Local News

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley released reports from court held in Dent County Monday in front of Judge Kelly Parker. Curley stated that Matthew Doyle of Salem pled guilty to two counts of failing to register as a sex offender. Judge Parker sentenced Doyle to 14 years in the Department of Corrections under RSMO Section 559.115 with a 120-day shock incarceration. Also on Monday, Tristan Dubois of Salem pled guilty to three counts of felony possession of a controlled substance. He was sentenced by Judge Parker to seven years suspended execution of sentence with five years of probation and parole. Prosecutor Curley requested a Section 559-115 Institutional Treatment Program to address the substance abuse problem. Judge Parker ordered Dubois to complete the CORE program in southwest Missouri. In another case on Monday, Jimmy Govreau pled guilty to forging a money order. Judge Parker sentenced Govreau to a suspended imposition of his sentence with five years supervision, restitution is to be made and Govreau was to have no contact with the victim.

The Salem Police Department has released the following reports. On Saturday morning, October 10th at about 11:50, an officer was dispatched to Mobil for a report of someone leaving without paying for fuel. It was reported that a man had pumped $35.28 worth of gas and did not pay for it. Contact was later made with the subject and due to the police investigation a 23-year old Salem man was arrested and issued a summons. Then on Tuesday morning, October 13th around 9:26, officers were dispatched to the 1500 block of South McArthur for a report someone living in unsafe conditions. Contact was made with the subjects in question. One subject, a 40-year-old Salem female, had an active warrant for her arrest. She was taken to the Dent County Jail and was incarcerated. On Thursday morning, October 15th, at approximately 8:00, officers were dispatched to the 1500 block of East Roosevelt for a report of a male being there that had an active warrant for his arrest. Contact was made with a 45-year-old Salem male who had four active warrants for his arrest. The male was taken into custody without incident and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. That same afternoon near 2:33, an officer was dispatched to the Salem High School for a report of a theft. It was reported that a lock box containing approximately $500 in cash was stolen. Video surveillance of the incident was reviewed, and this incident is under investigation. If you have any information about an ongoing investigation, contact the Salem Police at (573) 729-4242.

The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds hunters, meat processors, taxidermists, and others of new regulations now in effect regarding transporting deer, elk, and other cervid carcasses into Missouri and within the state, and of new regulations on cervid-carcass-disposal requirements for meat processors and taxidermists. The new regulations of the Wildlife Code of Missouri are part of Conservation Department’s ongoing efforts to slow the spread of the deadly disease called Chronic Wasting Disease which affects deer, elk, and other members of the deer family, called cervids. Regulation changes for hunters who harvest deer in Missouri from a Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone county are that the deer must be telechecked before any parts of the carcass may be transported out of the county of harvest. Whole carcasses and heads of deer harvested in Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone counties may only be transported out of the county of harvest if the carcass is delivered to a licensed meat processor and/or taxidermist within 48 hours of exiting the county of harvest. There are a number of regulations that have changed for hunters bringing deer and other cervids into Missouri from another state. There are also regulation changes for taxidermists and meat processors. The Conservation Department will again offer statewide voluntary CWD sampling and testing of harvested deer during the entire deer season at select locations throughout the state. It will also be mandatory for CWD sampling for hunters who harvest deer in counties of the CWD Management Zone on November 14th and 15th. Any changes to mandatory sampling requirements due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic will be posted at mdc.mo.gov/cwd and be available from regional offices. Get more information on the regulation changes and other CWD information for fall deer hunting, including a map of the CWD Management Zone, from MDC’s 2020 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations & Information booklet, available where permits are sold and online at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/.

Union Electric Company d/b/a Ameren Missouri has filed an application with the Missouri Public Service Commission seeking an Accounting Authority Order (AAO) authorizing it to track and defer, in a regulatory asset, all extraordinary costs and certain foregone revenues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This AAO request applies to Ameren Missouri’s provision of natural gas service to its Missouri customers. Applications to intervene and participate in this case must be filed no later than November 10th with the Secretary of the Missouri Public Service Commission at P.O. Box 360, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-0360. Individual citizens wishing to comment should contact either the Office of the Public Counsel by calling (866) 922-2959, or the Public Service Commission Staff at 1-800-392-4211. The Office of the Public Counsel is a separate state agency that represents the general public in matters before the Commission. Ameren Missouri provides natural gas service to approximately 132,350 customers in 25 Missouri counties including Dent, Phelps and Gasconade counties in this area.

