Local News

A Prescribed Burn Workshop will be held on Monday evening, January 21st from 6:00 until 9:00 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Cody Roberts from the Missouri Department of Conservation will describe how prescribed burning can be a valuable tool for managing native plant diversity and controlling undesirable vegetation, but it can be dangerous and ineffective when not used properly. This workshop will provide basic information about how to plan and execute a prescribed burn for grassland management. For more questions or to register for the class, please call Cody Roberts at 573-226-3241 ext 106. You can also register from the Missouri Department of Conservation website at mdc.mo.gov an go to events.

Help the Salem Vision 2040 Advisory Committee prepare Salem’s vision statement for the City of Salem to consider that will include its vision, values and definitions to help guide the City’s work to 2040. Visit www.grosalem.com to view the draft vision statement and vision toolkit and provide your input! Or view hard copies at Salem Public Library, Salem Chamber of Commerce, Salem Community Center@ the Armory, City Hall or Dent County Extension office. For questions, contact Sarah Massengale at 729-3196.

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

The Dent County Sheriffs Department has released some report for January 1st through January 5th. On January 1st, deputies conducted a traffic stop near Highway 19 South and West Roosevelt Street. During the course of the traffic stop, an 18 year-old Ironton male was arrested for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, fingerprinted, issued summons and released. Later that same day, deputies responded to the 500 block of Dent County Road 5200 for a domestic disturbance. A short investigation was conducted. No arrests were made and both parties remained in the home. Then on January 2nd, deputies received a complaint of a stolen 4-wheeler from the 1000 block of Dent County Road 6460. The report is under investigation. The next day, January 3rd, deputies received a complaint of a theft of a firearm from a vehicle at the 300 block of Dent County Road 2060. That report is under investigation. And on January 5th deputies conducted a traffic stop at State Farm Insurance entrance on West Highway 32. During the course of the traffic stop a 31-year-old Salem man was arrested for possession of controlled substance 35 grams or less of marijuana/synthetic cannabinoid, the unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia – amphetamine or methamphetamine and unlawful use of weapon from subsection 11 that deals with possessing a weapon and felony-controlled substance. The male was taken to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and incarcerated. If you have any information about any ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The Salem Police Department has released reports for January 7th through 9th. On Monday afternoon, January 7th, at approximately 1:24 an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 600 block of North Henderson in reference to a theft of utilities. Investigation of the report revealed a 63 year-old male of Salem had tampered with the electric meter and was stealing electricity. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Then Tuesday morning, January 8th, at approximately 7:41 the School Resource Officer was contacted in reference to a fight that had occurred in a bathroom at the Salem High School. Investigation of the report revealed a 15 year-old male juvenile of Salem had assaulted a 14 year-old male also of Salem. Further investigation led to the detention of the juvenile suspect who was released to a parent. The report will be forwarded to the Juvenile Officer. Finally, Wednesday afternoon the 9th at approximately 2:42 an officer located a 23 year-old female of Salem in the 700 block of Thomas Avenue who had an active arrest warrant from Dent County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and released to the Dent County Sheriff’s Department where she was incarcerated pending a court appearance. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 573-729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold their regular meeting at 6:00 tomorrow evening, at the Salem District Administrative Offices
Boardroom. At the meeting, the board will hear from Superintendent John McColloch with a report on Board of Education Candidate filings, and a budget update. The Board will review and approve all previous minutes and bills, approve the attendance report, approve the Food Service report, approve the substitute list, and approve Program Evaluations for the A+ program, Federal Programs, and Parent Education. After the Principals’ Building Report the Board will hear resignations and then adjourn and move into an executive session. The regular monthly meeting of the Salem R-80 Board of Education is open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Conservation, the Nature Conservancy and the University of Missouri Extension will be holding a public meeting to “Stop the Weed Invasion” TONIGHT at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. The meeting will be held from 6:00 until 8:00.
Attendees will receive basic information about problem weed plants, share the observations and concerns about the invasive plants, discuss ideas on how to work together to tackle invasive weeds and also will find out about cost-share programs that are available for private landowners that can help pay to try to eliminate these weed plants from their land. For more information, contact the Dent County Extension office at 729-3196 or the Nature Conservancy at 573-323-8790.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse for their regular meeting. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams gave the report on the sales tax money received by the county from the state this month. She stated the General Revenue Fund collection was $88,880.89 and that is just over $48.00 less than January of 2018. The LEST Fund ½ cent sales tax receipts mirrored the General Revenue Fund receipts in January. She reported the Road and Bridge Fund taxes received were $41,339.16 and that was $5,535.43 more than the January 2018 funds received. That is about a 15% increase. The two jail funds received a total of $183,730.57 and that is some $38,000 more than what was received last January, but the fund had just gone into effect in November. In the road report, both commissioners said crews were out Saturday morning working to clear some roads and treat slick spots. They said workers would be back out on the roads removing any downed limbs from the storm as well as treating any hills and curves that still may be slick. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he did not attend the MRPC meeting Thursday as planned, but understood that only Bennie Cook, who is Jason Smith’s representative, was in attendance representing federal legislators for the meeting. He said the big priority discussion is still about getting broadband into the underserved areas. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said work on the budget continues. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

TODAY is the last day to file for school board positions at all the schools, the Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors, the Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors, Dent County Health Department Board of Directors and for an East and West Wards Alderman for the City of Salem. Filing for school boards should be done at each school’s administrative offices and there is no cost to file. Filing for the Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors needs to be done at the Hospital in the Administration Department and there is no charge to file. Sign ups for the Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will be held at the Dent County Firehouse and there is a $50 filing fee. Filing for the aldermanic seats for the city will be at the City Administrative Building at the 4th and Iron Street and there is a $25 filing fee. You must also be resident of the ward you wish to run in for at least one year prior to the election. To file for the Dent County Health Board of Directors, you will need to file at the Dent County Clerks Office and there is no filing fee. Please be sure to read the qualifications to file for each position. This may include a determined number of years of residency, proof of payment of all real estate and property taxes, and other requirements. Filing will be held during normal working hours. Contact the entity you may be interested in to get all the details.

An accident happened in Texas County on Highway 63 about a half mile south of Licking Friday morning at 3:30. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Chevy Uplander Van driven northbound by 29-year old Lance Burgdorf of Licking, struck a guard rail on the right side of the roadway that caused the van to cross the roadway and strike the left guard rail. The van then ran off the roadway, overturning multiple times before coming to rest down a ravine. Burgdorf suffered moderate injuries and transported by ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. He was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevy Uplander was totaled and left at the scene to be removed later.

The Salem Police Department has released the following reports. Thursday morning, January 3rd at about 10:05, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown took a suit case and contents valued at $500.00 from the porch of a residence in the 200 block of West Hunt. The report is under investigation. Then Friday afternoon January 4th at approximately 4:12, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 23-year old female of Salem on an active arrest warrant from Dent County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and released to the Dent County Sheriff’s Department. Later that evening at approximately 6:49, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. That investigation led to the arrest of a 29-year old female of Licking for stealing merchandise valued at $330.30 as well as on an active arrest warrant from Texas County. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released to the Texas County Sheriff’s Department. On Saturday, January 5th at about 12:35 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to a business in the 600 block of North Highway 19 in reference to damage to a vehicle. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown did damage valued at $400.00 to a green 1996 Ford Explorer. The report is under investigation. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 573-729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Missouri Department of Conservation, the Nature Conservancy and the University of Missouri Extension will be holding a public meeting to “Stop the Weed Invasion” at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. The meeting will be held from 6:00 until 8:00. Attendees will receive basic information about problem weed plants, share the observations and concerns about the invasive plants, discuss ideas on how to work together to tackle invasive weeds and also will find out about cost-share programs that are available for private landowners that can help pay to try to eliminate these weed plants from their land. If you can’t make it Tuesday night to the public meeting, there will also be meetings in Alton at the School Multi-Purpose Building on January 22nd and one at the Ellington City Hall on January 29th. Those meeting will also be from 6;00 until 8:00 PM. For more information, contact the Dent County Extension office at 729-3196 or the Nature Conservancy at 573-323-8790.

An accident happened Thursday afternoon at 5:47 on Interstate 44 at the 185 mile marker. According to the highway patrol report, a 2000 Chevrolet driven by 90-year old Rondald Giesler of St. James entered the interstate traveling eastbound in the westbound lane and struck a 2009 Chevy Colorado going westbound driven by 44-year old Arieh Foster of Kirkwood causing a 2008 Chevy Equinox driven westbound by22-year old Zachary Beyer of Springfield to strike the Colorado from behind. Suffering moderate injuries was Geisler who was transported by EMS to Phelps Health in Rolla. A passenger in the Colorado, 49-year old Michael Frisella from St. Louis, suffered minor injuries and refused treatment at the scene. The Silverado and Colorado were totaled in the accident while the Equinox sustained moderate damages. The Silverado was towed from the scene by Big Boys Towing, the Colorado was removed from the scene by C&C Towing, and the Equinox was towed from the scene by Dishman’s Towing.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated that due to the temperatures being below freezing, no grading would be done. He did say a man was in the Bunker area opening up tail ditches. He also said the work crews would be preparing the trucks with snow equipment and checking the spreaders in anticipation of the winter storm. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said materials were going to be added to Dent County Roads 2210 and 2183 where patch grading was going to be done. He also said brush would be cut on county road 2210. Larson said the men would be preparing a truck that had been repaired for the anticipated winter storm. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles stated he attended the MRPC Board meeting where they presented their federal priorities to the US Congressman or their representatives. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reiterated that her office continues to work on the 2019 county budget. Curt Faigle from the 100-Acre Wood Rally was in to give a list of the county roads and the locations they would be using this year for the timed segments of the rally. He said that his team would be back in the area in about six weeks to be in contact with landowners in the race areas that may be affected. He did say there would be a Rally Race on February 2nd in Shannon County as kind of a warm up for the 100 Acre Wood Rally and act as a training exercise for some of their volunteers. Cody Roberts, a private land conservationist from the Missouri Department of Conservation was in attendance to discuss the upcoming “Stop the Weed Invasion” public meeting that will be held Tuesday, January 15th at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory. This meeting will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 and it is free and open to everyone. He said virtually every property in Dent County has some sort of invasive species on it and meeting will provide basic information about problem weed plants, discuss cost-share programs to help private landowners fight the invasive species, and talk about the Scenic Rivers Invasive Species Partnership that covers nine counties including Dent County. This partnership includes local, state and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, universities, private landowners and other stakeholders that have an interest in controlling or trying to eradicate the invasive species. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $50,473 in grant funding to the Meramec Regional Council of Governments to conduct a wastewater partnership feasibility study in Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties.
The project will calculate time and expenses related to the operation of wastewater systems in the study area and evaluate the potential cost effectiveness of a multi-community partnership that shares a regional operator of multiple facilities. The study’s objective is to determine whether cost savings and improved stability can be achieved by sharing operational responsibilities among several communities rather than each community hiring and training its own part-time staff. A shared regional operator may benefit small, rural communities by reducing expenses and eliminating staff turnover. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Region 7 has provided funding for this project under Section 604b of the Clean Water Act. The Department of Natural Resources will administer the grant funds. The department is committed to supporting formation of water and wastewater system partnerships and to working closely with Missouri communities to improve water quality. For more information, contact the department’s Water Protection Program at fac@dnr.mo.gov or 573-751-1300.

The Salem Police Department released the following reports for December 27th, 2018 through January 2nd, 2019. On Wednesday the 27th at about 2:51 in the afternoon, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to the fraudulent use of a credit card. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown used the credit card of another to make unauthorized purchases valued at $161.93. The report is under investigation. That night at approximately 11:20, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 44-year old male of Eldon, Missouri on an active arrest warrant from Miller County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending extradition. Then on Sunday morning the 31st at approximately 8:34, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. That investigation led to the arrest of a 29-year old male of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $69.76. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. That same night at approximately 6:10, an officer was dispatched to the Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health Center at Third and Grand in reference to an assault. The investigation of the report revealed a 50-year old male of Cuba, Missouri had assaulted a 38-year old female of St. Clair. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Later that night at approximately 10:11, an officer was dispatched to the Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health Center at Third and Grand in reference to an assault. This investigation revealed a 30-year old female of Springfield had assaulted a 30-year old male of Salem. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Wednesday, January 2nd, at about 4:06 in the afternoon, an officer was at a residence in the 700 block of West Glendale conducting a joint investigation with the Division of Family Services regarding a hotline call. During the investigation, a 24-year old male of Salem was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was taken into custody for possession of drug paraphernalia and issued a summons to appear in court before being released. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 573-729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

An accident happened Tuesday afternoon at 1:40 in Phelps County on eastbound I-44 at the 184.2 mile marker in Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Kawasaki EX250, driven by 49-year old Timothy Rable of Rolla, traveled off the left side of the roadway where it impacted the ground ejecting Rable who had become distracted. The report stated that Rable suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Phelps Health by Phelps County Ambulance. According to the report, Rable was wearing a safety device at the time of the accident. The Kawasaki sustained minor damage and was removed from the scene by C & C Towing.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday evening at the Dent County Fire House. After the approval of the consent agenda, the bills for the month of December were reviewed and approved, and the budget was reviewed. The budget showed a general revenue balance at the end of December of $84,564.60. All other accounts balanced and are on track with previous years. In the calendar review, it was announced that on February 7th, the Dent County Fire District will be hosting the state training class. The monthly reimbursement report was presented for December and it showed a total of 14 calls for the month. In December, there were three structure fire calls, one car fire, three first responder calls, four vehicle accident calls, one mutual aide and two training calls. There has been 14 calls year to date with the average cost per call being $142.32. In old business, it was announced the furnace installation is in process and the old furnaces and fans have been removed. The building project is ready to move forward but, due to the government shutdown, is on hold until the USDA returns to work. In new business, engine 83 has problems with the dash cluster affecting the blinkers, some lights, gauges and other items. This is a safety issue and needs to be dealt with by Freightliner as it is a known issue. The board agreed to take Engine 83 out of service for repairs. The next meeting date was set for Tuesday, February 5th at 6:00 at the Dent County Fire House. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Salem Board of Alderman met Monday night at the City Hall Council Chambers. At the meeting, the board approved accepting trade-in allowance from Erb Equipment on six John Deere backhoes for $86,000 that would be used toward the lease/purchase of two new John Deere backhoes that cost $195,530.70. The board then approved to finance the difference in the trade-in value and the cost of the new backhoes that comes to $109,530.70 with the Bank of Salem with an interest rate of 3.50% and a $200 documentation fee. A bid from US Bank of 3.49% had been received with no documentation fee, but the board elected to go with the Bank of Salem. The board approved the purchase of the utility body base from Knapheide Truck Equipment from Jefferson City for $5,865 and also a $300 option for them to remove the old bed. Other options were available but after a long discussion the board put off approving those until Water and Sewer Department Superintendent Jack Emory could be in attendance. City Administrator Ray Walden reported healthy Dent County had 3,781 people visit the Salem Community Center@The Armory during the month of December. He also talked about the Visioning Project 2040 and he said that the committee is requesting public feedback on a draft of a vision document. There are Visioning Kits in numerous locations in town and you can also go online to view the document at www.grosalem.com. He said they are looking to have an updated comprehensive plan finished to bring to the board in five to six months, but he said that is a very aggressive timeline. He also said that next meeting of the Board of Aldermen would be Tuesday, January 22nd due to the Martin Luther King Holiday. The board approved the request from Salem Park and Recreation Director Tye Lydon to apply for an LWCF grant to develop soccer fields in Salem. The thought is to use the Highway 19 south property which is already mostly flat and cleared, but other options may be considered including the old middle school property. The board also approved to allow Lydon to use up to nine hours of time granted to the city by the MRPC as part of their annual fee for their members to help with grant preparation. City Attorney William Camm Seay did some checking and discovered that a telephone conference can not be used as a voting mechanism by the board for decision making as a visual approval or denial is needed on any vote. The board talked about creating a weather ordinance in case of inclement weather that would be triggered by school cancellations, but they decided to just hold the meetings as scheduled. The board also approved to sell a city vehicle, a 2014 Dodge Charger that was a former police car, on the Purple Wave Surplus Vehicles website. The meeting was then adjourned.

Volunteers for AARP will be conducting free tax filing assistance at the Salem Community Center@ the Armory computer lab again this year. This free tax filing assistance will begin on Friday, February 1st and continue every Friday until April 12th. Appointments can be made by calling the Salem Community Center at 729-8163. The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers are trained in filing certain tax forms and schedules, including the Form 1040. However, the Volunteer Protection Act requires that the volunteers stay in the scope of the program. If counselors feel they do not have adequate knowledge or your return is too complex, you may need to seek another qualified counselor or paid tax assistance. Items you need to bring to have your tax returns prepared include a Picture ID; Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration as well as birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return. You will also need to bring your wage and earning statement or statements. These include Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-Misc from all employers as well as your year-end Social Security Statements showing total Social Security received and Medicare payments. Also required are any interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099). A copy of last year’s federal and state returns is very helpful if available. You also need to bring proof of bank account routing numbers and account numbers for Direct Deposit, such as a blank check or deposit slip. To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms. The Salem Community Center @ the Armory is located at 1200 West Rolla Road. Appointments can be made by calling the Salem Community Center at 729-8163.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the courthouse. At the meeting, Salem Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge gave her report for economic activity in the city and county for the month of December that includes a couple of leads about businesses coming to Salem and the possibility of one expanding. She reported that the unemployment rate in Salem was at 2.9% for the month of November, and she stated that a meeting to develop an Economic Development Strategic Plan would be held on January 17th at a location to be determined. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated with the weather being so good, crews will be grading on Dent County Roads 5080, 5085, 5100, 5610, 5670 and 6090. He also said brush would be cut on county road 5610. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated materials would be added and grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2070 and 6160 while grading only would be done on county road 5225 as well as some other roads. Larson said brush would be cut on county road 2200, a man would be screening brown rock at the shed, and a downed tree was being removed on county road 2530. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said that he has been getting some reports from people the local taxes that CenturyLink charges for a land line are not going to Dent County. Local officials have no control over this and for some people these changes have just happened. The change was made by CenturyLink and you will have to call the customer service number to have that changed back. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she continues to work on the 2019 county budget. She also reported that she and the treasurer’s office have balanced on all accounts for the month of December and for the 2018 year. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

A two vehicle accident happened Friday morning at 8:00 on Highway 8 at Route TT in Crawford County. According to the highway patrol report, a 2015 GMC Yukon, being driven by 33-year old Lauren Kreitne of Steelville was eastbound staring to make a left turn and failed to yield to a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan being driven by 42-year old Michele Weidman of Steelville. The Weidman vehicle then struck the Yukon. The Dodge Grand Caravan was totaled in the accident and the GMC sustained moderate damage. Kreitne was transported by private conveyance to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan for treatment of minor injuries. According to the report, both drivers were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident.

The 3rd Annual SMDH Foundation “Dancing with the Salem Stars” Event will be held this year on Saturday, January 26th at the Salem R-80 High School Gym. The doors will open at 6:30 with the show starting at 7:00. There will be 12 dancing pairs this year that include David Schatz and Kelsie Schatz, Jimmie Cotner and Linda Maledy, Don Sneed and Lorna Mundwiller, Easton Mays and Dottie Steelman, Shannon Wright and Marilyn Sweitzer, Rocky Linley and Lena Sherrill Pettus, Jaclyn Plattes and Trudy Rutland, Scott Roberts and Megan Seay, Brett Capps and Jaimie Jones, Jim Stanfast and Rosalie Wright, Rick Ragsdale and Melissa Ragsdale and A.J. Seay and Val Meyer. Tickets for a seat at a table are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Bleacher seating is also available for $5 per person. Sponsor tables are still available for $300. Please call Jason Edwards at 729-6626 ext 2110 to sponsor a table or for ticket information. Funds raised from this event will go towards funding needed improvements and capital equipment for the hospital.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will hold their monthly meeting Tuesday, January 8th, beginning at 6 PM at #2 South Main. After the call to order and roll call, the board will approve the consent agenda and review minutes from the previous meeting. Following the financial report and approval of bill there will be a calendar review and monthly reimbursement report then old and new business will be addressed. The board will then go into closed session if necessary. The date will then be set for the next meeting prior to adjournment. The meeting is open to the public.

An accident occurred Thursday evening about 5:45 in Phelps County on Route F about 2.5 miles east of Highway 72. According to the highway patrol report, a 2015 Dodge Ram 1500, driven by 55-year-old Jeffrey Butler of Rolla, was westbound when a pedestrian who had stopped his vehicle in the eastbound lane walked across to the westbound lane. Butler was unable to see the pedestrian, 61-year old Jason Brown of Rolla, due to headlights obstructing his vision, which resulted in the Dodge striking Brown. Brown suffered serious injuries and was air lifted by Phelps Air to Mercy Medical Center in Creve Coeur. There was only minor damage to the Dodge and it was driven from the scene.

Under the Affordable Care Act, every hospital with a tax exempt status is required to complete a Community Health Needs Assessment every three years. The goal is to get input from persons who represent the broad interests of the community served by the hospital, including those with special knowledge of, or expertise in, public health. The last survey completed by the Salem Memorial District Hospital was completed on June 30th, 2016. The top areas of greatest need identified were Alcohol/Drug Abuse, Obesity, Cancer, and Heart Disease & Stroke. The hospital partnered with Healthy Dent County and programs were developed to address the ongoing needs of the community. It is once again time to seek community input into the health needs of the hospital district. A committee has been established and we have been working hard to develop appropriate questions, load the survey into “survey monkey”, which is an electronic means to collect survey responses, and distribute the paper surveys around town. Folks will be seeing the survey collection boxes for the paper surveys in some local businesses from now through March 31, 2019. The link to the electronic survey is on the SMDH website at www.smdh.net at the bottom of the home page on the right. Please take the time to complete the survey and help us identify health needs of the hospital district. If you have questions or comments about the survey process, please feel free to contact Debbie Hines, CNO at Salem Memorial District Hospital 573-729-5917 (Ext 4030).

The Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at 7:00 in the City Hall Council Chambers. Bids will be opened to dispose of a 1993 John Deere 310D, a 2010 John Deere 310SJ, a 2003 John Deere 410G, a 2002 John Deere, 310SE, a 1993 John Deere 2000 and repairs to a 2005 John Deere 310SG. Other bids to be reviewed include a request by the City for interest rates for the lease/purchase of two 2019 John Deere 310SL Backhoes and for a utility body for a 2006 Ford F-250. After the consent agenda, the board will address unfinished business relative to the Cancellation of Board Meetings, which will be followed by a report from City Administrator Ray Walden. In new and miscellaneous business the Board will hear from Park Director Tye Lydon seeking permission to apply for a Land & Water Conservation Fund Grant and to use some of the hours that are offered to the City of Salem to help with grant writing for the development of the soccer park complex on Highway 19 South. City Administrator Walden will request permission from the Board of Aldermen to sell more vehicles on Purple Wave Surplus Auction Site. The regular meeting of the Board of Aldermen is open to the public.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a number of reports. On Wednesday, December 26th a deputy conducted a traffic stop at New Harmony Church parking lot. During the course of the traffic stop, a 56-year old Salem woman was arrested for operating a vehicle on the highway without a valid license. This was a 1st offense. The female was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, fingerprinted, issued summons and released. On Thursday, December 27th, deputies traveled to the 500 block of Dent County Road 6620 for a warrant check. During the course of the investigation, a 27-year old Salem man was arrested for possession of controlled substance except for 35 grams or less of marijuana/synthetic cannabinoid and active arrest warrants through the Salem Police Department. A 32-year old Salem woman was also arrested for an active warrant through probation and parole. Both subjects were transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. On Friday, December 28th, deputies conducted a traffic stop at New Harmony Church parking lot. During the course of the traffic stop, a 30-year old Salem woman was arrested for operating a vehicle on the highway without a valid license, her 3rd offense. The female was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, fingerprinted, issued summons and released. On Saturday, December 29th, deputies traveled to Dent County Road 3200 and Dent County Road 3120 for reports of trash being dumped on the county road. These reports are open and still under investigation. If you have any information on the illegal dumping of trash or any other ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 573-729-3241.