Local News

Between the dates of April 10th and 23rd there was a total of 272 calls for service. Officers with the Salem Police Department conducted 38 traffic stops for various traffic violations with 8 resulting in a summons or arrest. Officers conducted 17 traffic accident and informational investigations. Between those dates, separate burglaries reported at churches and businesses throughout town. Officers conducted follow up investigations into these matters which involved an approximate missing property value of $5000 along with an unknown amount of property damage. As a result of the investigations, suspects were located and these matters were sent to the Dent County Juvenile Office for further. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

Hunters, anglers, and trappers who use the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) “MO Hunting” free mobile app will need to perform an app update. The update will provide the most current regulation and data information, including display information to apply during May for Missouri bear hunts and elk hunts. The update will also include new display information to Telecheck fall deer and turkey, along with bear and elk harvests. Updates became available Tuesday of this week. Apple will require users to have at least the iOS-12 version to use the updated MO Hunting app. Android will require users to have at least Android 5. For more information on MO Hunting, go online to mdc.mo.gov and type “Hunting App” in the search box.

The Salem Community wide yard sale will be Saturday. Maps are available at area convenience stores, the city administration building, and the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce office in the Crossroads Shopping Center. A central sale will be held in the parking lot behind the city administration building. Spaces on the city parking lot are still available for $8.00 and may be reserved by calling 729-4811 until 3:00 tomorrow.

Missouri State Parks invites the public to participate Learn2 Paddle kayaking classes offered at select parks this summer. The program is for anyone who wants to experience kayaking but is not sure where to start. It is also perfect for those who want to get out on the water but don’t own a kayak. In the Salem and Dent County area the Current River State Park will host two-hour kayaking classes May 12th from 1:00 until 3:00, June 7th from 10:00 until noon, July 5th from 1:00 until 3:00 and on July 19th from 10:00 until noon. Missouri State Parks will provide kayaks, paddle and instructors. Participants are encouraged to bring their own life jackets due to ongoing public health concerns; however, life jackets will be available for anyone who needs 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. Face coverings are encouraged when social-distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Participants must be at least 10 years of age. Children 14 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the entire program. Participants should be comfortable around water. All Missouri State Parks rules and regulations apply. This is a family-oriented program; alcohol and tobacco products are not allowed while participating in the Learn2 Paddle program. The class registration fee is $5 per participant; registration is required. For registration information, visit mostateparks.com and click on their Learn 2 button under Topics. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

As you head outdoors this season to enjoy the sunshine and warmer weather, you may encounter a variety of newborn animals. Young wildlife can pull on our heartstrings as they appear to be abandoned, but that’s usually not the case. The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds the public that interfering with wildlife can do more harm than good. MDC State Wildlife Veterinarian Sherri Russell says young animals are rarely orphaned. If the young is left alone, the parent will usually return. Parents are normally out searching for food and cannot constantly attend to their offspring. Baby birds are a common newborn people can come across in the spring. If you see a chick with feathers hopping on the ground, leave it alone and bring pets inside because it’s a fledgling and the parents are nearby keeping watch. Fledglings can spend up to 10 days hopping on the ground learning to fly. If you find one that has no feathers, you can return it to the nesting area if possible, as it most likely fell out of the nest. Other common issues include dogs catching young rabbits and lawn mowers running over their nests. People have good intentions, but the care and rehabilitation of wild animals require special training, facilities, and permits. Without such care and knowledge, wild animals will remain in poor health and could eventually die. Not to mention, it’s illegal to possess many wild animals without a valid state or federal permit. Russell also said wildlife can become dangerous as they mature, and can carry parasites, disease, and cause property damage. To learn more about Missouri’s many native wildlife species, visit the MDC online Nature Field Guide at mdc.mo.gov.

