Local News

The City of Salem Annual Water Quality Report has been released and there were no violations that occurred for the calendar year 2019. All levels of contaminants found were lower than required by government regulations. If you would like to see the City of Salem Annual Water Quality Report, a copy can be found at the City of Salem Administration Building at 4th and Iron Streets, at the Water Department Office or at the KSMO Radio studios.

Beginning Saturday, May 9th, Ozark National Scenic Riverways will expand their access. Park concession operations and outfitters will be authorized to open for business at their discretion, as they are able to meet CDC guidelines. Some float concessions may opt to remain closed as they adapt their business practices to implement CDC guidelines to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Camping on gravel bars while engaging in multi-day floats and dispersed camping along the Ozark Trail while engaging in multi-day hikes will be allowed. The spring branch hiking trails at Big Spring and Alley Spring will reopen, as well as the staircase into Devils Well. Restrooms at many river access points and day use areas will continue to be open as they have been and park rangers are available to answer questions by phone at (573)-323-4236, from 8:00 in the morning until to 4:30 in the afternoon, seven days a week. With public health in mind, these facilities remain closed at this time. All campgrounds and designated campsites will remain closed but are expected to reopen on May 22nd, with the exception of group campsites. All picnic pavilions and group campsites will remain closed but are expected to reopen on June 5th. Restrooms and showers are expected to reopen May 22nd, although there will be short closures to accommodate rotations for cleaning and disinfecting in accordance with CDC guidelines. All visitor contact stations, including the Alley General Store and Van Buren Visitor Information Center will remain closed until further notice. While a number of areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, including the guidance in the Show Me Strong Recovery Plan. If you wish, check out the Ozark National Scenic Riverways amazing virtual tours, images and kids activities at any time. These tours are perfect for people who are still home schooling or not traveling at this time. Check out https://www.nps.gov/ozar or visit @ozarkriverways on Facebook. For additional information, please call (573)-323-4236. Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website www.nps.gov and social media channels.

The Missouri Department of Conservation reports it has completed its monitoring and testing efforts for the 2019-2020 chronic wasting disease surveillance year. From those efforts, MDC reports it has confirmed 46 new cases of the deadly deer disease. These new findings bring the total number of CWD cases in the state to 162. The Department of Conservation has tested more than 137,000 deer since the first cases of CWD were found in free-ranging deer in Missouri in 2012. The 46 new cases were found in the 11 different counties. They were three cases in Adair, six in Franklin, one in Jefferson, eight in Linn, eight in Macon, two in Oregon, two in Perry, one in Polk, ten in Ste Genevieve, two in Stone, and three in Taney County. Previously this season, the Department of Conservation confirmed 25 of the 46 new cases of CWD in Missouri from nearly 29,000 tissue samples collected from white-tailed deer and submitted for disease testing. Most of the tissue samples were taken from hunter-harvested deer.

The James Foundation has reopened Maramec Spring Park to a limited number of visitors (maximum of 250 people at one time) effective Monday. There will be no admission to enter the park and daily trout tags are currently waived until May 16th.The campground and bathrooms pavilions, museum, cleaning station, and café will remain closed. For more information, visit the Maramec Spring Park website at maramecspringpark.com/. Daily trout tags, along with a fishing permit, unless exempt, will be required beginning May 16th for fishing at all four trout parks including Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon, Montauk State Park near Salem, Roaring River State Park near Cassville, and Maramec Spring Park near St. James. MDC hatchery staff will resume stocking the parks on May 15th to provide angling opportunities prior to May 16th. State Parks will begin to reopen retail operations in parks leading up to May 16th. For more information, visit Missouri State Parks website at mostateparks.com/. Daily trout tags at Bennett Spring State Park, Montauk State Park, and Roaring River State Park are $4 for adults and $3 for those 15 years of age or younger. The daily limit at these three parks remains four trout per day. The pilot program at Maramec Spring Park remains in effect. The daily trout tag at Maramec Spring Park is $5 for adults and $3 for anglers 15 years of age and younger. The daily limit at Maramec Spring Park remains five trout per day.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held a meeting Monday at the City Hall Auditorium and followed social distancing guidelines. Alderman Kim Steelman was not at the meeting. After a description by Public Works Director Mark Nash, the board approved the purchase of a battery operated Wire Squeezing Tool from Fletcher Reinhardt for $4,510. After the consent agenda, the board heard from City Administrator Ray Walden. He said the Salem Community Center@The Armory had a total of 4,471 participants that included the fitness center, public access, meetings and more. Walden said he released a statement that updated the information on city operations and reminded the public to be vigilant in their efforts to follow the guidelines established due to the COVID 19 virus. Walden reminded everyone that Spring Cleanup Weeks are this week on your regular trash day as well as next week on your regular trash day. He said there would be an appliance, electronics and tire collection at the Salem sewer and water construction parking lot at 3rd and Grand Streets on Saturday, May 16th from 9:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon. Anything with a cord or battery operated can be brought in. Participants will have to stay in their vehicle as helpers will unload the items. There will be a charge for TV’s, monitor screens, tires and refrigerated appliances with freon. Questions can be answered by calling Jill Hollowell at 573-265-2993. The pickup is sponsored by the City of Salem, the MRPC, the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District and funded by the Department of Natural Resources. Walden then gave a detailed report on capital projects for the aldermen discussing which items have been completed, others projects that probably won’t get done this year and many that will come in under budget. City Clerk Mary Happel went over the health and life insurance options for the city. She said the city received renewal rates form United Health Care that went up 6% from last year, but if they moved their life insurance to United Heath Care from Anthem, the increase would only be 2%. The increase in cost for the life insurance change was one penny a month per employee with the change otherwise it would have been $5.20 per employee per month, while the cost for the base monthly health insurance plan was reduced to $402.90 per month. Last year, the benefits were capped at $550.00 per employee and this year the employees who use the HSA plan will receive $61.82 into their HSA account per month from the city, while those who want the better coverage will have to pay $69.27 more per month. The board approved going with United Health Care for the health and life insurance. The board approved Bill #3448 that adds the Municipal Records Management to Chapter 122 of the Municipal Code; approved Resolution 8-2020 that will offer a 5% rebate on the electric and water bill for those customers who are current and want to pay up to their April 30th billing; and approved Resolution 9-2020 that will change the city’s utility payment plan from three months to as many as 12 months. The board postponed their vote on replacing Doris Stempniak who resigned from the Salem Housing Authority with Richard LaBrash until they get more clarification if it is Richard LaBrash Sr or Richard LaBrash Jr who will be taking her place. The meeting was then adjourned.

