Local News

The Salem Christmas Committee’s “Holidays at Home” continues this Saturday with the 29th Annual Cookie Walk from 10:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon at the Bonebrake Center. Please remember to wear a mask and practice social distancing. Then at 7:00 at the Salem Civic Theatre, better know as the City Hall Auditorium, it will “Christmas with Cash and the King” with Roger Robinson as Johnny Cash and Sean Michael as Elvis Presley. Tickets for the show will be $10 and only available at the door. For more information, call 806-598-2310. Don’t forget the “Light Up the Park” light display at the Salem City Park will continue through January 1st and that is absolutely free. In case you didn’t know, there are two parts to the “Light up the Park” as the first part is main entrance to the Salem City Park and that will exit out on to Park Street, but the display continues off of Park Place Drive to the west of the Salem Community Center @The Armory where you can drive down into the parking area for additional displays. Don’t forget to tune into 97.5 while at the park to enjoy Christmas music during your drive.

As part of the Environmental Assessment, the Missouri Department of Transportation is currently accepting public input on a proposed project to improve the Highway 19 Round Spring Bridges over the Current River and Spring Valley in Shannon County. The goal of the project is to improve the condition and functionality of these aging structures. Although funding is not yet secured for the project, MoDOT is exploring alternatives for replacing or rehabilitating each structure through the study. The Environmental Assessment will include a detailed overview of alternatives for each structure and will ultimately result in a recommendation for a preferred alternative at each bridge location. In addition, as part of the Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act review process, the public is encouraged to provide input regarding the historical significance of these bridges or the potential impacts of the proposed project. Interested persons may review the project in more detail and share their thoughts at www.modot.org/roundspringbridges. Comments may also be shared with MoDOT Project Manager Pete Berry at (417) 469-6242 or Consultant Project Manager David Kocour at (816) 256-8584.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol invites the public to visit their updated website at statepatrol.dps.mo.gov. The improved Missouri State Highway Patrol design works best with Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox browser. The home page has been advanced and modernized to make finding information easier and to improve the user’s experience. The Patrol’s new Show-Me Integrity Accountability Portal is featured prominently to provide an in-depth look into the Patrol’s organization, training, career opportunities, and key statistics. The Patrol added a “What’s Trending” window at the bottom of the homepage, showing the agency’s Twitter posts so those who do not use social media will still be able to follow the most recent agency news. They want their website to be a service to the public and feel it’s important that visitors can easily find the information they need. When you visit our homepage, statistics, driver examination locations, career opportunities, and troop headquarters’ locations are only a few clicks away.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has released an arrest report from Thursday morning at 9:46 in Phelps County. According to the report, 31-year old Derick Place of Salem was charged displaying the plates of another person on his vehicle and not wearing a seat belt. Place was also charged with a Texas County Warrant for driving while having his license suspended, a Phelps County warrant for driving while having his license suspended, a second offense plus a charge for displaying excessive vision reducing material. Price is currently in the Texas County Jail and is bondable.

The Dent County Fire Protection Board of Directors met Tuesday evening at the fire station. After approval of the consent agenda, minutes from the November meeting were reviewed and approved as presented. The Board then heard the financial report with bills being presented and approved. The budget showed an ending balance of $112,628.43 as of November 30th. After the calendar was reviewed, it was announced there will be two openings on the Board of Directors for the April 6th election including a two-year and a six-year position. Filing will be held from December 15th to January 19th at the Dent County Fire Station with a filing fee of $100.00 in accordance with RSMO 321.130 and 115.357. The Board then heard the monthly reimbursement report. The department had a total of 27 calls for the month of November including 4 structure fires, 11 brush fires, 1 car fire, 1 landing zone, 3 first responder calls, 1 vehicle accident, 2 mutual aid calls, 2 haz-mat calls, 1 training call and 1 call listed as other. Total calls or the year to date stand at 228 with the average cost per call of $117.66. A total of $26,827.50 was paid out for reimbursements during 2020. Chief Nash reported that the building project is still not finished as there are problems with the guttering and other small problems. Because of the failure to complete, the project is now in mediation. In new business, it was reported that Engine 85 was struck by a deer while in route to a fire call. A claim has been filed with the insurance company and the District is waiting for adjusters and estimates. Chief Nash reported that the painters are finishing up the painting of the Fire Station with only touch-ups, trim and 1 office left to be completed. Nash also reported that the electrical drops are installed and in operation. The date for the next meeting was set for Tuesday, January 5th at 6:00 at the fire station at #2 South Main Street. That meeting will be open to the public.

