Local News

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released several reports. On Thursday, January 14th, a deputy observed a 43-year-old Salem man outside the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. The deputy knew the man to have an active warrant for his arrest through Dent County. He was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. The next day, Friday the 15th, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 200 block of West Franklin Street to serve an active arrest warrant. A 34-year-old Salem man was arrested for having three active warrants through Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail and was incarcerated. On Monday the 25th, a deputy observed a 50-year-old Salem woman at the Dent County Courthouse. The deputy knew the woman to have an active warrant for her arrest through Dent County. She was arrested and taken to Dent County Jail where she was incarcerated. On January 26th, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 800 block of North Henderson Street to investigate a 41-year old Salem man failing to register as a sex offender. During the course of the investigation the man was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated. Finally on Friday the 29th, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 500 block of South Jackson Street to serve an active arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 42-year-old Salem woman was arrested for having an active warrant through Dent County. The woman was transported to the Dent County Jail where she was incarcerated. Please contact the Dent County Sheriffs office at (573) 729-3241 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is offering weatherization assistance to increase energy efficiency and improve the health of your home. As families spend more time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, they tend to use more energy, and energy efficiency benefits become even more critical. The department’s Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program is essential to meeting heating and cooling needs of those with low incomes, especially as many seniors and other vulnerable households shelter at home due to COVID-19. The program provides assistance to make homes more energy efficient, safer and healthier. Properly insulating and sealing air leaks can help many homes save as much as 30% in winter heating costs. Home weatherization not only saves homeowners money and leaves them with a more comfortable living space, it also reduces the pollution associated with generating energy used for heating. Weatherization also leads to significant health benefits, returning on average $2.78 in health-and-safety related benefits for every $1 invested. For more information visit the department’s Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program webpage at energy.mo.gov/assistance-programs or contact the Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Energy at 855-522-2796.

As part of an Environmental Assessment, the Missouri Department of Transportation will hold a virtual public meeting to discuss a proposed project to improve the Route 19 Round Spring Bridges over the Current River and Spring Valley in Shannon County. The virtual public meeting will be held tonight from 5:00 until 7:00 with the same formal presentations beginning at 5:00 and 6:00. Throughout the online meeting, there will be breaks for attendees to ask questions or share comments. Attendees can join the virtual public meeting online by going to www.RT19VPM.com. The goals of the project are to improve the condition and functionality of these aging structures as well as maintain local and regional connectivity. Although funding is not yet secured for the project, MoDOT is exploring alternatives for replacing or rehabilitating each structure through the study. Comments will be accepted through Thursday, February 25th. For more information or to request a hard copy of the meeting materials, please contact MoDOT Project Manager Pete Berry at (417) 469-6242 or Consultant Project Manager David Kocour at (816) 256-8584.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held a regular meeting Monday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Brad Nash appointed Shawn Bolerjack to fill the vacant seat of East Ward Alderman left by Rachel Hinderliter who had to resign after moving from the district. The board approved this appointment and Bolerjack was sworn in. In bids, the board approved a grinder pump for the Westwood Subdivision from Vandevanter Engineering at a cost of $19,087.00. Planning and Zoning Chairman Gary Brown reported on their recent meeting. Since the Planning and Zoning Committee does not have the authority to override city ordinances, but the Board of Adjustments does, the matter of subdividing the property at 805-807 North Henderson into three separate parcels is being referred to this committee to be discussed at their next meeting. The Planning and Zoning Committee did recommend and the Alderman approved a reviewed use for a daycare to be located at 1300 S. MacArthur Street owned by John and Tasha Harrison. After the consent agenda was approved, City Administrator Ray Walden reported that the new website has been launched and edits are being done. This new site is a partnership of the City of Salem, Dent County and Salem Area Chamber of Commerce using the new branding and logos recently created. The Salem Community Center @ the Armory had a total of 3,817 participants in programs in December. The Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustments will have a meeting on February 9th and the Planning and Zoning Committee will meet on February 18. The city offices will be closed on Monday, February 15th for President’s Day with the next Alderman meeting being held on Tuesday, February 16th. Public Works Director Mark Nash stated the meters have been read and bills for October usage will go out this week. The utility department is looking into a pay as you go option to be available to residents. Mayor Nash appointed Sherman Odom to fill the remaining term of Claire Dent Underwood on the Housing Authority Board. This was approved by the board. The board then went into closed session to discuss personnel and contracts.

