Local News

The Salem Police Department has released the following reports. On Wednesday morning, November 28th at approximately 10:05, an officer was contacted in reference to someone charging material to the account of another at Roberts Judson lumber valued $1,000.00. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 33-year-old male and a 36-year-old male both of Salem for stealing. Further investigation led to additional charges for both suspects. The 33- year old suspect was also charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. The 36-year old was also charged with the possession of methamphetamine paraphernalia and unlawful possession of a firearm. The two suspects were incarcerated pending warrant applications. A bit later that morning at approximately 11:20 an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a burglary. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown entered the garage of a residence and took a Husqvarna chainsaw valued at $400.00. The report is under investigation. On Friday morning, November 29th at approximately 10:40, an officer was dispatched to Casey’s General store located on Missouri Highway 32 East in reference to a theft of fuel. The investigation of the report revealed a 61-year old male of Bunker pumped fuel valued at $45.46 and left without paying. The report is under investigation. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an investigation.

Members of the Salem Chamber of Commerce are providing shoppers the opportunity to win up to $200. To enter, bring your receipts to the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Office and for each $100 spent at Chamber members businesses. Shoppers will be entered in the drawing one time. Only receipts from Salem Chamber Members will be entered and receipts must show business name, the date and the amount of the purchase. Shop now through December 7th and turn in your receipts before 11:00 on Monday, December 10th for the drawing to be held on that date. The third week of shopping will be from December 8th through 14th with receipt turn in by December 17th for the 11:00 AM drawing on that date. The final shopping period will be from December 15th through 21st. There will be an early drawing for the fourth week due to the holidays on December 21st at 11:00. For more information or to acquire a list of Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Members contact the Chamber of Commerce office at (573) 729-6900.

The Missouri Department of Insurance is encouraging consumers who are eligible for Medicare to review their plan options and costs during this year’s open enrollment. The open enrollment period, which runs now through December 7th, presents Missourians with the opportunity to change their Part D drug coverage or Medicare Advantage plans. To help consumers choose a plan that best meets their needs, the department offers free assistance to Missourians who are eligible for Medicare and their caregivers through the department’s CLAIM program. CLAIM can also help Missourians on a limited income determine whether they qualify for a Low-Income Subsidy and/or Medicare Savings Programs to offset the cost of their prescription drugs. Missourians can ask questions by phone or arrange one-on-one counseling by calling 1-800-390-3330 or visiting missouriclaim.org.

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 Dent County on Highway 32 about 14 miles east of Salem at 8:40 Tuesday morning. According to the highway patrol report, a 2004 Jeep Liberty driven westbound by 29-year old Samantha Kirkwood of Boss, started to slide and ran off the left side of the roadway where the Jeep struck a guard rail. Kirkwood suffered minor injuries and was taken by Salem Ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. She was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident and the Jeep sustained moderate damages. It was removed from the by Whitaker’s Towing.

Attention Residents of the City of Salem! Starting today and for the next couple of weeks, the Salem Water Department is going to be flushing fire hydrants all over town. You may notice that your water may be a bit murky for a little while in the area where the hydrants are being flushed. The water is safe to consume and it will clear up once all the hydrants have been flushed.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams reported on the CART monies received in November. She said the county received $56,441.84 compared to $56, 976.93 in November of 2017. Year-to-date, the county is up in CART receipts by $4,031.55. City of Salem Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge was in attendance to present the commission a monthly report of her activities. She reported on business sites and visits, economic prospects, GRO Dent County, available properties and current listings and provided the county with graphs on taxable sales per business group comparisons, sales for the city, sale for Dent County and the unemployment situation in Dent County. Burbridge said she would provide a monthly report to the commission to keep them up to date on her activities. Donald Dodd from the IDA wanted to let the commission know the next meeting of the Industrial Development Authority would be December 12th at 6:00. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 4080 and 5530. He said only grading would be done on county road 6040 and brush would be cut on county road 4210. Purcell also indicated shop maintenance was going to be done. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported that materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 2540 while grading only would be done on county roads 3050 and 4280. He also said materials would be added to county roads 2520 and 2530 as part of the Department of Conservation agreement for those roads going into conservation areas. Larson went on to say patch grading would be done on Dent County Roads 3180 and 3220. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to congratulate all those who were a part of the Christmas Parade of Lights Saturday and for those who attended to watch. He said he has heard nothing but good reviews on the parade. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she is still working on the 2019 budget requests form office holders. 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.