The Bonebrake Center of Nature and History will host the 29th annual “Cookie Walk” this Saturday between 10:00 in the morning and 1:00 in the afternoon. Come walk around the house and fill your basket with a wide variety of luscious homemade cookies and pay by the pound. This is a popular activity, with more than 75 dozen homemade goodies donated by Salem’s best cookie bakers, so come early and pick out your favorites to take home to serve to your guests and family during this holiday season. Due to the COVID-19 situation, volunteers will safely package up your choices and take your money. They are asking that participants practice social distancing and wear masks to the event. The Bonebrake Center of Nature and History is located at the northwest corner of Hickory and Rolla Road in Salem.

The Delta Regional Authority named four Missouri leaders as fellows of the 2021 Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy. One of the those named was Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge. The Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy is an extensive, nine-month executive leadership program that brings together public, private, and nonprofit sector leaders from DRA’s eight-state region. The 2021 DLI class will consist of 30 fellows from all eight DRA states. The leadership program empowers fellows with the tools, experiences, and networks needed to address local and regional challenges. Sessions led by local, regional, and national experts cover policy areas such as infrastructure and transportation, small business and entrepreneurship, workforce development, public health, and other fields necessary to facilitate economic growth in the Delta. As a result, DLI fellows graduate with improved decision-making skills, policy development know-how, strengthened leadership capacity, and a mutual understanding of regional, state, and local cultures and issues. Since 2005, the DLI Executive Academy has provided leadership development to more than 500 community leaders from diverse backgrounds, sectors, and industries to strengthen skills development, information sharing, regional collaboration, and improve the economic competitiveness and social viability of the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions. After graduation, DLI fellows will become members of the Delta Leadership Network, which provides peer-to-peer engagement opportunities for continued leadership development, information sharing, and collaboration with other leaders dedicated to the future of the Delta region. The DLI is a program of Delta Regional Authority in partnership with three institutions of higher education in the Delta region: Arkansas State University, the University of Louisiana Monroe, and the University of Arkansas.

The Salvation Army’s “Angel Tree” at Wal-Mart still has a number of “angels” remaining with one week left to adopt an “angel.” The last day will be Wednesday, December 16th. It is the goal of the Dent County Salvation Army Service Unit to try to make sure that every Dent County child’s Christmas morning is bright and you can help by adopting an angel. It is easy to help out. Just follow these steps: Select a tag representing a specific child from the “Angel Tree” at Wal-Mart. Then shop for gifts based on the parent’s suggestions. You do not have to purchase everything on the list, just use it as a guideline. Once you are finished shopping, bring the unwrapped gifts to the Wal-Mart Service Desk along with the “angel tag” by next Wednesday. For questions about the “Angel Tree,” please contact the Dent County Service Unit of the Salvation Army at 729-8163.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday night in the city hall council chambers. The board accepted the bid for the purchase of scrap water and electric meters from Global Meter. The city has 2,187 scrap water meters and 2,597 scrap electric meters. The bids range from $3.20 for a 5/8 inch neptune brass bottom meter to $50 for a three inch water meter, and from $5.00 to $25.00 for the electric meters. The city received bids on a number of items for the Salem Civic Theatre. Everything Cinema, Inc. bid $8,850 to provide and install 2 by 2 black ceiling tile for the auditorium ceiling. EC Cinema Supply bid $9,227 for a sound system without speakers and wiring, $6,765 to provide and install ADA compliant Temp Safety lighting for the seating area, and bid $11,912 to provide and install a Tempo HLS Systems and dimmer for the lighting. This was a budgeted purchase and the board approved all bids for a total cost of $36,754 which came in under the $40,000 budgeted amount. The board approved the Conditional Use Permit recommended by the Salem Planning and Zoning Commission for 407 East 4th Street for the Ozark Viking Meadery. City Administrator Ray Walden wanted to thank all those who participated with displays in the “Light up the Park” and entries in the “Parade of Lights.” Walden said the utility office is open again at the city administration building but renovations continue including the widening of the drive-through lanes, and the drop-box has been moved. Completion will not be until next year due to a supplier slow down on materials. An open house will be held next year after the renovations are complete. Walden congratulated Salem Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge on being named by the Delta Regional Authority as a fellow of the 2021 Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy. Walden discussed the city looking at a TAP grant that would help in paying for the downtown Salem Streetscape and lighting. He also said the Salem Community Center @ The Armory had 2,723 participants in November and that he is working on new personnel policies. Public Works Director Mark Nash said the utility bills for September should go out this week. The board also heard from Verbal Blakely from BHMG and what she has found with the AMI system. She said most of the issues are being whittled away, but are now just one or two meter issues where the meters are not communicating. She said the city is catching up but these individual issues are slower to correct than multiple meter problems. The board approved Resolution 20-2020 to allow the renewal of the MOU with the Salem R-80 School District to use the city hall in the case of an emergency. The board then went into closed session.

