Local News

The Salem Board of Aldermen will meet tonight at the City Hall Council Chambers for their regular meeting at 7:00. The board will hear bids for a John Deere 444k Loader for the street department and also bids for 2019 Ford Explorer for the police department. After the consent agenda, the board will hear City Administrator Ray Walden’s report which will include setting a date for a nuisance workshop that will be open to the public. In the Introduction and Reading of Bills and Resolutions, the board will discuss Bill #3424 that creates an ordinance to amend an previous ordnance that will remove the turn signal requirement for utility vehicles and also correct a scrivener’s error. They will then discuss Resolution #17-2019 that authorizes the mayor and city clerk to execute a Missouri Warranty Deed on the sale of city property to Coffman Investment Company to expand their business. The board will also hear Resolution #18-2019 that would allow the mayor to execute an agreement between the City of Salem and John Deere Financial for the lease of a 2019 John Deere 444K Model Loader. The board will then go into closed session to discuss contracts and personnel. The meeting of the city of Salem Board of Aldermen is open to the public.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released reports for June 19th through 25th. On Wednesday, June 19th, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 1400 block of West Highway 32. During the course of the traffic stop, a 30-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended – a 2nd or subsequent offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Then on Saturday, June 22nd, deputies conducted a traffic stop near the Highway 32/72 intersection. During the course of the traffic stop, a 25-year-old Salem man was arrested for having an active warrant through the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he later posted bond and was released. On Sunday, June 23rd, deputies traveled to a residence near the 400 block of Dent County Road 2190 to attempt to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 42-year-old Salem man was arrested for an active warrant through Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail where he later posted bond and was released. Finally, on Tuesday, June 25th, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 2200 block of West Highway 32. During the course of the traffic stop, a 27-year-old Licking woman was arrested for operating a vehicle on a highway without a valid license, a 1st offense. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where she was fingerprinted, issued summons and released. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241 if you have any information concerning an investigation.

The Missouri Department of Revenue wants the public to know that the new REAL ID compliant driver’s license and ID cards are available. The Department began offering REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses and ID cards in March 2019. Under Missouri law, applying for a REAL ID-compliant driver license or ID card is optional. Effective October 1st, 2020, residents of every U.S. state and territory will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver license or ID card, or another form of ID accepted by the Transportation Security Administration, to board federally regulated domestic flights. Individuals will also be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver license or ID card, or another form of acceptable ID, to access federal facilities, including military bases and federal courthouses, and to enter nuclear power plants. “REAL ID” comes from the REAL ID Act of 2005, a federal law that focused on fraud protection, anti-terrorism, and driver licenses and non-driver ID card security. The REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses and ID cards and prohibits federal agencies from accepting for official purposes driver licenses and ID cards from states that do not meet these standards. Visit dor.mo.gov/drivers/real-id-information/ for more information.

Representatives from Missouri State Parks invite the public to an informational meeting on Johnson’s Shut-Ins, Taum Sauk and Jay Nixon State Parks at 2:00 this Saturday. The meeting will be held at the Black River Center at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park. The public is invited to share comments about the state parks and their operations. Park staff will be on hand 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, helps create two-way communication with the public. Johnson Shut-Ins State Park is located at 148 Taum Sauk Trail in Lesterville which is in southeast Missouri. For more information, please contact the park at 573-546-2450 extension 1001. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