A one vehicle accident happened shortly after 5:00 Monday afternoon in Phelps County on highway 63 about five miles south of Rolla. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2015 Nissan Versa driven by 20-year old Elijah Hamilton of Edgar Springs was traveling north when he ran off the right side of the road and struck an embankment. Hamilton, who was not wearing a safety device, was transported by ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla for treatment of minor injuries. The Nissan was totaled in the accident and removed from the scene by C&C Towing.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports for April. On Tuesday, April 28th, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 1300 block of South Main Street to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 36-year-old Salem man was arrested for having an active warrant through Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. The next day the Dent County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a suspicious vehicle that was parked in the 1700 block of Iron Mountain Road. Deputies responded to the area and checked on the vehicle. During the course of the incident, a 28-year-old Rolla man was arrested for possession of a controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On Thursday, April 30th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 100 block of East Hunt Street. During the course of the incident, a 41-year-old Salem man was arrested for the possession of a controlled substance, driving while having his license revoked or suspended and delivering or possessing a controlled substance at a county jail. The man is currently incarcerated at the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail. Later that same day a deputy traveled to a residence in the 1000 block of Dent County Road 5070 to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 33-year-old Salem man was arrested for having an active arrest warrant through Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he later posted bond and was released. If anyone has information regarding an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. Dent County Health Center Administrator Kendra Mobray attended the meeting to let the commission know that many businesses were opening or expanded their services Monday with suggested guidelines by Governor Mike Parson. Mobray said Dent County still has had no positive coronavirus tests as of Monday morning. Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge was in attendance to let the commission know she has been working with over 50 companies in town to keep them updated through the ‘Stay at Home” order and will be available for any questions that may come up. She said a couple of new business leads occurred but nothing solid as of Monday morning. She said she has been working on the city and county branding and brought in a sample for the commissions to review which they liked. The website is still under construction, but moving forward. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell indicated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 4122, 4124 and 5600 while only grading would be done on county road 5550; and only materials would be added to county road 5900. Purcell said brush would be cut on county road 6210 and that the tourism tax income for March took a hit due to the “Stay at Home” order and was down $4,068.82 from March of 2019. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 3220, 3225 and 5260 while materials would added and grading done on county road 2540. He also reported brush would be cut on county road 2110. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles talked with the commissioners about the Coronavirus Relief Fund in which $521 million federal dollars were sent to the State of Missouri in which they in turn distributed to the individual counties. The counties are to properly allocate the funds for direct coronavirus expenses incurred as well as to be distributed as grants to small businesses to reimburse them for the cost of their business interruption caused by required closures. Dent County will be receiving $1,827,024. Skiles said there are very restrictive guidelines to many parts of the fund and other guidelines that have yet to be established or interpreted on other parts. He also said the monies distributed would be subject to intense scrutiny and if not done properly, the county would be responsible to pay the funds given out back. He said the logistics on how to distribute the money would be a local nightmare and suggested that an organization like the MRPC would be better staffed to be able to provide a better service for those who need the help. He said he would like to get everything organized where the application process and distribution methods were in place before asking for any business to apply. The funds can be used to reimburse direct expenses from March 1st through December 30th, 2020. Any monies distributed from this fund would have to be done before March 21st, 2021. The board then set a meeting for Tuesday, May 26th at 9:00 with a budget hearing set for 9:30 that morning. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported the new tentative budget would be available in her office on May 12th. She said absentee voting continues and the testing of the voting equipment will be done on Friday, May 22nd at 9:00. She said her office would be open for absentee voting on Saturday, May 30th from 8:00 in the morning until 12:00 noon. She also stated that she and the county treasurer balanced on all accounts for the month of April. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