Missouri State Parks enthusiasts can share their love for state parks and historic sites with the December gift card special. A Missouri State Parks gift card is a great holiday gift for someone who loves Missouri State Parks and the outdoors, and can be used for camping reservations or state park merchandise. During this month, when purchasing a gift card of $75 or more, the purchaser will receive a free $25 gift card. This offer can only be found online and is for Missouri State Parks gift cards only. To ensure delivery by Christmas, the gift cards must be ordered by Wednesday, Dec. 16. There can only one mailing address per order. Promotional gift cards are mailed separately from purchase. Gift cards can be purchased online at mostateparks.com and also get more information on state parks and historic sites. For more holiday gift ideas, click the online store link. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley reports on a number of cases heard in Dent County in Front of Judge Seay on Friday. The first case of the day involved Jo Morgan Freeman of Bourbon who pled guilty to possession of more than 35 grams of marijuana with the intent to distribute. He was sentenced to six years in the Department of Corrections as requested by the state. The next defendant was Timothy Dunn of Steelville who was previously on probation for the felony possession of a controlled substance for methamphetamine. His probation was revoked for failing to report to his parole officer. His previous suspended sentence was revoked and he was sentenced to serve seven years in the Department of Corrections Institutional Treatment Center under RSMO Section 559.115 as requested by the state. The defendant had requested five years under the same section but that request was rejected by Judge Seay. Next on the docket was Tristan Cross of Camdenton who pled guilty to two felony counts of burglary in the 2nd degree, plus a stealing charge and a felony property damage charge. Cross was sentenced to 12 years in the Department of Corrections under Section 559.115 as requested by the state. Cross had no previous criminal history prior to the conviction. In the 4th case of the day, Homer Stephens of Salem had his probation revoked. He was sentenced to serve ten years in the Department of Corrections for domestic assault in the 3rd degree and for the felony possession of a controlled substance. Stephens had previously completed a Section 559.115 program. The last case of the day featured Etheria Harris of Wentzville who was on felony DWI probation. The probation was revoked to four years in the Department of Corrections for the use of intoxicants.

The Dent County Commissioners met Tuesday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. At the meeting, Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge was in attendance to present her monthly report. She said a couple of new businesses have opened and the unemployment rate in October for Dent County is back to where it was before the COVID-19 pandemic, but there were about 240 less people looking for work than in September. She said the certified site application at the industrial park may be delayed as the US Fish and Wildlife Services recommended getting an Indiana Bat habitat survey done before proceeding further. This could delay this project by a year or more. She said there will be a Business@Breakfast meeting to be held from 7:00 to 7:45 on Thursday, January 14th to discuss the MRPC’s CARES Revolving Loan Fund. More information can be found by calling the Dent County Extension office at 729-3196. She also asked the commission to re-appoint two members of the Enhanced Enterprise Zone Board and they are Salem R-80 Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed and Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas. Also in attendance was Lori Plank who was inquiring about the CARES Act money and how much money remained. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said it looked like over $230,000 was left as of the last awarding of applications, but that did not include applications already submitted. Plank said she hadn’t heard from anyone at the MRPC and Skiles said that if they need more information, they would be in touch. He reminded Plank that the MRPC was doing this for numerous counties in the Meramec Region and to just be patient. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 4090, 4215 and 5615 while materials would be added to county roads 5130 and 5150 as well as on county road 5400 where a crossover pipe was installed and the rock settled. Purcell also said brush would be cut on county road 5610. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2160, 2190 and 5330 while brush would be cut on county roads 4020 and 4030. Larson also said service would be done on county truck #12. Commissioner Skiles said he attended an Industrial Development Board meeting last Wednesday where they heard from a manager of the Steelville Telephone Exchange about the broadband Internet expansion in northern parts of Dent County and near Boss. He also said he would be attending by conference call a meeting of the Ozarks Rivers Solid Waste Management District Full Council meeting today. Then on Thursday, he will be attending by Zoom the Transportation Advisory Committee to present transportation priorities to MoDOT for the local area. He also said the county received a letter from the attorneys about the opiod lawsuit and they will be in touch with the commission in the near future. Skiles said three CARES Act applications were received and will be reviewed by the commission. Skiles also discussed with the commission setting the date of January 11th at 10:00 as the due date for the request for proposals for the assessment of needs at the courthouse and that was approved. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley continues to work on the 2021 county budget and the commission needed to sign off on the contract between the county and Pictometry International Corporation to provide video services for the Dent County Assessor’s Office. The next meeting will be next Monday at the courthouse and it will be open to the public.

