Local News

An accident occurred Sunday evening at 8:26 in Texas County on Highway 137 about four miles south of Licking that took the life of a Licking man. According to the highway patrol report, a 1999 Dodge 3500 truck driven by 19-year old William Grammar of Summersville, was attempting to turn left from a private drive onto Highway 137 northbound when a southbound 2001 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by 57-year old Frank Davy of Licking struck the side of the towed unit in the southbound lane. The body of Frank Davy was taken to the Fox Funeral Home in Licking. He was wearing his safety equipment at the time of the accident. The Harley Davidson was totaled and removed from the scene by Jay’s Automotive of Houston. The Dodge truck sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the courthouse. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles was not in attendance due to a previous commitment. District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell was appointed as the temporary Presiding Commissioner for the meeting. In the road report for district 1, Commissioner Purcell stated that grading was going to be done on Dent County Roads 4080, 5160, 5170 and 6220. He also said brush would be cut on county roads 4253, 4255, 5070, 5190 and 5410. Purcell went on to say that a grader is not in operation and in need of maintenance. A technician from John Deere will need to repair the problem. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported grading was going to be done on Dent County Road 2500 while materials will be added and patch grading will be done on county roads 4280, 4290 and 5260. Larson said brush will be cut on county road 2240, materials will be added to county road 2380 and patch grading will be done on county road 2540. Larson also said chip and seal overlay will begin later this week and the county apologizes in advance for any delays due to the work being done. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she would be attending the annual County Clerks Election Authority Conference at the Lodge of the Four Seasons and will not be at the meeting Thursday. At the last meeting, Commissioner Purcell contacted Matt Lloyd with Fabick and Company regarding the two new Cat graders. Even after some adjustments, the commissioners and grader operators are still not satisfied with the performance and safety of the graders. The commissioners decided they did not want the new graders and asked for their old John Deere graders back. They will be talking with Lloyd again about the problem, but plan on re-bidding to get new graders. Mike Elliott from Town and Country Insurance was in to discuss the water damage in the Judicial Building from a toilet. The commissioners also heard from Dennis Hayman about setting a date to celebrate the 150th year celebration of the Dent County Courthouse. No date has been discussed or decided at this time. 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.

A three vehicle accident occurred Wednesday evening on August 14th around 6:10 that left a woman from Rolla with minor injuries. The report from the Salem Police Department states that a 2019 Toyota Corolla driven by Ruth Ridenhour of Licking had just exited a private drive and was preparing to turn left onto northbound Highway 72. The Corolla turned into the side of a 2007 F-250 being driven by Bret Bailey of Salem. The Ford was pushed into the entry lane of Highway 72 where it collided with a 2003 Buick Century being driven by Brenda Vasic of Rolla. Vasic was transported by EMS to the Salem Memorial District hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The Toyota sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene. The Ford and Buick were both driven from the scene with minor to moderate damage.

The Dent County follow-up community conversation on the opioid epidemic will be held tonight starting at 5:30 at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory located at 1200 West Rolla Road in Salem. Join in the discussion along with the panel of experts as they listen and educate on how the opioid epidemic impacts our community and what local leaders are doing in response to the crisis. The town hall meeting, which is hosted by Your Community Cares Rural Health Coalition, will include professionals from local law enforcement, the medical community and recovery advocates. The event is free.

An accident happened Sunday evening at approximately 8:22 in Franklin County on westbound Interstate 44 around the 235 mile marker that resulting in injuries to a teenager from Steelville. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 2019 Freightliner being driven by 32-year old Tracy Manuel of Norfolk, Virginia, was traveling in westbound in the left lane as a 2008 Pontiac G-6 driven by 18-year old Elizabeth Ruth of Steelville, was entering the interstate from the rest area and traveled into the path of the Freightliner. The right front bumper of the Pontiac struck the towed unit of the Freightliner. Ruth was taken to Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital in a personal vehicle for treatment of minor injuries. The report states both drivers were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Frieghtliner sustained no damage in the accident and was driven from the scene while the Pontiac sustained moderate damage and was towed from the scene by personal conveyance.

An accident occurred Sunday morning around 12:35 in Crawford County on Oak Hill Road about five miles north of Cuba. According to the highway patrol report, a 2004 Dodge Ram driven by 14-year old Lane Bridgeman of Cuba was traveling southbound when pickup began to skid. The Dodge traveled off the left side of the road before overturning. The vehicle then struck a tree before finally coming to rest. Lane was pronounced deceased at the scene by Crawford County Coroner Darren Dake. Lane’s body was transported to the Hudson Funeral Home. The other three occupants of the vehicle all suffered serious injuries. They were 14- year old Luke Bridgeman of Cuba who was flown to Children’s Hospital in St. Louis by Air Evac, 12-year old Thomas Drew of Steelville who was flown by Arch Air to Children’s Hospital in St. Louis and 12-year old Devon Watring was flown to Children’s Hospital in St Louis by Phelps Air. The driver and all occupants of the vehicle wear wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Dodge was totaled and removed from the scene by Chris & Son’s Towing. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department, North Crawford County Ambulance, Cuba Fire Department and the Bourbon Fire Department.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Sunday, August 11th, just after midnight, an officer located a 35-year-old female of Rolla near Macarthur and Acuff who had two active arrest warrants from Dent County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrants and for resisting arrest. The suspect was incarcerated pending a court appearance. The next afternoon, Monday August 12th, near 1:17, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed the victim lost a wallet containing identification and cash valued at $170.20 near the Salem Public Library. By use of security surveillance video, the officer was able to locate a 67-year-old male of Salem who found the wallet and took it. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect for stealing and recovery of the wallet and cash. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Later that afternoon at approximately 3:17, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The onvestigation of the report led to the arrest of a 29-year-old female of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $44.74. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. That same evening at 6:58, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a theft from a storage unit. The investigation of the report revealed a person or persons unknown forcibly entered a storage unit and took a bicycle valued at $100.00. The report is under investigation. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 573-729-4242 if you have any information regarding an investigation previously mentioned.

An accident occurred Friday evening around 6:06 in Phelps County on Route CC about three miles west of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2011 Chevrolet Camaro driven by 21-year old Caleb Gentry of Rolla, was traveling westbound at a high rate of speed. The Camaro traveled off the left side of the road, struck a ditch and overturned several times. Gentry suffered moderate inquires and was transported to Phelps Health Hospital by Phelps Health Ambulance. Gentry was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Camaro was totaled and removed from the scene by Dishman’s Towing.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has submitted the following reports. On Sunday, August 11th, deputies traveled to the 4000 block of County Road 3220 to investigate a report of a non-injury traffic crash. Deputies arrived on the scene and during the course of the incident investigation the driver, a 56-year-old Salem man, fled the scene. Deputies began to pursue the vehicle and observed the man had wrecked in the 3000 block of County Road 3220. The man was observed running from the wreck into the nearby woods. Deputies gave chase after the subject and the man was apprehended. The man was arrested for a DWI, habitual driving while having his license revoked or suspended – a felony, and two counts of resisting arrest for a felony. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. Then on Thursday, August 15th, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 800 Block of East 3rd Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 36-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having is license revoked or suspended, a 1st offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and was released. Also on the 15th, deputies traveled to the 2000 block of Highway 119 to assist with a medical call. During the course of the incident, a 25-year-old Salem man was arrested for active warrants through Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and incarcerated. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 573-729-3241 if you have any information about an investigation.

An accident happened Wednesday afternoon shortly before 5:00 in Phelps County on highway O approximately 4 miles south of Rolla. The highway patrol reports states that a 2009 Volkswagen Routan driven by Amy Hyatt of Rolla was traveling southbound on O when she pulled onto the shoulder in an attempt to make a U-turn. While making the turn, the vehicle traveled into the path of a 1996 Dodge D150 also being driven south by Gary Longgrear of Rolla. Hyatt was transported to Phelps Health by ambulance for treatment of minor injuries. Both vehicles sustained minor damage. The Dodge was driven from the scene and the Volkswagen was removed from the scene by C & C Towing. Both drivers were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident according to the report.

The Dent County Commissioners met for regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams was in to report the CART Tax receipts for August of $60,037.34, which is $493.65 below August of 2018. Year-to-date Cart Receipts are down $5,977.49 or about 1.3%. In the road report District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that with 3 to 4 inches of rainfall Wednesday and Thursday his crews were out checking for washouts, downed trees and limbs, plus cleaning out culverts. He said a tree had to be cleared off of Dent County Road 4150 and brush was being cut on county road 5170. Purcell said that on Monday he attended a Tourism Committee meeting where four proposals were submitted and approved, while three reimbursement requests were approved. He reported that on Tuesday he attended the South Central Community Action Agency meeting in Winona and that funds are still available for all programs. Purcell reported that just last week funds were approved for jobs for 14 to 24 year old youths including those with disabilities and those in school. He noted there are dollars available for low income energy assistance and weatherization. Income guidelines do apply and to get more information call Sarah at 573-729-3500. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that his crews were out checking roads for washouts and that truck #65 was being worked on. He also reported that quarry rock was going to be stockpiled at the Road and Bridge Department for use in emergencies on weekends. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that on Wednesday he attending a SEMA meeting in Jefferson City about community planning for economic recovery from disasters. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said that the Commissioners were approving bills for payment. Nick Smith and Dwight Ramsburg were in to provide a jail project update. The next meeting of the Commission will be Monday morning in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County follow-up community conversation on the opioid epidemic will be held on Tuesday starting at 5:30 at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory located at 1200 West Rolla Road in Salem. Join in the discussion along with the panel of experts as they listen and educate on how the opioid epidemic impacts our community and what local leaders are doing in response to the crisis. The town hall meeting, which is hosted by Your Community Cares Rural Health Coalition, will include professionals from local law enforcement, the medical community and recovery advocates. The event is free but attendees are asked to please RSVP for complimentary appetizers and drinks. RSVP to Felisha Richards at 573-426-6711 or email Felisha at frichards@your-chc.org.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On Friday afternoon, August 9th, at approximately 12:30 an officer located a 21-year-old male of Salem in the 700 block of South Washington who had two active arrest warrants from Rolla. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrants and incarcerated pending extradition. That evening at approximately 6:16, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 27-year-old male of Lenox for driving while having his license suspended. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Just minutes later at about 6:44, an officer located a 37-year-old male of Salem in the 800 block of Highway 32 West 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. On Saturday morning, August 10th near 1:46, an officer was dispatched to the area of Westwood Drive and Roosevelt in reference to peace disturbance. That investigation revealed two vehicles were parked alongside each other on Roosevelt. The driver and a passenger of a red 1999 Ford Explorer were having a dispute with the driver and sole occupant of a silver 2007 Chevrolet Impala. During the dispute, the 18-year-old male passenger of Salem in the Explorer fired a shot from a handgun into the Impala occupied by a 20-year-old female of Salem who was not struck by the bullet. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect for 1st degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon. The suspect was incarcerated pending the application for a warrant. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 573-729-4242 if you have any information regarding an investigation.

Weather permitting, crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation will make repairs to low water crossings along Dent County Route TT from Monday, August 26th through Thursday August 29th. One lane of traffic will be open as a result of the work. However, the installation of culvert pipes will force the complete closure of Route TT on Monday, August 26th and Tuesday, August 27th from 6:30 in the morning until 6:30 at night each day. Message boards will advise motorists of the closures and detour routes. MoDOT appreciates the patience of travelers during the work. 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.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital held a tax rate hearing before their regular board meeting Tuesday evening in the Hospital Library. The total assessed valuation for the year 2020 comes to $252,648,448 from the four counties that make up the hospital district. That is a two-million dollar increase from 2019. The board elected to keep the rate at 19.25 cents per $100 assessed valuation and that will produce approximately $486.348.00 for capital improvements. In the regular meeting, the board heard a presentation from Zach Moser, the Pharmacy Director who gave an overview of the Pharmacy Department in the past, currently and in the future. They only have three people in the department but play an integral role in the hospital operations. Martha Tibbs, the new Lab Director, gave a report on her department that had nine fulltime and two part time people. She wanted to remind everyone that the Health Fair would be held at the Salem Community Center@The Armory on September 18th and 19th. Monica Stogsdill gave the summary of operations for the month of July which was a busy one for the hospital. They had 133 inpatient admissions with 468 inpatient census days which comes to an Acute Care Occupancy percentage of 60.4. Stogsdill believes that is a record high for the hospital. The hospital showed a gain from operations of $174,633 and revenues over expenses after taxes of $178,805. Cash increased for the month by $78,846 with the days in net account receivables dropped to 55 from 65 days last month. During the month, there were 826 emergency room visits to go with 217 ambulance runs with 164 patients being transported. In July, there were 30 surgery cases, 1,899 outpatient registrations, 389 home health visits, 9,119 lab tests, 1,417 radiological procedures including 826 rehab treatments. Chief of Nursing Debbie Hines gave the Acute Care Staffing versus patient acuity for the month. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas said the next Hospital Auxiliary meeting will be held Tuesday, September 3rd at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. He said the “Wings and Strings” Fundraiser held August 3rd lost about $6,500 but much of that loss was in advertising money that will be reimbursed the Tourism Tax Committee. They have tentatively set next year’s event for September 12th. The hospital will have an ambulance at the Chamber of Commerce Rodeo Labor Day weekend and will also have an ambulance at the home football games starting in September. Lucas also said they will soon offer a First Responder Training for the Salem Police Department, Dent County Sheriff’s Department and Dent County Fire Department. The SMDH Renovation of the Long-Term Care unit may begin as soon as September 9th as work continues with the architects on the overall plan. The Finance Committee appointments were made and Ray Bruno will be the new chairman with Mike Swyers and Sue Terry on the committee. The board will hold their annual bylaw review next month and they also approved to sell the original tractor which is taking up room in the garage. The board then went into closed session.

An accident happened Tuesday afternoon at 5:05 in Phelps County on Highway 68 about 13 miles south St. James that took the life of a woman from Winona. According to the highway patrol report, 43-year old Melissa Allison of Rolla was driving a Ford F-150 southbound when she began hydroplaning and crossed the center line and struck head-on a 1999 Buick Regal driven northbound by Ellen Walker of Winona. The Ford then overturned and struck a 2003 Chevy Impala driven northbound by 34-year old Corey Wilson of Owensville. Walker was pronounced dead at the scene and her body was taken to the Rolla Crematorium by Deputy Coroner Gavin McDonald. Allison suffered serious injuries and was transported by Mercy Air to the University Hospital in Columbia. Wilson also suffered serious injuries and was transported by the St. James Ambulance to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. Walker and Wilson were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident but it was unknown if Allison was. The Ford and Chevy Impala were removed from the scene by Dishman’s Towing while the Buick was removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing. The Missouri State Highway Patrol was assisted by the St. James Fire Department, St. James Ambulance and MoDOT.

The 2019-2020 Missouri Official Highway Map is now available. The free map features all miles of state-maintained routes and also shows locations for public-use airports, hospitals, colleges and universities, national forests, state parks and conservation areas. Improvements include larger fonts and better color contrasts for users who may be visually impaired or have trouble with color recognition. You can order a map by going online at modot.org or by calling 1-888-ASK-MODOT.

The Salem Board of Aldermen regular meeting was held Monday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. In the hearing of persons, Julie Malone from the Salem Memorial District Hospital was in to request the closing of 4th Street on October 1st from noon to about 12:15 to hold a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk. The alderman suggested that instead of closing the streets on Tuesday, October 1st, the walk would have a police escort instead. Malone agreed to that and the alderman approved the request to hold the walk. The board approved the budgeted purchase of two Dodge Ram pickups for the building inspector and the nuisance officer for $22,407 each by a 3-1 vote. The board approved the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission to allow the property at 600 North Main owned by Glen Sapaugh to be used for a used car lot to be operated by Jim Chafin. The board recommended that cars only be allowed on the western half of lots 17 and 18. City Administrator Ray Walden wanted to thank the electric and street departments for the extra work on Friday in clearing trees from the roads and restoring power to virtually everyone in Salem. If you still don’t have power, please call 729-4117. Walden also remind citizens that when the electric goes out, do not open your refrigerator or freezer as they can keep food cool or cold for a long time before they warm up. Walden wanted to remind everyone that last Economic Development Strategic Plan Workshop will be this Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Bank of Salem Courtesy Room on 4th Street. He said the City Administrative Offices would be closed on September 2nd for Labor Day and the next meeting of the Board of Aldermen would be on Tuesday, September 3rd at 7:00. The board approved Bill #3427 that amended the ordinance for the firing off of fireworks in the city, approved Resolution #20-2019 that stated the city intended on seeking funding through the Community Development Block Grant for the Construction Trades and the new Cybersecurity Technology building. The board went on to approve Bill #21-2019 that would authorize Mayor Brad Nash to sign a contract between the city and Riverways Federal Credit Union for consulting services on their “Welcome Home Program“ for property improvement. The board did not act on Resolution #19-2019 that dealt with the policies and procedures for the hanger rental, hanger usage, fuel pricing and other airport policies. Further discussion between the Airport Board, Board of Aldermen members and Attorney William Camm Seay will be held before the resolution is reintroduced to the board. The board then went into closed session.

The Salem Police has released some reports. On Sunday morning, August 4th, shortly after midnight, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. An investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 44-year-old female of Salem for the possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and released. Later that afternoon near 3:10, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of West Second Street in reference to a domestic disturbance. The investigation revealed a 21-year-old female of Salem was threatening and acting violent toward the residents. A further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect for disorderly conduct and failure to obey a lawful order of a police officer. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Monday afternoon, August 5th at around 2:00, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a stolen debit card. That investigation revealed the victim received a notice that someone had attempted to use his card to make purchases and it was declined. The victim found that his card had been stolen. An officer went to the locations where the attempts to use the card were made and recovered video surveillance and identified the suspect. The investigation led to the arrest of a 21-year-old male of Salem for the fraudulent use of a credit card. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Wednesday morning, August 7th at around 9:46, an officer was dispatched to a traffic accident at the Dent County Health Center. The investigation of the crash revealed a 2001 Chevrolet Truck driven by a 57-year-old male of Salem had run into the Dent County Health building. A further investigation led to the arrest of the driver for driving while being intoxicated, driving while having his license revoked, driving without insurance and not having his vehicle licensed. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and released. No injuries were reported. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Monday morning. Mary Beth Cook was in to ask for a letter of support from the commissioners for the Salem R-80 High School construction trades program for the Missouri Workforce Training Initiative application and Community Development Block Grant application. The commissioners approved the request. In the road report, both commissioners reported they had crews out Friday removing downed trees and limbs from roads from the storm that morning. Doss Road was closed entirely by a downed tree that was removed and two pickup loads of limbs were removed from the courthouse square. District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5525, 6250, 6255, 6380 and 6410. He also said brush would be cut on county roads 5015, 5150 and 5160. Purcell went on to say he would attend a South Central Community Action Agency meeting tonight in Winona. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson indicated that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 3330, 3360 and 3370 while materials would be added and grading done on county road 2050. Larson also said brush would be cut on county roads 2240 and 2370 and a man would be going to Springfield for more oil for chip and seal road repairs. Chip and seal road overlays are to begin next Monday. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles stated he attended Senator Roy Blunts’ Ag Conference at Sedalia last Thursday and the group heard from Blunt and Representatives Smith and Long. A lot of the discussion was on the Missouri River basin and the flooding there. There was also a discussion on rural broadband coverage and the Feral Hog issue. Skiles said he would be attending a State Emergency Management Agency meeting on Wednesday. Willis Stagner was in and said his son, Randall Stagner, is buying property around the Stagner Cemetery, which he would like to donate to the County as part of the Cemetery for parking. The Commission will contact their attorney for his input and get back to Mr. Stagner. The Commission voted to buy a new brush cutter per State bid. The John Deere 6110M Cab tractor cost is $81,160.60 and the 2019 Tiger BB22 Boom Mower cost is $58,810.60. The Commission will be seeking financing bids. The Commission will also be seeking bids for a new phone system for the Sheriff’s Department as no bids were previously received. Information and bid specs can be obtained by calling the Sheriff’s Department at 573-729-3241. Bids are due to County Clerk Curley’s office by 10:00 in the morning on Monday, September 9th. The Commission had a conference call with Katelyn Kurley of Standard & Poor’s Global regarding the bond ratings for the jail project. Everything looks strong and stable for the future. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met Thursday at the district administrative board room. A public tax hearing was held prior to the meeting. Superintendent John McColloch explained the tax rates proposed by the Salem R-80 School District, a political subdivision. He recommended a continuation of the state’s $2.75 minimum operating levy and a $0.45 debt service levy for a total tax rate of $3.20 for the district. The public hearing was then adjourned. In the regular meeting, Assistant Superintendent John Smith reported that 10 new teachers attended the New Tiger Training led by Kristen Stites and Christy Leathers. He also reported on the professional development days held for the staff on August 12th through the 14th. Enrollment numbers were provided by all the principals and William Lynch Elementary has an enrollment of 279 students while the Upper Elementary has an enrollment of 340 students to begin school. At the Middle School, a total of 246 are enrolled while at the Salem High School, there are 582 students enrolled. The board approved the 2018-2019 Annual Secretary of the Board Report, approved the 2019 tax rate established in the public hearing of $3.20 per $100 assessed valuation, approved the Dent County Development Preschool Lease in the amount of $12,600, and they approved the Transportation Agreement with First Student. After going in to closed session to discuss a personnel issue, the R-80 board adjourned.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will be meeting tonight for a public tax hearing at 5:45 in the hospital library followed by the regular meeting at 6:00. The board will then hear a department director presentation before getting the summary of operations for the month of July from Monica Stogsdill. Debbie Hines will present the CNO report followed by a report on the hospital foundation. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas will present the marketing and community perception report. In old business, the board will get updated on the hospital expansion and renovation projects before any new business is discussed. Both the public tax hearing and regular meeting are open to the public.

Salem City Administrator Ray Walden said the city would be holding special pickups for downed limbs this week for those homes affected by the high winds. Walden said the limbs need to be moved curbside for the city to remove them and they should be cut in lengths of no more than eight-foot, preferably smaller. They do not need to be bundled during this special pickup. The city will monitor the streets for limb pickups.

Two drownings occurred in our area Thursday and Saturday. The first drowning happened in Iron County on Big Creek near Annapolis Thursday afternoon at 1:15. According to the water patrol report, 35-year old Joey Bales of Annapolis, had attempted to swim to an underwater cave and did not resurface. The water patrol was assisted by the Iron County Sheriffs office. Bales was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:10 Thursday afternoon and his body was taken to the Iron County Coroner Morgue by the coroner. The second drowning happened Saturday afternoon at 3:08 in Crawford County on the Meramec River about three miles up river from Garrison’s Canoe Rental. According to the water patrol report, 37-year old Devon Mathews of St. Louis was swimming went he went underwater and did not resurface. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Crawford County Coroner Darren Dake at 4:33 Saturday afternoon. Mathews body was taken to the Hutson Funeral Home by the coroner. Neither of the swimmers that drown was wearing life jackets at the time of the incident.

An accident occurred Saturday evening at 5:00 in Phelps County on Highway 72 about seven miles east of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2001 Nissan Xterra, driven westbound by 64-year old Dennis Kauffman of Salem, failed to negotiate a curve and traveled off the left side of the roadway before going down an embankment, and striking a tree. Kauffman suffered minor injuries and was transported to Phelps Health. Two passengers in the vehicle also suffered minor injuries. They were 24-year old Timothy Coatney of Salem and 18-year old Raymond Wallace of Salem. They were both transported to Phelps Health. Kauffman and Coatney were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident while Wallace was not. The Nissan sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

The City of Salem Planning and Zoning Board of Commissioners Chairman Gary Brown has called for a public hearing and meeting for starting at 6:30 tonight at the City Hall Council Chambers, 202 North Washington. The purpose of the hearing and meeting is to consider a conditional use permit for a used car lot at 600 North Main Street. The permit has been requested by Jim Chafin of Chafin Auto Sales. Immediately following the Planning and Zoning hearing and meeting, the Salem Board of Aldermen will hold their regular meeting at 7:00. The board will hear a request from Lisa DuLany of the Salem Hospital to close possibly three blocks of 4th Street around the Courthouse Square for a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk on October 1st. The board will also hear bids for two pickups. One is for the building inspector and the other is for the animal control/nuisance officer. These are budgeted purchases. The board will hear the report from Planning and Zoning Commission hearing and meeting before City Administrator Ray Walden will give his report. The board will discuss Bill #3427 that will amend the current ordinance on events for firing fireworks, then hear Resolution 19-2019 that will adopt policies and procedures on hanger rental, hanger usage, fuel pricing and more for the Salem Municipal Airport. The board will also hear Resolution 20-2019 to seek funding through the Community Development Block Grant for the Building Trades Program and the Cyber Security Training facilities at the Salem High School, before they hear Resolution 21-2019 that is a contract between the City of Salem and Riverways federal Credit Union Welcome Home Program consulting services. The board will go into closed session to discuss contracts and personnel before adjourning. The hearing and the meetings are all open to the public.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley has released information from court day on Tuesday, August 13th in front of Judge Kelly Parker. Curley reported that Michael Vice from Salem pled guilty to the Possession of Methamphetamine, a Class D Felony. He was sentenced to seven years in the Department of Corrections. Curley also reported that Jerry Thompson of Salem pled guilty to a Class C Felony of Driving While Being Intoxicated, a chronic offender; and also a felony charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Thompson was sentenced to ten years in the Department of Corrections under the Revised State Statutes of Missouri Section 217.362. Curley went on to report that Dwan Estep of Salem had her probation revoked and was sentenced to serve 15 years in the Department of Corrections as requested by the state.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams brought in the sales tax monies received by the county in August. She reported that the General Revenue Fund and LEST Fund each received $76,705.66 this month while last year in August, the county received $88,425.39. That is $11,719.73 less than last year and year-to-date, those funds are down over $31,133.00, a drop of 4.75%. The Road and Bridge Sales Tax Fund received $36,402.78 this month which is down from the 2018 August figure of $41,923.63 which is a decline of $5,520.85. Year-to-date, the fund is down over $9,784 which is a reduction of about 3.27%. The jail project funds both came in at $72,829.73 this month and that is down from august of 2018 by $10,415.08. Year-to-date, both funds are down just over $10,000. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5650 and 6435 while brush would be cut on county roads 4126, 5130, 5140 and 5450. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported grading would be done on Dent County Road 2130, while materials would be added and grading done on county roads 4060 and 4480. He said brush would be cut on county road 5240 and a man would be heading to Springfield to get more oil for chip and seal repair. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported on the TAC meeting held last Thursday in St. James and said the Interstate 70 bridge in Rocheport over the Missouri River would be replaced in the near future and that will force more traffic onto Highway 50 and Interstate 44 as Interstate 70 will be reduced to one lane in each direction. He said Thursday he would be attending Senator Blunt’s Agriculture Advisory Meeting at Sedalia and would not be at the Commission meeting. At the last meeting, Collector Shannon VanKirk discussed the Timber Industries properties with the commission and will proceed with the procedures of selling six pieces of that property for the tax sale. Sheriff Bob Wells discussed the need to seek bids for a new telephone system that will link the sheriff’s office to the new jail phone system. Bids will be accepted until 10:00 in the morning on Monday, August 19th. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and it is open to the public.

An accident occurred Sunday night at 9:20 in Crawford County on Highway 19 just south of the Cuba city limits. According to the highway patrol report, a southbound 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander, driven by 16-year-old Jewel Conaway of Steelville, traveled into the northbound lane. Conaway then overcorrected causing the Mitsubishi to overturn and come to rest in the ditch. Conaway suffered moderate injuries, while a passenger, 16-year-old McKayla Brown of Steelville, suffered minor injuries. Both girls were transported by Crawford County Ambulance to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. According to the report both the driver and passenger were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Mitsubishi was totaled and removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports for the first part of August. On Thursday morning, August 1st at about 8:13, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart reference a shoplifter. An investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 19-year-old female of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $23.92. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Later that evening at approximately 9:00, an officer was conducting an investigation regarding a convicted sex offender who failed to register with the Dent County Sheriffs Department. Police found that a 45-year-old male of Salem, who was a convicted sex offender, had failed to register with the Dent County Sheriffs Department and was also living within 1000 feet of a school. The suspect was taken into custody and incarcerated pending the application for a warrant. Then on Friday night, the 2nd of August at about 9:25, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. That investigation led to the arrest of a 24-year-old female of Salem for stealing merchandise on two occasions valued at $42.86. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On the afternoon of August 3rd at about 2:30, an officer transported a 31-year-old male of St. Louis from St. Francis County to the Dent County Jail due to an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. That same evening at around 7:50 an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. After an investigation, a 56-year-old female of Salem was arrested for stealing merchandise valued at $42.13. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have information regarding an ongoing investigation.