Local News

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met for a special meeting Wednesday night at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Mayor Brad Nash appointed Kevin James as the new West Ward Aldermen to replace the late Kenny Nash. James was sworn in by temporary city clerk Tammy Koller. The board approved Resolution 18-2021 authorizing the mayor to sign an agreement between the city and United Health Care for medical insurance for employees. The plan approved is for $611.39 a month with a $2,500 deductible with the city paying $550 per employee. The employee can opt for a different plan with a higher deductible if they so choose. The total budgeted renewal premium to the city is $338,874.19 that will go into effect July 1st.The board voted to adopt the annual fiscal year budget for the City of Salem from July 1st, 2021 to June 30th, 2022. The expected revenues for the next fiscal year are budgeted at $14,066,768 and budgeted expenses are $13,945,698. There will be intergovernmental transfers of $2,038,278. Numerous infrastructure projects are planned including a new well and water tower, 4th Street sidewalk and street light improvements, replacement of the lights at the Al Brown Field and more. The city will continue to honor service agreements to help fund numerous local organizations, and gave a cost of living increase of 1.5% for staff. The meeting was then adjourned.

A one vehicle accident happened Wednesday afternoon just before 5:00 on highway VV four miles west of Montauk. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 2003 Pontiac Vibe being driven by 33-year-old Rudy Marr of Licking, fell asleep and ran off the south side of the road and struck a tree. Marr suffered serious injuries and was transported by Phelps Air Ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia. A passenger, 28-year-old Zachariah Ingels-Settles, also of Licking, was transported to Mercy Creve Coeur by Air Evac air ambulance. The Pontiac was totaled and removed from the scene by the owner. The report went on to state that both the driver and passenger were wearing seat restraints.

At the Salem Memorial District Hospital meeting Tuesday, Chief Operating Officer Jason Edwards stated the Hospital Foundation presented scholarships to Bayilee Wegman-Roark, Jodi Gotchal and Ryon Coursen. Then in closed session, the hospital board approved a non-budgeted 2% raise for employees that will go into effect the first full pay period in August. The raise was across the board.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met Thursday, June 17th. Assistant Administrator Roma Jones updated the board on the current COVID status in Dent County. There were 1,050 confirmed cases and 193 probable cases that had been investigated. She stated that 90 of those cases have required hospitalization, and at the time of the Board meeting there were 16 active cases. She did say that 38 deaths have been confirmed from the COVID-19 virus. Jones stated that according to MoDHSS, 5,788 Dent County residents have received a COVID vaccination. Vaccine continues to be available at the Health Center, Moser Pharmacy, Vandivort Pharmacy, and Wal-Mart Pharmacy. The Board went in to closed session to consider an offer on the 601 S. MacArthur Building and approve previous closed session minutes. After returning to open session, Jones reported that there has been one case of Campylobacteriosis and two cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever investigated in May, that face to face WIC appointments are now taking place, and that there were 83 labs drawn in May. She went on to note that no Sho-Me Healthy Women (SMHW) clinics are scheduled for June or July so the next appointments will be scheduled for August 23rd. To set up an appointment or for more information about SMHW contact the Health Center office at 729-3106. Jones reported that the storage building at the MacArthur location needs to be cleaned out. The Board voted not to approve the Pet Addendum requested by the tenants at 1006 East Scenic Rivers Boulevard. The DCHC expenses for May were approved and the next meeting was set for Thursday, July 22nd at the Health Center.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports for June. On June 6th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop near #2 South Main Street. During the traffic stop, a 22-year-old Salem man was arrested for the unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 1st offense, and possession of a controlled substance except for 35 grams or less of marijuana or a synthetic cannabinoid. He was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On June 16th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop near a residence in the 100 block of North Park Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 44-year-old Salem man was arrested for having an active warrant through Texas County. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On June 17th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 300 block of Dent County Road 5080. During the traffic stop, a 22-year-old Rolla man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 1st offense. He was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On the 19th of June, the Dent County Sherriff’s Office received a report of a woman who was sitting inside a vehicle in the 1000 block of Dent County Road 3210. The reporting party believed the female subject was intoxicated. A deputy arrived on scene and investigated the situation and found a 52-year-old Salem woman intoxicated. She was arrested for a DWI- Prior Offender. She was transported to the Dent County Jail where she was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. If anyone has information concerning an ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

