Local News

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt announced that former City Clerk for Winona, Terri Denton, has been sentenced following a June 4th guilty plea to one count of the class C felony of Receiving Stolen Property in the Circuit Court of Shannon County. At sentencing, Shannon County Associate Circuit Judge Sandra West sentenced Denton to seven years in the Missouri Department of Corrections and placed Denton on 5 years supervised probation. She was also ordered to serve thirty days shock incarceration immediately in the Shannon County Jail. Denton will also have to complete one hundred hours of community service and pay $4,000 in restitution, with interest. Finally, Denton was ordered to write a letter of apology to the City of Winona for her theft. Denton was employed as City Clerk between 2015 and 2017. Following a complaint by the Chief of Police, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the State Auditor’s Office investigated the alleged mismanagement of funds by Denton. Auditors discovered that several thousands of dollars in cash had not been deposited while Denton was employed as City Clerk. The investigators with the Missouri Highway Patrol interviewed Denton, who admitted to the theft of “somewhere between $2,000 and $4,000” in cash that had accumulated in the city vault. Denton admitted that the cash was used to pay personal expenses. The Missouri State Highway Patrol, the State Auditor’s Office, and Missouri Attorney General Investigator David Southard investigated this case. Assistant Attorney General Tony Brown prosecuted the case.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting. Sheriff Bob Wells was in and said the TV show ‘Unsolved Mysteries” will be in Salem on August 12th about the disappearance of Lena Chapin in 2006. They would like to use the upstairs council boardroom for interviews and possibly the courtroom. Wells wasn’t sure if the commission needed to approve this request or if he just needed to get in touch with the extension to make sure the room was available. The commissioners said to talk with the extension and see if anyone was using the room but they had no problem with the request. They did thank Wells for the heads up about them being in town. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that with the rains Monday, service work was going to be done on the brush cutting tractor #8, replacing a flat tire on truck #121 and correcting a windshield problem on truck #125. He said a man would be stockpiling chips at the shed for the upcoming chip and seal project and workers would be responding to any calls for downed limbs or trees as well as culverts backing up. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated brush was being cut on Dent County Road 2070 and a washout on county road 2270 was going to be repaired. Larson also reported a man would be hauling in brown rock to the shed, two men would be servicing truck #75 and another worker would be going to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal repair. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles was in Cape Girardeau last Wednesday through Friday for the CCAM meeting to discuss and schedule the 2020 commissioner training. He also said they discussed legislative priorities of which one was getting the counties reimbursed for housing state prisoners. Skiles believed Dent County was owed more then $200,000. Skiles went on to report there was a discussion on the notice to counties about another increase in the full time prosecutor’s salary. There was also a lengthy discussion on the ban of hunting feral hogs on forest service. He said the Missouri Department of Conservation and National Forest Service representatives were in attendance at the meeting and the commissioners concern was that if they want to ban hunting, Representative Jason Smith, Senator Hawley and Roy Blunt along with the National Forest and Conservation Departments will have to figure out a way tohave the manpower available to protect private landowners property when the feral hogs come on those properties. 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.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley released a couple of reports from court held in Crawford County in front of Judge Kelly Parker on Tuesday, July 23rd. A bench trial was held for the charges of two counts of delivery of a controlled substance, class C felonies against Ronald Ball from Rolla. Prosecutor Andrew M. Curley presented evidence that Ronald Ball distributed heroin and methamphetamine in April of 2017. At the conclusion of the trial, Ronald Ball was found guilty of both counts by Circuit Judge Kelly Parker. His sentencing is scheduled in September. Each count carries a potential range of punishment of up to 10 years in Department of Corrections. That same day, Marvin Stephens of Poplar Bluff pled guilty to two counts of possession of child pornography, both class D felonies. The range of punishment authorized was up to seven years in prison on each count. The defendant was sentenced to 14 years in the Department of Corrections pursuant to RSMO 559.115.

An accident occurred Sunday afternoon at 3:30 in Crawford County on Cedar Hill Road about 3 miles southeast of Steelville. According to the highway patrol, a 1989 GMC 1500 Pickup, driven by 54-year old William J. Altom of Cook Station, traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck a low water crossing and came to rest. Altom suffered minor injuries and was taken to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. Altom was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident and the GMC was removed by Miles and Sons Towing of Steelville.

Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway released an audit of Dent County which received an overall rating of “good”. The audit identified several repeat concerns from previous audits regarding proper accounting procedures in the sheriff’s office and made recommendations to improve cybersecurity in county offices. The audit found the sheriff’s office lacked proper oversight of financial processes and did not always make deposits timely or intact. Additionally, the office could improve procedures for tracking and disbursing commissary net proceeds. The audit also found insufficient cybersecurity measures across several county offices. The offices of county assessor, county collector, county clerk, county treasurer, and recorder of deeds did not have adequate password controls to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to computers and data. The audit also recommended better security controls for computers in the office of the recorder of deeds to ensure they lock after too many incorrect logon attempts and that computer data in the public administrator’s office be backed up and stored at a secure off-site location. The audit also finds the Prosecuting Attorney’s office does not always timely disburse bad check payments to victims or fees received to the County Treasurer. The Prosecuting Attorney also does not ensure that a monthly list of the liabilities for the office’s main bank account is prepared and agreed to in the reconciled bank balance. The audit also showed that the Public Administrator does not always file annual status reports timely or accurately with numerous extensions being granted by the court. All office holders were able to respond to the auditors concerning the weaknesses that they discovered. The entire audit report can be found by entering this address in your browser: https://auditor.mo.gov. Once on the site, enter Dent County in the search box to find the entire audit document.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On Wednesday morning, July 17th at about 6:02, an officer was dispatched to Heartland Metal in reference to property damage. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown attempted to forcibly enter the building and caused damage valued at $95.00 to a door. The report is under investigation. That same afternoon at 2:17, an officer located a 17-year-old male of Salem in the 1000 block of East Hawkins who had an active arrest warrant from Pulaski County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending extradition. Just a little over an hour later near 3:35, a vehicle was stopped for a warrant investigation. The investigation led to the arrest of a 36-year-old female of Salem on active arrest warrants from Crawford County and Dent County. The suspect was incarcerated pending a court appearance. On Thursday, July 18th near 4:56 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to the Show Me Storage located at International and Grand in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown forcibly entered a storage unit and took items valued at $668.00. The report is under investigation. That same evening at 10:08, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 29-year-old female of Rolla for stealing merchandise valued at $18.59. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. If anyone has any information regarding an ongoing investigation, please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.

Black bears are an important resource in Missouri for their value as a game species and their contributions to regional biodiversity and ecosystem health. Sightings have become more common in recent years. Join Missouri Department of Conservation staff at 8:30 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 3 at the Echo Bluff State Park amphitheater to learn about the scientific data collected in the Missouri Black Bear Project and what the future of Missouri Black Bears holds. Learn about bear history and the surprises found in test results. Echo Bluff State Park is located on Hwy 19, approximately 25 miles south of Salem and approximately 14 miles north of Eminence. For more information about the event, contact Missouri State Parks at 573-751-1224. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Beginners and experienced folks alike are welcomed to come to a Stained Glass Workshop on Tuesday, August 6th from 5:30 until 8:00 and make a stained-glass sun catcher to take home or begin a LONG-TERM project, as this will be future workshops in the late fall. Led by artist and teacher Amber Pryor, all materials are provided to make a project. The cost is $25 per person and reservations can be made by calling (573) 247-0279 or stopping by the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center to pay the $25 fee to reserve your spot. Registrations will be limited to only EIGHT participants, so reserve EARLY!

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles was not able to attend the meeting so District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell was appointed the temporary Presiding Commissioner for the day. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams was in attendance to report on the CART money just received. She said the county received $60,278.02 this month which is down $1,493.19 from the 2018 July CART receipts of $61,771.21. Year-to-date, the CART monies are down $5,483.84 from the same time period in 2018. In the road reports, Purcell said grading was going to be done on Dent County Roads 5015 and 5080 while materials would be added and grading done on county road 5090. He went on to report brush would be cut on county road 4210 and a two member crew would be out repairing chip and seal county roads 4110 and 6300. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson indicated that grading was going to be done on Dent County Roads 2380, 4380 and 5260 while materials only would be added to county road 2340. Larson stated brush was going to be cut on county roads 2070 and 3233 and two men would hauling in brown rock for screening at the shed. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

A drowning occurred Tuesday afternoon at 3:40 in Shannon County at the Blue Springs location on the Current River. According to the water patrol report, 16-year old Trenton Crane of Pevely, Missouri, was attempting to swim across the waterway and became fatigued. Crane inhaled water and was then unable to resurface. His body was recovered from the water and the Shannon County Coroner Tim Denton pronounced him dead at 4:30 from drowning Tuesday afternoon. Crane was not wearing a flotation device at the time of the incident. His body was transported to the Yarber Funeral Home in Mountain View.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is proposing three changes to its free permits for landowners and wants public input. First, MDC is proposing adjusting acreage requirements for its definition of resident landowners from 5 to 20 acres. Second, MDC is proposing the implementation of a landowner registry to qualify for landowner permits. Third, MDC is proposing discounted deer and turkey hunting permits for nonresident landowners with 75 acres or more in a contiguous tract MDC held an initial public comment period in March for input on acreage requirements needed to receive free landowner deer and turkey hunting permits and free small-game hunting and trapping landowner privileges. Of the more than 14,000 comments received, a minimum of 21 acres was the most common preference. Based on this initial public feedback, MDC is proposing changing the minimum acreage for landowner permits and privileges from 5 to 20 acres. This change will impact no-cost landowner deer and turkey hunting permits as well as permit requirements for small-game hunting, fishing, and trapping on qualifying properties. The proposed landowner registry is needed by both MDC is proposing price increases for nonresident permits and discounted permits for nonresident (NR) landowners with a minimum of 75 acres. Offering discounted deer and turkey permits to nonresident landowners with 75 acres or more in a contiguous tract is similar to a past regulation that was in effect until 2009. MDC eliminated the offering during its last round of permit changes in 2008. For more information go online to mdc.mo.gov. As part of the rulemaking process, the Missouri Department of Conservation is asking for public comments on these changes now through early August at short.mdc.mo.gov/Z49. To comment on landowner acreage requirements, refer to “3 CSR 10-20.805 Definitions.” To comment on the landowner registry, refer to “3 CSR 10-7.434 Deer: Landowner Privileges” or “3 CSR 10-7.455 Turkeys: Seasons, Methods, Limits.”

