Local News

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the courthouse. At the meeting, Pat Tackett with VIP Properties came in to ask what criteria would be needed to make a private drive into a county road. Commissioner Gary Larson explained the private drive needs to meet the county’s specifications before it can be absorbed in the county road system. He said he would take a look at the road in question and let her know what he finds. Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge was in to give the monthly economic activity report to the commissioners for the month of November. David Gray also came in to inquire of any requirements on building a low water crossing. Commissioners Dennis Purcell and Larson told Gray how they have built low water crossings using footers and pipes or a concrete culvert. Gray was satisfied with the information provided on how to proceed with his project before leaving. In the road reports, Commissioners Purcell and Larson stated both district received between 1.5 and 2.5 inches of rain Thursday through Saturday. Because of this, work crews were out checking for any washouts, downed trees and blown down limbs. They also said materials would be added and patch grading would be done where needed. Larson also reported that Dent County Road 4280 was closed Sunday when a car was stranded on a low water crossing. The vehicle was removed and the road was reopened Monday morning. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles stated he would be attending the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District full council meeting at 5:30 followed by the awards banquet at 6:30 at the MRPC offices in St. James tonight. He also wanted to remind everyone that Dent County Assessor Tina Whitaker would be retiring December 31st and if anyone would be interested in that position, they need to let the commissioners know of your interest. The commissioners will have 14 days to name a temporary replacement for that position who would remain in office until the governor appoints a permanent replacement. Skiles also said they would re-bid the financial audit for the county for the 2018 and 2019 fiscal years and those bids would be opened on Thursday, January 23rd at 11:00 in the morning. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said her office continues to work on the 2020 Dent County Budget and filings for the April Municipal Election will begin on December 17th. She said people interested in running for all the local political offices except for the Dent County Health Board need to file at those respective entities. Those interested in filling for the Dent County Health Board will need to file in her office. She also said Commissioners Skiles and Larson signed off on the request for some of the funds on the CDBG grant for the work being done on the Dent County Fire Station. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

In honor of National Miners Day on December 6th, the Doe Run Company celebrates the achievements of its skilled mine rescue teams. Doe Run’s Maroon team won first place for the team technician competition, and the Gray team won first place in first aid at the Missouri Regional Mine Rescue Contest that was held in Rolla September 30th through October 3rd. In addition, Charlie Walker, the development miner at Doe Run’s Brushy Creek Mine and captain of the Gray team, was inducted into the Missouri Mine Rescue Hall of Fame in recognition of his nearly 30 years of significant contributions to the field of mine rescue. Congratulations to Charlie and both rescue teams!

Two Salem residents were injured in a one vehicle crash last Wednesday evening at 9:15 on Dent County Road 4210 about six miles east of Salem. The report from the highway patrol states that a 1993 Chevrolet Suburban being driven by 21-year old William Scott of Salem was eastbound when the vehicle crossed the center line, traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. Scott and an occupant in the vehicle, 22-year old Georgia Burris of Salem, both received minor injuries and were transported by ambulance to Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment. Neither occupants of the vehicle were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Suburban sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

An accident occurred Saturday evening at 5:25 in Phelps County on Highway 72 at Phelps County Road 4020. According to the highway patrol report, a 1995 Mercury Sable driven by 40-year old Erica Thompson of Rolla was traveling eastbound when she attempting to make a left turn onto Phelps County Road 4020. At that time, a 2016 Ford Fusion traveling eastbound and driven by 18-year old McKensi Mosher of Salem failed to stop in time and struck the rear end of the Mercury. Thompson suffered minor injuries and was taken to Phelps Health in Rolla. She was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage with the Ford being removed by Dishman’s Towing of Rolla and the Mercury being removed b y C&C Towing of Rolla.

An accident occurred Saturday evening at 8:00 in Phelps County on I-44 eastbound at mile marker 192.2. According to the highway patrol report, a 2014 Nissan Armada driven by 39-year old Helen Hausner of Steelville was traveling eastbound and traveled off the right side of the roadway. The Nissan crossed the outer road and struck an embankment, then traveled off the left side of the road and struck a ditch. Hausner suffered minor injuries and was taken to Phelps Health in Rolla. She was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Nissan sustained moderate damage and was towed by Spurgeon’s Towing in St. James.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at 7:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers. After the consent agenda, the board will hear from Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman Gary Brown about their public hearing and meeting on November 21st with the hearing dealing with adding the term “meadery” to the city code of ordinances and the definition of one. They also discussed at their meeting wineries, microbreweries and meaderies as well as reviewing Chapter 400 of the planning and Zoning Codes. City Administrator Ray Walden will give his report before the board will discuss the unfinished business of the “Welcome Home Program” with Riverways Federal Credit Union. The board will also discuss Resolution 126-2019 dealing with that program allowing the mayor to enter into an agreement with the credit union for the program. In new business, a by-product of the agreement is to create a “Welcome Home Advisory Board” which the mayor will do before the board goes into closed session to discuss real estate. The meeting of the board of Aldermen tonight is open to the public.

Don’t forget to get your entry in for the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and City of Salem “Cowboy Christmas” Parade of Lights. It will be held Saturday, December 7th starting at 5:30 on the normal parade route starting at SBU Campus, moving east to MacArthur on Franklin, then north on MacArthur to 4th Street where the parade will go east. The parade will conclude around the courthouse square. Entry forms are available at the Salem area Chamber of Commerce office at 200 S. Main Street and need to be submitted by TODAY!! This year’s parade Grand Marshall will be Melba Headrick from KSMO Radio. If there are questions, please contact the Chamber office at 729-6900.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, reminds everyone to expect an increase in traffic over the Thanksgiving holiday. More vehicles on the road will mean changes to your normal traffic route, making courteous and attentive driving just that much more important. Driving with the highest degree of care is everyone’s responsibility, and following all traffic laws is imperative. The counting period for the 2019 Thanksgiving holiday weekend is from 6:00 tonight through 11:59 Sunday night, December 1st. Troopers will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E., enforcing all traffic laws, and will be available to assist the public. Over last years Thanksgiving holiday counting period, 13 people were killed and another 498 people were injured in 1,640 traffic crashes. Whether you’re on the road visiting family and friends or out shopping for a good deal, please make sure your car is in good condition before you travel. It is also important that you are well rested before you start driving. Remember: There is never a reason to speed, drive aggressively, or drive impaired. The public is encouraged to call the Patrol’s Emergency Report Line (800) 525-5555 or *55 on your cellular phone if they witness criminal activity or experience an emergency. These phone numbers are operational for both highway and water emergencies. If your celebration includes alcohol, designate someone else to drive and don’t become a statistic.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released the following reports. On Wednesday, November 20th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at 800 East Highway 32. During the course of the traffic stop, a 30-year old Salem man was arrested for felony driving while having his license revoked or suspended. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Then on Friday, November 22nd, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the Wal-Mart parking lot. During the course of the traffic stop, an 18 year-old Salem man was arrested for operating a vehicle on a highway without a valid drivers license, a 1st offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released.

Current River State Park would like to invite you to celebrate a Country Christmas from 11:00 until 2:00 on this Saturday. Visitors will be able to make nature-inspired decorations and gifts and enjoy hot apple cider and cookies. Current River State Park is located on Highway 19, approximately 23 miles south of Salem. For more information, call Current River State Park at 573-751-1224. 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.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Thursday, November 14th at about 9:21 in the evening, an officer was contacted near the 300 block of North Park in reference an assault. The investigation of the report revealed a 33-year-old male from Salem had assaulted a 22-year-old female of Salem. Further investigation led to the arrest of the man for fourth degree domestic assault. He was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Friday, November 15th near 7:40 in the evening, an officer was dispatched to Walmart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 37-year-old male of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $29.76. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Wednesday night, November 20th at about 9:30, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of South Jackson in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown took a Homelite chainsaw valued at $100.00 from a residence. The report is under investigation. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

Don’t forget to get your entry in for the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and City of Salem “Cowboy Christmas” Parade of Lights. It will be held Saturday, December 7th starting at 5:30 on the normal parade route starting at SBU Campus, moving east to MacArthur on Franklin, then north on MacArthur to 4th Street where the parade will go east. The parade will conclude around the courthouse square. Entry forms are available at the Salem area Chamber of Commerce office at 200 S. Main Street and need to be submitted by December 2nd.. This year’s parade Grand Marshall will be Melba Headrick from KSMO Radio. If there are questions, please contact the Chamber office at 729-6900.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met Thursday evening at the District Administrative Offices. Superintendent John McColloch stated that parent-teacher conferences were held at all the schools and each building reported excellent attendance. The Internship Program Director Elizabeth Wright along with three students discussed the program and the benefits it brings to students working with participating businesses. McColloch then updated the board on the status schools health insurance. McColloch stated the Salem R-80 district is currently considered an unhealthy district and the consortium they are part of is also considered unhealthy. The district is currently running at 123% claims to premium. Mr. McColloch discussed all the possible insurance options with the board. He was to attend the consortium meeting Friday to vote on the options. Mr. McColloch gave an update on the sports booster clubs. He will be meeting soon with the booster clubs to discuss possible rules and protocols so as to avoid the same situation that occurred with the softball booster club and senior players. After the building principals gave their reports, the board approved the auditor’s report for the last fiscal year and they approved the election filing dates from Tuesday, December 17th through January 21st during normal business hours excluding holidays. The board agreed to pay the insurance assessment in the amount of $353,711.63 and accepted the resignation of Jenni Summers, the middle school girls’ cheerleading, effective at the end of the school year. The board then went into closed session where two personnel issues were discussed. The meeting was then adjourned.

The City of Salem will hold a “Meet and Greet” for new Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois at the Salem Community Center@The Armory tonight from 5:00 until 6:30. Stop by and visit with Melissa and talk with her about the city parks, new and old programs and more. Following the “Meet and Greet,” there will be a Salem Park and Recreation Board meeting at 6:30. The board will hear a report from Dubois before they get an update on the TAP grant for the trail from the Salem R-80 Administrative Offices to the Pavilion #1. The board will review and discuss an updated three-year plan for the Park and Recreation Department before voting on removing a Park Board member. After any miscellaneous or other business, the board will adjourn. The “Meet and Greet” for new Park and Recreation Director Melissa DuBois and the Salem Park Board meeting are both open to the public.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday at the courthouse. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson was appointed as acting Presiding Commissioner. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams reported on the CART tax received in November and it came to $58,261.50 and that is $1,829.66 more than for November of 2108 when the county received $56,441.84. Year-to-date, the CART receipts are up $4,632.21. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5615, 6090 and 6350 and if time on county road 5530. Purcell said brush would be cut on county road 6380 and two men were clearing out pipes on Dent County Roads 6370. Commissioner Larson reported grading would be done and materials added on Dent County Roads 3250, 3270 and 3273 while grading only would be done on county road 3275. He went on to say brush would be cut on county road 2055 and 3230. Larson wanted to remind everyone the courthouse would be closed this Thursday & Friday for Thanksgiving and the commissioners wished everyone a safe & happy Thanksgiving. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she continued to work on the fiscal year 2020 budget or the county. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday, December 2nd at the courthouse at 9:00.

A Rolla man was injured in a one vehicle accident in Lincoln County Monday morning at 6:40. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2014 International Conventional Tractor being driven by 53-year-old William Hotaling of Rolla was traveling north on Route D when he failed to negotiate a curve causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and overturn. Hotaling was transported to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital Lake St. Louis by the Lincoln County Ambulance District for treatment of moderate injuries. The International sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Skyline Towing.

The holidays have arrived and that means people will see the familiar small red kettles of the Salvation Army around town in convenience stores and other businesses, while the larger red kettles will be at Country Mart, Dollar General and Wal-Mart the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, then on Fridays and Saturdays through December before wrapping up on Christmas eve. The kettles are the primary way that funds are raised to continue to meeting the needs of the less fortunate in our community. Volunteer bell ringers are needed each year to help raise funds. To volunteer to ring the bell at the red kettle, please call Susie at 729-6771 or 247-7099 or The Salvation Army office at 729-8163. To meet the needs of the people in the community for the next year, the Dent County Service Unit has set our fundraising goal for the 2020 year at $35,000. This holiday season, your local Dent County Service Unit will be providing Christmas food baskets to the elderly to enable them to enjoy a home-cooked meal for the holiday. Referrals for this program are provided by the Dent County Care Coordinator and other agencies that work with the elderly. Don’t forget about the Angel Tree. Through this program, hundreds of children get to experience the delight of opening gifts on Christmas day. The Salvation Army partners with Wal-Mart to host the Angel Tree. Dent County residents can adopt an angel off the tree and purchase Christmas gifts for the angel. Angel Tree applications will be taken during the annual Dent County Fire District Toy Drive that will be held on Tuesday, December 3rd and Thursday, December 5th from 3:00 in the afternoon until 6:00 in the evening. Have a happy holiday season and remember, you are helping your neighbor by donating to the Salvation Army as the money stays right here in Dent County. New this year, in an effort to expand its reach to people who don’t carry cash, donors this year will be able to use Apple Pay or Google Pay. Users can tap their smartphones on a sticker and make a donation. People with older phones can scan a QR code for the same process. Red kettle bell ringers will continue to accept cash as well. Your local Salvation Army Service Unit of Dent County, doing the most good.

An accident happened Thursday at 3:40 in the afternoon on Highway 32 about two miles west of Boss. According to the report released by the highway patrol, a 2016 Kia Sportage driven by 58-year old Beverly Lada of Bixby, was attempting to cross Highway 32 and pulled into the path of a 2006 Nissan Altima being driven westbound by 20-year old Trenton Hawkins of Salem. Hawkins was taken to Salem Memorial District Hospital by a private vehicle for the treatment of minor injuries. Both drivers were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Kia sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Abney’s Towing. The Nissan was totaled in the accident and removed by Whitaker’s Towing.

An accident happened Friday evening at 6:30 on Highway 72 about one half mile north of Route C. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2017 Nissan Altima, driven by 28-year old Katey Wesley of Salem, was westbound when she struck a deer in the roadway. A six-year old juvenile passenger in the Nissan was transported by ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Both occupants were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Nissan sustained moderate damage and was towed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

The Dent County Commission met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that the roadways are too wet to grade so part of his crew was replacing road signs and checking for clogged pipes. He also said that maintenance and repairs were being completed on Brush Cutter #7. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson echoed Purcell’s remarks on grading and pipe clearing, plus some of his crew was also replacing a stop sign and dead end signs. He reported that Truck #70 was being serviced. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that he along with Commissioner Purcell, Clerk Angie Curley, Treasurer Denita Williams and Recorder Cindy Ard all attended the Missouri Association of Counties annual meeting Sunday through Tuesday. He noted that he was elected Vice President of the County Commissioners Association for 2020 and to an at-large board member position to the Missouri Association of Counties. Skiles reported that it was a good conference with great break-out sessions and excellent speakers. Curley reported that bills were being approved for payment, that she continues to work on the County budget for 2020, and that she would be attending a Website Committee Meeting today. Curley went on to report at the Missouri Association of Counties meeting she was elected to the 16th District Director’s position for MAC. She also reminded voters that in 2020 there will be four elections including the March Presidential Primary, the April Municipal Election, the August Primary, and the November General Election. Curley encouraged voters to contact her office at 729-4144 if they have questions or need to update the voter registration information. Richard LaBrash was in to express thanks to the County and the Sheriff’s Department in particular for assistance with the Heroes Marathon where they had over 400 participants. He also wanted to remind county residents of the Elizabeth Broughton toilet paper drive which the American Volunteers partners with. LaBrash said that those who would like to drop off paper, toothbrushes and toothpaste can contact the churches as most of them are participating. He also said that cash can be donated towards the project at any of the banks. LaBrash noted that collected supplies will be distributed by the Shepherds Nook. Charlie Thomas with Viebrock Sales and Service was in to touch base with the Commissioners. His company deals in pipe and culvert. No bids were received for the financial audit so it will be re-bid. Dwight Ramsburg and Steve Davis were in with a jail update. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday morning and the meeting is open to the public.

On Sunday, November 17th, an officer with the Salem Police Department responded to the 1800 block of South Oak Street in reference to a male subject reporting he had been hit with a bat by another male subject. Subsequently the accused 28 year-old male was interviewed during a traffic stop where a Preliminary Breath Testing device indicated he had a .257 blood alcohol concentration. The accused, Daniel Shaver of Salem, is charged with felony counts of first-degree assault and armed criminal action. Shavers bond was set at $100,000.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports for this past weekend. On Friday, November 15th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at Highway 32 East and Route MM intersection. During the course of the traffic stop, a 36-year-old Jadwin man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 1st offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On Saturday, November 16th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at the Highway 72 and Highway 32 West intersection. During the course of the traffic stop, a 36-year-old Salem man was arrested for operating a vehicle on a highway without a having a valid driver’s license, a 3rd or subsequent offense. He was also arrested for having an active warrant through the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and incarcerated. If anyone has information about any ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital held their regular meeting Tuesday night at the hospital library. Mark McElvy from the Information Technology Department described what goes on in his department, and Betty Bean who is the new director of the revenue cycle for the hospital was introduced to the board. Hospital Chief Financial Officer Monica Stogsdill gave the report for the month of October. During the month, the hospital with 120 admissions with an average of 14.8 acute care patients per day. She also said there was 1,791 outpatient registrations, 2,449 cardiopulmonary procedures, 8,494 lab tests, 1,453 radiology procedures, 834 rehabilitation treatments, 29 surgeries, 298 home health visits and 778 emergency room visits. There were 239 ambulance runs for the month with 166 patients transported and 73 dry runs. The hospital showed a gain from operations of $33,784 and had revenues over expenses after taxes of $35,006. Reviewing the operating expenses, Stogsdill pointed out the continued contractual services for floor RN’s, physicians and billing services brought in a large expense during the month. The days in net accounts receivable rose to 75 from 73 while the changeover in processing accounts is being done. The hospital did have an increase in the cash account of $253,191 so cash on hand increased to 46 days. Chief Nursing Officer Debbie Hines reported on the Community Health Needs Assessment meeting from October 30th where that committee continues to address needs indicated by the community survey that need to improved in our area like obesity in adults and diabetes, plus smoking and other health related risks to smoking. The Hospital Auxiliary had ten members at their meeting inn November and they discussed 2020 fundraisers. Their next meeting will be held on December 3rd at noon at JB Malone’s as it will be their holiday luncheon. Chief Executive Officer Kasey Lucas reported that the Hospital Foundation will be holding their “Dancing with the Salem Stars” on January 25 at the SHS Gym and they have 14 couples signed up. They will also have a Golf Tournament on June 5th and a Wings and Strings event on September 12th. The hospital continues to do their CPR training and first responder training with the Salem Police Department, Dent County Sheriff’s Department and the Dent County Fire Protection District. A Stroke Support group is meeting quarterly on the 3rd Tuesday at 1:00 at the hospital library, and a Diabetes Support group is meeting the 4th Tuesday of each month at 1:00 pm at the hospital library. It was also reported that the hospital had donated all the food for the participant’s breakfast, pre-marathon meal and the post marathon dinner for the Heroes Marathon. The hospital also had hydration stations along the route. The board approved the Medical Staff recommendations for Courtesy Staff Privileges for Dr. Shukri Abdullah, MD in the Emergency Department as well as Robert Fischer, MD; John Mattingly, MD; and Robert Gresick, MD for Teleradiology. The first phase of the renovation in Long-Term Care is about complete as the secondary bathroom is all but finished, and the moving of the beauty shop and the change of some offices is nearing completion. CEO Kasey Lucas has said the hospital’s request for proposal letters needs to be revised with updated requirements through Piper Jaffray. As a reminder for the next meeting, Lucas said the hospital board will meet at noon on December 10th. Lucas also said the filing for the District 1 hospital seat currently occupied by Judy Thompson will have filings beginning December 17th at 8:00 in the morning until January 21st at 4:00 in the afternoon. The board then went into closed session.

The City of Salem Planning and Zoning Commission will be holding a public hearing Thursday evening in the City Hall Council Chambers starting at 6:30 to review the planning and zoning chapter 400 dealing with a winery, microbrewery and meadery. Following the public hearing, a meeting will be held. The public hearing and the meeting are both open to the public.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be meeting tonight at 6:00 at the District Administrative Offices Boardroom. Superintendent John McColloch will discuss parent-teacher conferences, give an update on the internship program and provide a health insurance update. After the principals report from all the schools, the board will discuss and approve the auditor’s report and set the board election filing dates. The board wil also hear any resignations before the go into closed session to discuss personnel. The Salem R-80 Board of Education meeting Thursday is open to the public.

A one vehicle accident happened Wednesday morning, at 6:30 in Texas County about four miles east of Licking on Route W. According to the report released from the highway patrol, a 2003 Chevrolet Tracker being driven by 49-year old Barbara Williams of Licking was eastbound when the vehicle traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. Williams, who was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident, was taken by ambulance to the Texas County Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The Chevrolet was totaled and was towed from the scene by a private vehicle.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley has released reports from court cases heard in the 42nd associate Circuit Court Monday in Dent County in front of Judge Kelly Parker. In the first case heard, Angela Wofford of Salem pled guilty to felony charges for the possession of a controlled substance as well as possession of a controlled substance in a county jail. She was sentenced to four years in the Department of Corrections on each count, to run concurrently. In the another case heard, Judge Parker revoked the probation of John Simmons, IV for the felony of possession of a controlled substance charge that he pled guilty to in May. Simmons has been sentenced to seven years in the Department of Corrections. In yet another case, Judge Parker revoked the probation of Jereme Roark of Rolla. He had been charged and pled guilty in February of 2014 with a Class B Felony for the distribution, delivery, manufacturing, producing of a controlled substance. Roark was sentenced to 10 years in the Department of Corrections as requested by the state.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 88,843 deer during the opening weekend of the November portion of the fall firearms deer season November 16th and 17th. Of the 88,843 deer harvested, 51,086 were antlered bucks, 8,115 were button bucks, and 29,642 were does. Top harvest counties for opening weekend were Franklin with 2,078 deer checked, Texas with 1,931, and Callaway with 1,735. In our area, Dent County had 1,685 deer harvested, Crawford has 1,469 deer checked, Shannon County reported 1,338 deer had been taken, Phelps County had 1,176 deer harvested and Reynolds County reported 738 deer taken. Last year, hunters checked 99,470 deer during the opening weekend of the 2018 November portion of firearms deer season.

Healthy Dent County at the Salem Community Center@The Armory is hosting two one hour focus groups this Thursday from 2:00 to 3:00 and from 3:30 until 4:30 to better understand what it means to be healthy from the perspective of Missouri residents. Participants will receive a $25 incentive for their time and may only attend one of the focus group session. This is being held as part of research being conducted by NORC from the University of Chicago on behalf of the Missouri Foundation for Health. Your opinion matters and if you are interested in participating, you must register in advance by contacting Healthy Dent County by calling 573-729-8163 or e-mailing judy@salemcommunitycenter.org. Light refreshments will be provided.

The Collection Week for the Operation Christmas Child boxes is going on now through this Friday, the 22nd. There are several churches in the area that are collection points. They include the Salem First Baptist Church at 201 North McArthur Street. Their collection times start at 8:00 in the morning and stay open to 4:00 today through Thursday, and from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM Friday; the Licking First Baptist Church at 223 S Main Street and their collection times will be through Friday from 5:00 until 7:00 in the evening; the Rolla First Baptist Church at 801 Cedar Street and their collection will be from 12:00 noon through 2:00 through Friday, plus Thursday night from 5:00 to 7:00; and the St. James First Baptist Church from 10:00 in the morning until noon Wednesday and Friday, and from 5:00 to 7:00 Thursday evening. It is not too late to do a box if you would like. Contact Linda Williams at 573-263-9550 if you have any questions.

The Salem Police Department has released reports on activities by the department for November 10th through the 12th. On Sunday,
November the 10th at approximately 12:35 in the morning, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The stop led to the arrest of a 20-year-old male of Salem for driving while having his license suspended. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. A couple of hours later near 2:22, an officer located a 31-year-old male of Salem in the 800 block of West Rolla Road who had an active arrest warrant from Phelps County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending extradition. That same day at about 5:19, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to an assault. An investigation revealed that a 32-year-old male of Salem had assaulted a 30-year-old female of Rolla while at a residence in the 100 block of Laura Street which led to the arrest of the suspect. He was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Veterans Day, November 11th at 3:26 in the afternoon, an officer located a 36-year-old male of Salem who had an active arrest warrant from Jefferson County at Walmart. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending extradition. And finally on the morning of Tuesday, November 12th at 10:27, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a theft from a vehicle. The investigation revealed that a person or persons unknown took a wallet and its contents valued at $780.00 from a vehicle parked in the 600 block of South Macarthur. That report is under investigation. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday night at the City Hall Council Chambers. The board heard from Mary Ann Williams and Kathy Weldon about AirBNB’s and an in-home rental as well as comments on some of the suggestions by the Salem Planning and Zoning Commission. Gary Brown, the chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission, first reported that the commission wanted to recommend to the board to allow a conditional use permit for a beauty salon at 1400 Mildred Blvd owned by Noah and Melissa Shlag and the board approved the conditional use permit. Brown then reviewed a series of 13 survey questions the planning and zoning board answered on short term rentals. Brown said the alderman need to put the results of the survey into ordinance form for the commission and the aldermen to discuss and make final decisions on. The board approved the bid from L&B Electronics of Eldon for a replacement transformer for a storm damaged storm siren for $11,750 and the purchase of a new transformer for a new storm siren for $13,250 for a total of $25,000. The storm damaged transformer will be paid for by insurance. After the consent agenda was approved, City Administrator Ray Walden discussed the electrical outage on Veteran’s Day. City crews worked most of the day and into the night to get everyone back on in bad weather conditions. Walden wanted to remind Salem residents that if they have an outage after hours or on holidays to please call the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 and let them know your issue. The Salem Community Center@The Armory had 4,536 participants for activities during the month of October. A reception for the new Park and Rec Director Melissa DuBois will be held on Tuesday, November 26th from 5:00 to 6:30 followed by a Park Board meeting at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Walden said the city offices would be closed on Thanksgiving, November 28th and Friday, November 29th. He also gave the results of the public nuisance survey that was sent out and 185 people responded. That data will be used to come back with recommendations to the board of aldermen. The board approved Resolution 25-2019 that set up a municipal election for mayor, an east ward alderman and a west ward alderman. Signups for those positions will be held at the city administrative offices starting at 8:00 in the morning December 17th until 5:00 in the afternoon on January 21st. The board did not approve Resolution 26-2019 to execute the agreement with Riverways Federal Credit Union for consulting services as the old agreement had been changed and the city attorney had not seen the old agreement to make a an opinion on the this new agreement. The board then adjourned.

The Salem Police Department has released reports on activities by the department for November 7th through the 9th. On Thursday, November 7th at about 6:16 in the evening, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a theft from a vehicle. Further investigation revealed that a person or persons unknown took a purse and its contents valued at $220.00 from a gray 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe that was parked in the 100 block on North Orchard. The next morning at 9:54, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department for the fraudulent use of a credit card. The investigation revealed a 38-year-old male and a 31-year-old female both of Salem had fraudulently used a debit card of another person to make transactions valued at $2,324.87. Further investigation led to the arrest of the two suspects who were issued summonses to appear in court and released. Later that same night at approximately 9:09, an officer was dispatched to Walmart in reference to a shoplifter. An investigation led to the arrest of a 31-year-old female of Salem for stealing and also for being in possession of heroin. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and released. On Saturday, November 9th near 5:42 in the evening, an officer was dispatched to Walmart in reference to a person trying to make a fraudulent return. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 31-year-old female of Salem for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and released. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will conduct their November meeting tonight in the hospital library beginning at 6:00 pm. After approval of the agenda, will be the administrator’s report that includes a summary of the operations for the month of October with Monica Stogsdill, the Chief of Nursing Report for the month with Debbie Hines, a report on the hospital foundation as well as the marketing and community perception with COO Jason Edwards, and Administrator Kasey Lucas will present the auxiliary report. After the Chief of Staff report, the Board will be updated on the hospital expansion and expansion financing options. In new business, the board will hear about purchases and the election filing dates for a board member for the municipal election to be held in April. The November board meeting of the Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors is open to the public.