Local News

Mayor Brad Nash and Board of Aldermen President Kim Steelman postponed Monday night’s Board of Aldermen meeting due to the passing of Alderman Kenny Nash this past Sunday, June 6th in what Dent County Coroner Ben Pursifull described as a lawnmower accident. Nash was a dedicated servant to the City of Salem and dedicated many years to serving our community through the City Electric Department, the Board of Aldermen, and several other community organizations. He loved Salem and he will be greatly missed by those that worked and served with him. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting. Leann Kahn was in to speak with First District Commissioner Wes Mobray about the gate across Dent County Road 4128. According to Mobray, the Rushing’s said the gate was to be removed by June 7th and Kahn was in to show pictures that the gate was still there and was closed over the weekend. Mobray said he would speak with the Rushing’s about the removal by phone to see what the issue was. In the road report, Mobray said materials would be added and grading done to Dent County Road 5510, while only grading would be done on county road 5220. Mobray reported brush would be cut on county road 5600 and that Grader #38 was down with a transmission problem and the county was waiting on John Deere to send someone down to repair the problem. He went on to say work crews replaced a crossover pipe in the Union Hills Subdivision and a man would be going to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal repair. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated grading would be done on county roads 2580 and 2613, and work was going to be done on dump truck #124. He went on to report work crews would be removing materials from the ditches on the Golf Course Road to help with drainage. This project was started last week and should be completed this week. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported on May 25th he attended a broadband meeting at the Salem Community Center@The Armory hosted by the MRPC. They discussed the service maps which are outdated, and they need better mapping so improvements can be made. Skiles said he attended an insurance consortium meeting where they discussed the United Health Care current coverage and that the insurance claims were doing well. Skiles went on to say he attended the Northeast Regional Commissioners Association meeting and the hot topic at the meeting was Senate Bill 53 dealing with the increase in county sheriff’s pay being associated with a federal judge’s salary. Skiles suggested putting a letter together from the Dent County Commissioners to ask Governor Parson to veto the bill and the commissioners approved the request. He also said the general public can comment on SB 53 and how it will affect their own county’s budget as the increase to local sheriff’s pay would come directly from the counties funds and no funds will be coming from the state. People interested on commenting on SB 53 should go to https://governor.mo.gov and respond in the “Contact Us” section. Skiles said this week he will be attending a Central Regional Workforce Caucus meeting on Thursday as well an MRPC meeting in St. James. Regional Workforce Caucus meeting on Thursday as well an MRPC meeting in St. James. Skiles said he would like to discuss with Commissioner Mobray and Larson about the commissioners meeting on Mondays and Thursday again in the near future. Also during the meeting, Commissioner Mobray reported County Fuels had the low bid on 1,000 gallons of gas at $2.445 per gallon. He also said the county will let bids for 7,000 gallons of diesel fuel as well as for chip and sealing of 12 miles of overlay and another two miles of a new double coat overlay. The bids for the chip and seal work will be due in the clerk’s office at 10:00 on Monday, June 28th. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday at 9:00 at the courthouse and it is open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Transportation is hosting a virtual open house on passenger rail as part of the development of the 2021 State Freight and Rail Plan. The content will be live and accessible via the MoDOT webpage. The virtual open house format allows members of the public to access the materials at any time through June 16th. The public is invited to view the information about Missouri’s passenger rail network, ask questions of MoDOT and the project team and leave comments on how passenger rail service can better service the citizens of Missouri. The passenger rail component of the State Freight and Rail Plan examines each of the three Amtrak service options in Missouri that include Amtrak’s Missouri River Runner, Southwest Chief and Texas Eagle as well as the economic impact of the Missouri River Runner state-sponsored route. Open house participants are also encouraged to complete a survey designed to solicit feedback on recommendations for Missouri’s passenger rail system. The State Freight and Rail Plan identifies current and future trends to help make informed decisions on future investments in the freight and passenger rail industries in Missouri. Freight and rail plans are required documents for the state to receive federal funding for future transportation projects. There are no dedicated federal funding sources for passenger rail, so these funds are vital to the Missouri River Runner’s long-term viability. For additional information on the Missouri Freight and Rail Plan please contact Cheryl Ball, at 573.526.5578.

Governor Mike Parson signed SB 63 into law, which creates a statewide prescription drug monitoring program in the state of Missouri. SB 63 establishes the Joint Oversight Task Force of Prescription Drug Monitoring, responsible for collecting and maintaining the prescription and dispensation of prescribed controlled substances to patients within the state. This legislation will assist health care professionals in better monitoring the dispensation of opioids and other prescribed controlled substances to their patients. Similar statewide prescription drug monitoring programs have been adopted in every other state in the country. SB 63 also extends the expiration date of the RX Cares for Missouri Program to August 28, 2026.