A free University of Missouri Extension webinar series on home gardening begins 6:30 this evening. MU Extension specialists developed the eight-part series to help people who want to grow healthy foods, according to Juan Cabrera-Garcia, MU Extension horticulturist. The eight-part evening series includes an hour of instruction and 30 minutes for questions and answers. Registrants may attend individual sessions or the entire series. Classes cover the basics of cool- and warm-season gardening, including container gardening, from fertility to food preservation. Topics and specialists teaching the webinar include Planning Your Garden on May 5th with Donna Aufdenberg. Crop Fertility on May 12th with Justin Keay, Insects in Your Garden on May 19, Tamra Reall, Disease Prevention and Management on May 26th with Debi Kelly, Cool Season Crops on June 2nd, David Trinklein, Warm Season Crops on June 9th, with Katie Kammler, Container Gardening on June 16th, with David Trinklein. The sessions will conclude with Preserving the Harvest on June 23rd with Leslie Bertsch. You can register for each Wednesday night class at extension2.missouri.edu/events/home-gardening-webinar-series or email jcabrera-garcia@missouri.edu to learn more.

An accident happened in Dent County on Highway 19 about ten miles north of Salem Sunday afternoon at 12:54. According to the highway patrol report, 25-year old John Mogab of Sullivan was driving a 2008 Ford Ranger when he swerved to miss a dog and traveled off the left side of the road where he struck an embankment and overturned. Mogab suffered minor injuries and was taken by a private conveyance to Phelps Health in Rolla. The Ford Ranger was totaled and removed from the scene by American Muffler and Tire of Salem. Mogab was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

Today many businesses that were considered “non-essential” will be opening back up, bank lobbies will reopen, and restaurants will be allowed to have inside dining again, although there will be some restrictions. Please check out the industry specific guidelines that have been released as part of the “Show Me Strong Recovery” plan. Those guidelines provide specific regulations, as well as do’s and don’ts for churches, food establishments, lodging and outfitters, barber shops, beauty salons, nail salons, tattoo parlors, gyms and hotel swimming pools. To view the guidelines check out the Dent County Health Center’s Facebook Page. You can also contact Kendra Mobray at the Health Center at 729-3106 or email dentcountymocovid19@gmail.com.

A one vehicle accident happened Friday afternoon around 2:40 in Crawford County on Highway 19 near Route VV. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 2000 Harley-Davidson motorcycle being ridden by 40-year old April Cahill of Rolla was southbound on Highway 19 when she failed to negotiate a curve and ran off the right side of the roadway striking a sign before overturning. Cahill suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla by a Dent County Deputy. The Harley sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by C&C Towing.

An accident happened Friday night in Crawford County Friday night at 11:35 on westbound Interstate 44 near the 206 mile marker. According to the highway patrol report, a 2003 Honda VTR Motorcycle driven westbound by 50-year old Danny Kent of St. James, swerved to avoid contact with another vehicle. The Honda overturned and traveled off the left side of the roadway. Kent suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Phelps Health by the St. James Ambulance. He was wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident. The motorcycle was totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing of St. James.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at 7:00 in the City Hall Auditorium for their regular meeting. For those who want to attend, you will need to enter through the doors on the north side of the building. At the meeting, the board will hear bids for a battery operated wire squeezing tool before reviewing the consent agenda. After the agenda is approved, the board will receive an update from City Administrator Ray Walden about city projects, get an update on capital projects and discuss the health and life insurance premiums for the employees for the city. The board will hear bill #3448 that amends Chapter 122 of the municipal code for the City of Salem that deals with the Open Meeting and Records Policy by adding a new section dealing with the municipal records management. The board will discuss Resolution 8-2020 that would adopt a policy on creating utility rebate credits for the City of Salem of 5% on electric and water billing on usage from January 24th through April 30th. The board will also discuss Resolution 9-2020 that would amend the City of Salem Payment Plan from three to 12 months for the period of usage just mentioned. In New and Miscellaneous Business, the board will discuss a Salem Housing Authority Board appointment to replace Doris Stempniak who resigned. The meeting will then be adjourned. The city of Salem Board of Alderman meeting is open to the public. The city will still be enforcing social distancing at the meeting.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold special meetings today and Tuesday afternoons at the district administrative offices boardroom at 5:00 each day. These special meetings will be closed session meetings to discuss personnel. After the agenda is approved at each meeting, they will immediately go into closed session.

