Local News

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met August 20th at the Health Center. Health Center Administrator Kendra Mobray updated the Board on the Health Center’s response to COVID-19. She reported she met with local school administrators to discuss all the schools re-opening and has been in frequent communication with them since the meeting. Mobray noted that she presented COVID training to the staff at all the rural schools on Tuesday, August 18th and Wednesday, August 19th. She reported to the Board that there are currently 9 active cases in Dent County and 21 cases released from isolation, 1 case has required hospitalization. Mobray went on to say that to date the Health Center has isolated 30 laboratory confirmed cases and that case numbers are bring released on Facebook every Monday and Thursday. She said Health Center clients are being seen by appointment only. Mobray said that no realtors submitted bids for to list the MacArthur facility. The Board voted to list the property with Elwood Real Estate. Mobray reported that outpatient lab services were provided for 115 clients in July. Health Center Staff was present at Senior Registration on August 10th giving required immunizations to seniors, and immunizations continue to be available by appointment only. In contract updates she noted that the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) Cares contract was received, signed and sent back to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Mobray said that all seven staff members have had to work overtime the last few weeks to complete case investigations and contract tracings, plus as cases increase, the staff time dedicated to COVID will increase as well. The ELC Contract, which runs through March of 2022, will allow for one additional part-time employee to assist with response efforts. The Board voted to offer a temporary part-time nurse position. Subsequent to the Board meeting, an internal employee decided to take the part-time position and a full time nursing position will be advertised. WIC appointments and communications continue to be conducted via phone and mail. Roma Jones, Assistant Administrator, reported that the transition from WIC checks to cards has been successful so clients are being asked to come into the office to pick up their eWIC card by appointment only. This process will continue through September. Mobray reported that the first SHOW-ME Health Women’s clinic is scheduled for August 31st from 8:00 until 12:00 noon. In collaboration with SMDH, Sandra Headrick, FNP, will see qualifying patients at the once monthly clinic. Uninsured and under-insured women ages 35-64, that meet income guidelines, can receive “well woman care” at no cost through the program. The Health Center investigated two animal bites, ten cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, one case of Erlichia Chaffeensis, and one case of E. Coli in July. The Board voted to adopt the tax-rate for the coming year of 0.0959 cents per $100 assessed valuation. The health center expenses were then approved and the next regular board meeting was set for September 17th at 5:00. The meeting was adjourned.

The City of Salem’s Finance Committee will be meeting this evening at 6:00 at the Community Center@ the Armory, 1200 West Rolla Road. The committee will hear preliminary 2019-2020 fiscal year end financials and anticipated year end budget adjustments before addressing the 2020-2021year to date sales tax and utility revenue and capital projects status. The finance committee will also be discussing city engineering before discussing the preliminary financial objectives for the 2021-2022 fiscal year before adjourning. The meeting of the city of Salem’s finance committee is open to the public.

A Rolla woman was injured in an accident in Oregon County Tuesday morning shortly before 6:00 on Highway 142 about 20 miles east of Thayer. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 2013 Ford pickup being driven by 26-year old Angelica Otero was traveling westbound when she ran off the right side of the road. Otero then overcorrected and traveled off the left side of the road before striking a tree and a house. Otero was transported by Oregon County Ambulance to Ozarks Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries. The Ford was totaled and was removed from the scene by Wickers Towing.

An accident happened in Phelps County Tuesday morning just before 7:30 on Phelps County Road 6120 about three miles west of Highway 63. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado being driven by 37-year old Kayla Woods of Edgar Springs was westbound when she traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck an embankment and then overturned. Woods suffered moderate injuries and was transported by EMS to Phelps Health in Rolla. The Chevrolet sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by Lucas Towing.

The Dent County Health Center reports more COVID-19 cases were identified since last Thursday which brings the Dent County total to 35. There are currently six active cases. To reduce risk and prevent the spread of COVID-19, they encourage you to please continue to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, wear a mask when a distance of 6 feet cannot be maintained, stay home if you are sick, cover coughs and sneezes, clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces frequently and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. If you have any questions, please call the office at 729-3106.

The following reports from August 14th and 15th have been released by the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. On Friday, August 14th, a deputy was near a residence on North Hickory Street when he observed a 41-year-old Salem man the he knew to have active warrants through Dent County. The man was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated. Later that same day, Deputies arrived in the 1700 block of Dent County Road 4110 and located a 46-year-old Salem man who had active arrest warrants through Dent County. The man was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated. On Saturday, August 15th, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 600 block of West Jack Street to serve an arrest warrant. Deputies arrived at the residence and during the course of the incident, a 35-year-old Salem man was arrested for active warrants through Probation and Parole. He was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. Finally on the 15th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 42000 block of Highway 72. During the course of the traffic stop, a 25-year-old Springfield woman was arrested for an active warrant through Cabool Police Department. The woman was transported to the Dent County Jail where she later posted bond and was released. If anyone has information on an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s office at 729-3241.

The Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) Rural Opioid Initiative in partnership with Mid-MO Addiction Awareness Group (MAAG) will host an opioid use disorder awareness walk in Salem this Saturday, August 29th, beginning at 10:00. The walk aims at providing awareness for opioid use disorder. The MRPC’s rural initiative works to educate, increase awareness and identify prevention strategies for opioid use disorder throughout the Meramec Region. Resource information will be available at the walk. Area residents are encouraged to join the walk or stop by the information booth to learn about resources for persons and families suffering from opioid use disorder. Participants will meet at the Dent County Health Department, 1010 E. Scenic Rivers Blvd. in Salem, where sign-ups will be available. The walkers will then travel right out of the parking lot and proceed straight along East Scenic Rivers Blvd. A water break is planned at the Dent County Family Services. Participants will then return to the health department utilizing the same route. It is requested that all pets be left at home. Bonnie Prigge, executive director of MRPC, said they are excited to work with MAAG to bring SUD awareness walks to our region. From 2014-2018, 22 people in Dent County died of drug overdoses. Twelve of those were opioid overdoses. When we look at Dent and its neighboring counties of Crawford, Maries and Phelps, there were 117 overdose deaths for that timeframe with 72 of those deaths being opioid overdoses. She noted that those who lose their lives to opioids are only a small portion of those who suffer from Substance Use Disorder, and it has a tremendous impact on families and communities. The purpose of the walk is making others aware of SUD in our communities as MRPC and its partners look for solutions that will aid with prevention, treatment and recovery. Persons needing more information about the walk should contact Christa Harmon, the MRPC Community Development Specialist Assistant, at 573-265-2993 or you can e-mail her at charmon@meramecregion.org. Pre-registration is not required.

Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District announced that three Dent County students were honored with first and second place awards and honorable mentions in the 29th Annual Earth Day Poster, Trash and Graphic Art contest. This year’s contest theme was “One Positive Change Will Make a Difference for Planet Earth. The winners from Dent County were Emmett Headrick, a 7th grader at Salem Middle School for Honorable Mention Poster Art; Lindsey Hinderliter, a 7th grader from the Salem Middle School who took 1st Place in Trash Art; and Isabell Crannell, a 7th grader from the Salem Middle School who captured 2nd Place in Trash Art. The Dent County students were under the direction of teacher Angela Dingess. The contest required participants to re-purpose trash into three-dimensional pieces of art or create posters either hand drawn or graphically designed, based on the year’s theme. There were 567 entries from 13 schools in the district and several home schooled students. The contest was open to students who reside or attend school in Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning for their regular meeting at the Dent County Courthouse. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles had a prior commitment and was not in attendance so Commissioner Gary Larson was appointed Acting Presiding Commissioner by Dent County Clerk Angie Curley. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said virtually his entire crew continues to work on the road rebuilding project on Dent County Road 5520 and they hope to have the road back open by the end of the day on Wednesday. Purcell said brush would also be cut on county road 5410. He mentioned he attended the tourism tax committee meeting on Monday where four reimbursements were approved and one proposal was rejected. He also reported on Tuesday he attended the South Central Missouri Community Action Agency meeting. He said they still have openings for children in the Early Headstart and Headstart programs. He also mentioned they are looking for additional staff members including a teacher’s aide/bus driver as well as two class aides/bus monitors. If you are interested in those positions or would like to find out if your child can attend Headstart or Early Headstart, please contact Sara at 729-3500. District 2 Commissioner Larson said grading would be done on county road 3260 while brush would be cut on county roads 3110, 3140 and 3310. Larson mentioned that pipes would be installed on Dent County Roads 2180 and 3200 and materials would also be added to those roads. He went on to say he had a man helping District 1 with their road rebuilding on county road 5520. The commission voted to do phone bids for diesel and the low bid went to County Fuels who came in at $1.337 a gallon for 7,000 gallons. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley wanted to remind everyone the last day to register to vote will be October 7th for the General Election. She said this is also a good time to update your voting information if you have moved or had a name change. Curley also said if anyone has questions about absentee voting, they could call her office at 729-4144. The commission opened propane bids to supply the courthouse this winter at 10:00 and the low bid went to Chilton Oil Company at $1.09 per gallon. At the last meeting, the commissioners approved a CARES Act application reimbursement of $3,804.72 from the Salem R-80 School District. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

