Local News

A General Election was held Tuesday in Dent County with 6,101 registered voters casting their ballot which is over 61%. Unopposed candidates are not being shown in these unofficial results. An * indicates winner.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney:

Andrew M. Curley* 4,161 votes
Williams Camm Seay 1,772 votes

Associate Circuit Judge:

Nathan T. Kelsaw* 3,487 votes
Brandi L. Baird 2,497 votes

Circuit Judge Circuit 42 – Division 1

Megan Seay* 12,382 votes
Sid Pearson 4,147 votes
(4 of 5 counties reported)

Also being voted into office unopposed were Presiding Commissioner – Darrell Skiles, County Clerk – Angie Curley, Circuit Court Clerk – Becky Swiney, Recorder of Deeds – Cindy Ard, County Treasurer – Denita Williams, County Collector –

Shannon Vankirk, Public Administrator – Sherida Cook and 143rd State Representative – Jeffrey Pogue. The vote totals for 16th District State Senator and US Representative for the 8th District will be in Thursday’s YWT.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held its regular meeting Monday night at the City Hall Council Chambers. At the meeting, the board approved the bid from Quality Machine and Fabrication in Salem to custom build a stainless steel sewer machine tank that will weigh in at about 1,000 pounds. The cost came in at $6,400. After the consent agenda was approved, Public Works Director Mark Nash asked the aldermen if they had any questions about the report he submitted. They had none. City Administrator Ray Walden introduced the new Economic Development Director for the City of Salem, Sally Burbridge. She began her duties on Monday. Walden said the city offices would be closed on November 12th for Veteran’s Day. Walden said he received a report from a citizen that there was water still in the pool. He asked Park and Recreation Board President Stan Podorski to explain why. Podorski said this was part of the suggested winterization by West Port Pools who renovated the pool. He said the pipes have all been blown out and winterized, and the water is left in the pool to benefit the new pool liner. Podorski also said the splash pad has also been fully winterized. The board approved Resolution #4-2018 authorizing the filing of an
application with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Small Community Engineering Assistance Program under the Missouri Clean Water Act. This is a necessary step in the cities attempt to get a $500,000 grant for the Waste Water Treatment Facility. The board approved Bill #3404 amending the ordinance pertaining to the unlawful use of
bows and arrows for the archery program at Indian Trails Archery and at the Salem R-80 Schools. The board also approved Bill #3405 that authorized the mayor to sign and execute a supplement to task order #3 pertaining to the agreement between the City of Salem and the C.M. Archer Group. PC dated February 21st, 2017 for the design and construction engineering services associated with the Waste Water Treatment Plant Improvements. This was needed to get the proper documentation for the DNR grant application. The board also approved the recommendation of Steven Patterson to the Library Board to replace Elizabeth Condray who resigned on October 18th. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Salem Police Department has released reports for October 27th through the 30th. Saturday morning, the 27th, at approximately 6:52 an officer was contacted in reference to theft of electricity. Investigation of the report revealed two females ages 31 and 42 as well as two males ages 35 and 41 all of Salem had an illegal electric hook up at a residence where
they were staying and were stealing electric from the City. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspects who were all issued summonses to appear in court and released. Later that day at approximately 2:45 an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a theft from a residence in the 400 block of East Ninth Street. Investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown took a moving dolly valued $300.00 from the porch of a residence. The report is under investigation. Early Monday morning, the 29th, at approximately 12:19 an officer transported a 23 year-old male of Salem to the Center for Cognitive Disorders in Osage Beach, Missouri due to a mental commitment order. Finally on Tuesday afternoon, the 30th, at approximately 12:32 an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. Investigation of the report led to the arrest of an 18 year-old female of Centerville, Missouri for stealing merchandise valued $59.09. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said the Bunker area received some winds last Thursday night that knocked down three trees on Dent County Road 5600 and another three trees on county road 5610. He said he would have two men in the area looking for other downed trees. He said brush was being cut on county roads 54890 and 5500. Purcell stated that truck #73 was in to get the brakes replaced and have full maintenance performed on it, while the hydraulic hoses on the loader that is in the shop will be changed out. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson indicted the materials would be added and spread plus grading would be done on Dent County Road 2520 which one of the conservation roads. He went on to say brush was going to be cut on county road 4050. Larson reported maintenance on tractor #4 was being done along with general maintenance at the shop. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to remind everyone to get out and vote as the polls will be open from 6:00 in the morning until 7:00 in the evening. It is one of the privileges Americans have to have a voice in their government. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the treasurer’s office and her office balanced on all accounts for the month of October. She wanted to remind every to bring an ID or your voter registration card to the polls and be ready to expect lines. She wanted to remind everyone that there can be no electioneering within 25 feet of the polls and that includes signs, T-Shirts, caps or anything with any politician’s name or that refers to an amendment or propositions. If you have questions as to where you are supposed to vote, contact her office at 729-4144, but it may be heard to get through. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation shows that hunters checked 2,169 turkeys during Missouri’s fall firearms turkey season, October 1st through the 31st. Top harvest counties were Greene with 57, Henry with 48, and Laclede with 47. Last year’s fall firearms turkey harvest total was 2,899. The Conservation Departments turkey biologist says the low harvest total can be attributed to several years of poor hatches. Turkey harvests around the region include 26 in Dent County, 32 in Crawford County, 23 in Iron County, 39 in Texas County, 16 in Shannon County and 34 in Phelps County. Another factor that has resulted in lower fall turkey harvests is declining hunter participation. This year, 10,262 fall firearms turkey hunting permits were purchased. During the peak year of 1987, nearly 53,000 permits were purchased. Missouri has seen a declining interest in fall firearms turkey season as have other states.

The Salem Police Department has released reports for October 25th and 26th. On Thursday morning at approximately 3:23, October 25th, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to trespassing. The investigation of the report revealed that a 21-year-old male of Salem had entered onto the property of Wal-Mart when he was previously told not to return to the store. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was issued a summons to appear in court for trespassing and released. Then Friday morning, October 26th, at approximately 1:48, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 25-year-old female of Rolla for driving while having her license suspended. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Missouri Department of Transportation will test its readiness to plow snow for the upcoming winter season with a statewide drill this Wednesday. Motorists may notice increased numbers of MoDOT vehicles on state routes during the drill. In our area, crews will deploy after 8:00 in the morning. The exercise should be completed by 3:00 in the afternoon. During the drill, MoDOT employees will react to a simulated forecast of significant snow for the entire state. The department’s emergency operations centers will activate and maintenance employees will be deployed to their trucks. Emergency communications systems will also be tested. The drill serves as a training reminder to make sure proper equipment, plowing techniques and safety measures are used. In addition, every piece of equipment – every truck, motor grader, snow blower, and tractor – is inspected. MoDOT spends about $43 million each year to keep roads clear in the winter and help ensure motorists get to their destinations safely and quickly.

The Dent County Commission met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell reported that the Bunker area had some wind along with the rain Wednesday and Wednesday night that caused some downed trees. Bunker’s Superintendent of Schools had called reporting that Dent County Road 5610 had a large tree down that was blocking the roadway. Purcell said there were also three trees down on Dent County Road 5630 and one down on county road 4110 and his crews addressed the trees first thing Monday morning. He reported that a crew was bringing in the loader from the brown rock site as the main hydraulic hose had ruptured and that the belly pan and other parts would have to be removed to replace the hose so it would be a major repair. Purcell also noted that grader #26 was in for maintenance, that the loader low-boy was to have a tire changed, and the others of his crew were out checking problem areas. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson was unable to attend the meeting due to a previous commitment. Road Supervisor Sam Gorman was in to report for District Two. He said that his crew was hauling and spreading rock on Dent County Roads 2530 and 4430, plus performing shop maintenance. Gorman said that the rest of his crew was checking roads for clogged pipes and downed trees. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said that on Wednesday he attended the Meramec Region Emergency Planning Committee meeting in St. James. He said that three Hazardous Materials Emergency Planning Training sessions were approved for Dent County. One was for Salem Memorial District Hospital hazardous materials decontamination, another for Dent County Sheriff’s Office’s training for dealing with chemical suicides, and the third was for Dent County Fire Protection District training to deal with using foam to extinguish ignitable liquids. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that the Commissioners were approving bills for payment. She noted that absentee voting continues in her office and that she has sample ballots and “Fair Ballot Language” explanation available free upon request. Curley reminded voters to be sure and remember their ID when they come to the polls on Tuesday and that no electioneering is allowed within 25 feet of the polls. She noted that election judge training was to take place Thursday morning. Mike Elliott with Town and Country Insurance was in with details for the Builders Risk Insurance through Zurich Insurance. The Commissioner’s approved purchase of the policy. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday morning in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Don’t forget to get your tickets for the Healthy Dent County “Old Hollywood Casino Night” that will be held this Saturday at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. The cost is $50 per person or $85 per couple. The ticket you purchase will include $10,000 of “gaming” money and if you wear “Old Hollywood” attire to the event, you will be given an additional $1,000 in “gaming” money upon your arrival. The doors will open at 6:00 with the casino activities beginning at 6:30 with Craps, Blackjack and Roulette being available for those in attendance. At 9:30, the games will end and prizes will be awarded. Numerous prizes will be given away or purchased through a silent auction. Those prizes include a week long vacation to the Lodges at Timber Ridge in Branson in May after graduation, a 55” LCD Television; a 12-foot kayak; 10-speed bicycle; 2 tickets to the Justin Timberlake Concert in St. Louis in December, St. Louis Blues Hockey Tickets for five games, Mizzou Basketball Tickets for three games and much, much more! Tickets for the “Old Hollywood Casino Night” fundraiser are available at the Salem Community Center@The Armory at 1200 West Rolla Road, or go to the Facebook page to get them online. Tickets will be available at the door Saturday night. For more info, call 729-8163 to learn more about the “Old Hollywood Casino Night” fundraiser to benefit Healthy Dent County.

To reflect estimated changes in the wholesale cost of natural gas as well as a change in the Ameren’s Actual Cost Adjustment (ACA) factor, the natural gas customers of Union Electric Company d/b/a Ameren Missouri will see natural gas rates change under a filing that takes effect today. The ACA factor is a mechanism which tracks any over-collection or under-collection of actual natural gas costs over a 12 month period. The net over- or under-collected balances are subsequently either refunded or collected the next year. Ameren Missouri residential customers in all of its service areas will see natural gas rates decrease by approximately $0.02 per Ccf (per hundred cubic feet of natural gas). This change will affect Ameren Missouri natural gas customers in areas such as Columbia, Rolla, Salem, Owensville, Jefferson City, Mexico, Wentzville, Cape Girardeau and Marble Hill. Approximately 50% to 55% of a customer’s current natural gas bill reflects the cost of natural gas from wholesale suppliers. The wholesale cost of natural gas (the cost your local natural gas company must pay to its suppliers for natural gas) is not regulated by the Missouri Public Service Commission. The wellhead cost of natural gas is unregulated and is primarily driven by supply, demand and the weather. The Missouri Public Service Commission does conduct an annual regulatory review to ensure that regulated natural gas companies make prudent decisions in securing natural gas supplies for their customers. Ameren Missouri serves approximately 130,400 natural gas customers in Missouri.

A two vehicle accident occurred in Phelps County Tuesday at 5:00 in the afternoon on Route V about a mile north of Rolla. According to a report released by the highway patrol, the accident happened as a 1997 GMC Sierra driven by 35-year old Christopher Kean of Vichy, was eastbound when he crossed the centerline. A 1997 Ford Explorer driven by 27-year old Michael Davis of Rolla was westbound and attempted to avoid the Kean vehicle and was sideswiped by the GMC. Davis was taken to Phelps County Regional Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries. Both vehicles sustained moderate damage. The GMC was removed from the scene by C&C Towing and Both drivers were wearing safety devices at the time of the accident.

An accident happened in Tuesday night at 9:10 in Maries County on Route H about a mile south of High Gate. According to the highway patrol report, a 2013 GMC Terrain, driven by 39-year old Jennifer Gipson of St. James was westbound when the GMC struck a cow that was standing in the road. Gipson received minor injuries and was transported by Ozark Central Ambulance to Phelps County Regional Medical Center for treatment. The GMC sustained minor damage and was removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing. Gipson was wearing a safety device at the time of the accident.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will conduct their November meeting on Tuesday, November 6th at the fire station beginning at 6:00 in the evening. After approval of the agenda as well as the minutes from the October meeting, the Board will review and approve bills. The Board will review financial reports for the district, a note to the board that the budget for 2019 will be due in December, and there will be a review of the calendar for upcoming events. The monthly reimbursement report will be presented and the Board will address any old or new business. The Board may then vote to go into closed session to discuss personnel, if necessary and they will also set the date for the December meeting to be held at the fire station beginning at 6:00 on December 4th. The November meeting of the Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors is open to the public.

The City of Salem has again designated the hours from 6:00 until 8:00 tonight as Trick or Treat Hours in the city limits. Make sure all children have reflective tape or a light costume on so that they can be seen when traveling from house to house. Children also need to be very alert when crossing well traveled streets. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Halloween drunk-driving fatalities are on the rise. From 2012 through 2016, 44% of traffic fatalities on Halloween night involved at least one drunk driver. In total, 168 people were killed in these alcohol related crashes. In 2017, there were three serious injury crashes in Missouri on Halloween night. Children out trick-or-treating, and those who accompany them, are also at risk. In those same years, 14 percent of pedestrian fatalities on Halloween night involved drunk drivers. Drivers between ages of 21 to 34 accounted for the most drunk-driving fatalities (46%) on Halloween night in 2016. Driving impaired has scary consequences. On average, a DUI can set you back more than $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, court costs, lost time at work, higher insurance rates, car towing and repairs, and more. Even worse, you could injure or kill someone. Do your part to keep Halloween fun and safe.

An accident happened near the intersection of Center and Washington on Wednesday night at 9:36, October 17th. According to the Salem Police report, a 2002 Lexus ES300 owned and operated by Evelyn Randall of Salem was west abound on West Center approaching Washington Street. At that time, Randall began to accelerate instead of braking and failed to stop at the stop sign. Randall then made a wide right turn on to North Washington and made contact with the west side curb. The vehicle then ran off the left side of the road into the front yard of #3 North Washington and continued north and struck a city of Salem utility pole before coming to a rest. The Lexus received extensive damage. Randall suffered moderate injuries and an occupant in the vehicle received minor injuries. Both were transported by ambulance to the Salem Memorial District hospital for treatment. The landscaping at #3 North Washington sustained minor damage as did the City of Salem utility pole.

Are you going to be in the market for health insurance? Now is the time to visit the website www.HealthCare.gov to get ready for this year’s Open Enrollment and review your 2019 plan options. The marketplace open enrollment starts Thursday, November 1st and will last until December 15th. 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.

Runners, walkers and bikers in the Salem area, do you think Salem needs more trails? Healthy Dent County invites you to voice your opinion on the website www.salemmotrails.com. At that websight, you will see a number of proposed trails around Salem with descriptions of the trails. It is their goal to find out where the community wants and would use additional trails. You can leave your comments on the website and if you do, you will be entered in a drawing to win a $50 gift card. Healthy Dent County is orking in conjunction with PedNet out of St. Louis on this project. If you have questions about the site or want more information about the trails presented, call Kelsey at Healthy Dent County at 729-8163.

The City of Salem will be hosting a public reception for their new economic development director, Sally Burbridge, the evening of Monday, November 5th from 5:00 until 7:00 in the City Hall Auditorium. Light refreshments will be served at the reception which is open to everyone.

The Dent County Commission gathered Monday morning at the Dent County 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 Road 5400 while only grading will be done on county roads 2470, 2490 and 5390. He also mentioned brush was going to be cut on county road 5440 and that two trucks would be hauling brown rock. Purcell said the excess dirt being removed from the jail project is continuing to be taken to the Dent County Road and Bridge Department where it is being collected and spread out for use at a later time. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said grading would be performed on Dent County Roads 3250, 3253, 4060 and 4430 while materials would be added to county road 2510. He said some patching is going to be done on the chip and seal on Dent County Road 3233. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported he attended the MRPC Awards Dinner and Banquet in Hermann last Thursday and said a nice contingent of Dent County residents attended. He said he would be attending the Meramec Regional Emergency Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley wants to remind anyone that is planning on receiving a mailed out ballot that it must be done by this Wednesday. She said absentee voting continues at her office through 5:00 Monday afternoon. Her office will be open this Saturday from 8:00 until noon for those who would like to vote absentee. The General Election will be held Tuesday, November 6th starting at 6:00 in the morning with the polls staying open until 7:00. Please bring an ID to the polls with you when you go to vote. Curley is estimating a turnout of about 65-68% of those registered to vote. She said election judge training was being held and if anyone would like to become an election judge in the future, please let her office know. She also wanted the general public know the county has begun working on the 2019 budget. At 10:00, the commission held a budget hearing to amend the Road and Bridge Department budget. The main reason this was needed was due to the county exercising the buy-back option on their graders they would otherwise have traded-in to off-set some of the expense of the lease/purchase of new graders. The ending revenue balance of the amended budget stands at $342,447.20. The amendment to the budget was approved by the commission. Their next meeting will be held Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and it will be open to the public.

The November 6th General Election is almost here and Dent County Clerk Angie Curley is reminding voters that this is a long ballot and voters should be familiar with the candidates, propositions and amendments before going to vote. She recommends voters pick up a sample ballot, fill it out and take it with you when you go to vote. You can also pick up a copy of the “fair ballot language” explanation of the propositions and amendments. This will help explain what the ballot language on the amendments and propositions is actually saying without trying to figure out the legalese. There is no charge for sample ballots or the fair ballot language explanations. You can pick up your sample ballot and a copy of the “fair ballot language” at the Dent County Clerk’s office at the Dent County Courthouse. There are contested races for a US Senator, US State Representative for District 8, State Auditor, State Senator, Circuit Judge Circuit 42 Division 1, Associate Circuit Judge, Dent County Prosecuting Attorney, three Supreme Court judges, four amendments and three propositions. The sample ballot will also be printed in this week’s Salem News.

The Salem Police Department has released several reports. On Monday morning, October 22nd at approximately 11:41, an officer was dispatched to Mobil Convenience Store located at Highway 32 and 19 in reference to a theft of fuel. The investigation of the report revealed the driver of a white in color white single cab semi-truck pumped fuel valued at $242.18 and left without paying. The report is under investigation. Then on Tuesday morning, October 23rd at about 11:00, the School Resource Officer was contacted in reference to a stolen cell phone. That investigation revealed that a 14-year old male juvenile had stolen a cell phone valued at $200.00 from another student. Further investigation led to the detention of the forwarded to the Juvenile Office for prosecution. On Wednesday morning, October 24th at about 11:24, an officer was dispatched to a traffic crash at Highway 32 and McCarthur. The investigation of the crash led to the arrest of a 22-year old female of Salem for driving while having her license suspended and failure to maintain financial responsibility. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and released. Later that afternoon at 2:59 in the afternoon, an officer located a 22-year old male of Salem near Fifth Street and Iron Street who had an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and released with a new date to appear in court after posting bond. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation shows that young hunters ages 6 through 15 harvested 13,560 deer during Missouri’s early youth portion of the 2018 deer hunting season this past weekend. Totals from the counties in the area for the early youth portion were Texas with 237 deer taken, Dent with 191 deer harvested, Shannon with 169 deer checked, Phelps with 151 deer harvested, Crawford with 141 deer taken and Iron with 89 deer checked. Last year’s harvest total for the early youth portion was 17,412. Archery deer hunting continues through November 9th and again from November 21st through January 15th, 2019. Up next for deer hunting in Missouri is the November portion of firearms deer season, which runs November 10th through the 20th.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On Wednesday, October 10th, deputies traveled to the 200 block of Highway H in reference to a burglary. During the course of the investigation, speakers and a change jar were found to be stolen. This report is still under investigation. On Thursday, October 11th, deputies traveled to the 500 block of County Road 4060 in reference to property damage. During the course of the investigation, a door and breaker box were found damaged. This report is being investigated. On Friday, October 12th, deputies traveled to the 600 block of County Road 4253 in reference to an incident of domestic violence. During the course of the investigation, a 44-year old Salem man was arrested domestic assault 2nd degree and kidnapping 2nd degree. The Salem man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail. On Wednesday, October 17th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Highway 68. The driver, a 34-year old Salem women, was arrested for Dent County warrants. She was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Sunday, October 21st, deputies traveled to the 2000 block of Route P in reference to an incident of domestic violence. During the course of the investigation, a 36-year old Salem man was arrested for domestic assault 4th degree. He was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. On Monday, October 22nd, deputies received a report of a theft that occurred on County Road 4253. During the course of the investigation, a 44-year old Salem man, was fingerprinted and charged for felony stealing. The Salem man was already incarcerated in the Dent County Jail. On Tuesday, October 23rd, deputies conducted a traffic stop on South Highway 19. The driver, a 21-year old Salem woman, was arrested for possession of marijuana. She was taken to the Dent County Jail, fingerprinted, issued summons and released. If anyone has information regarding an ongoing investigation, please call the sheriff’s department at 729-3241.

Time is running out to get in your application in for the 13th annual Trees and Trains “Winter Wonderland by Night” display. If you want to put up a decorated tree yourself or you represent a group or business, you need to pick up your application at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center at 202 South Main, or call them at 729-0029. You can also contact or Judy Thompson at 573-368-0682 or email her at thompfam@embarqmail.com. The deadline for completed applications is TOMORROW.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) seeks information in the case of an elk calf that was shot. Conservation agents report the calf was born in the Log Yard area of Shannon County July 13 and was fitted with a VFH radio collar July 14 with the identification number 1829. The calf still had its spots when it was found shot next to a road just weeks later. The lengthy investigation has led conservation agents to seek information from the public. It’s standard procedure for MDC’s elk research crew to catch and assess calves in the wild immediately after birth. This enables the team to monitor the animals’ growth and collect information about their movements. In this case, just a few weeks after the elk was born, the team received a mortality signal from the radio collar, leading them to find it lying next to a road, shot in the head. MDC’S Ozark Regional Protection Supervisor Gerald Smith said this is the second known elk poaching incident in the region. The first was a mature bull that was killed in December 2015. In that case, the poachers removed the bull’s antlers with a chain saw and left it otherwise untouched in the woods where it fell, likely because of its size. When elk restoration began in Missouri in 2011, one of the projected benefits was an increase in tourism to the Missouri Ozarks region. Visitor surveys conducted at the two self-guided driving elk tours at Peck Ranch and Current River conservation areas determined elk brought nearly $1.3 million to the region in 2016. This data included regional economic impacts such as food, lodging and transport expenses of more than 11,000 visitors that toured these areas in 2016. Anyone with information that could help with this investigation can call the Operation Game Thief (OGT) hotline at 1-800-392-1111. The hotline is managed 24 hours a day and you may remain anonymous.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell indicated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 5390 while only grading would be done on county roads 2480 and 4210. Purcell went on to report that dirt from the excavating for the new jail/justice center was being spread out at the Road and Bridge Department. Purcell thought that most of the excavation work would be completed by the middle of next week. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 5330 and 5335 while only grading was going to be done on county roads 2200 and 2370. Larson went on to report brush was going to be cut on county roads 3333 and 3335. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended the MRPC Annual Awards Dinner and Banquet at Hermann Thursday night. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she met with Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft Wednesday about the election at her office. She wanted to remind everyone to make sure that your voter information is correct. If you have moved, call her officer at 729-4144 or drop by the Dent County Courthouse. She says absentee voting will continue until November 5th at the courthouse. On Monday, November 5th, her office will be open until 5:00. Her office will also be open Saturday, November 3rd from 8:00 in the morning until noon for absentee voting. She said the last day to mail out a ballot would be Wednesday, October 31st and her office will be open Halloween until 5:00. Curley said sample ballots are available in her office and she also has the fair ballot language explanations for the amendments and propositions for those who want them. Susie Mackey with the Dent County Service Unit of the Salvation Army attended the meeting to find bellringers for the upcoming holiday season. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday morning at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

Come to the Missouri Mines State Historic Site from 5:00 to 8:00 this Saturday for an autumn evening of family fun and education. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks and The Doe Run Company, this event is free to the public. The 14th Annual Fall Rocks event is designed specifically for elementary aged kids, but the whole family can learn about geology, mineral resources and mining by participating in fun, hands-on games and activities. Many activities will be offered, including hard hat decorating, cookie mining, rock and mineral identification games, a mineral resources challenge and bicycle safety training. Admission to the site’s museum will be free, and refreshments will be offered. Missouri Mines State Historic Site preserves and interprets the important buildings and structural elements of the former St. Joe Mineral Corporation’s largest mine-mill complex. The site’s museum features restored underground mining equipment, a large display of mineral specimens, exhibits on mining history and a short video on lead mining and the milling process. The historic site is located south of St. Louis, on the south side of Highway 32 at the Flat River Drive overpass in Park Hills. For more information about the event, call the site at 573-431-6226. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Get your tickets now for the Healthy Dent County “Old Hollywood Casino Night” that will be held Saturday, November 3rd at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. This is a fundraiser for Healthy Dent County and the cost is $50 per person or $85 per couple. This Casino Night will feature game tables much like the ones you will find in a real casino, as well as professional dealers to run the games. The ticket you purchase will include $10,000 of “gaming” money that you will be able to gamble with that evening and then be eligible for some outstanding prizes at the end of the night. If you wear “Old Hollywood” attire to the event, you will be given an additional $1,000 in “gaming” money upon your arrival. The doors will open at 6:00 on November 3rd with the casino activities beginning at 6:30 with Craps, Blackjack and Roulette being available for those in attendance. At 9:30, the games will end and prizes will be awarded. Numerous prizes will be given away including a week vacation to the Lodges at Timber Ridge in Branson in May, a 55” LCD Television; a 12-foot kayak; 10-speed bicycle; 2 tickets to the December 13th Justin Timberlake Concert in St. Louis, St. Louis Blues Hockey Tickets, Mizzou Basketball Tickets and much, much more! Tickets for the “Old Hollywood Casino Night” fundraiser are available now at the Salem Community Center@The Armory at 1200 West Rolla Road or call 729-8163 for more information about the “Old Hollywood Casino Night” fundraiser sponsored by Healthy Dent County and KSMO Radio.

The Salem Police Department has released reports for October 11th through the 13th. On Friday evening, October 11th at approximately 6:57, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 36-year old male of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $78.53. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. The next morning at about 9:26, an officer located a 35- year old male of Salem near 1105 South Main who had an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending a court appearance. Then Saturday morning the 13th near 12:24, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 31-year old male of Salem on three active arrest warrants from the State of Missouri, and a 25-year old female of Salem for possession of a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of a child. The male suspect was incarcerated pending a court appearance. The female suspect was incarcerated pending the application of warrants. That same night at about 9:03, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of an 18-year old male of Salem on an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and later released with a new date to appear in court after posting bond. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Salem present “The Wonder of Christmas Morning” parade of lights Saturday December 1st. Entry Forms are currently available at the Salem Chamber of Commerce office and must be returned no later than November 26th. Entry forms can be dropped off at the Chamber office at 200 South Main Street, faxed to 573-729-6741 or emailed to chamber@salemmo.com.

The Spring Creek Artisans annual Pumpkin Day will be held this Saturday from 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon at the historic Bonebrake Center in Salem. A wide variety of handmade items, from original paintings, wood carvings and turnings, pottery, metal art, baskets, fiber art, quilts, stained glass, wire wrapped jewelry and gift cards will be on sale. Customers will also have the choice to use credit cards now for purchases. There will also be free face painting and a door prize of a pumpkin hand carved by Best of Missouri Hands artist Russ Biros. For additional information, you can contact Spring Creek Artisans President Russ Biros at 417-458-9894.

The Bonebrake Center of Nature and History is reviving its Halloween Walk this Saturday at 7:00 in the evening in front of the house at the Center. With the help of Janet Price of Moon Shadow Moments, LLC, there will be fun, interactive, and non-scary activities. It will all begin with a little foolishness and fun followed by a non-threatening guided walk through candle-lit trails as participants discover the night creatures of the Bonebrake Center. They may meet a Luna Moth, a dung beetle, an assassin bug-who knows what weird creatures they may see. This is an activity appropriate both for the young and young at heart. Visitors should dress for the weather and be prepared for a walk down the trails with guides. The cost is $1.00 per child, $3.00 per adult, or $5.00 for the whole family, which will include light refreshments. If the weather is not cooperative, the activity will be held indoors. For more information please contact the Bonebrake Center at (573) 729-3400 or e-mail at bonebrakecenter@embarqmail.com and they are on Facebook. It will be helpful to call the Bonebrake Center and leave a message as to how many to expect with your group so there are plenty of refreshments. The Bonebrake Center is located at 601 North Hickory Street, at the corner of North Hickory and East Rolla Road.

The Dent County Toy Drive is holding its first fundraiser this weekend on Saturday, the 27th. A “Quarter Mania” will take place at the Salem Community Center@ The Armory. The doors open at 5:30 and play begins at 6:00. Food and drink will be available for purchase. This event is a cross between a raffle, auction and game of bingo. Come join us for an evening of bargains, supporting local businesses and the upcoming toy drive.