Local News

The Salem Memorial District Hospital is now re-routing all Outpatient patients and patient visitors to the North front entrance at the circle drive. Those doors will be open from 7:00 in the morning until 7:00 in the evening, Monday through Friday. Only individuals that need EMERGENCY medical attention should enter through the Emergency/ER entrance. For all other hospital business, please enter through the north entrance. As a reminder, any individuals experiencing cough, shortness of breath, fever AND have had contact with a CONFIRMED case of COVID-19, should contact their health care provider or the hospital Emergency Department by PHONE. Individuals will be asked to supply information about their symptoms, when and how they had contact with a confirmed case. Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms AND that have had contact with an individual with COVID-19, should NOT arrive at a Health Care Provider or Emergency Room without contacting their provider or the emergency room ahead of time so they can receive instructions on where to go. The health care provider may either suggest testing via a commercial lab or involve public health resources. Those individuals should also practice Social Distancing to avoid the spread of any illness to family, friends and neighbors. There are NO medications specifically approved for COVID-19. Most people with mild coronavirus illness will recover on their own by drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and taking pain and fever medications. Also, the Salem Memorial District Hospital has reported that due to the current COVID-19 guidelines, SMDH Family Medicine will be adjusting their clinic hours effective Monday, March 30th. The clinic hours will be Monday through Friday from 8:00 in the morning until 6:00 in the evening. To schedule an appointment, please call 573-729-8000. They will continue to offer SAME DAY appointments and will re-evaluate the operating hours as COVID-19 guidelines change.

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks is now accepting applications for the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund Grant Program. This assistance is targeted for nonprofits serving vulnerable citizens affected by the coronavirus outbreak across the CFO’s 58-county service region of central and southern Missouri. The CFO serves communities within the state of Missouri south of the Missouri River and outside the metro areas of St. Louis, Kansas City and Jefferson City. Agencies may apply for up to $25,000 in funding. Agency partnerships working in a collective impact model of at least three collaborating organizations may apply for up to $40,000. Lead applicant agencies must be nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organizations, government entities, school districts or tax-exempt faith-based organizations. Agencies and agency partnerships able to provide a plan for generating matching dollars as a component of their application will receive preference in the grant making process. Matching dollars do not have to be raised in advance as long as a well-formed plan is established to acquire those matching funds. Agencies can begin the application process at the website cfozarks.org/applyforgrants. This grant program will remain open as long as funding is available throughout the COVID-19 recovery process. Applications will be reviewed by a committee comprised of community volunteers and CFO staff representatives. For questions regarding the application or the online system, contact Bridget Dierks, Vice President of Programs, at (417) 864-6199. For those groups that are interested in applying, contact Mary Beth Cook from the Dent County Community Foundation and she will be more than happy to help. You can e-mail her at mbcook16@gmail.com or call her at 573-453-6091.

The Missouri Department of Conservation George O. White State Forest Nursery near Licking is offering residents a variety of low-cost native tree and shrub seedlings for reforestation, windbreaks, erosion control, and wildlife food and cover. Orders are being accepted through April 15th. 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 have shipped millions of seedlings to schools, landowners, and MDC staff for planting all over the state. Since the precautionary measures in place to decrease the spread of COVID-19, the nursery has been closed to the public and has plenty of seedlings left. Order seedlings online at mdc.mo.gov/seedlings, or fax an order form to 573-674-4047. Contact the nursery at 674-3229 or email StateForestNursery@mdc.mo.gov for an order form. Virtual Tours of the nursery are available at short.mdc.mo.gov/Zey.

Effective Wednesday, the Dent County Extension Office has been closed by the University of Missouri. Soil testing forms are available on the 2nd floor of the Judicial Building outside the Extension Office. You can still submit soil tests, but you will have to send them directly to the University of Missouri Lab. You can find out how to submit soil test by going to the University of Missouri Extension Website. If you need help have questions, call 729-3196.

The Missouri Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) would like to remind producers of the program sign-up deadlines to be considered for Fiscal Year 2020 funding. The Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) application deadline is March 30th, 2020; the Environmental Quality Incentive Program-Regional Conservation Partnership Program (EQIP-RCPP) application deadline is also March 30th, 2020; and the Conservation Stewardship Program-Classic (CSP-Classic) application deadline is June 1st, 2020. Producers may submit a signed and dated application via the mail, fax, scan, email, or submit through the agency approved Client-Gateway at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov website. You may also submit application requests to your local NRCS office through telephone, email or letter received by the sign-up cut-off date listed above. NRCS will follow-up to obtain applicant signature’s prior the application being ranked. If an application is not signed and returned to the local NRCS office prior to ranking, the application will be considered invalid. For more information contact the NRCS office in Rolla at 364-2088 or in Houston at 417-967-2028.

