Local News

The 134th Graduation of the Salem R-80 High School will be held Friday night at 7:00 at the Salem High School Football Field. After the procession of students, the Salem High School band will perform the National Anthem before the Salem High School Chamber signs” My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord.” Assistant Principal Richard Parks will present the Senior Class Citizenship Awards as well as the Best All-Around Boy and Girl Award. Principal Marty Anderson will introduce the Salutatorian, Megan Myslinski, as well as the eleven Valedictorians that include Brooke Adams, Kylee Cahill, Michaela Chilton, Olivia Erway, Kirsten Golden, Katelyn Schwartz, Kylie Stenhoff and Mackenzie Whitaker. Anderson will also recognize the A Plus students, students who are entering the military and the Career and Technical Certified Students. Diplomas will then be awarded to the Class of 2019 students followed the recessional which will feature the playing Stars and Stripes Forever by the Salem High school Band. The graduation exercises will be broadcast live on Fidelity Channel 6 and HD 406 starting at 7:00 for those who unable to attend graduation. The exercises will be rebroadcast periodically over the next week or so.

An accident occurred Tuesday morning at 10:05 in Texas County on Highway 32 about five miles east of Licking that left a Salem woman with minor injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a westbound 2008 Ford Freestyle driven by 58-year-old Wanda Brown of Salem, traveled off the right side of the roadway, stuck a fence and then a tree. The report stated that Brown was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident and was transported by ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment of her minor injuries. The Ford sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

Come to Akers Ferry this Saturday and Sunday to kick off the summer at Ozark National Scenic Riverways. The free event features an open-air concert by modern folk band National Park Radio at 6:00 Saturday evening, and a celebration of the Akers community beginning at 9:00 Sunday morning. On Saturday, the summer kickoff will begin at 4:00 at the Akers Visitor Center with activities, information booths, and exhibits about historic communities on the banks of the Current River. At 6:00, National Park Radio will take the stage with their unique blend of folk, country, and bluegrass music that echoes the band’s deep-seated roots in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for the entertainment. The concert and activities are expected to conclude at 8:00. Food will be available for purchase. On Sunday, a driving tour of special cultural and natural sites along the upper Current River begins at 9:00 at the Akers Visitor Center. Bring a picnic lunch and hop on the tour shuttle, or follow in your own vehicle. Stops along the tour are the Devil’s Well at 9:45, the historic Akers Cemetery at 10:30, a ride across the river on Akers Ferry at 11:00, a picnic lunch at the Mt. Zion Church followed by a hike to the Welch Spring and Hospital followed by a float back to Akers Ferry with a stop at the Howell/Maggard cabin. The weekend celebration will highlight recreational activities and historical programs that can be enjoyed throughout 2019. Partners for this event include the Shannon County Museum, Ozark Riverways Foundation, Ozark Trail Association, and Ozark Heritage Project. The Akers Visitor Center is located at the junction of Routes K and KK in northern Shannon County. For more information, please contact Ranger Dave Tobey at 573-323-8093.

The Salem Park Board held a special meeting Thursday evening, May 9th at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Park Board President Stan Podorski reported that Tye Lydon’s last day was May 8th and temporary replacements have been found to continue the park’s summer programs. Melissa DuBois will be taking over the Summer Camp and Summer Food Service Program, Jared Patterson will be helping with the pool and also the Softball, T-Ball and Baseball programs. Field Supervisor Don Smith will act as the Interim Park and Recreation Director until a replacement can be found. All Park Pavilion rentals and Pool Parties are to be booked though the Healthy Dent County office at the Salem Community Center@The Armory where people can also buy their pool passes until the pool opens on May 25th. Their number is 729-8163. The board also said the Opening Day Ceremony for the Baseball, T-Ball and Softball program will be held as scheduled as numerous members of the park board will step up and help to coordinate the efforts on May 23rd. There was a request to see if the back gate could be open for the ceremony to allow easier exiting from the event. That will be checked out. The board then voted to go into closed session to discuss real estate.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold their regular meeting at 6:00 Thursday evening, at the Salem District Administrative Offices Boardroom. At the meeting, the board will hear an update from Superintendent John McColloch. The Board will review and approve all previous minutes and bills, approve the attendance report, approve the Food Service report, approve the substitute list, and approve Program Evaluations for Curriculum and PDC. After the Principals’ Building Reports the Board will address new business including; consideration of renewal of agreement with Healthy Dent County, approve meal prices for 2019-2020 school year, approve preliminary budget for 2019-2020, approve surplus property list, consider Chromebook bids, consider upper elementary HVAC Bids, consider out-of-state trip requests for FFA and FBLA, consider copier lease bids, consider revisions to Board Policies IK, JED, and JGR, plus consider K-5 Comprehensive Reading Program. The Board will hear resignations and then adjourn and move into an executive session. The May regular monthly meeting of the Salem R-80 Board of Education is open to the public.

