3:55 on Highway 63 about a mile north of Rolla that took the life of a Rolla teen. According to the highway patrol report, a 2013 Ford Escape driven northbound by a 16-year-old female juvenile, crossed the center line and side-swiped a 2011 Chevrolet Impala driven southbound by 54-year-old Jerry Prewitt of St. James, before striking a 2019 Jeep Compass driven southbound head-on, driven by 27-year-old Abigail Bowen of Rolla. The 16-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene by the Phelps County Coroner Ernie Coverdell. Her body was transported by the coroner to the James and Gahr Funeral Home in St. James. Bowen and a passenger in the Jeep Compass, 46-year-old Leann Robertson of Rolla, suffered serious injuries. Bowen was taken from the scene by the Phelps Ambulance and taken to Phelps Health, while Robertson was life-flighted to the University Hospital in Columbia. Prewitt, Bowen and Robertson were each wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident, while the juvenile girl was not. The Ford Escape and Jeep Compass were both totaled and removed from the scene by C&C Towing, while the Impala had minor damage and was driven from the scene. It was the first fatality in Troop I this month.

An accident happened Tuesday morning at 8:22 in on Highway 32 about six miles west of Salem. According to the report released by the highway patrol, a 2010 Buick Enclave being driven by 48-year-old Sunny Shelton of Yukon was traveling eastbound when she crossed the center of the roadway. The Yukon struck a 2004 Peterbilt being driven 47-year-old Stace Pryor of Salem. Shelton suffered minor injuries but refused treatment at the scene. The Buick sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by All-American Towing. The Peterbilt had moderate damage and was driven from the scene. The report went on to state that both drivers were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

The Salem Police Department has released several reports. On Wednesday evening, June 23rd around 10:00, an officer was dispatched to the area of Carty and Center streets for a report of someone shooting off fireworks outside the allowed times. During the investigation, the subject responsible for setting off the fireworks was non-compliant and refusing to cease in shooting off fireworks. As a result, a 41-year-old Salem man was issued three summons to appear in court. During the afternoon of June
24th at approximately 2:00, an officer responded to the 1200 block of east Third Street to locate a subject with an active arrest warrant. The officer located the subject and a 40-year-old woman from Salem was arrested and incarcerated on her warrants. About an hour later an officer responded to the 300 block of west Seventh Street to locate a woman that had an active arrest warrant. Contact was made with the woman and as a result a 42-year-old woman from Salem was arrested and posted bond on her warrants. On Sunday afternoon, June 27th near 1:00, an officer was dispatched to the Mobil/Dirt Cheap location for a report of the stealing of fuel. It was reported that $36 was pumped into a white Dodge Charger and the subject did not pay for the fuel. The incident is still under investigation. On Wednesday, the 29th at approximately 5:30 in the afternoon, an officer responded to the 200 block of west Third Street to attempt to locate a man with two active arrest warrants. Contact was made with the man and as a result a 58-year-old man from Salem was incarcerated on his warrants at the Dent County Jail. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held a special meeting Tuesday night at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. At the meeting, the board approved selling the old crawler for $2,500 to Woolf Equipment in Salem before discussing bids on a 2021 Caterpillar 289D3 Skidster and a 2021 325G John Deere Skidster. Public Works Director Mark Nash discussed each and recommended the Caterpillar as they have had less mechanical issues versus the John Deere, even though it costs a little more. Nash said the
machine could be used for multiple uses including its main use of moving the yard waste and debris at the Industrial Park waste site, but also at the cemetery, for the street department and in ditches. The cost of a 60-month lease was $1,120.62 per month with a buyout at the end of the lease for $26,670. There was a discussion about non-yard waste items being delivered illegally to the dump site at the Masters’ Industrial Park including construction materials, furniture and treated wood. The board wanted to see violators cited and Chief Joe Chase said it would fall under the Section 210.530 of the City Ordinances for illegal dumping. These was a discussion about the installation of cameras or even closing the waste site with a gate, but no decisions were made on those suggestions. Board President Kim Steelman said that she felt until the financial audit of the city has been completed, she didn’t feel the city should enter into any long-term agreements. After a long discussion, the board approved a motion to allow Nash to lease a skidster similar to the Caterpillar for short terms such as a month at time until the audit is completed to work at the waste site. The board then went into closed session.