With school districts starting at different times, and with the possible modification of school schedules due to COVID-19 precautions, drivers are urged to be extra vigilant as students begin returning to class. Motorists are urged to slow down and pay attention as more children will be on or near roadways, walking and bicycling to school or waiting for the bus, many for the first time in several months. With many students returning to Missouri’s colleges and universities, motorists could experience increased traffic on major highways over the next two weeks. Here are some back to school safe driving reminders: Remember Buckle Up Phone Down! These four words are never more important than during the school year. Looking away from the roadway to send a text message doubles the chance of being involved in a crash. Avoid using your cellphone or any other activity that might take attention away from the roadway. And set a good example for your young passengers by making sure everyone in the vehicle is buckled in. Always expect the unexpected! When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch out for children walking or bicycling to school. Remember, children in groups or who are arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic. Never pass a stopped school bus. It’s a state law that vehicles in both lanes must stop when a school bus has its red warning lights flashing and the stop sign is extended. And be sure to watch for school zones where speed limits are reduced. Parents and caregivers should talk to children about bus stop and traffic safety rules. Here are a few tips: Always stay in sight of the bus driver. Make eye contact when possible. Assume drivers cannot see you and never walk behind a school bux. Don’t hurry off the bus. Make sure to check traffic first. Use sidewalks where available. If you must walk in the street, walk single file facing traffic. Avoid using cellphones, ear buds and hand-held games as they can be a distraction. And remember when crossing a street, whether in a crosswalk or at a corner, to look left, then right, then left again and wait until all cars are stopped or the road is clear before stepping out. More information on school bus and pedestrian safety can be found at www.savemolives.com.

Between the dates of August 5th and 12th, the Salem Police reported the following incidents. On Wednesday August 5th at about 9:05 in the morning, an officer was dispatched to the intersection of Pershing and Center Streets for a report of a suspicious vehicle. During the investigation, one of the occupants was seen to be in possession of a syringe that later field tested positive for methamphetamine. As a result of the stop, a 23-year-old male was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail pending the application of warrants. Then on Sunday morning, August 9th, at approximately 2:50, an officer was dispatched to a disturbance call in the 500 block of North Jackson. As a result of the investigation, it was found that one of the parties involved had an active Phelps County warrant for their arrest. As result a 28-year-old Salem female was arrested and incarcerated on the warrant. On Wednesday evening, August 12th, at about 7:25 an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart for a report of a shoplifter. It was reported that a 23-year-old West Plains female had stolen $23.38 worth of merchandise. She was arrested and then later released on a summons to appear in court. If anyone has information on an ongoing investigation, please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.

On Thursday evening the City of Salem Board of Aldermen held a Tax Rate Hearing followed by a special meeting as well as a Utility Committee meeting. The assessed valuation for the City of Salem for real estate in 2020 is $38,333,394 and that is down from last years totals. Personal property for 2020 came in at $10,767,977 and that is also down from 2019. The State Auditor’s calculation of revenue permitted for tax year 2020 is $334,114. There were no comments from the public in attendance. The board then went into a Special Meeting where they approved a bid from Ted’s Tile to replace tile and carpeting in the City Administration offices for a total of $19,410.83. This brings the total remodeling project over budget by just over $10,000. City Clerk Mary Happel then discussed the tax rates and last year the city had a rate of 65.22 cents per $100 assessed valuation. With the assessed valuation of real estate and personal property lower for 2020, the city was allowed to increase the tax rate to 67.26 cents per $100 assessed valuation and stay under the State Auditors required limitation of income. Happel read Bill #3459 to set the 2020 tax rate at 67.26 cents per $100 assessed valuation and the board approved the increase in the ordinance. Happel then read Bill #3461, a proposal between the City and BHMG for engineering services for the review of the AMI and Billing System implementation for $15,000. The board passed this bill. The board meeting was then adjourned.

An accident involving at ATV happened at 12:45 Friday morning in Texas County on Oscar Road about four miles south of Licking. According to the report released by the highway patrol, a Polaris ATV being driven by 39-year old Jordan Black of Licking. struck a deer in the roadway. The ATV then traveled off the left side of the road, ejecting a passenger, 36-year old Tiffany Breeden of Licking. Breeden was taken by air ambulance to Cox South in Springfield for treatment of serious injuries. Neither occupant was wearing safety devices at the time of the accident. The ATV was removed from the scene by the owner.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports for the 1st through the 3rd of August. On Saturday night, August 1st, at approximately 11:30 an officer was dispatched to Casey’s on Highway 32 for a report of property damage. It was reported that a subject had their tire slashed while they were at the bowling alley. The estimated value to replace the tire was $84. This incident is still under investigation. Then Sunday, August 2nd, at approximately 9:10 at night, an officer was dispatched to the lobby of the Salem Police Department for a report of a theft. It was reported that a female had left her wallet at Wal-Mart and it was turned in at the service desk. The female reported that when she retrieved it from the service desk, $200 in cash had been taken out of it. A subsequent investigation was conducted and as a result a 42-year-old Salem female was arrested and issued summons to appear in court for stealing. On Monday night the 3rd, at approximately 8:17 an officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Thomas Avenue for a report of a theft from a motor vehicle. It was reported that $310 worth of items were taken out of the reporting party’s truck while it was parked at his residence and he was out of town. This incident is still under investigation. If anyone has information on an ongoing investigation, please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.

