Local News

The Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) received an unmodified audit opinion from Hochschild, Bloom and Company, LLP for the period ending June 30, 2020. The board approved a draft of the single audit contingent with no changes when finalized at its March 11 board meeting, which was held virtually. An unmodified audit report occurs when an independent auditor deems a company’s financial statements are fairly and appropriately presented, without any identified exceptions, and in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and applicable federal regulations. Tammy Alsop presented the audit report to the board for the firm. She said it’s the best report an entity can receive. There were no deficiencies or material weaknesses that were found, which is very good. MRPC had revenues of $2,184,495 for the year ending June 30, 2020 and expenses of $2,167,578. MRPC ended the year with a profit of $21,897. The audit also includes audits of the MRB, Meramec Regional Emergency Planning Committee and MRPC’s revolving loan funds as component units. The audit firm did not issue a management letter or any recommendations for improvement.

A one vehicle accident happened in Laclede County early Wednesday morning just after 6:00 on Highway 32 about two miles north of Lynchburg. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2000 Chevrolet 1500 being driven by 29-year-old Waylon Tuttle of Summersville swerved to miss a deer in the roadway. Tuttle then traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck a culvert before becoming airborne and striking the ground. A passenger in the vehicle, 52-year-old Danny Basham of Eminence was transported by Mercy Ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Lebanon for treatment of moderate injuries. The report went on to say that Tuttle was wearing a safety restraint while Basham was not. The Chevrolet sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by family.

The month of April marks Missouri’s annual No MOre Trash! Bash coordinated by the Missouri Department of Transportation. During the annual statewide anti-litter event, volunteers are encouraged to clean up litter adjacent to highways to help beautify Missouri. The No MOre Trash! Bash is an annual outreach of MoDOT’s year-round litter control efforts. It has been held every spring since 2004 except for 2020 when COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the event out of safety concerns. Additional COVID-19 restrictions limited the use of nearly 240 work release prisoners and required social distancing for field operations engaged in litter control performed by MoDOT staff. These factors have contributed to a marked increase in trash along Missouri’s highways. Becky Allmeroth, chief safety and operations officer, said keeping Missouri’s highways clean is a shared responsibility between MoDOT, those who use our roadways and many of the volunteers who help every year to make a difference in how this great state looks to the travelling public. The Trash Bash is a great opportunity for students, civic groups and those looking to receive community service credit while they beautify their community. Over the years, the volunteers have made this program a success. Last year, MoDOT spent $6.4 million to remove litter from more than 385,000 acres of roadsides along 34,000 state highway miles. The annual volunteer efforts to pick up litter along Missouri highway—including the Adopt-A-Highway program—have been valued at more than $1 million. Allmeroth said they encourage Adopt-A-Highway volunteers to do their section pickups in April, but they also invite anyone from the community who wants to help to join in for a one-time pickup. This year’s No MOre Trash! Bash kickoff will include virtual events with Adopt-A-Highway volunteers, students and community groups interested in participating in roadside trash pickup. Trash bags and safety vests will be provided to groups engaged in litter pickup. Groups are encouraged to exercise special COVID-19 safety precautions. To learn more about how you can participate, visit www.modot.org/adopt-highway or call 1-888-275-6636.

The City of Salem will be doing curbside yard waste pick-up the first full week of each month. Items that will be picked up by the city include limbs and branches that are cut to a length of 4 feet or less and leaves that are bagged in recyclable leaf bags which can be purchased at the city utility office $2.50 for ten bags. The city will pick up yard waste that has been properly bagged, cut, and placed at the edge of the curb or sidewalk. They ask that you do not block the sidewalk or place items in the street. The city of Salem reserves the right to charge for exceptionally large volumes of yard waste or to recommend removal by a private company. Items that will not be picked up include appliances, household trash, tires, electronics, lumber or building materials, furniture, or recyclables. Items must be ready and set out for pickup on the first Monday of the first full weeks of each month. For more information, call the city at 729-4811.

An accident happened in Reynolds County on Highway 72 about five miles north of Bunker Monday night at 11:15 that left a woman from Bunker with serious injuries. According to the highway patrol report, 43-year-old Laura Tuner of Bunker was driving a 2020 Jeep Latitude southbound when the Jeep crossed the center of the road and traveled off the left side of the road where the Jeep struck two trees. Tuner suffered serious injuries and was taken to the Mercy Hospital in Jefferson City by Air Evac. Tuner was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Jeep was totaled and removed from the scene by Dement Towing of Centerville.

The Missouri Conservation Commission approved Missouri’s second annual elk-hunting season at its March 26th meeting. They have designated a nine-day archery portion running October 16th through the 24th and a nine-day firearms portion running December 11th through the 19th. The five permits will be for bull elk and will be valid for both portions. All permits will be assigned through a random drawing. Only Missouri residents are eligible to apply for and purchase elk-hunting permits in Missouri. During last year’s inaugural elk season for Missouri, all five hunters that were drawn harvested an elk. At least one permit will be for qualifying area landowners with 20 or more contiguous acres in Carter, Reynolds, or Shannon counties with the remainder for the general public. A $10 application fee is required for all applicants. Those selected for each of the five permits must pay a $50 permit fee. All permits are nontransferable. The Conservation Department will limit the random drawing to one application per-person, per-year with a 10-year “sit-out” period for those drawn before they may apply again. To apply for an elk permit, applicants must be Missouri residents at least 11 years of age by the first day of the hunt. Those selected to receive a permit must have their hunter-education certification or be exempt by age before they may purchase the permit. All applications must be completed online or at a local vendor. You can apply for the random elk-permit drawing between May 1st and 31st at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, through MDC’s free MO Hunting app, through a permit vendor, or by calling 1-800-392-4115.

Twenty-eight community health centers in Missouri will receive $124,293,750 in American Rescue Plan funding to support COVID-19 vaccination and services for vulnerable populations according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services this April. The funding will be awarded by the Health Resources and Services Administration. These health centers will be able to use the funds to support and expand COVID-19 vaccination, testing, and treatment for vulnerable populations; deliver needed preventive and primary health care services to those at higher risk for COVID-19; and expand health centers’ operational capacity during the pandemic and beyond. This investment will help increase access to vaccinations among hard-hit populations, as well as confidence in the vaccine by empowering local, trusted health professionals in their efforts to expand vaccinations. The health center in our area that received funding was the South Central Missouri Community Health Center in Rolla and they received $1,990,000. The Health Resources and Services Administration funded health centers are community-based and patient-directed organizations that deliver affordable, accessible, quality, and cost-effective primary health care to medically underserved communities and vulnerable populations. Health centers serve 1 in 5 people living in rural communities, and more than 91% of health center patients are individuals or families living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Missouri turkey hunters can expect this spring season to be about as challenging as the past few spring seasons according to the Missouri Department of Conservation. The spring turkey hunting season starts with a youth-only weekend April 10th and 11th followed by the regular spring season April 19th through May 9th. According to Conservation Department, turkey production was generally poor statewide in 2019. Therefore, hunters can expect fewer two-year-old gobblers available for harvest during this year’s spring hunting season. Considering the prospects for the 2021 spring season, hunters who aim to harvest a gobbler that is two-years-old or older should be prepared to put in a bit more effort to be successful this year. Although the prospects for this year’s spring season aren’t encouraging, this isn’t the first-time poor turkey production has reduced turkey numbers in Missouri. After reaching a population peak in the early-to-mid 2000s, Missouri’s turkey population experienced four years of poor production from 2007–2010, causing the population to decline. Turkey numbers then rebounded following several years of improved production. Get detailed information on spring turkey hunting from Missouri Department of Conservation 2021 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet. It is available from MDC offices and nature centers, other places where permits are sold, and online at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting at the Dent County Courthouse Monday morning. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 2410, 5520 and 6090 while brush would be cut on Dent County Roads 5680 and 5690. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 3330 and 5260, while only grading would be done on county roads 3333, 3335 and 3337. Larson said brush would be cut on county road 2510. He went on to thank Todd Williams for helping out this past weekend when Larson said he received a call that someone had dumped concrete on Dent County Road 3120 near the intersection of Dent County Road 3130 toward the Blackwell Cemetery. Williams helped remove the concrete off the road and out of the way with his backhoe so that the road was passible without doing damage to vehicles. Commissioner Larson indicated that a crew was going to be out checking roads in the northern part of District 2 to see if there was any damage from the storm on Saturday night. He did say a man would be going to Springfield to get a load of oil for the Durapatcher to do some chip and seal repair this week, then do some maintenance work of truck #124. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said the commission has still not received any explanation from the Missouri Department of Revenue about them withholding the sales tax revenue for Dent County in five different funds. On February 22nd, Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams called them and found out Dent County was not going to be receiving sales tax money for over three months. Commissioner Skiles asked them to let him know what statute gave them that right to keep the sales tax. The statute they quoted did not address that situation and Skiles sent another request on February 26th. Since the commission has not received any correspondence from the Department of Revenue, Skiles recommended the county involve attorney Travis Elliott from Ellis, Ellis, Hammons and Johnson, P.C. in Springfield. Elliott serves as the counsel for the Missouri Association of Counties and the county commission voted, 3-0 for him to find out more information on why the county has not received an answer to their inquiry on sales tax funds. Skiles also said the county will have to amend this years’ budget this spring with the loss of sales tax revenues, but they also may have to wait on the impact the American Rescue Plan has on funds available for county governments. Skiles suggested to the commission that they interview two of the firms that responded to the county request about work needed at the courthouse. He suggested speaking with Corky Stack and Associates and Bill Anderson Engineering. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said absentee voting will continue until 5:00 on Monday, April 5th. She said sample ballots are available at her office and online at the Salemmo.com website at the bottom of the Dent County Election Authority tab page. At the last meeting, Dent County Collector Shannon Van Kirk reported on the annual collector’s settlement. This year, she collected 8.4 million dollars and it was properly distributed to the entities. Last year, the collector collected 8.2 million dollars. The collector’s office has started a new tax pre-payment program where taxpayers can make payments on their taxes for 11 months and in the month of December there would be no payment due. These payments would be made electronically from a taxpayer’s account and the withdrawal can be made on the 5th or 20th of the month. Taxpayers who are interested can stop by the Dent County Collector’s office or call VanKirk at 729-3911 to get more information. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Drivers are encouraged to be mindful of potential lane closures this week as efforts to repair the driving surface of Highway 19 in Shannon County will be underway. Crews with Missouri Department of Transportation are planning to repave Highway 19 from Route A to Route KK. Work is scheduled to begin today and will continue through this Thursday, April 1st. One lane will be closed at various locations between 6:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon while work takes place. Flaggers will be in place to guide motorists through the work zones. Drivers are advised to seek an alternate route around the work areas or expect minor delays. MoDOT says they appreciate the patience of travelers while this work takes place. The work is weather permitting and could be delayed. For more information about this project or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/central.

An accident occurred Friday morning in Phelps County at 11:32 on westbound I-44 four miles west of St. James. According to the Highway Patrol report a 2006 Dodge Dakota, driven by 25-year-old Leah Ornelas of St. James, traveled off the left side of the roadway, returned to the roadway and struck a westbound 2019 International Tractor driven by 57-year-old Allen Howard of Terra Haute, Indiana. The Dodge then traveled off the left side again and struck the median cables. Ornelas suffered minor injuries and was transported by EMS to Phelps Health in Rolla. The report stated that both Ornelas and Howard were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Dodge sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Dishman’s Towing. There was no damage to the International and it was driven from the scene.

An accident occurred Friday evening at 5:32 in Dent County on Route H about eight miles west of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Ford Ranger driven by 21-year-old Amanda Beck of Salem was travelling eastbound when the Ford Ranger ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. Beck suffered serious injuries and was transported to Salem Memorial District Hospital by Salem EMS. She was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Ranger was totaled and removed from the scene by American Automotive and Towing. The Highway Patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Department.

Beginning today, a contractor working for the Missouri Department of Transportation will begin work on box culvert extensions along Highway 68. Once that work is complete, crews will begin resurfacing and widening the shoulders of Highway 68 in both Dent and Phelps Counties and in Dent County on Route HH near Salem. They will also be resurfacing Route F in Dent County and Route K in Phelps County. This work will require daily lane closures at various locations. Signs will be in place to alert motorists of the lane closures and flaggers will be used to guide them through the work zones. Drivers are asked to slow down and obey all traffic signs. Later this summer, culvert replacement work will require the closure of Highway 68 at the intersection of Highway 8, near Saint James, for several days. Updates will be sent in advance of the closure. The project is expected to be completed by November 2021. This work is weather permitting and could be delayed. For more information about this project or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/central.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met Thursday, March 18th. Administrator Kendra Mobray updated the board on the current COVID status in Dent County. She said that as of March 18th, there were 962 confirmed cases and 177 probable cases have been investigated. She stated that 81 of those cases required hospitalization, but as of the time of the Board meeting, there were no active cases. She did say that 28 deaths have been confirmed from the COVID-19 virus. Mobray reported the Health Center has worked closely with the Salem Memorial District Hospital to host several vaccine events. A large mass vaccination clinic was held at the Dent County Commons on February 11th and 12th with booster doses for those vaccinated at the Commons given on March 11th and 12th. Mobray thanked the Maxwells for the use of the Dent County Commons and also thanked Riverways Federal Credit Union and Progressive Ozark Bank for providing food and refreshments to the staff. Other vaccine clinics have been held at the Dent County Fire Station for individuals that qualify in Phase 1A and Phase 1B, tiers 1 through 3. As of last Thursday, A total of 2990 first doses have been administered through the vaccine clinics with 2130 booster doses. According to the Missouri Department of Public Health and Social Services, 1953 Dent County residents have received 1 dose of vaccine and 952 have had a complete series of 2 shots through March 21st. Governor Parson announced that Missouri’s Vaccine Phase 2 will open TODAY, and Phase 3 will open April 9th. For more information on who is included in these new phases, go to covidvaccine.mo.gov/. The vaccine is also available at the Dent County Health Center, Moser Pharmacy, Vandivort Pharmacy, and Wal-Mart Pharmacy. To schedule an appointment at the Health Center, call 573-729-3106. Information will be released to the public through Facebook and local media outlets as additional vaccine opportunities arise. The old Dent County Health Center location on MacArthur has been listed with Elwood Real Estate since September 2020. After much discussion, the board approved dropping the price to $159,900. The board also rescinded the motion to increase their monthly payment at the new location at this time. They will revisit that at the April meeting. Mobray stated the season-to-date total of reported influenza cases remains at 1 in Dent County. She also said the WIC interviews are being mostly conducted over the phone. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, April 15th at the Health Center.

Prosecutor Andrew Curley released the results of a number of cases that were heard in Dent County Monday in front of Judge Michael Randazzo. The first case heard involved Herbert Barton of Bunker who had his probation revoked. He was sentenced to seven years in the Department of Corrections as requested by Prosecutor Curley. Barton had requested to stay on probation. The second case heard Monday was for Shane Murr of Salem. He pled guilty to the distribution of methamphetamine and in his sentencing hearing, the state asked for 10 years in the Department of Correction under Section 559.115. The defendant had served 120 days in jail at the time of sentencing. Murr was granted SIS probation for five years. Murr was ordered to complete the Dent County drug court due to his age and the lack of any prior felony criminal history. The next case heard in front of Judge Randazzo was a probation revocation hearing for Heather Stubblefield of Rolla. The state sought the execution of the sentence due to the defendant absconding from probation. Stubblefield requested to remain on probation, but Judge Randazzo ruled in the favor of the state and the defendant was sentenced to serve seven years in the Department of Corrections. In the next case, Judge Randazzo found Dannie Perkins of Salem guilty of the distribution of methamphetamine. Perkins was sentenced to serve 12 years in the Department of Corrections. The next case found Edward Durham of Salem pleading guilty to charges of burglarizing the property owned by Larry Gray after being held in jail pending his trial. He was sentenced to a period of ten years in the Department of Corrections as requested by Prosecutor Curley. In the last case of the day, Judge Randazzo sentenced Joshua Coffman of Salem to seven years in the Department of Corrections for two felony charges for the distribution of methamphetamine.

One teen was killed and two other Shannon County teens were injured in an accident Wednesday evening at 8:00. According to the report released by the highway patrol, a 2021 Polaris Ranger being operated by a 15-year old female on Shannon County Road 563 about eight miles east of Winona, started to skid and overturned ejecting the driver along with a 15 and 16-year old female passengers, all of Winona. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene by Shannon County Coroner, Sam Murphey at 9:00. Her body was transported to the Yarber Funeral Home in Winona. The other two teens suffered moderate injuries and were transported by Mercy ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Mountain View. The Polaris was removed from the scene by Sartin’s Towing. The report went on to state that none of the teens were wearing any safety devices.

Congratulations to three Salem art students who had their artwork accepted into the 2021 Young Artist Showcase at the St. Louis Artist Guild! There were only 121 pieces accepted out of over 500 from around the St. Louis and surrounding areas. It is an honor and privilege to be accepted into this prestigious art show. The students are Alyssa Russell for her White Charcoal titled “Lifted Up,” Kyra Oby for her Pencil Drawing titled, “What Am I?”, and Isabella Knaack and her Clay Sculpture titled “Sobek.”

Time is running out as USDA officials have indicated a March 31, 2021 application cutoff for producers that have an existing active CSP contract enrolled as a 2017 classic and/or the 2017 renewal contract. To be eligible for the renewal opportunity, the existing contract must expire in 2021. The CSP program helps agricultural producers maintain and improve their existing conservation systems and adopt additional conservation activities to address priority resource concerns. Participants earn CSP payments for conservation performance – the higher the performance, the higher the payment. Producers with an existing, active 2017 contract will receive a notification letter about the opportunity to apply for a renewal contract from NRCS. The letter will detail the CSP renewal application process. For more information about conservation planning and programs to help treat natural resource issues on your land, visit www.mo.nrcs.usda.gov or your USDA Service Center in Houston at 417-967-2028.

The Dent County Sheriff’s department has released several reports covering the period of March 12th through the 16th. On Friday the 12th, a deputy responded to a residence in the 2000 block of Dent County Road 3300 for a report of a burglary. Upon arrival, the deputy discovered that a 28-year-old man was the reported victim. This report is still under investigation. The next day, a deputy responded to a call to a residence in the 20000 block of East Highway 32 for a report of a burglary. Upon arrival, the deputy discovered that a 56-year-old woman was the reported victim. This report is also still under investigation. On Sunday the 14th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 5080. During the course of the stop, a 27-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On Monday, March 15th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 3000 block of Highway 19 North. During the stop, 58-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license either revoked or suspended. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Finally on Tuesday, March 16th, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 200 block of Route W for a report of a theft. Upon arrival, the deputy discovered that a 26-year-old man was the reported victim of a stolen mailbox. This report is still under investigation. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s office at (573) 729-3241 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The 2021 Art Across the Ages will end this Saturday at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center. The event is being held today, tomorrow and Saturday from 2:00 in the afternoon until 6:00 in the evening. The Art Across the Ages is an art exhibit where young, old, new and seasoned artists of every art style (painting, drawing, sculpture, clay, weaving, quilting, etc.) can come together and show off their art! For more information, please call ONCRC at (573) 729-0029. The ONCRC is located at 202 South Main Street.

A one vehicle accident happened Friday evening at 6:30 in Texas County on Concord Road 5 miles north of Licking. The report from the highway patrol states that a 1999 Toyota Corolla being driven west by 32-year-old Robert Melead of Salem failed to negotiate a curve, traveled off the right side of the road and overturned. A 6-year-old passenger in the car suffered minor injuries in the accident. Neither the driver nor passenger were wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Toyota was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing.

There will be a special meeting of the City of Salem Board of Alderman in the City Hall Council Chambers at 202 N. Washington at 7:00 tonight. After the call to order and roll call, the board will immediately go into closed session to discuss personnel, the attorney-client privilege, and contracts and litigation. The meeting was called by aldermen Kevin James and Greg Parker.

The Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, April 6th, and it will determine the composition of two different school boards, an east and west alderman for the City of Salem, and an alderwoman for the City of Bunker. Bunker citizens will also vote on a ballot issue that if the number of candidates for a particular office is equal to the number of positions in the office to be filled, that the municipal election be foregone. The Salem R-80 School District has two available seats on the board and the candidates include incumbent Chris Heavin, Ronald Quick, Phillip Mercer and Steven Patterson. The Green Forest R-2 School District has two positions open on their board and there are three candidates vying for those open slots. They are Ashlee Cunningham, Michael Jones and Dee Moser. The City of Salem has a race for each ward. For the East Ward aldermanic position, running are Shawn Thomas Bolerjack, Jerry (Jay) Gibbs, Jr and Kala Sisco. Competing for the West Ward aldermanic position are incumbent Kevin James and former alderman Kenneth Nash. The two people running for the two-year aldermanic seat for the City of Bunker are Betty Wisdom and Sabrina Watson. Absentee voting is going on right now and the courthouse will be open Saturday from 8:00 until noon for you to vote absentee if you need to. For more information, contact the Dent County Clerk’s office at 729-4144.

The Salem Park and Recreation Board met Monday night at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. After the roll call and approval of the last meeting minutes, Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois gave her report on the pool operations last year, work that needs to be done this year in the pump room, the pump for the zero-entry features as well as needed repairs to the Zipline. Dubois said opening day for the pool is planned for May 22nd. She said the pool pass rates would remain the same as last year, but there will not be a discounted early signup rate. A family season pass will be $160 for four people and each additional person would be $45. Individual passes are still $75 and pool parties remain at $150 for an hour, $200 for 1.5 hours and $250 for two full hours. She also stated that the pool pavilion can be rented for $75 and that the other city pavilions are also available to be rented. Dubois said the pool and concession stand has already been staffed and they have a waiting list of potential staff. She stated that Jared Patterson will be the pool manager this year. There will still be swimming lessons, water aerobics and lifeguard certification classes. Dubois reported there were 141 participants in the flag football and cheerleading program last fall. She said there were 53 people that signed up for cheerleading with 88 flag football participants. Dubois reported the winter basketball season also had cheerleading and attracted 179 athletes with eight teams for the 1st and 2nd graders, four teams for the 3rd and 4th graders and three teams for the 5th and 6th graders. She said there were three cheer teams from the 1st and 3rd grade, and one team for the 4th through 6th graders. This was the first time the event was held at the Salem Community Center@The Armory gym which created a bit of a challenge with social distancing. Dubois said the soccer program is now underway with practice and the games will begin next week. There are 162 participants with four age 6 and under teams, four age 8 and under teams, four age 10 and under teams and two age 14 and under teams. The Smart Soccer program was held this year with ten participants as that was all that was allowed due to COVID-19 distancing rules. This may be offered more than once per year. The summer ball registration is now underway through April 9th for $25 per child with late registration from April 10th through the 19th for $35 per child. The Park and Recreation Department would prefer you register your child online through Teamsnap which then stores all the information about your child so the next program you sign up for won’t take very long. This also helps when the coaches draft the children for teams. Dubois said the first volleyball tournament at the Community Center Gym was successful and they will be looking at more dates to do that. She said a two-week camp will be held at a date to be determined at a cost of $100 per week. There must be a minimum of 12 people to support the staff. The camp would be held from 7:30 AM until 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. She also mentioned she is looking into starting a tennis camp. At the Salem City Park, minor repairs have been made to Billy’s Playground and splash pad, and the tennis courts need some court repair. This will be discussed when the upcoming budget is discussed. The city park ball fields will be getting new yellow home run caps and the Al Brown field will be getting new pole to replace the one that blew down. A new lighting configuration will be evaluated by Musco lighting. The board approved recommending to the Salem Board of Alderman the purchase of a new John Deere 2020 compact utility tractor with the trade in of three old tractors from Heritage Tractor in the amount of $10,721.50. They also approved to recommend the purchase of a Polaris 2021 Ranger UTV from Stahlman Power Sports for $19,319 with the Salem Park and Recreation Department paying half and Capital Improvements paying the other half. Dubois then reported on the Salem Civic Theatre and said the seats have been installed as well as the ceiling tile and LED lighting. Still working on a mock-up design to get bids for the concession stand and ticket booth. She also reported on the “Light up the Park” event from last fall which was a huge success. Dubois said there will be meetings soon to discuss this year’s event. Dubois said the city is still waiting to hear back on the LWCF grant application for the soccer field although she said she received a call from the MRPC to get more detailed information a couple weeks ago. Park Board President Stan Podorski then submitted his resignation from the park board to be effective April 5th. He thanked the board for all the Park and Rec Department was able to get accomplished in the last 4 ½ years and said it wouldn’t have been possible without them. The meeting was then adjourned.

Missouri hunters, trappers, anglers, and others can get free copies of the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) updated booklets on spring turkey hunting, hunting and trapping, fishing, and the Wildlife Code of Missouri. The handy booklets have information on related permits, seasons, species, regulations, limits, conservation areas, sunrise and sunset tables, and more. MDC’s new booklets on 2021 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information, Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations, Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations, and the Wildlife Code of Missouri are available for free at MDC regional offices, MDC nature centers, and other places where permits are sold. Get booklet information online at mdc.mo.gov using the search box at the top of the homepage.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5380, 5520 and 5600 while materials will be added and grading done on county roads 2490 and 4080. He said materials would be added and brush cut on county road 5680. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson indicated materials would be added and grading would be done on Dent County Road 4340, while grading only will be done on county road 4020 and materials only would be added to county road 4330. Larson said brush would be cut on county roads 4410, 5320 and 5325. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he would be attending the Southwest Missouri County Commissioners Association meeting today. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the last day to mail out an absentee vote will be this Wednesday by 5:00, and the last day to vote absentee will be by 5:00 Monday, April 5th. She said her office would be open Saturday from 8:00 in the morning until noon for absentee voting. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams presented the CART taxes received by the county in March. The county received $53,437.66 which is $3,269.27 more than last March when the county received $50,168.39. Year-to-date, the CART fund is up $862.28 or less than 1%. Williams also brought in the semi-annual interest on the sales tax fund. She said the General Revenue Fund and LEST Fund each received $100.81, the Road and Bridge Fund received $47.76 and the two jail funds each received $95.52. Sheriff Bob Wells brought in a Dent County Second Amendment Preservation Act document which is a resolution by the county commission and sheriff’s office to abide by the 2nd Amendment for the right to keep and bear arms. The resolution states they “desire and declare their support for these principals relating to the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution of the United States in accordance with their oath of office.” All three commissioners signed the resolution as did Sheriff Bob Wells and Dent County Clerk Angie Curley. A signed copy will be hung at the courthouse as well as in the sheriff’s office. The commission will also send a copy to Representative Ron Copeland and Senator Justin Brown. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday at 9:00 at the courthouse and it is open to the public.

A one vehicle accident happened Friday evening at 6:30 in Texas County on Concord Road about 5 miles north of Licking. The report from the highway patrol states that a 1999 Toyota Corolla being driven west by 32-year-old Robert Melead of Salem, failed to negotiate a curve, traveled off the right side of the road and overturned. A 6-year-old passenger in the car suffered minor injuries in the accident. Neither the driver nor passenger were wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Toyota was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing.

A one vehicle accident happened late Sunday afternoon just before 5:00 in Phelps County on County Road 1190 east of Highway U. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2019 Factory 190 motorcycle being operated by 58-year-old John Rector of St. James was eastbound when he lost control and began to skid. The motorcycle traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned ejecting Rector. Rector suffered moderate injuries and was transported by Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla. According to the report Rector was not wearing a safety device at the time of the accident. The motorcycle had minor damage and was able to be driven from the scene.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education in closed session Thursday employed a number of probationary teachers from William Lynch Elementary, the Upper Elementary School, the Middle School and the Senior High School. They also employed Kaylie Jay as a speech language pathologist, Erin Wilson as a 3rd grade teacher, Janelle Wesson as a high school science teacher; Zachary Studdard as a high school science instructor, Tracy Strange as a school outreach coordinator and Branden Piatt as the administrative intern. The board also employed Tori Snitker as a high school assistant principal, moved Shelia Adamick to the 12-month administrative secretary position and added ten days to Assistant Principal Clay Moody’s contract. The board also employed coaches for the 2021-2022 school year. The coaches include Bryan Carty, Tony Edwards, Kyle Anderson and Dustin Bell as assistant football coaches, Bryson Barnes and Rich Beckett as Middle School football coaches, Darcy Reardon as an assistant softball coach, Elizabeth Hogan will be the winter and fall cheerleading coach, Courtney Smith will be the Middle School cheerleading coach, Kristen Barnes as the head volleyball and middle school volleyball coach, Bryan Carty as the head boys’ basketball coach, Andy Felkerson as the assistant boys’ basketball, Chris Kamprath as the 8th grade boys’ basketball coach, Jerry Adkins as the 9th grade boys’ basketball coach, and Calvin Malone as the 7th grade boys’ basketball. Other coaches employed were Jake Reardon as the head girls’ basketball coach, Nick Frillman as the assistant girls’ basketball coach, Derek Freeman as the head track coach, Travis Sampson, Darcy Reardon and Brian McNamee as assistant track coaches, along with Tony Edwards and Jake Reardon as assistant baseball coaches. Other coaches employed were Will Hubbs as head tennis coach, Travis Sampson as the head cross country coach, Kyle Anderson as the head golf coach, Kristi Steelman as an assistant volleyball coach, and Phillip Karr as the head softball and baseball coach. Karr was also employed as athletic director and Clay Moody was named assistant athletic director. The closed session was then adjourned.

A two-vehicle accident happened Wednesday afternoon, March 10th, just before 2:30 at the intersection of Highway 72 and Route H. According to the report released by the Salem Police Department, a 2010 Jeep Liberty owned and operated by Linda Plank of Salem, failed to stop at the stop sign on Route H. At that time, a 2007 Nissan Altima being driven by Kayleigh Wahl of Marshfield and owned by Travis Richardson also of Marshfield, was driving west on Highway 72. Wahl started braking 67 feet before colliding with the passenger side of the Jeep. After the collision, the Jeep flipped over on its top coming to rest on Franklin Street. Plank was suspected of having suffered serious physical injuries with Wahl having probable minor injuries. Both drivers were transported by EMS to the hospital. Both vehicles had extensive damage and were removed from the scene by American Muffler & Tire.

This year’s 100-Acre in the Wood Rally will start off Friday and continue Saturday in Crawford and Dent County only. A total of 91 entries will compete this year in one of the most popular venues on the road rally tour. However, the American Rally Association that sanctions the event, regrets to inform the public that out of an abundance of caution and respect for the communities in which they race during this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s 100-Acre in the Wood Rally is a NON-spectating event. For the safety of the competitors and event officials there will be no outside access to the event, including service areas. They appreciate all of those who continue to support their safety precautions, as they help ensure future events. It is unfortunate that spectators cannot attend as back on the tour will be local favorite Ken Block who will be attempting to win the event for an unprecedented 8th time. Block has competed in the 100-Acre in the Wood Rally nine times with seven wins. His other two attempts ended when the vehicle he was driving sustained a mechanical failure and he did not finish the race. The beginning and end of the Rally will be from The Commons. This year’s Rally in the 100 Acre Wood is presented by Cooper Tires. As presenting sponsors Coopers wants to take care of our race teams. Cooper will have a full team at the event with tires and equipment for mounting and balancing.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a number of reports. On Thursday, March 4th, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 12000 block of Route K for a report of a burglary. Upon arrival, the deputy discovered that a 69-year-old man was the reported victim. This report is still under investigation. The next day, a deputy traveled to the Dent County Courthouse for the report of a 31-year-old man that was at the Dent County Courthouse who had an active arrest warrant through the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. The man was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated. On Saturday, March 6th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 100 block of North Rhodes Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 30-year-old Salem woman was arrested for having an active arrest warrant through Dent County. The woman was also arrested for resisting or interfering with an arrest for a felony, and two counts for the possession of a controlled substance. She was transported to the Dent County Jail where she was incarcerated. On Tuesday, March 9th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the Salem Memorial District Hospital parking lot. During the course of the traffic stop, a 40-year-old man was arrested for the possession of a controlled substance as well as for possession of methamphetamine paraphernalia. He was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was charged with the possession of a controlled substance at a county jail and later incarcerated. Also arrested during the traffic stop was the driver of the vehicle, a 37-year-old Boss woman, for driving while having her license suspended. She was transported to the Dent County Jail where she was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. If anyone has any information regarding an ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241

The MU Extension empowers community leaders through their “Becoming an Engaged Neighbor” program. Through this program, people will see that making a community stronger is more than just financial gains within the community. The program shows that social capital has more value than money and impacts communities more than new roads or a new business. This program will help you teach how to improve your community by improving one neighborhood at a time. The first six-week program begins Saturday and will last through April 24th and the cost is $50. The second program begins May 20th and will last until June 24th and it also costs $50. To register for either program, visit www.extension.missouri.edu. You can also contact the Dent County Extension Office at 729-3196 to get more
information.