Local News

An accident happened Wednesday night at 9:19 on Highway 72 about a half mile east of Rolla that took the life of a Salem man. According to the highway patrol report. 30-year-old Bradley Gilmore of Salem was driving a 2003 Chevy Cavalier westbound when he crossed the center of the roadway and struck a 2019 Western Star head-on driven by 52-year-old Roger Ferguson of Salem. Gilmore was pronounced dead at the scene by Dr. L. Hutchinson at 9:46 Wednesday night and his body was taken to Rolla Cremation. The Cavalier was totaled in the accident while the Western Star sustained moderate damages. Both vehicles were removed from the scene by Big Boys Towing in Rolla. Gilmore was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams presented the sales taxes received by the county this month. For the General Revenue Fund and Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund, the county received $96,920.38 which is $3,337.27 more than 2021 when the county received $93,583.11. For the year, the county is up $291,553.42 over last year. For the Road and Bridge Department Fund, the county received $45,787.72 this month compared to $44,720.69 received in June of 2021. For the year, the Road and Bridge Department Fund is up $143,957.88. In the two jail funds, the county received $91,542.20 in each fund and that is $2,100.29 more than the 2021 figure of $89,441.91. Each of those funds is up $286,684.40 from last year. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated crews were out cleaning up after the storm Wednesday morning where eight trees were blown down. Mobray said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County roads 6630 and 6670 while only grading would be done on county road 6210. He said patch grading was going to be done on county roads 4220 and 5150 while brush would be cut on county road 6660. Travis Turner gave the report for District 2 as Commissioner Larson was not in attendance due to a previous commitment. He said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 2090, 3170 and 6140 while only grading would be done on county roads 2013, 2100, 2403, 3173 and 3180. Turner said brush would be cut on county roads 2300 and 2303. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles attended the MRPC’s Transportation Advisory Committee, Public Housing Authority meeting, the MRPC Public Relations meeting and the MRPC regular board meeting. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she balanced with the Collector and Assessor on all collections, abatements, and add-ons. She said all county liquor licenses are due by June 30th and the last day to register to vote for the August Primary will be July 6th at the Collector’s office. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Community Choir will be performing this Sunday afternoon at 2:00 on the court-house lawn. Lemonade and cookies will be served by the Cosmopolitan Club of Salem. There is no cost to attend! Their next performance will be on June 26th at the courthouse lawn at 2:00.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is offering Missouri landowners another way to help manage deer numbers on their properties. MDC’s Deer Management Assistance Program, known as DMAP, can help landowners manage deer on their properties by allowing them and hunters they designate to buy additional firearms permits to take antlerless deer on the properties above and beyond regular season harvest limits. Each permit authorizes the take of one antlerless deer and costs the same as a Firearms Antlerless Permit. Permits may be used during any portion of the firearms deer season with methods allowed during that portion. Permits may only be used on the enrolled DMAP property for which they were issued. According to MDC, the number of deer in a local area varies widely throughout Missouri due to various types and quality of habitat, land-use practices, hunting regulations and harvest levels, and other factors. Any private property of at least 500 acres located outside of municipal boundaries, regardless of the owner’s legal residence, is eligible for the program. For properties inside the boundaries of a city or town, at least 40 acres are required. Individual parcels of land, regardless of ownership, may be combined to satisfy the acreage requirements as long as no parcel of land is more than a half-mile by air from the boundary of another parcel being combined to form an enrolled DMAP property. MDC piloted the program in 2019 on a limited county and regional level. MDC expanded DMAP to additional counties and regions in 2020 and 2021, and now offers it statewide. According to MDC, more than 86,000 acres were enrolled in 2021 and included 89 landowners or landowner cooperatives. Annual DMAP enrollment is available now through October 1st. To learn more about DMAP, including enrollment, visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/dmap, or contact your local MDC private land conservationist or conservation agent.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held a special meeting Tuesday evening at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. At the meeting, the board approved Resolution #19-2022 that added June 19th or “Juneteenth” to its list of state holidays where city employees will receive paid time-off. Mayor Greg Parker recommended the addition of Angie Hammons to the Salem Public Library Board to replace Joe Brand who resigned from the board, and also to add Thomas Relford to the Capital Improvement Committee. The board approved his recommendations. The board also approved the closing of South Water from the intersection of Franklin and Water Streets and the end of the Grace Community Church parking lot from 2:00 until 6:30 for the church’s Kids Crusade this Friday, June 10th. The board went on to approve a partial payment of $40,170.75 to Godi Excavating for clearing and erosion work on the Certified Site in the Masters’ Industrial Park. That amount came to 60% of the contracted cost of $70,475. The special meeting was followed by the Utility Committee meeting to discuss electric rates. The committee was provided updated information from Finance Director Stacey Houston on the electric fund, water fund, and sewer fund. The numbers showed the projected balance of the electric fund at the end of the 2021-2022 year at a negative $15,768 with a projected negative balance at the end of the next fiscal year of $1,381,229. The water and sewer fund also showed negative balances at the end of the next fiscal year calling for the committee to adjust rates. Utility Committee Chairman Kyle Williams discussed a Service Availability Fee to cover the deficit, a straight rate increase, or a combination of a fee and rate increase. Not only was the negative fund balance a concern for the utility committee, but the lack of reserves for the electric department. It was determined the city was charging $0.106 per kwh after the last rate increase as the wholesale price they were paying was 6.8 cents per kwh. But after the calculation was made for the last full year, the city was paying $0.1037 per kwh for electric expenses. The committee came down to three options which they voted on: a Service Availability Fee of $43 for everyone every month, a 27% rate increase by itself to cover the deficit, or a hybrid of a $10 Service Availability Fee with a sunset after one year to add money to the electric reserves and a 27% rate increase to cover the deficit. The committee unanimously agreed to recommend the hybrid of a Service Availability Fee and rate increase to the Board of Aldermen at the next meeting. The meeting was then adjourned.

