Local News

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley has released reports from court cases heard in the 42nd associate Circuit Court Monday in Dent County in front of Judge Kelly Parker. In the first case heard, Angela Wofford of Salem pled guilty to felony charges for the possession of a controlled substance as well as possession of a controlled substance in a county jail. She was sentenced to four years in the Department of Corrections on each count, to run concurrently. In the another case heard, Judge Parker revoked the probation of John Simmons, IV for the felony of possession of a controlled substance charge that he pled guilty to in May. Simmons has been sentenced to seven years in the Department of Corrections. In yet another case, Judge Parker revoked the probation of Jereme Roark of Rolla. He had been charged and pled guilty in February of 2014 with a Class B Felony for the distribution, delivery, manufacturing, producing of a controlled substance. Roark was sentenced to 10 years in the Department of Corrections as requested by the state.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 88,843 deer during the opening weekend of the November portion of the fall firearms deer season November 16th and 17th. Of the 88,843 deer harvested, 51,086 were antlered bucks, 8,115 were button bucks, and 29,642 were does. Top harvest counties for opening weekend were Franklin with 2,078 deer checked, Texas with 1,931, and Callaway with 1,735. In our area, Dent County had 1,685 deer harvested, Crawford has 1,469 deer checked, Shannon County reported 1,338 deer had been taken, Phelps County had 1,176 deer harvested and Reynolds County reported 738 deer taken. Last year, hunters checked 99,470 deer during the opening weekend of the 2018 November portion of firearms deer season.

Healthy Dent County at the Salem Community Center@The Armory is hosting two one hour focus groups this Thursday from 2:00 to 3:00 and from 3:30 until 4:30 to better understand what it means to be healthy from the perspective of Missouri residents. Participants will receive a $25 incentive for their time and may only attend one of the focus group session. This is being held as part of research being conducted by NORC from the University of Chicago on behalf of the Missouri Foundation for Health. Your opinion matters and if you are interested in participating, you must register in advance by contacting Healthy Dent County by calling 573-729-8163 or e-mailing judy@salemcommunitycenter.org. Light refreshments will be provided.

The Collection Week for the Operation Christmas Child boxes is going on now through this Friday, the 22nd. There are several churches in the area that are collection points. They include the Salem First Baptist Church at 201 North McArthur Street. Their collection times start at 8:00 in the morning and stay open to 4:00 today through Thursday, and from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM Friday; the Licking First Baptist Church at 223 S Main Street and their collection times will be through Friday from 5:00 until 7:00 in the evening; the Rolla First Baptist Church at 801 Cedar Street and their collection will be from 12:00 noon through 2:00 through Friday, plus Thursday night from 5:00 to 7:00; and the St. James First Baptist Church from 10:00 in the morning until noon Wednesday and Friday, and from 5:00 to 7:00 Thursday evening. It is not too late to do a box if you would like. Contact Linda Williams at 573-263-9550 if you have any questions.

