Local News

The Dent County 4-H and FFA Expo is going on now at The Commons. This year’s expo will be much different than in year’s past due to the COVID-19 virus as a number of the family events and activities have been cancelled or highly modified. Today, all the livestock must be in place on the grounds by 11:00 this morning with weigh-ins beginning around noon. Friday will feature a full day of shows starring at 7:00 in the morning with the Hog Show followed by the Sheep and Goat Show. After lunch, the Small Animal Show will begin at 1:00 followed by the Beef and Dairy Show at 2:00. This year the 4-H and FFA Market Sale will be held at 9:00 Saturday morning. The sale on Saturday will be broadcast live on KSMO Radio and online at ksmoradio.com. There is no charge to attend the expo. Everyone is welcome to attend and encouraged to observe social distancing. Please cover any coughs or sneezes, and wash or disinfect your hands frequently. Hand sanitizing stations will be located around the barns. If you are feeling ill before coming to the expo, please stay home. Wearing a mask is optional at the expo, but should be seriously considered with a fairly large crowd expected.

A one vehicle accident happened Tuesday afternoon shortly after 3:00 in Phelps County on eastbound Interstate 44 near the 197 mile marker. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2004 Toyota Tacoma being driven by 60-year old Ronald Weland of Steelville, traveled off the right side of the highway before returning to the interstate and traveling off the left side of the roadway. The vehicle then struck the cable barrier in the median before coming to a rest in the eastbound lane. Weland was transported by Phelps Air to the University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of serious injuries. The report went on to say that Weland was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of accident. The Toyota was totaled in the accident and removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be holding their regular meeting tonight at 6:00 in the Salem R-80 District Administrative board room. At the meeting, the board will then hear the Superintendent’s report from the Dr. Reed covering the COVID re-entry, R-80 facilities update and the SRO Contract. In new business the board will consider bids for milk, bread, food and supply, fuel, and pest control. The board will set the tax rate hearing and regular August Board meeting. The Board will set the MSBA training dates for August 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st. The board will then adjourn and move into executive session. The regular meeting of the R-80 board is open to the public

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On Tuesday, June 30th, deputies traveled to a residence in the 200 block of Route H for the report of a domestic dispute. During the course of the incident, a 40-year-old Salem woman was arrested for having an active warrant through Dent County. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. That same day, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of 8th Street and North Highway 19. During the course of the traffic stop, a 33-year-old Salem woman was arrested for driving while having her license revoked or suspended, a 1st offense. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where she was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. on Wednesday, July 1st, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 500 block of Highway 68. During the course of the traffic stop, a 31-year-old Salem woman was arrested for driving while having her license revoked or suspended. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where she was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On Thursday, July 2nd, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 400 block of Dent County Road 4180. During the course of the traffic stop, a 33-year-old Salem man was arrested for the possession of a controlled substance and the unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, a prior drug offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. That same day, deputies traveled to a residence in the 200 block of Route H for the report of a domestic dispute. During the course of the incident, a 37-year-old Salem man was arrested for having an active arrest warrant through the Texas County Sheriff’s Office. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. If anyone has information regarding any ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways, in partnership with the Ozark Riverways Foundation and Current River State Park, are offering free paddling clinics each Sunday lasting through August 9th at the Current River State Park. These free clinics are open to ten participants per program and pre-registration is required. Participants will need to provide their own personal flotation device & lunch. Paddlers will meet at Current River State Park at 10:00 in the morning for one hour of dry land basic skills, followed by instruction and paddling practice on the lower lake. Students will have the option to continue instruction on the river in the afternoon, paddling approximately four miles from Current River State Park to Round Spring. Instructors for this clinic are certified by the American Canoe Association. Topics to be covered include canoe and kayak equipment, rescue techniques, basic paddle strokes and maneuvers, and river safety. Kayaks and paddles will be supplied by Current River State Park. All participants are encouraged to practice safe social distancing and to wear appropriate face coverings if desired. Kayaks and paddles will be sanitized before and after the clinic in an effort to promote good hygiene. This is an open-air event. For more information or to register for one of the sessions call the Round Spring Visitor Center at 573-323-8093.

