Local News
Local News – Tuesday, August 14th, 2018
The Dent County Commissioners held their tax rate hearing Monday morning at 10:00 at the courthouse. The General Revenue Fund rate is currently at $.0350, but since this is a rollback tax and the county sales tax collections are up for the first six months, the allowable rate after a number of calculations has been reduced to 0.00%. All three commissioners agreed on the rate reduction. The Senate Bill 40 Fund has a current rate of $.1338, but after the current year calculations, the maximum allowed this year is $.1341. The SB 40 board asked to take the maximum allowed this year at $.1341 and the Commissioners voted 3-0 to accept their request. The Road and Bridge Fund current tax rate is $.2527. Following the state's calculations, the maximum allowable rate allowed by the State Auditor is $.2534. The Commission approved unanimously to take the maximum allowable rate of $.2534. The Senior Citizen Service Fund rate for 2017 was $.0476 and the maximum allowable tax rate of $.0477 is allowed after the state's calculations. Their board requested to take the maximum allowable rate this year of $.0477. The request was approved by the commissioners by a 3-0. All the rates presented are per $100 assessed valuation. The hearing was adjourned.
The Dent County Sheriff's Department has released some reports. On Sunday, August 5th, deputies traveled to a residence in the 3000 block of Highway 119 to attempt to serve an arrest warrant. A 27-year old Salem man was arrested on a Probation and Parole warrant. He was transported to the Crawford County Jail and incarcerated. On Monday, August 6th, deputies responded to the 1000 block of Dent County Road 2210 in reference to a theft. The victim reported that several items were stolen. Those items included two impact wrenches, a torch set, Snap-on sockets, a Kobalt set, Craftsman screwdriver set, Kobalt screwdriver set, 5-foot wood level, a 3-foot level, and a pry bar. Also stolen was a homemade trailer with a 2006 gold Chevrolet pickup truck with no bed. This report is still under investigation. That same day, deputies responded to the 3000 block of Dent County Road 3220 in reference to a theft. The victim reported that two game cameras had been stolen and a trampoline was damaged. This report is still under investigation. Also on Monday, Auigust 6th, deputies responded to the 5000 block of Dent County Road 2240 for a domestic disturbance report. A 30-year old Salem man was found to have three capias warrants for his arrest. He was taken into custody and incarcerated in the Dent County Jail. On Tuesday, August 7th, Dent County Deputies responded to call from Hayes Auto Salvage in reference to a theft. It was discovered that two females and a male went to the business and bought tires with a counterfeit $100 bill. This report is still under investigation. On Wednesday, August 8th, deputies traveled to the 800 block of North Pershing to assist the South Central Drug Task Force with arresting a male subject with a warrant. He was located and arrested. A consent to search the residence was granted and several items that field tested positive for heroin/opiates were located. As a result, a 27-year old Salem woman was arrested and taken to the Dent County Jail. That same day, deputies conducted a traffic stop at the Al Brown field’s parking lot. The driver, a 44-year old Salem woman, was arrested for driving while having her license revoked. She was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. On Thursday, August 9th, deputies received a report of a stolen maroon Chevrolet Colorado. As deputies were traveling to the residence, they located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop on it. After a short investigation, a 33-year old Salem woman was arrested for stealing a motor vehicle. She was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. If anyone has information on an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff's Department at 729-3241.
The American Volunteers will be hosting the Second Annual Ron’s “Race for a Reason” this Labor Day weekend at Flat Nasty Off-Road Park. The big attraction is a Cross Country Race that costs $25 to enter and offers a 100% payback. The purse is already at $3,000 and it’s growing. Food will be available each day. Open trail riding will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday on the grounds with the Cross Country race starting at 10:00 Saturday morning. A special event will happen at the conclusion of the race when the last living Medal of Honor Recipient living in Missouri, Donald “Doc” Ballard, will present the check to the winners of the Cross Country Race. The 2nd Annual Ron's “Race for a Reason” will benefit The American Volunteers, a community service group of veterans and supporters. For more information about this special family friendly Labor Day event, you can go online to theamericanvolunteers.us
At the VFW National Convention in Kansas City in July, Medal of Honor recipient and State Funeral National Board member Donald “Doc” Ballard and the Missouri State Chairman and Woody Williams Award recipient Richard LaBrash were recognized for teaming up to actively represent the State Funeral Mission at the convention. Ballard was honored to stand at the podium in front of entire assembly to personally promote the State Funeral Mission whose objective would be to allow for a state funeral to be held for the final Medal of Honor recipient from World War II when he passes. This honor can only be ordered by the President of the United States. Before President Trump spoke, Ballard was personally approached and was embraced by four-star General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. After the President spoke, “Doc” Ballard personally handed a special letter to the President from three Medal of Honor recipients: Don “Doc” Ballard, James “Doc” McCloughan and Woody Williams. The State Funeral Mission would honor those 16 million Americans who served during World War II by recognizing one of their own with this highest recognition. Petitions can still be signed. A petition is at the KSMO studios front office and at other locations in town. For more information about the State Funeral Mission and objectives, contact Richard LaBrash at 729-1394.
Local News – Monday, August 13th, 2018
An accident happened Thursday afternoon at 2:32 on Highway 19 and Ida Drive in Crawford County that left a Steelville man with serious injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 1999 Buick Skylark driven northbound by 25-year old Kyle Meracle of Steelville, had stopped in traffic to make a left hand turn when the Buick was struck from behind by a 2017 GMC Denali Pickup driven northbound by 50-year old Nancy Quick of Owensville. The Buick traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. Meracle suffered serious injuries and was taken by the North Crawford County Ambulance to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. Meracle was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Buick was totaled and removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing. The GMC Denali had minor damage and was driven from the scene.
An accident happened Thursday afternoon at 4:32 in Texas County about five miles east of Licking on Highway 32. According to the highway patrol report, a 2003 Ford F-150 driven eastbound by 41-year old Gabriel Koch of Licking, traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a fence and then a tree. Koch suffered minor injuries and was transported by a private vehicle to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. Koch was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing of Salem.
An accident occurred Friday night at 9:30 in Shannon County on Highway 19 about eight miles south of Eminence. According to the highway patrol report, a 1996 GMC Sonoma driven by 61-year old Berry L. Pryor of Salem, was traveling northbound when the GMC traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned. Pryor sustained moderate injuries and was transported to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by a private vehicle. The Sonoma was totaled and towed from the scene by Whitakers. Pryor was wearing a safety device at the time of the accident.
An accident occurred Saturday morning at 8:11 on Joe Bal Road about two miles east of Kimberling City that left a Salem man with moderate injuries. According to the highway patrol report, 2007 Chevrolet Silverado driven eastbound by 73-year old Gilbert E. Shaw, went off the right side of the roadway, struck a utility pole and traveled down an embankment after Shaw suffered a medical episode. Shaw suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Cox South Hospital in Springfield. The Silverado sustained moderate damage and was towed from the scene by Chris’ Towing of Lampe. Shaw was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.
An accident happened Saturday afternoon at 5:35 in Dent County on Dent County Road 6490 at Route K. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer driven by 34-year old Janelle D. Blair of Salem, was traveling southbound when she lost control of the vehicle turning onto county road 6490 which is a gravel road. The Chevy ran off the left side of the roadway and Blair overcorrected, then the Trailblazer went off the right side of the roadway, struck a tree and overturned partially ejecting the driver. Blair suffered moderate injuries and was taken by the Salem Ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. Blair was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevy Trailblazer was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.
An accident happened Sunday afternoon in Pulaski County at 1:20 on Highway 17 about three miles north of Waynesville. According to the highway patrol report, a 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor driven southbound by 29-year old Roseanna Ramsrud of Rolla, traveled off the right side of the roadway when Ramsrud was able to bring the vehicle back onto the road only to have it travel off the right side again where the Mitsubishi struck a ditch and overturned. Ramsrud suffered moderate injuries and was taken to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center by the Pulaski County Ambulance. Ramsrud was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Mitsubishi was totaled and removed from the scene by Jacks Towing.
As summer vacation comes to a close, students across Missouri are preparing to begin their 2018-2019 school year. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds drivers this brings a change in traffic patterns as school buses will be back on the road and parents will be taking their children to school. Add this to the other motorists on the road and it could affect the morning and afternoon commute. It is critical for drivers to be alert, especially near school zones, playgrounds, and bicycle paths. Whatever route you drive, expect this additional traffic and prepare by allowing extra time to reach your destination. In 2017, five people were killed and 401 people were injured in 869 traffic crashes involving school buses. Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about riding a bus, walking, or driving to school in a safe manner. If they ride a bike, please make sure they wear a helmet and follow traffic laws. Also talk with them that using a cell phone, texting, or adjusting the radio can be the distraction that leads to a traffic crash. Texting is against the law for anyone under the age of 22. Missouri law states that on a two-lane road, if a school bus is stopped and displaying warning signals while loading or unloading children, drivers must stop when meeting and following the bus. However, it is only necessary to stop on a four-lane highway when following the bus. Drivers, when you see a stopped school bus, stay alert and follow the law. Children may not be aware of traffic and dart unexpectedly into the roadway. School begins in Dent County on Thursday, August 16th.
The William Lynch Elementary School Open House will be held tonight from 5:30 to 6:30 followed by the Upper Elementary School Open House from 6:30-7:30. The Open House for the Salem Middle School will be held Tuesday from 4:30 until 6:00 with the Salem High School Open House from 6:00 until 7:30.
Local News – Friday, August 10th, 2018
A press release from the Dent County Prosecutor’s office indicates that 12 Dent County residents were charged with at least one felony count of distribution of a controlled substance on Wednesday after a lengthy narcotics investigation over several months concluded. Undercover operatives with South Central Drug Task Force, Rolla Police Department and Missouri State Highway Patrol were able to conduct a series of undercover narcotics investigations involving the distribution and sales of methamphetamine, heroin and prescription medications over several months. The purpose of this collaborative investigation was to target drug dealers in the area. Members of the South Central Drug Task Force working in conjunction with the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, Salem Police Department, Phelps County Sheriff’s Office, Rolla Police Department and Missouri State Highway Patrol concluded the investigation Wednesday morning. Arrest warrants for each defendant were obtained from Dent County Prosecutor Andrew M. Curley prior to the arrest operation that was initiated Wednesday morning. The individuals arrested and facing charges are Anthony Flores, Gabreielle M. Hendrickson, Lamicia D. Conaway, Rachel L. Casey, Lashawn M. Casey, Kari E. Johns, Jackie D. Tucker, Shawn D. Smith, Michael Vanover, Amber Webster and Shauna M. Steelman. Members of the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, Salem Police Department and Missouri State Highway Patrol made the arrests. It is reported the operation is still active with arrest teams still looking for those with arrest warrants.
Salem Park and Recreation Director Tye Lydon has announced the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Swimming Pool in the Salem City Park will remain open through at least Labor Day! The hours once school begins on Thursday, August 16th will be 4:00 until 7:00 Monday through Friday, noon until 7:00 PM on Saturday and from 1:00 until 6:00 Sundays. Water Aerobics and lap swimming will continue in the mornings until the pool closes for the year. If you would like to book a pool party through the Labor Day weekend, please call the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Pool at 729-6228.
The South Central Missouri Community Action Agency will be holding a School Readiness Event this year tomorrow in Dent County at The Commons from 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon. Many different organizations in the community will come to together to provide services and supplies for low income families. Children who are registered for the event will receive free age appropriate school supplies including back packs, paper, folders, glue, pens and pencils. Health screenings will also be completed on the children. Pre-registration of your children is encouraged and can be done at the South Central Missouri Community Action Agency office at 1405 South Wines Street in Salem. To register your children, the Head of Household will need to provide their Social Security number and those of the children being registered for the program. For more information, contact Sarah at 729-3500.
The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning for their regular meeting. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams presented the sales tax received this month. She said the General Revenue Fund received $88,425.39 which is $25,547.10 over the 2017 August figure. Year-to-date, General Revenue is up $114,741.10 which is a 21.09% increase. The Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund mirrors the General Revenue Fund. The Road and Bridge Fund received $41,923.63 and that is $10,915 more than August of 2017. Year-to-date, the Road and Bridge Fund is up $45,392.48 which is about a 17.90% increase. The Justice Center Fund received $166,489.62 and year-to-date, that fund has amassed $1,179,028.61. Dennis White came in and told the county the old white short leaf pine tree in the Blackwell Cemetery that had recognized by the Department of Conservation as a “Champion” tree is now dead. He asked the commission if they would sign the application from the Missouri Department of Conservation to remove the tree and they said they had no problem doing so once the Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley reviewed the application. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said parts of southern Dent County received 1.6 inches of rain. Workers were checking for washouts in the Montauk and other areas to repair. He said grading, ditchwork and patch grading would be done on Dent County Road 6460, and grading would be done on county road 6390. Purcell said brush would be cut on county road 2460 and materials would be hauled to county roads 5390 and 5400. District 2 Commission Gary Larson said materials would be hauled to Dent County Road 4290 while brush would be cut on county road 5305. He said workers repaired county road 5330 and were scheduled to work on a crossing at county road 4280. He also stated the county crews would be installing a driveway pipe for a landowner who purchased the pipe on Dent County Road 2250. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said 40.65% of Dent County registered voters cast their ballot in the Primary. She also said she and the Treasurer balanced on all accounts for July. Commissioner Larson stated he received a petition to call for a public hearing for the vacating of .466 miles of Dent County Road 2083. This portion is at the end of the road of which the landowner owns the property on both sides and at the end of the road. The hearing will be held on September 10th at 10:00 for comments at the Dent County Commissioners Office in the courthouse. Notices of the public hearing will be placed at three public locations as required by law.. The next meting of the commissioners will be Monday morning at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.