The Salem Police Department has released reports on activities by the department for November 10th through the 12th. On Sunday,
November the 10th at approximately 12:35 in the morning, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The stop led to the arrest of a 20-year-old male of Salem for driving while having his license suspended. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. A couple of hours later near 2:22, an officer located a 31-year-old male of Salem in the 800 block of West Rolla Road who had an active arrest warrant from Phelps County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending extradition. That same day at about 5:19, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to an assault. An investigation revealed that a 32-year-old male of Salem had assaulted a 30-year-old female of Rolla while at a residence in the 100 block of Laura Street which led to the arrest of the suspect. He was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Veterans Day, November 11th at 3:26 in the afternoon, an officer located a 36-year-old male of Salem who had an active arrest warrant from Jefferson County at Walmart. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending extradition. And finally on the morning of Tuesday, November 12th at 10:27, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a theft from a vehicle. The investigation revealed that a person or persons unknown took a wallet and its contents valued at $780.00 from a vehicle parked in the 600 block of South Macarthur. That report is under investigation. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday night at the City Hall Council Chambers. The board heard from Mary Ann Williams and Kathy Weldon about AirBNB’s and an in-home rental as well as comments on some of the suggestions by the Salem Planning and Zoning Commission. Gary Brown, the chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission, first reported that the commission wanted to recommend to the board to allow a conditional use permit for a beauty salon at 1400 Mildred Blvd owned by Noah and Melissa Shlag and the board approved the conditional use permit. Brown then reviewed a series of 13 survey questions the planning and zoning board answered on short term rentals. Brown said the alderman need to put the results of the survey into ordinance form for the commission and the aldermen to discuss and make final decisions on. The board approved the bid from L&B Electronics of Eldon for a replacement transformer for a storm damaged storm siren for $11,750 and the purchase of a new transformer for a new storm siren for $13,250 for a total of $25,000. The storm damaged transformer will be paid for by insurance. After the consent agenda was approved, City Administrator Ray Walden discussed the electrical outage on Veteran’s Day. City crews worked most of the day and into the night to get everyone back on in bad weather conditions. Walden wanted to remind Salem residents that if they have an outage after hours or on holidays to please call the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 and let them know your issue. The Salem Community Center@The Armory had 4,536 participants for activities during the month of October. A reception for the new Park and Rec Director Melissa DuBois will be held on Tuesday, November 26th from 5:00 to 6:30 followed by a Park Board meeting at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Walden said the city offices would be closed on Thanksgiving, November 28th and Friday, November 29th. He also gave the results of the public nuisance survey that was sent out and 185 people responded. That data will be used to come back with recommendations to the board of aldermen. The board approved Resolution 25-2019 that set up a municipal election for mayor, an east ward alderman and a west ward alderman. Signups for those positions will be held at the city administrative offices starting at 8:00 in the morning December 17th until 5:00 in the afternoon on January 21st. The board did not approve Resolution 26-2019 to execute the agreement with Riverways Federal Credit Union for consulting services as the old agreement had been changed and the city attorney had not seen the old agreement to make a an opinion on the this new agreement. The board then adjourned.

