Local News

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. First District Commissioner Wes Mobray was not in attendance due to an illness. At the meeting, acting District Manager of the U.S. Mark Twain National Forest, Patrick Yamnik, was in to have Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles sign the engineering plan for the Cooley low water crossing on Dent County Road 5610 near Bunker. After reviewing the plan, Commissioner Skiles signed it.In the road report, Commissioner Gary Larson gave the report for both districts and said the crews are out checking roads for washouts and patching them, cleaning out pipes and removing debris where necessary. Larson said Grader #37 had a fuel filter replaced. Larson said that on Saturday, there was a report of a tree down blocking a bridge on Dent County Road 2240. A grader was brought to the scene to help remove a car that had gotten stuck. Skiles reported on his meetings last week that included the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District Executive Board meeting. Skiles stated that the board approved a number of grants for recycling be closed out. On Wednesday, Skiles attended the CCAM meeting in Jefferson City before he and other board members helped with the new commissioner training. Skiles said the event was well attended and included new 1st District Commissioner Wes Mobray. That same day, Skiles said he had the chance to visit with Senator Justin Brown and Representative Ron Copeland. Then on Friday, Skiles reported that he, Commissioner Larson and Commissioner Mobray attended the South Central County Commissioners Association meeting in Houston. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley wanted to remind people the last day to mailout a ballot for the Municipal Election will be March 24th. She also said the absentee voting continues at her office but wanted to remind everyone that the COVID-19 virus is no longer an acceptable excuse to vote absentee. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The MU Extension empowers community leaders through their “Becoming an Engaged Neighbor” program. Through this program, people will see that making a community stronger is more than just financial gains within the community. The program shows that social capital has more value than money, and through networks and reciprocity it impacts communities more than new roads or a new business. This program will help you teach how to improve your community by improving one neighborhood at a time. The first six-week program begins Saturday, March 20th and will last through April 24th and the cost is $50. The second program begins May 20th and will last until June 24th and it also costs $50. To register for these programs, visit www.extension.missouri.edu. You can also contact the Dent County Extension Office at 729-3196 to get more information.

Dent County Coroner Ben Pursifull released suggestions from the Dent County Child Fatality Review Panel from their meetings. The announcement was the result of the panel meetings and discussion on the unfortunate deaths of two children here in Dent County. Every time there is a child fatality inside Dent County, the panel meets to discuss the circumstances revolving around the incident that took the life of a child. Their goal is to see if there is something that as a panel, and a community that can be done to prevent incidents like these from happening again. The panel is composed of individuals from several agencies that operate inside our community. At the conclusion of their meetings, they attempt to come up with solutions to prevent these fatalities from happening. Suggestions concerning the November 2020 death of a child drowned in the north part of the county after being swept away on a low water crossing included emphasizing the motto “Turn around, don’t drown,” have the Missouri State Highway Patrol educate young citizens on the dangers associated with low water crossings, and remind the public to contact the appropriate agencies if the signage at these low water crossings has been tampered with, or is not easily visible. Suggestions concerning the October 2020 death of a child from protein calorie malnutrition and severe cachexia included the reporting of suspected abuse to the Child Abuse Hotline and that number is 1-800-392-3738, that all mandated reporters receive annual training on the signs of abuse and neglect, and stronger legislation is needed focusing on the health and safety of our children, so they don’t slip through the cracks. While these suggestions are not going to solve our problems perfectly, the panel believes that they can and will help prevent the needless deaths of children inside our community. As a community, all of us can make this a safe place for children, and adults, with the help of each other. They ask for the help of all the citizens in our county to identify where there are needs, to reach out to those that can help, and help protect each other here in our community.

An accident occurred Thursday morning at 11:25 in Phelps County on Highway 63 about two miles north of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2000 Lincoln Towncar driven by 54-year-old Cathy Wisdom of Salem was traveling southbound when the Lincoln slid off the right side of the roadway on the rain slicked pavement and struck a rock embankment. Wisdom suffered moderate injuries and was transported by the Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. Wisdom was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Lincoln was totaled and removed from the scene by Tune’s Towing.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at the City Hall Council Chambers at 7:00 in their regular meeting. The agenda shows that four people will be speaking to the board under the Hearing of Persons section. The first person to speak will be Noah Wills who will be discussing changing the city deposit waiting period; Jim and Maryann Williams want to speak about the water bill at rental property; Jan Cunningham will speak to the board about getting sewer and water for the property at 1805 South Main Street known as Tiny’s Automotive; and Crystal Pilkington will address the board about holding a Senior Parade starting at Country Mart and ending the high school. The board will hear and discuss two bids for a compact tractor and UTV for the Salem Park and Recreation Department before discussing bids on an Emergency Response Plan which is an EPA requirement for water systems that serve between 3,300 and 50,000 people. Following the consent agenda, the board will hear a report from City Administrator Ray Walden who will update the board on numerous city projects. The meeting will then be adjourned. The Board of Aldermen meeting tonight is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports for the beginning of March. On Monday, March first near noon, an officer arrested a man on an active warrant for their arrest after contacting the subject at the Salem Police Department. The man, a 28-year-old Salem resident was able to post bond and was released with a court date. On Wednesday afternoon, March 3rd at about 4:15, an officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Tenth Street for a report of a suspicious male knocking on doors. Contact was made with the man and it was found that he had active warrants for his arrest. As a result, the 26-year-old Salem man was arrested and incarcerated on his warrants. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

This St. Patrick’s Day holiday, make sure your luck doesn’t run out. Plan for a sober ride home should you choose to take part in the celebration. The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety reminds motorists of the various options available to get everyone home safely. Designating a sober driver, calling a ride share, or using public transportation are just a few of those options. Remember, if you feel different, you drive different. Law enforcement agencies across Missouri will be participating in additional patrols to prevent the often-deadly consequences of impaired driving. Their message is clear: drive sober or get pulled over. Based on 2020 preliminary data, 188 people were killed in Missouri traffic crashes that involved at least one substance-impaired driver. Besides driving completely sober from alcohol and drugs, motorists are also advised to slow down, put their cellphones down while driving and always buckle up – everyone, every trip, every time. Show-Me Zero is designed to give all Missourians a better understanding of the crash problem in our state and identify specific ways everyone can help. From individuals and families to local and statewide organizations, we all play a role in making Missouri roadways safer. The plan can be viewed at savemolives.com and hits on four key messages: Buckle up. Phone down. Slow down. Drive sober. To learn more, visit the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety website at savemolives.com, or follow them on social media at Save MO Lives.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will conduct their March meeting Tuesday evening in the hospital library beginning at 6:00. After the call to order, Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas will report on the summary of the operations and statistics for the month of February followed by the Chief of Nursing Report from Debbie Hines. A report on the hospital foundation, plus the marketing and community perception report will be given by Chief Operating Officer Jason Edwards. Lucas will then go over the COVID-19 update and provide an update to the board on the Hospital expansion and renovation. He will also discuss the Conflict of Interest Policy and report on the Finance Committee Meeting. New business will consist of the review of purchases since the last meeting. The board may vote to go into closed session. Due to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, the March meeting of the Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will be conducted by zoom. The meeting is open to anyone to join. For information on how to access the meeting via zoom, please contact Karen Brown at (573) 729-5917, extension 4005 or by email at kbrown@smdh.net.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports for the end of February. On Sunday, February 21st at about 9:52 in the morning, an officer was dispatched to the Salem Police Department for the report of a theft. It was reported that a cell phone valued at $900 was stolen out of a purse at Dollar General. This report is still under investigation. Later that evening around 11:30, an officer was dispatched to the area of Henderson and Roosevelt Streets for a report of a vehicle stuck in the ditch. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the driver of the vehicle and found her intoxicated. After a short investigation, a 63-year-old Salem female was arrested for DWI and later released on summons. On Tuesday morning, February 23rd near 11:30, an officer was dispatched to Wilsons Mortuary for a report of a stolen truck. It was reported that a Silver Chevy Silverado was stolen from behind the business. Approximately a week later the vehicle was found in Reynolds County and as a result a suspect was obtained. At this time, the suspect is currently incarcerated and charges for this incident have been requested through the Prosecutor’s Office. On Thursday afternoon, February 25th around 2:15, officers with the Salem Police Department executed a search warrant at the 1200 block of East Third Street. The search warrant was obtained after an investigation into the location of two wanted fugitives who were staying at the residence. As a result of the search warrant both subjects, a 40-year-old Salem female and a 44-year-old Salem male were taken into custody and incarcerated on their warrants. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

Missouri State Fire Marshal Tim Bean recommends Missourians use the return of daylight savings time this weekend as a reminder to change the batteries and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their homes. At 2:00 this Sunday morning, people will need to ‘spring ahead’ their clocks one hour. Bean says this should serve as a reminder for families to practice their family escape plan, and to get into the habit of regularly planning how to evacuate their home in the event of a fire. Bean said every family member, including children, should know two escape routes from every room in their residence. Parents should also go over fire evacuation plans with babysitters. He also said that as extended families begin considering overnight visits again, it is essential to think of their safety in the event of a fire. It is reported that one-half of home fire deaths occur between 11:00 at night and 7:00 in the morning when most people are asleep. Bean also reminds Missourians that they should have carbon monoxide alarms for their homes. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, tasteless, invisible gas that results from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, which can be deadly if undetected. The fire marshal recommends you check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly by pushing the test button. You should also replace smoke alarms every 10 years because they lose their effectiveness over time. Beans says you should probably install additional smoke alarms if you don’t have a minimum of one alarm on every level of the home, inside all bedrooms, and outside bedrooms. Bean says that families should also select a safe gathering place outside the residence in the event of a fire so that everyone can be accounted for.

Travelers in Missouri should remain alert for the possibility of flooding as heavy rainfall is forecast for much of the state throughout the weekend. Flash flood warnings have been issued from north of Interstate 70 to the Arkansas border. The Missouri Department of Transportation urges all motorists to be alert for flood waters in roadways as heavy rain and localized river crests can cause road conditions to change quickly. Floodwaters can be deeper than they appear and can hide such hazards as sharp objects, electrical wires, sewage and chemicals. There is a possibility that the road that was once where the water is no longer exists. Even the best four-wheel-drive vehicle will lose against rapidly moving water and no traction. For your own safety and the safety of everyone in your vehicle, please take heed of these lifesaving tips. Don’t drive through flooded areas. Taking extra time to drive a detour sure beats running out of it. Less than six inches of water can turn your car into a poorly engineered canoe, with no ability to slow down, steer…or float. When you see water over the roadway, assume that the roadway below it is either damaged or destroyed. Your driving headlights should be turned on whenever you are using your windshield wipers. It’s the law! Reduce your speed for the conditions. Turn Around, Don’t Drown! To find out about roads closed to flooding, MoDOT reminds all motorists to check on current road conditions in their areas and on their routes by consulting MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at traveler.modot.org, or through MoDOT’s smartphone app, available for iPhone and Android mobile devices.

The Grace Harbor Color Walk/Run scheduled for Saturday morning has been postponed due to the weather. It will be rescheduled at a date yet to be determined. If you have any questions, please call 573-247-7062.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley has released some reports from court held last week in Dent County in front of Judge Megan Seay. The first case was that of Danielle Casados of Rolla who pled guilty to the distribution of methamphetamine as part of the undercover taskforce operation. Casados was sentenced to 10 years in the Department of Corrections under Section 559.115 as requested by the state. Also on Friday, Tiffany Billiot of Boss pled guilty to the possession and distribution of methamphetamine as well as forging a check. Billiot was sentenced to 10 years in the Department of Corrections under Section 559.115 as requested by the state. In the next case, Kenneth Billiot of Salem pled guilty to the possession of methamphetamine. Billiot had no prior criminal history and was placed on five years’ probation with probation and parole as requested by the state. In the next case heard Friday in front of Judge Seay, Jennifer Adams of Wright City had her probation revoked. She will now serve seven years in the Department of Corrections. Finally on Friday, Judge Seay held a probation violation hearing for a new charge of the possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine, and for maintaining a public nuisance for Kristopher Schafer of Salem. The state sought the execution of the defendants previously imposed sentence of seven years. The defendant was granted continued probation with the drug court in the probation case as well as for the new charges for the possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine and maintaining a public nuisance. The defendant was given a 10-year suspended execution of sentence and was placed on probation for five years as well being required to complete the Dent County drug court program.

Volunteers for AARP are still conducting free tax filing assistance at the Salem Community Center@ the Armory computer lab. If you haven’t already filed your taxes and need help, you can make an appointment for this free tax filing assistance for any available Friday through April 9th. Call the Salem Community Center at 729-8163 to make your appointment. This is the 16th year that Healthy Dent County has partnered with AARP to provide this free tax service to our community. This local service is provided entirely by AARP trained volunteers. The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers are trained in filing certain tax forms and schedules, including the Form 1040. However, the Volunteer Protection Act requires that the volunteers stay in the scope of the program. If counselors feel they do not have adequate knowledge or your return is too complex, you may need to seek another qualified counselor or paid tax assistance. The Salem Community Center @ the Armory is located at 1200 West Rolla Road.

Governor Mike Parson announced back in February that the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Energy Crisis Intervention Program will improve assistance offered to eligible low-income Missourians. will implement an Energy Crisis Intervention Program that will improve assistance offered to eligible low-income Missourians. When a household’s energy source has been shut off or is at risk of disconnection, the winter Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP), which runs November through May, pays the minimum amount needed on the fuel bill to get the household out of crisis. Starting this winter, ECIP will pledge the maximum disconnect amount (up to $800) toward an eligible participant’s owed balance. It is very important for low-income Missourians who have received a disconnect notice or know a disconnect notice is coming to get help now to prevent service disconnection at a later date. In Fiscal Year 2020, Missouri provided $78.6 million in LIHEAP assistance to over 108,000 households. In addition to meeting the income criteria, low-income Missourians must also meet these criteria to be eligible for winter heating assistance through LIHEAP. They must be responsible for paying home heating costs, have $3,000 or less in bank accounts, retirement accounts, or investments, and be a U.S. citizen or legally admitted for permanent residence. Missourians in need of information on LIHEAP, Food Stamp, Medicaid, Child Care Subsidy, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefit programs can visit dss.mo.gov. Individuals can also apply for these services 24/7 online by visiting MyDSS.mo.gov.

Wearing a seat belt is your best defense in a traffic crash. Always buckle up, everyone, every trip, every time. The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety wants to remind teens how dangerous a car ride can be if they don’t take wearing their seat belt seriously. Unfortunately, car crashes remain the number one cause of death for teens, and often times, a seat belt makes all the difference. Law enforcement will be out in full force from March 15th through the 31st to crack down on unbelted teen drivers and help save lives. The national average for seat belt usage is 91%. Missouri is below that average at only 86%, and teens in Missouri fall even lower at 75.5%. Under Missouri’s Graduated License Law, permit drivers and all passengers must wear seat belts. Of the 185 teenagers killed as vehicle occupants in traffic crashes from 2017-2019, 72% were not buckled up. When properly used, seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injuries to front-seat passenger vehicle occupants by 45% and reduce the risk of moderate-to-critical injuries by 50%. To give Missourians a better understanding of the crash problem, namely seat belt usage, impaired driving, distracted driving and excessive speeding, Missouri’s state highway safety plan called Show-Me Zero identifies specific ways everyone can help to make our roadways safer. With no primary seat belt law or all-driver texting ban in Missouri, motorists are asked to personally take the challenge to Buckle Up Phone Down. Put your cellphone down while driving and always make sure you and your passengers are buckled up. For more information on the Show-Me Zero plan and teen seat belt safety, visit saveMOlives.com, or find us on social media at Save MO Lives.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning for their regular meeting at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, Chairman of the IDA Board, Donald Dodd, reported that three members of the board are up for re-appointment. Dodd stated that the terms of Jeff Sellers and Sherman Odom are up as well as the term of Joan Sample. Dodd stated that since Sample moved out of the county, she could no longer serve on the board and he will find someone to replace her. He asked if the commission would reappoint Sellers and Odom and the commission did by a 3-0 vote. Dodd also reported the board elected officers and he was again elected chairman, Dean Jones was elected as vice-chairman and Joan Sample was elected as Secretary. Since Sample cannot serve on the board anymore, they will have to elect a new secretary at their next meeting. Dodd also reported the IDA Board would like to contribute $20,000 to the City of Salem Demolition Program with a couple of stipulations to be used to remove or demolish dilapidated old homes. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5220 and 6115 while materials would be added and grading done on county roads 2470 and 5380. He said brush would be cut on county road 5615 and the county will be installing a new culvert on Dent County Road 4220. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson indicated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2580, 2590, 2593, 2600, 2610 and 2613. He went on to say that two pipes will be installed on Dent County Road 4030, then materials will be added and grading done on that road. Larson also stated materials would be added to county road 3370. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he would be attending an Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District Executive Board meeting Tuesday, a County Commissioner Association of Missouri meeting Wednesday morning in Jefferson City to be followed by new commissioner training. Then on Thursday, Skiles will be attending a PHA Board meeting to be followed by the MRPC Board meetings. Finally on Friday, Skiles will attend a South Central County Commissioners Association meeting. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley stated the last day to register to vote in the April 6th Municipal Election will be March 10th. She said absentee voting continues at the courthouse through April 5th. Curley stated her office balanced with the treasurer on all accounts for the month of February, and she balanced with the collector and assessor on all collections, abatements and add-ons for the month. She had the county sign the letter from Curt Faigle from the 100 Acre Rally in the Woods that welcomes their group to Dent County, and the commission also approved the contract from Stonehenge properties, LTD-Revcorp for the 9-1-1 recording system contract for five years at $3,562.76 per year. Curt Faigel also came to the meeting and went over the roads to be used in this year’s event and stated it would be in Dent and Crawford counties only. The event will be held March 19th and 20th. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

A Licking resident was injured on Saturday afternoon just before 4:00 on Highway 63 in Callaway County just north of the Katy Trail bridge. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2002 Ford Focus being south by 19-year old Zhanaya Lawhorn from Columbia, was traveling south on Highway 63 and side swiped a 2021 Ford F-350 also traveling south and being driven by 63-year old Lori Reed of Licking. After the accident, the Focus traveled off the left side of the roadway, came back across the road and traveled off the right side of the road before coming to rest after striking a tree. Reed suffered minor injuries and was transported by a private conveyance to Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla. Lawhorn received moderate injuries and transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia. The Focus was totaled and secured at the scene. The F-350 had extensive damage and was removed by Tow Pro of Holts Summit. The report states that Reed was wearing a safety restraint while Lawhorn was not.

