Local News

Everyone from KSMO Radio and Your World Today wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas. Because of the holidays, there will not be a Your World Today published on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Our next edition will be Thursday. Thank you from our family to yours!

Christmas Eve will be last day the Dent County Service Unit of the Salvation Army will have their bell ringers at Wal-Mart. The local unit has set a fundraising goal of $35,000 to help those with needs in the 2020 year. We thank all those who have already contributed and remind those who have not yet given, the money you contribute may be helping your neighbor or friends as the money stays right here in Dent County. New this year, in an effort to expand its reach to people who don’t carry cash, donors are able to use their Apple Pay or Google Pay. Users can tap their smartphones on a sticker and make a donation. People with older phones can scan the QR code for the same process. Red kettle bell ringers will continue to accept cash as well. Your local Salvation Army Service Unit of Dent County, doing the most good.

KSMO Radio, Fairground Auto Plaza in Rolla, Southtown Furniture, Your Community Health Center in Rolla and Echo Bluff State Park in Shannon County all participated in the KSMO Radio Big Family Christmas Giveaway which ended Friday night. This years winners include Harlow Canaday whose name was draw at the Salem Community Center@The Armory which was the signup location for Your Community Heath Center; Megan Caesar was the name that was selected at Echo Bluff State Park; Judy Harris was the name that was drawn at Southtown Furniture, and winning the Big Family Giveaway at Fairground Auto Plaza was Chris and Jessie Crocker. Also for the first time, KSMO Radio and Aaron’s in Salem teamed up to provide the Big Kid Christmas Giveaway and Logan Hall was the winner of that giveaway. Congratulations to all the winners and a big “thank you” to everyone who registered for the chance to win. KSMO and Your World Today also want to thank the sponsors this year for making it all possible for this promotion to be held.

An accident happened on Saturday afternoon in Crawford County on westbound Interstate 44 at the 210 mile marker that left a Rolla woman with serious injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 2017 Dodge Ram towing a motor home driven westbound by 64-year old Glenda Goodin of Rolla, began braking and the Ram and the motor home both traveled off the north side of the roadway where the Dodge Ram became separated from the motor home and began to overturn. As the Ram was overturning, the motor home ran over the Ram. A passenger in the Dodge, 50-year old Carrie Noonan of Rolla, suffered serious injuries and was flown to Mercy Creve Coeur Hospital by the Arch Air Ambulance. Goodin suffered minor injuries and was transported to Phelps Health by the North Crawford County Ambulance District. Both ladies were wearing their seat restraints. The high way patrol was assisted by the Cuba Fire Department.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley released the results from action taken in court in Dent County on December 18th in front of Judge Kelly Parker. Curley stated that Michael Rickey of Salem was in court on two probation cases: one for stealing and the other for the financial exploitation of the elderly. Rickey had previously completed a 120 day program under Revised State Statutes of Missouri Section 559.115. Rickey sought continued probation, but was denied and was sentenced to 10 years in the Department of Corrections as requested by the state. In the case against Rachel Casey of Salem, she pled guilty to the distribution and possession of a controlled substance. Casey sought incarceration of five years under the state program described in RSMO 559.115, but was sentenced to five years in the Department of Corrections under the long-term care drug treatment program under state statute 217.362. Also heard in Dent County was the probation hearing of Gregory Brooks of Salem. Prosecutor Curley asked for the execution of a 10-year sentence while Brooks requested drug court. Judge Parker sentenced Brooks to serve 10 years in the Department of Corrections under state statute 217.362.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol asks motorists to make safety a priority this Christmas season. The 2019 Christmas holiday counting period begins at 6:00 Christmas Eve night and will end Christmas night at 11:59. If faced with a traffic emergency, become involved in a traffic crash, witness a crash or crime, or observe a stranded motorist in need of assistance motorists can contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, both District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell and District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated that crews would be out sanding and salting county roads, especially on curves and hills and other slick spots that are shaded most of the time. Purcell also said that brush would be cut on Dent County Road 6420. Purcell went on to report that he attended the South Central Missouri Community Action Agency meeting in Winona Tuesday where funds are still available for many of their programs. Purcell says funds are still available for home repairs, weatherization, and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, better known as LIHEAP. All applicants must meet particular income guidelines for each of the programs available. Renters must have owner approval and owner participation to receive services. For more information about any of the programs listed, call 729-3500 if you live in Dent County, call 573-663-2855 if you reside in Reynolds County, and for Shannon County residents, call 573-325-8271. You can also check out the website: https://scmcaa.org. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wants to remind those who are interested in the Dent County Assessor’s position after Assessor Tina Whitaker retires on December 31st, need to let the Dent County Commission know of your interest. Stop by the regular meetings on Monday or Thursday from 9:00 until 12:00 noon before the end of the year. Three people have already indicated to the commission of their interest in the position. The commissioners will appoint a person to take over the Assessor’s position to start on January 2nd. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she would be working on the county budget for 2020. The commissioners also approved by a 3-0 vote to renew the county’s liability insurance and auto insurances through MOPERM for the 2020 year. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released their report for the month of November. They issued four equipment repair orders, 13 summonses to appear in court, six warning tickets, and nine traffic tickets, plus they also served three fugitive warrants. The Salem Police investigated ten traffic accidents, wrote three property damage reports, seven stealing reports, and one trespassing report. The department investigated three reports of driving while having a license revoked or suspended, one driving while being intoxicated, four possession of a controlled substance reports, and five domestic violence reports. The department was also dispatched for 55 animal calls, 30 ambulance assist calls, 30 well being checks, 10 requests for information, and performed 62 traffic stops for the month. The Salem Police Department received 1155 calls during the month of November and had 113 walk-ins to the station. The department drove 7,181 miles during the month and spent 15 hours in court testifying and eight hours as court bailiff. There were 15 males and seven females arrested in November.