An accident happened in Dent County Sunday around noon on Highway 19 just north of Route B. According to the highway patrol report, a 2009 Ford Escape driven north bound by 71-year old Shirley Donovan of Salem, was stopped to make a left turn when the Ford was struck from behind by a 2004 GMC Sierra driven north bound by 52-year old Harold Mendenhall of Salem. Mendenhall failed to see that the Ford had stopped in front of him. Donovan suffered moderate injuries and was transported to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. Everyone was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford sustained extensive damage while the GMC had moderate damage. Both vehicles were removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing of Salem.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 15,425 deer during the antlerless portion of the firearms deer season, December 4th through the 6th. Top harvest counties were Callaway with 438 deer harvested, Morgan with 377, and Osage with 352. The 2019 antlerless-portion harvest total was 10,597. Dent County had 135 deer checked along with 94 in Phelps, 153 were checked in Texas County, 210 in Shannon County and only one was taken in Iron County. Archery deer season continues through January 15, 2021. The alternative methods portion runs December 26th through January 5th, 2021. You can find more information on deer hunting from MDC’s 2020 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available where hunting permits are sold and online at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation shows that young hunters ages 6 through 15 harvested 3,899 deer during Missouri’s late youth portion of the 2020 deer hunting season, November 27th through the 29th. Of the 3,899 deer harvested, 1,433 were antlered bucks, 520 were button bucks, and 1,946 were does.

The Salem Christmas Committee wants to congratulate the winner of the 1st Annual Business Window Decorating Contest for this year’s Christmas season. For the 2020 year that business was A Look Aground located at 101 West 4th Street in Downtown Salem. They received a $250 cash prize for their efforts and a banner stating they took 1st place in this year’s window decorating contest. The committee wanted to thank all those businesses who participated and looks to have even more businesses next year enter the contest!

Starting today, the City of Salem Administrative Offices at 400 North Iron Street will reopen to the public in a limited capacity. While the remodel project is not complete, Mayor Brad Nash and City Administrator Ray Walden wanted to reopen the utility office at the location for the public’s convenience while the remaining remodel tasks are completed, including widening the drive-up lane which is expected to be completed in the next couple of weeks. The after-hours drop box for utility payments has been relocated from the west side of the building to the north end near the drive-up window. Customers will be asked to social distance and members of the public needing services other than utilities are asked to call 729-4117 to make appointments until the renovations are completed. Anyone feeling ill is asked to call the office at 729-4117 to see if their needs can be met without coming in. Business hours for the utility office are 8:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon Monday through Friday. While most aspects of the facility will be operational, the full renovation project is not expected to be completed until early next year due to a supplier issue with some of the materials. Mayor Nash and Administrator Walden appreciate the public’s patience while offices were operating out of the council chambers during the remodel.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will meet this evening at the City Hall Council Chambers at 7:00. At the meeting, the board will hear bids for assorted electric and water meters. and also bids for a number of needed materials for the city hall auditorium/theater including ceiling tiles, a sound system, safety lighting and lighting controls. Following the consent agenda, the board will hear a report from Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission Gary Brown from the meeting held on November 30th where a request for a conditional use permit at 407th East 4th Street for a meadery was heard. The board will also hear a report from City Administrator Ray Walden about a new office policy and they will also receive updates on current city projects. The board will hear Resolution 20-2020 which would authorize the mayor to execute a four-year memorandum of understanding between the city and the Salem R-80 School District that would allow the city hall to be used during an emergency situation for the rest of the current school year and to be reviewed and the end of the 2024-2025 school year. The board will then go into closed session to discuss contract and personnel before adjourning. The meeting is open to the public.

The final date for Medicare Part D open enrollment will be Monday, December 7th. Look at your health care coverage today, and see if you need to make any changes for next year. If you’re happy with the Medicare plan you have now, and the plan is still being offered next year, you’re all set. But if you’re thinking about making any changes, look at plans in your area and pick the best mix of benefits and costs that meet your needs and budget. If you are not sure you have the best plan, you are strongly encouraged to have your current plan reviewed to make sure you are enrolled in the most cost-efficient plan for your needs. Aging Best has a team of Community Options & Services professionals standing by to review plans and assist with the changes. It is very important for participants to review their plan each year as many factors can affect their current coverage. To discuss your current plan please call 800-369-5211. Once you’ve made your choice, enrolling online is easy. Easily search and compare all your coverage options at Medicare.gov.

