Local News

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met Monday evening, May 20th. Minutes of the April regular meeting and closed meeting were reviewed and approved. Health Center Director Kendra Mobray reported that lab services were provided to 88 clients during the month of April. She reported that an application for Breastfeeding Peer Counselor funding has been submitted to Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and that WIC numbers increased slightly last month. Mobray will be attending the Responding to the Rural Substance Use Crisis Event in June. One case of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, one case of Strep Pneumoniae, one case of Campylobacteriosis and an ongoing case of M. Bovis were investigated in April, plus one animal bite. With warmer weather and increased outdoor activities the Health Center encourages residents to keep their pets current on rabies vaccines and to avoid contact with stray animals. Mobray noted that an MOU with the Department of Health and Senior Services to provide treatment to those who test positive for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia and their contacts. A closed session was conducted with no votes being taken. After the closed session Dent County Health Center expenses for March and April were approved. The next regular meeting of the Health Center Board of Trustees will be at 4:00 Monday, June 24th.

Preliminary Reports Indicate seven people died in traffic crashes over the 2019 Memorial Day weekend. During the counting period of 6 p.m., Friday, May 24, through 11:59 p.m., Monday, May 27, 2019, the Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated 298 traffic crashes with 106 injuries. Troopers made 95 driving while intoxicated arrests and 93 drug arrests. Last year, 16 people were killed in traffic crashes over the three-day weekend. In 2018, troopers investigated 294 traffic crashes, which included 124 injuries. Troopers also arrested 121 people for driving while intoxicated and made 102 drug arrests over the 2018 Memorial Day weekend. There was one boating fatality over the 2019 Memorial Day weekend. Marine operations troopers investigated six boating crashes involving three injuries. There were no drownings during the 2019 Memorial Day holiday. Marine operations troopers arrested nine boaters for boating while intoxicated and made 27 drug arrests. The only 100 percent survivable traffic crash is the one that never happens. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Every day as we travel on Missouri’s roadways, we trust that every driver on the road is going to obey the speed limit, pay attention, and drive sober. Don’t Violate The Trust.

The Salem Park and Recreation Department invites all children six and above to attend the Summer Kids Camp starting June 3rd and lasting through July 17th at the Salem City Park. There will be numerous activities for the children to enjoy from games to life skills and more. The camp starts at 8:00 in the morning and lasts until 12:00 noon, and lunch is included. The cost of the entire camp is $150, but parents have the option of paying $25 per week or a daily fee of $6.00. The food served at the Summer Kids Camp is provided by the Summer Food Service Program which is available to any child 18 years of age and below even if they do not attend the Summer Kids Camp. To sign up your child for the Summer Kids Camp or to find out more information about the camp or the Summer Food Service Program, contact Melissa Dubois at 729-8163. You can also e-mail her at melissa@salemcommunitycenter.org.

Take advantage of a limited opportunity to explore the far reaches of Cathedral Cave at Onondaga Cave State Park. Join an experienced naturalist from 10:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon on Saturday, June 8th, as he guides you off trail on a wild adventure of the Cathedral Cave’s lower passage leading to its natural entrance situated just above the Meramec River. You will discover that there is more than meets the eye when you traverse nearly a mile of additional passage not normally seen on a regular lantern tour of the cave. This tour is limited to 15 participants. There is a fee for the tour, and payment can be made online at onondagafriends.org. All proceeds benefit the Onondaga Friends Association a non-profit organization enhancing interpretive services at the park. Conditions in the cave include limited lighting, concrete walkways, metal handrails, cool temperature (57 degrees F) and high humidity (nearing 100%). Participants are encouraged to dress in layers of warm clothing and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots. Additional tours will be held July 13th, August 10th and September 14th. To request a registration form, to receive more information about equipment requirements, or to get general information about the tours, contact the park at 573-522-3760. Onondaga Cave State Park is located seven miles southeast of the Leasburg exit off of Interstate 44 on Route H. For more information about the park and other events, contact the park at 573-245-6576.

