Local News

An accident happened at 12:39 Thursday afternoon in Crawford County on Highway 19 about one half mile south of the Highway 8 junction that took the life of a Steelville woman. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Freightliner driven northbound by 35-year old Matthew Krechel of St. Charles, crossed the center line and struck a 2008 Buick Lacrosse driven southbound by 77-year old Hester Sanders of Steelville. Sanders was taken to the Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur by Air Evac where she was pronounced dead from her injuries at 3:28 in the afternoon. The Buick was totaled and removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing. The Freightliner towed unit sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene. Sanders was wearing a seat restraint at time of the accident. The Highway Patrol was assisted by the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department, the Steelville Fire Department and the North Crawford County Ambulance District at the scene.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released the following report for April 16th through the 22nd. On Tuesday, April 16th, deputies received a report of 17 solar lights being stolen from a residence on Private Lane 413. Deputies conducted a further investigation and the next day, deputies recovered the stolen solar lights and arrested a 52-year old Salem female for misdemeanor stealing. The female was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where she was fingerprinted, issued summons and released. Also on April 16th, deputies conducted a traffic stop near the 3000 block of Dent County Road 5015. During the course of the traffic stop, a 30-year-old Salem male 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. That same day deputies conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 6150. During the course of the traffic stop, a 37-year-old Salem female was arrested for driving while having her license suspended, a 2nd or subsequent offense. The female was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, fingerprinted, issued summons and released. That same day deputies conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 4110 near Shawnee Mac Lakes. During the course of the traffic stop, a 21-year-old male of Troy, Missouri was arrested for having active warrants through the St. Charles County Sheriff’s Office. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and was incarcerated. On Wednesday April 17th, deputies traveled to a residence in the 600 block of Dent County Road 4253 to attempt to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the investigation, a 32-year-old Salem female was arrested for two active warrants through Dent County. Also arrested was a 35-year-old Salem man for warrants through the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office. Both subjects were transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and were incarcerated. On Saturday April 20th, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 1200 block of north Highway 19. During the course of the traffic stop, a 19-year old Rolla male was arrested for driving while having their license revoked or suspended. The male was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, fingerprinted, issued summons and released. On Sunday, April 21st deputies were contacted by the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office in reference to a stealing case which had occurred in the 500 block of Dent County Road 2430. During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that two cigar boxes containing approximately $600.00 in United States currency was stolen. This report is still under investigation. On Monday, April 22nd, deputies traveled to the 7000 block of Highway 68 for a report of a male trespassing. During the course of the investigation, a 55-year-old Springfield male was arrested for trespassing 1st degree. The male was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, fingerprinted, issued summons and released.

Come to Echo Bluff State Park for a Dark Sky Astronomy Program from 7:30-9:30 Saturday night, May 4th on the “Sky Porch” at Bluff Top Pavilion parking lot. The Dent County Astronomers will have their scopes set up and ready to view constellations and the Milky Way. Learn about how light pollution obstructs our view of the sky in cities and towns around the world and what we can do to keep our skies dark. Be sure to dress for the weather as it could be very cold this time of year. This event is free and open to the public. 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 the event, call Echo Bluff State Park at 573-751-1224.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles was not present due to a previous commitment. District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell was selected to act as the Presiding Commissioner for the meeting. In the hearing of persons, Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams reported that she received a notification that a check was coming to the county from the US Forest Service from Title 1 and mineral receipts in the amount of $222,574.28. From those proceeds, the Dent County Road and Bridge Department will receive $55,643.57 while five school districts will divide $166,930.71. The Bunker R-3 School District will receive $64,602.19 while the Salem R-80 School District will get $40,831.26. Also receiving these funds will be the Oak Hill R-1 School District and they will get $33,720.01 while the Viburnum C-4 School District will receive $26,358.33 and Northwood R-4 school District will get $1,418.92. Last year, the county received two payments from the US Forest service, the first in March of $166,888.16 and the second payment on May 17th of $66,147.48. Commissioner Purcell went onto give the District 1 report and said crews would be out cleaning out culverts in the Bunker area and would also be putting an extension on a driveway pipe on Dent County Road 6380. Two men were working on a pup trailer fixing a flat and doing regular maintenance. Purcell also said a crew would be working on shoring up the area around a crossover pipe on county road 6380 where the material has washed away. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said crews in his district were also cleaning out culvert pipes in numerous locations while another crew would be cleaning out the truck barn at the Road and Bridge Maintenance area. He said workers would be adding material to Dent County Road 2160 and looking for washouts on some roads that have been known to wash out in the past. William Kuisel brought in a petition signed by many landowners who live on Private Lane 601 to have the road maintained by the county. The road used to be a county road in the 1970’s but was abandoned by the county when no one lived down that road for many years. Purcell said the county’s policy is the road would have to be brought up to the county’s established standards before the commission would consider maintaining the road since no public funds have been used to maintain the road in over seven years. The concern is the road is in such bad condition now that emergency vehicles are unable to travel down it as well as propane dealers, but as a Private Lane, it is the landowners responsibility to maintain the roads. There is also an easement issue with one of the landowners that they will take to the Dent County Prosecuting Attorney for his advice. Matt Bain, the district director from Senator Josh Hawley’s office, was in to introduce himself to the commission and see if there is anything he can do to help with any problems. The request from the commission was to see if there is anything that can be done to allow the county to use the monies from Title 3 for road or bridge improvements. He said he would check into it. The Dent County Commission will next meet Monday at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

A one vehicle accident occurred Wednesday afternoon at 4:55 in Dent County on Highway 32 about eight miles East of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Pontiac G6 driven by 19-year old Jennifer White of Salem, was traveling eastbound when the car ran off the right side of the roadway and overturned. Two occupants of the vehicle: 28-year old Mary Keel and five-year old Thomas Schroeder, both of Salem, were transported by the Salem Ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital for the treatment of minor injuries. The Pontiac was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley reported on a couple of cases that went before Judge Kelly Parker Tuesday in Dent County. The first case involved Austin Carter of Salem. His probation was revoked when he was charged with felony possession of a controlled substance. Carter was sentenced to seven years in the Department of Corrections. In another case determined in Dent County Tuesday in court, Owen B. White of Salem pled guilty to the stealing of a firearm and for the unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. White has a previous criminal history and was sentenced to seven years incarceration in the Missouri Department of Corrections on each count.

The Salem Police Department has released reports for April 14th though the 17th. On Sunday morning, the 14th, at approximately 8:28, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of North Pershing in reference to a burglary. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown entered a residence and took a Fender amplifier, a flat screen television and a microwave with a total value of $720.00. The report is under investigation. That night at approximately 10:20, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of South Warfel in reference to a burglary. The investigation of the report revealed a person or persons unknown entered a residence, took $275.00 cash and prescription medications. The report is under investigation. About an hour later at about 11:32, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 37-year-old male of Edgar Springs on an active arrest warrant from Dent County. The suspect was incarcerated pending a court appearance. On Tuesday afternoon, April 16th, at about 5:53 an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to an assault and property damage. The investigation of the report revealed a 21-year old male of Salem had assaulted an 18-year old female of Salem and broke the windshield valued at $300.00 out of her vehicle. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect for domestic assault, property damage and on an active arrest warrant from Dent County. The suspect was incarcerated pending the application of warrants and on the active arrest warrant. Then Wednesday night, the 17th, at about 9:30, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 34-year-old male of Salem for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and was released. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 573-729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