At the special meeting of the Salem Board of Aldermen held on Monday, City of Salem Mayor Brad Nash declared a State of Emergency in response to COVID-19. Nash stated the proclamation will help expedite our emergency response efforts and allow the city to procure needed resources more easily and adapt as necessary in our ongoing efforts to protect public health and safety. This declaration will remain in place for sixty days or until the Board of Aldermen takes other action, whichever comes first. Nash said the city appreciates the efforts of the many businesses that have already altered their operations to help in our community’s efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Under the Emergency Declaration in response to COVID-19, effective immediately the City of Salem will temporarily suspend utility penalties and shut-offs for non-payment. The City of Salem offers payment plans for utility customers facing challenges. Call the Utility Office at (573) 729-4117 for more information and give us a chance to help. The city is closing all restrooms, playgrounds and pavilions at city parks. While parks will remain open, the public should adhere to the 6-foot personal space guideline between non-family members. The City has also suspended scheduled events at all City facilities with ten (10) or more expected people including the Salem Community Center @ the Armory and Old City Hall. The lobby at the city administrative offices is currently closed in response to the coronavirus. Utility customers should use the drive-through or drop box for utility payments or call (573) 729-4117 to pay by phone. To access other City services call (573) 729-4811 or visit the City’s Facebook page. They also encourage residents to call, text or e-mail your neighbors to check on their well-being. The City of Salem will continue to work in coordination with our partner agencies, as well as the state and federal government, to monitor this evolving situation and to ensure our response actions are based on the latest facts. The City will communicate updates to the Salem community as the situation changes and as we make additional decisions regarding our local response. According to the CDC, the most effective ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to practice preventative hygiene and follow social distancing recommendations of staying home when possible and maintaining six foot of personal space when you do go out. Residents should stay informed and ensure they are receiving information from reliable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). the Dent County Health Center and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. They have a 24/7 phone hotline for the public or providers to receive information or guidance related to COVID-19. The hotline number is (877) 435-8411.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold a special meeting Monday, March 30th at 6:00 to consider a health insurance carrier at the district administrative offices.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri Conservation Commission announce they are temporarily waiving 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 from Friday, March 27th through April 15th. The Missouri Department of Conservation will reassess the situation at that point. All season dates and limits will continue to apply and be enforced. Three of Missouri’s public trout parks remain open for day use and fishing during that time. Those state parks include Bennett Spring State Park in Lebanon, Montauk State Park near Salem, and Roaring River State Park near Cassville. They are operated by Missouri State Parks under the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR). MDC manages the trout hatcheries at these locations. To reduce possible increased social congregation, the Department of Conservation will suspend daily trout stocking at all trout parks starting Friday and has suspended other fish stocking in waters around the state until further notice. The James Foundation announced it has closed Maramec Spring Park in St. James to the public for trout fishing and all other activities until further notice. Maramec Spring Park is owned and operated by the James Foundation. MDC manages the trout hatchery at Maramec Spring Park. For more information, visit maramecspringpark.com. Conservation makes Missouri a great place to fish and Missouri has more than a million acres of surface water with most of it providing great fishing. More than 200 different fish species are found in Missouri, with more than 20 of them being game fish for the state’s more than 1.1 million anglers. To get more information on Missouri fishing, go to huntfish.mdc.mo.gov. The Department of Conservation reminds everyone to continue to wash your hands and use other public-health measures while fishing and during other outdoor activities, including maintaining at least six feet of distance between all individuals who are not family members.

The Doe Run Company is pleased to announce the promotion of Denise Callahan to director of IT, effective April 1st. In her new role, Callahan will lead the implementation and management of the company’s information technology systems and project management office (PMO), as well as manage digital transformation initiatives. Callahan has more than 25 years of experience managing projects and leading IT organizations. During her 15-year tenure with Doe Run, she served as director of PMO, analytics and strategic planning. In this role, she was responsible for development and execution of the enterprise-wide strategy through portfolio, program and project management. In 2018, the Doe Run PMO was selected as the United States representative for the 2018 PMO Global Awards and was the runner-up for the 2010 PMO of the Year Award. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in information technology from Missouri State University and a master’s degree in information technology from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. She is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

In an effort to help ease the financial burden and provide continued connectivity for customers impacted by coronavirus, Fidelity Communications today announced that effective immediately, it will be waiving late fees and offering payment deferrals for its customers for the next 60 days. Julie Laulis, President and CEO says they understand that their customers rely on their Internet service to stay connected to family, work, school and information, and they’re are committed to ensuring they receive the assistance they need during this time. The company plans to reassess after 30 days based on the continued impact and evolving nature of the virus. Customers with questions can call 800-392-8070 for more information.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held a special meeting Monday night at the City Hall Council Chambers. Alderwoman Rachel Hinderliter was unable to attend the meeting due to her work. The board heard Bill #3442 that created an ordinance repealing Ordinance #3438 that amends Chapter 515 Electricity, amended Chapter 705 for Water Regulations and amended Chapter 710 Sewers of the municipal code of the City of Salem pertaining to the prompt payment discount and the delayed payment penalty. The board also approved Bill #3443 that created an ordinance authorizing the Mayor of Salem to make the Declaration of Emergency for the city due to the coronavirus and authorizing temporary protocols and practices for the city during the State of Emergency. The mayor then signed the proclamation that explained the “State of Emergency” for the City of Salem. This proclamation by the city will help the citizens out as it prohibits the city from disconnecting anyone’s utilities for non-payment and it will also allow the city to waive late fees for the duration of the State of Emergency. The board also approved Bill #3444 that created an ordinance adding the new provisions relating to the Emergency Employee Sick Leave Act and the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act according to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The board, after a few corrections, passed Resolution #5-2020, a resolution adopting a new policy to help utility customers qualify for a payment plan to replace the previous payment plan adopted by Resolution #1-2018 for the City of Salem. With no further business at hand, the meeting was adjourned.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On March 4th at about 5:11 in the afternoon, an officer responded to the 200 block of Rolla Road in an attempt to contact a female who had an active arrest warrant. As a result, contact was made, and a 27-year-oldwoman was arrested on an active City of Salem Warrant. The female was incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. The next night at 11:44, an officer conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Route J and Dilworth Street. As a result of the traffic stop the driver, a 23-year-old Salem male was found to have an active traffic warrant for his arrest. He was able to post bond and was released. On Friday afternoon, March 6th near 2:30, an officer was dispatched to transport a 79-year-old Salem man to Sullivan for a 96-hour commitment. On Sunday, March 8th at approximately 3:54 in the afternoon, an officer responded to the 400 block of East First Street to attempt to contact a subject with an active arrest warrant. Contact was made with a 23-year-old Salem male who had an active arrest warrant from the Rolla Police Department. The man was arrested and transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office for incarceration awaiting extradition by Rolla PD. On Monday, March the 9th near noon, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart for a report of a shoplifter. The officer was informed that a female had stolen $211.71 worth of merchandise and left walking west. A short investigation was conducted and as a result a 32-year-old homeless female was arrested and issued summons to appear in court. Then on Thursday afternoon, March 12th at about 3:00, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart for another report of a shoplifter. The officer was informed that a female had stolen $27.94 worth of merchandise. As a result of the investigation, a 37-year-old Salem woman was arrested and issued summons to appear in court. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

Out of an abundance of caution and in reaction to the presence of COVID-19 in Missouri, Missouri State Parks will temporarily close all campgrounds and lodging, effective this Friday, March 27, through Thursday, April 30. This includes campgrounds, park-run lodging and concessionaire-run lodging. Missouri State Parks will remain open to the public, including day-use areas, boat ramps and trails. All fees associated with camping and park-run lodging reservations, including reservation, cancellation and modification fees, beginning the night of Friday, March 27, through the night of Thursday, April 30, will be refunded. Park staff will inform guests already in the campgrounds of this change and will work with them to adjust their reservations and on any needed refunds. The call center will contact campers with reservations who have yet to arrive. If you have an existing reservation at a state park or historic site campground or park-run lodging, please call the Reservation Call Center at 1-877-422-6766. The call center is open daily 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For an existing reservation with concessionaire lodging at Montauk State Park or Echo Bluff State Park, please contact them directly. The number at Montauk is 573-548-2434 and the number at Echo Bluff is 844-322-3246.

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, Missouri, owner Central MO Investments, LLC. The meeting at the City Hall Council Chambers at 202 North Washington begins at 6:00 PM on Monday, March 30th and it is open to the public.

A two vehicle accident happened just before 2:00 Sunday afternoon in Maries County on Highway 63 about a mile north of Vienna. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2019 Chevrolet Sonic being driven by 52-year old Sheila Eaves of St. James, was stopped in the southbound lane waiting to make a left turn and was struck from behind by a 2011 Chevy Cruze being driven by 18-year old William Patterson of Vienna. A passenger in the Sonic, 46-year old Charles Eaves, also of St. James suffered minor injuries and was transported by Maries Osage ambulance to Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City. Both vehicles sustained moderate damage and were secured in a private lot.

The Dent County Commissioners on Monday decided to provide only limited access to the courthouse as the front and rear doors will be closed until further notice. The office holders are asking that you conduct your business by phone, mail or e-mail. If you want an ATV or UTV permit, that information can be done by phone or mail, or for anyone who wants to vote absentee, contact the county clerk’s office at 729-4144 and they can meet you curbsite where you can vote. For those who want to pay personal property taxes or real estate taxes, or turn in their assessment forms, you can mail them to the appropriate office at the address on your form, or you can leave them in the drop-off box at the southwest corner of the courthouse lawn and they will be retrieved. To request access to the county clerk’s office for notary renewals, or to make an appointment with the treasurer’s office, the county collector’s office or the assessor’s office, call the office holder and discuss your need. Many times your needs can be handled on the phone. Here is a list of the county office phone numbers: the Dent County Clerk is 729-4144; the Dent County Collector is 729-3911, the Dent County Assessor is 729-6010 and the Dent County Treasurer is 729-8260. The commission also decided to only hold meetings on Monday mornings from 9:00 in the morning until noon or the conclusion of business until further notice. Those meetings will be open to the public.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the courthouse. Dent County Health Center Administrator Kendra Mobray said that as of Sunday, 106 cases of the COVID-19 virus have been reported in Missouri. She said she gets her data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. She reported there are still no cases of the virus in Dent or the immediate surrounding counties. She said her office had contacted all the restaurants after the directive was sent down Saturday about all food establishments being allowed to only offer carry out or delivery. She also said the Dent County Health Center will only be accessible to patients who make an appointment except for those who need to get vital records. The number to call is 729-3106. Emergency Management Director Brad Nash brought in a proclamation to declare a “State of Emergency” for Dent County about the COVID 19 virus as he said that would make it easier for him to put the county’s emergency operational plan in effect if it was needed. The commissioner’s approved declaring the State of Emergency for Dent County. Donald Dodd from the Dent County Industrial Development Board was in to recommend Chris Holiday to fill the IDA Board position vacated by James Coffman. The commission approved his request. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said patch grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2430, 2470, 4210, 6220 and 6430 while materials would also be added to two of those county roads: 6220 and 6430. Purcell mentioned brush would be cut on county road 5530. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported that materials would be added and patch grading done on Dent County Roads 2150 and 3300 while only patch grading would be done on county road 4437. Larson went on to say brush would be cut on county road 2380. He wanted to remind everyone that the county roads are still extremely wet and with more rain in the forecast, grading right now would do much more damage to the roads than good. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended the COVID 19 meeting last Friday at the firehouse. He also was on a conference call that day with the CCAM board of Directors to hear how they are dealing with the pandemic. He said some counties close to the metropolitan areas would like more state control while some of the rural counties would like less restrictions. Their next conference call will be Wednesday. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said candidate filing for county offices will be open until March 31st. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday, March 30th at 9:00 and the meeting will be open to the public.

After a promising start to 2020 with a five-year low in January traffic fatalities, February did not follow suit and ended with 63 people killed (preliminary results) in Missouri traffic crashes. As the state eyes a long-term vision for zero traffic fatalities, there have been 10 days thus far in 2020 with no fatal traffic crashes. Meanwhile, there were 12 days in February alone where three or more people were killed in a crash, including six fatalities on Super Bowl Sunday. Traffic crashes constitute a public health crisis – one that claimed the lives of 877 people in Missouri and more than 36,000 nationwide last year. The majority of these deaths are preventable by simply slowing down, buckling up and putting your phone down. Missouri’s Buckle Up Phone Down campaign has seen tremendous success with more than 500 businesses and 13,000 individuals pledging to adopt those two life-saving steps. Seat belt usage has increased by 6.3% in the last three years in Missouri and fatalities dropped 6% during that same period. Following Missouri’s lead, three other states are also active in the BUPD movement with several more expressing interest in the initiative as well. That said the February results are a reminder there remains plenty of work to do in both spreading and adopting the message. Preliminary statistics show that 72% of drivers and passengers killed in 2020 crashes thus far were unbuckled. Compared to 2019, this is a 9% increase in the number of unbuckled occupants killed. While excessive speed, aggression, distraction, and impairment remain the leading cause of fatal traffic crashes in Missouri, seat belts, car seats, and helmets remain a person’s number one defense should a crash occur. There have been countless tragedies on our roadways that could have been prevented with the simple use of a seat belt. Likewise, many of these crashes would not occur in the first place if we all embrace our responsibility to drive in a safe manner. Simple conscious and consistent choices can ensure that March and the remainder of 2020 result in a better outcome. As you take your daily commute or simply drop the top on the convertible for a sunny spring drive, please remember the simple steps we can all take to ensure a safer transportation system: drive sober, slow down, buckle up and put your phone down. Together, we can all do our part to move Missouri closer to zero traffic fatalities. For additional information regarding roadway safety or Buckle Up Phone Down, visit www.saveMOlives.com or www.modot.org/bupd.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Courthouse. County office holders Shannon VanKirk, Collector, Assessor Jamie Homeyer and County Clerk Angie Curley discussed with the Commissioners guidelines to keep the public and their staffs safe from the COVID-19 virus. They, along with the Commissioners, are discouraging people from coming in to their offices without first calling to get information, directions about a problem, et cetera. In addition to phoning, the commission encouraged communicating by electronic media if available. VanKirk noted that taxes can be paid electronically or can be left in the drop box on the southwest corner of the Courthouse lawn. She said that if it’s something that needs immediate attention, just call her office at (573) 729-3911. Homeyer said that individuals needing to turn in assessment forms can leave those in the drop box as well or they can be mailed in, plus her office will schedule an appointment if you absolutely need to see her. If the assessment form has been lost, call her office at (573) 729-6010 and one will be mailed. To contact Curley’s office call (573) 729-4144. District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell reported that the South Central Missouri Community Action Agency has closed their offices, plus Head Start Centers, to the public in order to protect the health and safety of staff. He noted that the Missouri Job Centers remain open and accessible. Purcell noted that any individuals that are adversely affected by current events including utilities, employment, housing, etcetera, should contact their local county SCMCAA Outreach Office. The Outreach Office phone number for Dent County is (573) 729-3500, Reynolds County is (573) 663-2855, and Shannon County is (573) 325-8271. Both Purcell and District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported that due to excessive moisture grading was on hold until some drying occurred. Their crews are cleaning pipes, culverts and crossovers, plus checking for downed limbs. They noted that the Road and Bridge Department realizes there are pot holes, washboards, and ruts needing attention, but current conditions just won’t permit it. Larson said they hoped to get some gravel spread today. Purcell also reported that at Monday’s Tourism Committee meeting, three reimbursement proposals were submitted and approved, one event proposal was submitted and tabled, and four event proposals were submitted and approved. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said that Tuesday he attended the COVIC-19 conference call at the Dent County Firehouse conducted by Governor Mike Parson. At that time, there was 15 confirmed cases in Missouri. Angie Curley said the April 7th Municipal Elections have been postponed until June 2nd due to the COVID-19 virus and that absentee voting continues until June 1st at 5:00 pm. The last day to request an absentee ballot to be mailed out is May 20th. Curley said if there are questions call her office at (573) 729-4144. She noted that current elected municipal office holders remain in office until the June 2nd election returns are certified. Bills were being approved by the Commissioners for payment, and the Road and Bridge Department was seeking phone bids for 7,000 gallons of diesel. Bids were opened for 96 Cat and 48 John Deere grader blades. Bids were submitted by Erb Equipment, Viebrock Sales and Services, LLC, and Woolf Diesel Repair. The low bid of $12,369.60 from Viebrock Sales was approved 3-0. The next meeting of the Commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announces it has cancelled most public events and programs at its nature centers, shooting ranges, and other locations around the state until April 15th. The cancellations are effective immediately and include scheduled hunter education classes, nature center programs and events, shooting range programs and events, and landowner workshops. MDC scheduled managed hunts, mentored spring turkey hunts, and native plant sales at nature centers will continue as planned.

Due to the rising number of school closures amidst the Coronavirus concerns, Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District has moved the deadline for submitting projects from March 20th to April 10th. Entries for all categories which includes trash art, hand-drawn poster and graphic arts poster may be dropped off at the county clerk offices at the nearest courthouse or at Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC), located at 4 Industrial Dr., St. James. If submitting five or more projects, contact MRPC to arrange transport. The Ozark Rivers Earth Day contest is a poster and trash art competition open to all students in grades kindergarten through 12th in Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties. Homeschool students meeting these criteria are eligible and encouraged to participate. The graphic art portion of the contest is also open to post-secondary students. This year’s theme focuses on protecting the planet and reducing the use of single purpose plastics, such as straws, bags and cups. Students have the opportunity to participate in multiple contest categories, including posters (hand-drawn and graphic arts), and re-purposing recyclables and trash into three-dimensional pieces of trash art. All art entries should echo the theme of the contest and an underlying solid waste reduction theme to rethink, refuse, reduce, re-purpose, reuse and then recycle. First and second place contest winners will each receive prizes, provided by sponsor donations. Honorable mention projects will also be recognized. All prizes will be earth-friendly, with the first prize valued at $30, second prize valued at $10 and honorable mention prizes valued at $5. Full contest rules are available at www.ozarkrivers.org.

Captain Eddie A. Blaylock, the commanding officer of Troop I, announces that some remote driver examination locations in Troop I will be temporarily closed. The driver’s license testing sites scheduled in Cuba, Salem and Vienna will be closed through April 1st, 2020. Please visit the Patrol website to determine the nearest open testing location. The website includes the station location and hours of operation. The written test will be available at Troop I Headquarters each Friday from 8:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon. No road tests will be given. When entering the driver’s license examination building, please come to the window and sign in. Only applicants will be allowed in the testing area.

Governor Mike Parson signed Executive Order 20-03 ordering all Missouri municipal elections previously scheduled for April 7th, 2020, to be postponed to June 2nd, 2020 due to the concern over the coronavirus and the large number of people elections attract. The Executive Order declares that ballots already printed for the April 7th election may be used at the postponed date of June 2nd. Voters who have attained the age of 18 by April 7th will be allowed to cast a ballot. Section 44.100, RSMo, provides that during a state of emergency, the Governor is authorized to “waive or suspend the operation of any statutory requirement or administrative rule prescribing procedures for conducting state business, where strict compliance with such requirements and rules would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action by the department of health and senior services to respond to a declared emergency or increased health threat to the population.” The Executive Order requires local election authorities to publish notice of the June 2 election. In addition, the Executive Order also includes the following: the closing date to register to vote in this election remains March 11th, the deadline for filing as a write-in candidate for office remains March 27th at 5:00 PM, the deadline to apply for an absentee ballot shall be May 20, a public test of voting equipment shall be completed no later than June 1st, in-person absentee ballots may be cast until 5:00 PM June 1st, and the deadline by which absentee ballots must be received by the election authority shall be 7:00 in the evening on June 2nd. Military and overseas voters must request a ballot from an election authority by 5:00 PM Friday, May 29th, and the deadline for local election authorities to make ballots available to such voters is April 18th. Military and overseas ballots must be received by the election authority by June 5th.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday evening in the Hospital Library. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas gave the summary of operations for the month of February where the hospital had 127 inpatient admissions with 365 inpatient census days. There were 2,157 outpatient registrations, 1,457 cardiopulmonary procedures, 10,794 lab tests, 1,351 radiology procedures, 831 rehabilitation treatments, 40 surgeries, 232 home health visits and 848 emergency room visits. There were a total of 214 ambulance runs in February with 169 patients transported and 45 dry runs. The hospital showed a loss from operations of $30,660 and revenues over expenses after taxes of $7,392. Hospital Administrator Lucas said the contractuals led expenses with the contracted nursing, coding and billing services. This and low receivables for the month created a cash decrease in the month of $445,949. Lucas said the days cash on hand has dipped to 35 which is where the hospital was back in 2015. He also said the days in net accounts receivable are 107 and that is 16 more days than in February. Chief Nursing Officer Debbie Hines gave the Acute Care report and the update on the flu. She said that as of February, 285 total flu cases had been reported in Dent County. Lucas gave the Auxiliary report where at their March meeting the 2020 fundraisers discussed were the Scrub Hub on March 25th, the Hospital Week Bar-B-Que on May 12th and the Shoe Roads Productions on May 27th. Their next meeting will be held on April 7th at noon at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Chief Operating Officer Jason Edwards reported on the Hospital Foundation’s Golf Tournament scheduled on June 5th has raised $6,775 to date with sponsorships and donations and prizes. He said they are working on getting the bands for Wings and Strings on September 12. The foundation has submitted the initial Project Performance Activity report for the USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine grant. Edwards also said the replacement of the floor in Acute Care wil be delayed due to the coronavirus protocol now in effect at the hospital. Administrator Lucas said the hospital has made adjustments to its visitor admission policy for Long-Term Care and Acute Care and they are in the process of re-routing outpatient services with those in need of emergency services. They also are taking steps to make sure employees are healthy while they are at work. The board approved the Courtesy Staff Privileges for Michael Stadnyk, MD for teleradiology and approved the Home Health Bylaw Change introduced in January. The Finance Committee met March 3rd. The market assessment and tentative capital budget were reviewed with the committee recommending to moving forward with the budget. Lucas will be meeting with each department director in April to get their input. The board discussed the COVID-19 protocol where people should call the primary caregiver, the health department or hospital if they feel they have symptoms of the virus. Do NOT arrive at your healthcare provider or the emergency room without contacting them first. The board then went into closed session.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On Wednesday, March 11th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Highway 19 and Rolla Road. During the course of the traffic stop, a 22-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 2nd or 3rd offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued summons and released. On Thursday, March 12th, a deputy spoke to a 26-year-old Edgar Springs woman who was the reported victim of a theft. The woman believed her wallet had been stolen. Suspect information was gathered and during the course of an investigation, a 22-year-old Salem man was arrested for stealing and for the possession of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid of 10 grams or less, a prior drug offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and was released. On Saturday, March 14th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 200 block of North Main Street. During the course of the traffic stop a 29-year-old Salem man was arrested for having an active arrest warrant through the Licking Police Department. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he later posted bond and was released. If anyone has information regarding an investigation, call 729-3241.

The Salem Public Library will be closed temporarily from 5:00 PM this Friday until 10:00 AM on Monday, April 6th. This closure is subject to reevaluation. Updates will be posted on the library’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Library staff will work throughout the closure. Please call 729-4331 with questions.

As of Tuesday morning, March 17th, the City of Salem Administration Building has posted a sign on the front door of the building that indicates the lobby is currently closed in response to the coronavirus. The sign mentions using the drive-through or drop box to make utility payments. You can call the office at 729-4117, e-mail administration@salemmo.com, or visit the City of Salem Facebook page for all other needs.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held a meeting Monday at the City Hall Council Chambers. After the consent agenda, the board heard from Public Works Director Mark Nash about Fire Hydrant Saver Equipment that can save the city the cost of replacing three to five fire hydrants a year. The bid from Schulte Supply, Inc of Edwardsville, Illinois, was for $12,155.24. The bid was approved by a 3-2 vote with Mayor Brad Nash breaking the 2-2 tie vote thatn was caused when Aldermen Nash and James voting for the purchase and Alderwoman Hinderlighter and Steelman voted against it. In the Planning and Zoning Commission hearing and meeting, Chairman Gary Brown brought the results to the alderman of the vote taken on two proposed bills before the Board of Alderman meeting. The results were three votes for and three against to recommend to the aldermen to approve the proposed bills. The City Attorney said the aldermen may override any recommendation or non-recommendation by the committee with at least a 2/3rds majority vote as per current city ordinances. After the consent agenda, City Administrator Ray Walden wanted to remind everyone to use good hygiene, wash your hands and stay home if you are feeling ill. The board approved Bill #3439 that approved establishing rules for licensing domestic wineries within the city of Salem and the zoning of those establishments by a 3-1 vote with Alderman Nash voting against the bill. The board also approved Bill #3440 that approved establishing rules for licensing microbeweries, microwineries and meaderies within the city limits of Salem and the zoning of those establishments by a 3-1 vote with Alderman Nash voting against the bill. The board approved Bill #3441 that will annex the land between Southtown Furniture and Tiny’s Automotive owned by the Charles and Janet Cunnngham Trust by a 4-0 vote. The board approved the re-appointment of Rose Kinerk to the Salem Housing Authority Board of Commissioners for another four-year term effective February 16th, 2020. The board also approved leaving the MPR Pool Insurance Group for property and liability insurance coverage before going into closed session.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released reports for March 6th and 7th. On Friday, March 6th, a deputy traveled to an apartment on Odom Drive in an attempt to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 22- year-old Salem man was arrested for having an active warrant through Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he later posted bond and was released. Finally on Saturday, March 7th, deputies responded to a residence in the 6500 block of East Highway 32 for a report of a 46- year-old Salem man who was in possession of a firearm and was acting erratic. While deputies were enroute to the residence, further information was received that said the man was now holding two subjects at gunpoint inside the residence. Deputies arrived on scene and set up a perimeter around the residence. After a short time, the Salem man walked out of the residence and surrendered himself. The man was arrested and transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail. He was charged with the unlawful use of a weapon, subsection 4 –exhibiting, unlawful use of a weapon, subsection 11 – possession of a weapon with a felony controlled substance, plus harassment in the 1st degree, armed criminal action, kidnapping in the 3rd degree, possession of controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana and/or synthetic cannabinoid, and the unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. The Salem man is currently being held on a $100,000 cash or professional surety bond. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241 if you have any information about an investigation.

With an increasing number of school closures around the state in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Missouri Department of Conservation announces that it must cancel its Missouri National Archery in the Schools (MoNASP) virtual state tournament. MDC MoNASP Coordinator Eric Edwards added that all teams and student archers who competed in a state-qualifying event will be eligible to pre-register for the National Archery in the Schools (NASP) national championship and will be placed in their tier based on their highest score in a state-qualifying tournament that took place this season, including the current virtual qualifying tournament listed at nasptournaments.org. The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) national tournament is scheduled for May 7-9 in Louisville, Kentucky. Edwards added that schools will only be eligible to have one team qualify for nationals. He says if you were an individual shooter, your high score will count. If you were part of a team, your individual score for the national-tier setting will be the score you shot when your team posted its highest score.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announces it has cancelled most public events and programs at its nature centers, shooting ranges, and other locations around the state until April 15th. The cancellations are effective immediately and include scheduled hunter education classes, nature center programs and events, shooting range programs and events, and landowner workshops. MDC scheduled managed hunts, mentored spring turkey hunts, and native plant sales at nature centers will continue as planned. All conservation areas remain open to the public. MDC offices, nature centers, and shooting ranges also remain open under normal operating hours. According to MDC, the cancellations are in effect immediately to protect the safety of the public amid ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns. People can contact their local MDC office, nature center, or shooting range with questions on specific events or programs.

As our health communities continue to assess the spread of COVID-19, Salem R-80 is receiving guidance from local and state health officials. Superintendent John McColloch stated the decision was made Monday afternoon to close all Salem R-80 facilities beginning on Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, April 3rd. Classes will be set to resume on Monday, April 6th. Classes will be in session today, March 17, so that teachers and students have time to prepare for an extended closure and allow them to prepare materials that can be sent home with students. This closure also applies to all co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and practices. Thank you for your patience as we are trying to work proactively during this time. Our primary focus is the safety and the well-being of our students, staff, and community.

According to Jody Schaefer, the Salem Senior Center Administrator, the Salem Senior Center will be suspending the daily congregate lunch meal and all activities. Schafer did say that a warm meal would be provided for clients to take home, Monday through Friday, from 11:00 in the morning until to 1:00 in the afternoon. If clients are not interested in coming to the Senior Center to pick up their meals, they may get the frozen meal delivery if they live within city limits. They will still do their normal frozen meal delivery as well. If you have any questions or need information about picking up or having meals delivered, contact the Salem Senior Center at 729-2373. Also, if there are any seniors that still need assistance, please let them know. They are there to help!

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse with Dent County Emergency Management Director Brad Nash and Dent County Health Center Administrator Kendra Mobray. They discussed their meeting on Friday with Commission Skiles, the rural fire departments, representatives from the Division of Family Services, Salem R-80 and the rural school administrators, representatives from the Salem Memorial District Hospital, representatives from Phelps Health and the Mercy Clinic and the Salem Police Department. Mobray said there are now six confirmed cases of the Covid 19 virus in Missouri, but none in the Region I area and all have been travel related so far in the state. She said the CDC has recommended that there be no gatherings of more than 50 people in any one location, and that Veteran’s Homes and nursing homes be shut down to visitors. Mobray stated the best way to avoid getting the virus is to wash your hands, keep social distancing in mind, and if you feel ill to stay home. She said masks will not help you keep from getting the virus. She said the Covid 19 virus symptoms are fever, cough and shortness of breath. If you have these symptoms, contact your current health provider or the health center BY PHONE. The Dent County Health Center number is 729-3106 and the Shannon County Health Center number is 573-226-3914. They will ask you a number of questions to see if you may qualify to be tested. Do NOT go to see your health provider without calling FIRST, and do NOT just go to the Salem Memorial District Hospital Emergency Room without calling first unless it is a true health emergency.

At the Dent County Commission meeting Monday, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell reported it was too wet to grade. Workers will be servicing county dump trucks 119 and 123, replacing downed or stolen road signs, cleaning out culverts where needed, removing a leaning pine tree on Dent County Road 5690 and cutting brush on county road 5520. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated a crew would be repairing brush cutter #6 and will be checking for washouts. Larson said the county will not be able to grade until the conditions improve and the roads can dry and the forecast this week is not optimistic for better weather. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said the commissioners attended the South Central County Commissioner Association meeting in Houston Friday. Skiles said they heard from Senator Mike Cunningham, and Representatives Davis Evans and Robert Ross. Skiles state the commissioners received an update on the per diem legislation, heard about the Conservation Department’s landowner registration, got an update on the feral hog situation and heard more on the medical marijuana issue. Skiles also said at the last meeting in closed session, the commission approved the bid by SecureTech Systems, Inc. out of Irving, Texas to provide security services for the Dent County Jail. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that absentee voting for the April 7th election continues. She recommends that voters who are ill or disabled, or who have a caretaker, to request to get a ballot by mail. This is an excused reason to vote absentee and they can call the Dent County Clerk’s office at 729-4144. You can request to have a ballot mailed out until March 25th. The clerk’s office also offers curbside voting for those who can’t make it inside the courthouse. For those who want to vote this way, please call the Dent County Clerk’s office when you are outside and they will bring everything you need to vote to your vehicle. Also, absentee voting continues for the April 7th election until April 6th at 5:00, and the clerk’s office will be open Saturday, April 4th from 8:00 until 12:00 noon for absentee voting. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will conduct their March meeting on this evening in the hospital library beginning at 6:00. After approval of the agenda and minutes of the February 18th regular meeting and March 3rd special meeting, Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas will report on the summary of the operations for the month of February, a Home Health report and hospital auxiliary report followed by the Chief of Nursing Report for the month by Debbie Hines. A report on the hospital foundation, plus the marketing and community perception report will be given by Chief Operating Officer Jason Edwards. Hospital Administrator Lucas will discuss the Home Health Bylaw Change with the board which will then be voted on before the board hears a report from the 2021 fiscal year finance committee meeting. New purchases made by the hospital will be presented before the hospital goes into closed session. The March board meeting of the Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors is open to the public.