Local News

Forest Service regulation. This will ensure consistency of feral hog regulations on Forest Service and Department of Conservation managed lands by allowing for the opportunistic take of feral hogs during all deer and turkey hunting seasons. While the Forest Service announcement is effective immediately on the Mark Twain National Forest and will apply to the rest of the of the 2019-2020 deer season, the change will not be in place for the 2019-2020 alternative methods and archery hunting season on Department of Conservation lands. The MDC proposal will need to make its way through the State’s regulatory process, which includes a formal public comment period on the rulemakings. The prohibition of hunting on public lands does NOT apply to private lands where landowners may hunt or shoot feral hogs on their lands. Opportunistic take refers to takings that result from, but are not the purpose of, carrying out an otherwise lawful activity. In this case, it allows for a person possessing an unfilled deer or turkey hunting permit to opportunistically take feral hogs while in pursuit of deer or turkey during the hunting season. Feral hogs became established in southern Missouri when some individuals released them for hunting. Between natural reproduction and continued illegal releases, the feral hog population exploded in southern Missouri. They now occur in more than 30 Missouri counties. Recreational hunting of feral hogs complicates efforts to trap and eliminate them. Hunting activities, particularly hunting with dogs, scatters the sounder and makes trapping efforts aimed at catching the entire group very difficult, because hogs become trap-shy and wary of baited sites. This pattern has been repeated in several states where the combination of recreational hunting and trapping programs has resulted in a larger feral hog population. Examples from other states and from large areas of private land in Missouri show that allowing state and federal wildlife managers to eliminate feral hogs yields the best results. With the Forest Service announcement, the Missouri Feral Hog Elimination Partnership has developed an operational plan that will provide additional staff and resources on private and public land around the Mark Twain National Forest. Currently, the Conservation Commission is providing $1.8 million annually for trapping services with staff providing more than 25,000 hours annually towards elimination efforts on private and public land. Other agencies who are contributing staff and resources will be stepping up their effort to fight the battle against feral hogs. The new plan will reassign staff from across the state to help with feral hog removal efforts in southern Missouri. For more information about MDC efforts to eliminate feral hogs go to www.mdc.mo.gov/feralhog.

The Salem Police Department released the following accident report. On Tuesday afternoon, November 26th at approximately 4:24, a 2007 Nissan Sentra, operated by Stephanie Webber of Salem, was northbound on MacArthur Avenue approaching the intersection with Highway 32. At that time, a 2012 Ford F-150, operated by Rachelle Atkinson of Salem, was southbound on MacArthur Avenue approaching Highway 32. The report stated that the Nissan started to turn left into the path of the Ford and the vehicles collided. Webber was transported by EMS to thehospital, while a passenger in the Nissan was transported to the hospital by private vehicle. The Nissan sustained extensive damage, while the Ford sustained moderate damage.

Chad Strain of Dixon, who originally grew up in Shannon County near the Bunker area, will speak at the Dent County Historical Society meeting Tuesday night at 6:00 at the Salem Pizza Inn on what it means to be Cherokee and also what it means to be a Cherokee Citizen, the differences and struggles that can come with each. If your family did not remove to Indian Territory, even though your ancestor was part of the Indian Removal, most likely they will not be found on the Dawes Rolls where the names of those that where accepted to become a Cherokee Citizens. Just because a family member applied for Citizenship, it does not mean that the person was accepted. It was a long process to be accepted. It helped in the process if another family member applied and was granted Citizenship. Some of these files can contain 40 pages. For more information about the meeting and the Dawes Rolls, contact Deloris Gray Wood at 729-2545.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Courthouse. In the road report District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that grading would be done and materials would be added to Dent County Roads 2460, 4090 and 5520, while materials only would be added to county road 5510. He also said that brush would be cut on county road 6370. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 3140, 3150, 5260 and 5280, plus county road 2200 would have materials added and would be graded. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said that Tuesday evening he and Commissioner Larson attended the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste District annual full board meeting in St. James where two policy revisions were approved and various grant extensions were approved. They also attended the separate ORSWD Awards Dinner where seven awards were presented for Outstanding Achievement in Solid Waste Reduction. Skiles also noted that a crew was working on some electrical problems with some of the Christmas lights on the Courthouse. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said that the Commissioners were approving bills for payment and her office continues work on the Dent County Budget for 2020. Commissioner reported that phone bids were taken for 2,500 gallons of gasoline for the Road and Bridge Department and County Fuels was the winning bidder at $1.89 per gallon. Dent County Assessor Tina Whitaker came in with her Map Maintenance Agreement with STC and the Commissioners signed the agreement for 2020-2021. Sheriff Bob Wells, Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley, and Treasurer Denita Williams were in to discuss a civil forfeiture. The task force had worked on a case that involved distribution of a controlled substance and seized money. The Judge in the case had ordered the $6,803.30 in seized money be turned over to the County Treasurer. According to state law, the Treasurer will turn the money over to the schools. It was stated that Law Enforcement has been working on several cases and has seized firearms and will have a firearms sale in the future with the proceeds to be turned over to the Treasurer and deposited in the General Revenue Fund. Prosecutor Curley discussed the Dent County Crime Advocate position that was made possible by a grant. He said that Cynthia Nash of his staff is taking the position and all expenses related to that position will be fully reimbursed back to Dent County by the grant. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday morning in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