The City of Salem held a special Board of Aldermen meeting on Monday at the Salem Community Center@ the Armory. Mayor Brad Nash appointed, and the Aldermen approved new members to the utility committee that included Alderman Shawn Bolerjack as Chairman, Kim Shelton, John Hambacker, Catherine Dent, Kevin James, and Gary Brown. The board then approved Resolution No. 7-2021 authorizing the Mayor to execute a lease agreement with Global Rental Company for a digger truck at a cost of $3,900 per month for 24 months. The meeting was then adjourned. Utility Committee Chairman Bolerjack then opened the Utility Committee meeting. Public Works Director Mark Nash gave an update on the AMI/utility billing. The new water meters are in and installation will be done soon. All bills are now on a 30-day cycle with the next bill going out this week for usage through January 9th thru February 8th. City Administrator Ray Walden discussed a proposal for a prepay option called MyUsage. This software would enable customers to view and monitor their usage and pay their bill. This system would have a one-time setup charge of $15,000 with a $2,000 monthly recurring charge for up to 333 accounts with fees for additional customers being added.The committee approved sending this proposal to the Alderman for approval. The committee discussed resuming disconnects that have been on hold since the beginning of the pandemic. Walden estimated there are around 300 accounts that are more than 4 months behind on their bill with some customers not paying for over a year. The committee approved recommending to the Alderman to restart disconnects on July 1st. This would give several months’ notice to customers that are in arrears. A list of area agencies that can help customers with past due bills will be included with the next month’s utility bill. The committee discussed options to bill for more recent consumption that would enable everyone to get caught up on usage and enable the city to invoice for the previous month. Giving customers options on how to become current was very important. Customers will be billed for usage dated February 9th to May 31st and can pay in full, pay in two to six installments and have the option to set up a payment plan will be recommended that the Aldermen approve. The committee then discussed options to pay for the February 2021 extreme weather costs. The city has been billed $1.3 million by their electric provider and will pay $54,909.86 each month for 24 months. Options discussed were to add a $25 fee to residential customers and up to $85 for large commercial customers, or to invoice customers based on the kilowatts they used during this time broken up into monthly installments. The committee asked for more information regarding the number of residential and commercial customers and will discuss this issue at the next committee meeting. Bolerjack allowed citizens that were present to ask questions and get clarification on all topics and suggested that the Utility Committee meet monthly for the next several months. Tammy Walker, a representative with Heartland Metal, made a request to have the committee review the current 3.47 cents per 1,000-gallon rate that has been set for high water consumption. The committee will discuss this at their next meeting.

A boating accident happened Sunday morning at 10:00 at 1.8 mile marker on the Glaize Arm of the Lake Of The Ozarks. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2007 Skeeter Fishing Boat being operated by 67-year-old Mark Puzach of Rolla was motoring east and was overtaken by a Stratus fishing boat and struck from behind. The year of the Stratus and the operator of the boat is unknown because they left the scene of the accident. Neither Puzach or a passenger in the Skeeter, 61-year-old Walter Bowe, also of Rolla, were wearing safety devices at the time of the accident. Bowe suffered minor injuries but refused medical treatment at the scene. The Skeeter had moderate damage was towed to Public Beach number 2. The investigation is still ongoing.

The Dent County Commissioners held its regular meeting Monday at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, Deloris Gray Wood from the Dent County Historical Society was in attendance. She talked with the commission about the potholes on Dent County Road 6670 on the back way into Montauk State Park. She said the road is used by people pulling campers and horse trailers and she wanted the commission to know about the potholes. District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray is aware and said the road was graded before the beginning of trout season, but it is very difficult to grade the road during the open season as there is too much traffic and the road is not wide enough for a grader and a truck in some parts of the road to pass. Commissioner Skiles said the commission could bring the situation up to Representative Copeland to see if possibly DNR would consider paving that part of the road into the park. She also wanted to discuss holding an event to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Dent County Courthouse as well as the 200th anniversary of the State of Missouri. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles suggested that could possibly occur sometime in September and they will check the calendars to see what is going on. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams brought in the CART Tax figures received this month. She said Dent County received $53,578.52 in April which is down $4,381.27 from 2020 when the county received $57,959.79. Year-to-date, the CART tax receipts are down $3,518.99. In the road report, Mobray stated grading would be done on Dent County Road 5610 while rock would be added and grading done on county road 6280. He said brush would be cut on county road 5600 and a man was going to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal repair. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported grading would be done on Dent
County Roads 2100, 2115 and 2130 while materials would be added and grading done on county road 2140. Larson went on to say materials would also be added to county road 2150. Presiding Commissioner Skiles said he, Commissioner Mobray and Dent County Clerk Angie Curley all attended the MAC Conference on Monday. Then on Thursday, Skiles said he attended the Southwest Regional Commission Meeting in Springfield at Bass Pro Outdoor World. Skiles further reported he spoke with Attorney Travis Elliott who received a letter from the Department of Revenue stating that according to Missouri RSMO 67.525, the Department of Revenue has the right to adjust distributions to counties to correct erroneous payments. Skiles said that Elliott then told him that the Department of Revenue which has already taken $1,005,980.50 in sales tax revenue from the county’s sales tax funds, found another $735,851.89 that was sent to Dent County erroneously by Doe Run for a different sales tax fund. The commission will have to figure out to pay this amount back without it becoming a burden on the county. This discovery does not affect the budget hearing scheduled for May 17th, but there may need to be an additional meeting based upon what the decision is on paying back the state. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that after the MAC meeting on Monday, she met with the Legislative Committee for County Clerks and Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft. They discussed the Election Security Cyber Agreement that would do a cyber security assessment of the county local election authority. A report would then follow on what has been discovered. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and that meeting is open to the public.

Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees held a special meeting Monday morning at the Dent County Health Center. at the meeting, Administrator Kendra Mobray announced her resignation effective May 31st, 2021. The board of trustees then went into closed and came back into open session with no votes being taken. Mobray expressed her gratitude to the Board for their support during her tenure at the Health Center and said it has been a great honor to serve the citizens of Dent County. With no further business, the special meeting was adjourned.

Mayor Brad Nash of the City of Salem has called a special Board of Aldermen meeting for tonight at 6:45 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. At the meeting, Nash will appoint members to the utility committee before the board discusses Resolution #7-2021 which would authorize Nash to execute an agreement between the city and Global Rental Company, Inc. for the lease of a digger truck. The meeting will then adjourn before the Utility Committee will meet at 7:00 also at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. At that meeting, the committee will get an update on the AMI/utility billing, discuss a proposal for a prepay option, consider resuming disconnects, discuss option to bill for more recent consumption, discuss options to pay for the February 2021 extreme weather costs and discuss a request to review high water consumption discount rate. The utility committee meeting, called by Mayor Brad Nash, and the special Board of Aldermen meeting are both open to the public.

A one vehicle accident happened Friday night just before 11:00 on Route HH approximately three miles south of Salem. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2012 Chevrolet Impala being driven by 46-year-old Robert Killian of Jadwin was traveling south on Route HH when he ran off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. Killian was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident and was transported by SMDH ambulance to Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. The Impala was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing.

The Salem Police Department has released their report for the month of March. They served 8 summonses to appear in court, gave 44 warning tickets, and 3 traffic tickets, plus they also served 11 fugitive warrants. The Salem Police investigated six traffic accidents, wrote four property damage reports, seven stealing reports, and investigated one dog bite. The department investigated three driving while having a license revoked or suspended charges, one resisting or interfering with an arrest charges, one unlawful use of a firearm charge, one possession of a controlled substance charge, three domestic violence reports, investigated one nuisance violation, and conducted one death investigation. The department was also dispatched for 39 animal calls, 24 ambulance assist calls, and performed 53 traffic stops for the month. The Department also conducted 36 follow-up investigations, investigated two lost or stolen license plates and responded to 26 suspicious subjects and also performed 20 well-being checks. The Salem Police Department received 831 calls for service during the month and had 64 walk-ins to the station. The department drove 9,622 miles in March. There was a total of 15 males and four females arrested for the month. The Police Department also served four hours during March as court bailiff.

Spring and summer months bring both the buzz of lawnmowers and bees. These fuzzy flyers are important pollinators, playing a crucial role in the production of many favorite fruits and vegetables. The Missouri Department of Conservation encourages the public to “bee-friend” these valuable native pollinators. Most native bees only live about one year. They emerge in the spring as adults, visiting flowers and buildings nests. Many species, such as bumblebees, make their nests underground, while others, such as leafcutter and mason bees, will set up shop in small cavities found in wood or in the pith of plant stems. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri is home to around 450 species of native bees, but it’s not uncommon for more to be identified each year. The most common bees Missourians usually encounter include the bumblebee, carpenter bees, sweat bees, and the leafcutter bee. Bees may send some running for the hills for fear of being stung, but most native bees are harmless. The native bees biggest asset is doing their agricultural duty by pollinating flowering plants that provide food, fiber, and even medicines. To find out more about bees, visit the Missouri Department of Conservation website and view their online field guide at mdc.mo.gov.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol have arrested a man and woman who were found walking in the Highway 63 and Highway 28 area in Maries County and they have now been charged in Phelps County in connection with the stabbing death of Donald Wethy at the Economy Inn Motel in St James. Arrested were 20-year-old Josue Martinez from Pennsylvania and his girlfriend, 29-year-old Kimberly Riston from California. Martinez is accused of stabbing Wethy twice while they were in the parking lot of Economy Inn Wednesday. Once Wethy fell to the ground, Martinez reportedly stabbed him at least 12 more times. After killing him, Martinez reportedly rummaged through Wethy’s pockets apparently for car keys to take the car. While this was going on, Riston is seen on video trying to get her dog into Wethy’s car. Martinez did not find the keys, so the couple left the area on foot, leaving Wethy dead in the parking lot. Martinez and Riston are both being charged with first-degree murder, two counts of armed criminal action, robbery, and tampering with a motor vehicle. They are both being held without bond in the Phelps County Jail.