Warm temperatures attract people of all ages to Missouri’s many lakes or rivers to go swimming and to cool off, but understand the risks of swimming and take the proper precautions. The Patrol has been called to investigate 28 drowning incidents in Missouri so far this year. Most of these incidents are preventable. Water safety starts with understanding the risks of water activities and making good choices. Wear a life jacket, take a friend with you, know your swimming ability, and stay sober around water. Pay close attention to children around water. Please make good decisions when you are in or around water. When you go swimming, know and respect your limits and don’t swim alone! Missouri’s lakes and rivers can include currents, drop-offs, and floating debris that make swimming more challenging. Exhaustion is a very real possibility if you’ve been swimming for a long period of time, don’t make the mistake of overestimating your swimming ability. A life jacket won’t help if you’re not wearing it. If you choose not to wear a life jacket, have one within reach. Avoid putting yourself at risk when trying to assist someone who is struggling in the water. Assist them by tossing a floatation device or extending an object to them. Keep yourself safe! If you do have to enter the water to assist them, always put on a life jacket first.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On July 11th at approximately 9:00 in the evening, an officer transported a male and a female, both 42-years-old of Salem from the Crawford County Jail to the Dent County Jail due to active arrest warrants from the City of Salem. The next morning at about 9:54, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of Forest Hill Drive in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown took two kayak’s and life jackets valued at $1,090.00 from a residence. The report is under investigation. Later that same evening near 7:23, an officer located a 34-year-old male of Licking at the Salem Bowling Alley who had an active arrest warrant from Texas County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending extradition. On Sunday, July 14th at almost 6:00 in the evening, an officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Jackson in reference to a fight in progress. That investigation revealed a 29-year-old male of Salem had damaged the siding on a house valued at $85.00. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

Judging at the Expo concluded late Friday afternoon with the Beef Show, which started at 2:30. Chase Simpson exhibited the Champion Angus Heifer, Kallen Garrison showed the Champion Charolais Heifer, while Kaden Garrison exhibited the Reserve Champion. Brady Schafer showed the Champion Crossbred Heifer and the Reserve Champion was shown by Makena Faulkner. Supreme Champion Heifer award went to Kallen Garrison and Kaden Garrison won the Reserve Supreme Champion. Champion Hereford Bull was shown by Ray Cunningham and Kaden Garrison exhibited the Champion Charolais Bull. Supreme Champion Bull was won by Kaden Garrison, while Ray Cunningham had the Reserve Grand Champion. In the Dairy Cattle Show Kennedy Chapman exhibited the Champion and Reserve Champion Jersey Cows. During the Market Steer Show Class 1 winner was Ross Dunlap’s 1110 pound steer, Class 2 was won by Tyffany Lucerne with a 1155 pound steer and Class 3 was won by Ray Cunningham’s 1210 pound calf. Class 4 winner was John Cunningham’s 1255 pounder, Class 5 was won by Clayton Headrick’s 1335 pound calf, Class 6 was won by Bryce Mobray with a 1355 pound steer and Class 7 winner was Kash Howard’s 1425 pound calf. Ray Cunningham’s steer won the Grand Champion trophy and John Cunningham took home the Reserve Champion award. A lightweight steer class was won by Trenton Ragsdale. Senior Showmanship honors went to Carrie Holliday, while Kaden Garrison won the Intermediate Division and Kallen Garrison took home the trophy in the Junior Division.

The Phelps County Public Housing Agency (PHA) elected new officers for fiscal year 2019-2020. Phelps County Presiding Commissioner Randy Verkamp will serve as chairman, while Maries County Presiding Commission Vic Stratman will serve as vice-chairman, and Crawford County Presiding Commissioner Leo Sanders will be secretary. Phelps County PHA is an equal opportunity housing agency that offers HUD’s housing choice voucher rental assistance to very low-income families in Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps (outside the city of Rolla) and Washington counties. Region, are served by other housing agencies. The PHA serves about 725 families each month; about 75 of those participate in the FSS program. The Phelps County PHA board consists of the presiding commissioners in the six participating counties and one resident advisory board member. The PHA contracts with the Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) to operate and staff the program. The PHA is located at 4 Industrial Drive, St. James, the same building as MRPC. For persons needing housing assistance, the PHA accepts applications every Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at its St. James office. For more information, call 573-265-4200 or visit the Phelps County PHA under programs and services on MRPC’s website (www.meramecregion.org).

The Missouri Public Service Commission will hold formal evidentiary hearings starting today in a natural gas rate case filed by Union Electric Company d/b/a Ameren Missouri. Formal evidentiary hearings will be held today and tomorrow and July 29th through August 2nd in Room 310 of the Governor Office Building, 200 Madison Street, Jefferson City, Missouri. These hearings will be held in a building that meets accessibility standards required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. On December 3rd, 2018, Ameren Missouri filed a natural gas rate case with the Missouri Public Service Commission seeking to increase annual natural gas revenues by approximately $4.26 million. According to Ameren Missouri’s filing, the average annual change in natural gas rates for residential customers will be approximately $26 a year. Ameren Missouri provides natural gas service to approximately 131,000 customers in 25 Missouri counties including Dent, Phelps and Gasconade counties.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met Thursday evening at the district administrative offices. At the meeting, Superintendent John McColloch announced the Open House dates and times for all the schools. The Open House for William Lynch Elementary will be on Monday, August 12th from 5:30-6:30, the Upper Elementary on Monday, August 12th from 6:30-7:30, the Middle School on Tuesday, August 13th from 6:00-7:30 and at the High School on Tuesday, August 13th from 4:30-6:00. McColloch gave the Board an update on the campus. The custodians are making great progress on the floors at all the buildings and everything should be done in plenty of time for the start of school. He also discussed some drainage work being completed in front of the Vo-Ag building and between the band room and tin gym. He went to report some electrical work was also done at the Vo-Ag building. The board then approved numerous product bids for the 2019-2020 school year including milk from Hiland Dairy, bread from Country Mart, food and other supplies from US Foods, fuel from MFA, and the pest control bid from Integrity Pest Solutions. The board approved setting the tax rate hearing for August 15th at 5:55 in then afternoon to be followed by the regular August Board meeting, approved the the 2019-2020 Professional Development Plan, and approves a 2019-2020 budget revision of $34,940.55 to cover the district’s cost of having the school resource officer on campus for the 2018-2019 school year. The board heard a letter of resignation from Jillian Doddema, a high school counselor. The resignation was not accepted due to a lack of a motion. The board then went into closed session where they employed Karen Pace to instruct high school math and also discussed a personnel issue before they went back into open session and adjourned the meeting.

The Salem Police Department has released their report for the month of June. The Salem Police issued 2 equipment repair orders, 10 summonses to appear in court, 2 warning tickets, and 6 traffic tickets, plus they also served 3 city warrants and five fugitive warrants. The Salem Police investigated 6 traffic accidents, two burglaries, made one death investigation, and a lost or stolen license plate. They also wrote one missing person report, 2 property damage reports, one stealing report, and 4 trespassing reports. The department investigated five reports of driving while having a license revoked and suspended, three possessions of a controlled substance reports, two possessions of drug paraphernalia reports. The department was also dispatched for 45 animal calls, 29 ambulance assist calls, 40 well being checks, 11 requests for information, and performed 46 traffic stops for the month. The department received 970 calls during the month of June and 80 walk-ins to the station. The department drove 9,357 miles during the month of June and spent 8 hours in court testifying and 10 hours as court bailiff. There were 17 males and seven females arrested in June.

Friday afternoon’s 4-H and FFA Expo livestock judging started with the 1:00 Sheep and Goat Show where Judge Distler selected Stetson Mobray’s 117 pound lamb as Class 1 winner, Preslie Strader’s 137 pounder as Class 2 winner and tapped Londyn Cook’s 155 pound lamb as winner of Class 3 winner. Strader’s market lamb was awarded the Grand Champion, while Cook’s lamb was the Reserve Champion. Cody Lundy exhibited a 68 pound lightweight lamb. Strader also exhibited the Champion and Reserve Champion Crossbred Ewes, while Tyffany Lucerne showed the Champion Suffolk Ewe. Supreme Grand Champion Ewe of the show was won by Strader’s Ewe and Lucerne’s was named Reserve Grand Champion. Wyatt Lundy and Preslie Strader exhibited class winning Crossbred Rams. Champion Crossbred Ram was won by Strader and Cole Elliott’s Crossbred Ram was named Reserve Champion. Strader’s Ram was named Supreme Champion, while Lundy’s was the Reserve Grand Champion winner. Market Goat classes were won by Charlton Lerma’s 68 pounder and Kallen Garrison’s that weighed 91 pounds. Champion Market Goat went to Kallen Garrison’s with Kaden Garrison’s 82 pound goat winning Reserve Champion. Sheep Showmanship went to Senior Shaylee Harrison, Intermediate to Isaac White and Junior to Preslie Strader. Goat Showmanship Intermediate division was won by Charlton Lerma and the Junior division winner was Brady Schafer.

An accident occurred Tuesday morning at 10:27 in Phelps County on Route F about two and a half miles southeast of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a southbound 2000 Chevrolet Silverado pickup driven by 17-year-old Kyle Middleton of Rolla, failed to yield to a westbound 1994 Western Star Dump Truck driven by 74-year-old Stanley Parsons of Edgar Springs. As a result, the dump truck struck the Chevrolet. A passenger in the Silverado, 17- year-old Griffin Bowen of Rolla, suffered minor injuries and was transported by the Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health. Middleton suffered minor injuries as well, but sought his own medical treatment. The report stated that Parsons and Middleton were wearing seat restraints at the time or the accident, but it was unknown if Griffin was. The Chevrolet was totaled and removed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing. The Western Star sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Big Boy’s Towing.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning for their regular meeting at the Dent County Courthouse. Terry Cunningham was in attendance representing the LAD Foundation and wanted to let the Commission know that they are in support of the ban of not allowing hunters to shoot feral hogs in the Mark Twain National Forest. He said the ban would create a collaborative effort with the National Forest and Missouri Department of Conservation to trap the feral hogs. He said the Pioneer Forest and LAD Foundation have six of their own traps and over the years have killed over 200 feral hogs without the use of hunters. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said that everyone here is on the same side in the attempt to eradicate the hogs. He read the letter the commission is sending to the Forest Supervisor of the Mark Twain National Forest that states the Dent County Commission opposes the ban of hunting feral hogs on the national forest land “without provisions allowing landowners adjoining the National Forest to take whatever measures necessary, including hunting and shooting feral hogs that are destroying their property.” Skiles states in the letter that the commissioners commend the efforts of the state and federal agencies in working toward a goal of eradicating feral hogs. They also need to somehow include in this effort the individual landowner adjacent to that property. Cunningham acknowledged that is a concern of which there is no easy solution and thanked the commission for allowing him to speak at the meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said his district received over 4.5 inches of rain Sunday night into Monday and crews would be out checking roads for washouts, do patch grading where needed and look for downed trees and limbs. He mentioned brush would be cut on county road 4080 and a man would be going to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal road repairs. Purcell also reported that shipments of trap rock for the chip and seal overlay continues to be stockpiled at the shop. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated his crews would also be out checking for washouts in his district as well. He said two men would be hauling and stockpiling rock and another crew would be putting in new bearings in the brush cutter. Commissioner Skiles said he would be attending a CCAM board meeting Wednesday where they will start planning for the commissioner’ annual training that occurs in February. Collector Shannon VanKirk brought in the real estate and personal property tax collection agreement with the City of Salem that pays the county $12,000 and the collector $5,500 each year for their services. The contract was retroactive to the first Monday in March and will expire on February 28th, 2023 which coincides with the term of the county collector. All the commissioners, the collector, clerk and treasurer signed the agreement. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and it is open to the public.

The 2019 4-H and FFA Expo kicked off early Friday morning at 7:00 with the hog show with seven classes of market hogs. Class 1 winner was Bailey Martin with a 238 pound barrow, class 2 winner was Katarina Morris with a 240 pound hog and class 3 was won by Preslie Strader’s 258 pound hog. Class 4 was won by Isaac Westerman with a 266 pound hog, Class 5 winner was Bryce Martin’s hog, Class 6 winner was Wyatt Martin with a 300 pound hog and Class 7 was won by Riley Case with a 315 pound hog. Judge Abby Distler from Russellville, Missouri selected Preslie Strader’s hog as Grand Champion and Bailey Martin’s as Reserve Champion. A lightweight class of market hogs was won by Alexis Black with a 203 pound pig. Breeding class gilt winners were Nathan Williams, Kennedy Major, Corbett Ball and Wyatt Martin. Martin’s Gilt won Champion Crossbred and Champion Commercial Gilt, while Corbett Ball’s gilt won both the Reserve Champion Crossbred and Reserve Champion Commercial Gilt. Judge Distler selected Bailey Martin as Senior Showmanship Champion, Landon Cook as Intermediate Showman and Wyatt Dunlap was tapped as the Junior Showmanship winner.

The morning judging at the Expo on Friday wound down with the small animal show, which started at 11:00. Judge Brad Buttram from Hollister, Missouri selected Isaac White’s Market Meat Chicken Pen as Grand Champion and Aaron White’s as Reserve. Grand Champion Market Meat Rabbit Pen went to Zeph Kunkel and Connor Montoya won Reserve Champion. Both Champion Buck Rabbit and Champion Doe Rabbit went to Alexis Rogers. Rogers also won Champion Cockerel, while Colton Lerma had the Reserve Champion. Colton Lerma also exhibited the Champion Pullet and the Reserve went to Caleb Lerma. Champion Poultry Pair went to Colter Lerma and Caleb Lerma won Reserve. Poultry Showmanship winners selected were Caleb Lerma in the senior division, Alexis Rogers as intermediate and Aaron White as Junior showman. Rabbit Showmanship awards went to Intermediate Alexis Rogers and Junior Charlee Duncan.

An accident occurred Friday evening at 6:05 in Texas County on Route AT about five miles northwest of Licking. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Dodge Ram Pickup driven by 60-year old Ronald Thomas of Licking was traveling southbound when the Dodge struck a horse drawn buggy. The horse drawn buggy was driven by 39-year old Mattie Nunschwander of Licking and was traveling northbound when the buggy was hit. Nunschwander suffered serious injuries and was transported by Air Ambulance to Barnes Hospital in St. Louis. The other occupants of the buggy: six-year old Sam Nunschwander and four-year old Jonas Nunschwander each suffered serious injuries and were transported to the St. Louis Children’s Hospital by Air Ambulance. The horse drawn buggy was totaled and removed from the scene by owner. The Nunschwanders are exempt from wearing any type of seat restraints in the horse drawn buggy. The Dodge sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by owner. The highway patrol was assisted by Cpl. T.R. Nelson, Officer Goodwin and Officer Algire of Licking.

An accident occurred Saturday morning at 6:30 in Crawford County on Highway 19 about three miles south of Steelville. According to the highway patrol report, a 2009 Ford escape driven by 32-year old Alicia Walker of Cook Station was traveling northbound when she fell asleep. The Ford traveled off the right side of the road and struck a Chevron sign and a tree. Walker was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. She suffered minor injuries and will seek medical treatment on her own. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Mile’s Towing.

The Salem and Dent County 4-H and FFA Livestock Auction was held this past Saturday at the Commons. A total of 118 animals as well as cured ham and bacon plus ribbons were auctioned off. This year there were three pens of rabbits, three pens of chickens, seven market goats, seven market lambs, 55 market hogs and 36 market steers. Also auctioned were two cured bacon, a cured ham as well as two junior heifer ribbons and two junior gilt ribbons. The auction set a new record with a total of $232,402.70. Top buyers at the auction this year were the Bank of Salem who purchased nine animals comprised of one goat, three hogs and five steers; Salem Livestock Auction who purchased eight animals broken down into one lamb, four hogs and three steers; Phil-Mart who purchased seven animals made up of a lamb, two hogs and four steers; Smith Valley Angus who bought five animals comprised of one lamb, two hogs and two steers; Interstate Regional Stockyards who purchased five animals and they consisted of one goat, one lamb, one hog, and two steers; Quality Machine and Fabrication who bought a total of five animals that were made up three hogs and two steers; and Steelman Abstract who bought five animals consisting of a pen of rabbits, two hogs and two steers. Numerous buyers this year purchased more than one animal or ribbon to help with the cause. There were 54 different buyers this year at the auction. The Salem FFA Chapter and all the Dent County 4-H Clubs thanks everyone who attended the auction this year.

There will be a Community Blood Center of the Ozarks Blood Drive this afternoon from 1:00 until 5:00 at US Foods at 502 South Carty Street in Salem. “O” negative and “A” positive blood levels are desperately low and if you have those blood types, please attempt to make it the blood drive today. Of course all blood types are needed! You must weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and brig a picture ID to donate. You will also receive a green adventure T-Shirt for donating this summer!

The 4-H and FFA Expo is underway at The Commons on Highway 72 just north of Salem. Today will be a day filled with livestock judging starting early with the Hog Show at 7:00 in the morning followed by the Small Animal Show at 11:00. The afternoon judging will kick off at 1:00 with the Sheep and Goat Show followed by the Beef and Dairy Show at 2:30. During the evening there will be a movie shown and popcorn will be served. The Expo tops off Saturday for the 4-H and FFA Exhibitors starting with the Market Sale Luncheon at 12:00 noon and the Market Sale at 1:00. Don’t forget to check out all the exciting 4-H exhibits in the Youth Building where it is air conditioned! There is no charge to attend and everyone is welcome. Local vendors will be on hand to serve food and beverages for those attending the Expo. For additional information about the Expo contact the Dent County Extension office at 729-3196.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning at the courthouse. In the road report District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell reported that since Monday his district has received several inches of rain including 3 to 4 inches on Wednesday. He said there was a tree down on Dent County Road 2400 and his crew was removing it. Purcell also reported that his crews were out checking for washouts and limbs down. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that in his District there was also a tree down on Dent County Road 2400 and his crew was taking care of it. He noted that the Sligo and Boss areas were hit very hard. Larson said that Wednesda a man went to Springfield for a load of oil and they were repairing chip and seal. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to remind everyone of the deadline at midnight, Tuesday July 23rd, to comment on the proposed ban on shooting feral hogs on Federal and State land. The Commissioners voted 3-0 to oppose the ban without provisions being included that would allow landowners with adjoining property to take whatever measures are necessary to address the feral hog problem on their properties and adjoining Federal and State land. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley and the Dent County Commissioners set for the tax rate hearing for August 12th at 10:00 in the morning. Financing bids for the lease/purchase of two new graders were opened and the low bid of 2.695% for five years was submitted by US Bank and it was approved by the Commissioners. Tammy Snodgrass and Kathryn Hawes with Meramec Regional Planning Commission were in to offer financial assistance with clean up of roadside dump sites. They noted that MRPC has obtained a grant, plus is in the process of applying for others, to assist counties within the region with cleanup efforts. Joe Blackwell and Marvin Putman were in with specific problems on roadways by their properties. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident happened Thursday morning at 10:15 in Phelps County on Highway 72 at County Road 4020. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2007 Dodge Caliber driven by 17-year old Cheyenne Howard of Rolla was traveling eastbound and was stopped to make a turn when she was struck from behind by a 2016 Nissan Rouge driven by 30-year old Laura Holtz of Salem. According to the report, Holtz was not wearing a safety device and was transported by EMS to Phelps Health in Rolla for the treatment of moderate injuries. Howard did not report any injuries. Both vehicles were totaled in the accident with the Nissan being removed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing and the Dodge was removed by C & C Towing.

