Local News

The City of Salem Utilities Committee met Tuesday evening at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Chairman Kyle Williams discussed the need for the city to reduce expenses as well as find ways to increase revenues to make a balanced budget for fiscal year 2022-2023. Next years proposed budget shows the city at a deficit of $3.5 million before city department supervisors and staff were able to find additional ways to cut costs and have lowered the deficit to $1.9 million. If the utility committee does not propose a new electric rate for the alderman to consider, the yearly automatic increase from the electric supplier will go into effect in July at a rate of 34%. The committee approved asking the alderman to raise the utility rates 24% with a monthly $10 service availability fee for residences that will sunset and go away after one year; and $15 for commercial businesses that will also sunset and go away after one year. This will bring in enough revenue to cover the proposed budget shortfall and put funds in the electric reserve. The committee also discussed additional ways to raise future revenue including asking the voters to approve a sales use tax that would impose a tax on all online orders. This tax could be earmarked for public safety to fund the police department which is currently 42% of the total general fund expenses. The aldermen will discuss this proposal being placed on the August ballot at the next aldermen meeting.

The City of Salem Finance Committee met Wednesday evening to review the proposed 2022-2023 budget. Finance Director Stacey Houston and City Administrator Ray Walden presented updated figures from previous meetings based upon the utility meeting recommendations from Tuesday night and other recognized revenues and expenses that came in that still shows a projected deficit of over $900,000. The budget includes no raises in the upcoming year that will save about $125,000, a reduction in city staff from 61 to 57 saving about $109,000, a change in wearing apparel policy that will save $2,900 and the reviewing and renegotiating of contracts that will save another $69,000. Some funds like the water fund and the sewer fund, will have to use reserves to balance for the year end or have to borrow money from another fund to balance for the next fiscal year to balance. Those two funds will be reviewed by the utility committee to possibly adjust rates to cover the losses incurred. Chairperson Kala Sisco wanted the finance committee to review the documents and bring any questions or suggestions on the 2022-23 proposed budget to the next Finance Committee which will be held this afternoon at 12:00 noon at the Salem Community Center @the Armory located at 1200 West Rolla Road in Salem. The meeting is open to the public.

Join Echo Bluff State Parks team members on Saturday evening at 8:00 to listen to The Current River Band, sponsored by the Betty Lea Lodge, at the outdoor amphitheater. The band just wants to have some fun and play some music. Join them for a night of fun and laughter. Echo Bluff State Park is located at 35244 Echo Bluff Drive in Eminence. For more information, call 573-751-5211. This event is being held in conjunction with the National Park Trust’s Kids to Parks Day. For more information, visit mostateparks.com.

The City of Salem would like to thank its electric customers. Last week the city issued a PEAK ALERT asking our citizens to help by conserving energy where possible. You responded and cut back and thanks to your efforts, the city avoided a new Peak Power Event on that day!

The Salem Community Choir will be performing this Sunday afternoon at 2:00 on the courthouse lawn. Lemonade and cookies will be served by the Cosmopolitan Club of Salem. There is no cost to attend!

The University of Missouri Extension’s Woodland Steward program will host a workshop with a twilight tour on Monday and Tuesday demonstrating woodland management practices according to University of Missouri Extension natural resources specialist Sarah Havens. The program begins with a virtual session on woodland management tools from via Zoom, Monday evening from 7:00 until 9:00. Tuesday evening, participants will meet in person from 6:00 until 8:30 at the MU Wurdack Extension and Education Center in Cook Station for a tour of recent examples of forest management practices. The $25 fee includes a light meal prior to the tour. Missouri has 15 million acres of privately owned forestland, and management on the private acres is just as important as on public lands as good forest management on private lands benefits wildlife and forest health in the state. You can register for the workshop at muext.us/WoodlandWorkshop2022.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday evening in the Hospital Library. Interim CEO Don Babb said patient surveys in each department have been mailed out, the daily cost in Long-Term Care will go from $170 per day to $180 per day, and the new CT should be ready in October. In the summary of operations for the month of May, the hospital had 78 inpatient admissions with 316 inpatient census days. There were 156 days of swingbed which is up from 31 for May of 2021. During the month, there were 612 emergency room visits with 47 admissions, plus there were 166 ambulance runs where 118 patients were transported. In May, there were 24 surgical procedures cases, 1,131 outpatient registrations, 4,862 lab tests, 1,127 radiological procedures, 732 rehab treatments and 215 home health visits with 14 home health admissions. The days cash on hand was at 64 with $5.1 million total cash. The hospital showed a gain from operations of $387,120.86 with an excess of revenues of $391,194. CFO JoAnn Hammond said the hospital net revenues have increased by three million dollars and gross revenues are up six million dollars. She said the hospital has paid back almost 2.8 million dollars of the Medicare Advance and should have it all paid off by mid-August. The reimbursement right now from Medicare is 50%. Hammond also gave a lab department financial report and now that CLIA has signed off on the lab, revenues are rising again with revenues for the month of May at $515,000 with expenses of $149,876. CEO Babb gave the Director of Nursing report for Ashley Sullins who is on vacation. He reported the new Community Health Needs Assessment will be implemented on June 30th, that there are 15 active COVID-19 cases in Dent County, and that the hospital foundation raised $18,070 during their golf tournament with a net profit of $12,032. Two people have been asked to join the foundation as new board members and they are Dru Howard and Marci Relford. Babb said in lieu of a health fair, the hospital is developing cash prices for those who want to get tests done at reduced rates. The final rates have not yet been determined but will be announced soon. Babb reiterated the lab passed the CLIA reinspection with no deficiencies, the lagoon passed the DNR inspection with a new permit being applied for, and that the hospital requested another $75,000 of ARPA funds to help pay for the new transformer from the Dent County Commission which they approved. For the transformer project, two bids were received: one from Meyer Electric for $319,750 and the other from McNew Electric for $302,600. There was an option offered to use aluminum wiring which would have reduced the cost by about $55,000, but board member Mike Swyers insisted that copper wire be used on feeder lines and conductors as it is much more durable and is a better conductor than aluminum. By using copper, the hospital will have to come up with another $25,000 and it was suggested that money may come from the hospital foundation. The board voted and approved the bid to install and connect the transformer with McNew Electric for $302,600 using copper wire. The hospital has hired nine new employees while there are two new employees at the clinic, one in Long-Term Care and two in the Lab Department. They also terminated three hospital employees and one at the clinic. The board approved a new telemetry system for the hospital from Tri-Tec Medical for $3,952.50 per month with the RHG Group discount, and they approved the purchase of a Hemochron PT/APTT Rapid Test Machine for $6,825 that will allow the hospital to use Heparin in the Emergency Department as well as Med/Surg. The board was told the Delta Regional Community Health Systems Development Program Meet and Greet will be held September 20th before the regular board meeting at 5:30. Also at the meeting, Nurse Practitioners Terry Bruno and Shelly Bland, and Dr. Tiffany Bland all talked about the SMDH Family Medicine Clinic. They said numerous changes have been made and how more communication is needed between the hospital administration and the clinic as they feel they should be included on decision-making processes including marketing and physician recruitment. The board said they would like more communication with the clinic so they can be more informed as to what is going on there. The board then went into closed session.

A fatality accident happened Tuesday afternoon just after 5:15 in Crawford County on Highway 19 about a mile and a half south of Cuba. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Honda Odyssey being driven by 19-year-old Robert Newkirk of Cook Station, crossed the center line and struck a 2014 GMC Sierra being driven by 41-year-old Amy Ford of Cuba. Newkirk suffered serious injuries and was transported by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Ford was taken by North Crawford Ambulance to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan where she was pronounced dead at 6:57 Tuesday night by Dr. Olusayna. Her body was taken to the Crawford County Morgue. Ford was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident while it wasn’t clear if Newkirk was using a safety restraint. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Miles & Sons Towing.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold their regular meeting this evening at 6:00 in the Salem R-80 Board Room. After the consent agenda is approved and hearing the Superintendent’s report, the board will hear principal reports from William Lynch, Upper Elementary, Middle School, and high school. Mark McElvy will the give a technology update before the board addresses new business. At that time, the board will approve the amending of the 2021-2022 budget to reflect actual revenues and expenditures; then adopt the 2022-2023 budget with salary schedules, including the state grant for baseline teacher salary of $38,000. Corky Stack will lead the construction trades building discussion before the board discusses and approves the district curriculum. They will go over policy changes for technology usage, student cell phones, sick leave pool, short term leave, and staff fringe benefits for discussion and approval if deemed appropriate. The board will discuss handbook changes and consider engaging the services of Stifel as an underwriter for a new elementary school project. After adjourning the regular meeting, the board will move into closed session.

The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) is issuing a critical appeal for all blood types as reserves are critically low with less than a two-day supply available. Eligible donors are being asked to give blood at the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks blood drive at the Salem Memorial District Hospital this Friday at the hospital library from 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon. Giving blood is a big deal and the theme for this blood drive is “Let’s Save a Life.” Free T-Shirts will be given to all donors while supplies, and those who do give blood will have a chance to win a weekly mystery prize valued at $200 or the $5,000 mystery grand prize. They do ask that appointments be made to manage donor flow. Call 1-417-227-5006 to schedule your appointment or go to cbco.org/donate-blood. Masks and a photo ID will be required.

The City of Salem’s Finance Committee will be holding a meeting this evening at 6:00 at the Salem Community Center @the Armory. They will discuss the proposed budget for 2022 – 2023. The meeting is open to the public.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, encourages everyone to incorporate safety into any plans to enjoy Missouri’s waterways. Nicer weather means an increase in activity regarding boating, swimming, and floating. Missouri’s lakes and rivers can include currents, drop-offs, and floating debris, which makes swimming more challenging. Please, wear a life jacket, take a friend with you, know your swimming ability, and stay sober around water. Pay close attention to children around water. Keep in mind that exhaustion is a very real possibility if you’ve been swimming for a long period of time. Don’t make the mistake of overestimating your swimming ability. Avoid putting yourself at risk when trying to assist someone who is struggling in the water. Assist them by tossing a floatation device or extending an object to them. Keep yourself safe! If you do have to enter the water to assist them, always put on a life jacket first. If you go floating, check the weather and the river level before your trip. A lot of rain affects the speed of the current and amount of debris in the water. Be aware of changing conditions downstream which may endanger yourself or your group. Consider each person’s level of experience and base your float plan on the person with the least experience. Pair inexperienced floaters with those who have more experience, and make sure everyone in your group knows your rescue plan. If you capsize in swift water conditions, hold onto your craft and move immediately to the upstream side to avoid being trapped between the boat and an obstacle. Float on your back, feet together and pointed downstream, and release your craft only if it improves your safety. If you need assistance or witness criminal activity on Missouri’s waterways, contact the nearest Highway Patrol troop headquarters by calling the Patrol Emergency Report Line at 1-800-525- 5555 or *55 on a cell phone. Share the waterway and use common sense, good judgment, and courtesy to ensure the safety of all.

Missouri’s state parks and historic sites offer beautiful vistas, opportunities for outdoor adventures and peaceful spots for reflection. As you spend time at Missouri state parks, take along your camera and submit your favorite photos in the Missouri DNR Photo Contest. The annual contest is open now through October 1st and includes three categories. The natural resources category includes photographs of Missouri’s air, landscapes, and waterways. The category of unique places includes photographs taken within one of Missouri’s state parks or historic sites. The third and final category includes people enjoying and exploring Missouri’s outdoors. Winning photos will be shared on the Missouri Department of Natural Resources website, on social media and showcased at the following year’s Missouri State Fair. For contest rules and to enter your photos, visit dnr.mo.gov/photo-contest. You can also email questions about the photo contest to socialmedia@dnr.mo.gov. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The Current River Band just wants to have fun and play music, and they will be performing at Echo Bluff State Park as part of their summer concert series this Saturday evening at 8:00 in the outdoor amphitheater. Bring a blanket or a chair, dress for the occasion, and enjoy a night of music under the stars.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Salem present this year’s Independence Day Parade theme: Road Trip: Exploring America’s Road and Rivers!” The parade will be held on July 4th starting at 6:00 from the corner of South Grand and Franklin, and then travel east on Franklin to MacArthur. The parade will then go north on MacArthur to 4th Street and will then travel east on 4th Street to the Dent County Courthouse. The parade is to provide a family friendly and fun community event for everyone to enjoy. Applications for entries are now available at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce in the Crossroads Shopping Center, by calling 729-6900 of by e-mailing the chamber at chamber@salemmo.com. All entry applications need to be submitted by July 1st to the chamber. Drop them off or mail them to 1136 South Main, fax to 573-729-6741 or e-mail them in. All entries must abide by the parade rules and regulations. Spaces will be assigned by the chamber after they have received a completed parade entry form. If you have questions, contact Tabitha at the chamber office at 729-6900.

Sherry Lea, Executive Director of Healthy Dent County is pleased to announce the appointment of Carlos Lopez as the non-profits new Prevention Coordinator. The Healthy Dent County Prevention Coalition received a $100,000 grant from the Department of Mental Health to reduce youth substance use. As a Prevention Coordinator Lopez will teach the evidence-based “Too Good for Drugs” curriculum in all Salem and Dent County schools in grades 6th to 8th. This curriculum is a comprehensive family of substance use and prevention curricula designed to mitigate the risk factors associated with risky behavior and build protection within the child. “Too Good” develops a framework of Social Emotional skills through the development of goal-setting, decision-making, and effective communication skills in addition to peer pressure refusal, pro-social bonding, conflict resolution, and media literacy. The “Too Good” curriculum builds the basis for a safe, supportive, and respectful learning environment. Recognizing that local problems need local solutions, this grant funds local coalitions to engage multiple sectors of the community and employ a variety of environmental strategies to address local substance use problems. For additional information about the HDC Prevention Coalition, you may reach Carlos by e-mailing him at carlos@salemcommunitycenter.org or by calling 729-8163.

The Creative Arts Center will be holding a Ceramics Painting Party with Isabella Knaack on Wednesday night at 7:00. All ages are welcome to the party. Come for a relaxing few hours of painting ceramic figurines, plates, bowls, cups, etc. The cost is $5 per person plus pay per piece to paint. Prices are marked on the ceramic pieces, they run from $3 to $30. There will be an additional 40% of that cost if you glaze the piece and want it fired. The Creative Arts Center has 2 easy ways to sign up for events! First call or text 573-247-0651. You can also pay ahead with Square at 573-247-5306. All square transactions will be charged a $1.50 transaction fee. You can also visit the SACBA website to sign up and prepay for classes online at: www.salemcommunitybetterment.com

The Salem Community Garden will be offering a variety of Growing Green Educational Workshops led by Master Gardeners. The workshop this evening at 6:00 is “Weed Warfare.” The garden is located behind the Salem Methodist Church at 801 East Scenic Rivers Bld. For more information contact Charlie Grimm at 573-368-9902. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Producers can learn about using native warm-season grasses to improve grazing and wildlife systems at a workshop offered by University of Missouri Extension. The in-person workshop is this Friday morning from 8:00 until 1:00 at the Davisville American Legion Hall located at 194 State Route V in southeastern Crawford County. Native warm-season grasses fill the “summer slump” caused by the dormancy of cool-season grasses. During the workshop, attendees will learn how to successfully establish warm-season grasses that have high nutritive value, fill an important gap in forage production and adapt well to climate, soils and pest pressure. Native grasses also aid erosion control and provide cover for wildlife. Gatlin Bunton and MU Extension agriculture business specialist Rachel Hopkins will tell how to use warm-season grasses in grazing systems to reduce exposure to fescue toxicosis, which reduces calving rates and weaning weights. During a tour of established fields, attendees will learn how to identify the various plants. Lunch will be served after the field tour. The cost is $30 per person or $50 for a farm couple. For question or more information, call 573-438-2671 or 573-775-2135 or you can register online at extension.missouri.edu/events.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is offering a chance for eight youngsters to come and learn about fisheries, wildlife, and protection management at Shawnee Mac Lakes Conservation Area on July 1st. Experience fishing from a boat with Conservation Department staff, complete a lake to fork shoreline meal of fish and frog legs, followed by frog gigging from a Jon boat after sunset. You will learn not only how to harvest aquatic game but how to clean and prepare a meal with it. The program will start at 5:00 in the afternoon and conclude at 11:00 the evening on July 1st. A parent or guardian must be present during the entire event. This opportunity is for eight young people between the ages of 8-15 years old. Interested youth are being asked to apply by submitting a short 100-word essay as to why they should be selected. The application essay must include the full name of the youth, their date of birth, home address, e-mail of a parent or guardian, a phone number and why you want to participate in the event. To qualify for the event, the application essay must be submitted TODAY to: Dwight.Warnke@mdc.mo.gov. The eight selected participants will be notified by Thursday, June 23rd with full program details.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to remind the public that driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed on today in observance of Juneteenth. Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, June 21st. Also, the City of Salem administration office and the Dent County Courthouse will be closed, state offices will be closed, there will be no postal services and banks will all be closed.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On Friday, June 10th, a deputy located a person they knew to have a local warrant in the 600 block of South Water Street. During the stop, a 35-year-old Salem man was arrested on an active Dent County warrant. He was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated. Later that day, a deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on North Highway 19. The subject refused to yield to the deputy’s emergency equipment and did not stop initially. After finally stopping, a 40-year-old Salem man was arrested on an active Phelps County warrant. He was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail on the active warrant and placed on a 24-hour hold, pending additional charges. On Saturday, June 11th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 500 block of South Main Street where a 34-year-old Salem man was found to have an active Dent County arrest warrant. He was also found to be in possession of a controlled substance and was subsequently arrested. He was transported to the Dent County Jail on the warrant and placed on a 24-hour hold, pending additional charges. On Sunday, June 12th, a deputy responded to a call of a trespassing complaint on Dent County Road 2300. During the investigation, a 22-year-old Salem man was arrested and issued a criminal summons for Trespassing in the 2nd degree. On Thursday, June 16th, a deputy responded to a call on Dent County Road 4180 for a report of a stealing. The investigation is continuing and will be updated as additional information becomes available. If you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation, call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The City of Salem’s Utility Committee will be holding a meeting Tuesday evening at 6:00 at the Salem Community Center @the Armory. They will go over the proposed electric service availability fee and the kWh rate increase recommendations for Alderman consideration. They will also discuss water and sewer rates before adjourning. The meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will be meeting Tuesday night at 6:00 at the hospital library. After the roll call, the board will hear the Administrator’s report from Interim Chief Executive Officer Don Babb. The summary of operations and statistics for the month of May will be presented by the Chief Financial Officer Jo Ann Hammond. Chief Nursing Officer Ashley Sullins will then give her report followed by a report on the hospital foundation as well as the marketing and community perception report. Interim CEO Babb will then update the board on the lab, lagoon and the transformer project. New business will include a discussion by Jodie Gorman on staffing followed by an update on the Delta Regional Community Health System Development Program. The board may go into closed session if needed. The regular meeting of the Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors is open to the public.

Southwest Baptist University’s Salem campus will have a new face greeting and guiding nursing students beginning this summer. Jackie Billings, RN, joined the SBU family on June 1st, after receiving approval from the Missouri State Board of Nursing, as the RN bridge coordinator and instructor of nursing on the Salem campus. Billings has 33 years of experience as a nurse, with a strong background in intensive care. She worked as an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) staff nurse and Assistant Director of Nursing at the Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, Ill., and most recently as a Post Anesthesia Care Unit RN, providing pre-op and post-op care for surgical patients at Phelps Health in Rolla. From 1991-2013, she served as a professor of nursing at Kankakee Community College. Billings made the move to the Salem area, where her parents have lived for the past 30 years. Students with a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Paramedic license have the opportunity to go through the RN bridge program, which is offered through SBU’s College of Health Professions, to pursue the two-year associate of science in nursing (ASN) degree at SBU’s Salem or Springfield campus. For information on the RN bridge program or other health science degrees available at the SBU Salem campus, call 729-7071 or www.sbuniv.edu/admissions/salem.

An accident occurred Friday evening around 5:00 in Phelps County on Highway 72 near Phelps County Road 5285. According to the highway patrol report, a 2018 Dodge Journey driven by 36-year-old Megan Montee from Sullivan, was travelling northbound and failed to negotiate a curve. The Dodge travelled off the left side of the road, struck an embankment, and a tree. An occupant in the Dodge, 34-year-old Tyrone Leonard of St. James, suffered minor injuries and was transported by Phelps Health to Phelps Health in Rolla. He was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Dodge sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by C&C Towing. Montee was arrested by the highway patrol for a DWI and not having insurance coverage. She was taken to the Phelps County jail where she was later released.

The Creative Arts Center will hold a color pencil workshop Tuesday from 10:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon for all skill levels. They will be working on a color pencil drawing of birds. Students can expect to complete a drawing during the workshop. Paper and reference materials will be provided. Lee Copen, a high school art teacher and artist from Mt View, will be leading the workshop. The workshop cost is $40. Call or text the Creative Arts Center to sign up for events at 573-247-0651. You may also visit our website to sign up and prepay for these classes online at: www.salemcommunitybetterment.com

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse for their regular meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated grading was going to be done on Dent County Roads 5015, 5080, 5410, 5420 and 6490 while chip and seal repairs were going to be made on county road 4110 and the chip and seal portion of county road 5015. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 2135, 2350 and 2540 while brush would be cut on county road 3220. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended the SACBA Board meeting Monday and they reported the Farmer’s Market held Saturday mornings from 7:30 until noon has been doing well. Commissioners Larson and Skiles attended the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District full council meeting where they were updated on the progress of the various grants awarded. Brady Wilson from Rolla Recycling was re-elected as Chairman while Skiles was re-elected as the Vice-Chairman. The board approved the issuance of a quit-claim deed from the county on railroad right-of-way property prepared by Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley, and also approved Skiles signing the Chief Local Elected Official Caucus Agreement for the Central Regional Investment Workforce Board. Skiles will attend that meeting next Wednesday in Jefferson City. The commission has scheduled a special meeting for Wednesday, June 29th at 10:00 to meet with Engineer Corky Stack and to open, review and discuss bids for renovation work to be done to the Dent County Courthouse. Later in the meeting, Todd Workman, Maintenance Director at the Salem Memorial District Hospital, approached the commission with a request for additional ARPA funds for the new transformer the hospital needs to replace the old one. Workman said the hospital would need about an additional $75,000 to complete the project. After some deliberation, the commissioners approved up to an additional $75,000 in ARPA Funds provided the hospital follows the proper procedures established by the MRPC to secure the funds. Members of the Salem Senior Center Board made an appearance to inquire about applying for ARPA funds. The Commissioners instructed them to contact Kelly Sink at MRPC to get an application and find out what information is required to qualify. Since the commissioners received no bids for chip and seal Thursday, they have elected to seek bids once again, this time the bids will be due in by 10:00 on Thursday July 7th. The courthouse will be closed on Monday for “Juneteenth” so the next commission meeting will be held Thursday, June 23rd at 9:00 in the morning.

A one vehicle accident happened Wednesday night around 10:45 in Maries County on Highway 63. The report released by the highway patrol states that a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt being driven north by 27-year-old Jordan Sansoucie of Rolla, attempted to avoid another vehicle. The Cobalt ran off the right side of the road, striking a mailbox and a culvert. Sansoucie was taken by Maries Osage Ambulance to Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City for treatment of moderate injuries. He was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Cobalt sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Plaza Towing.

A three-vehicle accident happened Wednesday morning just after 11:30 in Phelps County on westbound Interstate 44 at the 195 mile-marker in St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a 2010 Buick Lucerne being driven west by 79-year-old Harry Coplin of Rolla, struck the rear of a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado being driven by 64-year-old John Stevenson of St. Charles. The collision caused the Silverado to strike the rear of a 2017 Ford Fiesta being driven by 25-year-old Lindsey Pennington of Rolla. Coplin was taken by St. James Ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. The report stated that all three drivers were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. The Buick was totaled and removed from the scene by C & C Towing. The Silverado sustained extensive damage and was removed by Spurgeon’s Towing. The Ford sustained moderate damage but was able to be driven from the scene.

What better way to spend some quality time with your kids than a father/child paint party? Bring your kids and come create together all while making lasting memories. Danielle Norris will lead you step-by-step through your painting, then you and your kids can go home and display your artwork. The party is this evening at 6:00. The cost is $20 for adults and $5 for each child. All supplies will be provided. The Creative Arts Center has 2 easy ways to sign up for events! First call or text 247-0651. You can also pay ahead with Square at 247-5306.All square transactions will be charged a $1.50 transaction fee. Or you may also visit our website to sign up and prepay for classes online at: www.salemcommunitybetterment.com

Missouri’s state parks and historic sites offer beautiful vistas, opportunities for outdoor adventures and peaceful spots for reflection. As you spend time at Missouri state parks, take along your camera and submit your favorite photos in the Missouri DNR Photo Contest. The annual contest is open now through October 1st and includes three categories. The natural resources category includes photographs of Missouri’s air, landscapes, and waterways. The category of unique places includes photographs taken within one of Missouri’s state parks or historic sites. The third and final category includes people enjoying and exploring Missouri’s outdoors. Winning photos will be shared on the Missouri Department of Natural Resources website, on social media and showcased at the following year’s Missouri State Fair. For contest rules and to enter your photos, visit dnr.mo.gov/photo-contest. You can also email questions about the photo contest to socialmedia@dnr.mo.gov. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

An accident happened Tuesday afternoon at 3:45 on Highway 63 about three miles north of Cabool that took the life of a Rolla man. According to the highway patrol report, a 1995 Dodge 3500 Flatbed Pickup driven northbound by 74-year-old Rickie Walker of Rolla, crossed the centerline of the roadway and went off the left side of the road. The pickup then collided with a small drainage ditch and a fence before the overturning. Walker was pronounced dead at the scene by the Texas County Coroner Marie Lasater. His body was taken to the Elliott-Gentry-Carder Funeral Home in Cabool. The pickup had moderate damage and was removed from the scene BY Jay’s Automotive of Houston. Walker was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by the Cabool Fire Department.

The City of Salem Finance Committee and Capital Improvements Committee met jointly Tuesday evening at the Council Chambers. Capital Improvements Chairman, Shawn Bolerjack, updated the committee on budget requests from the City Department Supervisors. In the Street Department Fund, the projected revenue for next year is $151,000 and requested projects totaled $172,500 after staff had already removed a snowplow for $140,000 and a bush hog for $15,000. Budget requests include $80,000 for street maintenance, $12,500 for crack seal repair, $75,000 for boom mower replacement and $5,000 for a 200-gallon sprayer. This leaves a deficit of $59,000 that will be made up by cutting down on the street maintenance since only $2,000 has been spent this fiscal year. In the Park and Recreation Department Fund, expected revenues are $515,750 with requested projects of $5,000 for park improvements after removing $20,000 for parking lot repairs at the pool. In the Capital Improvements Sales Tax Fund, revenues are expected to be $1,217,400 and the requested projects total $235,000. The projects include sidewalk construction at $25,000, adding a pipe for $5,000, a mower for $13,500, City Hall Auditorium work for $5,000, Police Vehicles for $65,000, Industrial Park/downtown signage for $50,000, an airport gas pump for $40,000 and a welder for $7,000. This is after staff cut $111,000 from the original request. Committee members then heard from representatives that have collaborative agreements with the city. Eric Meusch with the Dent County Extension requested the continuation of $5,800 support that helps fund the 4-H position; Tabatha Utley with the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce requested the continuation of $10,000 that support tourism projects; and Sherry Lea, the Executive Director of Healthy Dent County requested the continuation of $10,000 for the Salem Community Center @ the Armory and Healthy Dent County. Finance Director Stacey Houston reviewed the city’s current financial update. The city began the fiscal year 2021-2022 with a cash balance of $5,120,797 and expects to end the year with $4,657,118. Projected revenues for fiscal year 2022-2023 are $12,320,553 with expenses at $14,300,000 leaving a deficit of $1.9 million. The proposed budget shows no raises for employees and 42% of the budget is for the police department. The committee discussed ways to make up the $1.9 million deficit including raising electric rates and proposing an online sales tax be placed on the ballot that would fund public safety. The proposed electric rate increase is estimated to bring in an additional $1.4 million if approved by the Board of Aldermen. The next Utility Committee meeting will be Tuesday, June 21st at 6:00 pm and the next Finance Committee meeting will be Wednesday, June 22nd at 6:00 pm, both meetings will be held at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory.

The Bonebrake Center’s 2022 Mudbugs will be held this afternoon from 4:00 until 5:00 and is targeted at 6 to 12-year boys and girls, but all ages are welcome. These activities will be held outside, and kids should be prepared to get dirty. Activities should last about an hour, and they ask that a parent or guardian accompany your children. The cost of the Mudbug event is $1 per child. For more information, call Janet Price at (573) 269-1026 or e-mail bonebrakecenter@embarqmail.com.

The Creative Arts Center will host a cupcake decorating class this evening starting at 6:00. Come have fun and celebrating the flavors and looks of summer! Take home a dozen cupcakes to enjoy with your family over Father’s Day weekend! No piping skills or previous cake decorating skills needed, just come and have fun and learn some quick steps to decorate some fun cupcakes! The cupcake decorating class with Shannon Phelps will be held at 6:00 this evening and the cost is $25 which includes all supplies. The Creative Arts Center has two easy ways to sign up for events! First, you can call or text 573-247-0651. You can also pay ahead with Square at 573-247-5306.All square transactions will be charged a $1.50 transaction fee. You may also visit their website to sign up and prepay for classes online at: www.salemcommunitybetterment.com.

The first Arcadia Valley Community Picnic will be held this Saturday from 10:00 to 4:00. This event, a partnership between the Arcadia Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site, is a way for the community to kick off the summer with games, food and kids’ activities, as well as a horseshoe and bean bag toss tournament for both the adults and kids. The local art guild also will be on hand to host the Arcadia Valley chalk art competition. This year’s theme, “Fairy Tales,” will have visitors enjoying several fun fantasy activities, including arts and crafts, dressing up for pictures and a play. All proceeds will go toward supporting the annual Chamber of Commerce fireworks display, which is held on the historic site grounds every July 4th. For more information, contact the site’s museum at 573-546-3454 and speak with Brick or Bryan. The Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site is located at 118 E. Maple in Pilot Knob.

On Friday, June 10th, Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley reported that a sentencing hearing was held for Cheri Sturdivant of Salem. She had pled guilty to the distribution of meth and was sentenced to ten years in the department of corrections. Sturdivant was a prior and persistent offender. Then on Tuesday, June 14th in Dent County in front of Judge Megan Seay, Lisa McGraw of Salem had her probation revoked and she was sentenced to 10 years in the Department of Corrections.

Take Dad to the river for Father’s Day weekend and participate in the 15th annual Upper Current River clean-up and Kayak give-away. The event is scheduled for this Saturday, June 18th. Registration will take place at Cedar Grove, Akers Upper Landing, or the Pulltite river access points between 8:00 and 10:00 on the morning. You will also pick up your mesh trash bags at these points. Locations for clean-up include Montauk State Park to Baptist Access, Baptist Access to Cedar Grove, Cedar Grove to Akers, Akers to Pulltite, and Pulltite to Round Spring. You may also clean-up a put in or take out area such as Tan Vat, Baptist, Parker Ford, Cedar Grove, Flying W, Welch Spring, Akers, Pulltite, Sinking Creek or Round Spring. No BBQ will be held because they do not want participants to congregate due to Covid-19. The drawing for the Kayak will come from all registration forms. The drawing will take place at noon and the winner will receive a text or call on June 18th to arrange pick up of the kayak that day. The Scenic Rivers Stream Team Association needs to know the total amount of trash that is picked up so they ask that when you get home to e-mail photos and let them know how much trash you collected. There will be a prize for the most trash collected, and the most unusual item found. You can email this information to jack_Maryficker@hotmail.com. A group site at Round Spring is reserved for participants to use without charge

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Tuesday evening in the City Hall Council Chambers. After approval of the consent agenda, the board discussed Bill #3507 which would have created an ordinance setting new electric rates for residential and commercial customers that would have included a $10 Service Availability Fee and a 27% rate increase. Alderman Kyle Williams, who is the Utility Committee Chairman, said the increase would be a heavy burden for many people as times are hard now with rising prices. Alderman Shawn Bolerjack said he did some calculations after the utility committee meeting and for a person with a 600-kwh bill, the rate increase with the $10 Service Availability Fee would have been over $27 which in essence would have been a 42.7% increase. He feels there may need to be a higher service availability fee for commercial accounts rather than for residences. Williams said since the finance committee has not yet approved the final budget, he said he would like to see what other options might be available to reduce the burden on the people including looking into some budget cuts the city may be able to take. Alderman Tod Kinerk said he would let the automatic rate increase happen on July 15th as people are already expecting it and eliminate the numerous discounts offered to specific groups. He said he personally would not support any Service Availability Fee. Alderwoman Kala Sisco agreed with Alderman Bolerjack and Williams in exploring other options to reduce the deficit. The board voted down the bill unanimously. The board heard a request to seek a 50/50 grant from Employers Mutual to get a new dog box for the animal control officer that will accommodate larger and more aggressive dogs safely. The current dog box is no longer functionally safe. The cost of the dog box is $8,000 and the city would be responsible for $4,000. The board approved the request. The board accepted the appointment of Leigh Ann Price to the Salem Public Library Board to replace Ruth Ann Parker who resigned. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Missouri Department of Transportation’s draft plan for the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program from 2023-2027 is available for your review and comments at MoDOT.org. A number of projects are in the program for Dent County that includes a bridge rehabilitation on Highway 119 over Pigeon Creek in the 2023 year, and the bridge replacement on Highway 19 over Gladden Creek is also scheduled for 2023. In the year 2027, a bridge improvement over Spring Creek on Highway 19 is expected while in 2026, MoDOT has scheduled a bridge improvement over Dry Creek on Route B. Other expected projects in Dent County for the fiscal year 2025 will be pavement improvements to Route K from Highway 19 to Route KK, and on Route J from Highway 72 to 32. Near Dent County in
Crawford County in 2025 will be pavement improvements to Highway 49 from Highway 19 all the way to Highway 32. You can comment on the plan by clicking on the “View Draft STIP” button the STIP plan this Friday by going to MoDOT.org near the middle of the page. Once in that window, you can click on the link to make comments.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to remind the public that driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed on Monday, June 20th in observance of Juneteenth. Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, June 21st. For more news, follow the Missouri State Highway Patrol on Twitter.

An accident happened in Phelps County Sunday night just after 10:00 that took the life of a 16-year-old boy from St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a 2002 Chevy S-10 was being driven by a 16-year boy from St. James northbound when a 16-year-old passenger fell out of the truck bed. The passenger, who was another 16-year-old boy, was pronounced dead at Phelps Health by Dr. Lawrence Hutchinson at 11:27 Sunday evening. The Missouri State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by Phelps County Sheriff’s Department and the St. James Ambulance District. The body of the 16-year-old boy was released to the Phelps County Coroner.

An accident happened Saturday afternoon just after 4:00 on Highway 63 about a mile north of Excello that left two people from Rolla with moderate injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 2106 Dodge 2500 Truck driven northbound by 50-year-old Patrick Johnston of Rolla, struck a slow moving RG31 Military Vehicle from behind that was being driven by 29-year-old Brandon John of Independence. Johnston and an 11-year-old juvenile each suffered moderate injuries. The boy was taken by the Adair County Ambulance to the University Hospital in Columbia while Patrick Johnston was transported by MU 4 to the University Hospital in Columbia. The Missouri State Highway Patrol was assisted by the Macon County Sheriff’s Department, the Macon County Ambulance, the Macon County Rescue Squad, the Macon County First Responders, and the Missouri National Guard. The Dodge was totaled in the accident and removed from the scene by Still’s Towing while the military vehicle was driven from the scene.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse for their regular meeting. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson was not present due to previous commitments, so road supervisor Travis Turner sat in at the meeting to give the road report. District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated grading would be done on Dent County roads 5015,6240 and 6670 while brush would be cut on county road 6600. He said a man went to Springfield to get oil to do chip and seal repair. Supervisor Turner said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 2110, 2115 and 3180 while brush will be cut on county roads 2270 and 2303. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported he attended the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting last Thursday at the MRPC and the new Statewide Transportation Improvement Program for the next five years has been released. The proposed program is available for public review and comment which will end this Friday, June 17th. Skiles said this supposedly is the largest STIP program ever. He also said use of funds under the BRO (the off system local bridge replacement program), can now apply to low water crossings. Skiles said MoDOT scheduled start for the resurfacing of Highway 72 from Salem to Rolla is to begin on Monday, June 20th. This will depend on the availability of materials for the job. Skiles said at the Public Housing Authority meeting Thursday, he was elected the new Vice-Chairman; while at the External Relations committee meeting, the date was set for the annual awards meeting which will be held on October 13th at the Vienna Knights of Columbus. Skiles said he would be attending the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District full council meeting today. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley wanted to remind everyone the courthouse will be closed on June 20th for the state holiday of “Juneteenth” and that June 21st will be the first day to vote absentee for the August Primary. Remember you must declare a party to vote for and bring your voter registration or photo ID with you. The last date to register to vote in the Primary will be July 6th. She also said she attended the South Central Regional Clerks meeting on Friday in West Plains. At the last meeting, the commission set the Board of Equalization meeting for July 18th at 1:00 at the commissioner’s office. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Board of Alderman will meet this evening at 6:00 in the City Hall Council Chambers at 202 North Washington Street. The board will read and discuss Bill #3507 which would create an ordinance establishing rates for electric services provided by the City of Salem. In new business the police department will request an approval for a safety grant for a new dog box for animal control. Next, the board will discuss the Library Board’s recommendation to add Leigh Ann Price to the Salem Public Library Board due to the resignation of Ruth Ann Parker. The meeting will then be adjourned.

The City of Salem’s Finance and Capital Improvement Committees will hold a joint meeting at the Council Chambers this evening at 6:30. They will hear an update on audit for fiscal year ending June 2021. Then get an update on the 2021-2022 fiscal year, including capital projects and collaboration agreements. Next go over the 2022-2023 capital project. Finally discuss the 2022-2023 proposed budget. The meeting is open to the public.

Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park has been nominated as one of the “Best State Parks for RVing/Camping” in the nation in USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice Awards. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is home to many natural landscapes like woodlands, glades and rivers. The park has 17 different natural terrestrial communities and supports more than 850 plant species; in fact, it’s home to 40% of the plant species of Missouri. The park supports two outstanding areas designated as Missouri wild areas because of their wilderness qualities. It’s no wonder that the park’s campgrounds have been nominated each year as one of USA Today’s 10Best. You can vote daily until 11:00 in the morning on June 20th to make Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park the #1 Best State Park for RVing/Camping. To vote for Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, go to www.10best.com/awards and click on the button for Best State Parks for RVing/Camping.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday night at 6:00. The financial report showed an ending balance of 181,254.82 as of May 31st. After the calendar review, the monthly reimbursement report was presented to the board with a total of 20 calls for the month of May bringing the total calls for the year to 134. Of those 20 calls, two were for building fires, two were for and alarm system activation, and two were classified as a special type of incident. One call involved a cooking fire, one trash or rubbish, one outside storage fire, one medical assist call, one vehicle accident, one missing person search, one removal of a person from a stalled elevator, one refrigeration leak, one electrical equipment or wiring problem, one false alarm, and one dispatch that was cancelled in route. In old business, it was noted that a records retention policy was needed for the department and Chief Brad Nash asked the board what they wanted to see and provided examples. The board asked Nash to put something together for the next meeting. In new business, bids were opened and presented for three sets of turnout gear from Sentinel Emergency Solutions for a total of 9,779.00. After some discussion, a motion was made and carried to proceed with the purchase as presented. Bids were also opened for eight SCBA bottles and three Sure seal Kevlar head nets from Feld Fire for 13,236.42. After some board discussion, it was decided to go with 10 bottles versus the eight as presented with the bid. Bids were opened and presented for sidewalk and dispatch window repair. A bid from Willamson American Construction of 3,650.00 for sidewalk repair and 4,500.00 for the replacement and repair of windows in dispatch was received. They required 50% due on delivery of materials and 50% due 30 days after completion. The board approved the bid. Chief Brad Nash presented his plan to the board on the updated version of the chain of command for officers and firefighters. His plan added three Captain positions and placed the Lieutenants over a group of four firefighters. These would be broken up into specific jobs such as safety, training, maintenance, and equipment. The board agreed to the change. Nash also presented the new job descriptions for all officers, firefighters, and dispatch that described the duties and jobs of district personnel providing a roadmap for promotion. The board approved adding the job descriptions in the Policy and Procedures Manual to replace the current descriptions. Before adjourning, the date for the July meeting was set for Tuesday, July 5th at the fire station.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released several reports. On Tuesday, June 7th, deputies responded to County Road 4240 for a report of an assault. As a result, a 39-year-old man was named as a suspect and the investigation into the incident is continuing. That same day, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on East Butler Street. As a result of the stop, a 64-year-old Salem man was found to have revoked driving privileges. Also, at the time of the stop, the man was found to be in possession of a firearm and was later found to be a convicted felon. He was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, photographed, and released after receiving a citation for a first offense of driving while having his license suspended. A probable cause statement was also submitted to the Dent County Prosecutor’s Office for the unlawful possession of a firearm. Still on June 7th, a deputy responded to the 1800 block of South Oak Street for a reported wanted subject. A 33-year-old Salem woman was arrested on an active Dent County warrant and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. On Thursday June 9th, a deputy made contact with a 39-year-old Salem man after an investigative stop on East Butler Street. As a result, the suspect was found to be in possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Later that same day, a 47-year-old Salem woman reported that an unknown suspect fraudulently used her credit card without her permission. The investigation into this incident is still ongoing. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241 if you have any information regarding an investigation.

Hospitalman Lucas Green, a native of Licking, serves the U.S. Navy at the U.S. Navy Medical Readiness and Training Command operating out of Sigonella, Italy. Green joined the Navy one and a half years ago. Growing up in Licking, Green attended Licking High School and graduated in 2021. Today, Green uses the same skills and values learned in Licking to succeed in the military. Naval Air Station Sigonella is located in eastern Sicily. With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy. As Green and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy. Congratulations Lucas and thank you for you service!

An accident occurred Saturday evening around 8:27 in Texas County on Highway 32 about five miles west of Licking. According to the highway patrol report a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu driven by 26-year-old Joseph Kaplan of Licking, was travelling eastbound when he failed to negotiate a curve. The Chevrolet ran off the right side of the roadway, returned to the road and then ran off the left side of the roadway, struck several trees, and overturned. Kaplan suffered serious injuries and was transported by air ambulance to Cox South Springfield. The report states that he was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevrolet was totaled and removed from the scene by Jay’s Automotive.

A one vehicle accident happened Thursday night at 10:30 on Maries County Road 8400 about eight miles north of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2018 Ford F-150 being driven by 62-year-old Kenneth Clements of Rolla, was eastbound when he traveled off the left side of the road, continued through a field and struck a small structure. Clements, who was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident, suffered minor injuries but refused treatment at the scene. The Ford was removed from the scene by C & C Towing with extensive damage.