Local News

The Salem Memorial District Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday evening in the Hospital Library. In the summary of operations for the month of January, the hospital had 94 inpatient admissions with 326 inpatient census days. The average amount of patients per day in Acute Care was 10.5. The hospital showed a loss from operations of $909,539 and expenses over revenues after taxes of $571,153. The hospital applied for the Payroll Protection Program loan forgiveness through the Bank of Salem for the 2.3 million dollars. The SBA asked for additional information that was provided and the hospital is optimistic the loan will be forgiven. The hospital had a cost report settlement and expects to see retroactive savings in the 340B drug program as the hospital changed wholesale pharmaceutical drug providers and haven’t received all their savings. The total amount of Accounts Receivable has been reduced by almost $200,000 and the days in account receivable went down to 97 days from 98 last month. During the month, there were 532 emergency room visits to go with 190 ambulance runs with 139 patients being transported, 23 surgery cases, 1,654 outpatient registrations, 291 home health visits, 7,681 lab tests, 1,237 radiological procedures including 580 rehab treatments. Chief of Nursing Debbie Hines gave the Acute Care Staffing by Patient Acuity report that showed the average acuity at 27 per day with between 7 to 12 patients per day. Hines said an additional four beds in acute care will again be available that had been kept separate for COVID-19 patients and the amount of dialysis patients will be increased from eight to 12 per day. Chief Operating Officer Jason Edwards the Golf Tournament is scheduled for June 4th and sponsorships as well as team entries are being accepted. The Wings and Strings event is tentatively scheduled for September 11th at the Commons and the band “ChristiAna” has been scheduled for the event. He said there were no further updates on the TytoCare-school focused telemedicine product at this time. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas said the hospital instituted their “inclement weather policy” on Monday where those employees not dealing with patients can come to work if they want, but are not required if they are not confident they make it. Lucas gave the COVID-19 update and said the positive test rate now in Dent County is around 2%. Because of that, the hospital revised the visitor policy on February 15th to allow one visitor with Emergency Room patients, but once they are there, that person is not allowed to leave. The hospital also will allow one visitor per day with Acute Care patients and for Outpatient Services and masks will be required. This revision will continue as long as the positivity rate stays below 10%. Lucas said anyone in isolation though is not allowed visitors. He went on to say that beginning in March, the board meetings and med-staff meetings will be held in person as long as the positivity rate stays below 10%. Kasey reported the hospital gave out 200 vaccines at the fire station on February 5th and another 180 vaccines on the 10th as the weather turned bad. They will again be providing vaccines at the Dent County Fire Station on February 18th and 25th for those who qualify through Phase 1A and Phase 1B, Tiers 1and 2. Lucas said there was a total of 1,800 vaccines provided on February 11th and 12th at the Commons. He wanted to commend the hospital and Dent County Health Center staff for their fine effort, and commended the National Guard for their organization of the event. The second doses at the Commons will be on March 11th and 12th, and the second dose for those being vaccinated at the fire station will also be held on various dates in March, 30 days after their first shot. Lucas said the new generator installed during the expansion would be tested on February 23rd and 25th. Lucas discussed with the board the Cerver Conversion as they had meetings with the focus groups for Paylocity and Microsoft Dynamics 365. At this time, the hospital will begin the data entry for the conversion in April and the system will go live with the first paychecks issued in July. The board will review the Conflict of Interest policy and approve it at the March meeting. The finance committee will meet on March 4th at 1:30 to go over the market assessment in preparation for the budget, and the board approved the purchase of a new V-Plow for UTV Maintenance from Midwest Systems Truck Equipment for $3,350. This was a non-budgeted purchase. The board then went into closed session.

An accident at the 187.2 mile marker of Interstate 44 in Phelps County Sunday afternoon at 3:50 left an Oklahoma City couple with serious injuries. According to the Highway Patrol report an eastbound 2010 Lexus RX350, driven by 50- year-old William Parker traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. Parker and a passenger, 49-year-old April Parker, were both transported to Phelps Health by EMS for treatment of their injuries. The report stated that both occupants of the vehicle were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. The Lexus was totaled and removed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing.

