Local News

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday night at the City Hall Council Chambers. After the consent agenda was approved, City Administrator Ray Walden stated the City Administrative offices would be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day as well as New Year’s Day. The board approved Bill #3406 that allows the mayor to execute an agreement between the city of Salem and RFB Construction Company for tree clearing and removal at the Salem Memorial Airport for $179,345.00. The city’s portion will be 10% of the cost. The board approved the destruction of old police records from seven years ago that includes logs, non criminal incident reports and other non-essential records. There was also a discussion on the cancellation of a Board of Alderman meeting. Mayor Nash was under the assumption he could do so if there was nothing on the agenda. He said he could not reach the city attorney before the agenda needed to be released and made the decision before he could get back with him. He apologized for overstepping his authority. The State Statutes indicate that only the Board of Aldermen could cancel a meeting. So basically the aldermen have to hold a meeting to cancel a meeting. City Attorney William Camm Seay said that meeting could consist of a physical meeting or a conference call where all or a majority of the aldermen can be a part of what would constitute a meeting. He will check into that to make sure that a telephone call qualifies and will report that at the next meeting. The board then went into closed session.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a number of reports. On Thursday, December 6th, deputies traveled to the 24000 block of Route C for a report of a burglary. During the course of the investigation it was discovered that the back door of the business was forced open. The door frame was pushed in and no longer latched, however they were unable to gain entry inside the business. This case is still under investigation. On Sunday, December 9th, deputies responded to the 3500 block of Dent County Road 4110 for a report of a verbal domestic disturbance. It was discovered that the verbal domestic disturbance had occurred over a child custody dispute and a Salem male had trespassed on the property. Suspect information was given and the case is still under investigation. The next day Monday, December 10th, deputies responded to the lobby of the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a 33-year old female of Salem, was the reported victim of threatening the nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images. As a result of this investigation, a 33-year old Salem male was arrested. The Salem male was charged that same day with a bond of $7,000.00 cash only. On Wednesday, December 12th, deputies conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Highway 19 North and West Eighth Street. During the course of the traffic stop, an 18-year old Salem male was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended-1st offense. The man was taken to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. That same day, deputies conducted a traffic stop near the 3200 block of Highway 19 South. During the course of the traffic stop, an 18-year old Salem woman and a 17-year old Salem woman were arrested for possession of marijuana/synthetic cannabinoid of 10 grams or less and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Both females were taken to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where they were fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On Saturday, December 15th, deputies traveled to the 38000 block of Highway 72 for a report of a male breaking into a vehicle. During the course of the investigation, a 23-year old Florissant, MO male was arrested with a felony charge for tampering with a motor vehicle in the 1st degree, and for resisting or interfering with an arrest. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and incarcerated. If anyone has any information regarding and investigation, contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

A one vehicle accident happened Tuesday morning at 6:35 in Phelps County on Phelps County Road 1220 about six miles north of St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Ford F-150, driven by 16-year old Madison Starr of St. James, was westbound when the truck traveled off the right side of the roadway, striking a fence and a utility pole. Starr suffered minor injuries and was transported by St. James ambulance to Phelps County Regional Medical Center. According to the report, Starr was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford had moderate damage and was towed by Spurgeon’s Towing.

Healthy Dent County wants to have some fun on December 21st by holding a Community Wide National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day. Let them know if your business or group wants to participate so they can get a picture to capture the holiday cheer. Dress to impress in your holiday “worst.” Just call Healthy Dent County and let them know you want to participate in the Ugly Christmas Sweater Day at 729-8163 or e-mail taylor@salemcommunitycenter.org.

An accident happened in Texas County Sunday evening at 10:15 on Highway 32 about five miles east of Licking. According to a report released by the Highway Patrol, a 2012 Nissan truck driven by 52-year old David Brown of Salem, was westbound when the vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway, striking a fence and a tree. Brown was transported by Texas County EMS to Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. According to the report, Brown was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Nissan was totaled in the accident and removed from the scene by American Muffler and Tire.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew M. Curley reported that on December 11th, Fridtjov Severud pled guilty to Murder in the 2nd Degrees in the shooting death of Michael Gehm that occurred in Dent County on December 1st, 2016. Depositions were held in anticipation of a trial and they confirmed that Severud and Gehm were arguing prior to the shooting at opposite ends of a six-foot dinner table. The argument was over a comment Severud had made about a woman Gehm was romantically involved with. Severud told Gehm to leave his residence and Gehm refused until he apologized. Firearms and ammunition were located on the table at the time of the argument. Severud admitted to pointing a gun at Gehm and said the gun accidentally went off. Gehm was found sitting in a chair with a gunshot would that entered his chin. According to court documents, the defendant claimed self-defense due to the firearms being on the table, but the investigation established that the weapons were not within reasonable reach of the victim and he was found to be unarmed the night of the incident. Severud was sentenced to 10 years in the Department of Corrections as recommended by the prosecutor that included a charge of Armed Criminal Action being dropped with the plea of guilty.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said his district received three inches of rain from Thursday night, through Friday into Saturday. He said crews would be out checking roads in the chronic areas where the water damages roads and make repairs as necessary.Purcell also reported the Dent County Sheriff’s Department called with the report of a downed tree Sunday night on Dent County Road 2440 that blocked the road. Crews will be removing that tree. He went on to report grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5220, 5680 and 6280 while materials would be added to county road 5630. Purcell also stated brush would be cut on county road 5680. He also attended a Dent County Tourism Tax Committee meeting Monday night. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said crews would also be out checking roads for water damage before grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2330, 3030, 3040 and 4040. Larson went on to say brush would be cut on county road 2330 and service on the backhoe would be finished. Larson said he attended the Dent County Extension meeting Monday night. Dent County Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported on the Meramec Community Enhancement Corporation Board meeting he attended last Thursday. He said the MCEC would be acting as the 501 C 3 not-for-profit administrator to help Dr. Seibert in Crawford County search for grants to help him with the program that helps inmates get their Work Ready Certificates to find employment after they serve their time. The MCEC also agreed to be the 501 C 3 not-for-profit administrator for Dr Stratman and his program called PACT which stands for Premium Advanced Courses and Teachers that would help rural school students have access to more advanced courses that are not currently being held at smaller schools due to the small student size with a specialized instructor. He also is seeking additional funding through grants for his project. Skiles said the Gladden Bridge on Highway 19 South came in 3rd in the Transportation Advisory Committee priority meeting held last Thursday. This helps MoDOT in determining their budget to see what projects are in most demand to be addressed if funds are available. At the MRPC Board meeting, Skiles said three state legislators were in attendance and the Number 1 topic was on getting better rural broadband coverage in the area. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she continues to get requests from office holders for the 2019 county budget. Mike Elliott from Town and Country Insurance came in and told the commissioners that they could save about $2,217 savings on their vehicle fleet if they increased their deductible from $500 to $1,000 per vehicle. This is through the MOPERM program. He said there could be further savings if the county reviews the value of some of their vehicles to determine if they want both comprehensive and collision on every vehicle, but it is up to the commission. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident occurred Friday morning at 8:17 in Phelps County on Highway 63 five miles north of Edgar Springs. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 Ford F-150, driven by 28-year old Jacob Miller of Kirksville, Missouri, was southbound when the Ford traveled off the right side of the roadway, returned to the roadway, crossed the center line and traveled into the path of a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The Ford collided with the northbound Cadillac, operated by 68- year old Johnny Chastain of Edgar Springs. Chastain suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Phelps County Regional Medical Center by Phelps County Ambulance. According to the report, Chastain was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The report also stated that Miller was wearing his safety restraint. The Ford sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Lucas Garage. The Cadillac was totaled and removed from the scene by Dishman’s Towing.

An accident happened in Crawford County Saturday afternoon at 3:58 on Highway 19 about a fifth of a mile north of Becker Road.
According to the highway patrol report, a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix driven southbound by 38-year old Karen Foster of Steelville, went off the right side of the roadway and continued traveling down a ditch where the Pontiac struck two trees before coming to rest facing east. Foster suffered moderate injuries and was taken by the Steelville Ambulance to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. A passenger in the car, 37-year old Karen Warbe of Newburg, also suffered moderate injuries and was taken by the Steelville Ambulance to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center. The Grand Prix was totaled and removed form the scene by Miles and Sons Towing. Both were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at 7:00 in the city hall council chambers. After the consent agenda, the board will hear the report from City Administrator Ray Walden. Bill Number 3406, an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement between the City Of Salem and RFB Construction Company, Inc., for tree clearing at the Salem Memorial Airport in the amount of $179,345.00 will be introduced and read. In new and miscellaneous business, Police Chief Keith Steelman will update the Board on destruction of old records at the Salem Police Department and the Board will discuss who has the authority to cancel a Board of Alderman meeting. The meeting will then adjourn and the Board will enter closed session to discuss real estate. The regular meeting of the Board of Aldermen is open to the public.

Something new tonight will be a Skywatch Event at Bonebrake Center from 7:00 to 9:00. Dress warmly and come view the Christmas sky! Who knows–maybe the Star of Bethlehem might show up! The absolutely awesome Dent County Astronomers will be on site using powerful telescopes, including the Bonebrake Center’s kid and adult-friendly telescopes, dubbed “Charles” and “Shirley,” to explore the winter sky. This is a totally incredible experience! Call 573-247-0279 to check if the weather will interfere.

The Healthy Dent County Fitness Center will once again hold line dancing classes this January on Thursday nights from 6:30 to 7:30.
Everyone is invited to attend! The cost is $5.00 per person, per class payable at the door. Rosalie Wright will be the instructor.

The Dent County Commissioners met for the regular meeting Thursday morning in the Courthouse. In the road report, District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5630, 5670, 4160, and 6500, plus brush would be cut on county road 5680. He also noted that he had a man hauling brown rock. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that brush was being cut on Dent County Road 2330, plus he had two men working on backhoe 430 and a man was repairing a shop heater. He also said he had a man hauling brown rock and another man screening it. Larson noted that his crews graded county roads on Wednesday. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said Thursday evening he would attending a Meramec Community Enhancement Board meeting and a Transportation Advisory Committee meeting where regional transportation priorities would be established. Skiles said he also had an External Relations Committee meeting and the MRPC Board during the evening where legislative priorities will be shared with Missouri Legislators that are in attendance. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said that bills were being approved by the Commissioners for payment and that she balanced with the Collector and Assessor on monthly collections, abatements and add-ons for the month of November. She noted that the Commissioners reviewed her reports. Curley said that filings for the Municipal Election began on Tuesday and that her office continues to work on budget requests from the office holders. Steve Davis with Shive-Hattery and Nick Smith with Septagone Construction attended the meeting to update the Commission on the Justice Center Project. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday morning in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Congressman Jason Smith will visit the Salem Memorial Hospital this morning at 9:00 and meet with regional hospital representatives to discuss increasing quality of care for rural Missourians. Representatives from Salem Memorial District Hospital, Iron County Hospital, Texas County Memorial Hospital, and the Phelps County Regional Medical Center will be on-site to discuss prescription drug pricing, behavioral health programs, enhancing Medicare to provide seniors more efficient healthcare, and maintaining hospital access for rural Missourians.

Time is running out if you are in the market for health insurance. Now is the time to visit the website www.HealthCare.gov for this year’s Open Enrollment and review your 2019 plan options. The marketplace closes TOMORROW at midnight. As has been the case for a couple of years, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is the only provider for Dent County on the marketplace. You can go online to compare your plan from last year to the new plans offered this year, or you can just start shopping your choices for the 2019 year. Remember, if you do not enroll by December 15th, you will not have insurance as of January 1st, 2019.

The Salvation Army’s “Angel Tree” at Wal-Mart has just a few “angels” left as of Thursday evening and the last day to adopt an “angel” will be Monday. It is the goal of the Dent County Salvation Army Service Unit to try to make sure that every Dent County child’s Christmas morning is bright and you can help by adopting an angel. It is easy to help out. Just follow these steps: Select a tag representing a specific child from the “Angel Tree” at Wal-Mart. Then shop for gifts based on the parent’s suggestions. You do not have to purchase everything on the list, just use it as a guideline. Once you are finished shopping, bring the unwrapped gifts to the Wal-Mart Service Desk along with the “angel tag” by Monday. Your gifts will be distributed to your adopted “angel” on Wednesday, December 19th. For questions about the ‘Angel Tree,” please contact the Dent County Service Unit of the Salvation Army at 729-8163.

Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley announced that his office has filed a felony complaint in Shannon County against former City of Winona Clerk Terri Denton. The complaint alleges that Denton, during her time as city clerk, misappropriated at least five hundred dollars. The charges allege that Denton was employed by the City of Winona between 2015 and 2017. During that time, Denton allegedly stole cash that had accumulated in the city’s vault and used it on personal expenses. While conducting an audit, the Auditor’s Office discovered at least several thousand dollars were not deposited in the city’s accounts during that time frame and a total of $42,000 remains unaccounted for. The Attorney General’s Public Corruption Team is prosecuting the case with the assistance of the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Missouri State Auditor’s Office. The Attorney General’s Office was appointed special prosecutor at the request of the Shannon County Prosecuting Attorney because of a conflict. Attorney General Hawley reminds the public that the charges against Denton are just accusations and, as in all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in a court of law.

Dent County Collector Dennis Medlock has announced the hours the collector’s Office will be open over the holidays to pay your taxes. The Collector’s office will be closed on Christmas Eve, Monday, December 24th and Tuesday, Christmas Day, December 25th. The office will have extended hours on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, December 26th through the 28th. The office will also be open with extended hours on New Year Eve, Monday, December 31st. The extended hours on these days will be 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. Take you payment inside and have the postal clerk hand stamp your payment. 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 with a debit or credit card. If you have any questions, please call the Dent County Collector’s Office at 729-3911.

Election filing is going on now 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. 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.

Elephant Rocks State Park hosts Mother Nature’s Christmas lights viewing starting at 5:00 Friday afternoon, December 14th until sunrise on December 15th. To mark this year’s most spectacular meteor shower, the Geminids Meteor shower, Elephant Rocks State Park will be open to the public for a rare after-dark event. Park staff will be available to direct you to the best and safest areas to view the shower. If you like star gazing, light shows and are able to brave the cold, come out and create a lifetime memory at Elephant Rocks State Park. It is December, so dress for very cold winter conditions. It is often colder on the rocks than the average local temperature, so you can become chilled sitting for long periods in the park even on a mild night. You are welcome to bring portable chairs and blankets to keep warm. Please remember to bring in only what you will be able to carry out when you leave. Trash receptacles are provided at the park’s parking lot. Please be respectful of other visitors’ experience and avoid excessive use of artificial lights and excessive noise during the event. This shower can be viewed with the naked eye, and telescopes or binoculars are welcome but not needed. No tents, propane heaters, lanterns or campfires will be allowed. Elephant Rocks State Park is located at 7406 Highway 21 in Belleview. For more information about the event, call the site at 573-546-3454.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday at noon in the Hospital Library. In the summary of operations for the month of November, the hospital had 87 inpatient admissions with 315 inpatient census days. Patients per day in Acute Care came in at 10.5 in November, down from the 11.5 in October. The hospital showed a loss from operations of $32,494 and expenses over revenues after taxes of $39,987. Cash increased for the month by $102,513, and the days in net account receivables dropped to 60 from 61 days last month. During the month, there were 663 emergency room visits to go with 182 ambulance runs with 120 patients being transported, 19 surgery cases, 1,529 outpatient registrations, 315 home health visits, 7,625 lab tests, 1,105 radiological procedures and 676 rehab treatments. Chief of Nursing Debbie Hines gave the updated report on the Quality Improvement Program where the hospital is focusing on two areas and said the transition of care continues to gradually improve with the physician to physician communication the biggest challenge. The Hospital Auxiliary met and had 14 members present at their “bring a friend” lunch. Their next meeting will be February 5th at noon at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Hospital COO Chris Strickland said the hospital foundation had a resignation from their board of Leon Kreisler, but have four new board members that include S.N. Ball, Andrew Curley, Chris Holliday and Andrew Wynn. He said about half of the tables to the “Dancing with the Salem Stars” have been sold and he would be sending out mailers and e-mails to sponsors for the golf tournament to be held in June. Strickland also announced a new fundraiser that will be held August 3rd, 2019 at the Commons that will be the 1st Annual SMDH Foundation Benefit Concert and Wing Off. Strickland went on to report that the hospital had a large presence at the Heroes Marathon in November that included sports medicine, an aid station, refreshments station and ambulance. The hospital float in the Salem Chamber of Commerce parade took 1st place in the Commercial division. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas said that A.J. Seay has resigned his position on the board as he has moved from his district. He said election filing has begun for District 6 for the a total of six years for the position currently occupied by George Gruendel, and also for District 2 for two years for the unexpired term of A.J. Seay. The board approved a resolution in support of the Time Critical Diagnosis Designation for the Salem Memorial District Hospital and approved the board meeting dates for 2019. The board approved the budgeted purchase of a blanket and towel warmer for the Long-Term Care from Steris Corp. for $7,810, and approved the budgeted purchase of a Blood Bank Incubator and Workstation for the Laboratory for $4,999 from Ortho Clinical Diagnostics. The board tabled a decision on the purchase of a new Bi-Pap Machine for Cardio-Pulmonary until they can meet with the medical staff and see if they want to offer non-invasive and invasive treatments or just stay with the non-invasive treatments. The board then went into closed session.

The Salem Police Department has released more reports for December 3rd and 4th. The night of December 3rd at approximately 11:52, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 21-year old female of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $26.91. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Then on Tuesday morning, November 4th at about 11:58, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1800 bock of South Oak in reference to property damage. The investigation of the report revealed a 21- year-old male of Salem had cut two tires on a white 2005 Toyota passenger vehicle valued at $400. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

Current River State Park invites you to celebrate a Country Christmas from 11:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon this Saturday. Come make nature-inspired decorations and gifts. Enjoy hot chocolate and bake some cookies. Current River State Park is located on Hwy 19 approximately 23 miles south of Salem and approximately 15 miles north of Eminence. For more information about the event, call Connie Weber at 573-751-1224.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning for their regular meeting at the courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams presented the sales tax figures for the money received by the county from the state. She stated the General Revenue Fund Sales Tax and the Law Enforcement Sales Tax each came in at about $71,057.07 and year-to-date Dent County has seen an increase of $92,631.29 in the fund which comes to a 10.47% increase. Williams presented the Road and Bridge Fund Sales Tax figures that showed that funds received $33,125.63 and year to date, the Road and Bridge Fund is $32,365.48 ahead of the previous year with a 7.85% increase. Williams wanted to remind the commission that last year, the county received two payments in December for sales tax and Road and Bridge. This is not expected this year. Williams said each jail fund received $66,135.44 this month, and year to date each fund has a fund balance of over $886,600. Dent County Collector Dennis Medlock also brought in his November monthly report that was being reviewed by the commission. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said a crew will be tail ditching roads in the Bunker area and also on Dent County Road 5550. Tree limbs will also be trimmed on county road 5550. Purcell stated brush would be cut on county road 5380, but the roads are too frozen to grade. He said with the cold weather, workers are doing service on county truck #66 and on loader #924. General shop maintenance is also being done. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said a crew is replacing signs on Dent County Roads 4010 and 4020. He went on to report service was being done on truck #70 and he will have some workers helping District 1 with the loader service. He did state that pipes were being cleaned out on county roads 4280 and 4290 and while the men were out, they would pick up old pipes that had been replaced on county roads 3260 and 4050. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the 2019 budget work continues. Commissioner Purcell reported he attended the Missouri Department of Conservation workshop on the possibility of elk hunting in the 2020 season in Eminence on Thursday. There was discussion on the permit applications which would only be open to Missouri residents, landowner opportunities, possible season dates as well as hunting methods. No final decisions were made on anything. The board heard from Mike Elliott on the county’s MOPERM Insurance. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday at 9:00 and the meeting is open the public.

The Missouri Public Service Commission has established the deadline for those wishing to intervene and participate in a natural gas rate case filed by Union Electric Company d/b/a Ameren Missouri. Individual citizens wishing to comment should contact either the Office of the Public Counsel (Governor Office Building, 200 Madison Street, Suite 650, P.O. Box 2230, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-2230, or call (866) 922-2959 or the Public Service Commission Staff, P.O. Box 360, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-0360, or call telephone 1-800-392-4211. The Office of the Public Counsel is a separate state agency that represents the general public in matters before the Commission. On December 3rd, Ameren Missouri filed a natural gas rate case with the Missouri Public Service Commission seeking to increase annual natural gas revenues by approximately $4.26 million. According to Ameren Missouri’s filing, the average annual change in natural gas rates for residential customers will be approximately $26 a year. As part of its filing, Ameren Missouri seeks an interim rate reduction of approximately 1.43% to reflect 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. Ameren Missouri is seeking to implement the interim rate reduction on January 2, 2019 and it would remain in effect until the Commission decides the natural gas rate case.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley released these reports from cases heard Friday before Judge Sid Pearson. Stephen Cochran plead guilty to two separate cases for possession of a controlled substance. He was sentenced to a total of 10 years in Department of Corrections with the court retaining jurisdiction under statute 559.115. This was the sentence recommended by Prosecutor Andrew Curley. Also at those proceedings, William Haines plead guilty to possession of heroin and had his probation revoked for felony possession of a controlled substance. Haines was sentenced to 7 years in the Department of Corrections as recommended by statute. Also at the court proceedings, Robbie Smith had his probation revoked and was sentenced to 7 years in the Department of Corrections.

A one vehicle accident occurred Wednesday afternoon at 5:45 in Dent County on Highway 19 about five miles South of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier being driven by 25-year old Cory Nichols of Salem, was southbound on Highway 19 when he lost control of the vehicle after rounding a curve, causing the vehicle to travel off the right side of the road then striking a fence and overturning. The Chevrolet was totaled in the accident and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. Nichols received minor injuries but refused treatment at the scene. Nichols was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident.

The Salem Police Department has released reports for Friday, November 30th through Tuesday December 3rd. According to the report, on Friday November 30th at approximately 7:09 in the morning, an officer was dispatched to Country Mart parking lot on Highway 32 East in reference to an accident. The investigation of the accident led to the arrest of a 30-year old female of Salem for driving while being drugged. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and was released. A little over an hour later at approximately 8:37, the School Resource Officer was dispatched to the Salem Upper Elementary in reference to an assault. The investigation of the report revealed a 10-year-old male juvenile had struck a teacher. Further investigation led to the detention of the juvenile who was later released to a parent. The report will be forwarded to the Juvenile Office. On Monday morning, the 3rd of December at about 3:47, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of East Ninth in reference to a possible prowler. That investigation led to the arrest of a 37-year old male of Dixon on a fugitive warrant from Phelps County and a 25- year old male of Ava on a fugitive warrant from Douglass County. The two suspects were incarcerated pending extradition. That same afternoon at approximately 2:06, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of Parkview in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed a small rock had broken a window valued at $312.12 under unknown circumstances. The report is under investigation. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

Max Butler, a retired Federal Reserve employee of 40 years will be the guest speaker at the Dent County Historical Society Dinner Speaker
Series that will be held Tuesday, December 11th at the Pizza Inn meeting Room at starting at 6:00. The meeting room will be available for dinner at 5:00 and it is a “pay for your own” dinner. The Dent County Historical Society is sponsoring a tree at the Trees & Trains Exhibit at ONCRC in December. For more information call Deloris Gray Wood, Historical Society president, at 729-2545.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors next regular meeting will be held Tuesday afternoon, December 11th, at 12:00 noon in the hospital library. The meeting was moved up due to other events scheduled that evening that involved the board. The minutes of the November 13th regular meeting will be reviewed for approval. Administrator Kasey Lucas will give a summary of operations and statistics for the month of November, Debbie Hines will present the Chief Nursing Officer report, and Chris Strickland will give a report on the hospital foundation and auxiliary, along with a report on the hospital marketing and community perception. Patient satisfaction survey results will be reviewed and discussed for the 3rd quarter. In old business, the election filing begins December 11th and continues through January 15th, 2019 for an unexpired two (2) year term in District #2 and a six (6) year term for District #6. In new business, purchases will be reviewed. The board may then vote to go into closed session. The December regular meeting of the Salem Memorial District Hospital is open to the public.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning in the Courthouse. In the road report, District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell said his crews were grading and adding materials to Dent County Roads 4124 and 5550, plus grading only would be done on county road 6110. He also noted that brush was being cut on county roads 5390 and 5400. Purcell also reported that his crew was preparing for the forecasted storm and all snow removal equipment was being checked over. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that grading was being done and materials were being added to Dent County Road 4280 and that grading only would be done on county road 4290. He also reported that brush was being cut on county road 2500 and that truck #124 was being serviced. Larson noted that his crew was also preparing to push snow if needed and that low hanging tree limbs were being removed from Dent County Roads 2370 and 3020. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to thank all those ringing the bells for the Salvation Army and all the contributors. The Commissioners will be ringing bells today. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said that she balanced with the treasurer on all accounts for the month of November and that the Commissioners had reviewed her reports. She noted that the Commissioners were approving bills for payment and that her office continues to work on the 2019 budget. Phone bids were taken for 2,000 gallons of gasoline and MFA Oil was the low bidder at $1.7114 per gallon. Purcell and Larson noted that they had been informed that steel prices were going to increase 15% as of the first of the year. The Commissioners voted 3-0 to take bids for grader blades. The bids will be opened December 20th at 10:00. The Commissioners also voted 3-0 to renew the contract with Healthy Dent County for rural addressing services for 2019 with no changes from the 2018 contract. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams will send the last budgeted transfer from Senior Citizens Fund. She then discussed the previous open bank bids for county deposits. She recommended the commission reject both previous depository bids that were from January 1st through December 2019 from both banks. Williams and Skiles both talked to representatives with the bank of Salem and Progressive Ozark Bank. Both banks understood the circumstances of a short term bid and the challenges and concerns. In lieu of the bid rejection, Williams has requested an extension of the depository agreement with Progressive Ozark Bank from January 1st through June 30th, 2019. Williams recommends that the depository bids be taken in accordance with Missouri Revised Statute RSMO 110.130, that bids will be taken in the spring of 2019 for a four-year term that would begin on July 1st, 2019 and last through June 30th, 2023. Williams visited with all five banking institutions in Salem and they all indicated they would like to bid in 2019. The Commission approved Williams’ recommendation of the bid rejection and the extension of the current depository agreement with Progressive Ozark Bank until June 30th as well as soliciting of bids in the spring of 2019. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday morning in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Insurance reminds consumers that the enrollment period for individual health insurance plans sold on the federal Marketplace or directly by an insurance company ends on December 15, 2018. Individuals who haven’t shopped for insurance plans are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Consumers can access the department’s coverage map for more information on companies in their respective county. If you purchase health insurance through the federal marketplace, your cost may be reduced if you are eligible for an advanced premium tax credit (APTC). The credits are only available if you buy insurance on the marketplace and not on policies purchased through your employer. Missourians who have questions regarding association health plans (AHPs) or short-term limited-duration insurance should contact an insurance agent for more information. For more information or to utilize the department’s shopping tool, visit the department’s website at insurance.mo.gov or call the Insurance Consumer Hotline at 800-726-7390

The local Dent County Service Unit of the Salvation Army still needs your help to reach our goal this year. The famous red kettles and volunteer bell ringers will be located at Country Mart, Dollar General and Wal-Mart every Friday and Saturday until Christmas Eve. People will also find numerous counter kettles that are located at various locations throughout the community. The kettles are the primary way that funds are raised to continue to meeting the needs of the less fortunate in our community. This year’s goal is $30,000 which will be used throughout the year for those in need. The Salvation Army will continue its dedication to doing the most good not only during the holiday season, but year round. The work done by the Salvation Army could not be accomplished without the generosity of the citizens of Dent County. In addition to the red kettles, the Salvation Army is again partnering with Wal-Mart to host the Angel Tree. Dent County residents can now adopt an angel off the tree and purchase Christmas gifts for the angel. The Angel tree will be up until Monday, December 17th. If you have any questions about the Angel tree or the Salvation Army, call 729-8163.

The 13th annual Trees and Trains exhibit is open at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center with this year’s theme: Winter Wonderland at Night. See the beautifully decorated trees along with gorgeous wreaths and other Christmas arrangements, not to mention watching the toy trains, the apple of every young boy’s eye. The exhibit will be open every Monday through Saturday in December through Monday, Christmas Eve on December 24th. The hours at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center at 202 South Highway 19 in Salem are from 9:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays from 9:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon. The Trees and Trains exhibit will be open late tonight until 8:00 for everyone to come and hear the Salem Chamber Choir under the direction of Elaine Russell. They will begin singing at 6:30. The exhibit will be open on Christmas Eve from 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon. Santa will also be appearing in his North Pole Workshop from 12:00 until 5:00 on Saturdays beginning this Saturday, December 8th, as well as on the 15th, and 22nd. For more information, call (573) 729-0029.

A two vehicle accident occurred Wednesday morning in Dent County on Highway 32 about four miles west of Salem at 11:00. According to the report released by the Highway Patrol, the accident happened as a 2002 Toyota Tundra, being driven eastbound by 76-year old Fredrick Donaway, of Cabool, slowed to avoid a deer in the roadway and was struck from behind by a 2008 Ford Focus being driven by 18-year old Elizabeth Becherer of Salem. Donaway was taken by private vehicle to Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Both drivers were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Toyota received minor damage and was driven from the scene. The Ford Focus sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday evening at the Dent County Fire House. After an approval of the consent agenda, the bills for the month of November were reviewed and approved, and the budget was reviewed. The budget showed a general revenue balance at the end of October of $78,711.54. Reimbursement checks were dispersed, with a total of $29,590.00 for the year. All other accounts balanced and are on track with previous years. In the calendar review, it was announced the Toy Drive handout will be on Wednesday, December 19th. The monthly reimbursement report was presented for November and it showed a total of 16 calls for the month. In November, there were five structure fire calls, two flue fires, one car fire, four first responder calls, two vehicle accident calls, and two training calls. There has been 254 calls year to date with the average cost per call being $116.50. Bids for the new heating system were opened and after some discussion, a motion was made and carried to accept the bid from Victor Heating and Cooling for $14,500.00 and will include four 110,000 BTU heaters for the bay. A total of four bids were received. In new business, Chief Brad Nash reported the fire hydrant at the station site has been moved and is now in operation. Secretary Dave Wells reported that there were three Board openings for the April elections and all are 6-year terms. The filing fee has now been changed to match the county filing for of $50.00 in accordance with state statutes. The first board filing date will be December 11th at the Dent County Fire Department. The next meeting date was set for Tuesday, January 8th at 6:00 at the Dent County Fire House. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Spring Creek Artisans Christmas Fest will be held on this Friday evening from 5:00 until 8:00, and Saturday from 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon at the historic Bonebrake Center in Salem. You will find unique handcrafted Christmas gifts for everyone on your gift list. A wide variety of handmade items, from original paintings, wood carvings and turnings, pottery, baskets, fiber art, quilts, stained glass, wire wrapped jewelry, cards, metal sculpture, gourd art and Christmas items will be on sale. Come enjoy Christmas cookies, hot apple cider, and holiday music while shopping. Register to win the door prize a beautiful handcrafted wreath by Joanne and Russ Biros. They have several new artists creating beautiful and original work.

Come to Echo Bluff State Park to hear the Salem High School Chamber Choir as they help the park sing in the holiday season from 8:00 to 9:00 this Saturday, December 8th. Festivities begin with the lighting of the Christmas tree in the Betty Lea Lodge. Following the lighting, the Great Room will be filled with seasonal music as the choir performs classic Christmas carols. Finish out the evening in front of the fireplace with refreshments. This event is free and open to public. Echo Bluff State Park is located on Highway 19, approximately 25 miles south of Salem and approximately 14 miles north of Eminence. For more information about the event, call Echo Bluff State Park at 573-751-1224.