Local News

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the courthouse. In public comments, David Meinell from Dent County Road 6600 gave a history on how the road came to be and that it was built to be 30-feet wide with 3 to 1 slope on each side. He said right now the road is passable with some bad spots and District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said the district is a long way from being finished with that road. They installed an additional new culvert pipe, and Mr. Meinell was concerned the FEMA personnel would not approve that, opting instead for a concrete vault, but Commissioner Mobray said the entire commission met with FEMA personnel Wednesday as well as Dent County Emergency Management Director Derrick Marfitt. Mobray said they had no problem with what the county did to that road. Denver Ellis from Dent County Road 2300 brought in some water well application papers from the Department of Natural Resources on the new water well approved last Tuesday night by the City of Salem. Ellis said they had requested from the city an impact study on how this well would affect county residents in the area, but they have not received it yet after numerous requests. Ellis was asking the commission if they could follow up on this to find out how it would have an effect on the water supply for county residents on Dent County Road 2240 and surrounding areas. Commissioner Gary Larson said the commission would investigate it. Emergency Management Director Marfitt said the counties in the region exceeding the 11 million dollars of damage which is the federal threshold for being declared a disaster area, while in Dent County alone the road damages are being estimated over six million dollars after an initial estimate of 4.6 million dollars. Marfitt said Montauk State Park sustained about eight million dollars in damages, but that is under a different category than the counties with it being a state park. In the road report, Commissioner Mobray said rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 5110 while only grading would be done on county roads 5115, 5460 and 6080. Rock will also be added to county road 6050. Mobray said from their meeting Wednesday with FEMA, the county would be reimbursed in two phases for their work. Phase 1 is to get the roads back open and passable. Once that is complete, the county will begin Phase 2 which is to put the roads back into their original condition prior to the disaster. The county would be reimbursed for that when the project is complete. Mobray also said there would be no FEMA assistance on Private Lane 601 in Dent County about three miles west of Highway 119 as they did not meet the required damage threshold. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 4283. Commissioner Larson had nothing to report except that the commission would not be meeting Monday due to the MAC Conference, and there would also be no meeting on Thanksgiving Day. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the first day to sign up for the Municipal Election in April will be December 10th at the office of the entity you are seeking election. She also said the courthouse would be closed Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving. Dent County Extension personnel were in attendance to discuss their budget for 2025. First, they wanted to present to the commission work done in the community. Livestock Specialist Eric Meusch wanted to remind farmers who suffered damage to their farm road, fences or buildings due to the flooding, or suffered a loss of livestock, to get in touch with their FSA office. He also said two Dent County residents will be part of a five-year experimental grassland study using bio-char. Community Development Specialist Ray Walden said Dent County is part of a Missouri S&T grant on rural infrastructure, and they are working on a multi-state grant effort on housing. They reported there were 38 more 4-H participants in 2024 over 2023 and the extension is still looking for a youth associate leader. Besides the county, the extension is funded by a couple of additional sources totaling about $13,000. They did ask for an increase over last year’s budget due to the increase in minimum wages. The next commissioner meeting will be Monday, December 2nd at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released their report for the month of October. The department responded to 14 accidents during the month. Officers responded to 23 alarms sounding and addressed 31 animal calls, investigated six assaults or fights, three burglaries, performed 9 well-being checks and 19 area checks in October. Police investigated 14 domestic disputes, 10 verbal and one physical disturbances, conducted 61 follow-up investigations, and provided 24 escorts. They investigated 5 harassment reports, 4 nuisance violations, two parking complaint calls, 4 intoxicated pedestrian report, one intoxicated driver, 7 shoplifting reports and offered assistance to two motorists. The Salem Police wrote 6 property damage reports, made 4 stealing reports, wrote five trespassing reports and responded to four traffic complaints. Officers responded to two reports of suicidal persons, 17 suspicious circumstance calls, two suspicious person calls, and 7 suspicious vehicle calls. Officers attempted to serve five warrants and conducted 62 traffic stops during the month. The police responded to a total of 548 incidents in October with the average response time to calls being two minutes. The average time spent on the scene was 25 minutes and 35 seconds.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors regular meeting will be this evening at 7:00 in the hospital library. The meeting is open to the public and can be attended electronically or by telephone. If you would like to attend through these methods contact the SMDH administration office at 573-729-6626 ext. 4005. After roll call the board review the minutes from the October and November board meetings. The CEO will give his report. Then the hospital report to include summary of operations and statistics, 340 B program, CNO report, human resources update, and quality information. Then the Chief of Staff report, before old business. Next will be new business to include medical staff bylaw review and hospital policies for review.