The Dent County Sheriff’s office has released several reports. On Tuesday, November 27th, deputies responded to the 5000 block of Highway YY in reference to a domestic assault. During the course of the investigation, a 61-year old Cedar Hill man was arrested for possession of marijuana. The male was taken to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, issued summons and released. That same day, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Highway 72 near American Muffler and Tire. During the course of the traffic stop, a 22-year old Desoto man was arrested for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana/synthetic cannabinoid of 10 grams or less. The man was taken to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, issued a summons and released. The next day, Wednesday, November 28th, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 1400 block of Highway 32 East. During the course of the traffic stop, an 18-year old Salem man was arrested for the possession of marijuana/synthetic cannabinoid of 10 grams or less and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. The man was taken to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, issued a summons and released. And finally on Saturday, December 1st, deputies conducted a traffic stop at US Foods parking lot. During the course of the traffic stop, an 18-year old Salem man was arrested for driving while being intoxicated, minor visibly intoxicated with a blood content more than 0.020%, and operating a motor vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner. He was taken to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, issued summons, and released. If anyone has any information about an ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will conduct their December meeting tonight at the fire station beginning at 6:00 in the evening. After approval of the agenda, as well as the minutes from the November meeting, the Board will hear a financial report, review and approve bills, disburse reimbursement checks and review the budget. The Board will review the calendar for upcoming events and the monthly reimbursement report will be presented. Then the Board will address any old or new business and hear reports. The Board will also set the date for the January meeting to be held at the fire station beginning at 6:00 for January 8th, since the first Tuesday falls on New Years Day. The December meeting of the Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors is open to the public.

Do you want to help make a Dent County child’s Christmas morning bright? You can Adopt-an-Angel from the Salvation Army’s Christmas tree located this year at Wal-Mart. This year a total of 280 children have been registered for this program. This is an increase from previous year’s totals and we need your help in “adopting” these angels. 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, this is just a guideline. Once you are finished shopping, bring the unwrapped gifts to the Wal-Mart Service Desk along with the angel tag by Monday, December 17th. Your gifts will be distributed to your adopted “angel” on Wednesday, December 19th. For questions, please contact the Dent County Service Unit of the Salvation Army at 729-8163.

The Salem Chamber Choir will be singing this Thursday night at the Trees and Trains Exhibit at the ONCRC at 202 South Main Street starting at 6:30. Everyone is welcome to attend and there is no charge to enter.

An accident happened in Phelps County on Highway 72 at Phelps County Road 4070 about four miles east of Rolla Friday afternoon at 12:20 that took the life of a Rolla man and left two others with injuries. According to the highway patrol, a 1999 Ford Crown Victoria driven by 20-year old Saad Alsaihan of Rolla, was on the southbound shoulder of Highway 72 when Alsaihan attempted to make a U-turn crossing into the path of a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado driven southbound by 68-year old Carolyn Whitaker of Salem. The Chevy struck the drivers side of the Ford and both vehicles came to rest on the east shoulder of Highway 72. Alsaihan was pronounced dead at th scene by Phelps County Coroner Andy Davis. His body as released to the Phelps County Coroner. Suffering moderate injuries was Carolyn Whitaker and she was taken to the Phelps County regional Medical Center by the Phelps County Ambulance. Minor injuries were suffered by 21-year old Almujaweb Abdulhadi of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and he was taken to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center by the Phelps County Ambulance. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by C&C Towing of Rolla. Whitaker and Abdulhadi were wearing seat restraints when the accident occurred while Alsaihan was not wearing his seat belt.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and City of Salem Christmas Parade of Lights was held Saturday night starting from Grand Avenue and finishing up around the courthouse square. A total of 50 entries were witnessed by numerous onlookers on a breezy, but pleasant evening. This year’s Grand Marshall was George Gruendel. If you missed the parade, go to the KSMO Facebook page for a You Tube video.