A one vehicle accident happened early Wednesday morning just after 5:30 in Phelps County on Highway 68 about 8 miles south of St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a 2018 Mazda CX5 being driven south by 25-year-old Kathy Piatt of Salem, struck a tree that had fallen onto the roadway. Piatt was taken by a private vehicle to the Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The Mazda sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing.

An accident happened Tuesday afternoon just after 12:30 in Pulaski County on westbound Interstate 44 near the 167.5 mile-marker. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2022 Mazda CX5 being driven by 34-year-old Hillary Sullivan of High Ridge was struck from behind by a 2014 Ford Escape being driven by 46-year-old David Bridges of Rolla. Bridges suffered serious injuries. The driver of the Mazda, along with two passengers, 68-year-old Cynthia Asher of Crestwood and a 12-year-old girl, all suffered minor injuries. All of the injured parties were transported by ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla. The report went on to state that all involved were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by T and C Towing.

The Missouri Department of Conservation invites the public to get hooked on fishing through its Free Fishing Days this Saturday and Sunday. During Free Fishing Days, anyone may fish in the Show-Me State without having to buy a fishing permit, trout permit, or trout park daily tag. Free Fishing Days is an annual MDC 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. MDC reminds anglers in Missouri that fishing permits are required before and after June 11th and 12th, unless an angler is exempt by age or other factors. All other fishing regulations are also in effect.

Montauk State Park will be hosting a free Fly-Fishing Clinic this Saturday afternoon at 1:00. The clinic will be held in the field adjacent to the Dorman L. Steelman Lodge. The clinic is open to all ages and skill levels. Experienced anglers will demonstrate fly fishing and casting techniques. Participants will be able to practice in the open field. Trout park fishing strategies and successful trout fishing tactics will be discussed. No registration is required. For more information contact the park at 573-548-2201.

An accident happened in Franklin County on Highway 47 near Route K Monday afternoon at 3:46. According to the highway patrol report, a 2019 Chevy Spartan Cargo Van driven northbound by 50-year-old John Brame, Jr. of Steelville, failed to yield to a 2016 Freightliner driven westbound by 73-year-old Stephen Seipp of Collinsville, Illinois, as they entered the intersection. The highway patrol report indicates the Freightliner swerved to avoid the cargo van and went into the ditch striking an embankment where the Freightliner’s cargo tank overturned. The cargo van traveled off the left side of the roadway into the ditch and struck an embankment. Suffering serious injuries was John Brame, Jr and he was taken by the St. Clair Ambulance District to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. Everyone involved was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Freightliner was totaled while the cargo van sustained extensive damage. They were both removed from the scene by Hoffman’s Towing.

An accident happened on Highway 17 in Summersville Monday afternoon at 5:20. According to the highway patrol report, a 2000 GMC Sierra driven westbound by a 17-year-old juvenile of Eminence, failed to yield and pulled into the path of a 2002 Jeep Wrangler driven southbound by 40-year-old Samuel Jordan of Salem, where the Wrangler struck the Sierra. A nine-year-old juvenile of Salem suffered serious injuries while a 10-year-old minor from Salem suffered minor injuries. Both were taken to the St. Francis Hospital in Mountain View by the Summersville Police Department. Everyone except the driver of the GMC Sierra was wearing their seat restraint at the time of the accident. The GMC Sierra was removed from the scene by Baker’s Towing of Birch Tree while the Wrangler was left roadside with moderate damages.

An accident happened in Texas County on Highway 63 about four miles north of Houston Sunday afternoon around 5:00. According to the highway patrol report, a 2012 Ford Fusion driven by 26-year-old Jessica York of Summersville, crossed over the centerline and struck a 2019 Ford Edge driven northbound by 55-year-old Steven McGuire of Licking. The collision caused both vehicles to overturn. McGuire suffered serious injuries and was taken by a private vehicle to the Texas County Memorial Hospital. Both drivers were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Jay’s Automotive.

You are invited on Friday to the Creative Arts Center for a Locker Hook Class with Jan Rensch of Licking, from 5:00 until 7:00. Locker hooking requires a special hook that has a crochet type hook on one end and an eye on the other. During the process of locker hooking yarn is pulled through the loops made by pulling strips of fabric through a canvas, which “locks” the fabric in place. Locker hook can be used to make trivets (hot pads), placemats, runners, coasters, pillows, and wall hangings to name a few of the endless possibilities. To register for the class, call 573-247-0651. The cost for the class is $30 and that includes all supplies.

In closed session on Thursday, June 2nd, the Salem R-80 Board of Education hired Middle School Special Education instructor Janeal Tominitz, Middle School Education teacher Janet Creek, High School Special Education instructor Lisa Mast, STUCO Sponsor Brook Rogers, and Junior Class Sponsor Sarah Sanders. The board approved reimbursing Gannon Craig for the cost of being released from his existing contract, and to pay Hazel Krewson a $2,500 stipend to combine the ISS and credit recovery. In sports, the board agreed to hire Jordan McLaurin for High School Golf, and Kolson Seay as an Assistant Football Coach and Assistant Track Coach. The board went on to employ Sarah Russell to a one-year contract as the Middle School Principal for the 2022-2023 school year. The board then exited out of closed session before adjourning the meeting.

Team members at Echo Bluff State Park invite women to participate in a Dutch oven cooking class from 6:00 until 8:00 this Thursday evening. This class is part of the “Women Outdoors” series of classes for women taught by women being held at Echo Bluff State Park and Current River State Park from April to September. In this class participants will learn how to cook “wild” and store-bought dishes, including a vegetarian dish. All equipment will be provided. Participants must be 16 years old to attend. Registration is required. For information on these series of classes or to register, contact Connie at 573-751-1224 or connie.weber@dnr.mo.gov.

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt announced that the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District, affirmed the convictions of Eric A. Hines on Thursday, May 26th, in connection with sexual acts that involved a child under 12-years-old in 2017 and 2018. On an appeal from the Circuit Court of Dent County, the Southern District denied his assertion that the trial court erred in overruling Hines’ motion to suppress statements and in overruling Hine’s motion to dismiss in violation of his right to a speedy trial. Hines was convicted of one count of statutory sodomy in the first degree for acts that involved a child under 12-years-old. The jury sentenced Hines to 75 years in prison, and the appeals court affirmed the district court’s ruling.