The Taum Sauk Mountain State Park and Jay Nixon Backcountry conceptual development plan meeting originally scheduled for November 9th, will now be held on Saturday, December 7th at 9:00 in the morning. The guided hikes being held in conjunction with the meeting, including the overnight trip to Jay Nixon Backcountry, are also postponed due to flooded trails. Representatives from Missouri State Parks invite the public to attend rescheduled informational meetings for both the Taum Sauk Mountain State Park and Jay Nixon Backcountry on Saturday, December 7th. The public is invited to share comments and ask questions about the facilities and their operations. These informational meetings are being held in conjunction with the two parks’ conceptual development planning open house. The open house will be held at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park. In the event of inclement weather, the open house may be moved, but an update will be provided prior to the date. As the long-range plan for the park is updated, the public is encouraged to come learn more about the planning process, ask questions and provide input regarding future park use and development. A 30-day comment period will begin December 7th with a survey available online at mostateparks.com/CDP. A guided hike to Mina Sauk Falls will be available for those attending and will begin at 10:30 December 7th and it is a strenuous 3.5-mile hike. Input from the public is important to Missouri State Parks. The meetings will inform the public on the current status and future plans for the park or historic site and offer visitors the opportunity to comment on the facilities.

The Creative Arts Center in Salem will hold a class on designing your own Pet Bowl on Saturday, November 23rd from 10:00 in the morning until 12:00 noon with Danielle Norris. Come and customize your very own non-spill ceramic made for smaller dogs and cats. Students will paint them and seal them for pet use! This class is perfect for all ages! Children must have an adult present to assist. The cost of the class is $15 and all supplies are included. There must be ten people sign up to hold the class and it will be limited to 30 participants. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows deer hunters in Missouri harvested 68,312 deer during opening weekend of the November portion of firearms deer season November 16th and 17th. Of the 68,312 deer harvested, 42,283 were antlered bucks, 5,105 were button bucks, and 20,924 were does. The top harvest counties for opening weekend were Franklin with 1,627 deer harvested, Texas with 1,305, and Pike with 1,161. Last year, hunters checked 90,253 deer during opening weekend of the November portion of firearms deer season. Top counties in our area include Dent County with 760 deer harvested, Reynolds County reported that 632 deer were taken, Crawford County hunters nabbed 1,006 deer, Phelps County hunters took 664 deer, Shannon County hunters harvested 571 deer and Iron County saw 506 deer taken. This year’s harvest opening weekend total was lower than last year which is being attributed to the opening of November portion a week later than last year, which is almost two weeks after the peak of the rut in Missouri, this year’s abundant acorn crop, and warm temperatures. Deer hunting continues in Missouri with the firearm season through Tuesday, November 26th followed by the CWD portion November 27th through December 1st in open counties. The Late Youth portion runs November 29th to December 1st followed by the Late Antlerless portion starting December 7th and lasting until the 15th in open counties. The Alternative Methods portion of the hunting season will be from December 28th through January 7th, 2025. The archery deer season reopens Wednesday, November 27 and runs through January 15th, 2025. Get more information on Missouri deer hunting from MDC’s 2024 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available where hunting permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov. 

As winter approaches Missourians should consider these winter weather preparedness tips. Be sure to create a family emergency plan and emergency kit. Emergency supplies should include bottled water, canned and dry foods, battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries, manual can opener and a first-aid kit. When power outages are possible, charge cell phones and other devices in advance so you are able to communicate if power is lost. Assemble a vehicle winter emergency kit. Include a blanket, radio/spare batteries, snacks/energy bars, jumper cables, flares and a shovel/sand or shingles for tire traction. Avoid driving when conditions could deteriorate. Postpone travel if possible. If driving is absolutely necessary, keep your gas tank more than half full and your cell phone charged. Save emergency numbers for fast dialing. Check road conditions in advance on the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Traveler Map at traveler.modot.org/map/. Allow extra time, expect delays, reduce speed and increase following distance. If your vehicle breaks down or slides off the road, stay in the vehicle and call for help. Make sure alternate heat and power sources such as fireplaces, woodstoves, kerosene heaters and generators function properly. These sources can be dangerous and must be regularly maintained and operated. Keep the correct fuel for each source on hand in a safe location. Proper ventilation is essential. Properly install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. Only operate generators outdoors. Remember space heaters are potentially deadly when misused. Space heaters account for approximately one-third of home heating fires and 80 percent of home heating fire deaths. Supplemental heating sources like these should be turned off when leaving a room or going to bed. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from heating equipment. For more winter weather preparedness tips, including safe driving techniques and avoiding injury while shoveling, please visit mo.gov/winter-weather-safety/.