At the Dent County Commissioners meeting Monday, Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk reported June collections from real estate, personal property taxes and merchant’s licenses came in at $134,900.31. She also stated the Delinquent Tax Sale will be held on the courthouse steps on Monday, August 24th, the fourth Monday of the month as per state statute. The sale will begin at 10:00. In order for you to avoid having your property sold at the tax sale, you will need to pay all the taxes for the last three years (2017, 2018 and 2019) as well as interest and penalties plus advertising costs in the Salem News by August 21st, 2020. For more information, please contact the Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk at 573-729-3911.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced today approximately $4 million in low-interest loans has been awarded to assist with energy-efficiency projects. The only recipient in our area was the City of Salem which received $115,548. Other recipients are the Delta R-V School District, Hannibal Public School District #60, Normandy Schools Collaborative, Schuyler County R-I School District, Scotland County Memorial Hospital and the University of Missouri at Kansas City. The funded projects are expected to support 48 jobs, benefit more than 32,310 Missourians, and result in annual energy savings of just about $499,990. The loans will be repaid with money that is saved on the energy costs as a result of implementing upgrades and improvements. The projects will reduce electricity use by more than 3.3 million kilowatt-hours and natural gas use by 11.889 million Btu. Carol Comer, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, said the Energy Loan Program awards support all the investments in cost-saving energy improvements. Under the program, low-interest loans are provided to public schools, public and private higher education institutions, public and private not-for-profit hospitals, and local governments to help reduce energy costs. Loan financing may be used for investments such as insulation, lighting systems, heating and cooling systems, combined heat and power, pumps, motors, aerators, renewable energy systems, and other measures that reduce energy use and cost. To learn more about the Energy Loan Program contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Division of Energy at 573-751-2254 or toll-free at 855-522-2796.

Captain Eddie A. Blaylock, the commanding officer of Troop I, announced that effective this past Monday, July 13th until September 28th, drivers license testing will not be held in Cuba, Steelville, St. Robert, Salem and Vienna. Those who want to take the written and driving tests in the area will have to go to the Troop I Headquarters located at 1301 Nagogami Road in Rolla on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon. Written tests will end at 4:45 each afternoon and the road tests will end at 4:30 each day. CDL testing in Rolla will only be held on Thursday and by appointment only. The testing location will be closed from noon until 12:30 for lunch. Due to limited capacities at these locations and to avoid extended wait times, applicants are encouraged to call prior to testing. The number is (573) 368-2345. Applicants must clean and sanitize their vehicle before the skills test is administered and wear a face mask or some sort of face covering. Please limit the amount of people attending the examination to one person other than the applicant. Face coverings will be removed briefly when the applicant’s photo is taken during the licensing process. All times and other testing locations can be found on the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s website.

Since 1990, 943 children have died as a result of heat strokes in hot cars. Multiple babies have died throughout the US this summer from being forgotten in a hot car and Forgotten Baby Syndrome (FBS). Further, hot cars are the primary non-crash vehicle-related cause of death in children under 14. Forgotten baby syndrome refers to parents who accidentally leave a baby or young child in a locked car—often with tragic results. Forgotten baby syndrome occurs when parents are focusing on future tasks instead of the moment. This can be an extremely dangerous mental state for a quiet or sleeping baby. It is the medical explanation that describes how a parent can walk away from the car without thinking about their child in the backseat. While 54 percent of hot car deaths occur when loving parents leave children in the car, there are other ways a child can die in a vehicle. In 28 percent of cases, the child gained access to a vehicle without a parent’s knowledge. The best way to avoid a child gaining access to a vehicle is to keep your car keys out of reach.

