Local News

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley reported on three cases heard in Dent County on Friday, September 10th, in front of Judge Megan Seay. In the first case heard that day, Rebecca Hall of Salem pled guilty to the possession of fentanyl and benzodiazapam while on felony probation. Hall was sentenced to serve seven years in the Department of Corrections as requested by the prosecutor. In another case, Todd Harget of Licking pled guilty to the distribution of methamphetamine. Harget is a prior and persistent felony offender and was sentenced to serve 12 years in the Department of Corrections as requested by the state. In the final case heard last Friday, Heather Parker of Salem pled guilty to the possession of fentanyl and felony stealing. Judge Seay sentenced her to serve seven years in the Missouri Department of Corrections as requested by Prosecutor Curley.

The Salem Police Department has released their report for the month of August. They served 16 summonses to appear in court, gave out 40 warning tickets, and seven traffic tickets, plus they also served 15 fugitive warrants and two city warrants. The department investigated ten traffic accidents, had 20 ambulance assists, wrote 12 property damage reports, eight stealing reports, and two resisting or interfering with an arrest reports. The department investigated seven driving while having a license revoked or suspended reports, wrote a missing person report, had one unlawful use of a firearm or weapon charge, conducted three death investigations, had four possession of a controlled substance charges, two possession of drug paraphernalia charges, as well as three domestic violence reports. The department also investigated four trespassing reports, two reports of tampering, investigated three intoxicated pedestrians, responded to six assaults or fights and responded to 43 animal calls. The Salem Police Department conducted 56 follow up investigations and responded to two shots fired. The police department performed 22 well-being checks, responded to three suicidal person calls, investigated ten suspicious vehicles and 11 suspicious subjects, and investigated one sexual offense. The department drove 7,911 miles during the month and served 4 hours as court bailiff. The department had 896 calls for service and had 49 walk-ins to the station. There were 19 males and 13 females arrested during the month of August.

A three-vehicle accident happened Thursday afternoon just after 12:30 in Phelps County on Highway 63 at Phelps County Road 2110. According to the highway patrol report, a 2008 Honda Odessey being driven by 62-year-old Tammy Nail of Rolla, was traveling north and had stopped to make a left turn. At that time, a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan being driven by 73-year-old William Bleckman of Rolla had also stopped and was behind the Honda. The report says a 2007 Sterling 9000 being driven by 43-year-old Zebulon Cramer of Belle was also traveling north and struck the rear of the Caravan. The Dodge then traveled off the right side of the roadway. The Sterling traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned. A passenger in the Dodge Caravan, 69-year-old Deborah Bleckman of Rolla was transported by Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. All involved in the accident were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Honda had only minor damage and was driven from the scene. The Sterling and Dodge Caravan were both totaled. The Dodge was towed from the scene by Ron Dishman Towing and the Sterling was removed by Big Boys Towing.

The Taste of The Arts Expo 2021 is coming up tomorrow from 3:00 until 7:00 at The Creative Arts Center behind the ONCRC, at 202 South Main in Salem. Taste of The Arts will be a small carnival style family fun day complete with many small art activities for both kids and adults alike. There will be a sidewalk chalk contest, a children’s table with art activities, screen printing, wheat weaving, quilting, pottery, painting, air brushing, concessions and vendors. For more information, contact Danielle Norris at 573-247-5306 or Tana Kettner at 573-247-0651.

