Local News

The Salem R-80 Administration has released a statement that this past Monday, October 5th, the Salem R-80 School District was notified that three high school staff members had tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). Students, their families, and other staff members who were in close contact with the three staff members were notified by the Dent County Health Department as it relates to possible quarantines. The Salem R-80 School District will continue to work closely with local health officials to monitor evolving circumstances and revise their plans as needed. They have placed a dashboard on the Salem R-80 website where you can view reporting information for the entire district. As a reminder, the 9th through 12th grade hybrid plan begins this Friday, October 9th. High school students will not attend school Friday.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday night at the fire station. At the meeting, the board reviewed the financial report that showed an ending balance of $146,281.67 as of September 30th. All bills were reviewed and approved, and as was the budget. After there was no old business to discuss, the board updated check signing cards for all the banks before setting the next meeting of the Dent County Fire Protection District Board. That meeting will be Tuesday night, November 3rd at 6:00 at the fire station at #2 South Main Street in Salem. The meeting was adjourned.

An accident happened in Franklin County on Interstate 44 westbound at the 248 mile marker Tuesday night at 9:15. According to the highway patrol report, 28-year old Devon Cardin of Dixon, fell asleep causing a 2008 GMC Sierra driven westbound to travel off the left side of the roadway, strike the cable median barrier and then overturn. Suffering serious injuries was 26-year old Kailyn McCall of Rolla who was a passenger in the Sierra. She was taken to the Mercy Hospital in St. Louis by the Meramec Ambulance. McCall was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. Cardin was wearing his restraint and did not suffer any injuries. The Sierra was totaled and removed from the scene by Patriot Towing.

An accident happened Tuesday afternoon at 3:50 in Phelps County on Stoltz Road about one half of a mile north of the Rolla City Limits. According to the highway patrol report, a northbound 2002 Yamaha Vstar, operated by 41-year-old Cody Gumm of Rolla, drove into the backside of a northbound 2019 Ford Taurus, driven by 84-year-old Loyd Edgar of Edgar Springs. Cody Gumm suffered serious injuries and was transported by Phelps Air to Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur. The report stated that Gumm was not wearing a safety device at the time of the accident. It also stated that Loyd Edgar was wearing a safety restraint. The Yamaha sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing, while the Ford sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene.

A special waste collection for residential and farm electronics, appliances and tires is planned this Saturday from 9:00 to 1:00 at the St. Robert Community Center located at 114 J.H. Williamson Drive in St. Robert. The city of St. Robert and Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC), with funding through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District (ORSWMD), are offering this collection. The collection is open to residents from Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties. To minimize personal contact, those bringing items to the collection are asked to stay inside their vehicles, and assistants will unload items. Stoves, washers, dryers, hot water heaters, and other appliances will be collected free of charge. Free electronics also include computer components, laptop computers, keyboards, hair dryers, VCR/DVD players, cell phones or anything that runs on a cord or battery. Oil and gas must be removed from tanks of any items such as push mowers, weed eaters, etc. Fees on certain items will be collected as follows: $25 for CRT TVs over 27 inches and wood console TVs, $20 for CRT TVs under 26 inches, $15 for flat screen TVs, $10 for all computer monitors and refrigerated appliances with Freon. Fees for tires are as follows: $2 each for passenger tires, $7.50 each for semi-truck tires and $35 each for tractor tires. Please ensure that rims have been removed from tires prior to collection. There is a list of items that may not be accepted. Contact Jill Hollowell at MRPC at 573-265-2993, Ext. 109 for more information on those items or e-mail her at jhollowell@meramecregion.org.

Are you still familiar with your voting rights to make sure that your vote counts on November 3rd? Right now, you can submit an application in person, by mail, e-mail or fax to the Dent County Clerk’s office to vote absentee which does require an excuse. You can also request in person or by mail to do a mail in voting. These application methods MUST be received by the Dent County Clerk no later than October 21st. You can also vote absentee in person from now until November 2nd at the Dent County Courthouse where you complete an absentee application, receive your ballot and cast it at that time. If you still have questions about absentee balloting, or mail-in voting, please call the dent County Clerk’s Office at 729-4144 or stop by the Dent County Courthouse.

Are you a business owner, a business manager or wanting to start a business? There will be a Business at Breakfast event Thursday morning from 7:00 to 7:45 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory hosted by Sally Burbridge, Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director, and by Sarah Hultine Massengale from the MU Extension virtually. This is a change of venue from the original location. Those interested will hear from Kelly Sink from the MRPC who is the administrator of the Dent County CARES funding, to learn what other businesses in our region are doing to creatively utilize the special federal funding to support their businesses. You may come in person, or virtually via zoom. You MUST RSVP to attend by contacting Sarah Massengale at hultines@missouri.edu by noon TODAY and specify you are reserving a seat or needing the virtual link. There will be Danishes and coffee served!

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be holding a special meeting in the City Hall Council Chambers on Thursday, October 8th starting at 7:00 to go into closed session to discuss litigation, personnel and contracts. The meeting was called by Aldermen Kevin James and Greg Parker and it is not open to the public.

The death of a 10-year old Salem girl has led to charges being filed against the Salem couple that had adopted her. According to circuit court documents, 51-year old Randall L. Abney and 44-year old Susan A. Abney were each charged with a felony count of abuse or neglect resulting in the death of a child. They are incarcerated in the Dent County Jail and are being held on a $500,000. The incident occurred Saturday evening when law enforcement was called out and found an unresponsive child in the 400 block of Dent County Road 4225. Then child was pronounced dead at 7:41 at the Salem Memorial District Hospital. The charges against Randall and Susan Abney are only accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Any evidence to support these charges will have to be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it will be to determine guilt or innocence.

With fall firearms turkey season now underway and lasting through October 31st and archery turkey season underway, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) advises turkey hunters it could be another challenging season. According to MDC, turkey production in
Missouri steadily increased during the 1990s before declining during the 2000s. While production began to increase throughout much of the state from about 2009 to 2014, Missouri has had poor production over the last several years. MDC preliminary data from this year’s annual wild turkey brood survey indicate turkey production will likely be on-par with production during the last several years. According to MDC, the statewide poult-to-hen ratio for this year is projected to be about 0.9, which is the same as the 2018 and 2019 years. Weather conditions during the nesting season and through much of the brood-rearing period were favorable across most of the state. Yet, despite favorable weather, this year’s expected low production isn’t surprising considering the PHR trend from previous years. Get details about fall turkey hunting from MDC’s 2020 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet,available where hunting permits are sold or online at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/fall-deer-and-turkey-hunting-regulations-and-information. Buy hunting permits from vendors around the state, online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits or through MDC’s free Mo Hunting mobile app, available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices.

An accident occurred Monday afternoon in Phelps County at 4:12 on County Road 8410 at the intersection of County Road 8380 eight miles from Rolla. According to the Highway Patrol Report a southbound 2015 Ford Focus, driven by 32-year old Danielle Durga of Waynesville, failed to yield to a westbound John Deere Tractor, operated by 57-year-old Thomas Parker of Rolla. The tractor struck the Ford in the side and both vehicles came to rest in the ditch. Durga suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Phelps Health in Rolla. According to the report she was wearing her safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Big Boys Towing. The John Deere sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley has released reports of two cases heard in Crawford County Tuesday in front of Judge Megan Seay. In the first case, Curley said Kathy Eplin of Vandalia pled guilty to the distribution of controlled substances, the delivery of controlled substances into a county jail, and also for felony driving while having her license revoked. She was sentenced to 10 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections as requested by the state. Curley also reported that Dawnyale Coffman of Salem pled guilty to the possession of methamphetamine, the distribution of a controlled substance, and for keeping or maintaining a public nuisance. Coffman was sentenced to seven years in the Department of Corrections as requested by the state.

A one vehicle accident happened Thursday morning at 7:00 in Reynolds County on Highway 21 about five miles north of Ellington. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2012 Buick Enclave being driven by 30-year old Edward Coleman of Salem was southbound when he suffered a medical issue. This caused the vehicle to travel off the right side of the roadway and strike two trees. A passenger in the vehicle, 56-year old Karen Reese of Ellington, suffered minor injuries and was transported by Reynolds County EMS to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Both Coleman and Reese were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Buick was totaled and removed from the scene by Aissies Towing.

Representatives from the Missouri State Parks invite the public to attend an informational meeting at Current River State Park at 12:00 noon on Saturday, October 3rd at the barbecue house. This is a combined public meeting for Current River State Park and Roger Pryor Backcountry. The public is invited to share comments about the facilities and their operations during the meeting. Staff will be present to provide information and answer questions. Input from the public is important to Missouri State Parks. These informational meetings, which are being held in all state parks and historic sites, help create two-way communication with the public. The meetings give staff the opportunity to inform the public of the current status and future plans for the park or historic site, while also offering visitors the opportunity to comment on the facilities. Current River State Park is located on Highway 19, approximately 23 miles south of Salem and approximately 15 miles north of Eminence. For more information, call Current River State Park at 573-751-1224.

The Dent County Community Foundation is hosting a virtual auction to help raise funds for the Dent County Community Foundation. Since the inception of the foundation along with our agency partners we have raised over $1,300,000.00 in locally raised funds that have been returned to our not for profit agencies here in Dent County. Recent grant awards include funding for The Salem R-80 Construction trades program, the Salem Memorial District Hospital, and the Salem R-80 Computer science program. There are lots of great auction items, only two days left to get your gift or travel destination to the Current River or a beautiful coastal getaway at Kure Beach in North Carolina. There are also lots of gift certificates and gift baskets for you to give during the upcoming holiday season. Here is the link to register for this exciting event www.biddingowl.com/DCCF or call Mary Beth Cook at 573 -453- 6091 with any questions you might have.

Farming plays a vital role in Missouri’s economy, history, and identity. In the coming weeks, farmers across the state will be harvesting their crops. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds drivers to share the road. Expect to see an increase in farm machinery traffic–especially on rural highways. Please obey all traffic laws and remain vigilant. Farmers and motorists alike are encouraged to be safe, courteous drivers. In 2019, there were 193 Missouri traffic crashes involving farm equipment. In those crashes, three people were killed and 64 were injured. Whether you’re driving a vehicle or operating farm machinery, you must pay attention to the roadway, other drivers, and traffic signs. Drivers, it’s important that you do your part! Stay alert for slow moving farm equipment. When you come up behind a tractor or other farm machinery, please slow down and be patient. Wait to pass until you have a clear view of the road ahead and there is no oncoming traffic. Never pass on a hill or curve. Often, all-terrain vehicles are used for agricultural purposes. ATVs being used for farming can only travel on highways during daylight hours and must be equipped with lights, a bicycle flag, and a “slow-moving vehicle” emblem. The law requires anyone under the age of 18 to wear a safety helmet when operating an ATV; the Patrol, however, recommends operators wear a safety helmet regardless of age.

On Wednesday evening, the Salem R-80 Board of Education held a special meeting in the district administration offices boardroom to discuss a new Hybrid Learning Plan which was requested at the last board meeting. Dr. Lynne Reed explained that the plan would be for 6th thru 12th grade students only with half students coming to school Monday and Wednesday and the other half Tuesday and Thursday with Friday being a virtual classroom day. This plan would allow for more effective social distancing of the staff and students. Reed explained that a survey of effected staff showed 33 of 68 teachers were in favor of moving forward with the plan while 10 wanted all students to remain in school and 8 opted for full closure should the COVID-10 numbers in Dent County keep rising and more students are quarantined. Reed explained how the plan would affect the rural school students, especially those who are bussed, and that two of the rural schools would come on the A schedule and the other two schools on the B schedule. The school has purchased 100 Kajeet hot spot units that would be distributed to families with no internet access. All that would be needed is a cell phone signal. There would also be a daily Learning Lab from 3:30-5:30 to allow for students to use internet access. Meals could also be distributed to students on the day they attend class and for the days they are attending from home. The school is currently short staffed for the food service personnel as well as substitute teachers. An estimated 200 students would be affected by this plan with the school currently having a total of 125 students, school-wide, under quarantine. Assistant Athletic Director, Clay Moody, reported that attendance vouchers could be distributed for future sporting events. The board approved the plan that was presented with full discretion on when the plan would be implemented by the administration. This plan would be temporary and students could return to full time school when county numbers improve. Reed stated there would be at least one-week notice given before the plan was implemented to allow for staff and parents to make arrangements.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released the following reports. On Saturday, September 19th, the Sheriff’s Office received a report of an assault that occurred at a residence in the 2000 block of Route H. Deputies traveled to the residence and during the course of the incident, a 61-year-old Salem man was arrested for assault in the 4th degree. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail, where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Also on the 19th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 5000 block of South Highway 19. During the course of the traffic stop, a 38- year-old Salem man was arrested for operating a vehicle on a highway without having a valid license, a 1st offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Then on Monday, September 21st, a deputy traveled to the 38000 block of Highway 72 to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 43-year-old Salem man was arrested for an active warrant through Probation and Parole. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail and was incarcerated. On Tuesday the 22nd, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 600 block of Route W to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 29-year old Salem man was arrested for an active warrant through probation and parole. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. Then on the 23rd, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at Route DD and Route H intersection. During the course of the traffic stop, a 61-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while being intoxicated. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Finally on Sunday, the 27th, Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Highway 72 and Route H. During the course of the traffic stop, a 20-year-old Salem man was arrested for operating a vehicle without a valid license. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail, fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at (573) 729-3241 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

Healthy Dent County has partnered with Fitness On Demand to give members access to leading digital fitness content while at the Fitness Center. Members will have immediate access to popular and new content from the world’s leading fitness experts. This new digital
technology is available across in-studio screens, kiosks and any fitness room in the facility via mobile streaming to a device. Content covers everything from high intensity workouts to functional fitness for strength and mobility to wind down, stretching and relaxation after a long day. To learn more about this exciting new product, call the Fitness center at 739-1127 or stop by the Salem Community Center @ the Armory, located at 1200 W. Rolla Road.

The Salem Police Department released the following accident report. Tuesday morning, September 22nd, at approximately 6:39 a northbound 2017 Chevrolet Camaro, owned and operated by Lawrence Sherril of Salem, collided with a deer on Highway 72 about one half mile past J Highway. No injuries were reported and the Chevrolet sustained minor damage. The Camaro was driven from the scene.

Monday, September 28th Oak Hill R-1 was notified a staff member tested positive with COVID-19. Due to the number of students and staff quarantined, the District will be closed starting, Tuesday, September 29th. They will reopen Monday, October 12th. A message was sent out by school-messenger identifying grades that are in quarantine. Oak Hill will begin their virtual learning that was explained at their Open House, called Alternative Methods of Instruction Plan, which is located on Oak Hill R-1’s website.

This Saturday will be the city wide yard sale all over town. Copies of the maps will be available at area convenience stores and the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center! Maps will also be printed in the Salem News. Due to Covid-19 the location behind the City Administration Building will not be a site this fall. For more local events information visit www.salemmo.com. Citizens are being asked to practice social distancing.

The Salem Public Library would like to inform everyone that the Library Director Glenda Wofford is a notary public and can help with absentee ballots that need to be notarized. There is no charge for this service.

The Salem Police Department has released reports for the middle of September. On Saturday evening, the 12th, at approximately 7:15, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart for a report of shoplifting and a female suspect had fled. Contact was made with the suspect vehicle and woman as described by Wal-Mart. As a result of the investigation, a 44-year-old Rolla female was arrested for shoplifting and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. The female was also found to have an active arrest warrant. As a result, she was incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Then on Monday morning, the 14th, at about 9:15, an officer was dispatched to Wal- Mart for a report of a shoplifting. It was reported that a male subject had stolen $59.76 worth of merchandise. As a result of the investigation, a 50-year-old Salem man was arrested and issued a summons for shoplifting. The next evening at approximately 8:06, an officer was dispatched to Mobil for a report of shoplifting. It was reported a male subject had stolen $18.97 worth of merchandise. Contact was made with the male subject. As a result of the investigation, a 29-year-old Salem male was arrested and issued summons for shoplifting. On Thursday evening, September 17th, at approximately 6:16, an officer responded to an address at the 800 block of North Water to attempt to locate a female subject that had an active arrest warrant. As a result, contact was made, and a 52-year-old Salem female was arrested and later posted bond. Later that evening at approximately 7:27, an officer was dispatched to Mobil for a report of a male subject that had returned after being told not to come back. As a result of the investigation a 46 year-old Salem male was arrested and issued summons to appear in court. Later in the night the same male subject was seen attempting to get into cars at the Crossroads shopping center. The male was again arrested and issued another summons to appear in court. The man was taken to the Dent County Jail for a 12-hour safe keep. If anyone has information regarding an ongoing investigation, please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.

The fall migration is amazing for birdwatching, but can be deadly to many birds. Millions of avian deaths occur each year due to birds colliding with windows and other reflective surfaces during their migration. To help ensure a safe journey, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages people to make small changes at their home or office to prevent window strikes. MDC State Ornithologist Sarah Kendrick said that birds are a marvel. Each year, some migrate thousands of miles to warmer climes and back again in the spring. It is always a pity to see that a window, of all things, is the sad end to millions of birds each year, whether migratory or resident. Kendrick explained that if a bird has struck a window at a home or office, it is a problem window that reflects either sky or vegetation that a bird believes is a pass-through. Breaking up that reflection can help the bird see it better and know it is an obstacle. People can place stickers to the exterior side of windows to break up the reflection. Silhouettes placed indoors may be obstructed during certain times of day by glare or outdoor reflections, so breaking up the reflection on the outside of the window is key. Kendrick explained that many believe that to make their windows bird-safe, they have to completely obstruct their view, but that’s just not the case anymore. There are many solutions
out there today that break up the reflection for our birds in a muted way that still allows for a great view. There are numerous products
available to prevent bird strikes. Kendrick also commented that preventing window strikes is just one small change that we can make in our daily lives right now – cheaply– that will collectively make a huge impact for birds over the long-term. To learn more ways to help bird populations, visit 3billionbirds.org.

The Dent County Community Foundation is hosting a live virtual auction to help raise funds for local not for profits. Since the inception of the foundation in 1999, over $1,000,000 grant awards have been given to our local community efforts to improve the lives of people in our community. The auction will start September 30th and continue until October 4th. There are great items in the auction including professional services, vacation rentals, gift baskets, restaurants, etc. For more information, check out their Facebook page.

An accident happened in Maries County at 1:20 Monday morning that took the life of a 52-year man from Vienna. According to the highway patrol report, a 1997 Ford F-250 driven northbound by Gregory Medlock of Vienna traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a culvert, struck a rock bluff and overturned with the Ford coming to rest on it’s left side. Medlock was taken to Phelps Health by the Maries Osage Ambulance where he was pronounced dead at 2:58. Medlock was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

Dent County Commission met Monday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. Donald Dodd and Wes Mobray were in attendance. Dodd announced that there would be an IDA meeting Thursday night at 6:00 at the Salem Library. In the road report District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that grading only would be done on Dent County Roads 2400 and 5440, while materials would be added and grading would be done on county roads 5100, 5103, and 5105. He said the new John Deere grader was having maintenance and repair work done and should be back on Monday. Purcell said a man was going after a load of oil for chip and seal repair. He noted that he attended a Tourism Commission meeting last Monday where six reimbursement requests were submitted and approved, plus one request for an extension with a completion date was submitted and approved. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2330 and 5225, while materials would be hauled to county road 2070. He went on to say that brush would be cut on county road 2200 and his crew was checking for downed trees in District Two. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that he attended a meeting last week in Columbia with CCAM President Gary Jungermann and Mark Thompson. They negotiated a new contract for commission training, which extends through 2023. Skiles also reminded Dent County residents that there are CARES ACT funds still available for entities and small business. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that bills and payroll were being approved by the Commissioners for payment. She reminded voters that the last day to register to vote in the November 3rd General Election is October 7th. She noted that absentee voting continues in her office and the last day to mail out an absentee ballot is October 21st. Curley encouraged voters needing to update their voting information such as address and/or name change should do so as soon as possible. She also reported that last Tuesday she attended a South Central Regional Clerks’ meeting in West Plains. The Commission reminded residents that the Courthouse will be closed Monday, October 12th, for Columbus Day so that week the Commission will meet on Tuesday, October 13th. Travis Tindell from Inform Architecture was in to visit. The next meeting of the Commission will be Monday at 9:00 at the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold a special meeting Wednesday, September 30th at 6:30 the district administration offices
boardroom. After approval of the agenda the board will address new business Hybrid Learning Plan before adjourning. The Salem R-80 Board of Education meeting Wednesday evening is open to the public.

An accident occurred in Dent County Sunday evening about 6:07 on Route B one mile east of Highway 19. According to the Highway Patrol Report an eastbound 2006 Nissan Titan, driven by a 17 year-old minor of Salem, traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. A passenger in the Nissan, 17 year-old Mickayla Schlicker of Salem, suffered minor injuries and was transported by Salem EMS to Salem Memorial District Hospital. According to the report both Schlicker and the 16 year-old driver were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. The Nissan was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. The Highway Patrol was assisted by Salem Police Department and the Dent County Fire Department.

An accident occurred in Maries County about 1:20 Monday morning on Highway 63 four miles north of Vichy that took the life of a Vienna man. According to the Highway Patrol Report a northbound 1997 Ford F250, driven by 52 year-old Gregory Medlock, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a rock bluff, then overturned on its left side. Medlock was pronounced deceased at Phelps Health in Rolla
at 2:58 after being transported there by Maries-Osage Ambulance District. The report stated that Medlock was not wearing a safety restraint. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by C & C Towing.

An accident occurred at 7:18 Sunday evening in Phelps County on I-44 at the 182 mile marker. According to the Highway Patrol Report an eastbound 2010 Ford F150, driven by 29 year-old Isreal Gonzalez of Des Moines, Iowa, was disabled in the left after being struck by an unknown vehicle. The Ford was struck by an eastbound 2013 Chevrolet Eqinox driven by 54 year-old Jason Wright of Springfield, Missouri. Gonzalez and a passenger in the Ford, 47 year-old Tristan Carmelo also of Des Moines, both suffered serious injuries and were transported to Phelps Health in Rolla. Both vehicles were totaled and the Ford was removed from the scene by Ron Dishman Towing, while the Chevrolet was removed by C & C Towing.

A one vehicle accident occurred in Phelps County Sunday evening at 7:35 on County Road 3060 one half mile east of Rolla. According to the Highway Patrol Report an eastbound 2011 Ford Escape, driven by 29 year-old Nathaniel Dalton of Jefferson City, began hydroplaning, traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a ditch. A one year-old male juvenile suffered minor injuries and was transported by EMS to Phelps Health. Dalton and the male minor were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Ford sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Ron Dishman Towing.

If you’re looking for an outdoor hiking and paddling adventure this fall, the Ozark National Scenic Riverways (ONSR) has just the activity for you! ONSR, in partnership with Missouri State Parks and Ozark Trail Association, is inviting visitors to complete the Current River Challenge (CRC) along the upper Current River. This self-guided challenge includes three “legs” to complete. These are a 4-mile hike from Round Spring to Echo Bluff State Park, a 4-mile hike from Echo Bluff to Current River State Park, and a 4-mile float from Current River State Park to Round Spring. Hikers can pick up an informational map brochure at the Round Spring Ranger Station or Echo Bluff State Park. At the conclusion of each leg, participants will stamp their map at designated kiosks. After completion of all three legs, participants can present their stamped map at the Round Spring Ranger Station to receive an award recognizing the accomplishment. Because this is a self guided activity, it can be completed at your own pace, in any order and timeframe desired. It can be completed in one day or over multiple days. It’s up to you to decide how you want to challenge yourself! For more information about the Current River Challenge, contact Skyler Bockman at (573) 323-8093

An accident occurred Thursday evening shortly after 7:00 on highway 68 four miles north of Salem. According to the report released by the highway patrol a 2016 Honda Metropolitan being operated by 71 Charles Immekus of Salem was northbound when he lost control, overturned, and was ejected. Immekus was not wearing a safety device at the time of the accident and suffered moderate injuries. He was transported by Salem EMS to Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment. The Honda sustained minor damage and was removed from the scene by a private party.

The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds anglers that a definition for “invasive fish” has been added to the Wildlife Code of Missouri and effects what type of fish is allowed for use as live bait. The definition includes a list of bighead carp, silver carp, grass carp, and common carp. Invasive carp were imported into the United States for many purposes. Due to releases or escapes caused by flooding, they’ve spread in recent decades and thrive in many rivers and lakes. These species eat native fishes’ food, can hurt boaters, and damage equipment. Anglers can use invasive carp as bait if the fish are dead. It is recommended that netted bait fish be placed on ice in coolers. The temperature shock kills the carp, but keeps them fresh for use as bait. Additionally, anglers should use caution when using live bait in any lake or river, including small community lakes. Unused bait from any source should be contained and put into the trash, rather than dumped into the water. For more information on invasive carp, visit the MDC website.