The City of Salem Park and Recreation Department and Salem Holiday Committee are looking for churches, businesses, organizations and even private individuals that would like to set up an illuminated holiday display inside the Salem City Park starting the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Contact Melissa Dubois for more information at 573-729-6290. These displays would be for Salem’s first drive through light display in the park that would be scheduled to be from November 25th through January 1st.

The Friends of the Salem Public Library will be meeting on Monday, November 2nd at 12:00 noon in the Salem Library basement at the corner of 4th and Jackson Streets. All members are urged to attend.

OOPS! In Monday’s Your World Today, the phone number to call the nurse when you arrive at the Salem Memorial District Hospital Family Medicine on Highway 72 North for your flu shots was incorrect. The number should have been 739-1934. When you call the nurse, give them your name and phone number. Remember to park in the marked areas on the side of the Physician Office Building #3 for your flu shot. This service will end this Friday. We apologize for the error.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated that grading would be done on Dent County Road 5600 better know as the Turtle loop. He said a crew would be processing downed limbs from a tree on county road 2450 and would cut it into furnace size wood to be used at the shop for heating. He said brush would be cut on county road 2430 and 2440 and a man would be hauling materials from the quarry to stock pile at the Road and Bridge Department for emergencies. Purcell also reported he attended the tourism tax commission meeting last Monday where they approved seven requests for reimbursement. He also said that on Tuesday last week, he attended the South Central Missouri Community Action Agency meeting in Winona. Purcell said the fiscal year for the agency began on October 1st and all funds have been fully funded. This includes the LIHEAP program, weatherization and housing assistance. There is income guidelines associated with these programs and for more information, people should call Sara at 729-3500. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated that materials were being added, and chip and seal work was being done on Dent County Road 3240. He went on to say brush was being cut on county roads 5240 and 5245 and the low water bridge work on Dent County Road 3180 has been completed as the work was not as extensive as first thought. He said a crew would be out cleaning out pipes for the anticipated rainfall. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said the county has received three CARES ACT requests for reimbursement. They are from Manthey Rentals for $21,089.40, Dent-Phelps R-3 School for $739.27 and from the Salem R-80 School for $27,742.65. Skiles stated that there is still $1,180,000 dollars remaining in the CARES Act. To get more information on how to apply for assistance or for questions about the CARES Act funding, please contact the MRPC and speak with Kelly Sink or Eva Voss at 573-265-2993. Skiles said he would be attending the Health Insurance Consortium meeting this week in Springfield. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said absentee voting continues in her office through 5:00 On Monday, November 2nd. She said her office would be open this Saturday from 8:00 in the morning until noon for those who would like to absentee vote. She said the polls will be open on November 3rd from 6:00 in the morning until 7:00 in the evening and don’t forget to bring an ID, which could be a driver’s license, voter registration card, electric bill, etc. Also if you need to make an address change or name change to your voter registration, please do so now so that it will save time at the polls next Tuesday. Curley wants to remind the public that there will be no electioneering within 25 feet of the polls and that includes T-Shirts, hats, buttons, flyers, etc., plus don’t forget to use social distancing. If you have any questions, call the Dent County Clerk’s office at 729-4144. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams presented the CART fund receipts for this October as $61,264.88 was received compared to $61,515.22 for October of 2019. Year-to-date, the CART funds are down $28,602.17 which is down about 4.9%. The Commissioner went over bids for oil changes to the Dent County Sheriff’s Department vehicles. Bids were received from Hubbs Tire Center, Terrills Complete Auto Care, American Automotive and Towing, and Whitaker Auto Body. The commissioners referred the bids to the sheriff for a final decision. The board also opened bids for performing an audit for the 2020 year. The board received one bid from Devereux and Company out of St. Charles for a maximum price of $13,500. The commission postponed making any decision on the audit until a future meeting to see if an audit will actually be necessary because of the CARES Act funding. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident happened on Interstate 44 in Phelps County near the 186 mile marker Monday morning at 7:14. The report released from the highway patrol states that a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado being driven by 25-year old Hannah Toothaker of Vichy, was changing lanes and struck a 2018 Ford F-650 being driven by 49-year old Christy Anderson of Las Vegas, Nevada. Toothaker was transported to Phelps Health in Rolla for treatment of moderate injuries. The report states that Toothaker was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Silverado was totaled and removed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing. The Ford had minor damage and was driven from the scene.