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

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

The Salem Memorial District Hospital (SMDH) has announced that they have been included in the first phase of the High Throughput Vaccination program in the state of Missouri. Along with Phelps Health, SMDH will be the consortium for Missouri local region I. The Salem Memorial District Hospital will be receiving a limited number of the Covid-19 Moderna vaccine during the month of February. This does not include the Covid-19 vaccination program being provided by the National Guard on Feb 11th and 12th, which will be the Covid-19 Pfizer vaccine. The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) will be assisting with the scheduling and vaccination of our community. All vaccinations MUST be scheduled. The location, date, and time of the vaccinations will be shared once it has been determined and the DCHC will schedule based on your convenience and availability. To schedule your Covid-19 vaccination, please contact the Dent County Health Center at (573) 729-3106. The Salem Memorial District Hospital and Dent County Health Center thank you for your patience and continued support.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their first meeting in the month of February. Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge brought in her report for the month of January. She said the new City of Salem, Dent County and Salem Chamber of Commerce website is now available although it still is a work in progress in getting all the information updated. She mentioned the county may also want to get their own URL to direct inquiries to the site and they agreed to have Craig Technology Consultants get that done for them. She also reported the Dent County Tourism Committee agreed to help pay for new “Welcome to Salem” signs with the new branding. She reported the City Board of Aldermen did approve creating the voluntary Residential Demolition Program where a property owner could agree to split the cost of demolition with the city and retain title to the property, or sign the property over to the City and the entire cost of demolition would be the responsibility of the city. Burbridge also said there is a Neighborhood Preservation Act available where property owners could receive Missouri state tax credits for rehab or for the construction of single-family homes. She also reported that near the end of February, True Charities will be holding a planning community workshop at the Salem Community Center@The Armory with churches and non-profits who work with poverty level citizens so that the final results are moving these individuals and families to a sustainable self-sufficient place. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated he was called out Saturday to Dent County Road 2470 which was undermined. He said the road was repaired. Mobray indicated that work crews would be on county road 6220 putting down materials and spreading them out. He went on to report that patch grading would be done on county roads 2440 and 4080 while brush would be cut on county roads 5610 and 5670. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said he was called out Saturday to Dent County Road 3190 that was supposed to be impassable, but with some materials being added and patch work, the road was driveable. He said work crews would be out checking roads for possible washouts with the rain and melting snow. He also stated that patching would be done at various locations. Both commissioners wanted to let the public know they are aware that many county roads are not in good condition at this time due to the rain, snow, freezing and thawing. They both said they hope to be able to address some of the worse roads this week as it gets warmer and drier. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported he attended CCAM meeting by Zoom Wednesday due to the adverse weather. He said commissioners required annual training will be held virtually and will be available on You Tube starting February 22nd. The training is 20 hours long and commissioners will have to have it completed by June. Skiles did say that a workshop for newly elected commissioners will be held in person on March 10th in Jefferson City. Skiles went on to say the county received notification from the state treasurer’s office indicating the county was in compliance with the CARES ACT Funding and that they have received an extension until June 30th to distribute the remaining funds. Skiles said that as of December 31st, 2020, there was about $72,000 remaining. Skiles also said there were three applications that had already been submitted prior to the cutoff date that had not been funded that will now be reviewed by the MRPC for approval. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said March 10th will be the last day to register to vote in the April 6th Municipal Election. She also said that several entities will not be holding an election as they had just enough candidates to fill open board positions. A sample ballot will be available later from her office. Two representatives from Erb Equipment were in to bring the commission pricing on the 2021 graders, plus they had requested pricing on a used loader and also inquired about a skid steer to see if it could be purchased on the state bid. Also at the meeting was Carl Letmer from Aramark Uniforms who brought in pricing information for shirts, coveralls, mats and more. The county currently uses Unifirst for this service. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident happened Saturday afternoon in Dent County at 2:30 on Highway 68 about five miles north of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, 31-year old Trisha Bragg of Salem lost control of her 2011 Dodge Avenger on the wet roadway. The Dodge traveled off the left side of the roadway where the Dodge struck an embankment and a fence. Bragg suffered serious injuries and was taken by the Salem Ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. Bragg was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Dodge Avenger was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will hold their regular meeting Monday evening at 7:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers. At the meeting, Mayor Brad Nash will appoint an East Ward Alderman to fill the unexpired term of Rachel Hinderliter who resigned due to her moving from the East Ward. An oath of office will be administered before the meeting continues. The board will hear bids on the Grinder Pump station for the Westwood Subdivision before the consent agenda is reviewed and approved. Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman Gary Brown will report on the planning and zoning meeting and hearing from Thursday night, January 28th to subdivide a parcel of property from 805 to 807 North Henderson. They will also discuss a reviewed use for a daycare operation at 1300 S. MacArthur owned by John and Tasha Harrison. City Administrator Ray Walden will then provide updates on a number of city projects before Mayor Nash makes an appointment to the Salem Housing Authority Board. The board will then go into closed session to discuss personnel and contracts. The meeting of the Salem Board of Aldermen Monday evening is open to the public.

The Shannon County Health Center is happy to announce that people that fall within Phase 1A or Phase 1B, Tiers 1 and 2, can attend a mass vaccination clinic with the help of the National Guard at Echo Bluff State Park on Friday, February 12th from 9:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon. This mass vaccination may be attended by anyone in Shannon County or those in the surrounding area including other counties. The Shannon County Health Center will provide a link to register for this event as soon as it becomes available. They are still in the planning stages of this event and will provide information as it becomes available. The goal is to get a COVID shot for everyone in the community who wants one.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will be meeting Tuesday evening, February 2nd at 6:00 at the fire station located at #2 South Main Street. After the roll call and approval of the consent agenda the board will review minutes from the January meeting. The board will then hear the financial report and approve bills before reviewing the calendar and hearing the monthly reimbursement report. Any old or new business will then be heard before setting the date for the March meeting. The meeting is open to the public.

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

Dent County Health Center Administrator Kendra Mobray and Chief Operating Officer Jason Edwards from the Salem Memorial District Hospital reports the news of expanding the COVID-19 vaccine eligibility is very exciting and they are eagerly anticipating this next phase of response. However, this does not mean that vaccine is widely available yet. The Dent County Health Center along with Salem Memorial District Hospital, and some local pharmacies, are approved COVID-19 vaccinators. The Department of Health and Senior Services determines how the vaccine allocations from the federal government are distributed each week. Although they have requested vaccine, the Health Center and the Salem Memorial District Hospital do not currently have vaccine available and they have no guarantee of a vaccine availability date. They will continue to order vaccine weekly and hope that the order is filled soon. There is a plan in place to get vaccine out to those eligible as soon as it is received. While some local public health agencies and rural hospitals in Missouri have received small amounts of vaccine, the majority of vaccine is being sent to larger hospital and pharmacy systems. In addition to their efforts to secure vaccine locally, there is a tentative plan for a National Guard Mass Vaccination Site to be held in Dent County in February. The Health Center hopes to have more information on that plan very soon. There have been opportunities to get vaccinated outside of Dent County and they encourage residents to take advantage of those opportunities if they are available to you. The health center wants to be transparent in this process and they will continue to keep you updated. The Dent County Health Center and Salem Memorial District Hospital will utilize our Facebook pages, as well as SMDH’s website and local news media to share information as time progresses.

