Local News

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met Monday, October 15th at the Health Center. Administrator Kendra Mobray presented employee health/dental/vision quotes for 2019 from four different insurance agencies. After a lengthy discussion, the board voted to accept the Healthy Choice 1000 Lifestyles Health Plan from Mike Keith Insurance, Inc. In other business, Mobray reported the outpatient lab services were provided to 36 clients in September, and that flu shot clinics were held at Oakhill R-1, Northwood R-IV, Salem R-80, the Salem Senior Center, and Dent County Commissioner’s office. Flu shots are still available at the Health Center on a walk-in basis. They will bill most insurances, Medicaid, and Medicare. Mobray reported that two cases of Erlichia Chaffeensis were reported along with two cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Also investigated was a dog bite and a cat bite in September. Roma Jones and Joan Raulston attended the WIC Conference that was held on October 3rd through the 5th while Raulston and Mobray continue to work closely with the Prevention Coalition in many prevention awareness efforts. It was also reported that all lodging inspections were completed by the September 30th deadline for licensing. It was also noted that all food establishment inspections are up to date. The next regular board meeting date was set for Monday, November 19th at 5:00 at the Health Center and the meeting is open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources invites the public to review and offer written comments on a draft hazardous waste permit modification for the Doe Run Company’s Buick Resource Recovery Facility starting Tuesday evening, November 13th and lasting until Monday, November 26th. The department will be holding a public meeting and public hearing about the draft permit modification on Tuesday, November 13th, at the Quad County Firehouse, located at 80 Highway 49 in Viburnum. The meeting will begin at 6:00 and is an opportunity for the public to ask questions, share information and discuss issues with facility and department staff. The public hearing will follow the public meeting, beginning at 7:00. At the hearing, members of the public can have their comments about the draft permit modification entered into the official record. The department will not answer questions at the hearing but will provide responses in writing, along with any written comments submitted during the public comment period. Written comments and oral public hearing testimony are treated with equal consideration. Buick is currently operating at the site under a department-issued Missouri Hazardous Waste Management Facility Part I Permit. This permit allows Buick to store and disassemble the spent lead-acid batteries, which are classified as toxic and corrosive hazardous waste. On May 3rd, 2017, Buick submitted a permit modification request to the department, requesting to modify its Part I Permit to add a seventh cell to the landfill, increasing the overall storage capacity by approximately 146,000 cubic yards. The landfill is a phased development and currently permitted for six cells. The operational life of the entire landfill was originally planned for more than 20 years; however, current practices at the facility are rapidly using the amount of permitted storage capacity. The department previously approved temporary authorization requests for Buick to build and temporarily use Cell 7. After a thorough technical review of the permit modification request, the department prepared a draft of the proposed Part I Permit modification for the Buick facility. The draft permit modification proposes to allow Buick to continue using Cell 7 after the temporary authorization expires December 5th, 2018. Individuals requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting or hearing can make arrangements by contacting Heidi Rice at least 72 hours before the meetings at 573-526-8964 or 800-361-4827 or by e-mailing her at heidi.rice@dnr.mo.gov. Hearing- and speech-impaired individuals may reach Rice through Relay Missouri at 800-735-2966.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held their regular meeting Thursday evening at the District Administrative Offices. At the meeting, Superintendent John McColloch said that as of September first, Salem R-80 had 1,031 resident students and 309 non-residents attending school. That is a total of about 1,340 students from grades from Kindergarten through 12th grade and that number does NOT include 64 pre-Kindergarten children. McColloch said the Phase 10 construction work continues with the footings being set for the restrooms at the football field. He said the masons would be at the football field Tuesday to start installing the block building. McColloch also reported that conduit has been installed in the gym and McKinstry was to have pulled the wire through for the air conditioning. McColloch went on to tell the board the curbs for the air conditioning units on the roof were to be installed Monday. McColloch also told the board that he would like to create a long-term project committee to create a long-term facility plan that would include educational adequacy, facility assessment, operations and sustainability, community impact and the implementation assessment. The initial meeting of this committee will be Thursday, November 1st at 6:00 at the Salem R-80 District Administrative Offices and it is open to anyone who is interested. If anyone has question about the committee, contact Superintendent John McColloch at 729-6642. High School Principal Marty Anderson reported on the construction trades program at the school. He said their projects would be limited to within the City Limits of Salem and a couple of projects have been submitted for heir consideration. Principal Scott Roberts of the Middle School wanted to thank Conway Construction and Healthy Dent County for their new obstacle course at the school. The board approved the board policy updates that had to be changed due to the passing of Senate Bill 603 and they will go into effect January 1st, 2019. High School Choir Director Elaine Russell came in to discuss with the board the choir’s desire to travel to New Orleans in the spring of 2019 for competitions. Russell said 20 students, 1 instructor and three chaperons would go April 11th through the 14th and it would cost each person about $600. This money has to be earned by the student working fund raisers and doing other jobs in order for them to go to the competition. She said there are other options available if the New Orleans trip would fall through within driving distance. The board approved their request. The board then went into closed session.

A one vehicle accident occurred Friday afternoon at 1:15 on Route B about two miles north of St. James. According to the report, a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire, driven by 17-year old Steven Counts of St. James, was northbound when he lost control of the vehicle and traveled off the right side of the roadway, then struck several small trees and overturned. Counts suffered minor injuries and was transported by private conveyance to seek his own treatment. Counts was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Pontiac sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing.

The Delta Regional Authority announced that they will contribute $174,124 to St. James as part of a total investment of $1,135,883 for a business expansion and infrastructure improvements that include upgrades to city streets, storm sewers, sidewalks and curbs to support expansion of a manufacturing business. The business currently manufactures glass showcases and displays, cabinetry and does other millwork for national and international customers and they will be adding a new product line. The total investment is expected to help create 33 new jobs and retain 100 existing jobs.

Salem Parks and Recreation Tye Lydon was recently qualified as a certified Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) by the National Certification Board (NCB) and National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). To be AFO certified Lydon had to pass a nationally administered examination testing his knowledge of mechanical concepts involved in the functioning of a swimming pool, his ability to demonstrate familiarity with all systems, equipment and peripherals that are required to contain, circulate and filter, plus heat and treat swimming pool water. Lydon examination covered his ability to perform preventative maintenance and basic repairs, his competence in all areas of water chemistry pertaining to pools and his knowledge of risk management practices. Lydon’s AFO certification is valid for five years. Congratulations Tye.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. Realtor Ralph Williams was in to deal with a real estate situation and the Commissioners completed the necessary paperwork. In the road report, District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that grading would be done and materials would be added to Dent County Roads 5150 and 5130, while grading only would be done on county roads 5440, 6020 and 6080. He went on to say that brush would be cut on county road 5220 and that he had a man at the Road and Bridge Department leveling the fill from the jail site excavation. Purcell reported that he attended the Tourism Tax Committee meeting on Monday where four reimbursements applications were submitted and approved. He encouraged potential applicants to call Bill Ard at 314-277-1444 to obtain proposal applications or to contact him. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley asked if some applications could be left at her office and Purcell said that he’d get her some. Purcell reminded potential applicants that the Tourism Tax can be used solely to promote tourism in Dent County. He also reported that he attended the South Central Missouri Community Action Agency meeting in Winona and the Agency’s fiscal year started October 1st so all programs are currently fully funded. Purcell reminded those that meet the income guidelines that funds are available for heating assistance, home weatherization and home repair. Anyone interested in obtaining more information should contact Sarah at 573-729-3500. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2050 and 2060, while brush would be cut on county road 3030. He said that pipes were going to be installed on county roads 3040 and 3190, plus materials would be added where those pipes were installed. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to remind everyone of the “ATV/UTV Ride For America” coming up Saturday and that Governor Mike Parson would be in Rolla today from Noon until 1:00 at Price Chopper to discuss Proposition D. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reminded everyone that absentee voting continues in her office through November 5th, that the last day to mail out an absentee ballot is Wednesday, October 31st, and that her office would be open Saturday, November 3rd from 8:00 until noon for absentee voting. She went on to say that sample ballots and plain language explanations of the amendments and propositions were also available. Curley said the Commissioners were approving bills for payment and that ATV/UTV permits were available in her office and at The Commons Friday evening. Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley had sent over the final copy of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program ordinance. The ordinance was assigned Ordinance Number 1018 and was approved 3-0. Bonnie Prigge and Anne Freund of MRPC and MoDOT District Engineer Preston Kramer were in to review Dent County and the City of Salem transportation needs and to establish priorities. Gary Brown and Bob Parsons, both of whom represent Dent County on the MRPC Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) were also in attendance. Salem City Administrator Ray Walden also serves on the TAC Committee, but was unable to attend due to a prior commitment. Twenty two projects were on the Dent County Transportation Needs list. Two were the bridges on Route F, which were removed since they were completed this year. Kramer reported improvements on Highway 68 from the Phelps County Line to Highway 19 in Salem have been approved for Fiscal Year 2020, and the bridge over Norman Creek on Route FF has been approved for replacement in Fiscal Year 2021. After extensive discussion, the following priorities were established. Number one priority is the bridge over Gladden Creek on Highway 19 South, followed by the installation of a bridge over Crooked Creek on Highway TT in the Sligo area, reducing safety concerns at the intersection of Highway 19 South and Roosevelt Street in Salem was prioritized 3rd, and replacement of the bridge over the West Fork of the Huzzah in Boss was listed 4th. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday morning in the Courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

Attention all you runners, walkers and bikers in the Salem area! Do you think Salem needs more trails? Come discuss the proposed trail map for the future trails in the Salem Area on Tuesday evening, October 23rd from 5:30 until 6:30. Everyone will meet at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Healthy Dent County wants to get as much community input on where the trails should be located as possible. This meeting is open to the public. If you attend, you will be entered for a $50 gift card. For more information or if have any questions, please call Kelsey at 729-8163 or email her at kelsey@salemcommunitycenter.org.

Congratulations to a number of Salem FFA Members for their exemplary speaking skills at the Area 13 Fall Speaking Contest. Brenden Smith placed 1st in the Missouri Pet Breeders speech area, Eli Westerman captured 2nd in the Missouri Cattleman’s Speech area, Kolson Seay placed 3rd in the Teach Ag Speech area and Taylor Smith was a participant in the Missouri Quarter Horse speech area. Smith, Westerman and Seay will all be competing in the District contest to be held in November.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday evening in the Hospital Library. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas introduced Cindy Fry and Amy Thompson who gave the board an update on the Surgical, Acute Care and Outpatient Care departments. They described several updates regarding the way the staff interacts with patients and doctors as well as showing pictures of new equipment as well as updates on patient furniture and room improvements. Other planned patient room updates include new HVAC, flooring, lighting and window upgrades. In the summary of operations for the month of September, the hospital had 111 inpatient admissions with 304 inpatient census days. There were 2,093 outpatient registrations, 1,936 cardiopulmonary procedures, 9,924 lab tests, 1,258 radiology procedures, 647 rehabilitation treatments, 30 surgeries, 258 home health visits and 788 emergency room visits. The hospital showed a gain from operations of $63,475 and revenues over expenses after taxes of $65,995. Cash decreased for the month by $309,763. Debbie Hines gave the Chief of Nursing report and stated the hospital received a four star rating for calendar year 2017 in the Patient Engagement Quality Report. She is working with Healthy Dent County and other community leaders to create the 2019 Community Health Needs Assessment. The Long Term Care Department was recently monitored by the State of Missouri and received an excellent rating, with only one tag for oxygen storage procedures. The Hospital Auxiliary will be having Shoe Roads Production shoe sale at the hospital library on October 23rd. Chief Operating Officer Chris Strickland reported the Hospital Foundation will be holding their “Dancing with the Salem Stars” on January 26th at the Salem High School Gym. They will be contacting the community to help sponsor the fundraiser. The foundation is still waiting on the federal government so that they can file for state tax exemption. The hospital participated in numerous community sponsorships and events like the Rose Holland Trout Derby and Oak Hill R-1 Career Day. He also said the hospital will give 25 free mammograms to uninsured women 40 years of age and older this Friday. Women can call the hospital at 729-6626 to sign up for that free mammogram. They need to ask for Julie Malone. A DEA Drug Takeback Day will be held, in coordination with the Healthy Dent County Prevention Coalition on October 27th from 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon at the Riverways Federal Credit Union parking lot. Citizens can bring their unused medications on this day to be disposed of properly. The board reviewed the patient satisfaction survey results for the Emergency Department and SMDH Family Medicine. The board approved the budgeted purchase of a treadmill for the Rehab Department at a cost of $4,823 from Performance Health. The board then went into closed session.

Fall color is still just starting to show in the Ozark Region. Most of the forest and woodland canopy still retains the green hues of summer, mixed with some drab color changes resulting from drought. The fall color show has not yet become impressive, but there are some tree and shrub species are showing some color. Some hickories and sycamores are starting to turn yellow and brown. Black walnuts are turning yellow and dropping leaves as well as their large, green-husked nuts. Some reds are appearing in the understory and midstory as flowering dogwood and winged sumac are starting to turn. Roadsides are lit up with the yellows and golds of goldenrods. Other tree species seemed to be mottled and discolored,likely a result of summer drought conditions. Fall color seems somewhat late, and temperatures have been unusually high, with summer conditions persisting into October. There is a very good chance that more fall color may appear by this weekend through the middle of next week as the weather becomes cooler. Remember, the color of fall will be the most prevalent around streams, creeks and rivers.

An accident happened in Phelps County Wednesday morning at 8:25 on Highway 8 about a mile south of St. James. According to the highway patrol report, 23-year old Natalie Manning of Salem was driving a 2015 Jeep Compass eastbound when she fell asleep causing the Jeep to go off the right side of the roadway where it struck a culvert and crossed a private driveway. The Jeep’s front struck the ground and the vehicle overturned. Manning suffered moderate injuries and was taken to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center by ambulance. Manning was wearing a seat restraint and the Jeep was totaled. It was removed by Spurgeon’s Towing of St. James.

You can spend a cool autumn evening at the Bonebreak Center of Nature & History on Monday night starting at 7:00 and see the Moon, Mars and Saturn at this Sky Watch viewing event. The Dent County Astronomers will provide telescopes and give you a tour of the night sky. You’ll see constellations like Hercules, Cygnus and Aquila, plus you can see the detail on the Moon, Saturn’s rings and Mars’ red colors. For more information about this event, call 729-3400 or E-mail them at bonebrakecenter@embarqmail.com. The event will be postponed for inclement weather.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held its regular meeting Monday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. After the consent agenda was approved, Public Works Director Mark Nash gave his report that included work performed by the Constructions Crew, Street Department, Electric Department, and the Water and Sewer Department from August 17th to October 1st. City Administrator Ray Walden told the alderman he is updating the work priority list to bring back to them for their review. He wanted to thank the volunteers from the Church of the Latter Day Saints for their volunteer work around town at the city hall auditorium, old middle school cafeteria and gym and other locations around town. Walden said work would continue in the old City Hall Auditorium as bids will go out for a new ceiling in the auditorium now that the roof has been repaired. He said a “reserved” chair campaign to purchase seats in the auditorium showed some interest during the alumni weekend and that committee will look into that further. Walden also said the MRPC approved a resolution of support for Proposition D that would affect roads in the state of Missouri as well as in the City of Salem. Walden asked voters to research the proposition so they could make an informed decision. The Board approved Bill #3402 to authorize the mayor to execute a supplemental agreement for the project TAP-9901 between the City of Salem and the Missouri Department of Transportation for the new ADA sidewalk/ trail from the Salem R-80 Administrative Building to the Community Center and City Park. The board also approved Bill #3403 to execute a change order to an agreement between the City of Salem, and Smith and Edwards Construction for the Waste Water Treatment Facility Phase 1 improvements from $570,500 to $583,689 due to some modifications requested by the city. The board approved a new trailer court license be granted to Central Mo Investments who purchased the Layman Mobile Home Trailer Court after the trailer court is re-inspected. Layman Mobile Home Trailer Court passed the inspection before the June 30th deadline for the current fiscal year. The board also approved the purchase of a commercial portable power/pressure washer from Northern Tool for $3,799.99 which has a two-year warranty. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Missouri Community Betterment Awards were presented Monday night in Columbia as 19 communities, 9 youth groups and 10 community leaders were honored at this year’s conference. Buffalo won the Gene Speichinger Community of the Year award. This award recognizes the outstanding community among the 19 communities entered in this year’s Awards program. The City of Salem came in third place in Category Four. The Steelville Youth Group took 1st Place in Category 2 and took home J.C. Smith Youth Group of the Year Award. The Salem Youth Group received a Certificate of Merit in Category Four. Congratulations to all the winners and to those individuals and communities who competed.

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

There will be an Art Party this Friday night at the Creative Arts Center. Bring yourself, your bestie, or a hot date and paint a matching (or complementary) picture. You can paint a fun scene and put your own special creative spin to it, then take it home. The cost is $25 per single, and all supplies are included-acrylic paints, aprons, brushes, canvas and easels. Led by artist Danielle Norris, this event for adults does NOT require any talent or previous experience, just a happy spirit and willingness to try. Bring your own personal style, your favorite beverage and Danielle will lead you through the process. Reservations are required and can be made by calling or texting 573-247-0279.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning for their regular meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated he would have a crew cleaning out culverts in the Montauk and Bunker areas as those areas received about an inch of rain this past weekend. He indicated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 6430 and the large culverts on the road would also be cleaned out. Purcell went on to report brush would be cut on county road 5130 and that he would be attending a South Central Community Action Agency meeting tonight. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said two graders are being fully serviced in the shop. He said brush would be cut on county road 3290 and a man would be stockpiling white gravel from the quarry. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting Thursday and they discussed Proposition D. If passed, it is expected the MoDOT would receive an additional 288 million dollars and 30% of that goes to counties and cities. Skiles said that would come to about 428,000 dollars for the city of Salem and Dent County. Skiles wanted to thank all those who attended the ground breaking ceremony last Thursday afternoon. He appreciated the turnout that included a number of community members and those from the jail committee who worked hard on the project to get it off the ground. Skiles went on to say that if anyone wants to attend the MRPC Annual Recognition Dinner, they need make their reservation by today by calling the MRPC at 265-2993. Tickets for the event will cost $25. A reception will be held prior to the dinner beginning at 5:30 at the Hermann Hill Wedding and Convention Center at 164 East Highway 100 in Hermann. Dinner will begin at 6:30 with a program and awards presentation to follow. There are no nominees from Dent County to be recognized this year. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said absentee voting will continue until November 5th at the courthouse. Her office will 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. 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. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released reports for October 2nd through the 5th. On Tuesday, the 2nd, at approximately 2:00 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 700 block of East Roosevelt in reference to an animal investigation. The investigation revealed that a 39-year old male of Salem had stabbed two pit bull dogs killing one and severely injuring the other. The investigation revealed that the two dogs were running at large at the time the male stabbed them. Further investigation led to the arrest of the male for animal abuse and resisting arrest. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and was released. That evening at about 8:34, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 300 block of East Center in reference to an intoxicated male causing a disturbance. That investigation led to the arrest of a 38-year-old male of Salem for disorderly conduct. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and incarcerated on a 12-hour hold. On Wednesday morning, October 3rd at approximately 11:54, an officer was dispatched to Aranda’s restaurant in reference to a counterfeit bill. The investigation of the report revealed that someone had passed a counterfeit one-hundred-dollar bill. The report is under investigation. On Thursday, October 4th at 2:14 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 48-year-old female of Bunker for stealing merchandise valued at $17.52. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. A bit later that afternoon near 3:20, an officer was contacted in reference to smoking at school. That investigation revealed a 14-year-old male juvenile of Salem had used an electronic cigarette at school. The parent was notified and the report will be forwarded to the Juvenile Office. Later that evening at approximately 6:47, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 67-year-old female of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $11.84. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Friday, October 5th at about 8:58 in the morning, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 55-year-old male of Salem for driving while having his license revoked. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Later that same morning close to 11:00, an officer transported a 30- year-old male of Salem from Algoa Correctional Center in Jefferson City to the Dent County Jail due to an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. The suspect was incarcerated pending a court appearance. That afternoon at 2:39, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 48-year-old male of Salem for driving while having his 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 any ongoing investigation.

Captain James W. Remillard, commanding officer of Troop I, announced that on Thursday, October 11th, a coordinated effort in Phelps County led to several narcotics-related arrests. This effort is a result of a lengthy narcotics investigation conducted by the South-Central Drug Task Force. Arrest teams assisting in these arrests consisted of troopers, officers from the Rolla Police Department, and deputies from the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department. Bond set for the twenty individuals arrested ranged from $25,000 to $250,000. 34-year old Danielle M. Griffes and 31-year old Melissa L. Andrews, both of Rolla, Missouri were the only ones whose bonds were set at $250,000. The charges for which these individuals have been arrested are accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. The South-Central Drug Task Force is a multi-jurisdictional drug task force coordinated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The task force specializes in narcotics-related investigations and is composed of narcotics officers from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, Rolla Police Department, Dent County Sheriff’s Department, and Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department.

On Friday night at the SHS Homecoming, Kristen Golden was crowned the 2018 Salem Football Homecoming Queen by last year’s queen, Madi Shaw. The Homecoming Court consisted of freshman Evelyn Labastida, sophomore Ashton Mink, junior Addie Konkell and seniors Londyn Cook and Lexy Woolman.

An accident occurred Thursday at noon in Gasconade County on Route B about 11.5 miles north of St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 Ford Taurus, driven by 23- year old Dethena Trusty of Rolla, failed to negotiate a curve, traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a utility box. Trusty suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Phelps County Regional Medical Center. Trusty was wearing her seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing of St. James.

An accident happened in Franklin County Saturday morning at 8:48 on Interstate 44 in the westbound lanes at 244.4 mile marker. According to the highway patrol report, a 2016 Ford Focus driven by 47-year old Todd Giesler of Rolla, traveled off the right side of the roadway and crossed the north outer road. The Ford front left corner then struck a ditch and the vehicle came to rest. Giesler suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Mercy Hospital in Washington by the Union Ambulance District. The Ford Focus had minor damage and was towed by Vogelsang’s Towing. Giesler was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

This Wednesday morning from 11:00 until noon at the Salem Senior Center at 604 N. McGrath Lane, a workshop will be held on knowing the 10 signs of the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. This workshop will separate the myths from reality and address commonly-held fears about Alzheimer’s disease. This workshop will show you how to recognize the signs, learn the benefits of early detection and discover resources to help. This program is absolutely free and is being offered in collaboration with the central Missouri Area Agency on Aging.

This Friday, the Salem Memorial District Hospital will be giving away 25 free mammograms to uninsured women 40 years of age and older. The hospital is also giving away one free mammogram everyday through October 31st in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If you have never had a mammogram or haven’t had one in a long time, this is an outstanding opportunity for you to get one at no cost. There are still openings available and interested women need to call the hospital to sign up at 729-6626 and ask for Julie Malone. The availabilities will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Julie can also answer questions women may have about the new mammography services at the Salem Memorial District Hospital or in having your records transferred from another location.

Tonight is Homecoming at the Salem High School Football Field held prior to the football game. This year, the Homecoming Court will consist of freshman Evelyn Labastida, sophomore Ashton Mink, junior Addie Konkell and the senior queen candidates are Kristen Golden, Londyn Cook and Lexy Woolman. Salem football players who will escort the ladies on the field include Tristan Newman, Chandler Gray, Hayden Wilson, Nate Case, Cole Elliott and Aaron Pollard. Tonight is also “Pink Out 2018” at the Salem High School Football game. In honor of “Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” the Salem Memorial District Hospital is encouraging everyone to wear something pink to the game to show our support as a community and also to raise awareness in Dent County. Breast Cancer Survivors are scheduled to be honored prior to the game. If you or someone you know who is a survivor and would like to be included in the pre-game activities, please contact Julie Malone at 729-5917, extension 2436 or e-mail Julie at JMalone@smdh.net. If anyone is interested, the Salem Memorial District Hospital will be taking donations to go into their Mammography Fund that will provide lifesaving mammograms to women who financially qualify.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams brought in the sales tax dollars received in October. She reported that all funds reported lower numbers after last month’s record setting numbers. In the General Revenue Fund, a total of $58,134.52 was received and that is down from the 2017 October figure of $64,197.61. The year-to-date amount for 2018 is $129,546.81 more than 10 months of 2017 which is an increase of 18.5%. The Road and Bridge Fund came in at $26,321.50 and that is down from the 2017 October collection of $30,477.25. The Road and Bridge Fund year-to-date is up $52,422.52 which is about a 16% increase over 2017. The jail funds each received $52,523.01 and those funds have received $748,247.76 year-to-date. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said materials would be added and grading was going to be done on Dent County Roads 5140 and 5220 while patch grading was going to be done on county roads 5520, 5530 and 5550 as that area of Dent County received about 3.5 inches of rain Saturday night. Purcell indicated grading would be done on county roads 6040 and 6460, materials would be added to county road 4160 and brush was going to be cut on Dent County Roads 5070 and 5075. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated patch grading was going to be done on Dent County Roads 2120, 2160, 3300 and 2590 while grading only would be done on county roads 2313 and 4400. Materials would be added and grading done on county road 2040 while materials would be added and patch grading done on county road 2300. Larson went on to report brush would be cut on county roads 2315 and 3260 and that workers would be opening the low water crossing on Dent County Road 5260 that workers have reconstructed. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said the ground breaking ceremony to the jail and justice center was held Thursday afternoon at 1:00 at the corner of Iron and 5th Streets. He also reported that if anyone is interested in the Certificates of Participation for the jail and Justice Center, they should contact L. J. Hart and Company at 800-264-4477 for details and information. These certificates will be sold in $5,000 increments and will be tax exempt from federal and state income. Skiles attended the Transportation Advisory Committee and MRPC board meeting tonight. He did want to remind people the annual MRPC Awards Banquet will be held in Hermann this year on Thursday, October 25th and tickets are available by calling the MRPC at 573-265-2993. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said absentee voting will continue until November 5th at the courthouse. Her office will 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. 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. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.