An accident happened Sunday evening just before 7:00 in Texas County on Highway 63 just two miles north of Houston. According to the report from released by the highway patrol, a 2013 Dodge Durango being driven by 40-year old Desirae Curtis of Licking was traveling north on 63 and came to a stop. The Dodge was struck from behind by a 2017 Kia Forte being driven by 20-year old Alice Morgan of Plato. Morgan and two juvenile passengers all suffered minor injuries. The children were both taken to Texas County Memorial Hospital. Morgan was also taken to Texas County Memorial Hospital by a private conveyance. Both drivers and the passengers were all wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Dodge had minor damage while the Kia sustained extensive damage. Both vehicles were removed from the scene by Jays Towing. The highway patrol was assisted on the scene by the Houston Fire Department and Houston Rural Fire Department.

USDA officials have announced a March 31, 2021 application cutoff for producers that have an existing active CSP contract enrolled as a 2017 classic and/or the 2017 renewal contract. To be eligible for the renewal opportunity, the existing contract must expire in 2021. The CSP program helps agricultural producers maintain and improve their existing conservation systems and adopt additional conservation activities to address priority resource concerns. Participants earn CSP payments for conservation performance – the higher the performance, the higher the payment. Producers with an existing, active 2017 contract will receive a notification letter about the opportunity to apply for a renewal contract from NRCS. The letter will detail the CSP renewal application process. For more information about conservation planning and programs to help treat natural resource issues on your land, visit www.mo.nrcs.usda.gov or your local USDA Service Center in Houston at 417-967-2028.

The Salem Police Department has released their report for the month of January. They served 10 summonses to appear in court, gave 76 warning tickets, and 10 traffic tickets, plus they also served 6 fugitive warrants. The Salem Police investigated 6 traffic accidents, wrote 3 property damage reports, 6 stealing reports, and investigated 2 minors in possession of alcohol. The department investigated 2 driving while being revoked or suspended, 1 unlawful use of a firearm or weapon, 4 possessions of drug paraphernalia, 3 possessions of a controlled substance as well as 1 driving while intoxicated, and responded to 1 sexual offense. The department was also dispatched for 22 animal calls, 10 ambulance assist calls, and performed 91 traffic stops for the month. The Department also conducted 37 follow-up investigations, investigated 1 leaving the scene of an accident and responded 2 suspicious circumstances, 10 suspicious subjects, and 12 suspicious vehicles. The Salem Police Department received 722 calls for service during the month of January and had 38 walk-ins to the station. The department drove 9,184 miles during the month of January. There were 10 males and 6 females arrested in January. The Police Department also served 4 hours during the month as court bailiff for the month.

The Missouri Department of Transportation crews will be making drainage repairs at various locations in Phelps County this week. Crews will be making improvements along North Outer Road at Route U, the North I-44 Outer Road between Route V and Parker Lane, the South I-44 Outer Road between Route V and Marion Drive, and Route KK between Highway 68 and the Crawford County line. Work will take place Monday, March 8 through Thursday, March 18 between 6:30 in the morning and 3:00 in the afternoon each day. The Missouri Department of Transportation crews will also be performing roadside maintenance at various locations along Highway 72 in Dent County. MoDOT crews will be flushing culvert pipes and making ditch repairs between Highway 68 and Route FF. The Work is scheduled to take place today through Friday from 6:30 in the morning until 2:30 in the afternoon. Most of the work is expected to take place off the roadway, but some lane closures are possible. Drivers are advised to expect some minor delays and to give crews plenty of room to work. MoDOT says they appreciate the patience of travelers while this work takes place. The work is weather permitting and could be delayed. For more information about this project or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/central