As more Americans plan July 4th celebrations, the Division of Fire Safety is reminding Missourians to put fireworks safety first this Independence Day. Public fireworks displays not only offer the best sights, they are the safest, and Missourians will have more options than last year, when many displays were canceled because of the pandemic. Remember, within the city limits of Salem, the discharge of fireworks is legal for individuals 18 years of age or older, or those under the supervision of a parent, guardian or person 18 years old or older between the period of July 1st and July 6th. By ordinance, those discharging fireworks may only do so between the hours of 8:00 in the morning until 10:00 at night except on July 4th when the hours shall be 8:00 in the morning until midnight. Only Class 1.4G fireworks in unmodified form shall be discharged. Fireworks sales at seasonal retailers are legal in Missouri starting June 20th and lasting until July 10th. Please keep in mind that July 4th is not only the busiest day of the year for fireworks, it is the busiest day of the year for fires. About 40 percent of Independence Day structure fires are the result of fireworks, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Across the U.S. in 2018, fireworks started an estimated 19,500 fires, including 1,900 structure fires, 500 vehicle fires and 17,100 outside and other types of fires. These fires caused five deaths and $105 million in direct property damage, according to NFPA. About 250 people go to emergency rooms each day with fireworks-related injuries in the 30 days around July 4th. Missourians who choose to use consumer fireworks should only use fireworks in a large open space that has been cleared of flammable materials, make sure to have a garden hose or a bucket of water nearby in case of a fire, only light fireworks one at a time; never try to re-light fireworks that have malfunctioned, and dispose of fireworks by soaking them in water and leaving them in a trash can. For questions or concerns about firework safety, firework rules, or firework dealers can contact the Division of Fire Safety at (573) 751-2930.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will meet tonight at 6:00 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory for a special meeting where a new West Ward Alderman will be appointed, a Resolution #18-2021 authorizing the mayor to sign an agreement between the city and United Health Care for employee health insurance, and Bill #3483 adopting the annual budget for the next fiscal year 2021-2022 will be discussed. The meeting is open to the public.

Are you turning 65, retiring, or becoming eligible for Medicare because of a disability? If so, there is an excellent opportunity for you to participate in the free Medicare Virtual Fair today from the comfort of your home or office that will help you navigate through the complexities of Medicare. CLAIM, the official State Health Insurance Assistance Program for Missouri since 1993, is helping residents sign up for Medicare by promoting this national virtual event from 2:00 to 6:00 TODAY. This virtual event’s goal is to teach residents about Medicare–and all its parts–and to assist people in making their initial enrollment decisions. The CLAIM volunteers provide unbiased counseling and assistance at no cost for all participants. Those interested in taking advantage of this free opportunity to receive advice provided by Medicare experts are encouraged to pre-register prior to the event online. You may log-in at www.shiphelp.org and follow the easy-to-follow steps found on the “Welcome To Medicare” information on the website. The CLAIM call center will be open and available to take telephone requests for individualized counseling after the event, too. Staff will also be providing assistance via the event’s chat function. All CLAIM services are free, unbiased and confidential. CLAIM averages around 300 volunteer counselors and 180 community partners throughout Missouri who provide local Medicare counseling in their communities. Funding is providing by the Administration for Community Living with oversight by the Department of Commerce & Insurance.

A one vehicle accident happened Tuesday morning just after 3:00 in the morning in Texas County on Highway 17 about four miles north of Houston. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 2008 Ford Focus being driven by 34-year-old Joshua Miller of Licking, crossed the centerline, traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a utility pole. Miller suffered serious injuries and was transported by ambulance to Texas County Memorial Hospital to be flown to Mercy Hospital in Springfield. A passenger in the vehicle, 33-year-old Tawnisha Dasalla, also of Licking, was transported by ambulance to Texas County Memorial Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. The report went on to state that Dasalla was wearing a safety restraint, while Miller was not. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Jays Towing.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting at the courthouse. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles was not in attendance due to a prior commitment and Commissioner Gary Larson was named acting Presiding Commissioner for the meeting. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams presented to the commission the CART funds received by the county. She said the county received $64,777.46 and that is $24,454.22 more than last June. She also said year-to-date, the CART funds are up $40,689.46. She went on to say she transferred $103,292.25 from the County School Fines Fund to all the local school districts based on the appropriate share as determined by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. These funds are accumulated from basically July through June and come from court fines, tickets, weapons auctions held by law enforcement, and other monies collected from legal penalties. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated brush would be cut on Dent County Roads 4110 and 4120. He also said crews would be out checking road signs and cleaning out pipes as needed. District 2 Commissioner Larson indicated that a man would be going to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal repair. He did say that a crew was patching some chip and seal roads using the ultimate paving material. Larson went on to report crews would be servicing truck #122. He wanted to let the public know numerous county road signs have been stolen, knocked down or damaged lately, especially in the Howes Mill and Boss areas. This is especially dangerous if an emergency vehicle needs to find a person and the emergency service personnel are not familiar with the roads in that area which could be a matter of life and death. This could also jeopardize someone’s safety if they are being threatened or the home is on fire. The county already has surpassed its budget for signs this year and would appreciate the public being aware and reporting anyone they see damage or stealing the road signs. To report the theft or damage of signs, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241. Larson also said he would be attending a Dent County Tourism tax meeting once a date has been determined. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she would be attending a South Central County Clerk’s Regional Meeting at West Plains on Thursday. 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.

A couple of other items occurred at the Salem R-80 Board of Education meeting last Thursday not reported in our story Friday. The Board of Education committee assignments that were changed for the 2021-2022 school year were Bernie Sirois with the CSIP program and Holly Erway in Health Services. The board also agreed to move the July meeting to Tuesday, July 20th at 6:00. In closed session, the board employed Steven Taylor as a High School counselor, Kalie Jay was moved to the specialist column on the salary schedule, and a $500 stipend was approved for Shelia Adamick, Traci Wulff, and Brenda Hanning. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Missouri Department of Economic Development’s Community Development Block Grant program has awarded the City of Steelville a grant for $495,788 to help renovate the community building and bring it up to code per ADA requirements. Interior and exterior improvements to the Steelville community building will address ADA accessibility, improve environmental efficiency, improve security, and prepare the building for enhanced emergency use. The ADA improvements will include accessible restrooms, parking, ramps, sidewalks and three entrances. Additional improvements include LED light fixtures, a high-efficiency HVAC system, kitchen remodel with energy-efficient appliances, roofing, gutters, the addition of an emergency generator and automatic transfer switch for building and well, and a security system with card access and cameras. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $630,988 with difference coming from the city and in-kind donations. Archer-Elgin will be doing the engineering work on the project. Steelville was one of 38 recipients sharing in some $15.8 million in CDBG projects that were just announced. The MRPC assisted the city in writing the grant and will serve as the grant administrator.