The City of Salem Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustments will hold a meeting tonight at 6:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers at 202 North Washington. At the meeting, the board will hear a request for a setback variance for a shed built at 507 East Roosevelt. The owner of the property is Tom McCracken. The meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Family Medicine on Highway 72 North will continue to offer drive-up flu shots through this Friday from 8:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon for current SMDH Family Medicine patients. You are asked to please park in the marked areas on the side of Physicians Office Building #3. Once you arrive, please call 739-19354 and give the nurse your name and phone number.

The Dent County Health Center will be offering a drive-thru flu shot clinic this Thursday at the Dent County Fire Station at #2 South Main Street for those six months of age and older. They will bill most insurance companies so have your insurance card available. They can also bill Medicare and Children’s Medicaid. The Dent County Health Center will provide FREE flu shots for uninsured children and adults. High dose flu shots will be available for those 65 and older. The clinic will be held from 11:00 in the morning until 5:30 in the afternoon. If you have any questions about the flu vaccine or the drive-thru clinic, please call the Dent County Health Center at 729-3106. No appointments are needed.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is accepting applications through November 13th for the Missouri Outdoor Recreational Access Program (MRAP). The MRAP program provides incentive payments and habitat improvement help to private landowners who open their properties to the public for walk-in hunting, fishing, or wildlife viewing. The recreation allowed on each property varies according to the public access option selected by the participating landowner. MRAP access types include all access hunting and fishing, small game and turkey hunting, youth only hunting and fishing, archery hunting, fishing only, or wildlife viewing. Offered lands must meet eligibility requirements such as being at least 40 contiguous acres or at least a one-acre pond for fishing access. Wildlife viewing properties must be at least five contiguous acres and located within highly-populated counties. Land must also contain minimum amounts of quality wildlife habitat such as native grass fields, crop-field buffers, restored wetlands, or managed woodlands. There are currently more than 50 properties enrolled in the program, representing over 13,000 acres of wildlife habitat available to the public. Expansion of MRAP is possible through a new grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. MDC has received $2.2 million in funding this year, double the previous grant that allowed current MRAP properties to enroll. The standard commitment period to participate in the program is three years. The annual payment rates are determined by factors such as the access type selected by the landowner and the amount of quality habitat available. Most landowners can typically expect to earn $15-$25 an acre, per year. Landowners interested in boosting their annual payment can implement habitat improvements on their land. To find out more on how to apply to the MRAP program, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/Zcs.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is reporting that our area is in it’s peak color right now. The landscape is stunning and beautiful. The Ozark hillsides are now awash in almost every color imaginable. All the colors of the spectrum are represented: red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, and violet. Reds have been most notable in black gum, sumacs, and Virginia creeper. Orange has been the dominant color of sassafras and some maples recently. (If you are fortunate enough to have a maple in your yard you may have noticed that the side exposed to the sun is a little more vibrant.) Yellow is common on black walnut, mulberry, pawpaw, and hickories. Greens, of course, dominated throughout the growing season. Now, however, and through the winter months until leaves emerge in spring, the green tops of shortleaf pine and eastern red cedar will decorate hillsides and valleys. Dogwood leaves are also a special treat, spanning the entire width of cyan, blue, and violet color all on the same tree! Taken together, and with the recent cool nighttime temperatures and a little rainfall, this next week should be the peak viewing time. Get out and enjoy nature!