A one vehicle accident happened Monday afternoon around 3:45 on westbound I-44 in Phelps County near the 186 mile marker. The report from the highway patrol states that a 1998 Chevrolet S-10 being driven by 29-year old Brianna Yelton of Springfield, began sliding and traveled off the left side of the interstate and struck a concrete barrier. Yelton was transported to Phelps Health for the treatment of minor injuries. According to the report, she was wearing a safety restraint the time of the accident. The S-10 had moderate damage and was removed from the scene by C&C Towing.

On Sunday, the City of Salem received word electric providers across the Midwest are seeing an unprecedented demand on the power grid due to extreme weather conditions. Utility providers are being asked to encourage their customers to reduce their energy consumption if possible to help maintain cost effective service to homes, businesses, and critical facilities throughout these exceptional weather conditions. Some ways you can conserve energy is to turn down your thermostat at least 2-3 degrees from your normal setting. Customers who are elderly or who have medical conditions complicated by the cold should not lower their thermostat. You can also limit the use of plug-in electric space heaters and turn down the temperature setting of your electric water heater. It will also help if you seal around drafty doors and windows, change your furnace filters and turn off nonessential lights. Conservation is especially appreciated during the hours of 5:00 in the morning until 6:00 in the evening. The City of Salem appreciates your understanding during these unprecedented cold temperatures.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen meeting scheduled for this evening has been postponed due to a city ordinance canceling the meeting if Salem R-80 cancels school. The agenda for the meeting included Wendell Light from1300 South Wines who wants to talk about his utility bill. Under bids, the aldermen will hear a bid for a grinder pump at the Salem City Park Little League ball fields. After the consent agenda, the board will hear an update from Planning and Zoning Chairman Gary Brown on the subdivision of 805 and 807 North Henderson. They will also get an update from City Administrator Ray Walden on city projects. The board will hear Bill #3472 to lease tower space for one year to Wave Internet Technologies; and Bill #3473 to allow Mayor Brad Nash to execute a change order between the City of Salem and Smith and Edwards Construction, Inc for the Waste Water Treatment Facility Phase 1B improvements. This change will add the replacement of pump equipment at the Westwood Grinder Pump Station and the Ballpark Grinder Pump Station as well as extend the completion date. The board will also hear Resolution #4-2021 that would allows the City of Salem to pursue entering into a guaranteed energy savings contract with Energy Solutions Professionals. In new business, the board will appoint a city representative to the Dent County Extension Council before going into closed session to discuss the attorney and client privilege. The meeting will be rescheduled.

Missouri turkey hunters can now apply online for 2021 spring turkey managed hunts through the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) website at mdc.mo.gov/springturkeyhunts. Managed hunt details and application procedures are outlined on the webpage. Drawing results will be posted starting March 15th. Due to limited hunter-education classes and classroom sizes from COVID-19 restrictions, MDC has suspended hunter-education requirements for youth applying for spring manage turkey hunts. Youth who do not have hunter-education certification must hunt in the presence of a hunter who is certified in hunter education. The spring turkey hunting youth portion will be April 10th and 11th with the regular spring season running April 19th through May 9th. Detailed information on spring turkey hunting will be available in the MDC 2021 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available where permits are sold beginning in March. People can buy Missouri hunting permits from numerous vendors around the state, online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, or through the MDC MO Hunting app available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices.

Agricultural producers wanting to enhance current conservation efforts are encouraged to apply for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)-Classic, formerly known as CSP-General. The Conservation Stewardship Program is a great opportunity for Missouri farmers, ranchers and foresters to maintain and expand on existing conservation efforts according to Scott Edwards, Missouri State Conservationist of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). While applications are accepted on a continuous basis, applications must be submitted by February 26, 2021 to be considered for fiscal year 2021 funding. Through CSP, agricultural producers and forest landowners earn payments for actively managing, maintaining and expanding conservation activities on all the land they operate. The variety of CSP conservation activities offer producers a lot of freedom to select enhancements, practices, and bundles that help meet producer’s management goals. Producers interested in CSP are encouraged to contact the local USDA Service Center in Houston by calling 417-967-2028 or visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted on line.

