Local News

Dent County Health Center Administrator Kendra Mobray reports that the Health Center has confirmed its first positive case of COVID-19 in Dent County Wednesday night. The patient’s identity will remain confidential, and they have been notified that they have tested positive for COVID-19. The Health Center is working with this individual 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 Health Center worked with this individual to identify close contacts in order to monitor them for symptoms and contain the spread and the Dent County Health Center nurses have spoken to those close contacts. If you are identified as a potentially exposed person, you will be contacted by the Dent County Health Center as they are 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. Mobray has released a number of locations where potential COVID-19 exposure occurred in the community as part of the Dent County Health Center’s duty to protect the public’s health. The person who tested positive was at these locations on the days and dates indicated. On Friday May 8th, they were at the Salem Country Mart from approximately 10:30 to 11:00 in the morning, then they were at the Salem Wal-Mart from about 11:00 until 12:00 noon. Also on Friday, they were at the Salem Pizza Inn between 5:00 and 6:00 in the afternoon. This person was also in attendance at the Salem Main Street Cafe on Tuesday, May 12th from approximately 11:00 in the morning until 12:00 noon. People at these locations on these dates below are at low risk for contracting COVID-19, but should monitor for symptoms. There is no need to self-quarantine or isolate unless symptoms develop. Mobray says 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 you to call your healthcare provider before seeking care if you suspect that you have COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

According to the CDC, people with COVID-19 can have a wide range of symptoms that can range from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19. Those symptoms are cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, a new loss of taste or smell, and some less common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. This list is not all inclusive. If you think you or someone you know has COVID-19 symptoms, call your doctor about your symptoms and getting tested. If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 like trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in your chest, or bluish lips or face, get medical attention immediately!

The Salem Senior Class of 2020 will be having a parade this tonight starting at 7:00 which was to be their graduating exercise. The parade route will begin at Center Street & Iron Mountain Road where the graduating seniors will travel to East Fourth Street and travel west to MacArthur, shifting to West Third Street and concluding at the High School on Tiger Pride Drive. Everyone in the community is encouraged to show your support of the 2020 Senior Class. Feel free to set up your chairs on the sidewalks or celebrate these young people’s achievement from your vehicles while maintaining social distancing measures.

Missouri State Parks have announced the phased reopening of campgrounds as a part of its continued efforts to return to normal operations in conjunction with Governor Mike Parson’s “Show Me Strong” Recovery Plan. Missouri State Parks campgrounds will reopen to accommodate existing campground reservations starting at 3:00 in the afternoon on Monday, May 18th. In addition, new reservations will be accepted starting on Monday for arrival dates beginning Tuesday, May 26th. First-come, first-served camping will no longer be available at most state park campgrounds. Missouri State Parks will also be instituting 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 changes include reservations will be required prior to arrival, campground occupancy will be limited at some parks and sites, Missouri State Parks will increase the frequency of cleaning shower houses and restrooms, campers will use a new no contact self-check-in feature, there will be occupancy restrictions in shower houses and restrooms, and Missouri State Parks will only accept credit and debit cards. Missouri State Parks staff will be available at the park or historic site to answer any questions. Missouri State Park beaches will open to the public on Thursday, May 21st, with visitors expected to practice social distancing. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. If you have questions regarding Missouri State Parks, please e-mail moparks@dnr.mo.gov.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released the following reports. On Sunday, May 10th, deputies responded to a residence in the 200 block of Route H for a report of a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a 37-year-old Salem woman was the reported victim. A Missouri 12-hour rule was invoked and deputies transported the woman to a residence in Salem. Also on the 10th, deputies responded to a residence in the 1700 block of West Scenic Rivers Blvd. for a report of a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a 56-year-old woman was the reported victim. During the course of the investigation, a 54-year-old Salem man was arrested for domestic assault in the 2nd degree. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241 if you have any information about an ongoing investigation.

