Local News

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. Commissioner Gary Larson wanted to thank the public for attending the Blue Oval Car Rally around the courthouse square on Saturday as it was a great success. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles also wanted to thank Dent County for their support at the NRA Banquet that was held Saturday that was also a great success. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said his crew would be grading and doing ditch work on Dent County Roads 5450 and 6225. He said materials would be added to county road 6210 and brush was going to be cut on county roads 5100, 5103, 5105, 5440, 6500 and 6510. He also wanted to remind the public that on September 17th, Dent County Road 6580 will have a low water crossing upgraded on the Highway 119 side that will close the road at that location. They expect the road to be closed at least from Tuesday, September 17th through Friday, September 20th for the work to be done. Commission Larson said all the workers in District 2 are at the low water crossing on Dent County Road 4480 working on that upgrade so that it can be completed quickly. Larson said he expects that crossing to be closed through at least Thursday. Commissioner Skiles said he would be attending the Missouri Community Betterment presentation at 8:00 this morning at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center and will make a presentation about the jail to the judges. He said that meeting will last until about 9:30 and it is open to the public. He will also be attending a Meramec Community Enhancement Corporation meeting this evening in St. James. Advanced Telephone, LLC, was the only proposal for a TDS 80 Phone System. The bid was for $15,300.00 for 14 digital display speaker phones, digital station card, battery backup unit, fiber copper cable, labor to install and training. The bid was approved 3-0. The Commissioners agreed 3-0 for Sheriff Wells to seek bids on oil changes for the Sheriff’s Department vehicles. Bids will be due and opened the morning of September 30th at 10:00. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams was in to report the sales tax collections for the month. Dent County received $116,812.45 for general revenue and law enforcement, which is down year-to-date about 3.44% from last year. Road and Bridge received $55,932.89, which is down year-to-date 2.06%. Each of the Jail Funds received $111,365.51 and that’s down 0.70% year-to-date. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Thursday morning and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident occurred Sunday morning at 11:18 in Phelps County on Highway B about three miles north of St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a southbound 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser driven by 22 year-old Stephanie Berry of St. James, skidded off the right side of the roadway and struck a rock embankment. Berry suffered moderate injuries and was transported by St. James Ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. The Chrysler was totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing.

An accident happened Monday morning at 10:00 in Shannon County on Route B about five miles west of Akers Ferry. According to the highway patrol report, a 2008 Ford ranger driven eastbound by 90-year old Vincent Stark of Licking, failed to negotiate a curve and ran off the roadway where he struck an embankment and overturned. Stark suffered serious injuries and transferred by Air Ambulance to the Cox South Hospital in Springfield. He was not wearing a seat restraint when the accident happened. The Ford was totaled and removed by Whitaker’s Towing of Salem.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a number of reports. On Tuesday, August 27th, deputies received a report of a vehicle which had been parked at a residence in the 2500 block of Dent County Road 4220. The reporting party said the vehicle was blocking access to her barn. The vehicle was towed from the location and deputies were unable to locate the man. Shortly after, deputies received information that the driver of the vehicle, a 37-year-old Salem man, had active warrants for his arrest and that the man had arrived at a residence in the 100 block of Dent County Road 4230. The man was seen walking toward Highway 32. Deputies traveled to the area and located the man where he was arrested for his active warrants through the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and St. James Police Department. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and was incarcerated. On Friday, August 30th deputies received a report of a break in at a residence in the 300 block of county road 4243. Deputies with assistance from the Salem Police Department then traveled to the residence. During the course of the investigation, a 47-year-old Vandalia man was arrested for having an active warrant through Missouri Probation and Parole. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. That same day, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Highway 19 North at the 7th Street intersection. During the course of the traffic stop, a 22-year-old Salem man was arrested for having active warrants through Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he later posted bond. Also on Friday, August 30th, a traffic stop was conducted in the 3000 block of Highway 19 South. During the course of the traffic stop, a 22-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 1st offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued summons and released. If anyone has any information regarding and ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The Salem Police Department would like to warn the public of a phone scam that involves someone requesting your social security number due to some problem with your social security account. In most cases the caller will initially be a recording that requests you to push 1 or a certain number for more information. After that the victim will be connected to someone who will eventually request your social security number and other personal information. This is a scam to obtain your information for fraudulent purposes. Governmental agencies will never request your social security number and personal information over the phone. Please take the time to check into any request of this nature and verify who you are dealing with before giving out your personal information.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met August 22nd at the Health Center. Administrator Kendra Mobray reported that outpatient lab services were provided for 99 clients in July. Assistant Health Center Administrator Roma Jones reported that the Health Center was approved for funding for a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor. Mobray reported the application for Show-Me Healthy Women funding was approved by Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and is awaiting approval from the CDC. She also stated that a prep visit with the Missouri DHSS is scheduled for September 13th. Mobray said that a very successful vaccine clinic was held at senior registration at Salem High School on August 5th. The Health Center reported 10 cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and 2 cases of Erlichia Chaffeensis in July, plus three animal bites were investigated. A motion was made and approved to update the Administrative Manual to reflect the change in the regular monthly Board meeting to the third Thursday of the month. Jones updated the Board on the building damage sustained on August 7th when a truck ran into the east end of the building. The Board went into closed session to discuss contracts. During closed session, construction bids to repair the damages to the building were presented and the bid from Gray Construction was approved. Back in regular session, the Health Center expenses for June and July were approved. The next meeting of the Health Center will be September 19th at 5:00.

An accident happened in Reynolds County on Highway 49 about two miles north of Black Sunday afternoon at 12:20. According to the highway patrol report, a 2004 Buick being driven southbound by 53-year old Penny Barnes of Black, drove off the roadway and overturned. Suffering moderate injuries were two occupants in the Buick, 75-year old Ruth Brown and 55- year old Shirley brown, both of Black. Ruth Brown was flown by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur while Shirley Brown was taken by ambulance to the Parkland Hospital. Everyone involved was wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. Barnes did not report any injuries. The Buick was totaled and removed from the scene by Abney’s Towing.

The Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital and the Columbia Vet Center are teaming up to provide area Veterans with services such as Veterans Health Administration enrollment, and counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder and military sexual trauma. Through use of the Mobile Vet Center, better known as MVC which is a 37-foot-long mobile resource unit, services for bereavement, marriage and family counseling are available. Additional resources for Veterans through the MVC include VA benefits information and suicide prevention referrals. This Mobile Vet Center will be at the Wal-Mart Supercenter at 500 South Bishop in Rolla from 9:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon TOMORROW, September 10th. The customized MVC vehicle is equipped with confidential counseling space to extend access to VA services to Veterans, service members and their families — especially those living in rural or remote communities. The MVC also provides readjustment counseling and information resources to Veterans to assist them in the difficult transition between military and civilian life. For more information, call (573) 814-6206.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. City of Salem Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge was in to present her August report. She updated the Commissioners on business and site visits for the month, economic prospects, marketing activities, grant status and other related activities. A number of issues were discussed including status of the upgrade or full replacement of the City-County Website. Dent County Extension Director Sarah Massengale was in to introduce John Langdon the new Extension Livestock Field Specialist for seven counties in Extension’s Eastern Region. Langdon will be headquartered in the Dent County Extension office and can be contacted at the office by calling 573-729-3196. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said he had three men out and that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 6230, 6210 and 6470. He said that brush would be cut on county road 5440, plus materials would be added and grading would be done on county road 6230. Purcell wanted to let residents traveling Dent County Road 6580 know that starting Tuesday, the 17th, the county will upgrade a low water crossing on the road and it will be closed on the Highway 119 end. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said that the closing of Dent County Road 4480 will continue through next week as his crew continues replacing a low water crossing. He noted that he had two men out and that the Chip and Seal Overlay Project was completed on Wednesday. The Commissioners noted that the 16 miles of overlay was the most the county has ever done and would not have been possible without the ¼ cent sales tax for Road and Bridge. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles congratulated the Salem Chamber of Commerce on another very successful rodeo over the weekend, plus he wanted to remind everyone of the Blue Oval Rally around the Courthouse on Saturday. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said that bills were being approved. She reported that last week she attended the Missouri Association of County Clerks and Election Authority meeting where she was re-elected Chair of the South Central Region County Clerks Association. She also reported that she was also appointed to serve on the Legislative Committee and will continue serving on the Scholarship Committee and the Bi-Partisan Election Officials Committee for Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft. Courtney Wegman, Vice President L. J. Hart & Company was in to report that Dent County has completed sale of $6,000,000 of lease certificates of participation to complete financing of the new jail and law enforcement operations. The news release supplied by Wegman showed that lease certificates were purchased by Edward Jones, Progressive Ozark Bank, Town and Country Bank, First Community National Bank and the Bank of Missouri. The next meeting of the Commission will be Monday morning in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

A St. James woman was killed in a two vehicle crash that occurred in Callaway County Wednesday morning at 8:55 on Highway 54 just west of Route HH. According to the report from the highway patrol, 66-year old Helen Doss of St. James was driving a 2017 Harley Davidson motorcycle eastbound on Highway 54 when she rear ended a 2010 International truck being driven by 31-year old Dustin Presley of Mexico, Missouri, causing Doss to be ejected from the motorcycle. Doss sustained serious injuries and was transported by MU Air Care to University Hospital where she died later Wednesday night at 7:39 from her injuries. Both drivers were wearing safety devices at the time of the accident. The Harley Davidson was totaled and removed from the scene by Tom and Steve’s Towing. The International received minor damage and was driven from the scene.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors Meeting took place at 6:00 Tuesday evening, September 3rd. After the call to order, the bills were heard and approved with an ending balance of $173,584.00 as of the end of August. The budget was reviewed and approved. In the monthly reimbursement report, the department received a total of 15 calls for the month of August, bringing the total calls year to date to 181 with an average cost per call of $117.73. In old business, Chief Nash stated that the renovation project is beginning and the parking lot work is underway. In new business, Chief Nash noted that the district had a shortage of SCBA masks and that he was able to purchase 32 masks from the highway patrol auction for $2300.00. The chief stated he felt they were purchased at a good price and should fill the needs of the department. The date for the next meeting was set for October 1st at 6 p.m. at the fire station.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Tuesday night at the City Hall Council Chambers after a nuisance workshop and a Planning and Zoning Commission hearing and meeting. The board approved the request from Grace Community Church to close Water Street from Franklin Street to the end of their parking lot on September 15th from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM, and again on October 30th from 4:00 until 9:00 PM for community outreach events. Gary Brown, the Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission, reported on their hearing and meeting where the commission recommended allowing a conditional use permit for the Saucy Chook Pub at 206 West Fourth Street submitted by A. J. Schafer and Tina Cook. The alderman approved the conditional use permit. City Administrator Ray Walden reported on the nuisance workshop held prior to the meeting where the current nuisance ordinances were reviewed. Walden said Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge was working on the final Economic Development Plan but has been sidetracked by a death in her family. Walden said interviews would be held soon in an effort to find a new Park and Recreation Director. He told the board SACBA announced the Community Betterment Judges would be in town September 10th with a presentation from 8:00 until 9:45 in the north room of the ONCRC. The event is open to the public and businesses are encouraged to use their billboards to welcome the judges. The Salem Community Center@The Armory had 4,037 participants in their August programs. Walden said the city is reviewing all the services that are currently being offered in the city administration building. They will review and evaluate those services for security purposes. Walden also said he would like to have the City Comprehensive Plan finalized for the next budget year that includes a number of different project inputs. The board approved the holding of the First Baptist Church Fall Festival Spectacular on October 5th that will include the street closings of West First Street and North Grand from 7:15 to 8:15 for a fireworks display. The board approved Bill #3428 for the mayor to execute an agreement for construction services with H.W Lochner, Inc.; approved Bill #3429 that allows the mayor to execute an agreement with the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission for work at the Salem Municipal Airport, and they approved Resolution 22-2019 for the execution of MoDOT documents related to the Salem Municipal Airport State Block Grant. The board approved the Fall Clean-Up Week to be October 7th through the 11th and approved City Clerk Mary Happel to attend the annual LAGERS meeting to be held in Springfield on October 24th and 25th. The board then went into closed session.

The Salem Community Center@ The Armory and Your Community Cares Rural Health Coalition is hosting an Opioids and the Workforce Conference on Tuesday, September 10th in Salem from 9:30 in the morning until 4:45 in the afternoon. At a time when workforce development is cited as a top concern for businesses, an individual who fails a drug test for the first time is as likely to be terminated; leaving a shortage of workforce. In addition to higher absenteeism and lower job productivity and performance, the workforce has additional costs for health care expenses for injuries and illnesses. It is essential that employers understand the science of addiction, it’s prevalence among working adults, and how they can be connected to the prevention, treatment and recovery communities to support their employees. Employers may save up to $2,607 per worker annually by assisting and supporting employees with treatment according to the National Safety Council. Speakers will assist businesses in building solutions to the opioid epidemic in their workplace and community. At the same time, this provides an opportunity for individuals to gain or retain the employment they need as part of their recovery. employment they need as part of their recovery. The conference will feature local businesses and persons with lived experience that recognize the value of seeking treatment and supporting recovery and will be broken out into three sessions. The first session will define the crisis of opioid use and why its impact on the workforce matters along with the economic impact of addiction on individuals, businesses, and the community; the second session will describe examples of pathways of treatment and steps that can be taken to bring people in recovery successfully back into the workforce; and the third session will include a discussion on how businesses should be a recovery friendly workplace. They will discuss and review examples of administration guidance that provide a second chance concept in hiring and retaining employees. For more information or to register for the conference please contact Sherry Lea at 573-729-8163 or e-mail her sherry@salemcommunitycenter.org.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Annual MRCA/URA Semi-Pro Labor Day Rodeo was a big success over the weekend with large crowds each night at The Commons. The event is a major fundraiser for the Chamber. Winners this year from the rodeo include Tyler Davidson in Bareback Riding, Cody Payne in Calf Roping, Shane Wesley in the “over 40-years of age” Calf Roping, Trey Watts in Saddle Bronc Riding, Dakota Mayberry and Tyler Triplett in the Team Roping competition, Rachel Schroeder in Barrel Racing and Alvin Detweiler won the Bull Riding Competition. Congratulations to all those who participated in the rodeo and the chamber thanks everyone who attended the event.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a number of reports. On Wednesday the 21st, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 4210. During the traffic stop, a 32-year-old Salem woman was arrested for driving while having her license revoked or suspended, a 1st offense. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where she was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. The next day, deputies received information that a 34-year-old Salem woman was in the 200 block of South Grand Street. Deputies were advised that the woman had an active warrant through Dent County. Deputies traveled to the area and located the woman who was arrested and transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Department Jail where she was incarcerated. On Friday the 23rd, deputies conducted a traffic stop in parking lot of Wal-Mart and a 19-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 1st offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Department where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. The next day, Saturday the 24th, deputies received information of a vehicle which was traveling at high rates of speed and causing a traffic hazard. The reporting party said the vehicle was traveling on Highway 68 towards Salem and was almost to the city limits. Deputies traveled to the area and located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop on the Wal-Mart parking lot. During the course of the traffic stop, a 40-year-old Lonedell man was arrested for Driving While Being Intoxicated and possession of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid of 10 grams or less. The driver also had a prior drug offense and a felony driving while having their license revoked or suspended. The man was transported to the Dent County jail and incarcerated. If you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 573-729-3241.

The University of Missouri Extension will host a Management Intensive Grazing School on September 26th and 27th 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 20th. For more information, please contact Rachel Hopkins, the MU Extension Ag Business and Community Engagement Specialist at 573-438-2671. To register for the Grazing School, contact the Crawford County SWCD (Soil & Water Conservation District) office in Rolla, MO at 573-364-6202.

Four people died in traffic crashes during the 2019 Labor Day holiday weekend. Last year, there were 11 fatalities. The Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated the following traffic events including 309 accidents, 107 injuries, 116 driving while intoxicated and made 95 drug arrests. The Labor Day Holiday boating statistics included 13 crashes, 4 injuries, 10 boating while intoxicated, 16 drug related arrests, and there were no boating fatalities. During the 2018 counting period, the Patrol investigated 257 traffic crashes, which included 119 injuries and seven of the 11 fatalities. Troopers made 113 arrests for driving while intoxicated last year. Also, over the Labor Day holiday 2018: Troopers investigated seven boating crashes involving three injuries and no fatalities; and arrested 15 people for boating while intoxicated on the state’s rivers and lakes. There were no drownings over the 2018 Labor Day holiday weekend. Troopers investigated all four of the fatal traffic crashes over the 2019 Labor Day holiday weekend.

In a press release from Dent County Prosecutor Andrew M. Curley, a jury trial was conducted in the State v. Donnie Merrell on June 19th and 20th. The defendant was charged with two counts of Statutory Sodomy in the 1st Degree involving a minor child under the age of 14. The charge was filed as a result of a disclosure to a school counselor and investigation conducted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Department and Missouri Children’s Division that occurred during the winter of 2016 and continued into the beginning of 2017. The charges were filed by prosecutor Andrew M. Curley on February 3rd of 2017, as a result of receiving a probable cause statement from Dent County Sheriff’s Detective Rick Letchworth. Judge Randall Head presided over the trial. The state was represented by Andrew M. Curley and James Weber. The defendant was represented by Stephen Daniels. At the conclusion of the trial, the jury found the defendant guilty of one count of Statutory Sodomy in the 1st Degree. A sentencing hearing then followed on August 26th where Judge Head sentenced the Merrill to 20 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections. In a statement released from the Prosecutor’s Office, Prosecutor Curley indicated the victim and her family were pleased with the result and glad the judicial process was concluded. Curley also wanted to thank the sheriff’s department, the victim advocates, the victim and her family. 

A fatal accident occurred Saturday evening at 6:21 in Dent County on Route ZZ about two miles west of Jadwin. According to the highway patrol report, a 1992 Jeep Cherokee driven by 40-year old Nicholas Easton of Paragold, Arkansas, was traveling northbound on Route ZZ when he lost control of his vehicle. The Jeep overturned and Easton was partially ejected. Easton was transported to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by the Salem Ambulance and was pronounced dead at 7:55 that evening by Dr. Lambird. The Cherokee was totaled and towed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing of Salem. Easton was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will hold their regular meeting Tuesday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers beginning at 7:00. Prior to their regular meeting, the alderman will hold a workshop on the nuisance violations at 6:00 to be followed by Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing and then meeting beginning at 6:30 in regards to a conditional use request for a food establishment: The Saucy Chook Pub owned by AJ Schafer and Tina Cook at 206 West Fourth Street. The Planning and Zoning Commission will also discuss short term rentals and discuss the definition of lodging at the meeting. At the Board of Aldermen meeting, they will hear a request from the Grace Community Church to close Water Street from the end of their parking lot to Franklin Street on September 15^th from 8:00 until 4:00, and on October 30^th from 4:00 until 9:00 for community events. After the consent agenda, Planning and Zoning Chairman Gary Brown will give a report on their hearing and meeting before City Administrator Ray Walden updates the board ona number of items regarding the city, a review of the city services at the City Administration Office Building, and give an update of the City Comprehensive Plan. The board will review the request by First Baptist Church to set off fireworks on October 5^th for their Fall Fest Spectacular. The board will then review two bills dealing with the airport construction project: Bill #3428 allowing the mayor to execute an aviation project consultant supplemental agreement between the city and H. W. Lochner, Inc. for providing construction services at the Salem Municipal Airport, and Bill #3429 that allows the mayor to execute an agreement between the city and Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission to extend the airport master plan and layout Project 14-066a-1 to be completed by July 31^st, 2020. The board will also hear Resolution #22-2019 to approve the MoDOT documents related to the state block grant for the construction of T-Hangers, Taxilanes and the replacement of the wind cone. In new business, the board will discuss the Fall Clean Up week that will be held in October and the Lagers Annual Meeting before going into closed session to discuss contracts and personnel. The workshop, Planning and Zoning public hearing and public meeting, and the regular Board of Aldermen meeting on Tuesday are all open to the public.

An accident happened Tuesday afternoon around 2:30 in Dent County on Highway 72 about 4 miles north of Salem resulting in minor injuries to two Salem residents. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 2010 Kia Forte being driven northbound by 62-year old Penny Holloway of Salem, was stopped in the roadway waiting to make a left turn into a private drive and was struck from behind by a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu being driven by 20-year old Thomas Allen of Rolla. Holloway and a passenger, 62-year old Ruth Walker also of Salem, received minor injuries in the accident. Holloway was transported by Salem EMS to Salem Memorial District Hospital while the Walker was transported by a private vehicle to SMDH. All occupants in both vehicles were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. Both vehicles sustained minor damage. The Chevrolet was towed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing and the Kia was driven from the scene. The highway patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriffs Department.

The Salem Police Department has release reports for August 15th through the 20th. On Thursday, the 15th at around 6:34 in the evening a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. An investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 37-year-old male of Salem for possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana. The suspect was released pending an application for criminal summonses. The next morning, Friday the 16th at approximately 11:23, an officer located a 23-year-old male and a 29-year-old male, both of Salem, who had active arrest warrants. The 23-year-old suspect was wanted by the State of Missouri and was taken into custody. The 29-year-old suspect, who was wanted by Floyd County, Georgia, fled on foot. He was apprehended later the same evening. Both suspects were incarcerated pending a court appearance and extradition. On Tuesday, the 20th, shortly after 1:00 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1000 block of South Pershing in reference a fight in progress. An investigation revealed a 49-year-old male of Salem was intoxicated and had assaulted a 37-year-old male, also of Salem. The officer discovered the suspect had pointed an air pistol at the victim near the residence where a 6-year-old male juvenile was also present. After an investigation, the suspect was arrested for assault and unlawful use of a weapon. The suspect was incarcerated pending the application for warrants. The 6-year old who was in the custody of the suspect, was recovered by the Division of Family Services and later released to his mother. That same afternoon at approximately 4:59, an officer was contacted at the police department in reference to the fraudulent use of a credit device. The investigation of the report revealed a person or persons unknown, stole a credit card check and used it at Wal-Mart for $272.53. That report is currently under investigation. Still later that same evening at around 5:25, an officer was contacted at the police department in reference to an assault that had taken place at a residence in the 700 block of South Warfel Street. An investigation revealed that a 31-year-old female of Salem had assaulted a 26-year-old female of Salem causing minor injuries. The report is under investigation at this time. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

It’s almost time for the Labor Day Salem Area Chamber of Commerce MRCA/URA Rodeo this Saturday and Sunday at The Commons on Highway 72 produced by Outlaw Rodeo Productions. The rodeo begins at 7:30 both Saturday and Sunday nights. Events include bareback riding, calf roping, breakaway roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and bull riding. Activities for children 10 and under include a boot toss and calf scramble each night sponsored by the Doe Run Company. As always, the rodeo will be saluting our veterans and you can join in that salute by wearing red, white, and blue. There will also be a concession stand and numerous vendors will be on hand for the rodeo selling their wares. Tickets at the gate are $10 for adults and $5 for children who are 5-11 years of age. You can purchase discounted advance tickets for $8 for adults and $4 for ages 5-11 at all Salem area banks or by stopping by the Salem Area Chamber Of Commerce office at 200 South Main Street. For more information about the rodeo, call the chamber office at 729-6900.

The Missouri Department of Conservation will increase the prices for some nonresident hunting and fishing permits starting in 2020. According to department, permit prices have not been raised in over a decade and adjustments are needed to help keep up with increasing costs of providing conservation programs and services around the state. The price increases were given initial approval by the Missouri Conservation Commission at its May 23 meeting. As part of the rulemaking process, MDC asked for public comment on the changes during July. The Commission then considered input received and approved the increases during its Aug. 23 meeting. The effective date will be Feb. 29, 2020. Nonresidents account for nearly 100% of daily fishing permit purchases and daily small-game hunting permit purchases. As part of the changes, MDC will also limit daily fishing permits and daily hunting permits to 1 and 3 days and eliminate daily fishing and daily hunting permits for other numbers of days. MDC permit sales account for about 17 percent of the agency’s annual revenue and help fund numerous conservation efforts around the state. Other significant revenue sources include the Conservation Sales Tax at about 61 percent and federal reimbursements at about 16 percent. Sales and rentals, interest, and other sources make up the remaining 6 percent of MDC revenue. According to MDC, the average Missourian pays about $19 annually for conservation efforts through the Department’s dedicated sales tax revenue. MDC receives no funding from property taxes, tickets or citations, which go to local school districts, or the state’s general revenue budget.

Starting next year, the Missouri Department of Conservation will increase the minimum acreage requirement from five to 20 acres for resident landowners and members of their immediate households to receive free permits for deer and turkey hunting. Resident landowners with five or more acres and members of their immediate households will continue to be allowed to hunt small game, fish on waters of the state, and trap on their qualifying properties without the need of a permit. Also starting in 2020, MDC will offer discounted deer and turkey hunting permits for nonresident landowners with 75 acres or more in a contiguous tract. According to MDC, many nonresident landowners provide wildlife habitat work on their properties and those efforts can provide benefits to state wildlife resources. MDC is also implementing a landowner registry starting in 2020 for resident landowners to obtain free landowner deer and turkey permits and for nonresident landowners to obtain discounted landowner permits. The registry is needed by both MDC and permit vendors to help eliminate misuse of landowner permits and privileges. According to MDC, conservation agents around the state find several hundred related violations each year. A review by conservation agents in 2017 found 35% misuse of deer and turkey hunting landowner privileges. Prior to 2004, landowners wanting no cost landowner deer and turkey hunting privileges were required to provide proof by mailing the appropriate information to MDC. The landowner registry will be available starting in January 2020. MDC conducted an online landowner survey in March to get feedback on acreage preferences. The changes were given initial approval by the Missouri Conservation Commission at its May 23 meeting. As part of the rulemaking process, MDC asked for public comments during July and early August. The Commission considered input received and approved the changes at its August 23rd meeting. The changes will become effective January 15th, 2020.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has submitted the following reports. On Friday, August 16th, deputies observed a man walking south on Highway 72. Deputies went to check on the man and during the course of the incident, a 29-year-old man was arrested for warrants through Salem Police Department and Probation and Parole. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and incarcerated. Then on Saturday, August 17th, deputies received a report from Jadwin Canoe Rental of a man that had threatened people on one of their transportation buses. After investigating the incident, deputies traveled to the 700 block of East Hunt Street and arrested a 33-year-old Salem man for peace disturbance, a 1st offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Finally on Sunday, August 18th, deputies traveled to the 100 block of Route F for a report of a burglary that had occurred. During the course of the investigation, a man and woman were seen exiting the woods surrounding the residence. The man and woman were identified and a stop and hold was issued for the subjects. Later that day, the man and woman were located by the Salem Police Department and Missouri State Highway Patrol at Wal-Mart. The man and woman were arrested for Burglary in the 2nd degree and Stealing in the 1st degree. Both subjects were transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and were incarcerated. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 573-729-3241 if you have any information about an ongoing investigation.

An accident occurred in Dent County Monday evening at 7:50 on Highway 72 about nine miles west of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a westbound 2017 Subaru Forester, driven by 49-year-old Calvin Owens of High Ridge, struck a deer attempting to cross the road. Owens suffered minor injuries and sought his own medical treatment. The Subaru sustained moderate damage and the disposition of the vehicle is unknown. The report stated that Owens was wearing his safety device at the time of the accident.

The Salem Police Department released reports for August 13th and 14th. On Tuesday morning the 13th at approximately 10:25 an officer located a 22-year-old male of Salem in the 600 block of West Fourth 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. That night at approximately 10:19 a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. Investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 31-year-old male of Salem for driving while revoked. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Then on Wednesday afternoon the 14th at approximately 1:25 an officer was investigating a crash at Missouri Highways 32 & 19. Investigation of the accident led to the arrest of a 45-year-old male of Salem for driving while suspended. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. That night at approximately 10:42 an officer located a 30-year-old male of Salem near Ray and Key Lanes who had two active arrest warrants from Crawford County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrants and incarcerated pending extradition. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 573-729-4242 if you have any information regarding an investigation previously mentioned.

The American Volunteers will be holding an Off-Road Swap Meet at the Flat Nasty off-road park in Jadwin. The meet will be held starting at 8:00 Saturday morning, August 31st at 1775 Route ZZ. You will find all types of new and used equipment. You can reserve your spot for $10 all day by calling 729-1394. Great food and drinks will be available. If you got it, bring it, trade it or sell it!