Trout fishing updates include the James Foundation reopening Maramec Spring Park to a limited number of visitors (maximum of 250 people at one time) today. There will be no admission to enter the park and daily trout tags are currently waived until May 16th. The campground and bathrooms will be open while the store, playgrounds, pavilions, museum, cleaning station, and café will remain closed. For more information, visit the Maramec Spring Park website at maramecspringpark.com/. Daily trout tags, along with a fishing permit, unless exempt, will be required beginning May 16th for fishing at all four trout parks including Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon, Montauk State Park near Salem, Roaring River State Park near Cassville, and Maramec Spring Park near St. James.

Today is the first day that Missourians are able to apply for the first elk-hunting season in modern history in Missouri. The Missouri Conservation Commission has approved the issuance of five permits for hunting bull elk for the 2020 season. Four general permits will be for the public and one permit will be reserved for qualifying area landowners. Missouri’s first pending elk hunt comes after years of restoration efforts of the once-native species by MDC and numerous partners and supporters. For this first elk season, the Conservation Department has designated a nine-day archery portion running October 17th through the 25th and a nine-day firearms portion running December 12th through the 20th. The five permits will be for bull elk and will be valid for both portions. All permits will be assigned through a random-lottery drawing. A $10 application fee is required for those applying for the general permits. Qualifying landowners will not be required to pay the $10 application fee when applying for the landowner permit. Those selected for each of the five permits must pay a $50 permit fee. The Conservation Department will limit the random lottery to one application per-person, per-year with a 10-year “sit-out” period for those drawn for a general permit before they may apply again. If selected for a landowner elk permit, qualifying landowners will not be required to wait 10 years before again applying for a landowner elk permit. Qualifying landowners may apply once each year for a general elk hunting permit and for a landowner elk permit but are eligible to receive only one permit annually. General permits can be used in Carter, Reynolds, and Shannon counties, except the refuge portion of Peck Ranch Conservation Area. General permits are nontransferable. The landowner permit is also nontransferable and may only be filled on the landowner’s property in the counties mentioned. To apply for an elk permit, applicants must be Missouri residents at least 11 years of age by the first day of the hunt and have must be hunter education certified unless exempt due to age. You may apply for the random elk-permit lottery through May 31st online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, or through a permit vendor.

This is a reminder that free breakfast and lunches for children age 18 and under are still available at a number of locations through May 15th. These meals are available for ALL children. It doesn’t matter if you attended Salem R-80, any of the rural schools or were home schooled. The pick up locations have been reduced to three. In town meals can be picked up at the small yellow R-80 school bus at Salem Upper Elementary School at 1601 Doss Road from 10:30 until 12:00, Monday through Friday. Out of town locations will include the junction of Highways 32 & 72 and Dent County Road 4235 near the old candy striped store from 11:00 until 11:20. Meals will be served from the white Salem R-80 Suburban. This location is primarily for those living east on Highway 32/72 and surrounding county roads between Route P and Route W. The second out of town location will be the junction of Highway 32/72 and Route W from 11:30 until 11:50 where food will be served again from the white Salem R-80 Suburban. This area is basically for those living on Route W and the surrounding county roads, although food may be picked up at any location no matter where they live in Dent County.

The City of Salem Spring Clean Up weeks will be happening on your normal trash days starting the next two weeks starting with the week of May 4th and again during the week of May 11th by WCA, the city’s trash collection service. Also, the City Street Crews will be collecting yard waste beginning on Monday. That includes biodegradable bags of leaves or grass, as well as bundles of limbs, branches and twigs cut to no longer than four feet in length. Items the city will not pick up are appliances, electronics, furniture, lumber or building materials, recyclables or tires. Make sure you place your items curbside, but do not block sidewalks. If you have questions, contact the city administrative offices at 729-4811.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold special meetings Monday and Tuesday afternoon at the district administrative offices boardroom at 5:00 each day. These special meetings will be closed session meetings to discuss personnel. After the agenda is approved at each meeting, they will immediately go into closed session.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is informing the public effective Monday driver testing services will expand to include written testing for all classes of licenses and commercial driver license skills testing which will include the pre-trip, basic, and road testing however, non-CDL road testing is not included in this phase of service reinstatement. Those requiring the skills test for a CDL should note special priority is being given to applicants who have already passed a portion of the CDL skills test, applicants who had a CDL appointment scheduled prior to the suspension of testing last month, school bus operators over the age of 70 requiring annual testing, and applicants with other essential needs. When CDL applicants schedule an appointment, an examiner will review their COVID-19 form, and advise them to wear a face covering during testing and arrive in a sanitized vehicle. Applicants should wear face coverings while in driver examination facilities and adhere to social distancing guidelines. Face coverings will be removed briefly when the applicant’s photo is taken during the licensing process. The Patrol’s website will be updated with a list of designated drivers testing locations, days of service, hours of operation and phone numbers prior to Monday.