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. The fall hiking season will kick off with activities in the Round Spring area Saturday, September 18th, and continue with special activities nearly every weekend through early November. All activities and events are free of charge and pre-registration is not required. Now is the time to start planning fall and winter hiking adventures. Plan accordingly when hiking or participating in any outdoor recreational activity. 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. The September 18th hike will be from Round Spring to Echo Bluff State Park. Visitors will complete the first leg of the Current River Challenge hike and float adventure and learn about other trail opportunities throughout the park. This 4.25- mile hike begins at 10 in the morning at the Round Spring pavilion parking lot. At the conclusion of the hike the Ozark Riverways Foundation, the official Friends Group for Ozark National Scenic Riverways, will host a celebration for hikers at Echo Bluff State Park with food, refreshment, and games. A shuttle back to Round Spring will also be provided by Ozark Riverways Foundation. Trails are a major attraction for visitors to the area. Many come to float and paddle on the river trails. Horse enthusiasts travel from great distances to participate in area trail rides. The Ozark Trail passes through the park and local communities. Volunteer groups attract hundreds of people to build and maintain trails. Trails are an important part of the local heritage and of the recreational opportunities available in the Ozarks today. Fall is the perfect time to enjoy all that the area trails have to offer. 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.

The Salem Area Arts Council is seeking donations for the “Taste of the Arts” expo that will be held Saturday at the Creative Arts Center behind the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center at 202 South Main Street to be used for prizes and giveaways. Donations may be in the form of a percentage off of a meal, a free meal, trinkets or anything that you have to spare. Monetary donations are accepted as well. Every time someone wins a certificate your business will be announced and thanked for your donation. If you would be willing to donate any items or discount coupons, or cash, please contact President Danielle Norris at 573-247-5306 or Tana Kettner at 573-247-0651.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be meeting this evening at 6:00 in the High School Library. After the consent agenda, the Board will be updated on the Middle School ELA – 40 Book Challenge and hear an update on capital projects from ESP. Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed will report on a variety of issues followed by principals’ reports, as well as the athletics and facilities report. In new business, the board will approve the bus routes and Special Education Compliance Plan. The Board will also consider changes to policy SRCSP, approve revised assistant superintendent job description and approve revised policy GDBDA. The Board will then go into closed session. The regular meeting of the Salem R-80 Board of Education this evening is open to the public.

Representatives from Missouri State Parks invite the public to attend an informational meeting at Missouri Mines State Historic Site on Saturday, September 18th. The meeting will begin at 4:00 in the afternoon at the museum. The public is invited to share comments and ask questions about the site and its operations. Representatives from the park will be present to provide information and to answer questions. Input from the public is important to Missouri State Parks. These informational meetings, which are being held in all state parks and historic sites, help create two-way communication with the public. The meetings give staff the opportunity to let people know the current status and future plans for the park or historic site, and they offer visitors the opportunity to comment on the facilities. The public is strongly encouraged to follow social-distancing guidelines and be proactive in protecting themselves and others. Missouri Mines State Historic Site is located at 4000 State Highway 32, Park Hills, in southeast Missouri. For more information about the meeting, call the site at 573-431-6226. 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.

The Salem Eagles will be hosting a custom and classic car show this Saturday at 5111 West Highway 32 starting at noon and until lasting until who knows! If you have a classic car, truck, bike or big rig, come on out! There will be food, beverages and fun, and everyone is invited to come on out and enjoy!