The City of Salem Board Utility Committee met Thursday night at the City Hall Council chambers. City Administrator Ray Walden provided an update on the AMI Project and Utility Billing. He reported the February-April bills were processed manually, but the June bills were processed using the AMI System and are in the mail. There are currently 400 water meters that still need to be installed. Staff is working with individual customers that have issues or questions with their bill, but he believes the system is currently working properly. The committee heard from Gina Erickson with Incode. She presented a demo of an online payment portal that will allow customers to set up auto pay, submit service requests and get additional information about their bills. Incode will waive the usual set up fees and there would be an annual maintenance charge of an estimated $1,300 per year. Erickson reported that additional city services like business licenses, pavilion rentals and code enforcement could be added to this software program. Kevin James, the Chairman of the Utility Committee, will call another meeting to get a full demo for this software. The committee discussed the current billing cycle as well as penalty dates and determined that there would be no changes at this time. There was some concern about customers who are not paying anything on their current bills. Since there is no penalty or shut offs happening, these customers are getting really behind on their bills. It is hoped these customers will get with the city to work on arranging a payment plan before the policies are re-instituted. The committee will recommend to the alderman to keep the “no penalty” and no shut off policy that is currently in place at this time. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Salem Memorial Hospital held their tax rate hearing prior to the regular meeting Tuesday night at the hospital library. The total estimated assessed real estate and personal property valuation for the year 2021 comes to $258,270,296 from the four counties that make up the hospital district. That is about a 5.5 million dollar increase from 2020. The board voted to request an increase in their tax rate to the maximum allowed by the state auditor of 24 cents per $100 assessed valuation from the rate last year of 19.25 cents per $100 assessed valuation. Before acting on the tax rate proposal, the board approved a resolution that stipulated the board did not take any voluntary tax reductions in a prior even numbered year. The amount of funds from the tax will be used only for capital projects and come to about $619,849.00. The increase in funds will be used to cover the costs associated with the new MRI, hospital expansion and major improvements. In the last year, the hospital spent over $900,000 in capital improvements and received just under $500,000 in taxes to cover the cost. With no public objections, the board approved raising the tax rate to 24 cents per $100 assessed valuation. The hearing was then adjourned.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday evening. After the approval of the consent agenda, bills were reviewed and approved. The budget report showed a balance of $185,411.35 as of August 18th. In new business, Chief Brad Nash reported that the furnace in the laundry room, which is the same furnace from Pines Chevrolet, is failing and needs to be replaced. A motion was made and approved to replace the furnace at a cost of $2,700.00. A public tax hearing was then opened where the budget was reviewed and the tax levy for 2021 was discussed. The total assessed valuation for the district is $104,457,961 and the current tax rate is 0.2338. The maximum allowed by the Hancock Amendment is $0.2374 which would be $.0036 increase. After discussion a motion was made and carried to set the rate at $0.2338. Before adjourning, the board set the date for the next meeting for Tuesday September 1st at 6:00 at the fire station and that meeting will be open to the public.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held their tax rate hearing and regular meeting Thursday evening at the district administrative offices. At the tax rate hearing, Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed reported this year’s assessed valuation for the Salem R-80 School District was $71,850,488. The district will still be using the operating levy ceiling of $2.75 per $100 assessed valuation and has a 52-cent per $100 assessed debt levy ceiling. Reed recommended the district stay with the 45-cent debt service levy as in the past as it is sufficient to meet the district’s obligations. The hearing was adjourned and in the regular meeting, Chelsie Fulton brought in “Gus” who is a therapy dog. She said the biggest benefit of therapy dogs is emotional support and Gus has gone through all the necessary obedience training. She said she would start out at three days a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Assistant Superintendent John Smith said there were 14 new teachers this year, and said things during their orientation were different than in previous years with virtual and seated students. Superintendent Reed said the school has their touchless thermometers were in for the children to test everyday at school, that masks will be available for those on busses and they will also have hand sanitizer. The drivers will be wearing masks and they will also disinfect the busses after every run. She said there were 80 students in kindergarten through the 8th grade and 25 students in grader 9 through 12 that will start the year virtual. This year there are 53 students out for high school football, 39 for middle school football, 16 for softball, 23 for volleyball, 10 high school and three middle school students out for cross country and 15 for cheerleading. Reed also saluted Transportation Supervisor Bob Moreland as all R-80 busses passed this year’s inspection. At the football game, there will be limited concessions and visiting team fans are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. It was suggested to reach out the Dent County Health Center Director Kendra Mobray for direction when it came to attendance at the athletic events. Assistant Athletic Director Clay Moody reported that KSMO Radio would provide live video of all home varsity athletic events and hopefully the away football games as well on the ksmoradio.com site. The board approved the 2019-2020 Annual Secretary of the Board report which showed reserves at 21.46% which is down due to COVID-19. The board approved the $2.75 Operating Ceiling levy and the debt service levy of 45 cents per $100 assessed valuation, and approved the preschool lease with the Dent County Developmental Disabilities Board. The board did postpone any decision on a new Memorandum of Understanding on the school resource officer until the Board of Alderman have made their suggestions. The officer will continue to be at the school while negotiations continue. The board then went into closed session.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday evening in the Hospital Library. At the regular board meeting,
Hospital Chief Financial Officer Doug Hoban gave the summary of operations for the month of July where the hospital had 94 inpatient admissions with 339 inpatient census days. There were 1,769 outpatient registrations, 1,591 cardiopulmonary procedures, 7,202 lab tests, 1,179 radiology procedures, 732 rehabilitation treatments, 38 surgeries, 309 home health visits and 678 emergency room visits. There were a total of 203 ambulance runs with 131 patients transported with 72 dry runs. The hospital showed a loss from operations of $29,936 with expenses over revenues after taxes of $23,934. Hoban said the balance sheet remains strong even with a cash decrease of $687,111 in July. He did say the accounts receivable staff had concentrated their efforts on collecting the private pay as they reduced the amount outstanding by over $850,000. Days in net Accounts Receivable stayed at 103 and that is same as last month. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas reported the hospital auxiliary monthly meetings are cancelled until further notice, and COO Jason Edwards said the “Dancing with the Salem Stars” has been scheduled for January 30th of 2021. He said the hospital is working on the USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program Grant. Edwards said they found a TytoCare-school focused telemedicine product that is a hand held modular examination tool that can examine the heart, lungs, skin, throat, ears and body temperature and provide for a complete telehealth platform. Edwards said the community CPR training and First Responder Training is moving forward but all other support group meetings have been cancelled. Edwards also said due to the COVID-19 outbreak in Dent County, the hospital had to change their visitor policy again to “no visitors allowed” except for end of life or other extenuating circumstances. Lucas said the hospital is in decent shape when it comes to Personal Protective Equipment, and for the CARES Act funds, the hospital is looking at getting their own equipment for testing for the coronavirus. Lucas gave an update on the current expansion and renovation project for the MRI building, Surgery Department, Acute Care, Long-Term Care, Old Medical Records and the Phase 2 Sewer Project. He said the MRI magnet was delivered Monday, August 17th. The board approved a Resolution for the MRI financing that will be done through the Community Foundation of the Ozarks in conjunction with USDA with a 1% interest rate. The board approved the budgeted purchase of a new non-magnetic stretcher for the MRI in the Radiology Department Merry X-Ray Corp. for $3,924, and the non-budgeted purchase of four computer carts with batteries for the Acute Care Isolation Rooms from IMS & Cybernet for a total of $18,948. Chairman Judy Thompson appointed the 2021 Finance Committee and they will be Mike Swyers as the Chairman, Willie Strader and A.J. Seay. The board then went into closed session.
The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be meeting this evening at 5:50 for their public tax rate hearing followed by their regular meeting at 6:00. After the consent agenda and communications, Chelsie Fulton will make a therapy dog presentation before Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed gives her report. The principals will then update the board with reports on each building before the board hears new business. They board will discuss and approved the 2019-2020 Annual Secretary of the Board Report, approve the tax rate established at the tax rate hearing, approve the school resource officer Memorandum of Understanding and then approve the pre-school lease with the Dent County Developmental Disabilities Board. The board will then go into closed session to discuss personnel and real estate before adjourning. The public tax hearing and the regular board meeting will be in the district administrative offices boardroom and are open to the public.

Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk reminds those with real estate taxes due the Delinquent Tax Sale will be held on the courthouse steps on Monday, August 24th, the fourth Monday of the month as per state statute. The sale will begin at 10:00 in the morning. In order for those with delinquent taxes avoid having their property sold at the tax sale, all the taxes for the last three years (2017, 2018 and 2019) as well as interest and penalties plus advertising costs in the Salem News MUST be paid by this Friday, August 21st. For more information, please contact the Dent County Collector at 729-3911.

A one vehicle accident resulting in two injuries happened Monday morning shortly before noon on Highway 72 just about three miles west of Salem. According to the report released by the highway patrol, a 2004 Ford Ranger being driven west by 59-year old David Lee of Licking, was passing another vehicle when he lost control of his vehicle. The Ford started skidding and Lee overcorrected, and the Ford traveled off the right side of the road and overturned. Lee suffered moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. A passenger in the vehicle, 53-year old Troy Conley of Raymondville, was taken by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for the treatment of serious injuries. Both occupants were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. The Ford Ranger was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing of Salem.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held its regular meeting Monday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Brad Nash was not in attendance nor was Alderman Rachel Hinderliter. Alderman Kevin James ran the meeting as President of the Board. The board heard a request from the Grace Community Church to close Water Street from their parking lot to the corner of Water and Franklin Streets from noon until 8:00 PM this Friday for a Family Crusade, and again on Sunday, October 20th from 8:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon for Back to Church Sunday. They approved the request. The board approved the consent agenda that showed sales taxes receipts in August for general revenues, capital improvements and Park and Recreation up from last year in the city. The board heard from Gary Brown, the Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission, about the meeting held on August 4th concerning the subdivision of the Brickhouse Grill addition. Brown said there were no objections at the meeting and Planning and Zoning recommended to the board to allow the subdivision of the property and the board approved that request in Bill #3460. City Administrator Ray Walden said the utility bills for the June consumption are going out this week and anyone who does not get their bill by Friday should call the utility office at 729-4117. He said the due dates on the bills are staggered so that the office will not be overwhelmed. By doing it this way, staff will be able to answer questions and accept payments without long lines at the drive through. Walden said the July consumption is being done and is on track to be billed regularly. Walden said for the fiscal year 2019-2020, the budgeted income from electric consumption was $6,376,799 while the actual income received was $5,400,337. The reduction in income was attributed to milder weather as well as a reduction in rates. The income exceeded the expenses of $5,366,405. Walden said the income from water usage was $1,480,455 with expenses of $1,148,784 and the sewer income in the last fiscal year came in at $762,000 with expenses of $741,675. Walden said the utility committee will be meeting this Thursday night to determine if the city should start to reassess penalties for those with late payments and also to consider start shutting off customers who do not pay. The board approved Resolution 18-2020 to create an agreement with Flynn Drilling to pull, repair and reinstall the pump at Well #6 for a cost of $36,212. City Clerk Mary Happel then explained to the board there were some problems with electioneering at the Dent County Fire House and at the Salem City Hall Basement on election day as Dent County Clerk Angie Curley had to come to each location to address the issue as voters were not comfortable with the proximity of people at the locations. The Dent County Fire Protection District has a policy in place that does not allow campaigning or electioneering on their property which made clearing that location easier, but the city does not have such a policy. The board asked if such a policy could be created and City Attorney Weber said he would have to research the board request to make sure it would comply with state statutes as well as federal voting guidelines. City Administrator Walden said the city has been getting requests about renting space on the city administration building parking lot for the City Wide Yard Sale in October. The board decided the City Wide Yard Sale would go on as normal except that the city administration building parking lot will NOT be used this year as it would be too hard to enforce social distancing. The board then approved two recommendations to the planning and Zoning Commission to fill two vacant seats left by Joe Shelton and Jerry Craig. The new members of the commission are Sherman Odom and Tabitha Utley. The board then went into closed session.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be meeting Thursday evening at 5:50 for their public tax rate hearing followed by their regular meeting at 6:00. After the consent agenda and communications, Chelsie Fulton will make a therapy dog presentation before Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed gives her report. The principals will then update the board with reports on each building before the board hears new business. They will discuss and approved the 2019-2020 Annual Secretary of the Board Report, approve the tax rate established at the tax rate hearing, approve the school resource officer Memorandum of Understanding and then approve the pre-school lease with the Dent County Developmental Disabilities Board. The board will then go into closed session to discuss personnel and real estate before adjourning. The public tax hearing and the regular board meeting will be in the district administrative offices boardroom and are open to the public.

The Dent County Commissioners held their tax rate hearing Monday morning at 10:00 at the courthouse. Beth Frizzell and Amanda Sapaugh along with Wes Mobray were present at the public hearing. The General Revenue Fund rate in 2019 that was at $.0295, was reduced to $0.00 by the Hancock Amendment due to the high volume of sales tax money collected so far in 2020. All three commissioners agreed on the rate. The Senate Bill 40 Fund has a current rate of $.1341 and that will be the maximum allowed again this year. Amanda Sapaugh representing the SB 40 board asked to take the maximum allowed at $.1341 and the Commissioners voted 3-0 to accept her request. The Road and Bridge Fund current tax rate is $.2534. Following the state’s calculations of taxes, the maximum rate allowed by the State Auditor went up to $.2549. The Commission approved that rate with a 3-0 vote. The Senior Citizen Service Fund rate for 2019 was $.0477 and the maximum allowable tax rate for 2020 will be $.0480 after the state’s calculations. Beth Frizzell representing their board requested to take the maximum allowable rate of $.0480 and the request was approved by the commissioners unanimously. All the rates presented are per $100 assessed valuation. The hearing was then adjourned.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated grading was going to be done on Dent County Roads 6370 and 6660. He also said that on Dent County Road 5520, work crews would be rebuilding a portion of that road to keep it from washing out. District 2 work crews also assisted on this rebuilding project with three dump trucks. This project may last all week. Purcell said he would be attending a South Central Missouri Community Action Agency meeting in Winona this evening. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 3380, 4480 and 5225 while materials would be added to county road 3370. Larson did add that brush would be cut on county road 3300. Larson went on to say crews would be fixing a hydraulic leak on Grader #32. He also said some low hanging branches would be removed on county road 6160 to allow the school bus to go by without scraping on the branches. Dent County Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles stated he attended the Missouri Association of Counties summer board meeting last Thursday and it was determined the MAC Conference in November will NOT be held. He also attended the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting on Thursday and they were asking counties to already begin identifying their priorities for the next year. Skiles said there was a discussion of a Highway 63 Advanced Transportation Development District that would work on finding funding for the widening of Highway 63 to four lanes from Jefferson City to the Arkansas State Line. Skiles also reported that MRPC has decided to postpone their annual Volunteer Awards and Recognition Banquet in October and it would be rescheduled at a later date. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley stated she balanced with the collector and assessor for all collections, abatements and add-ons for the month of July. She said the last day you can register to vote in the General Election in November will be October 7th and absentee voting for that election will begin September 22nd. At the last meeting, Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk brought in the collector’s July
report that showed $55,198.98 was collected and that the Property Tax Sale would be held on the courthouse steps on Monday morning, August 24th, at 10:00. 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 conduct their August meeting tonight in the hospital library beginning at 6:00. Prior to the regular meeting, the board will hold a public tax hearing starting at 5:45. After approval of the agenda and minutes of the July 21st regular meeting, Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas will report on the summary of the operations for the month of July followed by the Chief of Nursing Report by Debbie Hines. A report on the hospital foundation, plus the marketing and community perception report by Chief Operating Officer Jason Edwards. Lucas will then go over the COVID-19 update and an update on Hospital expansion and renovation. New business will include purchases since the last meeting and FY’22 Finance Committee Report. The board may vote to go into closed session. Due to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, the August meeting of the Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will be held by telephone/video conference. The meeting is open to anyone to join. For information on how to access the meeting via zoom, please email kbrown@smdh.net or call (573) 729-5917, extension 4005.

The Dent County Health Center reports more COVID-19 cases were identified Friday into the weekend which brings the Dent County total to 23. After not having a new positive case for 26 days through the end of July and first part of August, the total in Dent County has risen 14 since August 7th. According to the Dent County Health Center Administrator Kendra Mobray, the rise in cases this past week is not directly related to one single outbreak, or within the same family or group, meaning there is community transmission. During this week’s investigations, these public locations have been identified as places for potential low-risk exposures. They include the Salem Wal-Mart on Wednesday, August 5th from 5:30 – 6:30 in the evening, the Main Street Cafe on Saturday morning, August 8th between 10:30 and 11:30, and the Salem Country Mart on Monday evening, August 10th from 7:00 to 7:30. To reduce risk and prevent the spread of COVID-19, they encourage you to please continue to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, wear a mask when a distance of 6 feet cannot be maintained, stay home if you are sick, cover coughs and sneezes, clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces frequently and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. If you have any questions, please call 729-3106.

A St. Louis man drowned Saturday afternoon at 3:05 in an incident that occurred in the Meramec River about five miles south of Bourbon. According to the Missouri Water Patrol report, 36-year old Karl Gander of St. Louis was submerged and did not resurface. Nearby floaters saw him go under and pulled him from the water and attempted to provide medical aid. Gander was transported by a private watercraft to a nearby takeout where emergency personnel met him, but could not revive him. He was pronounced dead at 4:10 by the Crawford County Coroner Darren Dake Saturday afternoon and his body was transported to the Hutson Funeral Home in Cuba. Assisting the water patrol at the scene were the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department, Bourbon Fire Department, and North Crawford County Ambulance. This is the 5th drowning in the Troop I area for the 2020 year.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital has announced that due to the recent outbreak of COVID-19 cases in Dent County, effective Friday, August 14th the hospital has had to change their visitor policy again. NO visitors will be allowed in the hospital until further notice. They apologize for the inconvenience and they do thank everyone for your cooperation.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will hold their regular meeting starting at 7:00 tonight at the city hall council chambers. In the hearing of persons, the Grace Community Church will request the partial closing of 600 South Water Street from 12:00 noon until 8:00 in the evening on Friday, August 21st. After approval of the consent agenda which includes sales tax monies received in August, Planning and Zoning Board Chairman Gary Brown will report on the hearing and meeting held August 4th concerning the subdivision of the Brickhouse Grill addition. The board will then hear from City Administrator Ray Walden as he will give an update on city projects. In the Introduction and Reading of Bills and Resolutions, the board will hear Bill #3461 which is an ordinance dealing with the subdivision of the Brickhouse Grill addition. The board will then discuss Resolution No. 18-2020, an agreement with Flynn Drilling for motor repairs at Well #6. In new and miscellaneous business, the board will address the issue of Campaigning/Electioneering on City Property. During the August 4th election there were some issues that arose about candidates and their workers getting too close to the doors and interfering with voters. The board will discuss holding the City Wide Yard Sale, which is customarily held the first Saturday in October. Due to the pandemic, people have called wanting to know if it is still going to be held. Mayor Nash will make appointments to the Planning and Zoning Board of Commissioners to fill two vacant seats. The board will then vote to go into closed session to discuss real estate, personnel and contracts. The regular meeting of the alderman is open to the public. The meeting can be streamed live on ksmoradio.com and will be available after Monday night on You Tube for on-demand playback.

On Thursday, the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center announced the VA clinic at Salem will not reopen following its closure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interim Medical Center Director Paul Hopkins said it is with sadness and disappointment that the decision was made to not reopen the clinic. In 2017, the VA expanded the hours of the Salem VA clinic to five days per week, hoping to enroll additional Veterans for VA health care. Their minimum goal of 660 Veteran patients to maintain the full-time clinic seemed reasonable, as there are over 1,100 veterans in Dent County. Hopkins went on to explain the patient population of the Salem clinic never exceeded 350 and is now below 300. Hopkins said this is understandable with the new MISSION Act as Salem area veterans can now go to an in-network private urgent care facility at the expense of VA; an option that was not available in 2017. Salem Memorial District Hospital is now an authorized MISSION Act provider. It was also discovered that many local veterans preferred to stay with the Columbia VA Clinic because that is where they received their specialty care. In the end, they just didn’t enroll for health care with the Salem clinic as we expected. Hopkins explained that the current lease with the Salem Hospital is expiring and new national seismic requirements for VA leases prevent VA from remaining at that location. He said a new clinic would have to be constructed to meet national standards. Hopkins noted that veterans who prefer to remain in the VA system can attend either the Columbia VA Clinic or St. James VA Clinic as their providers are anxious to welcome them to either of those locations. Veterans who would like to enroll with the St. James VA system may call (573) 265-0448 or contact the Columbia VA Clinic at (573) 814-6000. The VA clinic in Salem has been closed due to COVID since March.

The Dent County Health Center has announced a 14th Positive COVID-19 test came back in Dent County on Wednesday. On Thursday, the Health Center staff is in the process of investigating COVID-19 cases 15 and 16 for Dent County. Contacts are being identified and contacted as quickly as possible. If any locations of concern are identified, they will update the public with that information as it is obtained. The individuals are in isolation in their home. Close contacts are being identified and contacted at this time. Dent County Health Center Administrator Kendra Mobray wants to remind everyone as cases increase, the risk for community transmission increases. It is important to remember that every activity that involves contact with others has some degree of risk. She also wants to remind people that they only release locations based on the risk of exposure. If they are able to identify how they will proceed. Large scale and mass gathering type events pose much greater risks than things like grocery shopping, where you are able to keep your distance and reduce contact with others. If you are concerned about exposure and think the Health Center has missed identifying you during contact tracing, please call the office at 729-3106. To reduce risk and prevent the spread of COVID-19, they encourage you to please continue to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, wear a mask when a distance of 6 feet cannot be maintained, stay home if you are sick, cover coughs and sneezes, clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces frequently and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released the following reports for August 3rd and 5th. On Monday, the 3rd, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 300 block of North Russell Street to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 25-year-old Salem man was arrested for having an active warrant through Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail where he was incarcerated. Then on Wednesday, August 5th, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 500 block of South Jackson Street to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 42-year-old Salem woman was arrested for having an active warrant through Dent County. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail where she was incarcerated. Also on the 5th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 900 block of South Main Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 27-year-old Salem man was arrested for having an active warrant through Greene County. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail where he later posted bond and was released. Still on the 5th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at Butler and Hickory Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 30-year-old Salem man was arrested for the possession of marijuana of 10 grams or less, and the unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Finally on the 5th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at Highway 19 North and the Highway 68 intersection. During the course of the traffic stop, a 26-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked, a second or subsequent offense; and for possession of marijuana 10 grams or less. Also arrested during the traffic stop was a 26-year-old Salem man for the possession of marijuana of 10 grams or less. Both men were transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail where they were fingerprinted issued s summons and released. If anyone has information on an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

Salem R-80 Assistant Principal Clay Moody wants to remind parents of any high school student that did not get registered this week, to please register your child at the high school Monday or Tuesday of next week between 9:00 and 3:00. If you have questions, call 729-6641.