Local News

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

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

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

The Salem Memorial District Hospital held their regular meeting Tuesday night at the hospital library. Mark McElvy from the Information Technology Department described what goes on in his department, and Betty Bean who is the new director of the revenue cycle for the hospital was introduced to the board. Hospital Chief Financial Officer Monica Stogsdill gave the report for the month of October. During the month, the hospital with 120 admissions with an average of 14.8 acute care patients per day. She also said there was 1,791 outpatient registrations, 2,449 cardiopulmonary procedures, 8,494 lab tests, 1,453 radiology procedures, 834 rehabilitation treatments, 29 surgeries, 298 home health visits and 778 emergency room visits. There were 239 ambulance runs for the month with 166 patients transported and 73 dry runs. The hospital showed a gain from operations of $33,784 and had revenues over expenses after taxes of $35,006. Reviewing the operating expenses, Stogsdill pointed out the continued contractual services for floor RN’s, physicians and billing services brought in a large expense during the month. The days in net accounts receivable rose to 75 from 73 while the changeover in processing accounts is being done. The hospital did have an increase in the cash account of $253,191 so cash on hand increased to 46 days. Chief Nursing Officer Debbie Hines reported on the Community Health Needs Assessment meeting from October 30th where that committee continues to address needs indicated by the community survey that need to improved in our area like obesity in adults and diabetes, plus smoking and other health related risks to smoking. The Hospital Auxiliary had ten members at their meeting inn November and they discussed 2020 fundraisers. Their next meeting will be held on December 3rd at noon at JB Malone’s as it will be their holiday luncheon. Chief Executive Officer Kasey Lucas reported that the Hospital Foundation will be holding their “Dancing with the Salem Stars” on January 25 at the SHS Gym and they have 14 couples signed up. They will also have a Golf Tournament on June 5th and a Wings and Strings event on September 12th. The hospital continues to do their CPR training and first responder training with the Salem Police Department, Dent County Sheriff’s Department and the Dent County Fire Protection District. A Stroke Support group is meeting quarterly on the 3rd Tuesday at 1:00 at the hospital library, and a Diabetes Support group is meeting the 4th Tuesday of each month at 1:00 pm at the hospital library. It was also reported that the hospital had donated all the food for the participant’s breakfast, pre-marathon meal and the post marathon dinner for the Heroes Marathon. The hospital also had hydration stations along the route. The board approved the Medical Staff recommendations for Courtesy Staff Privileges for Dr. Shukri Abdullah, MD in the Emergency Department as well as Robert Fischer, MD; John Mattingly, MD; and Robert Gresick, MD for Teleradiology. The first phase of the renovation in Long-Term Care is about complete as the secondary bathroom is all but finished, and the moving of the beauty shop and the change of some offices is nearing completion. CEO Kasey Lucas has said the hospital’s request for proposal letters needs to be revised with updated requirements through Piper Jaffray. As a reminder for the next meeting, Lucas said the hospital board will meet at noon on December 10th. Lucas also said the filing for the District 1 hospital seat currently occupied by Judy Thompson will have filings beginning December 17th at 8:00 in the morning until January 21st at 4:00 in the afternoon. The board then went into closed session.

The City of Salem Planning and Zoning Commission will be holding a public hearing Thursday evening in the City Hall Council Chambers starting at 6:30 to review the planning and zoning chapter 400 dealing with a winery, microbrewery and meadery. Following the public hearing, a meeting will be held. The public hearing and the meeting are both open to the public.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be meeting tonight at 6:00 at the District Administrative Offices Boardroom. Superintendent John McColloch will discuss parent-teacher conferences, give an update on the internship program and provide a health insurance update. After the principals report from all the schools, the board will discuss and approve the auditor’s report and set the board election filing dates. The board wil also hear any resignations before the go into closed session to discuss personnel. The Salem R-80 Board of Education meeting Thursday is open to the public.

A one vehicle accident happened Wednesday morning, at 6:30 in Texas County about four miles east of Licking on Route W. According to the report released from the highway patrol, a 2003 Chevrolet Tracker being driven by 49-year old Barbara Williams of Licking was eastbound when the vehicle traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. Williams, who was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident, was taken by ambulance to the Texas County Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The Chevrolet was totaled and was towed from the scene by a private vehicle.

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.