An accident occurred Friday evening at 6:21 in Phelps County on Highway 63 about two miles south of Edgar Springs. According to the highway patrol report, a 2013 Ford Fusion driven by 52-year-old Kimberly Carnes of Edgar Springs, was stopped and attempting to make a left turn when a 2014 Toyota Tacoma driven by 52-year-old Donnette Carney of Rolla struck the rear end of the Fusion. Carney suffered serious injuries and was transported by Phelps Air Ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia. She was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. Carnes was not injured in the accident. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage. The Toyota was towed by C&C Towing and the Fusion was by Ron Dishman’s Towing.

As part of an ongoing improvement project taking place on various roadways in Dent and Phelps Counties, work crews plan to start on the next phase of the project. Starting today, a contractor working for the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) will begin resurfacing and widening the shoulders of Highway 68 in both counties. This work is expected to take up to several months to complete and will require daily intermittent lane closures with flaggers to guide motorists through the work zone. Crews are also currently paving Dent County Route F. Flaggers are in place to guide motorists through the Route F work zone. Once this work is complete, crews will begin resurfacing Dent County Route HH near Salem. This work is weather permitting and could be delayed. For more information and updates about this project or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/modot-central-district.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will hold their regular meeting this evening at 7:00 in the City Hall Council Chambers at 202 North Washington. In the Hearing of Persons, Randy League will request the closure of the streets around the Courthouse Square for the Current River Blue Oval Rally on September 11th, 2021. Juliana Bermudez will discuss with the board utility bills at 705 West Acuff that were previously discussed in January of 2020. After the consent agenda is reviewed and approved, the board will hear and discuss Bill No. 3477 which would create an ordinance authorizing the mayor to execute a Contract Change Order No. 10 between the City of Salem and Smith & Edwards Construction, Inc. for the Highway 19 South sewer extension. City Administrator Ray Walden will also update the board on Finance and Capital Improvements. The Board of Alderman will then go into closed session pertaining to hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting of employees. The regular meeting of the Board of Alderman is open to the public.

The City of Salem has reported that utility bills for electric and water consumption from February 8th, 2021 through May 15th, 2021 have been processed and mailed. In addition to consumption-based charges, the bill reflects three months of base charges for water, sewer, and trash if applicable. All unpaid balances, including those from prior payment plans and any debits or credits from differences between budgeted and actual for those on budget billing, have been included in the listed balance due. The Salem Board of Aldermen approved a rebate of 5% of the charges for water and electric usage from February 8th through May 15th for customers paying the listed total balance due on the bill by June 20th. The rebate will be processed as a credit on the customer’s account and reflected on the next bill. Customers who have set up their account on autopayment and drafts will be contacted to confirm their payment preference. Customers should note penalties and service disconnects for non-payment will resume July 1st. Customers can avoid interruption of their service for non-payment by bringing their account current or making payment arrangements by July 1st, 2021. Going forward, utility bills will be based on meter reads the 15th of each month with the bill for consumption from May 15th through June 15th being processed in early July of 2021. Information about available assistance with utilities is included with the bill and is also available from www.salemmo.com. Anyone who has not received their bill by Wednesday, June 10th, should contact the utility office. Customers wanting to set up a payment plan or to ask about budget billing can contact the utility office at (573) 729-4117.

The Missouri Department of Transportation bridge crews will be begin doing routine bridge maintenance on Highways 19 and 8 over Whittenburg Creek starting this week. Crews will close one lane in each work area from 6:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon starting today and lasting through Thursday, June 17th. MoDOT appreciates the patience of motorist traveling through the work area. Drives are advised to watch for workers on the road and obey all traffic signs. This work is weather permitting and could be delayed. For more information and updates about this project or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/central.

The Department of Conservation will offer four separate classes during a one-day women’s only clinic highlighting the fundamentals of shotgun and handgun shooting. Courses are set for June 19th, from 9–11 AM, from 12:00–1:30 PM, from 2-3:30 PM, and from 4-5:30 PM at the Rolla Shooting Club in Rolla. Beginner Handgun Class is designed for women and girls age 16 and older; those age 16 to 17 may participate with a parent or guardian who is also registered for the workshop. Girls age 16 to 17 may attend the women’s-only classes with a parent or guardian who is also registered for the workshop. The minimum age to participate in Beginner Shotgun Shooting is 12; but participants age 12 to 17 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian that is also registered for the class. Spots are limited for all classes; registration is required by June 18th. A waiting list will be made available for courses that are full. For more information, email Dwight Warnke at Dwight.Warnke@mdc.mo.gov.The Rolla Shooting Club is located at 13950 County Road 3240 in Rolla.