Dent County Commissioner Dennis Purcell attended a South Central Missouri Community Action Agency meeting last Tuesday via conference call. He reported that funding is still available for all assistance programs. Purcell said they have funds for energy assistance. Eligibility requirements for energy assistance are based on income, family size, available resources and if you are responsible for payment of home heating costs. Additionally, eligible households can receive heating and cooling assistance for verifiable crisis situations. The Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) funds can be used to prevent or restore disconnected service, assist with emergency repairs and furnace replacements and even purchase wood stoves and air conditioners. Based upon funding, the Winter ECIP is available from November through May. There is also a summer ECIP program available if any funding remains. Purcell went on to report the agency also has funds available for weatherization. This program is a free service for homeowners or renters who qualify. Weatherization crews can insulate and repair homes to make them more energy efficient. Weatherizing can make a home warmer during the winter and help save heating dollars. Purcell said the agency also offers free tax preparation and electronic filing to low to moderate income households who file federal and/or state income taxes. Elderly, disabled or disabled veterans who qualify for Missouri Property Tax or Certification of Rent credits can also receive free assistance. The mission of South Central Missouri Community Action Agency is to assist low-income families in their efforts to become self-sufficient by providing programs and services to improve the quality of their lives and the opportunity to eliminate the causes and conditions of poverty. If you have been adversely affected by current events that have limited your income or put you in a financial crisis, please contact your county South Central Missouri Community Action Agency Outreach office for help. In Dent County, call 573-729-3500; in Reynolds County, call 573-663-2855; or in Shannon County, call 573-325-8271.

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

The Farmer’ Market in Salem will be opening on Saturday, May 2nd and be open from 7:30 until noon. They will be practicing social distancing and will also have a hand washing station available for those who want to wash their hands while at the market. The Farmers Market is located behind the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce office at 200 South Main Street and next to the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center. Everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy fresh vegetables, fresh eggs, bakery items and so much more.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released the following reports for Friday, April 24th. A deputy traveled to a residence in the 10500 block of South Highway 19 to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 34-year-old Salem man was arrested for an active warrant through the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail where he later posted bond and was released. Also on the 24th, the Dent County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a suspicious vehicle near a residence in the 42000 block of Highway 72. Deputies located the vehicle in the 1000 block of East 3rd Street and initiated a traffic stop. During the course of the traffic stop, a 29-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued summons and released. If anyone has any information regarding an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met April 16th at the Health Center at 1010 East Scenic Rivers Blvd. Health Center Administrator Kendra Mobray updated the Board on the Health Center’s response to COVID-19. She has conducted numerous meetings with local officials, briefings with community stakeholders, weekly calls with Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and Governor Mike Parson, radio interviews and responded to 100’s of phone calls, messages, emails, etc. She worked with local officials to enforce “stay-at-home” and social distancing orders. Health Center staff was divided into two teams working split shifts to avoid the entire staff needing to be quarantine in the event of an exposure. Health Center services are being provided by appointment only. Mobray reported that outpatient lab services were provided for 87 clients in March. She presented the draft report from Maloney, Wright and Robbins for the 2017/2018 audit, which showed no findings in each accounting record reviewed. In contract updates she noted that the Pubic Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) funding for FY20, which runs through June 30, 2020, has been exhausted as of March 31st with a deficit of $6,702.02 due to COVID-10 response. The Health Center has submitted an application to SEMA for FEMA reimbursement. Local Public Health Agencies are reaching out to legislators and the Missouri DHSS as well as the Center for Disease Control to find other funding sources to support local response efforts. Mobray reported that all other programs are being conducted either via phone or mail, or are currently on hold due to the COVID-19 response. Mobray said there have been 443 confirmed cases of influenza reported in Dent County. The Health Center investigated 2 cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, 1 case of Giardiasis and 1 case of Campylobacteriosis during March. The health center expenses were approved before the next regular board meeting was set for May 21st at 5:00. The meeting was adjourned.

Dent County Health Center Administrator Kendra Mobray wants people to know that you can find on the Dent County Health Center Facebook Page the “Show Me Strong Recovery Plan and What to Expect from Phase 1.” This two page guide lists the plan for a soft opening for the area on May 4th and how some businesses may have to make some adjustments to allow for social distancing. If you have further questions, contact Mobray at 729-3106.

An accident happened in Maries County on Monday afternoon around 5:10 at the junction of Highway 63 and Highway 42. According to the highway patrol report, a 2009 Chevy Suburban driven by 67-year old Mark Moss of Dittmer, Missouri, turned northbound into the path of the Highway Patrol 2020 Ford Explorer driven northbound by 42-year old Brian Crawford of Rolla, causing the patrol vehicle to impact the driver’s side of the Suburban. The Ford Explorer came to rest in the roadway while the Suburban traveled across the roadway and came to rest in the west ditch. Suffering minor injuries were Officer Brian Crawford who was taken by a highway patrol vehicle to Phelps Health in Rolla, and Mark Moss who was taken to Phelps Health by the Maries Osage County Ambulance. Everyone involved was wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. Both vehicles were totaled in the accident with Ron Dishman’s Towing of Rolla removing the Highway Patrol Ford Explorer and Plaza Towing of Vienna removing the Suburban. Estimated damage to the Explorer was $30,000 as there were only 8,300 miles on the vehicle. The accident involving an officer was investigated by the Major Crash Investigation Unit Team #4.

A one vehicle accident occurred Monday morning around 6:30 in Phelps County on Route J about two miles north of Duke. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2009 Ford Ranger being driven by 75-year old Charlie Dilmore of Raymondville was traveling south when the Ranger went off the right side of the roadway down an embankment, striking several small trees before catching fire. Dilmore, who was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident, was taken by Phelps ambulance to General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Hunters, anglers, and trappers who use the Missouri Department of Conservation’s free MO Hunting mobile app need to perform an update to continue to get the most current regulations and data information, as well as to be able to apply for an elk hunting permit that begins on May1st and will last until May 31st. Both Apple and Android users need to install the update. Apple requires users to have at least the iOS-10 version to use the updated MO Hunting app. Android requires users to have at least Android 5. For more information on MO Hunting, go online to mdc.mo.gov/mohunting.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released the following reports for Tuesday, April 21st. A deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 200 block of Dent County Road 5010. During the course of the traffic stop, a 33-year-old Salem man was arrested for the possession of a controlled substance. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Later that same day, deputies were conducting an investigation concerning a violation of an order of protection. During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that the suspect was an inmate at the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail. The 59-year-old Salem man was fingerprinted and remains in the custody at the Dent County Jail. A probable cause affidavit was forwarded to the Dent County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office after the investigation. Also on April 21st, deputies traveled to a residence in the 10500 block of South Highway 19 to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 34-year-old Salem man was arrested for an active warrant through the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. On Thursday, April 23rd, the he was able to post bond and was released. If anyone has any information regarding an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for the regular meeting at the courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams was in attendance to provide the commissioners with the CART receipts received in April. Williams reported the county received $57,959.79 this April while in 2019 during April the county received $52,310.88. Year-to-date, the county is up $5,544.10 over last year which is an increase of 2.56%. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell indicated the county would be stockpiling two inch base rock from Melrose Quarry and Asphalt. He said the men would be performing the 500 hour service on Grader #38 and also replacing stolen or downed county road signs in numerous locations. Purcell went on to say that men would be repairing potholes on Dent County Road 6180 which is a chip and seal road. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 2550 which is a Department of Conservation road. He added that men would be working on Grader #31 and checking for some washouts throughout the district from the rain that came in Thursday as well as Friday night into Saturday. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that he has been staying in touch almost daily with the Dent County Health Center Administrator Kendra Mobray to stay up to date on the COVID-19 situation in Dent County. Skiles was pleased to say that as of Monday morning there were still no reported cases of the coronavirus in Dent County. He said that Governor Mike Parson is putting in place two phases to open the state back up to more normal economic activities. Those phases will be announced this week. The commissioners agreed to plan on opening the courthouse back up on Monday, May 4th, but will continue to only have commission meetings on Monday for the time being. Skiles stated people that come in the courthouse will still have to try to abide by social distancing. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported absentee voting continues for the June 2nd Municipal Election and the last day to register to vote for the August 4th election is July 11th. Curley said she was going to apply for a grant of up to $20,000 for protective supplies for the workers and judges at the polling locations that would include masks, gloves and hand sanitizers. Purcell said he attended a Tourism Tax Committee meeting last Monday and four reimbursements were submitted and all four were approved for a total of $30,133.00. He also said two event proposals were submitted and they were both approved. Dwight Ramsburg from Septagone came in to present the commissioners with an update on the jail construction. 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.

After being cooped up for weeks during the COVID 19 pandemic, warmer weather and the need for continued social distancing could find many more motorcycles on our roadways this spring and summer. The Missouri Department of Transportation and the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety want to remind motorists to Watch for Motorcycles in order to help prevent motorcycle crashes, deaths and injuries on Missouri roadways. This awareness campaign will run during the month of May and on holidays through the summer. According to Jon Nelson MoDOT assistant to the state highway safety and traffic engineer preliminary data shows that approximately 15% of Missouri traffic fatalities in 2019 involved a motorcycle, with 120 motorcyclist lives lost. MoDOT wants to see that number decrease this year by reminding motorists to be mindful of motorcyclists on the road and by reminding both motorcyclists and other drivers to obey speed limits, put down the phone, and never drive impaired. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers the following tips to drivers on how to prevent a fatal crash with a motorcycle. Allow the motorcycle the full width of a lane at all times, always signal when changing lanes or merging with traffic, check all mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic, especially at intersections, and never drive distracted or impaired. Motorcyclists must also take precautions to remain safe on the road. Motorcyclists can increase their safety by following these steps. Wear a DOT-compliant helmet and other protective gear, obey all traffic laws and be properly licensed and trained, wear brightly colored clothes and reflective tape to increase visibility, ride in the middle of the lane where you will be more visible to drivers, never ride distracted or impaired, anticipate the moves of other drivers and be extra cautious of road conditions and debris. Experts recommend riders also complete motorcycle training before getting out on the road. There are 23 training locations in Missouri. You can find the one nearest you at www.mmsp.org. For more information, visit www.saveMOlives.com.

During Monday’s COVID-19 briefing, Governor Mike Parson announced the first phase of the “Show Me Strong Recovery” Plan outlining how Missouri will gradually begin to reopen economic and social activity on Monday, May 4th. This framework will allow the state to work through a gradual reopening, leading to broader economic recovery. During phase one of the plan, citizens may begin returning to economic and social activities but must adhere to social distancing requirements, including maintaining six feet of space between individuals in most cases. There are currently no limitations on social gatherings as long as necessary precautions are taken and six feet of distance can be maintained between individuals and/or families. Additionally, all businesses can be open provided that the social distancing guidelines set forth in the new health order are followed. Some businesses will be required to take additional precautions to protect their employees and the public, such as occupancy limits at retail locations. Local officials will have the authority to put further rules, regulations, or ordinances in place so long as they are not inconsistent with the statewide order. Some communities may be able to reopen at a faster rate than others. For more information, contact Kendra Mobray at the Dent County Health Center at 729-3106.

City of Salem City Administrator Ray Walden issued a press release on Friday, April 24th addressing the history of the City of Salem AMI project and utility billing delays. In the press release, Walden explains that in 2019, the board of aldermen approved a recommendation to proceed with the proposal by Nexgrid for an AMI Network with city employees installing the electric meters, and quotes would be solicited for a contractor to install new water meters and modules that turned out to be Second Sight Systems. After that, representatives from Nexgrid worked with the city utility staff to finalize the design for a system that would meet the city’s requirements. The city then ordered 2,600 electric meters and 2,200 water meters and modules. The modules the city used had to be programmed before they were shipped to Salem. The electric meters were installed first as they provided the part of the network that the water meter modules would connect to. The water meter and module installation followed. But some of the data captured from the old and new meters did not sync with the city’s existing system. This required unexpected manual steps to correct. As soon as the issues were identified, they were communicated to the installer’s project management team. The issues were related to the meter serial numbers and the service addresses obtained in the installation process as they needed to match up correctly to what was in the old billing system so that the new system could properly populate data into the city’s billing system. Walden states the correcting of the data sync issues sometimes involved accessing account and service information in both the existing billing system and the new AMI system. Service personnel also occasionally needed to have meter numbers and service locations confirmed in the field. Walden estimates the project to date has required about an additional 200 man hours of staff time over what was originally planned. The issues causing the first billing delay started with what would have been the normal November 2019 bill that was processed in December of 2019. City staff continued to work on the data issues with the next utility bills being processed in February of 2020. The city did provide notice on social media and through regular media outlets in both cases that utility bills would be delayed. Walden reports the next bill cycle was processed in April 2020 using the final manual reads of meters that have been replaced with the new AMI meters. Most of the May bill cycle will come from the new AMI system with regular monthly bill cycles expected after that. The final shipment of water meters was delayed due to supplier issues and the shipment of the remaining modules was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Delivery of the remaining modules is expected before the end of April with the contractor returning as soon as possible to complete the installation. The original cost of the project was estimated to be $1.4 million dollars and the project is expected to come in under budget. A benefit of the AMI system is utility customers can ask for detailed data of the electric and water usage they consume and that includes identifying potential leaks and excessive electric usage. Once the system is fully installed and functional, a customer portal will be opened where each individual can access their consumption and billing history, and provide the ability to pay online or over the phone. The city is also looking at the possibility of e-billing and options to support that program. Walden states in the release that the city realizes the interruption of regular billing cycles has represented an inconvenience to its customers. The delays have compounded the prior existing backlog between usage and billing. With the new AMI system providing the capability of billing to reflect more recent consumption, the city will be offering their customers some options after the city’s COVID-19 Emergency Declaration expires. These options include a discount to get current (not yet determined,) budget billing and pay as you go (or prepaid electric usage). The city is preparing letters to customers that will provide more specific information. The city appreciates the public’s understanding and cooperation during this transition. Walden wanted to let Salem businesses know that if they need documented utility usage for meeting their SBA COVID-19 assistance requirements, or if anyone has questions about their account, please call the utility office at 729-4117.

A special closed meeting of the Salem R-80 board of education to discuss personnel will be held this evening at 6:00 in the district administrative offices board room. After approval of the agenda the board will adjourn and move into executive session to discuss personnel pursuant to RSMO 610.021 before adjourning.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released the following reports. On Wednesday, April 15th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 200 block of East Truman Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 37 year-old Salem man was arrested for operating a motor vehicle upon a highway without a valid license. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, fingerprinted, issued summons and released. Then on Friday, April 17th, deputies responded to a residence in the 1000 block of Highway W for a report of a burglary. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a 69 year-old woman was the reported victim. The total value of the property that was stolen is approximately $1,000.00. This report is still under investigation. Finally, on Sunday, April 19th, deputies responded to a residence in the 1000 block of Dent County Road 6370 for a report of a disturbance. During the course of the investigation, a 21-year-old Salem man was arrested for armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon and harassment in the 1st degree. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and incarcerated. The 21-year-old is currently being held on a $50,000 cash or professional surety bond at the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241 if you have any information relative to any investigation.

A one vehicle accident happened Friday afternoon around 4:15 on Gibbs Street near Warfel. The report from the Salem police department states that a 2003 Chevrolet S-10 owned and operated by Aden Melton was traveling west on East Gibbs and stated he was having mechanical issues with the vehicle. The S-10 traveled off the right side of the street striking a concrete culvert and overturned in the street coming to rest on the driver’s side. Melton, who was not wearing a safety restraint, received minor injuries. The S-10 sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

In challenging times, Missourians come together. The University of Missouri Extension and communities across the state are showing up for each other and working together in innovative and engaging ways to bring the resources of the University of Missouri to the people who need them. While the Dent County Extension office is closed during the statewide stay-at-home order, Dent County residents can still reach our local faculty and staff by calling 729-3196 or emailing our office at dentco@missouri.edu. Updated program announcements are available on our Dent County Extension Facebook page or by visiting extension.missouri.edu/events. Although in-person programs are postponed, the MU Extension continues to offer a range of research-based and relevant programming in online formats. An example includes the MU Soil Testing Lab. It is still open and accepting soil samples. Samples should be submitted directly to the MU Soil and Plant Testing Lab, 23 Mumford Hall, Columbia, MO 65211. Visit the lab’s website at soilplantlab.missouri.edu for detailed instructions and to generate a UPS shipping label. Make sure that you Include a completed sample information form. Forms are available for download. If you are a local food producer looking for new outlets to market your food to consumers during this time enter your farm information on the new Missouri Food Finder to help customers find your local food products at mofoodfinder.org. Youth and families looking for new activities should check out the MU 4H QuaranTIME programs at the Missouri 4-H Facebook page. A number of activities are available include cooking, ChickWatch, 4-H demonstrations and more! For questions or more info about the programs listed or resources at the Small Business Develop Centers website at sndc.missouri.edu, contact the Dent County Extension office at 729-3196 or email dentco@missouri.edu.

In conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Earth Day Thursday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded a total of $1,030,000 to 23 Missouri school districts and one Missouri school bus transportation company to replace 52 older diesel school buses. The funds are part of $11.5 million to replace 580 buses for 157 school bus fleets in 43 states, each of which will receive rebates through EPA’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act funding. The new buses will reduce pollutants that are linked to health problems such as asthma and lung damage. The only school in the area to receive the money is the Rolla 31 Public Schools. They will receive $100,000 for five buses. Applicants replacing buses with engine model years 2006 and older will receive rebates between $15,000 and $20,000 per bus, depending on the size of the bus. Since 2008, the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act program has funded more than 1,000 clean diesel projects across the country, reducing emissions in more than 70,000 buses.

On Monday, April 20th in the 42nd Judicial Circuit Court in front of Judge Megan Seay, Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley reported that James Judd of Winfield, Missouri, pled guilty to tampering with a motor vehicle. Judd was sentenced to serve five years in the Department of Corrections and the sentence was executed. Curley also reported last week that Lacy Carpenter, Jr of Rolla was scheduled for trial for Statutory Sodomy in the 1st degree on June 16th. Carpenter was recently found deceased in his home in Rolla. Although Curley has been unable to locate any obituary details, his family confirmed that Carpenter passed away. No further efforts to prosecute will continue as a result.

The Salem Memorial District Board of Directors will hold a special board meeting conference call today at 1:00 to discuss the SBA Payroll Protection Program Board Resolution. To access the meeting, call Karen Brown at 729-6626.