The Dent County Commissioners held a special meeting Tuesday where they went into closed session pursuant to the Revised Statutes of Missouri Section 610.021 at 1:20. The commissioners emerged from closed session at 2:20 and approved the bills and then signed the agreement with Anderson and Associates Engineers LLC for $8,980. This contract is for the assessment for the scope of work needed on the exterior of the courthouse. At the last regular meeting, Skiles signed the Missouri Department of Public Safety LESO Program agreement. Sheriff Bob Wells came in and they discussed the new jail elevator and the maintenance agreement. The Commission agreed 3-0 to sign the maintenance agreement with the vendor Kone, Inc. The meeting was then adjourned.

“Take Back Day” for unused and expired medications will be this Saturday at the Country Mart and Walmart parking lots. The event will be from 10:30 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon. “Take Back Day” is sponsored by a partnership with the DEA, Salem Police Department, Dent County Sheriff’s Department, and Health Dent County Prevention Coalition.

The Doe Run Company is offering two scholarships to Mineral Area College for the Fall 2021-Spring 2022 academic year. The scholarships cover $500 per semester, totaling $1,000 for each of two students annually at MAC. Local high school students should apply for the Doe Run scholarships by May 15th. Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors from the following districts: Potosi R-III District; Iron County C-IV District; Bunker R-III District; Arcadia Valley R-II District; Valley R-VI District; Southern Reynolds Co. R-II District; Lesterville R-IV District; Mineral Area College Districts – North County R-I, Central R-III, Farmington R-VII, Bismarck R-V, West County R-IV, and Fredericktown R-I. Interested students can obtain a scholarship application from the financial aid office at MAC. Eligible students must meet the following scholarship criteria: Be planning to enroll in at least six credit hours per semester at Mineral Area College. Rank in the upper half of his or her senior class. Possess a genuine interest in preparing for a specific occupation. Express a desire to be employed locally. Scholarships are one of a number of ways Doe Run supports STEM education in the region. In addition to sponsoring scholarships for students attending MAC, Missouri University of Science and Technology, and Southwest Baptist University Salem Campus, the company has funded technology and other projects that support elementary, middle and high school STEM curriculum for local school districts.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday evening in the Hospital Library. District 2 Board member Mike Swyers was sworn in by Hospital Attorney Mark Weaver after running unopposed in the Municipal Election. In the summary of operations for the month of March, the hospital had 105 inpatient admissions with 211 inpatient census days. The average amount of patients per day in Acute Care was 6.8. The hospital showed a loss from operations of $613,362 and expenses over revenues after taxes of $584,707. During the month, there were 593 emergency room visits to go with 202 ambulance runs where 148 patients were transported, 39 surgery cases, 2,098 outpatient registrations, 9,033 lab tests, 1,184 radiological procedures, 286 Home Health visits and 725 rehab treatments. The cash flow statement showed the hospital had a cash decrease for the month of $243,308 and the days in accounts receivable remained at 92 for the second straight month. Chief of Nursing Debbie Hines gave the Acute Care Staffing by Patient Acuity report that showed the average acuity at 17 per day with seven patients per day. Hines said That only 95 people were vaccinated at the fire station on April 16th as the hospital had 600 vaccinations available. The hospital redistributed 400 of those to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan and Phelps Health took the remaining doses back. Since January 15th, the hospital has had 19 events and 3,600 people have been vaccinated and another 135 have not yet had their second dose. Hines also said there are two active COVID-19 cases in Dent County as of Tuesday so there will be no changes to their visitor policy. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas said it has been a year since the COVID-19 pandemic and he said one of the biggest concerns is the deductions from revenue. This is being discussed internally on a weekly basis and the hospital has a plan on how to reduce this amount. Lucas said he would be meeting with auditors BKD next week to discuss this further. Chief Operating Officer Jason Edwards said the Golf Tournament is scheduled for June 4th and the hospital has received $8,100 in sponsorships so far and five teams have signed up. Another round of sponsorship letters will be going out soon. Edwards said the TytoCare Product has been tested and evaluated in house, and all up-to-date documentation has been sent to the USDA. Edwards has spoken to a rural school to start piloting the program and the hope is to have the program in all the schools at the beginning of the next school year. Lucas reported on the hospital expansion and said the new water heater electric has been installed. The new water heater will be installed soon followed by the water softeners and that will finish the expansion project. Lucas said the Cerner Conversion for payroll is underway as they are currently running dual payrolls to make sure all the deduction codes the hospital has are recognized and the first payroll using Cerner will be dated July 2nd. He also said the departments are all working on creating workbooks for the conversion to be done in early fall with Microsoft Dynamics 365. Lucas said the next finance committee meeting is pending as they are trying to get more accurate numbers for the budget preparation. Once they feel they have an accurate prediction, the committee will meet. There were no purchases for the month and the board went into closed session.