The Dent County Sheriffs has released several reports. On Friday, May21st, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on MacArthur and Rolla Road. During the stop, a 49-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while being revoked. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail, where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On Saturday, the 22nd, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on West 4th Street. During the stop, a 49-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a felony offense. Also arrested during the same stop was a 46-year-old Salem woman for possession of marijuana, 10 grams or less and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Both were taken to the Dent County Jail where they were fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. The next day Sunday, the 23rd, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 800 block of South Main Street. During the traffic stop, a 27-year-old Salem woman was arrested for driving while being intoxicated. The woman was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and placed on a 12-hour hold. On Wednesday, the 26th, deputies responded to an address on County Road 2260 for a well-being check. The Dent County Sheriff’s Office received a call from someone at the residence requesting a man and woman be removed from the residence due to her being afraid for her safety. Deputies arrived on scene and during the investigation, a 35-year-old man from Rolla was arrested for having two active warrants through the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office and possession of a controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail, where he was incarcerated. The woman was also removed from the residence and both subjects were warned for trespassing. The next day a deputy traveled to a residence in the 100 block of North MacArthur Street to serve an arrest warrant. As a 28-year-old Salem man was arrested for an active warrant through Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. Later that same day a Deputy traveled to a residence in the 3000 block of North Highway 19 to serve an arrest warrant. As a result, a 54-year-old man from Salem was arrested for an active warrant through Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. If you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation, please call the sheriff’s department at 573-247-3241.

The County Extensions of Dent, Phelps, and Crawford invite you to a family picnic and wagon tour at Wurdack Farm Research Center Thursday, June 10th, beginning at 6:00. Meat and drinks will be provided, and you are asked to please bring your family a covered dish. RSVP by June 7th with the number attending to terrillc@missouri.edu or call the Dent County Extension Center at 573-7293196. Wurdack Farm is located about 2 miles north of Cook Station on a gravel road between Cook Station and Highway 19. From Salem, take Highway 19 North 15 miles to County Road 337 turn left and go 3 miles to the farm entrance.

Healthy Dent County invites you play Pickleball for free from 8:00 until 10:00 Tuesday and Thursday mornings at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory. For more details email Kelsey at Kelsey@salemcommunitycenter.org

The City of Salem Planning and Zoning Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and meeting on Tuesday, June 8th at 6:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers at 202 North Washington. The purpose of the hearing and meeting is to consider a request from James Darden to re-zone 306 East Franklin from Commercial to Industrial for use as a Mechanic Shop and a request from Sellers Investment Properties, LLC, to re-zone 1203 South Babb Lane from Commercial to Industrial for storage of Propane Tanks and Bulk Storage of Propane in two 30,000-gallon tanks. The meeting, which is open to the public, was called by Planning and Zoning Chairman Gary Brown.

Visitors to the Ozark National Scenic Riverways will have the opportunity to Celebrate National Trails Day this Saturday and Sunday with a ranger-led birding hike at 9 a.m. each day at Round Spring. Bring your binoculars and meet at the Round Spring pavilion. A park ranger will lead the group though the Round Spring area in search of a variety of bird species. With over 400 species recorded in Missouri, birding is a great outdoor activity for people of all ages. Migratory birds are still passing through the area providing the opportunity to encounter some that are not commonly seen in the park. For more information about the birding hikes, please contact the Round Spring Ranger Station at (573) 323-8093.

Missouri State Parks invites the public to begin their archery journey by attending a hands-on course at Echo Bluff State Park during the afternoon June 19th from 1:00 until 3:00. Participants may register through June 12th. This program is for anyone who wants to learn the basics of archery and atlatl throwing. The Learn2 Aim courses offer two hours of free instruction and are open to ages 10 and older. Registration is required and all slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To register visit mostateparks.com/learn2.
Registration dates have been announced the Salem Upper Elementary School. The following dates are for all students, both new and returning. August 9th and August 11th from 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon, and from August 10th and August 12th from noon until 6:00. William Lynch will be registering new students on August 11th from 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon and from noon until 6:00 on August 12th.

KSMO Video Productions is still taking orders for the 2021 Salem Graduation keepsake DVD’s available for sale at the KSMO Radio studios at 800 South Main in the basement of the Wisdom Building. If you would like to have a DVD, please call the station to reserve your copy. The cost is $15 per DVD. KSMO Radio doors open just before 8:00 in the morning and stay open until 4:00 weekdays. For more information, call KSMO at 729-6117.