A Children’s Old-Fashioned Christmas will be held Monday evening from 6:30-8:00 at the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History at the corner of Rolla Road and North Hickory. The kids can help decorate the “Children’s Tree,” by creating and decorating the old-fashion ways—popcorn, clothespin angels, paper chains, oranges, and cookies. This event is appropriate for children through about 12 years old. The cost is $1.00 per child or $5.00 per family. Adults are free.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors meeting took place at 7:00 Tuesday evening, December 3rd. Bills were heard and approved with an ending balance of $113,981.22 as of December 3rd. The 2020 budget was reviewed and approved. In the monthly reimbursement report, the department received a total of 27 calls for the month of November, bringing the total calls year to date to 260 with an average cost per call of $118.88. During the month of November, the department responded to 13 vehicle accidents, six first responder calls, four brush fires, two training calls and one mutual aid. Fire chief Brad Nash reported to the board that the top three categories of fire calls in 2019 so far were vehicle accidents, accounting for 23.5% of the calls, another 21.2% were first responder calls and structure fires came in third at 15.8%. These numbers account for almost 61% of the calls responded to in 2019. Chief Nash also updated the board on the progress of the renovation at the district fire station and stated that the new doors are in. Providing the weather holds, the roof is almost complete and should be finished soon. The new restroom is currently being framed in. Chief Nash noted that all in all, the progress is moving along as planned. The date for the next meeting was set for January 7th at 6:00 in the evening at the fire station.

A follow-up community conversation on the opioid epidemic and Narcan instruction will be held Tuesday evening, December 10th at 5:30. The forum provides the Dent County community the opportunity to share solutions to the opioid epidemic and give input on what citizens’ feel should happen. In order to be part of the solution, citizens can start by understanding what Naloxone (Narcan) is and how to administer it to a loved one or a member of the community. The forum is free and there will be a limited amount of complimentary appetizers and drinks so please RSVP to contact person Sherry Lea at (573) 729-8163. The forum will be held at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory and is sponsored by Your Community Cares Rural Health Coalition.

Don’t forget to attend the Salem “Parade of Lights” tomorrow night starting at 5:30 from the SBU-Salem campus at Grand and Franklin Streets to the Dent County Courthouse.

