Local News

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

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

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

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

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, Richard LaBrash from the American Volunteers said the 2nd Annual ATV/UTV Fall Ride for America will be held on Saturday, October 12th starting and ending at Danny Black’s Farm. The American Volunteers will serve a meal after 6:00 that evening to all the participants. The event is sponsored by the American Volunteers and the Dent County Sheriff’s Department. For more information, call Richard LaBrash at 729-3196 or Sheriff Bob Wells at 729-3241. If you have questions about getting a county license to ride your ATV or UTV on county roads, contact the Dent County Clerk at 729-4144. LaBrash also discussed with the commission an initiative he is involved with to get more veterans in the outlying areas of Reynolds, Texas, Iron and Dent counties to use VA services. Since many of these veterans live where there is no Internet, this would be entry level step to get them to be able to access the VA from public areas like libraries. He is working with the VA in Poplar Bluff on the project and would have more information in the near future. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated grading and ditch work would be done on Dent County Road 5450 while only grading would be done on county roads 4122 and 4150. Purcell said materials were being added to county road 6040, brush was being cut on county road 5105, 6150 and 6500, and materials were provided and a crossover pipe was being installed on Dent County Road 4060. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2510 and 3220 while brush would be cut on county road 4030. He also said the low water crossing has been repaired on Dent County road 4480 and the road is now open to through traffic. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles helped out with the Dent County Beef Days Thursday before attending the MRPC Committee and Board meetings that night. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that all the tax entities have submitted their tax rates that were certified by her and her office and were approved by the state auditor’s office. She went on to say that her office and the treasurer’s office balanced on all accounts for August, and that her office along with the assessor’s office and the collector’s office balance on all collections, abatements and add-ons for August. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

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

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

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

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

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.