Local News

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 5015, 5085, 6220 and 6230. He went on to say that maintenance work was being done on brush cutter #48 and that workers would be replacing road number signs that had been stolen. The stolen signs each year cost the county about $2,200 in materials not to mention additional labor needed to install the signs. Purcell said the theft of the road number signs creates a safety hazard for emergency vehicles to be able to find people in need of those services. If anyone sees someone taking a county road number sign, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241. Commissioner Gary Larson reported that a worker from District 1 and his district are repairing the Dura-Patch machine. He also said brush would be cut on county roads 2520 and 2530. Larson also indicated that materials would be added to several roads with muddy spots. Larson added that workers would be cleaning out pipes on Dent County Roads 4280, 4290 and 5300. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported on the Department of Natural Resources Historic Courthouse Preservation Grant meeting held at the Salem Community Center@The Armory on Tuesday. Skiles said right now there are no dollars available at this time. Skiles stated DNR is currently writing the rules for the grant. The program will be funded by legislative appropriations. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse. The meeting will be open to the public

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds Missouri resident and nonresident landowners who qualify to receive free or discounted deer and turkey hunting permits to register their properties in MDC’s new Landowner Permit Registry either online or by completing a paper application. Starting this year, resident landowners with 20 or more contiguous acres and nonresident landowners
with 75 or more contiguous acres qualify for landowner deer and turkey permits and must submit their property information to the MDC Landowner Registry to receive them. The new landowner registry will provide MDC and permit vendors with secure records of landowners and members of their households who qualify for the free and discounted permits, along with proof of land ownership and boundaries of the properties for which the free and discounted permits apply. According to MDC, the landowner registry is needed by both the Department and permit vendors to help eliminate misuse of landowner permits and privileges. Conservation agents around the state find several hundred violations each year related to the misuse of landowner permits and privileges. Learn more about the MDC Landowner Registry and apply online through the secure MDC webpage at mdc.mo.gov/landownerpermits. The page also provides answers to common questions. For a paper application and more information on the registry, go online, email permits@mdc.mo.gov, call MDC Permit Services at 573-522-0107 and select Option 1, or mail a request to: Missouri Department of Conservation, Permit Services – Landowner, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180.

An accident happened in Dent County at 6:05 in the morning Thursday on Highway 32 about 15 miles west of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2003 Ford Focus driven eastbound by 39-year old Shadrach Ferguson of Raymondville, failed to negotiate a curve and traveled off the right side of the roadway where the vehicle overturned. Ferguson suffered moderate injuries and was taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. Ferguson was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Focus was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing of Salem. The Missouri Highway Patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Department.

Tonight will not only be the Town and Country Bank “Cat Classic” at the Salem High School gym for the basketball game between Salem and Licking, but Homecoming as well. This year’s attendants are freshman Cayleigh Moody, sophomore Jaden Flores, junior Jodi Gotchal, and the three senior quen candidates: Malia Terrill, Mallorie Dittman and Brooklin Shelton. Last year’s Homecoming Queen, Madi Keith, willcrown the new queen at the festivities. This year’s escorts will be Reese Dodson, Dawson Conway, Carter Chilton, Silas Wulff, Braiden Carmack and Luke Morrison.