The Salem Police Department has released reports on activities by the department for November 7th through the 9th. On Thursday, November 7th at about 6:16 in the evening, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a theft from a vehicle. Further investigation revealed that a person or persons unknown took a purse and its contents valued at $220.00 from a gray 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe that was parked in the 100 block on North Orchard. The next morning at 9:54, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department for the fraudulent use of a credit card. The investigation revealed a 38-year-old male and a 31-year-old female both of Salem had fraudulently used a debit card of another person to make transactions valued at $2,324.87. Further investigation led to the arrest of the two suspects who were issued summonses to appear in court and released. Later that same night at approximately 9:09, an officer was dispatched to Walmart in reference to a shoplifter. An investigation led to the arrest of a 31-year-old female of Salem for stealing and also for being in possession of heroin. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and released. On Saturday, November 9th near 5:42 in the evening, an officer was dispatched to Walmart in reference to a person trying to make a fraudulent return. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 31-year-old female of Salem for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and released. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will conduct their November meeting tonight in the hospital library beginning at 6:00 pm. After approval of the agenda, will be the administrator’s report that includes a summary of the operations for the month of October with Monica Stogsdill, the Chief of Nursing Report for the month with Debbie Hines, a report on the hospital foundation as well as the marketing and community perception with COO Jason Edwards, and Administrator Kasey Lucas will present the auxiliary report. After the Chief of Staff report, the Board will be updated on the hospital expansion and expansion financing options. In new business, the board will hear about purchases and the election filing dates for a board member for the municipal election to be held in April. The November board meeting of the Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors is open to the public.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams came in with sales tax figures. General Revenue receipts were $68,996.49, while a year ago it was $77,375.69 or down $8,379.20 from November of last year. Year-to-date GR is down $22,781.56 which is about 2.16%. She said the Law Enforcement Sales Tax receipt amounts were the same as GR. The Road and Bridge sales tax came in at $32,000.07. That figure was $36,163.17 in November of last year, which means it was down $4,163.10 for the month and $5,377.10 year-to-date or about 1.29%. Williams said the two Justice Center funds each received $63,464.06 compared to $72,217.43 last year. She said that year-to-date those funds are down $1,622.79, which is about .19%. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles compared the year to date totals to the 2019 county budget and said that with December receipts Dent County will end the year slightly above the budgeted amounts. In the road report District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that patch grading would be done and materials would be added to Dent County Road 5630. He added that maintenance was being done on the brush cutter before working on county roads 6400 and 6380, plus general shop maintenance was also being done. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said that his crew would be pulling ditches and adding materials to Dent County Road 4290, plus brush would be cut on county road 2240. Skiles reported that on Wednesday he attended the joint meeting of the Central Region Workforce Investment Board and Caucus where the audits of fiscal year 2018 and 2019 were the primary topic. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said that bills were being approved by the Commissioners for payment and that her office continues to work on the 2020 county budget. She also reported that she balanced with the Collector and Assessor on all monthly collections, abatements and add-ons for the month of October and that the Commissioners reviewed her reports. The Commissioners voted 3-0 to continue the county health insurance policy where if the employee selects the $3,500 deductible option the County will pay $2,000 after the employee picks up the first $1,500. Dwight Ramsburg was in to bring a couple of issues to the Commissioners attention relative to the Justice Center construction. Dent County Collector Shannon Vankirk was in with court orders and abatements for the Commissioners to review and sign off on, as well as the monthly collections report. Kurt Fagel with the 100-Acre Wood Rally was in to touch base with the Commission and provide updates. The Missouri Association of Counties will be meeting at Tan-Tara the first part of next week so the next meeting of the Commission will be Thursday, November 21st, in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident occurred Wednesday afternoon at 12:45 in Iron County on Highway 49 about one mile south of Viburnum. According to the highway patrol report, a southbound 2018 GMC Terrain, driven by 35-year-old Elizabeth Wheeler of Ellington, lost control on the partially ice covered roadway, crossed the center line, and struck a northbound 2019 Jeep Compass driven by 50-year-old Erik Hancock of Pocatello, Idaho. Wheeler suffered serious injuries and was taken by Arch Helicopter to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Hancock, along with a passenger, 38- year-old Genevieve Castillo of Salt Lake County, Utah, both suffered serious injuries and were taken by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital. Two other passengers in the Jeep, 52-year-old Scott Moffatt of Corpus Cristi, Texas, and 86-year-old Harold Ray of Potosi, both suffered moderate injuries and were taken by ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. The report stated that Wheeler was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident, while all four occupants of the Jeep were. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Abney’s Towing of Viburnum.

Missouri’s firearms deer season begins Saturday and Missouri University Health Care trauma surgeon Dr. Jacob Quick, says he sees roughly 30 major hunting accidents every year, but some key safety precautions can limit a hunter’s risk of injury. Quick, who is an avid hunter, says gunshot injuries are rare, however, he sees more hunters who were not wearing a harness and suffered a fall from a tree stand and that the reality of it is that about 30% of all hunters will fall and have a serious injury at some point in time. Roughly 80% of those who fall weren’t wearing a harness. Quick said the new full-body harnesses are more comfortable and less cumbersome than older styles. In addition to wearing a harness, Quick offered other guidelines hunters should follow when using a tree stand including working in a team to set up a tree stand and keeping three of your four limbs in contact with the ladder at all times and using a haul to bring up gear. You should also inspect your stand and equipment before the hunt and make sure someone knows your location and time expected home and always carry your cell phone. For more hunting safety tips, go to muhealth.org.

A one vehicle accident occurred on Highway 19 near Franklin Street at 7:30 in the morning on Monday, November 11th. The report released from the Salem Police Department states that a 2007 Ford Edge owned and operated by Tina Hodges of Salem was traveling north on Highway 19 when the vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a curb, and a utility pole before coming to a stop. Hodges suffered minor injuries but refused medical treatment by the EMS that were on the scene. The Ford sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing. The damage to the utility pole in the accident later caused the City of Salem Electric Department to have to replace the pole and move the electric from the old pole to the new pole that caused a power outage of over 10½ hours.

With the opening of the deer firearms season this weekend, the Missouri Department of Conservation wants to remind hunters who harvest deer in any of the 29 counties of the CWD Management Zone are required to take their harvested deer (or the head with at least six inches of neck attached) on the day of harvest to one of MDC’s numerous CWD sampling stations throughout the zone. The sampling stations are open from 7:30 in the morning until 8:00 im the evening. Sampling and test results are free. Hunters who harvest deer in counties no longer part of the zone are not required to participate in sampling. The CWD Management Zone of 29 counties in or near where CWD has been found includes Adair, Barry, Cedar, Chariton, Christian, Crawford, Franklin, Gasconade, Hickory, Howell, Jefferson, Knox, Linn, Macon, Mercer, Oregon, Ozark, Perry, Polk, Putnam, St. Charles, St. Clair, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Stone, Sullivan, Taney, Warren, and Washington. Dent County is NOT included.

The Missouri Department of Conservation Commission recognizes Missourians who make outstanding contributions to conservation and is seeking nominations by December 9th for its Master Conservationist Award and the Missouri Conservation Hall of Fame. The Master Conservationist Award honors living or deceased citizens while the Missouri Conservation Hall of Fame recognizes deceased individuals. Those who can be considered for either honor must be a citizen who performed an outstanding act or developed an innovative idea or technique that contributed to major progress in conservation in Missouri or an employee of MDC, other conservation-related government agencies, universities, or organizations who performed an outstanding act or developed an innovative idea or technique that contributed to major progress in conservation in Missouri. Anyone can submit nominations and they should include a statement describing the nominee’s accomplishments and a brief biography. A screening committee meets annually to consider nominees with the Conservation Commission conveying final approval. Learn more about the Missouri Conservation Hall of Fame or conservationist award and get the nomination form at mdc.mo.gov/about-us/awards-and-honors/hall-fame. The nomination deadline for both awards is Monday, December 9th, and each nomination form has information on how to submit it.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On November 7th, the sheriff’s department received a report of a 56-year-old Salem man who had violated an ex-parte order of protection. Deputies traveled to a residence in the 1300 block of Iron Mountain Road and conducted an investigation. Shortly after, deputies then traveled to a residence in the 1000 block of Route P and arrested the Salem man for the violation of an order of protection. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was issued a summons and released. Later that same day, the sheriff’s department received a report of property damage which had occurred at a residence near the 500 block of County Road 4245. A deputy traveled to the area and during the course of the incident, discovered that a yard and driveway had been damaged by a vehicle. This report is still under investigation. On Friday, November 8th, a deputy traveled to the Missouri Private Probation Services Office on West 4th Street in an attempt to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 25-year-old Salem man was arrested for an active warrant through the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail where he was incarcerated. On Sunday, November 11th, sheriff’s department received a report of a domestic disturbance which was occurring at a residence in the 500 block of County Road 5090. A deputy traveled to the residence and during the course of the incident, a 27-year-old Salem woman was arrested for domestic assault in the 4th degree. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where she was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. If you have information regarding the property damage or any other ongoing case, contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

A one vehicle accident happened Monday evening around 5:30 on Highway 32 about two miles west of Salem. According to the report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer, being driven by 55-year old Shelia Welch of Salem, was westbound when she lost control on the ice covered roadway and ran off the right side of the roadway, overturned and struck a fence. Welch was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident and was transported to the Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The Chevrolet was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing. The highway patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s office and Dent County Fire Department.

A fatality accident occurred Saturday evening at 7:15 in Vernon County on Highway 54 about two miles west of El Dorado Springs. According to the highway patrol report, a 1997 Chevrolet Suburban, being driven by 45-year Travis Bryson of El Dorado Springs, formerly of Salem, was traveling east on Highway 54 when he struck a deer in the roadway. The vehicle then traveled off the road and struck a tree. Bryson was taken to the Cedar County Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 8:55 by Dr. Robert Hockman. The Suburban was totaled and removed from the scene by TCB Towing of Nevada.

An accident happened Monday night at 7:27 in Dent County on Highway 32 about six miles east of Salem that left three teenagers with injuries. According to the highway patrol report, 17-year old Jordan Sanders of Salem was driving a 2005 GMC Yukon eastbound when he lost control of the Yukon on ice. The vehicle traveled off the left side of the roadway, overturned and struck a utility pole. Sanders suffered serious injuries and was flown by Air Evac to Children’s Hospital.Two other juvenile passengers: a 14-year old male and a 15-year old male, each suffered minor injuries. The 14-year old was released at the scene to his parents and the 15-year old was released at the scene. According to the report, no one in the vehicle was wearing a seat restraint. The Yukon was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. The highway patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Department and the Dent County Fire Department.

SONIC® Drive-In concluded its annual Limeades for Learning Fall Voting campaign in support of public school teachers last month, and Salem teachers received funding to support their innovative and creative learning projects. In partnership with nonprofit DonorsChoose.org and with the help of SONIC fans, 12 teachers in Salem received a combined $9,720 for necessary supplies to inspire learning in their classrooms. The Fall Voting Campaign is a special time to celebrate exceptional public school teachers who make a difference in communities across the country, including those in Salem. Between Monday, September 30th, and Sunday, October 27th, SONIC patrons voted for projects they found the most inspiring at LimeadesforLearning.com, ranging from pencils and paper to tablets and robotics kits. In Salem, the following 12 exceptional teachers at two schools were among the public school teachers whose projects earned funding for much-needed teaching resources as part of the annual Fall Voting campaign. Those teachers were Carri Pace at Oak Hill Elementary School, plus Salem Upper Elementary Teachers Amanda Hanger, Chelsey Brakefield, Jennifer Rensch, Kristen Stites, Kristina Barton, Krystal Sims, Lisa Jones, Sarah Piatt, Shannon Phelps, Theresa Pitchford and Tony Edwards. To view the full list of public school teacher projects funded through Limeades for Learning, including those in Salem, visit LimeadesforLearning.com. Since 2009, SONIC has donated $14,538,410, supported more than 17,570 classrooms, and provided necessary learning materials and teaching resources requested by teachers to impact more than 3,745,464 students in partnership with DonorsChoose.org.

The Salem Area Arts Council is hosting a stained-glass workshop this Thursday evening from 5:30 to 8:00 at the Creative Arts Center
behind the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center (ONCRC) and just south of the Farmers’ Market. Led by artist and art teacher Amber Pryor, all materials are provided to make a small project to take home. This is a great opportunity for older family members or co-workers to have some bonding time and create a memorable piece of art to commemorate their time together. There is a maximum enrollment of EIGHT, so register early. The cost is $25 and reservations can be made by stopping in at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center (729-0029) and paying your fee to hold your spot or by calling 247-0279 to make other arrangements. This workshop is NOT appropriate for young children or women who are pregnant. The ONCRCCenter is located at 202 South Main in Salem nest to the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce.

An accident happened in Phelps County on Route M about two miles west of Edgar Springs. According to the highway patrol report, a 2013 Nissan Juke driven northbound by 17-year old Andrew Edwards of Edgar Springs, traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a fence and utility, then came to rest in a ditch. Edwards was taken by the Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. The Nissan sustained moderate damages and was removed from the scene by Lucas Garage.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley has released reports for cases heard before Judge Megan Seay on Thursday, November 7th. Curley reports that on May 8th of this year, Travis Russell of Jefferson City was arrested and charged by Curley with felony possession of a controlled substance in the 1st degree. At the time of his arrest, $6,730 was seized in connection with the arrest as law enforcement believed the money was obtained by the sale of methamphetamine. Prosecutor Curley filed a petition to forfeit the money to the treasurer of Dent County under Criminal Activity Forfeiture Act. Judge Seay ruled in favor of the state and ordered the money forfeited to the Dent County General Revenue Fund. Also on Thursday, Zakary Eplin of St. Louis had his probation revoked for two felony charges of possession of a controlled substance and a felony charge of the unlawful use of weapon while in possession of controlled substances. Eplin was sentenced to 120 days shock incarceration in prison as a condition of his probation. Also on Thursday, Judge Seay revoked the probation of Michael Stagner of Salem who was convicted on a felony possession charge of a controlled substance. He was sentenced to seven years in the Department of Corrections as recommended by the state. Another case on Thursday heard by Judge Seay resulted in the revocation of the probation of Bethany Dawn Knight of Washington, Missouri. She had been convicted on two felony charges for the possession of a controlled substance. She was sentenced to six years in the Department of Corrections.

