Local News

The Dent County Outreach Office of the Russell House will be hosting their quarterly Coordinated Community Response meeting on Monday, October 28th from noon until 1:00. The meeting will be at the Judicial Building at 112 East Fifth Street in Salem upstairs in the conference room. Lunch will be provided at no cost to you or your organization. The presenter and guest speaker for this quarter is Ms. Chris Gansemer, with the Lake of the Ozarks Stop Human Trafficking Coalition in Camdenton, MO who will speak on Human Trafficking. If you have plan on attending, contact Teresa Sellers as soon as you possibly can at the office at 573-729-4774 or on her cell at 573-578-3586 or email her at tsellers@pcfcs.org.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met October 17th at the Health Center. Administrator Kendra Mobray reported that outpatient lab services were provided for 95 clients in September. She also noted that construction repairs to the east end of the building were nearing completion. Mobray said Roma Jones and Chrysta Hinderliter attended breastfeeding peer counselor training in early October. She also stated that she and Jennifer Roderman would be attending SEMA POD (Points of Dispensing) training in November. Mobray said that Flu shots continue to be available at the Health Center on a walk-in basis with Flulaval, for ages 6 months and up; Flublock, for those with egg allergies; and High Dose Fluzone for ages 65 and up. The Health Center is able to bill private insurance and child Medicaid. Mobray went on to say that Flu shots are $37.00 for adults who are uninsured, plus if places of business or job sites are interested in holding Flu shot clinics they should contact the Dent County Health Center at 573-729-3106. She reported that Flu Clinics were held at Salem R-80, North Wood R-IV and the Salem Senior Center. The Health Center reported three cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, 1 Cryptosporidiosis in September, plus investigated two animal bites. Pursuant to Section 610.021 of the Missouri Statutes the Board went in to closed session. Upon returning to open session DCHC expenses for September were approved and the next regular board meeting was set for November 21st at 5:00.

An accident occurred Tuesday morning at 2:55 in Newton County on southbound I-49 five miles south of Joplin that left a Salem man with minor injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt, driven by 34-year-old Benjamin Wehmeyer of Salem, struck a deer in the roadway. Wehmeyer lost control of the Chevrolet and it was struck by a 2014 Mack Truck, driven by Matthew Spellman of Springfield. The report stated that Wehmeyer and a passenger in the Chevrolet, 37-year-old Anjel Jarman of Joplin, suffered minor injuries and were transported to Mercy Hospital in Joplin. According to the report, neither Wehmeyer or Jarman were not wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident, while Spellman was. The Chevrolet sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Chuck’s Towing. The Mack Truck sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by M and M Wrecker.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital annual audit report was given at their regular board meeting held Tuesday evening in the Hospital Library. Jean Nyberg of BKD CPA’s and Advisors discussed the audit with the board. She said there was a tremendous increase in the net patient service revenue of almost 2.9 million dollars which came to about a 14% increase, but that increase in revenue also created a significant increase in accounts receivable and the related bad debt provision. The internal accounting excess of revenues over expenses came in at $2,596,642 for the fiscal year, but the auditors found an adjustment for the receipt of a pledged receivable of $152,879, an adjustment for a physician’s note receivable of over $63,000, and a substantial adjustment of the hospital and clinic allowances that came to over $2.8 million dollars. Nyberg also said the cash account went down due to the high account receivable due and payment of the additional expenses, especially agency personnel associated with the increase in patient admissions. That decrease in cash was over 1.6 million dollars while patient net account receivable went up $999,374. The revised statement of operations for the year showed total operating revenues of $24,998,086 with operating expenses of $25,833,638 that showed a loss from operations of $835,552. After tax revenues of $556,309 were added back, the hospital showed a decrease in their net position of $279,243. As has been the case for some years, the hospital’s debt to capitalization is outstanding at only 5.3%, while the net operating margin sunk to a negative 3.3% with a total margin of negative 1.1%. Nyberg went over some accounting changes that may take place next year on valuing fiduciary duties and leases, and for the hospital administration to keep an eye on Medicare and Medicaid changes that could affect reimbursement. Nyberg said BKD provided the hospital an unmodified opinion which is the best that can be given.

The October exhibit at the Ozark National Cultural Resource Center will be centered around Sasquatch or Big Foot. This exhibit will continue through November 1st. The exhibit will feature a life size rendering of Big Foot in his habitat, photos of sightings, as well as newspaper accounts of Sasquatch sightings in Missouri. The ONCRC located at 202 South Main Street will be open Monday through Friday from 9:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon. If you need more information, call 729-0029.

An accident happened Friday night in Texas County on Route C about three miles north of Licking. According to the highway patrol report, a 2008 Ford Focus driven southbound by 17-year old Kalee Brazier of Licking, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a post. The Ford returned to the roadway and then went off the left side of the road where it struck a telephone pole and fence before the Ford over-turned. Brazier suffered moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to the Texas County Memorial Hospital. A minor in the car, a ten-year old female from Licking, suffered minor injuries and was taken by ambulance to the Texas County Memorial Hospital. Brazier was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident while the minor was not. The Ford Focus sustained moderate damage and was removed by Jay’s Automotive of Houston.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will hold a workshop tonight from 6:00 until 7:00 in City Hall Council Chambers at 202 N. Washington. The purpose of the workshop, called by Mayor Brad Nash, will be to hear a summary of the current legal environment for nuisance enforcement, sample best practices for nuisance enforcement and review a tentative list of proposed changes to the Salem nuisance ordinances to adopt best practices. The board will also review a summary of the nuisance survey and set the date for the next workshop if needed. The meeting is open to the public.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at the City Hall Council Chambers at 7:00. After the consent agenda, the Board will hear from Gary Brown, Planning and Zoning Chair who will report on the October 14th meeting on Meading and Short Term Rentals. The Board will also hear from City Administrator Ray Walden about events affecting the city including the naming of streets in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. In the introduction and reading of bills and resolutions Resolution #24-2019, is a resolution authorizing the city administrator to execute a lease agreement between the City of Salem and Deere Credit, Inc. for the lease of a 2019 John Deere 444K Model Loader. The Board will also address Bill #3432 which is an ordinance to name streets in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. In new and miscellaneous business the Board will go into closed session to address legal action/attorney client privileges, real estate, personnel and contracts. The board of aldermen meeting tonight at 7:00 is open to the public.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met Thursday night at the district administrative offices. Superintendent John McColloch went over the September membership count for grades Kindergarten through the 12th grade. This September there were 1,365 students which is up from 1,340 students this time last year. William Lynch Elementary Principal Kriste Crocker introduced the kindergarten team at William Lynch who then made a presentation on DACL (Developing Assessment Capable Learners) in front of the board. Each teacher spoke on the great strides that our kindergarten students have made while using DACL. Each building principal went over what was going on in the respective buildings. The board authorized and approved that Superintendent McColluch enter into an agreement with McKinstry, per statute 8.231, for the installation of energy efficient lighting upon a pending Department of Economic Development loan approval in the amount of $281,800. The board then went into closed session where two personnel issues were discussed before the meeting was adjourned.

General highway maintenance and construction work will take place during the two-week period of October 21st through November 1st. The projects listed will include lane closures that could cause traffic delays. Weather conditions may postpone the work schedule. Projects in Dent County include Route H between Highway 72 and Route C where roadside maintenance will take place today through Thursday, October 31st. Roadside work will also be done on Route P between Highway 32 and Dent County Road 5130 today through Thursday. Finally, Route HH between Highway 32 and Dent County Road 6180 will have roadside work taking place today. MoDOT reminds motorists to buckle up, slow down, follow posted signs and drive safely through work areas. For more information about a project, please contact MoDOT at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org. You can also follow MoDOT’s Central Missouri District on Twitter and Facebook.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2470, 2480, 2490 and 5610. He stated brush would be cut on county road 2460 and a crew would be replacing a crossover pipe and installing a new crossover pipe on Dent County Road 4155. Purcell stated he attended a South Central Community Action Agency meeting on Tuesday and was informed there are still funds available for weatherization and for home repair to make homes more energy efficient and create structural stability. There are income guidelines to qualify for the funds. Those who are interested should call Sarah at 729-3500. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 4010 while only grading would be done on county road 2330. He indicated brush would be cut on county road 3250 and a man would be screening brown rock. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that he attended the TAC committee meeting last Thursday where all road construction is done in this region but striping still has to be done on a number of roads. There were also informed that deaths on the roads in the Meramec region are down three from last year and stand currently at 27. He said anyone who would still like a ticket to the MRPC Annual Volunteer Awards Dinner can still call 265-2993, but they would need to do so by today. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she met with risk manager for the insurance group and was told that based on claim experience this year that the workers compensation insurance should go down by about one percent. Salem Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge was in to discuss re-establishing the Enhanced Enterprise Zone Board that would hear requests for tax credits for new businesses or expanding current businesses in the area that would mostly create tangible products. She said their terms would all begin in December and the people she recommended to the commission to appoint were Dean Jones from Independent Stave, Dustin Howard from the Bank of Salem, Willie Strader from Farm Bureau Insurance, Jamie Homeyer from VIP properties, Kasey Lucas from the Salem Memorial District Hospital, John McCulloch from the Salem R-80 and Daniel Salyer from Phil-Mart. The commission approved the new board as submitted. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a number of reports. On Monday, October 7th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 40000 block of Highway 72. During the course of the traffic stop, a 45-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license suspended for a 2nd or subsequent time. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On Thursday, October 10th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 1200 block of South Main Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 36-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 1st offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. That same day while on routine patrol, a deputy recognized a male they knew to have active warrants near a residence in the 1000 block of East Mondy Street. The 33-year-old Salem man was arrested for the active warrants through Dent County and transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he later posted bond. If anyone has information regarding an ongoing investigation, please call the sheriff’s office at 729-3241.

It’s time to start preparing for this year’s Trees and Trains Exhibit at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center. Exhibit entry
forms are now being accepted for this year’s entries with the theme this year being “Miracles on Main Street.” You can pickup you’re an application form at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center at 202 South Main or call 729-0029 for more information. This year’s chairman is Judy Thompson and she can be reached at the ONCRC or call 573-578-0682. All exhibit entry forms must be turned in by October 31st! The exhibit will start with an open house on November 17th from 1:00 until 4:00 in the afternoon. Refreshments and entertainment will be provided. The exhibit will continue to run through Christmas Eve from 9:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon starting Monday, November 18th. The exhibit will also be open on Saturdays from 9:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon. You will also be able to visit Santa’s Workshop December 7th & 14th.

The Missouri Department of Conservation encourages people to enjoy fall foliage through camping, driving tours, hiking, or even canoeing or floating. Predicting fall color can be difficult, but all regions right now in Missouri are just starting to turn colors. Normally, trees first begin changing color in the northern part of the state, then move southward across the state. This year, almost all the areas are behind their normal levels of change. Although many trees in our region like oak and hickory trees have lost some leaves due to drought stress, flowering dogwoods and black tupelos have started to show some genuine fall color, with leaves of purple and red mottled through the midstory. Virginia creeper is turning shades of scarlet and burgundy, and its vines add patches of color to the woodland floor and lower tree boles. Goldenrods are still in bloom and add lovely shades of gold and yellow to the landscape. You can look at the annual fall color update at mdc.mo.gov/fallcolor. The weekly reports include what kinds of trees are turning and some suggestions on the best places to view them in the entire state.

Healthy Dent County and Cahills Construction recently announced “A Night in the French Quarter Masquerade Ball” Casino Night Fundraiser on November 2nd at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Back for its second year, the doors will open at 6:00 in the evening with gaming from 6:30-9:30. The event features game tables much like the ones you will find in a real casino, as well as professional dealers to run the games. Tickets are available for $50 per person or $85 per couple. Event ticket holders will receive $10,000 in gambling money to play the casino games of their choice throughout the evening. Plus if you get your tickets before 4:30 this Friday, you will receive an early bonus of an additional $5,000 in gaming money. Traditional games such as craps, roulette and black jack are available, plus there will be snacks and a cash bar. At the end of the evening, attendees will exchange their gaming money for tickets to win great prizes. The grand prize is a four night stay at La Belle Maison near the New Orleans French Quarter. Other prizes will be an I-Pad, 55 inch Smart TV, three piece wicker outdoor set, St. Louis Blues Hockey Tickets and Missouri Basketball Tickets. Other drawings will be held through the night. Guests are asked to come dressed in their finest Masquerade Ball-themed attire and receive an extra $1,000 in gaming money. Tickets are available at Salem Community Center @ the Armory at 1200 West Rolla Road, Monday through Friday from 8:00 until 4:30 or call them at 729-8163. You can also buy tickets online at
healthydentcountycasinonight2019.eventbrite.com.

A beef cattle artificial insemination school will be held Friday, October 25th from 5:00 to 9:00 in the evening and Saturday, October 26th from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM at the Lincoln University Alan T. Busby Farm located at 5124 Goller Road in Jefferson City, Missouri. Classroom and hands-on practice of beef cattle insemination and methodology as well as synchronization techniques and basic reproductive anatomy will be addressed. The fee of $315.00 is due with registration and must be done online by this Friday at http://www.event.com/d/myqtb3/4W or by contacting Livestock Specialist Anita Ellis at 573-642-0755.

An accident happened in Phelps County on Route F at Phelps County Road 3550 Monday evening at 8:15. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado driven westbound by 24-year old Marco Palomar of Rolla traveled off the right side of the roadway and impacted a stop sign and embankment. Palomar suffered moderate injuries and was taken by EMS to Phelps Health. The Silverado sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold their regular meeting tonight at 6:00 at the District administrative Offices Boardroom. After the consent agenda is approved and communications, the board will hear from Superintendent John McCulloch with the September membership count and then the board will see a kindergarten presentation. After the building principals give their reports, the board will consider an LED Lighting project before going into closed session to discuss personnel. The Salem R-80 Board of Education meeting tonight is open to the public.

Gather down by the millpond at Dillard Mill State Historic Site from 6:00 to 7:00 this Friday night to hear storyteller and author Eric Mansfield present the Ghosts of Dillard Mill. Following this ghostly tale, children will get a chance to break a pumpkin piñata so be sure to bring a sack to fill with goodies. Guest should bring a chair or blanket and insect repellent. Dillard Mill State Historic Site State Park is located at 1142 Dillard Mill Road in Davisville. For more information, call 636-938-7198. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit the web at mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The Salem Marching Blue won 1st Place Overall in the Finals of the Ozark Mountain Marching Festival for the first time since it began in 1985. Salem took 1st place in Class C of the preliminary and received awards for music, visual, color guard, percussion and their chuck wagon presentation. They then took first in the finals with a score of 83.4 score and received awards for music, visual and color guard. Congratulations Salem Marching Blue!

The Salem Park and Recreation Board met Wednesday, October 9th at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Interim Park and Recreation Director Don Smith reported on the success of the softball, baseball and T-ball program this summer with the assistance of Jared Patterson with the baseball, softball and T-Ball program, and Melissa DuBois with the Summer Camp as well as the concessions at the Little League Concession stand and swimming pool. He also wanted to thank Eric Wood for all the work he did at the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Swimming Pool this summer with the personnel scheduling and maintenance. Smith reported there were some electrical improvements made and there were some lights replaced at the pool, a new fence and railing was installed on the concrete at the Little League Concession stand area near the creek, a new timer was installed at Al Brown Fields, additional gravel was taken to parking area at Pavilion #2, repairs were made to the two inch water line at the pool and new fireplace grates were added at Pavilion #1. He said the co-ed softball league had six teams this year compared to four last year and that was run by Greg Sanders. Smith discussed with the board the timing of the winterizing of the splash pad and the board suggested October 15th before it gets too cold. He also said the spotlights on the Salem City Park entrance sign have been vandalized and he would like to use rope lighting on the sign and the board concurred. Park and Recreation Board President Stan Podorski provided the park board with a summer program direct cost report that showed that the Park and Recreation Department lost a total of $10,624.70 from operations of the swimming pool, Summer Camp and the Baseball program. Most of this came from increased labor costs that had to be incurred due to the late spring resignation of Park and Recreation Director Tye Lydon as additional positions had to be created to run the programs. Podorski recommended a review of all summer program operations to see where some direct labor costs can be reduced. This would be done once a new Park and Recreation Director is in place and has had time to get acquainted with the position. The board then went into closed session.

The Salem Police Department has release a number of reports for the period of October 3rd through the 7th. On Thursday night, October 3rd near 11:47, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The stop led to the arrest of a 30-year-old male of Mount Sterling, Missouri for driving while being intoxicated and driving while having his license revoked. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and released. The next morning at approximately 7:30, an officer was dispatched to the Mobil Convenience Store in reference to a theft of fuel. The investigation revealed that a female driver of a dark colored Ford car pumped fuel valued at $28.01 and left without paying. That report is currently under investigation. Later that night at approximately 8:54, an officer was dispatched to Jackson and Eighth Streets in reference to an intoxicated male acting violent and causing a disturbance. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 39-year-old male of Salem for disorderly conduct. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and incarcerated on a 12-hour hold. During the evening of Saturday, the 5th at approximately 7:20, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation during the stop led to the arrest of a 61-year-old male of Salem for driving while being intoxicated and driving while having his license revoked. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and released. Finally, on the morning of the 7th, at approximately 11:39, an officer located a 37-year-old female of Salem in the 200 block of West Third Street, 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. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

Time is running out to get your ticket for this year’s MRPC 2019 Annual Awards Dinner and Banquet that will be held Thursday evening,
October 24th at the Stonebrooke Center in Waynesville. Judy Apperson of Healthy Dent County was nominated by Dent County Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles to be awarded, while William S. Jenks III of Rolla, nominated by MRPC board member John Butz. The public is invited to attend the event in Waynesville. A reception will be held beginning at 5:30 and dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the program and awards presentation to follow. This year marks the MRPC’s 50th year of service. The deadline to get your ticket for the event is TODAY and they cost $30 per person. For reservations, contact MRPC at 265-2993.

City Administrator Ray Walden has announced that Melissa DuBois will become the new City of Salem Park and Recreation Department Director effective November 7th. DuBois, who has been serving as the District Wellness Coordinator for Healthy Dent County, helped the Park and Recreation Department this summer by coordinating the Opening Day Festivities for the baseball/softball and T-Ball program this year at the city park after the departure of former Park and Recreation Director Tye Lydon in late April. She also ran the City Park Summer Camp program this past summer and was also in charge of the concession stands at the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Pool and the Little League Concession stand.

An accident occurred in Greene County Thursday evening at 5:30 on Highway 160 about one mile north of Springfield that resulted in injuries a Salem resident. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2007 Hyundai Accent driven by 27-year old Raymond Hornback of Springfield, struck a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze from behind that was being driven by 20- year old Danna Cooksey of Springfield. This caused the Cooksey vehicle to collide with the rear of a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado being driven by 34-year old Joshua Dennis of Salem. Dennis was taken to Mercy Hospital in Springfield for treatment of moderate injuries. The Silverado was driven from the scene. According to the report, all involved were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley released these reports from the cases heard in front of Judge Megan Seay Friday in Dent County for the 42nd Judicial Circuit Court. Curley reported that Jeffrey Chumbley of Salem pled guilty to the felony charges of possession of methamphetamine and suboxone, and also pled guilty to the felony charge of endangerment of a child as a result of the possession of the drugs. Chumbley received a ten year suspended execution of sentence with five years of probation and parole. He had no prior criminal history prior to these charges. Curley went to report that Jeffery Dallas of Salem pled guilty to the felony charge of possession of hydrocodone. He was on probation for possession at the time of the offense. He was sentenced to five years in the Department of Corrections. Curley also reported that Jessi Dawn Tyler of Salem pled guilty to the felony charge of possession of methamphetamine. She received a suspended imposition of service with the emphasis on getting substance abuse treatment.

A two vehicle accident happened Wednesday morning, October 2nd, at 11:18 at the intersection of Missouri 32 and 72. According to the report released from the Salem Police department, a 2008 Jeep Liberty being driven by Desirae Hickernell of Salem was traveling east on Highway 32 and was making a left turn on to Highway 72 when she failed to yield to a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt being driven by Megan Luebbert of Salem. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage and were removed from the scene by Schwartz Towing and American Muffler Towing. All involved in the accident refused treatment after being evaluated by ambulance personnel.

The city of Salem is hereby giving public notice that a public meeting will be held by the Planning and Zoning board of commissioners this evening at 6:00 in the city hall council chambers at 202 N. Washington Street for all interested parties to be given an opportunity to be heard on the matters of meadering as well as short term rentals. The meeting is open to the public and was called by Gary Brown, Chairman of the planning and zoning commissioners for the City of Salem.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning for their regular meeting. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams reported on the sales tax received this month from the state. She reported the General Revenue Fund and the law Enforcement Fund came in at $66,408.73 which is $10,274.21 more than monies received in 2018. Year-to-date, the General Revenue and the LEST funds are down $14,402 or about 1.74%. The Road and Bridge Fund came in at $31,530.92 and that is $5,209 more than in 2018. Year to date, that fund is down $1,214 of 0.32%. Both of the jail funds were up near $11,000 over last year’s October figures and $63,028.14. Year-to-date, those two funds combines in 2019 have received $1,570,757.34. Melissa Weed from US Bank brought in the lease/purchase papers for the commission to sign for the new tractor/mower. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 5500 while only grading would be done on county roads 2470, 2480 and 5600. He went on to report brush would be cut Dent County Roads 2410 and 2440 while crossover pipes will be installed on Dent County Roads 5100 and 5440. Road materials will also be added to county road 5100. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2190 and 2200 while materials would be added with some grading done on county road 4020. Larson stated signs will be put up on county roads 4010 and 4020 and brown rock would be brought in for screening at the shop. Dent County Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said the courthouse would be closed Monday for Columbus Day and the next commissioner meeting would be on Thursday morning. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that she balanced with the treasurer on all accounts for the month of September, and also balanced with the assessor and collector on all abatements, add-ons and collections for September. She will also be attending a South Central County Clerk’s meeting in West Plains Friday. The next meeting will be Thursday morning at the courthouse and the meting will be open to the public.

Tomorrow will be the “Ride for America” that will start and end at Danny Black’ s Farm on Dent County Road 5380. If you enjoying riding an ATV or UTV, you will love this scenic ride through rural Dent County that could last over 70 miles! The cost is $30 per unit and that would include a Dent County Permit. After the race, a party for those registered will be held with food and music provided. Pre-registration can be done online: www.cowtownusainc.com.

One of the most popular travel destinations in Missouri continues to be Maramec Spring Park. This beautiful 1800 acre park offers many activities for history and outdoor enthusiasts alike, regardless of the season. One of the more popular activities is the annual OLD IRON WORKS DAY’S festival. 2019 marks the 41st year for the James Foundation to hold the event at Maramec Spring Park. This year’s two day event will be held on October 12th and 13th and will feature over 100 crafters demonstrating crafts that were important to the way of life in the mid-1800s era. Visitors of the festival will learn about doll making, quilting, wood carving, how arrowheads were made and blacksmithing to name a few. Several of the demonstrations will offer participation in educational and fun craft activities for all ages. Live entertainment will be featured each day on the main stage. The always popular Ozark Spirit Cloggers will be sure to put on a high energy show in addition to lively music provided by the Ozark Rounders and The Sterlings Bluegrass Band. Daily admission is still $15 per carload or free with a Maramec Spring Park Season Pass. For more information call the James Foundation at 573-265-7124, Monday through Friday from 8:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon.

A fatality accident happened Tuesday morning at 11:55 in Reynolds County on Highway 49 about seven miles north of Lesterville. According to the report released by the highway patrol, a 1996 Chevrolet Blazer being driven northbound by 41-year old Edward Baugh of Black, crossed the centerline and struck head-on a 2016 Freightliner being driven southbound by 52-year old Joseph Miller of Poplar Bluff. Edward Baugh and a passenger in the Blazer, a 16-year old girl also of Black, were killed in the crash and pronounced dead at the scene by Reynolds County Coroner Jeffery McSpadden. Their bodies were taken to McSpadden Funeral Home. The driver of the Freightliner, Joseph Miller, received moderate injuries and was transported by Reynolds County Ambulance to Iron County Hospital. The patrol was assisted by the Reynolds County Sheriffs Department and Reynolds County Fire Department.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday night at the City Hall Council Chambers. After the consent agenda was approved, City Administrator Ray Walden said the AMI project has been delayed a couple of weeks in the meter changeover. Walden said he is working on the wording to let the public know when the changeover will begin, possibly the week of October 21st. Walden said a nuisance workshop would be held on October 21st at 6:00. He said a survey would be going out this week for public input for the workshop. Walden reported the TAP grant for the trail from the Salem R-80 Administration Building to the large pavilion has been delayed as the bid winner did not meet the MoDOT requirements. The project will now have to be rebid and the work will not be done until spring. It was hoped the work could be done in conjunction with the work on the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Walden said the bids on the Streetscape project are being reviewed and the city has advertised requests for proposals to build a new website for the city, county and chamber. Those proposals need to be submitted to the city administrative offices by October 24th at 4:00. Walden stated the annual MRPC Recognition and Awards Banquet will be held Thursday, October 24th at 5:30 in Waynesville. Tickets are available at the MRPC office by calling 265-2993. Walden said the city offices would be closed on October 14th for Columbus Day. Walden also said he is working with Todd Kinerk on naming streets in the cemetery after trees native to Missouri. Once a list has been finalized, he will bring that list to the board. The board then approved Bill #3431 that amended the annual budget for the City of Salem from July 1, 2018 to June 30th, 2019. The adjustments concentrated on the transfers in and out of the General Revenues Fund and also reflected increases in revenues in some funds. The board then went into closed session to discuss litigation, real estate, personnel and contracts.

Join Elephant Rocks State Park staff for a fall evening of spooky stories and Halloween fun from 5:00 until 10:00 at night this Saturday as they host the first annual Haunted Hike in the park. Trail guides will lead visitors on a special 1-mile hike on the main blacktop trail. Guides will tell tales about imagined ghost, haints, and other happenings for a fun scare. The trail is fully accessible and persons with mobility issues will be able to participate. Treats for kids will be handed out and kids from infants to 16 who wear a costume can enter the cutest and scariest costume contests. Check in at the contest tent where staff will take pictures of each entry. Judging will follow the event, and prizes for the cutest costume and the scariest costume will be awarded. Entrants need not be present to win. Shuttle services from the Arcadia Valley High School parking lot will be provided. Only handicapped parking will be available at the event. The Arcadia Valley High School is located at 520 W. Park Drive in Ironton. Visitors are asked to bring a flashlight and encouraged to bring a bottle of water, dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Insect repellent is also recommended. Elephant Rocks State Park is located at 7406 Highway 21, Belleview. For more information about the event, call the site at 573-546-3454..

The October exhibit at the Ozark National Cultural Resource Center will be centered around Sasquatch or Big Foot. This exhibit began on Monday and will continue through November 1st. The exhibit will feature a life size rendering of Big Foot in his habitat, photos of sightings, as well as newspaper accounts of Sasquatch sightings in Missouri. The ONCRC located at 202 South Main Street will be open Monday through Friday from 9:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon. If you need more information, call 573-729-0029.