Local News

The Salem Board of Aldermen held a regular meeting Tuesday evening at the City Hall Auditorium. In bids, the board approved purchasing a split load of Class 2 30-foot and 40-foot utility poles from Bridgewellres at a cost of $216 per 30-foot pole and $378 per 40-foot pole. After the consent agenda, Planning and Zoning Chairman Gary Brown reported on the public hearing and Planning and Zoning Committee meeting that were held prior to the City Council meeting. In the public hearing, there were several questions and discussion regarding the subdivision of 1201 W. Coffman by owners Brady and Micah Adams. The committee gave the oath of office for two new members, Sherman Odom and Tabatha Utley. The officers will remain the same with Chairman Gary Brown, Vice-Chairman Keith Inman and Secretary Wayne Bertz. The committee approved the subdivision request that turns one lot into six lots. The Finance Committee meeting report was postponed because Alderman Kevin James, who serves as the Chairman of this committee, was not in attendance. City Administrator Ray Walden reported there were 2,872 program participants at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory during August. The lighting project is progressing with 3-4 days needed in each of the four city buildings to upgrade to new LED lights. The July utility bills will be processed after contract adjustments are made, estimated to be at the end of this week. Sample bills with common questions and explanations will be included. The board approved Bill #3462 that subdivides 1201 W. Coffman from one lot to six individual lots, and Bill # 3463 that allows the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the agreement with Intercounty Electric to attach AMI metering equipment on poles in areas where there aren’t electric meters but there are water meters. Walden reported that Request for Qualifications were received from two companies that would update HVAC at the City Hall, City Administrative offices, Police Station and Salem Community Center @ the Armory. This program would work the same as the recent lighting upgrade project. The board approved the attorney to create a proposal to work with Energy Solutions Professionals for an energy audit. The board approved a request from Chief Joe Chase to write a Local Law Enforcement Block Grant (LLEBDG) for radios for the police department in the amount of $10,000. The board then went into closed session to discuss contracts.

Poverty is one of America’s most vexing and poignant issues. To take a look at state-level poverty, Stacker analyzed the U.S. Census Bureau’s five-year population estimates from the 2014-2018 American Community Survey (ACS) to show the breakdown of poverty in Missouri. The overall state poverty rate is 14.2% which comes to 837,930 people. The top three counties with the highest poverty rate are Shannon County with 28.5% rate which amounts to 2,312 people below the federal poverty line; Pemiscot County with a 27.9% rate and that is 4,672 people in that county below the poverty line; and Dunklin County stands at a rate of 27.1% which come to 8,001 people under the federal poverty line. The counties with the lowest poverty rate are St. Charles County at a rate of 5.6% and that come to 21,444 people below the poverty line; Platte County with 6.9% rate and that amounts to 6,701 people that fall below the federal poverty line; and Osage County has a rate 7.2% which come to 953 people below the poverty line. In our area, Dent County’s overall poverty rate stands at 21% and that comes to 3,204 people below the federal poverty line; Texas County has a rate of 24.3% which amounts to 5,874 people below the poverty line; Phelps County’s rate stands at 22.3% and that comes to 9,293 people below the poverty line; Iron County with a rate of 20.9% has 2,064 people under the poverty line; Crawford County has a rate of 19.5% which amounts to 4,667 under the federal poverty line; and Reynolds County has a rate of 18.2% and that totals 1,114 people under the federal poverty line. In 2019, the federal poverty level threshold for one person under the age of 65 was an annual income of $13,300; while the federal poverty level for a family of five with three kids was an annual income of $30,510.