An accident occurred Sunday afternoon around 1:51 in Dent County on Route K about one mile south of Route E. According to the highway patrol report, a 2010 Dodge Durango driven by 34-year-old Wadonda Todd of Salem, was leaving a driveway and pulled into the path of a 1997 Ford F-150 driven by 33-year-old Randy Camden of Salem. Todd suffered moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. The Ford was totaled and towed by private party to a residence. The Dodge was also totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. The report goes on to state that Todd was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The highway patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Department.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday at the courthouse for their regular meeting. Commissioner Gary Larson was not in attendance due to a previous commitment. At the meeting, Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge gave her monthly report and stated there were three new leads for economic prospects whose specs could be met by available buildings in Dent County. She said to date there are 442 city and county business licenses, and that she purged from the website business directory those businesses that had not renewed their license. She said applications for the “Welcome Home” program are still being accepted and they are specifically needing veteran families to apply to fill some vacancies in future rounds. The certified site needs to be graded and seeded and she is still waiting on the ASTM Standard soils report from April. Burbridge reported the Dent County unemployment rate went from 4.1% in March to 2.8% in April. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated workers would be servicing grader #24 and 38, patching chip and seal roads with the Ultimate Paving Material, and also working on the New Holland tractor getting it ready to sell. For District 2, Road Supervisor Travis Turner reported materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 3180, if weather allows; and grading would be done on county road 2070. Turner said materials would also be added to county roads 2403 and 3200 while brush would be cut on county road 4280. He said a crew was working on the hydraulic lift cylinder on the roller and two guys went to Springfield to get the Mack truck that had to have a software update. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to salute and thank those who made the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo and a “Taste of Dent County” a success this past Saturday in Salem. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the last day to register to vote for the August 2nd Primary will be July 6th. She said she would also be attending a South Central County Clerk’s meeting in West Plains Friday to get update on new things coming up. Amber Pryor representing parents of the Salem High School Chamber Singers asked the commission for permission to sell snow cones on the courthouse lawn during the 4th of July Parade to raise funds for the singers to go to Nationals in Orlando next year. The commission approved the request. The commissioners received three bids for a UTV for the Dent County Sheriff’s Department. Two bids came from Stahlman Powersports from Rolla. One for a 2022 Polaris Ranger Crew 1000 for $34,414.16 and another bid for a 2022 Kawasaki Pro FXT for $34,323.01. They also received one bid from Cowtown USA for a 2022 Can-Am Defender HD9 Max DPS Camo for $32,542.00 with a five-year warranty. Sheriff Bob Wells recommended the Can-Am and the UTV will be paid for out of ARPA funds. At the last meeting, Sheriff Bob Wells discussed a heat pump for the 9-1-1 office and $4,200 will be paid four out of the building and grounds fund for the pump. The next meeting will be held on Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

A special meeting of the Board of Aldermen of the City of Salem will be this evening at 6:00 at The Salem Community Center @ The Armory. The board will consider Resolution No. 19-2022 which would revise and amend the City’s Personnel Manual to recognize and include Juneteenth to the list of paid holidays for City Employees. The board will discuss the appointment of Ms. Angie Hammons to the Salem Public Library Board to replace Joe Brand who resigned from the board. They will also discuss the request from the Grace Community Church to block Water Street from the south end of our parking lot at 600 South Water to the corner of Water and Franklin for the purpose of holding a Kids Crusade on June 10th from 2:00 to 6:30. The board will then review bills over $3,000 which includes one from Godi’s Excavating for Salem lot clearing and erosion control. After the council meeting, the Utility Committee will hold a meeting at 6:30. They will discuss the electric service availability fee and kWh rate recommendations for Aldermen. Next, they will go over water and sewer rates. The meetings are open to the public.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held a special meeting Thursday evening at the District Administrative Offices. Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed discussed preliminary numbers in getting the budget prepared including the cost of current staff if the board opts into the legislature’s proposal to increase the minimum wage for teachers to $38,000. Reed reported the estimated cost would be $193,550 and the state would pick up $135,485 of that and R-80 would pay $58,065. Salem would also have to pay $28,065 more in retirement benefits and $2,800 in Medicare. She also discussed what it would cost if the board approved an increase for classified staff of 1.75 percent which would be $28,766, and if the increase were 3.0 percent, the cost would increase to $51,531. Reed went on to say if the board wanted to give teachers that already made $38,000 on the salary schedule an extra payment of $500, it would cost the district $42,477; and if the board authorized an additional $1,000, the cost would jump to $84,954. The board was concerned as to what happens if the program is not funded after one year and how or if the district would be able to sustain those salaries. The board also agreed that no changes would be made to the current salary schedule, and they were leaning toward making a 13th payment at the end of the year to cover the increase in salary if the Governor signs the bill. Superintendent Reed said the transportation department will receive $93,375 for fiscal year 2022 and will be fully funded at $227,014 for fiscal year 2023. She went on to discuss the moving of $813,535 in WADA funds and the recoding of Classroom Trust Fund proceeds that would come to $528,972. By doing that, the balance at the end of the 2022-2023 fiscal year in Fund 4 which is used for capital projects and building is expected to be $2,158,000. After the discussion, the board approved a step increase for all employees for the 2022-2023 fiscal year but took no action on the state grant to pay teachers a minimum salary of $38,000, or on the extra payments for classified staff or certified teachers. Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge was in attendance to answer any questions about the ten-year loan at 3.75% from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks to make up the difference in the shortage of YOP Tax credit funds to get started with the Construction Trades Building project. Board member Phillip Mercer said he got a quote on a Red Iron Building from Roberts-Judson about the same size as the proposed building for about $140,000, but that would be a change from the original plans submitted. The board took no action except to see if there are federal procurement guidelines that need to be followed and to see if the CDBG grant would accept a change to the Construction Trades building plans. After a long discussion, the board agreed to accept the municipal lease with a buy-out option for $1,857,291. The lease is for a ter- secured through Signature Public Funding from m of 15-years at a 3.39% interest rate that is ESP for the Tin Gym and Locker Room renovations. The board also approved a resolution to join MOCAAT which is an investment company dealing with schools and municipalities. They can provide a three-year cash analysis for the school. There is no cost unless the school would use their services. The board accepted the resignations of high school English teacher Alec Conner and Sean Guffey who was in high school special education. The board then went into closed session.