A special waste collection for residential and farm electronics, appliances and tires will be held on Saturday, May 16th from 9:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon at the Salem construction parking lot at the corner of 3rd and Grand Streets. The collection is for household items only as no materials from businesses will be accepted and the collection is open to residents from Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties. To minimize personal contact, those bringing items to the collection are asked to stay inside their vehicles and assistants will unload items. Stoves, washers, dryers, hot water heaters, and other appliances will be collected free of charge. Free electronics also include computer components, laptop computers, keyboards, hair dryers, VCR/DVD players, cell phones or anything that runs on a cord or battery. Oil and gas must be removed from tanks of any items such as push mowers, weed eaters, etc. Fees on certain items will be collected. The fees are $25 for CRT TVs over 27 inches and wood console TVs, $20 for CRT TVs under 26 inches, $15 for flat screen TVs, $10 for all computer monitors and refrigerated appliances with Freon. Fees for tires are as follows: $2 each for passenger tires, $7.50 each for semi-truck tires and $35 each for tractor tires. For more information on items accepted or the fee structure, please contact Jill Hollowell at MRPC at 573-265-2993 Ext. 109 or at jhollowell@meramecregion.org. The city of Salem and Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC), with funding through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District (ORSWMD), are offering the May 16th collection.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Thursday, April 23rd shortly after 9:00 in the evening, officers were dispatched to the 100 block of North Macarthur for a report of an unresponsive female. A 37-year-old Salem female was pronounced dead at the scene by Dent County Deputy Coroner Ben Pursifull. During the investigation, two subjects, a 41-year-old Salem man and a 34-year-old Salem woman, were arrested for outstanding warrants. The 34-year-old woman was also found to be in possession of a controlled substance. A probable cause statement was forwarded to the Dent County Prosecutor. Both subjects were incarcerated in the Dent County Jail. The death is still under investigation while waiting for toxicology results. On Friday, April 24th at 8:32 in the evening, an officer conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Highways 19 and 32 for no taillights or license plates. As a result of the traffic stop it was found that the driver, a 27-year-old Salem man had a suspended driver’s license and was arrested and issued a summons for driving while having their license suspended. On the morning of April 25th at around 1:20, an officer was dispatched to the 700 block of east Hunt Street for the report of a domestic disturbance. During the investigation, a male was found to have an active warrant for his arrest out of the Phelps County Sheriffs Office. The male, a 33-year-old Salem man, was arrested on the active arrest warrant and transported to the Dent County Jail for incarceration pending extradition. Later that same evening just after 9:00, an officer conducted a traffic stop near the Fourth Street Mall on a vehicle not having taillights. As a result of the stop it was found the driver had an expired driver’s license. The driver, a 36-year-old Salem woman, was arrested and issued a summons to appear in court for driving with an expired license. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released the following reports. On Monday, May 4th, a deputy traveled to a residence on North Macarthur Street to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 36-year-old Salem man was arrested for having active warrants through the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. Also on the 4th, a deputy traveled to the parking lot of Salem Memorial District Hospital for a report of a theft. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a 43-year-old Salem man was the reported victim. Total value of the property stolen is approximately $60.00. This report is still under investigation. Then next day, Tuesday May 5th, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 1000 block of Route Z for a report of a burglary. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a 34- year-old Salem man was the reported victim. This report is still under investigation. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241 if you have any information about an ongoing investigation.