The Salem Board of Aldermen held a regular meeting Tuesday at the City Hall Auditorium. The board heard from Tammy Walker, Brian Brooks and Terris Cates from Heartland Metal Finishing requesting clarification regarding the key elements of the Salem Pretreatment Program and how it could affect a potential purchaser of the closed business. Jeff Meadows with Archer Elgin helped clarify the data collection procedures to determine other industrial users and the amount of pollutants being discharged within the city limits. This process should be completed by year end with public meetings being held to allow for public input. The board approved the purchase of ultra-violet bulbs for the Wastewater Treatment Facility at a cost of $19,386.65. Resolution No. 27-2021 authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement between the city and the Meramec Regional Planning Commission to provide technical assistance for the American Rescue Plan Act Administration management was approved as well as Bill No. 3489 which created an ordinance to establish a procedure to disclose potential conflicts of interest for certain municipal office holders. Also approved was Bill No. 3490, an ordinance establishing rates for electric service as a result of supplier price increases and the February 2021 weather event. Resolution No. 28-2021 a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute an employment agreement between the city and Ray Walden was approved with Alderman Kevin James reading a statement explaining how the new employment contract negotiated with City Administrator Walden has performance expectations. Mayor Kim Steelman thanked Walden for his part in the recent goals attained by the city and high standards being set. She commended him for being a very dedicated employee. Bill No. 3491, an ordinance authorizing the mayor to execute a contract change order between the city and Nexgrid for electric AMI meters, was approved. Walden gave the City Administrators report and included a list of past, current and future projects that the city is working on. The board approved rescheduling the September 28th meeting to Thursday, September 30th at 6 PM, due to staff and aldermen attending a conference. Jeff Meadows with Archer Elgin gave several project updates within the city including the Wastewater Treatment Plant, the LWCF Soccer Field grant, the Route J and Highway 72 sewer extension and the TAP grant downtown revitalization grant. Mayor Steelman explained that future meetings will include a verbal report from the mayor, aldermen, city administrator, public works director, and the economic development director. These entities have always provided written reports to the alderman, but she wanted more transparency so these reports will be shared with the public verbally. Steelman will establish office hours at the City Administration building two days per week to allow for more citizen input. New automation software is being reviewed to allow for permits, license, etc to be submitted online. Citizens were recently asked to serve on boards and committees with a great response. A complete list of new committee members was distributed and approved. Due to state mandates only citizens within the city limits can serve on these committees, but she is looking to implement some county/city committees. Public Works Director Mark Nash reported there were 88 electric disconnects this month, with 66 being paid, there are currently only 9 that have not paid. They have installed a total of 2,695 electric meters and 2,228 water meters. They are working on rerouting storm water run-off behind the new Domino’s restaurant. The Aldermen then each gave a report. The board approved appointing Tammy Koller to attend the Lagers annual meeting as the employer representative. The City-wide Yard Sale is set for October 2nd and the fall clean-up will be held the week of October 11-15. The board then went into closed session.

An accident happened in St. Louis County on Interstate 270 south of Interstate 44 at 8:50 Tuesday morning that took the life of a Rolla man. According to the highway patrol report, a 2019 Freightliner Cascadia driven northbound by 48-year-old Miguel Hertog of Palmetto, Florida, was slowing for traffic when a 2019 Hino Conventional driven northbound by 34-year-old Justin Reeves of Rolla, failed to stop and the front of the Hino struck the rear tow unit of the Freightliner. Reeves was pronounced dead at the scene by the Fenton Fire and EMS personnel and his body was taken to the St. Louis County Morgue by Lonning’s Mortuary Service. Hertog suffered minor injuries and was taken to the Mercy Hospital in St. Louis by the Fenton EMS. The Hino Conventional was totaled while the Freightliner itself suffered no damage, but the tow unit was totaled. The vehicles were removed from the scene by Miners Towing. Both drivers were wearing their seat restraints at the time of the accident.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams reported to the commission the amount of sales tax funds received by the state this month. For the General Revenue Fund and Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund, the county received $99,016.85 for each fund and that is down $13,445.50 from last year’s figure of $112,462.35. For the Road and Bridge Fund, the county received $47,551.25 and that is down $6,853.13 from last year’s receipt of $54,404.38. The Jail Trust Fund and Operating Funds each received $95,107.93 and that was down $13,704.05 from the 2020 figure of $108,811.98. Williams said she hadn’t heard back from the Department of Revenue when she asked them why the sales tax for General Revenue and the LEST Fund from July was much higher than for the jail funds and the Road and Bridge Fund. In the road report, 1st District Commissioner Wes Mobray stated grading was going to be done on Dent County Road 5610 and that materials would be added to county road 4210 where the low water bridge work is being done. Mobray went on to say the bridge would be closed another three weeks before it will be open to traffic. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 3350 while brush would be cut on county road 3305. He said major service was being done on grader #31 and the #9 tractor used for brush cutting was having new runners and blades installed. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended the MRPC External Relations Committee meeting via phone conference. He wanted to remind everyone that the MRPC Annual Volunteer Awards Dinner would be held on October 21st at State Technical College of Missouri at Linn. He said he nominated Joe Brand for all the volunteer work he has done to receive an award. He also said at the regular MRPC meeting that they will have a meeting with Attorney Travis Elliott around the end of the month to discuss what can be done with the ARPA funds the county has received. Skiles indicated he would be at the MRPC offices today along with the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District Executive Board to review and grade the applications for grants for recycling and the reduction of waste in landfills. He will also attend the Economic Development meeting at Echo Bluff tonight at 6:00, which was organized by Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported on the annual County Clerk Election Authority meeting held last week. This meeting qualifies for the 20 hours of mandatory requirements for her position as county clerk. She was also elected chairman of the South-Central County Clerk’s Region that covers 13 counties. 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 City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at 6:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers at 200 North Washington. At the meeting, the aldermen will hear from the Heartland Metal Finishing Management Team as they want to discuss the pretreatment program key elements along with effluent limits, sampling location and more. Following the consent agenda, the board will hear bids for ultra-violet lights for the Waste Water Treatment Facility. They will then discuss Bill #3489 which would create an ordinance to establish a procedure to dispose of potential conflicts of interest for certain municipal officials, discuss Resolution #27-2021 which is a resolution to execute an agreement between the City of Salem and the Meramec Regional Planning Commission for technical assistance on floodplain management, discuss Bill #3490 that would create an ordinance to establish rates for electric services that would offset the impact of the financial impact of the February 2021 weather event, discuss Resolution #28-2021 authorizing the mayor to execute an employment agreement between the City of Salem and Ray Walden, and discuss an ordinance to authorize the mayor to execute a contract change order between the City of Salem and Nexgrid for electric AMI meters. In the reports of city officials, boards and committees, the alderman will hear the report from City Administrator Ray Walden, Mayor Kim Steelman and Public Works Director Mark Nash. The board will also discuss the LAGERS annual meeting where the board will be appointing an employer delegate to attend the meeting. The board will approve the Fall Clean-up Week will be designated October 11th through the 15th and approve any committee appointments that are made. The board will then go into closed session. The Salem Board of Aldermen meeting tonight will begin at 6:00 and is open to the public.

The Salem Area Arts Council will host a “Taste of the Arts” Expo at the Creative Arts Center this Saturday from 3:00 until 7:00. It will be a small carnival style family fun day complete with small art activities for young and old. There will be live music with Chris Blood and Michael Conners, a sidewalk chalk contest, a children’s table with art activities, screen printing, wheat weaving, quilting, pottery, painting, air brushing concessions and vendors. For more information, contact Danielle Norris at 573-247-5306 or Tana Kettner at 573-247-0651.

The Dent County Fire Protection District board of directors met last Thursday night at 6:00. After the roll call and approval of the consent agenda, the minutes from the August meeting were reviewed and approved as presented. Joe Weber from Weber and Associates was present to discuss the policy and procedures manual and answer any questions from the board. The manual will be reviewed and discussed again at the October meeting. Bills were approved with a balance of 149,180.64 as of August 31st. During the budget review, the board discussed changing the budget back to a line-item budget for the 2022 year and breaking down the budget in more detail. It was recommended that the board put together a finance committee to review and set up a new long-term plan for the department. The board agreed and the committee will be comprised of fire department officers and board members. Dave Greenshields will serve as the board member for the committee. An officer from the department will be assigned at the next officers’ meeting. Treasurer Dave Wells asked the board to close one of the bank accounts that was set up during the fire station renovation as it was no longer being used and has gone dormant. The board agreed but asked Chief Nash to check with the auditor and the USDA to make sure this could be done. Chief Nash discussed with the board about having an audit performed for the department and DCERA. Normally an audit is performed every three years, but due to the construction Chief Nash felt it necessary to have an audit performed to ensure that all finances are being handled correctly. The board agreed and asked for him to set it up. The board reviewed the other budget items before reviewing the calendar. On Thursday, September 16th, the department will be in training and the next night, will be at the Salem High School Football game. Air Evac will be holding training at the department on September 21st and 22nd and again on the 28th and 29th. There was a total of 26 calls during the month of August with a total of 214 calls year to date. It was reported the insurance money has finally come in for Engine 85 where a deer strike damaged the truck. The department is still trying to find someone to repair the truck as it will have to be a company that can repair fire engine trucks. The security cameras at the fire station have been installed and are in operation and the new fire software conversion is still ongoing. In new business, Chief Nash reported computers and gun lockers have been installed in six trucks and are operational for the new emergency reporting software. Also, Panasonic met with the chief to discuss new computers for all the trucks in the future. Panasonic is working with the department to acquire grant money to fund this project. Chief Nash reported to the board that several trucks are having problems including electrical problems on Truck 80, the tele-squirt nozzle and has a check engine light keeps coming on in Ladder Truck #81, and the hose net on the back needs to be repaired or replaced, Engine 82 has had a backup camera installed and Engine 83 has an intake that needs to be repaired or replaced. Several of the trucks are already scheduled for repair or have had the repair parts ordered. In the building report, it was noted that the upstairs floor and equipment room work is still in progress and that the department is working with Rommel Lock and Alarm on a door lock system. The date was set for the next meeting which will be Tuesday, October 5th at 6:00 at the firehouse and will be open to the public. The fire board then went into closed session.

You can go native with the Missouri Department of Conservation. Native trees and shrubs can help improve wildlife habitat and soil and water conservation while also improving the appearance and value of private property. The George O. White State Forest Nursery near Licking offers a variety of low-cost native tree and shrub seedlings for reforestation, windbreaks, erosion control, wildlife food and cover, and other purposes. The nursery provides mainly one-year-old, bare-root seedlings with sizes varying by species. Seedlings varieties include: pine, bald cypress, cottonwood, black walnut, hickory, oak, pecan, persimmon, river birch, maple, willow, sycamore, blackberry, buttonbush, hazelnut, redbud, ninebark, spicebush, elderberry, sumac, wild plum, witch hazel, and others. Seedlings are available in bundles of 10 or increments of 25 per species. Prices range from 34 cents to $1 per seedling. Sales tax of 6.1 percent will be added to orders unless tax exempt. There is an $9 handling charge for each order. You can receive a 15% discount up to $20 off seedling orders with a Heritage Card, Permit Card, or Conservation ID Number. The nursery grows millions of seedlings each year, but some species are very popular and sell out quickly. Even if a species is listed as sold out, customers can still place an order for them. Sometimes orders get cancelled, freeing up inventory. Customers won’t be charged for seedlings unless they are available to ship. Learn more and place orders through MDC’s 2021-2022 Seedling Order Form. Find it in the September issue of the Missouri Conservationist, at MDC regional offices and nature centers, online at mdc.mo.gov or by contacting the State Forest Nursery at 573-674-3229 or StateForestNursery@mdc.mo.gov. Place orders now through April 15, 2022. Orders will be shipped or can be picked up at the nursery near Licking from February through May.

The Missouri Department of Conservation now offers a new design option for its Conservation Permit Cards that features target-shooting equipment. The new design is in appreciation of recreational target shooters and the contributions they make to wildlife conservation funding through their purchases of firearms, ammunition, and other items. MDC is offering free Permit Cards to shooting-range users at its five staffed shooting ranges for a limited time. The new Permit-Card design featuring target shooting equipment shows an over/under hinge-action shotgun, a semi-automatic handgun, ammunition, paper targets, and clay targets displayed on a rustic wooden shooting bench. Permit Card buyers can also select from four other design images: a white-tailed buck, smallmouth bass, mallard duck, and eastern bluebird. Permit Cards are another option to MDC’s paper and electronic permits and provide a durable alternative to carrying hunting, fishing, and trapping permits in paper or electronic form while in the field. As new permits are purchased and old ones expire, the updated information is automatically accessible through the one-time-purchase permit cards. Conservation agents can scan users’ cards to verify active permits. A Permit Card costs $2 and does not expire. Purchase a Conservation Permit Card online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, at MDC offices and nature centers, or retail permit vendors. After purchase, the Permit Card it will be mailed to the address on file within four to six weeks. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/permits/conservation-permit-card. Because of permit-notching requirements and Telecheck steps required for deer and turkey hunting permits, Permit Cards cannot be used as a form of permit proof for deer and turkey hunting. Permit Cards cannot be used as proof of daily trout tags at trout parks so anglers will still need to purchase and wear their daily trout tags. Permit Cards cannot be used to show possession of a Federal Duck Stamp so waterfowl hunters must still carry the document verifying the purchase of a Federal Duck Stamp or the actual stamp. Permit Cards do not replace commercial permits and lifetime permits, which must be purchased through the MDC Permit Services Unit by calling 573-751-4115.

A motorcycle accident happened Wednesday evening around 6:45 in Crawford County on Highway at the Steelville High School. The report from the highway patrol says that a 2018 Kawasaki EX650 being operated by 36-year-old April Verble of Cherryville was traveling too fast for conditions when she traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck and embankment, and overturned. Verble suffered minor injuries and chose to seek her own treatment. The Kawasaki had minor damage and was removed from the scene by the owner. The report went on to state that Verble was wearing a safety device at the time of the accident.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released reports from the latter part of August. On Saturday, August 21st, a deputy observed a 24-year-old Salem woman near a residence on North Iron Street. The deputy knew the woman to have an active arrest warrant through Dent County. She was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail and was incarcerated. She was also arrested for possession of a controlled substance except for 35 grams or less of marijuana/synthetic cannabinoid. The next day, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 1000 block of Dent County Road 5070 to serve an arrest warrant. At that time, a 34-year-old Salem man was arrested for an active arrest warrant through Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail and was incarcerated. On Tuesday, August 24th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 3000 block of West Highway 32. During the course of the stop, a 38-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while being intoxicated. He was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released to a sober party. On August 26th, a deputy observed a 27-year-old Salem man riding a bicycle on Second Street. The deputy knew the man to have an active arrest warrant through Dent County. The deputy attempted to make contact with the man, but he fled and ignored commands to stop. The deputy caught up to the man on Water Street and he was arrested for the active warrant and resisting arrest by fleeing. He was transported to the Dent County Jail and was incarcerated. The next day, Friday the 27th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on North Highway 19 near the Short Bend Conservation Area. During the traffic stop, a 24-year-old Salem man was arrested for the possession of 10 grams or less of marijuana and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Later that same day, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 2500 block of North Highway 19 to serve an arrest warrant. As a result, a 58-year-old Salem man was arrested for having an active arrest warrant through Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. And finally on August 30th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 500 block of South Main Street. During the stop, a 34-year-old Salem woman was arrested for having two active arrest warrants through the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. The woman was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. Please call the Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Dent County Fire Protection Board of Directors will be meeting this evening at 6:00 at the fire station at #2 South Main. After the roll call and approval of the consent agenda, the board will review the minutes of the August meeting before hearing the financial report and approving bills. The next item on the agenda will be the calendar review followed by the monthly reimbursement report before addressing any old or new business, followed by various reports. The date will then be set for the October meeting before adjourning. The meeting of the Dent County fire protection district board of directors is open to the public.

An accident happened Monday afternoon just before 5:00 in Phelps County on CR3060 at HyPoint Industrial Park Drive. According to the report from the highway patrol a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado being driven by 52-year-old Susan Cornelius of St. James turned into the path of a 2010 Ford Flex being driven by 59-year-old Lorri Waldron also of St. James. Waldron was taken by EMS to Phelps Health in Rolla for treatment of minor injuries. Both vehicles had moderate damage and were removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing. The report went on to state that both drivers were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

There will be a University of Missouri Grazing School at the MU Wurdack Research Center September 22-24 at Cook Station, Missouri. To enroll or for more information contact Nathan Bilke online at nathan.bilke@usda.gov or call (660) 654-4576 or contact Gatlin Bunton online at buntong@missouri.edu or call (573) 775-2135. There will also be a Grazing School in Houston September 15-17. Call the Texas County Extension Office at (417) 967-4545.

The Dent County Commissioners held a meeting Tuesday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. City of Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge was in attendance and presented her monthly report on possible economic development leads including one state lead. Burbridge talked about the voluntary residential demolition program where the owners of the three properties have paid their portions and the demolitions should begin this week. She said she has been talking with communities about getting a sample bid for doing timber clearing in the certified site area as that will have to be done between the months of November and March. She said the “Love Thy Neighbor” program worked on seven houses between August 8th and 12th with three major projects and four smaller ones. She also said $80,000 was secured for next year through the Southcentral Missouri Community Action Agency. Burbridge reported the city submitted an application for the construction trades program for the “Strong Communities Award” from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines on August 27th. The winner will receive $15,000 and $3,000 goes to the runners-up. She also talked with the commissioners about the Dent County July unemployment rate sinking to 3.8% in July from the five percent mark in June. The rate plummeted when the COVID unemployment benefits in Missouri stopped and the Dent County Civilian Work Force dropped by 291 people who either stopped looking for work or became employed. She said there will be a mixer on Tuesday, September 14th from 6:00 until 8:00 at Echo Bluff State Park Lodge to pull individuals and agencies interested in economic development together. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5650 and 6190 while materials would be added and grading done on county road 6040. He also said the bridge work on Dent County Road 4210 is now expected to last a month where the road will be closed. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 4020 while only grading would be done on county road 2210. He said brush would be cut on county road 2240 and a man would be doing chip and seal patch repair on county road 3220 where a vehicle caused damage to the road. Larson said a grader is down from last week as they are waiting on a repair person. If they can repair the machine, additional grading will be done. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he would be attending an External Relations meeting Thursday as well as the MRPC Board meeting in St. James. He also wanted to congratulate the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce for another successful rodeo over the Labor Day holiday. The commissioners agreed to seek bids next week for propane for the courthouse for the winter on a keep filled basis. The bids will be due by 10:00 the morning of September 27th. At the last meeting, the commissioners agreed to a contract with Corky Stack from Stack Engineering on the scope of the exterior work project for the courthouse, his services and putting the needed work out for bid. The contract calls for an 11% fee plus an hourly rate for inspections on the courthouse. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will hold a special meeting tonight at 5:45 in closed session to discus personnel and contracts at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. The meeting was called by Mayor Kim Steelman.

Representatives from the Missouri State Parks invite the public to attend an informational meeting at Montauk State Park this Saturday. The meeting will begin at 1:00 in the afternoon at the campground amphitheater. The public is invited to share comments and ask questions about the park and its operations. The representatives from the park will be present to provide information and to answer questions. Input from the public is important to Missouri State Parks. These informational meetings, which are being held in all state parks and historic sites, help create two-way communication with the public. The meetings give staff the opportunity to let people know the current status and future plans for the park or historic site, and they offer visitors the opportunity to comment on the facilities. The public is strongly encouraged to follow social-distancing guidelines and be proactive in protecting themselves and others. Montauk State Park is located 22 miles southwest of Salem on Highway 119 in Dent County. For more information about the event, call the park at 573-548-2201. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.