An accident happened Saturday afternoon in Phelps County on County Road 1030 about two miles north of St. James just after 1:30 that resulted in injuries to two teenagers. According to the highway patrol report, a 2011 Polaris RZR 800 being operated by a 16-year-old boy of St. James was travelling north when it began to slide off the road. The Polaris then overturned and ejected a passenger, a 15-year-old girl, also of St. James. The vehicle then came to rest, partially blocking the roadway. The 16-year-old driver suffered moderate injuries and was transported by family to Phelps Health Hospital. The passenger was transported by Phelps Health to Children’s Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries. The report went on to state that neither were wearing safety devices at the time of the accident. The Polaris sustained minor damage and was removed by C & C Towing.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department released several reports. On Sunday, May 29th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Highway 68. During the stop, a 59-year-old Salem woman was found to be intoxicated and in possession of a firearm. The suspect was transported to the Dent County Jail and placed on a 24-hour hold. Later that same day, a deputy responded to Dent County Road 4155 for a reported assault. During the investigation, a 34-year-old person from Salem was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail. The suspect was fingerprinted, photographed, and charged on a criminal citation of Assault in the 4th Degree. Then on Tuesday, May 31st, a deputy responded to South Warfel Street for a reported wanted subject with outstanding warrants. During the investigation, a 27-year-old Salem woman was transported to the Dent County Jail where she was incarcerated on multiple warrants. On Thursday, June 2nd, deputies responded to the Salem Eagle’s Club for a reported theft of money. Upon arrival, suspect information was provided and the investigation is ongoing. If you have any further information regarding any ongoing investigation, call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray indicated materials would be added and grading done on numerous county roads including Dent County Roads 5130, 6220, 6600 and 6620 while only grading would be done on county roads 5140, 6240 and 6610. Mobray went on to say brush would be cut on county roads 4110, 4180 and 4210. He stated the commission would seek bids on their 1996 New Holland 6640 Tractor with the Tiger Brush Cutter. The tractor has new brakes and air conditioner and more. Bids will be accepted in the county clerk’s office until 10:00 the morning of June 23rd for the tractor. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 2210 while only grading would be done on county road 2020. He said rock would be added to county roads 2030 and 3180 and brush was going to be cut on county road 4280. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to congratulate the Salem Running Club and thank all the sponsors and participants of the First Annual Salem 5K/10K and Color Run held this past Saturday morning on making it a tremendous success. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said applications for the Lead-based Paint Hazard Control Program issued through the Meramec Regional Planning Commission are available at the courthouse. The program is to address childhood lead poisoning in all the Meramec Region including Dent, Crawford, Phelps and other counties in south central Missouri. Our goal is to determine if a child is being exposed to lead-based paint hazards in the home. If lead-based paint hazards are present, the MRPC will then determine the best strategy to eliminate the hazards from the property and to make the home lead safe. The Lead-based Paint Hazard Control Program is a grant funded program. Every project is eligible for up to $15,000 in funds. Owner occupant projects are completed at no cost to the resident. Rental property projects require a 15% cash match by the property owner. This includes the process of lead inspection/risk assessment, lead removal, clearance testing and temporary relocation (if needed) while the lead safe work is being performed. For more information, contact Patrick Stites at the MRPC office at 265-2993, ext. 135 or e-mail pstites@meramecregion.org. Curley also said business that have liquor licenses with the county must have them renewed by June 30th in order to legally sell alcohol. She recommends you bring in your renewed state license when coming to her office to renew your county license. Fees vary on the type of service your business offers. Harold Tubbs from Dent County Road 5015 was in to inquire about some ditch and culvert work needed at his home. At the last meeting, the commission heard from Dent County Health Center Director Zach Moser as he discussed with the commission various projects they could use ARPA funds for. The commission did unanimously approve a project to increase the Community Messaging Capability up to $37,000. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The City of Salem will be doing curbside yard waste pick-up on Monday, June 6th. Items that will be picked up by the city include limbs and branches that are cut to a length of 4 feet or less, and grass that is bagged in recyclable leaf bags which can be purchased at the city utility office $2.50 for ten bags. The city will pick up yard waste that has been properly bagged, cut, and placed at the edge of the curb or sidewalk. They ask that you do not block the sidewalk or place items in the street. The city of Salem reserves the right to charge for exceptionally large volumes of yard waste or to recommend removal by a private company. Items that will not be picked up include appliances, household trash, tires, electronics, lumber or building materials, furniture, or recyclables. For more information, call the city at 729-4811.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is conducting a Youth Academy Program from July 28th through the 31st for high school students interested in a career in law enforcement. Students must be between the ages of 16 and 18 and must be in good physical condition. There is no cost required to attend. Cadets enrolled in the program will have the opportunity to learn what it takes to become a law enforcement officer, experience police training, and participate in military drills. They will be exposed to the different jobs available at the Missouri State Highway Patrol including the canine division, the aircraft division. the water patrol, criminal investigations and more. The camp will be held this year at Camp Mahaska in Bourbon and they will accept about 40 students to the camp. For more information or to get an application, contact Corporal Tony Sandoval at 573-308-8507 or e-mail him at antonio.sandoval@mshp.dps.mo.gov.

Be sure to visit the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center from June 6th through July 31st for a display honoring Missourian Thomas Hart Benton. On display will be a scaled replica of the Thomas Hart Benton mural. The mural was commissioned in 1935 and completed in 1936. The mural explores the history and tales of Missouri’s past. If you have questions, would like more information, or would like to volunteer please call Liz Condray at 573-729-0029.

The Salem Senior Center on Tuesday began offering the Summer Food Service Program this year which allows children from five to 18 years of age to get a free lunch and snack, Monday through Friday. The children will eat the same healthy and nutritious menu as the seniors eat. Parents can find out what is on the menu daily by listening to KSMO Radio (AM 1340, FM 95.7 and ksmoradio.com) around 8:00 in the morning as the menu is read during the Civic Record and again about ten minutes later. The children will be eating inside in the air-conditioned dining room as they cannot take the meal “to go.” Parents are welcome to have lunch at the center with their children for $7.00 per person. The Summer Food Service Program lunch is served for the children from 11:30 in the morning until 12:30 in the afternoon, Monday through Friday; and snacks will be available from 1:00 until 2:00 the same days. The children will also have to eat the snacks on site. The Summer Food Service Program will be available at the Salem Senior Center until the kids go back to school in August. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Jody Schaefer at the Salem Senior Center at 729-2373.

The Salem Police Department released these reports. On the morning of Saturday April 30th at approximately 5:30 officers were contacted for an intoxicated male at Dirt Cheap. When Officers arrived, they knew the subject from other encounters and were informed the male had an active warrant. As a result, 25-year-old Michael Shaw of Salem was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail on his no bond warrant out of the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. Later that evening around 11:30 an officer conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Main and Center Street for a vehicle crossing the center line of traffic. While speaking with the driver of the vehicle it was apparent the subject was impaired. Following a short investigation, a 20-year-old Salem female was arrested for DWI and later released on summons. Then on the evening of Sunday May 1st at approximately 9:00 an officer noticed a male subject that had a warrant for his arrest, who was near the intersection of Main and Franklin. After contact was made with the subject and the warrants were confirmed 21-year-old Shane Murr of Salem was arrested and incarcerated in the Dent County Jail on the warrants with no bond. On the evening of Tuesday May 3rd around 6:00 an officer was dispatched to Casey’s on Main Street for a report of an intoxicated subject. While at the call officers noticed a subject, they knew to have active warrants. As a result, officers arrested 29-year-old Ashlie Sapaugh for warrants out of the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office and Rolla Police Department. Sapaugh was incarcerated with no bond awaiting extradition. Then on Thursday May 5th near midnight an officer conducted a traffic stop at Wal Mart for numerous lane violations. During the traffic stop it was found that the subject was impaired. An investigation was conducted, as a result a 31-year-old Kentucky female was arrested for DWI along with possession of controlled substance and then later released on summons. Please call the Salem Police at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding ongoing investigations.

An accident happened Friday night just after 10:15 in Phelps County at 15th Street and Old St. James Road. According to the highway patrol report, 2004 Saturn L300 being driven by 42-year-old Michael Hook of Rolla, was being pursued by Rolla Police. The Saturn traveled through the intersection of 15th Street and Old St. James Road and struck concrete. The Saturn then crossed Missouri Street, striking a utility pole and a fire hydrant at which time Hook was ejected from the vehicle. The Saturn went on to strike a parked and unoccupied 2012 Mazda 5. Hook was taken by private conveyance to Phelps Health Hospital for the treatment of minor injuries. A passenger in the vehicle, 35-year-old Holly Smith of Rolla suffered serious injuries and was taken by ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital. The report stated Hook was wearing a safety restraint while Smith was not. The Saturn was totaled and removed from the scene by Dishman’s Towing. The Mazda had moderate damage and was left at the scene.

Travelin’ Kind a husband and wife duo Mickey Sandora and Trisha Leone will perform 60’s and 70’s rock n roll, classic country, and some original music at Echo Bluff State Park as part of their summer concert series on 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.

A fatality accident happened Friday morning just after 7:15 in Texas County on Highway 63 about five miles north of Houston. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 Ford Ranger being driven by 53-year-old Penne Kinserlow of Licking, failed to yield while backing out of a private drive to a 2019 Ford F-250 being driven by 32-year-old Rober Forester of Licking. The vehicles struck head-on in the southbound lane. Kinserlow was pronounced dead at the scene by Texas County Coroner Marie Lasater just before 8:00. Kinserlow was taken to Evans Funeral Home in Houston. Forester suffered minor injuries and was taken to Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston by Texas County Ambulance. The report went to state that Forester was wearing a safety restraint while Kenserlow was not. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Jays Automotive of Houston. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by the Texas County Sheriff’s Department.

A one vehicle accident happened Monday morning just after 6:00 in Dent County on Highway 32 about six miles west of Salem. The highway patrol report states that a 2019 Nissan Versa being driven by 34-year-old Cody Lee of Salem, was traveling east when he went off the left side of the roadway before striking a rock embankment and overturning. According to the report, Lee was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. He was taken by the Salem EMS to the Salem Memorial District Hospital for the treatment of minor injuries. The Nissan was totaled and removed from the scene by American Automotive and Towing. The highway patrol was assisted on the scene by the Dent County Sheriff’s Department.