The Dent County 4-H and FFA Expo begins today at The Commons with the 4-H Exhibit judging this morning at 10:00. The Dessert Auction will be held this evening at 6:00 at the Youth Building at The Commons. On Thursday morning, the livestock registration will be held from 9:30 until 11:30 with the livestock weigh-ins beginning at 12:30. Friday will be a day full of shows starting with the Hog Show at 7:00 in the morning immediately followed by the Sheep and Goat Show. The Small Animal Show will start at 1:00 to be followed by the Beef and Dairy Show at 2:00. On Saturday, the 17th, the FFA/4H Market Sale will begin at 9:00 in the morning and will be broadcast live on KSMO Radio and online at ksmoradio.com on Twitch; and the event will be video streamed live on the KSMO YouTube channel and on the Facebook KSMO Stream page. Buttons for those channels can be found on our website at www.ksmoradio.com. Admission is free for everyone and a variety of food from local vendors will be available.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, President of the Industrial Development Authority Board Donald Dodd asked the commissioners to approve the recommendation of Jenna Deason to replace Joan Sample on the board who had moved from the county. The commissioners approved the recommendation. Dodd also said that Sample had been the Secretary/Treasurer of the board before she moved. The IDA board elected Bob Parsons to replace her in that position. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said patch grading would be done on Dent County Road 5400 while brush would be cut on county roads 4150, 4155, 4157, 6180 and 6380. Mobray said a work crew would be installing two culverts on Dent County Road 6370. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated brush would be cut Dent County Roads 3270, 3273 and 3275, and a man would be going to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal repair. Larson said a work crew would be working on truck #116 performing major brake work. He said the crew would be working on installing a four-foot pipe on Dent County Road 3220 and adding materials this week. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said the Ozark National Scenic Riverways has extended the comment period on the proposed Road and Trails Management Plan to August 18th from July 18th. People will be able to download and review the plan and comment to the National Park Service at parkplanning.nps.gov/OZAR_RTplan. You can also review the plan at the Salem Public Library and mail in your comments to Superintendent Jason Lott, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, P. O. Box 490, Van Buren, Missouri, 63965. For more information about the plan, please contact Dena Matteson at (573) 323-4814. Skiles went on to say he would be attending a meeting at the Salem Community Center@The Armory Wednesday about updated information on the Dent County 9-1-1 system and rural addressing. Skiles presented the sales tax figures for the money received in July for Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams who was unable to attend the meeting. Skiles stated the General Revenue Fund received $86,830.20 this month which was $11,835.80 more than July of 2020. Year-to-date, that fund is down $240,402.10 which is due to the Department of Revenue holding back sales taxes from the county due to a state overpayment last year. The Road and Bridge Fund was up $5,898.95 over last July as the county received $41,671.95 this month. The jail trust and operation funds each received $83,344.87 for July and that was $11,925.91 more than the county received in July of 2020. All the funds were affected by the sales taxes being withheld by the state and are down over 40% from last year’s figures. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk was in to report her monthly turnover. She said she has 8 pieces of property for the tax sale and citizens can contact her office for more information. Sheriff Bob Wells was by to note that he would like to seek bids to sell the 1998 Dodge Van and the 2009 Trailblazer. Bids will be due to the Sheriff August 2nd by 10:00 and will be opened that morning at the Commissioners’ meeting. At the last meeting, Anderson and Associates were in attendance to discuss the exterior work on the courthouse. They did an evaluation and will get back with the commission. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley reports on four cases heard Friday, July 9th in the 42nd Judicial Circuit Court in front of Judge Megan Seay. In the first case, Devin Glore of Salem pled guilty to the distribution of .5 grams of methamphetamine. He was sentenced to seven years in the Department of Corrections as requested by the state. In the next case, Angela Howell of Salem had her probation revoked for the possession of a controlled substance. She was sentenced to serve four years in the Department of Corrections as requested by Prosecutor Curley. In the next case, Mark Calkins of Salem pled guilty to two counts of the distribution of suboxone. In the sentencing hearing, Prosecutor Curley sought 10 years in the Department of Corrections under RSMO Section 559.115 on both charges. Attorney Charlie Rouse representing Calkins requested probation. At the conclusion of the hearing, Judge Megan Seay sentenced Calkins to a suspended execution of a ten-year sentence in the Department of Corrections and placed Calkins on probation. In the last case of the day, Kari Hiatte of Gerald had been on probation on a felony charge for the possession of a controlled substance. Judge Seay revoked her probation and sentenced Hiatte to seven years in the Department of Corrections under RSMO Section 559.115 that included shock incarceration for 120 days.

City of Salem Mayor Brad Nash has called for a Special Meeting of the Salem Board of Aldermen for this evening, July 13th, at 6:00 at The Community Center @ The Armory, 1200 West Rolla Road. Agenda items to be considered include the sale of a crawler, plus bids for a 289D3 Caterpillar Skidsteer for $1,120.62 per month for 60 months and a 2021 325G John Deere for $865.45 per month for 60 months. The Board will also go in to closed session for the discussion of personnel. The meeting of the special meeting of the Salem Board of Aldermen tonight is open to the public.