The Salem Police Department has released reports for the period of October 31st through November 5th. On Thursday, October 31st, at approximately 4:30 in the afternoon an officer was dispatched to Walmart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation led to the arrest of a 30 year-old female of Salem for stealing merchandise. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Then on Tuesday afternoon, November 5th, at approximately 4:00 an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to some property damage. Investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown damaged windows and a downspout on the Revival Tabernacle Church located on West Franklin Street. That report is under investigation. Later that same evening at approximately 7:00 an officer located a 38 year-old female of Salem in the 700 block of East Tenth who had an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending a court appearance. A short while later at approximately 8:27, that same evening, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a burglary. Investigation revealed that a person or persons unknown entered a residence in the 700 block of South Carty and took items valued $30.00. That report is under investigation. Contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds drivers that deer are more active and create hazards for Missouri motorists this time of year. Drivers are reminded that an attempt to avoid striking a deer could result in a more serious crash involving oncoming traffic. Try to remain calm. Panicking and overreacting usually lead to more serious traffic crashes. As soon as you see a deer, the best course of action is to reduce your speed. Other drivers may be doing the same, so be sure to pay attention to traffic patterns. The majority of deer strike crashes occur in October and November each year, with the largest number taking place in November. Although deer strikes can occur at any time, most occur between the hours of 5:00 and 6:59 in the morning, and then again from 6:00 through to 8:59 at night. Last year, drivers in Missouri experienced 4,090 traffic crashes where deer-vehicle strikes occurred. One deer strike occurred every 2.1 hours in the state. In these crashes, there were six fatalities and 415 people were injured. When you see a deer, slow down and proceed with caution. Deer often travel in groups–stay on guard after a close call or when you see a single deer. Drivers are urged to remain alert. If you strike a deer, call 9-1-1 or *55 on a cell phone and report it.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Courthouse. Salem-Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge dropped by with her monthly report. She said that the Ongoing Economic Prospects dropped from 17 to 16 as one company decided to expand somewhere else. However she reported that she had three prospective new business contacts this week. Burbridge noted that on Wednesday she attended the MRPC CEDS meeting where it was reported that an announcement is expected next week about the Workforce Training Initiative Grant for the Construction Trades Program at Salem Schools. In the road report District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that the southern part of Dent County received approximately 2” of rainfall which makes it too wet to grade. He reported that his crew was replacing the wooden deck on the equipment trailer and preparing for the possibility of snow the first of next week. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said that he had a call about stopped up pipes on Dent County Road 4050 and that some of his crew was out taking care of the problem and replacing road signs. He noted that it was too wet to grade or cut brush so the rest of his crew was finishing some work on the new truck barn. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that on Monday he attended a good program on underage drinking and teen drug use at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory. He reminded everyone that the Courthouse will be closed Monday for Veterans’ Day and encouraged everyone to thank a Veteran for their service. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that bills were being paid and today she would be attending a website meeting with the City of Salem and Chamber of Commerce. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Thursday morning at the Courthouse.