The “Holidays at Home” will be in full gear this weekend starting today with the Christmas sale at the Country Chic Boutique and Photography store at #6 North Iron. Tomorrow will be a full day of fun with the First Saturday Market being held at the Rusty Pig at 404 East Scenic Rovers Blvd starting at 9:00 in the morning. At 11:00, A Look Aground will be celebrating their one year anniversary at 101 West 4th Street and they will be open until 8:00. The American Legion will be hosting a “Visit with Santa” drive-through at the Walker-Roney Post #99 on Highway 32 West. At 3:00, the Santa Dash will be held sponsored by Healthy Dent County at 4th Street and Highway 19. Haven’t registered yet? You can do so Saturday at the courthouse lawn prior to the dash at 2:00. The cost is $25 for students up to 18 years of age and $30 for adults. For more information, call Kelsey at 729-8163. Following the dash at 5:30, enjoy the Christmas “Parade of Lights” with the theme this year being your “Favorite Christmas Movie.” Bob and Judy Thompson will be the Grand Marshall’s and the parade will start out near SBU and wind its way to the courthouse square. Then on Sunday, the Keeping Christmas @Home Craft Fair will be held at the Salem Upper Elementary School from 1:00 to 4:00.

The winner for the Salem Christmas Committee’s 1st annual business window decorating contest for Christmas will be announced today at 4:00 on KSMO Radio and on the KSMO Facebook page. The winner will receive $250 cash and also a banner from the Christmas Committee. The winner will also be recognized on the Salem News website and Facebook page, the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page and the City of Salem Facebook Page. If you haven’t been around yet to the 22 businesses that entered the contest, here is the list again in case you missed it. Check out the windows at A Look AGround, Edward Jones Office, Shelter Insurance, the Salem Public Library, attorney-at-law Carrie Gerischer, the Beehive, the Salem License Office, the Main Street Café, the Country Chic Boutique, Duncan Family Chiropractic, Tax Masters, That Special Touch Florists, Allen’s Treasure Chest & Den, Curley and Company Salon, J & D Automotive, Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center, Salem Housing Authority, VIP Properties, Century 21 South Central Realty, Dent County Vet Clinic, Progressive Ozark Bank, and Victor Plumbing. Enjoy all the hard work put in by these local businesses in celebrating the season through their decorated windows!

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley has released a couple of reports. On Monday, November 23rd in Dent County in front of Judge Kelly Parker, Nelson Bolster of Salem pled guilty for failing to register as a sex offender. Bolster was sentenced to 4 years in the Department of Corrections which is the maximum sentenced allowed for this crime as requested by Prosecutor Curley. On Wednesday, Kim Boyer of Salem was in Crawford County in front of Judge Megan Seay. Boyer had her probation revoked and she was sentenced to 5 years in the Department of Corrections as requested by the prosecutor.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports for Thursday, November 12th and Sunday, November 15th. On Thursday night, November 12th around 9:30, an officer was dispatched to the 800 block of North Pershing for a report of a domestic disturbance. One of the involved parties had an active warrant for their arrest. As a result, a 37-year-old Salem woman was arrested and incarcerated on her warrants. That same evening around 11:45, an officer was dispatched to a suspicious occupied vehicle at #2 Mullnack Drive. Contact was made with the occupants and it was found that one of the occupants had an active warrant for their arrest. As a result, a 21-year-old Salem man was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. On Sunday afternoon, November 15th around 1:00, an officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Water street for a report of a stolen firearm from a vehicle. It was reported that a Kel Tec Sub gun was taken out of a vehicle parked at the residence that was valued at $400. This incident is still under investigation. That same afternoon around 1:45, an officer was on routine traffic patrol when he saw a man who he knew to have an active arrest warrant. The officer made contact with the man and the warrant was confirmed. As a result, a 41-year-old Salem man was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Dent County Sheriffs Department has released some reports. On Wednesday November 11th, the Dent County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a one vehicle traffic accident on East Highway 32 between Salem and Boss for a motor vehicle accident. Deputies traveled to the location and during the course of the incident, the driver of the vehicle, a 34-year-old Salem man, was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 1st offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. The next day, November 12th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Wilkins Avenue and Highway 72. As a result of the traffic stop, a 65-year-old Bunker man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On Sunday the 15th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 100 block of Route EE. As a result of the traffic stop, a 26-year-old Salem man was arrested for having an active warrant through the Salem Police Department. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated. On Wednesday, November 18th, a deputy observed a 33-year-old Salem man in the 1300 block of South Wines Street. The deputy knew the man to have an active arrest warrant through Dent County. He was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. If you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation please call the Dent County sheriffs office at 729-3241.

A second phase of a long-term narcotics investigation including the Dent County Sheriff’s Department, Salem Police Department, the South Central Task Force and Missouri Highway Patrol and Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley resulted in the arrest of 25 individuals on Monday, November 22nd. Over the course of the past 18 months, the South Central Task Force and a deputy with the Dent County Sheriff’s Department conducted a series of covert narcotics investigations involving the distribution/sales of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl and prescription medications. Arrest warrants for each defendant were obtained through the Dent County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office prior to the arrest operations being initiated Monday morning at 6:00. Members of the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, Salem Police Department and Missouri State Highway Patrol made the arrests. More arrests may still be made from this undercover investigation. Arrests on Monday included 30-year old Sierra McCurdy, 25-year old Dakota Bone, 30-year old Courtner Mendenhall, 30-year Ashley Soder, 33-year old Amber Good, 41-year old Vada Calkins, and 41-year old Tiffany Billiot, 25-year old Jesse Inman, and 21-year old Shane Murr, all of Salem, who were arrested on a Dent County warrant issued for one count of delivery of a controlled substance with bond set at $20,000; plus 33-year old Ashley Anderson of Rolla and 41-year old Tiffany Billiot of Lecoma, were also arrested on a Dent County warrant issued for one count of delivery of a controlled substance with bond set at $20,000. More arrests included were 42-year old Cheri Sturdivant and 35-year old Justin Miller of Salem along with 30-year old Devin Glore of Branson were each arrested on a Dent County warrant issued for one count of delivery of a controlled substance with bond set at $30,000; 40-year old Meredith Michaels and 34-year old Lavar Mullen of Salem as well as 39-year old Mark Calkins of Rolla were each arrested on a Dent County warrant issued for two counts of delivery of a controlled substance with bond set at $40,000. Other arrests include 25-year old Austin Carter, 30-year old Brandon Inman and 36-year old Megan Heath-Fisk of Salem, as well as 35-year old Danielle Casados of Rolla and 33-year old Kathleen O’Donnell of St. James who were arrested on a Dent County warrant issued for one count of delivery of a controlled substance with bond set at $50,000; plus 35-year old Dawnyale Coffman of Salem, 30-year old Joshua Coffman and 30-year old Brice Mullins of Salem as well as Faith Brown of Steelville were each arrested on a Dent County warrant issued for two counts of delivery of a controlled substance with bond set at $60,000. The charges for those arrested are just accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be present before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

You still have time to sign up for the first annual “Santa Dash” to be held this Saturday afternoon beginning at 3:00 sponsored by Healthy Dent County. Right now you can pre-register for the event at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory at 1200 W. Rolla Road in Salem. The first 30 people to do so will get a Santa themed crew neck sweatshirt. All participants will receive a Santa hat, and glow necklace. The cost for student up to 18 years of age is $25 and adults are $30 each. Santa or holiday attire is encouraged!! Registration will also be held Saturday afternoon at 2:00 at the courthouse square. At 3:00, Dashers will head down 4th Street from Highway 19, to MacArthur and back. For any questions or for more information, please contact Kelsey Schatz at 729-8163 or kelsey@salemcommunitycenter.org.