Are you wanting to learn to fish? MDC offers Discover Nature – Fishing Program that provides a series of free lessons throughout the state. All fishing gear is provided. Learn more at dnf.mdc.mo.gov. If you have a need for fishing equipment, MDC works with numerous libraries and other locations around the state to loan fishing gear for free. Loaner gear includes fishing poles and simple tackle box with hooks, sinkers, and bobbers. Worms, minnows, or other bait are not provided. Find MDC Rod and Reel Loaner Program locations at the MDC website: www.mdc.mo.gov.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a number of reports. On Wednesday, June 23rd, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 1000 block of North Highway 19. As a result of the stop, a 34-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 1st offense. The man was transported to the Dent County jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. The next day, on the 24th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at the Highway 72 and Highway PP intersection. At that time a 19-year-old woman from Salem was arrested for operating a motor vehicle on a highway without a valid license, a 1st offense. She was transported to the Dent County jail where she was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On Friday, the 25th of June, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Highway 72 and County Road 3180. During the stop, a 24-year-old Raymore man was arrested for possession of marijuana. The man was transported to the Dent County jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Also arrested during the incident was a 27-year-old man from Belton for active warrants. The Belton man was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Sunday the 27th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 500 block of East Roosevelt Street. During the course of the stop, a 22-year-old Salem woman was arrested for possession of a controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid. The woman was transported to the Dent County jail where she was fingerprinted, issued summons and released. If you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s office at 729-3241.

The City of Salem wants the public to know that utility bills for consumption from 5/15/2021-6/15/2021 included the once-a-year charge of the state’s water primacy and sewer fees. Information about the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ fees is available at: https://dnr.mo.gov,. The bills also reflected the 5% rebate adjustment for accounts paying the 2/8/2021-5/15/2021 consumption bill by the due date. Anyone who hasn’t received their bill or that has questions about their account is asked to contact the utility office. They also want to remind everyone that penalties and disconnects for non-payment will go back into effect July 15, 2021. Payment or arrangements for the 5/15/2021-6/15/2021 consumption bill must be made by July 22, 2021 to avoid penalties, and by 5 pm August 5, 2021 as printed on the bill to avoid disconnect. Bills also indicate they serve as the first and final notice. The Utility Office will use a combination of channels to inform customers with balances of the upcoming dates and options to avoid penalties and disconnects. On August 6, 2021 the city will start performing disconnects for non-payment and the number of accounts to be disconnected will not be known until that time. Electric service can be disconnected remotely in the utility office with water disconnects requiring a service person to go onsite to perform the disconnect.

The University of Missouri Extension is presenting a Home Food Preservation workshop on pressure canning this Saturday, July 17th at the Salem Community Center@The Armory from 10:00 in the morning until noon. The Home Food Preservation series is comprised of six workshops that focus on safe and correct food preservation methods in the home setting. This session is hands-on where participants will learn to pressure can mixed garden vegetables. Each participant will leave with a pint of canned vegetables. The cost of the workshop is $25. You can register at extension.missouri.edu and type in pressure canning in the search bar. If you have questions or need more information, contact Rachel Buenemann at 573-458-6260 or call the Dent County Extension Office at 729-3196.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says a rise in speeding and other reckless driving behaviors continues to be a disturbing trend in 2021. During the first six months of this year, more than 450 people lost their lives in a crash on Missouri roadways. The primary causes are all too common and include excessive speeds, during 2021, Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers have issued more than 16,000 citations to drivers traveling 20 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit which is a 9% increase from the same time period in 2020. Following the August 2020 repeal of the all-rider helmet law, motorcyclist fatalities are up 33% and the number of unhelmeted riders killed in crashes increased from two in the first six months of 2020 to 31 so far in 2021.As the state nears the halfway point of the “100 Deadliest Days”, those days between Memorial Day and Labor Day when traffic fatalities are most prevalent, it’s imperative to be mindful of safety every time you’re the roadways. Doing so may mean the difference between life and death. Missouri’s strategic highway safety plan, Show-Me Zero, provides information and strategies all Missourians can use to promote four key messages: buckle up, phone down, slow down, and drive sober. More information can be found at www.savemolives.com.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is currently recruiting and accepting online applications to fill an academy class of conservation agent trainees. Successful candidates will undergo 26 weeks of intense training in all facets of law enforcement and resource management and conservation stewardship. Upon graduation, newly commissioned conservation agents receive a county assignment and become the face of conservation in their communities fairly enforcing the Wildlife Code of Missouri to promote voluntary compliance and serving the public “off the beaten path.” You can get more information on essential agent job duties, education requirements, experience and knowledge needed, required skills and abilities, physical abilities required, pay and benefits, how to apply, conditions of employment, and more online at jobs.mdc.mo.gov. To learn more about the job, contact MDC Protection Branch Major Brian Ham at 573-751-4115, ext. 3819 or Brian.Ham@mdc.mo.gov.