An accident happened Wednesday afternoon at 2:56 in Phelps County on Highway 63 about three and a half miles south of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2002 Ford F-150 driven by 44-year old Charles Schulze of Rolla, was traveling south on Highway 63 when the vehicle began sliding on the wet pavement and traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. Schulze was transported by Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla for treatment of minor injuries. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by C & C Towing.

An accident happened in Crawford County Tuesday night at 8:10 on Route Z about five miles southwest of Berryman that took the life of a woman from Steelville. According to the highway patrol report, 52-year old Kristy Crawford of Steelville was driving a 1996 Dodge 1500 southbound when the Dodge crossed the center line and traveled off the left side of the roadway. The vehicle struck a tree, then went airborne before striking another tree, ejecting Crawford from the Dodge. She was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:33 by Crawford County Coroner Darren Dake. Crawford’s body was taken to the Hutson Funeral Home. The vehicle was totaled and removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing. Crawford was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On the morning of July 8th at about 11:08, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 600 block of South Jackson in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown took two bicycles valued at $109.00 from the yard of the residence. The report is under investigation. Later that afternoon at about 2:10, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown took a 75-inch television set valued at $4,000.00 from a residence in the 600 block of South Sligo. The report is under investigation. On the evening of July 9th at about 6:02, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 50-year-old male of Salem for driving while having his license suspended and also on a fugitive warrant from Texas County. The man was issued a summons to appear in court and was incarcerated pending extradition. On July 11th at approximately 3:06 in the afternoon, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of the driver, a 33-year-old man from Steelville for driving while having his license revoked and for possession of drug paraphernalia. A passenger in the vehicle, an 18-year-old man from Salem was arrested for the possession of methamphetamine and the possession of drug paraphernalia. The two suspects were released pending the application for criminal summonses. If you have information about any ongoing investigations, please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242.

Time is running out for people to submit comments via email or through regular mail during the 60-day comment period to restrict the hunting of feral hogs in the Mark Twin National Forest. The comment period is now underway and all comments must be received or postmarked no later than July 23rd for consideration. For more information about the feral swine problem in the National Forest, and to view the proposed Forest Closure Order, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/mtnf/feralswine. You can send your comments via email to SM.FS.MTFeralSwine@usda.gov or to the mailing address is at: Forest Supervisor; ATTN: Feral Swine Comment; Mark Twain National Forest; 401 Fairgrounds Road; Rolla, MO 65401. You can also call Jason Smith’s office in Rolla and let them know your feelings at 573-364-2455.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold their regular meeting tonight at 6:00. After approving the agenda, the board will from Superintendent John McCulloch who will announce the open house dates and times and give a facilities update. New business will include bids on milk, bread, food and supplies, fuel and pest control. The board will then set a tax rate hearing and set the date for the regular August board meeting. The board will also approve the 2019-2020 Professional Development plan and consider 2019-2020 budget revisions. The board will then adjourn and move into executive session. The regular meeting of the board of education is open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri legislature and governor have taken actions to increase penalties for those caught poaching Missouri game animals and other native wildlife species. Missouri Governor Michael Parson signed HB260 into law July 11. Called the Poaching Bill, it significantly raises fines for those convicted of illegally taking Missouri game species and other native wildlife. HB260 was sponsored by Representative Jered Taylor (Republic) and Senator Mike Bernskoetter (Jefferson City). New fine amounts include $10,000-$15,000 for each elk or black bear killed illegally, $1,000-$5,000 for each whitetailed buck, $500-$1,000 for each wild turkey, and $500-$1,000 for each paddlefish.
The fines are considered restitution payments for poaching game animals and are ordered by a judge. Monies from the fines go to the state’s school moneys fund. The restitution payments are in addition to other fines and penalties for violating the Wildlife Code of Missouri. The new fines will go into effect Aug. 28. Supporters of the bill said that previous fines for poaching were too low in Missouri. The bill also gained support in part from five Missouri elk that were illegally killed by poachers in the past few years. None of the cases has yet been solved. According to MDC records, 547 wild turkeys, 58 paddlefish, and 4,731 deer were illegally taken, or poached, in 2017 and 2018. MDC is also investigating the poaching of five elk over the past several years. Black bear poaching incidents are a growing concern as well. MDC asks that anyone with information on poaching cases call Operation Game Thief at 1-800-392-1111.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors met for the regular meeting Tuesday at the hospital library. Two directors were in attendance to provide the board with reports on their departments. Linda Maledy, Director of Materials Management, gave the report on the changes made in her department over the last couple of years going to exclusive electronic ordering and billing, and working with two main vendors that increases their discounts. Trudy Rutland from Long Term Care gave an overview of her department and credits the successes there on the staff and the job they do with the patients. In the summary of operations for June, Chief Financial Officer Monica Stogsdill reported on the gain from operations of $67,145 with an excess of revenues over expenses of $72,196 for the month. For the fiscal year, the hospital had a gain from operations of $974,766 with an excess of revenues over expenses of $1,474,831. She did mention those are unaudited numbers. In June, there were 139 patients admitted to the hospital and the amount of acute care patients per day came in at 13.2. There were 86 medical and surgery patients occurred during June with 282 in-patient census days being reported. The cash flow statement showed a decrease in cash of $461,511 for the month with days in accounts receivable rising to 65 as the hospital’s Medicare biller took a vacation and then suffered an illness. Chief Nursing Officer Debbie Hines reported during the month there were 854 emergency room visits, 196 ambulance runs with 147 patients being transported to the hospital, 29 surgical procedures, 1,793 outpatient registrations, 392 home health visits, 9,411 lab tests, 1,407 radiological procedures and 598 rehab treatments. She said there were 352 of the 2019 SMDH Community Health Needs Assessments submitted and the top four priority health needs were illegal and prescription drug abuse, affordable health care and the lack of health insurance in the area, obesity in adults and diabetes, and smoking and the health risks linked to it including COPD, asthma, cancer and heart disease. Hines said an implementation plan has already been put in place to address these issues, mostly through education, but also in working with other health agencies in the area including the Dent County Prevention Coalition. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas said the hospital auxiliary did not meet in July and the Hospital Foundation will hold their “Wings and Strings” fundraiser on Saturday, August 3rd at The Commons. He also said there will be a “Patient Appreciation Day” this Friday at the SMDH Family Medicine parking lot where they will serve up FREE hot dogs and hamburgers from 10:00 until 2:00. There will also be games, a bounce house, prizes, giveaways and more. It is absolutely free and it is where the public can meet all the caretakers and staff. Kasey presented the board with the SMDH Emergency Department quarterly surveys for April through June. A total of 114 surveys were returned and the hospital scored over 90% in almost all categories. He also presented the surveys from the SMDH Family Medicine for the 2nd quarter of the year and there were a total of 579 responses. Again, a positive rating of over 94% was received in all the categories. The board approved courtesy staff privileges for teleradiologists Rebecca Mueller, MD; Thomas Schroyer, MD; Matthew Stadnyk, MD; and John Stephens, MD. Lucas discussed the hospital expansion and said the plans are about 97% completed with some small tweaking still being done. He said the hospital will begin their search for some financing in the near future. Lucas also reported on the SMDH Long-Term Care central bath and restroom renovation and the patient room window replacement. He said the contractors will be submitting their contracts in the next week or so and the clock will begin on the work getting done. The board elected Dennis Fiebelman as the chairman for the new fiscal year while Judy Thompson was elected Vice-Chairman. Ray Bruno was elected as the Secretary. The board agreed to hold the public tax meeting before the next meeting on August 20th at 5:45 before going into closed session.

A new Salem Historic Ghost tour will be held in Salem this Friday night at 8:30 as Jacob Stotler will host a journey through the most commonly misspelled street in Salem..MacArthur Street! This is a one time event, hosted as a leg of our Downtown Ghost Tour. The tour will begin at the First Baptist Parking lot, venturing down MacArthur Street and veering off to explore the side streets joining it. Learn about the architecture, history, and most importantly the spirits that roam the original residential district in Salem. Who was Mr. Butler? Who lived in the Orchard house? Who haunts the old Casey’s? Learn all of this and more at our one and ONLY MacArthur Street Historic Ghost Tour!

The Doe Run Company awarded two full scholarships for two recipients to attend the Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) 2019 Summer Explosives Camp in June. The scholarship recipients were Keara Brickey from Bunker High School and Tanner Morgan from West County High School. As part of the camp, students toured one of Doe Run’s mines to see firsthand how skills they’ve learned apply to mining careers.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of the Independence Day Parade where the Commercial Float winner was Quality Plumbing and Construction, and the Non-Commercial winner was the Salem Memorial District Hospital. The Horsemanship Award went to Jodie Dean. The Salem Chamber thanks everyone who attended the parade on July 4th and all those who participated.