The 6th Annual Veteran Affairs Day will be held Friday from 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon at the American Legion Walker Roney Post 99 and All-American VFW Post 6280 on Highway 32 West in Salem. The Veteran Affairs Day is an annual outreach to all veterans from parts of central rural Missouri to provide easier access to VA services. It includes the American Legion District 16 and the VFW District 2 which includes Camden, Cole, Crawford, Dent, Howell, Laclede, Maries, Miller, Phelps, Osage, Pulaski, Reynolds, Shannon, Texas and Wright counties. Representatives from the Department of Veteran Affairs, including enrollment and claims processing specialists as well as benefit advisors, will be in attendance. The Truman VA Hospital will also have the COVID vaccine available for veterans and their spouses. The Columbia Veteran Center will have counselors and advisors on hand in their mobile unit. In addition, the Missouri Veterans Commission will have Service Officers at the event. A light lunch will be provided around noon. It doesn’t matter when you served, if you are a veteran and have questions, have a claim or need to enroll into the VA healthcare system or get the COVID vaccine, please attend. Don’t miss out on your hard-earned benefits. Truman VA Hospital has confirmed that they will NOT be using the Johnson and Johnson single dose vaccine (presumably due to recommendations by FDA & CDC). They will now be administering the Pfizer two dose vaccine. The second dose will be administered on Friday, May 14th from 10:30 in the morning until 2:00 that afternoon in the Bingo Hall in the Legion/VFW building. Call the American Legion Post 99/VFW Post 6280 at (573) 729-3710 for questions, to get vaccinated or to schedule a private time with a counselor.

An accident happened in Dent County at 4:30 Monday afternoon on Highway 32 about 15 miles east of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2008 Hyundai Elantra driven westbound by 40-year-old Deanna Helms of Viburnum, went off the north side of the roadway and Helms overcorrected, the vehicle then went off the south side of the road where the Hyundai struck an embankment. Helms suffered serious injuries and was transported to Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur by Air Evac Air Ambulance. A passenger in the Hyundai, 23-year-old Brittany Helms of Viburnum, suffered moderate injuries and was taken by the Iron County Ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. No one in the vehicle was wearing a seat restraint. The Hyundai was totaled and removed from the scene by Abney’s Towing.