A one-year contract that will provide guardrail and downed median guard cable repairs in several mid-Missouri counties have been approved by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission during its meeting last Wednesday. The contract entails repairs in various locations as needed in Camden, Crawford, Dent, Laclede, Maries, Miller, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington Counties. The commission awarded the contract to Collins & Hermann, Inc, which submitted the low bid of $1,171,021.74. Most of the work would require lane closures when repairs are needed. The project contract durations are from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. For more information about this project or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/central.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will conduct their June meeting at this evening at 6:00 in the hospital library. After the approval of the minutes from the May 18th meeting, Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas will report on the summary of the operations and statistics for the month of May followed by the Chief of Nursing Report with Ashley Sullins. A report on 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 the hospital expansion and renovation, the Cerner conversion, and present the Fiscal Year 2022 Budget to be considered for approval. New business may consist of the review of purchases since the last meeting and a report on the July Election of officers. 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 Sheriff’s Department reported that during the week of June 14th, the sheriff’s office and the United States Marshall’s Office conducted a joint operation for sex offender compliance checks with the assistance of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Salem Police Department, the FBI, and Internet Crimes Against Children. These law enforcement organizations visited the homes of registered sex offenders in Dent County. Of the 65 registered in the county, checks were conducted on 59 homes. The remaining offenders will be completed over the next few days. A total of seven offenders were found out of compliance. Compliance Checks are conducted to ensure that registered sex offenders are following the rules and guidelines laid out in Missouri Statutes. When contact was made with the individuals, an interview was conducted, and items listed on the registry forms were compared. Several offenders had minor infractions such as not having updated license plates or incorrect phone numbers. These were corrected on the spot. A total of 11 arrests were made from the investigations during the week.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will hold their regular meeting this evening at 7:00 in the City Hall Council Chambers at 202 North Washington. In the Hearing of Persons, Randy League will request the closure of the streets around the Courthouse Square for the Current River Blue Oval Rally on September 11th. Juliana Bermudez will discuss with the board utility bills that were previously discussed in January of 2020 at her property. Also addressing the board will be Jack Stallings, Chris Hartinger, Teresa Crider and William Parsons to discuss their utility bills. After the consent agenda is reviewed and approved, the board will hear and discuss Resolution #18-2021 that would authorize the mayor to sign an agreement between the city and United Health Care for medical insurance for employees for the City of Salem over the next fiscal year, and Bill No. 3483 which would create an ordinance adopting the annual budget for the City of Salem from July 1st, 2021 through June 30th, 2022. Committee appointments will be discussed before the trailer court license applications are reviewed. In the reports of city officials, boards and committees, City Administrator Ray Walden will update the board on People Centric and items concerning the city, and Planning and Zoning Chairman Gary Brown will discuss two properties that have applied to be rezoned from commercial to industrial. The Board of Alderman will then go into closed session. The regular meeting of the Board of Alderman tonight is open to the public.

An accident occurred Saturday evening at 7:48 in Phelps County on Highway 63 about two miles north of Edgar Springs. According to the highway patrol report, a 1997 Honda LTD driven by 62-year-old Jerry Latham of St. James was travelling southbound and travelled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree causing both occupants to be ejected. Both Jerry and 61-year-old Debra Latham of St. James suffered serious injuries and were transported to Phelps Health in Rolla. Neither occupant was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Honda sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by a private party.

An accident occurred early Wednesday morning at about 6:05 in Phelps County on Route Y about three miles west of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2017 Ford Focus, driven by 27-year-old Tabitha Leek of Rolla, traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a tree and a utility pole when Leek fell asleep. Leek suffered moderate injuries and was transported by EMS to Phelps Health in Rolla. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by D & D Recovery of Rolla. The report stated that Leek was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident.

The University of Missouri Extension will be offering a workshop to help producers learn how to use native, warm-season grasses to improve grazing and wildlife systems. The in-person workshop will be from 8:00 in the morning until 1:00 on Friday, June 25th, at the S&R Cattle Farm in Davisville, according to MU Extension agronomy field specialist Gatlin Bunton. Native warm-season grasses fill production gaps known as the “summer slump” caused by the summer dormancy of cool-season grasses. Native warm-season grasses adapt well to the climate, soils and pest pressure. During the workshop, attendees will learn how to successfully establish warm-season grasses that have high nutritive value. Bunton and MU Extension community engagement specialist Rachel Hopkins will speak about how to use warm-season grasses in grazing systems to reduce exposure to fescue toxicosis which causes losses in calving rates and weaning weights. Attendees also will learn how native grasses can offer cover for wildlife and provide erosion control. The workshop will include a tour of established fields and lunch for participants. For more information or to register, call the Crawford County Extension Center at 573-775-2135.

As part of an ongoing improvement project taking place on various roadways in Dent and Phelps Counties, work crews plan to start on the next phase next week. Starting Monday, a contractor working for the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) will begin resurfacing Phelps County Route K. This work is expected to take several weeks to complete and will require daily intermittent lane closures with flaggers to guide motorists through the work zone. Once this work is complete, crews will begin resurfacing Dent County Route HH near Salem. Shoulder work as well as culvert and resurfacing work on Highway 68 from Highway 19 to Highway 8 near St. James will continue into the fall. All work is weather permitting and could be delayed. For more information and updates about this project or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636)

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held their regular meeting Thursday evening at the Salem High School Library. Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed discussed work on the 2021-2022 budget in getting it ready to bring to the board. She also said a statement will be put on the Salem R-80 website by Tuesday about a re-entry plan for the next school year as required by DESE. Since it was not ready in time for the board meeting, the plan will state that it will be subject to board approval. Assistant Superintendent John Smith told the board that none of the test scores from the past year will be used for accreditation. The scores for the 2020-2021 year will be released to the public to show performance levels and individual results, but there will be no annual performance report for the last year and that makes it the third year in a row that no report has been generated. Smith said the R-80 District plans next year to be back to near normal, but virtual education will still be available. Smith reported the district is in the process of putting all the curriculum unit plans and pacing guidelines on the R-80 website for each school. Currently the high school curriculum is available to be reviewed. In the building reports, Principal Dr Herman Blau said 45 students had perfect attendance for summer school at William Lynch Elementary and the Upper Elementary School had great numbers as well. Principal Rich Parks said the Middle School is getting in new equipment, making classroom moves and is having sports camps. High School Principal Marty Anderson said that 27 students were enrolled at Summer School and 21 of them completed it. One student even graduated by earning their credits. The board approved amending the 2020-21 budget to reflect the actual revenues and expenses. After calculating the revenues and expenses, Dr. Reed said there was 22.01% of unrestricted fund balances remaining from the 2020-2021 budget. The board discussed the 2021-22 budget that included a $400 raise in the base salary of teachers to $32,000 plus one vertical step on the salary schedule, a minimum of $10 per hour for support staff and a minimum of $11 for bus drivers. Health insurance per employee averaged $490.11 which was reflected in the budget. She also asked the board to approve the one-time annual WADA transfer from General Revenue to Capital Projects of up to 7%. She expected it to come to about $466,308 and it would be moved from last year’s budget upon the completion of the audit. The board approved donating the old IMac from the art department to the Salem Community Art Center, approved the Healthy Dent County partner renewal of $10,000, and they approved tabling the vote on MSBA policy revisions dealing with virtual education until the next meeting. The board announced Phillip Karr resigned as the boys spring baseball coach and was employed as the spring girls softball coach. Assistant Baseball Coach Tony Edwards was employed as the new high school boys baseball coach for 2021-22. The board then went into closed session.

Road striping operations are in progress throughout the state and the Missouri Department of Transportation is urging motorists to use caution when encountering work crews. Drivers may come upon slow-moving caravans of trucks refreshing the lines on the roadway at various locations in the state through August. Striping crews must travel slowly as they paint roadway markings to ensure a good quality line. The striping trains consist of three to five vehicles and can stretch over one-half mile while moving 8 to 12 mph. The trucks have flashing lights, boards with flashing arrows and signs that say, “SLOW VEHICLES” and “WET PAINT.” Crisp, easy-to-see striping is a significant safety feature on roadways. MoDOT uses paint embedded with glass beads. The beads reflect headlight beams back in the direction of the motorist to make the stripes more visible, especially at night, wet road or low light conditions. Most of the striping is done during daylight hours. However, it is not uncommon to see crews working at night on interstate highways and other high-volume divided highways. Rain or very damp conditions will cancel or cut short any striping work that is scheduled. If you drive through wet paint, clean your car as quickly as possible with a high-powered water hose, such as those used in car washes. Scheduled striping operations are posted on MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at traveler.modot.org. The map is also available as a free app for Apple and Android devices.