An accident happened Tuesday morning at 6:29 in Washington County on Route C just east of Route Y. According to the highway patrol report, A 2007 Jeep Liberty driven eastbound by 39-year old Kevin Hewkin of Davisville, traveled off the south side of the roadway and struck a tree. Hewkin suffered moderate injuries and was taken by the Iron County Ambulance to the Parkland Health Center in Farmington. Hewkin was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Jeep was totaled and removed from the scene by Abney’s Towing.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met Monday evening, April 15th. Health Center Director Kendra Mobray reported that the new Helmer pharmaceutical refrigerator had been installed and was working well. She also reported that lab services were provided to 88 clients during the month of March and that a site visit of the Health Center is scheduled with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for today. Mobray went on to report that Chrysta Hinderliter attended Grow and Glow in April and will have additional WIC training May 2nd. Roma Jones reported that lodging inspections will begin soon. Mobray said that the “Choosing the Best” Program is complete at all schools and Ashley Payton attended the Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Conference in St. Louis. One case of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and one case of Campylobacteriosis was investigated in March, plus four animal bites. 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. Influenza activity is winding down, but for this flu season there have been 210 confirmed cases of influenza reported for Dent County and one influenza related death. A closed session was conducted with no votes being taken. After the closed session, the board approval of the Dent County Health Center expenses for March was tabled due to a delay in reports from the accountant. The next regular meeting of the Health Center Board of Trustees will be Monday, May 20th at the Health Center at McArthur and Franklin.

The Salem Police Department has released their report for the month of March. The Salem Police performed 78 traffic stops for the month and issued 13 equipment repair orders, 9 summons to appear in court, 16 warning tickets, and 10 traffic tickets, plus they also served two city warrants and 9 fugitive warrants. The Salem Police investigated nine traffic accidents, two assaults, made one death investigation, and investigated two disorderly conduct reports. They also wrote one report on domestic violence, had two driving while being intoxicated charges, and issued four driving while having a license revoked or suspended charges. The police received two lost or stolen license plates reports, and two unlawful use of a firearm or weapon charges. The department investigated a rape, four possessions of a controlled substance charges along with two possession of drug paraphernalia charges, four reports of stealing, three property damage reports and a report of a peace disturbance. The department redirected 40 animal calls while responding to 27 ambulance assist calls, 27 well being checks and 18 requests for information for the month. The department received 971 calls during the month of March and had 76 walk- ins to the station. The department drove 7,827 miles during the month of March and spent 39 hours in court testifying and 14 hours as court Bailiff. There were 20 males and 7 females arrested in March.

The Salem Park and Recreation Board met Monday night at the Salem Community Center @The Armory. At the meeting, Park and Recreation Director Tye Lydon reported about 350 children have signed up so far for the softball, baseball and T-ball program this summer with the last day to sign up a child being Friday at 4:30 at the Salem Community Center. He reported the splash pad by Billie’s Playground will be activated on May 15th and the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Swimming Pool will officially open on May 25th. He said the pool will be prepped next week as Westport Pools will come in to prepare the pool after the water is pumped out this week. Lydon said new loungers and chairs have been purchased and the seating has been increased by three times the amount that was available last year. Lydon said the summer camp would be available this year starting June 3rd and lasting until July 19th with special events taking place on Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays. Lydon said the camp will include the Summer Food Service Program at the Salem Community Center@The Armory which is available to anyone 18 years of age and under in Dent County. The board then went into closed session to discuss real estate before coming back into open session. The Park Board approved the job description and the hiring of an Assistant Park and Recreation Director to be included in the 2019-2020 fiscal year budget. They also approved acquiring and installing a flag pole for the American flag at the Al Brown Field complex. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. In the hearing of persons, Travis Richards was in to talk to the Commission. In the road report, District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that grading would be done on Dent County Road 5390 and materials would be added to county roads 6245, 4210, 6370 and 5600. He went on to report that grading would be done and materials would be added to Dent County Roads 5100, 5103, 5105 and 5380. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson said that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2590, 2600, 4400 and 4405, while materials would be added to county roads 2590 and 2600, plus brush would be cut on county road 3180. Both Larson and Purcell reported that they had a grader operator out. Larson said that Fabick and Co. may get the grader that’s been gone for repairs back today. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported on the CART receipts for Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams. April’s receipts were $52,310.88, which was down from April 2018’s receipts of $55,438.98. He said that the April to April drop of $3,128.10 left the year-to-date down by $3,989.35 or 1.8%. Dent Count Clerk Angie Curley reported that there were a few bills to be approved by the Commissioners and that the meeting of the Board of Equalization date needed to be set. The Commissioners set the date for July 15th. Three bids were received for culverts from Advanced Drainage Systems, Metal Culverts and Viebrock Sales and Service. Viebrock had the low bid of $15,111.00 and it was approved by the commission by a 3–0 vote. Sheriff Bob Wells was in for the opening of the financing bids for the new vehicle. Bids were submitted by Bank of Salem, Town and Country Bank, and US Bank. The low bid of 2.84% for 3 years by Town and Country Bank was approved by the Commissioners 3-0. At last Thursday’s meeting Nick Smith and Dwight Ramsburg with Septagon along with Steve Davis with Shive-Hattery were in to update the Commission on the jail project. Sheriff Wells brought in a contract to provide inmate phone/video visitation at no cost to the county in the new jail. The Commissioners approved the contract 3-0. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Thursday morning at the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