Local News – Thursday, August 9th, 2018
The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday night at the City Hall Council Chambers. At the meeting, the board discussed bids for an excavator for the cemetery. After a discussion about a Kubota and a John Deere Bobcat, the board postponed making a decision until they can find out if they could lease a machine for three months on a trial basis. The board did approve the bid from Heavin Motors to replace the 5.4 liter engine and transmission in a 2006 F-250 truck for $6,183.56, and approved the bid for a Zero Turn Mower from Heritage Tractor in Rolla for $7,493.73. Both of the items were for the Water and Sewer Department. For the police department, the board approved the purchase of a 2018 Dodge Charger from Lou Fusz Ford for the state bid of $23,638.00 that will replace a 2014 Dodge Charger with 49,500 miles; and they approved the purchase of a 2019 Ford Explorer from Dave Sinclair Ford for $29,554 that will replace a 2010 Ford Explorer with 68,500 miles. No bids were received for a Zero Turn Mower for the Park and Recreation Department and that will be rebid, while the board did approve the bid from Flight Light, Inc. for a new rotating beacon at the airport for $3,978.00. The board also discussed the purchase of light and heavy duty truck diagnostic scanning tools for the city shop. After a long discussion, the board approved the motion to go with the NAPA Auto Parts bid of $4,869.00 with the contingency that they demonstrate the tool in the near future to show that it meets the needs of the city. Code Enforcement Officer Jared Brown explained the nuisance procedures that have to be done before action can be taken on a person’s property and he recommends that an Administrative Fee be added for nuisance abatements. City Attorney William Camm Seay said that may not be legal and that will have to be discussed when the ordinances are to be updated to see if it is possible. City Administrator Ray Walden said the Salem Community Center@The Armory had 5,790 persons utilizing their services in July, and a Visioning Tool Kit that came from the Drury University students will be reviewed by a follow-up committee at a meeting to determine if some recommendations from the Visioning sessions need to be brought back before the board. Walden also said the roof project has been completed on the City Hall Auditorium and the Auditorium Committee will be meeting to discuss ceiling options. Mayor Brad Nash asked Parks and Recreation Director Tye Lydon about the tennis court lights and Lydon told him they had been repaired along with a dusk-to-dawn light at the basketball court. The board approved Resolution 3-2018 that adopted the Dent County Multi-Jurisdictional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, approved Bill #3995 to vacate an undeveloped portion of South Oak Street between East Hunt Street and East Franklin Avenue, and approved Bill #3996 to approve the re-subdivision of the city property at 400, 402, 500 and 502 North Water Street. The board approved changing the meeting dates in September to accommodate the Missouri Municipal League meeting in the middle of the month as well as the Labor Day Holiday. The only meeting in September will be on Monday, the 10th at 7:00 with the next meeting on Monday, October 1st. The board then went into closed session to discuss personnel.
The Salem Police Department has released the following reports for July 28th through 30th. On Saturday morning the 28th at approximately 12:40, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1100 block of West Franklin Street in reference to a stolen animal. The Investigation Of the report revealed a black and white pit bull valued at $50.00 was taken from the residence. The report is under investigation. Just a few minutes later at approximately 12:56, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. This investigation led to the arrest of a 36-year old male of Salem for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was incarcerated pending a warrant application. On Sunday, July 29th at approximately 8:00 in the morning, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of Independence Drive in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed a person or persons unknown took plants, yard ornaments and lights valued at $75.00. The report is under investigation. On Monday the 30th at approximately 2:03 in the morning, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of South Washington Street in reference to a theft. That investigation revealed a person or persons unknown took tools valued at $400.00 from the back of a truck. The report is under investigation. That same night at approximately 8:10, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 23-year old male of Cuba, Missouri for stealing merchandise valued at $100.15. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.
Local News – Wednesday, August 8th, 2018
A Primary Election was held Tuesday to determine who will run for offices for their respective parties in the November General Election. In some cases, the election determined who will take office in January. Those offices include the Dent County Presiding Commissioner race, Public Administrator race and Dent County Collector race. A total of 4,022 votes were cast which is 40.65% of the registered voters. Only the contested races are presented and the results presented are unofficial.
* indicates winner.
Dent County Presiding Commissioner
Darrell Skiles* 1,678 votes
Travis Fulton 1,574 votes
Dent County Collector
Shannon VanKirk* 2,134 votes
Nancy M. Inman 1,098 votes
Public Administrator
Sherida Cook* 1,689 votes
Nikki Eaton 1,402 votes
The 143rd State Representative race was also decided in the Republican primary. Other results show the winner of the Republican Primary and they will face an opponent in the November General Election.
State Representative District 143
Jeffrey Pogue* 4,270 votes
Jack Bates 1,405 votes
Circuit Judge Circuit 42 Division 1
Megan Seay* 6,095 votes
Scott Bernstein 3,255 votes
Glenn Hall 1,210 votes
State Senator 16th District
Justin Dan Brown* 10,528 votes
Diane Franklin 9,243 votes
Keith Frederick 6,497 votes
Chris McElvy, Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail Administrator, was named 2018 Jail Administrator of the Year at the annual jail administrators’ conference held recently. McElvy was nominated by Dent County Sheriff Bob Wells. She has been in the Jail Administrator since January of 2017. McElvy’s law enforcement career began in Perry County in 1998.
Local News – Tuesday, August 7th, 2018
ELECTION NEWS:
A Primary Election was held Tuesday to determine who will run for offices for their respective parties in the November General Election. In some cases where they will be no opponent in November, the election determined who will take office in January. Those offices include the Dent County Presiding Commissioner race, Public Administrator race and Dent County Collector race. A total of 4,022 votes were cast which is 40.65% of the registered voters. Only the contested races are presented.
* indicates winner.
Dent County Presiding Commissioner
Darrell Skiles* 1,678 votes
Travis Fulton 1,574 votes
Dent County Collector
Shannon VanKirk* 2,134 votes
Nancy M. Inman 1,098 votes
Public Administrator
Sherida Cook* 1,689 votes
Nikki Eaton 1,402 votes
The 143rd State Representative race was also decided in the Republican primary. Other results show the winner of the Republican Primary and they will face an opponent in the November General Election.
State Representative District 143
Jeffrey Pogue* 4,270 votes
Jack Bates 1,405 votes
Circuit Judge Circuit 42 Division 1
Megan Seay* 6,095 votes
Scott Bernstein 3,255 votes
Glenn Hall 1,210 votes
The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said it was too dry to grade in his district so brush will be cut on Dent County Roads 2400, 2410, 4110 and 4120. He stated materials would be added to county road 6610 and a man would be going to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal repair. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 4370 and 5300 while only grading would be done on county road 5290. He indicated brush would be cut on county road 4430 and a man was going to Jefferson City to get parts for a backhoe. The backhoe has a blown hose and the wrong hose was sent to the shop for the repair. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that he attended the CCAM board meeting held at Echo Bluff State Park last Tuesday through Thursday to plan for the annual training in February. He said about 45 commissioners were there and some even brought their families to enjoy the new facility. Skiles said it was one of the best meetings they have ever had and the service was excellent. Skiles also wanted to remind everyone that it is very dry and please be very careful with any type of burning. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the polls would be open from 6:00 this morning until 7:00 tonight for the Primary election. People will need to bring with them a photo ID to vote. She is also reminding everyone that no electioneering can be done within 25 feet of the polls. Curley also stated she balanced with the collector and assessor on all collections, abatements and add-ons for the month of July which was approved by the commissioners. 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 Dent County Sheriff's office has released some reports. On Saturday, July 27th, deputies responded to a residence on Dent County Road 5120 for a report of a domestic disturbance. It was reported that a 23-year old Salem man had pushed his father-in-law to the ground. He was arrested for Domestic Assault in the 4th Degree, fingerprinted, issued and summons, and released. On Tuesday, July 31st, deputies received a report of someone using movie prop money to purchase items from other individuals. After an investigation, a 19-year old Salem man was arrested for stealing, was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. Later that day, deputies conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Highways 19 and 32. A “consent to search” the vehicle was granted and pills and methamphetamine were located. As a result, a 40-year old female from Pilot Knob was arrested and taken to the Dent County Jail. On Wednesday, August 1st, deputies traveled to a residence in the 3000 block of Route OO to serve an arrest warrant. A 23-year old Salem man with a felony Laclede County warrant was located and arrested. He was taken to the Dent County Jail. Later that same day, deputies responded to the 3000 block of Highway 119 in reference to a domestic disturbance. After an investigation, a 52-year old Salem man was found to be in possession of a baggie of methamphetamine. He was arrested and taken to the Dent County Jail. If anyone has any information regarding an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.
Local News – Monday, August 6th, 2018
The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will hold their regular meeting this evening at 7:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers. Bids are to reviewed for the following: a new Kubota Excavator for the Cemetery, the replacement of a 5.4 litre engine and the rebuilding of the transmission in a 2006 F-250, a commercial zero turn mower for the water and sewer department, two new police vehicles, a Kubota zero turn mower for the Parks Department, a rotating beacon for the airport, and diagnostic scanning tools for the maintenance department. After the consent agenda has been reviewed and approved, the board will hear from Jarred Brown, Code Enforcement Officer, about nuisance procedures followed by the reports of City Administrator Ray Walden and Mayor Brad Nash. There will be the introduction and reading of Resolution No. 3-2018, that would adopt the Dent County Multi-Jurisdiction Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan; Bill #3395 that would create an ordinance vacating an undeveloped portion of South Oak Street to the City of Salem, and Bill #3396 that would create an ordinance to allow the re-subdivision of 402, 404, 500, and 502 North Water Street. The board will then set the dates for their September meetings before going into closed session to discuss personnel. The regular meeting of the City of Salem Board of Aldermen is open to the public.
The Salem Police Department has released the following reports for Friday, July 27th. At approximately 1:51 that morning, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 37-year-old female of Licking for driving while having her license suspended. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. That same evening at approximately 7:26, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1000 block of East Center Street in reference to two unresponsive adults. The investigation of the report revealed that a 26-year-old female and a 28-year-old male, both of Salem, were found in the residence apparently intoxicated and passed out. Further investigation revealed the female was supposed to be caring for two young juveniles who were also at the residence and unattended. The female was taken into custody for endangering the welfare of a child and assaulting a law enforcement officer. The suspect was incarcerated pending the application of a warrant. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have information regarding an ongoing investigation.
The Missouri Department of Transportation has reported that Route PP in Reynolds and Dent Counties will be closed as MODOT work crews perform pavement repairs. This section of roadway is located from Highway 72 to end of state maintenance. Weather permitting, this work will take place on Tuesday from 7:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon.
The Salem High School Student Council will be holding their 1st Annual Beginner Boot Camp on August 10th this year for incoming freshmen. It will be held from 12:00-4:00 at the high school. There is no cost and lunch will be included. The Boot Camp is designed to spark the student’s school spirit through popular chants, team building activities, and information about different clubs and activities throughout the school. Interested students can sign up to attend the Boot Camp during registration at the high school. There is a form they will need to fill out with basic information such as allergies, parent contact, etc.
Local News – Friday, August 3rd, 2018
The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles was attending the CCAM Board meeting in Jefferson City. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley Appointed District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell to serve as Acting Presiding Commissioner. In the road report Purcell said that he had two men out and that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5400 and 6410, while patch grading would be done on county road 6610. He went on to say that brush would be cut on county road 2400 and a man was using UPM to patch potholes on county road 6300, plus a man was picking up an old TV and old tires that were dumped on county road 2400. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson said that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 4300 and 2360, plus brush would be cut on county road 4430. He also reported that materials would be added to Dent County Roads 2360 and 2200 and that two hydraulic lines were being replaced on the backhoe. Larson thanked Commissioner Purcell for loaning his entire crew to District Two on Wednesday as they poured 56 yards of concrete for the low water crossing on Dent County Road 5300. He said both crews worked hard to complete the work and he really appreciated the work of the Road and Bridge Department crews. Larson said county road 5300 will remain closed to through traffic until late Wednesday or early Thursday to allow the concrete to completely set up. Curley reminded voters that absentee voting continues through Monday and that her office will be open for absentee voting Saturday from 8:00 until noon. She added that bills were being approved by the commissioners for payment. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday morning in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.
Steve Setzer, of Dillard, Missouri, is a 2018 inductee into the Metal and Nonmetal (MNM) National Mine Rescue Hall of Fame. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) recognized Setzer’s more than 30 years of service as a skilled mine rescuer for The Doe Run Company at the hall of fame banquet on July 26 in Lexington, Kentucky. Setzer serves as an electrician at Doe Run’s Brushy Creek Mine. Serving over 30 years with Doe Run’s Maroon mine rescue team, Setzer has participated in more than 54 regional contests and 13 national contests. He led the team to two National Championship titles in 2010 and 2014 as captain. Doe Run’s mine rescue teams participate in competitions to enhance the team’s skills through realistic mine rescue challenges and prepare them to aid fellow employees during a real mine emergency. Team members participate in training for at least eight hours per month to keep their skills sharp. Since beginning his mining career with Doe Run in 1978, Setzer has held several roles on the mine rescue team, including gas man, co-captain, first aid, captain and trainer. He has been captain for Doe Run’s Maroon team for 17 years and the team trainer for seven years. In 2010, Setzer was one of the team members who evacuated employees when a truck fire broke out underground. He and the other rescuers involved received a Certificate of Honor from Washington, D.C., at the Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association annual meeting for their exceptional work during this real emergency. The MNM National Mine Rescue Hall of Fame honors exceptional individuals who stand out in the unique and challenging field of mine rescue through their accomplishments and commitments. In 2016, Denny Dickerson, who retired from Doe Run’s Buick Mine, was inducted into the National Mine Rescue Hall of Fame.
The Salem Community Garden is a place for Dent County residents to grow and harvest healthy food for their families, friends or to donate to those in need. A Summer Gardening Workshops hosted by Master Gardener Larry Galloway will take place this summer on Monday, August 6, from 6:30 – 7:30 PM. Come out to learn some new gardening techniques, tour the garden and visit with other gardeners! The public is invited to attend. There is no cost At this workshop, you can learn about Worm composting in the garden: Larry will build an in-garden vermicomposting system to build garden soil with compost and worms. The Salem Community Garden began in 2009, and is a cooperative effort of the University of Missouri Extension, Salem United Methodist Church, local organizations, and citizens. Donations of tools, seeds or other gardening resources are appreciated, and are tax-exempt. PLEASE REMEMBER: This is a community garden because anyone is welcome to participate and sign up for a plot, but The garden is not open for harvesting by the public. The gardeners put in hard work at their plots and their benefit is fresh healthy food. Please respect their efforts and do not pick food from the garden unless it is from a plot of your own. If you'd like to join, call the Call Dent County Extension office at 573-729-3196.
Local News – Thursday, August 2nd, 2018
The Salem R-80 School registrations will begin this Friday and last into next week. All high school registrations will be from 1:00 until 5:00 in the lobby of the Senior High School Building. New students to the district will also register at this time based on their grade level. Seniors will be the first to register this Friday, followed by Juniors on Monday, August 6th; then Sophomores on Tuesday, August 7th and the Freshmen will register on Wednesday, August 8th. Registration for those who were unable to register on their day will be held Thursday, August 9th from 8:00 until 2:00. Registration for Salem R-80 Middle School will be held from 8:00 until 3:00 in the Cafeteria of the Middle School starting Monday, August 6th for students who are new to the area and have not been registered in any Salem school district in grades 6 through 8. Then 8th graders will register on Tuesday, August 7th followed by the 7th graders who will register on Wednesday, August 8th. Finally, the 6th graders will register on Thursday, August 9th and any Middle School student who missed registration may then register on Friday, August 10th. At the Salem Upper Elementary School, open registration for ALL students both current and new to the district will be held August 6th through Friday, August 9th from 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon each day. Class lists will be posted on Friday, August 10th after 3:00. The William Lynch Elementary School Open House will be held on Monday, August 13th from 5:30 to 6:30 followed by the Upper Elementary School Open House from 6:30-7:30. The Open House for the Salem Middle School will be held from 4:30 until 6:00 with the Salem High School Open House starting at 6:00 and lasting until 7:30 on Tuesday, August 14th.
Missouri State Law requires the immunization of all school children against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella and hepatitis B (3 doses, grades 7 – 12) unless an exemption has been signed by a physician or parent that has been filed with the school. All students must present proof of compliance with the immunization rule by the first day of school, but are encouraged to bring records on their registration day. This applies to all students, including transfer students. Starting with the 2017-2018 school year, the State of Missouri will requires all students to receive one dose of the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) and one dose of the MCV (meningitis) vaccine before entering the 8th grade. A second dose of the MCV (meningitis) vaccine is required prior to entering 12th grade. No one will start school if immunizations are not up-to-date. If you have any questions regarding immunizations, contact your school nurse, the Dent County Health Center or SMDH Family Medicine.
The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On Sunday, July 22nd, deputies responded to the 1000 block of Dent County Road 4110 in reference to a report of a disturbance involving a firearm. It was reported that an argument occurred and a 26-year old Salem man pulled a gun and pointed it at a person. He was arrested for unlawful use of a weapon and incarcerated in the Dent County Jail. That same day, deputies conducted a traffic stop at West Roosevelt. The driver, a 23-year old Bunker man, was arrested for possession of marijuana. He was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. On Monday, July 23rd, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the Phil-Mart parking lot. The driver, a 35-year old Salem man, was arrested for driving while revoked. He was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. If anyone has information about any ongoing investigations, contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.
An accident happened Monday night at 7:41 in Washington County on Route Y just north of Brakefield Road. According to the highway patrol report, 58-year old Orville Crocker of Steelville was driving a 2001 Chrysler Town and Country southbound when the vehicle went off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. Crocker suffered moderate injuries and was taken by the Steelville Ambulance to the Washington Memorial Hospital. He was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The vehicle sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Abney’s Towing.
Local News – Wednesday, August 1st, 2018
An accident occurred Tuesday morning at 1:45 in Crawford County that took the life of a Cuba, Missouri youth. According to the highway patrol report, the accident occurred on Route DD about one mile north of Cuba when a 2001 Honda Civic, driven by 17-year-old Brandon Santonge of Cuba, swerved to avoid an oncoming vehicle causing Santonge to loose control of the vehicle. The Jeep traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. A passenger, 15-year old Colten Santonge of Cuba, was transported by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis where he was pronounced deceased at 4:22 that morning. Another passenger, 15-year old Dakota McMullin of Cuba, suffered minor injuries and was transported by North Crawford Ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. According to the report, Colton Santonge and McMullin were not wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident, while Brandon Santonge was. The Honda was totaled and removed from the scene by Chris and Son.
The Salem Police Department has released reports for July 23rd through July 26th. The afternoon of July 23rd at approximately 2:21 an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 900 block of East Second Street in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed a person or persons unknown took a Mongoose bicycle valued at $100.00 from the carport of a residence. The report is under investigation. Early Tuesday morning, July 24th, at about 1:21, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 900 block of South Carty in reference to an intoxicated male threatening his mother. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 38-year old male of Salem for disorderly conduct. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and incarcerated on a 12-hour hold. That afternoon at approximately 1:10, an officer located a 41-year old female of Salem near Highway 32 and Mildred Street who had three active arrest warrants from the City of Salem. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrants and incarcerated pending a court appearance. Later that afternoon near 5:58, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 900 block of East Third Street in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed a person or persons unknown took a Honda 70cc dirt bike valued at $500.00 out of a shed. The report is under investigation. Then on Thursday morning, July 26th, at approximately 6:59, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 900 block of North Pershing in reference to damage to a vehicle. That investigation revealed a person or persons unknown damaged the front fender of a white 2000 Dodge van. The value of the damage is approximately at $250.00. The report is under investigation. That same afternoon at approximately 12:24, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to two shoplifters. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 21-year old female and a 14-year old male juvenile both of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $43.48. The 21-year old female was issued a summons to appear in court and the juvenile will be referred to the Juvenile Office. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.
Road construction will continue in the area through August 10th. In Dent County, daylight hour work includes Highway 32 between Highway 72 and Highway 63 in Texas County where roadway microsurfacing continues. Striping and surface repair operations are scheduled for this week. One lane will be open and crews will guide traffic through the work area. The project is scheduled to be completed in the fall. On Highway 68 between Highway 32 and the Phelps County line, roadside work will take place through Thursday. One lane will be open, and crews will flag traffic through the work area. On Highway 119 between Highway 32 and Dent County Road 6670, microsurfacing continues. Striping and surface repair operations are scheduled this week. One lane will be open. The project is scheduled for completion in the fall. Roadside maintenance will be held on a number of roads through Thursday. Those include on Route B between Highway 19 and Highway 72, on Route E between Highway 119 and Route K, on Route H between Highway 72 and Phelps County line, and on Route K between Highway 19 and the Shannon County line. Pavement patching will be done from Monday, August 6th and Thursday, August 9th on Route OO between Route O and Dent County Road 2010. In all of these projects, one lane will be open, and crews will flag traffic through the work area. Work on the Route F bridge over Dry Fork Creek, south of Route NN, continues as Route F remains closed through traffic.