The Creative Arts Center in Salem will hold a Coldworking Fused Glass Holiday Ornament/Gift Tag Workshop on tomorrow, from 5:30 until 8:30 in the evening with Jennifer Curry. In this workshop, the student will learn how to use several cold working tools used to shape fused glass for either returning their fused project back to the kiln for a fire-polishing, or shaping it for final hand-polishing. The art of coldworking gives the artist an added dimension to the glass kiln working skill. The class is open to students 12-years of age and older. The cost of the class is $50 and all supplies are included. There must be two people sign up to hold the class and it will be limited to five. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. Newly elected commissioners Keith Green and Jimmy Williams were in attendance as were Dr Alan West and Dr. Alan Muelenberg from Private Lane 601 in Dent County about three miles west of Highway 119. They were in attendance to ask if the county could provide some professional assistance in helping to repair their private lane with the use of graders to widen the lane, adding some rock or even some engineering suggestions. They said they have the lane “passable” at this time but, but it may not be good enough for emergency personnel such as ambulance to use the lane. Both District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray and District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said that since their lane is private, the county can’t really do anything as indicated in the state statutes. They can’t use public tax dollars on a private lane even though it feeds multiple properties, it is not a county road listed with MoDOT.. The lane is maintained by the property owners on that lane on a “cost share basis” and they would have to find a private contractor to make the repairs they need. If they wanted to make it into a county road, Commissioner Mobray said it would cost over a million dollars to have the road engineered and then properly built to the county specs. Polk and Mobray both told them to contact Dent County Emergency Management Director Derrick Marfitt as there may be some FEMA assistance available for the needed work on the road, but they would have to have plenty of documentation on the road such as before and after pictures which Dr. West said he had. In the road report, Mobray said some riprap was going to be added to Dent County Road 6300 while speed limit signs were going to be installed on Dent County Road 6490. In District 2, Polk said crews would be cleaning out debris from low-water bridges. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he attended the MRPC meeting as well as the Phelps County PHA meeting last Thursday in St. James. Dent County Clerk said the county needed to put out bids for new election equipment as the county’s equipment now is ten years old. Bids would be due in her office by 10:00 on December 9th and will be opened that morning. All the specs are available in the county clerk’s office. Curley said the next election will be the Municipal Election on April 8th and filing will start for the City of Salem, school boards, hospital board, fire district board, health center board, water district board s an others on December 10th. Filings will be held at the individual offices of the those public entities. The next meeting will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department will be testing the storm sirens tomorrow at 10:00 in the morning. If there is inclement weather in the area that day the test will be postponed to the following Wednesday, the 27th.

Airport Board President Tyler Naramore has called for a meeting of the Board this evening at 6:00 at the Old City Hall Auditorium at 202 North Washington. Agenda items includes the approval of the minutes of the October 15th meeting,  the board hearing an update on the airport and projects, hearing an update on the CIP, plus any other business as well as public comments. The meeting tonight is open to the public.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Salem will hold the Christmas Parade of Lights in Salem on Saturday, December 7th starting at 6:00 with this year’s theme: “Have Your Elf a Merry Little Christmas.”  The parade will run from the corner of South Grand and Franklin at the SBU Campus, traveling east to MacArthur, then going north to 4th Street before going heading east to the Dent County Courthouse square. Entry forms are now available at the office of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce at 1136 South Main in Salem. Forms need to be returned by December 2nd to the chamber office. You can mail them, fax them at 573-729-6741 or e-mail them at chamber@salemmo.com, or drop them off in person. A full list of the parade rules are available at the chamber office. If you have any questions, call 573-729-6900.

The Missouri Department of Transportation reminds motorists to be prepared for the sudden appearance of wild animals on Missouri roadways throughout the fall months. Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Deer Biologist Jason Isabelle says that deer increase their movements during the breeding season, which began in October and peaks in mid-November and because of this, motorists should be especially cautious when driving this time of year. In 2023, Missouri drivers experienced 3,591 crashes involving deer resulting in four fatalities and 420 people being injured. One deer strike occurred approximately every 2 hours and 30 minutes in the state. Staying on guard after a close call or when you see a single deer, as there are likely more. Never swerve to avoid animals in the road, as it can cause loss of vehicle control, resulting in serious injury or death. According to Missouri Law, an individual who has struck and killed a deer with their vehicle may claim the deer carcass if written authorization to possess the deer is granted by an MDC agent. The Wildlife Disposition Form is free, but MDC must issue the permit.

The Salem Public Library Board of Trustees held their regular meeting on Thursday evening at 5:00 in the library’s conference room. Before the meeting commenced, Dent County Clerk, Angie Curley spoke about and gave advice on becoming a county library. The Board also celebrated Library Director, Kate McBride’s fifteenth year anniversary working with the library. After approving the minutes from the last meeting, McBride provided the Librarian’s Report, noting that while there has been a slight drop in books circulation, and adult programs, there has been an increase in e-books and audio books circulation, as well as children’s and passive programs. McBride also presented the treasurer’s report and spoke about ongoing building updates. Thanks to the library’s technology grant, Microsoft Office has been installed on all computers, and the scanners and receipt printers have been replaced. She also stated that they have had the most successful pumpkin decorating contest yet, with twenty-seven entries across multiple age groups. The library is currently hosting their annual food drive, and will be accepting non perishable food donations until Friday; all donations will be given to a local food pantry for distribution. 