An accident happened in Reynolds County Monday evening at 6:30 on Highway 72 at Route A. According to the highway patrol, an unknown UTV driven eastbound by an unknown driver, overturned and ejected 44-year old William Piatt of Salem. Piatt suffered moderate injuries and taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis by Air Evac helicopter. The unknown driver then drove the UTV from the scene.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Courthouse for their regular meeting. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles was not at the meeting due to a previous commitment. Commissioner Dennis Purcell acted as the presiding commissioner for the meeting and gave the road report for District 1. He stated workers would be installing crossover pipes and adding materials to Dent County Roads 5610, 5615 and 5680. He also said workers would be servicing and doing ditch work on county road 4080. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson also said workers would be installing crossover pipes and adding materials to Dent County Roads 2020 and 2570. He said brush would be cut on county road 4280 and a radiator hose will be replaced on Grader #32. Larson also indicated that a person had reported a tree down on county road 3020. He said someone had cleared away part of the tree to make the road passable, but workers would finish removing the tree. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that her office and the treasurer’s office balanced on all accounts for the month of June, plus her office and the collector’s office and the assessor’s office balanced on all abatements, add-ons and collections for the month of June. Curley said absentee voting continues in her office through August 3rd while anyone wanting a ballot to be mailed out need to request that from her office by July 22nd. Dent County Collector Denita Williams presented the commissioners with the sales tax reports for the money received by the county in July. In the General Revenue Fund and Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund, the county received just over $74,994.00 in July which was about $506.00 less than in June of 2019, but year-to-date, the both funds are up about $30,225.00. The Road and Bridge Fund received $35,773.10 and that was down $25.62 from last July’s receipts, but year-to date, the funds are up $18,540.35. Both of the jail funds received $71,418.99 and they were down from last year by $35.85, while year-to-date, both funds are up $35,410.19. At the last meeting, the commissioners received three CARES Act applications for reimbursement and all three were approved. The three entities were Green Forest R-2 for $1,669.10; Dent-Phelps R-3 for $1,365.94 and the Dent County Health Department for $11,561.03. The commissioners also agreed in a unanimous vote to set the maximum a public entity can get from the CARES Act funding at $125,000. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports for the first week of July. On the first day of July near 8:00 in the evening, an officer was made aware of a male subject who had numerous felony warrants walking in the 500 block of South Pershing. Contact was made with the male subject and when he was made aware he was being arrested, the man fled on foot from the scene. A short time later the 29-year-old Salem male was taken into custody. Also located on his person was methamphetamine paraphernalia. He was transported to the Dent County Jail for incarceration on his warrants. Charges of resisting arrest and possession of drug paraphernalia are being sought. On Thursday, July 2nd around 2:30, an officer responded to the 800 block of East Gibbs to attempt to make contact with a male subject who had not properly registered as a sex offender. The address on East Gibbs was the registered address for the man. After a short investigation it was found that the man had not lived at the residence in over a month. Information was obtained by the officer about the whereabouts of this person. As a result of the investigation, a 42-year-old Salem man was located at an unregistered address and arrested for failing to register. The male subject was transported to the Dent County Jail and placed on a 24-hour hold pending the application of warrants. That same evening near 11:45, an officer was on traffic patrol when a car was traveling south on Highway 19 at a high rate of speed. The officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle near the intersection of Highway 19 and Highway 32. It was also found the vehicle had expired registration. Contact was made with the driver and signs of intoxication were visible. The driver was asked to exit the vehicle and complete a series of standardized field sobriety tests. As a result of the investigation a 22-year-old male from Westphalia was arrested for driving while being intoxicated. The male subject was also found to have an active arrest warrant out of St. James Police Department. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail for incarceration on the warrant. The male was issued a summons to appear in court for the traffic violations and for driving while being intoxicated. On Friday, June 3rd near 12:45 in the afternoon, an officer was on routine traffic patrol. The officer observed a blue Chrysler van traveling on Highway 19 with expired registration. A traffic stop was conducted in the McDonald’s parking lot. Contact was made with the driver and he was found to have a revoked driver’s license and had an arrest warrant out of Phelps County. As a result of the stop, a 36-year old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked and the Phelps County arrest warrant. The male was taken to the Dent County Jail and issued a summons for driving while having his license revoked and was incarcerated pending extradition or posting bond. Please call the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

The Dent County Health Center announces the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th Positive COVID-19 Cases. These individuals are now in isolation in their homes. All close contacts to these have been identified, and notified of their exposure, and given quarantine instructions. The following locations have been identified as places of possible exposure from all four cases. People at these locations are at a low risk for contracting COVID-19 but should monitor for symptoms. On Sunday, July 5th a person was at the First Baptist Church for worship service from 10:00 to 11:30 in the morning, then went to Bigos Mexican Restaurant and was there from 11:30 in the morning until 12:30 in the afternoon. Also on Monday, July 6th, a person who tested positive was at the Salem Wal-Mart from 4:30 to 4:45 in the afternoon. To reduce risk and prevent the spread of COVID-19, people are encourage to follow preventative measures such as washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; stay home if you are sick, cover any coughs and sneezes, and you should clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces frequently. Wearing a mask is optional, but should be seriously if you are going to be in the vicinity of a lot of people. 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 the healthcare facility. For more information, contact the Dent County Health Center at 729-3106.

An accident happened in Iron County Saturday afternoon at 4:00 on a private road about a mile and a half east of Viburnum. According to the highway patrol report, a 2010 Can Am four- wheeler driven northbound by 78-year old Gary Jordan of Viburnum overturned in the roadway. A passenger on the Can Am, 49-year old Victoria Shover of Viburnum, suffered serious injuries flown by Air-Evac to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Neither Jordan nor Shover was wearing any safety equipment when the accident happened. The Can Am sustained extensive damage and was removed by Abney’s Wrecker from the scene.

An accident occurred on Saturday morning at 2:15 in Crawford County on Evans Road about seven miles southwest of Steelville. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 Ford F-250 driven by 20-year old Bree-Anna Bergner of Viburnum was traveling too fast northbound when she failed to negotiate a curve. The Ford skid and Bergner overcorrected and traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. Bergner suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Phelps Heath Rolla by the Steelville Ambulance. An occupant in the Ford, 25-year old Henry Conaway of Viburnum, suffered minor injuries and was transported to Phelps Health Rolla by Steelville Ambulance. Both Bergner and Conaway were not wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. The Ford sustained moderate damage and was towed by Miles Towing.