Join Onondaga Cave State Park staff for an invigorating hike, at 10:00, Saturday morning, June 1st during National Trails Day. Named after the famed Onondaga Cave, this park offers visitors plenty to see above ground too. Led by the park naturalist, the hike will follow a loop around the park touching all three trail systems; Blue Herron, Oak Ridge and Deer Run trails. See captivating views along the Meramec River with bluffs more than 100 feet high, pass through beautiful glades and shady wooded areas, and step back in time with a stop at the old dam and millrace constructed in 1886. The hike will be easy to moderate, cover approximately 6 miles of trail and includes a stop for lunch. It will start from the Blue Herron Trail trailhead on the visitor center side. We encourage you to dress weather appropriate for the hike, wear appropriate hiking shoes, and bring water and a sack lunch. Insect repellent is recommended. For more information, call the park naturalist at 573-522-3760. Onondaga Cave State Park is located 7 miles southeast of the Leasburg exit off I-44 on Highway H. For more information about the event, call the park at 573-522-3760. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit the web at mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On Tuesday, May 14th, deputies observed a male subject near the 900 block of North Pershing. Deputies knew the male to have active warrants through Dent County. The 40-year-old Salem male was arrested and transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail where he was incarcerated. On Wednesday, May 15th, deputies conducted a traffic stop at the 1300 block of Highway 32 West. During the course of the traffic stop, a 30-year-old Salem man was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and driving while having his license revoked and/or suspended. Also arrested was a 39-year-old Salem woman for possession of a controlled substance. Both subjects were transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. On Friday, May 17th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Route HH. During the course of the traffic stop, a 38-year-old St. Roberts man was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office jail where he was incarcerated. On Saturday, 18th, deputies traveled to the 2000 block of Dent County Road 2570 in reference to a man calling the Sheriff’s Office. The man said he had a gun pointed at him by a woman. The man said the woman told him she was going to shoot him or herself. Deputies arrived on scene and during the course of the investigation a 69-year-old Salem woman was arrested for two counts of unlawful use of a weapon. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. If anyone has any information about an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

Visit the grounds of the Missouri Mines State Historic Site at 11 a.m., every Saturday, June through August, for an outdoor guided tour of the historic headframe and mill buildings. For much of the 20th century, these structures were the surface hub of a vast underground mine system extending beneath the communities of Missouri’s Old Leadbelt. It was here that lead ore, after being hauled underground for miles, was brought up the mineshaft to the surface, then run through the mill crushed, separated and prepared for shipment to the smelter. This program is free of charge. For safety reasons, the headframe and mill buildings to be buildings will be seen from the outside only. For further information, contact the park at 573-431-6226.The historic site is located south of St. Louis, on the south side of Highway 32 at the Flat River Drive overpass in Park Hills. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit the web at mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will hold their monthly meeting Tuesday, June 4th, beginning at 6 PM at #2 South Main. After the call to order and roll call the board will approve the consent agenda and review minutes from the previous meeting. Following the financial report and approval of bills there will be a calendar review and monthly reimbursement report then any old business and new business will be addressed. The board may vote to go into closed session if necessary. The date will then be set for the July 2nd meeting at 6:00 at the Fire Station prior to adjournment. The meeting is open to the public.

An accident happened Sunday evening at 6:35 in Texas County on Pigeon Creek Road about four miles northeast of Licking that took the life of a teenager. According to the highway patrol report, a 2014 Honda Rancher driven westbound by 14-year old Colton Ogden of Licking, went off the roadway and traveled through a fence. Ogden was ejected from the impact and struck a tree. Ogden was taken by ambulance to the Texas County Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead by Dr. Zereik at 7:51 Sunday evening. Ogden was not wearing safety devices at the time of the accident. The Honda Rancher sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by the family.

An accident happened Monday morning at 1:37 in Crawford County on Dunham Road, about 3/10ths of a mile from Route FF that left two St. James residents with serious injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 2001 Dodge Ram driven eastbound by 41-year old Sara Summers of St. James, traveled of the left side of the roadway. The Ram then returned to the roadway where it overturned and ejected Summers from the vehicle as well as a passenger: 33-year old Zachary Fudge of St. James. Summers was transported to the University Medical Center in Columbia by Phelps Health Air while Fudge was taken to the Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur by the Arch Air Medical Helicopter. Neither Fudge or Summers was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Dodge Ram was totaled and removed from the scene by Chris and Sons Towing. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department. Summers was later arrested by the highway patrol on a felony DWI resulting in a serious physical injury.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On Thursday, May 9th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on 10th Street and Highway 19 North. During the course of the traffic stop, a 31-year-old Salem man was arrested for an active warrant through Pulaski County. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail where he later posted bond. On Friday, May 10th, deputies conducted a traffic stop at the Short Bend Conservation Area on Highway 19 north. During the course of the traffic stop, a 36-year-old Steelville woman was arrested for possession of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid of 10 grams or less. The woman was also arrested for two warrants out of Crawford County Sheriff’s Office and one warrant out of Wayne County. The woman was later transported to the Crawford County Jail. On Saturday, May 11th, deputies traveled to Highway 19 North and Dent County Road 4060 for a report of a vehicle in the ditch and the driver being disoriented. During the course of the incident, a 39-year-old Salem woman was arrested for DWI with a prior offense, failure to register their motor vehicle annually and driving while having her license revoked. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, fingerprinted, issued summons and released. If anyone has any information about an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The Salem Park and Recreation Department invites all children six and above to attend the Summer Kids Camp starting June 3rd and lasting through July 17th at the Salem City Park. There will be numerous activities for the children to enjoy from games to life skills and more. The camp starts at 8 in the morning and lasts until noon, and lunch is included. The cost of the entire camp is $150, but parents have the option of paying $25 per week or a daily fee of $6.00. The food served at the Summer Kids Camp is provided by the Summer Food Service Program which is available to any child 18 years of age and below even if they do not attend the Summer Kids Camp. To sign up your child for the Summer Kids Camp or to find out more information about the camp or the Summer Food Service Program, contact Melissa Dubois at 729-8163. You can also e-mail her at melissa@salemcommunitycenter.org.