A reminder that the Missouri Department of Conservation will offer one-day women’s only clinic highlighting the fundamentals of shotgun and handgun shooting this Saturday. There will be four separate classes from 9–11 AM, from 12:00–1:30 PM, from 2-3:30 PM, and from 4-5:30 PM at the Rolla Shooting Club in Rolla. Beginner Handgun Class is designed for women and girls ages 16 and older; those age 16 to 17 may participate with a parent or guardian who is also registered for the workshop. The minimum age to participate in Beginner Shotgun Shooting is 12; but girls ages 12 to 17 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian that is also registered for the class. Spots are limited for all classes; registration is required by TODAY. A waiting list will be made available for courses that become full. For more information, send an email to Dwight Warnke at Dwight.Warnke@mdc.mo.gov. The Rolla Shooting Club is located at 13950 County Road 3240 in Rolla.

In response to higher than usual City of Salem electric bills, in May and June the South-Central Community Action Agency, Catholic Charities and the Salvation Army came together each Tuesday at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory to help citizens with utility assistance. To date over 200 households have been assisted with $110,000 being spent. Due to the enormous response, a large portion of the allocated funds have been depleted. The June 22nd and June 29th dates where the agencies where to come together at the Armory have been cancelled. All three agencies have worked together to assist as many residents as possible and will continue to do so in the coming months. If anyone still needs assistance, you may contact the Salvation Army by calling 729-8163 or come to the Salem Community Center @ the Amory, Monday thru Friday from 8:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon.

Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk w ants to remind anyone who still has delinquent real estate taxes from 2018 that you will need to pay them IN FULL by Wednesday June 30th, during regular business hours from 8:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon. If you fail to do so, then on July 1st, the taxes from 2018, 2019 and 2020 will be declared due by August 20th, 2021. If not paid by then, your parcel will be sold at the Delinquent Tax Sale that will be held on Monday, August 23rd, 2021. Check payments will no longer be accepted, so you will need to pay with cash, cashier’s check or money order. If you are not sure this applies to you or you do not understand how the system works, you need to call the Dent County Collector’s Office immediately so that it can be explained to you. This is very important so do not put it off any longer. Call the Dent County Collectors Office at 573-729-3911 with any questions you may have or stop by the Dent County Courthouse. Starting July 1st, there will be an additional $25 per parcel added to the tax bill to pay for advertising costs in the Salem News. Remember, only the taxes for 2018 need to be paid IN FULL by Wednesday, June 30th to give you another whole year to pay the other outstanding years.

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways will host a series of one-day workshops about the basics of fly fishing on June 24th, 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. The Ozark National Scenic Riverways follows the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and any corresponding federal mandates in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 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.

A reminder that the Missouri Department of Conservation will offer one-day women’s only clinic highlighting the fundamentals of shotgun and handgun shooting this Saturday. There will be four separate classes from 9–11 AM, from 12:00–1:30 PM, from 2-3:30 PM, and from 4-5:30 PM at the Rolla Shooting Club in Rolla. Beginner Handgun Class is designed for women and girls ages 16 and older; those age 16 to 17 may participate with a parent or guardian who is also registered for the workshop. The minimum age to participate in Beginner Shotgun Shooting is 12; but participants ages 12 to 17 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian that is also registered for the class. Spots are limited for all classes; registration is required by June 18th. A waiting list will be made available for courses that become full. For more information, send an email to Dwight Warnke at Dwight.Warnke@mdc.mo.gov. The Rolla Shooting Club is located at 13950 County Road 3240 in Rolla.

The Salem License Office will be closed July 1st through July 5th. They will reopen on July 6th at 8:00 AM. Customers needing immediate assistance can visit one of the area license offices in Rolla, Ellington, Viburnum, or Cuba.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held a special meeting Monday evening at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. At the meeting, the board approved Bill #3481 to approve the change order #10 between the City of Salem and Smith and Edwards Construction, Inc. for the Highway 19 South sewer extension project. The board also approved the change in wording on Resolution #18-2021 amending the City of Salem payment plan. This will allow the city to begin to offer people payment plans beginning for the February 8th through May 15th utility bills. Also, Alderwoman Kim Steelman felt that with it already being June 15th and with a number of people needing payment plans, she proposed and the board approved to extend the shut off date to July 15th for those who have not paid their bill and need to time to set up a payment plan. Those who want to take advantage of the 5% discount must pay their bill in full by June 20th. The board couldn’t vote on this ordinance change at this meeting since it hadn’t been posted for 24 hours, but City Administrator Ray Walden said this gives office personnel guidance and they can inform people of this change as they come in. They also removed the requirement that people have to pay 50% of their utility bill before making a new payment plan. Each plan will be tailored to each individual customer. The Aldermen meeting was then adjourned and the Finance Committee and Capital Improvement Committee meeting began. Administrator Ray Walden said that as of 10:00 Monday morning, 427 accounts have paid their utility bill in full, while 146 customers on payment contracts and another 234 with budget billing and payment contracts have over $100 balance in arrears. The committee then discussed the 2021-2022 budget and went over proposed capital purchases that may be made in the next fiscal year.