An update to the story yesterday in Your World Today about the accident on Route K at Akers that took the life of 86-year old Virginia Lomax of Rolla. She was driving a Toyota Prius southbound at the time of the accident. It was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing of Salem.

The Mark Twain Beekeepers will be holding a Beginners Bee Class sometime in mid to late March at a location in Salem to be determined by the interest in the class. The deadline to register is this Saturday, February 20th and payment will be due on or before March 13th once the date and location has been determined. The cost is expected to be under $40 and lunch will be provided during the class. For more information, contact the Mark Twain Beekeepers by e-mail at marktwainbeekeepers@gmail.com. You can also contact Gregg Tivnan at 573-689-2254 for any questions you may have.

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 and from Missouri Avenue to Dilworth Lane; 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 from Pershing Avenue to Highway 72; Dilworth Lane from Rolla Road to Highway 32 West. 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.

An accident happened in Shannon County Saturday morning on Route K at Akers that took the life of a woman from Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, the vehicle driven by 86-year old Virginia Lomax of Rolla slid off into the Current River. The Shannon County Coroner Samuel Murphy pronounced her dead at the scene at 1:00 Saturday morning. The National Park Service and First Responders assisted the highway patrol at the scene. The vehicle information was unavailable at the time of the report, but it was noted that Lomax was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The body was transported to the Wilson Mortuary in Salem.

National Battery Day is around the corner, February 18th. Please consider the importance of disposing of your batteries appropriately. According to Portable Rechargeable Battery Association (PRBA), over 5.5 billion batteries are produced annually worldwide. Batteries have become a daily part of our lives. They power our cell phones, kids toys, e-cigarettes, electronics amidst other uses. Batteries, especially Lithium ion batteries, have become the leading cause of fires in our Material Recovery Facilities and Landfills and could cause fires in homes. To minimize the fire risk, remove any lithium ion batteries that are kept in drawers, cars, are crushed or damaged in various types of recycling and solid waste equipment. About 8,300 landfill fires in the US and 385 material recovery facility fires were recorded in 2018 in the US and Canada. Locally, batteries are collected through Household Hazardous Waste sites in St. Robert and Rolla. The Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District’s website offers a brochure with more information about battery recycling: https://ozarkrivers.org/programs-and-services/household-hazardous-waste. For more information, contact Jill Hollowell at the MRPC at 573-265-2993, extension 109.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will conduct their February meeting Tuesday evening in the hospital library beginning at 6:00. After the call to order, Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas will report on the summary of the operations for the month of January 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, which will then be followed by the Chief of Staff report. Lucas will then go over the COVID-19 update and provide an update to the board on the Hospital expansion and renovation, plus the Conflict of Interest Policy. New business will include a report on the Finance Committee Meeting and purchases since the last meeting. The board may vote to go into closed session. Due to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, the February meeting of the Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will be conducted by zoom. The meeting is open to anyone to join. For information on how to access the meeting via zoom, please contact Karen Brown by email at kbrown@smdh.net or call her at (573) 729-5917, extension 4005.