An accident happened at 6:30 Wednesday evening in Dent County on Highway 32 about 14 miles east of Salem. The report from the highway patrol states that a 1997 GMC Jimmy being driven by 19-year old Austin Roark of Salem, was eastbound when the GMC traveled off the right side of the road and struck a tree. Roark was transported by a private vehicle to the Salem Memorial District Hospital for the treatment of moderate injuries. According to the report, Roark was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The GMC was totaled in the accident and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

The City of Salem has been trying to clean off the roads and are running into vehicles parked on the side streets. If possible, please remove your vehicles from the roadway so that the roads can be treated and cleaned properly that will make travel safer for everyone. Also, there are certain streets within the city limits of Salem that have been designated as emergency “Snow Routes.” These streets shall have priority over other streets for the clearing of snow, ice or other debris: Third Street to the west from Highway 19 to Dilworth Lane, and Third Street to the east from Pershing Avenue to Iron Mountain Road; Fourth Street from Pershing Avenue to McArthur Avenue; Sixth Street (Rolla Road) from McArthur Avenue to Pershing Avenue; Jackson Street to the north from Sixth Street (Rolla Road) to the dead end; Tenth Street from Highway 19 to Walnut Hill Drive; Pershing Avenue from Tenth Street to Highway 32/72 East; Center Street from Highway 19 to Craig Industrial Drive; Carty Street from Highway 32/72 East to Center Street; Craig Industrial Drive from Highway 32/72 to Iron Mountain Road; Babb Lane from Highway 32/72 West to Roosevelt Street; Doss Road south from Highway 32/72 East to the city limits; Roosevelt Street to the east from Highway 19 to Babb Lane and west from Highway 19 to Wines Street; Wines Street from Roosevelt Street to Highway 32/72 West; Missouri Avenue from Highway 32/72 West to Third Street; Park Street from Highway 32/72 West to Sixth Street (Rolla Road); Franklin Street to the west from McArthur Avenue to Highway 72 and to the east from Highway 19 to Pershing Avenue; Dilworth Lane from Route J to Highway 32 West; and Center Street to the west from Missouri Avenue to Dilworth Lane. Remember to remove your vehicle from these routes when an accumulation of ice and snow is expected so that the route can be cleared. Your car or truck could be towed at your expense, or you could be sited for a parking violation.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released the following reports for Wednesday, December 11th. First, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in 1700 block of Highway 32 West. During the course of the traffic stop, a 19-year-old Salem man was arrested for possession of marijuana and/or synthetic cannabinoid of 10 grams or less. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was finger-printed, issued a summons and then released. That same day, deputies traveled to the 1200 block of East Third Street to assist the Missouri Department of Social Services – Children’s Division with an investigation. Upon arrival at a residence, deputies arrested a 25-year-old Salem man, a 28-year-old Salem man, and a 23-year old Salem woman for the possession of a controlled substance. Also arrested during the incident was a 43-year-old Salem man for the possession of a controlled substance and keeping or maintaining a public nuisance. A 55-year-old Salem man was arrested for warrants through Dent County for failure to register as a sex offender and a also a Probation and Parole warrant. All of the subjects were transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241 if you have any information relative to these incidents.