The Salem Memorial District Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday evening in the Hospital Library. In the summary of operations for the month of September, the hospital had 79 inpatient admissions with 267 inpatient census days. Patients per day in Acute Care came in at 8.9 in September. The hospital showed a loss from operations of $127,466 and expenses over revenues after taxes of $125,288. Cash decreased for the month by $442,563. The days in net account receivables stayed at 108 days, the same as August. During the month, there were 637 emergency room visits to go with 208 ambulance runs with 144 patients being transported, 33 surgery cases, 2,351 outpatient registrations, 239 home health visits, 8,894 lab tests, 1,136 radiological procedures including 749 rehab treatments. Chief of Nursing Debbie Hines gave the Acute Care Staffing by Patient Acuity report that showed the average acuity at 21 per day. She also stated that on September 9th, the plan of correction that was submitted for the state survey was accepted, and then on September 30th, an infection control survey in Long-Term Care found no deficiencies. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas said the hospital offered health screenings the entire month in lieu of the health fair at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Lucas said a total of 206 people took advantage of the month long savings plan. Lucas reiterated that the hospital auxiliary would not be meeting the rest of 2020. Chief Operating Officer Jason Edwards reported due to COVID-19, all the fundraisers for 2021 at this time have been postponed until further notice. That includes the “Dancing with the Salem Stars” event in January. He went on to report the hospital is finalizing the trail program documentation for the TytoCare-school focused telemedicine program through the USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program grant. Edwards said the hospital is waiting on the Tyto representative for a business associate agreement. Lucas gave the COVID-19 update and said there have been 1,451 outpatient COVID-19 tests and about 20 more tests were administered for those who were inpatient admitted. Lucas said 37 employees tested positive and 32 of those have been released back to work. Lucas also reported on the hospital expansion and said the MRI shielding issues have been resolved and Canon began installing the equipment this week. He said electricians are working in the Receiving Area, and that Phase 1 of the Sewer project is complete, Phase 2 is near completion and Phase 3 will begin October 26th. He said the Outpatient Registration renovation has begun while the work in cardiopulmonary and the window projects have been completed. The board approved the Annual Bylaw Review making no changes, and they approved the purchase of two new defibrillators for EMS and one new defibrillator for Surgery from Zoil Medical for $76,124. The board then went into closed session.

This fall, Missouri youths ages 5-18 and the volunteers and faculty who serve them will have access to projects in 4-H Goes Online through Canvas, an easy-to-use online learning platform. Projects will be available in these areas: Clover Kids, Shooting Sports, Engineering and Technology, Environmental Science and Natural Resources, Plant and Animal Science, Healthy Living, Leadership and Personal Development, and Communication and Expressive Art. The online Canvas option also gives youths a chance to match with an instructor and other youths throughout the state who share their interests and passion for projects, as not all in-person clubs can offer every project. The research-based Canvas curriculum helps youths learn through online videos, lesson plans for use at home, discussion boards with peers and videoconferencing with lead instructors. New opportunities spanning multiple project areas will offer new experiences and engage a variety of communities. A partnership with MU Serves, in which undergraduate students participate in service-learning programs, opens new offerings, including a Spanish culture and language project. Families with limited broadband capacity won’t be left out as 4-H plan’s to put together project kits and USB drives that can be mailed to families without stable internet so that the time and effort being put into this online course will truly benefit all of our Missouri 4-H community. All registrations go through the 4-H Online system, but with the option to register as a member or participant, the course is open to all. The new Missouri 4-H program year runs October 1st, 2020, to September 30th, 2021. More information about the Canvas project modules and other 4-H online, or in-person programming and registration are available in the Missouri 4-H Clover Catalog and on the Missouri 4-H website. Families may sign up online anytime during the program year. An annual $5 registration fee gives families access to all 4-H programming and projects within the 4-H Canvas course. Learn more about Missouri 4-H at 4h.missouri.edu.

Intercounty Electric will be holding a Customer Appreciation Day in Salem at the Commons TODAY from 11:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon. They will be serving free hot dogs, chips and a drink. While you are they, talk with them about any problems you may be having with your Intercounty service, learn about Smarthub, or just visit with their customer relations people about different services offered by Intercounty. You can also enter a drawing to win a $25 credit on your Intercounty Electric Bill. Everyone is welcome!

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday night in the City Hall Council Chambers. At the meeting, City Administrator Ray Walden stated the front door of the City Administrative Offices has been moved and the renovation continues. It should be completed by November. Walden said the city apologizes for the inconvenience to the public. He said the City Communications Group met last Wednesday to discuss better ways to disseminate important city information and one of those ways will be the new City website which should be ready in four to six weeks. They will meet again the week of October 28th. There will be a Planning and Zoning meeting tonight to discuss two subdivisions, and a Board of Adjustment meeting on October 27th for a setback variance on a shed. Walden said the city will meet with Archer-Elgin Engineering and a representative from the state to discuss Phase 1B of the Wastewater Treatment Facility. They will also discuss a workshop to be held for the Phase two part of the project. The city will begin advertising for a city engineer locally and through other professional sources. He also said a discipline action form has been sent to the City Attorney James Weber for his review before being brought before the board for their approval. Walden reported on the utility meeting from Thursday about the online and pre-pay options that were demonstrated. No recommendations were made by the committee on the options. He also said the committee at that time made no decision on changing how the timing of the billing. Alderman James did mention that with the demonstrations from last week that maybe the city should look at a different accounting software than InCode that is known to work with these other systems and Mr. Walden will look into that. The board approved bill #3464 that deleted the age requirement of the city engineer and was changed to say they must be a graduate of an accredited university or college majoring in engineering and shall be a licensed professional engineer registered with the state of Missouri. The board approved the change and voted to go into closed session.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On Wednesday, September 30th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 1500 block of North Highway 19. During the course of the traffic stop, a 26-year-old Salem man was arrested for having an active warrant through Dent County. He was transported to the Dent County Jail where he posted bond and was released. On Thursday, October 1st, the sheriff’s office received a report of a subject attempting to burn down a residence in the 3000 block of Dent County Road 4220. Deputies traveled to the residence and during the course of the investigation, a 63-year-old Salem woman was arrested for arson in the 2nd degree. The woman was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Saturday, October 10th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Washington and West 3rd Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 57-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked, a second offense, and for having an active warrant through the Jefferson City Police Department. He was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated. On Thursday, October 15th, a deputy traveled to Highway 72 and Dent County Road 5225 to assist an agent with the Missouri Department of Conservation on a traffic stop. During the course of the incident, a 29-year-old Salem man was arrested for excessive blood alcohol content. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. If you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation, call the sheriff’s department at 729-3241.