Montauk State Park invites the public to an informational meeting at 4:00 Saturday afternoon, May 18th. The public is invited to share comments about the park and its operations. 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, help create two-way communication with the public. The meetings give staff the opportunity to let people know the current status and future plans for the parks or historic sites, and they offer visitors the opportunity to comment on the facilities. Montauk State Park is located 22 miles southwest of Salem on Highway 119 in Dent County. For more information about the meeting, call the park at 573-548-2201. 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 Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams presented the commission with the sales tax amounts received in Mayto the proper funds. She reported the General Revenue Fund Salem Tax showed receipts of $64,433.28 for the month of May and that is up $14,482.24 over the May of 2018 figure of $49,850.54. Year-to-date the General Revenue Funds is up $15,673.29 and that is an increase of about 4.03%. She said the Law Enforcement Sales Tax numbers are virtually identical to the General Revenue Fund. Williams went on to say the Road and Bridge Sales Tax Fund received $28,523.33 and that is up $4,761.18 over the 2018 May figure of $23,762.15. Year-to-date, the Road and Bridge Sales Tax Fund is up $10,760.20 and that is an increase of near 6.21%. The new Dent County Jail sales tax funds each received $59,665.86 this May compared to $47,171.49 in May of 2018. The increase this year is $12,494.37 per fund. Year- to-date for each fund shows an increase of $29,943.12. That increase comes in at around 8.81%. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said workers would be patching chip and seal roads 4110, 4150 and 4180. He went on to report that a new road sign would be put back on county road 4180 and materials were going to be added to county road 5525. He said patch grading would occur on Dent County Roads 5525, 6240 and 6255. Purcell stated a man would be heading to Springfield to pick up a batch of the Ultimate Patching Material for chip and seal road repair. He said workers would still keep an eye out for washouts. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said pipes were going to be installed on Dent County Road 2570 and materials would also be added to that road. Larson stated his crew would be out checking for washouts, especially on county road 4405. He reported workers would be replacing the tires on Dent County Truck 115 and working on brush cutter #6 as some of the bearings are getting bad. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended the PHA Board meeting in St. James Thursday and they approved their budget for the next fiscal year. Skiles said the next MRPC annual meeting and awards banquet will be held Thursday, October 26th in Waynesville at the Stone Brook Center. He went on to report the MRPC re-elected their officers for the upcoming year. Skiles also stated that Matt Hesser, a demographer for the state of Missouri, talked about the importance of the upcoming 2020 census and what it can mean for Missouri if not all the citizens are accounted for. 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.

Don’t forget that this is the last week of the Spring Clean-Up in the city of Salem. Your regular pickup day will also be the day you can put out unlimited trash.

The Dent County Extension Council met Monday, April 29th at the Community Center @ The Armory. After approval of the agenda John Langdon, candidate for the Extension Regional Livestock Specialist position, made a presentation that included information on his background, education and areas of livestock emphasis. Landon’s presentation was followed by a question and answer session. Following the presentation and Langdon’s departure the Council voted to agree with offering the position to Langdon. The Council then reviewed and approved the minutes of the March 19th meeting, the treasurer’s report and staff reports. In old business the council voted to nominate the Dustin and Dru Howard as the Farm Family for the Missouri State Fair and the Ted and Ashley Cunningham family as the alternate. Motion was made and passed to combine the May Council meeting with the annual picnic to be held at Wurdack on June 10th. It was noted that orientation held primarily for new Council Members, but open to all, will be May 16th from 6:00 until 8:00 in the evening at MRPC in St. James. In new business the Council voted to pay for one of the three picnic tables that are being placed on the Courthouse Square. The meeting was then adjourned.

