Local News

The Salem Park and Recreation Board met Tuesday, August 11th at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. After the roll call and approving the agenda, Salem Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois explained the Spring Soccer Program that was moved to the summer at the last Park Board meeting, was cancelled due to lack of available coaches as well as the heat. It was also coming right off the baseball, softball and T-Ball program which started late this year. She currently has her staff contacting parents of those who signed up if they want a refund or want a credit to use for a later sports season. Dubois said signups for Flag Football and Cheerleading is going on now though August 28th for boys and girls in 1st through 6th grades. She also is looking for program sponsors or sports banner sponsors for flag football. Dubois said the attendance at the pool most of the summer has been very good except for the cool week in August. She said the concessions have been up and everyone has done a good job of staying in their “family units” in the pool area. She said there have been 17 pool parties to date with nine remaining. She also said there have been 31 pavilion rentals this year. She reported there were 27 teams with 119 games played during the summer, baseball and T-Ball leagues with NO rainouts. She reported everything went fairly smooth even with the request of social distancing and asking people to spread out to watch the games. Dubois said a pre-inspection meeting on the LWCF Soccer Field Grant this year was held by phone where the application was reviewed and corrections made where requested. The state liked the application and forwarded it to the federal government for their review. A decision on the application is expected to be made in September and announced in October. Dubois said all six basketball goals are now installed at the Salem Community Center@The Armory gym. New electric for the wench motors and the floor separation curtain also still needs to be installed along with the new floor. It is hoped the gym will be ready for basketball season. A fall softball league is planned at Al Brown Fields and Dubois is looking at possibly holding more tournaments. Park Board President Stan Podorski reported the TAP grant for a trail from Pavilion #1 to the Salem R-80 Administrative Building is now complete. He mentioned there have been a number of modifications to the original plan as the trail goes along Route J to the Salem Community Center@The Armory, down the hill on the north side of the driveway to the ball fields, across the bridge where people can walk to the park entrance road for a handicapped parking area to the east, or go north and end up at Billy’s Playground and splash pad as well as two handicapped parking spaces in front of the bathroom area by the pavilion. The TAP grant is an 80%-20% grant with MoDOT paying the 80% and it took almost four years to be completed. Podorski pointed out drainage work was done to the field behind the Armory in the southwest corner where there has always been a water problem by Maggi who did the TAP grant work. That project was paid for out of the Capital Improvement Fund. Podorski also reported that the Park and Recreation sales tax receipts for the last three months have continued to come in over last year’s tax receipts and he appreciates everyone buying local during the COVID-19 pandemic and the huge amount of tourists that have come through the area since spring contributing to those numbers remaining up. The meeting was then adjourned.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announces the results of the Driver and Vehicle Safety Division’s 2020 annual school bus inspection program. Missouri’s 2020 school bus inspection results are as follows. Upon initial inspection 10,539 buses were rated as “approved,” while 1,030 were rated as “defective” and 259 were rated as “out-of-service.” Those buses found defective require repair within 10 days. Buses placed out-of-service require correction of the component(s) prior to further usage. In Dent County 100% of the buses presented for inspection by Dent-Phelps R-3 and Salem R-80 were rated as “approved.” Green Forest R-2 had five of seven buses approved with one bus being “defective” and one “out of service.” Northwood R-IV had four of six buses “approved,” while one bus was “defective” and one bus was “out of service.” Oak Hill R-I had two of five buses “approved,” two buses “defective,” and one bus “out of service.” Missouri school bus inspection results are a matter of public record. Individual school district results for 2020 and school bus inspection criteria, including a listing of Missouri’s out-of-service criteria are available on the Missouri State Highway Patrol Website.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley reported on two cases heard on Tuesday August 11th in Crawford County in front of Judge Kelly Parker in the 42nd Judicial Circuit Court. In the first case, Dekota Brege of West Plains had his probation revoked for failing to register as a sex offender for the second time which is a Class E Felony. He was sentenced to four years in the Department of Corrections. In the second case of the day, Curley reported that Timothy Vance of Salem pled guilty to felony stealing charges from Roberts-Judson Lumber Company and for the possession of methamphetamine. Vance was sentenced to ten years in the Department of Corrections.

The Dent County Health Center announced Monday of a 12th positive COVID-19 Case in the county followed on Tuesday by a 13th case. The Salem Wal-Mart this past Saturday between 6:00 and 7:00 in the evening was identified as a location of possible exposure with the 13th case. Individuals at this location may be at low risk for contracting COVID-19, but should monitor for symptoms. If you suspect that you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, let your health care provider know before seeking care. It is critical that your provider is aware that you may have COVID-19 prior to your arrival at a healthcare facility, and that you follow all instructions for arriving at a healthcare facility. If you have any questions, please call the Dent County Health Center at 729-3106.

At the Dent County Commissioners meeting held Monday, Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams delivered to the commissioners’ information about the sales tax received in the month of August. Williams reported the General Revenue Fund and the LEST Fund each received $87,422.40 in August and that is $10,816.74 more than the $76,705.66 received in August of 2019. Year-to-date, both funds are up $41,044.12 and that comes to about a 6.53% increase. In the Road and Bridge Fund, the county received $42,175.68 and that is $5,772.90 more than the 2019 figure of $36,402.78. Year-to-date, the county Road and Bridge Fund is up $24,313.25 which would is an 8.41% increase. Williams also released the numbers for the Dent County Jail Operating fund and the Trust Fund. They both came in at $84,351.65 and that was $11,521.89 more than the $72,829.76 received in August of 2019. Year-to-date, the funds for the jail are both up $46,932.08 or about 8.10%.

An accident happened Monday afternoon shortly before 12:30 in Cole County on Highway 54 westbound at Old Bass Road. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 2010 Ford Ranger being driven by 17-year old Maria Werner of Steelville, failed to yield when entering the highway and struck the side of a 2006 Kenworth being driven by 61-year old Robert Morlang of Saint Joe, Arkansas. Werner suffered serious injuries and was taken by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment. Werner was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford was totaled while the Kenworth sustained moderate damage. Both vehicles were removed from the scene by Tow Pro.

The highway patrol released reports of two accidents on Monday that occurred in Phelps County. The first happened around 2:45 in the afternoon on Route Y about four miles west of Route E. A 1994 Ford F-150 being driven by 20- year old Echo Deeds of Rolla was westbound when she traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a culvert. Deeds was transported by EMS to Phelps Health for treatment of minor injuries. He was wearing a safety restraint when the accident happened. The Ford sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing. The second accident happened shortly before 10:00 Monday evening on Interstate 44 eastbound near the 193 mile marker. According to the report, a 2008 Nissan Versa being driven by 41-year old Shawn Leroux of Rolla, struck the rear of a 2009 Dodge Journey being driven by 37-year old Matthew Sherrill of Steelville. Leroux suffered moderate injuries and was transported by St. James ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. The Dodge sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene. The Nissan received extensive damage and was removed by Spurgeons Towing. Both drivers were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has submitted the following reports for early August. On Saturday, August 1st, a Deputy traveled to a residence in the 10,000 block of East Highway 32 to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 61-year-old Salem woman was arrested for two active warrants through Dent County. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. The next day, Sunday August 2nd, a Deputy conducted a traffic stop on MacArthur Street and Hunt Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 40-year-old Salem man was arrested for BAC – a prior offender and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia – a prior drug offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail, fingerprinted, issued summons and released. If anyone has information about an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The public and businesses are invited to take part of the Chamber Expo this Saturday from 10:00 in the morning until 1:00 that afternoon being held on the parking lot of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center parking lot at 1136 South Main Street. Sales will be allowed at the Chamber Expo, however no alcohol, tobacco, or drug related items are permitted on the property. No food sales are allowed however there will be samples and giveaways. Non members may contact the Chamber to purchase booth space and one table will be permitted for each chamber member who reserves a booth. Tents are also welcome. Participants can set up between 8:00 and 10:00 Saturday morning and must be completed by 10:00. Participants are also encouraged to have giveaways, drawings and samples. Exhibitors will not be eligible for prizes. For more information on the Chamber Expo, you may call the Chamber office at 729-6900 or e-mail them chamber@salemmo.com or visit www.salemmo.com.

On Friday, the Dent County Health Center announced that the 10th & 11th people in Dent County have tested positive for COVID-19. The individuals are in isolation in their home. The cases are unrelated and are not contacts of each other. Anyone who has been in close contact with these people are being identified. One location of possible exposure was identified during case investigation which was the Dent County Fire Protection District polling location on Tuesday, August 4th sometime between 9:45-10:30. Individuals at this location are at low risk for contracting COVID-19 but should monitor for symptoms. It is important to remember that every activity that involves contact with others has some degree of risk so please remember to do your part in not spreading the disease. 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 suspect that you have COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, and are experiencing symptoms, call your healthcare provider to let them know before seeking care. It is critical that your provider is aware that you may have COVID-19 prior to your arrival at a healthcare facility, and that you follow all instructions for arriving at a healthcare facility. If you have any questions, please call the Dent County Health Center at 729-3106.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has submitted the following reports. On Tuesday, July 28th, a Deputy conducted a traffic stop on Highway 72 and Highway UU. During the course of the traffic stop, a 44-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while revoked or suspended, a 1st offense and exceeding posted speed limit by 16-19 mph. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail, fingerprinted, issued summons and released. On Wednesday, July 29th, a Deputy observed a 36-year-old Salem man in the 400 block of West Rolla road the Deputy knew to have an active warrant through Phelps County. The man was arrested and transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail where he later posted bond and was released. Then on Thursday, July 30th, a Deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 200 block of County Road 2370. During the course of the traffic stop, a 23-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while revoked or suspended, a 2nd or subsequent offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail, fingerprinted, issued summons and released. Finally on Friday, July 31st, a Deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 1100 block of South Main Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 23-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while revoked or suspended. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail, fingerprinted, issued summons and released. If anyone has information about an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On Sunday evening July 23rd at approximately 10:23 an officer was dispatched to a domestic disturbance at the intersection of Missouri Highway 19 and 32. It was reported that there was a physical disturbance between two subjects. Officers observed minor bruising to the victim and the suspect had already left the scene. As a result of the investigation a 23-year-old Salem male was later arrested and issued summons to appear in court. On the evening July 24th at approximately 8:30 an officer was traveling on Missouri Highway 19 when he noticed a male subject urinating at the gas pumps. The male subject, a 41-year-old from Salem was contacted and arrested for City Indecent Exposure. He was later released on a summons. On the afternoon of July 25th around 3:30 an officer transported a 53-year-old Salem Male to Mexico Missouri for a 96-hour mental health evaluation. The male was transported without incident. Later that same night around 9:30 an officer noticed a female operating a motor vehicle that had an active warrant for her arrest. A traffic stop was conducted, and contact was made with a 40-year-old woman from Steelville. The female was found to have active warrants out of Texas County Missouri. She was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail. On July 28th at approximately 9:22 in the evening an officer conducted a traffic stop for traffic violations at the intersection of Fourth and Pershing Streets. As a result of the stop it was found the driver had a revoked drivers license. The driver, a 51-year-old Salem male was arrested and later released on a summons for driving while revoked. During the afternoon of July 30th shortly after 1:00 an officer was conducting a routine traffic patrol when they noticed a male subject who they knew not to have a valid driver’s license driving on Babb Lane. Contact was made with the driver and as a result, the 38-year-old Salem male was arrested and later released on a summons for driving while revoked. Finally during the morning of July 31st around 11:30 an officer responded to the 300 block of north Russell Street to attempt to locate a male subject who had an active arrest warrant. Once at the residence and during the investigation the male with a warrant ran out the back door. The man was told numerous times to stop running as he had an active arrest warrant. The male, a 25-year-old from Salem was later caught and arrested and was incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has submitted the following reports. On Tuesday, July 28th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Highway 72 and Route UU. During the course of the traffic stop, a 44-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 1st offense, and for exceeding posted speed limit by 16-19 mph. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On Wednesday, July 29th, a deputy observed a 36-year-old Salem man in the 400 block of West Rolla Road the deputy knew to have an active warrant through Phelps County. The man was arrested and transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail where he later posted bond and was released. On Thursday, July 30th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 200 block of Dent County Road 2370. During the course of the traffic stop, a 23-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 2nd or subsequent offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Finally on Friday, July 31st, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 1100 block of South Main Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 23-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. If anyone has information about an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

Missouri Department of Transportation maintenance crews will be working along Interstate 44 next week to improve the driving surface. The pavement repairs will require single lane closures along Interstate 44 in both directions through the city of Rolla. Work will take place between from 7:00 in the morning and 4:00 in the afternoon each day, the week of August 10th. Motorists are advised to slow down, stay focused, and obey all traffic signs through the work zone. This work is weather permitting and could be delayed. For more information about this project or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit modot.org/modot-central-district. You can follow the MoDOT Central Missouri District on Facebook and Twitter for project updates.

As part of a recent study on property taxes, SmartAsset, a financial technology company, has ranked the places where home values have risen the most throughout a five-year period. The rankings were one of three factors in the property tax study, which also included metrics on school ratings and effective property tax rates. According to the study, home values in Dent County were among those that rose the most in Missouri. In fact, Dent County came in fourth with a Home Value Growth Index of 54.62%. Shannon County was ranked first with a Home Value Growth Index of 55.56%. For additional information on the study, including the methodology and interactive map, go to https://smartasset.com/taxes/missouri-property-tax-calculator#us/growth.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley reports that Tuesday in Crawford County in front of Judge Megan Seay in the 42nd Judicial
Circuit Court, Todd Harget of Rolla had his probation revoked. He was then sentenced to serve 14 years in the Department of Corrections as requested by the state. In another case heard Tuesday, Ryan Stagner of Salem had his probation revoked and was sentenced to five years in the Department of Corrections as requested by the state. Another case heard by Judge Seay dealt with Thomas Parks of Farmington. Previously Parks had been sentenced to 120 days in jail for failing to register as a sex offender. He was released on probation at the conclusion of his 120 days at the end of 2018. Tuesday, his probation was revoked and he was sentenced to serve 11 years in the Department of Corrections as recommended by the Dent County Prosecutor.

The Salem Police Department reports that an accident happened Thursday, July 30th, shortly after 4:30 in the afternoon. According to the report a 2003 Chevrolet Impala owned and operated by April Kreiter of Salem was parked facing north in front of 808 South Jackson and started into traffic attempting to turn onto West 9th Street. Kreiter failed to yield to a 2006 Ford Ranger being driven by Dixie Griffith of Salem. Both vehicles went off the roadway at the intersection before coming to a stop. The Impala sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Whiakers Towing. The Ford had moderate damage and was driven from the scene. Both drivers suffered minor injuries but refused medical treatment.

A two vehicle accident happened Tuesday morning just after 10:30 in Texas County on Highway 63 in Houston. According to the report released from the highway patrol, a 2014 Ford Taurus being driven by 24-year old Jason Wink of Houston, struck from the behind the rear of a trailer being towed by a 1984 Chevrolet pickup being driven by 41-year old William Cooper of Licking. Wink suffered minor injuries, Cooper received moderate injuries, and both were taken to Texas County Memorial Hospital for treatment. The Ford was totaled in the accident and was removed from the scene by Jays Towing. The Chevy pickup did not have any damages but was towed from the scene by Kenny’s Tow service of Licking.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen meeting was held Monday evening. The board discussed the proposal by WCA for refuse and recycling services. There were some concerns that some of the recycling was not being picked up and their general manager stated that it may because there were non-recyclable items in the bin that would corrupt the entire load, so the drivers would leave them. It was asked by the aldermen if the sanitation workers could leave a tag or note on the container as to why the recyclables were left, as that should eliminate a lot of calls to the office. The alderman approved the bid to continue with the trash and recyclable pickup that would be billed and collected by the city beginning September 1st for $14.75 for residents, $14.25 for senior citizens and $17.75 for non-residents on city utilities. The board postponed the bids on the police dispatch renovation until the next meeting as Chief Joe Chase was not in attendance at that time due to a personal emergency, but they did approve the bid from Scenic Rivers Vehicle Outfitters to outfit the new police department cars for a total of $10,236.91. The board held a public hearing on the changing of the Floodplain Control Ordinance. A few changes to the ordinance included new mapping panels and a change in the appeal process that would now go before the Board of Adjustment of the Planning and Zoning Commission. After the Consent Agenda, City Administrator Ray Walden reported the Salem Community Center@The Armory had 2,850 participants in July. He also said the city was looking at expanding the drive-up hours and also opening the drive-up facility on the weekend. The city would send out a press release to the media when they are ready to make that change. Walden also said the utility bills for the May consumption were just about finished as they are working on the corrections. Walden introduced Gina from Tyler Technologies who works with Incode and she said they have worked with the city since June. She told the board that the city needed to get a new meter reading interface which has been installed and corrected many of the problems with the meters. She recommended to the board that the July consumption bills go out August 25th, then the August Bills could go out the 20th of September and the September bills could go out on October 15th. Walden said the board will meet with the utility committee to determine if they want to follow that recommendation or do approved Resolution 17-2020 to set up a payment plan with Salem R-80 to pay for a new pad mount transformer needed for the renovations to the ag-education building at a cost of $140 a month for 60 months. The board also approved the existing Code of Conduct before going into closed session.

Between the dates of July 18 and July 31st there were a total of 251 calls for service by the Salem Police Department. Officers with the Salem Police Department conducted 28 traffic stops for various traffic violations, 8 of the stops resulted in a summons being issued or an arrest being made. Of the calls for service and traffic stops the following reports were generated. On July 18th approximately 12:35 in the afternoon an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart for a report of a shoplifter. It was reported that a 36-year-old female from Licking had stolen $126.21 worth of merchandise. As a result of the investigation the female was arrested and later released on summons to appear in court. That same day an officer made contact with a 43-year-old Salem male at the Salem Police Department. The male had an active warrant for his arrest through the City of Salem. The male was arrested and later posted bond and was released. The same evening at around 8:00 an officer was dispatched to the 900 block of south Hickory for a report of a disturbance. It was found that a highly intoxicated male was acting erratic. The male was asked numerous times to stop acting aggressive towards family and officers but failed to comply. As a result, a 40-year-old Salem male was arrested and later charged with resisting arrest. The male was incarcerated at the Dent County Jail pending the application of warrants. On July 19th shortly after 2:15 in the afternoon an officer was dispatched to the 1800 block of south Oak for a report of a car that had been broken into the night before. It was reported that items from inside the car were taken valued at $320. Other vehicles in the area reported to have been gone though the same night as well. This incident is still under investigation. Just after that at 3:20 officers responded to the 800 block of south Water to attempt to locate a female subject with an active warrant for her arrest. Contact was made with a 52-year-old Salem female who had an active warrant for her arrest out of the City of Salem. She was arrested and incarcerated on the warrant. Later that same evening around 7:22 an officer was dispatched to Casey’s General Store for a report of a male subject acting aggressive and wielding a knife. The male paid for his merchandise but was upset that the cashier would not tell him where his girlfriend was. The male subject left the store. The male subject, a 31-year-old from O’Fallon, Missouri was later located and arrested for unlawful use of a Weapon. The male was incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

A Primary Election was held Tuesday to determine who will run for offices for their respective parties in the November General Election. In some cases, the election determined who will win the General Election as they would be unopposed. Those offices include the Public Administrator race and Dent County Assessor race. A total of 4,247 votes were cast which is 41.87% of the registered voters. Only the contested races are presented and all contested races were on the Republican ticket. The results presented are unofficial.

• indicates winner.

Dent County 1st District Commissioner
Wes Mobray* 720 votes
Phillip Mercer 556 votes
Justin Headrick 382 votes
J.T. Fleener 219 votes

Dent County 2nd District Commissioner
Gary Larson* 691 votes
Travis Fulton 541 votes
Jimmy Williams 495 votes
Jim Martin 113 votes

Public Administrator
Sherida Cook* 2,045 votes
Larry Edwards 1,623 votes

Dent County Assessor
Jamie Homeyer* 2,374 votes
Alisa Brookshire 1,235 votes

State Representative District 43
Ron Copeland* 3,630 votes
Frank DeVenuto 1,768 votes
Jaret Holden 1,608 votes
Jack Bates 601 votes
William R. Parsons 495 votes

Circuit Judge Circuit 42 Division 2
Mike Randazzo* 3,459 votes
Brandi Baird 3,358 votes
Christopher Piatt 1,431 votes
Stephen Paulus 1,324 votes
Kristopher Crews 1,320 votes

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held a special meeting Monday night to discuss a “back to school” re-entry plan. Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed discussed with the board the data received in the surveys they received from parents and staff. Reed said there were 806 responses from parents and 158 staff members. Reed said 67% of parents were going to drop off their children at school which would help keep distancing on those who must ride the bus. She also said 77% of parents would not want their children playing sports. Using the information received, Salem will start the year with two options: the first includes seated classes with precautions or there will be virtual options. Reed said the virtual option for those in Kindergarten through the 8th grade would have virtual instruction through a third party MOCAP approved vendor called Acellus. Students will participate in online, video-based lessons aligned with the Missouri Learning Standards with a district staff member monitoring the student’s progress. Those in the 9th through 12th grades will use the Google Classroom and be instructed by Salem teachers. Their online instruction will be online video-based lessons created and maintained by Salem staff. The plan stresses that students who wish to participate in athletics or extra-curricular activities cannot attend school by the virtual option. If a student or their parent commits them to the virtual learning option, they will be required to commit to the option for the entire semester after a five-day trial period where the student can opt to come back to school. If a student enrolls in the classroom option, they can switch to virtual learning during the course of the semester. Minimal technology requirements must be guaranteed by parents to enroll in the virtual education option. If parents have questions about Acellus or Google Classroom, they should contact Assistant Superintendent John Smith at 729-6642. Reed indicated that students would have their temperature taken everyday upon entering the building. The district would strongly encourage children to wear masks on the bus and in the common areas, but students will not be required to wear them in class. The board unanimously approved the plan. Reed did say that the plan is fluid and may change at any time due to information from DESE or the CDC. The “back to school” re-entry plan will be available on the Salem R-80 website The board approved going with the fuel bid from County Fuels for $1.54 per gallon for gas and $1.59 per gallon for diesel. The school will have to install a 2,000 gallon tank for diesel and a 500 gallon tank for gasoline. The board then attended a two-hour MSBA training session online by Parry Polster and Kelli Hopkins before adjourning their meeting.

An accident occurred in Dent County at 11:40 Tuesday morning on Route K about six miles south of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a northbound 2019 Ford F-350 driven by 50-year-old Greg Wilson of Salem was entering the highway from a private drive and traveled in front of a southbound 2016 Nissan Altima driven by 30-year old Kayla Richardson of Salem. Richardson suffered moderate injuries and was transported by Air Evac to the University Hospital in Columbia. The report stated that neither driver was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Nissan was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. The Ford was removed from the scene by the owner. The Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and the Jadwin Fire Department.

A fatal drowning occurred Saturday evening in Crawford County at 5:35 in Huzzah Creek just above the Confluence. According to the highway patrol report, 24-year old Dalton Newkirk of Highland, Illinois, was struggling in the water, went under the surface and did not resurface. Newkirk was not wearing personal floatation device while in the water. Newkirk’s body was recovered by family and was assisted by Corporal Hurt and Corporal Dunmire. Newkirk’s body was transported to the Hutson Funeral Home in Cuba.

An accident in Pulaski County at around 12:45 Saturday morning resulted in injuries to a Salem resident. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro being driven by 34-year old Danielle Quinn of Salem was traveling north on Route Y when she struck a deer in the roadway. An occupant in the vehicle, 52-year old Bobbie Laramie of Salem, suffered moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to the Mercy Hospital in Lebanon. Both occupants of the Camaro were wearing safety restraints. The vehicle sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Onsite Towing.

An accident occurred Saturday evening at 7:15 in Dent County at the Shawnee Mac Lake Conservation Area. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier driven by a 15-year old male juvenile of Salem was traveling southbound and traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. A 15-year old female of Salem was an occupant in the vehicle and suffered minor injuries and was transported by private vehicle to Salem Memorial District Hospital. The female occupant was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Cavalier sustained moderate damages and was towed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. The highway patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Office.

An accident happened Sunday morning at 9:18 in Dent County on Highway 68 about nine miles north of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Mercury Mountaineer driven southbound by 25-year old Kelly Renee Cunningham of Rolla, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck the ground. Cunningham suffered minor injuries and was transported by the Salem EMS to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. Cunningham was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Mountaineer sustained only minor damage and was secured at the scene.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold a special meeting tonight at 5:30 the district administration offices boardroom. After approval of the agenda the board will address new business including approval of a COVID-19 plan, approval of the fuel bid and discuss MSBA training before adjourning. The Salem R-80 Board of Education meeting Monday evening is open to the public.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will hold their regular meeting as well as a public hearing on a new Floodplain Control Ordinance starting at 7:00 tonight at the city hall council chambers. At the meeting, the board will hear bids for refuse and recycling services for three years before hearing renovation bids for the Salem Police Dispatch Center. Bids will be heard on the cabinets and countertops, the demo and the hanging of drywall as well as putting in network lines plus phone and fax lines. The board will also hear bids on the equipment to outfit the new Salem Police Department vehicles just purchased. The bids will be followed by the public hearing to determine changes to the Flood Management Ordinance. After the consent agenda, the board will hear from City Administrator Ray Walden as he will give an update on city projects and also provide an update on Incode. The board will hear Bill #3451 which is an ordinance repealing Chapter-415 concerning Flood Control in the city adopted by Ordinance #3137 in July of 2008, and is replacing it with Ordinance 3451 to be codified in the Code of ordinance of the City of Salem. The board then discussed Bill #3457 that establishes new electric rates for electric services. The board will also discuss Resolution #17-2020 which would authorize the mayor to execute a payment agreement between the city and Salem R-80 School District for a pad-mount transformer for the ag-building. The board will discuss the Code of Conduct which is to be reviewed every two years for possible updates. The board will then vote to go into executive session. The meeting of the alderman and the Public Hearing are both open to the public. The meeting and hearing can be streamed live on ksmoradio.com and will be available after Monday night on You Tube for on-demand playback.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released reports for Tuesday, July 21st and Saturday, July 25th. On the 21st a deputy received information that a subject was at the Dent County Courthouse and had an active warrant for his arrest. A deputy traveled to the courthouse and a 31-year-old Salem man was arrested for having an active arrest warrant through Dent County. The man was taken to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail where he was incarcerated. That same day, the Dent County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a careless and imprudent driver traveling eastbound on West Highway 32 towards Salem. Deputies traveled to the area and located the vehicle. A traffic stop was conducted at the Wal-Mart parking lot. During the course of the traffic stop, a 35-year-old Bucyrus man was arrested for having an active arrest warrant through the Licking Police Department and for also having an active arrest warrant through the Texas County Sheriff’s Office. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail where he was incarcerated. On Saturday, July 25th, a 60-year-old Union woman came into the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and said she had been the victim of an assault which had occurred at a residence in the 500 block of Dent County Road 6250. After further speaking to the victim, deputies traveled to the residence in the 500 block of Dent County Road 6250 to arrest the suspect, a 42-year-old Gladden woman. Deputies arrived at the residence and during the course of the incident, the woman was arrested and transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail where she was incarcerated. If anyone has information about an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The CARES Act prevented landlords from taking eviction actions against renters who were unable to pay rent on certain federally backed programs, including the Housing Choice Voucher program, operated by the Phelps County Public Housing Agency (PHA). The CARES Act also prohibited charging fees, penalties and other charges to those tenants due to nonpayment. This moratorium on evictions ended on July 24th, and here is what tenants and landlords should know now that the moratorium is over. First, tenants should be aware that after July 24th the PHA or landlord can give an eviction notice if they have not entered into a repayment agreement. Any eviction notice given after the moratorium has ended gives the tenant 30 days to vacate the property. Tenants can avoid eviction in a few ways, which includes notify the housing authority of any decrease in income or change in circumstances as soon as possible, and ask the PHA to recertify the tenant’s income. Tenants can also pay the lump sum of back due rent as soon as possible or ask if a repayment agreement for unpaid rent can be formed. A repayment agreement is a written and signed contract between the PHA or landlord and tenant establishing the amount of back rent due and how much the tenant can pay each month and for how many months until the rent is current. Tenants can also talk to the housing authority about local resources to help with rent, utilities and other basic needs. According to Donald Keeney, the housing manager for the Phelps County PHA, communication between the tenant, the housing authority and the landlord is key in avoiding an eviction due to the ever changing circumstances caused by COVID-19. He suggests that landlords should reach out to tenants and find out why a tenant is behind on rent. Additionally, the landlord should notify the PHA if a tenant falls behind on rent as soon as possible. This allows for staff to reach out directly to participants and assist them in reporting income changes or identifying and applying for additional resources. If possible, landlords are encouraged to enter into repayment agreements so that families can continue to be housed and not be burdened by paying past due rent in a lump sum. HUD encourages landlords to avoid evicting tenants whenever possible. For more information, contact the PHA at 573-265-4200. The MRPC provides staffing to the Phelps County Public Housing Agency that provides rental assistance to over 750 low-income families in Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps (outside of Rolla) and Washington counties.

The city of Salem will be doing curbside yard waste pick-up the first full week of each month. Items that will be picked up by the city include limbs and branches that are cut to a length of 4 feet or less and leaves that are bagged in recyclable leaf bags which can be purchased at the city utility office $2.50 for ten bags. The city will pick up yard waste that has been properly bagged, cut, and placed at the edge of the curb or sidewalk. They ask that you do not block the sidewalk or place items in the street. The city of Salem reserves the right to charge for exceptionally large volumes of yard waste or to recommend removal by a private company. Items that will not be picked up include appliances, household trash, tires, electronics, lumber or building materials, furniture, or recyclables. Items must be ready and set out for pickup on the first Monday of the first full weeks of each month.

A Public Hearing of the Board of Aldermen of the City of Salem will be held Monday night, August 3rd during the Board of Aldermen Meeting which starts at 7:00 in the City Hall Council Chambers at 202 N. Washington. The public hearing will be held to consider changes to the Floodplain Management Ordinance. This hearing, called by Salem Mayor Brad Nash, is open to the public.