A Steelville man Wednesday pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm stemming from a police chase from Illinois into Missouri. According to the court report, 27-year old Johnathan K. Esparza of Steelville appeared in federal court before U.S. District Judge John A. Ross who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for March 13, 2020. According to court documents, on September 21st, 2018, police officers from Brooklyn, Illinois responded to a call regarding shots fired from a Nissan vehicle. As Brooklyn police officers attempted to bring the vehicle to a controlled stop, the driver of this vehicle accelerated and drove at a high rate of speed from Illinois into Missouri. Officers observed Esparza, the front seat passenger, throw a pistol out of the window of the vehicle in St. Louis and were able to recover and seize the pistol. The Nissan was eventually stopped and Esparza was apprehended. A computer check revealed that he was a convicted felon. Esparza faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison and a fine of not more than a $250,000. He may be subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence greater than described. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges. The Brooklyn, Illinois Police Department and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Steven Muchnick is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The Salem Park and Recreation Board met on November 26th at the Salem Community Center@TheArmory. Director Melissa DuBois addressed the board and reported there were 104 participants in the 2019 Youth basketball program for children in the 1st through 6th grades. She said she visited the site of the proposed new soccer field complex with City Administrator Ray Walden, Public Works Director Mark Nash and representatives from Archer-Elgin to get information to update the LWCF Grant that the city will apply for in February. She discussed back lighting at the Salem City Park sign and also the creation of a new Alice Lou Craig Municipal Swimming Pool sign for the pool building. City Administrator Ray Walden gave an updated on the TAP grant. Walden said MoDOT had approved the letting of bids, but that will held off until after the holidays. The bids are to be opened by March 1st with work beginning by April 1st. Park Board President Stan Podorski presented the board with an update three-year project plan for the Parks and Recreation which included the soccer park complex, TAP grant, replacing the roof at the Al Brown Storage Building, a new concession area and handicapped accessible stairway at Al Brown and other projects. Podorski also said the Park and Recreation Board by-laws are outdated and he is revising the by-laws and will present them at a future meeting for board approval. Walden then informed the board of the change moving the grounds crew for the Park and Recreation Department to Public Works where they are under the supervision of Public Works Director, Mark Nash. They will still do the work they would normally do during the peak season hours on fields, lawn care, etc. while only taking care of limited activities at the parks during the off-season times and who would be responsible to perform those duties. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Dent County Sheriff’s office released reports for November 20th through 27th. On Friday the 20th, deputies responded to the 4000 block of Route CC for a report of burglary. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a 22 year-old man was the reported victim and the investigation is ongoing. On Monday, November 23rd, deputies responded to the 3000 block of Route VV for a report of burglary. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a 28-year-old was the reported victim and the investigation is ongoing. The next day, Tuesday November 24th, deputies traveled to the 2000 block of Dent County Road 3260 for a report of a burglary. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a 40-year-old was the reported victim and the investigation is ongoing. On Thursday, November 26th, the Dent County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a vehicle sitting in a yard at a residence in the 700 block of Dent County Road 4210. The caller told the Sheriff’s Office that the vehicle was running and someone was inside it. A deputy traveled to area and during the course of the incident, a 47 year-old Salem man was arrested for possession of a controlled substance–methamphetamine, and the unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and incarcerated. The next day, Friday November 27th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 200 block of South Main Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 44 year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while being intoxicated. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued summons and released. If you have information regarding any ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 573-729-3241.