On Tuesday, May 17th, Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley reports a sentencing hearing was held for Jeremy Jackson of Salem. He had previously pled guilty to two felony counts of passing a bad check, four counts of felony forgery, one count of burglary in the 2nd degree and two counts of felony stealing as a prior and persistent felony offender for events that occurred in 2021 in Dent County. Judge Michael Randazzo presided over the preceding in Crawford County. At the sentencing hearing, the state requested the defendant to be ordered to serve a total of 15 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections due to his extensive prior criminal history and due to the creation of victims within the community. The defendant, through his attorney, requested to be sentenced to a one-year drug rehabilitation program in Missouri Department of Corrections under Missouri Statute 217.362. The court ordered a 15-year sentence, but retained jurisdiction under State Statute 217.362, as requested by the defendant. This order was over the objection of the state as Prosecutor Curley and the victims in the cases who requested the defendant to be ordered by the judge to serve the full 15-year sentence.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, Representative Ron Copeland was in attendance and discussed legislation sent to the governor for his signature. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said brush would be cut on Dent County Road 2470 while the road crews will be out checking for washouts and storm damages from Wednesday’s downpour. Mobray said a man would also be stockpiling rock at the maintenance shed. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said grading would be done and brush would be cut on Dent County Road 4290. He said pipes will be cleaned out on county road 4050, older pipes will be removed from county road 4020 and some trees will be removed on county road 4010. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that he and the other commissioners attended the Industrial Development Authority meeting Wednesday night and received financial updates. Skiles said Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge provided updates on the certified site at the Masters’ Industrial Park and other projects. Skiles said the courthouse will be closed for Memorial Day. The commissioners decided to put out for chip and seal bids and they will be due in the Dent County Clerk’s office by June 16th at 10:00 in the morning. At the last commissioner meeting, the commission approved unanimously to purchase a new MANTIS mower/tractor from Springdale Tractor for $205,089. The funds for the purchase will come from the county ARPA Funds. The next commissioner meeting will be Thursday, June 2nd at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met last Thursday, May 19th. Health Center Administrator Zach Moser said the communicable disease report included the investigation of only 1 COVID-19 case, 5 cases of Influenza A, and 4 animal bites. Moser noted that the Health Center recommends everyone over the age of 5 get vaccinated against COVID-19. In the diagnostics report there were 170 blood draw appointments they were completed The Health Center can conduct most tests at reduced cost for those without insurance. There were 40 COVID tests during the month and tests are available ranging in price from $10 to $50, however most people can qualify for free testing and no doctor’s orders are required. Moser said that 133 COVID-19 vaccines were administered, plus 36 other vaccines. There was a total of 392 appointments during the month. Assistant Administrator Roma Jones gave the environmental report and said she conducted 4 inspections and fielded 14 environmental questions. In the Administrators report, the only items left on the construction list were replacing the back door, installing the concrete ramp to the front door, installation of a countertop in the testing room, and the installation of the remainder of the new flooring. Moser reported that the Health Center had reached an agreement with April Greener, DNP to work at the Health Center. Greener starts June 6th. According to Missouri Law, she will require a 1-month period of shadowing her collaborating physician before she can begin seeing patients. Moser said currently the Health Center is waiting on over $100,000 in outstanding payments from the State of Missouri. He said the van for the mobile unit, which was purchased in April, came in under budget. Insurance, title, and license have all been paid for and we’re awaiting on the window graphics. The Use of Company Vehicle Policy was reviewed by the Board and approved. Moser reported that the Childcare Subsidies are awaiting a working contract template for childcare providers before that program can be initiated, plus lab equipment approved for purchase last month has been delivered. Health Center expenses for March 2022 were not available at the last meeting so both the March and April expenditures were reviewed and approved by the Board. Moser reported that the Dent County Commissioners had appointed Dennis Floyd back to the Board and he will serve until the next municipal election, when he must file for the final 3 years of his term. The Board of Trustees elected Bob Parsons Chairman, Sandra Headrick Vice-Chair, Dennis Floyd Treasurer and Shirley Larson and Kim Smith as members at large. Then bids were presented for a new phone system with 8 different quotes being reviewed with varying installation and monthly costs. After much discussion the Board approved the purchase through Avaya Directly for a monthly cost of $318.14 and an implementation cost of $2,175. ARPA funding was discussed, and it was recommended that Moser draw up a proposal for lost revenue as a request for ARPA fund use. The Board then went into closed session where they discussed and declined a proposal concerning personnel, and approved a part time summer intern position. The Board set the next meeting date of June 16th at 5:00 at the DCHC.

The Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to the boating season. During the 2021 Memorial Day weekend, there were 12 boating crashes which included one fatality and three injuries. One person drowned over last year’s Memorial Day weekend. Last year, troopers made 57 driving while intoxicated and eight boating while intoxicated arrests. This year’s Memorial Day holiday counting period begins at 6:00 tonight and will last through Monday night, May 30th, at 11:59. Always be courteous and pay attention, whether you’re operating a vehicle or a vessel, and choose to be a sober driver on land and on the water. A safe, fun weekend starts with planning and good decisions. Boaters in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use the Highway Patrol’s Emergency Assistance number 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. Please be courteous to others on the water, wear a life jacket, and obey the law regarding safe operation of a vessel and no wake zones. Causing harm to another person or their property with an excessive boat wake may subject you to enforcement action or civil liability. Always treat other boaters and property owners as you want to be treated. Never operate a boat while you are impaired; never ride with an impaired operator. Remember: Life jackets save lives.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to remind the public that driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed Monday in observance of Memorial Day. Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, May 31st.