The Salem Police Department has released the following reports. On Wednesday afternoon, November 21st at approximately 4:55, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of Westwood Drive in reference to drug activity. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 40-year old female of Salem for the possession of drug paraphernalia used with opiates. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Later that night at approximately 10:40, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 43-year old male of St. James for driving while being intoxicated. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Friday night, November 23rd at 7:45, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 21-year old male of Salem for driving while having his license suspended. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. A bit later that evening at approximately 8:50, an 18-year old male of Salem turned himself in at the Salem Police Department on warrants from Laclede County, Missouri. The suspect was taken into custody onthe warrant and later released with a court date after posting bond. On Saturday afternoon, November 24th at about 1:50, an officer was dispatched to Classic Joy Ride Auto Sales located on Craig Industrial Drive in reference to a stolen vehicle. That investigation revealed a person or persons unknown stole a blue 1999 Dodge Ram 3500 valued at $12,200.00 from the lot. The report is under investigation. Later that afternoon at approximately 5:12, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of an 81-year old male of Salem for driving while being intoxicated. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Then on Sunday morning, November 25th at about 4:58, an officer was dispatched to the Casey’s General Store located on Highway 32 in reference to a counterfeit bill. The investigation of the report revealed an unknown person passed a counterfeit one-hundred-dollar bill. The bill was a copy that is used for training people in foreign countries and can be purchased on the internet. These bills usually have red lettering of some kind on one side of the bill. The report is under investigation. Later that afternoon at approximately 3:18, an officer was dispatched to the Casey’s General Store located on Highway 19 South in reference to reported drug use in the parking lot. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 24-year old female of Licking for the possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia and a 27-year old male of Salem for the possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana. The suspects were incarcerated pending the application for warrants. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

An accident in Phelps County Wednesday afternoon at 12:30 On Route HH about two miles north of Route E that left two Rolla residents with serious injuries. According to the report, a 2000 Chevrolet 3500 driven southbound by 47-year old Rodger Jones of Rolla, went off the right side of the road when Jones overcorrected causing the Chevy to travel off the left side of the roadway and where the vehicle struck trees and a fence. Jones was taken to the Phelps County Regional Medial Center with his serious injuries, while a passenger, 30-year old Tiffany McCormick of Rolla was flown to the University Hospital in Columbia with her serious injuries. Jones was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident while it is unknown if McCormick was wearing hers. The Chevy Pickup was totaled and removed from the scene by C&C Towing.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning for their regular meeting at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated patch grading would be done on Dent County Road 6090 while materials would be added and patch grading would be done on county road 5510. Purcell said that prior to the patch grading and adding materials, the work crew will have to do road maintenance on county road 5510 as a crossover pipe is exposed. He is asking the public to use caution in that area. Purcell also said workers were servicing grader #24 and the springs are being replaced on snow plow truck #119. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported materials would be added and grading would be done on Dent County Road 2533. He also said work on a creek crossing on Dent County Road 3180 would be done as the culvert pipe is clogged up and materials will have to be added to the road. Larson also said brush would be cut on county roads 2530 and 2540. He went on to report he attended the Dent County Extension Council meeting Monday and also attended the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District Annual Dinner and Awards Banquet Tuesday after the meeting. Dent County Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management Executive Board Meeting Tuesday as well as the dinner and awards banquet. Skiles presented an invoice from the City of Salem for building permits and the plan review of the new jail project. The amount came to $8,730.50. The commissioners approved the bill to be paid. The board also approved the low telephone bid for 7,000 gallons of diesel from County Fuels from Eminence for $2.1060 per gallon. City Administrator Ray Walden and the new Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge came into the meeting at about 9:00. Burbridge discussed her background and talked about getting caught up on city ordinances and policies as well getting acquainted with information on the state of Missouri that can help her with her position. Sarah Massengale from the Dent County Extension Council came in with their budget request for the 2019 fiscal year. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On Thursday evening, November 15th at about 5:32, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 24-year-old female of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $24.88. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. That evening at about 11:00, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 19-year-old male of Salem for driving while being intoxicated. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Saturday, November 17th at about 6:49 in the evening, an officer was dispatched to the Mobil Convenience Store in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed a 26-year-old male of El Dorado, Missouri had stolen merchandise valued at $23.19. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was also found to be in possession of marijuana. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and released. On Sunday morning, November 18th at 7:24, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of North Water in reference to an assault. The investigation revealed a 39-year-old female of Salem had assaulted a 47-year-old male of Salem. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was issued a summons to appear in court and released. That day at about 1:15 PM, an officer was dispatched to Casey’s General Store located on Missouri Highway 32 East in reference to the theft of fuel. The investigation of the report revealed a male driving a silver Kia Optima pumped fuel valued at $39.00 and left without paying. The report is under investigation. On Monday afternoon, November 19th at approximately 4:19, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1000 block of West Ellis in reference to an assault. The investigation of the report revealed that two females, ages 40 and 47 both of Salem, had assaulted a 26-year-old female of Salem and left the scene. The report is under investigation. If you have information regarding any ongoing investigation, please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.

