Local News

An accident occurred Monday morning at 10:00 in Reynolds County about three miles east of Bunker. According to the highway patrol report, 22-year old Makanda Nelson of Bunker was driving a 2012 Polaris Ranger UTV eastbound on county road 856 when the UTV traveling off the roadway and Nelson overcorrected. The UTV then overturned in the roadway. Makanda Nelson received moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. Two passengers: 4-year old Tatum Nelson and 2-year old Zachary Nelson received minor injuries. They were taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by a private vehicle. The driver and passengers were all wearing safety devices at the time of the accident. The Polaris sustained minor damage and was removed from the scene by the owner.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Sunday, September 30th close to 1:23 in the morning, an officer located a 63-year old male of Salem at a residence in the 800 block of South Water who had an active arrest warrant from Dent County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending a court appearance. On Monday, October 1st at 12:30 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to Casey’s General Store located on Highway 32 in reference to a theft of fuel. The investigation of the report revealed a dark colored SUV pumped fuel valued at $35.04 and left without paying. The report is under investigation. A few minutes later at approximately 12:49, an officer located a 33-year old female of Salem near Highway 32 and Park who had an active arrest warrant from Callaway County, Missouri. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending extradition. Later that afternoon at approximately 4:37, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 39-year old female of Jadwin for stealing merchandise. 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 13th annual Trees and Trains “Winter Wonderland by Night” display is now accepting applications for your group, business, or individuals interested in securing a spot for a decorated tree. Applications can be picked up at Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center at 202 Main, or by calling 729-0029, or Judy Thompson at 573-368-0682 or emailing thompfam@embarqmail.com. The deadline for completed applications is October 30th.

The Missouri Department of Conservation will have one last Hunter Education Skills Sessions from 5:30 until 9:30 in Salem on Monday, October 15th at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Certification is limited to those who are 11 years of age or older. Students should be sure to bring either a completed study guide called “Today’s Hunter” or a copy of the certificate verifying the completion of the online portion. Missouri’s hunter education course is required for any hunter born on or after January 1, 1967. There is no cost for the class. You can just go to the Missouri Department of Conservation website at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov and search for hunter education. If you are having difficulty registering online, you can contact the phone registration vendor at 1-888-283-0364. Event call center hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon.

An accident occurred in Dent County Sunday night at 10:15 that took the life of a woman from Boss. According to the highway patrol report, 76-year old Helen Miner of Boss was driving an eastbound 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier on Highway 32 abut two miles east of Salem, when the Chevrolet crossed the center of the roadway and Miner overcorrected causing the vehicle to cross back over the center of the roadway. The Chevrolet then ran off the right side of the roadway and overturned. Miner was pronounced dead at the scene Monday morning at 8:15 by Dent County Coroner Gina White. According to the report, Miner was not wearing a seat restraint device at the time of the accident. The highway patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, the Salem EMS and the Salem Police Department. The Chevrolet was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing.

The 55th annual Rose Holland Trout Derby was held this past weekend at Montauk State Park. Despite the rainy weekend, 1,040 tags were sold on Saturday and 680 tags were purchased on Sunday. A total of 1,065 anglers were registered in the derby and 34 children registered their stringers of fish with the Kid’s Heaviest Stringer going to Heston Parsons of Rolla at six pounds, seven ounces. Two fishermen from Salem caught lunkers, which are fish weighing 3 pounds or more. Tad Headrick landed a four pound, four ounce trout and Zack Schafer caught a five pound, six ounce trout. The Men’s Heaviest Fish was caught by Paul Terry of St. Louis when he brought in a seven pound, 12 ounce rainbow, and the Women’s Heaviest Fish was a two pound, seven ounce rainbow caught by Nancy Schmidt of Waterloo, Iowa. The heaviest Brown Trout registered was one pound, twelve ounces by Josh Stagner of Batesville, Missouri. Numerous prizes were given away for tagged fish including a kayak, an afghan, a horserace game, a framed picture, a chiminea, a food saver, a trout rod and his and her trout lure cups. A cruise-in car show was also held during the event on Friday night with 60 plus cars taking place in the event. The best Ford award went to Lyle Hutchens of Salem for his 1954 Ford while Larry Wofford’s 1964 Impala SS won the best General Motors award. The best MOPAR award went to Tom Gale of Licking while Terry and Betty Welch of Licking won the best other makers award for their 1951 Willys pick-up. The Best rat rod went to Jerry Wofford’s 1948 Ford. The car coming from the longest distance, 138 miles, was Russell Hainer and his 1925 Ford Model T from St. Louis. In total $14,756 was raised during the event and those proceeds will go to the American Heart Association.

On Friday, October 5th, the Salem R-80 Administration indicated that 57 Salem Senior High students were presented with their ACT Incentive Checks. For several years, Salem Senior High has encouraged its students to increase their ACT composite scores. The checks given out today were for the on-site April ACT test. Students earning a composite score of 22 or higher were presented with $50 (unless they already have received their $50 for a previous test) and $25 for a composite score of 17-21. The school also gives out $100 for the top score out of everyone that took the test on that particular date, and $50 for the next top five scorers from that same date. All of the money comes from the ACT incentive account which is funded by businesses advertising on the electronic sign outside the high school.

Predicting the peak of fall color in Missouri can be difficult. Missouri is blessed with a great variety of trees, shrubs, and vines. Their leaves turn at different times, so Missourians enjoy a fall color season that may last four to six weeks. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation as of last weekend, only the Ozark Region, Southwest Region and St. Louis region has not seen significant color change while the rest of the state is beginning to turn. The color change in the Northeast Region of the state in the Hannibal and Kirksville area is well under way and is best seen near the Mississippi River. The Department is actually expecting a fairly decent fall color season because of a good amount of moisture we’ve had in the last month and a half. The norm for the peak of the fall color in Missouri is usually around mid-October. This is when maples, ashes, oaks, and hickories are at the height of their fall display. Normally by late October, the colors are fading and the leaves beginning to drop from the trees. Fall color is usually finished by the middle of November. Generally, the color change is predictable, but it can vary from year to year. Much depends on the weather. For more information about the leaves color changes, persons can go to mdc.mo.gov website and type in fall colors in the search box.

An accident happened Friday afternoon at 2:30 in Dent County on Highway 72 about four miles west of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 1990 Ford F-150 driven eastbound by 27-year old Travis Wethy of Salem, was stopped waiting to turn left when the Ford was struck from behind by a 2005 Chevy Truck driven eastbound by 58-year old Cary Nash of Salem. Nash suffered moderate injuries and was transported by the Salem Ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. Wethy suffered minor injuries and refused treatment at the scene. Nash was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident while Wethy was not. Both vehicles were totaled and were removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing of Salem.

An accident happened Saturday afternoon at 3:30 in Shannon County on Highway 19 about eight miles north of Eminence. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 Honda Motorcycle driven southbound by 72-year old Shelby Breedlove of Licking, traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned. Breedlove suffered moderate injuries and was taken by ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. Breedlove was wearing safety devices at the time of the accident. The Honda Motorcycle had moderate damages and was removed from the scene by Baker Towing.

An accident happened Friday morning at 6:20 in Crawford County on Highway 19 about three miles south of Steelville. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 Dodge Caliper driven southbound by 17-year old Sarah Hajek of Steelville, traveled off the right side of the roadway when Hajek overcorrected and the Dodge returned to the roadway where it then skidded and went off the left side of the road where the Caliper struck an embankment and overturned. Hajek suffered minor injuries and sought her own treatment. She was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Dodge was totaled and removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing.

An accident happened Thursday evening at 7:45 on Highway 32 about six miles west of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2015 Subaru Outback was east bound on Highway 32, driven by 48-year old Christopher Barnes of Nixa, when he encountered water on the roadway. This caused the vehicle to hydroplane off the roadway and strike several obstacles before coming to a rest. Barnes suffered moderate injuries and was transported by the Salem Ambulance to Salem Memorial District Hospital. The driver was wearing his seat belt at the time of the accident. The Subaru was totaled and removed from the scene by American Muffler of Salem.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Thursday, September 27th at approximately 6:45 in the evening, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to damage to a vehicle. The investigation of the report revealed a person unknown did damage valued at $350.00 to a silver 2005 Hyundai that was parked in the 400 block of East Acuff. The report is under investigation. On Friday, September 28th at about 3:42 in the afternoon, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. An investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 58-year old female of Salem for driving while having her license suspended. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. That same evening at approximately 7:56, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. That investigation led to the arrest of a 34-year old female of Salem for driving while having her license suspended. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Saturday, September 29th at approximately 1:42 in the morning, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 29-year old male of Salem on three active arrest warrants from Jefferson County. The suspect was incarcerated pending extradition. Later that evening at 7:36, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. That investigation led to the arrest of a 39-year old male of Salem for stealing merchandise. 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 for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. Bill Stack was in with questions concerning the roadway in the property he recently purchased. The Commissioners said that the County had no claims or consideration to the roadway running through the property. He also wanted to inquire whether the Commissioners were in support of the “Ride for America” being planned by the American Volunteers organization. All three Commissioners voiced their support. In the road report, District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell said the rain was very welcome since it had become almost too dry to grade. He said brush would be cut on Dent County Roads 6180, 6170, and 6175, plus materials would be added to county roads 6640 and 6470. Purcell also reported that white rock was being stockpiled at the Road and Bridge shed, and he had men out repairing and replacing vandalized road signs. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that his crew was tidying up the low water crossing on Dent County Road 5260 and hauling materials there to block the crossing. He said the materials would be used to prepare approaches next week when the road reopens in mid week. Larson noted that the replacement of the three low water crossings this year was made possible by the 1/4 cent sales tax for Road and Bridge that tax payers passed. He also reported that part of his crew was working on #4 brush cutter and others were out cleaning out culverts. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to remind citizens of the over seven million dollars in lease certificates that are available in $5,000 increments for investors. L. J. Hart and Company should be contacted at 800-264-4477 for details and information. He said that the Courthouse would be closed Monday in observance of Columbus Day, and that Thursday, October 11th, there will be a pre-construction meeting for the Justice Center at 10:00 in the Judicial Building conference room on the second floor. The official ground breaking would be that afternoon at 1:00. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley wanted to remind voters that the last day to register to vote for the November election is Wednesday, October 10th, that absentee voting continues in her office, and that sample ballots can be obtained from her office. Richard LaBrash and Sheriff Bob Wells were in to discuss the “Ride for America.” Wells said that event is going to be held October 20th and that registration continues at Cowtown at Cuba. He said that he would have extra deputies on duty that day, plus there will be deputies riding SUV’s as part of the contingent. Wells went on to note that the ride would be about 76 miles long with riders departing The Commons around 8:00 in the morning and most should be back in by 5:00 that afternoon. He said Jadwin Canoe Rental will be the half way point with a break for lunch and refreshments at the campground. LaBrash said that all riders will receive a packet with all the guidelines, rules, etc., as well as listings of businesses in Salem and Dent County. Maps and detailed information will be released very soon. For more information contact Richard LaBrash at (573) 729-1394 or Sheriff Bob Wells at (573) 729-3241. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident happened Thursday morning at 4:45 in Iron County on Highway 32 about three miles west of Bixby. According to the highway patrol report, a 2003 Buick Regal driven eastbound by 39-year old Carl Norris of Salem, crossed the centerline and struck a 1995 Chevrolet 1500 driven westbound by 25-year old Tyler Dennison of Bixby. Norris suffered serious injuries and was taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by ambulance while Dennison suffered moderate injuries and was also taken by ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. Neither Norris nor Dennison were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Blackie’s Towing.

A one vehicle accident occurred Wednesday morning at 10:30 on Route A about 10 miles east of Bixby in Iron County. According to the highway patrol report, a 2003 GMC Sierra driven by 68-year old Duane Wiltberger of Black, was traveling northbound when the Sierra traveled off the right side of the roadway, overturned and struck a tree. Wiltberger suffered minor injuries and was taken by ambulance to the Iron County Medical Center. Wiltberger was wearing a safety restraint at the time of accident. The GMC was totaled and removed from the scene by Anderson Towing.

The Salem Community Wide Yard Sale will be held tomorrow. People who have items they would like to get rid off are encouraged to participate in the yard sale. You can hold you yard sale at your own home, at the City Administrative Office parking lot on 4th Street just east of Iron Street, or with the permission of any property owner to use their location. If you wish to reserve space on the parking lot, you will need to call the City Administrative Offices at 729-4811. Each space may be reserved for $8.00 and more than one space can be reserved. Those spaces are reserved on a first come, first served basis. Also next week is the Fall Cleanup Week in the City of Salem. You can place at your curb side extra items you wish to dispose of such as stoves, washers, old clothes, microwaves, old grills, etc. You can also put out your recyclable leaf or grass bags and bundled branches at the curb, but not in the same location as your trash items. You cannot putout any petroleum products such as oil or transmission fluid, tires, paint and batteries. All your trash items will be picked up on your REGULAR pickup date.

“Reel Them in for Healthy Hearts” is the theme for the 55th Annual Rose Holland Trout Derby to be held this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Montauk State Park. Friday’s activities include a car cruise-in sponsored by the Current River Cruisers Car Club and Trout Bingo with Park Naturalist Steve Bost at 6:00 at the Campground Amphitheater. Then Saturday there will be SMDH free health screenings at the lodge, a country store at the meeting room across from the lodge, a bake shop from 7:30 in the morning until noon at the lodge, a Bar-B-Cue at the country store from 11:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon, kid’s activities including a bounce house and double slide, guided hikes, live entertainment and an auction beginning at 5:00. Prizes will be awarded on Sunday at 12:00 noon in front of the Dorman L. Steelman Lodge. Awards will go to the men and women’s heaviest stringer, kids’ heaviest stringer, heaviest brown trout and any tagged fish that have been caught and registered. The Rose Holland Trout Derby is sponsored by anglers and friends of Montauk State Park and coordinated with the Department of Natural Resources. All proceeds raised will benefit the American Heart Association.

If you have a properly equipped 3G or a 4G cellphone, it probably buzzed Wednesday at 1:18 for the first test of the new “Presidential Alert” wireless warning system. The alert should have warned you this was only a test and no action was needed. In many cases, your phone then aired an Emergency Alert System test like the ones you hear on radio and see on TV. You got this alert because your service provider is one of the more than 100 service providers that participate in the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system, which is run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA sent the alert as the first test of the system to push an alert to cellphones across the U.S.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday evening at the Dent County Fire House. The bills for the month of September were reviewed and approved, and the budget was reviewed. The monthly reimbursement report was presented with a total of 10 calls for the month of September including a brush fire, 1 landing zone, 2 first responder, 1 vehicle accident, 1 mutual aide, 1 haz-mat call, 2 fire alarms and two trainings. There has been 221 calls year to date with the average cost per call being $115.10. The next meeting date was set for Tuesday, November 6th at 6:00 at the Dent County Fire House. The meeting was then adjourned.

A two vehicle accident occurred at 7:45 Tuesday morning, September 25th at the intersection of Highway 32 and Park Street. According to the report released from the Salem Police department, a 1995 Chevrolet Suburban, driven by Susie Coffman of Salem, was entering onto Highway 32 from the Burger King parking lot and failed to yield to a 2007 Chevrolet Aveo driven by Leslie McBee of Salem. The McBee vehicle struck the Suburban in the driver’s side front door. The Suburban continued on and struck a MODOT sign, knocking it down, before coming to a rest. Both vehicles received extensive damage. McBee complained of neck pain and sought her own treatment.

An accident happened in Dent County Tuesday morning at 9:10 at 1715 Highway 32 West. According to the highway patrol report, a 2017 Dodge Ram, operated by 36-year old Sebastian Hernandez of Goshen, Wisconsin, was reversing when Hernandez attempted to exit the vehicle. The report stated he stepped on the accelerator causing the Dodge to accelerate backwards. The driver fell from the vehicle and was struck by it. Hernandez suffered minor injuries and refused treatment at the scene. The Dodge sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene.

The Salem Police Department has released the following reports. Wednesday September 26th at approximately 3:15 in the morning an officer located a 32 year-old female of Salem near Highway 32 and Warfel Street 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. That afternoon at approximately 12:54 an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a stolen license plate. Investigation of the report revealed a person or persons unknown took a license plate from a 2015 Ford that was parked near County Road 5040. The report is under investigation. Later that same afternoon at approximately 3:26 the School Resource Officer was contacted in reference to a theft. Investigation of the report revealed a juvenile female of Salem had stolen $200.00 from the wallet of a juvenile female also of Salem. The juvenile suspect was detained and released to a parent. The report will be forwarded to the Juvenile Office. Later Wednesday night at approximately 11:26 an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a forgery. Investigation of the report revealed that a 44 year-old female of Salem had altered a check written to her to pay out $700.00 more than the check was originally written for. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was released pending the application for a criminal summons. Thursday afternoon, September 27th, at approximately 1:31 an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. Investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 37 year-old female of Salem for stealing merchandise. 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 investigation ongoing or previously mentioned.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers for their regular meeting. At the meeting, the board heard bids for a 2500 foot reel of #2 TRXLPE with a two inch red duct 15 KV 220 mil primary wire. The winning bid went to Cape Electric for $2.53 per foot. The board also heard bids for the fine screen and washing compactor equipment for the Waste Water Treatment Facility with the winning bid going to Eviro-Care Co. for $132,860; and also awarded a bid for the surface aeration for the Waste Water Treatment Facility for $89,335 to Aeration Industries International, LLC. After the consent agenda was approved, the board discussed a compact excavator for the cemetery. The city was looking at a Bobcat or a Kubota. New Public Works Director Mark Nash said to make the job more efficient, they wanted the long arm model and added to the bid a three foot bucket plus the two foot bucket as well as a frost attachment. He said the base track on the Kabota was longer and allowed for more stability and recommended the city go with that model from Wayde’s Equipment for $48,945.60. Salem Park and Recreation Director Tye Lydon presented a financial report for the summer time activities. Lydon said the revenues from the pool admission and parties along with the pool concession stand after direct expenses came to a profit of $940.35. The cost to operate the splash pad came in at $233.02 for the summer, so the water sports at the park came in $712.33 in the black. Lydon also reported on the baseball and softball program, the summer camp for kids, pavilion rentals, and the co-ed softball league showed the Park and Recreation Department Summer Programs netted a $23,484.71 gain over expenses. Public Works Director Nash said in his first ten days he has been getting around and meeting with the workers. He also said they have begun cleaning up a number of city properties and wants to create a schedule to keep them presentable. City administrator Ray Walden said he and City Clerk Mary Happel attended the Missouri Municipal League conference and attended numerous seminars. He went on to report he and Electric Department Supervisor Bryon Johns will be attending the Public Utility Alliance meeting to find out more about future rates and trends. Walden said the City Wide Yard Sale is this Saturday with the Fall Cleanup Week starting October 8th and lasting through the 12th on your regular pickup date. Remember to please place all your items at the curb you want picked up. Petroleum products, tires, batteries and paint can not be placed at the curb. You can also put out your leaves, grass clipping or limbs at the curb, but please keep them separate from the trash items. Walden said he will meet with the Old Middle School Committee again and hopes to have some information for the aldermen at the next meeting about what direction the city should go with the project. The board approved Bill #3401 that created an ordinance amending Ordinance #3390 that annexed the Al Brown Fields into the city. The new ordinance covers a parcel of the property that was omitted. The board went into closed session before adjourning the meeting.

Has your son or daughter signed up for the Missouri Department of Conservation has announced that Hunter Education Skills Sessions for this area yet? They will be held from 5:30 until 9:30 in the evening in Salem at the Salem Community Center@The Armory this Friday, October 5th; in Rolla at RTI on Tuesday, October 9th and Wednesday, October 10th; and again in Salem on Monday, October 15th at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Certification is limited to those who are 11 years of age or older. Students should be sure to bring either a completed study guide called “Today’s Hunter” or a copy of the certificate verifying the completion of the online portion. Missouri’s hunter education course is required for any hunter born on or after January 1, 1967. There is no cost for the class. You can just go to the Missouri Department of Conservation website at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov and search for hunter education. If you are having difficulty registering online, you can contact the phone registration vendor at 1-888-283-0364. Event call center hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon.

Missouri has been given another extension to comply with the REAL ID Act. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security granted Missouri its second extension in less than a month Monday. This new extension runs through August 1st of 2019. With this extension, federal agencies will accept Missouri-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards for official purposes such as domestic air travel. In September, the agency issued an extension for Missouri through January 21st of 2019. Prior to that, Missouri’s extension was only valid through October 10th, 2018. In September, the Missouri Department of Revenue Director Joel Walters stated that he expects Missouri to be fully compliant with the REAL ID Act by March 2019.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated grading was going to be done on Dent County Roads 5510, 6245 and 6460 while materials would be added and grading done on county road 4090. Purcell also indicated brush would be cut on county road 6410. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported grading was going to be done on Dent County Roads 4020, 4050, 4055 and 53000 while materials were going to be added and grading done on county road 2320. Larson went on to say the county was cutting the brush along the City of Salem walking trail down on the old railroad track right-of way. The county has been working with the city on providing this service for years. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles on behalf of the commissioners congratulated the Salem Memorial District Hospital on their donation of a new 3-D mammography machine and new local mammography services. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the last day to register to vote is October 10th. She also said absentee voting is going on now through November 5th in her office and the last day to mail out an absentee ballot will be October 31st. Curley said her office will be open in the courthouse on Saturday, November 3rd from 8:00 in the morning until noon. She also wanted to remind voters if you have changed your address since the last election, please come and report that change to the clerk’s office at the courthouse or call 729-4144. Dent County Collector Dennis Medlock told the commissioners that all real estate taxes, personal property taxes and utility assessments have been approved by his office, the clerk and assessor’s office. At the last meeting, MFA Oil Company had the lowest bid for 7,000 gallons of diesel fuel at $2.38.9 for the Road and Bridge Department. Sheriff Bob Wells was in to tell the commission the jail needs a new washer and dryer and he is getting quotes. Larry Hart from Hart and Company held a conference call with the commissioners last Thursday along with John Kenward of Standard and Poor’s Global to determine the county bond rating for the issues of then lease certificates of participation. The county is expected to receive an A category rating and the Series 2018 Certificates in the amount of $7.185 million dollars are scheduled to mature between 2022 through 2039 with interest rates expected to range from three to four percent. The interest income from these certificates will be exempt from federal and Missouri state income taxes and will be available in $5,000 denominations. These certificates will be available to the general public in increments of $5,000. A second financing that is currently estimated to be about $5,150,000 is planned for 2019 once all the known modifications and corresponding costs are finalized. These certificates will also be made available to local investors. For more information about the certificates, contact the Dent County Clerk’s Office at 729-4144 or the office of L.J. Hart and Company at 800-264-4477. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital held a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Monday morning at the hospital for the donation of their new 3-D Hologic Mammography machine and newly created mammography service area. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas thanked a large crowd that attended and reminded everyone that the hospital provided mobile mammography for years through Missouri Baptist Hospital and will still work through Missouri Baptist for additional treatment for patients if it is needed. He told the crowd the hospital has been blessed by the donation of the machine by Steven and Sally Di Perdomenico whose daughter is Julie Moser of Salem. They not only donated the machine, but also funds to help those who need mammography services and who meet certain qualifications to get those services. Lucas also thanked Hologic Corporation for their contribution when they found out this was to be a charitable donation to the hospital. Lucas said the hospital has had over 100 mammograms once the machine was installed to get the needed certification. Lucas thanked Hospital Chief Operating Officer Chris Strickland for being the project manager on this addition to the hospital and mammogram coordinator Julie Malone for getting all the paperwork submitted and in scheduling appointments. Lucas also thanked the radiology department for their help and Director of Facilities Todd Workman and his crew for getting the room ready for the addition. Hospital Board of Directors Chairman Sue Terry, along with Hershel and Julie Moser, cut the ribbon to officially open the new mammography services to the Salem Memorial District Hospital to a round of applause by all those in attendance. Guests then toured the area to see the machine and the dressing department before enjoying refreshments in the cafeteria.

At their annual fundraising gala and capital contribution celebration held last Tuesday night, Healthy Dent County presented an update on their $1.2 million Capital Campaign. A total of $860,950 has been raised to date. This campaign is being conducted to build a regulation size gymnasium onto the north end of the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. The completion date for this new construction is estimated to be fall of 2019. Additional local funds are needed to complete the $1.2 million dollar campaign. Some NAP tax credits totaling $55,000 are still available for local businesses to take advantage of as well. For additional information on this or any Healthy Dent County project, please call 729-8163 or e-mail sherry@salemcommunitycenter.org.

The Salem Marching Blue competed in the Sullivan Marching Band Festival Saturday. They took first in preliminaries and winning the Guard and Drum Major captions. In the finals, Salem captured 4th place and won the overall Drum Major Caption! Congratulations Salem Marching Blue on a great Saturday in Sullivan!

An accident happened Saturday in Reynolds County on County Road 906 about five miles northeast of Bunker that left a woman from Bunker with serious injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Chevy Silverado driven eastbound by 67-year old Marcia Dreiswewerd of Bunker, traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a tree and then returned to the roadway. The Chevy then traveled back off the right side of the road, went down an embankment and overturned. Dreiswewerd was taken by a private vehicle to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. The Silverado was totaled and removed from the scene by Abney’s Wrecker Service in Viburnum. Dreiswewerd was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

An accident happened Tuesday afternoon at 3:50 in Dent County at the intersection of Highway K and Highway Z. According to the highway patrol report, a 2013 Bluebird driven by 76-year-old George Fleetwood of Salem, traveled into the path of a 1990 Ford F-150, driven by 60-year-old Burke Holmes of Salem, causing the Ford to strike the Bluebird. Holmes suffered moderate injuries and was taken by Salem Ambulance to Salem Memorial District Hospital. Both Holmes and Fleetwood were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Bluebird sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene, while the Ford was totaled and removed by Whitakers Towing. The Highway Patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and the Salem Ambulance.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will hold their regular meeting this evening at 7:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers. Bids are to be reviewed for one 2,500 foot reel of #2 TRXLPE primary wire and WWTF Phase I Improvements Contract A and Contract B. After the consent agenda has been reviewed and approved, unfinished business will be addressed concerning action on a KX040-R3A Kubota for the Cemetery, which was postponed from the August 6th meeting. Public Works Director Nash will present the findings on the Kubota. Reports will then be given including Park and Recreation Director Tye Lydon who will report on activities in the park during the summer, Public Works Director Mark Nash will update the Board on items concerning the City, City Administrator Ray Walden will report on projects and issues concerning the City and Mayor Brad Nash will give his report. In the reading of bills and resolutions Bill No. 3401, an ordinance amending ordinance No. 3390 concerning annexation of certain adjacent territory into the City of Salem. This ordinance is to correct errors in Bill No. 3390, which left out a section of Al Brown Fields. The Board will then go into closed session to discuss litigation. The regular meeting of the City of Salem Board of Aldermen is open to the public.

At their annual fundraising gala and capital contribution celebration held Tuesday night, Healthy Dent County Chairman of the Board Liz Gruendel presented three Community Health Awards to local citizens and groups. The first award was the Community Health Champion Award was presented to Shawn Bolerjack for his work with the Honoring Our Heroes Marathon, the monthly 5k Fun Run/Walk from the Salem CommunityCenter@The Armory, his work with the Salem Running Club where he was a founding member and more. The Second Award presented was the Community Halth Service Award and it went to the Honoring Our Heroes Marathon Committee that was chaired by Marilyn Schweitzer and Shawn Bolerjack. Other committee members include Judy Apperson, Bob Gravely, Karen Devine, Sherry Hillebert, Richard LaBrash, Becky Steiner, Eric Surles, Gary Cook, Susie Mackey and Tim Eddings. The Honoring Our Heroes Marathon/Half Marathon/Relay/5K event is held yearly in November to raise funds for local veteran’s causes and to honor those who have served. The last award presented was the Community Health Impact Award and it went to the Salem Park and Recreation Board. The Park Board received the Impact Award for the huge impact that they have made on the health of our children this year. With the renovation and expansion of the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Pool, the addition on the Splash Pad and the opening the Billy’s Playground, an all-inclusive play area, the healthy impacts of our youth are significant. Park Board members include Stan Podorski, President; Kyle Williams, Vice President; Angie Curley, Secretary; Kevin James, Greg Sanders, Beth Atkinson and Crystal Pilkington.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning for the regular meeting at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell indicated materials were going to be added and grading done on Dent County Road 6240 while county roads 6630 and 6633 were to be graded. Materials were also going to be added to Dent County Road 6090 while brush was going to be cut on county roads 6150 and 6370. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 2530 and 2540, while only materials were going to be added to county road 4050. Larson said grading would also be done on Dent County Road 4340 while brush was going to be cut on county roads 3233 and 3235. He did report that a pipe was being installed on county road 4050 and Dent County Road 5260 was back open at the low water crossing. The county will address the new issue they found at the crossing next week and the road is expected to be closed again on Monday and for a few days after. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles stated he attended the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District Board meeting Tuesday where they were able to award 15 grants, most of which were partially funded. He said five applications were not funded at all as they scored too low. He said the Salem Memorial District Hospital’s grant application for internal recycling was funded at $10,995 or about 60% of the amount requested. Skiles said that right now rates for recycled materials are very low. He did want to report that an electronics and tire collection will be held at the Vichy Community Park on Saturday, October 6th. If people are interested in taking their old electronics or tires to the collection, they should contact the MRPC at 265-2993 for more information about any fees. This is for residential purposes only and not commercial businesses. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the last day to register to vote is October 10th. She also said absentee voting is going on now through November 5th in her office and the last day to mail out an absentee ballot will be October 31st. Curley said her office will be open in the courthouse on Saturday, November 3rd from 8:00 in the morning until noon. She said sample ballots are now available in her office and recommends people pick one up before voting to read and possibly research the amendments and propositions. This will make it easier when you come in to vote as some of the wording can difficult to understand. It was reported by Commissioner Purcell that the Road and Bridge Department will be taking bids for the purchase of diesel fuel, and Commissioner Larson said the handicapped accessible automatic door opener has been installed on the west side doors of the courthouse. At the last meeting, Teresa Sellers who is the Dent County Court Advocate for the Phelps County Family Crisis Services, was at the meeting asking to use the gazebo on the courthouse lawn to display a banner and sign during the month of October to make people aware that October is Domestic Awareness Month. Her request was approved. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday morning at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident occurred at 4:12 Thursday morning in Phelps County on Joseph Road two miles east of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2017 Ford F-250, driven by 30-year old Joshua C. Mathews of Thompson, Missouri, failed to negotiate a curve and struck a wood pile. Mathews suffered moderate injuries and was transported by EMS to Phelps County Regional Medical Center. The report stated that Mathews was not wearing a safety device at the time of the accident. The Ford was totaled and taken from the scene by Dishman’s Towing of Rolla.

An accident occurred in Texas County Wednesday night at 11:50 on southbound Highway 63 about five miles south of Houston that took the life of a Houston teenager. According to the highway patrol report, a 2008 Chevrolet 2500, driven by 19-year old Connor Clifton, traveled off the right side of the road, struck a guard rail and overturned several times, ejecting the driver. The report stated that the Chevrolet was totaled and removed from the scene by Jay’s Towing of Houston.

If you are wanting to get prepared for the November 6th election by researching the candidates, propositions and amendments, you can pick up a sample ballot at the Dent County Clerk’s office at the Dent County Courthouse. These ballots are available at no charge. 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 the Salem News closer to the election. By getting you ballot ahead of time, you will be able to read the issues and research them before you vote, giving you the chance to take your time and read about the issue. Additional information on each state amendment or proposition can be found online by simply entering the title of the proposition or amendment in your browser. If you have trouble reading the legal ballot language, a fair ballot language explanation is available at the Missouri Secretary of State’s website: www.sos.mo.gov. Click on elections, then initiative referendums and petitions, then 2018 ballot measures.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Wednesday, September 12th, at 5:13 in the evening, an officer was dispatched to the Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health Center located at Third and Grand reference an unresponsive female that was not breathing. The investigation of the report revealed a female in her 20’s had quit breathing due to a suspected overdose. The female was revived by the officer by use of Narcan which is used to revive a person who overdoses on opioids. The female was transported to the Salem Memorial District Hospital where she received medical treatment. That same day at approximately 9:03 in the evening, an officer was dispatched back to the Southeast Missouri Behavioral Center in reverence to another female that had possibly overdosed and was not breathing. The investigation of the report revealed that a 37-year old female of Dixon was found to be deceased. The body was released to the Coroner with further investigation to follow. On Thursday, September 13th at approximately 4:36 in the morning an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of West Roosevelt in reference to someone shooting a residence. The investigation of the report revealed a person or persons unknown had thrown a rock through a large picture window of a residence. The value of the damage is approximately $500.00. The report is under investigation. Later that day at approximately 12:31 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 400 block of North Walker in reference to damage to a vehicle. The investigation of the report revealed a person unknown broke the front windshield and damaged the dash of a red 2005 Dodge truck by throwing a piece of steel pipe through it. The value of the damage is approximately $295.00. The report is under investigation. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an investigation.

The Current River State Park will host a special class on how to make apple butter the old fashioned way from 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon on Saturday, September 29th at the park. The class is free and open to the public, but registration is required due to limited space. Part of a series of summer classes on traditional skills offered at the park, the class will teach participants how to make apple butter over an open fire and how to safely finish it by using a water bath for the canning process. This is a hands-on class, and participants can take the food they canned home! Participants are encouraged to bring their own snack or a lunch and something to drink (no alcohol please). To register or for more information, call Connie Weber at 573-751-1224. The Current River State Park is located on Highway 19, approximately 23 miles south of Salem, and approximately 15 miles north of Eminence.