The City of Salem held their Board of Aldermen meeting Monday night at the City Hall Council Chambers. In the hearing of persons, Mark Bottomley asked for additional lighting to be installed at the Roadside Park for security purposes. Public Works Director Mark Nash will look into the matter. Also heard was Ted and Crystal Kiddy requesting additional no parking and children at play signs on North Jackson Street and an alley near their residence. Speeding is also an issue on this street and Chief Joe Chase will assign officers to do a traffic study in the morning and afternoon to survey the problem. Teresa Stark once again discussed the continued loud music, fire burning and other ordinance and building violations of her neighbor. Chief Chase explained that his department has enforced all ordinance violations. Attorney Webber advised Ms. Stark to contact law enforcement and file complaints that will then be given to his office for possible violations. Temporary City Clerk, Tammy Koller read Bill #3476 an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to sign all documents to enter into a lease purchase funding agreement with Signature Public Funding Corporation for guaranteed energy savings project improvements recently included in Resolution #4-2021. This project would have made improvements to city owned buildings that reduce utility consumption, maintenance costs and operation costs. The bill did not get a vote due to lack of a second by the board. Then Bill #3477 regarding the mayor signing and executing task order #10 pertaining to the Phase 2 Improvements to the wastewater treatment facility was tabled due to an error noted during the reading. The board approved the canvassing of the election results that confirmed the position of East Ward Alderman went to Shawn Bolerjack and the West Ward Aldermanic seat went to Kenny Nash. Mayor Brad Nash presented outgoing West Ward Alderman Kevin James with an appreciation plaque and James thanked everyone that supported him as he tried to support the citizens of Salem during his tenure on the City Council. Koller gave the oath of office to Bolerjack and Nash. The board approved making East Ward Alderman Kim Shelton the President of the Board of Alderman. City Administrator Ray Walden explained that the city has received inquiries from utility customers asking how the city plans to handle utility billing given the recent extreme weather event in February. Staff have been compiling information on available options to present to the city’s Utility Committee. The city’s electric provider MPUA has made arrangements for the city to pay the $1.3 million over a 24-month period. The city could also pay the total out of reserves. Governor Parson has made a supplemental budget request for a $50 million loan fund to allow citizen-led utilities to borrow for up to five years without interest to address the impact of the February storm. Mayor Nash asked, and Walden clarified that no citizen will be asked to pay up to six times their normal utility bill to make up for the storm usage which has been rumored about town. Walden reported that this month’s billing will be for January 9th to February 8th. He reported that the city’s sales tax has come in above budget in every fund and he thanked the citizens for shopping locally. The City Wide Yard Sale will be held Saturday, May 1st and that parking spaces are still available at the City Administration parking lot at 4th and Iron Streets for $8 per space. To reserve a space, call the city hall at 729-4811. The City Wide spring cleanup week for extra trash will be May 3rd through 7th and May 10th through the 14th. The meeting was then adjourned.

Congratulations goes out to these Salem High School SCA Choir members for being named to the SCA Honor Choir. They include Micah Bobbitt, Eli Brakensiek, Kaitlyn Brooks, Audrey Crocker, Avery Erway, Christian Fredrickson, Christopher Harris, Irvin Johnson, Neely Leathers, Alyssa Russell, Gabrielle McDonald, McKenzie Norfolk, Annabelle Pryor, Miles Skaggs, Savannah Skaggs and Bryce Stewart.

“Take Back Day” for unused and expired medications will be this Saturday, April 24th, at Country Mart and Walmart parking lots. The event will be from 10:30 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon. “Take Back Day” is sponsored by a partnership with the DEA, Salem Police Department, Dent County Sheriff’s Department, and Health Dent County Prevention Coalition.

An accident happened Monday morning at 2:30 in Phelps County on the old Wire Outer Road about one mile west of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2019 Ford Fusion driven westbound by 22-year-old Zak Eplin of St. Louis, went off the left side of the roadway, struck a concrete culvert and overturned. A passenger in the vehicle, 25-year-old Shelby Sapaugh of Salem, suffered serious injuries and was life flighted to the University Hospital in Columbia. Eplin suffered moderate injuries and was taken by ambulance to Phelps Health and will be transferred to the University Hospital in Columbia. Eplin was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident while Sapaugh was not. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Dishman’s Towing.

A one vehicle accident happened Monday afternoon just after 3:30 on Route M in Jasper County about five miles north of Alba. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 2001 Ford F-150 being driven by 21-year-old Dakota Patton of Rolla was eastbound when he ran off the left side of the roadway, overturned and struck a tree. Patton, who was wearing a safety restraint, was taken by ambulance to Freeman West Hospital in Joplin for treatment of moderate injuries. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by S and S Wrecker Service.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met Thursday evening for their reorganizational meeting following the Municipal Election as well as their regular meeting. Assistant Superintendent John Smith swore in board members Chris Heavin and Steven Patterson. Superintendent Lynne Reed then served as the temporary chairperson during the election of the new board president and vice president. The board elected Dustin Howard as the President of the board and Holly Erway as the Vice-President. The board also elected Amanda Walker as secretary and Chris Heavin as the board treasurer. The board also appointed Steven Patterson as the MSBA delegate and Andrew Wynn as the alternate MSBA delegate. In the regular meeting, Superintendent Lynne Reed explained to the Board that budget revisions would be completed in June. After the building reports from each principal, the board approved the bid from Schultz, Wood, and Rapp to provide audit services in the amount of $9,500, and they selected Energy Solution Professionals as a performance contractor. After some discussion, the board selected Scott Schroepfer Insurance as the school district’s insurance broker. They also set the 2021-2022 tuition rate at $8,000 per student and approved the surplus list of equipment to be sold. The items that are available are on the Salem R-80 website. The board approved lifting the mask mandate for the rest of the year and also approve allowing field trips with certain restrictions. The board also accepted the bid from CDWG for 375 chromebooks in the amount of $96,000. The board then accepted the retirement of Robin Wells from the Central Office specializing in Payroll and Human Resources; Jordan Conway who served as an alternative school paraprofessional; and Will Hubbs as a quiz bowl sponsor. In closed session, extra-duty contracts were approved for Robyn Taylor for the high school yearbook; Amy Halinar for the upper elementary yearbook; Tania Wood for the middle school yearbook; Mary Beth Patrick for the William Lynch Elementary school yearbook; Alec Conner for high school student council; Elaine Russell in music; Scott Frederickson for the band; Charles Mosley as assistant band director; Susan Sheeley and Sarah Sanders as quiz bowl sponsors; Robyn Taylor as the junior class sponsor, and Herman Blau in federal programs. The board approved the employment of Makayla Schafer as a high school art instructor. The board also approved employing Phillip Karr as the High School Head Football Coach by a 5-2 vote, but Karr declined the position. The meeting was then adjourned.