An accident happened Sunday evening at 6:35 in Texas County on Pigeon Creek Road about four miles northeast of Licking that took the life of a teenager. According to the highway patrol report, a 2014 Honda Rancher driven westbound by 14-year old Colton Ogden of Licking, went off the roadway and traveled through a fence. Ogden was ejected from the impact and struck a tree. Ogden was taken by ambulance to the Texas County Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead by Dr. Zereik at 7:51 Sunday evening. Ogden was not wearing safety devices at the time of the accident. The Honda Rancher sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by the family.

An accident happened Monday morning at 1:37 in Crawford County on Dunham Road, about 3/10ths of a mile from Route FF that left two St. James residents with serious injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 2001 Dodge Ram driven eastbound by 41-year old Sara Summers of St. James, traveled of the left side of the roadway. The Ram then returned to the roadway where it overturned and ejected Summers from the vehicle as well as a passenger: 33-year old Zachary Fudge of St. James. Summers was transported to the University Medical Center in Columbia by Phelps Health Air while Fudge was taken to the Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur by the Arch Air Medical Helicopter. Neither Fudge or Summers was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Dodge Ram was totaled and removed from the scene by Chris and Sons Towing. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department. Summers was later arrested by the highway patrol on a felony DWI resulting in a serious physical injury.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On Thursday, May 9th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on 10th Street and Highway 19 North. During the course of the traffic stop, a 31-year-old Salem man was arrested for an active warrant through Pulaski County. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail where he later posted bond. On Friday, May 10th, deputies conducted a traffic stop at the Short Bend Conservation Area on Highway 19 north. During the course of the traffic stop, a 36-year-old Steelville woman was arrested for possession of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid of 10 grams or less. The woman was also arrested for two warrants out of Crawford County Sheriff’s Office and one warrant out of Wayne County. The woman was later transported to the Crawford County Jail. On Saturday, May 11th, deputies traveled to Highway 19 North and Dent County Road 4060 for a report of a vehicle in the ditch and the driver being disoriented. During the course of the incident, a 39-year-old Salem woman was arrested for DWI with a prior offense, failure to register their motor vehicle annually and driving while having her license revoked. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, fingerprinted, issued summons and released. If anyone has any information about an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The Salem Park and Recreation Department invites all children six and above to attend the Summer Kids Camp starting June 3rd and lasting through July 17th at the Salem City Park. There will be numerous activities for the children to enjoy from games to life skills and more. The camp starts at 8 in the morning and lasts until noon, and lunch is included. The cost of the entire camp is $150, but parents have the option of paying $25 per week or a daily fee of $6.00. The food served at the Summer Kids Camp is provided by the Summer Food Service Program which is available to any child 18 years of age and below even if they do not attend the Summer Kids Camp. To sign up your child for the Summer Kids Camp or to find out more information about the camp or the Summer Food Service Program, contact Melissa Dubois at 729-8163. You can also e-mail her at melissa@salemcommunitycenter.org.