Brenna Heavin of Rolla, a junior at Rolla High School, will be presented with an engraved bronze medallion to recognize her selection as a Distinguished Finalist for Missouri in the 2019 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards in an all school assembly at the Rolla High School today at 1:00. Brenna has worked with her family since 2011 on “Cupcakes for Cancer,” an annual initiative that has raised more than $15,000 through cupcake sales for the “Joy of Caring Cancer Fund” to assist people with cancer in paying everyday expenses. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, conducted by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), represent the United States’ largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer community service. All middle and high schools in the U.S., along with all Girl Scout councils, county 4-H organizations, Red Cross chapters, YMCAs and affiliates of Points of Light’s HandsOn Network, were eligible to select a student or member for a local Prudential Spirit of Community Award last November. Two State Honorees—one middle and one high school student—plus a select number of Distinguished Finalists from each state and the District of Columbia were selected based on criteria such as personal initiative, effort, impact and personal growth.

An accident occurred Friday evening at 8:40 in Phelps County on Phelps County Private Drive 1096, about three tenths of a mile west of Phelps County 1090. According to the highway patrol report, a 2018 CF Moto 493 CC driven by 10-year old William Schnedler of Rolla was traveling eastbound when he lost control on the gravel roadway. Schnedler was ejected into barbed wire fence. Schnedler sustained serious injures and was transported by Phelps Air to Children’s Hospital in St. Louis. Schnedler was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Moto had no damage and was released to the owner.

An accident involving a Salem resident occurred Wednesday morning at 10:25 in Pulaski County on Interstate 44 at Waynesville. According to the highway patrol report, a 2017 Toyota Rav-4 being driven by 81-year old Lettie Trout of Waynesville, was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes and came to a stop and was attempting to make a U-turn, when it traveled into the path of a 2016 Volvo tractor unit being driven by 50-year old Jeffery Norris of Salem. Norris attempted to slow, but impacted the Toyota in the left lane. Both drivers were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. Trout received moderate injuries and was transported by Pulaski County Ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Lebanon. The Toyota sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by TC Towing. The Volvo received minor damage and was driven from the scene.

Reservations are now being accepted for the City of Salem two Pavilions that can be rented at the Salem City Park for an entire day at the office of the Salem Community Center@The Atmory. The cost of the Fireplace Pavilion on the circle drive is $45 per day and the large pavilion on the west side of the creek is $35 for the entire day. This includes electric and lights. Other pavilions at the park are free and cannot be reserved. You can also book your pool party for this summer there as well as purchase your family pass for the Alice Lou Craig Swimming Pool. For more information on reserving a pavilion, booking a pool party or purchasing a family pass for the pool, call the Salem Community Center@ The Armory at 729-8163. Reservations on the pavilions and pool parties must be paid in advance and dates are booked on a first come, first served basis.

The Salem Public Library is accepting submissions for the “A Universe of Stories” Teen Photography Contest between now and June 7th. You can visit the library at 403 N. Jackson or call 729-4331 for more information. Details about the contest are also available on the library’s Facebook page.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning for their regular meeting at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell and District 2 Commission Gary Larson both stated that many areas of Dent County received between 2 and 3 inches of rain that caused some road problems. Crews are out repairing washouts and adding materials to some muddy spots to make all roads passable. Many of these areas are out toward the Boss and Bunker area as well as in southern part of the county. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that he attended a meeting with SEMA and FEMA representatives about updating the flood plain maps for Dent County and the City of Salem. These maps have been compiled from data collected over the years from numerous reports that may affect the boundaries of the current flood plain location. Skiles said the public is welcome to view the updated flood plain maps very soon on line at msc.fema.gov/portal. Once an ad is published twice about the availability of the flood plain maps in the Salem News, the appeal process will begin the day of the second ad and last 90 days. Skiles was told it will take about two years for this process to be complete. You can also find out more information about the flood plain maps by calling 877-336-2627. Skiles also attended the Central Region Workforce Investment Board and Caucus meetings on Tuesday. He was also scheduled to attend a Public Housing Authority meeting Thursday at the MRPC as well as their regular board meeting. Skiles did report that there was a leak in the roof at the Annex Building that is getting worse and the roofers have said they have done all they can to fix the leak. The commissioners received a quote from Ferranto Roofing to reroof the building with new 30-year shingles and they will also install vents for $5,980.00. The commissioners discussed the issue and decided to get the roof work done before the leaks get any worse and do more damage. They approved the quote by Ferranto roofing to do the work as soon as possible. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors meeting took place Tuesday night at the fire station. After the approval of the consent agenda, the financial report was reviewed with bills being reviewed and approved. Checks were also signed. The budget was reviewed and showed a balance of $232,436.06 as of April 30th. The monthly reimbursement report showed a total of 28 calls were received for the month of April, including three structure fires, three brush fires, two car fires and three first responder calls. The department also worked six vehicle accidents, along with five mutual aide calls, two HazMat calls and two training calls. The total calls so farin 2019 stands at 110 with the average cost per call being $107.86. In old business, bids for the renovation of the department were sent out and those bids will be opened during a special meeting in June. It was also noted that the ISO inspection is being rescheduled. The oath of office was then administered to board members Randy Weldon and Craig Smith. Weldon will serve a six-year term, replacing Dave Greenshields. In new business, the board officers were elected with Craig Smith being elected Chairman, Dave Wells was elected as the Secretary and Treasurer, while Brad Nash was elected as the Budget officer as well as the Custodian of Records. A motion was then made and carried to add Randy Weldon to all signature cards for depository and withdrawal authorizations. A Campaign Policy was also presented to the board which was accepted. The next meeting date was set for June 4th at 6;00 in the evening at the Dent County Fire Protection District located at #2 South Main. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will hold a Blood Drive in Dent County this morning north of Salem out Highway 19 at Salem Wood Products at 200 Stave Mill Road. The blood drive will be from 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM. If you can’t make it to that blood drive, another will be held Tuesday at the First Baptist Church at 201 North McArthur from 1:00 until 6:00 in the afternoon. Remember, you must weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and present a valid photo ID to donate blood.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released a number of reports for April 24th through the 29th. On Wednesday, April 24th, deputies traveled to the 10000 block of South Highway 19 for a report of a disturbance. During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that a 48-year-old Salem man had attempted to hit another Salem man with his vehicle. A short time later, the 48-year-old Salem man arrived at the Dent County Sheriff’s Office to speak with deputies. The man was arrested for assault in the 4th degree. He was fingerprinted, issued summons and released. The next day a 59-year-old St. Louis man entered the Dent County Sheriff’s Office to report a theft. After speaking with the man, deputies discovered that multiple items were stolen from a campsite on Dent County Road 2533. Reported stolen were a Coleman two burner stove, a Coleman lamp, a blue tooth speaker, and several other camping items. This report is still under investigation. On Friday afternoon, April 26th, at about 5:11, deputies traveled to the 1500 block of Route JJ to attempt to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 52-year-old Salem man was arrested for warrants through Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he later posted bond and was released. On Monday, April 29th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 5150 and Route B. During the course of the traffic stop, a 28-year-old Salem woman was arrested for driving while having her license revoked. Also arrested was a 27-year-old Salem man for possession of an illegal weapon. Both subjects were transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, fingerprinted, issued summons and released. If you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

The Dent County Service Unit of the Salvation Army would like to send youth and families to camp this summer. This free camp, located in Bourbon, Missouri is made possible by local donations. Camp Mihaska has been a Christian retreat and sanctuary for more than 60 years, serving thousands of youth, families, churches, organizations and individuals seeking personal growth and spiritual development. Owned and operated by The Salvation Army, Camp Mihaska provides a safe, fun and memorable experience for those seeking adventure. The activities at camp are endless. When you’re not hiking in the woods along endless miles of trails, exploring the caves or fishing and paddle boating in the magnificent lakes, you can soak up the sun at their pool with water sprays, a lap pool, vortex, and an in-pool bubble tub. Basketball, volleyball, tennis and miniature golf are available day or night, as well as outdoor paintball games. A number of camps are available including a Sports Camp, Kid’s Camp, a “Tween” Camp, a “Teen” camp and aa Family Camp held July 22nd through the 26th for parents with small children 16 years of age and under that will allow parents & children to spend time together without the interruptions normally found at home while camping. Come and allow the staff at Camp Mahaska to pamper, challenge and minister to you on a fun-filled, educational and inspirational outdoor retreat you won’t forget. The deadline for camp applications is this Friday, May 10th. For camp applications and additional information, please call your local Dent County Salvation Army Service Unit at 729-8163.

The City of Salem Park and Recreation Board will hold a special meeting at the Salem Community Center@The Armory Thursday night starting at 7:00. After the roll call, a department update will be given concerning the summer programs and duties. The board will then go into closed session to discuss real estate. The regular session of the meeting is open to the public.