As part of an Environmental Assessment, the Missouri Department of Transportation will hold a virtual public meeting to discuss a proposed project to improve the Route 19 Round Spring Bridges over the Current River and Spring Valley in Shannon County. The virtual public meeting will be held Thursday evening, February 4th from 5:00 until 7:00 with formal presentations beginning at 5:00 and 6:00. The same presentation will be delivered at both 5 and 6:00 to provide attendees with multiple opportunities to join the discussion. Throughout the online meeting, there will be breaks for attendees to ask questions or share comments. Attendees can join the virtual public meeting online by going to www.RT19VPM.com. The goals of the project are to improve the condition and functionality of these aging structures as well as maintain local and regional connectivity. Although funding is not yet secured for the project, MoDOT is exploring alternatives for replacing or rehabilitating each structure through the study. The Environmental Assessment will include a detailed overview of alternatives for each structure and will ultimately result in a recommendation for a preferred alternative at each bridge location. Properties eligible for protection under Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act which include publicly owned parks, recreation areas, wildlife/waterfowl refuges and historic sites in public or private ownership are found within the project study area. The public is invited to comment on potential uses of these properties and ways to avoid, minimize or mitigate uses. Additional information on these properties and uses will be made available in a future public meeting. The public is invited to offer comments or concerns about properties listed on or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (historic properties) found within the project area and potential effects on them. Known historic properties include the Current River Bridge, the Spring Valley Bridge and the Three Bridges Historic District. Comments will be accepted through Thursday, February 25th. For more information or to request a hard copy of the meeting materials, please contact MoDOT Project Manager Pete Berry at (417) 469-6242 or Consultant Project Manager David Kocour at (816) 256-8584.

The University of Missouri Extension, in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, will be presenting a 2021 Selling Local Food in Missouri series that will feature four distinct session providing producers with the information they need on how to sell their food and agriculture products in Missouri. Sessions will provide participants with the most up-to-date information on rules and regulations they need follow to sell their products to consumers in Missouri presented by speakers from the University Extension and Missouri Department of Agriculture. The first session will be March 2nd and will explore resources that producers need to sell local food. The second session will be March 9th where producers can learn the state regulations you need to know to sell your meat and poultry locally. The session will also include best practices from a successful livestock producer. The third session will be held March 16th where producers can learn the state regulations you need to know to sell your produce and/or eggs. The fourth session to be held March 23rd will concentrate on the state regulations you need to follow to sell value-added products, such as canned products, baked goods, etc. The cost of each session is $15, or sign up for all four session for $40. For more information or to register, call Leslie Bertsch at 314-400-2115 or send an e-mail to bertschl@missouri.edu. You can also register online at extension.missouri.edu/events.

The Salem R-80 School Board held a special meeting Tuesday evening and unanimously voted to end the hybrid model of learning that has been in effect at the Salem High School since last October. Students will begin attending school with in-seat classes five days a week beginning on Monday, February 1st. The mask mandate has been in effect for students in the district since the beginning of the 2nd semester.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met for their regular meeting Thursday, January 21st, at the Health Center. Administrator Kendra Mobray reported that incumbent Bob Parsons was the only one that filed for the Board position so no election will be held. She updated the Board on the current Covid-19 status in Dent County. Mobray said that to date there have been 907 confirmed cases and 162 probable cases that have been investigated. At meeting time, there were 29 confirmed active cases and nine probables. Sixteen deaths have been confirmed and she noted that confirmation of deaths through the Bureau of Vital Records can take several weeks so the numbers are reported as deaths are confirmed. Mobray went on to say that the Health Center is working closely with SMDH to secure vaccine for Dent County and mass vaccination clinics will be held as soon as possible. The Health Center will release information to the public through Facebook and local media outlets as more is known. She went on to report that 414 Flu shots have been administered to date and are still available and are being given by appointment. The Health Center is able to bill private insurance and Medicaid. Flu shots are free to adults that are uninsured. Mobray said the season-to-date total of reported influenza cases remains at one. In closed session the Board discussed and set salaries for 2021. Mobray presented the 2021 Budget for Board review. She reported that the Health Center remains fiscally sound with ending year revenues over expenses of $46,370.79. Mobray said that $51,461.63 in assets were purchased and $11,679.82 in principal payments were made in Fiscal Year 20. She noted there was a decrease in cash available of $2,143.15 from December 31, 2019. After much discussion the Budget was approved and December 2020 expenses were approved. The next regular meeting of the Trustees was set for February 18th at 5:00. The meeting was then adjourned.

An accident happened in Phelps County Wednesday morning at 9:25 on Highway 63 at Yancy Mills. According to the highway patrol report, a northbound 2005 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 69-year-old Ronnie Hood of Licking, began sliding on the roadway and struck an unknown northbound pickup pulling a trailer that was passing in the passing lane. The Chevrolet came to rest in the roadway, while the unknown vehicle continued northbound. Hood suffered minor injuries and was transported by EMS to Phelps Health. The report stated that he was wearing his safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevrolet sustained minor damage and was removed by a private party.

Missouri state park and historic site indoor spaces, including visitor centers, nature centers, museums and offices, will remain closed through Sunday, February 28th. Outdoor spaces and amenities, including day-use areas, lodging, campgrounds, boat ramps and trails, will remain open and available under normal offseason status, unless otherwise designated. While safety, stewardship and service are all very important to Missouri State Parks, safety is the top priority. Visitors should come prepared and view the online park and site status map before heading to the park for any weather-related closures that may impact their visit. Contact information of staff will be posted on signage throughout the park for visitors who may have questions or need assistance. Campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis at most Missouri State Parks campgrounds and some offer reservations during the offseason period. For more information on camping, visit mostateparks.com/activity/camping. Out of a continued abundance of caution, interpretive programming at parks and sites has been postponed. Many parks and sites have virtual alternatives and are providing other opportunities, such as virtual tours, lesson plans and online programming for visitors, educators and families. Learn more about what is being offered at each location by calling the park or site office or following Missouri State Parks on Facebook. When visiting a Missouri state park or historic site, visitors are strongly encouraged to follow social-distancing guidelines and be proactive in protecting themselves and others amid ongoing public health concerns. Come prepared with hand sanitizer and bottled water, avoid large and congested crowds and please stay home if sick. Face coverings are encouraged when social-distancing measures are difficult to maintain, and may be required by local orders. For more information, please contact the Missouri State Parks Division at moparks@dnr.mo.gov.

An accident happened in Crawford County at 7:50 Wednesday morning on the South Outer Road about two miles east of Cuba. According to the highway patrol report, a westbound 2006 Ford Fusion, driven by 72-year-old Patrick Leonard of Bourbon, crossed the center line of the roadway causing the front of an eastbound 2002 Lincoln Navigator to strike the left side of the Ford. The Lincoln was driven by 42-year-old Amanda Beauchamp of Cuba. Leonard suffered serious injuries, while Beauchamp suffered moderate injuries. Both were transported by the North Crawford Ambulance to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. The report stated that both drivers were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. Both vehicles were totaled in the accident. The Ford was removed from the scene by Patriot Towing of Sullivan, while the Lincoln was removed by Miles and Sons of Steelville.

The Dent County Commission held their 2021 budget hearing Monday morning at the commissioner’s office in the courthouse. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles went over the major funds that comprise the budget. The General Revenue Fund ended 2020 with net cash available at $1,871,201.38 as actual revenues were about $32,000 more than what was budgeted. The estimated revenues for 2021 were 1.606 million dollars while estimated expenses for this year are 2.063 million dollars, resulting in an estimated ending balance of $1,414,211.17 as of December 31st, 2021. Skiles stated that $300,000 has been budgeted for repairs to be done on the courthouse in 2021. The Road and Bridge Fund ending cash balance in 2020 was $577,460.34. The commissioners have estimated revenues in 2021 at 1.742 million dollars and estimated expenses of 1.996 million dollars that would result in an estimated ending balance of $323,704.34 at the end of 2021. The Assessment Fund ending balance for 2020 was $145,008.20. The commissioners estimated revenues in 2021 of $201,803.43 and with estimated expenses of $226,927.40, the estimated ending balance at the end of 2021 would be $99,884.23. The Law Enforcement Sales Tax (LEST) Fund ending balance in 2020 was $387,575.78 that was helped with increase in actual revenues of over $58,000 in 2020. The commissioners estimate revenues in 2021 to be 1.131 million dollars while the estimated deductions came in at 1.285 million dollars leaving an estimated ending balance of $234,142.45 at the end of 2021. The 9-1-1 fund had an ending balance of $45,630.20 in 2020 that showed an increase in revenues of over $11,000. Expected estimated revenues are $38,290 in 2021 and with estimated expenses of $45,208.17, there would be an ending balance at the end of 2021 of $38,712.03. The Jail Construction and Operations Fund finished the 2020 year with cash available of $1,524,102.18. The fund has expected revenues in 2021 of 1.351 million dollars and estimated expenses of 1.404 million dollars that would leave an ending balance of $1,471,459.59 at the end of 2021. The Jail Construction Trust Fund finished 2020 with an ending balance of $1.539 million dollars. The commissioners estimated revenues of $976,220.76 and with anticipated expenses of $936,423.50, the fund would have an ending balance of 1.579 million dollars at the end of 2021. Skiles also went over the new budgets for the SB40 fund and offered to revue smaller funds to see if there were questions, but there were none. The budget for 2021 was then approved by a 3-0 vote. The hearing was then adjourned.

The salemmo.com website committee is pleased to announce the launch of the revised website which represents a collaboration of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, Dent County, and the City of Salem. The new service-focused website is mobile-friendly, secured for user privacy protection, and makes accessibility a priority. The new website also better empowers those internally who manage digital services to the community. The website includes frequently asked questions, news, events, and social media integration. In addition, there is a new “Accessibility Assistant” that you will see on the edge of your screen as a stick figure. When you click on this, you can utilize a number of features designed to help citizens and visitors with accessibility issues related to viewing websites. The newly designed site also provides easier access for businesses to find resources and information critical to maintaining operations and growing in Salem and Dent County. Whether you are thinking of starting a business, wanting to expand your operations or locate in the beautiful foothills of the Ozark Plateau with all the amenities that small town living can provide plus you can find your business information needs and contacts by starting on the salemmo.com website. The branding portion of the project was done in conjunction with the Connection Group and the web development with Revize with funding support from the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, County, City of Salem and the Dent County Tourism Commission.

The Missouri Conservation Commission gave initial approval to the Missouri Department of Conservation at its January 22nd open meeting on a proposed change to Wildlife Code of Missouri regulations that would allow the expanded use of bicycles on many department-area service roads. Bicycle use on MDC’s approximately 1,000 conservation areas is currently restricted to roads open to public-vehicle traffic and some multi-use trails. This regulation change would expand bicycle access to include most service roads on MDC areas. The proposed change does not apply to electric or other motorized bicycles, which would not be allowed. Exceptions would be service roads during hunting seasons and on area-access roads used by staff at fish hatcheries and other MDC areas where bicycle use could be unsafe or cause damage such as erosion.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse for their regular meeting. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams brought in the CART Fund money received this month. She said the county received $55,028.29 which is $1,021.86 less than the 2020 figure of $56,050.15. In the road reports, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray and District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated that workers would be out checking roads for washouts, downed trees and clogged pipes. District 1 will also be adding materials to county road 6220 if possible. District 2 workers will be servicing Grader #37 which is due for its 1,000 hour service. Larson said he also attended a Tourism Tax Committee meeting on Monday, January 18th. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said the MRPC Annual Awards dinner rescheduled for this March has been postponed. Skiles said he attended a MAC virtual board meeting last Thursday with County Clerk Angie Curley and said they are looking at holding a regular meeting with participants in the near future. Skiles stated he would be attending a CCAM Board meeting in Jefferson City in person as he is an officer while other board members will be attending via Zoom. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said once the budget is approved, the commissioners will need to catch up on paying bills. She said the last day to register to vote for the Municipal Election will be March 10th and the first day to vote absentee will be February 23rd. She also said she balanced with the collector and assessor for the month of December on all collections, add-ons and abatements. After the commissioners approved the 2021 county budget, Curley opened proposals from firms who would like to do the improvements on the Dent County Courthouse. Five firms submitted their qualifications to provide the assessment of the courthouse and the ability to complete the work that needed to be done. Those firms were N-Form Architecture from Springfield, Anderson and Associates from Rolla, Buddy Webb and Company from Springfield, AEA Stack Design Group from St. James, and Treanor HL from Lawrence, Kansas. Superintendent Jason Lott of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways was in and wanted to update the commissioners on what is going on. He said there will be a new Roads and Trails Plan that is supposed to come out sometime in March for public comment that will define horse trails, ownership of roads and a UTV corridor trail. He said the Big Spring Lodge in Van Buren will be getting a major overhaul this year, there will be improvements to the group camping at Round Springs damaged from the flood last year and there will be a time for public comment on the needed improvement or replacement of the two bridges in the Round Spring area starting with a virtual presentation next Thursday. He said Alley Mill will be getting two new pedestrian bridges to replace those that were damaged by the flood last year. He went on to say that a two-year project that will begin this year will be for the Ozark National Scenic Riverways to find and identify cemeteries in the park boundaries and then create a plan on how to provide some care for them. Lott said the attendance at the park was up over 30% in 2020 and the camp grounds were full most of the year. He also said he has two staff people who work on eradicating feral hogs and in 2020, there were 325 hogs killed in the scenic riverways and another 23 have already been killed in 2021. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday, February 1st at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley has released a few of reports. The first report was from Thursday, January 21st when Earl Briggs
of Salem pled guilty to a Class C felony for the distribution of a controlled substance and for driving while having his license revoked. Briggs was sentenced to seven years in the Department of Corrections as requested by the state. Judge Nathan Kelsaw presided over that hearing in Dent County. On Monday in front of Judge Michael Randazzo, Chris Gibbs had his probation for a Class D felony for the possession of a controlled substance revoked. Gibbs had previously completed a 559.115 program in the Department of Corrections. Gibbs was sentenced to seven years in the Department of Corrections. Also on Monday, Jesse Wessel of Salem pled guilty to a Class D Felony of the possession of a controlled substance. Wessel was a prior and persistent felony offender and was placed on probation in 2019. A revocation hearing was held and Wessel’s sentence of 10 years in the Department of Corrections was executed due to the probation violation.

The Salem Police Department has released their report for the month of December. They served 13 summonses to appear in court, gave 52 warning tickets, and issued five traffic tickets. They also served nine fugitive warrants. The Salem Police investigated ten traffic accidents, wrote five property damage reports, 16 stealing reports, and investigated three dog bites. The department investigated three reports of driving while having a license revoked or suspended, one resisting or interfering with an arrest report, two possession of drug paraphernalia charges, and three reports of possession of a controlled substance. They investigated two domestic violence reports, and responded to 2 shots being fired in the city limits and one nuisance violation. The department was also dispatched for 42 animal calls, 12 ambulance assist calls, and performed 82 traffic stops for the month. The Department also conducted 28 follow-up investigations, investigated a leaving the scene of an accident report and responded to four suspicious circumstances. The Salem Police Department received 814 calls for service during the month of December and had 31 walk-ins to the station. The department drove 9,450 miles during the month of December. There were 13 males and seven females arrested in December. The Police Department also served four hours during the month as court bailiff for the month.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education in closed session Thursday evening discussed Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed’s evaluation and then voted to extend her contract through the 2023-2024 school year by a unanimous vote. The board also called for a special meeting at 5:30 Tuesday evening in the High School Library. The meeting is called to address the Hybrid Model at the high school and Athletic Event Restrictions. That meeting will be open to the public.

Missouri’s 2020-2021 deer-hunting season ended January 15th with the Missouri Department of Conservation reporting a preliminary total deer harvest for the season of 296,516. Of the deer harvested, 140,468 were antlered bucks, 28,587 were button bucks, and 127,461 were does. Top harvest counties for the overall deer season were Franklin with 5,786 deer harvested, Howell with 5,367, and Callaway with 4,989. Hunters harvested 285,873 deer during the 2019-2020 deer hunting season with 134,092 being antlered bucks, 27,970 being button bucks, and 123,811 being does. Although harvest was down slightly during the November portion of firearms deer season, when most of the deer harvest occurs, increases in most of the other season portions contributed to about a four-percent increase in this year’s total deer harvest over last year. Deer hunting ended with the close of the archery season. Preliminary data from MDC showed that hunters checked 67,180 deer during the 2020-2021 archery deer season. Hunters checked 61,407 deer during the 2019-2020 archery deer season. Fall archery turkey hunting also ended January 15th. Preliminary data from MDC showed 2,905 turkeys harvested. Top counties for the fall archery turkey season were Greene with 84, Franklin with 78, and Texas with 61. Hunters harvested 2,406 turkeys during the 2019-2020 fall archery turkey season. The Department of Conservation reported four firearms-related hunting incidents during the 2020-2021 fall deer and turkey hunting seasons. The incidents were all self-inflicted and non-fatal.

A one vehicle accident happened Wednesday night around 9:45 in Phelps County on Highway 68 two miles north of St. James. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2017 Toyota Rav4 being driven by a 16-year old female of St. James was traveling north when she traveled off the right side of the road. The Toyota then struck a guardrail, became airborne, struck a fence and overturned striking several small trees. The teen was transported by a private vehicle to Phelps Health hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The driver was wearing a seat restraint according to the report. The Toyota was totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeons Towing.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met Thursday at the high school library for their regular meeting. Margaret Campbell address the board with her concerns that the current hybrid system is not working for her son Luke and other students as well. They are falling behind educationally and turning some good students into mediocre students. She said these kids need five days of school to get their education back on track, but also to fill their emotional and mental development needs. Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed stated that it is the goal of the district to get back to a five day school week and they will continue to monitor the current data from the Dent County Health Department as guidance. The positive test rate as of Thursday was 15.8% which is down from the 25.6% rate of last week, but there have been no signs of a steady decline in that rate as it continues to vary day to day. The board said once the administration sees that positive rate declining, they need to meet to discuss getting back to a regular five day school week that may still include the mask mandate. The board accepted the resignation of Assistant High School Principal Conrad Prugh at the end of the current school year as he will become the Superintendent at the Green Forest R-2 school. Four people have signed up for the two open R-80 board slots and they are incumbent Chris Heavin, Phillip Mercer, Steven Patterson and Ronald Click. Each of the building principals gave their COVID-19 report for exposures and quarantines before Dr. Reed said that as of Thursday, the YOP has collected $49,750. She also said the Judson Young Foundation gave $25,000 to the Construction Trades Program, the Salem Rotary Club gave $600 toward warm clothing for the winter and Exxon/Mobil gave $500 for science and math improvements. Board member Andrew Wynn said a meeting was held to discuss the Coach Schuchardt Stadium improvements and they have some rough drawings about a new entrance and felt the money for the improvements can be raised privately. There was discussion that the money would have to go through the school accounting system as a new line item since it is school property being improved. It was approved by the board that the start of school for the 2021-22 school year be held August 25th with the last day for Salem R-80 being May 19,2022 while the rural schools will get out on May 13, 2022. All the building principals then gave their reports before Dr. Reed showed the board a revised 2020-2021 budget. She reported that property and real estate taxes account for about 29% of the budget while monies from the Dent County Commission come to just over one percent. She said state funds account for over 40% of the funding while federal funds bring in around 15% more. Reed said the state would be funding the Foundation Formula at about 95% while the budget prepared was based upon 94% funding. She reported the school received $150,000 from the Dent County CARES Act funding and will be getting an additional $98,000 from CARES Support through the state. She also wanted to show the board the unrestricted fund balance after expenses is currently at about 25.64% as the board has set a goal of 25%. She said salaries at Salem R-80 are comprised of 46.6% of certified staff, while state average is 36%. At Salem R-80, salaries for certified, non-certified, and support staff plus benefits comes to about 76.53% while the state average is 64.38%. The board approved the graduation date for 2021 to be May 21st at 7:00 at the football field with May 22nd as the rain date with a time of 10:00 in the morning or 5:00 in the afternoon. The number of tickets per student will be discussed at the March board meeting. The board approved the student resource officer job description as well as to advertise the position. They also approved the Construction Trades Program Transition Plan where the educational foundation will continue to pay a declining portion of the instructor’s salary through the 2022-23 school year while the school will see the salary increase to where they will pay the entire salary for the 2023-24 school year. It was also approved the school will be responsible for all Construction Program expenditures starting this school year. The board then went into closed session.

An accident happened early Wednesday morning on eastbound I-44 in Phelps County inside the Rolla city limits at the 184 mile marker. The report released by the highway patrol states that a 2001 Cadillac Deville being driven by 41- year old Katharyn Childress of Indianapolis, Indiana, traveled off the right side of the roadway and went airborne, struck an overpass and overturned. Neither Childress nor a passenger, 54-year old Tina Thompson, also of Indianapolis, were wearing safety restraints at the time and suffered serious injuries. Both were transported by ambulance to Phelps Health for treatment. The Cadillac was totaled and removed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing.