Local News

The Salem Park and Recreation Board met Wednesday evening at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Salem Park and Rec Director Melissa DuBois gave her report and said the youth basketball season went very well with trophies handed out for the 1st and 2nd place teams, MVP awards for the best boy and girl and a Coach of the Year Award. She reported the “Skills and Drills” football camp was a huge success with 135 children participating. She wanted to express her biggest thanks to Andrew Wynn for his help in keeping the event organized and Salem R-80 Head Coach Dylan Wyrick for bringing some high school players and working with the kids. DuBois explained that she was able to help Healthy Dent County find six retractable basketball goals through govdeals.com and then was with them through the bidding process. This process helped save Healthy Dent County over $20,000 for goals that far exceeded what was expected to be installed. Dubois said 33 children and their parents are signed up for the “Start Smart” Soccer program and late signups for the Youth Soccer Program will continue until Friday at 4:30. She said she is working on the Summer Program this year and it will be a two week all day camp. She is trying to make sure that the camp is held during a time when very few other events are happening. DuBois said the Park and Rec Department was able to purchase five metal picnic tables that used to be at Scoops and put them in front of the baseball concession stand and in the park playground pavilion. DuBois discussed with the board about selling shaved ice at the pool this year and buying a new machine. She also discussed with the board about getting new cheese warmers and a popcorn machine for events. The board approved her request to purchase these items for the concession areas this year. The board reviewed admission prices for the Alice Lou Craig Swimming Pool and also pavilion rentals. The pool prices will remain the same as last year: $4.00 for children and senior citizens and $5.00 for adults. Family pool passes will stay at $160 for two adults and two children with an additional $45 charge for any other family member over those four. Individual pool passes will also stay at $75. Water Aerobics and swim lessons will also remain the same at $50 per month for aerobics and $45 for swim lessons. Pool parties will be unchanged at $150 for the first hour with each additional hour $50. Pavilion rentals will also be the same as last year with $45 for the day for the large pavilion and $35 for the day at the small pavilion. Dubois did request having a pre-season sale of family pool passes for $130 and individual pool passes for $60. She also wanted to offer discounts on private and shared pool parties as well as offering to rent out the Pool Pavilion for parties for $75 for two hours. These pre-season special prices will only be offered in March and April. The board approved her request to offer the pre-season sale. Dubois did report that a Memorandum of Understanding between the Park and Recreation Department and Healthy Dent County for the use of the gym has been negotiated and is all but ready to be signed by both parties. The board also discussed and reviewed the application for the LWCF grant for the new soccer park that is to be submitted by midnight Friday night. Informational discussions on the City Auditorium Theatre improvements, the skate park and possibly adding a concrete ping pong table at one of the pavilions were held with no decisions being made. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On Thursday evening, January 30th at about 8:58, an officer was dispatched to the Salem Police Department to speak with a female about a domestic disturbance that had occurred on Warfel Street. An investigation was conducted and as a result of that investigation, a 23-year-old Salem man was arrested and issued summons to appear in court. On Saturday morning, February 1st at about 1:21, an officer attempted to make a traffic stop on a vehicle for a speeding violation. The vehicle refused to stop right away. After a short pursuit the vehicle stopped near the intersection of Warfel and Third Streets. As a result of the investigation, two 22-year-old males were arrested and issued summons to appear in court for possession of Marijuana as well as a DWI and traffic offences for the driver. On Tuesday morning, February 4th at about 8:08, the School Resource Officer was contacted by school officials about a juvenile being in possession of alcohol on school grounds. After an investigation it was found that a juvenile student was in possession of a vape device and also cans of beer. The juvenile was detained, and the case is being forwarded to the Dent County Juvenile office for further investigation. That afternoon at about 4:56, an officer was dispatched to area of Grand and Third Streets for a report of a stolen vehicle. An investigation was conducted. Later in the evening the vehicle was located in Cabool. The suspect and driver of the stolen car were arrested and placed in the Dent County Jail on a 24-hour hold pending the application of warrants. The suspect is a 30-year-old female from Springfield, Missouri. On Thursday, February 6th near 3:30 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to the Salem Memorial District Hospital to transport a 38-year old male of Alton, Missouri to Joplin for a 96-hour evaluation. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital and the Columbia Vet Center are teaming up to provide area Veterans with services such as Veterans Health Administration enrollment as well as counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder and military sexual trauma TODAY at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Rolla at 500 South Bishop from 9:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon at their Mobile Vet Center. The Mobile Vet Center is a 37-foot-long mobile resource unit that not only allows veterans to enroll and seek counseling, but also provides services such as bereavement, marriage and family counseling. They also can provide additional resources for Veterans that include VA benefits information and suicide prevention referrals. The customized MVC vehicle is equipped with confidential counseling space to extend access to these VA services to Veterans, service members and their families, especially those living in rural or remote communities. The Mobile Vet Center also provides readjustment counseling and information resources to Veterans to assist them in the difficult transition between military and civilian life. For more information, call (573) 814-6206.

Gary Brown, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Board of Commissioners, has called for a Public Hearing by the Board for Tuesday evening, February 18th, at 6:30 in the City Hall Council Chambers, 202 North Washington. The Public Hearing is relative to the proposed annexation of commercial property at 1805 South Main owned by Charles W. and Janet L. Cunningham Trust. Immediately following the closing of the Public Hearing, the Board will conduct a Public Meeting at the same location to discuss annexation and zoning of the property at 1805 South Main, short-term rentals, and wineries and meadery. The public hearing and public meeting are both open to the public.

The Salem Rotary Club Annual Pancake Day will be held this Saturday morning from 7:00 until 11:00 at the Salem Middle School. The cost is $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for children that are 12 years of age and under. Rotary members will be serving up “all you can eat” pancakes, sausage, coffee and milk. Tickets are available from any Rotary Club member in advance or you can buy your tickets at the door. The money that is raised goes toward community projects and scholarships.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released the following reports. On Sunday, January 26th, a Deputy responded to the 500 block of County
Road 6590 for a report of a burglary which had occurred at a neighboring residence on County Road 6590. Upon arrival, the Deputy discovered that a 55 year-old man and a 59 year-old man were the reported victims of the burglary. This investigation is still ongoing. Then on Wednesday, January 29th, Deputies responded to the 1300 block of Iron Mountain Road for a report of a theft. Upon arrival, Deputies discovered that a 56 year-old man was the reported victim. This investigation is still ongoing. Finally on Friday, January 31st, Deputies traveled to a residence in the 700 block of County Road 6620 to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 29 year-old Licking man was arrested for an active warrant through the Licking Police Department. The man was later transported to a Licking Police Department Officer. Also on the 31st Deputies traveled to a residence in the 1500 block of South Gertrude Street to serve an arrest warrant through Dent County. During the course of the incident, a 25 year-old Salem man was arrested for the active warrant. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he later posted bond and was released. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241 if you have any information on an ongoing investigation.

A two vehicle accident happened Monday afternoon at 4:00 in Shannon County on Highway 19 about a mile north of Eminence. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2005 Buick Century being driven by 35-year old Joshua Galardo of Eminence was traveling north on Highway 19 when he ran off the roadway and overcorrected, crossed the centerline and struck a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt being driven by 57-year old Jerald Keeling also of Eminence. Galardo suffered moderate injuries. Keeling received minor injuries. Both drivers were transported by ambulance to Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains. According to the report, neither were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Buick was totaled and removed from the scene by Bakers Towing of Birch Tree. The Cobalt sustained moderate damage was removed by Sartin’s Towing of Winona.

The Salem Park and Recreation Board will be meeting today at 5:30 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. At the meeting, the board will hear the report from Park and Recreation Director Melissa DuBois who will talk about the football “Skills and Drills” camp, the Start Smart Soccer signups, the Your Soccer league signups, the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Pools, give an update on the Community Center Gym and talk about the baseball, softball and T-Ball Opening Day Ceremonies. The board will also receive a copy of the updated Park Board by-laws, and hear about the LWCF Grant application for the Soccer Park. After any miscellaneous business is heard, the meeting will adjourn. The meeting of the City of Salem Park and Recreation Board is open to the public.

The Meramec Regional Planning Commission is working to convene a consortium for the Opioid Affected Youth Initiative. In October of 2019, MRPC was awarded a $997,000 grant to develop a two-phase, three-year project through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). MRPC was one of seven grant recipients nationwide for this round of funding. The consortium will consist of membersfrom law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, probation, children’s division, health care, mental health, prevention organizations, schools and counselors. The three-year project will be delivered in two phases. During the initial phase, the consortium will meet monthly as they work to develop and implement in the first year an effective, data-driven, coordinated response that addresses the misuse of opioids and provides services to children, youth and families impacted by the opioid crisis in the Meramec region. Years two and three will include the implementation phase and will consist of the implementation of coordinated responses and services. The MRPC recently hired Jane Johannsen, a former Steelville resident, and Rebecca Losing of St. James to work on program implementation. For additional information or if you interest in being involved with the consortium, contact Jane Johannsen at 573-265-2993, ext. 149.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting. District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said parts of his district received as much as two inches of rain over the weekend to go with very windy conditions Sunday. Because of this, he has crews out checking for washouts as well as downed trees and limbs. He does have a crew on Dent County Road 6050 trimming low limbs back. Purcell indicated he has another crew out replacing missing Dent County Road number signs. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said service is being done on County Truck #24. He said that a crew plans on adding materials to Dent County Roads 2050, 3300, 6120 and 6123 provided they are not too soft for the trucks to bring in the gravel. He also said a worker would be cutting brush on county road 2510 if the shoulders are not too soft. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended a Transportation Advisory Committee meeting Thursday where they discussed the possibility of adding passing lanes to Highway 63 between the Vichy Airport and Westphalia. There is a better chance to get this done over a period of years than making Highway 63 a four lane highway. At the MRPC Board meeting, Skiles said representatives of US Representative Jason Smith and US Senator Roy Blunt were on hand as they talked about finding ways to make broadband more available at an affordable cost. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that Wednesday is the last day to register to vote in the Presidential Preference Primary. The courthouse will be closed that day due to Lincoln’s Birthday so if you want to register in person, that will have to be done today at the courthouse in the county clerk’s office. You can register online on Wednesday. Curley also reported that the courthouse would be closed on Monday, February 17th for President’s Day. She went on to report that she balanced on all monthly accounts with the Dent County Treasurer. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk told the commissioners that just over $645,000 in taxes were collected in January and has been properly distributed. She said her office has updated the County Merchants License and they look different than before. It was also brought up in the meeting the feral hog situation is now getting worse in Dent County with property being affected in the eastern and southern parts of the county. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday, February 20th at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

This past Friday, February 7th, Richard Kneib of St. Charles pled guilty in connection with a charge involving the felony possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, as a persistent drug offender for charges in connection with his arrest on May 18th, 2018. Kneib was the driver of a vehicle that was searched after the Salem Police Departments canine alerted for the presence of narcotics following a traffic stop. A search was conducted as a result and approximately 90 grams of methamphetamine was located in the rear passenger search behind the driver. This plea occurred on the eve of trial as the case was scheduled for a jury trial in Iron County in March. A sentencing hearing was conducted and the defendant was sentenced to 10 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections as a result of the hearing. This was the sentence that was requested by Dent County Prosecutor Andrew M. Curley. Judge Megan Seay presided over the case.

The Missouri Department of Public Safety has awarded a total of $708,000 in federal Local Law Enforcement Block Grant (LLEBG/JAG) funds from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance to 106 law enforcement agencies, including municipal police departments, county sheriffs department, public university police departments, and state law enforcement agencies. The money granted will help purchase essential equipment used by officers, including ballistic vests, first aid and trauma kits, police radios, light bars, and sirens. The grants are designed to help protect officers and increase safety across Missouri. Locally, the Dent County Sheriff’s Department received $8,775 to help purchase nine bullet proof vests; the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department received $9,890.70 to help buy three light bars for vehicles, five helmets or shields or batons, and eight miscellaneous items; the Shannon County Sheriff’s Department was given $9,999.97 to help purchase a vehicle; and the St. James Police Department will be receiving $9,985.04 to help purchase mobile data transfer equipment. Grant recipients must purchase their approved equipment by June 30, 2020.

An accident happened in Dent County Wednesday night at 8:08 on Highway 32 about a mile east of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, an eastbound 2013 Freightliner Conventional, driven by 44-year-old James Randle of Nashville, Illinois, traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned. The report stated that Randle suffered minor injuries and was transported to Salem Memorial District Hospital by Salem Ambulance. According to the report, Randle was wearing a safety restraint when the accident occurred. The Freightliner sustained moderate damage and was left at the scene.

