Local News

The Dent County Commission met for their regular Monday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. Sally Burbridge, City of Salem Economic Development Director was in to give a monthly update. Jamie Homeyer came in to discuss being considered for the position of the County Assessor when the Assessor Tina Whitaker retires at the end of the year. In the road report District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell reported grading will be done on Dent County Roads 6370, 6190, and 4220, while a man was going to Springfield after a load of oil for chip and seal repair. Purcell noted that maintenance was being done on the brush cutter. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2315, 2313, 5305, 4405, 5320, and 4410. He also said that materials would be added to county roads 4430, 2313, 2315, 4380, and brush would be cut on county roads 2070, 2075, and 2315. County Clerk Angie Curley reported that payroll was approved. Bids were opened for the Courthouse propane. After discussion the Commissioners approved the current supplier, Ferrellgas, at $1.185 per gallon. Motion passed 3-0. The next meeting of the Commission will be Thursday morning in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports for Sunday, July 28th. At approximately 3:15 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1400 block of South Water in reference to an assault. The investigation of the report revealed a 32-year-old male of Salem had assaulted a 23-year-old female of Salem. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was incarcerated pending the application for a warrant. Just minutes later at 3:22, an officer was dispatched to a storage unit at Highway 32 and Sligo in reference to a theft. That investigation showed that a person or persons unknown broke into a unit and took a 22-caliber rifle, a safe and jewelry valued at$8,000.00. The report is under investigation. At about 9:10 that night, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 900 block of North Pershing in reference to a fight in progress. The investigation of the report revealed that a 33-year-old male of Salem had assaulted a 25-year-old male of Salem. During the assault, a 25-year-old male of Jadwin fired a 9mm pistol in the air. A further investigation led to the arrest of the 33-year-old Salem man for assault and the Jadwin male suspect for unlawful use of a firearm. The two suspects were issued summonses to appear in court and released. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 573-729-4242 if you have any information about an ongoing investigation.

A two vehicle accident happened Friday morning at 10:30 on Highway H about a mile North of Leasburg resulting in three minor injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 2016 Chrysler 200, driven by 68 year-old Paul Leasor of Aurora, failed to yield, causing the vehicle to strike a 2006 Ford Focus driven by 24 year-old Shannon Comia of Bourbon. Paul Leasor and a passenger, 71 year-old Judy Leasor, as well as Comia reported minor injuries but all three declined treatment at the scene. The Chrysler sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Chucks Towing. The Focus was totaled in the accident and removed by Brads Towing. According to the report, all involved in the accident were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident.

Get ready for the new school year with the Annual Back to School Fair Saturday, August 10th, at the Community Center at The Armory. The event will be held from 10:00 until 2:00 for preschoolers through the 12th grade. The Back to School Fair is a partnership of community organizations, businesses and resources. Missouri Child Identification Program (MoCHIP) representatives will be on hand providing free child ID kits. MoCHIP is a comprehensive program designed to give families a measure of protection should a child become missing or abducted. The Masonic Children’s Foundation retains no information concerning the children and only keeps a signed permission form. Children will also receive haircuts, socks, shoes and underwear. Children must be pre-registered with the South Central Community Action Agency before the event and parents can register their child or children by contacting Sarah Richmond-Arnett at the office at 1405 S. Wines Street now through August 10th. If your business or community group would be interested in participating in the fair you should contact the Sarah at 573-739-3500, extension 10, or by email at sgivens@scmcaa.org.

Registration continues this week at the Salem schools. At the Salem Upper Elementary new and current students can register from 9:00 to 3:30 through Wednesday, August 7th. For more information, call 729-4812. At the Salem Middle School students can register today, Wednesday and Thursday, August 6th through 8th. On Friday, August 9th, anyone who missed registration may register on that day. All 6th, 7th, 8th grade students will enroll in the Cafeteria of the Middle School building and a parent or guardian must attend and complete the necessary required enrollment forms and paperwork. For more information, call 729-4261. At the Salem High School Juniors will register today from 1:00 to 5:00 pm.; sophomores will register from 1:00 to 5:00 pm tomorrow and freshman will register Thursday from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. On Friday, August 9th, anyone who missed registration can register from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. For more information about registration, call the Salem Senior High School at 729-6641. Don’t forget your child’s vaccinations must be up to date before they can register. Contact the Dent County Health Center if you have any questions at 729-3106.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will meet tonight at the City Hall Council Chambers for their regular meeting at 7:00. In the hearing of persons First Baptist Church is requesting to have a Fireworks Show on Saturday, October 5th, at 7:30 p.m. for their Fall Fest Spectacular. Included will be a request for partial closure of West First Street and North Grand. Ms. Arlene Martin wants to discuss what can be done about water standing in her yard at 604 South Sligo. Mayor Nash will call for a Public Hearing in order to discuss the setting of the property tax rate for 2019. No votes are to be taken. The board will hear bids for a 2019 Dodge Charger for the police department. Bids will be reviewed for the Tap Grant Project, which is the sidewalk project from the High School to inside the City Park. 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 #3425 that creates an ordinance to levy for the year 2019 a tax of .6522 cents per $100 assessed valuation. Discussion will also be held on Bill #3426 that creates an ordinance to authorize the Mayor to execute a State Block Grant agreement between the City of Salem and the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission. In new and miscellaneous business Chief Steelman is requesting permission to seek a Local Law Enforcement Block Grant (LLEBG) for basic law enforcement safety equipment for officers in the Amount of $9,999.00. The board will also consider approval of the Park Street Trailer Park License Application 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.

Registration will be held starting today at the Salem schools. At the Salem Upper Elementary, new and current students can register from 9:00 to 3:30 today through Wednesday, August 7th. For more information, call 729-4812. At the Salem Middle School, students who are new to the area and have not been registered in any Salem school district in grades 6 through 8 may register on Monday, August 5th. All students can register on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, August 6th through the 8th, and on Friday, August 9th. All 6th, 7th and 8th grade students will enroll in the Cafeteria of the Middle School building and a parent or guardian must attend and complete the necessary required enrollment forms and paperwork. For more information, call 729-4261. At the Salem Senior High, seniors will register on Monday, August 5th from 1:00 – 5:00 PM; juniors will register Tuesday, August 6th from 1:00 – 5:00 PM; sophomores will register from 1:00 – 5:00 PM Wednesday, August 7th and freshman will register Thursday, August 8th from 1:00 – 5:00 PM. On Friday, August 9th, anyone who missed registration can register from 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM. For more information about registration, call the Salem Senior High School at 729-6641. Don’t forget your vaccinations must be up to date before you can register your child. Contact the Dent County Health Center if you have questions about which vaccinations are required for each grade level at 729-3106.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports in July. On Thursday morning, July 25th at about 11:35, an officer located a 32-year-old female of Rolla near Grand and Butler who had three active arrest warrants from Dent County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrants and found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 32-year-old male of Springfield for stealing merchandise valued at $43.85. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. That same evening at about 11:32, an officer was dispatched to Rolla Road and Macarthur in reference to a suspicious person. That investigation lead to the arrest of a 40 year-old male of Salem on an active arrest warrant from Camden County. The suspect was incarcerated pending extradition. On Saturday evening July 27th, at approximately 6:03, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to trespassing. A 30-year-old male of Salem was on Wal-Mart property after having been issued a no trespass notice. The suspect was taken into custody for trespassing, issued a summons to appear in court and released. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 573-729-4242 if you have any information about an ongoing investigation.

A Salem man has won a $1 Million Scratchers Prize. Jerry Armer got a huge surprise and a new reason to celebrate after he stopped to buy a lottery ticket on his 10th wedding anniversary. The Salem man uncovered a $1 million top prize on a Missouri Lottery“50X The Cash” Scratchers game. Armer said, “I didn’t believe it at first. I had to take it back into the store and scan it there.” “And then he called me,” his wife added. “I thought he was just calling me to wish me a happy anniversary! I didn’t believe him either. He had to send me a picture of it. When I got off the phone, I just screamed to my son that we’d won!” Armer Said, “I still can’t believe it. This was my first big win.” Armer purchased the $10 Scratchers ticket at Phil-Mart in Salem.

The Dent County Commission met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that he was a crewman short and that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5170, 5180, 5650 and 4235 if time permitted. He went on to report that materials would be added to county roads 5680 and 5650, plus brush would be cut on county roads 6180 and 4220. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5280, 5300, 5320 and 4405 if there was adequate time. He said that brush would be cut on county road 2080 and two men were working on Loader #3. Larson also reported that two men were patching chip and seal at various locations in preparation for the application of the overlay plus a man was screening brown rock at the Road and Bridge Department. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said that on Tuesday he attended the IDA meeting where information was presented about a possible program to improve sub-standard housing in Salem. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley noted that bills were being approved by the Commissioners for payment. Commissioner Purcell excused himself from the meeting to go to St. James where he was to meet with Kelly Sink-Blair of MRPC and Kelly Witsett with the Forest Service concerning an application for funds through the Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) for replacement of the Cooley Bridge. Dwight Ramsburg and Nick Smith were in at 11:00 with a Jail Project update. At Monday’s meeting County Collector Shannon Vankirk was in to discuss a letter from the Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley regarding the postponement of property taxes for 2019 for the Timber Industries, Inc. property pending a review of the hazardous material inquiry. Tina Whitaker, Dent County Assessor was in and gave her notice that she will retire December 31st, 2019. The next regular meeting of the Commission will be Monday morning in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

A teenager from St. Peters was injured on at about 2:20 in the Meramec River about two and a half miles upstream from the Blue Springs Ranch in Crawford County on Saturday afternoon July 27th. According to the highway patrol report, 13-year old Carrie Stalf of St. Peters was swimming in the river and surfaced in front of a 2008 Blazer boat being operated by Shawn Petty of Salem that was headed up river. Stalf suffered minor injuries and was taken by a personal vehicle to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan for treatment. The swimmer was not wearing a flotation device.

The Salem Police Department has released the following reports. On Sunday morning, July 21st at about 10:24, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a theft from a vehicle. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown entered a red 2006 Chevrolet truck parked near the 400 block of North Henderson and took $80.00 in cash. The report is under investigation. That night at approximately 7:30, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report revealed a 29-year-old female of Salem had taken several items valued at $52.48 without paying for them. The report is under investigation. Later that same evening at 11:55,
an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 800 block of North Jackson in reference to a fight in progress. That investigation led to the arrest of a 31-year-old male of Salem on an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem and a 25-year-old male of Salem for the possession of drug paraphernalia and on an active arrest warrant from Cuba, Missouri. The two suspects were incarcerated on the warrants and the 25-year-old suspect was issued a summons to appear in court for possession of drug paraphernalia. On Monday morning, July 22nd at 10:46, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or psersons unknown took a weed trimmer valued at $129.99 from the porch of a residence in the 600 block of East Third. The report is under investigation. Later Monday afternoon at 1:38, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 33-year-old female of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $12.88. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 573-729-4242 if you have any information about an ongoing investigation.

The State of Missouri will hold its annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday today through this Sunday night at midnight. During this time period, certain back-to-school items will be exempt from the 4.225 percent state sales tax. These items qualify for the sales tax-free weekend: clothing with a taxable value of $100 or less, school supplies that do not exceed $50 per purchase, computer software with a taxable value of $350 or less, personal computers that do not exceed $1,500, computer peripheral devices that do not exceed $1,500 and graphing calculators that do not to exceed $150. According to the Missouri Department of Revenue, Salem and Rolla did not opt of the sales tax holiday, nor did Dent County. Phelps County did opt out and their county sales tax will be collected. The tax-free weekend was first offered in 2004 to make shopping for school supplies a little easier on the budget.

Victor Baptist Church in Anutt will be having a FREE Back to School Giveaway today from 3:00 to 7:00 and tomorrow from 8:30 AM until 12:30 PM. You can pickup school supplies, clothing for all seasons, household items, small appliances, books, games, toys and more. There are no qualifiers, everyone is welcome and everything is FREE!

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Foundation’s “Wings and Strings” Music Festival will be held at the Commons Saturday, August 3rd with the gates opening at 11:00. The event is sponsored by the SMDH Foundation and JB Malone’s Bar and Grill. All proceeds go to the SMDH Foundation which provides needed capital equipment for the Hospital. The wing-off competition will be starting at 12:00 noon with judging at 1:00 with the winners being announced at 2:00. Those interested in the wing-off can find sign up forms and rules at www.smdh.net. The 1st place winner gets $300 and 2nd place winner will take home $200, while the People’s Choice Award will receive $100. There will be a Cornhole Tournament that begins at 1:00 and teams can sign up as late as 12:30 Saturday afternoon. The band performances start at about 2:00 with Hunter Hathcoat will perform around 2:00, followed by Colin Nash at about 4:00. The evening performances will include Jake Stringer near 6:00, while Porter Union will wrap up the night starting at about 8:00. In addition there will be lots of concessions including snow cones and ice cream, plus food trucks. Admission is $15 for adults, children 7-12 will be $8.00 and kids 6 and under are free. There will bounce houses, face painting and other activities for the kids. For more information about Wings and Strings contact Jason Edwards at 573-729-5917 extension 2110 or you can e-mail him at jedwards@smdh.net.

Get ready for the new school year with the Annual Back to School Fair Saturday, August 10th, at the Community Center at The Armory. The event will be held from 10:00 until 2:00 for preschoolers through the 12th grade. The Back to School Fair is a partnership of community organizations, businesses and resources. Missouri Child Identification Program (MoCHIP) representatives will be on hand providing free child ID kits. Children will also receive haircuts, socks, shoes and underwear. Children must be pre-registered with the South Central Community Action Agency before the event and parents can register their child or children by contacting Sarah Richmond-Arnett at the office at 1405 S. Wines Street now through August 10th. If your business or community group would be interested in participating in the fair you should contact the Sarah at 573-739-3500, extension 10, or by email at sgivens@scmcaa.org.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a report from Friday, July 19th. Dent County Deputies were on routine patrol on Dent County Road 5010 when they attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle. However, the vehicle began to travel at a high rate of speed towards Salem. Deputies caught up to the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop at the Casey’s General Store on East Highway 32. During the course of the traffic stop, it was discovered that a female had fled from the vehicle before deputies caught up to it. Deputies then traveled to the intersection of Doss Road and East Roosevelt Street. During the course of the investigation, a 26-year-old Salem woman was located and arrested for an active arrest warrant through Crawford County. The female was later transported to the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office. Also arrested during the incident was a 34-year-old Salem man for driving while having a revoked or suspended license, a second or subsequent offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued summons and released. If anyone has any information regarding an ongoing investigation, contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

The Salem Police Department has released the following reports. On Saturday morning, July 20th, at approximately 2:54 an officer located a 27-year-old female of Salem in the 500 block of East Dent who had active arrest warrants from O’Fallon and St. Charles County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrants and incarcerated pending extradition. That night at about 8:27, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report revealed a 30- year-old female of Rolla stole merchandise valued at $79.79 and fled the store. The report is under investigation. Minutes later at approximately 9:15, an officer was dispatched to the Casey’s General Store on Highway 19 in reference to someone trying to start a fight with an employee. That investigation led to the arrest of a 39-year-old female of Salem for disorderly conduct. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Still later that night at approximately 11:10, an officer transported a 23-year-old female of Licking from Texas County to Dent County due to an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. The suspect was incarcerated pending a court appearance. If anyone has any information regarding an ongoing investigation, contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.

The Dent County Fire Protection District will hold a Tax levy hearing at the regular scheduled meeting August 6th starting at 6:00 at the Dent County District Fire Station located at #2 South Main. This hearing will be open to the public. The current tax rate of the fire district is .2338% per $100 assessed valuation.

Dent County Coroner Gina White released a report from an incident that occurred on Saturday, July 27th at the Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health Center in Salem at 203 North Grand. Her office received a report of a death at the facility of 59-year old Ramon Kerr from the Springfield, Missouri area who had been a patient at the facility since July 13th. He was pronounced dead at the treatment center by White at 4:35 as he was discovered during the staff’s hourly bed checks. An autopsy was scheduled for Monday, July 29th at the Boone County Medical Examiner’s office and will be completed by Dr. Eddie Adelstein. A complete report is expected in about six weeks. The case is being investigated by the Dent County Coroner’s Office and the Salem Police Department.

An accident occurred Monday morning at 8:51 in Laclede County on Interstate 44 at the 139.6 mile marker about nine miles east of Lebanon that left a Salem man with injuries. The accident occurred when 21 year-old Brandon Mendenhall of Salem lost control of a westbound 2008 Chevrolet Impala, which then traveled off the left side of Interstate 44, struck the metal guardrail and then the median cable barrier. According to the highway patrol report, the accident left 29-year old Patrick Mendenhall of Salem with moderate injuries and he was transported by Trooper C.M. Stauffer to the Mercy Hospital in Lebanon. The report stated that neither occupant of the Chevrolet was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Impala was totaled and removed from the scene by Steve’s Towing.

Registration will be held soon at the Salem schools. At the Salem Upper Elementary, new and current students can register from 9:00 to 5:30 on Monday, August 5th and Tuesday, August 6th, while only current students may register on Wednesday, August 7th. For more information, call 729-4812. At the Salem Middle School, students who are new to the area and have not been registered in any Salem school district in grades 6 through 8 may register on Monday, August 5th. All students can register on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, August 6th through the 8th, and on Friday, August 9th. All 6th, 7th and 8th grade students will enroll in the Cafeteria of the Middle School building and a parent or guardian must attend and complete the necessary required enrollment forms and paperwork. For more information, call 729-4261. At the Salem Senior High, seniors will register on Monday, August 5th from 1:00 – 5:00 PM; juniors will register Tuesday, August 6th from 1:00 – 5:00 PM; sophomores will register from 1:00 – 5:00 PM Wednesday, August 7th and freshman will register Thursday, August 8th from 1:00 – 5:00 PM. On Friday, August 9th, anyone who missed registration can register from 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM. For more information about registration, call the Salem Senior High School at 729-6641. Don’t forget your vaccinations must be up to date before you can register your child. Contact the Dent County Health Center if you have questions about which vaccinations are required for each grade level at 729-3106.

The Dent County Sheriffs Department has released a number of reports. On Friday, July 12th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 3250. During the course of the traffic stop, a 27-year-old Salem woman was arrested for driving while having her license revoked or suspended, a 1st offense. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where she was fingerprinted, issued summons and released. On Saturday, July 13th, deputies conducted a traffic stop with a motorcycle at Highway 32 and Route MM. During the course of the traffic stop, a 23-year-old Salem man was arrested for operating a motorcycle with a drivers’ license not validated for such operations. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued summons and released. Then on Thursday the 18th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 4150. During the course of the traffic stop, a 56-year-old Salem woman was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, 35 grams or less of marijuana/synthetic cannabinoid and exceeding posted speed limit by 11-15 mph. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where she was fingerprinted, issued summons and released. The next day on the 19th, deputies responded to the Missouri Private Probation Services to attempt to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 26-year-old Doolittle woman was arrested for an active warrant through Dent County. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. If anyone has any information regarding an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

A fatality accident occurred Monday afternoon at 3:32 in Phelps County on Interstate 44 at the 175 mile marker about nine miles west of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, 59 year-old Roman Zeragia of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was westbound when his 2015 Hino Box Truck traveled off the right side of the roadway, overturned and came to rest. Zeragia was pronounced dead at the scene by Phelps County Coroner Andy Davis at 3:57. The body was taken to James and Gahr Mortuary in Rolla. The truck was totaled and removed from the scene by I-44 Towing of Rolla.

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

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting. Sheriff Bob Wells was in and said the TV show ‘Unsolved Mysteries” will be in Salem on August 12th about the disappearance of Lena Chapin in 2006. They would like to use the upstairs council boardroom for interviews and possibly the courtroom. Wells wasn’t sure if the commission needed to approve this request or if he just needed to get in touch with the extension to make sure the room was available. The commissioners said to talk with the extension and see if anyone was using the room but they had no problem with the request. They did thank Wells for the heads up about them being in town. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that with the rains Monday, service work was going to be done on the brush cutting tractor #8, replacing a flat tire on truck #121 and correcting a windshield problem on truck #125. He said a man would be stockpiling chips at the shed for the upcoming chip and seal project and workers would be responding to any calls for downed limbs or trees as well as culverts backing up. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated brush was being cut on Dent County Road 2070 and a washout on county road 2270 was going to be repaired. Larson also reported a man would be hauling in brown rock to the shed, two men would be servicing truck #75 and another worker would be going to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal repair. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles was in Cape Girardeau last Wednesday through Friday for the CCAM meeting to discuss and schedule the 2020 commissioner training. He also said they discussed legislative priorities of which one was getting the counties reimbursed for housing state prisoners. Skiles believed Dent County was owed more then $200,000. Skiles went on to report there was a discussion on the notice to counties about another increase in the full time prosecutor’s salary. There was also a lengthy discussion on the ban of hunting feral hogs on forest service. He said the Missouri Department of Conservation and National Forest Service representatives were in attendance at the meeting and the commissioners concern was that if they want to ban hunting, Representative Jason Smith, Senator Hawley and Roy Blunt along with the National Forest and Conservation Departments will have to figure out a way tohave the manpower available to protect private landowners property when the feral hogs come on those properties. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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