A drowning occurred Sunday morning at Snow Hollow Lake in Iron County that took the life of a De Soto man. According to the water patrol report, 39-year old Zachary Daugherty was fishing from a stern pedestal seat when he suffered a seizure causing him to fall overboard and he did not resurface. Daugherty was pronounced dead at the scene by Iron County Coroner Tim Harbison. The body was taken to the Iron County Coroners office. Assisting the water patrol at the scene were MDC agents, the Pilot Knob Fire Department, Doe Run Fire Department, and Metro West Dive Team. This was the first boating fatality for Troop E in 2019.

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. 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 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 Park and Recreation Director Tye Lydon at 729-6290. Reservations dates on the pavilions and pool parties are made on a first come, first served basis.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released the following reports for April 12th through the 14th. On Friday, April 12th, deputies traveled to 1007 East Center Street for a warrant check. During the course of the investigation a 22-year-old Salem male was arrested for active warrants through Dent County and possession of a controlled substance. Also arrested was a 27-year-old Salem female for active warrants and possession of a controlled substance. Both subjects were transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office jail and incarcerated. Then on Sunday, April 14th, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 2000 block of Route W. During the course of the traffic stop, a 35-year-old Salem male was arrested for three active warrants through the Dent County Sheriff’s Office for failing to appear on traffic offenses and operating a motor vehicle on a highway without a valid license, a 2nd offense. The male was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241 if you have any information about an ongoing investigation.

An accident occurred Friday evening at 8:00 on Route TT about 10 miles east of Bunker. A 2013 Chevrolet Silverado driven by 40-year old Ricky Holt of Bunker, was traveling southbound and ran off the right side of the road, then returned to the road and traveled off the left side of the roadway. The Silverado overturned ejecting the driver and front seat passenger 35-year old Richard Clifford. Holt and Clifford suffered serious injuries. Clifford was transported by air ambulance to Barnes Hospital in St. Louis. Holt was transported by ambulance to Salem Memorial Hospital. Clifford and Holt were not wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Silverado was totaled and towed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held a re-organizational meeting Tuesday evening at the District Administrative Offices. No Board election was held during the April 2nd Municipal Election due to only having two candidates for the two open positions so Board Secretary Holly Erway swore in re-elected board members Dr. Bernie Sirios and Dustin Howard. Bernie Sirois was elected to serve as Board President while Holly Erway was elected to serve as the Board Vice-President. The board went on to elect Carrie Snider as Board Secretary and Dustin Howard as the Board Treasurer. The board also elected Larry Maxwell to serve as the MSBA delegate with Chris Heavin elected to serve as the MSBA delegate alternate. After Superintendent John McColloch gave a current budget update, A.J. Tinker provided the board with a Constructions Trades update. He informed the board that junior Dell Hoffmeister won the state Skills USA competition and will be representing Salem High School at the National Competition this June in Louisville, Kentucky. The board approved the out-of-state trip for Hoffmeister to attend the competition. In the building reports, William Lynch Elementary Principal Kriste Crocker said the final Kindergarten Registration for the year will be May 10th. Parents of incoming kindergarteners can call the office to make an appointment. She also said Preschool Registration will be held May 15th and 16th. Parents of incoming preschoolers can call the office to make an appointment. The school number is 729-6611. Upper Elementary School Principal Melanie Wisdom reported to the board that Serendipity will take place May 2nd and their stage production of Mary Poppins, Jr. was huge success! Middle School Principal Scott Roberts reported on the grade 6 through 12 SMS/SHS Spring Band Concert at the High School Gym on May 2nd at 7:00 while the grade 6 through 12 SMS/SHS Spring Choir Concert & Awards Night will be held May 9th at 7:00. High School Principal Marty Anderson reported on the Service Project and ACT Day held April 2nd with 250 students participating. He also said preparations for Salem’s first Computer Science Principles course are in full swing with Amber Pryor registering to attend a five-day Code.org training in July. Mrs. Pryor has already created a Computer Science page on the school website. Anderson reminded the board graduation will be held Friday, May 17th at the high school football field unless there are adverse weather conditions which would force the proceedings inside the gym. The board accepted the resignations of 4th grade instructor Roxann Cochran and head basketball coach Conrad Prugh. The board then went into executive session where they employed Melissa Lettman as a 1st grade teacher, Amanda Hanger as a 3rd grade teacher and Ashlyn Cook as a 4th grade teacher. The board also employed Conrad Prugh as a High School Assistant Principal for the 2019-2020 school year. Closed session was then adjourned before the meeting was adjourned.

An accident happened Thursday afternoon at 4:50 on Bell Road about five miles south of Roby. According to the highway patrol report, 28-year old Ashley Wortman of Rolla was driving a 2006 Chevrolet Aveo when she lost control and the vehicle traveled off the roadway and impacted an embankment. The Aveo then returned to the roadway, traveled back across the roadway before going off the right side of the road where the Aveo struck a tree. Suffering moderate injuries was the Ashley Wortman of Rolla and she was taken by the Texas County EMS to the Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston. Suffering minor injuries was a passenger, 43-year old Thomas Russell of Rolla who was also taken by the Texas County EMS to the Texas County Memorial Hospital. Russell was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident while Wortman was. The Chevy Aveo sustained extensive damage was removed from the scene by a private party. The highway patrol was assisted by the Texas County Sheriff’s Department at the scene.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that the six to seven tenths of an inch of rain overnight has left roadways too wet too grade so his crew was doing equipment maintenance. He said a hydraulic leak on Dump Truck #123 was being repaired and shims were being put in Grader #24, plus some of his crew was cleaning culverts and others were replacing county road signs. Purcell went on to say that with the improving weather some good progress has been made on many of the roadways and that weather permitting materials would be added to Dent County Road 6245. He reported that Tuesday he attended the South Central Community Action Agency meeting and that funding is available for all programs including child care, Head Start, Early Head Start, weatherization, etc. Purcell said that income guidelines apply and for more information call 729-3500 and talk to Sarah. Wednesday Purcell attended a Tourism Committee meeting where one reimbursement request was submitted and approved, plus one proposal was submitted and approved. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that brush would be cut on Dent County Roads 3180 and 3283, plus service work was being done on a pup trailer. He also noted that he had a man hauling rock to stock pile at the Road and Bridge Department and that right now he is short a grader and a dump truck that are being repaired. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that last Thursday he attended the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting where MoDOT reported the number of potholes since the first of the year is at an all time high for 2019 compared to previous years. Later that evening Skiles attended the MRPC meeting where plans are starting for the Annual Awards Banquet and Requests for Proposals are being developed for the event. He reported that on Friday of last week and Wednesday of this week he was in Jefferson City attending the Central Region Work Force Investment Board meeting where the board was working on budget and audit issues. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that bills were being approved by the Commissioners for payment and that Thursday afternoon she would be attending a meeting about the County/City/Chamber Website were they are working towards seeking bids on development of a new website. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday morning in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released the following reports for April 9th through the 11th. On Tuesday, April 9th, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 1600 block of Highway FF. During the course of the traffic stop a 33 year-old Salem male was arrested for driving while having a revoked license, 2nd offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, fingerprinted, issued summons and released. Then on Wednesday, April 10th, deputies were requested in the Dent County Courthouse for a court ordered preliminary breath test. Deputies arrived at the Dent County Courthouse and requested a 34 year-old Salem women to submit to the breath test. The female refused and began to yell. The female was held in contempt of court and placed under arrest. While the female was being escorted back to the Dent County Jail, she became combative and attempted to pull away from the Deputy. After attempting to pull away multiple times and refusing to cooperate with Deputies, she was escorted inside the Dent County Sheriff’s Office.
The female was incarcerated in the Dent County Sheriff’s Office for contempt of court and resisting or interfering with an arrest, stop, or detention. On Thursday, April 11th, deputies with the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and Officers with the Salem Police Department traveled to a residence near the 150 Block of County Road 5050 to attempt to locate a male with an active warrant for his arrest through probation and parole. During the course of the investigation a 27 year-old Salem male was arrested for the active probation and parole warrant and unlawful possession of a firearm. The male was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and incarcerated. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241 if you have any information about an ongoing investigation.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday evening in the Hospital Library. SMDH Attorney Mark Weaver administered the oath of office to board members Mike Swyers of District 2 and A.J. Seay from District 6. The board heard a presentation by Gina Daniels, the Director of Rehabilitation who gave an overview of the Physical and Occupational Therapy Departments. Monica Stogsdil gave the summary of operations for the month of March where the hospital had 117 inpatient admissions with 356 inpatient census days. During the month, there were 809 emergency room visits to go with 212 ambulance runs, 30 surgery cases, 1,750 outpatient registrations, 356 home health visits, 8,943 lab tests, 1,268 radiological procedures and 753 rehab treatments. The hospital showed a gain from operations of $126,043 and revenues over expenses after taxes of $151,338. Chief of Nursing Debbie Hines gave an Emergency Department Transportation Performance Report where the hospital is ranked on five areas. The next Hospital Auxiliary meeting will be held Tuesday, May 7th at noon at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. The Auxiliary will have a “Scrubs and Beyond” event on April 17th, a BBQ during Hospital week and Shoe Road Productions will be in Salem on September 10th. Hospital COO Chris Strickland reported the Hospital Foundation Form 1023 has been sent to the IRS seeking tax exempt status and scholarship recipients have been selected. A $300,000 NAP grant has been submitted and a recycling grant has been implemented. The Foundation recently received $2,923 from the Coover Foundation to go towards patient accounts to pay for mammograms. The Golf Tournament is scheduled for June 7th and the wing-off fundraiser will be held August 3rd at the Commons. The next Health Fair will be held May 15th and 16th at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory from 6:00 until 9:00 in the morning. Lucas gave the Patient Satisfaction Survey results for the Emergency Department and Family Medicine. There were 123 total surveys returned for the ED department and 241 returned for the Family Medicine, both departments received very high scores in each category. The board elected officers for the next year as Sue Terry remained Chairman, Dennis Fiebelman was named as the Vice-Chairman and Judy Thompson as the Secretary. The board approved the donation of two refrigerators to a local charity before going into closed session.

The Salem Police Department has released the following reports for April 8th and 9th. Monday afternoon, the 8th, at approximately 3:00, an officer located a 20-year-old male of St. Louis near the 500 block of East Center who had an active arrest warrant from Dent County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending a court appearance. Then on Tuesday afternoon, the 9th, at approximately 5:07, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to damage to private property. The investigation of the report revealed a person or person unknown broke the door glass valued at $300.00 on a truck parked near the 100 block of North Rhodes. The report is under investigation. That same night at about 10:36, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 34-year-old male of Salem for driving while being intoxicated. The suspect was incarcerated pending the application for a warrant. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 573-729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

A 48-year old woman from Edgar Springs suffered minor injuries in an accident that occurred Monday evening, April 15th at 9:50. According to the report released from the highway patrol, Dawn Case was traveling northbound on Highway 63 about four miles south of Edgar Springs, driving a 2008 Chrysler Town and Country, when she struck a deer in the roadway. Case was transported by a private vehicle to Phelps Health for treatment of what was described as minor injuries. The Chrysler sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Lucas Towing.

The Salem Board of Aldermen regular meeting was held Monday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. The board immediately went into closed session to discuss real estate. After the conclusion of closed session the regular meeting was then continued. At the meeting, the board heard from Deloris Gray Wood as a representative from the Salem Middle School Committee to give the committees recommendation regarding the building. Wood explained that this committee, made up of local citizens, has been researching possible uses for the building for nearly 18 months. With the Board of Aldermen approval, they hired a consultant and engineering firm that provided a nearly $4 million cost estimates to restore the building. A recent Request for Proposals was advertised to allow for local input and proposals. None were received to restore the building, but five were received to demolish the structures on the property. The committee recommendation was to accept the lowest bid from Donald Maggi for demolition and the board approved their recommendation. The board approved Resolution No. 9-2019 authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with Second Sight Systems for water meter replacement at a cost of $100,176.76 as part of the Automated Metering Project. The board then approved Bill No. 3411 which is an ordinance amending the annual budget to amend the appropriations of estimated revenue and expenditures in the Capital Improvement Sales Tax Fund. The board also approved an additional cost of $7,500 to Central Coating to replace an expansion joint and clean out and plug while they are painting the water tower on Wines Street. The board approved Bill No. 3412 which is an Ordinance to amend and address nuisance abatements and administration fees. The ordinance defines junk or abandoned vehicles on property as well as junk and debris in yards. An administration fee of not less than $100 and a minimum charge of $75 for the abatement of nuisance will be charged. The board tabled the request from Black’s A-1 Septic LLC to dump port-a-pottie waste in the Waste Water Treatment facility. Further information is needed from the engineer. The board approved Resolution No. 10-2019 canvassing the election results of the April 2nd municipal election. City Clerk Mary Happel then administered the oath of office to new West Ward Alderman Kevin James and East Ward Alderwoman Rachel Hinderliter. Happel then gave appreciation plaques to Dr. Haydn Powell and Chad Heithold for their service to the city. City Administrator Ray Walden gave his report and thanked the Old Middle School Committee members; Deloris Gray Wood, Sherman Odom, Jay Anderson, Bob Parsons, Todd Kinerk and Kristi Crocker. The Salem Community Center @ the Armory had a total of 4,864 participants during the month of March. The Economic Development Planning Session previously scheduled for April 25th has been moved to May 2nd at 5:30 pm. The Community Wide Yard Sale will be held on May 4th with spring clean up scheduled for the following two weeks. For questions regarding the clean up residents can call Waste Management at 417-741-7714. City Attorney Camm Seay updated the board on Nuisance Enforcement and recommended Mark Nash serve as a Nuisance Hearing Officer. Nash would conduct weekly scheduled nuisance hearings to allow citizens to protest any nuisance violation matters. The board directed Seay to create an ordinance to create this position and process. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released reports for April 3rd through the 5th. On Wednesday, April 3rd, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 4110 near Highway 19 north. During the course of the traffic stop, a 25-year-old Salem man was arrested for an active warrant through Dent County Sheriff’s Office. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where the he later posted bond and was released. Then on Thursday, April 4th, deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Dent County Road 3260, but the vehicle failed to yield and continued to travel on county road 3260 until turning right onto Dent County Road 3275. The vehicle stopped in the 400 block of Dent County Road 3275 where the driver, a 37-year old Salem male, fled from the vehicle while the passenger, a 29-year old Salem female, stayed inside the vehicle. The female told deputies that the male that fled had active warrants through probation and parole. Deputies conducted an immediate search of the area but did not locate the male. On Friday, April 5th, the male was located and arrested for the active warrant and resisting arrest for a felony. The male was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and incarcerated. Also on Friday, April 5th, deputies received a report of a neighbor shooting towards their granddaughter and her dogs near the 2000 block of Dent County Road 6320. Deputies traveled to the scene and during the course of the investigation a 40-year-old Salem male was arrested for the unlawful use of a weapon, subsection 5, discharge of a firearm while intoxicated. The male was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241 if you have any information about an ongoing investigation.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning for their regular meeting at the Dent County Courthouse. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles was not in attendance due to a prior commitment. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson was selected to act as the presiding commissioner for the meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell and Commissioner Larson both reported about 1.3 inches of rain fell from Saturday through Sunday morning in many areas of the county. High winds were also prevalent around the county and trees were reported down on Dent County Roads 5450 and 6370. Purcell said the tree across county road 5450 closed the road for a time while the tree on county road 6370 was in the roadway. Both trees will be removed. Purcell said patch grading would be done on Dent County Road 4220 while materials will be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 5590 and 6600. Purcell went on to say that grading would also be done on county road 6620 while materials would be added to county road 4220. Commissioner Larson from District 2 said workers would be adding materials and grading Dent County Road 5260 if it was dry enough, while another man would be stockpiling white rock at the maintenance shed for use after hours. Larson reported that two driveway culvert pipes bought by the property owners were scheduled to be installed if the ground is dry enough. These were to be installed on county roads 2240 and 2350. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley stated she attended the county health consortium meeting held in Springfield Thursday. They updated attendees about the health plan and described a new program that is now available to employees that deal with disease management. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission 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. Administrator Kasey Lucas will report the summary of operations for the month of March, 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. Patient Satisfaction survey results will also be reviewed. The board will discuss the fiscal year 2020 Finance Committee meeting report before reviewing 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.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold meetings starting at 6:00 this evening at the Salem District Administrative Offices Boardroom. After approval of the agenda for the re-organizational meeting the Board will certify the Election Results, newly elected members will be sworn in, and the Board President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer will be elected. The Board will also elect the MSBA Delegate and Alternate. The meeting will be adjourned and the Board will move into the regular monthly meeting. The Board will approve the Food Service report, approve the substitute list, and approve Program Evaluations for Food Service and Health Services. Superintendent John McColloch will give a budget update and report on Construction Trades. After the Principals’ Building Reports the Board will address new business including consider an out-of-state travel request. The Board will hear resignations and then adjourn and move into an executive session. The April regular monthly meeting of the Salem R-80 Board of Education is open to the public.

Congressman Jason Smith reminds everyone that the 2019 Congressional Art Competition is now accepting entries from high school students across southeast and south central Missouri. Each of the five district offices in Missouri’s 8th Congressional District will select two winning pieces from their region to move on to the “Best of Show” competition, where an overall winner will be selected. The overall winner’s artwork will be displayed in the United States Capitol for a year, where lawmakers and thousands of visitors will walk past it each day. Each regional winner will have the opportunity to have their artwork showcased in local offices for all visitors to see. Last year’s winner was Avery Coffman from Salem R-80, who created her artwork of the St. Jude Chapel in Montauk by burning a drawing of the church into a piece of wood. For winning “Best of Show,” Avery received two round-trip plane tickets to Washington, D.C. to attend the Congressional Art Competition reception with other winners from across the country. To be considered for the Congressional Art Competition, artwork should be submitted to the respective district office no later than this Wednesday, April 17th. Regional winners will be announced shortly thereafter, and the “Best of Show” competition will be held on May 13th, 2019. Local high schools have been notified of the competition and how to submit students’ artwork to local offices. If any students wishing to participate would like more information or wish to see the complete participation rules manual, call the district office at (573) 364-2455.