Local News

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams presented the sales tax received by the county in the month of March. Williams gave the figures for the General Revenue Fund and the LEST Fund which are basically the same. She said the county received $89,360.20 this year while in March of 2019 the county received $82,679.53 which comes to an increase of $6,680.67. Year-to-date, both the GR and LEST Funds are up $1,509.45. The Road and Bridge Fund received $41,791.11 this March which is $4,373.19 more than last March and year-to-date, that fund is up $3,058.42 or 2.86%. The Jail funds each took in $83,470.99 for March and that is $8,721.43 better than the March 2019 collection of $74,749.56. Year-to-date, each of the jail funds are up $6,917.04 and that comes to about 3.25%. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said materials would be added and patch grading would be done on Dent County Road 4080 while materials will be added to county road 5420 where a crossover pipe repair is being done. Purcell said brush was being cut on county roads 5520 and major maintenance was being done to dump truck #125. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 2135 and 3020 while brush would be cut on county roads 2570 and 4380. Larson said some maintenance at the shop was also being done. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported on the SACBA Board meeting Monday night. Their Trivia Night fundraiser is tonight at 6:00 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. You can still enter a team of eight for $100 by calling 729-8163. The doors will open at 5:30 and food and beverage will be available for purchase. Skiles also attended an Ozark Solid Waste Management District Executive Board meeting Tuesday at the MRPC offices where they approved five grant closures and extensions. They also reallocated $24,960 from grants awards that were declined. They also heard a report on an illegal dump cleanup in the national forest in Washington County. The market for recyclables was also discussed as it continues to be weak. Skiles also reported on a conference call from Governor Mike Parson about the COVID 19 virus that he attended with City Administrator Ray Walden, Dent County Health Center Director Kendra Mobray, Emergency Management Director Brad Nash and deputies from the Dent County Sheriff’s Department. The call was to discuss the state’s preparedness on the issue. The state will be receiving about 13 million dollars to help fight the virus. Parson said the biggest health concerns will be for the elderly, those with respiratory problems or those with a compromised immune system should they get the virus. The state has set up a hot line for anyone who has questions: 1-877-453-8411. The state wants to remind everyone the best way to ward off the virus is to continue good basic hygiene, wash your hands if they come in contact with surfaces and never touch your face with dirty hands. They said you have a much better chance of getting influenza than the COVIC 19 virus. Skiles said on Wednesday he attended a Meramec Regional Emergency Planning Committee meeting where they talked about the COVID 19 virus. They also talked about an awareness class for anhydrous ammonia that is to be held. The commissioners will be going to a South Central County Commissioners meeting today. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said about 20% of registered voters in the Presidential Preference Primary voted on Tuesday. She said absentee voting for the April 7th Municipal Election will continue and the last day to mail out a ballot for that election will be March 25th. She also said the last day to register to vote for the August Primary is July 8th. The Commissioners went into closed session at 10:00 to discuss security contracts for the new jail. The next meeting of the commissioners meeting will be Monday at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released report for February 27th through March 3rd. On the morning of Thursday the 27th shortly after 9:00, an officer was dispatched to the lobby of the Salem Police Department for a report of a lost or stolen license plate. The license plate was noticed missing off of a vehicle in the 500 block of south Jackson. The plate was entered as being lost or stolen. Saturday afternoon, the 27th at approximately 4:32, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart for a report of a shoplifter. It was reported that a 26-year old male from Raymondville had stolen property valued at approximately $22. The male was arrested and issued summons to appear in court. On Sunday evening, March 1st at about 8:19, an officer was dispatched to the lobby of the Salem Police Department for a report of property damage. It was reported that a vehicle had been damaged while parked at the Wal-Mart parking lot. The incident is currently still under investigation. The next morning on March 2nd at around 10:22, an officer made contact with a 36-year old Salem man who had an active arrest warrant. The active warrant was confirmed and the male was arrested and transported to the Dent County Sheriffs Office. Later that same afternoon shortly before 5:00 an officer responded to the Phelps County Sheriffs Office to pick up a 35-year old Salem male who was arrested on a City of Salem warrant. The male was transported, processed and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding a previously mentioned investigation.