Salem Residential Care at 1207 East Roosevelt will have an auction tonight beginning at 5:30. Food and drink will be available. For more information call 729-9449.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met for their regular Meeting on Thursday, May 20th. The minutes of the March regular meeting was reviewed and approved. In old business Health Center Administrator Kendra Mobray updated the Board on current COVID status in Dent County. She said that to date 1007 confirmed cases and 186 probable cases have been investigated. Eighty-six cases have required hospitalization. At the time of the meeting there were 6 active cases in Dent County and there had been 36 related deaths confirmed. According to MoDHSS, as of April 20th, 3119 Dent County residents had received 1 dose of vaccine and 2619 have had a complete series of 2 shots. SEMA and Missouri National Guard were finishing the hosting of drive-thru clinics at the Dent County Fire Station in May. COVID vaccine is available at the Dent County Health Center, Moser Pharmacy, Vandivort Pharmacy and Wal-Mart Pharmacy. The Board went in to closed session to discuss Administrator applicants and approved minutes of the April and May closed session meetings. In new business Mobray updated the Board on contracts. In April 1 case of Campylobacteriosis was investigated. Face to face appointments at the Health Center are gradually opening up. The MCH 5-year work plan was submitted to DHSS in April for the new priority health issue “prevent and reduce unintentional injuries in children and adolescents.” The Show Me Healthy Women clinics, which offers free breast and cervical cancer screenings for Missouri women who meet age, income and insurance guidance, continue to be held on the 4th Thursday of each month. More information about the program is available by calling the Health Center at 573-729-3106. During the election of officers the motion was made and passed that the current officers of Board Chairman Bob Parsons, Vice-Chairman Sandra Headrick and Treasurer Dennis Floyd be re-elected. In other new business Mobray noted that when the personnel manual was updated it did not reflect the previous sick leave policy. Motion was made and passed to update the personnel manual with the policy. Dent County Health Center expenses for March and April were approved and the next regular Board meeting was set for June 17th.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held a special board meeting via Zoom last Thursday at 11:30. At the meeting, the board approved the purchase of two storage buildings from Current River Buildings before going into closed session. In closed session, the board accepted the resignation of high school counselor Elizabeth Wright and read a resignation letter from bus driver Don Adamick. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Dent County 4-H will be presenting Montauks Nature At Night, June 30th at Montauk State Park. The evening begins at 5:30 with supper and a chance to get to know each other followed by various activities, including crafts and a tour of the mill. A park ranger will then lead the group on a night walk beginning at 9:00. This may turn into a late-night event so participants are encouraged to wear closed toed shoes and bring a jacket.

Are you wanting to learn to fish? MDC offers Discover Nature – Fishing Program that provides a series of free lessons throughout the state. All fishing gear is provided. Learn more at dnf.mdc.mo.gov. If you have a need for fishing equipment, MDC works with numerous libraries and other locations around the state to loan fishing gear for free. Loaner gear includes fishing poles and simple tackle box with hooks, sinkers, and bobbers. Worms, minnows, or other bait are not provided. Find MDC Rod and Reel Loaner Program locations at the MDC website. For information on Missouri fishing regulations, fish identification, and more, get a copy of MDC’s 2021 Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations where permits are sold, or online. MDC’s free MO Fishing app can help anglers find the best places to fish in Missouri, access regulation information, identify fish by species, and more. Anglers can also buy, store, and show fishing permits right on their mobile devices. MO Fishing is available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices.

Visitors to the Ozark National Scenic Riverways have the opportunity to Celebrate National Trails Day on June 4 with a ranger-led birding hike at 9 a.m. at Round Spring. Bring your binoculars and meet at the Round Spring pavilion. A park ranger will lead the group though the Round Spring area in search of a variety of bird species. With over 400 species recorded in Missouri, birding is a great outdoor activity for people of all ages. Migratory birds are still passing through the area providing the opportunity to encounter some that are not commonly seen in the park. If you are new to birding, there will be several resources available to get you started on your birding journey. Plan accordingly when hiking or participating in any outdoor recreational activity. Hikers should wear appropriate clothing and footwear for hiking and take weather conditions into consideration. Recommended supplies include binoculars, drinking water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Ozark National Scenic Riverways follows the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and any corresponding federal mandates in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. All participants should be prepared to practice social distancing as needed. If you are not yet fully vaccinated, masks are required outdoors when social distancing cannot be maintained. For more information about the birding hike, please contact the Round Spring Ranger Station at (573) 323-8093. Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserves the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, the surrounding natural resources, and the unique cultural heritage of the Ozark people. For more information about the park, visit www.nps.gov/ozar or call (573) 323-4236.

KSMO Video Productions is taking orders for the 2021 Salem Graduation DVD’s available for sale at the KSMO Radio studios at 800 South Main in the basement of the Wisdom Building. If you would like to have a DVD, please call the station to reserve your copy. The cost is $15 per DVD. KSMO Radio doors open just before 8:00 in the morning and stay open until 4:00 weekdays. For more information, call KSMO at 729-6117.