Santa’s Workshop will be held Friday at the Salem Community Center@The Armory from 4:30 to 6:30 where children can come and have pictures with Santa Claus, do crafts, enjoy hot chocolate and more. The event is FREE and open to everyone.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released the following incident reports. On Monday, December 2nd, deputies responded to the 5000 block of Route H for a report of a burglary. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a 30-year-old man was the reported victim of the burglary. The investigation is ongoing. On Wednesday, December 4th, deputies traveled to a residence in the 1400 block of South Washington Street in an attempt to serve an arrest warrant through Dent County. During the course of the incident, a 57-year-old Salem man was arrested and transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail where he was incarcerated. That same day a deputy conducted a traffic stop near the Highway 19 and Highway 32 intersection. During the course of the traffic stop, a 25-year-old Rolla woman was arrested for having an active warrant through Boone County. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where she later posted bond. The next day, Thursday December 5th, deputies responded to the 3000 block of Route W for the report of a burglary. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a Salem woman was the reported victim of the burglary. The investigation is ongoing. Finally on Sunday, December 8th, deputies traveled to Forest Service Road 2748 to assist the Conservation and Forest Service with a possible burglary. Deputies arrived and during the course of the investigation they discovered that a 64-year-old man and a 60-year-old woman were the reported victims of the burglary. Suspect information was obtained from the couple and the investigation is ongoing. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 573-729-3241 if you have any information about any of the ongoing investigations.

Salem Chamber of Commerce has announced the Christmas Parade winners. First place commercial exhibit went to The Bank of Salem while the first place non- commercial was won by Salem Church of Christ. Grace Manes took 1st place horsemanship honors. Thank you to everyone who participated for the many wonderful entries. The Chamber has received positive comments all week on the success of the parade. Well done Salem!

The Dent County Service Unit of the Salvation Army wants to thank the citizens of Dent County for adopting all the “angels” from the “Angel Tree” at Wal-Mart this year. These unselfish gestures are what make Dent County so special when it comes to caring for our neighbors.

The Salem Police Department has released the following reports. On Wednesday morning, December 4th, at approximately 8:15, the School Resource Officer was advised that a 15- year-old juvenile female of Salem was in possession of a vape device at school. The investigation of the report led to the detention of the juvenile suspect for possessing a vape device. The juvenile was released to a parent.The report will be forwarded to the Juvenile Office. The next day, Thursday December 5th, at approximately 1:45, the School Resource Officer was advised a student was in possession of a vape device at school. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 17-year-old male of Salem for possession of a vape device under the age of 18. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Finally on Sunday afternoon, December 8th, at approximately 2:14 an officer located a 30 year-old male of Salem near Washington and Franklin who had an active arrest warrant from Missouri State Probation and Parole. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending extradition. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

The Salem Public Library offer “Books on the Run.” This is a delivery and pickup service for homebound residents of Salem as well as local
nursing homes and care facilities. This free program has been a successful partnership between Salem Public Library and Enrichment Services of Dent County for over 20 years! “Books on the Run” conveniently picks up previously checked out materials and delivers new materials on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Materials available from the library in the program include books, CD audiobooks, DVDs and Blu-Rays. Please contact the library for application information at 729-4331 or stop by at 403 N. Jackson Street.

An accident happened Sunday night in Phelps County at 7:15 on Route F at the Dry Ford Creek Bridge about 5.4 miles south of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 Ford F-150 pickup driven eastbound by 60-year old Colleen Marxkors of Rolla, lost traction with the road and the pickup went off the roadway and into a ditch. Marxkors suffered serious injuries and was taken by a private vehicle to Phelps Health in Rolla. She was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford sustained extensive damage in the accident and was removed from the scene by Tunes Wrecker.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting. In the road report, both District 1 and District 2 Commissioners Dennis Purcell and Gary Larson stated their crews were out treating chip and seal roads, and concentrating on hills and curves on all county roads to make them passable. Purcell stated that a crew had to install new road signs on Dent County Road 6225 and Larson said another crew would be working at the shop changing a spreader box from one pickup to a different truck. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported on the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting that he attended last Thursday at the MRPC office. Skiles said the standing priority concern is to make Highways 63 and 50 four lanes through the Ozark Region. The members then heard about the 30 other transportation priority needs from the other counties before voting on the priorities they felt were the most important that need to be addressed. The Gladden Creek (or Standing Rock) Bridge came in as the 3rd most important concern from the committee. This does not mean that the bridge will be replaced immediately, but if MoDOT should find extra funds it could be moved up on the list. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported she would be working on the 2020 county budget. The next meeting will be Thursday at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

After 42 years of federal service, 36 with the National Park Service (NPS), Ozark National Scenic Riverways Superintendent Larry Johnson is retiring on January 3, 2020. Larry has been the superintendent at the park since 2015. Johnson is extremely proud of his time at Ozark, during which he led the park through an extensive recovery effort following the devastating flood of April 2017. He guided the initial emergency response as well as the longer-term planning efforts for rebuilding.Johnson and his wife of 38 years, Jan, will stay in the Van Buren area for a time before ultimately settling down in Iowa to be close to their family. Meanwhile, Larry looks forward to more exploration of the area, spending more time researching family history and hiking and biking area trails. A retirement luncheon will be held at noon on Friday, December 20th, at park headquarters in Van Buren. Guests are welcome and can R.S.V.P. by calling (573) 323-4852.

The Missouri Conservation Commission approved recommendations by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) at the Commission’s December 13th meeting for upcoming deer-hunting and fall turkey season dates. The 2020 and 2021 Archery Deer Hunting Dates will be September 15th through November 13th and November 25th through January 15th, 2021. Fall Firearms Turkey Season will be October 1st through 31st. Firearms Deer Hunting Dates are October 31st through November 1st for the Firearms Deer Early Youth Portion. The Firearms Deer November Portion will be November 14th through the 24th. Firearms Deer Late Youth Portion will be November 27th through the 29th. Firearms Deer Antlerless Portion will be conducted December 4th through the 6th. Finally, the Firearms Deer Alternative Methods Portion will be December 26th through January 5th, 2021. Details on hunting regulations, harvest limits, allowed methods, required permits, and other related information will be available in MDC’s “2020 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information” booklets. Both will be available where permits are sold prior to the related seasons. Buy Missouri hunting 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. Learn more about deer and turkey hunting in Missouri at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov.

The Salvation Army’s “Angel Tree” at Wal-Mart still has a number of “angels” remaining as of Sunday evening and the last day to adopt an “angel” will be Tuesday. It is the goal of the Dent County Salvation Army Service Unit to try to make sure that every Dent County child’s Christmas morning is bright and you can help by adopting an angel. It is easy to help out. Just follow these steps: Select a tag representing a specific child from the “Angel Tree” at Wal-Mart. Then shop for gifts based on the parent’s suggestions. You do not have to purchase everything on the list, just use it as a guideline. Once you are finished shopping, bring the unwrapped gifts to the Wal-Mart Service Desk along with the “angel tag” by tomorrow. Your gifts will be distributed to your adopted “angel” on Thursday, December 19th. For questions about the “Angel Tree,” please contact the Dent County Service Unit of the Salvation Army at 729-8163.

A fatality accident occurred late Saturday morning at around 11:15 in Phelps County on Grant Road approximately six tenths of a mile
south of the Doolittle city limits. The report from the highway patrol states that three female juveniles were traveling north on a 2009 Kubota RTV 1140 CPX and the accident happened as the vehicle was making a left turn and started to skid, overturned and ejected all three of the occupants, landing on top of the 14-year old victim who was transported by Phelps Health EMS to Phelps Health and was pronounced dead at 12:10 by Dr. Clay in the Phelps Health emergency room. The other two 13 year old juveniles were not injured in the accident. According to the report, none of the juveniles were wearing safety devices. There was no damage to the Kubota.

An accident occurred Saturday evening at 5:05 in Dent County on Highway 19 about seven miles north of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2017 Jeep Renegade driven by 59-year old Martha Tibbs of Salem was traveling southbound and struck a deer. Tibbs suffered minor injuries and was transported to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by ambulance. She was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Jeep sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

An accident happened in Maries County Friday afternoon at 4:15 on Highway 63 in Vichy involving 2 Rolla residents. According to the report released from the highway patrol, a 2004 Ford Ranger driven by 20-year old Mark Kidd of Rolla was southbound when he was struck from behind by a 2005 Ford Freestyle being driven by 27-year old Randa Fogelman of Rolla. Kidd was transported by the Ozark Central EMS to Phelps Health in Rolla for treatment of minor injuries. Both drivers were wearing safety restraints according to the report. The Ranger sustained extensive damage and was driven from the scene. The Freestyle was totaled and removed from the scene by C&C Towing.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at 7:00 in the Council Chambers of City Hall. After the consent agenda is approved, the board will hear from City Administrator Ray Walden who will provide the board an update on current city projects and update them on office holiday closures as well as a discussion on the December utility bills. After Walden has completed his report, the board will discuss a trailer court license application submitted for approval. Chief Keith Steelman will discuss the destruction of 2013 police records with the board. The Board will also hear Resolution #27-2019 that authorizes the filing of an application with the Missouri Department of Natural bResources State Revolving Loan Fund program for the construction of the new sewer to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. The board will then go into closed session to discuss real estate, contracts and personnel. The meeting of the Salem Board of Aldermen is open to the public.

The Missouri Conservation Commission approved recommendations by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) at the Commission’s December 13th meeting for upcoming turkey-hunting season dates. The 2020 Spring and Fall Turkey Hunting dates are as follows. Spring Youth Portion will be April 4th and 5th and Regular Spring Turkey Season will be April 20th through May 10th, while Fall Firearms Turkey Season will be October 1st through 31st. Details on hunting regulations, harvest limits, allowed methods, required permits, and other related information will be available in MDC’s “2020 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information.” Buy Missouri hunting 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. Learn more about turkey hunting in Missouri at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell was not in attendance due to a prior commitment. Road Supervisor Rodney Atkinson gave the road report and stated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 2440, 5015 and 5080 while only grading would be done to roads 5085, 5520 and 5530. He also stated that brush would be cut on county road 6410. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson indicated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 2550 and 3200 while only grading would be done on county road 3190. Larson went to say brush would be cut on county roads 2200 and 5330. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles attended the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting Thursday that prioritized the transportation needs in the MRPC region. Skiles also attended the regular MRPC Board meeting that evening. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that she balanced with the Dent County Treasurer on all accounts. Curley said her office received a $2,627.65 Election Efficiency Grant from the state for equipment maintenance, poll pads and other items. She also said she was working on the county 2020 budget. Dent County Collector Shannon Vankirk said the Collector’s office in the courthouse would have extended hours on December 26th, 27th, 30th and 31st from 8:00 in the morning until 5:30 each evening. Vankirk wanted to remind those paying their taxes that they can do so in person at the Dent County Collector’s Office, drop them off in the drop box at the southwestern corner of the courthouse lawn, by mailing them as long as they are postmarked by December 31st, or pay them online through the use of a credit or debit device. Be aware there is an additional charge to use a credit or debit device. If anyone has a question about the payment of their taxes, contact the Dent County Collectors office at 729-3911. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

As the Christmas Holiday rapidly approaches, so do the cutoff dates established by the US Postal Service about the mailing dates for expected delivery before December 25th. Domestic mailing deadlines for First-Class Packages is December 20th, Priority Mail December 21st and Priority Mail Express is December 23rd. If you have packages going to service men and women outside the United States your package mailing deadlines are this Saturday for Priority Mail Express International and December 19th for Global Express Guaranteed. For costs and more information about the dates and deadlines, contact the Salem Post Office at 729-3442.

The Salem FFA Chapter has beautiful red and white poinsettias for sale from their greenhouse. The cost of each poinsettia is $8.00. For more information, call the Salem FFA Department at 739-2016 or call the Salem High School Office at 729-6641 and leave a message.

Dillard Mill State Historic Site invites visitors to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus from noon to 2:00, Saturday, December 14th. Santa Claus is gearing up for his Christmas deliveries and has once again contacted Dillard Mill to grind special oats for his reindeer. This free event will be at the mill where Santa and Mrs. Claus will hand out ornaments and candy to children. Bring your camera and dress for the weather. Hot cocoa and cookies will be served. Dillard Mill State Historic Site is one of Missouri’s best-preserved water-powered gristmills. This mill, which has been restored to operational order, was built around 1900 and continued to grind grain until the 1960s. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the park office building. Dillard Mill State Historic Site State Park is located at 1142 Dillard Mill Road in Davisville. For more information about the event, call the historic site at 573-244-3120. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit the web at mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

A Winter ’19 Art Party Sponsored by the Salem Area Arts Council will be Friday night, December 20th, from 6:30-9:00 in the Creative Arts Center (Formerly the Teachers’ Closet) Bring yourself, your bestie, or a hot date to the Creative Arts Center in Salem and paint a matching (or complementary) picture. You can paint a fun scene and put your own special creative spin to it, then take it home. The cost is $25 per single or $40 per couple, and all supplies are included–acrylic paints, aprons, brushes, canvas, and easels. Led by artist Danielle Norris, this event for adults does NOT require any talent or previous experience, just a happy spirit and willingness to try. Reservations are required and can be made by calling or texting (573) 247-0279 and arranging to pay your fee to reserve your spot.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley has released reports from a couple of court appearances last week. On Thursday, December 5th in front of Judge Nathan Kelsaw in Dent County, Daniel Rictor of Salem pled guilty to first degree harassment for threatening his sister and spitting in her face. Previously he had been convicted of felony stealing and the unlawful use of a weapon. Kelsaw sentenced Rictor to three years in the Department of Corrections as requested by the state. On Friday, December 6th in front of Judge Megan Seay, Curley reports that Stephen Mock of Salem pled guilty to charges of felony driving while having his license revoked, the unlawful possession of a firearm and the possession of methamphetamine. Judge Seay sentenced him to five years in the Department of Corrections. That same day, William Hatcher of Salem pled guilty to the possession of methamphetamine. Judge Seay sentenced him to seven years in the Department of Corrections with a long-term drug treatment plan under the Revised Missouri State Statute 217.362. Also on Friday, Macaulay Boschen of Salem pled guilty to attempting to escape from confinement. He was sentenced to seven years in the Department of Corrections under the Revised Missouri State Statute 559.115. Another case heard by Judge Seay Friday was a guilty plea by Andrew Steelman of Salem. He pled guilty to the possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and he was also in possession of alproazolam. Judge Seay sentenced him to 14 years in the Department of Corrections under the Revised Missouri State Statute 217.362. The last case heard Friday was for Austin Carter of Salem who pled guilty to the possession of a controlled substance which was methamphetamine. He had two prior felony convictions of possession of a controlled substance and was sentenced to seven years in the Department of Corrections.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports for early December. Early on the morning of Friday, December 1st, shortly before 2:00, an officer drove up on an accident scene at Roosevelt and Wines. The investigation of the accident led to the arrest of a 23-year-old male of Salem for driving while being intoxicated. The suspect was treated at the Salem Memorial District Hospital and released on summonses to appear in court for driving while being intoxicated. Later that night around 11:16, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation which led to the arrest of a 44-year-old male of Columbia, Missouri for driving while being intoxicated and the possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and released. On Tuesday afternoon, December 3rd, near 6:00, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 800 block of East Fourth Street in reference to a disturbance. That investigation revealed a 30- year-old male of Salem had assaulted a 36- year-old female also of Salem with his hands and a by hitting her with a landscaping brick. That investigation led to the arrest of the suspect for assault. The suspect was incarcerated pending the application for a warrant. Later that same evening at approximately 7:47, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of South Warfel Street in reference to a theft. An investigation revealed a female suspect took $660.00 cash from the residence. That report is under investigation. If you have information regarding any investigations, please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.

Elephant Rocks State Park hosts Mother Nature’s Christmas lights viewing from 5:00 this Friday evening, December 13th, to sunrise, on Saturday, December 14th. To mark this year’s most spectacular meteor shower, the Geminids Meteor shower, Elephant Rocks State Park will be open to the public for a rare after-dark event. Park staff will be available to direct you to the best and safest areas to view the shower. If you like star gazing, light shows and are able to brave the cold, come out and create a lifetime memory at Elephant Rocks State Park. It is December, so dress for very cold winter conditions. It is often colder on the rocks than the average local temperature, so you can become chilled sitting for long periods in the park even on a mild night. You are welcome to bring portable chairs and blankets to keep warm. Please remember to bring in only what you will be able to carry out when you leave. Trash receptacles are provided at the park’s parking lot. Please be respectful of other visitors’ experience and avoid excessive use of artificial lights and excessive noise during the event. This shower can be viewed with the naked eye, and telescopes or binoculars are welcome but not needed. No tents, propane heaters, lanterns or campfires will be allowed. Elephant Rocks State Park is located at 7406 Highway 21 in Belleview. For more information about the event, call the site at 573-546-3454. 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.

City Administrator Ray Walden has announced that utility billing is running a couple of weeks later than normal due to an unexpected one-time need for manual data entry as part of the swap out of electric and water meters for all customers. Customers will have until January 20, 2020 to pay their December utility bill without penalty. In addition, the mailing of the next bill will be delayed until the week of February 3rd. City officials apologize for the delay and appreciate the customers who contacted the Utility Office after not receiving their bills. City of Salem Utilities regrets any inconvenience to our customers. Once the installation of the new meters is completed utility billing will return to even monthly cycles. The following dates will be effective for the December City of Salem utility bills ONLY: a 1% discount for utility bills paid by December 31st, 2019; a 10% penalty if the bills are not paid by January 20th, 2020; bills automatically paid from a customer bank account will be withdrawn on December 23rd, 2019; and the mailing of the next utility bill will be delayed until the week of February 3rd. The City of Salem apologizes for any inconvenience to their customers.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors met Tuesday afternoon at the hospital library. At the meeting, the board accepted the resignation of Sue Terry from District 4 and interviewed candidate Willie Strader to fill the position until the municipal election in April. After the interview was completed, the board voted unanimously to appoint Strader to the board and he was then sworn in by Hospital Attorney Mark Weaver. Once the election filing window opens, Strader will have to sign up for the municipal election if he wishes to be elected to the board to finish out the unexpired term. Home Health Director Ashley Sullins also updated the board on her department at the meeting. For the month of November, CFO Monica Stogsdil reported inpatient admissions stayed strong as 131 patients were admitted with 449 inpatient census days. The acute care average amount of patients per day in November was 14. Outpatient registrations came in at 1,513 while there were 1,883 cardiopulmonary procedures, 7,628 laboratory tests, 1,271 radiological procedures, 739 emergency department visits, 734 rehab treatments and 276 Home Health visits. A total of 255 ambulance runs were made in the November with 184 patents transported with 71 dry runs. For the month, the hospital had a loss from operations of $25,664 with an excess of expenses over revenues of $24,155 after tax receipts. The expenses in November were driven by other contractual services that included those for nursing and also for billing and medical records. Even though there was loss from operations, there was cash increase during the month of $5,750 leaving the days cash on hand at 46. Days in net receivable continues to rise during this time of transition and now stands at 82 days with over 14 million dollars of total receivables. CNO Debbie Hines said there have been four reported cases of flu in Dent County since December 1st. Hospital CEO Kasey Lucas said the hospital auxiliary had the Christmas lunch at J.B. Malone’s with their next meeting to be held January 7th at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. COO Jason Edwards reported on the hospital foundation and they have 13 couples for this year’s “Dancing with the Salem Stars” to be held January 25th at the Salem High School Gym. They have sponsor tables available for $300 each and individual tickets for $20 each. Contact Edwards at the hospital for more information. Edwards also talked about the $80,604 Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program Grant the hospital received to reach low income students in rural South-Central Missouri schools. The money would be used for telemedicine carts to be used at schools in the area including Bunker, Winona, Eminence, and also some Dent County Schools. Lucas said construction work on three areas in the Long-Term Care unit are nearly finished, while the window replacement will be done in the spring. He said the hospital is still working with Todd Van Deventer of Piper Jaffray on revised Request for Proposal letters and a meeting is to be set up next week with local banks. Lucas said the election filing will begin at 8:00 Tuesday morning, December 17th for a six-year term for District #1 currently held by Judy Thompson, and the unexpired three year term for District #4 currently held by appointee Willie Strader. The election filing will end at 4:00 on Tuesday, January 21st. The board was presented a list of the board meeting dates scheduled for 2020 for each board member to review to make sure that a quorum would be present at each meeting. They were to bring back any meeting dates that they would not be able to attend. The meeting then went into closed session.