In an attempt to get a jump on this year’s winter season, the Missouri Department of Transportation will hold its annual winter operations drill today and Thursday. The drill has been expanded to two days this year to accommodate social distancing requirements due to COVID-19. Motorists may notice increased numbers of MoDOT vehicles on state routes during the drill. In rural areas, crews will deploy after 8:00 in the morning and not until 9:00 in urban areas, and the drill will not begin until after 9:00. The exercise should be completed by 3:00. During the drill, MoDOT employees will react to a simulated forecast of significant snow for the entire state. The department’s emergency operations centers will activate and maintenance employees will be deployed to their trucks. Emergency communications systems will also be tested. The drill serves as a training reminder to make sure proper equipment, plowing techniques and safety measures are used. In addition, every piece of equipment—every truck, motor grader, snow blower and tractor—is inspected and calibrated to conserve materials. One of the most valuable parts of the drill is that it allows MoDOT’s newest employees the opportunity to drive a snowplow over their designated routes so they are aware of obstacles and obstructions, such as curbs and raised islands, that might be hidden in snow or ice. For information on road conditions across the state, safe traveling tips, and other information, visit www.modot.org.

A Salem resident was killed in a two vehicle accident early Monday morning at 6:13 in Maries County on Highway 133 about eleven miles north of Dixon. The report from the highway patrol states that a 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe being driven by 23-year old Amanda Franklin of Salem was northbound when she crossed over the centerline and struck head-on a 2016 Chevrolet pickup being driven by 50- year old Gary Vineyard of Brinktown. Franklin was pronounced dead at the scene by Maries County Coroner Leo Kloeppel at 7:30. Franklin was taken to the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home in Dixon. Vineyard was transported to Capital Regional Medical Center in Jefferson City for treatment of minor injuries. According to the report, Vineyard was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident while Franklin was not. The Tahoe was totaled and the Chevrolet sustained extensive damage. Both were removed from the scene by Plaza Towing.