Elephant Rocks State Park is now open to the public with social distancing measures in place. While the park will be open for day-use, capacity will be monitored closely in order to prevent overcrowding. If a park is nearing capacity, gates or parking lots may close temporarily. All visitors must remain diligent and come prepared to enjoy the outdoors responsibly by following the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Governor Parson that includes keeping a minimum distance of six feet between you and others, come prepared and carry hand sanitizers, soaps, wipes and water; avoid touching your face, handshakes and hugs; cover your mouth and nose with your elbow when you cough or sneeze, pack out what you pack in, and most importantly, stay home if you are sick. All visitor centers, park offices, tours, programs, group camps, enclosed shelters, playgrounds, pools and beaches remain closed.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams presented the sales tax monies received by the county in May. Her report showed that in May of 2019, the General Revenue sales tax and Law Enforcement Sales Tax was $64,433.28 while this year the county received $67,856.66. That is a $3,423.88 increase comparing May of 2020 and May of 2019. Year-to-date, the county has received $19,503.81 less than for this time last year in General Revenue and in the LEST fund. The Road and Bridge Department received $31,197.82 this May while last year during May the county received $28,523.33. That is an increase of $2,674.49 for the month and that fund is down year-to-date $6,565.79 which is a 3.56% reduction. Each jail fund received $62,366.48 from the collections in May, but that month-to-date total for each fund is up from last May which was $59,665.68 and year-to-date, each fund is $14,916.37 down from last year. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk came in to report that she had two abatements for the commissioners to sign and also reported the collections for the county are up in 2020 over 2019. For April, she said the county collected $78,986.64 in personal property and real estate taxes. She said three or four of the clients came in and paid their back three years of taxes they owed with their stimulus money sent to them by the federal government. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 4220 and 6570. He went on to say brush would be cut on county roads 6170 and 6320 and a crew would be replacing downed or missing county road signs on county roads 5600 and 5380. District 2 commissioner Gary Larson reported grading would be done on Dent County Roads 3240, 3250, 3270, 3273 and 3275, while materials would be added and grading done on county road 2530. Larson said brush would be cut on county roads 2110 and 2115. Presiding Commissioner Darrel Skiles said he would be attending an Ozark Solid waste Management District Executive Board meeting Tuesday and Thursday he would be attending MRPC Committee meetings as well as the MRPC regular meeting that evening. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley was doing poll worker training, but left her report that said July 8th would be the last day to register to vote for the August Primary. Absentee voting for the June 2nd Municipal Election continues and that she balanced with the collector and assessor on all collections, abatements and add-ons for the month of April. Also at the meeting, Tyler Stewart with the State Highway Patrol was in and discussed with the commission that tractor trailer trucks are being routed by GPS down a county road off Highway 68 to the Charcoal Plant. He says there is a low water bridge that will not hold up much longer. Commissioner Larson will check it out. Mike Elliott from Town and Country Insurance came in to discuss replacement insurance on the buildings. The commission agreed to raise the replacement on the buildings. The Courthouse was raised by an an additional $350,000 and the Judicial Building was raised an additional $250,000. The Commission approved and signed the 2020 Division of Social Services agreement and also agreed to sign a lease agreement between the County and Russell House for office space in the Judicial Building Annex for $220 per month. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday, May 18th at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Senior Class of 2020 will be having a parade this Friday night, May 15th starting at 7:00 which was to be their graduating exercise. The parade route will begin at Center Street & Iron Mountain Road where the graduating seniors will travel to East Fourth Street and travel west to MacArthur, shifting to West Third Street and concluding at the High School on Tiger Pride Drive. Everyone in the community is encouraged to show your support of the 2020 Senior Class by decorating your homes & businesses on the parade route to show your support of these young people. Plus feel free to set up your chairs on the sidewalks or celebrate these young people’s achievement from your vehicles while maintaining social distancing measures. The Salem R-80 Board of Education did approve to hold the 2020 graduation exercises at the Salem High School Football Field on Friday, June 5th at 7:00. A limit of five tickets per graduating senior was also set by the board for the event with alternative date of June 6th should there be inclement weather.

The Salem Airport Board of the City of Salem will hold a meeting tonight at 6:00 at the Salem Community Center@the Armory. At the meeting, the board will be updated on the airport lights, new hangar project, proposed hangar lease rates including the former Domeyer hanger, get updated on the gate opener, be updated on the contracting out the fuel service, receive an update on the airport courtesy car and also discuss the 2019-2020 airport financial report and discuss some 2020-2021 budget considerations. Any new business will be addressed before the meeting is adjourned. The meeting is open to the public. Adherence to the social distancing requirement will be enforced.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation shows that turkey hunters checked 38,730 birds during Missouri’s 2020 regular spring turkey season from April 20th through May 10th. Top harvest counties were Franklin with 899 birds harvested, Callaway with 699, and Texas with 660. Young turkey hunters also harvested 2,724 birds during the 2020 spring youth season that was held April 4th and 5th, bringing the overall 2020 spring turkey harvest to 41,454. Last year, young turkey hunters harvested 2,546 birds during the spring youth season and hunters harvested 36,249 during the regular spring season for a 2019 spring season total harvest of 38,795 birds. Harvests in the counties in our area included Phelps with 628 birds checked, Dent with 488 birds taken, Crawford with 458 birds harvested, Shannon with 331 birds checked, Reynolds with 245 turkeys taken and Iron with 208 birds harvested. There was one report of a non-fatal hunting incident during the 2020 spring turkey season. It involved one hunter mistakenly shooting another hunter.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold a Special Meeting this evening at 6:00 at the district administrative offices. After approval of the agenda, the Board will move in to closed session to discuss personnel.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education Saturday morning in a special meeting of the board voted unanimously to employ Dr. Lynne L. Reed as the new Salem R-80 School District Superintendent with her duties to begin on July 1st. Reed had been the superintendent of the Newburg R-II School District for the last five years, and prior to that was the elementary principal and director of special services in the Steelville School District from 2006-2015. She was an elementary principal in the Rolla School District from 1998-2003. Reed, who has lived in Phelps County almost all her life, will replace John McColloch who resigned last month as he was hired as the Washington school district’s new assistant superintendent of finance and operations. McColloch served as the Salem R-80 Superintendent for five years after being the assistant superintendent for five years. McColloch was also the Salem Junior High principal for five years before accepting the assistant superintendent position.