The Salem Police Department released a number of reports. On Saturday, January 23rd at around 1:00 in the morning, an officer conducted a traffic stop that the intersection of Highway 19 and Hunt Street. During the traffic stop, consent to search the vehicle was obtained and items of drug paraphernalia were located. As a result, a 23-year-old Salem woman was arrested and later released on a summons for possession of drug paraphernalia. A short time later at 2:18, an officer conducted a traffic stop near the city park for a vehicle that was not maintaining a single lane of travel. While making contact with the driver, an odor of intoxicants was noticed. Upon further investigation it was determined the driver was driving while being intoxicated. As the result a 46-year-old Salem man was arrested and was later released on a summons for driving while being intoxicated. Later that same morning just before 11:00, an officer was dispatched to the area of Mondy and Holman streets for a report of a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival officers found a male subject slumped over in the truck and it appeared the subject had used narcotics and was possible overdosing. Contact was made with the driver and it was later found that the vehicle he was occupying was reported stolen out of Lone Jack, Missouri. Also located on the subject was a clear substance suspected of being methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia. As a result, a 32-year-old Blue Springs man was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail pending the application of warrants. The next day, January 24th at approximately 4:50 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to the intersection of Highway 19 and Center Street for a report of property damage. It was reported three younger subjects had struck a vehicle with a golf club causing a dent to the vehicle. The witness was not able to identify the younger subjects and this incident is still under investigation. During the afternoon of Monday, January the 25th just before 3:00, an officer was dispatched to 404 West Seventh Street for a report of a theft. It was reported that numerous items were stolen out of a shed on the property. The total value of the items stolen was approximately $5000. A witness in the area had noticed a vehicle back up and load items from the shed around the holidays and was able to provide officers with a license plate. The license plate checked back to a stolen vehicle out of Maries County. This incident is still under investigation. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

Here’s a cold weather safety tip. Youngsters are often attracted to ice covered private ponds for skating and playing. Theoretically, the only “safe” ice is at a skating rink. The ice forming on lakes, rivers, and ponds place a person at much greater risk due to natural variables. It’s impossible to judge the strength of ice by its appearance or daily temperature. Missouri weather moves from single digit temperatures to the upper 40s within short time periods, which will greatly affect the construction of ice. Adults should educate children about the dangers of playing on ice and always supervise them when they play on or near ice. Make sure they understand the dangers of being on the ice and insist that they wear a lifejacket/PFD. Never let them play on ponds or lakes unattended. Many ice victims start out as would-be rescuers. To prevent this from happening, do not go onto the ice to rescue another person or retrieve a pet. To aid someone who has fallen through the ice the first step should be calling for emergency services. A local fire department should have the quickest response time, the proper equipment, and have been trained to handle ice emergencies. Rather than going onto the ice to attempt rescuing someone, you should extend a ladder, pole, or rope to a victim along with something that will float. If you find yourself in the position of needing to be rescued, there are techniques that should be followed for self-rescue. Try not to panic. Face the direction you came from and spread your arms out on the unbroken ice. Kick your feet and try to pull yourself onto the ice. Once out of the water, do not attempt to stand. Lying on the ice keeps your weight distributed. Roll away from the hole then crawl across the ice back to solid land.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley reported on the case of Terry Webb of Salem who was in court in Dent County in front of Judge Megan Seay on Friday. Webb pled guilty to a class B felony of assault on a law enforcement officer in the 2nd degree. Webb recklessly caused a serious injury to Salem Police Department Corporal Michael Loveday by striking him resulting in the dislocation of his finger during an incident on May 5th, 2020 in Salem. The defendant testified that he was intoxicated during the incident, has no memory of the incident, and is remorseful. Corporal Loveday testified at the sentencing hearing to missing work for 30 days as a result and continues to experience pain from the injury. A sentencing assessment report was filed by Probation and Parole indicating the defendant had a prior conviction for domestic assault in the 3rd degree from 2006 and recommended probation for defendant, who was 60-years of age at the time of sentencing. Prosecutor Curley sought a 12-year sentence in the Missouri Department of Corrections for the assault on the law enforcement officer. The defendant, who was represented by Attorney Kris Crews from Steelville, requested probation. Over the objection of the state, Judge Megan Seay granted probation to the defendant.

The Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission has approved a contract with N.B. West Contracting to resurface roadways in Dent and Phelps counties. The amount of the low bid contract was of $5,294,709. Under the approved contract, resurfacing will take place on Highway 68 from Highway 8 in Phelps County to Highway 19 in Dent County; Route F from Highway 32 to Route E; Route K from Highway 63 to the Pulaski County line; and Route HH from Highway 32 to Dent County Road 6190. Work will take place this summer. When a start date is established, MoDOT will alert the public about the project through signs, news releases and social media. 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.

A one vehicle accident happened Tuesday morning just after 10:00 on Route P in Crawford County about five miles west of Cuba. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 2003 Ford Mustang being driven by 49-year old Billy Smith of Cuba was southbound when the Mustang traveled off the right side of the road and struck a utility pole. Billy Smith and a passenger, 51-year old Jay Smith also of Cuba, suffered serious injuries and were both transported by EMS to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. It’s unknown if Billy Smith was wearing a safety restraint, however, Jay Smith was not. The Mustang was totaled and removed from the scene by Chris and Sons Towing. The highway patrol was assisted on scene by the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department.

The Missouri Department of Transportation urges drivers to stay off the roads as ice and dangerously cold temperatures will combine to make travel difficult. While MoDOT crews will be working continuous 12 hour shifts through these storms, bitterly cold temperatures can delay clean-up. Chemicals used to treat the roads start to lose their effectiveness below 25 degrees. Avoid driving if possible, particularly in areas where icing is occurring. If you must be out, make sure you have a full tank of gas, extra blankets and gloves and provisions like water and snacks in the event of an emergency. Stay inside your vehicle in the event of a crash or slide off. Once conditions improve, motorists should give snowplows room to work. Do not tailgate or try to pass. Remember that a snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see them, but they may not see you. Travelers can stay informed about Missouri road conditions by using MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map, available online at www.modot.org, or through MoDOT’s smartphone app, available for iPhone and Android phones. The map offers current views of road conditions for Missouri interstates and highways. You can zoom in to a particular location, check live weather radar, and view images from MoDOT’s traffic cameras and message boards. MoDOT also provides road condition information through its Customer Service Center. Dial 888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636) to speak with a customer service representative 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

A one vehicle accident happened Monday afternoon at 5:00 on Highway 32 about seven miles west of Salem. The report released from the highway patrol states that a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado being driven by 18-year old Hilton Sewell of Salem was traveling eastbound when the vehicle began to skid, crossed the center line and traveled off the left side of roadway where the Chevy struck a tree. Sewell, who was wearing a safety restraint, was transported by the Salem ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The Silverado sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

An accident happened in Phelps County Monday afternoon at 2:35 on Interstate 44 westbound near mile marker 191. According to the highway patrol report, a 2004 Ford F-150 driven eastbound by 67-year old Doralee Elliott of St. James, traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned. Elliott suffered moderate injuries and was transported by EMS to Phelps Health in Rolla. Elliott was wearing her seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by C&C Towing of Rolla. The highway patrol was assisted by the Rolla City Fire Department.

An accident happened in Phelps County on Interstate 44 westbound near mile marker 192 around 2:19 on Monday afternoon. According to the highway patrol report, a 2008 Ford Focus driven westbound by 29-year old Kyleigh McDowell of Rolla, lost control on the ice covered roadway, traveled off the right side of the road and overturned several times. McDowell suffered minor injuries and was taken by EMS to Phelps Health in Rolla. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeons Towing of St. James. McDowell was wearing her seat restraint at the time of the accident. The highway patrol was assisted by the Rolla City Fire Department.

An accident happened in Texas County on Highway 63 about four miles north of Licking around noon Monday. According to the highway patrol, a 2001 Ford Ranger driven southbound by 52-year old Debbie Yates of Licking, ran off the right side of the roadway and overturned. Yates suffered minor injuries as did a passenger in the vehicle, 29-year old Toby Yates. Both were taken by ambulance to the Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston. Both were wearing their seat restraints at the time of the accident. The Ford Ranger was totaled and removed from the scene by Jay’s Towing.

