Local News

The Salem Park Board met Wednesday night at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Vice-President Kyle Williams served as the acting president for the meeting. Park and Recreation Director Melissa DuBois went over her Alice Lou Craig Municipal Pool report that showed a number of busted pipes in the pump house from the extreme cold weather in February. Most of the repair work was done by Westport Pools. She said the pool just received some new umbrellas, lifeguard rescue tubes and mask to replace outdated equipment. The Park Board also approved some new inclement weather rules to be initiated at the pool for storms, rain and cool temperatures. She also reported there were some problems in getting the splash pad primed and working properly this spring, but that problem has since been corrected. DuBois said the “Start Soccer” program went well but she had to limit the participants to just ten. She also said the two-week summer camp will be held July 12th through the 23rd and there are still two openings available for children. The cost is $150 for the camp which will include camp presenters followed by swimming in the afternoon at the pool. DuBois reported there are 481 coaches and players in the Youth T-Ball, Softball and Baseball leagues with just over 425 being players. There are six age 3-4 T-ball teams, nine age 5-6 T-ball teams, six boys baseball teams age 7-8 with coaches pitching, six girls softball teams ages 7-10 with coaches and machine pitching, four baseball teams of boys 9-11, four softball teams of girls age 11-14, and four baseball teams of boys age 12-14. DuBois stated there have been three new maple trees planted at the Salem City Park, new yellow fence caps have been put on the ball fields, and a portable pitching mound that was purchased is being replaced due to some damages. She said the Al Brown Fields are back open, but for daylight use only as the light poles have cut to eliminate any risk of them falling. One estimate to replace the lighting system at Al Brown from Musco Lighting came in for between 410,000 to 455,000 dollars. DuBois said at least one other bid will be secured. She also said she had been contacted by Kelly Sink from the MRPC that a mandatory webinar for awardees of the LWCF grants will be held on July 15th and she hopes to have more information on the soccer field grant soon. When DuBois has more information, the Park Board will try to meet shortly thereafter. She also gave updates on the “Eat Smart in the Park” program, sports banner sales and a work update on the Salem Civic Theatre. The board reviewed and approved the proposed budget for the Park and Recreation Department for Fiscal Year 2021-2022. The board heard Bob Jenkins, who was not in attendance, intended on resigning from the Park Board. They elected Greg Sanders as the new president to replace Stan Podorski who resigned from the position at the last Park Board meeting. There was a discussion about naming a piece of equipment at the skate park for a local person who used the skate park for years that was killed in an automobile crash, but no vote was taken. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports for June. On Wednesday, June 2nd, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Iron Street. At the traffic stop, a 55-year-old St. James woman was arrested for having an active warrant through Dent County. The woman was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Thursday, June 3rd, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 1000 block of East Center Street to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 23-year-old Salem man was arrested for having active warrants through Dent County. He was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. Later that same day, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of West Roosevelt and Highway 19. At the traffic stop, a 43-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended. He was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was finger-printed, issued a summons and released. On Saturday, June 5th, the Dent County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a subject that was robbed at gun point and he was now pursuing the suspect. Deputies traveled to the area where the reporting party had lost sight of the vehicle on Route FF. While speaking to the reporting party, the suspect vehicle was seen driving toward the deputies on Dent County Road 3050. Deputies stopped the vehicle and during the course of the incident, a 33-year-old Leasburg man was arrested for two counts of possession of a controlled substance, one count of possession of drug paraphernalia, one count of possession of marijuana of 10 grams or less and forgery. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated. If you have any information regarding any investigation, contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

The Missouri Bicentennial Time Capsule is seeking submissions from clubs, schools, community groups, businesses and government agencies to commemorate Missouri’s bicentennial this year. The deadline to submit to the time capsule is August 10th, Missouri Statehood Day. All Missouri-based profit and nonprofit organizations are eligible to participate. The time capsule is sponsored by the State Historical Society of Missouri and the Saint Louis Ambassadors with a goal to collect items that document Missouri’s past, present and future. The two organizations are asking for public participation in this project. Organizations and businesses are invited to participate by contributing three items: one to represent their past, one to represent their present, and a note to future Missourians. Items should measure no larger than 8.5 x 14 inches, in other words, no larger than legal size paper and combined be no more than a quarter-inch thick. All submissions need to be in printed form and not electronic. An online registration form on missouri2021.org is required for all submissions and items should be mailed to the following address: The State Historical Society of Missouri…Attn: Time Capsule, 605 Elm Street, Columbia, MO 65201. All participants will be notified of their successful submission and receive a certificate for participating in the time capsule. An event to commemorate the time capsule will be held August 27th, this summer in St. Louis. Once sealed, the time capsule will be housed at the State Historical Society of Missouri until August 10th, 2046, when it will be reopened and shared with the public 25 years later.