An accident happened Saturday night at 11:30 in Reynolds County on Route N near Lesterville that left two men with serious injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 2011 Infiniti driven southbound by 58-year old Daryl Black of Farmington, intentionally struck two pedestrians in the road and left the scene. Suffering serious injuries were 21-year Brantley Mathes of Black, Missouri and 44-year old Chris Whitbey of Middle Brook, Missouri. Mathis and Whitbey were both flown by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Black was later arrested at 12:32 early Sunday morning and was charged with felony driving while being intoxicated leading to a serious physical injury, a felony for leaving the scene of an accident with physical injuries, and a felony for leaving the scene of an accident with property damage exceeding $1,000.00. Black was placed in the Reynolds County Jail on a 24-hour hold.

An accident occurred Saturday evening at 11:30 in Dent County on Route B about nine miles east of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu driven by 33- year old Megan Johnson of St. Louis, was traveling eastbound and swerved to miss a deer. The Malibu the traveled off the right side of the road and struck a tree. A passenger in the Malibu, 41-year old Christopher Null of Park Hills, suffered serious injuries and was flown to the Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur by Air Evac. The driver, Megan Johnson, suffered minor injures as did an 11-year old juvenile from Park Hills, and they were both transported to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by Salem Ambulance. Johnson and the juvenile were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident; however Null was not wearing a safety restraint. The Malibu was totaled in the acci dent and was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing of Salem.

A one vehicle accident happened at 3:20 Saturday morning in Phelps County on Phelps County Road 8110 about a quarter of a mile north of Rolla. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 2014 Ford Focus being driven by 19-year old Kenneth Pankey of Rolla was southbound when the vehicle became airborne over a hill and traveled off the left side of the road where the Focus struck a creek bed and overturned. Pankey suffered serious injuries and was transported from the scene by the Phelps Health Ambulance to the Phelps Health Hospital before being transported by air ambulance to the University Hospital in Columbia. Two passengers in the Focus, 17-year old Dakota Triska and 18-year old Zolboo Munkhjrgal, both of Rolla, were transported by ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla for treatment of minor and moderate injuries. The Ford Focus was totaled and removed from the scene by C & C Towing. Only Dakota Triska was known to be wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.

A two vehicle accident happened Sunday, May 3rd shortly before noon at the intersection of Highways 19 and 32. According to the report from the Salem Police department, a 2005 Ford F-150 being driven by Brayden Ferguson of Salem was traveling east on Highway 32 andhad a flashing yellow light when he failed to yield and struck a 2013 GMC Sierra being driven by Roy Feiste of Frohna, Missouri causing the camping trailer being towed by the GMC to slide into a traffic pole before coming to a rest. Ferguson had minor injuries while a passenger in the GMC received serious injuries. All vehicles involved sustained extensive damage in the accident. The Ford and GMC were both towed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

Lodging, retail and food operations at Echo Bluff State Park have resumed and they will be operational in a limited capacity. Echo Bluff takes great pride in maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene. They have taken additional measures to create all their cleaning and hygiene protocols developed in consultation with State, local public health authorities and the CDC. This includes all recommended cleaning and sanitation guidelines in all accommodations and public areas. All Park staff will wear masks and all food servers will also wear gloves at this time. They will continue to adjust food and beverage service with current food safety recommendations and ask that you help by practicing social distancing, washing your hands frequently and adhering to all state regulations and requirements.

The Salem Public Library is proud to offer you best-selling and classic eAudiobooks and eBooks available 24/7 to keep your mind active. You can browse the collection, place holds and check out using your library card. You can then transfer the titles to your computer and many mobile devices. Patrons are encouraged to call 729-4331 to get more information.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports for May 1st. On that Friday, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at the Route H and Highway 72 intersection. During the course of the traffic stop, a 35-year-old Salem man was arrested for having active warrants through the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office and Scott County Sheriff’s Office. The man was transported to the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office where he was incarcerated. Later that same day, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at the Route C and Dent County Road 2190 intersection. During the course of the traffic stop, a 30-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. If anyone has information regarding an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