There will be no Your World Today published on Monday, May 27th in honor of Memorial Day. The next edition of Your World Today will be on Tuesday, May 28th.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. Doug Barnes of Town and Country Bank was in with Lease Purchase Agreements for the Commissioners to sign for the Sheriff Department Tahoe. Donald Dodd was in to make the Commissioners aware that the IDA would be meeting next Wednesday evening at 6:00 and wanted the Commissioners to be aware of the meeting. Dodd also said that IDA terms were up for himself, Dean Jones and Camron Erway. All three have agreed to continue serving on board and were re-appointed by the Commission. Dodd also said that Steve Conway was retiring from the board and that the IDA would have a replacement to present to the Commissioners in a week or two. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams was in to report that CART receipts for May came in at $59,604.97, which is up $5.43 when compared to last May’s $59,599.54. She went on to say that year-to-date CART receipts are down $3,983.92 or 1.42%. Williams added that additional money had been received for the Secure Rural Schools Act Title I. The total received was $7,894.08 and that $5,920.56 would be divided between Salem R-80, Northwood R-4, Bunker R-3 and Viburnum C-4. District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell was attending a conference so Road Superintendent Rusty Chamberlain reported that his crew was checking for storm damage and that patch grading was required on Dent County Roads 5615 and 6090 to fix severe washouts and rutting. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that some of his crew was removing a downed tree from Dent County Road 2540 and checking for problem areas, particularly in the northwest portion of the county due to Wednesday night’s storms. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he was very thankful that the bulk of the storms missed the county. He said that on Tuesday he attended the Ozark Regional Solid Waste Management Board Meeting where they approved their budget and the Waste Reduction and Re-cycling Grant Application Packet. Skiles said that the packet should be available July 1st and there was approximately $150,000 available for projects. He noted that anyone with possible projects or needing more information should contact Jill Hollowell at MRPC by calling 573-265-2993. Skiles reminded everyone that the Courthouse is closed Monday for Memorial Day and he wishes everyone a safe holiday. Assistant Dent County Clerk Crystal Pilkington said that bills were being approved by the Commissioners for payment. Nick Smith of Septagon Construction was in with an update on the Jail Project. The next meeting of the Commission will be Thursday morning at the Courthouse and it is open to the public.

An accident occurred Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 in Phelps County on County Road 2030 about a mile north of Rolla. According to the Highway Patrol Report a southbound 2001 Dodge 1500, drive by 74 year-old Doris Brown of St. James, traveled into the path on a curve of a northbound 2005 Dodge Stratus, driven by 23 year-old Samantha Vaughn of Rolla. The vehicles struck each other head on. Vaughn suffered minor injuries and was transported by Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health. The report stated that both drivers were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Dodge Stratus sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by C & C Towing, while the Dodge 1500 sustained no damage and was driven from the scene.

Captain James W. Remillard, commanding officer of Troop I, announces that during the Memorial Day weekend, troopers assigned to Troop I will conduct an impaired driving enforcement project in Crawford County. Troopers assigned to these special operations will focus their enforcement efforts on those highways where a high number of alcohol-related crashes and DWI arrests occur. Captain Remillard would like to remind motorists they can report highway emergencies and serious traffic offenses to the nearest troop headquarters by dialing *55 on their cellular telephone. The only 100 percent survivable traffic crash is the one that never happens. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Every day as we travel on Missouri’s roadways, we trust that every driver on the road is going to obey the speed limit, pay attention, and drive sober. “Don’t Violate The Trust.”

The Salem Park and Recreation Department announces the Opening Day Ceremony for the Baseball, Softball and T-Ball participants and their parents will be held today at the Blue Field. From 4:30 to 7:00, participants in the program are welcome to come and get a free hamburger or hot dog along with a bottle of water FREE at the Salem City Park Concession stand. The ceremonies will begin at 6:00 that will include the throwing of the first pitch by former City of Salem Park and Recreation Director Tye Lydon, the presentation of colors by the American Legion, the National Anthem will be performed followed by the individual players on each team being announced to the crowd on the Blue Field as they run from 3rd base to home plate. A team photo will also be taken on the Red Field. Parents can find their children after the team photo in front of the Red Field on the concrete pad. Parking for the event is available in the city park by the T-Ball Fields, swimming pool, at the Salem Community Center@The Armory as well as directly across the street from that building, and off Park Place Drive by the Red Field. Please do NOT park on the grass at the Salem City Park. In order to make traffic flow better and avoid congestion for those in the Salem City Park, one-way traffic through the Salem City Park will be implemented for the Opening Day Ceremonies and continue on game nights. The Salem Police Department is asking everyone to please enter your vehicle through the main entrance to the Salem City Park off Route J and exit through the back gate on Thomas Avenue to North Park Street.