Congratulations to LeighAnn Pope for having her batik “African Beauty” selected by Principal Marty Anderson for the Principal’s Choice Award! LeighAnn’s artwork will be on display in the case in the main lobby of the school for a year, and then it will join the Principal’s Choice “wall of fame” down the English hallway permanently!

The Salem Board of Aldermen regular meeting was held Monday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. After approval of the consent agenda, Kim Steelman was made President of the Board of Alderman. Planning and Zoning Chairman, Gary Brown reported on the Public Hearing and meeting that was held prior to the board meeting. The Planning and Zoning Committee recommended and the Aldermen approved the plat request from Scenic Rivers Plaza Subdivision Ridge Properties. Park and Recreation Director, Tye Lydon reported on the recent Park Board meeting. There are over 400 children signed up for the summer ball program. The pool is ready to go and will open on May 25th. An opening ceremony will be held on May 23rd.The Summer Kids program will be held June 3rd thru July 19th and will include a summer food service program that offers free lunch to all children ages 18 and under. The board thanked Tye for his three years of service and wished him well in his future position. City Administrator Ray Walden reminded the citizens of the spring clean up weeks that are going on this week and next week with pick up on your regular trash day. He also congratulated all Salem High School Seniors and wished them the best after graduation. Walden said temporary park program personnel will be named later this week to help fill in until a new director has been hired. The next Economic Development Planning session will be held on May 30th at 5:30 pm at the Fire Station. City Attorney Camm Seay recommended current Public Works Director Mark Nash to serve as the new Nuisance Officer. Nash will hold weekly public hearings to allow due process when nuisance’s notices are received. Additional information has been received from Black’s A-1 Septic LLC regarding the dumping of port-a-pottie waste in the WasteWater Treatment facility. More information will be included in an upcoming meeting. The board approved Bill No. 3413 an ordinance allowing the mayor to execute a lease with Wave Internet to place an internet access point on the city’s water tower. The meeting then went into closed session.

Heather Johnson of Salem was named an Honorary State FFA Degree recipient at the 91st Missouri FFA Convention in Columbia. Johnson has been an FFA advisor at Salem for 13 years and continues to teach students about agriculture. She was the 2014-2015 Missouri Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association President of the South Central District and 2017-2018 MVATA President. The Missouri FFA Association recognizes Honorary State FFA Degree recipients at its annual state convention for their valuable efforts and contributions to the FFA organization and its members. The Missouri FFA has 25,375 members representing 347 chapters. The national organization has more than 669,000 members representing 8,630 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

An accident happened at 3:10 Tuesday afternoon in Crawford County on Route C about four miles northwest of Bourbon. According to the highway patrol report, a 2009 Toyota Prius, driven by 58-year-old Carol Brinson of Owensville, was eastbound when a pedestrian, 17-year old Cordell Watson of Cuba, crossed the roadway without looking and was struck by the Toyota. Watson suffered moderate injuries and was flown to Cardinal Glennon in St. Louis by Air Evac. The Toyota sustained minor damage and Brinson was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the incident.

If you have a Dutch Oven and want to learn how to use it to make breakfast, join the staff of Echo Bluff State Park Saturday, May 11th from 10:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon in the Terripin Station Pavilion. Participants will learn tips and tricks of cooking and baking breakfast in a Dutch Oven and how to use your lid for pancakes. You will also have the opportunity to see and use some new products. Participants can sample the dishes they helped prepare, from breakfast pizza to scrambled eggs. You will never want to eat instant oatmeal again! Echo Bluff State Park is located on Highway 19 approximately 25 miles south of Salem and approximately 14 miles north of Eminence. For more information about this and other events at the park call 573-751-1224 or 844-322-3246.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting. City of Salem Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge reported on some new economic prospects interested in Salem and Dent County as well as updated the Commission on some of the ongoing projects she is still working on. Burbridge told the commissioners that there are currently 27 buildings listed along with 16 different sites or land. She updated the commission on the City of Salem Facebook page and told the commission the next economic development workshop would be held May 30th at 5:30 at the Dent County Firehouse. She said the city is still waiting to hear on the Workforce Training Initiative Grant that was submitted along with the R-80 School and Healthy Dent County. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell indicated that materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 5220, 5610 and 6580 and also on county road 5615 if time permitted. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 4060 and 5330, while only grading would be done on county roads 2510, 2520 and 3330. Larson also said brush was going to be cut on county road 3090. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said the gazebo rails have all now been repaired and he would be attending the Central Region Workforce Investment Board and Caucus today. City Attorney William Camm Seay came in to apologize for a statement he had made at a previous meeting regarding the promise of an elevator in the courthouse during the election by Commissioner Skiles when in reality, Skiles said the commission was exploring their options on the elevator. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting was open to the public.

An accident happened in Miller County Monday morning at 7:25 on Highway 42 approximately 1979 feet east of the Mill Creek Road that left a Bunker man with injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 1991 Chevrolet 2500 driven eastbound by 47-year old Donnie Jones of Bunker, came to sudden stop in the roadway. At that moment, a 2004 Ford F-150 driven eastbound by 74-year old William Monfort of Eldon, who was following the Chevy, traveled off the right side of the road to avoid striking the Chevy. However, the Jones vehicle made a right turn off the road and into the path of the 2004 Ford F-150 resulting in a collision. Suffering minor injuries was a passenger in the Chevrolet, 57-year old Barry Houston of Bunker, and he was taken by ambulance to the Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach. Everyone involved in the accident was wearing a seat restraint. The Ford sustained moderate damage and was driven from the scene while the Chevrolet also sustained moderate damage and was removed from the location by Hi-Tech Towing.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation shows that turkey hunters checked 36,231 birds during Missouri’s 2019 regular spring turkey season, April 15th through May 5th. Top harvest counties were Franklin with 785 birds checked, Texas with 729, and Callaway with 672. Young turkey hunters harvested 2,546 birds during the 2019 spring youth season, April 6-7, bringing the overall 2019 spring turkey harvest to 38,777. Harvested birds from surrounding counties include Crawford with 495, Dent with 639, Iron with 199,Phelps with 638, Reynolds with 236 and Shannon with 394. Last year, young turkey hunters harvested 1,729 birds during the spring youth season and hunters harvested 34,072 during the regular spring season for a 2018 spring season total harvest of 35,801 birds.

Local schools and young children are invited to Montauk State Park to get a sneak peek of the park’s Old Mill Days celebration on Friday, May 10th from 9:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon before the celebration opens to the public the next day. Student participants will have the opportunity to explore hands-on historical skills and other activities. On Saturday, May 11th from 9 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon, the public is invited to step back in time and explore some of the lost historical skills and traditions from a time many have forgotten. The annual celebration will bring the valley to life with historical re-enactors, traditional artisans and other local Ozark crafters to celebrate the historic mill and the region’s rich Ozark heritage. Montauk State Park is located at 345 County Road 6670 in Salem. For more information about the event, call the park at 573-548-2225.

An accident occurred Friday afternoon at 12:20 on Dent County Road 2470 about a quarter mile North of Highway 32. According to the report released from the highway patrol, a 2010 Ford Focus driven by 38-year old Mary Kitchens of Salem, was westbound and ran off the right side of the road, into a ditch and overturned. Suffering minor injuries in the accident was Kitchens, and a passenger in the Focus, 29-year old Bryant Mendenhall, also of Salem. Both were transported by ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment. The Focus was totaled in the accident and towed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. According to the highway patrol, Kitchens was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident, however, Mendenhall was wearing a safety restraint.

The Salem Planning and Zoning Commission will be meeting at 6:30 tonight for a public hearing for the approval of a plat for Scenic Rivers Plaza Subdivision, Ridge Properties I, L.L.C. before the commission holds a public meeting on the proposed subdivision starting at 6:30. The regular Board of Aldermen meeting will begin at 7:00, and after the consent agenda, the Board of Alderman will reorganize with a President of the Board being determined. The board will hear from Gary Brown on the results of the hearing and meeting of the City of Salem Planning and Zoning Commission. Park and Recreation Director Tye Lydon will then give his report before City Administrator Ray Walden gives his report followed by City Attorney William Camm Seay who will give an update on nuisances. The board will discuss the dumping of the sewage from Porta-Potties from Black’s A-1 Septic, LLC. The Board will then discuss Bill #3413 that would allow Mayor Brad Nash to enter into an agreement with the city and Wave technologies to install a wireless broadband access point on the Water Tower on Condray for one year effective from February 1st, 2019. the board will then go into closed session to discuss contracts, real estate and personnel. The Planning and Zoning Hearing, Planning and Zoning Meeting and regular Board of Aldermen meeting tonight will all be open to the public.

The Salem FFA Chapter placed third in the horse evaluation and selection career development event at the 91st Missouri FFA Convention April 25th and 26th in Columbia. There were 47 teams in the competition. The team members are Jodie Dean, Parker Vanwyk, Monica Jessen and Wesley Willams. Individually, Dean placed fifth, Vanwyk placed 17th, Jessen placed 74th and Willams placed 159th out of 176 participants. Salem FFA advisors are Lane Howard and Heather Johnson. The contestants were evaluated in five classes of horses for performance and conformation and presented oral reasons on two of the five classes judged. In addition, the students competed as a team in a problem-solving activity over equine science selection, management and production. Through this event, students become acquainted with current market and industry trends. Sponsored by University of Missouri, Columbia, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, this CDE is one way the FFA prepares student members for career success. CDE’s engage student learning and make a real connection to lifetime goals. The Missouri FFA has 25,375 members representing 347 chapters.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will hold their monthly meeting Tuesday night beginning at 6 PM at #2 South Main. After the call to order of the outgoing board and roll call the board will approve the consent agenda and review minutes from the previous meeting. Following the financial report and approval of bill there will be a calendar review and monthly reimbursement report then old and the Declaration of Election Results will be done, which will be followed by Departing Remarks and the 2018-2019 Board will adjourn Sine Die. The oath of office will be administered to the new Directors. The Board Secretary will call the Incoming Board to order and the election of officers will take place. New business will then be addressed including depository and withdrawal authorizations and the signing of signature cards. The board may vote to go into closed session if necessary. The date will then be set for the June 4th meeting at 6:00 at the Fire Station prior to adjournment. The meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. Doug Barnes was in from Town & Country Bank with two additional documents that they failed to bring to Monday’s signing of the lease/purchase financing agreement. The Commissioners signed the paperwork. In the road report District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that his district received 2.1 inches of rainfall and some high winds, so some of his crew was out checking for downed limbs and trees, while others were cleaning out culverts. He also reported that he had a man stockpiling white rock, plus going after a load of 3/8” chips for chip and seal repairs. Purcell said that he had a man replacing the pintle hitch on Truck #123. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that he had two men hauling rock to the stock pile. The rest of his crew was checking for washouts and downed trees. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said that he planned to attend the Economic Development Workshop Thursday evening. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley noted that bills were being approved for payment. Commissioner Larson noted that the Commission needed to take bids for chip and seal overlay for the summer. The Commissioners voted 3-0 to open bids at 10:00 May 16th. Bid specifications can be obtained by contacting Curley’s office. Camm Seay stopped in to discuss a number of judicial issues with the Commissioners. At Monday’s meeting phone bids were taken for diesel fuel for the Road and Bridge Department. The bid was awarded to Phil Mart with the low bid of $2.26 per gallon for 7,500 gallons. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk was in to propose that the current contract with the City of Salem be extended for another four years for the collection of City of Salem taxes. The contract specifies the payment to Dent County in the amount of $12,000 and to VanKirk for $5,500. The Commissioners approved the contract 3-0. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams was in to discuss the depository agreement bid that will be from July 31st, 2019 through July 31st, 2023. The Commissioners voted 3-0 to seek bids for depository agreement and they will be due and opened May 16thh at 10:00 a.m. The next regular meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday morning in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Missouri Conservation Commission and Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) recently honored Pioneer Forest’s longtime forest manager Clint Trammel posthumously by inducting him into the Missouri Conservation Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony was held during Pioneer Forest’s annual community barbecue in Salem on April 25. Trammel was also honored during the ceremony with a second plaque presented by the Missouri Consulting Foresters Association and the L-A-D Foundation. The L-A-D Foundation now owns Pioneer Forest after founders Leo and Kay Drey donated the property to the organization in 2004. The privately-owned, 143,000-acre Pioneer Forest is located in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks. Trammel died June 21, 2018, at the age of 78 following a lifelong passion for and career in forestry. He joined the staff of Pioneer Forest in 1970 after several years working for MDC. He served as forest manager for 28 of his 35 years at Pioneer Forest and is that organization’s longest-serving forest manager. He held a master’s degree in Forestry from the University of Missouri in Columbia. He was co-founder and first president of the Missouri Consulting Foresters Association and a founding member of the Forest Stewards Guild. In 2005, he was named Missouri Forest Conservationist of the Year by the Conservation Federation of Missouri.