An accident happened Wednesday morning at 11:45 in Texas County on Route AF near Route N just west of Licking. According to the highway patrol report, 29-year old Amber Merrell of Licking lost control of a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee on the ice covered roadway going west and slid off the roadway where the Grand Cherokee overturned. Merrell suffered moderate injuries while an 11-year female juvenile suffered minor injuries. Both were taken by ambulance to the Texas County Memorial Hospital for treatment. Everyone was wearing their seat restraints when the accident occurred. The Jeep Grand Cherokee sustained moderate damages and the owner made arrangements to have it removed.

A one vehicle accident happened Thursday night at 8:30 on Highway 32 about four miles east of Salem. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 2003 Nissan Altima being driven by 17-year old Ethan Simpson of Salem was westbound when he ran off the right side of the roadway while attempting to avoid another vehicle that came into his lane and struck a tree. Simpson was taken by a private vehicle to Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The Nissan was totaled and removed from the scene by the owner. According to the report, Simpson was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident.

Missouri’s Complicated Fence Law will be addressed this Wednesday evening, February 12th starting at 6:30 at the Salem Community Center at the Armory. Landowners need to be aware of what fence law applies in their county, so they know their rights and responsibilities. Joe Koenen is an Agricultural Business Specialist with University of Missouri Extension who will be presenting the program that night. Missouri continues to have a very complicated fence law, in large part due to the fact that two separate laws cover the state depending on the county that your land is in. Other problems are both laws are subject to interpretation and can be a little different, depending on the county. A comparison of the two laws will happen during the program. According to Koenen, if you own land, you really need to know the law and how it impacts you whether you own livestock or not. Furthermore, in 2016 a portion of the law was changed to address livestock liability that affects livestock and non-livestock owners alike. This program will be conducted via Zoom so attendees can see the presentation and ask questions of the presenter. It allows Koenen to talk to several folks in a wide area without traveling to each location. There is a $25 charge for the first person and $15 for each additional person from the same operation. The charge covers the program and materials. Contact Rachel Hopkins at the Washington County Extension Office 573-438-2671 if you have any questions or need special accommodations. To register, contact the Dent County Extension Office at 573-729-3196.

An accident happened in Phelps County Wednesday afternoon at 12:20 on Highway 63 just south of Phelps County Road 6250. According to the highway patrol report, a 2019 Ford F-150 driven northbound by 52-year old Robert Rippee of St. Charles, began to slide on the ice covered roadway and crossed the center line where he struck a 2015 Chevrolet Impala driven southbound by 79-year old Olen Gibson of Licking. The Ford came to rest in a ditch and the Impala came to rest in the roadway. Two passengers in the Impala, 77-year old Frances Gibson and 96-year old Doris Lay of Licking, suffered moderate injuries and were taken by the Phelps County Ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. Olen Gibson suffered minor injuries and was also taken to Phelps Health by the Phelps County Ambulance. Rippee did not suffer any injuries in the accident. The Ford was removed from the scene by Triple AAA Wrecker with extensive damages while the Impala was totaled and removed from the scene by Lucas Garage. Everyone involved was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The highway patrol was assisted by the Phelps Health Ambulance, Rolla Rural and Licking Fire Departments

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning for their regular meeting in the Dent County Courthouse. During public comments Economic Development Director, was in with her monthly update which showed a drop in ongoing prospects from 17 to 12. She noted that 176 business licenses were granted including four new businesses. Finally Burbridge said that there has been a slight up-tick in Dent County unemployment from 2.9% to 3.4%. Curt Faigle with the 100 Acre Wood Rally was in to update the Commissioners. He reported that as of Wednesday they had 106 cars entered for the March 20th and 21st rally. Faigle said that in the past they had capped the entries at 75, but are planning to start 90 cars this year. He also reported that the Dent County roads used for the stages would be the same as last year. Dent County Sheriff Bob Wells was in to discuss the sign design for the outside of the new jail, plus the body scanner, the hand scanner, and the kitchen food service for the new jail. Panic buttons for the Courthouse and the Judicial Building were also discussed along with the interview recording system. The Commissioners voted 3-0 to seek bids for the recording system, security alarm buttons and food service. Bids will be opened February 20th at 10:00 and bid information can be obtained by contacting the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 573-729-3241. Wells said he has quotes for the hand scanner and body scanner, both of which are from the only source of purchase. Sheriff Wells will get more information on signage and get back with the Commission. In the road report District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell and District Two Commissioner Gary Larson both indicated that their crews were out treating intersections, curves and other slick spots, particularly on chip and seal roads. Presiding Commission Darrell Skiles said that he would be attending the TAC and MRPC Meetings Thursday afternoon. He noted that during the MRPC meeting board members would have the opportunity to visit with representatives of US Senators and Congressmen about legislative priorities. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that bills were being approved by the Commissioners for payment. She said she balanced with the Collector and Assessor on monthly collections, add-ons and abatements for January and that the Commissioners reviewed her reports. Curley reminded voters that the last day to register for the March 10th Presidential Primary is February 12th and that the Courthouse will be closed that day due to Lincoln’s Birthday. On the 12th, applications to register can be completed online. Bill Ard was in to visit with the Commission. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday at 9:00 at the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Congratulations to the 28 High School and Middle School band students who represented Salem R-80 and Northwood R-4 this weekend at the SCA Honor Band Concert. They performed on February 1st in Ava. The Salem High School band students attending were Harmony Alexander, Jainey Pettus, Faith Jasper, Martin Jones, Megan Watkins, Ashton During, Reagin Toten, John Stark, Chris McSwain, Collin Hinderliter, Jon Gallagher, Kelsey Stienbarger, Christopher Harris, Marvin Aspinwall and Taytan Barton. The Salem Middle School band students at Ava were Hunter Barton, Chris Frederickson, Kaison Wilmont, Jarrod Brooks, Rory Dahms, Wyatt Patrick, Parker Holtz and Jacob Bender. The Northwood R-4 students included Xander During, Natily Cook, Harley Medley, Jacob Koontz and Nathan McGraw. Congratulations to all these students for being part of the SCA Honor Band!

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met at 6:00 Tuesday evening for their regular monthly meeting. After the roll call a motion was made and carried to approve the consent agenda as well as minutes from the January meeting being reviewed and approved as presented. The financial report was discussed with bills being reviewed and approved as well as the 2019 final budget and 2020 budget being reviewed with an ending balance at the end of January of $268,708.21. During the calendar review, February 8th was determined to be a work day at the station for painting and general cleanup. It was also noted that March 10th will be the Presidential Preference Primary election in Dent County and the Road Rally would take place March 19th. During the monthly reimbursement report, the board made note of 24 calls for the month including 1 structure fire, 7 brush fires, 6 first responder calls, 3 vehicle accidents, 2 fire alarms responses, 2 training events and 3 calls classified as others. Total calls for the year so far is 41 with the average cost for call being $124.82. In new business, Chief Nash asked the board to consider a plan change for the area between the walkway on the Center Street side to add concrete from the building to the new walkway. The current plan has this as a sloped away from the sidewalk on both sides, possibly allowing water to run into the building. The board considered this to be a good idea but would need pricing to make an approval which Chief Nash said he would get and present to the board. Chief Nash also gave a tentative completion on the current renovation as March 1st and also discussed what the district would have to complete after the construction crews leave as far as installing, painting, and cleanup. The date for the next meeting was set for Tuesday, March 3rd at 6:00 at the firehouse. The meeting is open to the public.

Join the Montauk State Park staff for a unique bald eagle viewing at 8:00 this Friday morning, February 7th. Watch the eagles glide across the skies above the Montauk valley. Participants will accompany park staff on a hike near an active eagle’s nest in the park. A spotting scope and binoculars will be available. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Those who would like to attend can meet at the CCC stone picnic shelter by 8:00 Friday morning to warm up around a fire with free coffee and hot chocolate. Montauk State Park is located 22 miles southwest of Salem on Highway 119 in Dent County. For more information about the event, call the park at 573-548-2201.

The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will hold a blood drive Friday at Salem Wood Products at 200 Stave Mill Road off Highway 19 North. The blood drigve will be from 11:00 that morning until 5:00 in the afternoon. There is a critical need for type “O’ negative and AB plasma. To be eligible to give blood, you must weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and present a valid photo ID. For more information, call Lori Westerman at 729-7767.

Tom Botkins will lead a discussion about the Copeland Cemetery at 6:00 Tuesday, February 11th at the Salem Pizza Inn Meeting Room. It is a cemetery with a Who’s Who of early Dent County families living from the Howes Mills Community. This will be a discussion about lost or forgotten cemeteries and the meeting is a welcome call for people who own burial plots, small cemeteries, or know of a cemetery that is being lost to neglect or where no one is still alive that knows its history. For more information, contact Tom Botkins at 573 626-4522 or Deloris Gray Wood at 573 729-2545.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting at the city hall council chambers Monday night. At the meeting, the board heard from operations manager Joe Bruno from the Dent County Sheltered Workshop who explained to the board their budget had been cut $47,300 and there will be a sharp increase in salaries this year due to the increase in the state minimum wage. He also explained there is federal legislation passed through the house to eliminate the adjustment to the minimum wage for those with disabilities that would basically put an end to sheltered workshops if passed through the Senate. He said he appreciates all the businesses that use their services, but even if everything would go perfect this year, the sheltered workshop would end up the year about $7,000 in the hole. Kristen DeLuca of K DeLuca Audit Services LLC presented the board with findings from her audit of fiscal year 2019. She said she gave the city an unmodified opinion that states the books were fairly stated in her opinion. In short, she said the city had in total over 27 million dollars in assets and had over 9.8 million dollars in liabilities which leaves the city with a net position of over 16.4 million dollars. DeLuca also said she had no new findings for the city in their financials. She said two notes that are presented say the city has a problem with the segregation of duties which is normal for a city of this size, and that the books were prepared under the guidance of the generally accepted accounting principals better known as GAAP. The board approved the recommendation by Archer Elgin to go with the bid from Don Maggi, Inc of Rolla to do the work for the TAP Grant to build the trail from the R-80 Administration building to Pavilion #1 in the Salem City Park for $306.500.52. With this grant, 80% will be paid by MoDOT with 20% being the responsibility of the city. After the board approved the consent agenda, Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois reported the football camp that just got underway had 134 children in it. She wanted to thank Andrew Wynn and Head Football Coach Dylan Wyrick for helping with the camp and making it possible. She said Smart Soccer Signups end Friday for boys and girls age 3 through 5 and a parent, and the regular Soccer program signups for boys and girls 14 and under will also end Friday with late registration ending on February 14th. City Administrator Ray Walden said there were 4,421 people who used the Salem Community Center@The Armory in January. He said utility bills will be going out this week and will only reflect about one months usage. He said if anyone has questions, they can stop by the utility office or call 729-4117. Walden invited everyone to the retirement celebration for Salem Police Chief Keith Steelman and Lieutenant Marty Farrar at the Salem Police Station from 2:30-4:00 on February 14th. Walden said the next Board of Aldermen meeting would be held on February 18th due to President’s Day on Monday and the offices will be closed that day. The board approved Resolution 2-2020 that adopted an economic development policy for the pricing of land for sale in the Masters Industrial Park, and approved Resolution #3-2020 approving the agreement between the City of Salem and C. M. Archer Group, P.C. to be the city’s engineer. The board approved a layout plan submitted by Legend Clift to create a mobile home park at 701 East Center Street. The plan had previously been approved by the building inspector. Clift is in the process of improving the property and installing a new water line. The board also approved the allowed destruction of old police records that are seven years and older to be destroyed in accordance with state statutes as submitted by Chief Keith Steelman. The board then went into closed session.

The Salem Area Arts Council is sponsoring “Art Across the Ages” from March 2 through March 27, 2020 at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center (ONCRC) in Salem to celebrate Youth Art Month. Young people and adult artists from all around the Dent County area are encouraged to submit their work for display during this time to show how artistic talent can be found in many forms and artists can be of any age. Additionally, a “Meet the Artists” public reception with refreshments will be held on Tuesday evening, March 10th from 6:00 to 8:00. Artists can make arrangements to drop off their artwork during the month of February by calling (573) 247-0279. This is a wonderful way to display the amazing talent found within this area, and artists of all ages and art of all media are encouraged to participate. All school art teachers and home schoolers are being invited to submit examples of their students’ work. For more information, please feel free to call the representative of the Salem Area Arts Council at (573) 247-0279. The Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center is located at 202 South Main in Salem.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. Joe Bruno, the workshop manager from the Dent County Sheltered Workshop, was in attendance along with their board President Josh Gordon, board member Denita Williams and the parent of a worker, Keith Mueller. He wanted to speak with the commissioners about the future of the workshop. Bruno said that many other sheltered workshops have stopped collecting recyclables as those markets have dried up. As an example he cited the recycling of cardboard for businesses where at one time they were getting $200 per ton where as now they only receive $45 per ton. Bruno says the Sheltered Workshop now charges business $2.00 per pickup of cardboard, by doing this they kept 150.74 tons of cardboard out of landfills. He says the money they get back does not cover the cost of collecting the cardboard with the cost of the truck, gas, manpower, etc. He also said the increase in the minimum wage will hurt as he requested an increase in funds from the SB40 Board to cover the increase, but received a cut in his budget of $47,386. Bruno said that if everything went perfect this year, the workshop would end up about $9,500 short with all these cuts in place. He says the workshop is a viable work opportunity for their 33 clients that would have difficulty in many cases finding a job elsewhere, plus he feels obligated to his seven staff members. Bruno stated there is now a push from Washington, DC to eliminate all Sheltered Workshops. He stated House Bill 582 passed the House, but he does not feel it will make it through the Senate, but that is an unknown. The sheltered workshop provides packing services, assembly services, lawn mowing, collects recycling materials, builds birdhouses and picnic tables and more. They can also shred personal or commercial documents with their large shredders. Bruno said their most important feature is providing needed services to the community. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said materials were added and grading is being done on Dent County Roads 5170 and 6220, while only grading will be done on county road 6020. Purcell said brush will be cut on county roads 6020 and 6580 and a crew will be patching potholes in various locations on chip and seal roads including county road 6180. Commissioner Gary Larson stated materials will be added and grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2120 and 3180, while only materials are going to be added to county road 4060 and grading done on county road 4300. Larson said brush would be cut on Dent County Road 2530. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley is reminding everyone to make sure that all your voting information is correct, and if you have moved or had a name change to please contact her office. The last day to register will be February 12th for the Presidential Preference Primary where you will have to pick a party before voting. 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 Sheriffs Department has released report on the department’s activities between January 20th and January 24th. On Monday the 20th, a deputy traveled to the 35000 block of Highway 72 in an attempt to serve an arrest warrant. A 53-year-old man from Silex was arrested for an active warrant through the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office. The man was arrested and transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was later extradited to Phelps County. Then last Wednesday on the 22nd, deputies traveled to a residence on Dent County Road 6620 in an attempt to serve an arrest warrant at which time a 33-year-old Licking man was arrested for an active warrant through the Texas County Sheriff’s Office. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. That same day the Viburnum Police Department located a 45-year-old Salem man who had active arrest warrants through Dent County. A deputy with the Dent County Sheriff’s Office traveled to the Viburnum Police Department and transported the man back to Dent County jail where he was incarcerated. On Friday, the 24th, deputies conducted a traffic stop near the 6500 block of Highway 119. During the course of the traffic stop, a 38-year-old Salem woman was arrested for felony driving while having her license revoked. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where she was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. If you have information about any investigation, contact the sheriff’s office at 729-3241.

A one-vehicle accident happened Sunday afternoon shortly before 1:30 in Crawford County on Highway 19 just north of Route O. The report from the highway patrol report states that a 2017 Can Am UTV being operated by 50- year old Brad Weber of Cuba was traveling south when the crash occurred as an unknown vehicle traveling north crossed the centerline causing Weber to travel off the right side of the road and overturn. Weber suffered serious injuries and was transported to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. The UTV sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by family.

A one vehicle accident happened Sunday afternoon shortly after 4:30 in Phelps County that resulted in injuries to two St. James residents. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 2013 Harley Davidson Streetglide driven by 42-year old Clay McKinnon of St. James was traveling north on Highway 63 about three miles south of Vida when the motorcycle experienced a mechanical malfunction and overturned ejecting McKinnon and a passenger, 34-year old Christina Scantlin. McKinnon suffered minor injuries and sought his own treatment. Scantlin was transported by Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla for the treatment of moderate injuries. The Harley Davidson was totaled and was towed from the scene by the owner.

An accident happened Friday night at 6:51 in St. Louis County on eastbound Interstate 44 west of the Highway 141 junction that took the life of a man from Steelville. According to the highway patrol report, a 2002 Chevy Silverado driven eastbound on Interstate 44 by 28-year old Troy Kennedy of Steelville, went off the right side of the roadway causing Kennedy to overcorrect. The overcorrection caused the Silverado to overturn multiple times ejecting Kennedy from the Chevy. Kennedy was taken to the Mercy Hospital in St. Louis and was pronounced dead at 7:23 Friday evening by Dr. Sineff. His body was taken to the St. Louis County Morgue by the St. Louis County Medical Examiner’s office transport service. Kennedy was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevy Silverado was totaled and removed from the scene by McNamara’s Towing of St. Louis.

An accident happened in Dent County on Highway 72 at the intersection of Route C Thursday afternoon at 3:50. According to the highway patrol report, a 2002 Chevy Impala driven westbound by 18-year old Joshua Birdsong of Salem, rear ended a 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage driven westbound by 59-year old Jimmy Seest of Rolla. The Mirage then rear ended a 2002 Ford Focus driven westbound by a 16-year old male juvenile of Salem who was stopped to make a left turn onto Route C. Suffering moderate injuries was Jimmy Seest who was taken by ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital, while Joshua Birdsong suffered minor injuries. He was taken by a private vehicle to the Salem Hospital for treatment. The Chevy Impala was totaled and removed by Tune’s Auto of Rolla from the scene; the Mitsubishi was also totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing of Salem, and the Ford Focus had moderate damage and was driven from the scene. Everyone involved were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

A two vehicle accident resulting in five injuries happened shortly after 2:30 Wednesday afternoon in Ste. Genevieve County at Route D and Route HH. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2019 Toyota Camry driven by 31-year old Shawn Livingston of St. James was traveling west on Route HH and failed to stop at a stop sign, striking a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado being driven by 67-year old Cecil Crocker of Bonne Terre. The impact caused both vehicles to travel off the west side of the road and strike a tree. Livingston and a passenger in the Toyota, 31-yearb old Sara Jones of Park Hills, suffered moderate injuries and were both transported to Parkland Health Center in Farmington by St. Francois County Ambulance. The driver of the Chevrolet, Cecil CrockerJr., suffered serious injuries and was transported to Mercy Hospital South by St. Genevieve County Ambulance while two passengers in the Chevy, 27-year old Robert Gynland and 17- year old Kevin Nash, both of Bonne Terre, suffered minor injuries and were both transported to Parkland Health Center in Farmington by the Ste. Genevieve County Ambulance District. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Buckley’s Towing. Neither the driver of the Toyota nor the passengers in the Silverado were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will meet Monday night at the City Hall Council Chambers for their regular meeting at 7:00. In the hearing of persons, the board will hear from Ray Bruno of the Scenic Rivers Industries about possible changes in the recycling services they offer. The board will also hear Kristin DeLuca from K Deluca Auditing Services as she will present the 2019 Fiscal Year audit for the city. The board will then receive and discuss bids from on the TAP Grant for the trail from the Salem R-80 Administration Building to Pavilion #1 in the Salem City Park. After the consent agenda, the board will hear from City Administrator Ray Walden about current projects going on in the city. They will also get an update on the park and recreation programs from Park and Rec Director Melissa DuBois. In the Introduction and Reading of Bills, Resolution 2-2020 will be discussed that would adopt an economic development policy for the sale of land in the Masters Industrial Park in the City of Salem. The Board will also hear Resolution 3-2020 to approve a three-year contract with the C.M. Archer Group to continue to provide engineering services for the city. In new business, the board will hear from Legend Clift as he is requesting approval for a mobile home court at 701 East Center Street. Salem Police Chief Keith Steelman will discuss the destruction of some of the 2013 police records that no longer have to be kept. The board will then go into closed session to discuss contracts, personnel and real estate before adjourning. The meeting of the Salem Board of Aldermen is open to the public.

Friday night at the Salem Basketball game between the Tigers and Licking Wildcats, Malia Terrill was crowned the 2020 Homecoming Queen by last year’s Homecoming Queen, Madi Keith. Her court consisted of freshman Cayleigh Moody, sophomore Jaden Flores, junior Jodi Gothchal and seniors Mallorie Dittman and Brooklin Shelton. Congratulations Malia!