Medicare wants to remind you that scammers are using the COVID-19 pandemic to try to steal your Medicare Number, personal information,
and money. And they’re using robocalls, social media posts, and emails to do it. Remember, if anyone reaches out to get your Medicare Number or personal information in exchange for something, you can bet it’s a scam. To help prevent Medicare fraud, be on the lookout so you can stop scams before they happen. Some of the recent Coronavirus scams to watch include robocalls offering you respiratory masks they’ll never send also social media posts fraudulently seeking donations for non-existent charities, or claiming to give you stimulus funds if you enter your bank account information. Other scams are offering fake testing kits, cures, “immunity” pills, and offers for protective equipment. Visit Medicare.gov/fraud for more information and tips on preventing Medicare scams and fraud.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol wants people to know effective Monday driver testing services expanded to include written testing for all classes of licenses and commercial driver license skills testing which will include the pre-trip, basic, and road testing however, but non-CDL road testing is not included in this phase of service reinstatement. In our area, the Troop I complex at 1301 Nagogami Road in Rolla will be giving written tests from 8:00 until 5:00, Monday through Friday. Motorcycle driving tests may be taken Monday through Friday from 8:00-4:30 when the pavement is dry. For more information, call 368-2345, extension 3973. The Salem satellite site at this time is not open. Those requiring the skills test for a CDL should note special priority is being given to applicants who have already passed a portion of the CDL skills test, applicants who had a CDL appointment scheduled prior to the suspension of testing last month, school bus operators over the age of 70 requiring annual testing, and applicants with other essential needs. When CDL applicants schedule an appointment, an examiner will review their COVID-19 form, and advise them to wear a face covering during testing and arrive in a sanitized vehicle. Applicants should wear face coverings while in driver examination facilities and adhere to social distancing guidelines. Face coverings will be removed briefly when the applicant’s photo is taken during the licensing process. To make an appointment about your CDL, call 573-368-2345.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held two closed session meetings this week to hold interviews to find a new superintendent to replace John McColloch who will be leaving the district June 30th to go the Washington School District. On April 27th, the board in closed session review applications for the position and schedule the appointments. In the Monday closed session meeting, two candidates were interviewed by the board for the superintendent position and another candidate was interviewed Tuesday evening at the closed session meeting. There was also a personnel issue that was discussed during the Tuesday evening closed session meeting.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley reported on two cases this week. In the first case held Tuesday in front of Judge Megan Seay in Crawford County, Brandon Inman of Salem pled guilty to the possession of methamphetamine and also endangering the welfare of a child. He was sentenced to 11 years under RSMO Section 217.362 and is put in the long term drug treatment program. In the second case Wednesday in Dent County in front of Judge Seay, Kurtis Hodge of Salem, who was on probation for assault in the 2nd degree, had his probation revoked and was sentenced to seven years under RSMO Section 559.115.

The City of Salem Spring Clean Up week will be held again next week on your normal trash day by WCA, the city’s trash collection service. You can put out an unlimited amount of trash curbside. WCA also does not take yard waste. If you have any questions about the trash they will take, call WCA at 417-851-1900.

The City of Salem Annual Water Quality Report has been released and there were no violations that occurred for the calendar year 2019. All levels of contaminants found were lower than required by government regulations. If you would like to see the City of Salem Annual Water Quality Report, a copy can be found at the City of Salem Administration Building at 4th and Iron Streets, at the Water Department Office or at the KSMO Radio studios.

Beginning Saturday, May 9th, Ozark National Scenic Riverways will expand their access. Park concession operations and outfitters will be authorized to open for business at their discretion, as they are able to meet CDC guidelines. Some float concessions may opt to remain closed as they adapt their business practices to implement CDC guidelines to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Camping on gravel bars while engaging in multi-day floats and dispersed camping along the Ozark Trail while engaging in multi-day hikes will be allowed. The spring branch hiking trails at Big Spring and Alley Spring will reopen, as well as the staircase into Devils Well. Restrooms at many river access points and day use areas will continue to be open as they have been and park rangers are available to answer questions by phone at (573)-323-4236, from 8:00 in the morning until to 4:30 in the afternoon, seven days a week. With public health in mind, these facilities remain closed at this time. All campgrounds and designated campsites will remain closed but are expected to reopen on May 22nd, with the exception of group campsites. All picnic pavilions and group campsites will remain closed but are expected to reopen on June 5th. Restrooms and showers are expected to reopen May 22nd, although there will be short closures to accommodate rotations for cleaning and disinfecting in accordance with CDC guidelines. All visitor contact stations, including the Alley General Store and Van Buren Visitor Information Center will remain closed until further notice. While a number of areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, including the guidance in the Show Me Strong Recovery Plan. If you wish, check out the Ozark National Scenic Riverways amazing virtual tours, images and kids activities at any time. These tours are perfect for people who are still home schooling or not traveling at this time. Check out https://www.nps.gov/ozar or visit @ozarkriverways on Facebook. For additional information, please call (573)-323-4236. Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website www.nps.gov and social media channels.