An Ozark Christmas Celebration will take place at Alley Spring this Saturday from 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon. The historic Alley Mill, Storys Creek School and General Store will all be decorated in the holiday fashion. Alley Mill will be open during the event and will feature Christmas trees adorned with handmade ornaments created by the 4th grade classes from local schools. Take home the memory by creating your own unique traditional tree ornament. Bring the family and sip hot chocolate while listening to traditional Christmas music. Ole Saint Nick himself plans to stop by and join in the festivities. Alley Spring is located six miles west of Eminence on Highway 106. For more information about this event please contact Ranger Josh Chilton at 573-226-3945, visit the park’s Facebook page, or website at www.nps.gov/ozar.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday night at the City Hall Council Chambers. After the consent agenda was approved, Planning and Zoning Chairman Gary Brown discussed the Planning and Zoning Hearing and Meeting held on November 21st. Brown said there was no one that spoke in opposition of a meadery or was curious as to the meaning of it. He said Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge discussed what a meadery is with the commission. Brown said the commission did not have a quorum but the group discussed microbreweries, wineries and meaderies. He also said that Jared Brown handed out books on the International Coding System and Brown said all the members of the Planning and Zoning Commission will receive one to review. City Administrator Ray Walden said the results of the nuisance survey will be reviewed with the city attorney and any other group who would need to have input to start putting together ordinances for the alderman to review. He also said that in some cases there are relationships with ordinances and nuisances that will have to be considered before changes are made. Walden said a variance report was sent to the Department of Natural Resources from the Waste Water Treatment Plant and they will await the results to see where they stand with the improvements. Walden stated the Christmas Parade of Lights will be held Saturday at 5:30 and then new Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois presented her report to the board. Walden reported the original agreement approved earlier by the board was reviewed along with the new agreement reviewed by the new city Attorney Weber. After a few changes, the board approved Resolution 26-2019 to allow the mayor to execute a new contract and agreement with Riverways Federal Credit Union for consulting services. Part of the new agreement was the creation of a “Welcome Home Advisory Board.” That board will consist of Scott Schultz from Riverways, Ray Walden and Sally Burbridge with the city, Todd Kinerk with the Planning and Zoning Commission and Sherman Odom with the IDA Board. The board then went into closed session.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation shows that young hunters ages 6 through 15 harvested 1,909 deer during Missouri’s late youth portion of the 2019 deer hunting season from November 29th through December 1st. Of the 1,909 deer harvested, 752 were antlered bucks, 200 were button bucks, and 957 were does. Top counties for the late youth portion were Osage with 63 deer checked, Lincoln with 45, and Callaway with 41. Last year’s harvest total for the late youth portion was 2,595 with 1,160 being antlered bucks, 338 button bucks, and 1,097 does. In Dent County, a total of 20 deer were harvested while there were 16 deer taken in Crawford County, 26 deer were harvested in Phelps County, 25 more deer were taken in Texas County and 19 deer were harvested in Reynolds County.

An accident occurred Monday night at 10:16 in Crawford County on Seven Cedars Road about six miles south of Steeleville. According to the highway patrol report, a 1998 Chevrolet Blazer driven by 34-year old William White of Steelville, was fleeing from a Crawford County Deputy and failed to negotiate a curve. The Blazer traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. White suffered serious injuries and was transported by Steelville Ambulance to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. A passenger in the Chevrolet, 36-year-old Chelsea Green of Steelville, suffered minor injuries and was taken to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan by Iron County Ambulance. The report stated that neither White nor Green were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Chevrolet was totaled and removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing.

An accident occurred Tuesday morning at 7:30 in Crawford County on Highway 8 west of Center Point Road. According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2008 Lincoln MKX suffered a malfunction causing the driver, 22-year-old Madyson Roper of Steelville, to loose control of the vehicle. The Lincoln traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. Roper, along with a 2-year-old male juvenile, suffered minor injuries and were both transported by Steelville Ambulance to Phelps Health. The report stated that both Roper and the male juvenile were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Lincoln was totaled and removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Toy Drive and the Salvation Army Angel Tree final signup will be held Thursday, December 5th from 3:00 to 6:00 in the afternoon at the Creative Arts Center behind the Ozark Natural and Cultural Center. Requirements are that children must be between the ages of newborn and 12 years of age, they must live with the parent/guardian who is signing the child up, and they must reside in Dent County. Parents need to bring proof that they meet these requirements. This can be a print out from Division of Family Services. If financial aid is not received, parents can bring a letter from the school the child attends stating that the child lives with that parent and the grade they are in. In addition, proof of residency can be presented in the form of a utility bill, a voter registration card or something similar. For more information, call 729-8163.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the courthouse. At the meeting, Pat Tackett with VIP Properties came in to ask what criteria would be needed to make a private drive into a county road. Commissioner Gary Larson explained the private drive needs to meet the county’s specifications before it can be absorbed in the county road system. He said he would take a look at the road in question and let her know what he finds. Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge was in to give the monthly economic activity report to the commissioners for the month of November. David Gray also came in to inquire of any requirements on building a low water crossing. Commissioners Dennis Purcell and Larson told Gray how they have built low water crossings using footers and pipes or a concrete culvert. Gray was satisfied with the information provided on how to proceed with his project before leaving. In the road reports, Commissioners Purcell and Larson stated both district received between 1.5 and 2.5 inches of rain Thursday through Saturday. Because of this, work crews were out checking for any washouts, downed trees and blown down limbs. They also said materials would be added and patch grading would be done where needed. Larson also reported that Dent County Road 4280 was closed Sunday when a car was stranded on a low water crossing. The vehicle was removed and the road was reopened Monday morning. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles stated he would be attending the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District full council meeting at 5:30 followed by the awards banquet at 6:30 at the MRPC offices in St. James tonight. He also wanted to remind everyone that Dent County Assessor Tina Whitaker would be retiring December 31st and if anyone would be interested in that position, they need to let the commissioners know of your interest. The commissioners will have 14 days to name a temporary replacement for that position who would remain in office until the governor appoints a permanent replacement. Skiles also said they would re-bid the financial audit for the county for the 2018 and 2019 fiscal years and those bids would be opened on Thursday, January 23rd at 11:00 in the morning. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said her office continues to work on the 2020 Dent County Budget and filings for the April Municipal Election will begin on December 17th. She said people interested in running for all the local political offices except for the Dent County Health Board need to file at those respective entities. Those interested in filling for the Dent County Health Board will need to file in her office. She also said Commissioners Skiles and Larson signed off on the request for some of the funds on the CDBG grant for the work being done on the Dent County Fire Station. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