In the 42nd Judicial Circuit Court on Tuesday, March 10th in Crawford County in front of Judge Kelly Parker, James Hatcher of Licking pled guilty to two cases involving burglary in the 2nd degree and property damage in Dent County. The state requested six years in prison for the crimes committed and Judge Parker agreed, sentencing Hatcher the six year sentence.

SmartAsset, a personal finance technology company headquartered in New York, New York, has conducted a study on determining the most affordable counties to retire. In Missouri, Dent County had the 9th lowest tax burden when looking at a combination of: income tax, sales tax, property tax and fuel tax. To find the places with the lowest tax burdens, SmartAsset calculated the amount of money a specific person would pay in income, sales, property and fuel taxes in each county in the country. To better compare income tax burdens across counties, they used the national median household income. Then they applied relevant deductions and exemptions before calculating federal, state and local income taxes. In order to determine sales tax burden, it was estimated that 35% of take-home (after-tax) pay is spent on taxable goods. They multiplied the average sales tax rate for a county by the household income after taxes. This balance is then multiplied by 35% to estimate the sales tax paid. For property taxes the median property taxes paid in each county were compared. For fuel taxes, they first distributed statewide vehicle miles traveled to the county level using the number of vehicles in each county. Then SmartAsset calculated the total number of licensed drivers within each county. The countywide miles were then distributed amongst the licensed drivers in the county, which gave them the miles driven per licensed driver. Using the nationwide average fuel economy, they calculated the average gallons of gas used per driver in each county and multiplied that by the fuel tax. SmartAsset then added the dollar amount for income, sales, property and fuel taxes to calculate a total tax burden. Finally, each county was ranked and indexed, on a scale of 0 to 100. The county with the lowest tax burden received a score of 100 and the remaining counties in the study were scored based on how closely their tax burden compares. Dent County’s composite score was 79.17, while the lowest tax burden county in Missouri was Ozark County with a composite score of 80.85.

On Tuesday in the Presidential Preference Primary in Dent County, a total of 2,010 votes were cast with 1,359 being Republican, 646 being Democrat and 5 being Libertarian. Incumbent Donald Trump received 1,340 of the Republican votes while Joe Biden captured 375 of the Democrat votes with Bernie Sanders getting 216 and Michael Bloomberg getting 12 votes.

The City of Salem will start sweeping the streets around town in the next couple of weeks. They would like to ask that anything that may be in the way of completing this process including cars, portable basketball goals, and trash cans be moved so there are no obstructions for the street sweeper. Your assistance will allow this process to be completed without incident. The City of Salem appreciates your cooperation.

An accident occurred in Dent County Tuesday morning at 10:30 on Highway 32 about one tenth of a mile west of Route AC. According to the highway patrol report, the driver, 55-year-old Franklin Hedrick of Viburnum, lost control of an eastbound 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier which then traveled off the right side of the roadway. The Chevrolet continued down an embankment and struck a tree. A passenger, 62-year-old Karen Salsman of Steelville, suffered minor injuries and was transported by the Iron County Ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. The report stated that both Salsman and Hedrick were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Chevrolet sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Abney’s Towing.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has submitted reports for February 25th through 29th. On Tuesday, February 25th, a deputy observed a vehicle parked at the archery range parking lot at Shawnee Mac Conservation Area. Upon checking on the subjects inside the vehicle, a 34-year-old Salem woman was arrested for having an active arrest warrant through Franklin County. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and was incarcerated. Also on the 25th, a deputy responded to a residence in 1500 block of Dent6 County Road 5240 for a report of a burglary. Upon arrival, the deputy discovered that a 59- year-old man was the reported victim. The total value of property that was damaged or stolen is approximately $1,200.00. This report is still under investigation. On Friday, February 28th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 1100 block of South Main Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 38 year-old Salem woman was arrested for the possession of a controlled substance. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and was incarcerated. Finally on Saturday, February 29th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on South Highway 19 and East Margaret Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 20-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while being intoxicated. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241 if you have any information about any ongoing investigation.