An accident happened Friday afternoon at 12:12 in Dent County on Highway 19 about two miles north of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2008 Toyota Highlander, driven by 19- year-old Sylvan Rosenthal of Garland, Texas, was backing from a private drive when she traveled into the path of a 2006 Peterbilt, driven by 58-year-old Lewis Gibbs of Salem. A passenger in the Toyota, 20-year-old Lucila Spannaus of North Salt Lake City, Utah, suffered minor injuries and chose to seek her own treatment. The report stated that Rosenthal, Spannaus, and Gibbs were all wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Toyota was totaled and towed from the scene by American Muffler and Towing. The Peterbilt sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. The highway patrol was assisted by the Salem Police Department, the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and the Dent County Fire Protection District.

Though not as dramatic as the name would imply, pavement “blow-ups” are the summer’s version of potholes, created by a combination of moisture, weakening pavement and temperatures consistently reaching 90 degrees or more across the state. The Missouri Department of Transportation urges motorists to stay aware of road surfaces during these hot summer days. Pavement blow-ups are fractures that occur when a roadway surface expands at a crack or joint where moisture has seeped in. That crack weakens the pavement and the heat causes the pavement to buckle and warp, creating holes in the surface. Despite the term, the pavement does not actually explode. According to MoDOT State Maintenance Director Natalie Roark because it is difficult to know where or when a pavement blow-up will happen, our maintenance staff continually monitors road conditions on state routes. When you encounter a blow-up in the road, slow down and report the location to MoDOT as soon as possible so our maintenance crews can make repairs. Remember, never make a cell phone call from behind the wheel. Buckle Up Phone Down. Be alert to MoDOT crews making emergency roadway repairs. Slow down and move over for maintenance workers and other emergency personnel. It’s the law. Motorists can call MoDOT’s toll-free customer service center to report pavement blow-ups at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636). Plan your summer trip at MO on the GO, MoDOT’s suite of mobile information tools that shares the latest news on work zones, road conditions and traffic incidents. You can access it online at modot.org/mo-go.

Currently on the Salem R-80 Website, parents can register their child for kindergarten for the William Lynch Elementary School. If you have a child who will be turning 5 before August 1st, you can register them now online. Once you have filled out the form, you will be contacted at a later date at the phone number you put on the form. The website is https://www.salemr80.org.

Have you filed your federal and state tax returns yet? The 2019 federal income tax filing and payment deadlines for all taxpayers who file and pay taxes was extended until July 15th, 2020. This relief applied to all individual returns, trusts, and corporations. This relief is automatic, taxpayers do not need to file any additional forms or call the IRS to qualify. This relief also included estimated tax payments for tax year 2020 that awere due on April 15th, 2020. Penalties and interest will begin to accrue on any remaining unpaid balances as of July 16th, 2020. You will automatically avoid interest and penalties on the taxes paid by July 15. The State of Missouri also extended their tax deadline to July 15th for filing your income taxes and payment. This filing and payment relief applies to all individual income tax returns, income tax returns filed by C Corporations, and income tax returns filed by trusts or estates. The filing deadline for partnership returns that were originally due on April 15th, 2020 was also extended to July 15th, 2020. Individual taxpayers who need additional time to file their federal tax return beyond the July 15th deadline can request a filing extension by filing Form 4868 through their tax professional, tax software or using the Free File link on IRS.gov. Businesses who need additional time must file Form 7004. If you do owe Missouri tax, you can request a Missouri tax extension with Form MO-60. Make sure to file Form MO-60 by July 15th. If you have an approved Federal tax extension (IRS Form 4868), the State of Missouri will automatically grant you an extension as well.

Plans have been finalized for the 4-H and FFA Expo July 15th through 18th at The Commons. Due to the COVID-19 virus a number of events and activities have been cancelled or highly modified. Scheduled activities will begin Wednesday evening with the Dessert Auction at 6:00. Desserts need to be entered by 5:00 Wednesday afternoon. On Thursday all livestock must be in place on the grounds no later than 11:00 and weigh-ins will begin around noon. Competition kicks off Friday morning early with the Hog Show starting at 7:00, and it will be followed by the Sheep and Goat Show. The Small Animal Show will be conducted at 1:00 in afternoon followed by the Beef and Dairy Show at 2:00. The 4-H/FFA Market Sale will be Saturday morning starting at 9:00. For additional information contact the Dent County Extension Center at 573-729-3196. The Junior Livestock Committee encourages everyone to observe social distancing, stay home if you are sick, cover any coughs and sneezes, and clean and disinfect hands frequently. Hand sanitizing stations will be located around the barns. Wearing a mask is optional, but should be seriously considered since those attending are going to be in the vicinity of a lot of people.

Going on now, deer hunters can apply online through the Missouri Department of Conservation’s website for a shot at more than 100 managed deer hunts throughout the state for archery, muzzleloading, and modern firearms from mid-September through mid-January at conservation areas, state and other parks, national wildlife refuges, and other public areas. Some managed hunts are held specifically for youth or for people with disabilities. The managed deer hunt application period will be open through the 31st. Before you apply, here are a couple of reminders about the managed hunts. First, you may apply for only one managed deer hunt each year. If you apply for more than one, you will be disqualified from this year’s drawing and will not receive a preference point. Second, youth who apply for a youth-only hunt may not also apply for a regular managed deer hunt. Third, if you cannot attend, another hunter cannot take your place. Only those hunters who applied and were drawn may attend. Also, some managed hunts require hunters to attend a mandatory pre-hunt orientation. If you cannot attend the orientation, do not apply for these hunts. Whether you apply as one in a party or as an individual, your chances of being drawn for a managed deer hunt are the same as everyone else’s. However, if you are not drawn for a managed hunt this year, you will earn one preference point that will increase your odds the next time you apply which MDC calls a weighted random drawing. Draw results will be available August 15th through January, 15th, 2021. Applicants who are drawn will receive area maps and other hunt information by mail. For more information on managed deer hunts or to preview hunt details, go to mdc.mo.gov/managedhunt. Details about managed hunts can also be found in MDC’s “2020 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information” booklet available starting in early July at MDC offices and nature centers, from permit vendors around the state, and online at mdc.mo.gov.

An employee with the company that cleans Missouri’s “Welcome Centers” has tested positive for COVID-19. Facilities recently cleaned by the individual at Conway, Missouri have been closed on both sides of Interstate 44. DBi, the company contracted to clean Missouri rest areas and welcome centers, notified the Missouri Department of Transportation early Thursday morning of the positive test. Both eastbound and westbound facilities were immediately closed to the public. The welcome centers will be cleaned following CDC guidance and utilizing EPA-registered disinfectants. The westbound side is being cleaned and disinfected first and will reopen on Saturday, July 11th. The eastbound facility will then be cleaned and disinfected and will reopen Sunday, July 12th. Parking will still be available at both welcome centers. DBi is installing portable toilets at the locations. The cleaning and disinfecting of the Welcome Centers will be done at no charge by DBi.

The Dent County Fire Protection District board of directors met Tuesday evening at 6:00 at the fire station located at #2 South Main Street. The meeting opened with Liz Gruendel, representing the American Volunteers, presenting the Dent County Fire District with the Armor of God coin #72. This coin represents the work and community service the district performed during the Covid-19 pandemic. The coin is 1 of only 6 given out in Dent county and only 100 for the state. After approval of the consent agenda, the minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed and approved as presented. During the financial report, bills were reviewed and approved. The budget showed an ending balance as of June 30th of $228,763.66. After the board reviewed the calendar, the monthly reimbursement report showed a total of 24 calls for the month of June including three structure fires, two brush fires and a car fire. The department also responded to nine vehicle accidents, had two mutual aid calls, two training calls and a call listed as other. This brings the calls year to date to 129 with the average cost per call being $127.28. In old business, Chief Brad Nash updated the board on the building process and stated that currently there are several small items that need to be addressed but they are at a standstill due to the current situation and there is no time frame scheduled at this time. Final payment is on hold until completion. In new business, Chief Nash reported that the NFPA has begun placing expiration dates on all fire fighter equipment. This decision has made some equipment outdated or it will soon be. Chief Nash asked the board to approve $6,298.03 for new helmets for the district. This would start the update of equipment and later other gear would be replaced on a rotational basis so as to not have it all come due to be replaced at the same time. A motion was made and approved to replace the helmets. The date for the next meeting was set for August 4th at the 6:00 at the fire station before the meeting adjourned.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports for the last week of June. On Wednesday, June 24th near 5:00 in the afternoon, officers responded to the 200 block of West Second Street for a well being check. Once at the residence, officers made contact with a 22-year-old Salem female who had an active arrest warrant out of Maries County. The female was arrested and released on her own recognizance. On Thursday, June 25th near 8:00 in the evening, officers responded to the 100 block of South Carty Street in an attempt to locate a male subject with a felony warrant out of Phelps County. Contact was made with the 32-year-old Salem male where he was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail to await extradition or to post bond. On Friday, June 26th just after 2:00 in the afternoon, officers were dispatched to the 800 block of South Hickory Street for a report of a fight in progress. As a result of the investigation, it was reported that there was an altercation and one of the parties was very intoxicated. A 40-year-old Salem male was arrested for disorderly conduct as a result of the incident. He was transported to the Dent County Jail and placed on a 12-hour safe keep due to his intoxication. On Sunday night, June 28th at about 10:30, officers were patrolling the industrial park when they drove up on a vehicle parked with its lights off. Contact was made with the occupants of the vehicle and when they rolled the windows down smoke emitted from the vehicle and the officer observed the odor of marijuana. A search of the vehicle was conducted and located in the care was a jar containing marijuana. A 19-year-old Salem male admitted to possessing the marijuana and was placed under arrest and later released on summons. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

Missouri State Parks has instituted a number of changes related to campground operations to better facilitate appropriate social distancing and improve the safety of operations for Missouri State Parks’ guests and staff. The additional measures include requiring reservations prior to arrival, limiting campground occupancy at some parks and sites, increasing the frequency of cleaning shower houses and restrooms, offering campers a new contactless, self-check-in feature, restricting occupancy in shower houses and restrooms, and only accepting credit and debit cards. One of the changes visitors will experience is a new contactless, self-check-in feature. On the morning of their planned arrival to a state park or historic site, campers will receive an email with instructions on how to access their reservation online and check in. Alternatively upon arrival, campers can check in by opening the camera on their smartphone device and hovering over the QR code posted at the campsite, and following the prompt. Come prepared to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. Visitors are strongly encouraged to follow social distancing guidelines, bring hand sanitizer and bottled water, and please stay home if you are sick. Missouri State Parks recommends reviewing signage posted throughout the parks and state historic sites, and diligently following guidelines for the health and safety of others. Visit mostateparks.com to find a park close to home and to check for individual park advisories before heading to the park. If you have questions regarding Missouri State Parks, please contact us at moparks@dnr.mo.gov. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital and the Columbia Vet Center are teaming up to provide mobile COVID-19 screening and testing services for Veterans next week in Rolla. Health administrators will be on-site to facilitate rapid enrollment for those who qualify. Mobile testing in our area will be at the Rolla Lions Club from 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon on Tuesday, July 14th, at 1601 S. Bishop Avenue, Rolla. The purpose of providing on-site, mobile services is to ensure that area Veterans have access to COVID-19 screening and testing.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held a regular meeting Monday at the City Hall Council chambers. The board approved the budgeted purchase of two new Dodge Durangos for the Police Department at a total of $64,738 from Behlman Dodge in Troy on the state bid. City Administrator Ray Walden said all the city utility bills for May have been mailed and please contact the utility department if you have not received your bill or have questions. Their number is 729-4117. The Aldermen stressed their frustration with the billing process and especially with the lack of enough staff to help answer the phone calls and respond to customers in a timely manner. They asked that other city department staff be brought in to help. Walden said he will put every person who is available to help address the problem. The board approved Bill No. 3453 amending the 2020 Fiscal Year budget. The increase in the budget of the Special Street Fund is due to the increase in cost to repair roads to $409,986 from $294,500 in the Fiscal year 2019-2020. This bill also increased the revenue in the fund from the previous year’s reserve to balance the budget. The board postponed discussion on the Hangar Rental Fees until the next meeting when they have more information. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Salem Police Department has released their report for the month of May. They issued 17 equipment repair orders, 13 summonses to appear in court, 32 warning tickets, and 26 traffic tickets, plus they also served 2 fugitive warrants. The Salem Police investigated 9 traffic accidents, wrote 2 property damage reports, 10 stealing reports, and had 1 death investigation. The department investigated 5 driving while having a driver’s license being revoked or suspended, 3 possessions of a controlled substance reports along with 5 drug paraphernalia reports, 11 domestic violence reports, and investigated 4 lost or stolen license plates along with 2 intoxicated pedestrians. The department was also dispatched for 42 animal calls, 26 ambulance assist calls, and performed 90 traffic stops for the month. The Department also conducted 67 follow-up investigations, and conducted 17 well being checks. The Salem Police Department received 657 calls for service during the month of May and had 64 walk-ins to the station. The department drove 9,010 miles during the month of May. There were 11 males and 8 females arrested during the month. The Police Department also served 4 hours during the month as court bailiff in May.

The Dent County Sheriff’s department has released some reports. On Saturday, June 20th, a deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop with an ATV on Dent County Road 3260. The ATV failed to yield and the deputy began to pursue the vehicle. As the vehicle approached Dent County Road 3250, the ATV slowed down and stopped on the side of the road. During the course of the incident, a 40-year-old Salem man was arrested for resisting or interfering with an arrest for a felony, possession of a controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid; and for exceeding the posted speed limit which he exceeded by 26 miles per hour or more. The man was also charged prior drug offenses for the possession of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid of 10 grams or less and the unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail where he was incarcerated. on Friday, June 26th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at West Franklin Street and South Missouri. During the course of the traffic stop, an 18-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while being intoxicated – zero tolerance. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released to a family member. If anyone has any information about any investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