The Missouri Department of Conservation reports it has completed its monitoring and testing efforts for the 2019-2020 chronic wasting disease surveillance year. From those efforts, MDC reports it has confirmed 46 new cases of the deadly deer disease. These new findings bring the total number of CWD cases in the state to 162. The Department of Conservation has tested more than 137,000 deer since the first cases of CWD were found in free-ranging deer in Missouri in 2012. The 46 new cases were found in the 11 different counties. They were three cases in Adair, six in Franklin, one in Jefferson, eight in Linn, eight in Macon, two in Oregon, two in Perry, one in Polk, ten in Ste Genevieve, two in Stone, and three in Taney County. Previously this season, the Department of Conservation confirmed 25 of the 46 new cases of CWD in Missouri from nearly 29,000 tissue samples collected from white-tailed deer and submitted for disease testing. Most of the tissue samples were taken from hunter-harvested deer.

The James Foundation has reopened Maramec Spring Park to a limited number of visitors (maximum of 250 people at one time) effective Monday. There will be no admission to enter the park and daily trout tags are currently waived until May 16th.The campground and bathrooms pavilions, museum, cleaning station, and café will remain closed. For more information, visit the Maramec Spring Park website at maramecspringpark.com/. Daily trout tags, along with a fishing permit, unless exempt, will be required beginning May 16th for fishing at all four trout parks including Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon, Montauk State Park near Salem, Roaring River State Park near Cassville, and Maramec Spring Park near St. James. MDC hatchery staff will resume stocking the parks on May 15th to provide angling opportunities prior to May 16th. State Parks will begin to reopen retail operations in parks leading up to May 16th. For more information, visit Missouri State Parks website at mostateparks.com/. Daily trout tags at Bennett Spring State Park, Montauk State Park, and Roaring River State Park are $4 for adults and $3 for those 15 years of age or younger. The daily limit at these three parks remains four trout per day. The pilot program at Maramec Spring Park remains in effect. The daily trout tag at Maramec Spring Park is $5 for adults and $3 for anglers 15 years of age and younger. The daily limit at Maramec Spring Park remains five trout per day.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held a meeting Monday at the City Hall Auditorium and followed social distancing guidelines. Alderman Kim Steelman was not at the meeting. After a description by Public Works Director Mark Nash, the board approved the purchase of a battery operated Wire Squeezing Tool from Fletcher Reinhardt for $4,510. After the consent agenda, the board heard from City Administrator Ray Walden. He said the Salem Community Center@The Armory had a total of 4,471 participants that included the fitness center, public access, meetings and more. Walden said he released a statement that updated the information on city operations and reminded the public to be vigilant in their efforts to follow the guidelines established due to the COVID 19 virus. Walden reminded everyone that Spring Cleanup Weeks are this week on your regular trash day as well as next week on your regular trash day. He said there would be an appliance, electronics and tire collection at the Salem sewer and water construction parking lot at 3rd and Grand Streets on Saturday, May 16th from 9:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon. Anything with a cord or battery operated can be brought in. Participants will have to stay in their vehicle as helpers will unload the items. There will be a charge for TV’s, monitor screens, tires and refrigerated appliances with freon. Questions can be answered by calling Jill Hollowell at 573-265-2993. The pickup is sponsored by the City of Salem, the MRPC, the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District and funded by the Department of Natural Resources. Walden then gave a detailed report on capital projects for the aldermen discussing which items have been completed, others projects that probably won’t get done this year and many that will come in under budget. City Clerk Mary Happel went over the health and life insurance options for the city. She said the city received renewal rates form United Health Care that went up 6% from last year, but if they moved their life insurance to United Heath Care from Anthem, the increase would only be 2%. The increase in cost for the life insurance change was one penny a month per employee with the change otherwise it would have been $5.20 per employee per month, while the cost for the base monthly health insurance plan was reduced to $402.90 per month. Last year, the benefits were capped at $550.00 per employee and this year the employees who use the HSA plan will receive $61.82 into their HSA account per month from the city, while those who want the better coverage will have to pay $69.27 more per month. The board approved going with United Health Care for the health and life insurance. The board approved Bill #3448 that adds the Municipal Records Management to Chapter 122 of the Municipal Code; approved Resolution 8-2020 that will offer a 5% rebate on the electric and water bill for those customers who are current and want to pay up to their April 30th billing; and approved Resolution 9-2020 that will change the city’s utility payment plan from three months to as many as 12 months. The board postponed their vote on replacing Doris Stempniak who resigned from the Salem Housing Authority with Richard LaBrash until they get more clarification if it is Richard LaBrash Sr or Richard LaBrash Jr who will be taking her place. The meeting was then adjourned.

A one vehicle accident happened shortly after 5:00 Monday afternoon in Phelps County on highway 63 about five miles south of Rolla. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2015 Nissan Versa driven by 20-year old Elijah Hamilton of Edgar Springs was traveling north when he ran off the right side of the road and struck an embankment. Hamilton, who was not wearing a safety device, was transported by ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla for treatment of minor injuries. The Nissan was totaled in the accident and removed from the scene by C&C Towing.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports for April. On Tuesday, April 28th, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 1300 block of South Main Street to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 36-year-old Salem man was arrested for having an active warrant through Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. The next day the Dent County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a suspicious vehicle that was parked in the 1700 block of Iron Mountain Road. Deputies responded to the area and checked on the vehicle. During the course of the incident, a 28-year-old Rolla man was arrested for possession of a controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On Thursday, April 30th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 100 block of East Hunt Street. During the course of the incident, a 41-year-old Salem man was arrested for the possession of a controlled substance, driving while having his license revoked or suspended and delivering or possessing a controlled substance at a county jail. The man is currently incarcerated at the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail. Later that same day a deputy traveled to a residence in the 1000 block of Dent County Road 5070 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 Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he later posted bond and was released. If anyone has information regarding an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. Dent County Health Center Administrator Kendra Mobray attended the meeting to let the commission know that many businesses were opening or expanded their services Monday with suggested guidelines by Governor Mike Parson. Mobray said Dent County still has had no positive coronavirus tests as of Monday morning. Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge was in attendance to let the commission know she has been working with over 50 companies in town to keep them updated through the ‘Stay at Home” order and will be available for any questions that may come up. She said a couple of new business leads occurred but nothing solid as of Monday morning. She said she has been working on the city and county branding and brought in a sample for the commissions to review which they liked. The website is still under construction, but moving forward. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell indicated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 4122, 4124 and 5600 while only grading would be done on county road 5550; and only materials would be added to county road 5900. Purcell said brush would be cut on county road 6210 and that the tourism tax income for March took a hit due to the “Stay at Home” order and was down $4,068.82 from March of 2019. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 3220, 3225 and 5260 while materials would added and grading done on county road 2540. He also reported brush would be cut on county road 2110. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles talked with the commissioners about the Coronavirus Relief Fund in which $521 million federal dollars were sent to the State of Missouri in which they in turn distributed to the individual counties. The counties are to properly allocate the funds for direct coronavirus expenses incurred as well as to be distributed as grants to small businesses to reimburse them for the cost of their business interruption caused by required closures. Dent County will be receiving $1,827,024. Skiles said there are very restrictive guidelines to many parts of the fund and other guidelines that have yet to be established or interpreted on other parts. He also said the monies distributed would be subject to intense scrutiny and if not done properly, the county would be responsible to pay the funds given out back. He said the logistics on how to distribute the money would be a local nightmare and suggested that an organization like the MRPC would be better staffed to be able to provide a better service for those who need the help. He said he would like to get everything organized where the application process and distribution methods were in place before asking for any business to apply. The funds can be used to reimburse direct expenses from March 1st through December 30th, 2020. Any monies distributed from this fund would have to be done before March 21st, 2021. The board then set a meeting for Tuesday, May 26th at 9:00 with a budget hearing set for 9:30 that morning. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported the new tentative budget would be available in her office on May 12th. She said absentee voting continues and the testing of the voting equipment will be done on Friday, May 22nd at 9:00. She said her office would be open for absentee voting on Saturday, May 30th from 8:00 in the morning until 12:00 noon. She also stated that she and the county treasurer balanced on all accounts for the month of April. 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.

A free University of Missouri Extension webinar series on home gardening begins 6:30 this evening. MU Extension specialists developed the eight-part series to help people who want to grow healthy foods, according to Juan Cabrera-Garcia, MU Extension horticulturist. The eight-part evening series includes an hour of instruction and 30 minutes for questions and answers. Registrants may attend individual sessions or the entire series. Classes cover the basics of cool- and warm-season gardening, including container gardening, from fertility to food preservation. Topics and specialists teaching the webinar include Planning Your Garden on May 5th with Donna Aufdenberg. Crop Fertility on May 12th with Justin Keay, Insects in Your Garden on May 19, Tamra Reall, Disease Prevention and Management on May 26th with Debi Kelly, Cool Season Crops on June 2nd, David Trinklein, Warm Season Crops on June 9th, with Katie Kammler, Container Gardening on June 16th, with David Trinklein. The sessions will conclude with Preserving the Harvest on June 23rd with Leslie Bertsch. You can register for each Wednesday night class at extension2.missouri.edu/events/home-gardening-webinar-series or email jcabrera-garcia@missouri.edu to learn more.

An accident happened in Dent County on Highway 19 about ten miles north of Salem Sunday afternoon at 12:54. According to the highway patrol report, 25-year old John Mogab of Sullivan was driving a 2008 Ford Ranger when he swerved to miss a dog and traveled off the left side of the road where he struck an embankment and overturned. Mogab suffered minor injuries and was taken by a private conveyance to Phelps Health in Rolla. The Ford Ranger was totaled and removed from the scene by American Muffler and Tire of Salem. Mogab was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

Today many businesses that were considered “non-essential” will be opening back up, bank lobbies will reopen, and restaurants will be allowed to have inside dining again, although there will be some restrictions. Please check out the industry specific guidelines that have been released as part of the “Show Me Strong Recovery” plan. Those guidelines provide specific regulations, as well as do’s and don’ts for churches, food establishments, lodging and outfitters, barber shops, beauty salons, nail salons, tattoo parlors, gyms and hotel swimming pools. To view the guidelines check out the Dent County Health Center’s Facebook Page. You can also contact Kendra Mobray at the Health Center at 729-3106 or email dentcountymocovid19@gmail.com.

A one vehicle accident happened Friday afternoon around 2:40 in Crawford County on Highway 19 near Route VV. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 2000 Harley-Davidson motorcycle being ridden by 40-year old April Cahill of Rolla was southbound on Highway 19 when she failed to negotiate a curve and ran off the right side of the roadway striking a sign before overturning. Cahill suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla by a Dent County Deputy. The Harley sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by C&C Towing.

An accident happened Friday night in Crawford County Friday night at 11:35 on westbound Interstate 44 near the 206 mile marker. According to the highway patrol report, a 2003 Honda VTR Motorcycle driven westbound by 50-year old Danny Kent of St. James, swerved to avoid contact with another vehicle. The Honda overturned and traveled off the left side of the roadway. Kent suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Phelps Health by the St. James Ambulance. He was wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident. The motorcycle was totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing of St. James.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at 7:00 in the City Hall Auditorium for their regular meeting. For those who want to attend, you will need to enter through the doors on the north side of the building. At the meeting, the board will hear bids for a battery operated wire squeezing tool before reviewing the consent agenda. After the agenda is approved, the board will receive an update from City Administrator Ray Walden about city projects, get an update on capital projects and discuss the health and life insurance premiums for the employees for the city. The board will hear bill #3448 that amends Chapter 122 of the municipal code for the City of Salem that deals with the Open Meeting and Records Policy by adding a new section dealing with the municipal records management. The board will discuss Resolution 8-2020 that would adopt a policy on creating utility rebate credits for the City of Salem of 5% on electric and water billing on usage from January 24th through April 30th. The board will also discuss Resolution 9-2020 that would amend the City of Salem Payment Plan from three to 12 months for the period of usage just mentioned. In New and Miscellaneous Business, the board will discuss a Salem Housing Authority Board appointment to replace Doris Stempniak who resigned. The meeting will then be adjourned. The city of Salem Board of Alderman meeting is open to the public. The city will still be enforcing social distancing at the meeting.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold special meetings today and Tuesday afternoons at the district administrative offices boardroom at 5:00 each day. These special meetings will be closed session meetings to discuss personnel. After the agenda is approved at each meeting, they will immediately go into closed session.

Trout fishing updates include the James Foundation reopening Maramec Spring Park to a limited number of visitors (maximum of 250 people at one time) today. There will be no admission to enter the park and daily trout tags are currently waived until May 16th. The campground and bathrooms will be open while the store, playgrounds, pavilions, museum, cleaning station, and café will remain closed. For more information, visit the Maramec Spring Park website at maramecspringpark.com/. Daily trout tags, along with a fishing permit, unless exempt, will be required beginning May 16th for fishing at all four trout parks including Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon, Montauk State Park near Salem, Roaring River State Park near Cassville, and Maramec Spring Park near St. James.