This Saturday will be a festive day in Salem. Residents and guests are encouraged to check out the 13th Annual Trees and Trains Exhibit at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center from 9:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon. It is a collection of beautifully decorated Christmas trees along with wreathes and other Christmas arrangements, not to mention watching those miniature trains make their way through scenery and towns. This year’s theme is “Winter Wonderland at Night.” At the Salem Community Center @The Armory, there will be holiday gift wrapping done to help benefit the Salem High School Project Graduation. If you already have found gifts for your loved ones and don’t have time to wrap them or really just struggle mightily trying wrap, let them do it for you and they only ask for a donation toward Project Graduation. They will be there from 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon. They will also have coffee, hot chocolate, candy cane and baked goods available for purchase. Out at the American Legion Walker-Roney Post #99, the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary will have a Kid’s Party for children from newborn up to 10-years of age. There will be a Coloring Center, gifts, crafts, cookies and juice, and parents can take pictures of their children with Santa, but bring your own camera as no photographer will be in attendance. Also on Saturday, Town & Country Bank will be hosting an Open House. Santa Claus is expected to make an appearance there plus they will have cookies and cocoa available. Stop by anytime between 2:00 and 4:00 in the afternoon at the Highway 32-72 East location. And of course, the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and City of Salem annual Christmas Parade of Lights will start at 5:30 starting on Grand Avenue and making its way east down Franklin, then going north on McArthur and turning east at 4th Street before ending around the courthouse square. The theme this year is “The Wonder of Christmas Morning” with George Gruendel from Salem having been selected as this year’s Parade Marshall. As of Wednesday at noon, there were 43 entries in the parade. Make plans to attend all the events if you can, and enjoy getting into the season this Saturday in Salem!

A accident happened early Wednesday morning at 6:31 in Phelps County about a mile north of Rolla on Phelps Country Road 2030. According to the highway patrol report, a 2010 Chevrolet Impala being driven by 22-year old Samantha Vaughan of Rolla was traveling northbound when she fell asleep. The vehicle traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. The Chevrolet was totaled in the accident and removed from the scene by C & C Towing. Vaughan received minor injuries and was taken to Phelps County Regional Medical Center for treatment. The driver was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident.

Members of the Salem Chamber of Commerce are providing shoppers the opportunity to win up to $200. To enter, bring your receipts to the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Office and for each $100 spent at Chamber members businesses. Shoppers will be entered in the drawing one time. Only receipts from Salem Chamber Members will be entered and receipts must show business name, the date and the amount of the purchase. Shop now through November 30th, then turn in the receipts before 11:00 Monday morning, December 3rd for the drawing to be held that morning. Receipts for December 1st through 7th drawing are to be turned in by December 10th for the 11:00 AM drawing on that date. The third week of shopping will be from December 8th through 14th with receipt turn in by December 17th for the 11:00 AM drawing on that date. The final shopping period will be from December 15th through 21st. There will be an early drawing for the fourth week due to the holidays on December 21st at 11:00. For more information or to acquire a list of Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Members contact the Chamber of Commerce office at (573) 729-6900.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will host public open houses in December and take comments on options for a future, limited elk-hunting season in Missouri. MDC will hold the open houses in communities around its elk management zone in Carter, Reynolds, and Shannon counties. They will run from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and be held Monday, December 3rd at Van Buren High School Cafeteria, on Tuesday, December 4th at Ellington City Hall and Thursday, December 6th at Eminence High School Cafeteria. At the open houses, MDC staff will inform the public about how the Department is managing wild elk in and around its elk management zone in the Ozarks, including herd size and anticipated growth, herd health, and how MDC is working with area landowners. MDC staff will also seek public input for a limited, future elk hunting season, including season timing, season length, hunting methods, permit allocation, future landowner opportunities, and more. Staff will also be available to answer questions. To learn more about the elk population in Missouri from the Conservation Department, check out this site: nature.mdc.mo.gov/

The Salem Varsity Quiz Bowl team fell just short of capturing the Salem Invitational Tournament Saturday, November 17th as they took 2nd place, losing to Jeff City Helias Catholic Team “A” in the finals by the score of 280-210. Each team had gone undefeated into that final match. The Salem JV Quiz Bowl team also played well and came in 3rd in the tournament. Five Salem Quiz Bowl players took individual trophies in the tournament: Arley Gale took the 2nd Place Individual Varsity Medal, Katrina Parks took the 3rd Place Individual Varsity Medal and Martin Jones took the 7th Place Individual Varsity Medal. Nate Darby captured the 2nd Place individual JV Medal and Ashton Haffer was able to snare the 6th Place JV Individual Medal. Playing on the varsity team were Gale, Parks, Jones, Olivia Erway and Emma Schott; while the JV team was comprised of Darby, Haffer and Alyssa Stotler as the JV played a person short in the tournament. The Salem Quiz Bowl Teams are coached by Susan Sheeley and Will Hubbs.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On November 21st, deputies received a report of a burglary that had occurred near the 1200 block of Dent County Road 4090. During the course of the investigation, a dresser, tool box, bolt bin, and several other items were found to be stolen. This report is still under investigation. That same day, deputies conducted a traffic stop at the AutoZone Parking lot. During the course of the traffic stop, items that field tested positive for methamphetamine were found inside the vehicle. As a result a 53-year-old Salem woman was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. The female was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. If anyone has information on the burglary, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On Friday, November 9th at about 9:50 in the evening, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 34-year-old male of Springfield, Missouri for the possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while having his license suspended. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and released. On Tuesday morning, November 13th at approximately 10:01, an officer was dispatched to Phil-Mart in reference to a stolen vehicle. That investigation revealed an unknown male stole a gray 2002 Ford Focus while the owner went in to pay for fuel. That afternoon at about 1:30, an officer located the stolen vehicle and the suspect at McDonald’s restaurant. The suspect, a 20-year-old male of Cuba, Missouri, was taken into custody and incarcerated pending the application for warrants. Also on Tuesday afternoon at about 2:56, November 13th, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report revealed that a 36 year-old female of Salem had stolen merchandise valued at $14.04 and left the store. The report is under investigation. That evening at about 6:03, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1000 block of East First in reference to an assault. The investigation of the report revealed that a 26 year-old female of Salem had assaulted a 37 year-old female and a 23 year-old female, both of Salem. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Wednesday, November 14th at about 1:30 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of North Park in reference to someone tampering with city utilities. That investigation revealed a 56-year-old male suspect had tampered with a utility base in order to obtain free electricity. The report is under investigation. If you have information regarding any ongoing investigation, please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.