Plans are in place for another exciting 4-H and FFA Expo starting on Wednesday, July 17th and lasting through Saturday, July 20th at The Commons on Highway 72 just north of Salem. On Wednesday morning, the 4-H Exhibits will be judged starting at 10:00 and the Dessert Auction will be at 6:00 that evening. Then on Thursday, the livestock registration will begin at 9:30 with all livestock in place by 11:00 that morning. Livestock weigh-ins will begin at 12:30 Thursday afternoon. There will also be a Talent Show Thursday evening from 7:00 until 9:00. Friday will be jam packed 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. Saturday will be the climax for the 4-H and FFA Exhibitors starting with the Market Sale Luncheon at 12:00 noon and the Market Sale at 1:00. 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 or the Salem Agriculture Education Department at 739-2016.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is proposing increases to the prices of its annual trout permits and daily trout tags starting in 2020. According to MDC, the increases are needed to better cover its costs of running five trout hatcheries that raise and release more than 1.7 million trout each year for public fishing. If the price increases are implemented, the cost of an annual trout permit will go from $7 to $10 for anglers 16 years of age and older, and from $3.50 to $5 for anglers age 15 and younger. The cost of a daily trout tag to fish at Missouri’s four trout parks: Meramec Spring Park, Bennett Spring State Park, Montauk State Park, and Roaring River State Park, will go from $3 to $4 for adults and from $2 to $3 for those 15-years of age and younger. The price change would begin February 29th, 2020. A trout permit is required to possess trout, except in trout parks where a daily trout fishing tag is required during the catch-and-keep season. In addition, a trout permit is required for winter fishing in trout parks during the catch-and-release season. To fish for trout, you must also have a fishing permit or qualify for an exemption. According to MDC, the annual cost of fish food and staff labor to raise a trout in 2003 was about $1 per fish. The annual cost in 2017 had jumped to nearly twice that amount. Those five fish hatcheries: Bennett Spring, Montauk, Shepherd of the Hills, Roaring River, and Maramec Spring Park, also require regular maintenance, and several have been damaged numerous times in recent years by spring flooding. MDC has spent more than $11 million over the past decade on repairs and improvements to the hatcheries. MDC also reports that utility costs for the five hatcheries have increased by more than 25% since 2008. The proposed price increases for annual trout permits and daily trout tags were given initial approval by the Missouri Conservation Commission at its May 23rd meeting. As part ofthe rulemaking process, the Department of Conservation is asking for public comments on the changes during July and early August. The only way to comment is to use this link: short.mdc.mo.gov/Z49. Once you access the site, you can comment on proposed price increases for trout permits at “3 CSR 10-5.430 Trout Permit.” For daily trout tags, you will need to go to “3 CSR 10-5.250 Daily Hunting or Fishing Tags” to make your comments. The Commission will consider input received and make a final decision to move forward, modify, or withdraw the changes during its August 23rd meeting. If approved, the anticipated effective date of the changes would be Feb 29th, 2020.

A free pasture weed control workshop will be held Tuesday evening, July 16th from 6:30 until 8:30 at the Wurdack Research Center in Cook Station. Topics to be discussed at the workshop include pasture weed identification, general pasture weed control, an overview of common poisonous plants and the forage quality of pasture weeds. If anyone has questions about the workshop, they can call the Crawford County Extension at 573-775-2135. They can also register for the workshop by calling that number. Debi Kelly from the MU Extension in Jefferson County will facilitate of the workshop.

An accident happened at 11:35 Tuesday morning in Dent County on Highway 32 about 11 miles east of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2008 Volvo Tractor driven eastbound by 44-year old Charles Turner of Smyrna, Tennessee, went off the right side of the roadway and overturned. Turner suffered moderate injuries and was taken by the Salem Ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. He was wearing his seat restraint. The Volvo was totaled in the accident and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by the Dent County Fire Protection District, Dent County Sheriff’s Department and the Missouri Department of Transportation.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports for the month of July. On Monday morning, July 1st at about 11:40, an officer was dispatched to a residence on Ray Lane in reference to a theft. That investigation revealed a person or persons unknown took a Mongoose BMX bicycle valued at $160.00 from the yard of a residence. The report is under investigation. Later that day at 4:36 in the afternoon, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 22-year-old male of Salem for the possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was released pending the application for a criminal summons. On Wednesday, July 3rd near 4:12 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 21-year-old male of Salem for stealing merchandise. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Just a few minutes later at 4:25, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of South Warfel in reference to a female causing a disturbance. That investigation revealed a 27-year-old female of Salem was threatening to harm herself and others, then assaulted an officer. She was then arrested for assaulting an officer and was incarcerated pending the application for a warrant. That same evening at about 10:33, an officer located a 44-year-old female of Salem near Walker Street and Highway 32 who had an active arrest warrant from Licking, Missouri. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and later released with a date to appear in court after posting bond. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Salem Community Garden will be hosting their “Meet us at the Garden” event this Saturday at starting at 10:00 behind the Salem United Methodist Church. The first half hour of the event will be your chance to ask a Master Gardener questions and get hands on gardening demonstrations. Then from 10:30 until noon, it will be garden volunteer work. If you would like to have your own plot, just call 729-3196 to sign up. The first plot is free and it is just $10 for each additional plot you want. If you have any questions about the event or getting a plot at the community garden, call 729-3196.

Another Downtown Salem Historic Ghost Tour will be held Friday night, July 12th from 8:30-9:30. The event is free and the public is welcome to attend. Those interested can meet at the Dent County Courthouse gazebo on the square, downtown. Jacob Stotler will be your host for the first ever downtown historic ghost tour in Salem! The tour will begin with a trek through downtown, listening to the tales of the past, and tales of those from the past coming back to visit. Learn the history of our buildings, enjoy the summer air, and experience great fellowship with other Salem residents. You will find out unusual facts about the Salem you never knew. Learn all of this and more on the downtown ghost tour! See you there!

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released reports for June 17th and 18th. On Monday, June 17th, deputies were requested to assist the Salem Police Department with a trespassing call in the 1200 block of South Gertrude. Deputies traveled to the residence and during the course of the investigation a traffic stop was conducted on West Mary Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 20-year-old woman of Salem was arrested for driving while being intoxicated in a drugged condition. The female was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, fingerprinted, issued summons and released. Then on Tuesday, June 18th, deputies traveled to the 3500 block of East Highway 32 for a report of a domestic disturbance occurring at the residence. During the course of the investigation, a 33-year-old Salem man was arrested for trafficking drugs in the 2nd degree, possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia – methamphetamine. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and incarcerated. Also on the 18th deputies traveled to the 300 block of Dent County Road 4245 for a report of a suspicious vehicle. During the course of the incident, a 23-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while intoxicated. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and was released. Finally on that date, deputies traveled to Dent County Road 2403 for a report of a vehicle parked in the roadway. During the course of the incident, a 49-year-old Salem man was arrested for a felony warrant through Phelps County. The man was later transported to the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241 if you have any information concerning an investigation.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley was in Circuit Court in Dent County in front of Judge Megan Seay. Curley reported that Elvis Aaron Meadows of Salem pled guilty to felony domestic assault in the 3rd degree. He was sentenced to three years in the Department of Corrections. Curley also said that Tammy Jean Stone of Salem pled guilty to two Class D felonies for the possession of a controlled substance for heroin and methamphetamine. She was sentenced to five years in the Department of Corrections. According to Curley, Stone is a prior and persistent offender. Curley also reported that Amy Jo Jackson of Salem, who had pled guilty to a Class C felony for the possession of a controlled substance in December of 2016 and was placed on probation, had her probation revoked. She was sentenced to serve four years in the department of Corrections.

With daytime temperatures consistently reaching 90 degrees or more across Central Missouri, the Missouri Department of Transportation advises motorists to be aware of what that heat can do to roadways. “Pavement blow-ups” are rifts that occur when a concrete roadway surface expands at a crack or joint where moisture has seeped in. This recently happened on westbound I-44. That crack weakens the pavement and the heat causes the pavement to buckle and warp, creating holes in the surface. Despite the term, the pavement does not actually explode. Shafer says that roads that have been impacted by flooding this summer could be more susceptible to the pavement blow ups. He advises motorists that come across a blow-up to slow down and report the location to MoDOT. Motorists can call MoDOT’s toll-free customer service center to report pavement blow-ups at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636).

The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will be hosting a blood drive on Thursday, July 11th, at the First Baptist Church in Salem. The blood drive will take place during the afternoon from 1:00 until 6:00. A free “Never Stop the Adventure Of Saving Lives” t-shirt will be given to each participant. The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks remind participants to eat and drink well before the blood drive. Remember, you must weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and bring a photo ID!

Right now, deer hunters can apply online through the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) website for a shot at more than 100 managed deer hunts throughout the state for archery, muzzleloading, and modern firearms from mid-September through mid-January at conservation areas, state and other parks, national wildlife refuges, and other public areas. Some managed hunts are held specifically for youth or for people with disabilities. The managed deer hunt application period is now through July 31st. Hunters are selected by a weighted random drawing. Draw results will be available August 15th through January 15th. Applicants who are drawn will receive area maps and other hunt information by mail. You can get more information on managed deer hunts, preview hunt details at mdc.mo.gov/managedhunt. Details about managed hunts can also be found in MDC’s “2019 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information” booklet available starting in early July at MDC offices and nature centers, from permit vendors around the state, and online at mdc.mo.gov.

