Local News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold their regular meeting at 6:00 this evening at the Salem District Administrative Offices Boardroom. At the meeting, the board will hear from Superintendent John McColloch with a report on Board of Education Candidate filings, Facilities update and Health Insurance update. The Board will review and approve all previous minutes and bills, approve the attendance report, approve the Food Service report, approve the substitute list, and approve Program Evaluations for Vocational and Community Education. After the Principals’ Building Reports the board is expecting to select the MSBA Belcher Scholarship recipient and address MUSIC renewal. The Board will hear resignations and then adjourn and move into an executive session. The regular monthly meeting of the Salem R-80 Board of Education is open to the public.

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

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

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

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.