A one vehicle accident happened Monday evening at 9:40 in Phelps County on Route W about four miles west of Highway 63. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2012 Ford F-250 being driven by 19-year-old Colton Franks of Rolla, attempted to avoid a deer in the roadway. Franks crossed the center of roadway, traveled off the left side of the road and struck a tree. Franks suffered moderate injuries and was transported by Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital. The Ford was totaled in the accident and removed from the scene by Dishman’s Towing. The report went on to state Franks was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

A near drowning occurred Monday in Reynolds County at the Johnson Shut-Ins State Park at about 2:30 in the afternoon as 19-year-old Tama Keawena of Jennings, Missouri, was swimming when she hit her head on a rock. Keawena became unconscious, became submerged and was rescued by nearby individuals who conducted CPR until rescue personnel arrived on the scene. State Park Ranger Sgt Heston assisted the water patrol at the scene. Keawena suffered moderate injuries and was taken by the Reynolds County Ambulance to the Iron County Medical Center.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be meeting in the High School Library Thursday evening at 5:30. After approval of the agenda the Board will go in to closed session for the discussion of personnel and to approve the closed session minutes from May 20th, 2021. At 6:00 the regular meeting will open with the consent agenda, which will be followed by the Board hearing communications. Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed will report on a variety of issues, followed by Administration Reports including Summer School. In new business the board will consider 2020-2021 Budget Revisions followed by the adoption of the 2021-2022 Budget, consider donating old IMAC to the Community Arts Center, and consider the Healthy Dent County Renewal. The Board will adjourn and move into Executive Session. The regular meeting of the Salem R-80 Board of Education Thursday evening at 6:00 in the High School Library is open to the public.

Mayor Brad Nash has called a special meeting of the Salem Board of Alderman at 5:45 tonight at the Salem Community Center@The Armory to discuss Bill #3482 which is an ordinance to resume assessing utility penalties and disconnects for the non-payment of utility bills as described in the City of Salem Code Chapter 700. Nash also called a meeting of the Finance Committee to review the 2021-2022 proposed fiscal year budget at 6:00 tonight at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Both meetings are open to the public.

An accident happened Tuesday afternoon at 5:55 in Franklin County on Route O at Woods Road. According to the highway patrol report, a 2009 Kia Sedona driven westbound by 28-year- old John Skaggs of St. James, crossed the centerline on a curve and sideswiped a 2017 GMC Acadia driven eastbound by 46-year-old Libby Dominik of Augusta, Missouri. Skaggs suffered minor injuries and was transported by the Meramec EMS to the Mercy Hospital in Washington. Both drivers were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. Both vehicles sustained moderate damages. The Kia was removed from the scene by Sturms Towing and the GMC was removed by John’s Towing.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some additional reports for June. On Tuesday, June 8th, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 2000 block of Dent County Road 6380 for the report of a theft. Upon arrival, the deputy found that a 55-year-old Salem man was the reported victim. Two chainsaws were reported stolen. A short time later, the Dent County Sheriff’s Office received information that a suspect was attempting to pawn the chainsaws at Cousins Pawn Shop. A deputy traveled to the location and during the course of the investigation, a 26-year-old Salem man and a 24-year-old Salem man were arrested for charges of Stealing of $750 or more and burglary in the 2nd degree. Both men were transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. Both chainsaws were recovered and returned to the owner. On Wednesday, June 9th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 6510 and Highway 72. At the traffic stop, a 21-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. If you have any information regarding any investigation, contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

Mayor Brad Nash has called for two special meetings of the Board of Aldermen of the City of Salem for this evening, June 14th. The first meeting will be at 5:45 and will be for the purpose of considering Bill No. 3481, an ordinance to authorize Mayor Nash to execute a Contract Change No. 10 between the City of Salem and Smith and Edwards Construction, Inc. for the Highway 19 South Sewer Extension. Also, to be considered is Resolution No. 18-2021, a resolution amending the City of Salem utility payment plan by adding that “The Mayor, Board of Aldermen President, City Administrator, Director of Public Works, or Utilities Supervisor may authorize an exception to this policy.” The second meeting will be at 6:00 and is a joint meeting of the Capital Improvements and Finance Committees. At that meeting, the Board will be updated on utility billing, as well as hear updates since the last meeting. Also, the proposed 2021-2022 budget, including capital projects, will be reviewed in detail. Both meetings will be held at The Community Center @ The Armory, 1200 West Rolla Road and are open to the public.

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways is seeking public input on the park’s draft Roads and Trails Management Plan that will be available for review and comment on June 18th online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/OZAR_RTplan. The Draft Plan includes detailed maps and an environmental assessment illustrating a No-Action Alternative and two Action Alternatives. The No-Action Alternative reflects a continuation of current management practices, as established in the 2014 General Management Plan. The two Action Alternatives were informed by public and stakeholder feedback gathered earlier in the planning process and represent alternative approaches for addressing issues identified in the plan, while also meeting desired conditions for managing the park’s roads and trails. The National Park Service has identified Alternative B as the preferred alternative for implementation. Superintendent Jason Lott stated that with the release of the draft Roads and Trails Management Plan, the Ozark National Scenic Riverways is in the final phase of a complex planning process. The Roads and Trails Management Plan would establish a network of roads and trails that is clearly mapped, more sustainable, and that will allow visitors to safely enjoy the park’s spectacular resources through a variety of recreational activities, while still protecting those resources for future generations. For those who prefer to review printed copies of the Draft Plan, they will be made available for review at the public libraries in several local communities, including: Van Buren, Birch Tree, Mountain View, Salem, Summersville, Ellington, Ellsinore, Doniphan, Poplar Bluff and Rolla. The Draft Plan will also be available at park headquarters in Van Buren, located at 404 Watercress Drive, from 8:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon, Monday through Friday. The public comment period for the Draft Plan will be open from June 18 to July 18. The comments will be analyzed to determine if there are any adjustments needed and then an alternative will be selected for implementation. Comments will also be accepted through the mail to: Superintendent, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, P. O. Box 490, Van Buren, Missouri 63965. As always, we look forward to hearing from the public and encourage all to visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/ozaror our Facebook page for further updates. For more information, please contact Dena Matteson at (573) 323-4814.

The Meramec Regional Community Foundation was able to award 31 Meramec Region students with scholarships totaling $69,300. Of the 31 scholarships, 23 were awarded through the assistance of the Maries County R-2 Schools Foundation to Maries County R-2 Belle High School 2021 graduating seniors. Those 23 scholarship awards totaled $35,800. Another $13,000 worth of scholarships was awarded to the Belle High School Alumni who qualified for renewable scholarships. The Maries County R-2 Schools Foundation works to ensure that every graduating senior who wishes to pursue higher education will have a scholarship available to them. Two students from Salem received scholarships from the Richard and Jeanne Cavender Scholarship for Public Service for $750 each to Amy Chen and Lucas Morrison, both from Salem High School. Those who are interested in establishing an endowed scholarship can contact Bonnie Prigge or Maria Bancroft at MRPC at 573-265-2993 or via email at bprigge@meramecregion.org or mbancroft@meramecregion.org, respectively.

The Current River Cruisers will be holding a yard and bake sale this Saturday starting at 8:00 at the Lifeway Center on Highway 19 North with the proceeds going to Project Win for cancer support in Dent County. For more information or to make a donation, call 729-7859.