Local News

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, encourages Missouri’s travelers to make smart choices for a safe Independence Day holiday. The state’s wide variety of recreational opportunities is a great way to celebrate our nation’s freedoms. But, no matter what you plan for the long weekend, you can’t go wrong if you choose to follow all Missouri traffic and boating laws. It is also important to observe social distancing and other CDC guidelines related to the coronavirus, and stay home if you are ill. During the 2019 counting period, 15 people were killed and 457 injured in Missouri over the holiday in 1,109 traffic crashes. Over the 2019 July Fourth holiday, troopers arrested 162 people for driving while being intoxicated. Of the injuries suffered last year during the Independence Day holiday, 58 people were seriously injured in traffic crashes in Missouri. Of the 73 people killed or injured, 18 were involved in a crash where there was at least one substance-impaired driver. The 15 fatalities included three motorcyclists, one ATV occupant and 11 vehicle occupants, with 80% of the 11 vehicle occupants being unbuckled. The 58 serious injuries included two pedestrians, 11 motorcyclists and 45 vehicle occupants with 65% of those being unbelted. In 2019, there were nine boating crashes, which included four injuries and zero fatalities. Three people drowned during last year’s July Fourth holiday. Troopers made 13 boating while being intoxicated arrests in 2019. The 2020 counting period for the Independence Day holiday will be from 6:00 tonight until 11:59 Sunday night, July 6th. The Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort) and Operation Dry Water over the July Fourth holiday weekend. Operation Dry Water specifically targets impaired vessel operators. All available troopers will be patrolling Missouri roadways and waterways to enforce traffic and boating laws, and offering assistance as needed. Missouri’s boaters are asked to do their part by remaining alert for other boats and swimmers, and being courteous on the water. With more boats on the water, it is even more important to pay attention when operating your vessel. Never operate a vessel if you’ve consumed alcohol. Boaters need to be aware that it is illegal to discharge fireworks from a vessel. Leave all fireworks in a safe place on shore. Anyone needing assistance or who witnesses criminal activity while traveling on Missouri’s roadways or waterways can contact the nearest Highway Patrol troop headquarters by calling the Patrol Emergency Report Line at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. Motorists may call 1-888-275-6636 to check for road construction along their travel route.

The Impact 100 Dent County, a committee of the Dent County Community Foundation, has two grant opportunities for the 2020 grant making cycle for not-for-profit organizations. The first grant represents a broad base of categories including parks and recreation, arts, education and community development. This grant will be awarded to the not-for-profit organization chosen by the Impact 100 committee on July 16. A short presentation will be required of the not-for-profit representative at the ceremony. The second grant to be awarded is a restricted grant with only applications related to health initiatives allowed for this grant. These two grants are $3,000 and $4,000.00 respectively. A not-for-profit organization can only apply for one of the grants. These applications are due July 10. If you have any questions, please call Mary Beth Cook, the Dent County Community Foundation coordinator at 573-453-6091. The Impact 100 Dent County is a giving circle, money from this effort is returned to our community to enhance the lives of citizens.

The City of Salem Annual Budget for their next fiscal year approved at the special board of Aldermen meeting Tuesday night that began July 1st, shows expected revenues of $12,860,186 with expected expenses of $12,791,822. Capital projects expected to be done in the next fiscal year came to $3,039,984. To keep the budget conservative due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the budgeted sales tax figures for general revenue, the capital improvement fund and the park and recreation department were approximately 90% of what was received in 2019-2020 fiscal year. There are two payments scheduled in the next fiscal year totaling about $500,000 for the Certificates of Participation funding for the sewer plant upgrade and other utility projects. Those payments are allocated proportionately from the electric, water and sewer funds. Also, a 2% cost of living adjustment was made for staff along with a 2% merit increase pool, plus personnel levels are expected to remain the same as the 2019-2020 fiscal year. The Board of Aldermen also approved to continue to fund the service agreements with the University of Missouri Extension, the Dent County Museum, Healthy Dent County and the Salem Area Community Betterment Association. City Administrator Ray Walden wanted to thank the citizen committees, mayor, aldermen and staff for their hard work, efforts and thoroughness during the budget process for their efforts with a special thanks going to City Clerk Mary Happel.

