Local News

The Dent County Commission met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams was in to have the Commissioners sign-off on the first quarterly payments of $14,000 to Salem Nutrition Site and $6,750 to SMTS. In the road report District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell reported that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5420, 5490 and 6040, plus materials would be added and grading done on county roads 5070 and 6370. He also said that brush would be cut on county roads 6435, 6450 and 6570. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said that conditions for grading are really good right now and that materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 2330, 4060 and 5300, plus grading only would take place on county road 5225. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that on Tuesday he attended the Meramec Region Enhancement Corporation meeting where Amerisource-Virgin gave an update on the opioid prevention grant. Six school programs have been presented to date, plus Dent County received an $11,750 grant for a drug incinerator. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that she balanced with the Collector and Assessor on all monthly collections, abatements and add-ons for the month of February, plus the Commissioners reviewed her reports. She went on to say that the Commissioners were approving bills for payment and that her office will be open Saturday from 8:00 until noon for absentee voting. Curley also noted that the last day to register for the April 7th election is Wednesday, March 11th. Dwight Ramsburg was in to discuss various jail construction related issues dealing with equipment and parking lot drainage. He is to do some research and report back at Monday’s meeting of the Commission. Bill Ard was in from the Tourism Tax Committee to discuss some issues and get input from the Commissioners. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Cosmopolitan Club will hold their 69th Variety Show and Miss Salem Competition tomorrow night at the Salem City Hall Auditorium starting at 7:00. There will be nine girls vying for the title of Miss Salem at the show and they are Trinity Gorman, Ceceilia Reed, Cheyanna Click, Emma Southards, Harmony Alexander, Brecklyn Holtz, Jainey Pettus, MacKensie Thompson and Cheyenne Roderman. David Massengale will be the emcee for the event. Judges from South Central Missouri will determine this year’s Miss Salem as well as the first and second runner-ups. The girls will vote on the Miss Personality title. The 2019 Miss Salem, Lauren Grogan, will crown the new Miss Salem at the event.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met at 6:00 Tuesday evening for their regular monthly meeting. After the roll call a motion was made and carried to approve the consent agenda as well as minutes from the February meeting being reviewed and approved as presented. The financial report was then reviewed with bills being reviewed and approved with an ending balance at the end of February of $273.205.31. During the calendar review, March 5th will be the first construction walk through, it was also noted that March 10th was election day in Dent County and the Road Rally would take place March 19th. During the monthly reimbursement report the board made note of 21 calls for the month including 1 structure fire, 6 brush fires, 1 car fire, 5 first responder calls, 3 vehicle accidents, 2 hazmat incidents, along with 2 training events. Total calls year to date was 62 with the average cost for call being $124.84. Chief Nash then took the board on a walking tour of the building progress. The date for the next meeting was set for Tuesday, April 7th at 6:00 at the firehouse. The meeting is open to the public.

An accident occurred Tuesday night at 9:30 in Phelps County on Highway 72 about five miles east of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a westbound 2010 Kia Soul, driven by 33-year old Courtney Barton of Salem, struck a deer in the roadway. Barton suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Phelps Health by EMS. The report stated that she was wearing her safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Kia sustained moderate damage and was left at the scene.

The Salem Police Department has released reports on their activities from February 19th through the 24th. On Wednesday morning, the 19th at around 8:05, an officer was dispatched to the Salem High School for a report of property damage by a student. It was reported that a bathroom urinal was damaged valued at $377.50. As a result of the investigation, a 17-year-old Salem male was arrested and issued a summons to appear in court. On Thursday, February 20th at about 4:40 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart for a report of a shoplifter. It was reported that a 28-year-old Salem woman had stolen a pair ofboots valued at $23.78. The female was arrested and released with a summons to appear in court. The next morning near 8:30, an officer conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Highway 19 and Condray Street for an expired registration. As a result of the traffic stop, a 64-year-old Salem man who was driving the vehicle was issued a summons for traffic offenses. A 23-year-old female passenger from Salem, who had lied about her identity to hide the fact that she had active arrest warrants, was placed under arrest and transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s office for incarceration. During the early morning hours of Monday, February 24th shortly after 3:00, an officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Gibbs Street for a report of a domestic disturbance. As a result of the investigation, a 24-year-old Salem female and a 27-year-old Salem male were arrested and issued a summons to appear in court. Later that same morning at around 10:15, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department by a male who had an active arrest warrant and wanted to turn himself in. The 22-year old Salem male was taken into custody and later released on bond after being processed for the warrant. Contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met February 28th at the Health Center’s new location at 1010 East Scenic Rivers Blvd. Health Center Administrator Kendra Mobray reported that Sandra Headrick and Kim Smith have filed for the two open board seats that will be expiring in April. They will be elected in April for four year terms. She updated the Board on the status of the new building where the generator has been moved, the locks have been changed, security cameras are in place, and signage is complete. An open house is scheduled for March 19th from 2:00 to 4:30 with a Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 4:00. Mobray reported outpatient lab services were provided for 87 clients in January. She also noted that Missouri DHSS WIC staff will be here for monitoring March 10th and 11th, with DCHC WIC staff scheduled to attend EWIC training June 24th to prepare for the July EWIC implementation. Mobray said that March 5th she and Ashley Peyton will be trained by DHSS staff for the Show-Me HealthyWomen/Wisewoman Program and office visits will begin soon after. She reported that the Health Center began presenting the Choosing the Best Program for local 6th graders with the help of a volunteer from Riverways Pregnancy Resource Center. The six lesson curriculum should be completed at R-1, R-2, R-4 and R-80 the first week of April. Mobray said the Health Center investigated three cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in January. She reported that the Dent County Health Center nurses are in frequent communication with Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services epidemiologists and are being updated and educated on the COVIC-19 response. A press release from Dr. Williams, director of MoDHSS, was sent to local media. To date there have been no confirmed cases of COVIC-19 in the state of Missouri. Mobray said there have been 132 confirmed cases of influenza reported in Dent County. In closed session, a decision was made to add a $10.00 draw fee to labs due to the increase cost of supplies and biohazard disposal, plus the appraisal of the 601 S. MacArthur location was discussed and a sale price of $175,000.00 was set by the Board. Bids for cleaning were also discussed and awarded to Lady and a Bucket Cleaning Service. Mobray presented the 2020 budget which showed the Dent County Health Center continues to be fiscally sound and the budget was approved. The next board meeting was set for March 19th at 5:00, and the meeting was adjourned.

In the Dent County Circuit Court on Monday in front of Judge Megan Seay, Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley reported that a review of a RSMO Statute Section 559.115 probation hearing was held for Macaulay Boschen who is currently in the penitentiary at Boonville. The state objected to his release due to three conduct violations by Boschen. The counsel for Boschen requested his release to probation. The request for probation was denied and Boschen’s seven-year sentenced was ordered to be executed by the judge. Also on Monday, Dale Hunter of Rolla had a previous sentence of 10 years in the Department of Corrections executed under RSMO Section 217.362 that included long term treatment in connection with his probation revocation as requested by the Missouri Board of Probation and Parole. The court also heard a guilty plea from Carla Loughridge of Salem for the possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine, and the possession of drug paraphernalia- a meth pipe. In the sentencing hearing, Loughridge requested probation while the state requested seven years under RSMO 559.115. Loughridge was sentenced to seven years suspended execution of sentence with drug court. Also on Monday, Sethe D. Berry admitted to violating his probation by possessing a cigarette lighter within the Dent County Jail, while serving shock time ordered in connection with a previous order for 20 days shock incarcerated issued for a probation violation for failing to report. Berry had previously pled guilty to distribution of a controlled substance and was placed on probation. Defense counsel requested continued probation and the Prosecutor Curley requested execution of the defendant’s sentence. After argument, defendant’s probation was revoked and his sentence of ten years incarceration in the Missouri Department of Corrections was executed.

City Administrator Ray Walden wanted to let everyone know that the penalty date for the February utility bills has been extended to March 25th. Walden said that various members of the public had pointed out a current city ordinance that indicates penalty dates for utility bills shall be twenty days from the bill date. As the February bills had a February 14th bill date, the February 28th penalty date initially indicated for the February bills was postponed. During Monday night’s meeting, the Salem Board of Aldermen approved an ordinance granting the City Administrator authority to adjust the discount and penalty dates with approval by the Mayor or President of the Board of Aldermen, if deemed necessary. Walden stated city staff are working with customers regarding questions about their bill and in some cases, have been able to use the new AMI system to assist customers in identifying possible ways to save on their utility bills. The city has an informational sheet available showing typical electric usage for different devices and with the city’s current electric rate, how much different devices might cost to operate on a monthly basis. You can get a copy of this information at the utility office or find it on the city’s Facebook page. Walden stated the March utility bills will not be processed before March 25th and actions will be taken to verify dates listed on all future utility bills. Anyone with questions are asked to contact the city utility office at 729-4117.

Small brooms in the days of wind and sail were often made from bits of rope. One such boom was called a Sailor’s Whisk. The Salem Area Arts Council is hosting a workshop on Saturday, March 7, 2020 starting at 3:00 p.m. at the Creative Arts Center in Salem. This traditional naval skill will be taught by Wayne Douglass, an authentic sailor! Using rope, each whisk broom will be formed using special knots that make each unique, resulting in a useful item or a memorable gift! All supplies and instruction will be provided for anyone from eight to eighty to learn and take home a finished product. A TRULY special price of $5.00 per person will cover all costs to make a whisk–a terrific bargain for both the activity and product. Call or text 247-0279 to register and arrange payment to hold your spot! The Creative Arts Center is behind the ONCRC.

The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks is experiencing a shortage of all negative blood types. Donations are needed immediately to ensure that adequate reserve levels are maintained. The next blood drive in Salem will be Tuesday, March 10th from 1:00 to 6:00 in the afternoon at the First Baptist Church at 201 North Mac Arthur. During the month of March, donors will receive a blue “Rewind” t-shirt; a retro look back on your favorite cassette mix tapes of the past. To be eligible to give blood, you must weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health, and present a valid photo ID. For more information, contact Cindy Sachs at 729-4241.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. Congressman Jason Smith was in to absentee vote in the March and April elections and stopped in to visit. Deloris Gray Wood from the Dent County Historical Society was in to remind the commissioners of the celebration of 150th anniversary of the signing of the contract to construct the courthouse on March 30th at 4:00. There will be cake and water served and the event will be held outside the courthouse, weather permitting. A representative of Senator Blunt was also in attendance and said the senator is working on the transportation infrastructure bill and health care bill. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said brush was being cut on Dent County Road 6620 and chip and seal repair was being done on county road 4180. Purcell said maintenance was being performed on county trucks #57 and #119, plus the 430 Cat backhoe. He also said workers were finishing up repairing the bucket on the Cat 924 loader. Purcell did say if there was time some workers may get out to check and clean out some crossover pipes. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said brush would be cut on county roads 2320 and 2330, while materials would be hauled to Dent County Roads 3120 and 3280. He said chip and seal repairs would be made to various chip and seal roads. Larson said his crew would be working on county truck #115 and that brush cutter #16 is out with a flat. He also said maintenance was being done in the shop. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to congratulate former Missouri State Highway Trooper Ron Copeland on his retirement after serving 28 years on the force. Copeland will be traveling to Jefferson City to sign up to run for the 143rd State Representative Seat. Skiles also said he would be attending the Meramec Community Enhancement Board meeting Tuesday. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said absentee voting continues for the March 10th and April 7th elections and the last day to register to vote in the April election will be March 11th. The commissioners decided to put out bids for grader blades and those bids would need to be submitted by 10:00 March 19th. The next meeting of the dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

A fatality accident occurred at 5:06 Monday morning in Phelps County on Highway 63 approximately 300 feet north of County Road 8010. According to the highway patrol report, a northbound 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer, driven by 61-year-old Charles Faulkner of Vichy, attempted to make a U-turn and was struck by a northbound 2001 Chevrolet Silverado driven by 59-year-old James Lutz of Rolla. Faulkner was pronounced dead at the scene at 5:50 by Phelps County Coroner Andy Davis. Faulkner was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident and the body was taken to Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla. Suffering moderate injuries in the accident were Lutz and an occupant of the Silverado, 24-year-old Tanisha Reed of Rolla. Both were transported by ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. The report stated that Reed was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident while Lutz was not. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage and were removed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing.

The Salem Cosmopolitan Club will hold their 69th Variety Show and Miss Salem Competition this Saturday, March 7th at the Salem City Hall Auditorium starting at 7:00. There will be nine girls vying for the title of Miss Salem at the show and they are Trinity Gorman sponsored by T. Fulton Construction, Ceceilia Reed sponsored by Salem Truss, Cheyanna Click sponsored by Salem Publishing Company, Inc., Emma Southards sponsored by Main Street Café, Harmony Alexander Sponsored by McDonalds, Brecklyn Holtz sponsored by Country Mart Pharmacy, Jainey Pettus sponsored by Riverways Federal Credit Union, MacKensie Thompson sponsored by Lake Road Steel and Cheyenne Roderman sponsored by Elwood Real Estate. David Massengale will be the emcee for the event that will also feature the talents of dancers from Linda Maledy’s Academy of Dance, plus performances by Rachel Privett and Friends, Neely and Noah Leathers, and the Salem Upper Elementary 5th grade teachers and friends. Judges from South Central Missouri will determine this year’s Miss Salem as well as the first and second runner-ups. The girls will vote on the Miss Personality title. The 2019 Miss Salem, Lauren Grogan, will crown the new Miss Salem at the event.

Twenty-nine years ago today, the first edition of Your World Today was published which featured the results of the opening day of trout season at Montauk and the Salem Board of Alderman meeting to be held that night. The color was “Irish Green” and about 175 copies were printed that were delivered to 20 locations in Salem. Today, about 500 copies are printed daily and are distributed to over 40 locations in Salem, Echo Bluff and in Bunker in “Reflex Blue,” and our stories include the results of the opening of trout season at Montauk and the Board of Aldermen meeting agenda for tonight!

Opening day of trout season at Montauk State Park saw 60 degree temperatures and an outstanding turnout of men and women ready for a new season. As of 4:30 Sunday, a total of 2,154 adult trout tags were sold and another 303 children’s trout tags were sold. The largest trout caught was a 10 pound, 12 ounce rainbow by Jason Johnson of Bixby. Jacob Moncrief and Dan Norris, both of Licking, each caught an 8 pound, 4 ounce rainbow trout, and Patrick Potts of Licking caught a 7 pound, 13 ounce trout. Trout season will be open until October 31st.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at the City Hall Council Chambers at 7:00. Following the consent agenda, the board will get an update from City Administrator Ray Walden on numerous projects going on now in the city. After his report, the board will hear and discuss Bill #3437 about amending the codes of the City of Salem in regards to vacation rentals; and Bill #3438 that amends the city codes for the electric department, water department and sewer department dealing with the prompt payment discount and delayed payment penalty. The board will then go into closed session to discuss personnel, contracts and litigation. The meeting of the Salem Board of Aldermen is open to the public.

An accident that happened in Phelps County Thursday morning at 11:39 on Phelps County Road 8110 near Phelps County Road 8080 that left four Rolla men with injuries. According to the highway patrol, 18-year old Michael Bright of Rolla was driving a 1997 Ford Explorer southbound when the Ford traveled off the left side of the roadway. The Explorer then overturned and struck a utility pole. Two passengers in the Explorer, 20-year old Christopher Claypool and 20-year old Ros Comparato, were both ejected from the vehicle and suffered serious injuries. Claypool was flown to the University of Missouri Columbia Hospital while Comparato was flown to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Suffering moderate injuries were the driver, Michael Bright, and another passenger, 21-year old Logan Boyer. They were both taken to Phelps Health in Rolla. No one in the vehicle was wearing a seat restraint. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by C&C Towing.

An accident happened at 5:07 Thursday evening in Dent County on Highway 19 about four miles south of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2010 Chevy HHR driven northbound by 51-year old Steven Wright of St. Clairsville, Ohio, ran off the right side of the roadway and overturned before the Chevy came to a rest. Suffering minor injuries were 36-year old Nicole Wright of St. Clairsville as well as the three Wright children: a three-year old male, a ten-year old female and a 12-year old female. Everyone was taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by the Salem Ambulance. The Chevy HHR was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. Everyone involved was wearing their seat restraint.

The Salem Area Arts Council’s “Art Across the Ages” that will be on display to celebrate ‘Youth Art Month” at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center today through March 27th. For more information, please feel free to call the representative of the Salem Area Arts Council at (573) 247-0279. The Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center is at 202 South Main in Salem.

At the February 27th Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees meeting, the Board of Trustees voted to set a $10.00 draw fee for labs due to the increase cost of supplies and biohazard disposal. The $10.00 fee is effective March 2nd. If anyone has any questions, please contact the Dent County Health Center at 729-3106.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning for their regular meeting in the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that weather permitting materials would be added and grading would be done on Dent County Roads 4412, 4124, 5430 and 5450, plus brush would be cut on county road 6670. He also noted that part of his crew was rebuilding the loader bucket on the 924 Cat, while others were building a back bumper for Cat Grader #24. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that no grading was being done in his district and that brush would be cut on Dent County Roads 2330 and 4433. He said that materials would be added to county roads 3120 and 3180 where two pipes were being installed. Larson went on to say that patching would be done on county road 3190 chip and seal, plus Grader #31 was being serviced. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said that on Monday he attended the Missouri House Sub-committee informational meeting on prisoner per-diem. He said several commissioners and sheriffs testified concerning the approximately $32,000,000 owed to the counties by the State of Missouri, with over $150,000 owed to Dent County. Skiles said that Wednesday he participated in the Missouri Partnership’s Raising the Bar program’s site evaluation of the community and assets by Ginovus, a business site selection firm from Indianapolis. He said the goal was to obtain an independent evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses in drawing companies to Salem. The Commissioners approved a resolution 3-0 affirming Dent County’s membership in the Magic Health Insurance Consortium. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that bills were being approved by the Commissioners for payment and that absentee voting for the March 10th election continues through March 9th. She said that testing of the voting equipment would take place today at 9:00. Curley also noted that filing for the August 4th Primary continues through March 31st, plus the last day to register to vote in the April 7th Municipal Election is March 11th. Mike Elliot with Town and Country Insurance was in to discuss cost estimates and coverage for the Courthouse, the Judicial Building and the new Jail. The Commissioners approved by a vote of 3-0 moving the coverage of the new Jail from Builder’s Risk Coverage to Permanent Insurance Coverage. They also voted 3-0 to set the deductible for the new Jail at $5,000. They will look at changes on coverage on the other buildings in March. Ron Copeland was in to visit with the Commission. Nick Smith and Dwight Ramsburg with Septagone, Sheriff Bob Wells, and Major Len Pabin came in to discuss the new jail. The Commissioners are tentatively looking at a ribbon cutting ceremony in mid-April. The Commissioners agreed 3-0 and signed the letter and abatement for the 2014 Timber Industries Real Estate tax bill. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk and Curley signed the letter and abatement. The next meeting of the Commission will be Monday at 9:00 in the courthouse and it is open to the public.

An accident happened in Dent County Wednesday morning at 7:15 on Highway 72 about nine north of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 Saturn Vue driven northbound by 31-year old Jennifer Shaw of Salem, lost control of the Saturn on an ice covered bridge and the Vue traveled off the roadway and struck a guardrail. Shaw suffered minor injuries and was taken by the Salem Ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. The Saturn sustained moderate damages and was removed form the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. Shaw was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) thank the thousands of Missouri deer hunters who donated 348,535 pounds of venison to the state’s Share the Harvest program this past deer season, including 6,795 whole deer. MDC and CFM also thank the more than 100 participating meat processors throughout the state who grind the donated deer meat into ready-to-use packages, and the many sponsors who financially support the program. Meat-processing fees are covered entirely or in part by numerous local sponsors, along with statewide sponsors that include: Shelter Insurance, Bass Pro Shops, Gateway Area Chapter Safari Club International, Missouri Chapter National Wild Turkey Federation, Midway USA Inc., Missouri Food Banks Association, and MDC. The donated deer meat goes to local food banks and food pantries to help feed hungry Missourians all around the state. To get Share the Harvest venison, contact local food banks or food pantries. Share the Harvest is coordinated by MDC and CFM. Since the program was started in 1992, it has provided more than 4.3 million pounds of lean, healthy venison to help feed hungry Missourians, including this past season’s donations. MDC Director Sara Parker Pauley said hunters Through Share the Harvest, Missouri hunters can help provide those in need with high-quality protein in the form of naturally lean, locally harvested deer meat. For more information on Share the Harvest, visit Conservation Federation of Missouri online at confedmo.org/programs/outreach.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On Friday, February 14th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at the Route FF and Highway 68 intersection. During the course of the traffic stop, a 21-year-old Salem man was arrested for having active arrest warrants through Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail where he later posted bond and was released. On Saturday, February 15th, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 1500 block of Route K to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 30-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 Jail where he was incarcerated. Finally on Monday, February 17th, deputies traveled to Route NN for a report of a vehicle that was blocking the westbound lane of traffic. During the course of the incident, a 35-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 1st offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241 if you have any information from any ongoing investigation.

This Sunday marks the annual opening of catch-and-keep trout fishing in Missouri at the state’s four trout parks: Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon, Montauk State Park near Salem, Roaring River State Park near Cassville, and Maramec Spring Park near St. James. The catch-and-keep season at the trout parks runs through October 31st. Trout anglers need a daily trout tag to fish in Missouri’s trout parks. Daily trout tags can only be purchased at each of the four trout parks. Missouri residents age 16 through 64 and nonresidents who are 16 years old and older also need a fishing permit in addition to the daily tag. A daily fishing permit for Missouri residents is $7.00 and now $8.00 for nonresidents. The cost of a daily trout tag to fish at three of Missouri’s four trout parks: Bennett Spring State Park, Montauk State Park and Roaring River State Park, is now $4 for adults and $3 for those 15 years of age and younger. The daily limit is four trout. New this year, the Department of Conservation is conducting a pilot program at Maramec Spring Park. The daily limit there has been raised from four to five trout and the cost of a daily trout tag for adults has gone from $3 to $5 and from $2 to $3 for anglers 15 years of age and younger. You can buy Missouri fishing permits from numerous vendors around the state, online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, or through MDC’s free mobile apps, MO Hunting and MO Fishing, available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley has released the reports from cases in the 42nd Judicial Circuit Court held Monday in Dent County in front of Judge Kelly Parker. In court, Benjamin Light of Salem pled guilty to the possession of methamphetamine and was sentenced to five years in the Department of Corrections. Light had prior felony convictions for burglary in the 2nd degree and for DWI. Britta Terrill of Salem had her probation for possession of a controlled substance revoked and was sentenced to a 120 day shock treatment as part of a seven year sentence in the Department of Corrections. Danielle Griffes of Rolla had been on probation for possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute. She violated her probation by absconding. Griffes was sentenced to a ten year sentence in the Department of Corrections. Also in court Monday was Cheri Sturdivant of Salem who had been on probation for felony stealing, but her probation was revoked and she was sentenced to a long-term drug treatment of 12 months in the Department of Corrections as part of seven year sentence under State Statute 217.362. William Lester of Park Hills had been on probation for the possession of a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of a child. His probation was revoked and Judge Parker sentenced him to the full execution of his 14 year sentence in the Department of Corrections as requested by Prosecutor Curley. The last case Monday was a probation hearing for Amy Barnard of Salem. She was on probation for felony property damage and admitted to using drugs and failed to complete her case. Barnard sought to have her probation continued, but Judge Parker sentenced her to four years in the Department of Corrections as Prosecutor Curley sought the execution of her sentence.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released the following reports for February 12th through 17th. On Wednesday, February 12, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on West Hunt Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 21-year-old Rolla man was arrested for operating a vehicle on a highway without a valid license, a 1st offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Also on that day, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on South McArthur Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 33-year-old Salem man was arrested for an active warrant through Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail where he later posted bond and was released. Finally on that same day, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Center Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 29-year-old Salem man was arrested for having an active warrant through Crawford County. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail where he later posted bond and was released. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241 if you have any information pertaining to any of these reports or other investigations.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held a special meeting Wednesday, February 19th to address a personnel issue. In closed session, the board heard from seven staff members. On Thursday, February 20th, the board met for their regular meeting. Superintendent John McColloch presented the Free and Reduced Lunch Count. Currently, all students in grades Kindergarten through the 12th grade continue to eat school lunch and breakfast for free. The total free and reduced number of students stands at 1,428. McColloch gave the January Membership count numbers that showed the student enrollment for the district was at 1,322 students. The Preschool enrollment is 110 and 281 of the students are non-resident. McColloch gave a health insurance update that indicated the cost of health insurance per employee per year is now $9,267 which is a 60% increase over the past 5 years. He explained that if the school district remains with their current insurance, next year they would be in tiered system. Salem is currently running at 120% which could result in a 20%-25% increase in insurance costs for next year. Nick Gover from the Athletic Advisory Committee had the committee’s budget recommendations. They recommend a $60,000 athletic budget with $8,000 additional monies added for professional development for coaches. The Construction Trades Advisory Committee gave their recommendations for transitioning the cost of the program to Salem R-80 over a four year period. Each building principal gave the reports for their respective building that should the William Lynch Elementary School with an enrollment of 272 children, the Upper Elementary School had 325 enrolled, the middle school had 232 students in January and the high school’s current enrollment is 550 students. In new business, the approval of the 2020-2021 school calendar was tabled until the March Board of Education meeting. The board did approve revising the language in teacher’s contracts from the current 180 contracted days to a contract being tied to the school calendar the school adopts. After some discussion, the board approved the district facility plan presented by Superintendent McColloch. The board also accepted the resignations of pre-school teacher Carolyn Curley, Title I math teacher Teresa Pitchford, and high school counselor Jillian Doddema. The board went into closed session where four staff members and one parent discussed a personnel issue with the board. Superintendent John McColloch then discussed a personnel issue with the board before discussing the growth plans and evaluations for all district administrators. The board approved to extend by one year the contracts of high school assistant principal Clay Moody, high school principal Marty Anderson, upper elementary principal Melanie Wisdom, and special education director Jody Heavin for the 2021-2022 school year; and they approved extending assistant superintendent John Smith’s contract for one year for the school year 2022-2023. The board also approved extending by two years the contracts of middle school principal Rich Parks and assistant high school principal Conrad Prugh through the 2021-2022 school year. A motion was made to extend a one year contact for elementary school principal Kriste Crocker for the 2020-2021 school year, but the motion failed by a 5-2 vote. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Friday, February 7th at about 10:39, officers were dispatched to a business for a report of shoplifting. As a result of the investigation, a 26 year-old Salem male was arrested and issued summons for shoplifting and possession of drug paraphernalia. The value of the items stolen was $29.99. On Monday, February 10th near 1:00 in the afternoon, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for not having taillights or visibly displaying registration. During the stop it was found that the driver had a revoked driving status and did not have proof of insurance. The driver, a 29 year-old Bucyrus male, was arrested and the vehicle was towed. During an inventory of the vehicle, marijuana and drug paraphernalia were located. The driver was released with a summons to appear in court. That same afternoon at about 3:46, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to stealing. It was reported that numerous transactions were fraudulently taking place with her bank account. The total amount of money missing from the account was $151. The incident is still under investigation. If anyone has information regarding any on going investigation, please call the Salem Police Department at 79-4242.