The Dent County Sheriff’s office has released a number of reports. On Monday the 2nd, deputies traveled to a residence in the 3000 block of Highway P to serve an arrest warrant. Deputies arrived on scene and during the course of the incident, a 49-year-old Salem man was arrested for having an active warrant through Dent County. He was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. Then on Thursday the 5th, a deputy responded to the 6000 block of Dent County Road 5610 for a report of a burglary. The deputy arrived on scene and discovered that a 54-year old Salem resident was the reported victim. This report is still under investigation. The next day, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 200 block of county road 4060 to serve an arrest warrant. As a result of the investigation, a 31-year-old Salem woman was arrested for an active warrant through Probation and Parole. She was transported to the Dent County Jail where she was incarcerated. That same day a deputy conducted a traffic stop at Highway 72 and Dent County Road 3210. During the course of the traffic stop, a 50-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On Saturday the 7th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 200 block of West Third Street. As a result of the stop, a 57-year-old Salem man was arrested for possession of controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana/synthetic cannabinoid, and driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 1st offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated. On Monday the 9th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 3000 block of South Highway 19. During the course of the traffic stop, a 22-year-old Salem man was arrested for the possession of a controlled substance and driving while having his license revoked or suspended. He was taken to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated. If you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s office at 729-3241.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Saturday night, November 7th at about 9:00, an officer was dispatched to the 700 block of north Washington for the report of an intoxicated male subject acting belligerent. Upon arrival at the scene, a man was located that was visibly intoxicated and acting erratic. It was found that he had an active warrant for his arrest through the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. As a result, the 35-year-old Salem man was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. On Monday afternoon, November 9th, near 3:30, an officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Washington Street for a report of items being stolen out of a vehicle during the overnight hours. It was reported that cash and other miscellaneous items were taken from inside the vehicle valued at about $290. This incident is currently still under investigation. Then on Tuesday, November 10th around noon, an officer was on routine traffic patrol when he noticed a black Dodge Charger traveling at a high rate of speed weaving in and out of traffic near Wal-Mart on Highway 32-72 West. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop but the driver continued to drive in a careless manner failing to stop for the pursuing officer. The Charger traveled south on Highway 19 before turning around aggressively in the South Town Furniture parking lot and continuing back north. The driver finally came to a stop at Subway. After further investigation, a 23-year-old Piedmont man was arrested for Careless and Imprudent Driving and Resisting Arrest. He was later released on a summons to appear in court. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports 10 people died in traffic crashes during this year’s Thanksgiving holiday counting period. During the Thanksgiving holiday counting period, troopers report the following preliminary traffic statistics for 2020. The Patrol investigated 321 crashes resulting in 72 injuries and 9 fatalities. One fatality occurred in Springfield on Glenstone Avenue. In addition there were 100 DWI arrests and 78 drug arrests. During the 2019 Thanksgiving holiday counting period, troopers investigated 404 traffic crashes, which included seven fatalities and 166 injuries. Statewide, 11 people died and 634 people were injured in 1,594 traffic crashes over last year’s Thanksgiving holiday. Troopers arrested 94 people for driving while intoxicated and made 63 drug arrests during the 2019 Thanksgiving holiday counting period.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Monday at the courthouse. Matt Presti was in attendance to ask to use the courthouse lawn for a patriotic rally for Saturday December 5th, but the lawn had already been reserved. Presti then asked to hold the rally on December 12th from 1:00 to 4:00 in the afternoon and the commission approved his request. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams gave the amount of CART money received this month and it came to $55,375.81 which is down from last year by $2,885.69. Year-to-date, CART receipts are down $31,487.86. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 4080 while only grading would be done on county road 6110. Purcell said brush would be cut on county road 5610, and a technician will be installing a new starter on the grader that serves the Bunker area. Once that is done, grading will be done on county road 5615. Purcell said that all crews before starting on their assigned duties would be checking for downed limbs and trees from the high winds on Sunday. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 2010 and 5330 while only grading would be done on county road 2110. He also said brush would be cut on county road 2403. Dent County Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said a contractor would be working on the existing Christmas lights on the courthouse to have them ready by Saturday. He discussed with the other commissioners about putting out a request for proposals to do a study and overall evaluation of the courthouse for numerous repairs and improvements. They discussed the need to get this done so that it can be included in the 2021 county budget. Skiles also corrected an error in the minutes from the previous meeting for a pre-approval for the Scenic Rivers Industries as the amount they asked for $7,393.38 and not $73,393.38. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she was working on the 2021 county budget. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

A one vehicle accident happened Sunday evening at 6:45 on Highway 32 about 15 miles west of Salem. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2005 Ford Mustang being driven by 25-year old Brittany Taylor of Salem, was westbound when she traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck several trees. Taylor suffered minor injuries and was transported by a private vehicle to Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment. According to the report, Taylor was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Mustang was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 176,604 deer during the November portion of firearms deer season, Nov. 14-24. Of the 176,604 deer harvested, 95,654 were antlered bucks, 16,045 were button bucks, and 64,905 were does. Top harvest counties were Howell with 3,496 deer harvested, Franklin with 3,409, and Texas with 3,375. In the local area, Dent County hunters checked 2,241 deer, Shannon County had 2,155 deer harvested, Crawford County reported 2,056 deer taken, Reynolds County had 1,790 deer checked, Phelps County had 1,406 deer harvested and Iron County had 1,235 deer taken. Last year hunters checked 179,960 deer during the November portion of firearms deer season with 91,917 being antlered bucks, 17,330 being button bucks, and 70,713 being does. The Department of Conservation reported three firearms-related hunting incidents during the November portion of the firearms deer season with all being non-fatal and self-inflicted. Archery deer season resumes November 25th through January 15th, 2021. The antlerless portion of firearms deer season runs December 4th – 6th, followed by the alternative methods portion December 26th – January 5th, 2021.