An accident happened shortly after 8:00 Wednesday morning in St. Francois County on Route NN near Indian Creek Road. According to the highway patrol report, a 2002 Chevrolet Impala being driven by 22-year old Angelique Gonzalas of Boss was westbound, and was traveling too fast for conditions. The Impala traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned. Gonzalas, who was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident, sustained minor injuries and was taken by St. Francois County ambulance to Parkland Health Center in Farmington. The Chevrolet was totaled and removed from the scene by Buckley Towing.

The Dent County Sheriffs Department has released several reports for the period of October 27th through November 1st. On Sunday October 27th, a Deputy conducted a traffic stop on Missouri Avenue and International Street. During the course of the stop, a 21-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Then on Wednesday the 30th, the Dent County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a 61-year-old Salem man who was possibly under the influence of alcoholic beverages. The party told the Sheriff’s Office the subject was attempting to drive away from the 1400 block of West Highway 32. A Deputy traveled to the area and after an investigation, the man was arrested for a warrant through the Rolla Police Department. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he later posted bond. On Friday November 1st, the Dent County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a domestic disturbance occurring at a residence in the 400 block of County Road 5240. Deputies traveled to the area and during the course of the investigation, a 27-year-old Salem man was arrested for domestic assault in the 4th degree, a 1st offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and incarcerated. Later that same day, the Sheriff’s office received a report of a burglary which had occurred at a residence in the 500 block of Highway DD. Deputies went to the location and during the investigation, discovered a jewelry box containing jewelry, a jar containing loose change and a metal box containing ammunition had been stolen from the residence. If you have any information regarding the burglary contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 573-729-3241.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors Meeting took place at 6:00 Tuesday evening, November 5th. Bills were heard and approved with an ending balance of $149,481.57 as of the end of October. The budget was reviewed and approved. The calendar was reviewed and due to construction nothing is being scheduled at this time for the department. In the monthly reimbursement report, the department responded to a total of 26 calls for the month of October, bringing the total calls year to date to 207 with an average cost per call of $116.55. In old business, Chief Nash stated that the renovation project is continuing and one third of the roof is completed and they are waiting on materials to finish that project. Nash also reported that the concrete work in the front of the building has been completed and the asphalt company is trying to complete the parking lot before wet and cold weather arrives. If they can’t finish, it may be spring before they are able to complete it. The new openings for the fire doors will be cut through the concrete block walls. The new doors will be added to the front of the building next week and most everything else is on track at this point. The date for the next meeting was set for December 3rd at 6:00 in the evening at the fire station.

The City of Salem has developed a survey to gather public input about nuisances in the City and they would like your input. The survey is on
the city’s website at www.salemmo.com or you can pick up a paper copy by Friday at the City Administrative offices at 4th and Iron Streets during normal business hours. The City is asking that you pass along the information about the survey to your friends and neighbors so that as much public input can be obtained. Please respond as promptly as possible as the city would like to have as much input as possible on this subject before their next workshop. The cutoff date for survey responses will be this Friday, November 8th. If you have any questions, please call the City Administrative Offices at 729-4811.

The Dent County Sheriffs Department has released several reports for the period of October 27th through November 1st. On Sunday, October 27th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Missouri Avenue and International Street. During the course of the stop, a 21-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Then on Wednesday the 30th, the Dent County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a 61-year-old Salem man who was possibly under the influence of alcoholic beverages. The reporting party told the Sheriff’s Office the subject was attempting to drive away from the 1400 block of West Highway 32. A deputy traveled to the area and after an investigation, the man was arrested for a warrant through the Rolla Police Department. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he later posted bond. On Friday November 1st, the Dent County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a domestic disturbance occurring at a residence in the 400 block of County Road 5240. Deputies traveled to the area and during the course of the investigation, a 27-year-old Salem man was arrested for domestic assault in the 4th degree, a 1st offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was incarcerated. Later that same day, the Sheriff’s office received a report of a burglary which had occurred at a residence in the 500 block of Route DD. Deputies went to the location and during the investigation, discovered a jewelry box containing jewelry, a jar containing loose change and a metal box containing ammunition had been stolen from the residence. If you have any information regarding the burglary contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 573-729-3241.