Local News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plans are in place for another exciting 4-H and FFA Expo starting on Wednesday, July 17th and lasting through Saturday, July 20th at The Commons on Highway 72 just north of Salem. On Wednesday morning, the 4-H Exhibits will be judged starting at 10:00 and the Dessert Auction will be at 6:00 that evening. Then on Thursday, the livestock registration will begin at 9:30 with all livestock in place by 11:00 that morning. Livestock weigh-ins will begin at 12:30 Thursday afternoon. There will also be a Talent Show Thursday evening from 7:00 until 9:00. Friday will be jam packed with livestock judging starting early with the Hog Show at 7:00 in the morning followed by the Small Animal Show at 11:00. The afternoon judging will kick off at 1:00 with the Sheep and Goat Show followed by the Beef and Dairy Show at 2:30. During the evening there will be a movie shown and popcorn will be served. Saturday will be the climax for the 4-H and FFA Exhibitors starting with the Market Sale Luncheon at 12:00 noon and the Market Sale at 1:00. There is no charge to attend and everyone is welcome. Local vendors will be on hand to serve food and beverages for those attending the Expo. For additional information about the Expo contact the Dent County Extension office at 729-3196 or the Salem Agriculture Education Department at 739-2016.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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