The Doe Run Company is offering one full scholarship to the Missouri University of Science and Technology 2020 Summer Explosives Camp in June. Interested students from qualifying school districts must apply for the Explosives Camp online, then mail the Doe Run scholarship application by April 15th. Missouri S&T’s Explosives Camp is considered the first camp of its kind. High school juniors and seniors gain hands-on experience with the safe handling and shooting of explosives for a unique look at how explosives are used in different industries. This scholarship covers the full $1,450 camp cost, and is available to students who will be high school juniors or seniors in fall 2020 at the following districts: Potosi R-3; Kingston K-14; Iron County C-4; Bunker R-3; Valley R-VI; Salem R-80; Southern Reynolds Co. R-II; Steelville R-III; Lesterville R-IV and all the St. Francois School Districts: West County R-4, Central R-3 and North R-1. Interested students can obtain a scholarship application through their high school principal or guidance counselor’s office. Scholarship recipients will be notified by May 1st. The camp includes demonstrations, field trips to operations – such as one of Doe Run’s mines, student projects, and ends with a bang with the shooting of a fireworks display. Qualified students who have passed a background check through the federal Safe Explosives Act are permitted to handle explosives. The 2020 Explosives Camp will have two sessions the first being June 7th through the 12th and June 14th through the 19th.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting. City of Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge presented her monthly report for February to the commission. She reported the Delta Regional Authority Workforce Training Grant that was applied for was not awarded to Dent County. Burbridge reported on the Missouri Partnership Assess Program with Ginovus in late February where they reported Salem was one of the best community tours they have been on. They will submit a written report of the strengths and weaknesses of our community by the end of this month. She said she attended a “fab lab boot camp” in Independence, Kansas where they use a “Makerspace” that allows people to get introduced to occupations without having to make the investment. Burbridge showed the commission examples of what can be done with just a little training. She said she would be meeting with the Missouri S &T Project Management Class about creating a plan for a “Makerspace” at the new Construction and Technology Trades Building. Dent County Historical Society President Deloris Gray Wood was in saying the county should not miss the opportunity to promote Dent County with the 150th anniversary of the courthouse this year. She said having a celebration next year is great, but do something this summer to make it a draw for visitors. She left copies of the 125th anniversary celebration magazine printed by the Salem News for the commissioners to review that could possibly generate some ideas. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that weather permitting, materials would be added and patch grading would be done on Dent County Road 5510 and 6255, brush would be cut on county road 6575, and the brake pads would be replaced and general maintenance done on county truck #73. Purcell went on to report that a crew would be patching chip and seal county roads 4110, 4120 and 6180. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said brush would be cut on Dent County Roads 2570 and 4380. He went on to say a man would be stockpiling material at the shop, new tires are being put on truck #122, and a new water pump is being installed on truck #60. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he would be attending an Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District Executive Board meeting today and will be attending the Meramec Regional Emergency Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley wanted to remind everyone the polls will be open from 6:00 this morning until 7:00 tonight for the Presidential Preference Primary. She said people will have to choose a party affiliation when they vote: Republican, Green, Democrat, Constitution or Libertarian. She said absentee voting for the April Municipal Election is still going on and filing for the August 4th Primary will continue until March 31st. Curley also said she balanced with the treasurer on all accounts for February. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and it is open to the public.

Salem Area Community Betterment Association will be presenting their BIG GREEN Trivia Night Fundraiser this Friday evening, March 13th, at the Salem Community Center starting at 6:00. The doors will open at 5:30 and tables are $100.00 for up to eight players. Hamburgers, hotdogs, chili, chili dogs, chips, soda and water will be available for purchase. Participants are encouraged to dress in green or to wear their favorite Irish Garb. To RSVP or for more information about being a sponsor, contact Jenna Deason at (573) 247-0621 or Judy Apperson at (573) 729-8163.

An accident happened Saturday morning at 5:00 in Franklin County on Highway 100 at Thornton Road. According to the highway patrol report, a 2008 Subaru Forester driven eastbound by 41-year old Michael Callahan of Rolla, swerved right to avoid hitting an animal in roadway. Callahan then overcorrected causing the Subaru to travel off the left side of the roadway, where the vehicle overturned and struck a tree. Callahan suffered minor injuries and was taken by the Meramec Ambulance to the Mercy Hospital in Washington. Callahan was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Subaru was totaled and removed from the scene by Big Boys Towing.

The Salem Area Arts Council’s “Art Across the Ages” is on display to celebrate ‘Youth Art Month” at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center now through March 27th. Tonight, there will be a special reception from 6:00 until 8:00 where artists will be present to talk about their art and mingle with friends and families. Also at the reception tonight, Barb bailey and Aaron Horrell from the Painted Wren Art Gallery in Cape Girardeau will give any person who is interested the opportunity to paint a part of the mural that will ultimately be hung in the Truman Building in Jefferson City to celebrate Missouri’s bicentennial in 2021. For more information, please feel free to call the representative of the Salem Area Arts Council at (573) 247-0279. The Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center is at 202 South Main in Salem.

The Salem Cosmopolitan Club held their 69th Annual Variety Show and Miss Salem Contest at the City Hall Auditorium Saturday night. Judges from South Central Missouri selected Brecklyn Holtz sponsored by Country Mart Pharmacy as the Second runner-up, Emma Southards sponsored by Main Street Cafe as the First runner-up and the 2020 Miss Salem, crowned by the 2019 Miss Salem Lauren Grogan, went to MacKenzie Thompson sponsored by Lake Road Steel. The Miss Personality Award went to Cheyenne Roderman sponsored by Elwood Real Estate. That award is voted on by the girls in the competition. Congratulations to all the participants and the acts that made the show possible and the Cosmopolitan Club wants to thank everyone who attended the show for their support.

An accident happened in Reynolds County on Highway 72 about a half mile west of Reynolds Saturday morning at 7:00. According to the highway patrol report, a 1996 Pontiac Firebird driven eastbound by 19-year old James Nunley of Bunker, traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. Nunley suffered minor injuries and was taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by ambulance. It was unknown if he was wearing a seat restraint. The Pontiac was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing of Salem.

An accident happened Saturday morning at 5:00 in Franklin County on Highway 100 at Thornton Road. According to the highway patrol report, a 2008 Subaru Forester driven eastbound y 41-year old Michael Callahan of Rolla, swerved right to avoid hitting an animal in roadway. Callahan then overcorrected causing the Subaru to travel off the left side of the roadway, where the vehicle overturned and struck a tree. Callahan suffered minor injuries and was taken by the Meramec Ambulance to the Mercy Hospital in Washington. Callahan was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Subaru was totaled and removed from the scene by Big Boys Towing.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has submitted reports for February 17th through the 24th. On Monday, February 17th, a Deputy responded to the 5500 block of Highway 19 North for a report of a theft. Upon arrival, the deputy discovered that a 61-year-old man was the reported victim. The total value of the property stolen is approximately $150.00. This report is under investigation. Then on Thursday, February 20th, a deputy traveled to the Missouri Private Probation Services on West 4th Street to attempt to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 25-year-old Salem man was arrested for an active warrant through the Salem Police Department. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. Also on the 20th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 300 block of East Bryan Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 35-year-old Salem man was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, except for 35 grams or less of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid, and driving while his license revoked or suspended, a 2nd or 3rd offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. Then on Sunday, February 23rd, a deputy responded to the 35000 block of Highway 72 for a report of a vehicle leaving the scene of an accident. Upon arrival, the deputy discovered that a 30-year-old woman was the reported victim. After further investigation, the deputy met with a 53- year-old Salem man at the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. The Salem man was issued a citation for leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident and was released. The next day, Monday February 24th, a deputy responded to the 1000 block of Dent County Road 5015 for a report of a burglary. Upon arrival, the deputy discovered that a 62-year-old woman was the reported victim. The total value of property that was damaged or stolen was approximately $9,000.00. This report is still under investigation. If you have any information about an ongoing investigation please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

The Dent County Commission met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams was in to have the Commissioners sign-off on the first quarterly payments of $14,000 to Salem Nutrition Site and $6,750 to SMTS. In the road report District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell reported that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5420, 5490 and 6040, plus materials would be added and grading done on county roads 5070 and 6370. He also said that brush would be cut on county roads 6435, 6450 and 6570. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said that conditions for grading are really good right now and that materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 2330, 4060 and 5300, plus grading only would take place on county road 5225. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that on Tuesday he attended the Meramec Region Enhancement Corporation meeting where Amerisource-Virgin gave an update on the opioid prevention grant. Six school programs have been presented to date, plus Dent County received an $11,750 grant for a drug incinerator. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that she balanced with the Collector and Assessor on all monthly collections, abatements and add-ons for the month of February, plus the Commissioners reviewed her reports. She went on to say that the Commissioners were approving bills for payment and that her office will be open Saturday from 8:00 until noon for absentee voting. Curley also noted that the last day to register for the April 7th election is Wednesday, March 11th. Dwight Ramsburg was in to discuss various jail construction related issues dealing with equipment and parking lot drainage. He is to do some research and report back at Monday’s meeting of the Commission. Bill Ard was in from the Tourism Tax Committee to discuss some issues and get input from the Commissioners. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Cosmopolitan Club will hold their 69th Variety Show and Miss Salem Competition tomorrow night at the Salem City Hall Auditorium starting at 7:00. There will be nine girls vying for the title of Miss Salem at the show and they are Trinity Gorman, Ceceilia Reed, Cheyanna Click, Emma Southards, Harmony Alexander, Brecklyn Holtz, Jainey Pettus, MacKensie Thompson and Cheyenne Roderman. David Massengale will be the emcee for the event. Judges from South Central Missouri will determine this year’s Miss Salem as well as the first and second runner-ups. The girls will vote on the Miss Personality title. The 2019 Miss Salem, Lauren Grogan, will crown the new Miss Salem at the event.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met at 6:00 Tuesday evening for their regular monthly meeting. After the roll call a motion was made and carried to approve the consent agenda as well as minutes from the February meeting being reviewed and approved as presented. The financial report was then reviewed with bills being reviewed and approved with an ending balance at the end of February of $273.205.31. During the calendar review, March 5th will be the first construction walk through, it was also noted that March 10th was election day in Dent County and the Road Rally would take place March 19th. During the monthly reimbursement report the board made note of 21 calls for the month including 1 structure fire, 6 brush fires, 1 car fire, 5 first responder calls, 3 vehicle accidents, 2 hazmat incidents, along with 2 training events. Total calls year to date was 62 with the average cost for call being $124.84. Chief Nash then took the board on a walking tour of the building progress. The date for the next meeting was set for Tuesday, April 7th at 6:00 at the firehouse. The meeting is open to the public.

An accident occurred Tuesday night at 9:30 in Phelps County on Highway 72 about five miles east of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a westbound 2010 Kia Soul, driven by 33-year old Courtney Barton of Salem, struck a deer in the roadway. Barton suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Phelps Health by EMS. The report stated that she was wearing her safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Kia sustained moderate damage and was left at the scene.

The Salem Police Department has released reports on their activities from February 19th through the 24th. On Wednesday morning, the 19th at around 8:05, an officer was dispatched to the Salem High School for a report of property damage by a student. It was reported that a bathroom urinal was damaged valued at $377.50. As a result of the investigation, a 17-year-old Salem male was arrested and issued a summons to appear in court. On Thursday, February 20th at about 4:40 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart for a report of a shoplifter. It was reported that a 28-year-old Salem woman had stolen a pair ofboots valued at $23.78. The female was arrested and released with a summons to appear in court. The next morning near 8:30, an officer conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Highway 19 and Condray Street for an expired registration. As a result of the traffic stop, a 64-year-old Salem man who was driving the vehicle was issued a summons for traffic offenses. A 23-year-old female passenger from Salem, who had lied about her identity to hide the fact that she had active arrest warrants, was placed under arrest and transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s office for incarceration. During the early morning hours of Monday, February 24th shortly after 3:00, an officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Gibbs Street for a report of a domestic disturbance. As a result of the investigation, a 24-year-old Salem female and a 27-year-old Salem male were arrested and issued a summons to appear in court. Later that same morning at around 10:15, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department by a male who had an active arrest warrant and wanted to turn himself in. The 22-year old Salem male was taken into custody and later released on bond after being processed for the warrant. Contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met February 28th at the Health Center’s new location at 1010 East Scenic Rivers Blvd. Health Center Administrator Kendra Mobray reported that Sandra Headrick and Kim Smith have filed for the two open board seats that will be expiring in April. They will be elected in April for four year terms. She updated the Board on the status of the new building where the generator has been moved, the locks have been changed, security cameras are in place, and signage is complete. An open house is scheduled for March 19th from 2:00 to 4:30 with a Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 4:00. Mobray reported outpatient lab services were provided for 87 clients in January. She also noted that Missouri DHSS WIC staff will be here for monitoring March 10th and 11th, with DCHC WIC staff scheduled to attend EWIC training June 24th to prepare for the July EWIC implementation. Mobray said that March 5th she and Ashley Peyton will be trained by DHSS staff for the Show-Me HealthyWomen/Wisewoman Program and office visits will begin soon after. She reported that the Health Center began presenting the Choosing the Best Program for local 6th graders with the help of a volunteer from Riverways Pregnancy Resource Center. The six lesson curriculum should be completed at R-1, R-2, R-4 and R-80 the first week of April. Mobray said the Health Center investigated three cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in January. She reported that the Dent County Health Center nurses are in frequent communication with Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services epidemiologists and are being updated and educated on the COVIC-19 response. A press release from Dr. Williams, director of MoDHSS, was sent to local media. To date there have been no confirmed cases of COVIC-19 in the state of Missouri. Mobray said there have been 132 confirmed cases of influenza reported in Dent County. In closed session, a decision was made to add a $10.00 draw fee to labs due to the increase cost of supplies and biohazard disposal, plus the appraisal of the 601 S. MacArthur location was discussed and a sale price of $175,000.00 was set by the Board. Bids for cleaning were also discussed and awarded to Lady and a Bucket Cleaning Service. Mobray presented the 2020 budget which showed the Dent County Health Center continues to be fiscally sound and the budget was approved. The next board meeting was set for March 19th at 5:00, and the meeting was adjourned.

In the Dent County Circuit Court on Monday in front of Judge Megan Seay, Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley reported that a review of a RSMO Statute Section 559.115 probation hearing was held for Macaulay Boschen who is currently in the penitentiary at Boonville. The state objected to his release due to three conduct violations by Boschen. The counsel for Boschen requested his release to probation. The request for probation was denied and Boschen’s seven-year sentenced was ordered to be executed by the judge. Also on Monday, Dale Hunter of Rolla had a previous sentence of 10 years in the Department of Corrections executed under RSMO Section 217.362 that included long term treatment in connection with his probation revocation as requested by the Missouri Board of Probation and Parole. The court also heard a guilty plea from Carla Loughridge of Salem for the possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine, and the possession of drug paraphernalia- a meth pipe. In the sentencing hearing, Loughridge requested probation while the state requested seven years under RSMO 559.115. Loughridge was sentenced to seven years suspended execution of sentence with drug court. Also on Monday, Sethe D. Berry admitted to violating his probation by possessing a cigarette lighter within the Dent County Jail, while serving shock time ordered in connection with a previous order for 20 days shock incarcerated issued for a probation violation for failing to report. Berry had previously pled guilty to distribution of a controlled substance and was placed on probation. Defense counsel requested continued probation and the Prosecutor Curley requested execution of the defendant’s sentence. After argument, defendant’s probation was revoked and his sentence of ten years incarceration in the Missouri Department of Corrections was executed.

City Administrator Ray Walden wanted to let everyone know that the penalty date for the February utility bills has been extended to March 25th. Walden said that various members of the public had pointed out a current city ordinance that indicates penalty dates for utility bills shall be twenty days from the bill date. As the February bills had a February 14th bill date, the February 28th penalty date initially indicated for the February bills was postponed. During Monday night’s meeting, the Salem Board of Aldermen approved an ordinance granting the City Administrator authority to adjust the discount and penalty dates with approval by the Mayor or President of the Board of Aldermen, if deemed necessary. Walden stated city staff are working with customers regarding questions about their bill and in some cases, have been able to use the new AMI system to assist customers in identifying possible ways to save on their utility bills. The city has an informational sheet available showing typical electric usage for different devices and with the city’s current electric rate, how much different devices might cost to operate on a monthly basis. You can get a copy of this information at the utility office or find it on the city’s Facebook page. Walden stated the March utility bills will not be processed before March 25th and actions will be taken to verify dates listed on all future utility bills. Anyone with questions are asked to contact the city utility office at 729-4117.

Small brooms in the days of wind and sail were often made from bits of rope. One such boom was called a Sailor’s Whisk. The Salem Area Arts Council is hosting a workshop on Saturday, March 7, 2020 starting at 3:00 p.m. at the Creative Arts Center in Salem. This traditional naval skill will be taught by Wayne Douglass, an authentic sailor! Using rope, each whisk broom will be formed using special knots that make each unique, resulting in a useful item or a memorable gift! All supplies and instruction will be provided for anyone from eight to eighty to learn and take home a finished product. A TRULY special price of $5.00 per person will cover all costs to make a whisk–a terrific bargain for both the activity and product. Call or text 247-0279 to register and arrange payment to hold your spot! The Creative Arts Center is behind the ONCRC.

The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks is experiencing a shortage of all negative blood types. Donations are needed immediately to ensure that adequate reserve levels are maintained. The next blood drive in Salem will be Tuesday, March 10th from 1:00 to 6:00 in the afternoon at the First Baptist Church at 201 North Mac Arthur. During the month of March, donors will receive a blue “Rewind” t-shirt; a retro look back on your favorite cassette mix tapes of the past. To be eligible to give blood, you must weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health, and present a valid photo ID. For more information, contact Cindy Sachs at 729-4241.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. Congressman Jason Smith was in to absentee vote in the March and April elections and stopped in to visit. Deloris Gray Wood from the Dent County Historical Society was in to remind the commissioners of the celebration of 150th anniversary of the signing of the contract to construct the courthouse on March 30th at 4:00. There will be cake and water served and the event will be held outside the courthouse, weather permitting. A representative of Senator Blunt was also in attendance and said the senator is working on the transportation infrastructure bill and health care bill. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said brush was being cut on Dent County Road 6620 and chip and seal repair was being done on county road 4180. Purcell said maintenance was being performed on county trucks #57 and #119, plus the 430 Cat backhoe. He also said workers were finishing up repairing the bucket on the Cat 924 loader. Purcell did say if there was time some workers may get out to check and clean out some crossover pipes. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said brush would be cut on county roads 2320 and 2330, while materials would be hauled to Dent County Roads 3120 and 3280. He said chip and seal repairs would be made to various chip and seal roads. Larson said his crew would be working on county truck #115 and that brush cutter #16 is out with a flat. He also said maintenance was being done in the shop. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to congratulate former Missouri State Highway Trooper Ron Copeland on his retirement after serving 28 years on the force. Copeland will be traveling to Jefferson City to sign up to run for the 143rd State Representative Seat. Skiles also said he would be attending the Meramec Community Enhancement Board meeting Tuesday. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said absentee voting continues for the March 10th and April 7th elections and the last day to register to vote in the April election will be March 11th. The commissioners decided to put out bids for grader blades and those bids would need to be submitted by 10:00 March 19th. The next meeting of the dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

A fatality accident occurred at 5:06 Monday morning in Phelps County on Highway 63 approximately 300 feet north of County Road 8010. According to the highway patrol report, a northbound 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer, driven by 61-year-old Charles Faulkner of Vichy, attempted to make a U-turn and was struck by a northbound 2001 Chevrolet Silverado driven by 59-year-old James Lutz of Rolla. Faulkner was pronounced dead at the scene at 5:50 by Phelps County Coroner Andy Davis. Faulkner was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident and the body was taken to Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla. Suffering moderate injuries in the accident were Lutz and an occupant of the Silverado, 24-year-old Tanisha Reed of Rolla. Both were transported by ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. The report stated that Reed was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident while Lutz was not. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage and were removed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing.

The Salem Cosmopolitan Club will hold their 69th Variety Show and Miss Salem Competition this Saturday, March 7th at the Salem City Hall Auditorium starting at 7:00. There will be nine girls vying for the title of Miss Salem at the show and they are Trinity Gorman sponsored by T. Fulton Construction, Ceceilia Reed sponsored by Salem Truss, Cheyanna Click sponsored by Salem Publishing Company, Inc., Emma Southards sponsored by Main Street Café, Harmony Alexander Sponsored by McDonalds, Brecklyn Holtz sponsored by Country Mart Pharmacy, Jainey Pettus sponsored by Riverways Federal Credit Union, MacKensie Thompson sponsored by Lake Road Steel and Cheyenne Roderman sponsored by Elwood Real Estate. David Massengale will be the emcee for the event that will also feature the talents of dancers from Linda Maledy’s Academy of Dance, plus performances by Rachel Privett and Friends, Neely and Noah Leathers, and the Salem Upper Elementary 5th grade teachers and friends. Judges from South Central Missouri will determine this year’s Miss Salem as well as the first and second runner-ups. The girls will vote on the Miss Personality title. The 2019 Miss Salem, Lauren Grogan, will crown the new Miss Salem at the event.

Twenty-nine years ago today, the first edition of Your World Today was published which featured the results of the opening day of trout season at Montauk and the Salem Board of Alderman meeting to be held that night. The color was “Irish Green” and about 175 copies were printed that were delivered to 20 locations in Salem. Today, about 500 copies are printed daily and are distributed to over 40 locations in Salem, Echo Bluff and in Bunker in “Reflex Blue,” and our stories include the results of the opening of trout season at Montauk and the Board of Aldermen meeting agenda for tonight!

Opening day of trout season at Montauk State Park saw 60 degree temperatures and an outstanding turnout of men and women ready for a new season. As of 4:30 Sunday, a total of 2,154 adult trout tags were sold and another 303 children’s trout tags were sold. The largest trout caught was a 10 pound, 12 ounce rainbow by Jason Johnson of Bixby. Jacob Moncrief and Dan Norris, both of Licking, each caught an 8 pound, 4 ounce rainbow trout, and Patrick Potts of Licking caught a 7 pound, 13 ounce trout. Trout season will be open until October 31st.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at the City Hall Council Chambers at 7:00. Following the consent agenda, the board will get an update from City Administrator Ray Walden on numerous projects going on now in the city. After his report, the board will hear and discuss Bill #3437 about amending the codes of the City of Salem in regards to vacation rentals; and Bill #3438 that amends the city codes for the electric department, water department and sewer department dealing with the prompt payment discount and delayed payment penalty. The board will then go into closed session to discuss personnel, contracts and litigation. The meeting of the Salem Board of Aldermen is open to the public.

An accident that happened in Phelps County Thursday morning at 11:39 on Phelps County Road 8110 near Phelps County Road 8080 that left four Rolla men with injuries. According to the highway patrol, 18-year old Michael Bright of Rolla was driving a 1997 Ford Explorer southbound when the Ford traveled off the left side of the roadway. The Explorer then overturned and struck a utility pole. Two passengers in the Explorer, 20-year old Christopher Claypool and 20-year old Ros Comparato, were both ejected from the vehicle and suffered serious injuries. Claypool was flown to the University of Missouri Columbia Hospital while Comparato was flown to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Suffering moderate injuries were the driver, Michael Bright, and another passenger, 21-year old Logan Boyer. They were both taken to Phelps Health in Rolla. No one in the vehicle was wearing a seat restraint. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by C&C Towing.

An accident happened at 5:07 Thursday evening in Dent County on Highway 19 about four miles south of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2010 Chevy HHR driven northbound by 51-year old Steven Wright of St. Clairsville, Ohio, ran off the right side of the roadway and overturned before the Chevy came to a rest. Suffering minor injuries were 36-year old Nicole Wright of St. Clairsville as well as the three Wright children: a three-year old male, a ten-year old female and a 12-year old female. Everyone was taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by the Salem Ambulance. The Chevy HHR was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. Everyone involved was wearing their seat restraint.

The Salem Area Arts Council’s “Art Across the Ages” that will be on display to celebrate ‘Youth Art Month” at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center today through March 27th. For more information, please feel free to call the representative of the Salem Area Arts Council at (573) 247-0279. The Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center is at 202 South Main in Salem.

At the February 27th Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees meeting, the Board of Trustees voted to set a $10.00 draw fee for labs due to the increase cost of supplies and biohazard disposal. The $10.00 fee is effective March 2nd. If anyone has any questions, please contact the Dent County Health Center at 729-3106.