The Salvation Army will once again partner with Wal-Mart for the annual Angel Tree program. Local residents have always enjoyed adopting a child, shopping for clothing, coats, hats, and toys. Some families use this time of year to teach their children the importance of giving during the holiday season. The Angel Tree at Wal-Mart is now available with the final date to adopt an angel being Friday, December 18th. Sign-ups for families wanting to participate in the Angel Tree will be held TODAY and this Thursday at the Dent County Fire Station from 3:30 to 5:30 in the afternoon. If you need more information about the Angel Tree or Salvation Army, call Sherry Lea at 729-8163 or e-mail sherry@salemcommunitycenter.org.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met for their regular meeting Thursday, November 19, at the Health Center. Administrator Kendra Mobray updated the board on the Health Center’s continued response to Covid-19. She reported that cases are rising rapidly across Dent County. Case numbers are being updated on Facebook every Monday and Thursday. The Health Center Staff is now focusing on case investigation and asking positive patients to do their own contact tracing. Due to the increase in cases, reports of positive cases from testing sites are delayed by days and some are never reported. A COVID patient guidance tool is available on SMDH’s website, The Salem News online and DCHC’s Facebook page. The Health Center encourages anyone being tested to follow that guidance tool. Clients are still being seen by appointment at the Health Center. Mobray stated that according to calls with the Missouri Division of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) there is concern that Missouri’s hospital capacity could become overwhelmed over the next few weeks if cases continue to increase at the same rate. As the holidays approach, it is important that everyone do their part in preventing further spread of the virus by following CDC guidelines. The Health Center Board voted for a one-time mid-month payroll to be completed by December 15th to account for half of the month’s COVID response hours so the Health Center could include those funds in the CARES Act claim. She went on to report that Flu shots are being given by appointment and three drive-thru Flu shot clinics have been conducted. Free flu shots are available for uninsured adults and children, as well as high-dose flu shots for seniors and quadrivalent flu shots for anyone over 6 months of age. Mobray noted that the Health Center is in frequent communication with DHSS regarding COVID-19 vaccine updates and distribution planning. Mobray reported that the October and November Show-Me Healthy Women (SMHW) clinics were cancelled due to lack of patients. Uninsured and under-insured women ages 35-64, that meet income guidelines, can receive well women care at no cost through the program. Interested women should call the Health Center at 729-3106 and ask for Ashley. The next regular meeting of the Trustees was set for December 19th at 5:00. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Salem Christmas Committee is holding a window decorating contest for any business in Salem. Here is a list of those businesses that have already signed up: A Look a Ground, Edward Jones Office, Shelter Insurance, the Salem Public Library, attorney-at-law Carrie Gerischer, the Beehive, the Salem License Office, the Main Street Café, the Country Chic Boutique, Duncan Family Chiropractic, Tax Masters, That Special Touch Florists and the old Bottorff’s store downtown. Business who would still like to sign up should contact Tabitha at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce office by the end of business Tuesday, December 1st. They are located in the Crossroads Shopping Center and the phone number is 729-6900. Judging will be held Thursday night and the winner will be announced on Friday, December 4th. The winner will receive a banner as well as $250 cash.

The office of Dent County Assessor Jamie Homeyer has released this information in preparation for the new option of online assessment filing, your 2021 Assessment forms will not be mailed until the week of December 16th. Your yearly assessment is based on what personal property you own on January 1st and your completed assessment forms are due by March 1, 2021. The Assessor’s office is open from 8:00 to 4:30 Monday through Friday and you may call us at 573-729-6010. If we are unable to answer the phone please leave a message and we will return your call.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the city of Salem have set the date of Saturday, December 5th for the Christmas parade to beginning at 5:30. The parade will begin at SBU and wind its way to the courthouse. The theme this year will be “Favorite Christmas Movie”. Businesses, organizations, and individuals that would like to have an entry in the parade will need to return an entry form available at the Chamber office in the Crossroads Shopping Center no later than December 2nd. For more information you can email the Chamber office at chamber@salemmo.com or call the 729-6900.