The Dent County Commission approved a new Nuisance Animal Ordinance on October 31, 2024, following increased complaints to the sheriff’s office about unrestrained animals. Prosecuting Attorney Curley announced that the ordinance addresses vicious animals, threatening animals, and nuisance dogs running at large in the county. Under the new ordinance, it is unlawful for owners to allow vicious, threatening, or destructive animals to run off their property without supervision. The rule excludes law enforcement K-9 units. When complaints are filed, law enforcement may issue a warning to the animal’s owner unless the animal has caused property damage or injury. Violations can result in fines up to $500, which will fund the sheriff’s department’s enforcement of the ordinance. First-time offenders may have fines waived if they demonstrate permanent solutions to contain their animals. The ordinance defines a nuisance animal as one that significantly interferes with others’ property enjoyment, including through excessive barking, running loose, or causing damage. Owners will be responsible for any costs related to impounding such animals.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Water Resources Center is seeking public comment on a newly developed publication designed to help inform Missouri landowners about working in or near streams on their properties. The publication contains information about bank stabilization techniques and permitting, instream gravel excavation, technical and financial assistance, and other related topics. It also contains links to a variety of useful resources and contact information for several relevant organizations. The information in the guide applies to all Missouri landowners, but it may be especially interesting to farmers or other rural landowners facing excessive streambank erosion or stream management challenges. Though the guide seeks to provide information and resources about permitting and various types of stabilization structures, it is not a definitive resource for regulatory guidance, nor an engineering design resource, and should not be used as such. The department invites the public to review and offer written comments on the proposed publication until 5:00 in the evening on Friday. The public notice webpage can be found at dnr.mo.gov/calendar/event/268846. Written comments may be submitted by mail to Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Water Resources Center, ATTN: Noah Cadwell, PO Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102, or by email to Noah.Cadwell@dnr.mo.gov.  

The Dent County Sheriff’s office released these reports for the beginning of november.On Friday November 8th deputies responded to Salem Memorial Hospital and arrested a 45-year-old Salem man on an outstanding arrest warrant. The suspect was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated on the warrant. That same day deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 3200 block of Highway P. During the course of the stop, Deputies arrested a 35-year-old Salem man on an outstanding arrest warrant.  The suspect was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated on the warrant. On Tuesday November 12th deputies took a report for a stolen license plate that occurred in the 6200 block of S. Highway 19. The plate was entered into a nationwide database as stolen. Later that same day deputies took a report for a damaged mailbox that occurred in the 300 block of County Road 5080. Unknown person(s) damaged the victim’s mailbox, causing approximately $150 in damages.  The investigation is pending. The 3rd incident on Tuesday deputies took a report for a stolen ATV that occurred in the 14000 block of W. Highway 32. The ATV was valued by the victim at approximately $3000 and the investigation is pending. On Thursday November 14th deputies took a report for a forgery that occurred online. The victim, a 42-year-old Jadwin man, advised unknown person(s) took out a loan in the victim’s name. The investigation is pending. If you have any information on any ongoing investigation, please contact the Sheriff’s office at 573-729-3241.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. Keith Green and Jimmy Williams were in attendance. In the road report District One Commissioner Wes Mobray said his crews continue replacing culverts and patching Dent County Roads 2400 and 4080. He noted that county road 4210 is closed at the bridge, but residents on both sides have alternative ways to get out. Mobray said that the commissioners will be meeting with FEMA Monday the 18th and that pictures of damages have been sent to Grant Wilson to be forwarded to Congressman Jason Smith’s Washington Office. He said that Montauk is closed and all county roads leading in to Montauk have been closed. District Two Commissioner Gary Polk reported that his crew will be grading on Dent County Road 2120 and 4380, plus rock is being hauled to 4380. He added that rock is also being added to county road 2370. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported that he would be going to St. James Thursday afternoon to re-evaluate the Ozarks Solid Waste Management District grant applications since they were not previously done according to DNR guidelines. He said he would also be attending the Phelps County Housing Authority meeting followed by the MRPC committee meetings and the board meeting. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said her office is working on the budget, plus getting prepared for the April election and that candidate filings begin December 10th. She reported that she balanced with the Collector and Assessor on all collections, abatements, and add-ons for the month of October. Curley said she would be attending a Library Board meeting Thursday evening. She noted that the commissioners were approving bills for payment and that they need to approve the county’s health insurance application, which includes a slight increase in the amount the county pays on each employee to $907.86 per month. The application was approved by the commissioners 3-0. County Coroner Ben Pursiful stopped by so the commission could see the new truck which has now been outfitted with graphics, lights and siren. Commissioner Mobray expressed thanks to all the farmers and equipment operators that had pitched in with equipment to help get many roads back to passable after the flooding. He did say that those wanting to provide help should probably check with the commission before additional assistance is provided because FEMA will need to verify damages the county has sustained. Presiding Commissioner Larson complimented Mobray and Polk on their work and efforts following the flood, even though their terms are ending. There was extensive discussion between the commission, plus Green and Williams on road repair efforts, equipment, operations, budgets, etc. The next regular meeting of the commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday evening at the fire station at #2 South Main Street. The board reviewed and approved minutes from the previous meeting. The financial report was reviewed with an ending balance of $191,520.59. All bills, payments, and statements were reviewed and approved. The budget was reviewed and approved as presented, plus it was noted that the 2025 budget is in the works. The monthly reimbursement report showed a total of 19 calls for the month of October bringing the total calls year to date to 218. Some of those calls included five fires, four accidents, two Hazmat, and two medical assists. In old business Chief Floyd said they’re still waiting on the AFG grant for radios to open up and he hoped they were still going to have the grants. The Board discussed the Bond/Tax Issue and decided to talk to the bonding company for ideas on how to go forward. In the Chiefs report to the Board, he stated that Steve Paine with the City of Salem stopped by to give an update on the Fire Hydrants. They are working now to test, paint and rebuild if necessary. Floyd noted that the roof is leaking, and he is looking into getting it repaired. He also reported that the radio FCC License has been renewed for another 10 years. The date was set for the December Board meeting for 6:00, Tuesday evening of the 10th at the Dent County Fire Station. 