A special waste collection for residential and farm electronics, appliances, metals and tires will be held from 8:00 until noon this Saturday, June 12th at Brewer Science at 2401 Brewer Drive in Rolla. Brewer Science, the City of Rolla and Meramec Regional Planning Commission, with funding through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District, are partnering on the June 12th collection. The collection is for residential items only and no materials from businesses will be accepted. The collection is open to residents from Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties. To minimize personal contact, those bringing items to the collection are asked to stay inside their vehicles and assistants will unload items. Stoves, washers, dryers, water heaters, and other appliances will be collected free of charge. Free electronics also include computer components, laptop computers, keyboards, hair dryers, VCR/DVD players, cell phones or anything that runs on a cord or battery. Oil and gas must be removed from tanks of any items such as push mowers and weed eaters. All items must be free of debris. Tires on rims will not be accepted. Please note these items will NOT be accepted: CDs, DVDs, VHS and data tapes; floppy disks; transformers, capacitors or ballasts not clearly marked “No PCBs”; smoke detectors; thermostats; medical waste; gas containers such as propane, oxygen, nitrous oxide; anything leaking oil or acid, such as batteries; broken ink or toner cartridges; alkaline batteries; light bulbs and fluorescent tubes; broken CRTs, TVs or monitors. Fees on certain items will be collected as follows: $25 for CRT TVs over 27 inches and wood console TVs, $20 for CRT TVs under 26 inches, $15 for flat screen TVs, $10 for all computer monitors and refrigerated appliances with Freon. Fees for tires are as follows: $2 each for passenger tires, $7.50 each for semi-truck tires and $35 each for tractor tires. For more information on items accepted or the fee structure, please contact Jill Hollowell at MRPC at 573-265-2993 Ext. 109 or at jhollowell@meramecregion.org. For those unable to participate in the Rolla collection, mark your calendars for collections on Oct. 2 at South Central Regional Stockyards in Vienna and Oct. 9 at the St. Robert Aquatic Center.

The 1st Annual Salem Summer Kids Carnival will be held from noon until 4:00 at the corner of McArthur and 4th Street this Saturday in downtown Salem. There will be music, dance contests, airbrush tattoos, bounce houses, waxed hands and numerous street vendors featuring food, snow cones and popcorn. The event is free and open to everyone!

An accident happened in Reynolds County at 12:50 Wednesday afternoon on Route TT about five miles east of Bunker. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Honda Shadow driven northbound by 37-year-old William Shipman of Rolla, traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned. Suffering minor injuries was a passenger on the Shadow, 34-year-old Samantha Stevens of Ellington and she was transported to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. Stevens was wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident while Shipman was not. The Honda sustained minor damage and was removed from the scene by the owner.

Time is running out for residents and students of Phelps and Dent counties to participate in online surveys about the potential for the creation of a Southeast Missouri Transportation Services (SMTS) deviated fixed-route bus service in the Rolla area with possible connections to the cities of St. James and Salem. The surveys are available at meramecregion.org/surveys. There are separate surveys for students and the general public. SMTS in conjunction with the Meramec Regional Planning Commission is conducting a feasibility study for the development of a potential new route. This bus service would be for a fee and be modeled after the Bluff Area Transit Service in Poplar Bluff and the Connect Service in St. Francois County, both of which are operated by SMTS. While the Rolla service would not be identical to Bluff Area Transit Service or Connect in the number of stops or pricing, it would likely operate similarly, if such a service is found to be a possibility. Feedback is critical to determining the viability of such a service in the Phelps and Dent counties area so if you haven’t taken the survey and would be interested in having this type of service, please take the time to do so. SMTS has contracted with MRPC to conduct the feasibility study. SMTS is a nonprofit general public passenger transportation service. SMTS transportation services are available throughout South Central and Southeast Missouri. For more information, please contact Anne Freand, MRPC planning department manager, via email at afreand@meramecregion.org or via phone at 573-265-2993 ext. 105.

Tonight at 6:00, join MU Extension Horticulture Specialist Kate Kammler for a short program on growing great tomatoes at the Salem Community Garden behind the Salem United Methodist Church at 801 E. Scenic Rivers Blvd. Learn tips for pruning, identifying pests and diseases, and other ideas to get your best tomato harvest yet! The program is free and open to the public. A reminder, this is a community garden because anyone is welcome to participate and sign up for a plot to garden or attend the free public workshops. The garden is not open for harvesting by the public. The gardeners put in hard work at their plots and their benefit is fresh healthy food for their families, friends and donations to organizations of their choice. Please respect their efforts and do not pick food from the garden unless it is from a plot of your own. Want to join? Call 729-3196.

In the Dent County 42nd Judicial Court proceedings held on Wednesday, June 2nd in front of Judge Megan Seay, Wayne Quick of Salem, was sentenced to serve four years in the Missouri Department of Corrections under Revised Statues of Missouri 559.115 as requested by Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley for failing to register as a sex offender and for failing to register a social media account. The defendant requested to be placed on probation, but the request was denied by Judge Seay.

The Salem Park and Recreation board will be meeting tonight at 7:00 at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory, 1200 West Rolla Road. After the roll call and a review of the minutes of the previous meeting, Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois will give the 2020 Alice Lou Craig Municipal pool report along with the new weather closure policy as well as reporting on the 2021 baseball, softball, and T-ball programs. After the budget review and approval, the board will discuss the LSFC soccer field grant and accept resignations along with election of a new president. Any other business may then be brought before the board before adjournment. The meeting of the Salem Park and Recreation board is open to the public.

A series of road, trail, and bridge projects are underway for eight locations within Ozark National Scenic Riverways to repair damage from the devastating 2017 flood that destroyed many features and facilities along the Current and Jacks Fork rivers. Repair work began in May and is expected to be completed prior to the summer of 2022. The length of time needed to complete work at each site is dependent on the complexity of the repairs, weather, and river conditions. Each of the projects could result in slight disruptions to normal activities if roads, trails, or nearby areas need to be temporarily closed to ensure the safety of visitors and workers. The projects will begin at different times, with some running concurrently. Repair of roads and asphalt has begun in the Pulltite Campground and at Baptist Landing. Additional road repairs will be completed at Powder Mill Campground and along Peavine Road near Big Spring. Trail repairs are planned for the Lower Welch Spring trail and the River’s Edge trail near Big Spring Campground. Work to replace the footbridge on the Alley Spring hiking trail has begun and is expected to take approximately two months. The previous wooden bridge is being replaced with a more sustainable steel bridge that is several inches higher than the original, to reduce the chance of future flood damage. Wood fascia and accents will match the aesthetic of the Alley Spring historic district. Replacement of the nearby pedestrian bridge over the Jacks Fork River is also planned but has not yet begun. Once that project is underway it is expected to last approximately five months. The new pedestrian bridge will be constructed at the same height as the adjacent vehicle bridge on Highway 106, with fewer piers in the river so that it is less visually intrusive than the previous bridge. These flood recovery projects are being coordinated with the Federal Highway Administration and its Emergency Relief for Federally-owned Roads Program, which has provided funding, planning expertise, and project oversight for the repairs. For updates on project timelines or temporary closures associated with these repairs, please visit the park website at nps.gov/ozar, visit the park’s Facebook page, or call (573) 323-4236. Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserves the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork rivers, the surrounding resources, and the unique cultural heritage of the Ozark people.

The Missouri Department of Conservation invites the public to get hooked on fishing through its Free Fishing Days June 12th and 13th. During Free Fishing Days, anyone may fish in the Show-Me State without having to buy a fishing permit, trout permit, or trout park daily tag. This is an annual event that takes place statewide during the Saturday and Sunday following the first Monday in June. Aside from not needing permits, other fishing regulations remain in effect during Free Fishing Days, such as limits on size and number of fish an angler may keep. Special permits may still be required at some county, city, or private fishing areas. Trespass laws remain in effect on private property. All other fishing regulations are also in effect. Learn more about fishing in Missouri at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/fishing.

The Missouri State Parks invites the public to participate Learn2 Paddle kayaking classes offered at select parks this summer. The program is for anyone who wants to experience kayaking but is not sure where to start. It is also perfect for those who want to get out on the water but don’t own a kayak. In the Salem and Dent County area, the Current River State Park will host two-hour kayaking classes this Friday from 1:00 until 3:00, July 10th from 10:00 until noon, and on August 6th from 1:00 until 3:00. The Missouri State Parks will provide the kayaks, paddle, life jackets and instructors. Participants must be at least 10 years of age. Children 14 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the entire program. Participants should be comfortable around water. All Missouri State Parks rules and regulations apply. This is a family-oriented program; alcohol and tobacco products are not allowed while participating in the Learn2 Paddle program. The class registration fee is $5 per participant; registration is required. For registration information, visit mostateparks.com and click on their Learn2 button under Topics. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