Congratulations to Mr. Marty Anderson who was named South Central Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals high school principal of the year. Dr. Jim Pritchett surprised him during the school assembly Friday.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will conduct their April meeting this evening in the hospital library beginning at 6:00. After the call to order and roll call, District 2 board member Mike Swyers will be sworn in by Hospital Attorney Mark Weaver. Following the approval of the minutes from the March 16th meeting, Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas will report on the summary of the operations and statistics for the month of March followed by the Chief of Nursing Report from Debbie Hines. A report on the hospital foundation, plus the marketing and community perception report will be given by Chief Operating Officer Jason Edwards. Lucas will then go over the COVID-19 update and provide an update to the board on the Hospital expansion and renovation, Cerner conversion, the Conflict of Interest Policy and the Finance Committee Meeting report. New business may consist of the review of purchases since the last meeting. The board may vote to go into closed session. The SMDH Board meeting is open to the public provided they wear a mask to the meeting.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at the City Hall Council Chambers at 202 North Washington. In the hearing of persons, the board will hear from Mark Bottomley from 910 North Main Street who is requesting additional lighting be put up around the roadside park off Highway 19. The next person to be heard will be Ted and Crystal Kiddy from 805 North Jackson who are requesting “No Parking” signs as well as “Children at Play” signs in the alley. They want to report an excessive number of speeders going up and down North Jackson Street. They also want to report the alley is broken up and rocks are striking cars when people drive or speed up and down the road. The board will also hear from Teresa Stark about her neighbor who continues to build fires and play loud music as well as other ordinance concerns. After the consent agenda is approved, the board will discuss Bill #3476 that would create an ordinance for the Mayor to sign any and all documents for the city of Salem to pursue entering into a lease purchase funding agreement with Signature Public Funding Corporation for the guaranteed energy savings project improvements included in Resolution #4- 2021 that was approved by the Aldermen on February 16th of this year. The board will also discuss Bill #3477 that would authorize Mayor Brad Nash to sign and execute task order #10 pertaining to the Phase 2 Improvements at the Wastewater Treatment facility. These improvements in Phase 2 in the variance report have already been approved by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The board will then canvass the election results of the Municipal Election held on April 6th as provided to the temporary city clerk by Dent County Clerk Angie Curley. The city attorney will then present Resolution #6-2021 declaring the acceptance of the results of the Municipal Election. After the resolution is approved, the temporary city clerk will administer the oath of office to Shawn Bolerjack as the East Ward Alderman and Kenneth Nash as the West Ward Alderman. Following the swearing in, the board will elect a new President of the Board. City Administrator Ray Walden will then present updates on a number of city projects currently underway. The meeting will then be adjourned. The City of Salem Board of Aldermen meeting tonight is open to the public.

The 11th Annual Salem FFA Alumni Labor and Dessert Auction held Friday night at the Smith Valley Angus Barn raised $13,805 setting a new record for the auction. The alumni wanted to thank the Dent County Commissioners for the donation of the meat and grilling, all those who prepared the desserts for the auction, all those who helped set up and then take everything down at the conclusion of the event, Brady Hagler for the auctioneering service, and the Smith Valley Angus Farm for the use of their event barn. The alumni wanted to especially thank everyone who purchased labor time or the desserts. All the money raised by the event will be used for scholarships for graduating seniors.

A motorcycle accident happened Wednesday morning just before noon in Shannon County on Highway 19 about five miles north of Timber. The highway patrol reports states that a 2019 Yamaha being operated by 79-year-old Michael Osmer of Jackson, Michigan, was traveling south when he traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned. Osmer was transported by air ambulance to the Mercy Hospital in Springfield for treatment of serious injuries. The report stated that Osmer was wearing a safety device at the time of the accident. The Yamaha was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

An accident happened Friday morning at 8:05 in Phelps County on Interstate 44 at the westbound 196-mile marker. According to the highway patrol report, a 2017 Ford Fiesta, driven by 31-year-old Laura Giebler of Gerald, struck the rear of a 2019 International Tractor driven by Latoya Willingham of Houston, Texas. Giebler suffered moderate injuries and was transported by the St. James Ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. The report stated that both Giebler and Willingham were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing, while the International had minor damage and was driven from the scene. The Highway Patrol was assisted by the St. James Police Department.

The 6th Annual Veteran Affairs Day will be held Friday, April 23rd from 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon at the American Legion Walker Roney Post 99 and All-American VFW Post 6280 on Highway 32 West in Salem. The Veteran Affairs Day is an annual outreach to all veterans from parts of central rural Missouri to provide easier access to VA services. It includes the American Legion District 16 and the VFW District 2 which includes Camden, Cole, Crawford, Dent, Howell, Laclede, Maries, Miller, Phelps, Osage, Pulaski, Reynolds, Shannon, Texas and Wright counties. Representatives from the Department of Veteran Affairs, including enrollment and claims processing specialists as well as benefit advisors, will be in attendance. The Truman VA Hospital will also have the COVID vaccine available for veterans and their spouses. The Columbia Veteran Center will have counselors and advisors on hand in their mobile unit. In addition, the Missouri Veterans Commission will have Service Officers at the event. A light lunch will be provided around noon. It doesn’t matter when you served, if you are a veteran and have questions, have a claim or need to enroll into the VA healthcare system or get the COVID vaccine, please attend. Don’t miss out on your hard-earned benefits. Call the American Legion Post 99/VFW Post 6280 at (573) 729-3710 for questions, to schedule private time with a counselor or if you would like to be vaccinated for COVID-19.

Salem Memorial District Hospital and the Dent County Health Center will hold a mass vaccination event for COVID-19 to include ALL Missouri residents over the age of 16 at the Dent County Fire Station TODAY. The booster vaccine being held at the same location on Friday, May 7th. Please go to the Dent County Health Center or Salem Memorial District Hospital Facebook page for more information and how to register for this event. There is also a registration link on the Salem Memorial District Hospital website at SMDH.net.

The Missouri Department of Conservation encourages drivers to be cautious on the roads this spring and give turtles a brake! These reptiles are often hit by cars during the warmer months, but are at special risk this time of year because they are more active. Common turtles spotted crossing Missouri roads include three-toed box turtles, ornate box turtles, and snapping turtles. Turtles emerge from their burrows and begin the hunt for food and mates during warm and wet conditions, which can lead them to cross roadways, oftentimes resulting in their death. Thousands of box turtles are killed every year by vehicles. Young males make up most of the travelers, sometimes wandering as many as six miles searching for territories and mates. Females are also crossing the roads in search of nesting areas. Turtles are cold-blooded creatures and depend on external sources of heat to determine their body temperature. This explains why people see them on warm asphalt during cool, spring days. Vehicles are one of the leading factors in box turtle declines, and MDC urges motorists to be cautious and slow down when they see a turtle in the road. If helping a turtle make it safely across, check for traffic and move the turtle across the road in the direction it is traveling. Additionally, MDC encourages Missourians to leave turtles in the wild. Taking a wild animal, whether a turtle or other wildlife species, and keeping it as a pet normally ends in a slow death. Leave turtles in the wild, follow the speed limit, and keep your eyes on the road. Most Missouri turtles can live up to 30 years, but the common box turtle can live up to 80, occasionally living more than a century. For more information on Missouri’s turtles, visit the MDC online Field Guide at nature.mdc.mo.gov

The Dent County Commissioners will not be meeting Monday, but will be holding a closed session meeting Tuesday at 1:00 at the Dent County Courthouse. That meeting is not open to the public.