The Dent County Commissioners held their regular meeting Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. Commissioner Gary Larson was not in attendance due to a previous commitment. Ron Copeland was in attendance and was curious as to how much was left of the CARES Act funds and Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he believed there was about 1.2 million dollars left for small businesses and public entities. Karen Lewis was in with a concern about Dent County Road 2240 at the low water crossing at Dry Fork as it is becoming too narrow on the hill. She discussed the issue with District 2 Supervisor Sam Gorman who will check it out and schedule it for repair work. In the road report, District 1 Supervisor Dennis Purcell said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5390 and 5400 and possibly 5110. He reported that Friday, a tree came down across county road 6320 blocking it entirely. A crew removed the tree and will be cutting it up for firewood this winter for the road and bridge shed. Purcell went on to say that two men would be checking roads for other downed trees from the weekend winds. He also said that a 1,000 hour service would be done on grader 38 and brush would cut on county road 2400. Purcell will be attending a South Central Missouri Community Action Agency meeting tonight in Winona. Sam Gorman gave the report for District 2 and stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 3120, 3180, 6120 and 6123 while materials would be added and grading done on county roads 2313 and 5300. Gorman said brush would be cut on county road 5240 and on Wednesday, crews will be working on the low water crossing on Dent County Road 3180. He did not believe the road would need to be closed to do the repair work. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles is reminding small businesses there is CARES Act money available up to $50,000 per business for expenses related to COVID-19 that includes rent, insurance, and other expenses related to operating your business during the pandemic. This does NOT include loss of revenue. Public entities can also apply. To get more information, contact Kelly Sink or Eva Voss at 573-265-2993. The application deadline will be December 10th. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley added Wednesday will be the last day to request a mailout or absentee ballot. Curley recommends that people check out their voter information to make sure it is correct and that includes a name or address change. The Dent County Clerk’s office in the courthouse will be open from 8:00 in the morning until 12:00 noon Saturday, October 31st. Absentee voting in person is going on now at the courthouse and sample ballots are available at the clerk’s office. Curley wants to remind everyone there is no electioneering within 25 feet of the polls. Curley also wanted to report that she began work on 2021 county budget. Todd Kinerk from the Salem Chamber of Commerce was in to discuss a wooden frame the chamber wanted to put up in front of the courthouse so people would have a location for photographs within the frame for Christmas. The commissioners voted against installing the frame as they felt most people with today’s phone technology can already put a frame around their picture when they take it. There was also some concern about some liability issues. At the last meeting, Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk brought in her monthly collections for September that came to $36,306.39. She also announced the 2020 tax bills can be viewed on the Dent County Collector’s portal on November 4th. The bills will also be mailed out that day. If there are any problems with the tax bill when received, please contact the collector’s office at 729-3911. The Commission also decided to put out bids for the purchase of a used pickup truck for the Road and Bridge Department. The bids are due on November 9th by 10:00. They will be opened at that time. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will hold their regular meeting on tonight at 6:00 in the hospital library. The board will hear the summary of operations and statistics reports for the month of September before hearing the Chief of Nursing Report from Debbie Hines. Chief Operating Officer Jason Edwards will give an update on the hospital foundation. He will also present the marketing and community perception work being done to keep the hospital active in the community. Lucas will provide the patient satisfaction survey results for the 1st fiscal quarter to the board for the Emergency Department and SMDH Family Health. Lucas will provide a COVID-19 update and also provide the board with more information on the hospital expansion and renovation before discussing the annual bylaw review. The board will also address new business before possibly going into closed session. The meeting will be open to the public via Zoom. Meeting information is available by contacting Karen Brown at 729-5917 ext 4005 or e-mailing her at kbrown@smdh.net.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held regular meeting Thursday evening at the district administrative offices. After the board approved the consent agenda, Brad Wegman from Larry Hart and Associates talked with the board about considering the refinancing of the current school bonds by authorizing the issuance and sale of Series 2020 General Obligation Refunding Bonds. These bonds would have a short call feature of 2024 and with the lower interest rate, the school could save over $106,141. The school already refinanced their initial Series 2013 bonds with Series 2016 bonds that saved the school over $511,000 in interest savings. With these savings, the total interest saved from the initial bond issue could come to over $641,000. The board approved signing a Resolution that authorizes the issuance of $3,245,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2020 for the purpose of providing funds to refund the $3,245,000 Series 2016 General Obligation Bonds that can become callable March 1, 2021. Superintendent Lynne Reed said the September membership count was 1,413 while the average daily attendance for the month was 1,314 students with 173 virtual students. She said she and Mr. Anderson made a presentation at the Salem Chamber of Commerce on the tax credits available for the new Construction Trades Building. She said they would be making personal appearances to continue to find investors for the project. Reed also said the school continues to monitor the amount of cases of COVID-19 at the school and quarantine where needed while the hybrid system is in place. High School Principal Marty Anderson said that 252 students are “A” students and 257 are “B” day students. He said 63 students are completely virtual while 42 additional students are attending four days a week due to learning needs or Internet needs. Upper Elementary School Principal Melanie Wisdom said picture retake day would be October 20th. This is important as there were students quarantined when pictures were first taken. She also said there would be a Virtual Night where students who are learning virtually will come to the school from 6:00 to 7:00 on October 22nd to check in, answer questions and get a treat. Wisdom said parent/teacher conferences will be held October 26th and teachers have the option of meeting with parents in person, zoom, phone or other alternative method. Chairman of the Committee to name the football stadium, Andrew Wynn said their committee recommended naming the football stadium the Bill Schuchardt Football Stadium. There will be a formal ceremony held at a later date. The board approved effective Monday to raise the substitute teacher pay to $100 per day. The board will discuss at the next meeting the need to address the bus driver shortage. The board approved a number of policy updates except for one that discussed unbudgeted purchases before going into closed session.