Mayor Brad Nash and Board of Aldermen President Kim Steelman postponed Monday night’s Board of Aldermen meeting due to the passing of Alderman Kenny Nash this past Sunday, June 6th in what Dent County Coroner Ben Pursifull described as a lawnmower accident. Nash was a dedicated servant to the City of Salem and dedicated many years to serving our community through the City Electric Department, the Board of Aldermen, and several other community organizations. He loved Salem and he will be greatly missed by those that worked and served with him. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting. Leann Kahn was in to speak with First District Commissioner Wes Mobray about the gate across Dent County Road 4128. According to Mobray, the Rushing’s said the gate was to be removed by June 7th and Kahn was in to show pictures that the gate was still there and was closed over the weekend. Mobray said he would speak with the Rushing’s about the removal by phone to see what the issue was. In the road report, Mobray said materials would be added and grading done to Dent County Road 5510, while only grading would be done on county road 5220. Mobray reported brush would be cut on county road 5600 and that Grader #38 was down with a transmission problem and the county was waiting on John Deere to send someone down to repair the problem. He went on to say work crews replaced a crossover pipe in the Union Hills Subdivision and a man would be going to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal repair. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated grading would be done on county roads 2580 and 2613, and work was going to be done on dump truck #124. He went on to report work crews would be removing materials from the ditches on the Golf Course Road to help with drainage. This project was started last week and should be completed this week. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported on May 25th he attended a broadband meeting at the Salem Community Center@The Armory hosted by the MRPC. They discussed the service maps which are outdated, and they need better mapping so improvements can be made. Skiles said he attended an insurance consortium meeting where they discussed the United Health Care current coverage and that the insurance claims were doing well. Skiles went on to say he attended the Northeast Regional Commissioners Association meeting and the hot topic at the meeting was Senate Bill 53 dealing with the increase in county sheriff’s pay being associated with a federal judge’s salary. Skiles suggested putting a letter together from the Dent County Commissioners to ask Governor Parson to veto the bill and the commissioners approved the request. He also said the general public can comment on SB 53 and how it will affect their own county’s budget as the increase to local sheriff’s pay would come directly from the counties funds and no funds will be coming from the state. People interested on commenting on SB 53 should go to https://governor.mo.gov and respond in the “Contact Us” section. Skiles said this week he will be attending a Central Regional Workforce Caucus meeting on Thursday as well an MRPC meeting in St. James. Regional Workforce Caucus meeting on Thursday as well an MRPC meeting in St. James. Skiles said he would like to discuss with Commissioner Mobray and Larson about the commissioners meeting on Mondays and Thursday again in the near future. Also during the meeting, Commissioner Mobray reported County Fuels had the low bid on 1,000 gallons of gas at $2.445 per gallon. He also said the county will let bids for 7,000 gallons of diesel fuel as well as for chip and sealing of 12 miles of overlay and another two miles of a new double coat overlay. The bids for the chip and seal work will be due in the clerk’s office at 10:00 on Monday, June 28th. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday at 9:00 at the courthouse and it is open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Transportation is hosting a virtual open house on passenger rail as part of the development of the 2021 State Freight and Rail Plan. The content will be live and accessible via the MoDOT webpage. The virtual open house format allows members of the public to access the materials at any time through June 16th. The public is invited to view the information about Missouri’s passenger rail network, ask questions of MoDOT and the project team and leave comments on how passenger rail service can better service the citizens of Missouri. The passenger rail component of the State Freight and Rail Plan examines each of the three Amtrak service options in Missouri that include Amtrak’s Missouri River Runner, Southwest Chief and Texas Eagle as well as the economic impact of the Missouri River Runner state-sponsored route. Open house participants are also encouraged to complete a survey designed to solicit feedback on recommendations for Missouri’s passenger rail system. The State Freight and Rail Plan identifies current and future trends to help make informed decisions on future investments in the freight and passenger rail industries in Missouri. Freight and rail plans are required documents for the state to receive federal funding for future transportation projects. There are no dedicated federal funding sources for passenger rail, so these funds are vital to the Missouri River Runner’s long-term viability. For additional information on the Missouri Freight and Rail Plan please contact Cheryl Ball, at 573.526.5578.

Governor Mike Parson signed SB 63 into law, which creates a statewide prescription drug monitoring program in the state of Missouri. SB 63 establishes the Joint Oversight Task Force of Prescription Drug Monitoring, responsible for collecting and maintaining the prescription and dispensation of prescribed controlled substances to patients within the state. This legislation will assist health care professionals in better monitoring the dispensation of opioids and other prescribed controlled substances to their patients. Similar statewide prescription drug monitoring programs have been adopted in every other state in the country. SB 63 also extends the expiration date of the RX Cares for Missouri Program to August 28, 2026.

An accident occurred Friday evening at 6:21 in Phelps County on Highway 63 about two miles south of Edgar Springs. According to the highway patrol report, a 2013 Ford Fusion driven by 52-year-old Kimberly Carnes of Edgar Springs, was stopped and attempting to make a left turn when a 2014 Toyota Tacoma driven by 52-year-old Donnette Carney of Rolla struck the rear end of the Fusion. Carney suffered serious injuries and was transported by Phelps Air Ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia. She was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. Carnes was not injured in the accident. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage. The Toyota was towed by C&C Towing and the Fusion was by Ron Dishman’s Towing.

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 of the project. Starting today, a contractor working for the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) will begin resurfacing and widening the shoulders of Highway 68 in both counties. This work is expected to take up to several months to complete and will require daily intermittent lane closures with flaggers to guide motorists through the work zone. Crews are also currently paving Dent County Route F. Flaggers are in place to guide motorists through the Route F work zone. Once this work is complete, crews will begin resurfacing Dent County Route HH near Salem. This 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) or visit www.modot.org/modot-central-district.

