Local News

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley released the results of a case heard in front of Judge Megan Seay where Dennis Loughridge of Salem pled guilty to 13 charges against him. Those charges were for forgery, the distribution of Methamphetamine, receiving stolen property, two charges of driving while having his license revoked or suspended, two charges of possession of a controlled substance except for 35 grams or less of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid, non-support with total arrears in excess of 12 months payments due under order of support, two felony charges for resisting or interfering with an arrest, burglary in the second degree, the unlawful possession of a firearm, and a charge of stealing a firearm, explosive weapon or ammonium nitrate. The case was heard on October 8th and Loughridge was sentenced to serve a total of 15 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.

An accident occurred Wednesday evening at 5:00 in Crawford County on Route CC and Oak Hill Road. According to the highway patrol report a 2005 Pontiac Sunfire driven by 20-year-old Katelyn Michel of Salem was traveling northbound and entered a curve. She was travelling too fast for conditions and travelled off the left side of the roadway and struck a fence. Michel suffered minor injuries and was transported to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan by North Crawford Ambulance. Michel was wearing a safety device at the time of the accident. The Sunfire sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Chris and Sons Towing.

An accident happened Wednesday evening around 6:45 in Reynolds County on Route J at County Road 832, about a mile east of Oates. The highway patrol reports that a 2020 Kawasaki KRX1000 being operated by 56-year-old Paul Blackman of Black, was traveling westbound when he traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned multiple times. Blackman suffered moderate injuries and was taken by a highway patrol vehicle to Iron County Hospital. A passenger on the Kawasaki, 62-year-old Dena Tompkins of Black, suffered moderate injuries and was also transported to Iron County Hospital by ambulance. The Kawasaki was totaled and removed from the scene by a private party. The report stated that Blackman and Tompkins were both wearing safety devices at the time of the accident.

A “Happy Fall Y’all” paint party will be held tonight from 6:30 to 8:30 at the Creative Arts Center behind the ONCRC Danielle Norris will walk you through a fall painting to bring in a new season. Then on Saturday night, a “Kitchen Witch” Wheat Weaving class will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 at the Creative Arts Center. Suzanne Douglas will teach the art of wheat weaving and the “Kitchen Witch” is a traditional Celtic design. The cost is $25 per person which includes all your supplies. You can register at the ONCRC, by calling 247-0651 or 247-5306.

If you a person born after January 1st, 1967, and you want to hunt with a firearm alone, you must take the Missouri–approved course to complete your online hunter safety education. Hunter-ed.com is a delegated provider for the Missouri Department of Conservation. Get hunter certified in 3 steps: Study and pass the $19.95 online course, finish any other requirements and get ready to go hunting! You must be at least 10 years old to take the online course. Students who are 10 years of age may complete this course, but they must be 11 years old to take the Hunter Education Skills Session. After this course is complete and if you are 11 to 15 years of age when you REGISTERED for this course, you must pass this online course and attend the Hunter Education Skills Session to complete your hunting safety certification. In our area, seats are limited at the Bunker High School for their October 28th class from 5:00 until 9:00. There are also seats available at the Houston course this Saturday from 8:00 in the morning until noon at the Faith Fellowship Church. For more info, go to mdc.mo.gov.

As reported by Salem Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge Tuesday afternoon, the Salem R-80 Construction Trades Program has been voted the winner of the Strong Communities Award in the Rural category and will be awarded $15,000 by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines. Among the four finalists, there were over 8,000 votes cast. The Salem R-80 Construction Trades Program provides relevant technical training; opportunities for students to develop; and creates a post-secondary pipeline for education and employment. The training program provides students with the creative and technical skills to gain valuable, real-life experience through classroom and on the job training. Much of the training requires extensive hands-on education garnered through paid apprenticeships. Upon graduation, students are fully prepared to work for small and large contracting firms that can eventually lead to roles in project management or administration, as well as gaining certification as a general contractor. In addition, the program is reviving our community through the rehab of homes and building of relationships. The project is supported by The Bank of Salem. Salem R-80 Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed stated the school is excited to be named the winner of the Strong Communities Award and are very humbled and grateful for the support from our community. She went on to say this award will go toward preparing our students with the technical skills needed to be valuable members of the workforce right here in Salem. The next step for the Salem R-80 Construction Trades Program is to construct a building for the program. Over half of the funds, $500,000 are already secured through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awarded to the City of Salem, and there are 50% Youth Opportunities Program (YOP) Tax Credits available through Salem R-80 Schools to anyone who donates toward the building’s construction. Any person, business or entity who pays Missouri Income Taxes can benefit from the Tax Credits, although you may donate to the program regardless. For additional information about the YOP Tax Credits you may contact Dr. Lynne Reed, Superintendent of Salem R80 Schools at 573-729-6642.

Staff members at Meramec State Park invite the public to its annual Halloween event, Spooktacular, this Friday and Saturday. Events will include an evening program presented by a park naturalist, an outdoor movie with free popcorn and hot chocolate, a bonfire, trick-or-treating, a scavenger hunt, a coloring contest and a jack-o’-lantern contest. On Saturday afternoon at 4:45 park staff will close the campground road to provide a safe environment for trick-or-treaters to go campsite to campsite. Campers are encouraged to decorate their campsites, and one campsite will be designated as the “Coolest Campsite.” At 6:30 that evening there will be a nature program at the amphitheater followed by and outdoor showing of the movie Halloweentown II. Saturday will feature a coloring contest beginning at 9 a.m. and a scavenger hunt and jack-o-lantern contest followed by trick or treating at 5:00. The public is strongly encouraged to follow social-distancing guidelines and be proactive in protecting themselves and others. Meramec
State Park is located at 115 Meramec Park Drive, Sullivan. For more information about the meeting, call 573-468-6072. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Farming plays a vital role in Missouri’s economy, history, and identity. In 2020, there were 199 Missouri traffic crashes involving farm equipment. In those crashes, two people were killed and 73 were injured. Whether you’re driving a vehicle or operating farm machinery, you must pay attention to the roadway, other drivers, and traffic signs. Distracted drivers are dangerous drivers. Please pay attention and share the road! Farmers should make sure your farm equipment is properly marked with lights and a “slow-moving vehicle” emblem when you travel on the roadway. If traffic accumulates behind you on the road where it is difficult to make a safe pass, pull off onto the side of the road in a level area, so vehicles can pass. Always drive as far to the right as possible. It’s harder to see you at dawn or dusk, so please don’t travel on the road during those times if possible. Remember: Missouri law allows agricultural machinery and implements to be operated on state highways between the hours of sunset and sunrise for agricultural purposes provided such vehicles are equipped with the required lighting. Like other motor vehicles, most modern farm tractors have seat belts. Always use a seat belt when operating a tractor equipped with a roll-over protection structure. Often, all-terrain vehicles are used for agricultural purposes. ATVs being used for farming can only travel on highways during daylight hours and must be equipped with lights, a bicycle flag, and a “slow-moving vehicle” emblem. The law requires anyone under the age of 18 to wear a safety helmet when operating an ATV; the Patrol, however, recommends operators wear a safety helmet regardless of age. And it’s important for drivers important to do your part. Stay alert for slow moving farm equipment. When you come up behind a tractor or other farm machinery, please slow down and be patient. Wait to pass until you have a clear view of the road ahead and there is no oncoming traffic. Never pass on a hill or curve. Collisions commonly occur when a motorist tries to pass a left-turning farm vehicle. A tractor that appears to be pulling to the right side of the road to let motorists pass, may be preparing to make a wide left turn. Watch the farmer’s hand and light signals closely. It’s important that you pay close attention to farm equipment entering and leaving the highway from side roads and driveways. Special attention must be paid when traveling at dawn or dusk when the sun makes it difficult for drivers to see.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met for the regular meeting Tuesday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. The board approved Bill #3493 that amended Chapter 700, Article II, Section 700.130 that allows the board to increase or decrease electric rates without the vote of the alderman based upon comparative charges from January to December for a given year to the prior year from the electric wholesale supplier. Alderman Bolerjack said this ordinance was changed from the month of July to June to January to December to allow the utility committee a chance to review the rates and make budget recommendations in March for the next fiscal year. The board approved the bid from Leo Morgan of Lebanon to install a fence around the electric and water department buildings on Wines Street for a cost of $9,700.00. City Administrator Ray Walden reported on some issues with pieces of the bundle maintenance project that has not yet been passed by the board. The Salem Community Center@The Armory roof as well as the roof on the building at 3rd and Grand are leaking and need attention quickly. He said there are also some problems with three air conditioning/heating units that will also have to be addressed. Walden said the bundle of projects price has gone up about 5% since it was presented to the board. Aldermen Kevin James said he wasn’t comfortable with all the projects in the bundle and would like bids on the individual projects presented to the board. Walden said he will get those bids. Mayor Kim Steelman said she is working with Sarah Massengale of the University Extension to provide training for people on boards and committees so that these members know what their responsibilities are as well as their role. Steelman said she met with Tyler Naramore and discussed some exciting ideas for the airport which she will tour for the first time today. She said work is still being done on some policy changes and the first round of interviews for the finance director are being held. Public Works Director Mark Nash said there were 120 utility disconnects with 88 people coming the next day to pay, and now 106 of those have paid. There are 14 accounts outstanding. Nash said the hospital to Dilworth Lane pipe project is now underground and the Highway 19 south project is complete waiting on the property owners to have their plumber tie into the line. Nash indicated there have been three main water line leaks that have been repaired: South Hickory, behind Arranda’s and behind the Farmers Market. He went on the say the street department is still sealing cracks, but have been slowed by the rain. Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois gave her report that showed this summer there were 13,463 daily admissions to the pool with 36 pool parties and 85 swimming lessons. She said the summer league baseball, softball and T-Ball program had 39 teams with 452 participants while the flag football and cheerleading program had 143 participants. She did say the city has officially been awarded the LWCF grant for the soccer field complex. Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge reported the Salem R-80 Construction Trades program won the $15,000 Strong Communities Award. She said the school is still offering CDBG Missouri state tax credits on 50% of a contribution to that program and the credits can be sold until September of 2022. The CDBG Grant funds though MUST be expended by December 31st of 2022 and can’t be used until all the credits are sold. For information on the tax credits, call the Salem R-80 Administrative Offices at 729-6642. The board then went into closed session to discuss contracts.

An accident happened in Dent County on Route B about two miles east of Doss Tuesday morning around 9:00. According to the highway patrol report, a 2010 Freightliner Dump Truck driven westbound by Noah Sapp of Salem, went off the right side of the roadway when the load it was carrying shifted. The Freightliner returned to the roadway, then traveled off the left side of the road and overturned into a fence. Sapp suffered minor injuries and was taken from the scene to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. Sapp was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Freightliner sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing in Salem.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways has a variety of great trails for everyone to enjoy. Hikers can enjoy fall colors on this Saturday beginning at 10:00. Participants will see spectacular fall colors along the Cave Spring Trail. Meet at Devils Well to hike 2.2 miles to Cave Spring and then return using the loop trail which is 2.7 miles for a total of approximately five miles. Hikers should take weather conditions into consideration and be prepared during all seasons. Drinking water, rain gear, map, snacks, flashlight, sturdy hiking shoes, clothing appropriate for the weather and terrain, and emergency campfire supplies are recommended. Always remember to inform someone of your plans. For more information about any of the hikes, contact Skyler Bockman at (573) 323-8093 or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/ozar.

A tie-dye T-Shirt Class will be held Thursday from 5:30 to 7:00 at the Creative Arts Center in Salem behind the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center. Laura Miller will help you design and create your own colorful tie-dye T-shirt you will be proud to wear or give as a gift. The cost is $20 per person, but if you bring your own white T-shirt, you get $5 off. All the supplies are included. You can register at the ONCRC, by calling 247-0651 or 247-5306 or by e-mailing salemartscouncil@outlook.com.

The Salem Police Department has released their report for the month of September. They served 13 summons to appear in court, gave out 59 warning tickets and nine traffic tickets, plus they served nine fugitive warrants. The department investigated 14 traffic accidents, had 11 ambulance assists, made 80 traffic stops, wrote two property damage reports, five stealing reports and two resisting or interfering with an arrest. The department investigated four driving while having a license being revoked or suspended, investigated two assaults, had one death investigation, investigated four charges for possession of a controlled substance, three possessions of drug paraphernalia, plus they investigated one trespassing report, and one violation of a full order of protection. The department also investigated four intoxicated pedestrians and responded to eight assaults or fights, responded to 43 animal calls, conducted 28 follow up investigations, and investigated four reports of a prowler. The police department also performed 16 well-being checks, investigated one sexual offense, and four suspicious vehicles and 12 suspicious subjects, and had a report of a runaway juvenile. The department drove 7,911 miles during the month and served 4 hours as court bailiff. The department had 621 calls for service during September and had 26 walk-ins to the station. There were 16 males and 10 females arrested during the month of September.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is now accepting applications through October 15th for the Missouri Outdoor Recreational Access Program (MRAP). The program provides participating landowners with annual incentive payments of $15 to $25 per enrolled acre and financial assistance to improve wildlife habitat on their properties for public walk-in hunting, fishing, or wildlife viewing. The standard landowner commitment period is three years, with annual renewal opportunities. This funding, which is provided by a USDA grant, allows for the additional enrollment of approximately 10,000 acres into MRAP this year. 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. Most MRAP access types are open to the public year-round, however, archery hunting and small game and turkey properties are open only during relevant legal seasons. Offered lands must meet minimum 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 be located within highly populated counties. Eligible lands must be comprised of at least 20% quality wildlife habitat such as native grass fields, crop field buffers, restored wetlands, or managed woodlands. Public use is limited to foot traffic only. Properties must be open one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. Equipment and gear are carry-in-carry-out daily. Participating landowners are offered liability protection through Missouri’s Recreational Use Immunity Law. Learn more about MRAP and apply to the program at mdc.mo.gov. To apply, complete the MRAP Application. Completed applications can be e-mailed to Rachel.Williams@mdc.mo.gov by October 15th. Missouri has approximately 13,700 acres enrolled in the MRAP program across 55 properties. Find enrolled MRAP properties and offerings online at mdc.mo.gov.

New in fall 2021, University of Missouri Extension is launching a workshop series on Whole System Management of Beef Cattle Reproduction. The objective is to aid Missouri producers in improving the reproductive management of their cow-calf herds through a systems-based approach. There will be a whole system management workshop at Wurdack Farm in Cook Station on Tuesday October 26th. Workshops will include presentations as well group discussions, scenario troubleshooting, and a tour and overview of the reproductive management system at a University of Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station Research Center. Participants will leave with a new perspective about reproductive management of cow-calf herds, viewing common causes of variability in reproductive performance now as leverage points for future improvement. For more information you can email Rachel Hopkins at hopkinsrm@umsystem.edu.

The City of Salem Curbside Yard Waste Pickup is being RESCHEDULED to the week of October 18th. The City of Salem Streets Crew will be performing crack sealing on multiple city streets the first two weeks of October and will not be able to pick up yard waste during that time. Please be courteous while city crews are repairing and maintaining your streets. Again, please DO NOT set out yard waste until the weekend of October 16th.

An accident happened Saturday afternoon at 3:44 on Highway 63 about a mile south of Edgar Springs that left five people with serious injuries. According to the highway patrol report, A 2007 Chevrolet 1500 driven northbound by a 17-year-old male juvenile from Mountain View, collided head on with a 2019 Nissan Kicks driven southbound by 39-year-old Robert Burns Jr. of Licking. Burns suffered serious injuries and was taken by Air Evac to Cox South Hospital in Springfield. Also suffering serious injuries from the Nissan Kicks were 32-year-old Kimberly Burns who was taken by Phelps Air to Cox South Hospital in Springfield, a nine-year-old female from Licking who was taken by MU Air Care to the University Hospital in Columbia, and a 16-year-old female of Licking who was taken by Mercy Life Line to Children’s Hospital in St. Louis. Suffering serious injuries from the Chevrolet was a 16-year-old female juvenile from Mountain View who was transported by Arch Air Care to Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Columbia. Both vehicles were totaled in the accident. The Chevrolet was removed by D&D Recovery while the Nissan was taken from the scene by Lucas Garage. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by the Edgar Springs Fire Department and the Rolla Rural Fire Department.

An accident happened Saturday evening at 6:50 in Pulaski County on Interstate 44 at the 156- exit ramp in Waynesville. According to the highway patrol report, a 1999 Harley Davidson being driven eastbound by 48-year-old Donald Miller of St. James was making a right hand turn onto the exit ramp when he traveled off the left side of the roadway, returned to the road and overturned. Suffering serious injures was Miller who was taken by Life Flight to the University Hospital in Columbia. A passenger with Miller, an 11-year-old female juvenile, suffered minor injuries and was taken by ambulance to the Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach. Miller and the passenger were wearing safety devices at the time of the accident. The Harley Davidson was totaled and removed from the scene by TC Towing.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting Tuesday evening at 6:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers. After the consent agenda is approved, the board will hear and discuss Bill #3493 which would create an ordinance amending Chapter 700, Article II, Section 700.130 that would allow the city to increase or decrease electric rates by the same rate of the supplier without the necessity of a vote of the aldermen. The board will then hear a bid on putting a fence around the city facility on Wines Street for $9,700. Reports will then be heard from City Administrator Ray Walden, Mayor Kim Steelman. Public Works Director Mark Nash, Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois, Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge and any Aldermen reports. The board may then go into closed session to discuss contracts. The City of Salem Board of Aldermen meeting Tuesday night will be open to the public.

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission has approved a contract to resurface Highway 72 in Dent and Phelps counties. Under the approved contract, resurfacing will take place from Rolla to Salem in the 2022 construction season. Pace Construction was awarded the contract after submitting the low bid of $4,029,000. When a start date is established, MoDOT will alert the public about the project through signs, news releases and social media. For more information about this project or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/central.

The Salem Public Library is having a Book-O’-Lantern Pumpkin Decorating Contest. All ages are welcome to decorate a pumpkin to represent a story you enjoy or to look like your favorite book character. Use paint, markers, glue, fabric, etc., but no carving of the pumpkin please! Bring your creation to the public library through October 16th. For more information, call 729-4331.

A report from State Auditor Nicole Galloway finds that the city of Edgar Springs in Phelps County has implemented some recommendations from her 2020 audit, but that other concerns still remain. The November 2020 audit of Edgar Springs was initiated through a petition of city residents. That audit highlighted numerous problems with the city’s accounting controls and procedures, as well as other operations of city government. Because the audit gave a rating of “poor,” the lowest possible rating, the Auditor’s Office conducted a follow-up review to measure the progress the city has since made. Of the 20 recommendations followed up on from the 2020 audit, Edgar Springs officials have fully implemented only two. Eight recommendations remain not implemented with another ten either partially implemented or in progress. State Auditor Nicole Galloway stated that she urges city officials to implement all of the audit recommendations to ensure they are transparent with taxpayers. While auditors found that the Board of Aldermen has begun reviewing monthly budget-to-actual reports as recommended, the city’s official 2021 budget could not be located and supporting budget documents did not contain all the statutorily required elements. The board also has not prepared and maintained accurate financial statements and accounting records as recommended. City officials have also not filed an accurate and timely financial report with the State Auditor’s Office. The follow-up review also found that the city has made no progress on the recommendation that they ensure ordinances are maintained in a complete and well-organized manner, and establish an index of all ordinances passed and rescinded. No progress had been made towards ensuring that sunshine requests are responded to timely. Auditors did find that progress was made on recommendations relating to sewer system controls, maintaining supporting documentation for disbursements of city money, and a written policy regarding public access to city records.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports for the mid to latter part of September. During the afternoon of Tuesday, September 14 just before 2:00 an officer was dispatched to the Salem Police Department for a report of a forgery. It had been reported that $400 worth of checks were stolen and written without consent. This incident is still under investigation. The next day around noon, an officer arrested a 41-year-old Salem woman identified as Danielle McDonald for an active arrest warrant out of Texas County. McDonald was incarcerated at the Dent County Jail awaiting extradition. On Friday the 17th just after 3i:30 in the afternoon an officer arrested a 38-year-old Salem man identified as Herbert Bartlet on an active arrest warrant out of Jefferson County Missouri. The next afternoon at approximately 1:30 an officer was dispatched to 700 south Orchard for a report of a vehicle crash. Investigation of incident revealed that a woman had rammed into a family members car during a disagreement. As a result of the investigation a 28-year-old Salem woman was arrested for DWI and Careless and imprudent driving. The woman was held on a 12-hour safekeep at the Dent County Jail and later released on a summons for court. On Tuesday afternoon, September 21st, near 1:45 an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for equipment issues near the 400 block of east Franklin. During the stop the officer was shown signs of possible narcotics activity. After gaining consent to search, suspected heroin and drug paraphernalia was located in the vehicle. As a result, a 31-year-old Salem man was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. The next day an officer arrested a 58-year-old Salem man identified as Robert Simmons for an active warrant out of Dent County. Simmons was incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. On Thursday the 23rd, at around midnight an officer arrested a 35-year-old man identified as Jeremy Jackson and a 32-year-old man identified as Ryan Lumsden on warrants for their arrest. Both men were incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

A one vehicle accident happened Thursday morning just after 6:30 on Highway 19 in Shannon County. The report released by the highway patrol states that a 2014 Chevrolet Equinox being driven by 22-year-old Danielle Counts of Eminence, was traveling south when she swerved to miss a deer in the roadway. The Chevy then ran off the road and struck a bridge. Counts was taken to Mercy St. Francis Hospital in Mountain View by Shannon County Ambulance for treatment of moderate injuries. The report stated Counts was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Equinox sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by Sartins Towing.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley has released a couple of court pleadings in the last week. On Thursday, September 30th in Dent County in front of Judge Kelsaw, Austin Carter of Salem pled guilty to the delivery of methamphetamine. Carter was sentenced to serve seven years in the Missouri Department of Corrections as a persistent felony offender. On Tuesday, October 5th in Crawford County in front of Judge Megan Seay, Lee Sellers of Salem pled guilty to the possession of methamphetamine. Sellers was on probation at the time of the guilty plea. Judge Seay sentenced Sellers to serve seven years in the Department of Corrections as requested by Prosecutor Curley.

Waste Corporation of America will be providing the Fall Cleanup week for City of Salem residents beginning Monday, October 11th through Friday, October 15th. Residents are asked to have all trash placed at the curb the night before your normal scheduled trash day. EPA law will not allow the collection of yard waste, batteries, tires, motor oil, chemicals or solvents, paint, appliances, or non-compactable items such as concrete, tree stumps, steel, or construction debris. If you have questions about the WCA residential Fall Cleanup Week, please call 1-800-926-3953 or 1-417-741-7714.

Healthy Dent County’s 10th annual “Girls Night Out” event will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 TODAY at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Attendees will experience shopping with unique vendors, prize giveaways, FREE samples, door prizes, food samples and many other exciting items. This event is limited to women and girls who are 12 years of age and older, and the admission fee is $5.00. Over 60 vendors will display and sell their products and services. Bring your girlfriends for an evening of pampering, shopping and eating. Bring in canned food or non-perishable food items for a chance to win a Gift Card. You get one ticket per item, so the more you donate, so does your chance to win the gift cards. Food donations will be given to the Sacred Heart Food Pantry and Grace Harbor. For more information or to be a vendor, contact Sherry at 729-8163 or sherry@salemcommunitycenter.org.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released more reports for the month of September. On Friday, the 17th of September, the Dent County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a suspicious subject near the reporting party’s residence in the 3000 block of Route K. A deputy responded to the area and during the investigation, a traffic stop was conducted near the residence. During the stop, a 26-year-old man from West Alexandria, Ohio, was arrested for driving while being intoxicated and trespassing in the 1st degree. He was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On Saturday, the 18th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on South Highway 19 and Roosevelt Street. As a result, a 37-year-old man from Patterson, Illinois, was arrested for driving while being intoxicated. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released to a sober party. That same day, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on South Highway 19. During that stop, a 41-year-old woman from Boss was arrested for having two active warrants through the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. The woman was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Sunday, September 19, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 5440. As a result of the stop, a 21-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while being intoxicated. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released to a sober party. A deputy conducted a traffic stop on East Hunt Street on Wednesday, the 22nd. During the traffic stop, a 30-year-old Fredricktown woman was arrested for driving while having her license revoked or suspended. She was transported to the Dent County Jail where she was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. The next day a deputy traveled to a residence in the 900 block of South Oak Street to serve an arrest warrant. As a result, a 39-year-old Salem man was arrested for active warrants through the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated.

The Salem R-80 Construction Trades Program has been selected as one of four Strong Communities Award finalists and it will take your vote for them to win the grand prize of $15,000. Members of the Salem community can cast their votes once a day through this Friday in favor of the Salem R-80 Construction Trades Program by visiting the Strong Communities Award homepage at www.fhlbdm.com/award. Then go to the bottom of the page of the rural finalists to find the Salem entry which is very informative. The Strong Communities Award honors the projects, people and programs that promote local small business growth and retention.

The Salem Police Department has released several reports for the month of September. During the afternoon of Saturday, the 4th around 2:45 an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart for a report of a shoplifter. It was reported that a female subject had stolen approximately $125 worth of merchandise. After contact was made with the female subject and a short investigation, the 28-year-old Salem woman was arrested and released on a summons. The next afternoon at approximately 2:45 an officer was attempting to contact a subject that had active arrest warrants. It was reported that a male subject identified as 34-year-old Jesse Light, had been staying and hiding at his father’s residence in the 1300 block of South Wines. After numerous attempts to locate Jesse at the residence and being told he had not been at the residence, officers investigated Light’s whereabouts. Light was later located hiding in a shed on the property. Light then struck an officer and took off running. A short foot pursuit ended in Light being taken into custody. Light had warrants for his arrest for resisting arrest and possession of controlled substance. Due to the incident, other charges on Light were requested through the Dent County Prosecutors Office. During the afternoon of Wednesday, September 8th, near 1:30 an officer was dispatched to Country Mart for a report of a forgery. It was reported that a woman had cashed fraudulent checks in the amount of $782.33. An investigation into this matter is still ongoing. Then on Friday, the 10th, an officer arrested a 48-year-old Salem woman identified as Erma Baker on an active arrest warrant out of Dent County. On Sunday, September 12th around 1:15 in the afternoon, an officer responded to the 300 block of east Truman for a report of an assault. The investigation uncovered that a female subject had assaulted one of her family members. Due to the investigation a 22-year-old Salem woman was arrested and later released on a summons to appear in court. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

After a year of absence due to COVID-19 the Wurdack Field Day returns to the Cook Station area at the Wurdack Research Center on Friday, October 8th. Registration begins at 8:30 followed by tours from 9:00 until Noon. Lunch, sponsored by FCNB Bank, will be served at noon at the Spring. Featured tours center around beef cattle production and include using shade to enhance herd productivity, body condition scoring as a planning tool, grass weeds in forages and late season broadleaf weed management, synchronization with natural service, changing the thinking about the cow herd from a depreciating asset to an appreciating asset, and keeping animals on high quality forage and hay. There will also be a presentation by Wurdack Superintendent, Dr. Dusty Walter, on timber sale methods and expectations. To get to the Wurdack Research Center from Salem take Highway 19 north 15 miles to County Road 3370. Turn left and continue 3 miles to the farm entrance. For more information contact Dusty Walter at WalterD@Missouri.edu or Wurdack.Missouri.edu.

Each year, Meramec Regional Planning Commission honors residents of the Meramec Region who give to their communities by volunteering their time, talents and support. With the cancellation of the 2020 MRPC Annual Dinner, the 2021 dinner will honor volunteers from both years. A total of 16 awards will be presented at MRPC’s 2021 Annual Dinner October 21st at the State Technical College of Missouri Student Activity Center at #1 Technology Drive in Linn. Some of the recipients from our area include Joe Brand from Salem, plus Mick Barrack and Judy Terry of Rolla. The public is invited to attend the event in Linn. COVID-19 precautions will be followed. Tickets for the event will cost $35. A reception will be held prior to the dinner beginning at 5:30 with dinner beginning at 6:30. The program and awards presentation will follow. The Eugene E. Northern award, the highest honor given by MRPC for volunteers and community service, will also be announced at the Annual Dinner for 2020 and 2021. For reservations, contact the MRPC at 573-265-2993. The deadline for reservations is THURSDAY, October 7th.

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways has a variety of great trails for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can explore trails independently or can participate in several ranger-led hiking events planned throughout the fall. Social distancing will be encouraged during ranger-led hikes. For hikes where shuttles are offered, masks will be required for visitors on the shuttles. Saturday October 9th will be from Echo Bluff State Park to Current River State Park. Hikers will meet at 10:00 in the morning at the lodge at Echo Bluff State Park to hike the second leg of the Current River Challenge. Ozark Riverways Foundation will offer hikers a “quick start breakfast” prior to departure. This 4-mile hike concludes at Current River State Park where participants can collect their completion stamp. A shuttle back to Echo Bluff State Park will be provided by Ozark Riverways Foundation. For more information about any of the hikes, contact Skyler Bockman at (573) 323-8093 or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/ozar.

A four-vehicle accident happened Sunday afternoon at 4:30 in Franklin County on Interstate 44 near the 257.4-mile marker. According to the highway patrol report, a 2009 Honda CRV was improperly stopped on the interstate blocking the eastbound passing lane. At that time, a 2019 BMW X3 being driven by 65-year-old Roland Dolle of Eureka and a 2005 Jeep Wrangler being driven by 38-year-old Jason Savage of Salem, were both traveling east in the passing lane. The accident occurred as the front of the Wrangler struck the rear of the BMW. Then a 2021 Volvo Conventional semi being driven by 22-year-old Robin Singh of Clovis, California, struck the right side of the BMW. The BMW then struck the rear of the Honda. Savage suffered serious injuries and was taken by Meramec Ambulance Service to Mercy Hospital St. Louis. The Jeep, BMW, and Honda were totaled and all three were removed by Patriot Towing. No damage was reported to the Volvo Conventional.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge provided the commissioners her monthly report. She reported on the one state lead where the company asked the state to provide them with the ten best certified sites and Salem was included in that selection. Burbridge since then has provided the company with more additional information which was requested. She said the first three houses of the Voluntary Demolition Program have been removed and she has seven other homeowners interested in the program. She is working now with Archer Elgin to perform the letting out of bids. She said people can now vote on the Strong Communities Award the Salem R-80 Construction Trades program is up for. The public voting will end Friday and everyone can vote once a day. To vote, you must go online to www.fhlbdm.com/award. The program already received $3,000 for being a finalist. Burbridge also reported the unemployment rate for Dent County dropped to 3.7% in August, but the workforce has shrank from 6,204 to 6,123 people. Livestock Specialist Eric Meusch came in to update the commission on Extension programs. He said the Beef Days was a tremendous success held in September. He also said coming up Thursday at Wurdack Farm will be the FFA Education Day for FFA students in the surrounding school districts. On Friday, Wurdack will be hosting a Field Day and people still have time to sign up for that by contacting Dusty Walter at 573-999-1514. Meusch also said Wurdack will host a Whole System Management course later this month that may become a statewide school on those interested in artificial insemination. He went on to say the Dent County Extension has filled the position created in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Conservation to deal with the feral hog problem in the area and his name is Kevin Crider who was raised in Shannon County. He was working as a feral hog trapper with MDC. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated work crews will be rebuilding Dent County Road 6220. Mobray said the road will be “passible” but be cautious in your travels over that road. The work crews will be hauling in dirt, replacing a culvert and then re-rocking the road. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported one of his district workers will be helping with the project on county road 6220, while the other workers will be rebuilding a low water crossing on Dent County Road 4030. Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District Executive Board meeting Tuesday and they reviewed and scored 11 grant applications to reduce solid waste going into landfills as well recycling. He said one of the applications came from Dent County. He said about $300,000 was requested and there is around $180,000 available. They will meet again next Tuesday to work on awarding the projects. Skiles stated he, Commissioner Mobray, Dent County Clerk Angie Curley, Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams and Dent County Lieutenant Lenny Pabin attended the ARPA meeting last Wednesday at the MRPC to hear from Attorney Travis Elliott on what the funds can be used for. Elliott made a few recommendations concerning the fund and prepared some draft policies for the distribution, but said the counties need to wait for the final ruling from the US Treasury before acting. Skiles also said he attended the CCAM Executive Board meeting last week and they discussed legal issues concerning Senate Bill 53. He said the whole board will be meeting this week to discuss it further. The commission then heard from John Hickman from HIC Insurance concerning health insurance. The courthouse will be closed on Monday for Columbus Day so there will be no commissioner meeting Monday.

An accident happened Sunday night at about 10:30 on Highway C in Texas County about five miles north of Licking. The report from the highway patrol states that a 1985 Honda MC being operated by 28-year-old Brendan Woodall of Licking, lost control and was ejected from the vehicle. Woodall, who was not wearing a safety device, suffered serious injuries, and was taken to Mercy Hospital in Springfield by an air ambulance. The Honda sustained minor damage and was removed by a private party.

The Rose Holland Trout Derby, which was held this past weekend, was a huge success. There were 764 tags sold for Saturday’s fishing and 434 for Sunday. There were 10 lunkers caught and local anglers catching lunkers included Kevin Sunke of Rolla and Tad Headrick of Salem. Fifty-four tagged fish were caught and registered. The total raised for the American Heart Association was $12,415. The Current River Cruisers Car Show on Friday raised $1,046.00 for the derby.