Attention deer hunters in Crawford County, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has an important update regarding Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) sampling this year. Due to flood conditions, the mandatory CWD sampling station at Huzzah Valley Resort in Steelville has been closed. However, hunters have two alternative options in Crawford County. The Cuba Knights of Columbus Hall at 7057 Old Route 66 in Cuba, and the Steelville Fire Protection District Station No. 2 at 20437 Highway 19 near Cherryville. Hunters in the CWD Management Zone counties can also take their deer to any other mandatory sampling station across the state. Remember, MDC requires mandatory CWD sampling of all deer harvested in the CWD Management Zone during the opening weekend of the November firearms season, which is November 16 and 17 this year. Hunters must present their deer at a sampling station on the same day they are harvested so biologists can collect tissue samples for testing. This data helps MDC track the extent of CWD, which has already been confirmed in several counties around the Ozarks. For a full list of mandatory CWD sampling station locations, visit the MDC website. Be sure to plan ahead and find a convenient station near you.

The Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting on Tuesday evening at 6:00 in the Old Auditorium. The agenda and consent agenda were approved, with an amendment to the former to remove a bill regarding sewer service fees. The board approved several items, including the purchase of a new 2025 half-ton Chevy Crew Cab pick up truck for $41,233.00, from Ed Morse Chevrolet, for the Wastewater Treatment Plant, for the buyout of a lease for a John Deere Loader, for $84,411.71,  and a contract for an annual Laserfiche cloud subscription for $5,900.00 allowing the City to store their digitized documents on a Cloud server. Financial Director Stacy Houston presented a request for the mayor to sign documents related to a $3.73 million ARPA grant the city received to install a new well, well house, and water tower. The total project cost is $3.768 million, with the city providing a $38,000 match. The board approved this request. The board also approved a resolution for the April 8, 2025 municipal election and heard first readings of bills related to the water tower construction project. Mayor Parker appointed Michael Letchworth as the new Eastward Alderman. Sally Burbridge provided updates on ongoing construction on 4th Street and possible grant applications. Mayor Parker stated the upcoming Christmas parade will be held on December 7th. Line up will begin at 5:00 and spots will be based on a first come first served basis, with the exception of the first six, that will be reserved for the Color Guard and the American Legion. Public Works Direct, Steve Paine, gave updates on the different utility crews, the Fire Hydrant Repair Project, as well as the ongoing flood cleanup at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Board then adjourned the meeting to closed session. 