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways, in partnership with the Ozark Riverways Foundation and Current River State Park, will be offering free paddling clinics each Sunday starting July 5th and 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.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held a special meeting Tuesday evening at the Salem City Hall Council Cambers. At the meeting, the board approved remodeling the city administrative office to turn the utility office counter around as well as install glass and a door. The bid of 16,041 from Total Security System out of Fowlerville, Michigan was approved to provide the Level 3 door and Bullet Resistant Glazing was approved, as was the bid from Prock Operations doing business as For Your Convenience out of Rolla for the laminated millwork, Level 2 Armorcore, countertops, fabrication, installation and delivery for $29,978. The board then approved Bill #3452 that adopted an annual budget for the City of Salem for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1st, 2020 and ending June 30th, 2021. The budget, submitted by City Administrator Ray Walden, showed anticipated revenues of $12,860,186 and anticipated expenditures of $12,791,822 with intergovernmental transfers of $2,197,462. The proposed budget was approved without changes by the board unanimously. City Clerk Mary Happel reported that two of the three trailer courts have submitted their applications for license renewal. Those two were the Finest Place on Truman and the trailer court owned by central Missouri Investments on Pershing. Building Inspector Jared Brown reported to Happel that each of the trailer courts needed to have some minor repairs done, but he felt confident the work would be done quickly. Another trailer park on Park Street did not submit their application for renewal. The Salem Public Library Board was short a person after Sarah Swindell resigned and Mayor Brad Nash appointed Liz Condray to replace Swindell. The board approved the appointment. The board discussed the setting of the airport hanger rates for the next year. The first discussion centered on the fact that all of the board members of the Airport Board are renters of the hangers and the board felt that was a conflict of interest in the setting of the reasonable rates as at market value. It was asked when the terms of some of the members of the boards were up and Mayor Nash said some were up. The chair of the Airport Board, Rachel Hinderliter, made a motion requesting the current rates be used from July 1st, 2020 until December 31st, 2020. She said she plans on holding some meetings to discuss the hanger rates once Mayor Nash finds residents to serve on the board. The board approved setting the rates for those six months. The meeting was then adjourned.

A one vehicle accident happened Monday night shortly before 11:30 in Phelps County on Route F about four miles east of Highway 72. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 2000 Ford Ranger being driven westbound by 17-year old Kolby Flathers of St. James, struck a donkey in the roadway. Flathers and a passenger, 19-year old Pacey Hopwood of St. James, were both transported by ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla for the treatment of minor injuries. Both occupants were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Ford sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing.

The Salem Police Department reports that between the dates June 12th and June 19th and there were a total of 142 calls for service. Officers with the Salem Police Department conducted 32 traffic stops for various traffic violations with three of the stops resulted in summonses being issued. On Friday, June 12th just after 4:30 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to the 1400 block of South Gertrude for a report of a trespasser. After an investigation, the trespasser was found to have an active warrant for his arrest out of the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. As a result, the 31-year-old Salem man was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Later that same night at approximately 11:40, an officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Gibbs for a report of an assault. It was reported that two intoxicated males had shown up at the residence arguing about issues between the parties. During an argument one of the males struck the resident in the eye. The resident wished to pursue charges on the incident and reported that the male had fled the residence prior to law enforcement arrival. This incident is still under investigation. On Wednesday, June 17th at approximately 4:52 in the afternoon, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department for a report of a stolen bicycle. It was reported that a black 24 inch ladies “Retro” bicycle was taken off the deck of a residence on Key Lane. The bicycle was valued at $100. This incident is under investigation. And finally, shortly before 8:00 on the evening on Friday the 19th, an officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of West Franklin Street for a report of a civil dispute. It was reported that during the dispute a 37-year-old Salem female had struck the victim in the face. The victim wished to pursue charges for domestic assault. Further investigation led to the 37-year old woman being arrested and later released on a summons to appear in court. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

A two vehicle accident happened Saturday evening at 6:20 on Interstate 44 near the 193.2 eastbound mile marker. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 1997 Ford Ranger being driven by 30-year old Codie Kruger of Rolla, hydroplaned stopping across the highway and was then struck by a 2021 International school bus being driven by 24-year old Floyd Celestine of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Kruger suffered serious injuries and was transported by St. James ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla. Both drivers were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Ranger was totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing. The bus sustained moderate damage and was towed by I-44 Towing.

The Dent County Fire Protection District board of directors will be meeting Tuesday, July 7th, at 6:00 PM at the fire station located at #2 South Main Street. After the roll call and call to order, the board will review minutes from the May meeting then hear the financial report and approve bills. The board will then review the calendar and hear the monthly reimbursement report before addressing old and new business. The board will then hear various reports before setting the date for the next meeting. The meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Monday at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5130, 5490, 5550, 5630 and 6580. He also reported the crew would be performing a full service on brush cutter #8. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 2330 while only grading would be done on county road 5320. He stated brush would be cut on county road 4290 and a man was going to Springfield to get oil for the chip and seal repair. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported all three commissioners attended a discussion on the CARES Act last Wednesday hosted by the MRPC with Missouri Association of Counties Attorney Travis Elliott explaining parts of the CARES act as well as a couple of auditors based upon the current interpretations. Skiles said there are still questions on the business grants to be awarded, but he feels the commission is getting closer to getting the needed answers to develop a process for those businesses to apply. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the voting equipment at the courthouse will be tested on July 22nd at 9:00 in the morning. She said the last day to register to vote in the primary will be July 8th. She said absentee voting is going on now and people can request a ballot by mail through July 22nd. Voters will have to decide which party they want to vote for between Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Green, Constitution or a non-partisan ballot. She also said now is a great time to update your voting information if you have moved or had a name change. The commissioners then opened bids for the lease/purchase of two new patrol vehicles from the state bid from Don Brown Chevrolet. Bids were received from Town and Country Bank, the Bank of Salem and Progressive Ozark Bank. The board elected to go with the bid from Progressive Ozark Bank on $84,000 with three annual payments with an interest rate of 2.50% with a $100 lease preparation fee. Nick Smith from Septagon was in to go over some items in the jail with the commissioners including a drainage problem near the jail. Later in the meeting, Bonnie Prigge and Kelly Sink from the MRPC came in to discuss what the commission wanted to do in regards to the business grant portion of the CARES Act. Prigge handed out a sample of a program from Washington County for the commission to review. The commission discussed requirements that would need to be met, plus a limit on the amount of dollars a business can receive and what expenses would be eligible for the program. Kelly Sink will review the discussion and forward a draft of the Dent County CARES Small Business Relief Program for the commission to review before releasing the details to the public. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday, July 6th at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Bonebrake Center of Nature and History is planning a three-day camp for children from the ages of 7 to 12 years of age on Wednesday, July 8th; Thursday, July 9th; and Friday, July 10th at the Bonebrake Center. The camp will be from 9:00 in the morning until 3:30 in the afternoon culminating with an activity for the whole family and friends on the evening of Friday, July 10, starting at 3:30. The cost is $75 for the three days, and scholarships are available to those families who feel the fee would be a hardship. Enrollment is limited to no more than 20 children, so contact us soon. The Bonebrake Discovery Camp is an outdoor educational camp providing children with an enthusiastic experience of the outdoors, coupled with art and cultural programs. All are designed to nourish and strengthen, as well as enrich, the growing child. They will have opportunities to participate in scavenger hunts, learn about Missouri cougars, turtles, and skunks, identify very small pond animals, learn how to “felt,” and have a visit from Captain Meriwether Lewis, as well as learn to fly fish and use a real cane fishing pole harvested from the Bonebrake Center property! In addition, the children will decorate a tee shirt, play games, and create a personal journal, and maybe eat a couple of popsicles. Care is taken by the instructors and counselors to provide for the children a rich environment that bring nurturing, guidance, and cooperation where discovery and creativity will flourish. We are moving forward hoping that the Covid-19 virus will be contained by the time Bonebrake Discovery Camp rolls around. Regardless, reasonable health precautions will be taken. Please call the Bonebrake Center at 729-3400 for more information or to register.

Missouri State Parks, a division of the Department of Natural Resources, has announced an expanded reservation window for campgrounds, increasing from a six-month period to a 12-month period. Beginning at 7:00 this morning, campers can reserve a campsite at Missouri State Parks one year prior to arrival date to better allow for planning for visitors and staff. Reservations are required at most campgrounds and park-run lodging prior to arrival, and can be made up until 7:00 p.m. CST the day before arrival. Campers are encouraged to make reservations online at www.icampmo.com. Mike Sutherland, Missouri State Parks Director, said that the one-year camping reservation window will better allow large groups traveling together to book in advance. As of today all campers, such as the anglers who camp at the trout parks year after year, can begin making their reservations for the 2021 season. 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, contact us at moparks@dnr.mo.gov. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Aging Best, serving seniors in 19 counties, is continuing their curbside meal service at this time. They are currently working together with local centers to collaboratively develop future plans. The goal is to add more programming in a manner that is safe and meets the needs of each of the unique communities they serve and updates will be provided as changes occur. During the pandemic, volunteers have continued the delivery of more than 55,000 homebound meals per month. The curbside meal program is also experiencing an increase. Staff and volunteers are following all the CDC safety recommendations in the delivery of home and curbside meals. Aging Best is also in need of assistance with health and safety supplies. Due to COVID-19, the organization is seeking masks and gloves for their staff, volunteers and participants receiving services. Masks, purchased or homemade, would be greatly appreciated along with latex gloves. In preparation for fall, the organization is also collecting items for homebound care packages. The packages will be provided to seniors before winter weather arrives. Those packages will include lap blankets, socks, warm hats and gloves. Donation of these items is being sought for the packages. Other items being accepted for the packages are lotion, first aid kits and hygiene products. Aging Best is also still seeking volunteers to assist with meal delivery, telephonic and mail reassurance, Ombudsman services, coordinating activities and much more. If you are interested in volunteering, donating items or providing financial assistance please call 800-369-5211 or contact Jody Schafer at 729-2373.

A one vehicle accident happened Thursday afternoon shortly after 4:00 in Crawford County on Highway 8 about 12 miles east of Steelville. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 2017 Hyundai Accent being driven by a 15 year old female juvenile from Cuba was eastbound when she fell asleep and traveled off the right side of the roadway. The Hyundai struck the ground and became airborne, then struck the ground again before striking three trees and finally coming to rest. A passenger in the Hyundai, a 16-year old Female of Steelville, suffered minor injuries and sought her own treatment. Both girls were wearing their seat restraints at the time of the accident. The Hyundai was totaled and removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing.

Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk wants to remind anyone who still has delinquent real estate taxes from 2017 that you will need to pay them IN FULL by TOMORROW, June 30th, during regular business hours from 8:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon. If you fail to do so, then on July 1st, the taxes from 2017, 2018 and 2019 will be declared due by August 21st, 2020. If not paid by then, your parcel will be sold at the Delinquent Tax Sale that will be held on Monday, August 24th, 2020. Check payments will not be accepted after June 15th so you will need to pay with cash, cashier’s check, money order, debit or credit card after that date. If you are not sure this applies to you or you do not understand how the system works, you need to call the Dent County Collector’s Office immediately so that it can be explained to you. This is very important so do not put it off any longer. Call the Dent County Collectors Office at 573-729-3911 with any questions you may have or stop by the Dent County Courthouse. Starting July 1st, there will be an additional $25 per parcel added to the tax bill to pay for advertising costs in the Salem News. Remember, only the taxes for 2017 need to be paid IN FULL by Tuesday, June 30th to give you another whole year to pay the other outstanding years.

