Local News

With all the news centering around the COVID 19 outbreak, all citizens in the United States and their territories need to remember to submit their 2020 census information. About 64 million households across the nation will be receiving or already have received a paper questionnaire as the U.S. Census Bureau continues to ensure responding to the census is easier than ever. Of the nation’s households, 46.2% have already responded to the 2020 Census. The remaining households will receive a paper questionnaire starting April 8. While nearly half of all households have responded online to the 2020 Census, some may prefer to receive a paper questionnaire. About 22% of the country received a paper form at the beginning of the census. Households receiving the paper questionnaire can still respond online or by phone, or they can return it by mail in the enclosed envelope. They can choose to respond online at www.2020census.gov in English or 12 other languages, or receive assistance through language guides and videos available in 59 languages. When you respond online, use the Census ID from the letter or provide your address. The public should respond for the number of people living at that address as of April 1st. Some areas where census takers were originally going to hand-deliver forms in person will now receive a letter in the mail from the Census Bureau reminding them to participate, including many households in Puerto Rico. Social distancing currently is having a big influence on the old fashioned way a census taker would go door-to-door to get an accurate count of the people in a household. If households don’t receive a letter in the mail, those people can go online to submit their information or Census takers will follow up with all households that do not respond on their own. Responding now to the 2020 Census will minimize the need for a census taker to follow up and visit your home in person later this year. The U.S. Constitution mandates a census of the population every 10 years. Responding to the 2020 Census is easy, safe and important, and it’s key to shaping the future of communities. Census statistics are used to determine the number of seats each state holds in the U.S. House of Representatives and informs how hundreds of billions of dollars in public funds are allocated by state, local and federal lawmakers for public services and infrastructure like hospitals, emergency response, schools and bridges over the next 10 years. Why is it important to be counted in the 2020 Census? It is our chance to make sure the hard-earned tax dollars we send to Washington D.C. make their way back to the Meramec Region. For every adult and every child that is not counted in the Census, our counties could lose, on average, $1,300 in federal dollars per person every year. That adds up to $13,000 per person over the next 10 years. In 2010, every county in the Meramec Region was undercounted, some by as many as 30%! Your county, the Meramec Region and the state of Missouri are counting on you to do your part. Every Missouri household that has a physical mailing address will receive or has received a letter with a Census ID, but you will not get a letter if you get your mail at a P.O box. Nonetheless, you are still responsible for completing the Census. You can complete the Census at www.my2020census.gov, by calling 844-330-2020 or by returning the paper application by August 14. Better yet, take five minutes and do it now. Be counted!

In Thursday’s COVID-19 briefing, Governor Mike Parson announced that all Missouri public and charter school buildings will remain closed through the remainder of the academic year. This recommendation was made to Governor Parson by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and several school superintendents from rural and urban areas across the state. School services are expected to continue through the last day of school in each school district as pre-established by the academic calendar approved by their local board of education. These continued services include alternative educational opportunities, child care as well as providing much-needed free nutritional meals to students who count on them. These services will continue to what would have been the last day of the regular school year on May 15th. Additional K-12 information and guidance can be found at dese.mo.gov/COVID19.

A one vehicle accident happened Wednesday evening at 9:30 in Texas County on Highway 63 about three miles north of Houston. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2018 Ford F-150 being driven by 66-year old John Moncrief of Rolla, was southbound when he traveled off the right side of the roadway when he overcorrected. The Ford then traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned, ejecting the driver. Moncrief was not wearing a safety at the time of the accident and was taken by air ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Springfield for the treatment of serious injuries. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Jays Towing.

Missouri residents and nonresidents whose fishing privileges are not otherwise suspended may fish without needing a permit or daily trout tag through April 15th. Seasons, methods, and limits still apply and will be enforced. The James Foundation has closed Maramec Spring Park in St. James to the public for trout fishing and all other activities until further notice. Missouri’s three other public trout parks remain open for day use and fishing: Bennett Spring State Park in Lebanon, Montauk State Park near Salem, and Roaring River State Park near Cassville. Anglers will need to have a fishing permit, unless exempt, after April 15th. Trout anglers will also need required fishing permits after April 15th but will not need a daily trout tag at the three open trout parks until further notice. Trout anglers fishing other areas around the state, including lakes and streams not at a trout park, will need both a fishing permit and trout permit after April 15th. MDC has suspended daily trout stocking at all trout parks along with most other fish stocking in waters around the state until further notice. MDC has also cancelled the kids’ fishing day events at the trout parks, including May 2nd at Montauk State Park and Bennett Spring State Park, and May 16th at Roaring River State Park and Maramec Spring Park.

A one vehicle accident happened Tuesday evening around 8:30 in Dent County on Route ZZ about two miles south of Jadwin. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2000 Ford Mustang driven by 19-year old Caleb Mischiara of Salem, was traveling northbound when he ran off the right side of the road. The Mustang struck two trees and the driver and a passenger, 20-year old Ian Hutchings, also of Salem, were ejected from the vehicle. Both occupants, who were not wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident, were transported by private conveyance to Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The Mustang was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

The Phelps County Public Housing Agency (PHA) office is now closed to the public. In an effort to reduce COVID-19 exposure, PHA staff are using extra precautions to reduce person-to-person contact for the foreseeable future. Until further notice, walk-ins or unscheduled appointments will not be accepted. The PHA encourages everyone to try to conduct business by phone, email, mail, or fax to the extent possible. Current tenants and landlords are asked to call ahead to schedule an appointment, if absolutely necessary, at 573-265-4200. All re-certifications will be done on time and will be completed by mail or email. Staff will be limiting one-on-one contact and will meet in person only as a last resort. Paper applications can be picked up at MRPC, #4 Industrial Drive, St. James, both at the back door and front foyer. Completion of the application must be done off site. To request that a paper application be mailed to you, please call 573-265-4200 or email pha@meramecregion.org. Completed paper applications can be dropped off at the drop box located in back of the building or may be mailed to Phelps County PHA 4 Industrial Drive St. James, MO 65559. Staff will be completing inspections in a timely manner, however, they will be accomplished in a different manner than in the past. Landlords and tenants will be advised of the new procedures, if an inspection is needed. For more information, call 573-265-4200 or email pha@meramecregion.org. Additional information can also be found at the MRPC website. MRPC provides staffing to the Phelps County Public Housing Agency that provides rental assistance to over 750 low-income families in Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps (outside the city limits of Rolla) and Washington counties.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol announces that the Patrol is extending the suspension of all written and skills-based driver road testing at all locations until April 15, 2020. This includes operator, commercial driver license, andmotorcycle testing. In addition, the Patrol is extending the suspension of all salvage inspections at all locations and all bus inspections until April 15, 2020. This does not affect local businesses that are the providers of safety and emission inspections for the public and may continue to be open for services depending on their circumstances. The Patrol is monitoring the status of the COVID-19 pandemic and will update the public on testing and inspections as more information becomes available. The Missouri State Highway Patrol appreciates the public’s cooperation in this effort to ensure public health and safety.

The Missouri Department of Conservation announces it will offer Missourians the state’s first elk-hunting season in modern history starting this fall. At its April 8th meeting, the Missouri Conservation Commission 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. Those selected to receive a permit must have their hunter-education certification or be exempt by age (born before January 1st, 1967) before they may purchase the permit. All applications must be completed online or at a local vendor. You may apply for the random elk-permit lottery starting May 1st and lasting through the 31st online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, or through a permit vendor. The Department of Conservation gathered public input on elk hunting during 2018 and 2019 at several public meetings in communities around the elk restoration zone and through online public comment periods.

Tuesday night at the Salem R-80 District Administrative Offices in a special meeting of the R-80 Board of Education, Superintendent John McColloch submitted his resignation effective July 1st and it was accepted by the board. McColloch has served as R-80 Superintendent for five years and will be moving on to be the Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations at the School District of Washington. The board then went into closed session to discuss personnel.

The Dent County Sheriffs Department has released reports on their activities from March 29th through April 5th. On Sunday, March 29th, a deputy spoke to a 39-year-old woman at the Dent County Sheriff’s Office who was the reported victim of a violation of a full order of protection. Suspect information was obtained from her and the deputy began an investigation. Then on Thursday, April 2nd, the deputy met with a 43-year-old Salem man at the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. The man was arrested for harassment in the 1st degree and a violation of a full order of protection. The man was incarcerated at the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and that same day, he posted bond and was released. On Wednesday, April 1st, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 500 block of Dent County Road 2110. During the course of the traffic stop, a 31-year-old Salem woman was arrested for operating a vehicle on a highway without a valid license, a 1st offense. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where she was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On Friday April 3rd, a deputy traveled to Dent County Road 6080 for a report of littering. Upon arrival, the deputy discovered a large number of tires in a creek. That report is still under investigation. Later that same day, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 3500 block of South Highway 19. During the course of the traffic stop, a 20-year-old Salem man was arrested for Blood Alcohol Content. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Finally on Sunday, April 6th, a deputy traveled to the Salem Memorial District Hospital because a subject in the emergency room was acting aggressive. Upon arrival, the deputy arrested a 19-year-old Salem man for Assault in the 4th degree. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, fingerprinted, issued summons and released. If anyone has information on any ongoing investigation, call the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

Missouri law prohibits individuals and businesses from price gouging — raising prices on necessities during an emergency. Missouri Attorney General Schmitt and Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley advises consumers to watch out for and report large increases in prices, including on gas, water, food, hand sanitizer, medical masks, soap, over-the-counter medicine and other necessities. The public is asked to report any and all instances of price gouging or other COVID-19 related scams to the Missouri Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline by calling 1-800-392-8222 or by filing a complaint online with attorney general’s office: https://ago.mo.gov. Instances of crime will continue to be investigated and prosecuted in Dent County. The Dent County jail will continue to house inmates accused and convicted of serious crimes. Efforts are being made by Sheriff Bob Wells, Dent County Prosecutor Curley, City Prosecutor James Weber and local judges to prevent the introduction of any symptomatic inmates that have been recently incarcerated in jurisdictions with COVID confirmed cases. Criminal Court proceedings are being conducted with social distancing and additional preventative measures.

Southwest Baptist University is adjusting its admissions process on all campuses including the Salem campus during the COVID-19 global pandemic, including making applications test optional. Darren Crowder, dean of enrollment management says prospective students may have concerns about not having access to information needed to complete an application, and we are removing those barriers. With ACT and SAT canceling spring testing dates, we may have applicants who have yet to take one of these tests. As a result, SBU is making these temporary amendments to the application process for undergraduate students. Test scores are not required at this time. Scholarships and other financial aid will be awarded. However, to potentially improve academic scholarship eligibility, students may elect to take the online Classic Learning Test or CLT also high school GPA scores may be self-reported. Additionally, the University is offering individual online visits for as long as in-person visits are suspended. Group visit events are cancelled for the remainder of the academic year, but the Admissions Offices are working to develop online experiences for these events. Admissions counselors remain available to visit with students and their families and help walk them through the admissions process and they are available by phone, email or social media. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu or you can call the Salem Campus at (573) 729-7071.

Time is running out to get a variety of low cost native tree and shrub seedlings from the Missouri Department of Conservation’s George O. White State Forest Nursery near Licking. Right now they are offering residents a variety of those low-cost native tree and shrub seedlings for reforestation, windbreaks, erosion control, and wildlife food and cover. Orders are being accepted through April 15th which is next Wednesday. The Department of Conservation has extended the seedling shipping timeframe through the end of May. According to MDC, the shipping season typically winds down in early May after nursery staff has shipped millions of seedlings to schools, landowners, and MDC staff for planting all over the state. Since the precautionary measures were4 put in place to decrease the spread of COVID-19, the nursery has been closed to the public and they have plenty of seedlings left. Order your seedlings online: mdc.mo.gov/seedlings, or fax an order form to 573-674-4047. Contact the nursery at 674-3229 or email them for an order form: StateForestNursery@mdc.mo.gov. You can take a virtual tour of the nursery are available at short.mdc.mo.gov/Zey.

Due to the Covid-19 guidelines recommended by the Center for Disease Control, the Salem Memorial District Hospital are no longer allowing visitors in the hospital until further notice. Also, no patient visitors are now allowed to attend patient visits at SMDH Family Medicine until further notice.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Monday morning. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 5630, 6410 and 6420 while only grading will be done on county road 6490. Purcell went on to say brush would be cut on county roads 6240 and 6245. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 3200 and 4290 while only grading would be done on county roads 2200, 2370 and 3180. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he has been attending a number of COVID-19 meetings including Friday when the Governor issued the state’s “stay at home” order. Essential business need to stay open but non-essential businesses may remain open if they can adhere to the enforcement guidelines established by the CDC. For more information on what those guidelines are, contact the Dent County Health Department at 729-3106. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that absentee voting continues for the June 2nd election. Call her office and someone will come to your vehicle at 729-4144. People have until May 20th to request a mail out ballot. The commissioners approved Resolution 1 that is sent to the Missouri Ethics Commission which they do every two years. Curley said she balanced with the assessor and collector on all collections, abatements and add-ons for the month of March. Dent County Sheriff Bob Wells was in to report the Dent County citizens would not need a letter of permission to be out during the “stay at home” order. He said he can only speak for Dent County and not any of the surrounding counties, but feels most sheriffs are leaning this way unless a quarantine situation would arise. The commissioners opened bids for culverts from Viebrock Sales and Service, and Metal Culverts, Inc. This was an item the commissioners had budgeted at $17,000. The low bid of $18,452 was from Viebrock. The commissioners unanimously approved the bid from Viebrock. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The City of Salem is canceling the spring community-wide yard sale typically held the first weekend in May. Lots will not be available to rent in the city administrative offices building parking lot. Individuals conducting yard sales must observe the maximum gathering of ten
(10) people and social distancing guidelines as required by the State “stay at home” order.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation shows that young turkey hunters in Missouri harvested 2,712 birds over the past youth weekend, April 4th and 5th. Top harvest counties were Miller with 74 birds checked, Franklin with 62, and Callaway and Sainte Genevieve with 60 each. in the area, there were 43 birds checked in Texas County, 35 more in helps County, 32 in Dent County, 22 in Crawford County, 16 in Reynolds County and 14 more in Iron County. Young hunters checked 2,546 turkeys during the 2019 spring youth weekend. The regular spring turkey season remains open as scheduled and runs April 20th through May 10th.