State Auditor Nicole Galloway released her office’s regularly-scheduled audit of Phelps County, which gave the county a rating of “fair.” The concerns discussed in the report included the inadequate oversight of the county collector’s financial activities, poor bank reconciliation practices of the prosecuting attorney’s office, unsupported transfers to the general revenue fund, and bonuses paid to Phelps County Board for the Developmentally Disabled employees. The audit found the county commission and the county clerk did not adequately verify the accuracy and completeness of the collector’s annual settlements. The lack of adequate verification can mean an increased risk of loss, theft, or misuse of property tax monies going undetected, and less assurance the annual settlements are complete and accurate. The audit also reported the prosecuting attorney’s office does not prepare adequate and timely bank reconciliations and does not maintain an adequate list of liabilities. In addition, the county commission did not maintain documentation to support the annual transfer from the county’s unemployment fund to the general revenue fund and had not established a comprehensive personnel policy. The county clerk and the county commission also did not ensure county commission meeting minutes were prepared and approved timely. The audit also found the Phelps County Board for the Developmentally Disabled improperly paid bonuses to employees in 2018 and 2020. Bonuses are not allowed by the Missouri Constitution. For the entire report, check out the state auditor’s website at https://app.auditor.mo.gov/

The Dent County Health Center has confirmed a fourth confirmed case of COVID-19 in Dent County Thursday afternoon. This brings the total number of confirmed positive cases in Dent County to four with the other three cases now released from isolation. This individual is directly linked to the Great Circle St. James campus outbreak. The CDC Isolation guidelines have been implemented and close contacts have been identified. No other information will be provided about the patient. There were no locations of potential exposure in Dent County that have been identified at this time. If any locations are identified, that information will be released through the media. It is important to remember that every activity that involves contact with others has some degree of risk. To reduce risk and prevent the spread of COVID-19, people are encourage to follow preventative measures such as washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; stay home if you are sick, cover any coughs and sneezes, and you should clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces frequently. Wearing a mask is optional, but should be seriously if you are going to be in the vicinity of a lot of people. 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 the healthcare facility.

An accident happened Friday night in Texas County at 7:32 on Route CC about six and a half miles north of Licking that left four residents of Licking with injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 2014 Hyundai driven north bound by 30-year Patricia Cook of Licking, failed to yield and pulled into the path of a 2016 Jeep Compass driven eastbound by 18-year old Ebonnie Baker of Licking A 10-year old female juvenile passenger in the Hyundai suffered serious injuries and was transported by ambulance to Cox South in Springfield. Partricia Cook, the driver of the Hyundai, suffered moderate injuries and was taken by ambulance to Cox South in Springfield. A male passenger in the Hyundai, 38-year old Gale Tilden suffered minor injuries and was taken by a private vehicle to the Texas County Memorial District Hospital. The driver of the Compass, Ebonnie Baker, suffered minor injuries and refused treatment at the scene. Everyone but Gale Tilden was wearing a seat restraint when the accident happened. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Jay’s Automotive of Houston.

A one vehicle accident happened Saturday afternoon at 1:00 in Maries County on Route E approximately eight miles north of Rolla. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 2000 Chevrolet Malibu being driven by 17- year old Caleb Partridge of Rolla was traveling northbound and began skidding, then crossed the centerline. The Chevrolet went off the left side of the highway, struck a ditch, and overturned. Partridge, who was not wearing a safety restraint, was taken by a private vehicle to Phelps Health in Rolla for treatment of moderate injuries. The Chevrolet was totaled and removed from the scene by C & C Towing.

An accident occurred Sunday morning in Phelps County just after midnight at 12:02 at the intersection of Phelps County Road 7140 and Phelps County Road 7130. According to the highway patrol report, a southbound 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 17-year old Lane House of Edgar Springs, drove through the intersection and struck a tree. House, and a passenger 19-year old Noah Whittaker of Rolla, both suffered minor injuries and the report stated that it was unknown whether either one was wearing a safety restraint. House was transported via personal conveyance to Phelps Health, while Whittaker was transported by EMS to Phelps Health. The Chevrolet sustained moderate damage and was towed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing.