The City of Salem has sent out a notice to all those who use water, sewer, trash and electric about the upcoming changes for the utility readings going to a 15th of the month read cycle and a more prompt and current billing cycle. Soon utility customers will receive bills for their service consumption from February 8th through May 15th that will include three months billing for trash, water, sewer and electric. If you are already on a payment plan, any remaining unpaid amount will be included in the balance due on their next bill. Customers wanting a new payment plan will need to contact the utility office to set that up. For those who want to pay their bill in full for all three months, the Salem Board of Aldermen have approved a five percent rebate of the charges for water and electric usage if the bill is paid in full by June 20th. The rebate will be processed as a credit on the customers’ account. Please remember the city will resume late penalties and start service disconnects for non-payment on July 1st. If you find that you may need assistance paying your utility bill to avoid a service interruption, you can go to the Salem Community Center @ The Armory any Tuesday in June from 10:30 until 1:00 where three agencies will be available to speak with you on how they can possibly help. For more information about available options for payment and assistance, please check out the salemmo.com website or contact the utility office at 729-4117.

Six people died in traffic crashes over the 2021 Memorial Day weekend counting period of 6:00 p.m. Friday, May 28th, through midnight Monday, May 31st. Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers investigated 270 traffic crashes resulting in 82 injuries and 4 fatalities. The patrol made 112 DWI and 77 drug arrests over the 2021 Memorial Day holiday weekend. The Springfield Police Department and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department each investigated a traffic fatality. Over this years holiday counting period there were 10 boating crashes resulting in 2 injuries and 1 fatality. The department also investigated a drowning, made 8 boating while intoxicated arrests and 2 drug arrests. During the 2020 counting period, the Patrol investigated 310 traffic crashes, which included 126 injuries and six of the 10 fatalities. Troopers made 118 arrests for driving while intoxicated last year. Also, over the 2020 Memorial Day holiday marine operations troopers investigated 11 boating crashes involving seven injuries and one fatality; and arrested 11 people for boating while intoxicated on the state’s rivers and lakes. One person drowned over the 2020 Memorial Day holiday. The fatality statistics in this news release could change if late deaths occur, other departments report crashes or incidents, a fatality is determined to be a drowning, or if a fatality is determined to be caused by a medical condition after this news release.

More reports have been released by the Salem Police Department. On Sunday afternoon, May 16th, at approximately 4:23 an officer was dispatched to Wal Mart for a report of a shoplifter. It was reported that a female subject had left the store while concealing and not paying for approximately $116 worth of merchandise. As a result of the investigation the female was located, and the property was retrieved. At the conclusion of the incident a 38-year-old Salem female was arrested and given summons to appear in court for shoplifting. Then Tuesday evening, May 18th, at approximately 6:46 an officer was dispatched to the Cedar Grove Cemetery for a report of a vehicle stuck in the mud. Upon arrival it was apparent that a male subject who was operating the vehicle was intoxicated. Following a DWI investigation a 62-year-old Salem male was arrested and later released on summons for possession of Marijuana and Driving while intoxicated. Later that night at approximately 11:21 an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed over the posted speed limit. The vehicle failed to yield when the officer attempted to stop it and continued traveling at a high rate of speed of more than 80 mph on Missouri Highway 32. The vehicle finally came to a stop near the Jehovah Witness Church on 32 West. As the officer contacted the driver, he was alerted that the driver may be under the influence of alcohol. During the traffic stop investigation it was found that the male subject was intoxicated. As a result, a 38-year-old Springfield male was arrested and placed on a 24-hour hold pending the application of warrants for Resisting Arrest and Driving while Intoxicated. Finally, the morning of Thursday, May 20th, at approximately 4:00 officers received information about the location of Brian Weber who had previously fled and was a fugitive from justice. Officers conducted surveillance and a short-term investigation confirming the information they had received. As a result, the 40-year-old Salem male was arrested and incarcerated on outstanding warrants. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 573-729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

A drowning happened Saturday afternoon around 3:10 in on Big Creek in Iron County one quarter miles east of Highway 49 in Vulcan. A six-year-old boy from Fairview Heights, Illinois entered the water and went under. The boy was located a short time later, however, life saving measures were unsuccessful. The boy was pronounced dead by Doctor Teeter at the Iron County Medical Center at 4:36. The drowning was the 5th of the year in Troop E.

Friday morning, May 28th at about 11:42, deputies with the Dent County Sheriff’s Office responded to Private Lane 201 in Dent County. The call was in reference to a 911 hang up. Upon arrival, deputies learned that a three-year-old male was missing and had been missing for an unknown amount of time. Deputies establishing a timeline of the events concerning the child’s disappearance, and additional personnel and other agencies were called in for help. A thorough search of the woods and surrounding acres was conducted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office K-9-unit, the Missouri State Water Patrol, Missouri Department of Conservation, the Salem Police Department as well as the Dent County Fire Department and Lenox Fire Department. The search was not successful in finding the child at that time. A decision was made to extend the search to adjoining properties with law enforcement and the help of neighbors and additional volunteers in a set of grid searches. On Saturday morning, May 29th at about 1:05, volunteers located the child safe and alive. The Dent County Sheriff’s Department wanted to thank all the agencies, volunteers, churches and neighbors for their valuable help in what was a great example of the Dent County community pulling together in a time of need. The number of citizens willing to search for the missing child was overwhelming. The quick community response played a major role in locating the child safe early Saturday morning.

A Salem man was involved in an accident just before 7:00 Thursday evening in Osage County on Highway 63 about two miles south of Route Z. According to the highway patrol report, a southbound 2000 Ford F-250, driven by 58-year-old Kenneth Boeker of Rolla, swerved to avoid a vehicle making a right turn. Boeker lost control of the Ford causing it to cross the center line striking a northbound 2020 Kenworth driven by 63-year-old Michael Cooley of Salem. Boeker, along with passenger 29-year-old Bruce Ellis of Rolla, suffered minor injuries and were transported by ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. A second passenger in the Ford, John Watkins of Rolla, whose age was unknown, suffered moderate injuries and was transported to the University Hospital in Columbia. Boeker, Ellis and Cooley were all wearing safety restraints, while it was unknown whether John Watkins was. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Plaza Service. The Kenworth sustained extensive damage and was removed by Tow Pro.

A two-vehicle accident happened Thursday afternoon just before 4:00 in Phelps County on Route V at Phelps County Road 2060. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 2005 Toyota Highlander, being driven by 71-year-old Jimmie Taylor of Rolla, was stopped to make a left turn onto the county road when he was struck from behind by a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 being driven by 23-year-old Kayleigh DeShurley of St. James. Taylor suffered minor injuries while a passenger in the Toyota, 60-year-old Gay Taylor also of Rolla, suffered moderate injuries. DeShurley had moderate injuries. All three were taken by ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. The report went on to state that all those involved were wearing safety restraints. The Toyota sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing, while the Chevrolet had moderate damage and was removed by C & C Towing.

The following reports have been released by the Salem Police Department. On Sunday afternoon, May 5th at approximately 4:17, an officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Second Street for the report of a violation of a full order of protection. Upon arrival it was found that a male subject was violating the full order of protection and was refusing to leave. As a result, a 38-year-old Salem male was arrested and incarcerated pending the application of warrants. On the morning of Monday, May 10th near 11:00, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle having no license plate. During the traffic stop the officer was made aware the occupant had an active arrest warrant out of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. As a result, a 51-year-old Salem man was arrested on the warrant and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. On Thursday evening, May 13th at about 8:24, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for not having working headlights. During the investigation into the traffic stop, it was found the car was displaying license plates that were stolen out of St. Francios County. As a result of the investigation, a 37-year-old Salem woman was arrested for receiving stolen property and was later released on a summons. The next night at approximately 10:45, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle having a headlight out. During the traffic stop it was found that the driver had an active arrest warrant issued out of the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office. As a result, a 19-year-old Salem woman was arrested. She later posted bond on the warrant out of Phelps County. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 573-729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

There will not be a Your World Today on Monday, May 31st due to Memorial Day. Our next edition will be Tuesday, June 1st. Happy Memorial Day!

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, recognizes Memorial Day weekend is highly anticipated and reminds motorists the Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. or, Crash Awareness Reduction Effort, during the long holiday weekend. This means every available trooper will be on the road enforcing traffic laws and assisting motorists. Over the 2020 Memorial Day holiday weekend, 10 people died and 444 were injured in 1,081 traffic crashes. Last year, troopers made 118 DWI arrests. The Memorial Day weekend is also an unofficial start to the boating season. During the 2020 Memorial Day weekend, there were 11 boating crashes which included one fatality and seven injuries. One person drowned over last year’s holiday weekend and troopers arrested 11 people for boating while intoxicated over the 2020 Memorial Day weekend. This year’s counting period for the holiday weekend begins at 6:00 tonight and ends at 11:59 PM, Monday, May 31st. Troopers will focus their attention on seat belt use, use of child safety seats, impaired drivers, hazardous moving violations, and speed violations. If your plans include driving or boating, choose to be courteous and obey all Missouri laws. Use a seat belt when you drive and wear a life jacket when you’re on or near the water. Always pay attention, whether you’re operating a vehicle or a vessel, and choose to be a sober driver on land and on the water. A safe, fun weekend starts with planning and good decisions. Motorists or boaters in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use the Highway Patrol’s Emergency Assistance number 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. Motorists are encouraged to do their part to make Missouri’s roadways safer. Speed, inattention, and impaired driving are leading causes of traffic crashes. Please do your part. Obey all traffic laws and make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Missouri provides a variety of opportunities for boating. Please be courteous to others on the water, wear a life jacket, and obey the law regarding safe operation of a vessel and no wake zones. Causing harm to another person or their property with an excessive boat wake may subject you to enforcement action or civil liability. Treat other boaters and property owners as you want to be treated. Never operate a boat while you are impaired; never ride with an impaired operator.

The Missouri Department of Transportation is advising local residents that a Dent County road will be closed for the next several months for a bridge replacement project. The Route FF bridge over Norman Creek, located near the Phelps County line, has reached the point where replacement is necessary. Starting Tuesday, June 1st, crews will begin removing the existing Norman Creek bridge to replace it with a new box culvert. Route FF will be closed to traffic at the bridge for the duration of the project. The work is expected to be completed by August 20th. Motorists will need to use alternate routes while the bridge replacement takes place. The bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million “Focus on Bridges” program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state. Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) crews will also be making pavement repairs to Route KK in Saint James next week. Crews will close one lane daily on Route KK between Highway 68 & 8 and the Crawford County line from 7:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon Wednesday, June 2nd, through Tuesday, June 8th. MoDOT appreciates the patience of motorists traveling through the work area. Drivers are advised to watch for workers on the road and obey all traffic signs. This work is weather permitting and could be delayed. For more information and updates about the bridge project, please call 1-888-275-6636 or visit www.modot.org/NormanCreekBridge.

Missouri State Parks invites the public to begin their archery journey by attending a hands-on course at Echo Bluff State Park during the afternoon June 19th from 1:00 until 3:00. Participants may register now through June 12th. This program is for anyone who wants to learn the basics of archery and atlatl throwing. The Learn2 Aim courses offer two hours of free instruction and are open to ages 10 and older. Registration is required and all slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To register visit mostateparks.com/learn2.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released several reports. On Sunday, April 25th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 4180. During the traffic stop, a 51-year-old man from Salem was arrested for the unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia a prior drug offense. The man was taken to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On Friday, April 30th, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 3000 block of Dent County Road 2470 to serve an arrest warrant. At that time, a 39-year-old Salem man was arrested for having active warrants in three different counties. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Thursday, May 6th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Pershing and East 4th Street. During the stop, a 28-year-old Salem woman was arrested for an having an active warrant through the Rolla Police Department. She was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Tuesday, May 11th, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 1000 block of Dent County Road 6470 for the report of a domestic disturbance. Deputies arrived on the scene and after an investigation, a 19-year-old Salem woman was arrested for domestic assault in the 3rd degree and for the unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Also arrested during the incident was a 20-year-old Salem woman for domestic assault in the 3rd degree, and possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Both women were transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. If you have any information about an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 573-729-3241.

The Salem Police Department has released their report for the month of April. They served 18 summonses to appear in court, gave out 69 warning tickets, and 13 traffic tickets, plus they also served two fugitive warrants. The Salem Police department investigated 17 traffic accidents, wrote five property damage reports, 17 stealing reports and investigated two identity thefts. The department also investigated three driving while having a license revoked or suspended charges, a resisting or interfering with an arrest charge, a violation of an exparte or full order of protection, four possessions of a controlled substance charges as well as three domestic violence reports. The police also investigated two nuisance violations and conducted two death investigations. The Salem Police Department was dispatched for 37 animal calls, 21 ambulance assist calls, and performed 88 traffic stops for the month. The Department also conducted 59 follow-up investigations, one leaving the scene of an accident, and responded to 26 suspicious subjects. They also performed 24 well-being checks. The Salem Police received 951 calls for service during the month of April and had 43 walk-ins to the station. The department drove 8,180 miles during the month of April. There were 16 males and 13 females arrested during the month. The Police Department also served 4 hours as court bailiff during the month.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold a special meeting via Zoom at 11:30 this morning. After approval of the consent agenda, the board will consider bids for a high school storage building before adjourning and moving into closed session to discuss personnel. If you wish to attend the meeting you may contact the school for a Zoom link at 729-6642.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded a $40,000 Clean Water Engineering Report Grant to the city of Eminence to evaluate the city’s wastewater system. The city will use the grant to identify wastewater system improvements needed to continue reliable service to the area, meet permit requirements and reduce stormwater infiltration into sewer collection pipes. The facility’s improvement plan should be complete in November 2022. Through the grant, the city has an opportunity to assess its plant and identify improvements for efficiency, effectiveness and capacity and to satisfy public health and water quality regulations. This will help the community plan for future growth and development and determine what actions are needed to address wastewater needs. The department is committed to assisting Missouri communities with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. Through its Financial Assistance Center, the department provides funding opportunities for communities with water quality, wastewater and drinking water infrastructure needs. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. For more information on wastewater and drinking water funding opportunities, visit dnr.mo.gov.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to remind the public that driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed on Monday, May 31st in observance of Memorial Day. Normal Operations will resume June 1st.

On Monday, May 24th in Dent County in front of Judge Randazzo in the 42nd Judicial Court, Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley reported that Brienne Price of Potosi had her probation revoked. She was on probation for the stealing of a controlled substance. Price was then sentenced to serve seven years the Missouri Department of Corrections.

A two-vehicle accident happened Monday morning shortly after 11:00 in Reynolds County on Highway 72 in Bunker. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 2006 Chrysler Van being driven by 74-year-old Everett Helvey of Bunker and a 2018 Kenworth T800 being driven by 61-year-old Jimmy Privett of Salem, were both exiting a parking lot at the same time when the van turned into the Kenworth. Helvey suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment. The Chrysler sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Rowdy’s Towing. The Kenworth received minor damage and was driven from the scene. The report went on to state that both drivers were wearing safety restraints.

At the Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors meeting held on Tuesday, May 18th, the board approved a preliminary budget for review for the Fiscal Year 2022 that will begin on July 1st of this year. The board reviewed the market assessment presented by the Finance Committee who reviewed the last seven years of data in putting together what they felt was an accurate expectation in the new fiscal year. This data included 720 patients for surgeries and other medical needs with an average stay of 3.3 days for 2,400 census days followed by 120 patients using the swing bed with an average length of stay of 10 days for 1,200 census days. The committee also decided on 360 patients during the year being kept for observation for about 1.3 days per patient for a total of 480 census days. For the outpatient volume, the Finance Committee calculated there would be 21,000 outpatient registrations and 7,800 ER visits. The committee estimated 6,338 census days in Long-Term Care with an average of 17.5 patients per day occupancy. With these estimates, the committee calculated increases in the cost for a semi-private room, private room, swing bed, isolation, intensive care and observation would increase around 3% or so while the ancillary and outpatient services would go up about 5%. The cost at Long-Term Care would increase from $165 to $175 per day. The Finance Committee calculated salary increases from 0 to 2%, looked for an increase in the retirement plan and supply costs of 4%, and expected drug costs to increase 6%. Using these figures, the Finance Committee prepared an operating budget that shows the hospital in the next fiscal year with patient revenues of about $26,978,988 and total operating expenses of $27,603,988, showing a loss from operations of $625,000. The committee expects tax revenues to come in at about $625,000 showing a break-even budget for the Fiscal Year 2022. The committee also performed a personnel analysis at the SMDH Clinic, support staff, ancillary services and nursing that includes bringing the local billing of patients back in house. In the Capital Budget, the Finance Committee tallied the capital leases for equipment as well as the hospital expansion costs that ended up being $501,741. The committee left $123,259 as undesignated capital items in case other capital needs arose in the next fiscal year. After discussing the budget, the board approved it as is. The board was also informed that a new doctor will officially be starting at the SMDH clinic in November and that will be Tiffany Bland, MD. She will begin working at the hospital in June.

An accident happened Sunday afternoon around 4:15 on I-44 in Phelps County at the westbound off ramp in St. James. The report released by the highway patrol states that a 2009 Honda Shadow being operated by 65-year-old Angelo Lettieri of Villa Ridge, slid in loose gravel and overturned ejecting Lettieri and a passenger, 29-year-old Christine Golden, also of Villa Ridge. Golden was transported by St. James ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Lettieri also suffered minor injuries and choose to seek his own treatment. The report went on to state that neither were wearing safety devices. The Honda sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene.

Are you wanting to learn to fish? MDC offers Discover Nature – Fishing Program that provides a series of free lessons throughout the state. All fishing gear is provided. Learn more at dnf.mdc.mo.gov. If you have a need for fishing equipment, MDC works with numerous libraries and other locations around the state to loan fishing gear for free. Loaner gear includes fishing poles and simple tackle box with hooks, sinkers, and bobbers. Worms, minnows, or other bait are not provided. Find MDC Rod and Reel Loaner Program locations at the MDC website. For information on Missouri fishing regulations, fish identification, and more, get a copy of MDC’s 2021 Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations where permits are sold, or online. MDC’s free MO Fishing app can help anglers find the best places to fish in Missouri, access regulation information, identify fish by species, and more. Anglers can also buy, store, and show fishing permits right on their mobile devices. MO Fishing is available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices.