Local News

Dent County Collector Dennis Medlock has announced the Forte Credit Card website for those wanting to pay their real estate and personal property taxes will be shutdown from February 22nd until March 1st. This is due to the transitioning of the Collector’s office from Medlock to Collector elect Shannon Van Kirk. NO credit cards or debit cards will be accepted on the website or at the Collector’s Office in the Dent County Courthouse during that time. Medlock also reported that checks will NOT be accepted from February 25th through February 28th at the Collector’s office. Any checks mailed during that period will be processed on March 1st, and there will be no additional interest or penalties if they envelopes were postmarked in February. Any payments made at the Collector’s office during the February 25th through the 28th time period MUST be made in cash, by cashier’s check or by a money order. If anyone would like to know the exact amount of taxes they owe before they come in and pay, they can contact the Dent County Collector’s office at 729-3911. Medlock, Van Kirk and the entire Dent County Collector’s office wishes to apologize for any inconvenience to the public during this changeover. If you have a question, stop by the Collector’s office in person at the courthouse or by phone at 729-3911.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the courthouse. Mary Beth Cook representing the Dent County Foundation which is subsidiary of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks was in to see if the commission had made a decision on her request for hours from the MRPC to use to help the Missouri Cybersecurity Center of Excellence Fund get their 501 C 3 non-for-profit status. The commissioners agreed to let them use three of their hours. In the road report, Commissioner Dennis Purcell from District 1 and Gary Larson from District 2 both indicated it was too wet to grade roads and if they tried, they would do more damage than good. They do know there are a number of potholes and issues with some roads, but citizens will need to be patient and the county will get those problems as quickly as they can once the roads dry out. Purcell said crews would be out checking the roads for low limbs and cleaning out culverts where needed. He said patching would be done on Dent County Road 5015 which is a chip and seal road and other workers would be replacing missing county road number signs. Purcell did report he would be attending a Dent County Tourism Tax Committee meeting Monday at 5:00. Commissioner Larson said workers have set the trusses for the new building to house the dump trucks at the Road and Bridge Department. He said some materials will be added to some roads that are extremely soft due to the very wet conditions. Larson said he attended the Dent County Extension Banquet Tuesday evening and the Healthy Dent County meeting Thursday. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles indicated The SACBA Trivia Night would be held March 8th at the Salem Community Center @The Armory and urges everyone to attend. He talked with the commission about extending the food service bids for the new jail project until Thursday, February 21st due to the courthouse being closed on Monday for President’s Day. Those bids will now be due by 11:00 on February 21st. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported March 6th would be the last day to register to vote in the Municipal Election in April. She also said absentee voting starts Tuesday for the Municipal Election. She wanted to report that Dent County voters in the Bunker area will be voting at the Bunker City Hall at 620 6th Street in Bunker and NOT at the Bunker school. This was changed at the request of the Bunker R-3 School Administration. Curley also reported she would be at the South Central County Clerks meeting in Howell County on February 22nd. Thirteen counties will be represented at the meeting. Curley said Chrissy Peters with the Secretary of State’s office will be speaking about new election laws and voter registration canvass maintenance. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be February 21st at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident happened last Thursday morning in Salem on Highway 32 near the intersection of Phillips Street. According the Salem police report, a 2007 Freightliner, owned by Springfield Iron and Metal, and driven by David Johnson, was eastbound on Highway 32. At that time, a 1997 Peterbilt, owned by Parks Ready Mix, and driven by Rodney Ramsey, was westbound on Highway 32, just past Dillworth approaching Phillips Street when the rear dual wheels came off the vehicle. The wheels traveled together west before separating. The outside wheel veered to the south and struck the Freightliner in the driver’s side front wheel. The inside wheel traveled farther west on Highway 32 before veering to the north, entering the County Fuel lot, striking two separate fuel pumps. The trucks and fuel pumps sustained minor damage but neither driver was injured in the accident.

Friday, March 1st marks the opening of catch-and-keep trout fishing in Missouri at the state’s four trout parks: Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon, Montauk State Park near Licking, Roaring River State Park near Cassville, and Maramec Spring Park near St. James. The catch-and-keep season at the trout parks runs through October 31st. The Missouri Department of Conservation operates trout hatcheries at all four parks. To help predict angler turnout on opening day, hatchery staff rely on permit records going back more than 80 years. Records show that good weather and opening days that fall on weekends tend to attract more anglers. With this year’s opening day falling on a Friday, hatchery staff at Montauk, Bennett Spring, and Roaring River expect crowds of about 2,300 anglers at each location opening day. Maramec Spring staff are planning for a crowd of about 1,600. Based on these predictions, hatchery staff will stock three rainbow trout per expected angler on opening day for a total of more than 21,000 fish averaging around a foot in length. The hatcheries will also stock a mix of “lunkers” ranging from three to 10 pounds. Trout anglers will need a daily trout tag to fish in Missouri’s trout parks. Daily trout tags can only be purchased at each of the four trout parks. Missouri residents 16 through 64 and nonresidents 16 and older will need a fishing permit in addition to the daily tag. People can buy Missouri fishing permits from numerous vendors around the state, online at mdc.mo.gov, or through MDC’s free mobile apps, MO Hunting and MO Fishing, available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices.

The Doe Run Company is pleased to announce several promotions at its corporate office that will enable the company to continue to pursue operational excellence in finance and accounting. Gary Mard has been promoted to vice president of finance and chief financial officer, who is succeeding Terry Fox who recently retired. Over the last decade, Mard has instituted defined processes, controls and practices that have enabled Doe Run to reduce debt, strengthen the balance sheet and build a very competitive supply chain, all of which have contributed to solid financial results under varying market conditions. Mard is a certified public accountant with over 40 years of finance knowledge and expertise. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA, both from Saint Louis University. Additional promotions include Greg Mackey to corporate controller and Robert Hart to manager of financial planning and analysis.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a “Business After Hours” on Thursday, February 21st at Echo Bluff State Park starting at 6:30 in the evening. Please make your reservation at chamber@salemmo.com or call 729-6900 if you have not yet done so. A bus will be available at Salem United Methodist Church to transport members to Echo Bluff. Due to limited seating, RSVP is required. The bus will leave at 5:30 that afternoon for the “Business After Hours.'” This event is being held in lieu of the February Chamber luncheon meeting.

An accident happened last Monday afternoon at 3:50 resulting in moderate injuries to the driver. According to the police report, a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, driven Austin Reed of Salem, and owned by Kaitlyn Ball of Salem, was traveling South on McArthur when the Malibu crossed the centerline and the Northbound lane at struck a parked and unoccupied 2011 Dodge 1500 owned by Randall Moser of Salem. The Malibu then came to rest on its top after the accident. Both vehicles received extensive damage and were both towed from the scene. Reed was transported by ambulance to Salem Memorial District Hospital.

On January 23rd, the Salem Chapter of FCCLA attended STAR events (Students Taking Action for Recognition) and participated in the Missouri Region 5 Officer Elections. Salem R-80 is proud to announce the election of Trinity Lewis as Region 5 Parliamentarian. Lewis will serve as the Parliamentarian for Region 5 for the 2019/2020 school year. She will conduct regional trainings at FCCLA State Conferences, plus she and the other officers will be responsible for putting on the Regional Conference next October. Lewis will also conduct the Regional elections next January. Lewis is currently the Recreational Leader in the local Salem FCCLA chapter. Congratulations Trinity!

If you’ve ever wondered where maple syrup comes from or how it is made, join personnel from the park staff at the Montauk Spring parking lot for this rare winter program this Friday morning from 9:00 until 11:00. You will learn how to identify and tap maple trees, collect the sap and make pure maple syrup during this program. Dress appropriately for the weather as it is often cool and breezy this time of year. Montauk State Park is located 22 miles southwest of Salem on Highway 119 in Dent County. For more information about the event, call the park at 573-548-2225 or visit us on our Facebook page.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a number of reports. On Sunday, January 27th, deputies received a report of a female who had left a residence on Dent County Road 5200. The reporting party said the female’s driver’s license was suspended. Deputies located the vehicle near the 2400 block of Dent County Road 4210 and conducted a traffic stop. During the course of the traffic stop, a 20-year old Salem man was arrested for active warrants through Wright County. The driver, a 38-year old Salem female, was arrested for driving while having her license revoked or suspended and was transported to Salem Memorial District Hospital for a mental health evaluation. On Tuesday, January 29th, deputies traveled to the 4500 block of Route K for a report of a stolen trailer. During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that a utility trailer along with $1,550.00 worth of plywood was reported stolen. A building was also discovered broken into however no items were missing. This report is still under investigation. That same day, deputies traveled to the 500 block of Dent County Road 2590 for a report of a intoxicated male destroying the residence. During the course of the investigation, a 26-year old Salem male was arrested and transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office for a 12 hour safe keep. If anyone has any information regarding an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 573-729-3241.

Congratulations to the 35 students who performed with the SCA Conference Honor Band on Saturday, February 2nd at Ava High School. These students auditioned back on January 8th and were selected to perform with the bands. The Salem R-80 High School had 21 students represented. Those students were Chrissie Warner, Emily Cunningham, Emma Schott, Alyssa Mayes, Kaitlynn Stephan, Kelsey Stienbarger, Jonithan Gallagher, Martin Jones, Taytan Barton, Jainey Pettus, Elizabeth Cheney, Megan Watkins, Jaden Dunn, Toby Hutto, Kira Lacy, Harmony Alexander, Collin Hinderliter, Faith Jasper, Christopher McSwain, Stephen Lumley, and Johnathan Stark. The Salem R-80 Middle School had 11 students and Northwood R-IV School had three students represented. Those students were Jacob Bender, Christian Frederickson, Jacob Koontz, Hunter Barton, Kiele Land, Dylan McMullin, Sam Henderson, Christopher Harris, Marvin Aspinwall, Kaycee Ditch, Alyson Leach, Hope Jasper, Natily Cook and Reagin Toten. Way to go students!

How has the opiate epidemic impacted Dent County and the surrounding area? That’s just one of the questions to be addressed at a meeting February 19th. The meeting will take place at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory, 1200 West Rolla Road in Salem, starting at 5:30. Other questions to be addressed include, but are not limited to, how has the opiate epidemic impacted you personally, plus has someone you loved been influenced by opioids? If you are interested in influencing a positive change in our community plan to attend the community conversation Tuesday, February 19th. To RSVP or for more information contact Sherry Lea at 573-729-8163 or online at sherry@salemcommunitycenter.org.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams presented the sales tax figures received this month. The General Revenue Fund and the LEST Fund each received about $63,074 this month which is up from last year’s February amount of $62,290. Year-to-date those funds are each up over $735. The Road and Bridge Fund received $28,077.67 and that is less than last February’s figure of $30,265.00. Year-to-date, the Road and Bridge Fund is up $3,348.10. Williams reported on the Jail Operating Fund and the Jail Trust Fund and both received over $56,070. Last February, each of the funds received $66,016.08. Year-to-date, both funds are up $9,075 and that is about a 7.04% increase. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell and District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson each reported that crews were out Saturday night and Sunday sanding and salting roads trying to alleviate slick areas. They will be out today repairing or replacing road sign as well as cleaning out clogged culverts with the expected rains. Both districts have a spreader box that is being repaired in preparation of the next winter system. Commissioner Larson reported on the CCAM training that he and Commissioner Purcell attended last week. He said they heard from Don Black, former commissioner from Carter County, who was speaking about the flood of 2017 and how the counties come together to help out their neighbors in time of disaster. At the training, Larson and Purcell heard from Steve Hobbs about a counties “rainy fund” although it is not certain how such a fund can be set up. They stated they heard from MoDOT that it’s the end of the Fast Track program and that the BRO Program was being reduced by 15 million dollars to counties. Larson said they heard from Governor Parson who said he is looking for 350 million dollars for bridge and road repair, and that he told the commissioners the counties will be reimbursed their per diem for prisoners they are owed from previous years. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said her office balanced on all January accounts with the treasurer’s office, and she balanced with the collector’s office and the assessor’s office on all monthly collections, assessments and add-ons for the month of January. She said the last day to register to vote in the Municipal Election in April will be March 6th, and absentee voting for that election will begin on February 19th. She also wanted to remind voters that some districts will not be having an election in April. If you have any questions, call her office at 729-4144 and they can let you know. Remember, if your voting information has changed, please contact the Dent County Clerk’s Office at 729-4144. Curley also let the commissioners know she has finished the Dent County Year-to Date Financial Statement for 2018. The Financial Statement will be published in the Salem News. The commissioners approved their 2019 agreement with the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce for $750 which is the same as 2018. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident occurred at 9:25 Monday morning in Phelps County on Highway 68 about ten miles south of St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a northbound 1995 Ford Explorer, driven by 29-year old Robert Lewis of Salem, began skidding and traveled across the center line. Lewis overcorrected and the Explorer traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned. A passenger in the Ford, 37-year old Connie Sweigard of Salem, suffered minor injuries and was transported to Phelps Health by the St. James Ambulance. The report stated that both Lewis and Sweigard were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On Saturday afternoon, February 2nd at approximately 12:30, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the detention of two male juveniles of Salem for stealing merchandise. The juvenile suspects were released to their parents and the report will be forwarded to the Juvenile Office. That evening at about 7:50, 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 cell phone valued $400.00 that had been set on a counter at Auto Zone. The report is under investigation. On Sunday morning, February 3rd at approximately 1:14, an officer was dispatched to the Crossroads Shopping Center in reference to an accident on the lot. The investigation of the accident led to the arrest of a 21-year-old male of Salem for driving while being intoxicated and for the possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and released. That afternoon at about 3:54, an officer located a 20-year-old male of Salem near Macarthur and Highway 32 who had active arrest warrants from the City of Salem, Phelps County and Texas County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrants and incarcerated pending a court appearance. On Monday, February 4th at approximately 9:58 at night, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 42-year-old male of Salem for driving while being revoked. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Wednesday, February 6th near 1:16 in the afternoon a 35-year-old male of Salem turned himself in at the Salem Police Department on an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and later released after paying all fines and costs associated with the warrant. Later that afternoon at about 5:57, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. That stop led to the arrest of a 27-year-old male of Salem for driving while having his license revoked. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

A fatal accident occurred on Saturday afternoon at 12:30 on Interstate 44 at mile marker 195. A pedestrian, 65-year old Stephen Goode from Union, Missouri, traveled into the path of a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado eastbound driven by 68-year old Carl Rial of Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Goode was pronounced dead at scene and his body was transported to Jones Funeral Home in St. James. The Silverado received minor damage and was driven from the scene. Rial was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident.

An accident occurred Thursday morning at 8:58 in Crawford County on Highway H three miles north of Leasburg. According to the Highway Patrol Report a westbound 2008 Buick Lucerne, driven by 59 year-old Ricky Brooks of Cuba, entered the intersection directly in the path of a southbound 2014 Chevrolet Cruze, driven by 30 year-old Gabrielle Tat of Steelville. Tat suffered minor injuries and was transported by North Crawford Ambulance to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. The report stated that both Tat and Brooks were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Chevrolet sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Chuck’s Towing. The Buick sustained moderate damage and towed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing.

The Salem Rotary Club will be holding their annual Pancake Day this year a week later than normal. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, February 23rd from 7:00 until 11:00 in the morning at the Salem Middle School Cafeteria. This fundraising event is all-you-can-eat with the money raised going toward scholarships and community projects. Tickets are available from Rotary Club members or you can buy them at the door. The cost for adults is $6.00 and children are $3.00 each.

The Spring Creek Artisans Hearts Day will be tomorrow from 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon at the historic Bonebrake Center in Salem. The Artisans will be featuring the work of their newest artist, Sohia Delatt, and will feature dulcimer music by Carol Spurlock. You will find unique handcrafted gifts at Heart’s Day! A wide variety of handmade items will be available from original paintings, wood carvings and turnings, pottery, baskets, fiber art, quilts, stained glass, wire wrapped jewelry, cards, metal sculpture, gourd art and Holiday items will be on sale. We will have beautiful and unique Valentines created by Upper Elementary Art Students on display. Come enjoy cookies and apple cider, while shopping. Register to win the door prize, a beautiful turned wooden bowl by Missouri Hands Artist Davis Spurlock. We have several new artists creating beautiful and original work. Come check it out Saturday at the Bonebrake Center starting at 9:00 AM!

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways will soon replace several deteriorating or flood-damaged restroom facilities at various locations in the park. New vault toilets will be installed at Rocky Falls, Shawnee Creek Campground, Buck Hollow Access, and Rymers Access. New water-borne restrooms will be installed in the 200 Loop of the Big Spring Campground and the 400 Loop of the Alley Spring Campground. The new restroom facilities are all constructed of cast concrete and designed for use in flood zones. The existing outdated vault toilets at Buck Hollow, Rymers and Rocky Falls are in very poor condition and were already a high priority to be replaced prior to the 2017 flood. They are scheduled for demolition beginning the week of February 11. Once demolition begins, there will be no restrooms available at those locations until the new facilities are installed. Installation is expected to occur from late February to early March. The new vault toilet at Shawnee Creek Campground will also be installed at that time. Currently, there is no restroom at Shawnee Creek because the previous restroom was destroyed in the 2017 flood. Installation of new water-borne restroom facilities in the Big Spring 200 Loop and Alley Spring 400 Loop is scheduled to occur in late March. The previous restrooms in those locations were destroyed during the 2017 flood. Installation is expected to take approximately one week. Landscaping and construction of sidewalks will occur after facility installation, and is expected to be finished prior to April 15. For more information, contact the park headquarters at (573) 323-4236.

There will be a Community Blood Center of the Ozarks Blood Drive today at Salem Wood Products off Highway 19 North at 200 Stave Mill Road. The blood drive will be held from 11:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon. Blood reserves are needed for all “O” and “B” type blood and also “A” negative. You must weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and bring a picture ID to donate blood.

Jason Stotler will be the guest speaker for the Dent County Historical Society dinner speaker series Tuesday night at 6:00 at the Salem Pizza Inn meeting room. Stotler will tell the story “Death of a Champion,” which is the story of the former Missouri State Champion Short Leaf Pine Tree that once stood in Dent County with bald eagles nesting in its crown. Photos, paintings, plaques and cross sections of the tree will be on display. Everyone is welcome. Dinner on your own will be at 5:00 Tuesday in the meeting room at the Pizza Inn. For more information on the program call Dent County Historical Society President, Deloris Gray Wood at 729-2545.

The Salem Area Arts Council will host their first “Art Party” for the year 2019 tonight starting at 6:30 at the Creative Arts Center behind the Salem ONCRC with artist Danielle Norris. Come by yourself or with a significant other and paint a fun scene and put your own creative spin on it. The cost is $25 for a single person or $40 for couple and that include all the supplies you will need. For more information or to reserve your space, please call or text 247-0279.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday night at the City Hall Council Chambers. Kristen DeLuca from K. DeLuca Audit Services, LLC gave the aldermen a report on the city audit that showed that the city received an unmodified opinion that says the financial statements accurately reflect the financial position of the city. The audit shows the city finished the 2018 fiscal year with almost 26 million dollars in assets and a net equity position of over 15 million dollars. The audit showed a positive change in net position of $1,134,030 that includes a major investment ongoing with the sewer treatment plant, new sewer lines, the AMI system and more. Overall, the city is in very good financial condition. Public Works Director Mark Nash discussed with the alderman the bids for the 2006 Ford F-250 with Knapheide Truck Equipment and KRANZ Body LLC. Once the options were selected, the bid from Knapheide came in at $8,903 which came in about $195 less than the KRANZ bid. The board approved going with the Knapheide bid. After the consent agenda was approved, City Administrator Ray Walden reported the Salem Community Center@The Armory had 3,672 participants for the month of January. He went on to say that numerous requests for proposals are currently out including the AMI system, the old Middle School Property, and for security improvements at the Salem City Administration Building. Walden said the auditorium updates are still being done and citizens can purchase seats for $250 each. The city continues to work with Everything Cinema for the screen for the stage and the ceiling tile grid is in place. Walden said the city offices would be closed on February 18th for President’s Day, so the next Aldermen meeting would be held on Tuesday, February 19th. Walden also reported that he, Nuisance Officer Jared Brown and City Attorney William Camm Seay got together to discuss nuisance matters and to put together information for a public workshop to be held in the near future. The board approved the re-appointment of Joe Brand and Claire Underwood to the Salem Housing Authority Board to four-year terms beginning February 17th. The board could not discuss Bill #3407 that deals with the subdivision of the property at 5400 Ranch Motel Drive. There seems to be some confusion about the proper parcel description and what was actually recommended by the Salem Planning and Zoning Commission to the board. There was also some question as to what Tom Gollhofer originally requested and that will be reviewed before moving forward. The board then went into closed session to discuss real estate.

The Spring Creek Artisans Hearts Day will be held this Saturday from 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon at the historic Bonebrake Center in Salem. The Artisans will be featuring the work of our newest artist, Sohia Delatt, and will feature the dulcimer music by Carol Spurlock. You will find unique handcrafted gifts at Heart’s Day! A wide variety of handmade items will be available from original paintings, wood carvings and turnings, pottery, baskets, fiber art, quilts, stained glass, wire wrapped jewelry, cards, metal sculpture, gourd art and Holiday items will be on sale. We will have beautiful and unique Valentines created by Upper Elementary Art Students on display. Come enjoy cookies and apple cider, while shopping. Register to win the door prize, a beautiful turned wooden bowl by Missouri Hands Artist Davis Spurlock. We have several new artists creating beautiful and original work. Come check it out Saturday at the Bonebrake Center starting at 9:00 AM!

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge was in to provide her report of economic activity this past month in Salem and in the county. She did mention the City of Salem has launched a new Facebook Page for city and community daily postings and reminders. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams brought in the budgeted transfers that need to be made to a number of funds that were already approved in the budget. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell indicated that materials were going to be added and patch grading done on Dent County Roads 5410, 5520, 6400 and 6410. He said brush would be cut on county road 5600 and some patch grading will also be done on many Dent County Roads in the 2400’s. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated that materials would be added and patch grading done on county roads 2020, 2110 and 2530. Larson said crew members were working on brush cutter #6 and if they can get it working on time, they will cut brush on county road 2070. Larson reported work crews would be removing a tree that overhangs Dent County Road 2530. It is not blocking the road at this time, but does hang low. Dent County Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles stated he attended the MRPC Day at the Capitol last Tuesday. He said the MRPC representatives had the chance to visit with numerous legislators about the MRPC legislative priorities. Skiles said there would be no commissioner meeting Thursday as the commissioners will be attending their mandatory training. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said those who are not registered and would like to vote in the April election will need to register by March 6th. She said February 19th would be the first day for absentee voting for the Municipal Election. Curley went on to report she was working on the county Financial Statement. Mary Beth Cook, Coordinator of the Dent County Community Foundation, came in to discuss the possibility of a supporter of the foundation using a couple of MRPC hours to secure their not-for-profit status. Commissioner Darrell Skiles was going to check with the MRPC before any vote was taken on allowing those hours to be used. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday, February 11th at 9:00 at the courthouse and that meeting will be open to the public.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a number of reports. On Sunday, January 20th, deputies checked on a stranded motorist near the 100 block of Route Z. During the course of the investigation, a 28-year old Salem man was arrested for active warrants through Dent County. The male was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. On Tuesday, January 22nd, deputies conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Hunt Street and 4thStreet. During the course of the traffic stop, a 40-year old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended. The male was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, fingerprinted, issued summons and released. On Thursday, January 24th, deputies traveled to the 100 block of Dent County Road 5460 for a report of a burglary. During the course of the investigation, a male subject fled on foot from the residence towards an open field. Several items including legal papers, $25.00 in US currency, a small Christmas village and an antique milk bottle were found to be stolen. This report is open and still under investigation. That same day, deputies traveled to the 2000 block of Highway 32 east for a report of a runaway juvenile. During the course of the investigation, the juvenile was located at a residence near the 100 block of County Road 4170. The juvenile was transported back to her residence. On Saturday, January 26th, deputies received a report of a van being stolen near the 100 block of County Road 4155. During the course of the investigation, the stolen vehicle was located on Dent County Road 4210. During the traffic stop with the stolen vehicle, a 45- year old Salem woman was arrested for stealing a motor vehicle, possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, operating motor vehicle on a highway without a valid license, and domestic assault 2nd degree. The female was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. if anyone has any information about an ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

There will be a Craft night this Thursday night from 6:00 to 8:00 at Echo Bluff State Park. The craft at this workshop will be basket making. The workshop costs $25 and it covers all supplies. Call 844-322-3246 for information.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at 7:00 in the City Hall Council Chambers. At the meeting, Auditor Kristen DeLuca of K. Deluca Services, LLC will speak to the board regarding the 2018 fiscal year audit report for the city. Bids will be brought back to the board for their consideration of the purchase of a Utility Body for a 2006 F-250 due to an internal error regarding a misplaced bid and the lack of bid specs for comparison at the last meeting. After the consent agenda, City Administrator Ray Walden will give his report on items concerning the city. In new and miscellaneous business, the Board will hear from Mayor Brad Nash as will bring to the board his recommendation of the appointment of Joe Brand and Claire Underwood to the Salem Housing Authority Board for four year terms. In a reading of bills and resolutions, the board will discuss Bill #3407 regarding Tom Gollhofer’s request to subdivide his property of 5400 Ranch Motel Drive into 4 parts. This has already been recommended by the Salem Planning and Zoning Commission. The board will then go into closed session to discuss real estate. The regular meeting of the Board of Aldermen is open to the public.

The Dent County Health Center board of trustees met Monday, January 28th at the Dent County Health Center. Administrator Kendra Mobray reported that incumbent Shirley Larson has filed for the open board seat that will be expiring in April. No other person filed for the open seat; therefore Larson will be unopposed for the four year term in the upcoming April election. Mobray also reported that Boyce & Bynum laboratories will soon become Quest Laboratories. Quest is unable to guarantee reduced pricing at this time. Health Procurement Services (HPS) contracts with Labcorp Laboratories and is able to provide labs at a lower cost than what Boyce and Bynum has provided to date. A motion was passed to enter into contract with HPS for lab services. Outpatient lab services were provided to 42 clients in the month of December. Mobray reported that there have been 32 confirmed cases of influenza reported in Dent County. The health department still has minimal flu vaccine available and will vaccinate patients on a walk-in basis until the supply is exhausted. Mobray reported the health center ended the fiscal year on December 31st with revenues over expenses of $36,855.51. The 2019 budget was presented to the board for review, and after much discussion, was approved. The next regular board meeting was set for February 25th.

An accident occurred Friday evening at 6:15 in Phelps County on Highway 63 five miles south of Rolla. According to the Highway Patrol Report a 2001 Buick LeSabre, driven by 50-year old Timothy Frayer of Rolla, was stopped waiting to make a left turn when a 1997 Dodge Truck, driven by 20-year old Brenton Daniel of Cabool, struck its rear end. A 2019 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 36-year old Derrick Sherlock of Springfield, was passing by in the opposite lane when it was struck by flying debris. Frayer and a passenger in the Buick, his 17-year old daughter Cassandra Frayer, and Brenton Daniel all suffered minor injuries. Daniel refused treatment at the scene, and was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. Both Timothy and Cassandra Frayer were transported by the Phelps County Ambulance to Phelps Health, and were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Silverado was driven from the scene, the Dodge was removed by a private party, and the Buick was towed by Ron Dishman’s Towing.