The Dent County Health Center will be having a drive-thru shot clinic TOMORROW, Tuesday, June 30th. The Clinic will be conducted from 1:00 until 6:00 in the afternoon at the Health Center parking lot at 1010 East Scenic Rivers Boulevard. There are a number of required shots for children entering kindergarten, 8th grade and 12th grade. Participants are asked to bring their current immunization records and insurance information. If there are questions feel free to contact the Dent County Health Center at (573) 729-3106.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce has announced 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 Chamber is NOT assigning lineup positions for this parade, so participants can line up on a first-come, first-serve basis! The Chamber will reserve spots #1 through 11 for the Salem Police Chief, Color Guard, Grand Marshal, VFW and Corporate Sponsors. All other entries can line up from spots 12-120. The parade will follow the normal parade route but will be extended past the Courthouse to Pershing Street at the top of East 4th Street hill. Those who want to participate will still need to fill out a parade form. and submit it no later than TODAY! Call 729-6900 and talk with Tabitha if you have any questions or stop by the Chamber of Commerce office at 1139 South Main Street.

Beginning Wednesday July 1st, 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 is July 1st through the 31st. Hunters are selected by a weighted random drawing. Draw results will be available August 15th through Jan. 15th, 2021. Applicants who are drawn will receive area maps and other hunt information by mail. You can et more information on managed deer hunts, preview hunt details, at 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.

Thursday, the Dent County Health Center has announced that a third positive COVID-19 case has been found in Dent County. The person has been notified that they have tested positive for COVID-19. They are working with this individual to insure they are following Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines in regards to isolation. The Dent County Health Center has identified and reached out to close contacts in order to monitor them for symptoms and contain spread. No locations of possible public exposure in Dent County have been identified! It is important that each and every one of us continue to practice basic preventative measures to help decrease the spread. These measures, as outlined by the CDC, include avoiding contact with people who are sick, covering coughs and sneezes, proper hand-washing, cleaning frequently used surfaces, and staying home when sick. The Health Center highly encourage if you suspect that you have COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, please call your healthcare provider before seeking care.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met June 18th at the Health Center. Health Center Administrator Kendra Mobray updated the Board on the Health Center’s continued response to COVID-19. The first CARES Act payment request, for the month of March, has been submitted to MRPC. She, along with local school administrators, joined in a DHSS and DESE webinar earlier in the week to discuss school re-opening. Mobray and school administrators are scheduled to meet in early July to discuss plans for re-opening Dent County Schools. The Health Center and SMDH conducted a free COVID-19 testing site at Aranda’s Mexican Restaurant the 18th. She reported outpatient lab services were provided to 87 clients in May. A drive through school shot clinic with no appointments necessary will be conducted on the Health Center parking lot June 30th. Parents and students need to bring current immunization records and insurance information. Also, shots are available daily by appointment, plus nurses will give required immunizations at senior registration. Kindergartners must be up-to-date on immunizations to start school in August. Eighth graders are required to have one dose of meningitis and one dose of Tdap. Seniors are required to have two doses of meningitis unless the first dose was administered to a student who was 16 years of age or older, in which case only one dose is required. At least one dose must be given after 16 years of age. The Dent County Health Center currently bills most insurance companies and offers state vaccine for uninsured, underinsured, and Medicaid clients. To make an appointment for vaccinations or for questions please call the Health Center at 573-729-3106. The Health Center investigated 3 animal bites, 7 cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, 1 case of Erlichia Chaffeensis, and 1 case of COVID-19 in May. DCHC expenses were approved, the next regular board meeting was set for July 27th at 5:00, and the meeting was adjourned.

Meramec Regional Planning Commission, with funding from the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District (ORSWMD) and volunteer support from Brewer Science and the city of Rolla, gathered 29.91 tons of residential scrap electronics, appliances and tires at the 15th annual special collection held June 13th at Brewer Science in Rolla. Approximately 330 vehicles from within the Ozark Rivers seven-county region – Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington – dropped off items at the collection. Tires were the most collected item with a total of 477 tires, amounting to 6.82 tons being diverted from landfills. The most frequently recycled electronics or appliance item was televisions with 216 being collected. Other items included water heaters, computer monitors, washers, dryers, refrigerators, microwaves, stoves, dishwashers and various cord or battery operated smaller electronic devices. At the collection held in Salem in May, there 91 vehicles that came through the collection and left 2.5 tons of electronics, 1.8 tons of white goods like washers, stoves, etc, and 1.74 tons of tires. Appliances and e-waste are handled by Midwest Recycling Center, a certified collection contractor, who distributes the collected items to either be refurbished or broken down to recycle rare earth element components. The last resort is responsible destruction and that assures contaminants in electronics, such as mercury, lead and arsenic, never pollute the air or water. The next Ozark Rivers Solid waste Management District Collection will be October 3rd at the Maries County Road District #1 Building at 11055 Highway 133 in Meta, Missouri.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages the public to discover nature this summer during frogging season. Beginning June 30th at sunset through October 31st, those with a fishing permit or small-game hunting permit may frog for bullfrogs and green frogs. The daily limit is eight frogs of both species combined and the possession limit is 16 frogs of both species combined. Froggers must be familiar with and follow all MDC rules and regulations.

Dent County Commissioner Dennis Purcell reported on the South Central Missouri Community Action Agency meeting he attend on June 16th and said the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, better known as LIHEAP, has doubled their maximum benefit to $600 which can help low income Missourians to help survive the crisis of COVID-19. To qualify for the program, low income Missourians must be responsible for paying home cooling costs, have less than $3,000 in bank accounts, retirement funds or investments; have a household income of 135% of the federal poverty level which is about $2,400 a month for a family of three; and be a US Citizen or a person legally admitted for permanent residence. To apply for the LIHEAP program, households need to complete an application form and then mail or fax it to the office that services their community. To find out how to get the application and where you need to mail it, contact the office that serves your county. In Salem and Dent County, the number is (573) 729-3500; in Shannon County, the number is (573) 325-8271; and in Reynolds County, the number is (573) 663-2855. You can also call the South Central Missouri Community Action Agency number toll free at (800) 325-4633. Last year, LIHEAP provided assistance to 114,639 Missouri Households. Purcell also reported the agency also is eligible to receive $843,000 in CSBG COVID CARES Act funding through the Department of Health and Senior Services that will be able to be used through 2021. These funds could be used for homeless prevention such as for rent, mortgage, deposits or hotel and motel vouchers; for additional utility assistance such as for deposits, air conditioning units, water, and HVAC repair or replacement; plus health related services such as medical, dental, substance abuse, vision and mental health. These funds can also be used for educational assistance and family support. These CSBG funds have not yet been received, but to find out how to qualify when they do, please call the South Central Missouri Community Action Agency office at 1-800-325-4633 or 573-325-4255.

Troop I of the Missouri State Highway Patrol has changed the details of an accident from June 6th that occurred on Highway 72 at 11:35 in the evening about 1,000 feet west of Dent County Road 3175 that took the lives of 43-year old Greg Pugh of Salem and 46-year old Tabitha Copeland of Rolla. The original report indicated that Copeland’s 2006 Hyundai Sonata passed a witness vehicle at a high rate of speed causing the front of the Sonata to strike the back of a 2004 Buick Park Avenue driven by Pugh. The highway patrol changed the report to now state that the Sonata struck the Buick head on.

A one vehicle accident happened Tuesday night at 10:40 in Dent County off of County Road 912 about 2 miles north of Bunker. The report from the highway patrol states that a Polaris UTV being operated by 59-year old Michael Chapple of Troy, Kansas, overturned entrapping the driver. Chapple was taken by Air Ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Springfield for treatment of serious injuries. The Polaris UTV sustained moderate damages. Chapple was not wearing a safety device at the time of the accident. The Polaris was secured at the site.

Motorists are advised to be on the lookout for chip seal work taking place on various routes in Dent and Phelps County this week. A contractor working for MoDOT will begin chip sealing on Highway 19 between Salem and Shannon County Route KK. Crews will also perform chip sealing operations on Route B in Dent County and Route M in Phelps County. MoDOT says chip sealing operations require one lane to be closed for the safety of motorists and crews. Signs and flaggers will guide motorists through the work zone. Motorists are asked to plan for delays, obey all traffic signs and watch for crews in work zones. Work has already been completed along Route 19 between Salem and Cherryville. This project is expected to be completed by October 1st. A chip seal operation entails spraying a heated film of asphalt liquid on the road, followed by placing fine rocks or chips on top. The chips are then compacted to make them adhere to the roadway. Finally, the excess loose chips are swept from the surface, leaving an improved roadway that will hold up longer than it would have without the treatment. Chip seals are about one-third the cost of a conventional asphalt overlay, averaging $15,000 per mile as compared to an estimated $55,000 per mile for an asphalt overlay. This work is weather permitting and could be delayed. For more information please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/modot-central-district.

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 Chamber is NOT assigning lineup positions for this parade, so participants can line up on a first-come, first-serve basis for spots 12-120 as the Chamber will reserve spots #1 through 11 for the Salem Police Chief, Color Guard, Grand Marshal, VFW and Corporate Sponsors. The parade will follow the normal parade route but will be extended past the Courthouse to Pershing Street at the top of East 4th Street hill. For more information, call 729-6900 or stop by the new office at 1139 South Main St.

At the Dent County Commission meeting Monday, Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported she attended a Missouri Urban Board Conference. She said with Governor Mike Parson signing Senate Bill 631, some changes have been made on how people will vote in the August Primary and the General Election in November. Under current law, a person may vote absentee for candidates and ballot issues in any election in which he or she is eligible to vote if such voter expects to be prevented from going to the polls for six specified reasons. For the year 2020 only, this act permits a person to vote absentee if the voter has contracted or is in an at-risk category for contracting or transmitting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus. Any person casting an absentee ballot for this reason does not need to obtain notarization of his or her absentee ballot. The bill also allows any registered voter to vote by mail. Applications for a mail-in ballot may be made in person or by mail any time before July 22nd for the Primary election and October 21st for the General Election. Upon receipt of an application, the election authority shall, within three working days, deliver the ballot to the voter. Voters casting a mail-in ballot are required to execute and submit with the ballot a notarized statement under penalty of perjury. The voter will be responsible for the notary fee. Ballots must be returned by mail no later than the closing of polls on election day. Any ballot received after such time shall not be counted. Curley says absentee voting for the Primary is going on now for those who want to vote absentee in the courthouse. For those who want to mail their vote in, Curley recommends picking up an application in her office or sending her office a letter requesting a ballot sooner the better. Remember for the Primary, you will need to choose the party for who you would like to cast your vote. Those choices are Republican, Democrat, Conservation, Libertarian, Green or you can get a non-partisan ballot where you will only vote on issues. Curley also wants to remind people to update their voting information if they have moved or made a name change, and the last day to register to vote for the Primary will be July 8th. For more information, call the Dent County Clerk’s Office at 729-4144.

The Missouri State Parks invites the public to attend a “Learn2 Paddle” kayaking program this summer. This program is for those who want to experience kayaking but are not sure where to start and for those who want to get out on the water but don’t own a kayak. Missouri State Parks offers kayaking instruction on how to paddle and have a safe enjoyable time on the water. This summer, parks staff will offer two free two-hour kayaking instruction sessions in our area at Current River State Park on Highway 19 South. They will be July 10th from 1:00 until 3:00, and August 1st from 10:00 in the morning until noon, however, the July 10th program is already full. If you would like to attend the August class, you should register now. This program is a great opportunity to try something new and experience some of Missouri’s lakes. Missouri State Parks will provide kayaks, paddle and instructors. Participants supply the enthusiasm and eagerness to discover nature and a new skill. Those who elect to participate are encouraged to bring their own life jacket due to ongoing public health concerns; however, there will be life jackets provided for those who need to borrow one to participate. Visitors are strongly encouraged to follow social distancing guidelines, come prepared with hand sanitizer and bottled water, and please stay home if you are sick. Participants must be at least 10 years of age. Children 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The classes are free, but registration is required. Visit mostateparks.com/learn2paddle to register. When on the registration website, participants will need to enter “Learn2” in the Search Text box. The classes currently open for registration from all the state parks will pop up. All slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has submitted the following reports. On Saturday, June 13th, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 800 block of East Gibbs Street to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 33-year-old Salem man was arrested for having an active arrest warrant through the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and was incarcerated. Also on the 13th, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 200 block of Dent County Road 4060 to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 27-year old Salem man was arrested for active warrants through the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. The man was also arrested for possession of a controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail where he was fingerprinted and incarcerated. Also on the 13th, a deputy traveled to the Shawnee Mac Conservation Area for a report of a Jeep driving erratically. Deputies arrived at the location and during the course of the incident, an 18 year-old Salem man was arrested for littering, a 1st offense. Also arrested during the incident was a 17-year-old Salem man for possession of marijuana less than 10 grams. Both men were transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where they were fingerprinted, issued summons and released. Then on Sunday the 14th, deputies traveled to a residence in the 400 block of Dent County Road 3260 for a report of a vehicle in the back yard of a residence. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a 39-year-old Salem woman and a 53-year-old Salem man was the reported victims of harassment in the 1st degree and peace disturbance, a 1st offense. During the course of the incident, a 33-year-old Salem man was arrested and transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and was incarcerated. If you have any information on any ongoing investigation, please notify the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at (573) 729-3241.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated grading and material would be added and two crossover pipes would be replaced on Dent County Road 5390. He went on to report grading would be done on county roads 5015 and 5070, while brush would be cut on county roads 5015, 5070 and 6350. Purcell said the tourism committee last Monday approved nine reimbursements and two new proposals were accepted. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said grading would be done on Dent County Road 2210 while two men would be going to Springfield to retrieve the Mack Truck that was repaired. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported he was on a 90 minute conference call last Wednesday to find out information about the business grant program through the CARES Act, only to be told at the end of the call that the information he received was just an opinion and that the inspector general would have to make the determination if something is a legal deduction. Skiles did say that a meeting would be held this Wednesday at 1:00 at the Phelps County Courthouse with the MRPC to discuss the business grants for the CARES Act funds. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams brought in the CART funds received by the county in June and they were $40,323.24 and that is $16,725.40 less than the June of 2019 figure of $57,048.64. Year-to-date, the county CART taxes are down $23,262.85. Williams also brought in the DESE report that shows the breakdown of funds being sent to schools from fines and interest from July 1, 2019 to June, 2020. A total of $89,339.05 was distributed to seven schools with Salem R-80 receiving the most money from this fund as they received $41,302.51 in fines and another $320.56 in interest. Williams also brought in the budgeted transfer of funds from the Senior Citizens Fund to the Nutrition Center which is $14,000, and $6,750 to SMTS. The board opened three bids for a 2008 Crown Victoria vehicle from the Dent County Sheriff’s Department and the highest bid received was from Schwartz Sales, LLC at $877.50. The board then approved the request from Sheriff Bob Wells to purchase two new 2020 Chevy Tahoes for the Sheriff’s Department at the state bid price as budgeted, as well as approving the sheriff to request local lease/purchase financing for the vehicles that will be opened at 10:00 Monday morning, June 29th. Skiles also said the commissioners received from the MRPC four requests from public entities to be reimbursed for direct COVID-19 expenses from the CARES Act funds with three requests from Green Forest R-2 and one request from Northwood R-4. The board then approved the bid for 7,000 gallons of diesel fuel from Phil-Mart at the cost of $1.39 a gallon. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday, June 29th at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has submitted the following reports. On Friday, June 12th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at Highway 68 and Highway 19 North intersection. During the course of the traffic stop, a 21-year-old Salem man was arrested for an active warrant through Dent County. The man was taken to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. Also on the 12th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on County Road 6150. During the course of the traffic stop, a 29-year-old Salem woman was arrested for driving while having her license revoked or suspended, a 2nd or 3rd offense. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, fingerprinted, issued summons and released. If you have any information on any ongoing investigation, please notify the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

Missouri State Parks, a division of the Department of Natural Resources, has announced an expanded reservation window for campgrounds, increasing from a six-month period to a 12-month period. At 7:00 in the morning Tuesday, June 30th, campers can reserve a campsite at Missouri State Parks one year prior to arrival date to better allow for planning for visitors and staff. Reservations are required at most campgrounds and park-run lodging prior to arrival, and can be made up until 7:00 the night of the day before arrival. Campers are encouraged to make reservations online at www.icampmo.com. Mike Sutherland, Missouri State Parks Director, said that the one-year camping reservation window will better allow large groups traveling together to book in advance. As of Tuesday, June 30th, all campers, such as the anglers who camp at the trout parks year after year, can begin making their reservations for the 2021 season. 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.

The Salem Police department has released several reports. During the evening of June 4th at around 10:00 an officer was contacted at the Dent County Sheriff’s Office about harassment. It was reported that the victim was receiving threatening messages from a 20-year-old Salem female. As a result of the investigation, the 20-year-old woman was arrested and placed on a 24-hour hold pending the application of warrants for harassment. Early Sunday morning the 7th, at 1:08 an officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Franklin Street for a report of a possible overdose. Upon arrival, contact was made with a 41-year-old Salem man that was not overdosing, however it was found that the man had an active warrant for his arrest out of the Dent County Sheriff’s Department. The male was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Finally on Monday, June 8th at about 10:00 in the morning, an officer was dispatched to the car wash on Highway 32 west for a report of a suspicious male. During the investigation it was found the man was sleeping in his car. In plain view was a glass pipe that the officer recognized to be a methamphetamine pipe. Consent to search the vehicle was obtained and a baggie containing approximately .3 grams of Methamphetamine was located. As a result, the 21-year-old man from Salem was arrested and later released on a summons to appear in court. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Dent County Health Center has confirmed its second positive case of COVID-19 in Dent County. The patient’s identity will remain confidential; as they will not be releasing any personal information about this case. The person has been notified that they have tested positive for COVID-19. They are working with this person to insure they are following Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines in regards to isolation. The Dent County Health Center is also working with this individual to identify any close contacts in order to monitor them for symptoms and contain spread. If you are identified as a potentially exposed person, you will be contacted by the Dent County Health Center. No locations of possible exposure were identified within Dent County. The Dent County Health Center is taking necessary precautions to keep our patients and community safe and will continue to diligently monitor the COVID-19 situation and follow CDC guidelines to help protect the public health and limit spread of this infection. It is important that each and every one of us continue to practice basic preventative measures to help decrease the spread. These measures, as outlined by the CDC, include: avoiding contact with people who are sick, covering coughs and sneezes, proper hand-washing, cleaning frequently used surfaces, and staying home if you are sick. The Dent County Health Center highly encourage you call your health care provider before seeking care if you suspect that you have COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

An accident occurred in Shannon County Saturday evening at 7:20 on Highway 19 about fifteen miles north of Eminence. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado driven by 36-year old Aleshia Weber from Salem was traveling southbound when the Chevy ran off the roadway and struck a tree. Weber suffered minor injuries and was transported to Salem Memorial Hospital by ambulance. She was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Silverado sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing of Salem.

An accident happened Sunday morning at 8:15 on Highway 32 about two miles west of Licking that took the life of a woman from Licking. According to the highway patrol report, a 2019 Nissan Versa driven eastbound by 58-year old Beulah Warren of Licking drove off the roadway and struck a tree. Warren was pronounced dead at the scene by the Texas County Coroner Marie Lasater. Her body was taken to the Fox Funeral Home in Licking. Warren was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Nissan as totaled abnd removed from the scene by Jay’s Automotive of Houston. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by the Licking Police Department, the Texas County Sheriff’s Department and the Licking Fire Department.

The Salem Police department has released several reports. On May 23rd shortly after 2:30 in the afternoon an officer conducted a traffic stop at Center and Pershing Streets for expired license plates. An investigation revealed that the driver of the vehicle, a 36-year-old man from Salem had a revoked driver’s license. The man was arrested and released on a summons to appear in court. On May 25th at approximately in the morning an officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Washington for a report of a disturbance. Upon arrival it was found that a 31-year-old Salem female had an active warrant for her arrest from the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. The woman was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail. During the afternoon of May 28th at approximately 2:49 an officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of south Warfel Street for a report of a disturbance. Upon investigating the incident, police learned that an intoxicated male was acting irate trying to cause a fight between people in the area. The 31-year-old Salem male was arrested and issued a summons for disorderly conduct. He was released to a sober family member. On Sunday the 30th shortly before noon, an officer conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Russell and Third Streets for the driver failing to signal a turn. It was found that the driver, a 30-year-old Salem female was found to not have a valid driver’s license. The driver also had two active warrants for driving while having their license suspended from the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. The driver was arrested and issued a summons for driving with no license. She was incarcerated at the Dent County Jail on the two active warrants. That same evening at 9:20, an officer was dispatched to the McDonald’s parking lot for possible drug activity. The officer arrived and contacted people in the vehicle in question. As the driver of the vehicle opened the window a strong odor of Marijuana was detected. Further investigation led to a search of the vehicle where Marijuana and items of Marijuana paraphernalia were located. As a result, two 19-year-old Salem females were arrested and released on a summons for possession of Marijuana and Paraphernalia. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held their re-organizational meeting Tuesday night at the Salem R-80 District Administrative Offices. The board of education first thanked Larry Maxwell and Drew Whitaker for their service to the board and had plaques made for them as well as for Superintendent John McColloch who was attending his last meeting as the Salem R-80 Superintendent. Newly elected board members Andrew Wynn and Amanda Walker along with incumbent Holly Erway were all sworn in before the board elected new officers. The new Salem R-80 Board President is Dustin Howard with Holly Erway elected Vice-President. The Secretary of the Board is Carrie Snider with Chris Heavin being elected treasurer. The new MSBA delegate is Bernie Sirois and the alternate MSBA delegate is Amanda Walker. The board then adjourned the re-organizational meeting and began their regular meeting. Superintendent McColloch made the Board of Education Committee appointments for the 2020-2021 school year and they are Holly Erway with CSIP, Amanda Walker with Federal Programs, Andrew Wynn with A-Plus Programs, Dustin Howard with Safety Programs, Chris Heavin with Technology Programs and Carrie Snider with Health Services. Lane Howard from the Salem FFA Chapter was in attendance toupdate the board on the 4-H and FFA Expo heldin July. He said the Jr. Livestock Committee intends to hold the auction but there will be changes. He said there would be no record books at the new expo, plus there will be no talent show, meal or movie night. Howard said the sale was going to be moved up to begin at 9:00 in the morning on Saturday, July 18th. He said there would be meat processors available at the sale and that buyers are welcome to attend. McColloch stated his budget revisions for the 2019-2020 school year and Salem will be deficit spending this current school year. The big blow was the health assessment of $550,000 charged to the district plus some salaries were added and McColloch elected to purchase the Chrome Books this year as well as some other adjustments. The board approved the budget revisions, and approved the surplus property bids from Nick Gover and Savannah Jadwin for gym equipment. McColloch reviewed the 2020-2021 budget numbers and said there would be 15 new instructors with 13 of them being first time teachers, plus there were a number of positions that are not being refilled that will save some $200,000 in salaries. McColloch said the Ag Building improvement project will continue while the school will only be replacing four HVAC units instead of ten in the district. McColloch felt these changes would help save the district about $400,000 with the cutback of funds from the state. McColloch said with these changes, the expected revenues would now be $12,883,170 with expected expenses of $12,871,853. The board approved the updated 2020-2021 budget, then approved to continue with the Healthy Dent County partnership for $10,000, and also approved to accept a one year bus lease extension for two 77 passengers busses that were coming off their lease for $13,750 each. The board accepted the resignation of preschool instructor Joey Crossgrove, high school physical education instructor and head football coach Dylan Wyrick, and first grade teacher Kelsey Wyrick. The board then went into executive session where they agreed to employ Megan Lawrence as a kindergarten instructor, Destiny Hill as a 1st grade instructor, Julie Harris as an art instructor and in intervention, and Alicia Gallagher for color guard. The board also approved the extended counselor contract for Chelsey Brakefield and employed Lane Howard as the interim head football coach before adjourning.

Phelps Health is pleased to offer free drive-through antibody testing in addition to testing individuals for COVID-19 this Saturday in Salem. Both types of testing will be available to residents in Dent County and surrounding areas from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the Phelps Health Medical Group-Salem clinic located at 1415 West Scenic Rivers Boulevard in Salem. Phelps Health will test individuals to see if they currently have COVID-19. This type of test involves a swab to take a sample from inside the nose. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 serology antibody testing, which involves taking a blood sample from a person and identifies possible past infection with the COVID-19 virus, will be available for ages 12 and up. Having symptoms of COVID-19 is not required for people interested in being tested. Individuals who have previously been tested for COVID-19 can sign up to receive antibody testing. Individuals will not be charged for this testing, and Phelps Health will be responsible for notifying these individuals of their test results. Pre-registration is required. Dent County residents interested in being tested for COVID-19 must pre-register online at https://health.mo.gov/communitytest or can call (877) 735-8411 for help.