Spring weather typically brings an increase in outside projects that may require digging or excavation work around your home or business. Before you start digging on any project, the Missouri Public Service Commission reminds homeowners and businesses to call 811 or 1-800-DIG-RITE (344-7483) or go online to place a locate request at www.mo1call.com so that underground utilities can be marked. Whether you are planting a tree, building a deck or completing a large project, Missouri law requires anyone digging underground to call 811 or 1-800-DIG-RITE at least three working days before excavation begins. The call will be taken by the Missouri One Call Center, which then notifies all relevant utilities in the project area. During this three day period, the utilities will mark the approximate location of their underground lines, request additional information or advise you that they do not have facilities at the excavation site. Hitting an underground line can cause serious injury, it could disrupt service to you and other customers and it could potentially result in fines and repair costs. For more information, please go to Missouri One Call at www.mo1call.com.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday night at the City Hall Auditorium. Public Works Director Mark Nash talked about using Nova Chips on many city streets, but many can only be chipped and sealed as they can’t handle the machine that lays the chips. He said it may be advantageous to do the work in the next fiscal year and add the money from this year to it to get more bang for the city’s dollar. The alderman asked for a list of the streets that can be Nova Chipped and another of the chip and seal roads and then their priority. After the consent agenda, Gary Brown reported on the Planning and Zoning Meeting and they recommended to not grant a waiver to allow parking in the front 30 foot setback at a new development. This will now have to go in front of the Board of Adjustment for Planning and Zoning. City Administrator Ray Walden said the city continues to work with the Dent County Commission, health department and emergency management to take precautions necessary for the safety of city workers, staff and the citizens. He said utility bills will go out Friday and people should have them by next Wednesday. Starting in May, every electric meter and most water meters will be read by the AMI system. He said Maggi Construction who was awarded work on the city’s TAP grant has begun work at the city park by the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Walden said he is moving forward with the 4th of July Celebration at this point and will be buying fireworks. He also said people interested in the Park and Recreation summer programs should go to their Facebook page. Walden explained about the Energy Loan Program presented by the Department of Natural Resources that is a low interest loan to improve the lighting in the city to all LED lighting with a guaranteed payback in 15 years in buildings, street lamps and at the city parks The board approved Bill #3445 that lets the mayor execute an agreement with McKinstry Essention LLC to provide a detailed engineering study at a cost of $7,500 to prepare the application for the program before April 17th. The board then went into closed session.

The Dent County Health Center and local county and city officials are working together as a result of Governor Parson’s “Stay At Home” Missouri Order that goes into effect at 12:01 tomorrow morning and will last until 11:59 Friday night, April 24th. Agency leaders will continue to plan and discuss to coordinate within Salem and Dent County to help prevent and protect citizens from the spread of the COVID-19 virus, while also protecting the constitutional rights and economic interests of the community. They understand that this pandemic is difficult physically, financially and emotionally for all citizens. They ask for your continued patience in following the “Stay at Home” Missouri Order and appreciate the sacrifices citizens are making. Among other guidelines, the Order requires all individuals and nonessential businesses in the state of Missouri shall avoid gatherings of more than ten people and shall maintain a distance of six feet apart except for family members; all public and charter schools must remain closed for the duration of the Order; and nothing in this Order shall prohibit daycares, child care providers, or schools from providing child care for working families in accordance with CDC guidelines. The Order does not prohibit Missourians from accessing essential services such as grocery stores, gas stations, doctor’s appointments after confirming an appointment with your doctor, pharmacies, banks, getting carry-out food or engaging in outdoor recreation, provided that social distancing is maintained and other necessary precautions are taken and maintained to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Essential workers, services and sectors include, but are not limited to healthcare workers and caregivers; law enforcement, fire fighters, and first responders; government operations; mental health and Social Service workers; pharmacy employees; workers supporting groceries, pharmacies and other retail sales of food and beverage products; restaurant carryout and quick-serve food operations and food delivery employees; farm workers; electricity and utility industry employees; critical manufacturing employees providing medical supply chains, energy, transportation, food, and chemicals; petroleum, natural and propane gas workers; transportation and logistics workers; communications and information technology employees, and banks. A special thanks to community members who have donated their time and talent to create handmade masks. Hundreds of masks have been distributed to local healthcare providers, nursing homes, and businesses. Businesses or volunteers needing guidance on fabric mask distribution may contact the Dent County Health Center at 729-3106. More information on the CDC’s recommendation regarding the use of cloth face masks, as well as a instructions to make a homemade mask can be found at the CDC website: www.cdc.gov.

City Administrator Ray Walden wanted to let the public know that the next utility bills are expected to be processed by April 10th. These bills will include trash charges for two months as utility bills were not processed in March. Though penalties are not being processed during the State of Emergency by the City of Salem, the bills will have a listed penalty date of May 1st. Bills paid by April 20th will be eligible the 1% discount on the electric portion of the bill. Accounts set up for auto payments will be processed on April 20th. If there are any questions about your city utility bill, please contact the city utility office at 729-4117. The City of Salem has a list of ways that people can conserve on their utility bills during the year and during the COVID 19 pandemic. You can find the list on the City of Salem Facebook page.

Aging Best (formerly Central Missouri Area Agency on Aging) is providing curbside and home delivered meals in the 19 counties we serve which includes Salem and Dent County. There are seniors and caregivers in these counties who are unable to come to the center
for a curbside meal or are afraid of having contact with someone delivering meals to their home. They want to assure seniors and caregivers that Aging Best is following the recommended safety measures to prepare and transfer the meals. For curbside meals, seniors stay in their vehicles while we bring the meals to the cars. For home delivered meals, drivers place the meals outside of seniors’ homes in a safe place of their choice. If you or someone you know needs assistance with meals, access to food or a list of available resources for other aging related needs, or if you would be interested in volunteering to deliver meals or donating supplies, please call the Salem Senior Center Administrator Jody Schaefer at (573) 729-2373.

An accident happened Friday night at 10:30 in Reynolds County on Reynolds County Road 290 about four miles north of Bunker. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado driven by 29-year old Bradley Gorden of Salem was traveling westbound when the Silverado ran off the roadway and overturned. Bradley was ejected from the vehicle and suffered serious injuries. He was transported to Salem Memorial by ambulance. Bradley was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Silverado sustained moderate damage and was towed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

The City of Salem Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public meeting at 6:00 tonight at the City Hall Auditorium to discuss a waiver to allow parking in front of the South Aire Annex owned by Central Mo Investments, LLC. At 7:00 tonight, the Salem Board of Aldermen regular meeting will be held also at the City Hall Auditorium. In bids, the board will hear bids to do perform nova chip, and chip & seal on a number of city streets. Following the consent agenda, the board will hear from Gary Brown from Planning and Zoning on their public meeting. City Administrator Ray Walden will update the board on city projects and then discuss the RFP for the implementation of energy saving measures at city facilities and selected capital improvements. The board will discuss Bill #3445 that would authorize the mayor to execute a detailed engineering study agreement between the city and McKinstry Essention LLC for those energy saving measures. The board will go into closed session. Both meetings are open to the public.

In the interest of not issuing messages that contradict community health experts the City of Salem and Dent County have been coordinating efforts with the Dent County Health Center in response to COVID-19. Salem Mayor Brad Nash and Dent County Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles have been meeting with Dent County Health Center Administrator Kendra Mobray and other stakeholders on a regular basis since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. As of Thursday, April 2nd at noon, there have been no reports of positive cases in Dent County. Nash, Skiles, and Mobray wanted to commend the public and local businesses for following the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Governor Parson. While some cities and counties in Missouri are adopting stay at home orders, officials from Dent County, Salem, and Bunker do not feel issuing a stay at home order is deemed appropriate at this time. If a stay at home order is issued in the future, the public should be aware that grocery stores and other essential businesses will remain open. Questions about individual health concerns should be directed to your health care provider but questions regarding the public aspect of COVID-19 can be directed to the Dent County Health Center. Call 573-729-3106 or e-mail questions to dentcountymocovid19@gmail.com.

Friday morning at about 8:30, Dent County Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles along with Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge will be on KSMO Radio AM 1340 and online at ksmoradio.com to discuss the economic stimulus package passed by Congress last week known as the CARES Act. Burbridge will discuss many of the aspects of the act that can help local business owners including the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program and Economic Injury Disaster Grant Program, the Payroll Protection Program Loans and the Small Business Debt Relief Program. Burbridge will provide data for those who may be interested in these programs and where they need to go to get more information.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released the following reports for March 26th and 27th. On Thursday, the 26th, a Deputy traveled to an apartment on Odom Drive to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 22- year-old Salem man was arrested for an active warrant through Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. Then on Friday, the 27th, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 7000 block of Highway 68 for a report of a disturbance between a man and woman. During the course of the incident, a 34-year-old Salem man was arrested for an active warrant through Gasconade County. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he later posted bond and was released. Also on the 27th a deputy traveled to a residence in the 200 block of Route H for the report of a domestic dispute. During the course of the incident, a 39-year-old Salem woman was arrested for an active warrant through Probation and Parole. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. If you have information regarding any investigation, contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

Remember, the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri Conservation Commission have temporarily waived permit requirements for sport fishing and daily trout tags for Missouri residents and nonresidents whose fishing privileges are not otherwise suspended. The waiver of needing a permit or trout tag to fish will run through April 15. Seasons, methods, and limits still apply and will be enforced. The Department of Conservation continues to emphasize that it is still critical for everyone to continue to heed all recommendations for physical distancing, avoiding overcrowding, hand-washing, and other public-health measures while fishing.

An accident happened in Phelps County Thursday afternoon at 12:50 on Highway 72 at Phelps County Road 5420. According to the highway patrol report, a 2003 Ford Escape driven westbound by 21-year old Misty Sprow of Rolla, was slowing to make a left hand turn when the Ford was struck from behind by a 2007 Chevy Malibu driven westbound by 21-year old Samantha Burghardt of Rolla. The collision caused the Escape to travel off the right side of the roadway. The Chevy continued across the center line where it collided with a 2010 Dodge Ram driven eastbound by 56-year old John Russell of Salem. Burghardt suffered serious injuries and was transported by EMS to Phelps Health in Rolla. Suffering minor injuries were John Russell of Salem as well as an occupant in the Ram, 59-year old Becky Russell of Salem. They were both taken by the EMS to Phelps Health in Rolla. The Chevy Malibu and the Dodge Ram were both totaled in the accident while the Ford sustained moderate damages. The Ford and the Chevy were removed from the scene by Dishman’s Towing while Whitaker’s Towing removed the Dodge Ram. Everyone except Burkhardt was wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

The Salem Public Library will be closed until further notice in the best interests of patrons and staff because of the current national health emergency. Director Glenda Wofford said the decision was based on the recommendations of the White House and Missouri governor’s office with the best advice from federal, state, and local public health officials. Updates will be posted on the library’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Patrons are encouraged to access the virtual library at salempubliclibrary.net. Library staff will work throughout the closure. Please call 729-4331 with any questions you may have.

The Salem License Bureau office in the Crossroads Shopping Center will be closing the office from Monday, April 6th through Friday April 17th. At this time, they plan to re-open the office on Monday April 20th.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held a special meeting Monday evening at the District Administrative Boardroom. The board amended the agenda to include a closed session to discuss real estate and personnel. The board approved leaving the SECE Insurance Consortium that provided health insurance for the Salem R-80 School District through June 30th. The board also approved accepting a bid from United Health Care for health insurance for the 2020-2021 school year pending a bid from a local agent. In closed session the board approved purchasing the house and land located at 1407 West Rolla Road adjacent to the R-80 Administrative Central Office from Town and Country bank for $51,100. The house and land were paid using an donation from the Judson Young Foundation that came to $52,600. Also in closed session, the board approved employing Dr. Herman Blau as the next principal at William Lynch Elementary as well as the Federal Programs Coordinator. With no other business at hand, the meeting was then adjourned.

The Salem Police Department has released reports for March 22nd and 24th. On Sunday night, March 22nd, at approximately 10:30, an officer responded to the 700 block of south Orchard Street after hearing of a pursuit involving a car with license plates that checked back to this address. Contact was made with the owner of the vehicle and it was found that the vehicle had been taken from the residence. The vehicle was listed into MULES as stolen. On Monday, March 23rd, the vehicle was found abandoned in Licking and returned to the owner. The incident is still under investigation. Finally on Tuesday morning, March 24th, at approximately 11:55, an officer was dispatched to the 300 block of north Pershing for a report of a stolen UTV. It was reported that the UTV was taken from the residence at an unknown time. The UTV is described as a 2014 red and black Polaris Ranger. This incident is still under investigation. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an investigation.

Out of an abundance for caution and in response to recent events, Missouri State Parks will modify operations at five state parks to address overcrowding and concerns regarding public safety. The modifications, including the temporary closure of four of Missouri’s state parks and partial closure of one additional park, go into effect at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 2nd, and are scheduled to continue until April 30th. Carol Comer, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, said we’re continuing to evaluate the situation and make adjustments to operations as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves. As conditions and recommendations change, we will make additional closures as needed. Before heading out to a state park, we encourage our citizens to check mostateparks.com for advisory updates and the latest actions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the KSMO listening area the operation modifications will include Elephant Rocks State Park. Missouri State Parks encourages those who visit a park to carry hand sanitizer, soap, wipes and drinking water as services may be limited. In addition, please be considerate of others and the Missouri State Parks staff who continue to serve the public. If you have any questions, please contact Missouri State Parks at moparks@dnr.mo.gov. For the latest updates on Missouri State Parks’ response to COVID-19, visit mostateparks.com/response.

While it’s important to know how to keep yourself and your family safe from physical harm during severe weather events, preparation for these weather emergencies doesn’t end there. The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance wants consumers to know the importance of making sure they’re adequately covered BEFORE a severe weather event occurs. Although you may already have a homeowners or renters insurance policy, make sure you know exactly what it covers. If you don’t own a policy, arrange to purchase one as soon as possible in order to protect yourself and your family from a devastating loss. Waiting until a storm arrives may be too late to protect your home and belongings. It’s important to review your policy each year to make sure your coverage is adequate. It’s easy to forget about important purchases or additions you’ve made to your home and your current level of coverage may not be enough to replace what you own. And, not all policies and levels of coverage are equal – in fact, they vary greatly. While one policy may cover full replacement of a damaged roof, another policy may depreciate the coverage based on the age of the roof. Flood damage is not covered by standard homeowners policies. If you live in an area prone to flooding, you will need to purchase a federal flood insurance policy through your agent to cover flood damage. Consumers should do this as early as possible, as there is typically a 30-day waiting period from the date of purchase before a policy goes into effect. Being prepared will make it easier for you to file a claim following a severe weather event. Complete a detailed inventory of your household furnishings and take photos of each room in your home. Make lists of other valuables and equipment that don’t appear in the photos. Keep these materials in a safe place outside your home, such as a safe deposit box. The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance provides more severe weather resources and tips for consumers on their website.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell indicated that materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 5170, 5380, 5450 and 6580. Purcell stated brush would be cut on county road 6280. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 2240, 2360 and 4437 while brush would be cut on county road 2380. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he has attended a number of COVID-19 updates and there are still no positives in Dent County. He wanted to thank folks for continuing to practice social distancing and he also wanted to remind people that many food establishments are still open providing services, be it delivery or carry out, and to support them whenever possible if you can. Remember many other local businesses are still providing their services everyday and if you are not sure they are open to please contact them by phone. Continuing to support local business during this time may be vital to their very existence in the future. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said absentee voting will continue to June 1st and that May 20th will be the last day to ask to mail out a ballot. The Road and Bridge Department took bids for 2,000 gallons of unleaded gasoline and the low bud came in from County Fuels at 98 cents per gallon. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams was in with the CART money receipts for this month. She said the county received $50,168.39 and that was down $1,690.65 from the March receipt of $51,859.04. She said year-to-date, the county is down $104.81. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday, April 6th at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Park and Recreation Department will hold a Park Board meeting tonight at 6:00 at the Salem Community Center@ The Armory. The meeting will be open to the public through live streaming on the KSMO Radio website. Social Distancing will be enforced at the meeting. After the Roll Call and approval of the agenda, the board will review the previous meeting minutes. Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois will then give her report before the board discusses the Spring Soccer Program and COVID-19. Following that discussion, the Park Board will discuss the Spring Baseball, T-Ball and Softball League signups and schedules that will include the Opening Day Festivities and possible late start due to the State of Emergency with the coronavirus. The board will hear from Dubois about early pool pass and pool party sales as well as pavilion rentals. Sometime during the meeting, the board will be given a tour of the new Salem Community Center@The Armory Gym shell by Healthy Dent County’s Sherry Lea. After hearing any other business, the meeting will be adjourned. The Salem Park Board meeting will be open to the public through a live stream through the KSMO Radio website at ksmoradio.com.

A two vehicle accident happened Saturday afternoon around 2:25 in Crawford County on Highway 8 about five miles west of Steelville. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2008 Toyota Corolla being driven by 23-year old Stephanie Matthes of Rolla was eastbound when the Toyota crossed the center line of the roadway and struck a 2013 Toyota Venza driven by 55-year old David Woods of Potosi. Matthes suffered serious injuries and was transported by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Woods and a passenger, 52-year old Shelly Woods also of Potosi, both suffered minor injuries and declined medical treatment at the scene. Both occupants of the Woods vehicle were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident while Matthes was not. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing.

A one vehicle accident happened early Monday morning shortly after midnight in Phelps County on Phelps County Road 1140 about one mile east of Route B. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2004 Ford truck being driven by 23- year old Michael Christenson of St. James was traveling east when the Ford went off the left side of the roadway striking several trees and a fence before overturning. Christianson, who was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident, suffered minor injuries and was transported by a private vehicle to Phelps Health in Rolla. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing.

With so many Missourians stuck at home, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering teachers, parents, students, and others its free Discover Nature Schools (DNS) nature-based curriculum for pre-kindergarten through high school online. Find Discover Nature Schools information and curriculum for all age groups online at nature.mdc.mo.gov and then put in discover nature in the search box. With the current public-health emergency caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19), MDC reminds people to continue to heed recommendations for hand washing, social distancing, and all other public-health measures during outdoor activities.

The Salem Area Arts Council announces that artwork that was displayed in Art Across the Ages needs to be picked up as soon as possible. While they don’t know if the next event is going to occur, they need to get their stuff out just in case. Access to the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center can be arranged by contacting Libby Sanders. Text or call her at 573-247-0279. Thanks to all who participated! If you need information, please contact (573) 247-0279 or e-mail saac@embarqmail.com.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met at the city hall auditorium for a special meeting Monday afternoon at 5:00. At the meeting, the board approved Resolution 6-2020 that authorized the non-renewal of the city being under contract with the Midwest Public Risk of Missouri for insurance coverage for property and liability as a member municipality with MPR Missouri. They also discussed a problem with waste water treatment plant. Jeff Medows from archer-Elgin Engineering was on a conference call to discuss the problems with the RAS WAS pump station between secondary clarifiers #2 and #3 and that it is no longer working properly. The replacement of the pump station was scheduled for the second phase of the waste water treatment facility update as the city is currently in Phases 1A and 1B. Medows said by having to replace the pump now would not alter the plan for Phase 2 except it was not scheduled to begin until 2022 into 2023. The approximate cost for this replacement would be about $480,000. The city could lease a pump for a short duration ffor about $3,500 a month but it would not provide the same flow which could cause more problems. City Administrator Ray Walden said there is money available to make the repair now as part of Phase 1 using the current contractor with a change order needed. The board will have to make a decision on this at their next meeting on Monday, March 6th. The meeting was then adjourned.

Salem Mayor Brad Nash has called for a special meeting of the Board of Alderman for tonight at 5:00 in the City Hall Auditorium the purpose of which is the introduction and reading of Resolution #6-2020, a resolution by the Board of Alderman of the city of Salem authorizing the non-renewal of Midwest Public Risk of Missouri Insurance Policy. City Administrator Ray Walden will present a change order for WWTF Phase 1B. The meeting has been moved to the Auditorium to allow for social distancing at the meeting. The meeting will also be live streamed on the KSMO Radio website at ksmoradio.com.

The City of Salem Planning & Zoning Board of Commissioners Chairman Gary Brown has called a Planning and Zoning Commission public meeting to hear a request for a waiver to allow parking in the 30-foot front setback of new development which includes lots 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11 of the South Aire Annex. This subdivision of land consists of fourteen (14) lots and being part of lot two of the Southwest Quarter of Section Nineteen (19), Township Thirty-four (34) North, Range Five (5) West, in Dent County with the owner being Central MO Investments, LLC. The meeting at the City Hall Council Chambers at 202 North Washington begins at 6:00 PM and it is open to the public. It will also be live streamed on the KSMO Radio website at ksmoradio.com.

Salem R-80 Schools Superintendent John McCulloch has announced that starting THIS MORNING, the school will be distributing breakfasts and lunches for pickup at a number of locations. In town meals can be picked up at Salem Upper Elementary at 1601 Doss Road from 10:30 until 12:00. This location is primarily for those living south of Highway 32/72 and those that live south of the city limits. The second in town location will be the US Foods Parking lot at 502 South Carty Street from 10:30 to 10:50 for those living north of 32/72 and east of Highway 19. The final in town location will be the Southwest Baptist University at 501 South Grand from 11:00 until 11:20 for those that live north of Highway 32/72 and west of Highway 19, as well as those living west and north outside the city limits. Out of town locations will include Junction of P Highway and Dent County Road 5070 from 10:30 until 10:50. This location is primarily for those living on P Highway and the surrounding county roads. The second out of town location will be the Junction of Highway 32/72 and Dent County Road 4235, near the old candy striped store, from 11:00 until 11:20 for those living east on Highway 32/72 and the surrounding county roads that are between Route P and Route W. The final out of town location will be at the Junction of Highway 32/72 and Highway W from 11:30 until 11:50. This location is mainly for those living east on Highway 32/72 past Highway W, as well as those living on Highway W and the surrounding county roads. Superintendent McCulloch indicated this is being done on a trial and error basis and is subject to change based on feedback from the locations.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways is announcing additional modifications to operations to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). As of this past Friday, the Ozark National Scenic Riverways will offer limited services outside those that support visitor or resource protection. The following facilities are now closed: All designated campgrounds and campsites, all shower houses, picnic pavilions and visitor contact stations. The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Ozark National Scenic Riverways are our number one priority. With this in mind, some outdoor areas where it would be extremely difficult to maintain safe social distance will be closed. These include the spring branch trail at Alley Spring, the spring branch trail at Big Spring, and the staircase into Devils Well. In order to provide some restroom facilities for visitors in outdoor spaces and at key river access points in our immediate area, several facilities will remain open as long as they can be safely maintained in accordance with the latest health guidance. These areas include the Baptist Camp vault toilet, the Akers contact station restroom, the Akers river access vault toilet, the Devils Well vault toilet, the Pulltite contact station restroom only (no showers), the Carr’s Store restroom and the Round Spring day use area restroom. The National Park Service encourages people who choose to visit the Ozark National Scenic Riverways during this pandemic to adhere to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local public health authorities to protect visitors and employees. As services are limited, visitors are urged to continue to practice the “Leave No Trace” principles, including pack-in and pack-out, to keep outdoor spaces safe and healthy. Social distancing is strongly encouraged even in outdoor spaces. For up-to-date information about operations at Ozark National Scenic Riverways, please visit the park website at www.nps.gov/ozar, or @ozarkriverways on Facebook. You can also call (573) 323-4236 ext. 0, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. seven days per week.

The Salem Police Department has released reports for March 14th through the 20th. On Saturday afternoon the 14th at approximately 1206 an officer was dispatched to the 100 block of south Oak Street for a report of a domestic disturbance. It was reported that a physical altercation had taken place between a boyfriend and girlfriend that reside together. As a result of the investigation, a 39-year-old Salem man was arrested and issued a summons to appear in court. Then on Thursday evening, March 19th, at approximately 7:05, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart for a report of a shoplifter. It was reported that a juvenile female had been observed by Wal-Mart staff stealing items from the store. Contact was made with the juvenile female of Salem. As a result of the investigation, the juvenile was detained, and this report will be forwarded to the Dent County Juvenile Office for further investigation. Finally, on Sunday afternoon, the 20th of March, at approximately 12:43, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department for a report of fraudulent use of a credit or debit device. It was reported that $196.39 worth of transactions were made using the victim’s credit or debit card without authorization. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigations.