Local News

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.

Finding places to discover nature and enjoy outdoor activities in Missouri has just gotten easier. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) now offers its new, free mobile app – MO Outdoors. MO Outdoors users can quickly and easily find MDC outdoor offerings based on the types of outdoor activities they want close to home, work, or even while traveling. MO Outdoors can help users find MDC conservation areas, fishing accesses, hiking trails, shooting ranges, and nature centers around the state based on their desired types of outdoor activities including bird watching, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, or shooting. Users can also mark “favorite” locations to quickly find them in future searches. MO Outdoors also connects users to area regulations and season information, hours of operation, images, area closings, and interactive maps of area boundaries and features. The map function also displays features such as parking lots, boat ramps, and wildlife viewing areas, and allows users to easily navigate to the features using their device’s GPS. Users can also download maps for offline use. MO Outdoors and MDC’s other free apps — MO Hunting, MO Fishing, and MO Con Mag – are available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices.

A one vehicle accident happened in Crawford County at 8:10 in the morning New Year’s Eve on Highway 8. According to the highway patrol report, a 1999 Chevrolet Astro driven by 55-year old Lisa Faes of Steelville, was traveling eastbound when the Astro traveled off the right side of the road and struck a mailbox. Faes overcorrected causing the vehicle to travel off the left side of the roadway, striking a fence and the overturning. Faes received minor injuries and was transported by Steelville Ambulance to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. The report went on to say she was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevrolet sustained total damage and was removed from the scene by Miles Towing.

Eight people died in traffic crashes during the 2019 New Year’s holiday weekend. Last year, there were seven fatalities. The 2019 New Year’s counting period ran from 6:00 Friday evening December 28th, 2018, and lasted through 11:59 Tuesday night, January 1st, 2019. The Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated 352 crashes that involved 112 injuries and 7 fatalities. The highway patrol made 127 DWI arrests across the state.

A one vehicle accident occurred Wednesday morning at 8:45 in Dent County on Highway 32, about five miles east of Salem. A 2001 Dodge
Durango driven by 23-year old Steven Hoffman of Anderson, MO. was westbound when the vehicle he was driving went off the right side of the roadway and overturned before coming to a rest. Hoffman received minor injuries and was transported by private vehicle to Salem Memorial District Hospital. The report stated that Hoffman was not wearing a safety device at the time of the accident. The Dodge sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 12,080 deer during the alternative-methods portion of the fall firearms deer season, which ran December 22nd through January 1st. Dent County had a total of 127 deer checked during the alternative methods portion of the season. The harvest total for last year’s alternative-methods portion was 10,027 deer checked.

Election filing continues for the school board positions at all 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. The filing period will end on January 15th, 2019. 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 not be held on legal holidays and before or after normal working hours. Contact the entity you may be interested in to get all the details.

An accident occurred in Phelps County Thursday morning at 10:50 on Route O about one mile south of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a southbound 2005 Toyota Prius was driven by 52-year old James Scott of Rolla, attempted to pass another vehicle on a hillcrest and he steered the Prius to the right to avoid an oncoming vehicle. The Toyota traveled off the right side of the roadway, then returned to the roadway and overturned, coming to rest in the roadway. Scott suffered serious injuries and was transported to Phelps County Regional Medical Center by Phelps County Ambulance. Scott was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Toyota Prius was totaled and removed from the scene by C & C Towing.

Dent County Collector Dennis Medlock reminds everyone tonight at midnight, you must have your real estate and personal property taxes paid or you will be charged a penalty and interest. The hours the Dent County Collector’s Office will be open today will be from 8:00 until 5:30 this evening. If you mail your taxes today, take you payment envelope inside and have the postal clerk hand stamp it with today’s date. DO NOT JUST PUT IT THROUGH THE SLOT OR IN THE OUTSIDE MAILBOX AND THINK IT WILL BE POSTMARKED DECEMBER 31ST! You can also drop off your payment in the drop box in the front southwest corner of the courthouse lawn. Again, that needs to be dropped off before midnight TONIGHT. You can also pay your taxes online. Refer to your tax bill on instructions on how to pay online. There are additional fees associated with paying your bill online with a debit or credit card. If you have any questions, please call the Dent County Collector’s Office at 729-3911.

The Missouri Public Service Commission has approved an agreement which provides an interim rate reduction of approximately $1.94 million for natural gas customers of Union Electric Company d/b/a Ameren Missouri. The interim rate reduction will take effect on January 2nd and will remain in effect until the Public Service Commission decides a natural gas rate case Ameren Missouri filed with the Commission on December 3rd, 2018. The interim rate reduction reflects the impact of the change in the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% under the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. For residential customers, natural gas rates will drop by approximately $0.0158 per CCF (per hundred cubic feet of gas). For a residential customer using approximately 100 CCF a month, natural gas rates will drop by approximately $1.58 a month. This will appear as a separate line item on the monthly natural gas bill as a credit. Ameren Missouri provides natural gas service to approximately 131,000 customers in 25 Missouri counties including Dent, Gasconade, and Phelps Counties

A one vehicle accident resulting in two injuries, happened Thursday afternoon at 12:30 on Route T, about three miles south of Newburg in Phelps County. According to the highway patrol report, a 2003 Dodge Dakota driven northbound by 30-year old Elizabeth Birdsong of Rolla, traveled off the right side of the roadway. Birdsong overcorrected, and the Dakota returned to the roadway crossing the centerline, then traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. Injured in the accident were two passengers: 12-year old Alexis Birdsong and 6-year old Hannah Birdsong. Both were transported by Phelps County Ambulance to Phelps County Regional Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries. According to the patrol report, everyone in the vehicle was wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Dakota was totaled and removed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met Monday night, December 17th at the Health Center. Assistant Administrator Roma Jones reported there were 32 clients who received outpatient lab services in November. She said flu shots are still available at the Health Center on a walk-in basis and they will bill most insurances, Medicaid, and Medicare. Jones stated the Staff Incentive Day will be Friday, January 11th and the Health Center will close at noon that day. Jones also said that one case of Salmonellosis and two cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever were investigated in November. The board approved the Health Center Administrative Manual, which included updates to the emergency calling tree and the Deputy Registrar list. The Personnel Manual was also approved by the board with a holiday date correction and a change to employee health insurance to 30 hours worked per week instead of 3/5 time to match ACA guidelines. The next meeting of the Board of Trustees was set for Monday, January 28th at 5:00.

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways and Missouri State Parks will be hosting the third annual Winter Paddling Clinic and First Day Float from December 30th through January 1st. The Winter Paddling Clinic will be held at Echo Bluff State Park on December 30 and 31 in conjunction with their New Year’s Eve Celebration. On January 1st paddling club members from St. Louis, Springfield, and Kansas City will celebrate the New Year with a float on the Current or Jacks Fork Rivers and will gather at Current River State Park for a bonfire and warm beverages. All are invited to attend this free paddling clinic and join the paddling clubs for float opportunities on New Year’s Day. Those who would like to make lodging reservations at Echo Bluff State Park can call their reservation desk at 844-322-3246. Millions of floaters enjoy Missouri rivers each year from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Experienced paddlers continue to visit our rivers in September and October, but paddling activity can continue during the winter months with the right equipment and a few simple precautions. Winter paddling offers several advantages. For more information about the Winter Paddling Clinic and First Day Float opportunities, contact Ranger Dave Tobey at 573-323-8093 or dave_tobey@nps.gov. For the complete schedule of events for December 30th through January 1st, visit the Ozark National Scenic Riverways at www.nps.gov/ozar.

Dent County Collector Dennis Medlock reminds tax payers the hours the Dent County Collector’s Office have been extended for today, Friday and Monday, New Year’s Eve from 8:00 in the morning until 5:30 in the evening. If you mail your taxes in on New Year’s Eve, your taxes MUST be postmarked December 31st, 2018. Otherwise, you could be responsible for a late payment and interest. You can also drop off your payment in the drop box in the front southwest corner of the courthouse lawn. Again, that needs to be dropped off before midnight, December 31st. You can also pay your taxes online. Refer to your tax bill on instructions on how to pay online. There are additional fees associated with paying your bill online. If you have any questions, please call the Dent County Collector’s Office at 729-3911.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol, encourages everyone to make good decisions regarding their New Year’s celebration. A traffic crash or jail cell would be an unfortunate way to begin 2019. Last year over the 2018 New Year’s Holiday counting period, nine people died and 291 people were injured in 845 traffic crashes. Thus, a person was killed or injured every 15.6 minutes during that time frame. Many Missourians will plan special events to welcome 2019. Everyone knows a successful event includes planning, and the most important details should focus on the safety of every guest. As you drive to your New Year’s celebration, remember to buckle up and make sure all your passengers do the same. Remember that you are transporting special cargo, so pay attention and obey all traffic laws. Be a courteous driver: When in doubt, yield the right-of-way. Be sure to use your turn signal to communicate your intentions. The posted speed limit reflects the roadway’s classification and is not a suggestion! There’s no reason to speed—the party starts after you arrive safely. Driving is a responsibility you should take seriously. If your plans include alcohol, remember that nothing ruins a party like a DWI arrest or a drinking-related traffic crash on your way home. If you’re driving, you should be the designated driver. Otherwise, make sure your group has one before you get to the party. The roadway is no place for a driver who has been drinking. If you cause a traffic crash, your New Year might begin with being arrested, facing legal fees and medical bills, and perhaps jail time! You could lose your license and will have to face your family and friends. If you kill or injure someone, you’ll pay the price for the rest of your life. No one wants to begin 2019 in jail. Be smart! Designate a sober driver or take a taxi. Before you travel, check road conditions by calling 1-888-275-6636. Allow extra time during inclement weather or consider staying home. Remember: Missouri law states if you’re using your windshield wipers, your headlights must be turned on. The only 100 percent survivable traffic crash is the one that never happens. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint.

A fatality accident occurred Sunday morning at 9:25 in Dent County on Route H about six miles west of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2003 Chevrolet Impala was traveling westbound, being driven by 70-year old Thomas San Roman of Lenox, when the vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. San Roman was pronounced dead at the scene by Dent County Coroner Gina White. San Roman stated the driver was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Impala was totaled in the accident and removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing. The body was transported to the Dent County Coroner’s office.

An accident occurred Friday afternoon at 1:58 on Highway 72 about ten miles north of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox driven by 31-year old Vanesa Culwell of Rolla, was traveling northbound when she struck the back side of a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze driven by 19-year old Kenadee Barnitz. The Chevrolet Cruze was stopped in the northbound lane waiting to make a left hand turn. Barnitz suffered minor injuries and was transported to Salem Memorial Hospital by a private vehicle. Both Culwell and Barnitz were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Equinox sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by Dishman’s Towing. The Cruze was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker Towing.

The Salem R-80 Board of education held their regular monthly meeting last Thursday at the District Administrative Offices. Superintendent John McColloch reported on Board of Education filings and incumbents Bernie Sirois and Dustin Howard have filed. McColloch gave a facilities update and said the gym project is near completion as the gas lines still have to be hooked to the units. He said that the football field restroom toilets, urinals, sinks and partitions will be installed the first of January, plus tile will be laid next week. McColloch said both projects would be completed by the middle of January. He went on to say that new doors have been installed at the Upper Elementary and the new doors at the High School will be installed soon. McColloch updated the board on the new Wellness Program requirement for the district health insurance and he introduced Jordan Brown, the new School Resource Officer, to the board. The principals’ reports for all buildings were then heard by the board. A motion was made and passed to renew the school’s insurance policy with the Missouri United School Insurance Council for the district’s property, liability and workman’s compensation for a total of $202,795. A motion was made and passed to add $5,000,000.00 umbrella policy through MUSIC in the amount of $6360.00. The resignation of Jessica Duehning, High School math instructor, effective at the end of the school year was accepted. A motion was then made to move into executive session at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of discussing personnel issues. After returning to open session a motion was made and approved to select Olivia Erway as the recipient of the local MSBA Belcher Scholarship. The meeting was then adjourned.

On January 1st, start the year off on the right foot with a First Day Hike at the Current River State Park and learn the history of Missouri State Parks while hiking the Centennial Trail. This 1.5-mile hike features two overlooks of the Current River. This trail has steep grades and is natural material and can be uneven in areas. The hike will be held from 9:00 until 11:00 in the morning and will start out at the lodge. A First Day Hike will also be held at Echo Bluff State Park on January 1st from 1:00 until 2:30 New Year’s Day. Hikers will be hiking Painter Ridge Trail, which is a two-mile hike. This is an unpaved, moderate trail with uneven surfaces. On this trail, you will see dolomite out-croppings and ledges. You may also see animals and waterfalls, if possible, from a wet-weather creek. Interested hikers can meet at the Painter Ridge Trail Trailhead. For more information, contact Connie Weber at 573-751-1224 or connie.weber@dnr.mo.gov.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley released three reports from cases in the Circuit Court held Wednesday in Dent County with Judge Kelly Parker. David Manning of Salem requested a bond modification after arraignment in circuit court. The State of Missouri opposed the modification due to his criminal history and potential evidence at trial. The State argued against the bond modification for protection of the community. After hearing both arguments, the motion was denied by Judge Parker due to the Manning’s criminal history and a statement he made saying he was the biggest dealer in Salem. Another case heard on Wednesday saw Perry Odom of Salem plead guilty to the possession of methamphetamine as a prior and persistent offender. He was sentenced to 10 years with the execution of the sentence suspended and five years probation and parole. Also on Wednesday, Laura McElfresh of Salem pled guilty to burglary in the 2nd degree. McElfresh was given a seven year suspended sentence with five years probation and parole. This decision was made over objection of the state who sought seven years in accordance with Missouri State Statute Section 559.115.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold their regular meeting at 6:00 this 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, Facilities update and Health Insurance 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 Vocational and Community Education. After the Principals’ Building Reports the board is expecting to select the MSBA Belcher Scholarship recipient and address MUSIC renewal. 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 Salem Police Department has released the following reports for December 7th through December 10th. On Friday night, December 7th at approximately 8:33, an officer was sent to a residence in the 900 block of South Carty in reference to a domestic assault. The investigation of the report revealed a 38-year old male of Salem had assaulted a 66-year old female of Salem. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was incarcerated pending the application for a warrant. The next morning at approximately 10:51, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. That investigation led to the arrest of a 48-year old female of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $31.71. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Then on the afternoon of Monday, December 10th at about 12:32, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to shoplifting. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of two females of Rolla, ages 36 and 38, for stealing merchandise. The two suspects were issued summonses to appear in court and were released. Later that afternoon at about 3:35, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 700 block of Thomas in reference to a stolen license plate. The investigation of the report revealed a person or persons unknown took a license plate off the rear of a blue 1992 Lincoln that was parked near the residence. The report is under investigation. Still later on Monday evening at approximately 6:36, an officer located a 37-year old male of Bunker at the Wal-Mart parking lot who had an active arrest warrant from the State of Missouri. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. The suspect was incarcerated pending the application for warrants and on the active arrest warrant. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol asks motorists to make safety a priority this holiday season. Last year, there were 1,618 traffic crashes during the Christmas counting period. In those crashes, seven people were killed and another 541 were injured. During the 2017 Christmas holiday, troopers arrested 92 people for driving while impaired. So, what can you do to improve traffic safety this holiday season? Check your vehicle before you travel to ensure that it is in good working condition. Make sure you are well rested before driving to your destination, no matter how short the distance. Keep an eye on the weather. Above all, please, please obey all traffic laws, be a courteous driver, and drive sober. Remember: Holiday drivers will affect traffic patterns. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. The Road Condition Report number is 1-888-275-6636. Allow extra time to reach your destination and obey all traffic laws. The 2018 Christmas holiday counting period begins at 6:00 this Friday night and ends at 11:59 Christmas night. Motorists can contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. This emergency number will ring into the nearest Highway Patrol headquarters. Motorists should use this number if they are in a traffic crash, witness a crash or crime, or observe a stranded motorist in need of assistance, or other traffic emergencies. The only 100% survivable traffic crash is the one that never happens. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint.

There’s magic in these Ozark hills at Christmas time as there will be an Ozark Mountain Christmas Art Party Friday night from 6:30 until 9:00. Put on some cozy clothes, grab a warm beverage of your choice, and head on over to the Creative Arts Center!! Danielle Norris will lead you from start to finish on a winter scene just in time for the holidays! No prior art experience is needed, just your enthusiasm! The cost is $25 per person and all supplies are provided. Please sign up by stopping by ONCRC at 202 South Main Street or call Libby at 573-247-0279 to reserve your spot!!