In honor of National Miners Day on December 6th, the Doe Run Company celebrates the achievements of its skilled mine rescue teams. Doe Run’s Maroon team won first place for the team technician competition, and the Gray team won first place in first aid at the Missouri Regional Mine Rescue Contest that was held in Rolla September 30th through October 3rd. In addition, Charlie Walker, the development miner at Doe Run’s Brushy Creek Mine and captain of the Gray team, was inducted into the Missouri Mine Rescue Hall of Fame in recognition of his nearly 30 years of significant contributions to the field of mine rescue. Congratulations to Charlie and both rescue teams!

Two Salem residents were injured in a one vehicle crash last Wednesday evening at 9:15 on Dent County Road 4210 about six miles east of Salem. The report from the highway patrol states that a 1993 Chevrolet Suburban being driven by 21-year old William Scott of Salem was eastbound when the vehicle crossed the center line, traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. Scott and an occupant in the vehicle, 22-year old Georgia Burris of Salem, both received minor injuries and were transported by ambulance to Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment. Neither occupants of the vehicle were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Suburban sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

An accident occurred Saturday evening at 5:25 in Phelps County on Highway 72 at Phelps County Road 4020. According to the highway patrol report, a 1995 Mercury Sable driven by 40-year old Erica Thompson of Rolla was traveling eastbound when she attempting to make a left turn onto Phelps County Road 4020. At that time, a 2016 Ford Fusion traveling eastbound and driven by 18-year old McKensi Mosher of Salem failed to stop in time and struck the rear end of the Mercury. Thompson suffered minor injuries and was taken to Phelps Health in Rolla. She was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage with the Ford being removed by Dishman’s Towing of Rolla and the Mercury being removed b y C&C Towing of Rolla.

An accident occurred Saturday evening at 8:00 in Phelps County on I-44 eastbound at mile marker 192.2. According to the highway patrol report, a 2014 Nissan Armada driven by 39-year old Helen Hausner of Steelville was traveling eastbound and traveled off the right side of the roadway. The Nissan crossed the outer road and struck an embankment, then traveled off the left side of the road and struck a ditch. Hausner suffered minor injuries and was taken to Phelps Health in Rolla. She was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Nissan sustained moderate damage and was towed by Spurgeon’s Towing in St. James.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at 7:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers. After the consent agenda, the board will hear from Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman Gary Brown about their public hearing and meeting on November 21st with the hearing dealing with adding the term “meadery” to the city code of ordinances and the definition of one. They also discussed at their meeting wineries, microbreweries and meaderies as well as reviewing Chapter 400 of the planning and Zoning Codes. City Administrator Ray Walden will give his report before the board will discuss the unfinished business of the “Welcome Home Program” with Riverways Federal Credit Union. The board will also discuss Resolution 126-2019 dealing with that program allowing the mayor to enter into an agreement with the credit union for the program. In new business, a by-product of the agreement is to create a “Welcome Home Advisory Board” which the mayor will do before the board goes into closed session to discuss real estate. The meeting of the board of Aldermen tonight is open to the public.

Don’t forget to get your entry in for the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and City of Salem “Cowboy Christmas” Parade of Lights. It will be held Saturday, December 7th starting at 5:30 on the normal parade route starting at SBU Campus, moving east to MacArthur on Franklin, then north on MacArthur to 4th Street where the parade will go east. The parade will conclude around the courthouse square. Entry forms are available at the Salem area Chamber of Commerce office at 200 S. Main Street and need to be submitted by TODAY!! This year’s parade Grand Marshall will be Melba Headrick from KSMO Radio. If there are questions, please contact the Chamber office at 729-6900.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, reminds everyone to expect an increase in traffic over the Thanksgiving holiday. More vehicles on the road will mean changes to your normal traffic route, making courteous and attentive driving just that much more important. Driving with the highest degree of care is everyone’s responsibility, and following all traffic laws is imperative. The counting period for the 2019 Thanksgiving holiday weekend is from 6:00 tonight through 11:59 Sunday night, December 1st. Troopers will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E., enforcing all traffic laws, and will be available to assist the public. Over last years Thanksgiving holiday counting period, 13 people were killed and another 498 people were injured in 1,640 traffic crashes. Whether you’re on the road visiting family and friends or out shopping for a good deal, please make sure your car is in good condition before you travel. It is also important that you are well rested before you start driving. Remember: There is never a reason to speed, drive aggressively, or drive impaired. The public is encouraged to call the Patrol’s Emergency Report Line (800) 525-5555 or *55 on your cellular phone if they witness criminal activity or experience an emergency. These phone numbers are operational for both highway and water emergencies. If your celebration includes alcohol, designate someone else to drive and don’t become a statistic.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released the following reports. On Wednesday, November 20th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at 800 East Highway 32. During the course of the traffic stop, a 30-year old Salem man was arrested for felony driving while having his license revoked or suspended. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Then on Friday, November 22nd, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the Wal-Mart parking lot. During the course of the traffic stop, an 18 year-old Salem man was arrested for operating a vehicle on a highway without a valid drivers license, a 1st offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released.

Current River State Park would like to invite you to celebrate a Country Christmas from 11:00 until 2:00 on this Saturday. Visitors will be able to make nature-inspired decorations and gifts and enjoy hot apple cider and cookies. Current River State Park is located on Highway 19, approximately 23 miles south of Salem. For more information, call Current River State Park at 573-751-1224. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Thursday, November 14th at about 9:21 in the evening, an officer was contacted near the 300 block of North Park in reference an assault. The investigation of the report revealed a 33-year-old male from Salem had assaulted a 22-year-old female of Salem. Further investigation led to the arrest of the man for fourth degree domestic assault. He was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Friday, November 15th near 7:40 in the evening, an officer was dispatched to Walmart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 37-year-old male of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $29.76. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Wednesday night, November 20th at about 9:30, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of South Jackson in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown took a Homelite chainsaw valued at $100.00 from a residence. The report is under investigation. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

Don’t forget to get your entry in for the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and City of Salem “Cowboy Christmas” Parade of Lights. It will be held Saturday, December 7th starting at 5:30 on the normal parade route starting at SBU Campus, moving east to MacArthur on Franklin, then north on MacArthur to 4th Street where the parade will go east. The parade will conclude around the courthouse square. Entry forms are available at the Salem area Chamber of Commerce office at 200 S. Main Street and need to be submitted by December 2nd.. This year’s parade Grand Marshall will be Melba Headrick from KSMO Radio. If there are questions, please contact the Chamber office at 729-6900.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met Thursday evening at the District Administrative Offices. Superintendent John McColloch stated that parent-teacher conferences were held at all the schools and each building reported excellent attendance. The Internship Program Director Elizabeth Wright along with three students discussed the program and the benefits it brings to students working with participating businesses. McColloch then updated the board on the status schools health insurance. McColloch stated the Salem R-80 district is currently considered an unhealthy district and the consortium they are part of is also considered unhealthy. The district is currently running at 123% claims to premium. Mr. McColloch discussed all the possible insurance options with the board. He was to attend the consortium meeting Friday to vote on the options. Mr. McColloch gave an update on the sports booster clubs. He will be meeting soon with the booster clubs to discuss possible rules and protocols so as to avoid the same situation that occurred with the softball booster club and senior players. After the building principals gave their reports, the board approved the auditor’s report for the last fiscal year and they approved the election filing dates from Tuesday, December 17th through January 21st during normal business hours excluding holidays. The board agreed to pay the insurance assessment in the amount of $353,711.63 and accepted the resignation of Jenni Summers, the middle school girls’ cheerleading, effective at the end of the school year. The board then went into closed session where two personnel issues were discussed. The meeting was then adjourned.

The City of Salem will hold a “Meet and Greet” for new Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois at the Salem Community Center@The Armory tonight from 5:00 until 6:30. Stop by and visit with Melissa and talk with her about the city parks, new and old programs and more. Following the “Meet and Greet,” there will be a Salem Park and Recreation Board meeting at 6:30. The board will hear a report from Dubois before they get an update on the TAP grant for the trail from the Salem R-80 Administrative Offices to the Pavilion #1. The board will review and discuss an updated three-year plan for the Park and Recreation Department before voting on removing a Park Board member. After any miscellaneous or other business, the board will adjourn. The “Meet and Greet” for new Park and Recreation Director Melissa DuBois and the Salem Park Board meeting are both open to the public.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday at the courthouse. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson was appointed as acting Presiding Commissioner. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams reported on the CART tax received in November and it came to $58,261.50 and that is $1,829.66 more than for November of 2108 when the county received $56,441.84. Year-to-date, the CART receipts are up $4,632.21. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5615, 6090 and 6350 and if time on county road 5530. Purcell said brush would be cut on county road 6380 and two men were clearing out pipes on Dent County Roads 6370. Commissioner Larson reported grading would be done and materials added on Dent County Roads 3250, 3270 and 3273 while grading only would be done on county road 3275. He went on to say brush would be cut on county road 2055 and 3230. Larson wanted to remind everyone the courthouse would be closed this Thursday & Friday for Thanksgiving and the commissioners wished everyone a safe & happy Thanksgiving. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she continued to work on the fiscal year 2020 budget or the county. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday, December 2nd at the courthouse at 9:00.

A Rolla man was injured in a one vehicle accident in Lincoln County Monday morning at 6:40. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2014 International Conventional Tractor being driven by 53-year-old William Hotaling of Rolla was traveling north on Route D when he failed to negotiate a curve causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and overturn. Hotaling was transported to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital Lake St. Louis by the Lincoln County Ambulance District for treatment of moderate injuries. The International sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Skyline Towing.

The holidays have arrived and that means people will see the familiar small red kettles of the Salvation Army around town in convenience stores and other businesses, while the larger red kettles will be at Country Mart, Dollar General and Wal-Mart the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, then on Fridays and Saturdays through December before wrapping up on Christmas eve. The kettles are the primary way that funds are raised to continue to meeting the needs of the less fortunate in our community. Volunteer bell ringers are needed each year to help raise funds. To volunteer to ring the bell at the red kettle, please call Susie at 729-6771 or 247-7099 or The Salvation Army office at 729-8163. To meet the needs of the people in the community for the next year, the Dent County Service Unit has set our fundraising goal for the 2020 year at $35,000. This holiday season, your local Dent County Service Unit will be providing Christmas food baskets to the elderly to enable them to enjoy a home-cooked meal for the holiday. Referrals for this program are provided by the Dent County Care Coordinator and other agencies that work with the elderly. Don’t forget about the Angel Tree. Through this program, hundreds of children get to experience the delight of opening gifts on Christmas day. The Salvation Army partners with Wal-Mart to host the Angel Tree. Dent County residents can adopt an angel off the tree and purchase Christmas gifts for the angel. Angel Tree applications will be taken during the annual Dent County Fire District Toy Drive that will be held on Tuesday, December 3rd and Thursday, December 5th from 3:00 in the afternoon until 6:00 in the evening. Have a happy holiday season and remember, you are helping your neighbor by donating to the Salvation Army as the money stays right here in Dent County. New this year, in an effort to expand its reach to people who don’t carry cash, donors this year will be able to use Apple Pay or Google Pay. Users can tap their smartphones on a sticker and make a donation. People with older phones can scan a QR code for the same process. Red kettle bell ringers will continue to accept cash as well. Your local Salvation Army Service Unit of Dent County, doing the most good.

An accident happened Thursday at 3:40 in the afternoon on Highway 32 about two miles west of Boss. According to the report released by the highway patrol, a 2016 Kia Sportage driven by 58-year old Beverly Lada of Bixby, was attempting to cross Highway 32 and pulled into the path of a 2006 Nissan Altima being driven westbound by 20-year old Trenton Hawkins of Salem. Hawkins was taken to Salem Memorial District Hospital by a private vehicle for the treatment of minor injuries. Both drivers were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Kia sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Abney’s Towing. The Nissan was totaled in the accident and removed by Whitaker’s Towing.

An accident happened Friday evening at 6:30 on Highway 72 about one half mile north of Route C. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2017 Nissan Altima, driven by 28-year old Katey Wesley of Salem, was westbound when she struck a deer in the roadway. A six-year old juvenile passenger in the Nissan was transported by ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Both occupants were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Nissan sustained moderate damage and was towed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

The Dent County Commission met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that the roadways are too wet to grade so part of his crew was replacing road signs and checking for clogged pipes. He also said that maintenance and repairs were being completed on Brush Cutter #7. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson echoed Purcell’s remarks on grading and pipe clearing, plus some of his crew was also replacing a stop sign and dead end signs. He reported that Truck #70 was being serviced. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that he along with Commissioner Purcell, Clerk Angie Curley, Treasurer Denita Williams and Recorder Cindy Ard all attended the Missouri Association of Counties annual meeting Sunday through Tuesday. He noted that he was elected Vice President of the County Commissioners Association for 2020 and to an at-large board member position to the Missouri Association of Counties. Skiles reported that it was a good conference with great break-out sessions and excellent speakers. Curley reported that bills were being approved for payment, that she continues to work on the County budget for 2020, and that she would be attending a Website Committee Meeting today. Curley went on to report at the Missouri Association of Counties meeting she was elected to the 16th District Director’s position for MAC. She also reminded voters that in 2020 there will be four elections including the March Presidential Primary, the April Municipal Election, the August Primary, and the November General Election. Curley encouraged voters to contact her office at 729-4144 if they have questions or need to update the voter registration information. Richard LaBrash was in to express thanks to the County and the Sheriff’s Department in particular for assistance with the Heroes Marathon where they had over 400 participants. He also wanted to remind county residents of the Elizabeth Broughton toilet paper drive which the American Volunteers partners with. LaBrash said that those who would like to drop off paper, toothbrushes and toothpaste can contact the churches as most of them are participating. He also said that cash can be donated towards the project at any of the banks. LaBrash noted that collected supplies will be distributed by the Shepherds Nook. Charlie Thomas with Viebrock Sales and Service was in to touch base with the Commissioners. His company deals in pipe and culvert. No bids were received for the financial audit so it will be re-bid. Dwight Ramsburg and Steve Davis were in with a jail update. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday morning and the meeting is open to the public.

On Sunday, November 17th, an officer with the Salem Police Department responded to the 1800 block of South Oak Street in reference to a male subject reporting he had been hit with a bat by another male subject. Subsequently the accused 28 year-old male was interviewed during a traffic stop where a Preliminary Breath Testing device indicated he had a .257 blood alcohol concentration. The accused, Daniel Shaver of Salem, is charged with felony counts of first-degree assault and armed criminal action. Shavers bond was set at $100,000.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports for this past weekend. On Friday, November 15th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at Highway 32 East and Route MM intersection. During the course of the traffic stop, a 36-year-old Jadwin man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 1st offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On Saturday, November 16th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at the Highway 72 and Highway 32 West intersection. During the course of the traffic stop, a 36-year-old Salem man was arrested for operating a vehicle on a highway without a having a valid driver’s license, a 3rd or subsequent offense. He was also arrested for having an active warrant through the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and incarcerated. If anyone has information about any ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.