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 10,543 deer during the antlerless portion of the fall firearms deer season which ran December 6th, 7th, and 8th. Top harvest counties were Callaway with 396 deer harvested, Pike with 303, and Osage with 301. Dent County came in with 88 deer checked. Last year’s antlerless harvest total was 6,645. Archery season continues through Jan. 15, 2020. The alternative methods portion will run Dec. 28 through Jan. 7, 2020.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday for their regular meeting. At the meeting, Executive Director of Healthy Dent County Sherry Lea brought in the annual contract for Healthy Dent County to provide rural addressing services for the county for $12,000. They have provided this service for 11tyears and have had over 7,100 contacts concerning addresses in that time. The commission approved the contract for 2020 with a 3-0 vote. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams reported sales tax revenues for the Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund and the General Revenue Fund received in December were $96,664.91 for each fund which is up from December 2018 where $71,057.07 was collected. That is a difference of $25,607.84 more money collected which brought the amounts year-to-date in each fund into the black by $2,826.28. In the Road and Bridge fund, receipts in December were $33,125.63 which was $12,523.53 more than 2018 and left an increase year-to-date in the fund of $7,146.43 or an increase of about 1.5%. In the Jail Trust and Operational Funds, each account received $91,295.98 in December which is $25,160.54 more than last year in December and year-to-date, those numbers left an increase in each jail fund of $23,538.60 and that is about a 2.84% increase. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated materials would be added and grading would be done on Dent County Roads 4210 and 6040. He said a grader had broken down in the southeast area of the county and a technician was going to repair the machine before grading was going to be done on county road 5520. Purcell said brush would be cut on county roads 6370 and 6400. He also wanted to remind citizens to be on the lookout for anyone who is dumping trash or other items on county roads. Try to get the make and model of the vehicle they are driving and license plate, then call the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241 and let them confront the people littering. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2237, 3330, 3335 and 3337 while materials would be added and grading done on county road 5260. Larson also indicated that brush would be cut on county roads 2130 and 5300. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to congratulate the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and City of Salem for an outstanding Parade of Lights Saturday night. He also wanted to remind people to support the Salvation Army bell ringers donating their time to help raise money to help those in need for next year at Country Mart, Wal-Mart and Dollar General. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported her office balanced on all, accounts with the Dent County Assessor and Collector on monthly collections, abatements and add-ons. She also said her office continues to work on the budget. Sarah Massengale of the Dent County Extension was in to present the extension budget to the county and it is the same as it was for 2019. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will conduct their December meeting this afternoon in the hospital library beginning at noon. After approval of the agenda and minutes of the November 19th meeting, will be the administrator’s report that will include a department director presentation, a summary of the operations for the month of November with Monica Stogsdill, the Chief of Nursing Report for the month with Debbie Hines, a report on the hospital foundation with a spotlight on the Mammography Fund Policy being discussed as well as the marketing and community perception with COO Jason Edwards. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas will the present the auxiliary report before updating the Board on the hospital expansion and expansion financing options. Lucas will also announce the dates for the election filing. In new business, purchases by the hospital will be reviewed. The December board meeting of the Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On Thursday night, the 28th at approximately 11:35, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. An investigation at the stop led to the arrest of a 33-year-old male of Salem for the possession of morphine and possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and released. The next afternoon, Friday November 29th, at about 4:29, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of South Pershing regarding a report of property damage. An investigation revealed a 28-year-old male of Salem had punched holes in the wall and broke two windows out of the residence causing damage valued at $750.00. The suspect was arrested and issued summonses to appear in court and released. Later that same evening at approximately 6:43 an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of South Pershing in reference to a domestic disturbance. The investigation revealed a 28-year-old male of Salem had assaulted a 47-year-old female also of Salem. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect for domestic assault. The suspect was incarcerated pending an application for a warrant. Contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any of these investigations.