The City of Salem Utility Committee held a meeting on Thursday evening at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. The committee heard presentations from Paymentus and Exceleron regarding an online customer billing portal. This would allow customers to view their usage and view and pay their bill online. This software program would be a voluntary use program and give customers more information and options regarding their utility service. The committee also heard a draft report from BHMG, the consulting firm hired to evaluate the AMI meter installation and billing schedule. Verbal Blakey with BHMG stated that the entire problem with the billing delays and errors can be traced back to the InCode accounting system that the city uses. InCode is a flat file system and does not integrate with other software programs, such as the AMI system. She made it clear that the issues that the city has experienced were of no fault of the city personnel and that the employees have been working with InCode to correct the issues. The committee also discussed a pre-pay option that would allow customers to prepay their account with money that pays for the electricity before it is used. This option could benefit customers that have received a high bill that they cannot pay all at one time, avoid disconnect, and allow them to pay over time and prepay future electric consumption, thereby not getting behind on their future bill. City Administrator Ray Walden reported that August bills are going out now and September bills will be out by the end of October.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will meet tonight at 7:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers. After the consent agenda, City Administrator Ray Walden will update the board on city projects. In the introduction and reading of bills and resolutions, the board will hear Bill #3464 that would amend the city’s code of ordinances Chapter 111 pertaining to city officials, Article IX for the Director of Engineering qualifications. The board will then go into closed session to discuss personnel and contracts. The meeting is open to the public.

A one vehicle fatality accident happened Thursday morning at 5:00 in Texas County on Route BB about one mile west of Highway 63 near Licking. According to the report from highway patrol, a 1997 Dodge 1500 being driven by 35-year old Justin Creech of Licking was eastbound when the vehicle crossed the centerline and traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. Creech was pronounced dead at the scene at 5:31 by Texas County Coroner Marie Lasater. Creech was taken to Fox Funeral Home in Licking. According to the report, Creech was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Dodge was totaled and removed from the scene by Jays Towing.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley reports that on Tuesday, October 13th, the Child Fatality Review Board established pursuant to Missouri RSMo 210.192 met to collaborate on the recent child fatality that resulted in the filing of charges for criminal neglect resulting the death of a child. The members of the panel include the prosecuting or circuit attorney; the coroner or medical examiner for the county or city not within a county; law enforcement personnel in the county or city not within a county; a representative from the children’s division; a provider of public health care services; a representative of the juvenile court; and a provider of emergency medical services. The panel discussed the information currently available and requested additional information to review at a meeting to be scheduled upon receipt of the autopsy of the deceased child. The formal autopsy has not been made available to any members of the panel at this time. Upon receipt of the autopsy and the additional requested information, the panel will reconvene to develop recommendations that will be made available to the public, media and potentially the legislature. The recommendations will be targeted to prevent future acts of child abuse and/or neglect consistent with the purpose of the Child Fatality Review Board. A press release will be provided at the conclusion of the board’s review to be distributed to the public. This particular case has the full attention of the Child Fatality Board at this time.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources Division of State Parks is launching a new state park and historic site status map providing the public with one convenient location to easily view closures and information that may impact upcoming visits to a Missouri state park or historic site. The map highlights temporary closures that may be experienced while visiting a park or site including closures related to trails, roads, beaches, parking lots, gates, shower houses or restrooms. Visitors are encouraged to check the map prior to leaving for the park or site in preparation of their visit by visiting https://mostateparks.com. Capacity at state parks and historic sites is being monitored closely in order to prevent overcrowding. If nearing capacity, parking lots or gates may close temporarily. When visiting a park or site, the public is strongly encouraged to follow social-distancing guidelines and be proactive in protecting themselves and others amid ongoing public health concerns. Come prepared with hand sanitizer and bottled water, avoid large and congested crowds, and please stay home if sick. Face coverings are encouraged and may be required by local order.

Governor Mike Parson has proclaimed today as “Buckle Up Phone Down” Day in Missouri and fellow Missourian and former race car driver Carl Edwards is lending his famous name to the cause, all in an effort to encourage Missourians to fasten their seatbelts and put their phones down while driving. As part of the promotion, Missourians are invited to join in a virtual BUPD Day kickoff event starting at 9:00 this morning at www.facebook.com/MoDOTStatewide. This is the fourth year MoDOT and the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, along with safety partners throughout the state, will mark “Buckle Up, Phone Down” Day with events and activities designed to encourage drivers to buckle up and avoid cell phone use. Since the program began in 2017, more than 13,000 individuals and businesses have accepted the BUPD challenge to always wear their seat belts and put their phones down while driving.