A one vehicle accident happened Monday night around 10:20 in Dent County on Dent County Road 5013 about three miles southeast of Salem. According to the report released from the highway patrol, a 2008 Yamaha 1000 being operated by 43-year old William Sweigard of Salem, was traveling west when the Yamaha struck some gravel in the roadway. Sweigard lost control and traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck an embankment and was ejected from the Yamaha. Sweigard suffered moderate injuries and was first transported by Salem Ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital before being transferred to University Hospital in Columbia by AIR EVAC helicopter. The Yamaha sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing. Sweigard was wearing safety devices when the accident happened.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports between August 25th and the August 27th. On Tuesday, August 25th around 5:00 in the afternoon, an officer conducted a traffic stop for knowing the driver had a suspended license near the intersection of Main and Franklin streets. During the traffic stop, the suspended driver’s license was confirmed through dispatch and a 21-year-old Salem male was arrested and later released on summons. Later that same evening, at an officer conducted a traffic stop for traffic violations near the intersection of Nelson and Pace streets. During the investigation, it was discovered the driver had active warrants from the Rolla Police Department. It was also found the driver was in possession of syringes that field tested positive for methamphetamine and had a suspended driver’s license. The 26-year-old Salem male was arrested and incarcerated on the warrants. Charges are being requested for the driving while having his license suspended and the unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. On the morning of August 26th at 9:22, an officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Bryan Street for a report of a stolen vehicle. It was reported that between 9:00 in the evening on August 25th and 9:00 the morning on the 26th, someone had taken a dark green 1996 Mazda 626. This incident is still under investigation. At approximately 1:06 on the afternoon of August 26th, an officer was dispatched to the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center for a report of property damage. It was reported that someone had thrown a rock through the window on the north side of the building. The estimated cost to repair the window was $1000. Video surveillance of the incident was obtained and the incident is still under investigation. During the evening of August the 27th near 9:15, an officer was dispatched to the 300 block of west Ninth Street for a report of a theft from a shed. It was reported that a window had been broken out of the shed and an 18” Stihl chainsaw was taken valued at $175. This incident is under investigation. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has released the following Labor Day Holiday statistics. Thirteen people died in traffic crashes during the 2020 Labor Day holiday weekend. Last year, there were nine fatalities. The 2020 counting period for the Labor Day holiday ran from 6 p.m., Friday, September 4, through 11:59 p.m., Monday, September 7, 2020. The Missouri State Highway Patrol traffic statistics included 274 crashes resulting in 124 injuries and 13 statewide fatalities. There were 145 DWI arrests and 89 drug arrests. The MSHP boating statistics showed there were 15 boating crashes resulting in six injuries and no fatalities. There were 7 boating while intoxicated arrests and 12 drug arrests. There were no drownings reported. Troopers investigated 10 of the 13 fatal traffic crashes over the 2020 Labor Day holiday weekend. The remaining three fatalities were investigated by the Florissant Police Department, Columbia Police Department, and the Springfield Police Department.

A one vehicle accident happened Sunday afternoon around 1:30 in Dent County at the Shawnee Mac Conservation area. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 2002 Chevrolet being driven by 17-year old Mackenzye Beard of Salem, traveled off the right side of the road and overturned. Beard was transported to Salem Memorial District hospital for the treatment of moderate injuries. The Chevrolet was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing.

An accident happened in Dent County on Highway 32 at Dent County Road 4180 Monday morning at 10:40. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica being driven by 34-year old Sarah Brown of Rolla made a left hand turn in front of a 2015 Dodge Challenger by driven by 27-year old Zachary Pogue of Salem. The Pacifica was struck in the side by the Challenger. Two minors in the Challenger were transported by EMS to Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Both vehicles received extensive damage. The Challenger was towed by Whitaker’s Towing while the Pacifica was removed by American Muffler and Towing.

A one vehicle accident happened involving a resident from Steelville happened Saturday afternoon just before 5:00 in Taney County on Highway 76 about a mile east of Branson. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2001 Yamaha Road Star being ridden by 58- year old Ivan Earney of Steelville, failed to negotiate a curve and traveled off the right side of highway, then struck an embankment and overturned. Earney and a passenger, 55-year old Vickie Earney of Steelville, were both ejected from the Yamaha and were transported by Taney county ambulance District to Cox South in Springfield. Vickie Earney received serious injuries while Ivan Earney suffered just minor injuries. The Yamaha sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by a private party.

A one vehicle accident happened Saturday night just before 8:30 in Crawford County on Route TT about a mile north of Highway 8. The report released by the highway patrol says that a 2003 Jeep Liberty being driven by 69-year old Larry Michaelson of Steelville, was southbound when he failed to negotiate a curve and traveled off the right side of the road striking several trees. Michaelson was transported by the Steelville Ambulance to the Phelps Health hospital in Rolla for treatment of moderate injuries. The Jeep sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing.

A one vehicle accident happened early Saturday morning shortly after 2:00 in Texas County on Route B about two miles east of Houston. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 2010 Ford Explorer being driven by 23-year old Annalea Breedlove of Edgar Springs was westbound when she traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck two power poles before overturning and ejecting her from the vehicle. Breedlove was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident and was transported by air ambulance to Cox South Hospital in Springfield for treatment of serious injuries. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Jay’s Towing.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will hold their regular meeting starting at 7:00 tonight at the city hall auditorium. After the call to order and roll call, bids will be reviewed for a split load of Utility Poles. After approval of the consent agenda, Planning and Zoning Board Chairman Gary Brown will report on the hearing and meeting held earlier in the evening concerning the subdivision of 1201 West Coffman and the reorganization of the Planning and Zoning Board. The Board will then hear from Kevin James, Finance Committee Chairman, on the meeting held August 27th, followed by City Administrator Ray Walden as he will give an update on city projects. The board will hear Bill #3462 which is an ordinance dealing with the subdivision of 1201 West Coffman. The board will then discuss Bill #3463, an ordinance authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a license agreement for joint use of electric wood poles between the City of Salem and Intercounty Electric Cooperative for electric service attachments. In new and miscellaneous business, the board will discuss RFQ’s for HVAC services at the City Administrative Office, Community Center, City Hall and Police Station. The board will issue approval to apply for a (LLEBDG) Local Law Enforcement Block Grant for radios before going into closed session to discuss contracts. The regular meeting of the alderman is open to the public.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, encourages everyone to plan for a safe 2020 Labor Day weekend. Whether you are on the water or on the road, it’s everyone’s responsibility to travel safely and observe all Missouri laws. It is also important to observe social distancing and other CDC guidelines related to the coronavirus, and stay home if you are ill. As you plan your Labor Day weekend, incorporate safety into every facet from choosing your route, making sure your equipment is in good working condition, being aware of and following Missouri’s traffic and boating laws, driving your vehicle or vessel courteously, and wearing a seat belt or a life jacket. In Missouri, nine people died and 431 were injured in 1,021 traffic crashes over the 2019 Labor Day holiday. This means one person was killed or injured every 10.6 minutes. Troopers arrested 116 people for driving while intoxicated during last year’s holiday weekend. The 2020 counting period for the Labor Day holiday will be from 6:00 tonight through 11:59 Monday night, September 7th. The Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort) over the Labor Day holiday weekend. Speed, inattention, and impaired driving are leading causes of traffic crashes. All available troopers will be patrolling Missouri’s roadways and waterways. Troopers on the roadways will be enforcing Missouri’s speed limit, seat belt, and impaired driving laws, in addition to being available to assist motorists. If your celebration includes alcohol, designate someone else to drive whether you are in your boat or your car. The public is encouraged to call the Patrol’s Emergency Report Line (800) 525-5555 or *55 on your cellular phone you they witness criminal activity or experience an emergency.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is now accepting entries for its annual photo contest. Winning entries will be posted online and featured in an issue of Missouri Resources magazine. The deadline to submit photos is October 1st. Contestants can submit entries in three categories. One category is natural resources which could include photo of Missouri’s air, landscapes and waterways. Another category is unique places including photos taken within one of Missouri’s state parks and historic sites. For a list of all Missouri parks and sites visit mostateparks.com. The final category is people enjoying and exploring Missouri’s great outdoors. Judges will choose first, second, third and honorable mention winners for each category. For more information or to submit photos, you can visit dnr.mo.gov/photocontest. Questions about the photo contest can be sent to socialmedia@dnr.mo.gov.

It’s time to dig out your cowboy boots and saddle up for the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Rodeo this Saturday and Sunday at the Commons. The IPRA/MRCA Pro Rodeo by Outlaw Rodeo Productions kicks off each night at 7:30. Rodeo events include bareback riding, calf roping, breakaway roping, team roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing and bull riding. There will be a calf scramble each night for children 10 year of age and under, Blake Skaggs mini buckers will be in action. Saturday night will be red, white and blue night saluting our veterans. Advance tickets will be $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children ages 5 to 11. They can be purchased at the Salem Area Chamber Visitors Center, both locations of the Bank of Salem, Progressive Ozark Bank, both Town and Country Bank locations, and Riverways Federal Credit Union. Tickets at the gate each night are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children. The concession stand will be open and there will be vendors and music on the grounds. For more information call the Salem Area Chamber office at 573-729-6900.