A fatality accident occurred Saturday night at 6:19 in Crawford County on eastbound I-44 at the 206.2 mile marker. According to the highway patrol report, a 1997 GMC C150, driven by 57-year old John Cramer of Cuba, began skidding on the snow covered roadway. The GMC traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck the ground and began overturning. Cramer was partially ejected and was pronounced dead at the scene by Crawford County Deputy Coroner Paul Hutson at 6:26. The GMC was totaled and removed from the scene by Chris and Son’s Towing of Cuba. The highway patrol was assisted by the Cuba Fire Department.

A one vehicle accident happened Thursday afternoon at 3:30 in Crawford County on Route Y just south of Route B. According to the report released from the highway patrol, a 2002 Mazda MVP being driven by 39-year old Bobbi Meyer of Steelville traveled off the left side of roadway and struck a tree. Meyer, who was wearing a safety restraint at the time of accident, was transported by EMS to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan for treatment of moderate injuries. The Mazda was totaled and removed from the scene by a private party. The highway patrol was assisted by the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department.

Dent County Health Center Administrator Kendra Mobray at the Dent County Commissioner meeting Monday reported that people who fall in the Phase 1A and 1B, Tier 1 and Tier 2 who want to get vaccinated need to call the Dent County Health Center at 729-3106. You MUST have an appointment to get vaccinated. Those who currently would qualify to get vaccinated are health care workers, public health administrators, emergency responders, those who are 65 years of age or older, Emergency Management workers, Public Works agencies, and anyone under the age of 65 who has a compromised immune system. When you call you will be asked some questions and placed on the waiting list and will be called back to set up an appointment. This Thursday and Friday from 10:00 in the morning until 6:00 in the evening, the National Guard will be administering about 2,000 vaccines to those who live in the Region I area that includes Dent, Phelps, Crawford, Pulaski and Laclede counties. This vaccine will be the Moderna vaccine. The Salem Memorial District Hospital gave 200 Moderna vaccinations Friday at the Dent County Fire Station and they will be doing that again on Wednesday. There are two more vaccinations scheduled at the firehouse on February 18th and 25th where 200 people will be vaccinated on each date. Those that get vaccinated in February will then have to get their booster shot in March and appointments for those shots will be made when they get the vaccination. For those going to the Commons, your booster shot will be held on March 4th and 5th. Mobray also stated that a link through Jordan Valley Community Health Center to make your appointment for Thursday and Friday is now available: https://bit.ly/3cDrdFD. When you show up for your vaccination, please make sure you bring a photo ID, have your COVID-19 Fact Sheet and consent form filled out, and wear a short sleeve shirt. These documents are available at the SMDH.net website or at the north entrance of the hospital. Again, for questions or to make an appointment for those who qualify, call the Dent County Health Center at 729-3106.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray reported brush would be cut on Dent County Road 5615, crews will be repairing a washout and doing maintenance on county road 4220, crews would be replacing a stop sign at the intersection of county road 6370 and 6380, and crews would be replacing a sign on county road 6510. Mobray also said crews would be putting a spreader box on a truck with the forecast calling for some snow and freezing rain. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported materials would be added to Dent County Road 2270. He went on to say that a full service on truck #68 was going to be done and maintenance will be done on truck #124. Larson said crews will be installing spreader boxes on a couple of trucks for District 2 and then they will service the compressor the county has on a trailer to fix an air leak. He also said that the backup generator at the Oak Grove Baptist Church needs to be checked and tested. Presiding Commissioner Darrel Skiles said he will be attending a Transportation Advisory Meeting Tuesday afternoon with other meetings at the MRPC Wednesday and Thursday. He also said there was a CARES Act application from the Salem Memorial District Hospital that was approved for $14,045.64. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she balanced with the collector and assessor on all collections, abatements and add-ons for the month of January. Curley mentioned the courthouse would be closed on Friday for Lincoln’s Birthday and Monday for President’s Day. She went on to say the only elections in April to be held for the Municipal election will be for the City of Salem east and west ward aldermanic seats, the City of Bunker alderman seat, and the Salem R-80 and Green Forest R-2 school boards. She did mentioned there were 18 voters who could vote for the Green Forest R-2 school board that would normally cast their vote at the Dent-Phelps R-3 School will be receiving a letter from the clerk’s office that saying they can vote at her office for the R-2 school board race this April. This will save the taxpayers money by not having to staff a polling location at Dent-Phelps R-3 School for 14 hours for the 18 voters who could vote at that location. At last meeting, the Commissioners approved the yearly mapping contract with Landmark Surveying Co for $375 a month and Ronald J. Schwartz for $100 per month, approved CARES Act funding for the Dent County Health Center for $9,612.75 and $11,120.57, approved the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce agreement for services for $750 a year and approved the request from Sheriff Bob Wells to remodel the old jail cell at the sheriff’s department into a conference/interview room. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday, February 22nd at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident happened in Carter County at 11:42 Thursday night on Highway 21 at Highway 60 about five miles east of Van Buren that left two area women with serious injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 2000 Ford Fusion driven southbound by 39-year old Sunshine Hilderbrand of Boss, went off the right side of the road and overturned. Suffering serious injuries were Hilderbrand who was transported by Air Evac to St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis. A passenger in the car, 23-yaer old Deanna Leasor of Viburnum, also suffered serious injuries and was transported by the East Carter Ambulance to the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Neither woman was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford Fusion was totaled and will be removed at a later date.

An accident involving a Salem resident occurred Thursday afternoon at 2:25 in Phelps County on Highway 68 about twelve miles south of St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a southbound 2017 Freightliner, driven by 33- year old Michael Price of Salem, and a northbound 2016 International, driven by 41- year-old Bobby Revelle of Potosi, met in a curve of the roadway and the International struck the trailer of the Freightliner. The International then traveled off the right side of the road, struck a MoDot sign, and came to rest in the ditch. Revelle suffered minor injuries, but chose to seek his own treatment. According to the report both drivers were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The International was removed from the scene by C & C Towing, while the Freightliner was driven from the scene.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley has released a number of reports from cases heard in Dent and Crawford County in front of Judge Megan Seay. On Tuesday, February 2nd in Crawford County, Curley reported that Joshua Smith pled guilty for failing to register as a sex offender within three days of his loss of employment. He was convicted as a prior and persistent felony offender and was sentenced to 10 years in the Department of Corrections under Section 559.115 with a shock incarceration of 120 days as requested by the prosecutor. On Friday, February 5th in Dent County, Curley reports that Joshua Benton of Bunker had his probation revoked and his sentence of ten years in the Department of Corrections was executed by Judge Seay. Also on Friday, the sentence hearing was held for Levi Cardwell of Salem. He was on probation for the possession of a controlled substance when he was caught in the law enforcement roundup in January of 2020 for distributing meth to an undercover officer. Prosecutor Curley sought the execution of the previously imposed sentence of seven years. Over the objection of the state, Cardwell was allowed to continue to be on probation with the added condition of drug court. Also over the objection of the state, the defendant was released on jail on his own recognizance. The next case was James Stobbs of Salem who was on probation after his release from a 559.115 program from the beginning of 2020. His probation was revoked and he was sentenced to serve seven years in the Department of Corrections. The next case last Friday was for Sean Rice of Salem who was sentenced to serve seven years in the Department of Corrections. This sentence was requested by the state for receiving stolen property and for the felony possession of a controlled substance. The last case heard Friday before Judge Seay was that of Coren Miles from Bunker. She pled guilty to two counts for the possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine and was given five years probation supervised by Probation and Parole.

Volunteers for AARP are still conducting free tax filing assistance at the Salem Community Center@ the Armory computer lab if you haven’t already filed your taxes and need help. Appointments for this free tax filing assistance need to be made and the month of February has already been booked. You can still make appointments for all Fridays in March and those will continue every Friday until April 9th. Call the Salem Community Center at 729-8163 to make your appointment. This is the 16th year that Healthy Dent County has partnered with AARP to provide this free tax service to our community. This local service is provided entirely by AARP trained volunteers. The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers are trained in filing certain tax forms and schedules, including the Form 1040. However, the Volunteer Protection Act requires that the volunteers stay in the scope of the program. If counselors feel they do not have adequate knowledge or your return is too complex, you may need to seek another qualified counselor or paid tax assistance. The Salem Community Center @ the Armory is located at 1200 West Rolla Road.

This morning at 8:30 on KSMO Radio and online at www.ksmoradio.com, Dent County Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles will have Salem Memorial District Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas as a special guest to explain in more detail about the upcoming vaccinations and the order the Phases and tiers are supposed to be vaccinated. We invite you to listen to find out the latest information that concerns the people of Salem and Dent County.

Preparations are underway for Ozark National Scenic Riverways to accomplish several prescribed burns this spring, between early February and mid-April. The burns will be carefully planned and monitored by the park’s Fire Management staff. Several prescribed burns planned at Ozark Riverways in 2021 will be cooperative efforts with other land management agencies. The Alley Spring prescribed burn unit is 826 acres near Alley Mill. This burn will be conducted in partnership with Missouri Department of Conservation. The Pulltite prescribed burn unit is 577 acres and is in the upper Current River area in northern Shannon County. This burn will be conducted in partnership with Missouri Department of Conservation and The Nature Conservancy. The Welch Lodge burn unit is 829 acres and is in the upper Current River area in northern Shannon County near Akers. This burn will be conducted in partnership with Pioneer Forest. Individuals in the vicinity of the prescribed burns with respiratory ailments are encouraged to take extra precautions to avoid exposure to smoke. Anyone who is concerned about the potential impacts of smoke from a prescribed burn can request to be added to the park’s notification list in order to be contacted in advance. For more information about prescribed burns at Ozark Riverways or to be included on the park’s notification list, contact Dena Matteson at (573) 323-4814 or dena_matteson@nps.gov. Prescribed burning has a variety of purposes ranging from the reduction of fuel accumulations near developed areas to benefits for native plants and animals in a variety of ways. If you would like to receive additional information about other prescribed burns in the local area, please contact Missouri Department of Conservation at (573) 226-3616 or the U.S. Forest Service at (573) 364-4621.

Emmett Johnson of Rolla recently scratched his way to a $100,000 prize on a Missouri Lottery “$1,000 in a Flash” Scratchers game. The winning ticket was purchased at Phil-Mart located at 500 S. Main in Salem. The “$1,000 In a Flash” is a $10 Scratchers game with over $8.1 million in unclaimed prizes, including another $100,000 prize and a top prize of $1 million. In fiscal year 2020, players in Dent County have won more than $3.4 million in Missouri Lottery prizes, retailers received more than $243,000 in commissions and bonuses, and more than $761,000 in Lottery proceeds went to education programs in the county. All Missouri Lottery offices are currently open by appointment only for claims of $600 or more. Winning tickets may also be claimed by mail.

Agricultural producers wanting to enhance current conservation efforts are encouraged to apply for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)-Classic, formerly known as CSP-General. The Conservation Stewardship Program is a great opportunity for Missouri farmers, ranchers and foresters to maintain and expand on existing conservation efforts according to Scott Edwards, Missouri State Conservationist of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). While applications are accepted on a continuous basis, applications must be submitted by February 26, 2021 to be considered for fiscal year 2021 funding. Through CSP, agricultural producers and forest landowners earn payments for actively managing, maintaining and expanding conservation activities on all the land they operate. The variety of CSP conservation activities offer producers a lot of freedom to select enhancements, practices, and bundles that help meet producer’s management goals. Producers interested in CSP are encouraged to contact the local USDA Service Center in Houston by calling 417-967-2028 or visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted on line.