Even though they’re a challenging crop to produce, blackberries offer huge potential for Missouri farmers. The “Growing Blackberry Production and Sales in Missouri” project offers educational sessions and tours of innovative blackberry farms. Join local and nationally known blackberry specialists and farmers this Friday, July 12th from 1:00 until 5:00 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 7057 Old 66 in Cuba, to gain knowledge and expertise on a wide range of blackberry topics. The session will include an overview of blackberry production, cultivars, trellis design, and an informal question and answer session, plus a tour of Ozark Berry Farm at Leasburg. The workshop will be presented by University of Missouri Extension with support from Lincoln University Cooperative Extension, the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Webb City Farmers Market. There is a $10.00 registration fee and in order to register contact the Crawford County Extension office at 573-775-2135.

During July at ONCRC visitors have the opportunity to enjoy and learn from The River Exhibit. It is a cultural and natural history display of the Current River which includes artifacts, photos, newspaper accounts of the origin and controversy of enabling legislation creating the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, plus reflections on the life and communities that have disappeared. The exhibit provides a great opportunity for tourists, visitors and local citizens to stop by and take a trip of memories down the Current River. The exhibit starts July 8th and continues through the month of July. For information contact Mary Beth Cook at 573-453-6061 or ONCRC at 573-729-0029.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5600 and 6600 and materials would be added to county road 5080. He also said brush would be cut on county roads 4210 and 4215, and that a man would be traveling to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal repairs. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 3080 and 3090, while only grading will be done on county road 3130. Larson went on to say brush would be cut on county road 3020 and that services as going to be done on grader #31 and tractor #6. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended a 9-1-1 regionalization meeting last Wednesday in St. James that deals with the regions described in House Bill #1456. That bill said up to 11 regions could be created, but right now ii looks like the state has proposed eight regions and that Dent County would be in Region 6 that will extend from Maries County to the Arkansas Line in Oregon County. The reasoning behind this is to make the 9-1-1 system more effective and efficient in the state. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said Dent County residents should have received their new voter registration cards and they are blue. Dent County Collector Denita Williams brought in the sales tax numbers for the money received by the county this month from the state. She said the General Revenue Fund and LEST Funds were down this July from July 2018 by over $18,000 in each fund. The GR and LEST Funds received $75,501.19 this July and year-to date are down $19,413.75 which is about a 3.4% drop. Williams said the Road and Bridge Fund went from $44,222.42 last July to $35,798.72 this July which is a reduction of over $8,400. Year-to-date, the Road and Bridge Fund is down $4,623.25 and that is a drop of about 1.66%. She said the Jail Trust Fund and the Construction and Operating Fund each came in at $72,454.84 for the month of July and that is down from July of 2018 which came in at $88,075.12 for each fund. Year-to-date, each jail fund is up about $363.16. At 10:00, Commissioner Purcell opened bids received for a quality used truck for the county to purchase for the road and bridge department. Three companies submitted bids for a total of eight vehicles. B&B Motors submitted bids for three trucks, Chafin Motors had bids for two trucks and C&E Auto submitted bids for three trucks. No action was taken at the meeting as the trucks will need to be looked at by the commissioners before a decision is reached. At the last meeting, the commissioners agreed to seek lease/financing bids for two graders that will be due in the office by 10:00 on July 18th. The commissioners also announced that there will not be a commissioner meeting this Thursday morning due to previous commitments by all three commissioners. The next meeting will be held July 15th at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting will be open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Friday night, June 28th at about 10:00, an officer located a 39-year-old male of Salem in the 1500 block of South Gertrude who had two active arrest warrants from the City of Salem. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrants and was later released with a date to appear in court after posting bond. On Saturday night, June 29th near 7:16, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 31-year-old male of Salem for driving while having his license revoked. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Sunday afternoon at 12:28 on June 30th, an officer was dispatched to the Dollar General parking lot in reference to a female slumped over the in the driver’s seat of a vehicle. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 51-year-old female of Salem for being in possession of a controlled substance. The suspect was incarcerated pending the application for a warrant. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Missouri Department of Conservation has announced it has reduced the number of counties in its management zone for chronic wasting disease (CWD) from 48 to 29 starting in July. Changes to the CWD Management Zone will impact restrictions on feeding deer, antler-point restrictions, antlerless permits for some counties, and mandatory CWD sampling. The 29 counties now included in MDC’s CWD Management Zone are: Adair, Barry, Cedar, Chariton, Christian, Crawford, Franklin, Gasconade, Hickory, Howell, Jefferson, Knox, Linn, Macon, Mercer, Oregon, Ozark, Perry, Polk, Putnam, St. Charles, St. Clair, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Stone, Sullivan, Taney, Warren, and Washington. In response to finding CWD in Missouri, the Conservation Department created a CWD Management Zone around where confirmed cases of the disease have been found to help track and limit its spread. Recent research shows more than 90 percent of bucks in Missouri disperse less than 10 miles. Based on this recent research, the Department of Conservation is removing the following counties from its CWD Management Zone because they are more than 10 miles from locations where cases of CWD have been found: Benton, Bollinger, Boone, Callaway, Cape Girardeau, Carroll, Cole, Cooper, Dade, Grundy, Livingston, Madison, McDonald, Miller, Moniteau, Morgan, Osage, Randolph, Schuyler, Scotland, Shelby, and St. Louis. Added to the CWD Management Zone were Christian, Howell, and Oregon counties because of recent CWD detections in Oregon, Stone, and Taney counties.

A two vehicle accident happened Friday evening at 6:30 in Phelps County on Route V about two miles north of Rolla that resulted in three people suffering injuries. According to the report released from the highway patrol, a 2008 Chevrolet 2500 HD, driven by 53-year old Richard Voyles of Rolla, was southbound on Route V and traveled into the oncoming lane striking a 2007 Mazda 6 traveling northbound, driven by 19-year old Scott Hill of St. James. Voyles sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Phelps Health by the Phelps Health Ambulance. It was unknown if he was wearing a seat restarint when the accident occurred. Two passengers in the Hill vehicle were also injured. Suffering serious injuries was 19-year old Dakota Mathenia of St. James who was flown to University Hospital in Columbia by Phelps Health Air Ambulance for treatment. She was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The other passenger, one-year old Laikin Hill of St. James, was transported by the Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health for treatment. She was in a child safety seat. Scott Hill did not injured in the accident. Both vehicles were totaled in the accident and removed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing of Rolla.

A one vehicle accident Friday morning at 8:30 in Maries County that left a person from St. James with minor injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 2011 Chevrolet Camaro being driven by 22-year old Lindsay Seams, of St. James, was eastbound at the intersection of Route H and Route C when she failed to stop at a stop sign, traveled across and off the roadway striking a sign and some trees. Seams was transported by a private vehicle to Phelps Health in Rolla for treatment of her injuries. The Camaro was totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing. Seams was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

An accident occurred on Saturday evening at 10:10 in Phelps County on Highway 68 about three and a half miles south of St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 Harley Davidson driven by 50-year old Michael Cornelius from Perryville was traveling northbound when he traveled off the right side of the roadway and and the motorcycle started to slide. Cornelius suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Phelps Health by the St. James Ambulance. The Harley Davidson motorcycle sustained moderate damage and was towed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing of St. James.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors Meeting took place at 6:00 Tuesday evening, July 2nd. After the call to order, a motion was made and carried to approve the consent agenda and minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed and approved as presented. Bills were heard and approved with an ending balance of $204,112.87 as of the end of June. The budget was reviewed and approved. The calendar review made note of the 4th of July parade. In the monthly reimbursement report, the department received a total of 17 calls for the month of June, bringing the total calls year to date to 150. In old business, Chief Nash stated that the department upgrade project was waiting on USDA, Engineers, and Lawyers final approval and confirmation of insurance to get started. As soon as the approval comes in the roof project will be the first to be started. Chief Nash also stated that the pump motor on Tanker 84 needs repaired or replaced. A replacement motor would cost $3500.00 and the system is old. The board asked Chief Nash to get pricing for new verses repair and report to the board so as to get this taken care of as soon as possible. Nash also reported that a vacancy for an officer has become available for the department. Applications have been given out and after being received back will be reviewed and interviewed for the position. The date for the next meeting was set for August 6th at 6 p.m. at the fire station.

On Tuesday, July 9th, the University Extension will join with Country Mart in Salem to empower 16 low-income residents of Salem with the shopping skills needed to stretch their food dollars and serve healthy, affordable meals to their families. Local families will learn to compare unit prices, purchase fruits and vegetables on a budget, read food labels and pick out whole grains. Nutrition and Health Specialist Rachel Buenemann MS, RD, LD will lead the tours for local adults and families. During the one and a half hour tour, participants are empowered with four key food skills, receive a booklet with recipes and shopping tips, a reusable grocery bag and $10 worth of healthy groceries. The sessions will be from 10:00 until noon and from 1:00 until 3:00 in the afternoon. To register for the Cooking Matters at the Store Day or for more information call 573-458-6260.

The Bonebrake Discovery Camp will be held Wednesday, July 10th through Friday, July 12th at the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History from 9:00 in the morning until 3:30 in the afternoon. This camp is for children from the ages of about seven to twelve and will provide an enthusiastic experience of the outdoors coupled with art and cultural programs. All the activities are designed to nourish, enrich and strengthen a growing child. The cost is $75 for the three day session and enrollment is limited! Registration is on a first come, first served basis. Call 729-34000 for more information or e-mail bonebrakecenter@embarqmail.com.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting a traffic check point in Dent County on Saturday, July 6th. The sheriff’s department is asking anyone who is stopped at the check to please have their driver’s license and proof of insurance ready to present to the officer. The Dent County Sheriff’s Office thanks you ahead of time for your cooperation.

The Dent County Health Center board of trustees met Monday, June 24th. After the call to order, the minutes for the May 2019 meeting were reviewed and approved. Kendra Mobray reported that outpatient lab services were provided to 81 clients during the month of May. Mobray went on to report that the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services WIC program is transitioning to an EBT system, called eWIC, beginning in October of this year. Dent County is scheduled to implement the new program in March 2020. Eric Fuchs from Wayne County will continue as the Emergency Planner for the Health Center. Lodging inspections in the county are also underway at this time and food inspections are up to date. As the new school year approaches, the Health Center would like to remind students and parents that Kindergartners must be up-to-date on immunizations to start school in August. All 8th graders must have one dose of meningitis and one dose of Tdap. Two doses of meningitis are required for 12th graders unless the first dose was administered to a student who was 16 years of age or older, in which case only one dose is required. At least one dose must be given after 16 years of age. The Dent County Health Center currently bills most insurance companies and offers state vaccine for uninsured, underinsured, and Medicaid clients. Vaccinations are available daily without an appointment. For additional questions, please call 573-729-3106. The Health Center reported eight cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and one case of Erlichia Chaffeensis. The Dent County Health Center expenses for May 2019 were approved and the next regular board meeting date was set for Monday, July 15th at 5:00 p.m. The meeting was then adjourned.

A draft of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for 2020-2024 is available online for the public to review and comment on through the end of regular business hours TODAY! The draft STIP includes 1,869 highway and bridge projects, of which 85% will maintain the system in the condition it is in today. On average, this STIP annually invests in 1,014 lane miles of interstate pavements, 1,346 miles of major route pavements, 2,652 miles of minor route pavements and 213 bridges. The draft 2020-2024 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program lists transportation projects planned by state and regional planning agencies for fiscal years 2020 through 2024 (July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2024) You can access the draft plan by going to the www.modot.org website and the link to the draft is located toward the bottom of the page. To offer comments you can contact MoDOT: STIPcomments@modot.mo.gov, or by calling customer service at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636). Missouri has the nation’s seventh largest state highway system with 33,859 miles of roadways and 10,385 bridges, but ranks 48th nationally in revenue per mile.

A one vehicle accident occurred Tuesday evening at 7:30 in Phelps County on Highway 68 just north of Route F. According to the highway patrol report, a 2008 Saturn Aura driven by 22- year old Emily Bounds of Salem was eastbound when she lost control of the vehicle in a curve, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. Bounds suffered minor injuries and refused treatment at the scene. The Saturn sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by family. According to the report, Bounds was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident.

An accident happened on Wednesday morning at 8:25 in Texas County on Highway 32 at Pursiful Drive about four miles east of Licking. According to the highway patrol report a 2007 Ford Fusion was being driven eastbound on Highway 32 by 25-year old Wanda Graber of Licking when a 2006 Mazda 6 driven northbound by 17-year old Kaleena Scheer of Licking, failed to yield to the Ford and struck the vehicle. Both Graber and Scheer suffered minor injuries. Grabber was taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by the Salem Ambulance while Scheer was taken to the Texas County Memorial Hospital by the Texas County Ambulance. Scheer was not wearing a seat restraint at time of the accident while Graber was wearing hers. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Jays Automotive of Houston.

Did you know that many believe that Missouri is home to Bigfoot and it lives in the Ozarks? Come enjoy a night of family fun beginning at 8:30 p.m., Saturday July 6th at the Echo Bluff State Park amphitheater to hear about this larger-than-life character and other fascinating and funny Ozark tall tales as told by native Missouri storyteller Larry Brown. Brown has been telling these tales for 35 years all over the country and is regularly featured on the Mid-Missouri public radio program Radio Friends with Paul Pepper. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for this outdoor event. Echo Bluff State Park is located at 34489 Echo Bluff Drive, Eminence, in southeast Missouri. For more information, call Echo Bluff State Park 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.

An accident happened Sunday night at 9:10 in Dent County at the junction of Highway 72 and Route J that took the life of a Salem man. According to the highway patrol report, a 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara driven southbound by 23-year old Megan Caesar of Salem, was stopped in the merge lane to turn onto Route J when a 2018 GMC Pickup driven northbound by 61-year old Cynthia Fruehauf of Greenbrier, Arkansas, crossed the center line and struck the Suzuki head-on. A passenger in the Suzuki, 72-year old Timothy Gibson of Salem was taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by ambulance where he was pronounced dead by Dr. White at 11:11 Sunday night. Fruehauf suffered serious injuries and was Air Evac’d to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Caesar suffered serious injuries as well and was Air Evac’d to the University Hospital in Columbia as was another passenger in the Suzuki, 61-year old James Gibson of Salem who also suffered serious injuries. Everyone but James Gibson was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday night for their regular scheduled board meeting. The board approved the request from Randy League of the Midwest Blue Oval Club to close the streets around the courthouse square on September 7th for the Current River Blue Oval Car Rally. Public Works Director Mark Nash presented five bids for used tractors for the street department and the board approved his recommendation of a 2014 John Deer 6115R that includes a diamond boom mower for $52,000 delivered. This tractor can clean ditch lines and also can extend in the air to clear overhanging branches and vines as well. It does the work of two tractors with one man. City Administrator Ray Walden wanted to remind everyone of the Independence Day Parade starting at 6:00 Thursday night followed by the fireworks display at about 9:15 to 9:30 at the Commons. He wanted to remind the public they are not allowed to bring and shoot fireworks on the Commons property before, during or after the display. Walden said the city offices would be closed on Thursday for the 4th of July. He also said MoDOT gave the go ahead to advertise for bids for the TAP grant to build the trail from the City Park pavilion to the Salem R-80 Administrative Offices. The bids will be due on Tuesday, July 23rd at 1:30 at the city administrative offices and a pre-bid meeting will be held July 11th at 1:00 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Walden reported the Salem Community Center had 4,120 participants in April and 5,017 in May. He also stated an Economic Development Workshop will be held on July 11th at 5:30 at the Dent County Fire Station. He also said he would send the aldermen a list of meeting dates to set up a nuisance workshop that would be open to the public. They can get back with him as to the dates that fit their schedule best. The board approved Resolution #16-2019 with the Dent County Commission, Collector and Treasurer that would allow the county collector to bill and collect the City of Salem real estate, personal property and Salem Public Library taxes through 2023. The board also approved Bill #3422 to create an ordinance to allow the subdividing of a parcel of land at 202, 204 and 206 West Fourth Street. On Bill #3423 to approve a change order agreement for the old middle school, there was a lot of discussion that the city should not have to pay all the additional monies for asbestos abatement as they felt the engineering firm, Environmental Operations, Inc., did not do enough due diligence in their assessment of the old middle school. It was found that there was additional caulking behind each window that was assessed in the school from the original windows that were put in the building which must be removed. Alderman Shelton and Hinderliter voted to approve the additional monies to keep the project moving with the possibility of recourse against Environmental Operations, Inc. while Aldermen James and Nash voted against the bill. Mayor Brad Nash voted to move forward and approved the ordinance with the tie breaking vote. City Clerk Mary Happel said that the Park Street Trailer Court still has not submitted an application for a new license and she was going to contact them and let them know they are in violation and may be subject to penalties. She also has been approached by some people about the UTV ordinance that states they must have turn signals. Many of the models do not have signals and she wanted direction of the board as to leave the ordinance as is or change it. The board voted to remove the requirement to have turn signals on UTV’s from the ordinance. The board approved the repair or replacement of a number of transformers for the Electric Department from Solomon Corporation that totaled $14,680.00. Administrator Walden said $30,000 had been budgeted for this project. The board then went into closed session to discuss contracts and personnel.

Captain Eddie Blaylock, commanding officer of Troop I, announces that during the 4th of July holiday weekend, troopers will conduct a hazardous moving enforcement operation, in Crawford County. This is one of many enforcement projects being conducted through the holiday weekend, which starts today and ends on July 7th. Troopers assigned to this project will direct their efforts to Interstate 44 in Crawford County. Special emphasis on speed, following too close, aggressive driving, and driving impaired will be their primary focus. Captain Blaylock would like to remind travelers to designate a sober driver or sober captain if your holiday plans include alcohol. Captain Blaylock also reminds the public that emergencies on the road or on the water can be reported by dialing *55 on their cellular telephone.

The Dent County Commissioners held their regular meeting Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, City of Salem Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge gave the commissioners an update on the economic activity during the month of June in the city and county including new prospects, ongoing opportunities and projects, marketing activities and new city business licenses that were issued. She also updated the commission on grants and explained to the commission about the medical marijuana ordinance that was passed by the city due to Amendment 2 being passed by the state and the restrictions and requirements of dispensaries and manufacturing. She talked about the historic Salem Ghost Tour hosted by Jacob Stotler that was held Friday night and drew about 300 people to the event. The next ghost tour will be held July 12th and 26th, while a special tour of McArthur Avenue will be held on Friday, July 19th. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5390 and 6660 while grading and ditch work will be done on county road 5130. Purcell stated that materials would be added and grading done on county road 5380 and brush was going to be cut on Dent County Roads 4180 and 4210. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 3200 and 4285, while only grading would be done on county roads 2350, 3180, and 4283. Larson went on to report that brush was going to be cut on county roads 3030 and 3040 and backhoe would be taken out to county road 2090 to clean out some pipes. He said patch grading would be done on county road 2070 and a man would be traveling to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal patching. Dent County Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended the Advisory Committee Meeting at the Wurdack Farm last Thursday and it was good turnout where the Dean of the Missouri College of Agriculture was there along with a number of people from the agricultural school. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that a voter canvass is underway and that people should be receiving a blue voter registration card in the mail. At the last meeting, the commission approved to allow the Salem Chamber choir to sell snow cones and Christmas ornaments on the courthouse lawn. It was also announced the Dent County Courthouse would be closed for Independence Day and also on Friday. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday, July 8th at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On Friday night, June 21st at about 9:37, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 900 block of South Hickory reference a domestic assault. The investigation of the report revealed a 26-year-old female of Salem had assaulted a 26-year-old male of Salem and left the residence in an intoxicated condition with children. After a further investigation, the suspect was located and placed under arrest for driving while being intoxicated, domestic assault and for endangering the welfare of a child. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and was released. Then on Saturday evening, June 22nd near 6:57, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1800 block of South Oak reference a domestic disturbance. That investigation revealed a 48-year-old male of Salem had unlawfully entered onto the property of another and refused to leave. A further investigation led to the arrest of a male suspect for trespassing. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and was released. And finally on Wednesday, June 26th at approximately 7:09 in the evening, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 33-year-old male of Salem for driving while having their license revoked and for the unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The suspect was incarcerated pending the application for warrants. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways will host the annual Alley Spring Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 6th, from 6:00 to 9:00 in the evening. This event commemorates the traditional picnic celebrations that were held at Alley Spring around the turn of the twentieth century when this area was the social gathering place for local families. The sounds of the Buzzard Run Bluegrass Band and stomping of the Country Ho’ Downers square dance group will ring throughout the valley. Free ice-cold watermelon and lemonade will be provided to visitors. The Spring Dipper from Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, will be on site dipping up delicious handmade ice cream. Bring the family and a lawn chair or lawn blanket and take part in one of the classic celebrations that define the Alley Community. Alley Spring is located five miles west of Eminence on State Route 106. For more information, phone (573) 226-3945, or visit the park’s Facebook page or website at www.nps.gov/ozar.