A one vehicle accident happened in Dent County on Highway 72 about eight miles north of Salem Tuesday morning around 7:20. According to the highway patrol report, a 2012 Chevy Silverado driven westbound by 22-year old Edward Ferguson of Salem, traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck an embankment. Ferguson suffered moderate injuries and was transported by EMS to the Phelps Health in Rolla. Ferguson was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevy Silverado sustained extensive damage and was removed by Whitaker’s Towing.

On Monday, October 12th the Salem R-80 School District was notified that a middle school staff member had tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). Students, their families, and other staff members in close contact with the staff member were notified by the Dent County Health Department as it relates to possible quarantines. The Salem R-80 School District will continue to work closely with local health officials to monitor evolving circumstances and revise our plans as needed. Interested persons may view the dashboard on our website where they can view reporting information for the entire district.

The Salem Police have released information on an accident that happened on October 11th at the intersection of Highway 32 and Highway 72. According to the Salem Police report, a 2009 Kia Sportage driven by Dorothy McDonald of Salem was stopped in traffic on Highway 72 waiting to turn left onto Highway 32 east. At that moment, a 2005 Ford Mustang on Highway 32 driven westbound by Zane Keeney of St. James at speeds over 70 miles per hour, attempted to turn north on to Highway 72 and was unable to make the turn. The Ford slid and skidded before T-boning the Kia in the driver’s side. The Kia spun around after being struck and was facing north. McDonald was taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by a private vehicle with injuries while a passenger in the Kia was taken to the Salem Hospital by EMS. Keeney was also taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital with injuries by the Dent County Fire Protection District. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by American Towing LLC.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley released a number of cases heard in Dent County Friday in front of Judge Megan Seay. In the first case, Curley reported that Rachel Miller of Salem pled guilty to the possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine, and for resisting arrest. She was sentenced to 10 years in the Department of Corrections under RSMO Section 559.115 as requested by the state. In the second case of the day, Jacob Eaton of Bixby pled guilty to the possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine. He was sentenced to four years in the Department of Corrections as recommended by the state. Also on Friday, a probation revocation hearing was held for Josh McAfee of Washington, Missouri, and he was sentenced to 10 years in the Department of Corrections as a result of the hearing. Also on Friday, Adam Hilburn of Springfield, Missouri had his probation revoked. He was sentenced to serve five years in the Department of Corrections. The final case Friday involved Keith Colgrove of Salem who was on probation for domestic assault. According to Curley, Colgrove’s probation was revoked and he was sentenced to serve seven years in the Department of Corrections as requested by the state.

Representatives from Missouri State Parks invite the public to attend an informational meeting at Montauk State Park at 3:00 Saturday afternoon at the campground amphitheater. The public is invited to share comments about the park and its operations during the meeting. Staff will be present to provide information and answer questions. Input from the public is important to Missouri State Parks. These informational meetings, which are being held in all state parks and historic sites, help create two-way communication with the public. The meetings give staff the opportunity to inform the public of the current status and future plans for the park or historic site, while also offering visitors the opportunity to comment on the facilities. The public is strongly encouraged to follow social-distancing guidelines and be proactive in protecting themselves and others amid ongoing public health concerns. Come prepared with hand sanitizer and bottled water, avoid large and congested crowds, and please stay home if sick. Face coverings are encouraged when social-distancing measures are difficult to maintain, and may be required by local orders. Montauk State Park is located 22 miles southwest of Salem on Highway 119 in Dent County. For more information about the meeting, call the park at 573-548-2201.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be meeting this evening at 6:00 for their regular meeting. After the consent agenda and communications, the Board will consider a resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of Series 2020 General Obligation Refunding Bonds with L.J. Hart & Company. Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed will give her report including the September membership count, tax credit update, Chamber presentation and COVID update. The principals will then update the board with reports on each building before the board hears new business. In new business, the board will discuss the football stadium name proposals, substitute pay and policy updates. The board will then adjourn and move into Executive Session to discuss personnel pursuant to RSMO 610.021(6) including Job Description for position replacing SRO and Superintendent’s Evaluation. The regular board meeting will be in the district administrative offices boardroom and is open to the public.