Local News

An accident happened in Texas County Monday morning at 8:00 on Route VV about seven miles southeast of Licking. According to the highway patrol report, 48-year old Barbara Williams of Licking was driving a 2001 Chevrolet S-10 eastbound by when she fell asleep at the wheel. The Chevy traveled off the roadway and struck a tree. Williams suffered moderate injuries and was taken to the Texas County Memorial Hospital by the Texas County Ambulance. She was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevy S-10 was totaled and removed by a private party.

An accident occurred Tuesday morning at 6:38 in Maries County on Highway 68 about six miles north of St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a westbound 1999 Ford Ranger, driven by 27-year- old Cole Parker of Rolla, traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned. Parker suffered serious injuries and was flown by Arch to MU Health in Columbia. The report stated that Parker was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing of Rolla.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a number of reports. On Wednesday, September 18th, deputies traveled to a residence in the 6500 block of East Highway 32 in an attempt to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 34-year-old Salem woman was arrested for an active warrant through the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, Phelps County Sheriff’s Office and Rolla Police Department. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where she was incarcerated. On Thursday, September 19th, Dent County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 600 block of South Water Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 21-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 2nd or subsequent offense and for the unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On Thursday, September 20th, deputies traveled to a residence on Route O for the report of a burglary. During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that $1,624.00 worth of items had been stolen. Later that same day, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Highway 72 and Dent County Road 2230. During the course of the traffic stop, a 30-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, and issued a summons for driving while having a license revoked or suspended, failure to register a motor vehicle annually and for being an owner who operated a motor vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility. The man was then released. That very same day, deputies arrested a 40-year-old Salem man at the 3200 block of South Highway 19 due to active warrants through Dent and Texas County. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and was incarcerated. Also on September 20th, Dent County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the parking lot of Phil-Mart. During the course of the traffic stop, a 21-year-old Salem man was arrested for possession of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid of 10 grams or less, a prior drug offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On Saturday, September 21st, deputies traveled to a residence near 700 block of South Washington Street to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 21-year-old Salem man was arrested for having an active warrant through the Dent County Sheriff’s Office for the possession of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid of 10 grams or less and the unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. The man was taken to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was incarcerated. If you have any information regarding the theft or any ongoing investigation, contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 573-729-3241.

The Healthy Dent County Fitness Center will hold a Self Defense Course during October. The class will be held Tuesday & Thursday evenings in October (excluding Halloween) from 6:00 to 8:00. Steve Walberg, a Retired Correctional Officer with the Department of Corrections, is the instructor for the class. This course is designed to help females become more aware, prepared, and ready for any situation that may occur in everyday life. It will teach break-away and escape techniques for surviving an attack. Each lesson will be approximately 2 hours long. The course will be held at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory on the gym floor. The cost of the program is $45 or $35 if you are a fitness center member. The class is limited to the first 20 participants to register. Call 573-739-1127 or email director@salemfitnesscenter.org for more information. You can also stop by 1200 West Rolla Road for more information.

October is breast cancer awareness month and you’re invited to join the Salem Memorial District Hospital in showing support for those who have lost their life to breast cancer, survived breast cancer, or are currently fighting breast cancer, on Tuesday, October 1st. The Rising Above Breast Cancer walk will begin at noon leaving from the area around the post office and be escorted by the members of the Salem Police department down to and around the courthouse square. Detect it, treat it, and defeat it.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse for their regular meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated grading was going to be done on Dent County Roads 5490 and 5500 while brush was going to be cut on county roads 2400, 6280 and 6283. Purcell said the low water crossing overlay and upgrade on Dent County Road 6580 near Highway 119 has been completed and that crossing is now open to the public. Purcell did say the work crews would be moving south on county road 6580 to the Pigeon Creek crossing where work crews will begin prepping that road for upgrading. This crossing will now be closed to through traffic. This is a major upgrade with the replacement of two pipes and concrete work. The crews plan on pouring concrete on Wednesday, weather permitting, and would hope to have the road back open soon. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 2120 while brush was going to be cut on county road 4010. Larson said crews are still working on truck #69 as not all the parts came in, and crews were working on brush cutter #6 before it went out to cut brush. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he would be attending a CCAM Committee Board meeting in Jefferson City to interview firms to represent CCAM’s priorities to the state legislature. The commissioners then met with John Garvey Monday morning to get an update on the opiod litigation. At the last meeting, the commission was updated on the work being done on the jail project and reviewed the budget payments that totaled $7,852,159.52. The commissioners discussed some pending items before taking a tour of the jail. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

A man from St. Louis lost his life Sunday afternoon in Reynolds County on county road 849 about ten miles east of Bunker after an UTV accident. According to the highway patrol report, a 14-year old juvenile was driving a 2011 Polaris Ranger westbound when he lost control of the UTV and it overturned onto its right side, ejecting a passenger on the UTV who was 66-year old Ura Humes of St. Louis. Humes was pronounced dead at 3:55 Sunday afternoon by Reynolds County Coroner Jeff McSpaddin. Humes body was transported by the coroner to the McSpaddin Funeral Home in Ellington. According to the report, neither the driver nor the passenger was wearing a safety device at the time of the accident. The UTV was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing of Salem.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met on Thursday, September 19th at the district administrative offices. Superintendent John McColloch gave an update on the lighting project, the CDBG Workforce Grant Application as well as the recent facility planning committee meeting. McColloch introduced Amber Pryor who gave an update on the computer science program. The building principals all gave their reports that showed that William Lynch Elementary School had a current enrollment of 273 students, the Middle School has 248 students and the High School has 574 students. High School Principal Marty Anderson reported that 53 students were earning 344 dual credit hours. In the construction trades report, the Construction 2 class is working on a 20′ x 180’ lumber building for Roberts/Judson while the Construction 1 class is working on the Fleming Building. There are building a new back entrance, new stairs, new bathrooms, tearing out drywall and all the old electric. They are running new electric in the building, and also supporting the existing floor structure. The construction trade Introductory class is working on plans and figuring material for a 8′ x 10′ storage shed, building a 4′ x 4′ dog house for a customer, building an oak podium as well as working on plans and figuring material for 18′ x 8′ shelves for one of our teachers. The bus routes were approved by the board as was the Special Education Compliance Plan. The board set the 2020 graduation date for May 15th at 7:00 at the High School Football Field. The board went on to approved the MSBA 2019B Policy updates before going into closed session where the board approved employing Kristy Bermudez as the assistant varsity volleyball coach and Kristi Steelman as head varsity volleyball coach for the remainder of the year. The board also heard about two personnel issues from Superintendent McColloch before the board came out of closed session and the regular meeting was adjourned.

A two vehicle accident involving a Salem resident occurred Friday evening shortly after 6:00 in Texas County on Route CC about six miles north of Licking. The highway patrol report states that a 2014 Chevrolet Equinox being driven by 51-year old Daryl Hunter of Salem, was westbound on Route CC when he crossed the center line and struck a 1991 Chevrolet Blazer being driven by 42-year old Craig Dotson of Rolla. Dotson sustained moderate injuries and was transported by Texas County EMS to Phelps Health in Rolla. Both vehicles were totaled in the accident and removed from the scene by Jay’s Automotive. According to the report, both drivers were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

A one vehicle accident occurred Friday evening at 6:20 on Highway 49 in Iron County about two miles south of Viburnum. According to the report released by the highway patrol, a 2009 Ford Taurus driven by 23-year old Raymond Dunn of Viburnum was traveling south on Highway 49 when he ran off the left side of roadway and struck a tree. Dunn was taken by ambulance to Salem Memorial District hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. The Taurus sustained moderate damage and was towed from the scene by Blackies Towing of Viburnum. The driver was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

The Salem Police Department has released the following reports. Tuesday night, September 10th, at approximately 8:09, an officer located a 28-year-old male of Salem in the 100 block of South Pershing who had an active arrest warrant from Whitfield County, Georgia. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending extradition. Then on Thursday night, September 12th at about 11:14, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of East Roosevelt in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed a person or persons unknown entered a residence, took an air conditioner and other items valued at $295.00. The report is under investigation. The next day, Friday the 13th near 7:05 in the morning, an officer located a 31-year-old male of Salem at Wal-Mart who had an active arrest warrant from Texas County, Missouri. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending extradition. Finally, on Sunday morning, September 14th at approximately 7:57, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 31-year-old male of Salem for driving without having a valid driver’s license. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

If you need plants or shrubs for you landscaping, go native with the Missouri Department of Conservation. Native trees and shrubs can help improve wildlife habitat and soil and water conservation while also improving the appearance and value of private property. George O. White State Forest Nursery near Licking offers a variety of low-cost native tree and shrub seedlings for reforestation, windbreaks, erosion control, wildlife food and cover, and other purposes. The nursery provides mainly one-year-old, bare-root seedlings with sizes varying by species. Seedlings varieties include: pine, bald cypress, cottonwood, black walnut, hickory, oak, pecan, persimmon, river birch, maple, willow, sycamore, blackberry, and many others native to Missouri. Seedlings are available in bundles of 10 or increments of 25 per species. Prices range from .22 to .90 cents per seedling. Sales tax of 6.1 percent will be added to orders unless tax exempt. There is an $8 handling charge for each order. Receive a 15-percent discount up to $20 off seedling orders with a Heritage Card, Permit Card, or Conservation ID Number. According to the MDC Nursery Supervisor, some species are very limited and he encourages people not to wait when placing their orders. You can learn more and place orders through MDC’s “2019-2020 Seedling Order Form” and you can find it in the September issue of the Missouri Conservationist, at MDC regional offices and nature centers, online at mdc.mo.gov/seedlings, or by contacting the State Forest Nursery at 573-674-3229 or StateForestNursery@mdc.mo.gov. You may place orders now through April 15, 2020. Orders will be shipped or can be picked up at the nursery near Licking from February through May.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday night for their regular meeting. Mayor Brad Nash was unable to attend so Alderwoman Kim Steelman ran the meeting. The board approved a request from the Salem United Methodist Church to temporarily close Doss Road on Halloween night for their trunk and Treat event. The board approved the low bid recommended by Lochner for the construction of the taxilanes at the Salem Municipal Airport for a total of $496,850.90 that includes the use of asphalt instead of concrete. This is more than the original estimate approved by MoDOT and the city will have to pay more of the 10% that is due from them. City Administrator Ray Walden said the Request for Proposals for the 1st phase of the Downtown Project has been posted. He also said the position of Chief of Police has been advertised in advance of Chief Keith Steelman’s retirement in February. Walden said the City Wide Yard Sale will be held October 5th and the Fall Clean-Up Week will follow on October 7th through the 11th on your regular trash day. Walden said he was looking for the next date for a nuisance workshop and it will either be October 7th or 21st. He said the Water and Sewer Department will be changing water meters in the near future as part of the new AMI system. He said residents will be given advance notice before that change happens. The Board approved Bill #3430 that will allow Mayor Brad Nash to sign an amendment to the State Block Grant agreement with the City of Salem and the Missouri Highway and Transportation Department to allow for an increase in funds to be provided by the grant and the city for the taxi-lanes at the airport. The board also adopted Resolution #23-2019 that adopts the Salem and Dent County Missouri Economic Development Strategy as prepared by Sally Burbridge. The document was prepared for the city with Dent County as a partner. The board then voted to go into closed session.

With the archery deer hunting season now going on and with the firearms portion coming in November, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants hunters, landowners, and others to know key information about chronic wasting disease, or CWD. MDC is continuing its efforts this fall and winter to limit the spread of CWD in Missouri deer by finding new cases and slowing its spread to more deer or more areas. CWD is a deadly, infectious disease in white-tailed deer and other members of the deer family that eventually kills all animals it infects. There is no vaccine or cure. CWD is spread from deer to deer and through the environment. MDC has found 116 cases of CWD in Missouri since 2012 out of more than 100,000 deer sampled so the disease remains relatively rare in the state. There have been no reported cases of CWD infecting people, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommends having deer tested for CWD if harvested in an area known to have the disease. The CDC also recommends not eating meat from animals that test positive for CWD. For more information, visit mdc.mo.gov/cwd under Human Health Risks. MDC has a CWD Management Zone of counties in or near where CWD has been found. The 29 counties of the CWD Management Zone for this season are: 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. See the included map image. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/cwd.

The University of Missouri Extension will host a Management Intensive Grazing School September 26-27 at the MU Hugo Wurdack Research Center near Cook Station. The two-day program will include guest speakers covering the topics of grazing system layout and design, watering systems, fence systems, soil fertility, livestock nutrition, and forage growth and quality. Additionally, extensive farm tours will be included to allow participants to receive training on grazing system utilization. The cost of the two-day school is $135 per person or $175 per farm couple. This fee includes the cost of meals, resource books and other handout materials pertinent to the course. Space is limited for this program and registration along with full payment is required by September 20. For more information, please contact Rachel Hopkins, MU Extension Ag Business/Community Engagement Specialist at 573-438-2671. To register, contact the Crawford County SWCD (Soil & Water Conservation District) office in Rolla, MO at 573-364-6202.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated grading and ditch work would be done on Dent County Road 5480 while brush was going to be cut on county road 2400. He said most his crew would be working on the low water crossing on Dent County Road 5480 that is closed to ALL traffic and probably will be until next Monday. Crews are recapping the old low water crossing and pouring concrete on the Highway 119 side. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported that brush was going to be cut on Dent County Road 4480, while materials will be added and a pipe will be installed on Dent County Road 2510. Larson said that two men were working on Loader #3 as they putting in a new starter. He said another man would go to Springfield for another load of oil for chip and seal repair work that will be done Wednesday. Presiding Commissioner Skiles wanted to thank Linda Shelton, the Salem FFA Chapter and all the sponsors that made the annual Beef Days possible at The Commons last Thursday. It is still one of the most popular events for 3rd graders and FFA members alike and it is very educational to the young students. Skiles also said he attended the Meramec Regional Planning Commission’s External Relations Committee meeting where tickets are now available for the MRPC Annual Recognition and Awards Banquet that will be held at the Stonebrook Center in Waynesville on October 24th. Tickets are available for $30 per person and Judy Apperson of Dent County will be honored. For ticket information, call the MRPC at 573-265-2993. Skiles also said they discussed state legislative priorities for the upcoming legislative session. Skiles said he would be attending the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District Executive Board meeting to score the recycling and solid waste reduction grant applications. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released reports for September 5th and 9th. At approximately 11:35 Thursday morning, the 5th, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of East First in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed a 24-year-old male of Florissant, Missouri took a wood furnace and a lawnmower valued at $1,700.00 from the yard of the residence. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was incarcerated pending an application for a warrant. Then at approximately 7:01 that night, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 900 block of East Fourth in reference to a domestic assault. The investigation of the report revealed a 27-year-old male of Salem had assaulted a 70-year-old male, a 59-year-old female and a 4-month-old infant all of Salem after becoming enraged. The suspect also assaulted an officer while being apprehended. The suspect was taken into custody for domestic assault, endangering the welfare of a child and 4th degree assault. The suspect was incarcerated pending the application for warrants. A little over an hour later, at about 8:11, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 35-year-old female of Marshfield, Missouri for stealing, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and released. Then on Monday afternoon, September 9th, at approximately 1:15, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a stolen trailer. That investigation of the report revealed a trailer valued at $1200.00 that had been stolen in May from the area of Park and International was located and recovered in Licking by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The investigation is ongoing. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways will host special programs and school reunion activities at the historic Button Rock School and historic Cortoreva School site on September 21st from 11:00 Saturday morning until 3:00 in the afternoon. Park rangers will be on hand to share the history of one-room schools in Shannon County. Former students and teachers invite the public to join in these events, which will include potluck lunches at both sites beginning at 12 noon for all that would like to bring a dish to share. Visitors are encouraged to bring old pictures, a covered dish or sack lunch, and folding chairs. Former students will share their tales from yesteryear and reminisce about school days spent near the Current River with former teachers. All are invited to these free events to learn more about the many one-room schools that once dotted the Current River landscape. For more information about the historic school reunions, contact Ranger Josh Chilton at 573-226-3945.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors meeting scheduled for tonight has been postponed. No rescheduled date has yet been announced.

An accident happened Saturday afternoon in Phelps County at 5:15 on Highway 63 and Phelps County Road 6050 that left an Edgar Springs man in serious condition. According to the highway patrol report, a 2001 Ford Explorer was being driven northbound by 71-year old Robert Walker of Edgar Springs when the truck went of the left side of the roadway. The Ford Explorer then overturned before the truck struck a tree and came to rest. Walker suffered serious injuries and air lifted by the Phelps Health Helicopter to the University Hospital in Columbia. Walker was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Lucas Towing of Edgar Springs.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has submitted reports for September 5th through the 7th. On September 5th, a deputy was observing traffic while sitting stationary in the Ranch Motel parking lot. While observing traffic, a vehicle pulled into the parking lot behind the deputy who observed a 39-year-old Salem woman exit the vehicle while arguing with the driver. The deputy approached the vehicle and during the course of the event, the woman was arrested for the possession of a controlled substance and the unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia – methamphetamine. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Department and was incarcerated. Also on the 5th, deputies traveled to a residence on Dent County Road 6590 for a report of a burglary which had occurred. During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that approximately $12,883.00 in firearms and currency was stolen from the residence. On September 6th, deputies traveled to the Texas County Sheriff’s Office to conduct an interview with a 34-year-old Salem man who had been arrested the day prior. As a result of the interview, a confession was given and on September 7th a warrant was issued for the Salem man for burglary in the 1st degree, a felony stealing charge of $750.00 or more, and the unlawful possession of a firearm. Bond for the warrant is $20,000 in cash or professional surety. The man is currently incarcerated at the Texas County Sheriff’s Department. Also on the 6th, deputies conducted a traffic stop near the 900 block of Dent County Road 5070. During the course of the traffic stop, a 33-year-old Salem man was arrested for two active warrants through the Miller County Sheriff’s Office. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was incarcerated on the active warrants through Miller County. He was also issued three summons for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, failure to register a motor vehicle annually and operating a motor vehicle without financial responsibility. If anyone has information about any investigation please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 573-729-3241.

The Salem Board of Alderman will hold their regular meeting tonight at 7:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers. At the meeting, the board will hear a request from the Salem United Methodist Church to temporarily close Doss Road on Halloween from 5:00 to 8:00 for their Trunk and Treat event. The board will then review two bids for asphalting or concreting of the taxilanes at the airport. After the consent agenda, City Administrator Ray Walden will update the board on city events. The board will then hear about Bill #3430 that would authorize the mayor to execute Amendment #1 to the State Block Grant A greement between the City of Salem and the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for the construction of the taxilanes for the T-Hangers in Phase 1 of the Airport Project. The board will review Resolution #23-2019 that would adopt the Salem and Dent County Missouri Economic Development Strategy on behalf of the City of Salem with the County of Dent as a Partner. The board may then go into closed session before adjourning. The meeting tonight is open to the public.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew M. Curley has released a report on the sentencing of Ronald Ball. On July 13th, a bench trial was held for the charges of two counts of delivery of a controlled substance, both class C felonies. Curley presented evidence that Ronald Ball distributed heroin and methamphetamine in April of 2017 following the overdose death of Joseph Sutton at the Defendant’s residence in March of 2017. At the conclusion of the trial, Ronald Ball was found guilty of both counts by Circuit Judge Kelly Parker. On September 9th, a sentencing hearing was conducted. Prosecutor Curley presented evidence that in March of 2017 defendant had distributed heroin to another person who ultimately distributed the heroin to Joseph Sutton at the defendant’s residence that contributed to his overdose death. An autopsy was conducted as a result of the death of Joseph Sutton and the opinion of the doctor performing the autopsy was that the death resulted from methamphetamine and heroin intoxication. The Sentencing Assessment Report recommended that the defendant be granted probation and counsel for defendant argued for probation due to the defendant’s limited criminal history and due to his current poor health. Prosecutor Curley sought 13 years in the prison due to the defendant placing heroin into the community that became a contributing factor in the death of Joe Sutton and due to the defendant continuing to distribute drugs following the overdose. Judge Parker sentenced the defendant to 10 years in prison on each count, concurrent, and retained jurisdiction under RSMO Section 559.115 for the possible release from prison on probation after the completion of 120 days. Prosecutor Curley stated he appreciated the investigative efforts conducted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Department and Drug Taskforce resulting in the conviction of the defendant.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, Richard LaBrash from the American Volunteers said the 2nd Annual ATV/UTV Fall Ride for America will be held on Saturday, October 12th starting and ending at Danny Black’s Farm. The American Volunteers will serve a meal after 6:00 that evening to all the participants. The event is sponsored by the American Volunteers and the Dent County Sheriff’s Department. For more information, call Richard LaBrash at 729-3196 or Sheriff Bob Wells at 729-3241. If you have questions about getting a county license to ride your ATV or UTV on county roads, contact the Dent County Clerk at 729-4144. LaBrash also discussed with the commission an initiative he is involved with to get more veterans in the outlying areas of Reynolds, Texas, Iron and Dent counties to use VA services. Since many of these veterans live where there is no Internet, this would be entry level step to get them to be able to access the VA from public areas like libraries. He is working with the VA in Poplar Bluff on the project and would have more information in the near future. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated grading and ditch work would be done on Dent County Road 5450 while only grading would be done on county roads 4122 and 4150. Purcell said materials were being added to county road 6040, brush was being cut on county road 5105, 6150 and 6500, and materials were provided and a crossover pipe was being installed on Dent County Road 4060. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2510 and 3220 while brush would be cut on county road 4030. He also said the low water crossing has been repaired on Dent County road 4480 and the road is now open to through traffic. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles helped out with the Dent County Beef Days Thursday before attending the MRPC Committee and Board meetings that night. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that all the tax entities have submitted their tax rates that were certified by her and her office and were approved by the state auditor’s office. She went on to say that her office and the treasurer’s office balanced on all accounts for August, and that her office along with the assessor’s office and the collector’s office balance on all collections, abatements and add-ons for August. 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.

A Dent County resident, 50-year old Wayne D. Head, has been charged with first-degree burglary, armed criminal action and first-degree assault resulting in serious physical injuries when he attacked a resident with a splitting maul axe from an incident that occurred Monday morning on Dent County Road 5020. According to documents filed with the circuit court, his bond was set at $200,000. The report indicates that a male subject arrived at the Casey’s Store on Highway 32/72 East covered in blood. The man reported he had been attacked in his home after hearing his grandson yelling and had several head wounds and abrasions to his arm from the confrontation with Head in the hallway of his home with the axe. The man said his grandson jumped out his bedroom window during the confrontation and he finally broke away from Head and drove to town. He was taken to Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment. Head was later located at a different Dent County Road 5020 residence on Monday and was taken into custody without incident. Evidence of the attack was found in the victim’s home in the hallway, and the splitting maul axe was found north of the victim’s property.

Six Bunker residents were injured in a two vehicle accident Tuesday evening at 8:49 in Dent County at the intersection of Highway 72 and Route B. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 Chevrolet HHR being driven by 48-year old Beverly Robinson of Salem, failed to yield to a 2003 Chevy Suburban and turned into the path of the Chevy being driven by 48-year old Clyde Wisdom of Bunker. The collision caused the Chevy Suburban to go off the road and overturn. Wisdom and 5 passengers suffered minor injuries and were transported by Salem EMS to Salem Memorial District Hospital. Clyde Wisdom suffered minor injuries in the collision as did the passengers who include 46-year old Sonia Wisdom, 13-year old William Wisdom, 11-year old Layla Wisdom, 15-year old Chandler Wisdom, and 18-year old Anthony Wisdom. According to the report all involved in the accident were wearing seat restraints. Both vehicles were totaled and both were removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. The highway patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Department and Dent County Fire Protection District.

A two vehicle accident occurred Tuesday afternoon at around 1:35 in Reynolds County on Highway 72 about seven miles east of Bunker. The highway patrol report states that a 2011 Nissan Altima being driven 76-year old Raymond Strange of Bunker, was westbound when he attempted to pass a 1985 Mac Dump truck that was making a left turn being driven by 26-year old Michael Tolle of Bonne Terre. An occupant in the Nissan, 78-year old Janet Miller of Bunker, sustained minor injuries and was taken by Reynolds County Ambulance to Salem Memorial District Hospital. Neither passenger in the Nissan was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Nissan received extensive damage and was towed from the scene by Hills Metals and Motors of Ellington. The dump truck was not damaged and was driven from the scene.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has submitted a number of reports. On Saturday, August 31st, deputies received a report of a subject throwing trash from a moving vehicle into a man’s yard. They spoke to the reporting party and then traveled to an address in the 800 block of East Jack Street. During the course of the investigation, a 31-year-old Salem woman was arrested for littering in the 1st offense. The female was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where she was fingerprinted, issued summons and released. On Wednesday, September 4th, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 100 block of County Road 5013. During the course of the traffic stop, a 21-year-old Salem man was arrested for six active warrants through Carter County. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Department and was incarcerated. The next day, deputies conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Doss Road and Highway 32 East. During the course of the traffic stop, a 28-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 2nd or subsequent offense. The man was taken to the Dent County Sheriff’s Department where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Deputies conducted another traffic stop that day in the 7000 block of Highway 119. During the course of the traffic stop, a 27-year-old Salem woman was arrested for felony driving while having her license revoked or suspended. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Department where she was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. If anyone has information about an investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 573-729-3241.