The Missouri Department of Conservation will close its regional offices during opening weekend of firearms deer season, the 16th and 17th. Staff will be available at CWD mandatory sampling stations or at the Missouri Department of Conservation Call Center at 573-751-4115. The public can also submit questions via the MO Hunting app feedback form. Find mandatory sampling locations in the 2024 Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information Booklet. All Department of Conservation offices will return to regular operating hours on Monday the 18th.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has announced that the winter catch-and-release trout season at Montauk State Park in Dent County and Maramec Spring Park in Phelps County has been postponed due to flood damage. Both parks remain closed following heavy rainfall earlier this week. MDC’s winter catch-and-release fishing season is set to run now through February 10th, but with Montauk and Maramec Spring closed, fishing will not be allowed at those locations until they reopen. When the season resumes, fishing hours will be from 8:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon daily at Maramec Spring Park and on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays at Montauk State Park. For more information about winter fishing opportunities in Missouri visit mdc.mo.gov.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that hunters checked 1,857 turkeys during the firearms portion of Missouri’s fall turkey season, October 1st-31rd. Top harvest counties were Gasconade with 51 birds harvested, Osage with 48, and Cedar with 46. Harvest totals in our area include Crawford with 36, Dent with 38, Iron 8, Maries 34, Phelps with 40, Shannon with 10, and Texas County 38. For current fall firearms turkey harvest results by county, go online to MDC’s website at mdc.mo.gov. Hunters harvested 2,220 birds during the 2023 fall firearms turkey season. MDC Turkey Biologist Nick Oakley said that a very warm and dry October likely impacted turkey and hunter behavior. When it’s 80 degrees and windy, the birds may not be in their usual haunts and hunters aren’t as interested in literally sweating it out to find birds. Fall archery turkey hunting continues through November 15th and resumes November 27th through January 15th, 2025. Get more information about fall turkey hunting at mdc.mo.gov.

On November 12, Sheriff Bob Wells and Prosecutor Andrew M. Curley presented a check for the sum of $294.00 to Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams to be placed into the general revenue fund for Dent County. The money is the result of efforts by law enforcement involving the seizure of firearms possessed in connection with the arrest by Missouri Conservation Agent Jason Midyett and prosecution of Frank Gorman for unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on November 11, 2023. In addition to the criminal conviction, the seizure and sale of the firearms is authorized by Missouri law as a punishment and deterrent to persons that illegally own/possess firearms. This money will be used for the benefit of the local community.

The Creative Arts Center in Salem will hold a “This or That” Fall Paint N’ Sip class on Friday, from 6:30 to 9:00 in the evening with Danielle Norris. Guests may bring their favorite beverages and snacks to this event. The class is open to those 13 years of age and older. The cost of the class is $25 and all supplies are included. There must be at least six people sign up to hold the class. To sign up, visit the SACBA website, click on “Programs” and on the Creative Arts Center.

MRPC Executive Director Bonnie Prigge, MRPC Planning Manager Anne Freund. MoDOT Central District Area Engineer Preston Kramer, the Dent County Commission, Zach Moser from the Dent County Health Department, Salem City Administrator Sally Burbridge and Salem Public Works Director Steve Paine were in attendance to the Dent County Transportation Needs annual meeting held at the Dent County Courthouse, November 4th. Kramer said the “Standing Rock Bridge” in Gladden on Highway 19 is on the STIP program and the contract has been awarded on the project, but no pre-construction meeting has yet been held. The group discussed all the identified transportation needs from previous years and then added four new ones to the list. They are the Highway 19 Bridge in the north part of Salem over Spring Creek, the bridge on Route B at the Meramec River near Max, the intersection on Routes K & Z as well as Dent County Road 6180, and the intersection of Highway 32 and 72 at the west end of Salem. There was also discussion on the issues caused by the new entrance to McDonalds on Highway 32-72 at Highway 19 where people heading eastbound are turning left into McDonalds from the designated westbound left turn lane to go south Highway 19. The priorities determined from the meeting are still a new bridge on Route TT over Crooked Creek and that work is currently being scoped by MoDOT engineers, a new bridge over the West Fork of the Huzzah Creek on Highway 32 which is also being scoped by MoDOT engineers, new this year is to replace the Highway 19 Bridge in Salem over Spring Creek, and the addition of a right turn lane heading north on Highway 19 at the intersection of Roosevelt. If additional money becomes available for road repair, the high priority unfunded projects would be for new shoulders and alignment on Route B about two-tenths of a mile from County Road 5390, and for new shoulders and safety improvements on Highway 119 to Montauk. The board also reviewed multimodal needs such as the need for increase or availability of public transportation for everyone such as the services provided by the SMTS busses for the public as well as for non-medical needs after hours, adding sidewalks on the east side of Highway 19 from Center Street to Highway 32, adding sidewalks from Route J to Highway 72 north, and adding sidewalks from Carty Street to the Craig Industrial Drive on Highway 32 East (Scenic Rivers BLVD). Also discussed was adding crosswalks at Highway 32-72 and Babb Lane, crosswalks at Highway 32-72 at the Warfel/Doss Road intersection, and adding crosswalks at Highway 19 at Center Street as well as Highway 19 at Franklin. There was discussion to possibly turn the Second Street bridge in the city that is currently closed into a pedestrian and/or bike bridge, to paint bike paths on the shoulders of Highway 32-72 east from the city limits to Highway 19 where it is wide enough, and more. Prigge said this information will be discussed when the MRPC and other regional commissions get together with MoDOT to address transportation issues on December 12th at the MRPC Transportation Advisory Committee meeting.  

Between October 5th to October 18th there were a total of 194 calls to the Salem Police Department for service. Officers conducted 24 traffic stops for various traffic violations with 5 resulting in a summons or arrest. Officers conducted 5 traffic accident investigations along with 5 informational reports. The following reports were generated from those calls. On Sunday, October 6th, at approximately 12:00 noon officers were dispatched to the intersection of Missouri Highway 19 and Truman Street for a report of a disturbance. It was reported that a group of 17–18 year-olds were fighting. While investigating the incident one of the male subjects was very intoxicated and continuing to try to fight and be belligerent. As a result, an 18-year-old Rolla male was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. The next day at approximately 5:00 in the afternoon officers were dispatched to Wal Mart for a report of shoplifting. It was reported that a female employee had been caught stealing approximately $150 worth of items. As a result, a 74-year-old Salem female was arrested and released on summons for shoplifting. Then on the evening of Tuesday the 8th 6:00 officers arrested a male subject who had an active capias warrant out of Dent County. The male subject was contacted during another unrelated investigation. Found on the male was a syringe that field tested for Methamphetamine. As a result, a 26-year-old Salem male was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Finally on Thursday night of the 10th at approximately 10:00 officers were dispatched to Dirt Cheap for a report of shoplifting. It was reported a male subject had stolen items from the store. After a brief investigation a 37-year-old male from Sullivan, Missouri was arrested and issued summons for shoplifting. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

The Creative Arts Center in Salem will hold a class on personalizing “Little Golden Books” this evening from 5:00 to 8:00 with Gail Phelan. Attendees will take a Little Golden Book and personalize it with additional pages, pockets, and tags as well as hidden places for notes and stickers. The class is open to those ten years of age and older, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The cost of the class is $20 and all supplies are included. There must be four people sign up to hold the class and it will be limited to eight. On Friday, there will be a “This or that” Fall Paint N’ Sip class from 6:30 to 9:00 in the evening with Danielle Norris. You choose which painting you would like to paint, and the artist will walk you step by step through the whole process! Guests may bring their favorite beverages and snacks to this event. The class is open to those 13 years of age and older, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The cost of the class is $25 and all supplies are included. There must be six people sign up to hold the class and it will be limited to 25. To sign up for either class you can go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will meet this evening at 6:00 at 202 N. Washington in the Old City Hall Auditorium. After a sewer rate hearing the aldermen, meeting will start with the Call to Order, which will be followed by the approval of the agenda and the consent agenda. Public Comments will then be heard followed the approval of a bid for a water department truck.  In new and miscellaneous business, the Board will consider the following. A John Deere Loader lease, the Laserfiche contract, a drinking water grant, and Resolution No. 26-2024 which provides for the municipal election for the City of Salem on April 25th, 2025. Bills to be considered include Bill No. 3630, an ordinance establishing service availability fees for sewer services provided by the City of Salem, Bill No. 3631, an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement between BuildTec Construction LLC and the City of Salem for the Salem Water System Improvements, Contract A, Bill No. 3632, an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement between Caldwell Tanks, Inc and the City of Salem for the Salem Water System Improvements, Contract B, Bill No. 3633, an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement between B & H Drilling & Pump Service and the City of Salem for the Salem Water System Improvements, Contract C. There is to be a board appointment followed by the Oath of Office. Reports from City Officials will be heard before the Board goes in to closed session. The meeting tonight of the City of Salem Board of Aldermen is open to the public.

In a letter from the Salem R-80 Superintendent, Dr. Nathan Wills, he writes about collaboration between school districts to enhance educational opportunities for all students. He, along with Assistant Superintendent, Dan Copeland, recently toured the neighboring rural school districts in Dent County and gained valuable insight into their daily operations. Dr. Wills expressed his gratitude for the hospitality and openness of the administrators as they work together on various collaborative projects and activities throughout the year. One such project is the cooperative sponsorship of 7th and 8th grade football, track and field, and cross country, where all Dent County students have the opportunity to participate in these sports together on the same team. Dr. Wills also stated that just this past year, as well as this current school year, they have partnered with the other four Dent County school districts to attend a Repertory Theater performance sponsored by the Salem Area Arts Council. Additionally, the monthly meetings among the five Dent County superintendents provide a forum to share best practices, address local issues, and collectively brainstorm solutions. Dr. Wills encourages all parents, educators, and community members to support and advocate for these collaborative initiatives as they enrich the educational landscape and prepare students for a bright future. By uniting their efforts, the Dent County school districts can make a meaningful difference in the lives of their students and communities. To read the entire letter from Dr. Wills, please visit the KSMO Radio/Your World Today Facebook page. 

The Dent County Fire Protection district board of directors will be meeting this evening at 6:00 at the fire station at #2 South Main Street. After the roll call and approval of the consent agenda which includes the budget review and financial reports, the monthly reimbursement report will be heard. In old business, the board will discuss the AFG grant status for radios before the board discusses Bond/Tax issues followed by new business. Chief Floyd will then give his report to the board. The date will be set for the December meeting and Closes Session may be held if necessary, before the board adjourns. The meeting Tuesday evening will be open to the public.

The Salem Police Department had more reports from October 10th to 18th. On Wednesday afternoon, October 16th, at approximately 2:30 officers conducted a traffic stop on Missouri Highway 72 near the intersection of Missouri Highway J for no registration. As a result of the stop a male subject was found to have a active capias warrant out of Phelps County. Van T. Penton, age 35, of Rolla was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Then on Thursday night at approximately 12:30 officers responded to a disturbance in the 1800 block of south Oak. The subject causing the disturbance was found to have an active capias warrant out of Dent County. As a result, 27-year-old Tristan Gaddy of Salem was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Friday afternoon, the 18th, at approximately 4:45 officers were dispatched to Trinity for a report of shoplifting. It was reported that a female subject had stolen approximately $50 of merchandise. After a short investigation a 45-year-old Salem female was arrested and issued summons for shoplifting. Later that night at approximately 8:30 officers were dispatched to Wal Mart for a report of shoplifting. It was reported a male subject had stolen $275 worth of merchandise from the store. After a short investigation a 23-year-old male from West Plains was arrested and issued summons for shoplifting. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways has experienced widespread flooding due to significant rainfall that began on November 3rd. The upper Current River reached historic levels on November 5th, with rainfall totals of 9 to 12 inches across the watershed causing historic flooding from Montauk to Round Spring. At Akers, the river gauge stopped reporting at 23.23 feet, but water levels are estimated to have reached 32 feet, far surpassing the previous record of 26.08 feet set in April 2017. Below Round Spring, both the Current River and Jacks Fork River experienced heavy flooding but did not exceed previous records. Park Rangers conducted several river rescues on Monday and Tuesday for visitors caught off guard, though no major injuries were reported. Many facilities, campgrounds, and river access points throughout the park sustained damage and will be closed for assessment, hazard mitigation, and repairs. Unprecedented river levels caused significant damage to facilities at Akers and Pulltite. The Akers Ranger Station had approximately two feet of water throughout, while the old Akers Ferry Canoe Rental store was almost fully submerged. At Pulltite Campground, water reached the roof of the Ranger Station and shower house, causing extensive destruction. For visitor safety, the Current River from Baptist to Round Spring will be closed to all vessels until approximately this Wednesday, November 13th. Additional closures include all backcountry campgrounds, Pulltite Campground, Akers and Round Spring group campsites, the old Akers Ferry Canoe Rental Store, Baptist River access, Lipps Hole, Alley Spring Campground, and Big Spring Campground. National Park Service staff will be working to reopen high-priority areas as quickly as possible. For more information and updates, visit the park website at nps.gov/ozar, follow their Facebook page, or call (573) 323-4236.

On Thursday, October 31st in the U.S. District Court in St. Louis, 43-year-old Justin Bradley Durham of Rolla, pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography, two counts of receiving child pornography and three counts of destroying records in a federal investigation. Durham, a former Phelps County Sheriff’s deputy, admitted as part of his plea that he requested and received a sexually explicit video from a 16-year-old in 2013. He later provided $200 to the victim after she engaged in sex acts with him. He also admitted engaging in sex acts multiple times with a 17-year-old victim, including in his patrol vehicle. He exchanged sexually explicit images and videos with her. Durham met the second victim in 2016 when her friend contacted the police, and he responded to the call. The FBI interviewed Durham in 2023 after learning that his PayPal account had been used to send money to another account associated with the sale of child pornography. Durham denied purchasing child pornography and claimed that he hadn’t accessed his Dropbox account for years. He refused agents’ request to search his cell phone. Two days later, Durham bought a new phone, destroyed his old phone and deleted about 37 gigabytes of data in his Dropbox account before deactivating it. Among those files were hundreds of sexually explicit images and videos, including files containing child sexual abuse material. Durham was terminated by the Sheriff’s Department on August 9th, 2023, and arrested by them. In jail, he told FBI agents that he also destroyed a laptop computer, threw away his phone and conducted a “digital footprint scrub” of his online accounts, his plea agreement says. Durham is scheduled to be sentenced February 5th, 2025. The production of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, and the receipt of child pornography charge has a five-year mandatory minimum. The FBI and the Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Bateman is prosecuting the case.

The Creative Arts Center in Salem will hold a class on recycling old Christmas Cards into Ornaments tomorrow from 6:00 to 8:00 in the evening with Angela Dingess. Learn how to turn your old Christmas cards into a handmade ornament to treasure or give as gifts. The cost of the class is $25 and all the supplies will be provided. The class size will be limited to 24 people, but at least four people need to sign to hold the class. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center.