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. Ashley Sullins gave the report on the Home Health Department from the period of October 2018 to March 2019 which showed an overall rating of 93% satisfaction. She said her department showed a profit of $143,260 during that period. Sullins also presented the star rating comparison of the home health providers in the area and Salem was the highest with a four star rating and a patient satisfaction rating of five. Bobby Sullins from Radiology gave his report on trends and went through each service to show the growth in his department from nuclear med to body density and all other areas. He stated the Radiology Department billed over a million dollars for the first time last July and they have accomplished that number in eight of the last nine months. He is looking forward to having an in-house MRI by 2020 so that even more demand can be met immediately. In the summary of operations for April, Chief Financial Officer Monica Stogsdill reported on the gain from operations of $80,328 with an excess of revenues over expenses of $88,328 for the month. In April, there were 103 patients admitted to the hospital and the amount of acute care patients per day for April came in at 10.5. A large amount of medical and surgery patients occurred during April with 314 in-patient census days being reported. The cash flow statement showed a decrease in cash of $4,752 for the month with days in accounts receivable dropping to 55. Chief Nursing Officer Debbie Hines reported during the month there were 780 emergency room visits, 216 ambulance runs with 152 patients being transported to the hospital, 32 surgical procedures, 1,776 outpatient registrations, 334 home health visits, 7,978 lab tests, 1,417 radiological procedures and 834 rehab treatments. She also said the hospital did not get enough HCAHPS surveys to get star rated as there were 95 responses for the MBQIP Patient Engagement Quality report. They must have 100 to get a star rating, but all the categories were either better or comparable to the state and national averages. The days cash-on-hand for the hospital stands at 62 year-to-date and that is consistent with the Critical Access Hospital state average of 65 for Critical Access Hospitals and above the rural hospital average of 60. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas gave a report on the Hospital Auxiliary meeting as they had eight members present to discuss fundraisers. They will not meet again until September 3rd. Chief Operating Officer Chris Strickland reported on the hospital foundation and said there is still time get a team registered for the Annual Foundation Golf Tournament to be held on June 7th at the Spring Creek Golf Club. He also said the “Wings and Strings” fundraiser on August 3rd is progressing nicely. He said there is a new Stroke Support Group and it continues to grow. He also stated Nutritionalist Jason Edwards will be starting a Diabetes Support Group next month. The board approved Courtesy Staff privileges for Shukri Abdullah, MD and Gerald Garwood, DO, for the Emergency Department. The Finance Committee met and the board will be able to review the budget before voting on it in June. The budget shows an average increase in rates of about 4% across the board. They expect expenses to increase between zero and 4% in salaries, 4% in the retirement plan, 4% in supply costs and 7.5% in drug costs. The capital budget was also reviewed for the upcoming fiscal year that includes capital purchases of $544,947 and lease obligations that total $225,151. The operating budget showed a slight reduction of patients expected in the Emergency Department with an increase in Acute Care patient admissions. Total net operating revenue in the 2019 fiscal year is expected to be about $26,893,788 while the expected expenses at $26,828,854 that would leave an expected gain from operations of $64,934 and an excess of revenues after tax revenue at $564,934. The Finance Committee then approved Phase 1 of the hospital expansion which will address needs specified by the Life Safety Code and also create a new general entrance, create an MRI room and move materials management and more. The board approved the purchase of a disinfection system for ultrasound probes from Phillips Healthcare and Nanosonics for $8,275 before going into closed session.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday evening at the Council Chambers of City Hall. In the hearing of persons David Doyle has been cutting the lawn of the vacant property next to his to keep the mouse population down, and wanted to know if the city could pay him to keep the property from being cited for a nuisance violation. He was told he would have to be a licensed contractor which basically means he would need to have a business license from the city and have liability insurance. City attorney William Camm Seay said he would try to help him by contacting the property owner and letting them know it would be better for them to employ him to cut the grass than pay the new nuisance fees for a violation. William Parsons of 4th Street Mall requested street closures on Saturday for a Summer Fest to be held on the 4th Street east of the City Administration parking lots to the Roberts-Judson Lumber Company on Water Street between 3rd and 4th Street. He said there would be a talent show, bounce house, about 20 vendors and more. The event will begin at 10:00 in the morning and wrap up at 11:00 that night. The request was approved. Harold Tubbs felt that the Airport Board and the Park and Recreation Board were not being treated equally after the city determined a hanger price in closed session without conferring with the airport board. He also said the city is not maximizing the profit on their fuel charges as their credit card fees they pay are too high, and the Airport Board has requested a courtesy car at the airport for visitors and none has yet been provided. The board approved the state bid for a new copier for the police department from Corporate Business Systems. The new machine will be a Konica Minolta Bizhub C308. After the consent agenda was approved, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission Gary Brown reported on the public hearing and meeting of the commission. He said they voted unanimously to recommend to the Board of Aldermen to rezone the property at 600 South McArthur from residential to commercial. Brown also said they will hold a workshop on a new Planning and Zoning Map and Amendment 2 that deals with the selling of medical marijuana and how that is to be zoned. City Clerk Mary Happel explained why Bill # 3416 was included in the meeting as she stated there were some errors that were made in the ordinance and some omissions had to be included to bring it up to date. City Administrator Ray Walden said the Opening Day Celebration for the City of Salem Summer Ball programs will be Thursday at the Salem City Park starting at 4:30 with free food for the players and parents of the ball programs, with the program beginning at 6:00. He said an Economic development Workshop would be held on May 30th at 5:30 at the Dent County Fire Station and everyone is welcome to attend. He said a “New Neighbor Night” will be held at the Main Street Café on June 4th from 4:00 until 6:00 PM and everyone is welcome to find out more about Salem. Walden reminded everyone that bags of grass or leaves as well as bundles of branches are picked up FREE by the city every First Monday of the month. Limbs and branches need to be no longer than four feet in length and all bags and bundles MUST be placed curbside and not on sidewalks or in the street. He also said the City Administrative Offices would be closed on Monday, May 27th for Memorial Day. City attorney Seay mentioned that the city needs to schedule public workshops to discuss the new nuisance violations and charges, and he requested that be done when all the alderman schedules allow. Walden stated the board is waiting on Archer-Elgin Engineering to provide setup fees for the dumping of waste from port-a-potties into the city waste water system. The board approved Bill #3414 that allows the mayor to execute an agreement with H.W. Lochner, Inc for the providing of professional services for the Salem Memorial Airport Project. The estimated project cost is $849,000 with the city’s portion coming to $84,900. They also approved Bill #3415 that allows the mayor to execute an agreement for the middle school demolition with Donald Maggi, Inc of Rolla for a cost of $292,002. Bill #3416 created a new ordinance that updates the laws on ATV’s and UTV’s within the City of Salem and the board approved its passing. The board approved Bill #3417 that approved the plat of the Scenic Rivers Plaza Subdivision while they postponed any decision on Resolution 12-2019 as a revised contract was submitted just before the meeting that had not been reviewed by the board. The board then went into closed session.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Monday afternoon, April 29th, at about 4:50, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of East First Street in reference to a female creating a disturbance and shouting profanities. The investigation led to the arrest of a 47-year old female of Salem for disorderly conduct. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and was released. On Tuesday night, April 30th, near 11:37, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of East Center in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed a person or persons unknown took a game system valued at $353.82. The report is under investigation. On Wednesday afternoon, May 1st, at about 4:15 an officer located a 30-year old male of Salem in the 100 block of Westwood Drive who had an active arrest warrant from Dent County. The suspect attempted to flee on foot but was taken into custody a short distance away for the active arrest warrant, possession of a controlled substance, and resisting arrest. The suspect was incarcerated on the warrant and pending additional charges. On Thursday morning, May 2nd, at about 9:47, an officer took a report of a lost or stolen license plate valued at $13.50. The report is under investigation. Please contact the Salem Police at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

An accident occurred Sunday night at 11:00 in Phelps County that took the life of a Lee Summit, Missouri man. According to the highway patrol report, a 2018 Nissan Altima, driven by 21-year-old Justin Tieman, was traveling northbound on Phelps County Road 8010 about three miles north of Rolla when tThe Nissan traveled off the left side off the roadway, struck a driveway and became airborne. It then struck a couple of trees and returned to the roadway. The report stated that Tieman was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident and was ejected from the vehicle. Phelps County Coroner Andy Davis pronounced Tieman deceased at 11:25. His body was transported to Rolla Cremation and Memorial. The Nissan was totaled and removed from the scene by C & C Towing.

An accident occurred Saturday morning at 11:06 in Maries County on Highway 42 about three miles west of Highway 133. According to the highway patrol report, a westbound 1998 Chevrolet Lumina, driven by 18-year old Clayton Pippin of Dixon, failed to yield at a stop sign and turned into the path of a westbound 2005 Buick Lacrosse, driven by 56-year old Steven Macey of St. James. A passenger in the Buick, 15-year old Lakota Macey of St. James suffered serious injuries and was transported by Miller County Ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia. The report stated that all occupants of the vehicles were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Chevrolet sustained extensive damage and was towed by a private party. The Buick also sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Plaza Towing.

A one vehicle accident occurred Tuesday afternoon, April 30th, at approximately 2:24. According to the report released from the Salem Police department, a 1999 Nissan King Cab being driven by James Jessen of Salem, was traveling south on Highway 19 during a rainstorm. As the vehicle passed 10th Street, a witness stated that there was a guest of wind and the vehicle veered off the left side of the road and crashed into the concrete bridge support and overturned. The Nissan came to rest partially upside down with the rear of the truck against a tree approximately nine feet off the ground. Jessen received minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to Salem Memorial District Hospital. The Nissan was totaled in the accident and towed from the scene by Whitaker Towing.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 6010 and 6040 while only grading was going to be done on county road 5600. Purcell went on to report that a crew would be cleaning the debris away from a bridge on Dent County Road 6080 because of the expected rains this week. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson indicated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 4280 and 4290. He went on to report that grading only would be done on county roads 2403, 2380, 3200 and 4410. He also said two men would be coming to the courthouse to remove a dead tree from the courthouse lawn. At 10:00, Dent County Sheriff Bob Wells was in attendance for the bids that were received for the lease purchase of a new 2019 Chevy Tahoe on the state bid of $22,170.00. The county had traded in a 2013 pickup against this truck. Two bids were received: one from Town and Country Bank and the other from the Bank of Salem. The bid from Town and Country Bank was the lowest at 2.89% with two annual payments to be made and no additional fees. The Commission approved accepting the Town and Country Bank bid. 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.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will hold their regular meeting at 6:00 tonight at the hospital library. After approval of the minutes of the April 16th meeting, there will be a Department Director Presentation. Administrator Kasey Lucas will report on the summary of operations for the month of April; the board will also hear the report from CNO Debbie Hines, get the report on the hospital Foundation from COO Chris Strickland and hear the auxiliary report from Lucas. The board will also hear the marketing and community perception report from Chris Strickland on their involvement with different events. In old business, the Board will review the report from the FY’20 Finance Committee. In new business the board will discuss and review purchases. The board may then vote to go into closed session before adjourning. The regular meeting of the Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors is open to the public.

This Friday and Saturday, May 24th & 25th, Veterans and Auxiliary members of your local American Legion Post 99 will be conducting their annual poppy drive at the intersection of Highways 32/72 & 19, Country-Mart and Wal-Mart. The poppies are made by disabled veterans, and the proceeds of donations received will be used to help local veterans and their families. The Ladies Auxiliary of Post 99 thank you for your generosity and ask that you please wear a Poppy to show your support, honor and remember the sacrifices that our service men and women have made throughout the years that assure us of our continued freedoms and rights.

This Wednesday from 9:00 until 11:30, there will be a daytime stained glass workshop at the Creative Arts Center in Salem. Led by artist and art teacher Amber Pryor, all materials are provided to make a project. The cost is $25 per person and registration is limited to eight people. Call 247-0279 to register or information.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met Thursday evening at the District Administrative Offices. After the agenda was approved, the board received a “thank you” card from Brooke Adams who thanked the staff for her $1,000 Jeans Scholarship. Principal Kriste Crocker from the William Lynch Elementary reported that Summer school enrollment is 129. She stated that 23 new kindergarteners were registered that brings the expected enrollment next year to 111 with 66 students expected in pre-school and 98 in 1st grade. Upper Elementary Principal Melanie Wisdom reported that 40 of her students finished this past school year ith 100% attendance and that 195 students enrolled in summer school. Middle School Principal Scott Roberts said the “Teachers of the Year” voted by the students were for 6th Grade, Mrs. Kristi Steelman; 7th Grade, Ms. Jennifer Headrick; and for 8th Grade, Mr. Chris Kamprath. High school Principal Marty Anderson reported that Jody Dean would be the new board liaison for the 2019-2020 school year and that 22 high school students would be attending summer school with 10 of them taking personal finance. He went to say that five 9th graders, two 10th graders and five 11th graders would also be attending summer school for other reasons. He further reported that driver’s education this summer will have 30 students participating. In old business, Larry Maxwell gave an update on the Athletic Advisory Committee who will be meeting again Tuesday night at 7:00. The board approved renewing the partnership contribution with Healthy Dent County for $10,000, approved the surplus property list at the school that be on the school webpage and where bids will be accepted until the June meeting, agreed to purchase 350 Chromebooks from CDW at a cost of $80,489.50 that includes the license fees, approved the purchase of a 20 ton HVAC unit from Victor Furnace Company at a cost of $30,000 for the Upper Elementary School, approved the copier bid for all R-80 schools from MARCO for a cost of $3,075 a month, approved a K-5 comprehensive reading program through Collaborative Classroom and approved a new Cum Laude system that will replace the current Salutatorian and Valedictorian system by 2023. The board also approved out of state trips for the FFA, to Indianapolis for the National Convention, the FBLA trip to Birmingham, Alabama, and Chamber Choir trip to Washington, D.C. next year, plus they approved board policies IK, JED and JGR dealing with student credit for courses if they are on an out-of-school suspension. The board discussed and approved a preliminary 2019-2020 budget with anticipated revenue of $13,430,621.78 and anticipated expenditures of $13,147,884 that includes a step up in the salary schedules that will cost the district about $77,000, a $20,000 increase in athletic equipment, $35,000 for the HVAC unit at the Upper Elementary, $75,000 for the Construction Trades program, a 12% increase in Health Insurance premiums and $36,000 for Ag Enhancement Grant that was applied for. The board also approved lunch prices for adults for the 2019-2020 school year at $2.25 for breakfast and $3.75 for lunch. The board accepted the resignations of Brian McNamee as head football coach and Natalie Sellers as a high school math teacher, as well as assistant girls’ basketball and softball coach. In closed session, the board employed Stephanie Floyd as the ECSE; Raylene Wilson as a Kindergarten instructor; Kelsey Wyrick as a 1st grade teacher; John Brewer for Intervention; Dale Sandlin, JR as a middle school P.E. teacher; Sarah Sullivan for middle school math; Amy Sanders as a high school math instructor and Dylan Wyrick for in-school suspension. The board sloe employed Rockey Wade as the assistant boys’ basketball coach; Dale Sandlin JR as the head volleyball coach, 7th grade boys’ basketball, and assistant track; Bryan Carty as the head boys’ basketball coach; Kriste Steelman as the assistant volleyball coach; Kristiana Bermudez as the middle school volleyball coach; Nick Frillman as an assistant girls’ basketball coach; Darcy Reardon as an assistant softball coach; Jerry Adkins as the 9th grade boys’ basketball; Dylan Wyrick as the head football coach; Jenny Summers for middle school cheerleading; and Leannette Beeson will become the assistant band director. The meeting was then adjourned.

An accident occurred on Saturday evening at 6:25 in Maries County on Route U and county road 426. According to the highway patrol a 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan driven by 61–year old Angelo Sgroi of Salem was traveling westbound and failed to negotiate a curve. The Kawasaki traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a ditch. Sgroi suffered serious injuries and was transported to Phelps Health. Sgroi was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Kawasaki sustained minor damage and was towed from the scene by Owen’s Towing.

The City of Salem Planning and Zoning Board of Commissioners has called a Public Hearing and Meeting for Monday at 6:30 in the City Hall Council Chambers. The purpose of the meeting is to hear a request to rezone from Residential to Commercial 600 South McArthur Avenue owned by Joshua and Lorie Greenwood. The Board of Commissioners will also receive an update on the Planning and Zoning Map and Amendment 2. The regular meeting of the City of Salem Board of Alderman will follow starting at 7:00. The public hearing and the meetings are open to the public.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse for their regular meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 4122, 4155, 6400 and 6460. He said only grading would be done on county roads 5600 and 5680 while materials would be added to county road 5615. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson indicated that materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 3300, 3310 and 5300 while only grading would be done on county road 2130. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported he attended a County Commissioner Association of Missouri meeting in Jefferson City where they are preparing to review this past year’s annual meeting and begin preparations for the 2020 annual meeting. He said CCAM received a legislative update but there was not much that was done this year that would affect counties. He did say there was a budgeted increase for the allocation in the per diem for counties, but specifically for those with electronic monitoring. He said the jail per diem reimbursement is still at $22.00 per day that is paid to counties from the state when they send persons to the Department of Corrections. The Commission opened chip and seal bids at 10:00. The county received bids from Blevins Asphalt and West Contracting for this year’s work. Blevins Asphalt came in at $1.15 a square yard while the bid from West Contracting was $1.60 per square yard. The commission called Blevins to verify some details, and while they were on the phone, approved their low bid. The commissioners have tentatively set the first of August for chip and seal work to be done in the county, but that may be moved up if the county can get the roads ready earlier. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams brought in the depository bids for the county. The bid packets were sent to all the local banks in Dent County and were for the next four years beginning July 31st. Williams received bids from the Bank of Salem, Riverways Federal Credit Union and Progressive Ozark Bank. Town and County Bank declined to bid. After the bids were opened and compared, Williams recommended going with the bid from Progressive Ozark Bank that would provide the county with an interest rate of the current Federal Funds Rate less 0.35%. That is currently at 2.50% and that rate can be adjusted quarterly. The commissioners approved the recommendation of the county treasurer with a 3-0 vote. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

Congressman Jason Smith announced the local finalists for the annual 8th Congressional District Art Competition for high school students across southeast and south central Missouri. Congressman Smith’s office accepted more than 120 submissions from local high school artists, and today Congressman Smith congratulated Kullen Myers from Salem High School and Michelle Woodley from Rolla High School as the Rolla regional winners. The two entries from the Rolla office will now head to a “Best of Show” competition. The winner of the 8th Congressional District Art Contest will receive two round-trip plane tickets to attend the national recognition reception in Washington, D.C. The winner’s artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.