The US Small Business Administration is hosting a comprehensive workshop designed to help our community become Rural Strong on Wednesday, December 5th. This workshop will inform entrepreneurs, small business owners and stakeholders about all the federal services and programs that are available in the area through the SBA and the USDA’s Rural Development Agency. Government and community organizations are also welcome to come and learn about the programs as well as the lending products and resources powered by the SBA. Interested participants will also learn about new SBA rural loan fee reductions and other SBA incentives. This workshop will be held from 10:00 in the morning until noon at the Meramec Regional Planning Commission at #4 Industrial Drive in St. James. Pre-registration is requested, but not required. All SBA programs are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. For more information, contact Angela Wells at 314-539-6613 or Thomas Daiber at 314-539-6612.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that young hunters ages 6 through 15 harvested 2,556 deer during Missouri’s late youth portion of the 2018 deer hunting season, November 23rd through the 25th. Of the 2,556 deer harvested, 1,140 were antlered bucks, 336 were button bucks, and 1,080 were does. In Dent County, 24 deer were harvested made up of 10 antlered bucks, 4 button bucks and 10 does. Last year’s harvest total for the late youth portion was 3,115. Archery deer hunting continues through January 15th, 2019. The alternative methods portion will run December 22nd through January 1st, 2019.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting. In the road report, both Commissioners Gary Larson and Dennis Purcell stated that with the high winds Sunday, crews would be out checking for downed limbs and trees. Purcell said he received a call about a tree down on Friday on Dent County Road 4110 and the county crew took care of that. He also said some trees were down on Highway 19 South. Both commissioners also said the crews would be checking for areas of black ice that could make travel dangerous and treating them. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said the commissioners needed to approve renewing the county health insurance program. The county would still offer three options to workers. The standard option has a $3,500 deductible with two other employee options that have a $2,500 deductible and a $1,500 deductible where the employee could contribute to the policy. The cost of the insurance this year actually went down a few dollars as the county insurance rating improved to an “A” rating. The commission also approved renewing their policy of covering the remaining $2,000 of the deductible after the first $1,500 is paid by the employee. Skiles talked about the MAC Conference and said it went well. He said Governor Mike Parson spoke at the conference. Skiles went on to say that he and Commissioner Larson would be attending the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District Executive Board meeting and full council meeting today at the MRPC offices in Rolla. The commission reviewed and approved a resolution on the lawsuit they joined about the opiod epidemic and that the unlawful distribution of prescription controlled substances has created a public nuisance and a serious public health and safety crisis for Dent County citizens. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley revisited with the commission the fees to be charged for permits for the ATV and UTV. Back in September, the commissioners voted to go with having people purchase an annual permit for $10 for any person who wanted to ride the county roads in Dent County with an ATV or UTV. After a long discussion and checking with the surrounding counties for the fees they charge, the commissioners agreed to continue to offer an annual permit for a fee of $10 or give the people the option of getting a permanent permit for a particular ATV or UTV for $20. At the last meting, Nick Smith and Dwight Ransburg with Septagone Construction Management gave an update on the new jail. They went over the budget report which showed the budget at $12,893,956. Totals payments to date are $1,137,249.68. Septagone also recommended going with Palmerton and Parrish to perform quality control testing. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met Monday night, November 19th at the Health Center. Administrator Kendra Mobray reported there were 46 clients who received outpatient lab services in October. She said that flu shots are still available at the Health Center on a walk-in basis and they will bill most insurances, Medicaid, and Medicare. Mobray stated Joan Raulston will be attending a Prevention Conference with other Prevention Coalition members on November 28th & 29th. Kendra reported the PDMP ordinance and user agreements were signed by Dent County Commissioners and mailed to St Louis County Department of Health on October 25th. The implementation process is expected to begin soon. Mobray also said she and Jennifer Roderman will be attending a Public Information and All Hazards Event SEMA training on November 28th & 29th. The board approved the closing of the Health Center on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. After a long discussion about staffing and client load, the board approved opening a 3/5ths clerical position. Due to scheduling conflicts, the Health Center staff Christmas Dinner will be postponed until January. The next meeting of the Board of Trustees meeting date was set for Monday, December 17th at 5:00.

According to a report released from the highway patrol, an accident happened Monday morning at 7:35 in Phelps County on Route E, just north of Route Y. The accident occurred as a 2006 Ford Freestar, owned and operated by 35-year old Gina Schafer of Rolla, was southbound when the vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a fence. A passenger in the vehicle, seven-year old Gracie Schafer of Rolla, received minor injuries and was transported to Phelps County Regional Medical Center by private vehicle for treatment. The Ford sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing.

Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) will launch its second series of Meramec Morning gatherings at 10:00 in the morning on November 28th at the Edgar Springs City Hall, located at 555 Broadway St. in Edgar Springs. This round of county-level gatherings will be entitled “Grants 101: Strategies for Success.” Local elected officials, community leaders, non-profits and interested citizens are invited to attend to learn the basics of grant preparation and to discuss specific projects local leaders may be pursuing. Last year, MRPC hosted Meramec Morning meetings in all eight counties and gathered a list of needs in each county. That information was helpful in updating the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, which is on track for completion by December 31st, 2018. MRPC will be hosting a Meramec Morning in every Meramec county, starting in November and running through July 2019. The Dent County meeting will be held February 27th in Salem. For more information on Meramec Mornings, Assistant Director Tammy Snodgrass at 573-265-2993 or via email at tsnodgrass@meramecregion.org.

An accident occurred Sunday morning at 12:56 in Dent County on Highway 32, about eight miles east of Licking. According to the highway patrol report, a 2011 Ford Focus, driven by 74-year old Paul Davis of Willow Springs, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck an embankment. Davis suffered moderate injuries and was transported by the Texas County Ambulance to Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston. The Ford sustained total damage and was towed by Jaus of Houston. Davis was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Toy Drive and the Salvation Army Angel Tree signups will be held TODAY and Thursday, November 29th from 3:00 to 6:00 in the afternoon at the Dent County Fire Station. Requirements are that children must be between the ages of newborn to 12 years, they must live with the parent/guardian who is signing the child up, and must reside in Dent County. Parents need to bring proof that they meet these requirements. This can be a print out from Division of Family Services. If financial aid is not received, parents can bring a letter from the school the child attends stating that the children live with that parent and the grade they are in. In addition, proof of residency can be presented in the form of a utility bill, a voter registration card or something similar. People can donate gently used toys in very good condition or brand new toys. They can be dropped off during normal business hours at the Dent County Fire Station or the front office of the KSMO Studios. Monetary donations may also be accepted at both locations. If you are unable to drop off toys, volunteers can pick them up if necessary provided enough notice is given. Parents or guardians may pickup the toys and the Angel Tree donations on Monday, December 19th beginning from 9:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon Dent County Fire Station. For more information about the toy drive, contact Dianne Godi at (573) 247-2216 or Sara Myers at (573) 453-6551. If you need more information about the Salvation Army Angel Tree that will be at Wal-Mart this year, call 729-8163.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested a near-record 199,427 deer during the November portion of fall firearms deer season, November 10th through the 20th. Of the 199,427 deer harvested, 102,930 were antlered bucks, 19,924 were button bucks, and 76,573 were does. Top harvest counties were Franklin with 4,021 deer checked, Howell with 3,858, and Callaway with 3,695. Dent County accounted for 1,378 antlered bucks, 330 button bucks and 1,181 does for a total of 2,889 total deer harvested. Last year hunters checked 192,797 deer during the 2017 November portion of firearms deer season. The recent-record season was 2012 with 204,668 deer harvested. For current ongoing preliminary harvest totals by season, county, and type of deer, and harvest summary from past years visit the MDC website. MDC reported eight firearms-related hunting incidents during the November portion of firearms deer season of which three involved fatalities — two of which occurred incidental to hunting while at hunting camps and one self-inflicted incident while in the field. Of the five non-fatal incidents, four were self-inflicted and the fifth occurred when the shooter struck a victim while swinging on game. Deer hunting in Missouri continues with archery deer hunting season through January 15th, 2019. Lastly, the alternative methods portion will run December 22nd through January 1st, 2019.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley has released information on the following cases ruled on in court on November 19th by Judge Kelly Parker. Julia Henson pled guilty to possession of heroin and suboxone. With no prior criminal history, Henson received a suspended sentence with 5 years probation involving drug treatment, among numerous other terms of probation. Austin Carter pled guilty to the possession of methamphetamine and received 7 years suspended imposition of sentence with 5 years probation and parole as requested by the State. Shawn Smith pled guilty to three counts of distribution of a controlled substance. Smith was sentenced to 15 years in the Division of Corrections under Section 559.115 as recommended by the sentencing assessment report and by the State. Leonard Eplin pled guilty to distribution, unlawful possession of a firearm, and possession of a controlled substance in a county jail. Eplin was sentenced to 12 years in the Department of Corrections due to prior felony criminal history as requested by the State.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday evening at 7:00 in the city hall council chambers. After the consent agenda, the board heard from Parks and Recreation Director Tye Lydon who reported on the Park Board Meeting of November 8th. City Administrator Ray Walden then reported that media was presented information pertaining to snow routes in the City. He said that the City makes every effort to work with vehicle owners when they have left vehicles in the snow routes. Walden also noted that the City Offices would be closed November 22nd and 23rd for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Resolution #5-2018, a resolution providing for the Municipal Election for one west ward Alderman and one east ward Alderman for the City of Salem on April 2nd, 2019, was introduced and read. The Resolution passed 4-0. Resolution #6-2018, a resolution approving the sale of surplus city inventory and personal property deemed obsolete and unusable by the City using Purple Wave as the sale convenience was introduced and read, and was approved 4-0. In new and miscellaneous business, the board voted 4-0 to keep the salaries of newly elected officials the same at $400.00 a month after the municipal election. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Dent County Sheriffs department has released some reports. On Friday October 26th, deputies conducted a traffic stop near the 3000 block of North Highway 19. The driver, a 45 year-old Rolla man, was arrested for driving while suspended. He was taken to the Dent County Jail, fingerprinted, issued summons and released. Later that day, deputies responded to the 3000 block of Highway 32 West for a report of an abandoned four-wheeler. During the course of the investigation the four-wheeler was discovered to be stolen from Houston Missouri. The vehicle was returned to the owner. On Friday November 2nd, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Tower Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 34 year-old Salem man was arrested for failure to register as a sex offender. He was taken to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. On Sunday November 4th, deputies responded to the area of Highway H and Highway C for a report of a domestic disturbance. During the course of the investigation, a 41 year-old Salem man was arrested for domestic assault in the 4th degree. He was taken to the Dent County Jail, issued a summons and released. On Monday November 5h, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Highway P. During the course of the traffic stop, a 53 year-old Salem man was arrested for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while revoked or suspended, hindering prosecution of a felony and possession of a controlled substance. The man was taken to the Dent County Sheriff’s Department and incarcerated. Then on Thursday November 8th, deputies conducted a traffic stop near the 100 block of County Road 6690. During the course of the traffic stop, a 32 year-old male was arrested for a warrant through probation and parole. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and incarcerated. On Friday November 9th, deputies conducted a traffic stop near the 1000 block of County Road 5070. During the course of the traffic stop, a 32 year- old Salem man was arrested for driving while revoked/suspended 2nd or subsequent offense. The man was transported to the Dent County jail, issued summons and released. And finally on Monday November 12th, deputies traveled to the 500 block of East Roosevelt Street for a warrant check. During the course of the investigation, a 37 year-old Salem man was arrested on Dent County warrants. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated.

The Salvation Army Angel Tree signups for the Angel Tree will be November 26th and November 29th from 3:30 to 5:30 pm at the Dent County Fire Station. The Angel Tree is for children 12-years and under and you must bring proof of number of children in your household. The Angel Tree pickup will be Monday, December 19th beginning just before 9:00 am at the Dent County Fire Station. For any question about the Salvation Army Angel Tree call 729-8163.