Local News

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams came in with sales tax figures. General Revenue receipts were $68,996.49, while a year ago it was $77,375.69 or down $8,379.20 from November of last year. Year-to-date GR is down $22,781.56 which is about 2.16%. She said the Law Enforcement Sales Tax receipt amounts were the same as GR. The Road and Bridge sales tax came in at $32,000.07. That figure was $36,163.17 in November of last year, which means it was down $4,163.10 for the month and $5,377.10 year-to-date or about 1.29%. Williams said the two Justice Center funds each received $63,464.06 compared to $72,217.43 last year. She said that year-to-date those funds are down $1,622.79, which is about .19%. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles compared the year to date totals to the 2019 county budget and said that with December receipts Dent County will end the year slightly above the budgeted amounts. In the road report District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that patch grading would be done and materials would be added to Dent County Road 5630. He added that maintenance was being done on the brush cutter before working on county roads 6400 and 6380, plus general shop maintenance was also being done. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said that his crew would be pulling ditches and adding materials to Dent County Road 4290, plus brush would be cut on county road 2240. Skiles reported that on Wednesday he attended the joint meeting of the Central Region Workforce Investment Board and Caucus where the audits of fiscal year 2018 and 2019 were the primary topic. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said that bills were being approved by the Commissioners for payment and that her office continues to work on the 2020 county budget. She also reported that she balanced with the Collector and Assessor on all monthly collections, abatements and add-ons for the month of October and that the Commissioners reviewed her reports. The Commissioners voted 3-0 to continue the county health insurance policy where if the employee selects the $3,500 deductible option the County will pay $2,000 after the employee picks up the first $1,500. Dwight Ramsburg was in to bring a couple of issues to the Commissioners attention relative to the Justice Center construction. Dent County Collector Shannon Vankirk was in with court orders and abatements for the Commissioners to review and sign off on, as well as the monthly collections report. Kurt Fagel with the 100-Acre Wood Rally was in to touch base with the Commission and provide updates. The Missouri Association of Counties will be meeting at Tan-Tara the first part of next week so the next meeting of the Commission will be Thursday, November 21st, in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident occurred Wednesday afternoon at 12:45 in Iron County on Highway 49 about one mile south of Viburnum. According to the highway patrol report, a southbound 2018 GMC Terrain, driven by 35-year-old Elizabeth Wheeler of Ellington, lost control on the partially ice covered roadway, crossed the center line, and struck a northbound 2019 Jeep Compass driven by 50-year-old Erik Hancock of Pocatello, Idaho. Wheeler suffered serious injuries and was taken by Arch Helicopter to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Hancock, along with a passenger, 38- year-old Genevieve Castillo of Salt Lake County, Utah, both suffered serious injuries and were taken by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital. Two other passengers in the Jeep, 52-year-old Scott Moffatt of Corpus Cristi, Texas, and 86-year-old Harold Ray of Potosi, both suffered moderate injuries and were taken by ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. The report stated that Wheeler was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident, while all four occupants of the Jeep were. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Abney’s Towing of Viburnum.

Missouri’s firearms deer season begins Saturday and Missouri University Health Care trauma surgeon Dr. Jacob Quick, says he sees roughly 30 major hunting accidents every year, but some key safety precautions can limit a hunter’s risk of injury. Quick, who is an avid hunter, says gunshot injuries are rare, however, he sees more hunters who were not wearing a harness and suffered a fall from a tree stand and that the reality of it is that about 30% of all hunters will fall and have a serious injury at some point in time. Roughly 80% of those who fall weren’t wearing a harness. Quick said the new full-body harnesses are more comfortable and less cumbersome than older styles. In addition to wearing a harness, Quick offered other guidelines hunters should follow when using a tree stand including working in a team to set up a tree stand and keeping three of your four limbs in contact with the ladder at all times and using a haul to bring up gear. You should also inspect your stand and equipment before the hunt and make sure someone knows your location and time expected home and always carry your cell phone. For more hunting safety tips, go to muhealth.org.

A one vehicle accident occurred on Highway 19 near Franklin Street at 7:30 in the morning on Monday, November 11th. The report released from the Salem Police Department states that a 2007 Ford Edge owned and operated by Tina Hodges of Salem was traveling north on Highway 19 when the vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a curb, and a utility pole before coming to a stop. Hodges suffered minor injuries but refused medical treatment by the EMS that were on the scene. The Ford sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing. The damage to the utility pole in the accident later caused the City of Salem Electric Department to have to replace the pole and move the electric from the old pole to the new pole that caused a power outage of over 10½ hours.

With the opening of the deer firearms season this weekend, the Missouri Department of Conservation wants to remind hunters who harvest deer in any of the 29 counties of the CWD Management Zone are required to take their harvested deer (or the head with at least six inches of neck attached) on the day of harvest to one of MDC’s numerous CWD sampling stations throughout the zone. The sampling stations are open from 7:30 in the morning until 8:00 im the evening. Sampling and test results are free. Hunters who harvest deer in counties no longer part of the zone are not required to participate in sampling. The CWD Management Zone of 29 counties in or near where CWD has been found includes Adair, Barry, Cedar, Chariton, Christian, Crawford, Franklin, Gasconade, Hickory, Howell, Jefferson, Knox, Linn, Macon, Mercer, Oregon, Ozark, Perry, Polk, Putnam, St. Charles, St. Clair, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Stone, Sullivan, Taney, Warren, and Washington. Dent County is NOT included.

The Missouri Department of Conservation Commission recognizes Missourians who make outstanding contributions to conservation and is seeking nominations by December 9th for its Master Conservationist Award and the Missouri Conservation Hall of Fame. The Master Conservationist Award honors living or deceased citizens while the Missouri Conservation Hall of Fame recognizes deceased individuals. Those who can be considered for either honor must be a citizen who performed an outstanding act or developed an innovative idea or technique that contributed to major progress in conservation in Missouri or an employee of MDC, other conservation-related government agencies, universities, or organizations who performed an outstanding act or developed an innovative idea or technique that contributed to major progress in conservation in Missouri. Anyone can submit nominations and they should include a statement describing the nominee’s accomplishments and a brief biography. A screening committee meets annually to consider nominees with the Conservation Commission conveying final approval. Learn more about the Missouri Conservation Hall of Fame or conservationist award and get the nomination form at mdc.mo.gov/about-us/awards-and-honors/hall-fame. The nomination deadline for both awards is Monday, December 9th, and each nomination form has information on how to submit it.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On November 7th, the sheriff’s department received a report of a 56-year-old Salem man who had violated an ex-parte order of protection. Deputies traveled to a residence in the 1300 block of Iron Mountain Road and conducted an investigation. Shortly after, deputies then traveled to a residence in the 1000 block of Route P and arrested the Salem man for the violation of an order of protection. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was issued a summons and released. Later that same day, the sheriff’s department received a report of property damage which had occurred at a residence near the 500 block of County Road 4245. A deputy traveled to the area and during the course of the incident, discovered that a yard and driveway had been damaged by a vehicle. This report is still under investigation. On Friday, November 8th, a deputy traveled to the Missouri Private Probation Services Office on West 4th Street in an attempt to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 25-year-old Salem man was arrested for 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 incarcerated. On Sunday, November 11th, sheriff’s department received a report of a domestic disturbance which was occurring at a residence in the 500 block of County Road 5090. A deputy traveled to the residence and during the course of the incident, a 27-year-old Salem woman was arrested for domestic assault in the 4th degree. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where she was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. If you have information regarding the property damage or any other ongoing case, contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

A one vehicle accident happened Monday evening around 5:30 on Highway 32 about two miles west of Salem. According to the report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer, being driven by 55-year old Shelia Welch of Salem, was westbound when she lost control on the ice covered roadway and ran off the right side of the roadway, overturned and struck a fence. Welch was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident and was transported to the Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The Chevrolet was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing. The highway patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s office and Dent County Fire Department.

A fatality accident occurred Saturday evening at 7:15 in Vernon County on Highway 54 about two miles west of El Dorado Springs. According to the highway patrol report, a 1997 Chevrolet Suburban, being driven by 45-year Travis Bryson of El Dorado Springs, formerly of Salem, was traveling east on Highway 54 when he struck a deer in the roadway. The vehicle then traveled off the road and struck a tree. Bryson was taken to the Cedar County Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 8:55 by Dr. Robert Hockman. The Suburban was totaled and removed from the scene by TCB Towing of Nevada.

An accident happened Monday night at 7:27 in Dent County on Highway 32 about six miles east of Salem that left three teenagers with injuries. According to the highway patrol report, 17-year old Jordan Sanders of Salem was driving a 2005 GMC Yukon eastbound when he lost control of the Yukon on ice. The vehicle traveled off the left side of the roadway, overturned and struck a utility pole. Sanders suffered serious injuries and was flown by Air Evac to Children’s Hospital.Two other juvenile passengers: a 14-year old male and a 15-year old male, each suffered minor injuries. The 14-year old was released at the scene to his parents and the 15-year old was released at the scene. According to the report, no one in the vehicle was wearing a seat restraint. The Yukon was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. The highway patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Department and the Dent County Fire Department.

SONIC® Drive-In concluded its annual Limeades for Learning Fall Voting campaign in support of public school teachers last month, and Salem teachers received funding to support their innovative and creative learning projects. In partnership with nonprofit DonorsChoose.org and with the help of SONIC fans, 12 teachers in Salem received a combined $9,720 for necessary supplies to inspire learning in their classrooms. The Fall Voting Campaign is a special time to celebrate exceptional public school teachers who make a difference in communities across the country, including those in Salem. Between Monday, September 30th, and Sunday, October 27th, SONIC patrons voted for projects they found the most inspiring at LimeadesforLearning.com, ranging from pencils and paper to tablets and robotics kits. In Salem, the following 12 exceptional teachers at two schools were among the public school teachers whose projects earned funding for much-needed teaching resources as part of the annual Fall Voting campaign. Those teachers were Carri Pace at Oak Hill Elementary School, plus Salem Upper Elementary Teachers Amanda Hanger, Chelsey Brakefield, Jennifer Rensch, Kristen Stites, Kristina Barton, Krystal Sims, Lisa Jones, Sarah Piatt, Shannon Phelps, Theresa Pitchford and Tony Edwards. To view the full list of public school teacher projects funded through Limeades for Learning, including those in Salem, visit LimeadesforLearning.com. Since 2009, SONIC has donated $14,538,410, supported more than 17,570 classrooms, and provided necessary learning materials and teaching resources requested by teachers to impact more than 3,745,464 students in partnership with DonorsChoose.org.

The Salem Area Arts Council is hosting a stained-glass workshop this Thursday evening from 5:30 to 8:00 at the Creative Arts Center
behind the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center (ONCRC) and just south of the Farmers’ Market. Led by artist and art teacher Amber Pryor, all materials are provided to make a small project to take home. This is a great opportunity for older family members or co-workers to have some bonding time and create a memorable piece of art to commemorate their time together. There is a maximum enrollment of EIGHT, so register early. The cost is $25 and reservations can be made by stopping in at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center (729-0029) and paying your fee to hold your spot or by calling 247-0279 to make other arrangements. This workshop is NOT appropriate for young children or women who are pregnant. The ONCRCCenter is located at 202 South Main in Salem nest to the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce.

An accident happened in Phelps County on Route M about two miles west of Edgar Springs. According to the highway patrol report, a 2013 Nissan Juke driven northbound by 17-year old Andrew Edwards of Edgar Springs, traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a fence and utility, then came to rest in a ditch. Edwards was taken by the Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. The Nissan sustained moderate damages and was removed from the scene by Lucas Garage.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley has released reports for cases heard before Judge Megan Seay on Thursday, November 7th. Curley reports that on May 8th of this year, Travis Russell of Jefferson City was arrested and charged by Curley with felony possession of a controlled substance in the 1st degree. At the time of his arrest, $6,730 was seized in connection with the arrest as law enforcement believed the money was obtained by the sale of methamphetamine. Prosecutor Curley filed a petition to forfeit the money to the treasurer of Dent County under Criminal Activity Forfeiture Act. Judge Seay ruled in favor of the state and ordered the money forfeited to the Dent County General Revenue Fund. Also on Thursday, Zakary Eplin of St. Louis had his probation revoked for two felony charges of possession of a controlled substance and a felony charge of the unlawful use of weapon while in possession of controlled substances. Eplin was sentenced to 120 days shock incarceration in prison as a condition of his probation. Also on Thursday, Judge Seay revoked the probation of Michael Stagner of Salem who was convicted on a felony possession charge of a controlled substance. He was sentenced to seven years in the Department of Corrections as recommended by the state. Another case on Thursday heard by Judge Seay resulted in the revocation of the probation of Bethany Dawn Knight of Washington, Missouri. She had been convicted on two felony charges for the possession of a controlled substance. She was sentenced to six years in the Department of Corrections.

The Salem Police Department has released reports for the period of October 31st through November 5th. On Thursday, October 31st, at approximately 4:30 in the afternoon an officer was dispatched to Walmart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation led to the arrest of a 30 year-old female of Salem for stealing merchandise. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Then on Tuesday afternoon, November 5th, at approximately 4:00 an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to some property damage. Investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown damaged windows and a downspout on the Revival Tabernacle Church located on West Franklin Street. That report is under investigation. Later that same evening at approximately 7:00 an officer located a 38 year-old female of Salem in the 700 block of East Tenth 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. A short while later at approximately 8:27, that same evening, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a burglary. Investigation revealed that a person or persons unknown entered a residence in the 700 block of South Carty and took items valued $30.00. That report is under investigation. Contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds drivers that deer are more active and create hazards for Missouri motorists this time of year. Drivers are reminded that an attempt to avoid striking a deer could result in a more serious crash involving oncoming traffic. Try to remain calm. Panicking and overreacting usually lead to more serious traffic crashes. As soon as you see a deer, the best course of action is to reduce your speed. Other drivers may be doing the same, so be sure to pay attention to traffic patterns. The majority of deer strike crashes occur in October and November each year, with the largest number taking place in November. Although deer strikes can occur at any time, most occur between the hours of 5:00 and 6:59 in the morning, and then again from 6:00 through to 8:59 at night. Last year, drivers in Missouri experienced 4,090 traffic crashes where deer-vehicle strikes occurred. One deer strike occurred every 2.1 hours in the state. In these crashes, there were six fatalities and 415 people were injured. When you see a deer, slow down and proceed with caution. Deer often travel in groups–stay on guard after a close call or when you see a single deer. Drivers are urged to remain alert. If you strike a deer, call 9-1-1 or *55 on a cell phone and report it.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Courthouse. Salem-Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge dropped by with her monthly report. She said that the Ongoing Economic Prospects dropped from 17 to 16 as one company decided to expand somewhere else. However she reported that she had three prospective new business contacts this week. Burbridge noted that on Wednesday she attended the MRPC CEDS meeting where it was reported that an announcement is expected next week about the Workforce Training Initiative Grant for the Construction Trades Program at Salem Schools. In the road report District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that the southern part of Dent County received approximately 2” of rainfall which makes it too wet to grade. He reported that his crew was replacing the wooden deck on the equipment trailer and preparing for the possibility of snow the first of next week. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said that he had a call about stopped up pipes on Dent County Road 4050 and that some of his crew was out taking care of the problem and replacing road signs. He noted that it was too wet to grade or cut brush so the rest of his crew was finishing some work on the new truck barn. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that on Monday he attended a good program on underage drinking and teen drug use at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory. He reminded everyone that the Courthouse will be closed Monday for Veterans’ Day and encouraged everyone to thank a Veteran for their service. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that bills were being paid and today she would be attending a website meeting with the City of Salem and Chamber of Commerce. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Thursday morning at the Courthouse.

An accident happened shortly after 8:00 Wednesday morning in St. Francois County on Route NN near Indian Creek Road. According to the highway patrol report, a 2002 Chevrolet Impala being driven by 22-year old Angelique Gonzalas of Boss was westbound, and was traveling too fast for conditions. The Impala traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned. Gonzalas, who was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident, sustained minor injuries and was taken by St. Francois County ambulance to Parkland Health Center in Farmington. The Chevrolet was totaled and removed from the scene by Buckley Towing.

The Dent County Sheriffs Department has released several reports for the period of October 27th through November 1st. On Sunday October 27th, a Deputy conducted a traffic stop on Missouri Avenue and International Street. During the course of the stop, a 21-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Then on Wednesday the 30th, the Dent County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a 61-year-old Salem man who was possibly under the influence of alcoholic beverages. The party told the Sheriff’s Office the subject was attempting to drive away from the 1400 block of West Highway 32. A Deputy traveled to the area and after an investigation, the man was arrested for a warrant through the Rolla Police Department. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he later posted bond. On Friday November 1st, the Dent County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a domestic disturbance occurring at a residence in the 400 block of County Road 5240. Deputies traveled to the area and during the course of the investigation, a 27-year-old Salem man was arrested for domestic assault in the 4th degree, a 1st offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and incarcerated. Later that same day, the Sheriff’s office received a report of a burglary which had occurred at a residence in the 500 block of Highway DD. Deputies went to the location and during the investigation, discovered a jewelry box containing jewelry, a jar containing loose change and a metal box containing ammunition had been stolen from the residence. If you have any information regarding the burglary contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 573-729-3241.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors Meeting took place at 6:00 Tuesday evening, November 5th. Bills were heard and approved with an ending balance of $149,481.57 as of the end of October. The budget was reviewed and approved. The calendar was reviewed and due to construction nothing is being scheduled at this time for the department. In the monthly reimbursement report, the department responded to a total of 26 calls for the month of October, bringing the total calls year to date to 207 with an average cost per call of $116.55. In old business, Chief Nash stated that the renovation project is continuing and one third of the roof is completed and they are waiting on materials to finish that project. Nash also reported that the concrete work in the front of the building has been completed and the asphalt company is trying to complete the parking lot before wet and cold weather arrives. If they can’t finish, it may be spring before they are able to complete it. The new openings for the fire doors will be cut through the concrete block walls. The new doors will be added to the front of the building next week and most everything else is on track at this point. The date for the next meeting was set for December 3rd at 6:00 in the evening at the fire station.

The City of Salem has developed a survey to gather public input about nuisances in the City and they would like your input. The survey is on
the city’s website at www.salemmo.com or you can pick up a paper copy by Friday at the City Administrative offices at 4th and Iron Streets during normal business hours. The City is asking that you pass along the information about the survey to your friends and neighbors so that as much public input can be obtained. Please respond as promptly as possible as the city would like to have as much input as possible on this subject before their next workshop. The cutoff date for survey responses will be this Friday, November 8th. If you have any questions, please call the City Administrative Offices at 729-4811.

The Dent County Sheriffs Department has released several reports for the period of October 27th through November 1st. On Sunday, October 27th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Missouri Avenue and International Street. During the course of the stop, a 21-year-old Salem man was arrested for 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 Wednesday the 30th, the Dent County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a 61-year-old Salem man who was possibly under the influence of alcoholic beverages. The reporting party told the Sheriff’s Office the subject was attempting to drive away from the 1400 block of West Highway 32. A deputy traveled to the area and after an investigation, the man was arrested for a warrant through the Rolla Police Department. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he later posted bond. On Friday November 1st, the Dent County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a domestic disturbance occurring at a residence in the 400 block of County Road 5240. Deputies traveled to the area and during the course of the investigation, a 27-year-old Salem man was arrested for domestic assault in the 4th degree, a 1st offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was incarcerated. Later that same day, the Sheriff’s office received a report of a burglary which had occurred at a residence in the 500 block of Route DD. Deputies went to the location and during the investigation, discovered a jewelry box containing jewelry, a jar containing loose change and a metal box containing ammunition had been stolen from the residence. If you have any information regarding the burglary contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 573-729-3241.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday night at the City Hall Council Chambers. The board accepted the letter of resignation from City Attorney William Camm Seay. Mayor Nash reported that in closed session on October 22nd, the board approved the appointment of James K. Weber as the new City Attorney with Kim Steelman making the motion and seconded by Kevin James. City Clerk Mary Happel read Bill #3435 that authorized the mayor to sign a retainer agreement between the City of Salem and James K. Weber for legal services and to become City Attorney. The bill was approved by the board. Weber was then sworn in by City Clerk Mary Happel. In the hearing of persons, Keith Plank explained to the board that he wanted to build a metal building that is 60′ by 34′ at 1000 South Pershing. He said this process has been going on over 12 weeks where he was denied a permit by Jared Brown while putting up the same type of building that was approved by Lloyd Sanderson on Babb Lane about a year ago. Mayor Nash asked Jared Brown to e-mail the new attorney as well as all the aldermen and Mr. Plank all the information that he has and Mayor Nash said a decision would be reached as quickly as possible. The board approved the bid for the electric department to purchase a 2020 Ford F-550 with a dump bed from Lindsey Ford for $44,546.00 by a 2-1 vote. Alderman Nash voted against the purchase as he said the electric department does not need that type of truck very often and it is too much money to spend with the other projects that city has going on. City Administrator Ray Walden wanted to thank former City Attorney for his years of service to the city. He said information has been sent out to everyone about the AMI metering system as both electric meters and water meters are being changed out. If people are not at home when the meters are exchanged, they are leaving a note on the door to let them know they were there. If anyone has questions, call the utility office at 729-4117. Walden said the independent auditor has finished her field work and will be preparing the report that will presented at a future meeting. He said the nuisance survey is still on line at the salemmo.com website or people can pick one up at the City Administrative Offices. He said the city would continue to receive responses until this Friday. Walden also said the city office would be closed on Monday for Veteran’s Day. The board then approved Bill #3434 to execute a supplemental agreement between the City of Salem and the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission on the TAP grant for the walking trail from the Salem City Park Pavilion #1 to the Salem R-80 Administrative offices. This was necessary as the lowest bidder did not meet the standards set by MoDOT. The meeting was then adjourned.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that young hunters ages 6 through 15 harvested 18,158 deer during Missouri’s early youth portion of the 2019 deer hunting season, November 2nd and 3rd. Top counties were Osage with young hunters harvesting 381 deer, Howell with 355, and Franklin with 351. Locally 249 deer were harvested by Dent County youth, 214 in Phelps County and 227 in Crawford County. Last year’s harvest total for the early youth portion was 13,645. Archery deer hunting continues through November 15th and resumes November 27th through January 15th, 2020. The November portion of firearms deer season runs November 16th-26th followed by the late youth portion November 29th through December 1st. The antlerless portion of firearms deer season runs December 6th-8th followed by the alternative methods portion December 28th through January 7th, 2020. You can get more information about deer hunting from MDC’s 2019 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available where hunting permits are sold and online at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov.

A two vehicle accident happened on Friday evening, November 1st at around 7:20. The report released from the Salem Police Department states that a 2015 Nissan Altima, owned and operated by Wayne Williams of Salem, was traveling south on Highway 72 and starting making a left turn onto Route J. At that time, a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, being driven by Charles Walker of Salem, attempted to avoid the Williams vehicle and veered to the right. Williams sped up to avoid a collision with the Chevrolet but collided in the intersection. Due to the impact, the Nissan crossed Route J and ran off the left side of the roadway striking an embankment before coming to a stop. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage. Williams and a passenger in the Nissan received minor injuries and were transported by ambulance to Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment. Walker and a passenger in the Chevrolet sustained probable injuries and were transported by a private vehicle to SMDH for treatment.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said grading only would be done on Dent County Roads 5100, 5105 and 6190 while materials will be added and grading done on county road 5690. He stated brush would be cut on county roads 6400 and 6410. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 2050 and 2070. He also indicated brush would be cut on county road 2300. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles had nothing to report and Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said work on the 2020 county budget continues. She also said the courthouse would be closed on Monday, November 11th for veteran’s Day. County Treasurer Denita Williams reported the 4th quarter payment from the Senior Citizens Funds would be made to the Salem Nutrition Site of $14,250 and to the SMTS bus service for $7,000. Dent County Collector Shannon Van Kirk wanted to let people know that tax bills would be sent out in the mail on Wednesday, November 6. Anyone who wants to pay their tax bill may do so online, by mail, by dropping their payment off in the dropbox on the courthouse lawn, or by coming by the collector’s office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon. She also wanted to let the citizens of the City of Salem that if they have a nuisance violation fee imposed by the city, they must pay that fee at the City of Salem Administrative offices at the corner of 4th and Iron Streets. On some of the letters sent out by the city, they instruct you to pay the fees at the County Collectors office, but the collecting of specials assessments and fees is not part of their contract with the city for the collection of real estate and personal property taxes. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident occurred Sunday, November 3rd, shortly after 4:00 in the afternoon in Dent County on Route FF about 4 miles east of Highway 72. According to the report released by the highway patrol, a 2014 Nissan Titan driven by 44-year old David Coleman of St. James, was southbound and swerved to avoid a deer on the roadway. Coleman’s vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a fence. Coleman received minor injuries and was taken by a private vehicle to Phelps Health in Rolla for treatment. The Nissan sustained minor damage and was removed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing.

A one vehicle accident happened around 8:30 Sunday evening in Phelps County on Phelps County Road 1210 about four miles north of St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a 2009 Hyundai Elantra driven southbound by 20-year old Nicole Blair of St. James, crossed the centerline. The vehicle then traveled off the left side of the roadway, striking a fence and several trees before overturning. Blair, who was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident, received minor injuries and was transported by St. James Ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla for treatment. The Hyundai sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Thursday afternoon, October 24th at about 3:06, an officer transported a 54-year-old male of Rolla, to the New Hope Mental Facility in Sullivan due to a mental commitment order. The next evening near 9:45, an officer located a 25-year-old male of Salem in the 100 block of East Third Street who had an active arrest warrant from Phelps County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending extradition. on Monday, October 28th at approximately 2:42 in the afternoon, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to stolen checks. The investigation of the report revealed that a female suspect had taken two checks, forged them and then cashed them for a total of $320.00. The report is under investigation. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation shows that hunters checked 1,952 turkeys during Missouri’s fall firearms turkey season, October 1st through the 31st. Top harvest counties were Crawford and Greene with 61 birds harvested in each, followed by Laclede with 59, and Phelps with 58. Forty nine birds were harvested in Dent County. Hunters harvested 2,170 birds during the 2018 fall firearms turkey season. A wet spring and flooding during the spring and summer created challenging nesting conditions across much of the state and contributed to below average production throughout much of the state. Fall archery turkey hunting continues through November 15th then resumes on the 27th and continues through January 15th.

Congratulations to the students who represented the Salem High School Band in the 2019 District Bands on Saturday November 2. Those students were Martin Jones as the 1st Chair Contra Clarinet, Christopher McSwain as the 9th Chair Trumpet, Johnathan Stark as the 10th Chair Trumpet, Toby Hutto as the 7th Chair Clarinet and Christopher Harris as the 2nd Chair Baritone. Congratulations Tigers!

An accident occurred Sunday morning at 7:45 in Dent County on Highway 19 about ten miles north of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 1989 GMC Pick-up driven by 55-year old Darwin Hayes of Salem was traveling northbound and failed to negotiate a curve. The GMC traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned. Hayes suffered serious injuries and was flown by Phelps Air to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Hayes was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The GMC was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing.

An accident occurred Saturday evening at 7:55 in Dent County on Route H about four miles west of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2002 Chevrolet 1500 driven by 71-year old Lora Mace of Edgar Springs was traveling eastbound when he traveled off the right side of the roadway then returned to the roadway. Mace overcorrected and traveled off the right side of the roadway and then traveled off the left side of the road way and struck a utility pole. Mace suffered moderate damage and was transported to Salem Memorial District Hospital by Salem EMS. Mace was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevrolet was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing of Salem.

An accident occurred Friday evening at 5:35 in Texas County on Route FF about four miles west of Bucyrus. According to the highway patrol report, a 2015 GMC 3500 driven by 43-year old Tracy Schafer of Salem was traveling southbound when the mirror of the GMC truck struck a pedestrian, 59-year old Daleene Wade from Bucyrus who was walking southbound. Wade suffered moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston. The GMC received minor damage and was driven from the scene.

A two vehicle injury accident happened about 2:30 Friday afternoon, November 1st, in Phelps County in the 12000 block of Phelps County Road 2030. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2015 Cutaway Box Van driven by Jacob Oxner of Rolla, met a 2018 Ford F-250 being driven by John Dalton of Rolla traveling in the opposite direction and the vehicle mirrors struck each other. Oxner and a passenger, Jessica Robbins of Edgar Springs both sustained minor injuries and sought their own treatment. Both vehicles were driven from the scene.

Have you moved to Salem or Dent County recently? Come out to New Neighbor Night in Dent County this Tuesday from 4:00 to 6:00 at the Main Street Cafe at 508 North Main Street in Salem. At this Open House, community members new and not-so-new are welcome to
stop by and get to know our neighbors! This free welcome event is to meet and mingle, ask questions about the area, learn where to volunteer, and make new connections to residents, local leaders, and community organizations. This event is sponsored the Main Street cafe and co-sponsored by the University of Missouri Extension in Dent County. For more information, call Sarah at 729-3196.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will meet this evening at 7:00 in the City Hall Council Chambers. After the roll call, the board will hear a letter of resignation from City Attorney William Camm Seay followed by the discussion of a new city attorney. The Board will then hear Bill #3435 that would authorize Mayor Brad Nash to sign a retainer agreement between the City of Salem and James K. Weber for legal services as well being City Attorney. After the oath of office is administered to Mr. Weber, the board will hear from Keith Plank who has property at 1000 South Pershing about adding a building on his property. Following that discussion, the board will hear bids on a Ford F-550 with a dump bed for the electric department. After the consent agenda is heard, the board will hear from City Administrator Ray Walden about on going activities in the city. The board will also hear Bill #3434 that authorizes the mayor to execute a supplemental agreement #2 to the TAP grant between the City of Salem and the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission. This will allow for the building of the trail from the Salem City Park Pavilion #1 to the Salem R-80 Administrative Offices where the letting of advertising for the project must be done by January 1st with the bid openings due march 1st with the construction award presented by April 1st, 2020. The meeting will then be adjourned.

Gary Brown, Chairman of the City of Salem Planning and Zoning Board of Commissioners, has called a meeting of the Commission for Tuesday evening at 7:00 at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory. Items of business to be considered include a conditional use permit for a beauty salon in a residence at 1400 South Mildred Boulevard owned by Noah and Melissa Shlag, and Short Term Rentals. The meeting is open to the public.