An accident involving a Rolla resident happened Friday afternoon at 3:45 in Ralls County on Highway 61 about a half mile north of Hannibal. The report from the highway patrol states that 20-year old Levi Burns of Rolla was traveling north in a 2000 Dodge Durango. In order to avoid a collision, the Dodge ran off the left side of the roadway and overturned. Burns, who was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident, suffered minor injuries and was transported to Hannibal Regional Hospital. The highway patrol was assisted by the Ralls county sheriffs department, Hannibal Rural Fire Department, and Marion County Ambulance.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will hold their regular meting this evening at 7:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers. At the meeting, the board will hear bids on two new Dodge Durangos for the Salem Police Department. The board will discuss the state bid from Behlmann Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram from Troy Missouri. Following the Consent Agenda, the board will hear from City Administrator Ray Walden who will update the board on a number of city projects. The board will consider Bill #3453 that would create an ordinance to amend the Fiscal Year 2020 budget due to the increase in cost for Street Maintenance that was requested by the aldermen and also the revenues that would offset that expense. N.B. West Contracting of Sullivan presented the city with a bill for over $300,000 for the street work. The board will also discuss using the Domeyer Hanger at the Salem Municipal Airport and figuring a rate to charge should they rent the hanger. The board will then adjourn. The meeting of the City of Salem Board of Alderman tonight is open to the public and will follow social distancing guidelines. The meeting can also be streamed on ksmoradio.com live or played back at a later time.

The Dent County Commissioners have now opened its CARES Act funding to businesses within the county. Dent County received $1,827,024 in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic (CARES) Act for reimbursable COVID-19 expenses that they have incurred, beginning March 1, 2020. The county can reimburse costs up to December 30th of this year. Any funds not spent must be returned to the U.S. Treasury. In early June, the county kicked off its public entities grant reimbursement program for COVID-19 related expenses. Dent County is now offering a business grant program. Per the CARES Act, the county may reimburse those expenses that the business incurred and had to pay even though they were partially or totally closed such as utility bills, rents or mortgage payments, insurance bills and other costs that were not covered through other Federal CARES Act programs. The county has set aside $800,000 for business grants. A separate application has been created for business requests, and businesses must provide documentation to support their requests. Documentation the businesses will have to provide is a copy of valid business license (city and county), past tax records for 2019, profit/loss statement for 2020 prepared by accountant or tax professional, a completed W-9 and other documentation depending on the request. Businesses seeking funding must have been in business prior to February 29th and have no more than 30 (full-time equivalent) employees. Businesses can submit multiple applications as long as the total of the requested amounts does not exceed $20,000 to any one business. Non-profits are eligible for funding as well. At this time, the county is not reimbursing lost revenue as the US Treasury guidance is not specific on the eligibility of those costs. Applications for reimbursement are due to MRPC no later than December 10th, 2020. The Meramec Regional Planning Commission has been assisting Dent County as well as seven other counties in the Meramec Region review the act, develop an application and administrative process that would meet audit requirements. MRPC staff will be handling the grant administration for Dent County. Each applicant must complete a certification form, where they agree to comply with funding requirements, including repaying the reimbursement grant if the expenditure is deemed ineligible in the future. The application asks for contact information and a detailed description of the costs incurred and how they are COVID-19 related. The form also provides a list of eligible expenditures, and applicants are encouraged to review that list before applying. Dent County reimbursement requests will be directed to Kelly Sink at the MRPC, where the staff will review the application, make sure the request is eligible for funding, and verify that the documentation meets the requirements for a Single Audit. A verified application will then be forwarded to the Dent County Commission for their review and approval. Those applications that are approved will be forwarded to the county treasurer for payment to the applicant. MRPC staff will maintain files for the county and track all requests and expenditures. The MRPC has created a webpage on its website where Dent County application information for both businesses and public entities can be found: https://www.meramecregion.org/cares-act-funding-opportunity-for-meramec-counties/. If you have questions about the Dent County grant, you should contact Kelly Sink at the MRPC at 573-265-2993 or email her at Kellysb@meramecregion.org.

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.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce reminds everyone the Independence Day Parade will be held on Saturday, July 4th at 6:00 PM. The theme will be “An American Holiday” with George Flint as the grand marshal. The parade will follow the normal parade route from the SBU campus to MacArthur, then north to 4th Street before turning east, but this year the parade will be extended past the Courthouse to Pershing Street at the top of East 4th Street hill. Then after 9:00 Saturday, the city of Salem fireworks display will be held at The Commons on Highway 72 north. There is no cost to attend the parade or fireworks. During the parade and at the Commons, please use social distancing. For more information about the parade, call the Salem, Area Chamber of Commerce office at 729-6900 or stop by the new office at 1139 South Main St.

Currently on the Salem R-80 Website, parents can register their child for kindergarten for the William Lynch Elementary School. If you have a child who will be turning 5 before August 1st, you can register them now online. Once you have filled out the form, you will be contacted at a later date at the phone number you put on the form. The website is https://www.salemr80.org.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On June 16th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 1200 block of South Main Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 41-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 where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Then on June 19th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 900 block of South Main Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 30-year-old Lebanon woman was arrested for operating a vehicle on a highway without a valid license, her 2nd offense. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where she was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. If anyone has any information about an ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.