Local News

An accident happened Sunday night in Phelps County at 7:15 on Route F at the Dry Ford Creek Bridge about 5.4 miles south of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 Ford F-150 pickup driven eastbound by 60-year old Colleen Marxkors of Rolla, lost traction with the road and the pickup went off the roadway and into a ditch. Marxkors suffered serious injuries and was taken by a private vehicle to Phelps Health in Rolla. She was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford sustained extensive damage in the accident and was removed from the scene by Tunes Wrecker.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting. In the road report, both District 1 and District 2 Commissioners Dennis Purcell and Gary Larson stated their crews were out treating chip and seal roads, and concentrating on hills and curves on all county roads to make them passable. Purcell stated that a crew had to install new road signs on Dent County Road 6225 and Larson said another crew would be working at the shop changing a spreader box from one pickup to a different truck. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported on the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting that he attended last Thursday at the MRPC office. Skiles said the standing priority concern is to make Highways 63 and 50 four lanes through the Ozark Region. The members then heard about the 30 other transportation priority needs from the other counties before voting on the priorities they felt were the most important that need to be addressed. The Gladden Creek (or Standing Rock) Bridge came in as the 3rd most important concern from the committee. This does not mean that the bridge will be replaced immediately, but if MoDOT should find extra funds it could be moved up on the list. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported she would be working on the 2020 county budget. The next meeting will be Thursday at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

After 42 years of federal service, 36 with the National Park Service (NPS), Ozark National Scenic Riverways Superintendent Larry Johnson is retiring on January 3, 2020. Larry has been the superintendent at the park since 2015. Johnson is extremely proud of his time at Ozark, during which he led the park through an extensive recovery effort following the devastating flood of April 2017. He guided the initial emergency response as well as the longer-term planning efforts for rebuilding.Johnson and his wife of 38 years, Jan, will stay in the Van Buren area for a time before ultimately settling down in Iowa to be close to their family. Meanwhile, Larry looks forward to more exploration of the area, spending more time researching family history and hiking and biking area trails. A retirement luncheon will be held at noon on Friday, December 20th, at park headquarters in Van Buren. Guests are welcome and can R.S.V.P. by calling (573) 323-4852.

The Missouri Conservation Commission approved recommendations by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) at the Commission’s December 13th meeting for upcoming deer-hunting and fall turkey season dates. The 2020 and 2021 Archery Deer Hunting Dates will be September 15th through November 13th and November 25th through January 15th, 2021. Fall Firearms Turkey Season will be October 1st through 31st. Firearms Deer Hunting Dates are October 31st through November 1st for the Firearms Deer Early Youth Portion. The Firearms Deer November Portion will be November 14th through the 24th. Firearms Deer Late Youth Portion will be November 27th through the 29th. Firearms Deer Antlerless Portion will be conducted December 4th through the 6th. Finally, the Firearms Deer Alternative Methods Portion will be December 26th through January 5th, 2021. Details on hunting regulations, harvest limits, allowed methods, required permits, and other related information will be available in MDC’s “2020 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information” booklets. Both will be available where permits are sold prior to the related seasons. Buy Missouri hunting permits from numerous vendors around
the state, online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, or through MDC’s free mobile apps, MO Hunting and MO Fishing, available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices. Learn more about deer and turkey hunting in Missouri at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov.

The Salvation Army’s “Angel Tree” at Wal-Mart still has a number of “angels” remaining as of Sunday evening and the last day to adopt an “angel” will be Tuesday. It is the goal of the Dent County Salvation Army Service Unit to try to make sure that every Dent County child’s Christmas morning is bright and you can help by adopting an angel. It is easy to help out. Just follow these steps: Select a tag representing a specific child from the “Angel Tree” at Wal-Mart. Then shop for gifts based on the parent’s suggestions. You do not have to purchase everything on the list, just use it as a guideline. Once you are finished shopping, bring the unwrapped gifts to the Wal-Mart Service Desk along with the “angel tag” by tomorrow. Your gifts will be distributed to your adopted “angel” on Thursday, December 19th. For questions about the “Angel Tree,” please contact the Dent County Service Unit of the Salvation Army at 729-8163.

A fatality accident occurred late Saturday morning at around 11:15 in Phelps County on Grant Road approximately six tenths of a mile
south of the Doolittle city limits. The report from the highway patrol states that three female juveniles were traveling north on a 2009 Kubota RTV 1140 CPX and the accident happened as the vehicle was making a left turn and started to skid, overturned and ejected all three of the occupants, landing on top of the 14-year old victim who was transported by Phelps Health EMS to Phelps Health and was pronounced dead at 12:10 by Dr. Clay in the Phelps Health emergency room. The other two 13 year old juveniles were not injured in the accident. According to the report, none of the juveniles were wearing safety devices. There was no damage to the Kubota.

An accident occurred Saturday evening at 5:05 in Dent County on Highway 19 about seven miles north of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2017 Jeep Renegade driven by 59-year old Martha Tibbs of Salem was traveling southbound and struck a deer. Tibbs suffered minor injuries and was transported to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by ambulance. She was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Jeep sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

An accident happened in Maries County Friday afternoon at 4:15 on Highway 63 in Vichy involving 2 Rolla residents. According to the report released from the highway patrol, a 2004 Ford Ranger driven by 20-year old Mark Kidd of Rolla was southbound when he was struck from behind by a 2005 Ford Freestyle being driven by 27-year old Randa Fogelman of Rolla. Kidd was transported by the Ozark Central EMS to Phelps Health in Rolla for treatment of minor injuries. Both drivers were wearing safety restraints according to the report. The Ranger sustained extensive damage and was driven from the scene. The Freestyle was totaled and removed from the scene by C&C Towing.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at 7:00 in the Council Chambers of City Hall. After the consent agenda is approved, the board will hear from City Administrator Ray Walden who will provide the board an update on current city projects and update them on office holiday closures as well as a discussion on the December utility bills. After Walden has completed his report, the board will discuss a trailer court license application submitted for approval. Chief Keith Steelman will discuss the destruction of 2013 police records with the board. The Board will also hear Resolution #27-2019 that authorizes the filing of an application with the Missouri Department of Natural bResources State Revolving Loan Fund program for the construction of the new sewer to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. The board will then go into closed session to discuss real estate, contracts and personnel. The meeting of the Salem Board of Aldermen is open to the public.

The Missouri Conservation Commission approved recommendations by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) at the Commission’s December 13th meeting for upcoming turkey-hunting season dates. The 2020 Spring and Fall Turkey Hunting dates are as follows. Spring Youth Portion will be April 4th and 5th and Regular Spring Turkey Season will be April 20th through May 10th, while Fall Firearms Turkey Season will be October 1st through 31st. Details on hunting regulations, harvest limits, allowed methods, required permits, and other related information will be available in MDC’s “2020 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information.” Buy Missouri hunting permits from numerous vendors around the state, online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, or through MDC’s free mobile apps, MO Hunting and MO Fishing, available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices. Learn more about turkey hunting in Missouri at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell was not in attendance due to a prior commitment. Road Supervisor Rodney Atkinson gave the road report and stated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 2440, 5015 and 5080 while only grading would be done to roads 5085, 5520 and 5530. He also stated that brush would be cut on county road 6410. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson indicated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 2550 and 3200 while only grading would be done on county road 3190. Larson went to say brush would be cut on county roads 2200 and 5330. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles attended the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting Thursday that prioritized the transportation needs in the MRPC region. Skiles also attended the regular MRPC Board meeting that evening. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that she balanced with the Dent County Treasurer on all accounts. Curley said her office received a $2,627.65 Election Efficiency Grant from the state for equipment maintenance, poll pads and other items. She also said she was working on the county 2020 budget. Dent County Collector Shannon Vankirk said the Collector’s office in the courthouse would have extended hours on December 26th, 27th, 30th and 31st from 8:00 in the morning until 5:30 each evening. Vankirk wanted to remind those paying their taxes that they can do so in person at the Dent County Collector’s Office, drop them off in the drop box at the southwestern corner of the courthouse lawn, by mailing them as long as they are postmarked by December 31st, or pay them online through the use of a credit or debit device. Be aware there is an additional charge to use a credit or debit device. If anyone has a question about the payment of their taxes, contact the Dent County Collectors office at 729-3911. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

As the Christmas Holiday rapidly approaches, so do the cutoff dates established by the US Postal Service about the mailing dates for expected delivery before December 25th. Domestic mailing deadlines for First-Class Packages is December 20th, Priority Mail December 21st and Priority Mail Express is December 23rd. If you have packages going to service men and women outside the United States your package mailing deadlines are this Saturday for Priority Mail Express International and December 19th for Global Express Guaranteed. For costs and more information about the dates and deadlines, contact the Salem Post Office at 729-3442.

The Salem FFA Chapter has beautiful red and white poinsettias for sale from their greenhouse. The cost of each poinsettia is $8.00. For more information, call the Salem FFA Department at 739-2016 or call the Salem High School Office at 729-6641 and leave a message.

Dillard Mill State Historic Site invites visitors to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus from noon to 2:00, Saturday, December 14th. Santa Claus is gearing up for his Christmas deliveries and has once again contacted Dillard Mill to grind special oats for his reindeer. This free event will be at the mill where Santa and Mrs. Claus will hand out ornaments and candy to children. Bring your camera and dress for the weather. Hot cocoa and cookies will be served. Dillard Mill State Historic Site is one of Missouri’s best-preserved water-powered gristmills. This mill, which has been restored to operational order, was built around 1900 and continued to grind grain until the 1960s. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the park office building. Dillard Mill State Historic Site State Park is located at 1142 Dillard Mill Road in Davisville. For more information about the event, call the historic site at 573-244-3120. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit the web at mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

A Winter ’19 Art Party Sponsored by the Salem Area Arts Council will be Friday night, December 20th, from 6:30-9:00 in the Creative Arts Center (Formerly the Teachers’ Closet) Bring yourself, your bestie, or a hot date to the Creative Arts Center in Salem 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 or $40 per couple, 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. Reservations are required and can be made by calling or texting (573) 247-0279 and arranging to pay your fee to reserve your spot.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley has released reports from a couple of court appearances last week. On Thursday, December 5th in front of Judge Nathan Kelsaw in Dent County, Daniel Rictor of Salem pled guilty to first degree harassment for threatening his sister and spitting in her face. Previously he had been convicted of felony stealing and the unlawful use of a weapon. Kelsaw sentenced Rictor to three years in the Department of Corrections as requested by the state. On Friday, December 6th in front of Judge Megan Seay, Curley reports that Stephen Mock of Salem pled guilty to charges of felony driving while having his license revoked, the unlawful possession of a firearm and the possession of methamphetamine. Judge Seay sentenced him to five years in the Department of Corrections. That same day, William Hatcher of Salem pled guilty to the possession of methamphetamine. Judge Seay sentenced him to seven years in the Department of Corrections with a long-term drug treatment plan under the Revised Missouri State Statute 217.362. Also on Friday, Macaulay Boschen of Salem pled guilty to attempting to escape from confinement. He was sentenced to seven years in the Department of Corrections under the Revised Missouri State Statute 559.115. Another case heard by Judge Seay Friday was a guilty plea by Andrew Steelman of Salem. He pled guilty to the possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and he was also in possession of alproazolam. Judge Seay sentenced him to 14 years in the Department of Corrections under the Revised Missouri State Statute 217.362. The last case heard Friday was for Austin Carter of Salem who pled guilty to the possession of a controlled substance which was methamphetamine. He had two prior felony convictions of possession of a controlled substance and was sentenced to seven years in the Department of Corrections.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports for early December. Early on the morning of Friday, December 1st, shortly before 2:00, an officer drove up on an accident scene at Roosevelt and Wines. The investigation of the accident led to the arrest of a 23-year-old male of Salem for driving while being intoxicated. The suspect was treated at the Salem Memorial District Hospital and released on summonses to appear in court for driving while being intoxicated. Later that night around 11:16, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation which led to the arrest of a 44-year-old male of Columbia, Missouri for driving while being intoxicated and the possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and released. On Tuesday afternoon, December 3rd, near 6:00, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 800 block of East Fourth Street in reference to a disturbance. That investigation revealed a 30- year-old male of Salem had assaulted a 36- year-old female also of Salem with his hands and a by hitting her with a landscaping brick. That investigation led to the arrest of the suspect for assault. The suspect was incarcerated pending the application for a warrant. Later that same evening at approximately 7:47, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of South Warfel Street in reference to a theft. An investigation revealed a female suspect took $660.00 cash from the residence. That report is under investigation. If you have information regarding any investigations, please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.

Elephant Rocks State Park hosts Mother Nature’s Christmas lights viewing from 5:00 this Friday evening, December 13th, to sunrise, on Saturday, December 14th. To mark this year’s most spectacular meteor shower, the Geminids Meteor shower, Elephant Rocks State Park will be open to the public for a rare after-dark event. Park staff will be available to direct you to the best and safest areas to view the shower. If you like star gazing, light shows and are able to brave the cold, come out and create a lifetime memory at Elephant Rocks State Park. It is December, so dress for very cold winter conditions. It is often colder on the rocks than the average local temperature, so you can become chilled sitting for long periods in the park even on a mild night. You are welcome to bring portable chairs and blankets to keep warm. Please remember to bring in only what you will be able to carry out when you leave. Trash receptacles are provided at the park’s parking lot. Please be respectful of other visitors’ experience and avoid excessive use of artificial lights and excessive noise during the event. This shower can be viewed with the naked eye, and telescopes or binoculars are welcome but not needed. No tents, propane heaters, lanterns or campfires will be allowed. Elephant Rocks State Park is located at 7406 Highway 21 in Belleview. For more information about the event, call the site at 573-546-3454. 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.

City Administrator Ray Walden has announced that utility billing is running a couple of weeks later than normal due to an unexpected one-time need for manual data entry as part of the swap out of electric and water meters for all customers. Customers will have until January 20, 2020 to pay their December utility bill without penalty. In addition, the mailing of the next bill will be delayed until the week of February 3rd. City officials apologize for the delay and appreciate the customers who contacted the Utility Office after not receiving their bills. City of Salem Utilities regrets any inconvenience to our customers. Once the installation of the new meters is completed utility billing will return to even monthly cycles. The following dates will be effective for the December City of Salem utility bills ONLY: a 1% discount for utility bills paid by December 31st, 2019; a 10% penalty if the bills are not paid by January 20th, 2020; bills automatically paid from a customer bank account will be withdrawn on December 23rd, 2019; and the mailing of the next utility bill will be delayed until the week of February 3rd. The City of Salem apologizes for any inconvenience to their customers.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors met Tuesday afternoon at the hospital library. At the meeting, the board accepted the resignation of Sue Terry from District 4 and interviewed candidate Willie Strader to fill the position until the municipal election in April. After the interview was completed, the board voted unanimously to appoint Strader to the board and he was then sworn in by Hospital Attorney Mark Weaver. Once the election filing window opens, Strader will have to sign up for the municipal election if he wishes to be elected to the board to finish out the unexpired term. Home Health Director Ashley Sullins also updated the board on her department at the meeting. For the month of November, CFO Monica Stogsdil reported inpatient admissions stayed strong as 131 patients were admitted with 449 inpatient census days. The acute care average amount of patients per day in November was 14. Outpatient registrations came in at 1,513 while there were 1,883 cardiopulmonary procedures, 7,628 laboratory tests, 1,271 radiological procedures, 739 emergency department visits, 734 rehab treatments and 276 Home Health visits. A total of 255 ambulance runs were made in the November with 184 patents transported with 71 dry runs. For the month, the hospital had a loss from operations of $25,664 with an excess of expenses over revenues of $24,155 after tax receipts. The expenses in November were driven by other contractual services that included those for nursing and also for billing and medical records. Even though there was loss from operations, there was cash increase during the month of $5,750 leaving the days cash on hand at 46. Days in net receivable continues to rise during this time of transition and now stands at 82 days with over 14 million dollars of total receivables. CNO Debbie Hines said there have been four reported cases of flu in Dent County since December 1st. Hospital CEO Kasey Lucas said the hospital auxiliary had the Christmas lunch at J.B. Malone’s with their next meeting to be held January 7th at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. COO Jason Edwards reported on the hospital foundation and they have 13 couples for this year’s “Dancing with the Salem Stars” to be held January 25th at the Salem High School Gym. They have sponsor tables available for $300 each and individual tickets for $20 each. Contact Edwards at the hospital for more information. Edwards also talked about the $80,604 Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program Grant the hospital received to reach low income students in rural South-Central Missouri schools. The money would be used for telemedicine carts to be used at schools in the area including Bunker, Winona, Eminence, and also some Dent County Schools. Lucas said construction work on three areas in the Long-Term Care unit are nearly finished, while the window replacement will be done in the spring. He said the hospital is still working with Todd Van Deventer of Piper Jaffray on revised Request for Proposal letters and a meeting is to be set up next week with local banks. Lucas said the election filing will begin at 8:00 Tuesday morning, December 17th for a six-year term for District #1 currently held by Judy Thompson, and the unexpired three year term for District #4 currently held by appointee Willie Strader. The election filing will end at 4:00 on Tuesday, January 21st. The board was presented a list of the board meeting dates scheduled for 2020 for each board member to review to make sure that a quorum would be present at each meeting. They were to bring back any meeting dates that they would not be able to attend. The meeting then went into closed session.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 10,543 deer during the antlerless portion of the fall firearms deer season which ran December 6th, 7th, and 8th. Top harvest counties were Callaway with 396 deer harvested, Pike with 303, and Osage with 301. Dent County came in with 88 deer checked. Last year’s antlerless harvest total was 6,645. Archery season continues through Jan. 15, 2020. The alternative methods portion will run Dec. 28 through Jan. 7, 2020.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday for their regular meeting. At the meeting, Executive Director of Healthy Dent County Sherry Lea brought in the annual contract for Healthy Dent County to provide rural addressing services for the county for $12,000. They have provided this service for 11tyears and have had over 7,100 contacts concerning addresses in that time. The commission approved the contract for 2020 with a 3-0 vote. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams reported sales tax revenues for the Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund and the General Revenue Fund received in December were $96,664.91 for each fund which is up from December 2018 where $71,057.07 was collected. That is a difference of $25,607.84 more money collected which brought the amounts year-to-date in each fund into the black by $2,826.28. In the Road and Bridge fund, receipts in December were $33,125.63 which was $12,523.53 more than 2018 and left an increase year-to-date in the fund of $7,146.43 or an increase of about 1.5%. In the Jail Trust and Operational Funds, each account received $91,295.98 in December which is $25,160.54 more than last year in December and year-to-date, those numbers left an increase in each jail fund of $23,538.60 and that is about a 2.84% increase. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated materials would be added and grading would be done on Dent County Roads 4210 and 6040. He said a grader had broken down in the southeast area of the county and a technician was going to repair the machine before grading was going to be done on county road 5520. Purcell said brush would be cut on county roads 6370 and 6400. He also wanted to remind citizens to be on the lookout for anyone who is dumping trash or other items on county roads. Try to get the make and model of the vehicle they are driving and license plate, then call the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241 and let them confront the people littering. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2237, 3330, 3335 and 3337 while materials would be added and grading done on county road 5260. Larson also indicated that brush would be cut on county roads 2130 and 5300. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to congratulate the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and City of Salem for an outstanding Parade of Lights Saturday night. He also wanted to remind people to support the Salvation Army bell ringers donating their time to help raise money to help those in need for next year at Country Mart, Wal-Mart and Dollar General. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported her office balanced on all, accounts with the Dent County Assessor and Collector on monthly collections, abatements and add-ons. She also said her office continues to work on the budget. Sarah Massengale of the Dent County Extension was in to present the extension budget to the county and it is the same as it was for 2019. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will conduct their December meeting this afternoon in the hospital library beginning at noon. After approval of the agenda and minutes of the November 19th meeting, will be the administrator’s report that will include a department director presentation, a summary of the operations for the month of November with Monica Stogsdill, the Chief of Nursing Report for the month with Debbie Hines, a report on the hospital foundation with a spotlight on the Mammography Fund Policy being discussed as well as the marketing and community perception with COO Jason Edwards. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas will the present the auxiliary report before updating the Board on the hospital expansion and expansion financing options. Lucas will also announce the dates for the election filing. In new business, purchases by the hospital will be reviewed. The December board meeting of the Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On Thursday night, the 28th at approximately 11:35, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. An investigation at the stop led to the arrest of a 33-year-old male of Salem for the possession of morphine and possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and released. The next afternoon, Friday November 29th, at about 4:29, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of South Pershing regarding a report of property damage. An investigation revealed a 28-year-old male of Salem had punched holes in the wall and broke two windows out of the residence causing damage valued at $750.00. The suspect was arrested and issued summonses to appear in court and released. Later that same evening at approximately 6:43 an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of South Pershing in reference to a domestic disturbance. The investigation revealed a 28-year-old male of Salem had assaulted a 47-year-old female also of Salem. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect for domestic assault. The suspect was incarcerated pending an application for a warrant. Contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any of these investigations.

Forest Service regulation. This will ensure consistency of feral hog regulations on Forest Service and Department of Conservation managed lands by allowing for the opportunistic take of feral hogs during all deer and turkey hunting seasons. While the Forest Service announcement is effective immediately on the Mark Twain National Forest and will apply to the rest of the of the 2019-2020 deer season, the change will not be in place for the 2019-2020 alternative methods and archery hunting season on Department of Conservation lands. The MDC proposal will need to make its way through the State’s regulatory process, which includes a formal public comment period on the rulemakings. The prohibition of hunting on public lands does NOT apply to private lands where landowners may hunt or shoot feral hogs on their lands. Opportunistic take refers to takings that result from, but are not the purpose of, carrying out an otherwise lawful activity. In this case, it allows for a person possessing an unfilled deer or turkey hunting permit to opportunistically take feral hogs while in pursuit of deer or turkey during the hunting season. Feral hogs became established in southern Missouri when some individuals released them for hunting. Between natural reproduction and continued illegal releases, the feral hog population exploded in southern Missouri. They now occur in more than 30 Missouri counties. Recreational hunting of feral hogs complicates efforts to trap and eliminate them. Hunting activities, particularly hunting with dogs, scatters the sounder and makes trapping efforts aimed at catching the entire group very difficult, because hogs become trap-shy and wary of baited sites. This pattern has been repeated in several states where the combination of recreational hunting and trapping programs has resulted in a larger feral hog population. Examples from other states and from large areas of private land in Missouri show that allowing state and federal wildlife managers to eliminate feral hogs yields the best results. With the Forest Service announcement, the Missouri Feral Hog Elimination Partnership has developed an operational plan that will provide additional staff and resources on private and public land around the Mark Twain National Forest. Currently, the Conservation Commission is providing $1.8 million annually for trapping services with staff providing more than 25,000 hours annually towards elimination efforts on private and public land. Other agencies who are contributing staff and resources will be stepping up their effort to fight the battle against feral hogs. The new plan will reassign staff from across the state to help with feral hog removal efforts in southern Missouri. For more information about MDC efforts to eliminate feral hogs go to www.mdc.mo.gov/feralhog.

The Salem Police Department released the following accident report. On Tuesday afternoon, November 26th at approximately 4:24, a 2007 Nissan Sentra, operated by Stephanie Webber of Salem, was northbound on MacArthur Avenue approaching the intersection with Highway 32. At that time, a 2012 Ford F-150, operated by Rachelle Atkinson of Salem, was southbound on MacArthur Avenue approaching Highway 32. The report stated that the Nissan started to turn left into the path of the Ford and the vehicles collided. Webber was transported by EMS to thehospital, while a passenger in the Nissan was transported to the hospital by private vehicle. The Nissan sustained extensive damage, while the Ford sustained moderate damage.

Chad Strain of Dixon, who originally grew up in Shannon County near the Bunker area, will speak at the Dent County Historical Society meeting Tuesday night at 6:00 at the Salem Pizza Inn on what it means to be Cherokee and also what it means to be a Cherokee Citizen, the differences and struggles that can come with each. If your family did not remove to Indian Territory, even though your ancestor was part of the Indian Removal, most likely they will not be found on the Dawes Rolls where the names of those that where accepted to become a Cherokee Citizens. Just because a family member applied for Citizenship, it does not mean that the person was accepted. It was a long process to be accepted. It helped in the process if another family member applied and was granted Citizenship. Some of these files can contain 40 pages. For more information about the meeting and the Dawes Rolls, contact Deloris Gray Wood at 729-2545.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Courthouse. In the road report District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that grading would be done and materials would be added to Dent County Roads 2460, 4090 and 5520, while materials only would be added to county road 5510. He also said that brush would be cut on county road 6370. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 3140, 3150, 5260 and 5280, plus county road 2200 would have materials added and would be graded. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said that Tuesday evening he and Commissioner Larson attended the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste District annual full board meeting in St. James where two policy revisions were approved and various grant extensions were approved. They also attended the separate ORSWD Awards Dinner where seven awards were presented for Outstanding Achievement in Solid Waste Reduction. Skiles also noted that a crew was working on some electrical problems with some of the Christmas lights on the Courthouse. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said that the Commissioners were approving bills for payment and her office continues work on the Dent County Budget for 2020. Commissioner reported that phone bids were taken for 2,500 gallons of gasoline for the Road and Bridge Department and County Fuels was the winning bidder at $1.89 per gallon. Dent County Assessor Tina Whitaker came in with her Map Maintenance Agreement with STC and the Commissioners signed the agreement for 2020-2021. Sheriff Bob Wells, Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley, and Treasurer Denita Williams were in to discuss a civil forfeiture. The task force had worked on a case that involved distribution of a controlled substance and seized money. The Judge in the case had ordered the $6,803.30 in seized money be turned over to the County Treasurer. According to state law, the Treasurer will turn the money over to the schools. It was stated that Law Enforcement has been working on several cases and has seized firearms and will have a firearms sale in the future with the proceeds to be turned over to the Treasurer and deposited in the General Revenue Fund. Prosecutor Curley discussed the Dent County Crime Advocate position that was made possible by a grant. He said that Cynthia Nash of his staff is taking the position and all expenses related to that position will be fully reimbursed back to Dent County by the grant. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday morning in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

A Children’s Old-Fashioned Christmas will be held Monday evening from 6:30-8:00 at the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History at the corner of Rolla Road and North Hickory. The kids can help decorate the “Children’s Tree,” by creating and decorating the old-fashion ways—popcorn, clothespin angels, paper chains, oranges, and cookies. This event is appropriate for children through about 12 years old. The cost is $1.00 per child or $5.00 per family. Adults are free.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors meeting took place at 7:00 Tuesday evening, December 3rd. Bills were heard and approved with an ending balance of $113,981.22 as of December 3rd. The 2020 budget was reviewed and approved. In the monthly reimbursement report, the department received a total of 27 calls for the month of November, bringing the total calls year to date to 260 with an average cost per call of $118.88. During the month of November, the department responded to 13 vehicle accidents, six first responder calls, four brush fires, two training calls and one mutual aid. Fire chief Brad Nash reported to the board that the top three categories of fire calls in 2019 so far were vehicle accidents, accounting for 23.5% of the calls, another 21.2% were first responder calls and structure fires came in third at 15.8%. These numbers account for almost 61% of the calls responded to in 2019. Chief Nash also updated the board on the progress of the renovation at the district fire station and stated that the new doors are in. Providing the weather holds, the roof is almost complete and should be finished soon. The new restroom is currently being framed in. Chief Nash noted that all in all, the progress is moving along as planned. The date for the next meeting was set for January 7th at 6:00 in the evening at the fire station.

A follow-up community conversation on the opioid epidemic and Narcan instruction will be held Tuesday evening, December 10th at 5:30. The forum provides the Dent County community the opportunity to share solutions to the opioid epidemic and give input on what citizens’ feel should happen. In order to be part of the solution, citizens can start by understanding what Naloxone (Narcan) is and how to administer it to a loved one or a member of the community. The forum is free and there will be a limited amount of complimentary appetizers and drinks so please RSVP to contact person Sherry Lea at (573) 729-8163. The forum will be held at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory and is sponsored by Your Community Cares Rural Health Coalition.

Don’t forget to attend the Salem “Parade of Lights” tomorrow night starting at 5:30 from the SBU-Salem campus at Grand and Franklin Streets to the Dent County Courthouse.

A Steelville man Wednesday pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm stemming from a police chase from Illinois into Missouri. According to the court report, 27-year old Johnathan K. Esparza of Steelville appeared in federal court before U.S. District Judge John A. Ross who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for March 13, 2020. According to court documents, on September 21st, 2018, police officers from Brooklyn, Illinois responded to a call regarding shots fired from a Nissan vehicle. As Brooklyn police officers attempted to bring the vehicle to a controlled stop, the driver of this vehicle accelerated and drove at a high rate of speed from Illinois into Missouri. Officers observed Esparza, the front seat passenger, throw a pistol out of the window of the vehicle in St. Louis and were able to recover and seize the pistol. The Nissan was eventually stopped and Esparza was apprehended. A computer check revealed that he was a convicted felon. Esparza faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison and a fine of not more than a $250,000. He may be subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence greater than described. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges. The Brooklyn, Illinois Police Department and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Steven Muchnick is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The Salem Park and Recreation Board met on November 26th at the Salem Community Center@TheArmory. Director Melissa DuBois addressed the board and reported there were 104 participants in the 2019 Youth basketball program for children in the 1st through 6th grades. She said she visited the site of the proposed new soccer field complex with City Administrator Ray Walden, Public Works Director Mark Nash and representatives from Archer-Elgin to get information to update the LWCF Grant that the city will apply for in February. She discussed back lighting at the Salem City Park sign and also the creation of a new Alice Lou Craig Municipal Swimming Pool sign for the pool building. City Administrator Ray Walden gave an updated on the TAP grant. Walden said MoDOT had approved the letting of bids, but that will held off until after the holidays. The bids are to be opened by March 1st with work beginning by April 1st. Park Board President Stan Podorski presented the board with an update three-year project plan for the Parks and Recreation which included the soccer park complex, TAP grant, replacing the roof at the Al Brown Storage Building, a new concession area and handicapped accessible stairway at Al Brown and other projects. Podorski also said the Park and Recreation Board by-laws are outdated and he is revising the by-laws and will present them at a future meeting for board approval. Walden then informed the board of the change moving the grounds crew for the Park and Recreation Department to Public Works where they are under the supervision of Public Works Director, Mark Nash. They will still do the work they would normally do during the peak season hours on fields, lawn care, etc. while only taking care of limited activities at the parks during the off-season times and who would be responsible to perform those duties. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Dent County Sheriff’s office released reports for November 20th through 27th. On Friday the 20th, deputies responded to the 4000 block of Route CC for a report of burglary. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a 22 year-old man was the reported victim and the investigation is ongoing. On Monday, November 23rd, deputies responded to the 3000 block of Route VV for a report of burglary. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a 28-year-old was the reported victim and the investigation is ongoing. The next day, Tuesday November 24th, deputies traveled to the 2000 block of Dent County Road 3260 for a report of a burglary. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a 40-year-old was the reported victim and the investigation is ongoing. On Thursday, November 26th, the Dent County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a vehicle sitting in a yard at a residence in the 700 block of Dent County Road 4210. The caller told the Sheriff’s Office that the vehicle was running and someone was inside it. A deputy traveled to area and during the course of the incident, a 47 year-old Salem man was arrested for possession of a controlled substance–methamphetamine, and the unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and incarcerated. The next day, Friday November 27th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 200 block of South Main Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 44 year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while being intoxicated. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued summons and released. If you have information regarding any ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 573-729-3241.

An Ozark Christmas Celebration will take place at Alley Spring this Saturday from 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon. The historic Alley Mill, Storys Creek School and General Store will all be decorated in the holiday fashion. Alley Mill will be open during the event and will feature Christmas trees adorned with handmade ornaments created by the 4th grade classes from local schools. Take home the memory by creating your own unique traditional tree ornament. Bring the family and sip hot chocolate while listening to traditional Christmas music. Ole Saint Nick himself plans to stop by and join in the festivities. Alley Spring is located six miles west of Eminence on Highway 106. For more information about this event please contact Ranger Josh Chilton at 573-226-3945, visit the park’s Facebook page, or website at www.nps.gov/ozar.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday night at the City Hall Council Chambers. After the consent agenda was approved, Planning and Zoning Chairman Gary Brown discussed the Planning and Zoning Hearing and Meeting held on November 21st. Brown said there was no one that spoke in opposition of a meadery or was curious as to the meaning of it. He said Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge discussed what a meadery is with the commission. Brown said the commission did not have a quorum but the group discussed microbreweries, wineries and meaderies. He also said that Jared Brown handed out books on the International Coding System and Brown said all the members of the Planning and Zoning Commission will receive one to review. City Administrator Ray Walden said the results of the nuisance survey will be reviewed with the city attorney and any other group who would need to have input to start putting together ordinances for the alderman to review. He also said that in some cases there are relationships with ordinances and nuisances that will have to be considered before changes are made. Walden said a variance report was sent to the Department of Natural Resources from the Waste Water Treatment Plant and they will await the results to see where they stand with the improvements. Walden stated the Christmas Parade of Lights will be held Saturday at 5:30 and then new Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois presented her report to the board. Walden reported the original agreement approved earlier by the board was reviewed along with the new agreement reviewed by the new city Attorney Weber. After a few changes, the board approved Resolution 26-2019 to allow the mayor to execute a new contract and agreement with Riverways Federal Credit Union for consulting services. Part of the new agreement was the creation of a “Welcome Home Advisory Board.” That board will consist of Scott Schultz from Riverways, Ray Walden and Sally Burbridge with the city, Todd Kinerk with the Planning and Zoning Commission and Sherman Odom with the IDA Board. The board then went into closed session.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation shows that young hunters ages 6 through 15 harvested 1,909 deer during Missouri’s late youth portion of the 2019 deer hunting season from November 29th through December 1st. Of the 1,909 deer harvested, 752 were antlered bucks, 200 were button bucks, and 957 were does. Top counties for the late youth portion were Osage with 63 deer checked, Lincoln with 45, and Callaway with 41. Last year’s harvest total for the late youth portion was 2,595 with 1,160 being antlered bucks, 338 button bucks, and 1,097 does. In Dent County, a total of 20 deer were harvested while there were 16 deer taken in Crawford County, 26 deer were harvested in Phelps County, 25 more deer were taken in Texas County and 19 deer were harvested in Reynolds County.

An accident occurred Monday night at 10:16 in Crawford County on Seven Cedars Road about six miles south of Steeleville. According to the highway patrol report, a 1998 Chevrolet Blazer driven by 34-year old William White of Steelville, was fleeing from a Crawford County Deputy and failed to negotiate a curve. The Blazer traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. White suffered serious injuries and was transported by Steelville Ambulance to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. A passenger in the Chevrolet, 36-year-old Chelsea Green of Steelville, suffered minor injuries and was taken to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan by Iron County Ambulance. The report stated that neither White nor Green were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Chevrolet was totaled and removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing.

An accident occurred Tuesday morning at 7:30 in Crawford County on Highway 8 west of Center Point Road. According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2008 Lincoln MKX suffered a malfunction causing the driver, 22-year-old Madyson Roper of Steelville, to loose control of the vehicle. The Lincoln traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. Roper, along with a 2-year-old male juvenile, suffered minor injuries and were both transported by Steelville Ambulance to Phelps Health. The report stated that both Roper and the male juvenile were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Lincoln was totaled and removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Toy Drive and the Salvation Army Angel Tree final signup will be held Thursday, December 5th from 3:00 to 6:00 in the afternoon at the Creative Arts Center behind the Ozark Natural and Cultural Center. Requirements are that children must be between the ages of newborn and 12 years of age, they must live with the parent/guardian who is signing the child up, and they must reside in Dent County. Parents need to bring proof that they meet these requirements. This can be a print out from Division of Family Services. If financial aid is not received, parents can bring a letter from the school the child attends stating that the child lives with that parent and the grade they are in. In addition, proof of residency can be presented in the form of a utility bill, a voter registration card or something similar. For more information, call 729-8163.