Need trees and shrubs for your landscape? 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. The 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, beautyberry, buttonbush, deciduous holly, hazelnut, redbud, ninebark, spicebush, elderberry, sumac, wild plum, witch hazel, and others. Seedlings are available in bundles of 10 or increments of 25 per species. The prices range from 22 – 90 cents per seedling. Sales tax of 6.1% will be added to orders unless tax exempt. There is an $8 handling charge for each order. Receive a 15% discount up to $20 off seedling orders with a Heritage Card, Permit Card, or Conservation ID Number. The nursery grows millions of seedlings each year, but some species are very popular and sell out quickly. Occasionally the seedlings succumb to uncooperative weather or hungry wildlife, despite the nursery staff’s best efforts. Fiaoni said that even if a species is listed as sold out, customers can still place an order for them. Sometimes orders get cancelled, freeing up inventory. Customers won’t be charged for seedlings unless they are available to ship. Learn more and place orders with the Missouri Department of Conservation’s “2020-2021 Seedling Order Form.” You can pick one up at Department of Conservation regional offices and nature centers. You can also access the form online at mdc.mo.gov/seedlings, or by contacting the State Forest Nursery at 573-674-3229 or by e-mail them at StateForestNursery@mdc.mo.gov. You can place your orders now through April 15, 2021. Orders will be shipped or can be picked up at the nursery near Licking now through May.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will hold another special meeting tonight at 6:30 in the city hall council chambers. After the call to order and roll call, the board will go into closed session to discuss personnel and attorney/client privilege. The meeting is NOT open to the public.

An accident occurred Saturday afternoon at 2:06 on Route B about 2 miles north of St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a 2013 Kia Soul driven by 24-year old Broc Losing of Springfield, was travelling southbound and crossed into the northbound lane and struck a 2013 Chevrolet 1500 driven by 55-year old Gene Matlock of St. Louis head on. Losing suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Phelps Health Rolla by private conveyance. Matlock also suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Phelps Health Rolla by St. James Ambulance. An occupant of the Kia, 25-year old Sarah Rowland of Springfield, suffered serious injuries and was transported by Phelps Air Ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Matlock was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. It is unknown if Losing or Rowland was. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing of St. James.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports On February 24th, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 2000 block of North Highway 19 to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 22-year-old Salem man was arrested for having an active warrant through Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated. On February 28th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of 4th Street and Jackson. During the course of the traffic stop, a 27-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, and for the possession of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid of 10 grams or less, a prior drug offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On March 1st, a deputy responded to a residence in the 700 block of Dent County Road 3240 for a report of a neighbor shooting at the reporting party. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a 64-year-old man was the reported victim. During the course of the investigation, a 67-year-old Salem man was arrested for unlawful use of a weapon, subsection 4, for exhibiting armed criminal action and for harassment in the 1st degree. The man was taken to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated. If anyone has any information regarding an ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241

Missouri Department of Transportation crews are focusing on pothole repair through April. When you see a MoDOT crew making repairs, motorists should slow down and move over a lane to give them room to work. Crews started working to address the pesky potholes as soon as there was a break in the weather last week. MoDOT will have about 300 pothole patching crews statewide working to make roadways safer. In 2020, MoDOT patched approximately 760,000 potholes spending $18 million on pothole patching. Natalie Roark MoDOT state maintenance director says While following COVID-19 social distancing procedures, MoDOT is working as hard as we can to fill the potholes quickly and that brutally cold temperatures coupled with ice and snow throughout February have led to a high number of potholes blossoming on Missouri highways already. They ask motorists to please be patient with us as the repairs are being done. MoDOT maintains 34,000 miles of road including interstates, U.S. and Missouri routes and lettered routes. Potholes form when temperatures warm up during the day but continue to be cold at night. The rain and snow from winter leave moisture that seeps into cracks and joints in the pavement. Frozen water in cracks and under the surface of the roadway causes the pavement to bulge and bend. Then when ice melts, the pavement contracts and leaves gaps or voids in the surface under the pavement. When cars and trucks drive over the bulging pavement, it weakens the roadway eventually causing chunks of pavement or asphalt to pop out, creating potholes. Short-term repairs are made using a cold asphalt mix with a priority to fill the deepest potholes first. The long-term fix, a hot asphalt mix, isn’t effective until temperatures remain warm for a prolonged period.

Spring is right around the corner and its arrival occasionally brings severe weather that could include hail and high winds. The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance wants consumers to know the importance of making sure they’re adequately covered BEFORE a severe weather event occurs. Although you may already have a homeowners or renters insurance policy, make sure you know exactly what it covers. If you don’t own a policy, arrange to purchase one as soon as possible in order to protect yourself and your family from a devastating loss. Waiting until a storm arrives may be too late to protect your home and belongings. It’s important to review your policy each year to make sure your coverage is adequate. It’s easy to forget about important purchases or additions you’ve made to your home and your current level of coverage may not be enough to replace what you own. And, not all policies and levels of coverage are equal – in fact, they vary greatly. While one policy may cover full replacement of a damaged roof, another policy may depreciate the coverage based on the age of the roof. Flood damage is not covered by standard homeowner’s policies. If you live in an area prone to flooding, you will need to purchase a federal flood insurance policy through your agent to cover flood damage. Consumers should do this as early as possible, as there is typically a 30-day waiting period from the date of purchase before a policy goes into effect. Being prepared will make it easier for you to file a claim following a severe weather event. Complete a detailed inventory of your household furnishings and take photos of each room in your home. Make lists of other valuables and equipment that don’t appear in the photos. Keep these materials in a safe place outside your home, such as a safe deposit box. The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance provides more severe weather resources and tips for consumers on their website.

The Dent County Fire Protection District board of directors met Tuesday evening at the fire station at #2 South Main. After approval of the consent agenda minutes from the January meeting were reviewed and approved as presented. During the financial report the board reviewed and approved bills and was shown to have an ending balance of $278,177.66. The district is currently hosting the Salem Memorial District Hospital in partners with the Dent County Health Center for provide Covid vaccinations through the month of March and the road rally participants will be the district on March 18th to start check-ins. The monthly reimbursement report which showed a total of 28 calls for month including seven structure fires, two brush fires, two car fires, two vehicle accidents, one first responder call, five haz-mat calls, two training calls and five calls listed as other. The department also responded to one fire alarm. Calls responded to year-to-date stand at 66 with the average cost per call of $106.25. Chief Nash reported to the board that Engine 85 has still not been repaired from the door damage and he is still waiting on the insurance company. Nash also reported that the current projects in work for the district are the repair of the ceilings in the laundry room, the back restroom, and the gear room. Before adjourning the board set the date for the next meeting for Tuesday, April 6th at 6:00 at the fire station. That meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital will be conducting health fair screenings now through March 15th at the Salem Memorial District Hospital Campus. The screenings will take place Monday through Friday and start at 6:00 each morning and continue until 10:00 a.m. This is a great opportunity to have various tests conducted such as the health fair profile, diabetes A1c test, a thyroid test, a prostate test, a urine test, bone density test and a Vitamin D test. These tests will allow each person tested to find out about your overall health or head off potential future health problems by taking the appropriate steps based on your test results. In an effort to comply with social distancing and to maintain a safer environment SMDH will pre-register and schedule the health fair screening to be performed at the facility. Participants will enter at the north entrance of the hospital and be COVID screened. Since patients will already be registered fees will be collected and consent forms will be signed prior to testing. To schedule your appointment as well as pre-register, please call Karen Brown at 573-729-6626 Monday through Friday from 8:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon.

The Phelps County Public Housing Agency (PHA) will host a public hearing to accept comments on the PHA’s annual plan at 10:00 in the morning on
Monday, March 8th at the MRPC offices located at #4 Industrial Drive in St. James. The Phelps County PHA provides HUD Section 8 rental assistance to persons in the counties of Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps (outside the city of Rolla) and Washington. The plan is a comprehensive guide to PHA policies, programs, operations and strategies for meeting local housing needs and goals. There are two parts to the PHA plan: the five-year plan, which each PHA submits to HUD once every fifth PHA fiscal year, and the annual plan, which is submitted to HUD every year by non-qualified agencies. The plan is available for review at Meramec Regional Planning Commission/Phelps County PHA, now through March 8th. Written comments will be accepted through March 8th and can be submitted to MRPC to the attention of Donald Keeney, PHA Program Manager. Persons needing more information or a link to attend the meeting by Zoom should contact Keeney at 573-265-4200. Anyone needing special accommodations for the public hearing should contact Keeney by this Friday.

More than 5,400 anglers visited Bennett Spring, Montauk and Roaring River state parks on opening day of trout season. The catch-and-keep trout season Monday monring. Based on trout tag sales, 1,709 anglers visited Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon, 1,793 anglers visited Montauk State Park near Salem, and 1,956 anglers visited Roaring River State Park near Cassville. This year’s total is lower than 2020 numbers by nearly 2,000. A breakdown of trout tag counts and photos from the day are available at mostateparks.com/TroutOpening2021. The catch-and-keep trout season continues through October 31st. Trout season in Missouri is a cooperative effort of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, which manages state parks, and the Missouri Department of Conservation, which operates the hatcheries and stocks the streams with trout.

The Healthy Dent County Fitness Center is reminding everyone that they are welcome to come take a tour of the facility, work out at the Fitness Center for FREE and meet the staff through Friday, March 5th. With the addition of the new basketball gymnasium and expansion of the fitness center, they want to offer tours and provide information regarding available all types of membership opportunities. The fitness center, gymnasium and classes are FREE only through this Friday. The Healthy Dent County Fitness Center is located in the Salem Community Center @ the Armory at 1200 W. Rolla Road in Salem. For additional information please call 739-1127 or 729-8163.

Mayor Brad Nash of the City of Salem called a special meeting of the Salem Board of Aldermen for Thursday night at 8:45 in the city hall council chambers. At the meeting, the board will go into closed session to discuss personnel and the attorney/client privilege. The meeting is NOT open to the public.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held a regular meeting Monday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Brad Nash appointed Tammy Koller in the temporary City Clerk position. In bids, the board approved the grinder pump and equipment at the Salem City Park Little League ball fields totaling $86,993. This is a budgeted purchase and both items came in under the budgeted amount. Planning and Zoning Chairman, Gary Brown, reported on their recent Board of Adjustments meeting where they recommended approving the subdividing of 805-807 North Henderson into three separate parcels. The Aldermen approved this request. After the consent agenda was approved, City Administrator Ray Walden reported that the city’s Transportation Alternative Program application submitted to MRPC was scored the highest in the region. The application now goes to MoDOT for approval. This project will improve the sidewalks on 4th Street from Iron Street west to Highway 19 on the South side and then on both sides of 4th Street from Highway 19 to Jackson Street. Walden explained the upcoming city budget and how the process proceeds through staff and supervisors, the Capital Improvements Committee, then on to the Finance Committee and final approval to the Board of Alderman. The Salem Community Center @ the Armory had 5,104 participants in January. The board heard from Matt Griswold with People Centric Consulting regarding a recent Path Finder Survey that was conducted with city staff and aldermen. There were 20 surveys completed and 15 in person interviews conducted to help build a high performance culture within the city staff. Some issues to work on include; update job descriptions, conduct manager trainings, install a check in process between staff and managers, conduct goal setting and share the results. The board approved Bill #3472 to lease tower space for one year to Wave Internet Technologies; and Bill #3473 to allow Mayor Brad Nash to execute a change order between the City of Salem and Smith and Edwards Construction, Inc for the Waste Water Treatment Facility Phase 1B improvements. This change will add the replacement of pump equipment at the Westwood Grinder Pump Station and the Ballpark Grinder Pump Station as well as extend the completion date. The board also approved Resolution #4-2021 that would allow the City of Salem to pursue entering into a guaranteed energy savings contract with Energy Solutions Professionals. This is a state program, similar to the recent lighting project energy savings audit, where energy savings are guaranteed by the contractor. There is possible funding through a Community Development Block Grant-COVID 19 application that will be submitted for a maximum of $500,000. If this grant is received, the total the city would spend to correct all issues is $25,000 per year. The board appointed Melissa DuBois as the city representative to the Dent County Extension Council before going into closed session to discuss the attorney/client privilege.

The Salem Quiz Bowl Teams played their first tournament of the year and the first virtual tournament ever Saturday, February 27, when they competed in the annual SCA Tournament. Houston hosted the tournament virtually. The Salem Varsity finished in Third Place and Salem JV finished in Second Place. Martin Jones, Varsity Captain, took seventh place overall in the Varsity Division. Two JV players, Tyler Seabaugh and Dylan Seabaugh, took third and fifth place respectively in the JV Division. In the first game of Varsity play, Salem easily defeated Mountain Grove, winning the match by a score of 520 to 190. Unfortunately, Salem drew a bye for the second game and the third game was delayed due to technical difficulties. The Tigers lost their momentum and was defeated by Thayer, 410-220 In the afternoon semifinals, Thayer beat Salem again, this time by the score of 420 to 280. Salem went on to play for Third Place, winning easily over Mountain Grove, 420 to 170. In JV play, Salem beat Thayer in the first game, 260 to 160; and Mountain Grove in the second game, 210 to 100. In the 3rd game, Salem lost to the Houston JV, 360 to 110. In the JV semifinals, Salem beat Mountain Grove again, but due to technical difficulties, the final game was not held, which left the teams finishing in the order they were seeded. Salem’s next meet is another virtual tournament being hosted by Houston on April 10th. The Virtual tournaments are the only choice at this time. They are played using a virtual on-line buzzer; a virtual playing location using either Google Meet or Zoom; and they feature a virtual reader and score keeper. The questions are the same as usual in-seat play, but the setting is very different, since the teams play remotely from their home schools. Districts have not yet been decided, but MSHAA has ruled that if they occur they will by in-seat. The teams are coached by Susan Sheeley and Will Hubbs.