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, 2021. Juliana Bermudez will discuss with the board utility bills at 705 West Acuff that were previously discussed in January of 2020. After the consent agenda is reviewed and approved, the board will hear and discuss Bill No. 3477 which would create an ordinance authorizing the mayor to execute a Contract Change Order No. 10 between the City of Salem and Smith & Edwards Construction, Inc. for the Highway 19 South sewer extension. City Administrator Ray Walden will also update the board on Finance and Capital Improvements. The Board of Alderman will then go into closed session pertaining to hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting of employees. The regular meeting of the Board of Alderman is open to the public.

The City of Salem has reported that utility bills for electric and water consumption from February 8th, 2021 through May 15th, 2021 have been processed and mailed. In addition to consumption-based charges, the bill reflects three months of base charges for water, sewer, and trash if applicable. All unpaid balances, including those from prior payment plans and any debits or credits from differences between budgeted and actual for those on budget billing, have been included in the listed balance due. The Salem Board of Aldermen approved a rebate of 5% of the charges for water and electric usage from February 8th through May 15th for customers paying the listed total balance due on the bill by June 20th. The rebate will be processed as a credit on the customer’s account and reflected on the next bill. Customers who have set up their account on autopayment and drafts will be contacted to confirm their payment preference. Customers should note penalties and service disconnects for non-payment will resume July 1st. Customers can avoid interruption of their service for non-payment by bringing their account current or making payment arrangements by July 1st, 2021. Going forward, utility bills will be based on meter reads the 15th of each month with the bill for consumption from May 15th through June 15th being processed in early July of 2021. Information about available assistance with utilities is included with the bill and is also available from www.salemmo.com. Anyone who has not received their bill by Wednesday, June 10th, should contact the utility office. Customers wanting to set up a payment plan or to ask about budget billing can contact the utility office at (573) 729-4117.

The Missouri Department of Transportation bridge crews will be begin doing routine bridge maintenance on Highways 19 and 8 over Whittenburg Creek starting this week. Crews will close one lane in each work area from 6:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon starting today and lasting through Thursday, June 17th. MoDOT appreciates the patience of motorist traveling through the work area. Drives are advised to watch for workers on the road and obey all traffic signs. This 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) or visit www.modot.org/central.

The Department of Conservation will offer four separate classes during a one-day women’s only clinic highlighting the fundamentals of shotgun and handgun shooting. Courses are set for June 19th, 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 age 16 and older; those age 16 to 17 may participate with a parent or guardian who is also registered for the workshop. Girls age 16 to 17 may attend the women’s-only classes 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 age 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 are full. For more information, email Dwight Warnke at Dwight.Warnke@mdc.mo.gov.The Rolla Shooting Club is located at 13950 County Road 3240 in Rolla.

The Dent County Sheriffs has released several reports. On Friday, May21st, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on MacArthur and Rolla Road. During the stop, a 49-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while being revoked. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail, where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On Saturday, the 22nd, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on West 4th Street. During the stop, a 49-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a felony offense. Also arrested during the same stop was a 46-year-old Salem woman for possession of marijuana, 10 grams or less and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Both were taken to the Dent County Jail where they were fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. The next day Sunday, the 23rd, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 800 block of South Main Street. During the traffic stop, a 27-year-old Salem woman was arrested for driving while being intoxicated. The woman was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and placed on a 12-hour hold. On Wednesday, the 26th, deputies responded to an address on County Road 2260 for a well-being check. The Dent County Sheriff’s Office received a call from someone at the residence requesting a man and woman be removed from the residence due to her being afraid for her safety. Deputies arrived on scene and during the investigation, a 35-year-old man from Rolla was arrested for having two active warrants through the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office and possession of a controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail, where he was incarcerated. The woman was also removed from the residence and both subjects were warned for trespassing. The next day a deputy traveled to a residence in the 100 block of North MacArthur Street to serve an arrest warrant. As a 28-year-old Salem man was arrested for an active warrant through Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. Later that same day a Deputy traveled to a residence in the 3000 block of North Highway 19 to serve an arrest warrant. As a result, a 54-year-old man from Salem was arrested for an active warrant through Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. If you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation, please call the sheriff’s department at 573-247-3241.

The County Extensions of Dent, Phelps, and Crawford invite you to a family picnic and wagon tour at Wurdack Farm Research Center Thursday, June 10th, beginning at 6:00. Meat and drinks will be provided, and you are asked to please bring your family a covered dish. RSVP by June 7th with the number attending to terrillc@missouri.edu or call the Dent County Extension Center at 573-7293196. Wurdack Farm is located about 2 miles north of Cook Station on a gravel road between Cook Station and Highway 19. From Salem, take Highway 19 North 15 miles to County Road 337 turn left and go 3 miles to the farm entrance.

Healthy Dent County invites you play Pickleball for free from 8:00 until 10:00 Tuesday and Thursday mornings at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory. For more details email Kelsey at Kelsey@salemcommunitycenter.org

The City of Salem Planning and Zoning Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and meeting on Tuesday, June 8th at 6:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers at 202 North Washington. The purpose of the hearing and meeting is to consider a request from James Darden to re-zone 306 East Franklin from Commercial to Industrial for use as a Mechanic Shop and a request from Sellers Investment Properties, LLC, to re-zone 1203 South Babb Lane from Commercial to Industrial for storage of Propane Tanks and Bulk Storage of Propane in two 30,000-gallon tanks. The meeting, which is open to the public, was called by Planning and Zoning Chairman Gary Brown.

Visitors to the Ozark National Scenic Riverways will have the opportunity to Celebrate National Trails Day this Saturday and Sunday with a ranger-led birding hike at 9 a.m. each day at Round Spring. Bring your binoculars and meet at the Round Spring pavilion. A park ranger will lead the group though the Round Spring area in search of a variety of bird species. With over 400 species recorded in Missouri, birding is a great outdoor activity for people of all ages. Migratory birds are still passing through the area providing the opportunity to encounter some that are not commonly seen in the park. For more information about the birding hikes, please contact the Round Spring Ranger Station at (573) 323-8093.

Missouri State Parks invites the public to begin their archery journey by attending a hands-on course at Echo Bluff State Park during the afternoon June 19th from 1:00 until 3:00. Participants may register through June 12th. This program is for anyone who wants to learn the basics of archery and atlatl throwing. The Learn2 Aim courses offer two hours of free instruction and are open to ages 10 and older. Registration is required and all slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To register visit mostateparks.com/learn2.
Registration dates have been announced the Salem Upper Elementary School. The following dates are for all students, both new and returning. August 9th and August 11th from 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon, and from August 10th and August 12th from noon until 6:00. William Lynch will be registering new students on August 11th from 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon and from noon until 6:00 on August 12th.

KSMO Video Productions is still taking orders for the 2021 Salem Graduation keepsake DVD’s available for sale at the KSMO Radio studios at 800 South Main in the basement of the Wisdom Building. If you would like to have a DVD, please call the station to reserve your copy. The cost is $15 per DVD. KSMO Radio doors open just before 8:00 in the morning and stay open until 4:00 weekdays. For more information, call KSMO at 729-6117.

Salem Residential Care at 1207 East Roosevelt will have an auction tonight beginning at 5:30. Food and drink will be available. For more information call 729-9449.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met for their regular Meeting on Thursday, May 20th. The minutes of the March regular meeting was reviewed and approved. In old business Health Center Administrator Kendra Mobray updated the Board on current COVID status in Dent County. She said that to date 1007 confirmed cases and 186 probable cases have been investigated. Eighty-six cases have required hospitalization. At the time of the meeting there were 6 active cases in Dent County and there had been 36 related deaths confirmed. According to MoDHSS, as of April 20th, 3119 Dent County residents had received 1 dose of vaccine and 2619 have had a complete series of 2 shots. SEMA and Missouri National Guard were finishing the hosting of drive-thru clinics at the Dent County Fire Station in May. COVID vaccine is available at the Dent County Health Center, Moser Pharmacy, Vandivort Pharmacy and Wal-Mart Pharmacy. The Board went in to closed session to discuss Administrator applicants and approved minutes of the April and May closed session meetings. In new business Mobray updated the Board on contracts. In April 1 case of Campylobacteriosis was investigated. Face to face appointments at the Health Center are gradually opening up. The MCH 5-year work plan was submitted to DHSS in April for the new priority health issue “prevent and reduce unintentional injuries in children and adolescents.” The Show Me Healthy Women clinics, which offers free breast and cervical cancer screenings for Missouri women who meet age, income and insurance guidance, continue to be held on the 4th Thursday of each month. More information about the program is available by calling the Health Center at 573-729-3106. During the election of officers the motion was made and passed that the current officers of Board Chairman Bob Parsons, Vice-Chairman Sandra Headrick and Treasurer Dennis Floyd be re-elected. In other new business Mobray noted that when the personnel manual was updated it did not reflect the previous sick leave policy. Motion was made and passed to update the personnel manual with the policy. Dent County Health Center expenses for March and April were approved and the next regular Board meeting was set for June 17th.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held a special board meeting via Zoom last Thursday at 11:30. At the meeting, the board approved the purchase of two storage buildings from Current River Buildings before going into closed session. In closed session, the board accepted the resignation of high school counselor Elizabeth Wright and read a resignation letter from bus driver Don Adamick. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Dent County 4-H will be presenting Montauks Nature At Night, June 30th at Montauk State Park. The evening begins at 5:30 with supper and a chance to get to know each other followed by various activities, including crafts and a tour of the mill. A park ranger will then lead the group on a night walk beginning at 9:00. This may turn into a late-night event so participants are encouraged to wear closed toed shoes and bring a jacket.

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. For information on Missouri fishing regulations, fish identification, and more, get a copy of MDC’s 2021 Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations where permits are sold, or online. MDC’s free MO Fishing app can help anglers find the best places to fish in Missouri, access regulation information, identify fish by species, and more. Anglers can also buy, store, and show fishing permits right on their mobile devices. MO Fishing is available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices.

Visitors to the Ozark National Scenic Riverways have the opportunity to Celebrate National Trails Day on June 4 with a ranger-led birding hike at 9 a.m. at Round Spring. Bring your binoculars and meet at the Round Spring pavilion. A park ranger will lead the group though the Round Spring area in search of a variety of bird species. With over 400 species recorded in Missouri, birding is a great outdoor activity for people of all ages. Migratory birds are still passing through the area providing the opportunity to encounter some that are not commonly seen in the park. If you are new to birding, there will be several resources available to get you started on your birding journey. Plan accordingly when hiking or participating in any outdoor recreational activity. Hikers should wear appropriate clothing and footwear for hiking and take weather conditions into consideration. Recommended supplies include binoculars, drinking water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent. 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 should be prepared to practice social distancing as needed. If you are not yet fully vaccinated, masks are required outdoors when social distancing cannot be maintained. For more information about the birding hike, please contact the Round Spring Ranger Station at (573) 323-8093. Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserves the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, the surrounding natural resources, and the unique cultural heritage of the Ozark people. For more information about the park, visit www.nps.gov/ozar or call (573) 323-4236.

KSMO Video Productions is taking orders for the 2021 Salem Graduation DVD’s available for sale at the KSMO Radio studios at 800 South Main in the basement of the Wisdom Building. If you would like to have a DVD, please call the station to reserve your copy. The cost is $15 per DVD. KSMO Radio doors open just before 8:00 in the morning and stay open until 4:00 weekdays. For more information, call KSMO at 729-6117.

The City of Salem has sent out a notice to all those who use water, sewer, trash and electric about the upcoming changes for the utility readings going to a 15th of the month read cycle and a more prompt and current billing cycle. Soon utility customers will receive bills for their service consumption from February 8th through May 15th that will include three months billing for trash, water, sewer and electric. If you are already on a payment plan, any remaining unpaid amount will be included in the balance due on their next bill. Customers wanting a new payment plan will need to contact the utility office to set that up. For those who want to pay their bill in full for all three months, the Salem Board of Aldermen have approved a five percent rebate of the charges for water and electric usage if the bill is paid in full by June 20th. The rebate will be processed as a credit on the customers’ account. Please remember the city will resume late penalties and start service disconnects for non-payment on July 1st. If you find that you may need assistance paying your utility bill to avoid a service interruption, you can go to the Salem Community Center @ The Armory any Tuesday in June from 10:30 until 1:00 where three agencies will be available to speak with you on how they can possibly help. For more information about available options for payment and assistance, please check out the salemmo.com website or contact the utility office at 729-4117.

Six people died in traffic crashes over the 2021 Memorial Day weekend counting period of 6:00 p.m. Friday, May 28th, through midnight Monday, May 31st. Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers investigated 270 traffic crashes resulting in 82 injuries and 4 fatalities. The patrol made 112 DWI and 77 drug arrests over the 2021 Memorial Day holiday weekend. The Springfield Police Department and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department each investigated a traffic fatality. Over this years holiday counting period there were 10 boating crashes resulting in 2 injuries and 1 fatality. The department also investigated a drowning, made 8 boating while intoxicated arrests and 2 drug arrests. During the 2020 counting period, the Patrol investigated 310 traffic crashes, which included 126 injuries and six of the 10 fatalities. Troopers made 118 arrests for driving while intoxicated last year. Also, over the 2020 Memorial Day holiday marine operations troopers investigated 11 boating crashes involving seven injuries and one fatality; and arrested 11 people for boating while intoxicated on the state’s rivers and lakes. One person drowned over the 2020 Memorial Day holiday. The fatality statistics in this news release could change if late deaths occur, other departments report crashes or incidents, a fatality is determined to be a drowning, or if a fatality is determined to be caused by a medical condition after this news release.

More reports have been released by the Salem Police Department. On Sunday afternoon, May 16th, at approximately 4:23 an officer was dispatched to Wal Mart for a report of a shoplifter. It was reported that a female subject had left the store while concealing and not paying for approximately $116 worth of merchandise. As a result of the investigation the female was located, and the property was retrieved. At the conclusion of the incident a 38-year-old Salem female was arrested and given summons to appear in court for shoplifting. Then Tuesday evening, May 18th, at approximately 6:46 an officer was dispatched to the Cedar Grove Cemetery for a report of a vehicle stuck in the mud. Upon arrival it was apparent that a male subject who was operating the vehicle was intoxicated. Following a DWI investigation a 62-year-old Salem male was arrested and later released on summons for possession of Marijuana and Driving while intoxicated. Later that night at approximately 11:21 an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed over the posted speed limit. The vehicle failed to yield when the officer attempted to stop it and continued traveling at a high rate of speed of more than 80 mph on Missouri Highway 32. The vehicle finally came to a stop near the Jehovah Witness Church on 32 West. As the officer contacted the driver, he was alerted that the driver may be under the influence of alcohol. During the traffic stop investigation it was found that the male subject was intoxicated. As a result, a 38-year-old Springfield male was arrested and placed on a 24-hour hold pending the application of warrants for Resisting Arrest and Driving while Intoxicated. Finally, the morning of Thursday, May 20th, at approximately 4:00 officers received information about the location of Brian Weber who had previously fled and was a fugitive from justice. Officers conducted surveillance and a short-term investigation confirming the information they had received. As a result, the 40-year-old Salem male was arrested and incarcerated on outstanding warrants. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 573-729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

A drowning happened Saturday afternoon around 3:10 in on Big Creek in Iron County one quarter miles east of Highway 49 in Vulcan. A six-year-old boy from Fairview Heights, Illinois entered the water and went under. The boy was located a short time later, however, life saving measures were unsuccessful. The boy was pronounced dead by Doctor Teeter at the Iron County Medical Center at 4:36. The drowning was the 5th of the year in Troop E.

Friday morning, May 28th at about 11:42, deputies with the Dent County Sheriff’s Office responded to Private Lane 201 in Dent County. The call was in reference to a 911 hang up. Upon arrival, deputies learned that a three-year-old male was missing and had been missing for an unknown amount of time. Deputies establishing a timeline of the events concerning the child’s disappearance, and additional personnel and other agencies were called in for help. A thorough search of the woods and surrounding acres was conducted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office K-9-unit, the Missouri State Water Patrol, Missouri Department of Conservation, the Salem Police Department as well as the Dent County Fire Department and Lenox Fire Department. The search was not successful in finding the child at that time. A decision was made to extend the search to adjoining properties with law enforcement and the help of neighbors and additional volunteers in a set of grid searches. On Saturday morning, May 29th at about 1:05, volunteers located the child safe and alive. The Dent County Sheriff’s Department wanted to thank all the agencies, volunteers, churches and neighbors for their valuable help in what was a great example of the Dent County community pulling together in a time of need. The number of citizens willing to search for the missing child was overwhelming. The quick community response played a major role in locating the child safe early Saturday morning.

A Salem man was involved in an accident just before 7:00 Thursday evening in Osage County on Highway 63 about two miles south of Route Z. According to the highway patrol report, a southbound 2000 Ford F-250, driven by 58-year-old Kenneth Boeker of Rolla, swerved to avoid a vehicle making a right turn. Boeker lost control of the Ford causing it to cross the center line striking a northbound 2020 Kenworth driven by 63-year-old Michael Cooley of Salem. Boeker, along with passenger 29-year-old Bruce Ellis of Rolla, suffered minor injuries and were transported by ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. A second passenger in the Ford, John Watkins of Rolla, whose age was unknown, suffered moderate injuries and was transported to the University Hospital in Columbia. Boeker, Ellis and Cooley were all wearing safety restraints, while it was unknown whether John Watkins was. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Plaza Service. The Kenworth sustained extensive damage and was removed by Tow Pro.

A two-vehicle accident happened Thursday afternoon just before 4:00 in Phelps County on Route V at Phelps County Road 2060. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 2005 Toyota Highlander, being driven by 71-year-old Jimmie Taylor of Rolla, was stopped to make a left turn onto the county road when he was struck from behind by a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 being driven by 23-year-old Kayleigh DeShurley of St. James. Taylor suffered minor injuries while a passenger in the Toyota, 60-year-old Gay Taylor also of Rolla, suffered moderate injuries. DeShurley had moderate injuries. All three were taken by ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. The report went on to state that all those involved were wearing safety restraints. The Toyota sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing, while the Chevrolet had moderate damage and was removed by C & C Towing.

The following reports have been released by the Salem Police Department. On Sunday afternoon, May 5th at approximately 4:17, an officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Second Street for the report of a violation of a full order of protection. Upon arrival it was found that a male subject was violating the full order of protection and was refusing to leave. As a result, a 38-year-old Salem male was arrested and incarcerated pending the application of warrants. On the morning of Monday, May 10th near 11:00, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle having no license plate. During the traffic stop the officer was made aware the occupant had an active arrest warrant out of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. As a result, a 51-year-old Salem man was arrested on the warrant and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. On Thursday evening, May 13th at about 8:24, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for not having working headlights. During the investigation into the traffic stop, it was found the car was displaying license plates that were stolen out of St. Francios County. As a result of the investigation, a 37-year-old Salem woman was arrested for receiving stolen property and was later released on a summons. The next night at approximately 10:45, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle having a headlight out. During the traffic stop it was found that the driver had an active arrest warrant issued out of the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office. As a result, a 19-year-old Salem woman was arrested. She later posted bond on the warrant out of Phelps County. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 573-729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.