The Dent County Fire Protection District board of directors met Tuesday evening at 6:00 at the fire station located at #2 South Main Street. After approval of the consent agenda, the minutes from the August meeting were reviewed and approved as presented. During the financial report, bills were reviewed and approved or the month. During the review of the calendar, it was noted that on the September 19th the Dent County Sheriff’s Department will be holding training, and on October 9th the Salem Memorial District Hospital will be installing child car seats. The monthly reimbursement report showed a total of 17 calls for the month of August including two structure fires, one car fire, and six first responder calls. The department was called to three vehicle accidents, had two training calls and responded to three fire alarms. This brings the calls year to date to 167 with the average cost per call being $120.01. In old business, Chief Brad Nash informed the board that the bathroom furnace had been installed. There were no reports or new business to discuss. The date for the next meeting was set for October 6th at the 6:00 at the fire station before the meeting adjourned.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, encourages everyone to plan for a safe 2020 Labor Day weekend. The Labor Day holiday is a busy boating weekend and it’s everyone’s responsibility to travel safely and observe all Missouri laws. It is also important to observe social distancing and other CDC guidelines related to the coronavirus, and stay home if you are ill. In 2019 over Labor Day, there were 11 boating crashes which included four injuries, and no fatalities. There were no drownings over last year’s Labor Day holiday. Troopers arrested 10 people for boating while intoxicated during last year’s counting period. Marine enforcement troopers will be working to make our waterways safer during the holiday weekend. Missouri’s boaters are asked to do their part by remaining alert for other boats and swimmers, and being courteous on the water. With more boats on the water, it is even more important to pay attention when operating a vessel. Remember: Smaller vessels should yield right-of-way to larger vessels. Boaters should avoid overloading their boat with too many passengers and always pay close attention to the boats around them. Never operate a vehicle or vessel while you are impaired as alcohol consumption slows reaction time. The public is encouraged to call the Patrol’s Emergency Report Line (800) 525-5555 or *55 on your cellular phone you they witness criminal activity or experience an emergency. If your celebration includes alcohol, designate someone else to drive whether you are in your boat or your car.

The U.S. Census Bureau continues to evaluate its operational plans to collect and process 2020 Census data. They are announcing updates to our plan that will include enumerator awards and the hiring of more employees to accelerate the completion of data collection and apportionment counts by our statutory deadline of December 31, 2020, as required by law and directed by the Secretary of Commerce. The Census Bureau’s new plan reflects their continued commitment protect the health and safety of the public and our workforce. A robust field data collection operation will ensure they receive responses from households that have not yet self-responded to the 2020 Census. They will improve the speed of the count without sacrificing completeness. As part of the revised plan, there will be additional training sessions and provide awards to enumerators in recognition of those who maximize hours worked. Field data collection will end by September 30, 2020. Self-response options will also close on that date to permit the commencement of data processing. Under this plan, the Census Bureau intends to meet a similar level of household responses as collected in prior censuses, including outreach to hard-to-count communities. Once they have the data from self-response and field data collection in their secure systems, they plan to review it for completeness and accuracy, streamline its processing, and prioritize apportionment counts to meet the statutory deadline. In addition staff will be increased to ensure operations are running at full capacity. The census bureau also recognizes that events can still occur that no one can control, such as additional complications from severe weather or other natural disasters. Priority will be given to the health and safety of the census workforce and the public and they will continue to follow Federal, state, and local guidance, including providing appropriate safety trainings and personal protective equipment to field staff. To date, 93 million households, nearly 63 percent of all households in the nation, have responded to the 2020 Census. If you know someone who has not yet responded, please encourage them to do so today online at 2020census.gov, over the phone at 1-844-330-2020, or by mail.

Due to COVID 19, the Salem Memorial District Hospital has extended their health fair screenings for the entire month of September, but the event will be held this time at the hospital. In an effort to comply with social distancing and to maintain a safer environment to serve the community, you will need to pre-register and schedule your health fair screenings to be performed at the hospital. You can register for the health fair profile which will include a full lipid profile, comprehensive metabolic panel as well as tests for uric acid and iron levels for a cost of $35. Other tests being offered include a hemoglobin A1c for $15. A TSH (thyroid) test, Urine microalbumin test, and the PSA test for men will still be offered for $15 each. A DEXA Scan test can also be scheduled for $35, however, this test will require an order from your physician. The screenings will be held Monday through Friday morning from 7:00 until 11:00, AND all appointments MUST be scheduled. Participants will enter through the north entrance of the hospital and be COVID screened after which the fees will be collected and consent forms will be signed prior to testing. Labs will be drawn in the hospital library, then patients will exit out of the same entrance. To schedule an appointment and pre-register, you may call Karen Brown Monday through Friday from 8:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon at 573-729-6626 extension 4005.

As the state attempts to return to normal amid the global pandemic, the Missouri Department of Transportation is dealing with a surge in work zone crashes despite decreased traffic volumes. MoDOT has already had 39 truck/trailer-mounted attenuators hit in work zones across the state this year. That compares with 19 hits at this time in 2019. Attenuators are like giant, crushable shock absorbers which absorb momentum and reduce the force of the impact. Damage to drivers and vehicles involved is lessened. MoDOT Director Patrick K. McKenna said they have had a 100% increase in TMA hits at a time when traffic on Missouri roads has decreased by nearly 50% for much of the year. That’s not only an overwhelming figure; it’s also completely avoidable with appropriate driver attention. Distracted driving has been recognized as a major factor in work zone crashes. Since 2014, cell phone related crashes in Missouri have increased by 35%. Using a cell phone in a car is potentially one of the most dangerous actions you can take while driving. Any time highway workers are present on a Missouri roadway – whether it’s a long-term lane closure, a moving operation, or shoulder work – your safety and the safety of those workers depends on drivers’ focus and attention. Since 2012, the state “Slow Down and Move Over” law requires motorists to slow down and change lanes when approaching MoDOT vehicles or law enforcement and emergency vehicles with lights flashing. Failure to do so is a Class A misdemeanor and can result in fines and/or imprisonment. To further underscore the importance of driving safely in work zones, last year Governor Mike Parson signed “Lyndon’s Law,” to revoke the driver’s license of anyone who hits a highway or utility worker in a work zone or an emergency responder in an emergency zone. Lyndon Ebker was a 30-year employee of MoDOT when he was hit and killed in a Franklin County work zone by a distracted driver in 2016. McKenna said that operating a motor vehicle—whether it is an 18-wheel commercial transport or the family sedan—is a full-time job. Road conditions can change in a heartbeat. We don’t want that heartbeat to be the last—either for you or our workers.

The Salem Police Department has released reports between the dates of August 15th and August 25th. On Saturday, the 15th at around 12:36 in the afternoon, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a motorcycle at the intersection of Center and Warfel Street and it was found that the driver was operating the motorcycle without a driver’s license and was found to be in possession of controlled substance, pills not prescribed to the driver. The driver, a 43-year-old Salem male was arrested and issued a summons to appear in court. Then on Sunday, August 16th near 10:00 in the evening, an officer conducted a traffic stop for an expired registration at the intersection of Jackson and Dent streets. Contact was made with the driver and it was discovered the he had a suspended driver’s license. As a result, a 31-year-old Salem male was arrested and later released on a summons. During the evening of Monday, August 17th around 8:49, an officer was dispatched to Phil-Mart for a report of a theft of propane. It was reported that two males had a propane tank filled and left without paying for the propane. The estimated amount of Propane that was not paid for was $20.53. The incident is still under investigation. On Wednesday, the 19th of August at around 10:30 in the morning, an officer was dispatched to the lobby of the police department to speak with a victim about someone using her debit card for approximately $1,800 of purchases without her consent. This incident is still under investigation. During the afternoon of August 21st near 2:20, an officer was dispatched to the lobby of the police department to speak with a victim about someone using her debit card without her consent in the amount of $877.00. This incident is still under investigation. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams presented the CART money received by the county in August and the total figure came to $62,940.00 which is more than $2,900 over 2019 when the county received $60,037.34 in August. Year-to-date, the CART funds are $24,439.57 less than what was collected in 2019 which is about a 5.4% decrease. Williams also brought in the quarterly budgeted disbursement requests for the Salem Nutrition Center of $14,000 and the SMTS Bus Service of $6,750 which were signed by the commission. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5080, 5090 and 6670 while materials will be added and grading done on county road 6245. Materials will also be added to Dent County Road 6250. Purcell said brush would be cut on county roads 4220 and 5120, and the work crews are 95% of the way finished with Dent County Road 5520 which they rebuilt last week. Purcell said 179 dump truck loads of clay material were used on the road. He said crossover pipes were installed and two inch clean rock was put down. Workers will be putting down 1 inch base over that and finish up the job this week. Purcell stated that the commission will sign the two Federal Land Access Program projects he has been working on so that the county can solicit engineering firms for the projects. The projects are the replacement of the Cooley Bridge on Dent County Road 5610 in the Bunker area, and the asphalting of the Tan Vat hill on Dent County Road 6670 that goes into Montauk State Park. County workers will prep that hill with the installation of a number of crossover pipes before at least four inches of asphalt is put down. The money for the project comes from the Federal Highway Administration and is distributed through MoDOT. The county will contract out both of these project and they must be completed by June 1, 2022. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2540, 2550 and 3300 while materials would be added and grading done on county road 4380. Larson said brush would also be cut on county roads 3140 and 3150. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he spoke with the Dent County Assessor Jamie Homeyer and she was able to secure a contract with her software vendor Clear Basin for one year to allow people to fill out and submit their personal property lists online for property tax assessment. There will be a $1,500 set up fee and $5,000 for the contract for one year. The county will submit this for reimbursement through the CARES Act funds. Skiles said he plans to travel to Columbia Wednesday representing CCAM in negotiations with the management of the Holiday Inn to see what can be done about the annual training having to be cancelled in 2021 that would have been held at the motel. Skiles hopes that an equitable arrangement can be reached, be it a small penalty or an extension of the contract that both sides can be happy with. Skiles also wanted to congratulate Judy Apperson from the Salem Community Center@The Armory on her retirement. Apperson helped create new county addresses through the rural addressing service that is handled out of their office. Skiles also presented an addendum to the MRPC contract for services for the CARES Act application review. The addendum indicates that participating counties would help pay for any attorney fees and postage costs of large packages dealing with the application process. The addendum was approved by the commissioners. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley wants to remind everyone the last day to register to vote for the General Election will be October 7th. Curley will be attending the Annual County Clerk Election Authority conference in Kansas City this week. The Commission had five CARES Act Reimbursement requests. One came from Green Forest R-2 School for $2,365.21, another from Northwood R-4 School for $33,831.30 and a third from the Salem Memorial District Hospital for $53,768.00, a fourth for the Ozark Dental center for $20,000 and the last one from the dent County Health Center for $7,831.67. The Commission approved all five requests. It was also announced that with Monday being Labor Day, the county commissioners will not meet again until September 14th at 9:00 at the courthouse.

Salem R-80 Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed reports the Dent County Health Department notified the Salem R-80 School district Friday that one individual at William Lynch has tested positive for COVID-19 and one individual at the Upper Elementary meets the definition of a “probable” case. The staff at the health department spent Friday calling staff members and parents of students who had direct contact with these individuals, and they will be asked to quarantine for 14 days. Based on the health department’s contact tracing, it is not necessary to do full building closures at this time. The Salem R-80 custodial staff worked over the weekend to fully sanitize all affected areas. Dr. Reed wanted to remind everyone that out of respect for those with direct contact, the district waited until they were notified to release a public statement. Dr. Reed wanted to thank the public for their patience and support as the district will do everything they can to keep students and staff safe. If you have any questions, please contact Assistant Superintendent John Smith or Superintendent Dr. Reed at 729-6642). While the district will protect the privacy of those directly impacted, they will make every effort to be as transparent as possible. The school nurse has provided information regarding COVID-19 on the school webpage. Please refer to it regarding symptoms, quarantine guidelines and more at www.salemr80.org.

An accident occurred Saturday evening at 7:47 in Crawford County on Interstate 44 at mile marker 220.2. According to the highway patrol report, a 2000 GMC Jimmy driven by 63-year old Lyle Price of Effingham, Illinois, was traveling westbound and when the Jimmy traveled off the left side of the roadway. The GMC then returned to the roadway and overturned. Lyle suffered serious injuries and was flown by Arch Air to Mercy Creve Coeur. An occupant in the Jimmy, 59-year old Cynthia Indelicato of Salem, suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Missouri Baptist Sullivan by North Crawford Ambulance. All injured parties were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. The Jimmy was totaled and removed from the scene by Chuck’s Towing.

A Steelville resident was injured in a one vehicle accident Friday morning shortly before 11:00 in Crawford County on Highway 8 about one mile west of Steelville. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 1998 Dodge Dakota being driven by 39-year old Mark Palmer of Steelville was westbound when he traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck several trees. Palmer, who was not wearing a safety restraint, suffered moderate injuries and was transported by EMS to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. The Dodge had minor damage and was removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing. The highway patrol was assisted by the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department, Steelville Fire Department and the Steelville Police Department.

The Dent County Fire Protection district board of directors will be meeting Tuesday, September 1st at 6:00 at the fire station at #2 South Main Street. After approval of the consent agenda the board will review and approve minutes from the August meeting before hearing the financial report and approving bills. The board will then review the calendar and hear the monthly reimbursement report before hearing any old and new business and various reports. The date will then be set for the October meeting before the meeting is adjourned. The meeting of the Dent county fire protection district board of directors is open to the public.

The City of Salem Finance Committee met Thursday night at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. City Administrator Ray Walden updated the board on the 2019-2020 budget as the city is working on their year-end position which may necessitate some year-end budget adjustments. Walden said this would have to be done by September 30th, but he would try to have the adjustments by the next alderman meeting after Labor Day. Walden reviewed some of the numbers from the last fiscal year that showed the city received $321,000 in property tax collections versus the $300,000 they budgeted, and the General Revenue Sales Tax Fund received $1,124,522 while the city budgeted $1,062,071. Tax collections for the Special Street Fund were also up over $20,000 from the budgeted amount. The Salem Park and Rec Sales Tax Fund came in $304.60 under budget while the ½ cent Capital Improvements Sales Tax receipts were $562,261 which was more than the budgeted figure of $550,000. Walden reported on the utility billings and said the city had 11 billing cycles during the fiscal year that covered 12 months of utility consumption. Electric revenues were budgeted at about 6.3 million dollars, but the city received about $5.4 million dollars. Walden said the collected amount was lower due to a decrease in electric rates in July of 2019 of 8.7% and also the milder weather in the winter and summer months. This also meant less electric purchases required by the city. With all that being said, the city only spent $5,080,000 for electric so the revenues still exceeding the expenses. Water sales were down in the city and the revenues it generated came in at $850,000 while the direct expenses for the water department came in at $788,160. The expenses were also held in check as the city did not drill a new well that had been budgeted for $500,000. Revenues for the sewer billing in the city came in at $762,634 while the actual expenses were $741.675. Walden went over the list of capital improvement projects updating the committee on the status of each one. The committee went on to discuss the possibility of getting a city engineer to help with the numerous projects going on and be the driving force in getting those projects completed. The board reviewed some preliminary numbers that Walden put together of what it may cost if the Board of Aldermen would employ an engineer by the first of the year and it came in at under $100,000 that included a city vehicle. After weighing the positives and negatives of the position and what the city is already paying in engineering fees, the finance committee agreed to recommend to the Board of Aldermen at the next meeting to create the position of City Engineer. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Salem Police Department has released their report for the month of July. They issued 16 summonses to appear in court, wrote 74 warning tickets, and 21 traffic tickets while conducting 120 traffic stops, plus they also served 6 fugitive warrants. The Salem Police investigated 10 traffic accidents, wrote 2 property damage reports, 9 stealing reports, along with 2 sexual offenses and one unlawful use of a firearm or weapon. The department investigated 2 possessions of a controlled substance reports, 4 possessions of drug paraphernalia and 1 domestic assault report, 5 domestic violence reports along with 2 leaving the scene of an accident. The Police department also conducted one forgery and one fraud investigation. The department also conducted 224 well being checks and 13 reports of peace disturbance, three nuisance reports and eight driving while being revoked or suspended. The department was also dispatched for 50 animal calls, 20 ambulance assist calls, and one exparte violation. The Salem Police Department received 1,062 calls for service during the month of July and had 77 walk-ins to the station. The department drove 9,050 miles during the month and spent 4 hours as court bailiff. There were 22 males and 8 females arrested during the month of July.

The Dent County Sheriffs Department has released two reports. On Monday, August 17th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 6690. During the course of the traffic stop, a 28-year-old Salem woman was arrested for the possession of marijuana and/or synthetic cannabinoid of 10 grams or less. The woman was transported to the Dent County Jail where she was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Then on Wednesday, August 26th, a deputy traveled to a residence on North Water Street to serve an arrest warrant. Upon arrival, a 21-year-old Salem woman was arrested for an active arrest warrant through Dent County. The woman was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. If you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation please call the Dent County Sheriffs office at 729-4242.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met August 20th at the Health Center. Health Center Administrator Kendra Mobray updated the Board on the Health Center’s response to COVID-19. She reported she met with local school administrators to discuss all the schools re-opening and has been in frequent communication with them since the meeting. Mobray noted that she presented COVID training to the staff at all the rural schools on Tuesday, August 18th and Wednesday, August 19th. She reported to the Board that there are currently 9 active cases in Dent County and 21 cases released from isolation, 1 case has required hospitalization. Mobray went on to say that to date the Health Center has isolated 30 laboratory confirmed cases and that case numbers are bring released on Facebook every Monday and Thursday. She said Health Center clients are being seen by appointment only. Mobray said that no realtors submitted bids for to list the MacArthur facility. The Board voted to list the property with Elwood Real Estate. Mobray reported that outpatient lab services were provided for 115 clients in July. Health Center Staff was present at Senior Registration on August 10th giving required immunizations to seniors, and immunizations continue to be available by appointment only. In contract updates she noted that the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) Cares contract was received, signed and sent back to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Mobray said that all seven staff members have had to work overtime the last few weeks to complete case investigations and contract tracings, plus as cases increase, the staff time dedicated to COVID will increase as well. The ELC Contract, which runs through March of 2022, will allow for one additional part-time employee to assist with response efforts. The Board voted to offer a temporary part-time nurse position. Subsequent to the Board meeting, an internal employee decided to take the part-time position and a full time nursing position will be advertised. WIC appointments and communications continue to be conducted via phone and mail. Roma Jones, Assistant Administrator, reported that the transition from WIC checks to cards has been successful so clients are being asked to come into the office to pick up their eWIC card by appointment only. This process will continue through September. Mobray reported that the first SHOW-ME Health Women’s clinic is scheduled for August 31st from 8:00 until 12:00 noon. In collaboration with SMDH, Sandra Headrick, FNP, will see qualifying patients at the once monthly clinic. Uninsured and under-insured women ages 35-64, that meet income guidelines, can receive “well woman care” at no cost through the program. The Health Center investigated two animal bites, ten cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, one case of Erlichia Chaffeensis, and one case of E. Coli in July. The Board voted to adopt the tax-rate for the coming year of 0.0959 cents per $100 assessed valuation. The health center expenses were then approved and the next regular board meeting was set for September 17th at 5:00. The meeting was adjourned.

The City of Salem’s Finance Committee will be meeting this evening at 6:00 at the Community Center@ the Armory, 1200 West Rolla Road. The committee will hear preliminary 2019-2020 fiscal year end financials and anticipated year end budget adjustments before addressing the 2020-2021year to date sales tax and utility revenue and capital projects status. The finance committee will also be discussing city engineering before discussing the preliminary financial objectives for the 2021-2022 fiscal year before adjourning. The meeting of the city of Salem’s finance committee is open to the public.

A Rolla woman was injured in an accident in Oregon County Tuesday morning shortly before 6:00 on Highway 142 about 20 miles east of Thayer. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 2013 Ford pickup being driven by 26-year old Angelica Otero was traveling westbound when she ran off the right side of the road. Otero then overcorrected and traveled off the left side of the road before striking a tree and a house. Otero was transported by Oregon County Ambulance to Ozarks Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries. The Ford was totaled and was removed from the scene by Wickers Towing.

An accident happened in Phelps County Tuesday morning just before 7:30 on Phelps County Road 6120 about three miles west of Highway 63. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado being driven by 37-year old Kayla Woods of Edgar Springs was westbound when she traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck an embankment and then overturned. Woods suffered moderate injuries and was transported by EMS to Phelps Health in Rolla. The Chevrolet sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by Lucas Towing.