A one vehicle accident involving a Salem resident occurred Wednesday morning at 8:40 in Phelps County on Highway 72 about six miles east of Rolla near Phelps County Road 4120. According to the report released from the highway patrol, a 2004 Pontiac Grand Am being driven by 22-year old Angel Spurgin of Salem, was westbound and began sliding on the ice covered roadway. The car traveled off the left side of the road striking a marker post as well as an embankment and a tree. Spurgin, who was not wearing a safety restraint, suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Phelps Health in Rolla. The Pontiac was totaled and removed from the scene by C&C Towing.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released reports for January 17th and 18th. On Friday, January 17th, the Dent County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a 27-year-old Rolla man who stated he had active arrest warrants from Pulaski County. Deputies traveled to the 35000 block of Highway 72 and arrested the man on the warrant. He was taken to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was incarcerated. On Saturday, January 18th, deputies traveled to the 3200 block of Route P in an attempt to serve arrest warrants. During the course of the incident, a 23-year-old Salem woman was arrested for having an active arrest warrant through Dent County. Also arrested during the incident was a 28-year-old Salem man for an arrest warrant through Probation and Parole. Both subjects were transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where they were incarcerated. Please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241 with information about any ongoing investigation.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways is proposing a temporary closure on the taking, pursuing or releasing of all feral swine within the park. The temporary closure would support interagency efforts to eliminate feral swine in Missouri. The temporary closure would align Ozark National Scenic Riverways with its partners and neighbors in the statewide efforts to eliminate feral swine from Missouri. It is a crucial step in meeting the goals of the Missouri Feral Hog Elimination Partnership. This is a cooperative effort by a number of agencies and organizations within Missouri, including the U.S. Forest Service, Missouri Department of Conservation, the USDA Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service, and the Missouri Department of Agriculture. The proposed closure would include an allowance for opportunistic take of feral swine by persons possessing a valid State deer or turkey hunting permit who are hunting deer or turkey in compliance with the permit. The proposal for temporary closure is available for public review and comment on the Planning, Environment and Public Comment website at parkplanning.nps.gov/ozar. The proposal will be open for comment now to February 11th.

The Meramec Regional Community Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2020 community grant round. All applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on January 31st 2020. The community grantmaking program for Meramec Regional Community Foundation is available for programs and organizations in Meramec’s eight-county region for Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington Counties. An estimated six grants of $250 each will be available to nonprofit, 501(c)3 organizations, schools, faith-based organizations and governmental entities looking for funds to address local needs through their project that will enhance the quality of life within the community. Nonprofit, 501(c)3 organizations, schools, faith-based organizations and governmental entities are eligible to apply for grants. Applications must be for First-time applicants should include a copy of their 501(c)3 status,.For questions please contact Maria Bancroft at 573.265.2993, ext. 114, or email mbancroft@meramecregion.org or Bonnie Prigge, 573.265.2993, ext. 103, or email bprigge@meramecregion.org. The Community Foundation of the Ozarks is a regional public charitable foundation that holds more than 3,000 funds for donors, nonprofit partners and 49 affiliate foundations, including the Meramec Regional Community Foundation.

Come and weave an amazing love knot with straw for yourself or a loved one on Friday, February 7th at 6:30 at the Creative Arts Center. This is an introductory workshop to learn the age old traditional art that yields beautiful results. The cost is just $10.00 for regular love knots and only $5.00 for little hearts. The program is led by professional artist Suzanne Douglass and all the materials will be provided and you can take home your creation at the end of the night. Call or text 247-0279 to register for the program and arrange payment to hold your spot.

This Friday night will not only be the Town and Country Bank “Cat Classic” at the Salem High School gym for the basketball game between Salem and Licking, but Homecoming as well. This year’s attendants are freshman Cayleigh Moody, sophomore Jaden Flores, junior Jodi Gotchal, and the three senior quen candidates: Malia Terrill, Mallorie Dittman and Brooklin Shelton. Last year’s Homecoming Queen, Madi Keith, will crown the new queen at the festivities. This year’s escorts will be Reese Dodson, Dawson Conway, Carter Chilton, Silas Wulff, Braiden Carmack and Luke Morrison.

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways has selected Jason Lott to serve as the Acting Superintendent following the retirement of Larry Johnson on January 3rd. Lott will arrive in the park this week to begin the 120-day assignment while a new permanent superintendent is sought. Lott has been with the National Park Service (NPS) since 2002. Lott is a twenty-year veteran with the Army National Guard, having served ten years as an enlisted soldier with a deployment during Desert Storm, and as an officer who served as a Company Commander for the 1086th Transportation Company during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. Jason retired as a Captain in 2007. Lott holds a master’s degree in History with an emphasis in Cultural Resource Management from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. He and his wife, Wendy, and their two children are residents of Los Alamos, New Mexico.

The Dent County Commissioners’ regular meeting was held Monday morning at the courthouse. Deloris Gray Wood from the Dent County Historical Society was in attendance to discuss with the commission the 150th anniversary of the Dent County Courthouse. She recommended a celebration on March 30th at the courthouse with a birthday cake and water. March 30th, 1870 is the date the contract to build the courthouse was approved. The other celebration she would like to have is on July 4th. The commissioners agreed to both celebrations and they will discuss further what to do on Independence Day to tie in with the parade and other downtown events. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams presented the January CART tax receipts for the commission. She reported Dent County received $56,050.15 this January compared to the $54,808.09 received in a January of 2019. That is an increase of $1,242.06. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said patch grading was being done on Dent County Roads 6230 and 6240. He said the southern part of the county received about five inches of snow from the last storm Thursday and Friday. He also stated that a crossover pipe was being repaired and another was being installed on county road 5170. He said additional road materials would be added to that road as well. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said brush was being cut on county roads 2560, 2580, 2613 and 4430. He also said men would be working on Dent County Truck #116 and doing shop maintenance. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported he would be attending a Department of Natural Resources meeting at the Salem Community Center@The Armory at 1:00 today on preservation grant funds. He is interested on anything that may be able to be used for the courthouse provided that it doesn’t have too many strings associated with it. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said absentee voting for the March 10th Presidential Preference Primary would begin today. She also said the last day to register to vote for the primary would be February 12th. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission would 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 some reports. On Tuesday, January 14th, deputies traveled to a residence in the 100 block of South Pershing Street to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 30-year-old Salem man was arrested for having active warrants through Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was incarcerated. Then on January 15th a deputy conducted a traffic stop on McArthur Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 28-year-old Licking man was arrested for having active arrest warrants from the Houston Police Department and Licking Police Department. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was later extradited by another agency. On Thursday, January 16th, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 6500 block of Highway 119 for the report of a burglary. During the course of the investigation, a 19-year-old Salem man was arrested for having an active arrest warrant through Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he later posted bond and was released. Please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241 with any information about an ongoing investigation.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors met Tuesday night at the hospital library. At the meeting, the board heard from Karolyn Adams, the Clinical Director of the SMDH Family Medicine, about the history of the clinic and changes over the years. For the month of December, CFO Monica Stogsdill reported 120 patients were admitted with only 286 inpatient census days. The acute care average amount of patients per day in December was 10. Outpatient registrations came in at 1,736 while there were 1,736 cardiopulmonary procedures, 8,514 laboratory tests, 1,420 radiological procedures, 782 emergency department visits, 578 rehab treatments and 278 Home Health visits. A total of 226 ambulance runs were made in December with 178 patients transported with 48 dry runs. For the month, the hospital had a loss from operations of $346,551 with an excess of expenses over revenues of $289,169 after tax receipts. The expenses in December were driven by contractual services that included those for nursing, rehab care and also for billing and medical records. With the loss from operations, there was a cash decrease during the month of $42,158 with the days cash on hand still at 46. Days in net receivable continues to rise during this time of transition and now stands at 89 days with over 16 million dollars of total receivables. Stogsdill said bills were just sent out for over $2 million dollars of private pay bills with another round of bills going out soon for another 1.4 million dollars. CNO Debbie Hines said there were nine reported cases of flu in Dent County since December 1st. Hospital CEO Kasey Lucas said the hospital auxiliary had nine members at their January meeting at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. They talked about the fundraisers for the year. COO Jason Edwards reported on the hospital foundation and they have 10 couples for this year’s “Dancing with the Salem Stars” to be held Saturday night at the Salem High School Gym. Some floor tickets are available for $20 in advance and if any are left, they will be $25 at the door. Bleacher tickets will be available at the door only and will be $5.00 each. Contact Edwards at the hospital for more information at 729-6626, ext 4003. Edwards also talked about the Diabetes Support Group that will begin meeting at the Salem Community Center@The Armory on March 12th with Dietician Nicole Hancock holding the one hour class from 4:30 to 5:30 on the second Tuesday of every month. Lucas went over the SMDH Emergency Department and SMDH Family Medicine Patient Satisfaction Survey results with the board. Both surveys came back with extremely positive responses. Lucas also reported on the Chief of Staff’s meeting held where Dr. John Demorlis was re-elected as the Chief of Staff, Dr. Yvonne Prince was elected the Vice-Chief of Staff and Dr. Ralph Ford was elected Secretary. The board then reviewed the medical staff reappointments and approved all the active staff and courtesy staff that reapplied. Lucas stated that only Judy Thompson of District #1 and Willie Strader of District #4 filed for those seats for the Municipal Election. Since there are no races, these individuals are automatically elected and the hospital does not have to pay for an election. Thompson’s term is for six years and Strader’s term is for three years. Lucas reviewed with the board the strategic planning for the hospital for 2020 that includes employee education and onboarding, facility expansion, standards of care, electronic medical records consolidation and affiliations such as the high school sports medicine program and telemedicine grant. The board approved the conflict of interest policy and a Home Health by-law change before announcing the finance committee this year. Ray Bruno will be the chair with Mike Swyers and Willie Strader making up the rest of the committee. The board approved the purchase of a Vein Viewer for the Laboratory from AccuVein for $5,645; two high flow heated Nasal Cannulas for the Cardio Department from Fisher and Paykel Healthcare for $6,055; a Hoyer Calibre Lift and Sling for Acute Care from McKesson for $7,314; a Weight Bed Stretcher for the Emergency Department for $7,695, three IV Pumps for the Emergency Department from B. Braun for $8,013, and a new floor scrubber for housekeeping from Cape Janitor Supply for $6,495. Lucas also reminded the board about Health Fair on February 5th and 6th at the Salem Community Center@The Armory from 6:00 until 9:00 in the morning. The board then went into closed session.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees and their staff is proud to announce that the Dent County Health Center will be moving to their new location at 1010 E. Scenic Rivers Blvd (the old Dr. Cunningham office location) to enable them to serve clients more efficiently and expand on current services. The old office will be closed January 27th through January 31st for moving, weather permitting. They plan to re-open at the new location on Monday, February 3rd. If you have questions, please call them today at 729-3106.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met January 16th at the Health Center. Mobray updated the Board on the status of the new building located at 1010 East Scenic Rivers Blvd. The HVAC was near completion, painting was complete, phones were installed on January 17th, and the new signs and floor cleaning are being done this week. She explained that Health Center Staff would be ready to move as soon as the floor cleaning was completed. VFC Staff at Missouri Division of Health and Senior Services requires the vaccine refrigerator to run for five days with accurate temperatures before vaccine can be transferred to the new location. A motion was made and passed to close the Dent County Health Center in order to move from Monday, January 27th through Friday, January 31st. It was noted that inclement weather may necessitate that the five day window for the move be delayed. Mobray reported outpatient lab services were provided for 100 clients in December. She also noted that Missouri DHSS WIC TA Staff inspected the new building on January 9th and that WIC monitoring is tentatively scheduled for March. Mobray said that she and Ashley Peyton would be trained by DHSS Staff for the Show-Me Healthy Women/Wisewoman Program in February and services would begin soon after the training. Mobray said 693 Flu shots have been administered to date and they continue to be available at the Health Center on a walk-in basis with Flulaval, for ages 6 months and up, Flublock, for those with egg allergies, and High Dose Fluzone for ages 65 and up. The Health Center is able to bill private insurance and child Medicaid. Mobray went on to say that Flu shots are $37.00 for adults who are uninsured. The Health Center reported 11 cases of Influenza and one case of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Mobray presented the Annual Report for 2019. The number of clients served in 2019 increased by 2,284 from 2018’s total served. The Annual Report was approved by the Board of Trustees. In closed session the bid from Southeast Services, Inc. to move the emergency generator from the current location to the new one was approved. Also in closed session, the 2020 budget was presented and tabled to allow time for the trustees to review the proposed budget. DCHC expenses for December were approved and the next regular board meeting was set for February 27th at 5:00. The February meeting date was changed due to conflicts with the regular 3rd Thursday meeting date.

David Schatz, the Salem R-80 Band Director, has released the latest band news. The Salem R-80 Middle School had eight students participate in the 2020 Central District Honor Band on Saturday, January 18th. They performed a concert at Waynesville High School. Those participating included 8th Graders Ayva Callicutt, Rory Dahms, Jacob Bender, and Christian Frederickson, plus 7th Graders Cassie Scott, Kaison Wilmont, Preston McFarland and Lindsey Hinderliter.

This Saturday at 7:00 at the Salem High School Gym, it’s the return of the Salem Memorial District Hospital Foundations “Dancing with the Salem Stars.” This fundraiser is for needed improvements and capital equipment. This year there are 10 dance teams on the docket. They include Don Sneed and Lorna Mundwiller, Rick and Melissa Ragsdale, Thom Haines and Marilyn Sweitzer, Brett Capps and Megan Seay, Lane Howard and Rosalie Wright, Linda Maledy and Jackie Sisco, Shannon Wright and Jaimie Jones, Collin Jones and Sarah Heitman, Slayton Parker and Amanda Walker, and Lancer Blair and Sierra Hagler. Come on out and support your favorite dancers as there will be a People’s Choice Award presented to one couple at the end of the event. A limited amount of advanced floor table tickets are available for $20 each and if any remain, may be purchased at the door for $25.00. Last year, those tickets sold out before the event. Bleacher seats will only be available at the door and are priced at $5.00 each. To purchase advance tickets, call 729-6626 or 729-5917 and use extension 4003. The doors will open at 6:30 for this year’s “Dancing with the Salem Stars.”

Have you made your appointment for the free tax filing assistance provided by the Volunteers from the AARP Foundation at the Salem Community Center@The Armory? Dates in February are beginning to fill up fast! Currently, appointments are still available from Friday, February 7th through Friday, April 10th. Items you will need to bring with you to have your tax returns prepared include: Proof of identification such as a picture ID; Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents; or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration. You should also bring birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return. Also needed are wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-Misc from all employers; year-end Social Security Statements showing total SS received and Medicare payments; and interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099). You should bring a copy of last year’s federal and state returns if available; plus proof of bank account routing numbers and account numbers for Direct Deposit, such as a blank check or deposit slip. To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms. The Salem Community Center @ the Armory is located at 1200 West Rolla Road. Appointments can be made by calling 729-8163.

An accident happened in Phelps County Monday afternoon at 1:30 on Highway 72 about three miles south of Rolla. According to the highway patrol, a 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis driven northbound by 22-year old Jasmine Thompson of Salem, crossed the center of the roadway and struck a 2011 Buick LaCrosse driven southbound by Waneta Odgen of Licking. After impact, the Grand Marquis overturned and Thompson, who was not wearing a seat restraint, was ejected from the car suffering serious injuries. She was transported to Phelps Health in Rolla. Odgen also suffered serious injuries and was taken to Phelps Health in Rolla. She was wearing her seat restraint. Both vehicles were totaled with the Grand Marquis removed from the scene by C&C Towing and the Buick LaCrosse removed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing.

An accident happened in Phelps County on Highway 8 just north of Highway 68 Monday afternoon at about 2:20. According to the highway patrol report, 45-year old Billie Bryant of Cherryville was driving a 2005 GMC Envoy southbound when it began sliding on the slick road and crossed the center line where the Envoy struck head-on a northbound 2001 Dodge Dakota driven by 46-year old Bobby Coffman of St. James. Bryant suffered moderate injuries while Coffman and a 13-year old male juvenile from the Dodge suffered minor injuries. All involved were transported to Phelps Health in Rolla. Everyone was wearing their seat restraints at the time of the accident. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing.

An accident happened Monday afternoon at about 3:00 on Route O in Phelps County about two miles south of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, 44-year old Marcy Sloan of Rolla was driving a 2004 Chevy Trailblazer when she lost control on the ice covered roadway. The Trailblazer traveled off the right side of the road and overturned in the ditch. Sloan suffered minor injuries and was taken to Phelps Health in Rolla. The Chevy had moderate damages and was removed by a private party from the scene. Sloan was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

An accident happened Tuesday morning at 6:40 in Dent County on Route FF about four miles west of Highway 68. According to the highway patrol report, a westbound 2006 Ford Escape, driven by 58-year-old Connie Monk of Salem, skidded on ice and ran off the right side of the roadway. The Escape returned to the roadway before running off the left side of the roadway. The Ford then overturned and came to rest on the passenger side of the vehicle. Monk suffered minor injuries and was transported to Phelps Health via a personal conveyance. The report stated that Monk was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford Escape sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by American Muffler.

The following reports have been released by the Dent County Sheriff’s Office for January 9th through the 12th. On Thursday the 9th a Deputy observed a 57 year-old Salem man riding a bike on Highway 119. The Deputy knew the man to have active warrants through the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. During the course of the incident, the Salem man was arrested and transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. Also on the 9th a Deputy observed a 28 year-old Salem man near the 300 block of County Road 4170. The Deputy knew the man to have active warrants through Dent County. The man was arrested and transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and incarcerated. Then on Friday, January 10th, a Deputy traveled to a residence in the 1000 block of Highway 119 to attempt to serve an arrested warrant. During the course of the incident, a 32 year-old Salem woman was arrested for the active warrants through Dent County. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and incarcerated. Finally on Sunday, January 12th, Deputies responded to the 3000 block of Highway P for a report of a Burglary. Upon arrival, Deputies discovered that a 65 year-old woman was the reported victim of the burglary. This investigation is still ongoing. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241 if you have any information about any investigation.

Missouri turkey hunters can apply online during February for 2020 spring turkey managed hunts through the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) website at mdc.mo.gov/springturkeyhunts. Preview details on managed hunts and application procedures on the webpage. Drawing results will be posted starting March 15th. The spring turkey hunting youth weekend will be April 4th and 5th with the regular spring season running April 20th through May 10th. Detailed information on spring turkey hunting will be available in the MDC 2020 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available where permits are sold beginning in March. To learn more about turkey hunting in Missouri, visit MDC’s website at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/hunting. Buy Missouri hunting permits from numerous vendors around the state, online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, or through the MDC free mobile app — MO Hunting — available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released reports for January 7th and 8th. On Tuesday, January 7th, a deputy responded to the 200 block of Dent County Road 5070 for a report of a theft. Upon arrival the deputy discovered that a 41-year-old woman was the reported victim of the theft. This investigation is still ongoing. Also on Tuesday a deputy conducted a traffic stop near the 1400 block of South Gertrude Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 40-year-old Salem man was arrested for felony driving while driving while having his license revoked or suspended. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued summons and released. Then on Wednesday, January 8th, a deputy traveled to the Missouri Private Probation Services on West 4th Street in an attempt to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 27- year-old Salem man was arrested for active warrants through Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was incarcerated. Also on the 8th while on routine patrol, a deputy observed a 52-year-old Salem man removing items from a donation box at the Lifeway Center. After further investigation, the Salem man was arrested for the possession of a controlled substance. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was incarcerated. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241 if you have any information about any investigation.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will meet tonight 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. In the Introduction and Reading of Bills, Resolution 2-2020 will be discussed that would adopt an economic development policy for the City of Salem. In new business, 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 before adjourning. The meeting of the Salem Board of Aldermen is open to the public.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will conduct their January meeting tonight in the hospital library beginning at 6:00. After approval of the agenda and minutes of the December 10th meeting, will be the administrator’s report that will include a summary of the operations for the month of December by Monica Stogsdill, the Chief of Nursing Report for the month by Debbie Hines, a Home Health report, and a report on the hospital foundation, plus the marketing and community perception with COO Jason Edwards. Patient satisfaction survey results for the Emergency Department and Family Medicine will be reviewed. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas will the present the auxiliary report before updating the Board on the hospital expansion and expansion financing options. Lucas will also update the Board on election filing. In new business the Conflict of Interest Policy is to be reviewed and possibly approved. The January board meeting of the Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors is open to the public.

January is National Radon Action Month and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encourages Americans around the country to test their homes for radon, the second leading cause of lung cancer. Make 2020 a healthier, safer new year by testing your home. Last year nearly 21,000 people died from lung cancer caused by exposure to radon. EPA’s radon program began more than 30 years ago as the scientific and public health community began to understand the risks associated with indoor radon exposure. Since then, elevated radon levels have been fixed in approximately two million homes in the United States and millions more have been tested. In many states, radon testing has become a standard part of real estate transactions. However, EPA estimates that about seven million high-radon homes remain across the United States. Testing is the only way to know if a home has an elevated level of radon. Affordable do-it-yourself radon test kits are available online and at most home improvement and hardware stores. You can also hire a qualified radon professional to test your home. Taking action to reduce your exposure to radon is a long-term investment in your families’ health and your home. The cost of reducing radon in your home depends on how your home was built and the extent of the radon problem. Most homes, however, can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs. For more information on testing and contact information for radon resources in your state, please see: https://www.epa.gov/radon.

The Salem Board of Education met Thursday night at the district administrative offices. In the Superintendent’s report, John McColloch recognized the members of the Board of Education in honor of School Board Recognition Week which will be February 9th through the 15th. He also reported there are three persons whose terms are expiring are Holly Erway, Drew Whitaker and Larry Maxwell as their terms will expire. Maxwell and Erway have refiled while Andrew Wynn has filed for the school board. Superintendent McColloch gave a budget update which showed the revenues as of December 31st were at $5,295,746.13 and that is down from last year $294,000, but McColloch said that the school had not yet received approximately $300,000 from Federal Programs. He also said the tuition income is down from the rural schools as there are less students enrolled from the other four schools. That is down about $100,000. McColloch said the expenses are up as of December 31st coming in at over six million dollars and that is due to the health insurance assessments of over $508,000. McColloch said the income numbers did not include the personal property and real estate tax check they are to receive from the county. McColloch also discussed with the board the 2020-2021 school calendar. He said with a new state law, the earliest the first day of school will be is August 24th and there is consideration by all the Dent County schools to lengthen the school day about 15 minutes. If that is approved by all the schools at a meeting to be held on Tuesday, the last day of school would be May 14th. If the schools want to keep the same length school day as they currently have, the last day of school will be May 25th. He said the rural schools were leaning toward the longer school day. Superintendent McColloch updated the board on current projects that include installing a shower and stacked washer/dryer area at William Lynch Elementary, and tripling the size of the shotput area at the track and football field area. He also went into great detail about an update on the Facility Plan that included the new Construction Trades building, and capital improvement plan for new rooftop air conditioning units and electrical upgrades at the high school. There was also a discussion about recommended facility improvement measures suggested by McKinstry to replace the lower elementary school and add a new indoor practice facility and weight room. The estimated costs of the projects and possible funding strategies were introduced by McColloch. He said he will bring a final facility plan proposal to the board at the February meeting. The principals all gave their building reports that show there are 271 students at William Lynch Elementary, 332 students at the Upper Elementary, 237 students at the Middle School and 553 at the Salem High School. The board accepted the resignation of John Brewer, William Lynch Elementary Art instructor and intervention, effective at the end of the 2019-2020 school year. In closed session, the board unanimously approved to extend Superintendent John McColloch’s contract through the 2022-2023 school year. The board also approved employing Patrick Prawitz as a high school math teacher and Mark Howard as a high school social studies teacher . The board also heard from a community member regarding a personnel issue. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office released reports for January 4th and 5th. On Saturday, January 4th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 2330. During the course of the traffic stop, a 20-year-old Salem man was arrested for the possession of marijuana of 10 grams or less. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. That same day, deputies responded to the 19000 block of Route C for the report of a sudden death. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a 55-year-old male of Salem was deceased. An investigation was conducted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and the Dent County Coroner’s Office. This investigation is ongoing, pending toxicology reports. On Sunday, January 5th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on South Orchard Street and Highway 32 West. During the course of the traffic stop, a 51-year-old Salem man was arrested for a DWI, being a prior offender, and failure to maintain the right half of roadway when the roadway was of sufficient width. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241 if you have any information relative to any investigation.

Weather permitting, contractors working for the Missouri Department of Transportation will begin the replacement of the Highway 49 bridge over Dry Fork Creek in Crawford County today. The bridge, located west of Cherryville, will be reduced to one lane while work takes place, with temporary traffic signals to guide traffic through the work zone. The project is scheduled to be completed by July 1st. This bridge is included in Governor Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program. For more information about this project, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/central.